Longitudinal Determinants Associated with Latino Sexual Minority Men’s Recent HIV Testing

BACKGROUND: Miami-Dade County leads in US HIV incidence, with Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) diagnosed with HIV more frequently than any other subgroup. HIV testing is a first step toward linkage to appropriate biomedical prevention or treatment services, therefore maximizing the reach of HIV testing to LSMM is paramount. The purpose of this study was to identify longitudinal determinants associated with recent HIV testing among LSMM in the greater Miami, FL area. METHODS: Participants included 234 LSMM who completed a self-report assessment of HIV-prevention service engagement and related measures at baseline, 4- and 8-months. We utilized stochastic search variable selection (SSVS) and hierarchal linear modeling to identify predictors of recent HIV testing. RESULTS: SSVS identified four variables that were then entered into a hierarchal linear model. Over time, participants were significantly more likely to have had a recent HIV test. Three of the four variables identified were significantly associated with recent HIV testing: knowing people who had a recent HIV test, knowledge about HIV, and sexual behavior indicating CDC PrEP eligibility. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified multilevel determinants associated with LSMM's recent HIV testing. At the individual level, HIV testing was influenced by behavioral risk factors related to sexual activity and HIV knowledge. Pertaining to the interpersonal level, knowing people who recently tested for HIV was associated with HIV testing. Multilevel adjunctive interventions and implementation strategies that increase HIV knowledge and leverage peer influence may improve testing uptake among LSMM in the Miami, FL area.