Repeat HIV Testing Among Males Who Have Previously Tested Negative: A Hospital-Based Survey in Taiwan

Repeat HIV testing is a public health problem. Understanding the cause of repeat HIV testing may enable the development of effective policies and appropriate health education programs. Only men (n=686, 93.3% of all testers) who underwent anonymous HIV testing from January 2012 to June 2013 at a medical center in Taiwan were recruited to prevent gender bias. They each completed an anonymous questionnaire. Among them, 65.9% were repeat testers. Multivariable logistic regression model showed that repeat testers are older and more highly educated, have a history of sexually transmitted infection and engaging in sex with someone they met online, are concerned that their sexual partner is infected, desire periodic testing, and believe that they have engaged in risky behavior. However, sex buyers and those who agree with the statement that AIDS is a severe condition were less likely to undergo repeat testing. Overall, repeat testers engage in high-risk sexual behavior. Additionally, sex buyers and men who believe that AIDS is a severe condition are more likely to avoid testing, which may lead to delayed diagnosis. Therefore, the actual benefits of anonymous HIV testing must be comprehensively reviewed and evaluated.