Correlates of Never Testing for HIV Among Sexually Active Internet-Recruited Gay,Bisexual,and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States

Introduction

More than 35 years into the HIV epidemic, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. In 2015, GBMSM accounted for 67% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States. Young (ages 13–24 years) black/African American GBMSM are at particularly high risk for acquiring the virus. ¹ HIV transmission among GBMSM is predominately attributed to condomless anal sex (CAS). ² Despite notable progress in curbing the epidemic, GBMSM remain a key population evidencing significant health disparities compared to other groups.

Since 2006, opt-out HIV testing in healthcare settings and annual screening for HIV among sexually active GBMSM has been recommended in the United States ^3,4 Nonetheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 15% of HIV-seropositive GBMSM in the United States are unaware of their HIV status because of never having undergone an HIV test. ⁵

The promise of biobehavioral HIV prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment as prevention (TaSP), are predicated upon knowledge of HIV serostatus. HIV testing identifies new infections, facilitates treatment planning, and clarifies prevention priorities. Together, treatment and prevention enable greater control of the epidemic and eradication of health disparities as a result of systemic injustices. ^6,7

Without testing, undiagnosed HIV-seropositive individuals will not receive the treatment they need to slow disease progression and prevent transmission. Indeed, individuals who are diagnosed and who achieve and maintain viral suppression are 94% less likely to transmit HIV than undiagnosed HIV-seropositive individuals. Even individuals who are diagnosed but not retained in care are 19% less likely to transmit HIV then those who are unaware of their status, ⁸ perhaps because awareness of HIV serostatus alone may lead to self-initiated prevention strategies. ⁹ Research also shows that undiagnosed HIV-seropositive GBMSM are more likely to engage in CAS, ¹⁰ which may place themselves and others at risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and weaken an already compromised immune systems. ¹¹ For these reasons, HIV testing continues to be central to both primary and secondary HIV prevention efforts, and it is an essential first step in improving the success of the HIV treatment cascade. ¹²

A recent systematic review of HIV testing patterns among Internet-using GBMSM found that 15% reported never testing for HIV. ¹³ Although there is a substantial literature on the characteristics of individuals who delay testing for HIV, to our knowledge, only two studies have focused on the characteristics of GBMSM in the United States who have never tested for HIV. ^14,15 These two studies, using data from 2007 and 2008, found that younger age, being non-gay identified, living outside of urban areas, and not having a healthcare provider were associated with never testing for HIV among GBMSM. ^14,15 Studies among GBMSM in other industrialized countries found that never testing (vs. ever testing) for HIV was independently associated with having a lower education level, lower sexual risk (i.e., not engaging in CAS), being closeted about same-sex attractions, and having never been tested for STIs. ^{16 –19}

In this study, we sought to add to this nascent literature by assessing the characteristics of sexually active, Internet-using GBMSM who report never having tested for HIV. Focusing on this group allowed us to better understand the characteristics of at-risk GBMSM who could potentially be reached by online interventions. To extend prior research, ^{13 –19} we focused our analyses on investigating the relations between never testing for HIV and sociodemographic, STI testing, sexual behavior, and substance use characteristics. For the United States to reach the 2020 goals of 90-90-90 (90% of all people living with HIV to know their HIV status; 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection to receive antiretroviral therapy; 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy to achieve viral suppression), ²⁰ it is essential to understand and engage GBMSM who have never tested for HIV.

Materials and Methods

Results

In total, 1981 potential participants responded to eligibility questions and 1201 (61%) were eligible and agreed to participate. Thirty-one (3%) of those who were eligible and agreed to participate were excluded due to discrepancies between eligibility and survey answers (n = 24), not answering the HIV serostatus question (n = 2), not answering the final survey question (n = 2), or being a potential duplicate (n = 2). This left a final analytic sample of 1170 GBMSM.

The average age of participants in the overall sample was 37 years (standard deviation = 15). The majority of the sample was white (70%), well-educated (62% had an associated degree or higher), lived in an urban area (90%), and identified their sexual orientation as gay (89%). Approximately half (51%) were recruited from men-seeking-men websites. The remaining were recruited through Facebook (48%) or heard about the study from a friend or other source (1%).

