OBJECTIVES: Decisional balance theory suggests that the decision to take an HIV test is influenced by perceived advantages (pros) and disadvantages (cons) of taking a test and perceived HIV risk. We examine effects of these factors on ever taking an HIV test and on taking a recent test (past 12 months).
METHODS: In Philadelphia, 1643 persons at risk for HIV were interviewed. Recruiting took place in randomly selected community locations in 8 ZIP codes with high AIDS rates. Individuals rated their agreement with a list of perceived advantages and disadvantages to HIV testing. Scores were added to get one measure of pros and one for cons. Testing history, perceived risk and other measures were taken.
RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression (total sample) indicated that pros (Odds Ratio (OR)=4.05), cons (OR=.523) and perceived risk (OR=1.40) were significantly related to ever taking an HIV test compared never being tested. Among those who ever tested, only the pros (OR=1.33) was related to recent testing. For the total sample, fears of rejection and loosing a job stood out among cons (scores of 3.0/5 and 2.9/5, respectively). All pros items were equally important (ranging from 3.8 for sense of security to 4.0 for preventing further transmission).
CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that messages for those never tested need to address pros, cons and perceived risk. For persons who had tested before, messages need to focus on pros only.
Learning Objectives: 1. understand the concept of decisional balance and how pros and cons of HIV testing are measured. 2. describe how decisional balance measures are related to testing behavior. 3. identify ways these results can be applied in messages to increase HIV testing.
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Behavioral Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.