Association of anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust on preference for HIV self-testing among cisgender men who have sex with men in the Philippines

Sison, Olivia T., Baja, Emmanuel S., Bermudez, Amiel Nazer C., Quilantang, Ma. Irene N., Dalmacion, Godofreda V., Guevara, Ernest Genesis, Garces-Bacsal, Rhoda Myra, Hemingway, Charlotte, Taegtmeyer, Miriam ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5377-2536, Operario, Don and Biello, Katie B. (2022) 'Association of anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust on preference for HIV self-testing among cisgender men who have sex with men in the Philippines'. BMC Public Health, Vol 22, Issue 1, e2362.

Preview

Text 12889_2022_Article_14834.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: New HIV infections in the Philippines are increasing at an alarming rate. However, over three quarters of men who have sex with men (MSM) have never been tested for HIV. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may increase overall testing rates by removing barriers, particularly fear of stigmatization and mistrust of providers. This study aimed to determine if these factors are associated with preference for HIVST among Filipino cisgender MSM (cis-MSM), and whether there is an interaction between anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust on preference for HIVST.

Methods: We conducted secondary analysis of a one-time survey of 803 cis-MSM who were recruited using purposive sampling from online MSM dating sites and MSM-themed bar locations in Metro Manila, Philippines. Summary statistics were computed to describe participant characteristics. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analyses were conducted to determine if anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust were associated with preference for HIVST among cis-MSM. Other variables such as age, education, monthly income, relationship status, HIV serostatus, and knowing where to get HIV testing were the minimal sufficient adjustment set in the analyses.

Results: Average age of participants was 28.6 years (SD = 8.0); most had received college degrees (73%) and were employed (80%). Most respondents (81%) preferred facility-based testing, while 19% preferred HIVST. A high percentage of participants reported anticipated HIV testing stigma (66%) and provider mistrust (44%). Anticipated HIV testing stigma (aPR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.01–2.25, p = 0.046) and provider mistrust (aPR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.07–2.09, p = 0.020) were independently associated with a preference for HIVST. There was a positive, additive interaction between provider mistrust and anticipated HIV testing stigma on preference for HIVST (RERI = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.20–2.06; p = 0.017), indicating that the association between anticipated HIV testing stigma and preference for HIVST is greater among those with provider mistrust compared to those without provider mistrust.

Conclusions: HIVST should be offered as a supplement to traditional facility-based HIV testing services in the Philippines to expand testing and reach individuals who may not undergo testing due to anticipated HIV testing stigma and provider mistrust.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	WC Communicable Diseases > WC 20 Research (General) WC Communicable Diseases > Virus Diseases > Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV Infections > WC 503 Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV infections WC Communicable Diseases > Virus Diseases > Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV Infections > WC 503.7 Psychosocial aspects
Faculty: Department:	Clinical Sciences & International Health > International Public Health Department
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14834-x
SWORD Depositor:	JISC Pubrouter
Depositing User:	JISC Pubrouter
Date Deposited:	25 Jan 2023 14:50
Last Modified:	25 Jan 2023 14:50
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/21662

Statistics

View details

Actions (login required)

Edit Item