Of the 1170 participants, 151 (13%) reported never testing for HIV. In bivariate analyses (Table 1), never testing for HIV was significantly associated with being recruited through Facebook or other sources, younger age, having less formal education (< an associates degree), living in nonpermanent housing, living in a rural area, self-identifying as bisexual/heterosexual/having another sexual orientation, not being “out” about their sexual orientation, and not having a primary partner. Almost all participants who reported having an STI in the past 3 months also reported having taken an HIV test in their lifetime. Lastly, participants who reported sexual risk behaviors (i.e., a greater number of sexual partners or who engaged in CAS in the past 3 months) were more likely to have tested for HIV.

In the multivariable analysis (Table 2), being recruited on Facebook or another non-men-seeking-men source [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–2.68], being younger (age: AOR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.97), having less formal education (< associated degree: AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.03–2.34), living in nonpermanent housing (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.29–2.96), living in a rural area (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.37–4.02), not identifying as gay (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.51–5.02), not having a primary partner (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.10–2.60), and having used condoms during anal intercourse (CAS: AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38–0.82) were each independently associated with never testing for HIV.

Discussion

In this study, we sought to identify characteristics of sexually active, Internet-using US GBMSM who reported never having tested for HIV. Despite robust public health campaigns promoting HIV testing among at-risk GBMSM in the United States, 13% of our sample reporting that they had never tested for HIV in their lifetime. Consistent with findings from previous United States and international research, ^{14 –19} GBMSM who were younger (vs. older), less educated (vs. more educated), or non-gay identified (vs. gay-identified) were more likely to report having never tested for HIV. Notably, rural GBMSM had an increased odds of never testing for HIV compared to urban-dwelling GBMSM. As HIV prevalence among GBMSM in rural communities is generally high, with some rural counties exceeding a 15% prevalence, ²⁴ this finding is particularly concerning.

Associations between never testing for HIV and these sociodemographic factors may be due to the multiple intersecting personal and contextual barriers to seeking HIV testing services, including not having access to testing options or not knowing where to receive testing, being unaware of personal HIV risk, experiencing a lack of social support for testing, or having privacy concerns about settings or providers of healthcare services. ^15,25,26 Young GBMSM, especially those who are not “out” to family and friends about their male–male sexual behaviors, are less likely to disclose these sexual behaviors to healthcare providers which, in turn, makes them less likely to be offered relevant care, such as HIV testing, even if they do have a primary care provider. ²⁷ Additionally, GBMSM living in rural areas may be more likely to encounter stigma in their local communities with regard to same-sex sexual behaviors or HIV testing. Having to travel to urban settings to receive testing in a more private manner is an option that brings with it transportation, financial, and other barriers. ²⁶ Making testing more accessible and less socially risky for young, non-gay identified, and rural GBMSM will require addressing multiple levels of personal and contextual barriers.

Also consistent with the findings of prior international research, ¹⁹ our findings indicate that participants who report never having tested for HIV were more likely to report having used condoms for anal intercourse during the assessment period. It is possible that GBMSM who engage in relatively low risk sexual behaviors may not perceive a need to test for HIV, given the perception of a limited benefit and a high potential cost (i.e., inconvenience and stigma-related stress associated with testing). ¹⁵ Although these men may have been low risk at the time of the assessment, it is likely that their risk status will change—as sexual behaviors and condom use are often driven by context (vs. a stable individual trait) and vary among GBMSM by partnership type and age. ²⁸ Further, the CDC recommends at least annual screening for sexually active GBMSM. ⁴ Thus, despite self-reports of lower sexual risk recently, these men remain important targets for HIV testing interventions.

Contrary to previous research conducted in Spain, ¹⁸ GBMSM in our sample who reported never having testing for HIV were more likely to be single (vs. in a primary partnership). Although GBMSM in primary partnerships may be less likely to test during the course of relationship, the majority of GBMSM in primary partnerships report testing for HIV in their lifetimes. ²⁹ The finding that many GBMSM in relationships do test for HIV may result from a sense of responsibility to minimize the risk of HIV or STI infection for their partners. Single GBMSM may not experience those motivations as strongly with their casual dating and sexual partners and, thus, remain an important target of HIV testing engagement efforts.

