Internalized Homonegativity and HIV Testing and Counseling among MSM and Transgender Women in San Salvador, El Salvador

John J. Hembling, Tulane University
Katherine Andrinopoulos, Tulane University
Flor de Maria Hernandez, TEPHINET
Maria Elena Guardado, TEPHINET

HIV testing and counseling (HTC) among key populations at risk is a critical prevention strategy in concentrated epidemic settings. A cross sectional survey using respondent driven sampling was conducted among men who have sex with men (MSM, n=506) and transgender women (TW, n= 164) in San Salvador (N=670, total sample) to determine correlates of having ever tested for HIV. Most participants had tested for HIV (75%). HIV testing was more likely among participants who: were older (aOR 2.27), had more lifetime sexual partners (aOR 1.88), knew more people who had tested (aOR 1.92), knew someone living with HIV (aOR 1.78), or were survivors of sexual assault (aOR 2.83). Among MSM, high internalized homonegativity was negatively associated with testing (aOR 0.42). Social networks should be used to engage MSM and TW in HTC. Stigma related to sexual orientation and gender identity must be addressed to increase HTC.