Awareness, willingness and barriers to HIV Self-testing (HIVST) among Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru: A web-based cross-sectional study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000678
• Publication Date: 2022-07-29T17:23:48Z
• Authors: Oliver A. Elorreaga; Thiago S. Torres; E. Hamid Vega-Ram...; Kelika A. Konda; Brenda Hoagland; Marcos Benedetti; Cristina Pimenta; Dulce Diaz-Sosa; Rebeca Robles-Garcia; Beatriz Grinsztejn; Carlos F. Caceres; Valdilea G. Veloso
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study

HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an essential tool within the combined prevention package and has been available in Latin America since 2015. However, HIVST use among key populations remains low. This study describes awareness, willingness, barriers to MSM Brazil, Mexico, Peru. A cross-sectional web-based survey was advertised two geosocial networking apps (Grindr Hornet) Facebook 2018. We included cisgender men ≥18 years old who self-reported HIV-negative status. used multivariable Poisson regression models calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) assess factors associated with willingness for each country. total of 18,916 completed survey, 59% from 30% 11% Overall, 20% had never tested HIV. Awareness were higher Brazil than Peru Mexico (p < .001). Across countries, patterns association similar. Most participants think post-test counseling that dealing a positive result would be difficult (aPR 1.13 1.37, range aPRs across three countries). Having knowledge deal resulted increased range: 1.11 1.22), while lack trust compared testing clinics inversely 0.80 0.90). In general, income 1.49 1.97), education 1.42), PrEP 1.19 1.72). Efforts increase resolve perceived are warranted, especially lower Personalized virtual could crucial this population. addition, those willing also PrEP. It indicates delivery incorporated into programs Brazilian Public Health System eventually