10th International AIDS Conference Yokohama, Japan — Aug 7-12, 1994

Int Conf AIDS 1994 Aug 7-12; 10:397 (abstract no. PD0770)
Grinstead OA, Marin BV, Gomez CA; Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco.

OBJECTIVES: Given the high rates of AIDS in the Latino community in the U.S., HIV antibody testing should be promoted among Latino adults. We examined reasons for and fears about testing as well as patterns of testing among unmarried Latino adults.

METHODS: A cross sectional random digit dial telephone survey of 1600 unmarried Latino adults aged 18-49 in 10 U.S. states representing 87% of U.S. Latinos was done in fall, 1993. The 30 minute interview included questions about HIV antibody testing and HIV risk behavior. The response rate was 65%.

RESULTS: Of those interviewed, 43% had been tested. Half of these had been tested more than once, some multiple times. Over 1% of those tested reported being HIV+. Reasons for testing included risk due to sexual behavior (22%), just to know (18%), immigration process (11%), referral by a physician (6%), blood donation (6%), and risk due to drug use (1%). Almost 20% "definitely" or "probably" planned to be tested in the next month. Almost all (95%) respondents believed testing would help protect a sexual partner from HIV and half (54%) believed if positive, early medical treatment would help them live longer. However, 59% believed that if positive, they would worry that others would find out: 40% believed they would lose their job if a boss found out, 45% believed a sexual partner would leave them, and 57% believed people would reject them. Also, 47% believed they would get sick faster if they knew they were HIV+. Those tested and those not tested reported a similar number of sexual partners in the past 12 months. Those tested were slightly more likely than those not tested to have used condoms the first time they had sex with their most recent sex partner (67% vs. 59%).

CONCLUSIONS: HIV antibody testing is relatively common, despite the fears of rejection that many report. Promotion efforts should combat the fears expressed by many that knowing they were HIV+ would only make them get sick faster, by emphasizing the benefits of early medical treatment and protection of sexual partners. Combatting fears of rejection if people are HIV+ will require renewed efforts to remove stigma associated with HIV and AIDS in this community and society at large.

Copyright © 1994 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.