The issue of the testing of HIV is mainly highlighted among the men who have sex with men (MSM). This is especially due to them being at high risk of contracting any sexually transmitted diseases which in this case, reporting on human immunodeficiency virus also known as HIV. Often time, many cases are unchecked as testing occurs fully on the people's voluntarism. On occasions of them not wanting to do so or not seeing the importance of doing so or maybe not believing of the chance of them acquainting with it is not possible, they will remain unchecked and not know their own health status.
This, after some research being done, can be realized that some categories are more susceptible of being regarded or to some labeled, as those who rarely do their HIV testing as per should. Listing down below is the general of whom preferably or hardly does their annual HIV test.
a) The MSM who connect with their sex partner through the internet often does their testing as compared to those who did not. This might be due to the fact that they hardly know the other person in actual reality as compared to what is posted or shared. It includes their sexual lives and activities related to it. Men who engage in unprotected anal sex (UAS) with casual partners also can be seen to regularly check their status.
b) Chances are also on the fact that gay-oriented dating sites advertise the need to have an HIV test and include it in the person's profile information. This not only allows the users to ensure the safety of their possible partners but also for each user to engage in testing for HIV and add knowledge of it to prevent the cases of it being contracted from a night of fun. This thus leads to a higher rate of testing among the users of these applications.
c) Higher rates of HIV testing are done among MSM with a college degree. This finding is consistent in many researches and even a few time has passed, it still remains true. Along with that, it is also found that MSM without a college degree has never been tested at all.
d) Researches also show that MSM of ethnic minority test regularly as compared to the White MSM. This can be found especially high among African American, Latino, and multiracial MSM. This comparison is done in many studies that stay consistent to show that this issue has still not been overcome.
e) Reported too that MSM with injected drug usage is unlikely in having tested for their HIV status.
f) Heavy drinkers also are very unlikely to be tested within recommended intervals. This is targeting to those who drink at a "hazardous" level. Some studies also indicate that with further evidence, alcohol could lead to harmful effects on HIV outcomes, especially when taken with a barely existing limit.
g) However, treatment facilities have adopted recommendations in encouraging on-site HIV testing. This helps with the realization of the chances of contracting HIV as they do not see the graveness of said issue.
The issue of testing for HIV or STD, in general, is often looked down upon and many see it as something so simple that the result it carries might affect one's life to a great degree. Their belief of it has then resulted in approximately 1 among 4 men who have sex with men to have HIV without the knowledge that they do and life is carried on naturally even as to lead another to procure it. Although this statement is only to highlight this issue among MSM, consideration should also be taken as other genders also might contract it especially those with do not limit their sexual activities and its specifies.
https://sci-hub.se/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10461-017-1976-2
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