Examining HIV stigma and HIV testing behaviors of Asian & Pacific Islander young men who have sex with men: Data from nightclub venue based HIV testing in san francisco, CA

HIV-related data in Asian and Pacific Islander (A&PI) populations is scarce. A cross-sectional survey was conducted as part of an intake process at a community-based health care organization in the Tenderloin, San Francisco area targeting A&PI individuals. Elective mobile HIV testing services were provided inside of a van parked by nightlife venue entrances. Self-Administered socio-behavioral risk questionnaires were completed during the wait period for rapid test results. The survey assessed HIV, TB, and Hepatitis testing behavior and status; sexual partnerships; HIV stigma; homo-negativity; HIV information “burnout”; sexual communication self-efficacy; race-based sexual preferences; social network websites and apps usage; and sources of information for health. A sample of 370 participants was recruited consisting primarily of young A&PI gay men (Mage = 26.19, SD = 6.09). Over 50% of the sample was born in the U.S. While a quarter of participants reported an annual household income of less than $10K, about a third of the sample reported an income over $50K; sixteen percent of the sample reported being unemployed. HIV positivity rate was 2% (n = 6). Initial and routine HIV testing behavior was negatively correlated with higher levels of perceived HIV stigma. Additionally, those who were not tested in the last six months scored significantly higher on HIV information “burnout” than those who had received HIV testing in the past [F(1,306)=6.56, p=.01]. Current findings offer important insights into MSM of color populations using mobile testing methods. Future research should focus on utilizing mobile health clinics as points of health service delivery.