Table 2 Motivations and barriers to HIV testing
Motivation | Ever-testers N = 559 (%)* | Barrier | Never-testers N = 143 (%)* |
|---|---|---|---|
To check my health | 282 (50.4) | I do not believe I am at risk | 67 (46.9) |
I had sex without a condom | 240 (42.9) | I am afraid to receive the result | 60 (42.0) |
I was offered a free test | 170 (30.4) | I have not had the opportunity | 51 (35.7) |
I wanted to know if I was HIV positive | 165 (29.5) | I am afraid other people will find out my result | 32 (22.4) |
One of my partners did not use a condom | 92 (16.5) | I am afraid of needles | 31 (21.7) |
It was recommended by a healthcare professional | 83 (14.8) | I do not know where to get tested | 18 (12.6) |
It was required for a procedure/work/visa/marriage/etc. | 52 (9.30) | I am afraid of my partner’s reaction | 17 (11.9) |
For another research study | 48 (8.59) | Other people will think that I am sick | 15 (10.5) |
One of my partners wanted me to get tested | 38 (6.80) | I do not have money to pay for the test | 14 (9.79) |
I had AIDS symptoms | 20 (3.58) | Other | 8 (5.59) |
One of my partners had AIDS symptoms | 15 (2.68) | No response | 5 (3.50) |
Other | 8 (1.43) | ||
I don’t know | 3 (0.54) |