Promoting HIV testing among never-tested Hispanic men: a doctor's recommendation may suffice

AIDS Behav. 2003 Sep;7(3):253-62. doi: 10.1023/a:1025491602652.

Abstract

This study examined factors associated with HIV testing intentions among a community sample of 255 never-tested Hispanic men. It compared (1) men who intended to test in the next 6 months with those who did not and (2) men who intended to test only on the day of the interview with those who intended to test in the next 6 months. Eighty-four percent of men had never been offered testing. Yet, 86% would accept testing if recommended by their doctor. The strongest multivariate predictor of testing intention was willingness to accept a physician-endorsed test. Almost 49% of men who intended to test in the next 6 months would only do so if the test were offered on the interview day. These findings highlight the importance of encouraging physicians, particularly in high-prevalence areas, to routinely recommend testing. They also suggest that for some men, there is a window of opportunity for testing that does not endure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / ethnology
  • Health Surveys
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening*
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Preventive Medicine