To test or not? : HIV antibody testing amongst gay men

P. Flowers, S. Church

This paper reviews the literature regarding levels of HIV antibody testing amongst gay men and rationales both for and against testing. Whilst marked differenc~s in levels of reported testing were identified (regionally, nationally and across time), some t:onsensus was found regarding reasons both for and against HIV antibody testing. Reasons for testing included accessing medical treatments, planning for the future and hoping for peace of mind. Reasonsagainst testing included the negative psychological and social consequences of positive test results. The findings of the revieware discussed in terms of recent medical discourses, which provide a powerful rationale for the uptake of HIV antibody testing amongst all gay men where treatments are available. Critically, we illustrate the lack of current research that seeks to re-appraise HIV testing in the light of new HIV treatments, and discuss the implications for both research and practice.