High levels of acceptability of couples-based HIV testing among MSM in South Africa

• Authors: Robert Stephenson, Emory University; Christopher Rentsch, Emory University; Patrick S Sullivan, Emory University
• Journal Title: AIDS Care
• Volume: Volume 24, Number 4
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis | 2012-04, Pages 529-535
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2011.617413
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Epidemiology; Health Sciences, Public Health
• Keywords: CVCT; MSM; HIV testing; Couples

Abstract

The acceptability of couples-based voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) has not been previously investigated among MSM in South Africa. Using online advertisements, data were collected from 486 MSM, who were 18 years of age or older with a current residence in South Africa and had at least one male sex partner in the previous 12 months. The analysis examined associations between individual characteristics and willingness to utilize CVCT services. The willingness to utilize CVCT services was compellingly high (89%) among this sample of mostly White/European African (89%) and HIV-negative (83%) men. MSM who reported higher numbers of completed school years were less likely to report willingness to use CVCT. Willingness did not vary significantly across other individual demographic or behavioral characteristics. Our results show an overwhelmingly high acceptance of CVCT services. Future studies should survey a more heterogeneous population of MSM, explore the complex nature of same-sex male relationships, and why respondents would or would not use these HIV testing services.