PREDICTORS OF REPEAT HIV TESTING AMONG GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN

Objective: To examine the prevalence and predictors of repeat HIV test ing. Design, setting and participants: Cross-sectional data from two r andom household-based and two bar-based samples of gay/bisexual men in two medium-size cities (Tucson, Arizona and Portland, Oregon) with su bstantial numbers of AIDS cases, in 1992 (n = 2602). Main outcome meas ure: The prevalence and predictors of repeat testing among men who rep orted being HIV-tested at least once but not being HIV-positive (n = 1 583). Results: in total, 51% of the sample had been tested three or mo re times, and 15% were tested more than once every 6 months. Men with higher risk were more likely to be repeatedly tested, although oral bu t not anal risk was a significant predictor of repeat testing in regre ssion analyses. Men who did not know the HIV status of their primary p artner were less likely to be repeatedly tested. Men who perceived tha t social norms favored secondary prevention, specifically adherence to medical recommendations for the treatment of HIV infection, and who c ommunicated more often about testing were more likely to be repeatedly tested. Conclusions: Policy and clinical recommendations for repeat t esting must be based on consideration of the complexity and multi-face ted nature of repeat testing. For some individuals, repeat testing may play a legitimate role in HIV prevention by reinforcing safe behavior and providing confirmation of HIV-negative status. However, for other s repeat testing may indicate a need for different or more intensive i nterventions to encourage safe sex.