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previous 3 months) in a randomised controlled trial of HIV selftesting (FORTH). Participants completed a baseline survey at enrolment. We constructed a HIV Testing Self-Efficacy (HTSE) scale measuring confidence in one's perceived ability to undertake HIV testing comprising 8 items ('not at all confident' = 0 to 'completely confident' = 4; Cronbach's a = 0.81). Total HTSE score consisted of the sum of scores for all items. We determined the factors associated with HIV testing frequency in the past 12 months and perceived likelihood to self-test in the future using logistic regression. Results A total of 355 GBM were included. Median age was 33 years (inter-quartile range [IQR] = 26-41), and 63% were Australian-born. Overall, 95% reported having previously tested for HIV, and 65% reported being 'very likely' to self-test for HIV. The median HTSE score was 26 (IQR = 23-29, range = 8-32). In multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with ‡3 HIV tests in past 12 months were: HTSE score (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.07 for one unit increase, 95% CI = 1.02-1.13, p = 0.011); and >10 partners in past 6 months (AOR = 1.85,95% CI = 1.10-3.12, p = 0.020). Only HTSE score was associated with being 'very likely' to self-test (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03-1.13, p = 0.001). Conclusion HIV testing self-efficacy is independently associated with testing frequency and likelihood to self-test. Improving GBM's confidence in HIV testing, by improving their knowledge and experience may lead to higher testing frequency. Future longitudinal analysis will provide information about the causal pathways between HTSE, testing frequency and actual self-testing measured in the trial.

Background: Evidence from the literature suggests that men are less likely to seek health services compared to women. It is important to understand the factors that influence the health-seeking behaviour of men and how it affects their self-rated health. Objectives: To assess the health-seeking behaviour and self-rated health perception of adult men in an urban community in Lagos state. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adult males aged 18 years and above in an urban community in Lagos State, Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant data. Associations between categorical variables were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The health-seeking behaviour of the men in the study area was influenced by factors such as the severity of illness (66.1%), availability of funds (13.1%) and subscription to health insurance (18.2%). A majority (94.7%) self-rated their health as good, very good or excellent. Provision of expert care (45.6%) was considered the most important characteristic of health-seeking behaviour. Alcohol consumption (38.8%) was significantly associated with the health perception of the respondents. The respondents (50.2%) preferred using hospitals, compared to other sources during their last illness episode. Conclusion: The respondents exhibited a preference for hospital visit during their last illness, confirming appropriate health-seeking behaviour in the absence of economic hindrances and other factors. Respondents with little or no alcohol intake had better self-rated health.

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