Factors associated with HIV testing among immigrants in Portugal

Abstract

Objectives This paper describes the uptake of HIV testing and its associated factors among a sample of immigrants in Portugal. Methods A questionnaire was completed by 1,513 immigrants at the National Immigrant Support Centre, in Lisbon. The magnitude of the association between ever been HIV tested and socio-demographic variables was estimated by means of crude and adjusted odds ratios, and their 95% confidence intervals, using logistic regression. Results Approximately half of the participants reported having ever been HIV tested. Age, sex, educational level, region of origin, immigration status and knowing someone infected were independently associated with the HIV test uptake. Almost 90% of participants reported knowing where to obtain support on HIV-related issues. Most declared preferring doctors to get HIV information. However, only 9.2% had sought HIV information at the National Health Service. Conclusions Our results suggest differences between migrant groups regarding HIV testing. Adopting more innovative approaches to HIV testing could improve the efficacy of HIV prevention strategies, especially among vulnerable groups within immigrant population as male and undocumented. © Swiss School of Public Health 2010.