Methods – SMMASH S ocial M edia M SM & S exual H ealth study

1. J. Frankis1, K. Lorimer1, M. Davis2, C. Knussen1, L. McDaid3, P. Flowers11Glasgow Caledonian University, School of Health and Life Sciences, 2Monash University, School of Social Sciences, Melbourne 3University of Glasgow, MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit Regular HIV testing amongst negative/untested higher risk MSM in four countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland UK BHIVA/BASH guidelines recommend regular annual testing for sexually active MSM, with more frequent 6 or 3 monthly testing for those at ‘higher risk’ of infection No clear definition of risk in this context Most studies examine recent or frequency of testing

2. Methods – SMMASH Social Media MSM & Sexual Health study Online survey of 2668 MSM in Scotland, Wales, NI and RoI 94.3% unknown or HIV- status 46% reported higher risk sex (1+ UAI partners 12 months) Results Demographics – age 35.8, 97% white, 81% gay, 19% bisexual Sociodemographics– 62% ≥degree, 58% single, 31% regular male partner / civil partnership, 11% regular female partner Gay Scene Use – 60% never, 25% ≤ once a month or less Sexual Health Behaviours – 77% ≥10 anal partners HIV testing – 29% never, 49% annually of whom 20% 6 monthly STI testing – 38% annually, 45% in the last year

3. Results – Multivariate Logistic Regression Adjusting for age, social & sexual behaviours, odds of reporting regular, ≤6 monthly HIV testing were sig. higher for MSM who; Live in Scotland (AOR=1.69) or NI (2.0) than the RoI Report 10+ anal partners (1.69) Tested for an STI (3.78) in the previous 12 months Report regular, annual STI testing (13.92) Use the commercial gay scene (1.58) Conclusion – HIV testing in MSM falls below UK guidelines Reposition untested rather than positive men as risky? Opt out policy - HIV testing more normative than STI testing Normative influence of gay scene – online & elsewhere http://www.sexualhealthnetwork.org.uk/publications/