HIV and STI Testing and Related Factors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Estonia

Abstract

HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Estonia are low. We collected data from 265 MSM in a national, online survey. Lifetime HIV testing was related to risky sexual behaviors and contacts with health care services, while lifetime STI testing was related only to contacts with health care services. In addition, some personal values were significant predictors of testing. For example, high achievement (personal success through demonstrating competence according to social standards) had a negative impact on lifetime HIV testing, and high interpersonal conformity (avoiding upsetting others) had a negative impact on lifetime STI testing. The results demonstrate the need to develop gay-friendly health services and to recognize the role of personal values and individual differences in values when designing attractive interventions to increase HIV/STI testing rates among MSM.

Health Literacy as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Position and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Living in France

“…Many of these behaviors, including unprotected anal intercourse, are common in MSM ( Baggaley et al, 2010 ). Several studies have found that various preventive behaviors like screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), protecting sexual relations (e.g., condoms), and the use of PrEP ( Ballester-Arnal et al, 2015 ; Gu et al, 2011 ; Lakhe et al, 2019 ; McDaid et al, 2021 ; Phillips et al, 2019 ; Rüütel et al, 2016 ) are associated with many different factors. The latter include socioeconomic status (SES), which can be assessed from education level, perceived financial situation, and profession, demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, age, and place of birth or residence), social support, and health literacy (HL).…”