Voluntary HIV antibody testing amongst youth in Hong Kong

Abstract

We performed a study to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody-testing behaviour among youth in Hong Kong. It was a population-based cross-sectional study. Questions on HIV testing were asked as part of a youth sexuality study conducted in July to December 1996 among young adults in Hong Kong. A total of 517 (53.6%) males and 447 (46.4%) females aged 17 to 28 years completed an anonymous structured self-administered questionnaire. Respondents had good knowledge about correct modes of HIV transmission and prevention. 9.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.0, 12.3) of males and 6.4% (95% CI: 4.3, 9.1) of females had been tested for HIV through blood donation. Excluding blood donation, 3.7% (95% CI: 2.2, 5.7) of males and 3.6% (95% CI: 2.1, 5.9) of females had been tested (voluntary testing). 47.5% (95% CI: 44.4, 50.7) of subjects reported at least one major risk factor for HIV infection. In multivariate analyses, factors independently associated with both voluntary HIV testing and HIV testing by blood donation were age and having had sex with multiple partners. A higher educational level was a predictor of HIV testing by blood donation. Self-assessment of having sufficient sex education was also significantly associated with voluntary HIV testing. HIV testing is not widespread in Hong Kong and those at risk are more likely to have been tested. It is of concern, however, that many of those reporting risk factors have not been tested.