HIV Testing by Black MSM in Toronto: Identifying Targets to Improve Testing

1. Clemon George[1][1] 2. Lydia Makoroka[2][2] 3. Sean B. Rourke[3][3] 4. Barry D. Adam[4][4] 5. Robert S. Remis[3][3] 6. Winston Husbands[2][2] 7. Stanley E. Read[3][3] 1. 1University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada 2. 2AIDS Committee of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 3. 3University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 4. 4University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada 1. Clemon George, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2000 Simcoe Street North, UA 3000, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7K4, Canada. Email: clemon.george{at}uoit.ca Surveillance data suggest that Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in Canada contribute to a higher than expected percentage of new HIV diagnoses. HIV testing is an important part of the HIV reduction strategy in Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends HIV testing as a component of periodic routine medical care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Black MSM in Toronto to determine the factors associated with HIV testing. One hundred sixty-five men were recruited and completed a self-administrative questionnaire. The majority of men identified as gay/homosexual. Lifetime history of HIV testing was reported at 85%, of whom 50% had tested within the last 6 months. Self-reported HIV seroprevalence was 24%. In logistic regression, variables associated with ever testing for HIV were “having friends or family with HIV” and “regularly attending religious services.” Although HIV testing appears to be common among Black MSM in Canada, young Canadian-born men were less likely to test. This observation highlights the need to examine place of birth when tailoring health interventions for Black MSM. [1]: #aff-1 [2]: #aff-2 [3]: #aff-3 [4]: #aff-4