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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 10/2016

01-10-2016 | Original Paper

HIV and STI Testing and Related Factors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Estonia

Authors: Kristi Rüütel, R. David Parker, Liilia Lõhmus, Anti Valk, Toivo Aavik

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 10/2016

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Abstract

HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Estonia are low. We collected data from 265 MSM in a national, online survey. Lifetime HIV testing was related to risky sexual behaviors and contacts with health care services, while lifetime STI testing was related only to contacts with health care services. In addition, some personal values were significant predictors of testing. For example, high achievement (personal success through demonstrating competence according to social standards) had a negative impact on lifetime HIV testing, and high interpersonal conformity (avoiding upsetting others) had a negative impact on lifetime STI testing. The results demonstrate the need to develop gay-friendly health services and to recognize the role of personal values and individual differences in values when designing attractive interventions to increase HIV/STI testing rates among MSM.
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Metadata
Title
HIV and STI Testing and Related Factors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Estonia
Authors
Kristi Rüütel
R. David Parker
Liilia Lõhmus
Anti Valk
Toivo Aavik
Publication date
01-10-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 10/2016
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-016-1313-1

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