Testing intent and other demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral predictors of HIV testing among black MSM in New York City

Background: Despite reports of increased efforts in HIV testing opportunities for Black men who have sex with men (BMSM), CDC data continue to reveal HIV testing rates at subpar levels in this community. Methods: As part of a larger, multi-method CDC-funded study, baseline and 3-month follow-up data were collected between March 2011 and December 2012. Computer-based surveys were administered to BMSM who had not tested for HIV within the previous 3 months. After completing their assessments, participants were asked about their intent to test for HIV and were offered HIV testing as an option. Data were collected on 90 Black MSM. Significance level for all multivariate analyses was determined at p < .05. Results: Over half of the men (52.2%) tested for HIV at baseline and/or follow-up. Baseline testing was significantly correlated with testing intent variables: “plan on being tested” (X¬2 = 5.14) and “will get tested” (X2 = 6.51). Men who tested at baseline (“testers”) were younger (mean age = 31.5) than non-testers (mean age = 41.2, p = .001), and were more likely to disclose their HIV status to their last partner (X¬2 = 5.75), have last partner disclose his HIV status (X¬2 = 4.71), and have a last partner who disclosed being HIV-negative (X¬2 = 6.94). Lastly, non-testers (vs. testers) reported higher gay-related stigma concealment and religiosity. Conclusions: Knowledge about specific predictors for HIV testing can assist health and social service providers in providing enhanced HIV testing services for Black MSM.