Unique to this study, GBMSM in our sample who reported never having testing for HIV were more likely to live in unstable housing (vs. those who reported being stably housed). Evidence has shown that individuals who are homeless or unstably housed are at high risk for HIV acquisition, due to the prevalence of street-associated behaviors, including substance use and survival behaviors, such as trading sex for shelter. ³⁰ Structural interventions focused on creating greater stability, including access to affordable and stable housing, and increasing HIV testing specifically, or engagement with healthcare more generally—should be tested with respect to reducing HIV incidence. ³¹

GBMSM who reported never having testing for HIV were also more likely to have been recruited via Facebook or other social means (vs. men-seeking-men websites). Although men-seeking-men websites have proven to be a fertile ground for recruiting GBMSM into HIV prevention research, outreach targeting GBMSM who have never tested for HIV may need to consider using less GBMSM-specific social networking approaches. This may be particularly helpful for reaching GBMSM who do not identify as gay or are not “out” about their sexuality.

This study has several limitations. First, the data were collected in 2012, in the early years of biobehavioral prevention strategies (i.e., PrEP and TaSP). Future research will need to determine whether HIV testing has increased as a result of individuals' desire to access these highly publicized and effective HIV prevention strategies. Second, all data were collected through self-report and, therefore, are subject to recall error and social desirability biases. However, the latter bias was mitigated because the survey was Internet-based and anonymous. Third, although it is theoretically possible that some individuals participated more than once, this is unlikely because we followed a careful de-duplication protocol ²¹ and compensation was done via lottery versus providing remuneration for each respondent. Finally, the survey was brief (to minimize participant burden), so we did not assess the full range of potentially important factors that might be associated with never testing (e.g., risk perception, anticipated HIV stigma, and life stressors). Of specific note, we did not measure access to healthcare and healthcare utilization, both of which are associated with HIV testing among GBMSM. ³² These factors should be considered in future work.

Despite these limitations, there are important implications of the finding that some sexually active GBMSM report never having tested for HIV. GBMSM who are younger, less educated, do not identify as gay, are unstably housed, live in rural areas, report regular condom use during anal sex, and are single may need targeted and sensitive interventions that address the personal and contextual barriers to HIV testing they experience.

We recommend four strategies to increase HIV testing among GBMSM. First, we encourage targeted and supplemental outreach that is not gay-identity specific. Second, we recommend that HIV testing options, including those at local health departments and outpatient settings, affirm a wide range of sexual behaviors and identities, and provide assurances of both privacy and confidentiality during testing and through results notification and linkage to care. Experienced and anticipated stigma in healthcare settings, as well as privacy and confidentiality concerns among GBMSM, act as barriers to accessing sexual healthcare and disclosure of male–male sexual behavior to providers. ^{33 –35} Access to culturally competent, nonjudgmental healthcare that assures privacy and confidentiality remains essential for GBMSM to feel comfortable seeking sexual healthcare services, including HIV testing. ³⁴

Third, telemedicine and Internet-based in-home self-testing and referrals should be explored more fully. Telemedicine and Internet-based interventions that use home-based self-testing are acceptable and feasible among GBMSM. ^{36 –38} Home-based self-testing, compared to traditional HIV counseling and testing services, substantially increases HIV testing rates for GBMSM. ³⁹ These technology-based approaches may be an especially promising approach to increase HIV testing among individuals who experience structural (e.g., access) and social-psychological (e.g., stigma) barriers to testing, including rural and young GBMSM, who are more likely to be reached via Internet-based methods. ^{40 –45}

Fourth, attention to social inequities is necessary to increase HIV testing and realize the full potential of evolving biobehavioral HIV prevention strategies, such as PrEP and TaSP. HIV disproportionately affects individuals who are in the lowest socioeconomic strata and neighborhoods of the highest black racial concentration. ^7,46 Poverty, discrimination, and inequality serve as barriers to HIV testing. ^7,46 To increase HIV testing, we will need to think creatively about ways to address these social inequities, for example, by providing adequate food and housing to those in need. Prior research indicates that meeting people's subsistence needs increases their ability to engage more effectively with the healthcare system. ⁴⁷ Focused attention to the individual and structural barriers to HIV testing among GBMSM who have never tested for HIV will improve access to HIV testing and other biobehavioral HIV prevention strategies. Collectively, these efforts can help to reduce the incidence of HIV and alleviate disparities in HIV/AIDS in the United States.