Sexual orientation differences in HIV testing motivation among college men.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate sexual orientation differences in college men's motivations for HIV testing. PARTICIPANTS: 665 male college students in the Southeastern United States from 2006 to 2014. METHODS: Students completed a survey on HIV risk factors and testing motivations. Logistic regressions were conducted to determine the differences between heterosexual men (HM) and sexual minority men (SMM). RESULTS: SMM were more motivated to get tested by concern over past condomless sex, while HM were more often cited supporting the testing program "on principle" and wanting a free t-shirt. SMM and HM differed in behaviors that impact HIV risk and other demographics. However, differences in testing motivation by concern over past condomless sex or wanting a free t-shirt persisted when controlling for these demographic and behavioral differences. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriately designed HIV prevention interventions on college campuses should target SMM's distinct concern over past condomless sex as a testing motivation.

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Author Mehri Sadri McKellar Medicine, Infectious Diseases