HIV Self-testing and Risk Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in 23 US Cities, 2017
Authors: Bien-Gund Cedric H. , Shaw Pamela A. , Agnew-Brune Christine , Baugher Amy , Brady Kathleen A. , Gross Robert ,   NHBS Study Group, Wortley Pascale , Todd Jeff , Melton David , Flynn Colin , German Danielle , Klevens Monina , Doherty Rose , O'Cleirigh Conall , Schuette Stephanie M. , Kern David , Jimenez Antonio D. , Poe Jonathon , Vaaler Margaret , Deng Jie , Al-Tayyib Alia , Mattson Melanie , Griffin Vivian , Higgins Emily , Brandt Mary-Grace , Khuwaja Salma , Lopez Zaida , Padgett Paige , Sey Ekow Kwa , Ma Yingbo , McGoy Shanell L. , Brantley Meredith , Rosack Randi , Spencer Emma , Nixon Willie , Forrest David , Anderson Bridget , Tate Ashley , Abrego Meaghan , Robinson William T. , Barak Narquis , Beckford Jeremy M. , Braunstein Sarah , Rivera Alexis , Carrillo Sidney , Bolden Barbara , Wogayehu Afework , Godette Henry , Brady Kathleen A. , Nnumolu Chrysanthus , Shinefeld Jennifer , Schafer Sean , Orellana E. Roberto , Bhattari Amisha , Flynn Anna , Cano Rosalinda , Raymond H. Fisher , Ick Theresa , De León Sandra Miranda , Rolón-Colón Yadira , Jaenicke Tom , Glick Sara , Buyu Celestine , Reid Toyah , Diepstra Karen , Opoku Jenevieve , Kuo Irene , Adams Monica , Agnew Brune Chrstine , Anderson Qian , Balaji Alexandra , Broz Dita , Burnett Janet , Chapin-Bardales Johanna , Cribbin Melissa , Chen YenTyng , Denning Paul , Doyle Katherine , Finlayson Teresa , Handanagic Senad , Hoots Brooke , Ivy Wade , Lee Kathryn , Lewis Rashunda , Nerlander Lina , Olansky Evelyn , Paz-Bailey Gabriela , Robbins Taylor , Sionean Catlainn , Smith Amanda , Templinskaya Anna , Trujillo Lindsay , Wejnert Cyprian , Wise Akilah , Xia Mingjing 
Published: December 2022

Importance

HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising strategy to expand the HIV care continuum, particularly among priority populations at high risk of HIV infection. However, little is known about HIVST uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM) outside of clinical trial settings.

Objective

To evaluate HIVST use among urban MSM in the US who reported testing within the past 12 months.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional study of adult MSM in the 2017 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system, which used venue-based sampling methods to collect data related to HIV testing, receipt of prevention services, and risk factors for HIV, was conducted at 588 venues in 23 urban areas in the contiguous US and Puerto Rico. All participants were offered HIV testing. Adult cisgender MSM who reported HIV-negative or unknown HIV status and obtained HIV testing in the past 12 months were included. Data for this study were collected between June 4, 2017, and December 22, 2017, and analyzed between October 23, 2020, and August 20, 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Self-reported HIVST in the past year. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) using survey weights were calculated to assess factors associated with HIVST.

Results

A total of 6563 MSM in 23 urban areas met inclusion criteria, of whom 506 (7.7%) individuals reported HIVST in the past year. The median age of self-testers was 29 (IQR, 25-35) years, 52.8% had completed college, and 37.9% reported non-Hispanic White race. One self-tester reported seroconverting in the prior 12 months, and an additional 10 self-testers were diagnosed with HIV during the survey. HIVST was associated with sexual orientation disclosure (aPR, 10.27; 95% CI, 3.45-30.60; P &amp;lt; .001), perceived discrimination against people with HIV (aPR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.09-2.03; P = .01), younger age (aPR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.66-0.84; P &amp;lt; .001), higher educational level (aPR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04-1.37; P = .01), and higher income levels (aPR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04-1.32; P = .009). No association was noted with condomless anal sex (aPR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.88-1.06, P = .88), sexually transmitted infections (aPR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.70-1.30; P = .77), or preexposure prophylaxis use (aPR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.75-1.30; P = .92).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, HIVST was relatively uncommon in this sample of urban MSM. HIVST may not be reaching those with lower socioeconomic status or who have not disclosed their sexual identity. The findings of this study suggest that efforts to increase HIVST should focus on engaging underserved and vulnerable subgroups of MSM.