Disparities between HIV testing levels and the self-reported HIV-negative status of sexually active college students

Abstract

Background Despite the availability of rapid point-of-care human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, the use of a self-reported HIV status has its own value, especially in research studies. Sexually active people without prior HIV testing should report as ‘HIV status unknown’ or ‘never tested’ instead of ‘HIV negative’ when they answer the question item on HIV status. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of HIV testing and the disparities between HIV testing levels and self-reported HIV status in college students in Hong Kong. Methods College students were recruited in four Hong Kong universities. Recruited subjects completed a structured questionnaire about their sexual behaviours. The prevalence of HIV testing and the inaccurate disclosure of HIV status (reporting an HIV-negative status without prior HIV testing) was estimated in sexually active students, and men who have sex with men (MSM) students, respectively. Results Two hundred and fifty five students were included in the analysis. 16.1% of subjects were MSM. Overall, 81.6% of subjects reported that they had never had any HIV testing. 65.9% of subjects had inaccurate self-disclosure. Among subjects who had inconsistent condom use, only 20.2% of the subjects had HIV testing and 66.7% of the subjects had inaccurate self-disclosure. Among MSM students, only 36.6% of the subjects had HIV testing before and 61.0% had inaccurate self-disclosure. Among MSM student who had inconsistent condom use, only 35.1% of the subjects had HIV testing and 62.2% had inaccurate self-disclosure. Conclusion It was alarming to find the low prevalence of HIV testing but the high prevalence of inaccurate HIV status disclosure among sexually active college students, especially among MSM. The study findings raised the methodological issue of using a self-reported HIV status. Biological testing should be used whenever feasible, and public health interventions to promote HIV testing should be continued. Disclosure No significant relationships.