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HIV

Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in Taiwan Show Higher HIV Risk and Intention to Use Oral Rapid Self-Testing

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in Taiwan are disproportionately at risk for HIV infection, with limited knowledge about their intention to use oral rapid self-testing (ORST) for HIV. A recent study conducted by researchers from the National Taiwan University found that YMSM in Taiwan have a higher intention to use ORST, with significant positive interactions identified among ORST ever-users. The study also revealed that HIV never-testers and ever-testers differ in their ORST intention, with significant TPB factors and items varying by HIV testing experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the disproportionately higher risk of HIV infection among YMSM in Taiwan compared to older age groups, women, and heterosexual men.
  • The researchers conducted an anonymous online survey among 2,063 YMSM in Taiwan, demonstrating a novel six-factor structure within the expanded Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework.
  • HIV never-testers were more likely to report greater ORST intention when perceiving high control under certain conditions, such as ORST not affecting their work/school schedule or wanting to have condomless anal sex.
  • HIV ever-testers were more likely to report greater ORST intention when holding positive attitudes toward ORST helping to avoid disclosing their HIV status or perceiving high control regarding ordering ORST kits online anonymously.
  • The study reveals significant positive interactions among ORST ever-users, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) ranging from 2.10 to 2.45.
  • The findings provide insights that may guide future HIV sexual health-care initiatives tailored according to HIV testing experience for optimal effectiveness.

Statistics:

  • 2,063 YMSM participated in the anonymous online survey.
  • YMSM in Taiwan have a higher intention to use ORST, with 24.36% (N = 500) reporting a "strong" intention, 31.55% (N = 648) reporting a "somewhat" intention, and 44.09% (N = 913) reporting a "weak" intention.
  • The odds ratio (OR) for HIV never-testers reporting greater ORST intention was 1.50, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.22-1.83.
  • The odds ratio (OR) for HIV ever-testers reporting greater ORST intention was 1.38, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.12-1.69.
  • The study's results were published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.

Sources:

  • "Oral Rapid Self-Testing Intention for HIV Sexual Health Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in Taiwan: A Theory-Driven Comparison of HIV Never-Testers and Ever-Testers." Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Reports from National Taiwan University Advance Knowledge in HIV/AIDS (Oral Rapid Self-Testing Intention for HIV Sexual Health Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in Taiwan: A Theory-Driven Comparison of HIV Never-Testers and Ever-Testers). AIDS Weekly. October 20, 2025; p 154.
  • Springer. www.springer.com.
  • Archives of Sexual Behavior. www.springerlink.com/content/0004-0002/.

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