Description
- Abstract:
- Background. The rate of increase in new HIV infections in the Philippines has been exceptional; on average 36 new HIV cases per day were diagnosed in 2019 compared to only 7 cases per day in 2011. HIV testing uptake among key populations in the Philippines is generally low; approximately one-quarter of MSM have ever been tested for HIV. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may increase overall testing rates by removing some barriers, including stigma and provider mistrust. This study aimed to determine if anticipated stigma and provider mistrust were associated with HIVST preference among Filipino MSM, and whether there is an interaction between anticipated stigma and provider mistrust on their effects on HIVST preference. Methods. An online survey was administered to customers of a bar and was also advertised through MSM dating sites. Summary statistics were computed to describe the characteristics of the participants. Multivariable Poisson regression analyses were conducted to determine if anticipated stigma and provider mistrust were associated with HIVST preference among MSM. Results. A total of 899 MSM participated in the survey with an average age of 28.7 years (SD=7.9); most had received college degrees (73%) and were employed (80%). The majority of all respondents (81%) preferred facility-based testing while 18% preferred HIVST. There was a high level of anticipated stigma (67%) and provider mistrust (44%) in this population. Anticipated stigma was related to a 61% increase in the prevalence of HIVST preference (aPR=1.61; 95% CI = 1.09 – 2.39, p=0.018), and provider mistrust was associated with a 50% increase in the prevalence of HIVST preference (aPR=1.50; 95% CI = 1.08 – 2.07, p=0.014). There was a significant positive interaction on the additive scale between provider mistrust and anticipated stigma on HIVST preference (RERI = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.16 – 2.03; p=0.022). Conclusions. HIVST should be offered as a supplementary to the traditional facility-based HIV testing services in the Philippines in order to expand testing and reach individuals who may not undergo testing due to anticipated stigma and provider mistrust. Keywords: HIV self-testing, Men who have sex with men (MSM), Philippines, anticipated stigma, provider mistrust
- Notes:
- Thesis (Sc. M.)--Brown University, 2021
Citation
Sison, Olivia,
"Association of anticipated stigma and provider mistrust on preference for HIV self-testing among MSM in the Philippines"
(2021).
Epidemiology Theses and Dissertations.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:tcjjm8yt/
