| Abstract: |
Analyzed the motives for taking or not taking the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody test among a sample of 120 18-63 yr old male homosexuals. The most commonly cited motives for taking the test were to (1) take medical treatments for HIV infection, (2) become motivated to make needed health and lifestyle changes, (3) clarify an ambiguous medical condition, (4) inform sexual decision making, and (5) relieve psychological distress associated with not knowing HIV status. The most frequently reported motives for not taking the test were to (1) avoid the adverse psychological impact of a positive test result, (2) avoid social discrimination and repressive governmental actions, (3) avoid an ambiguous or unreliable test result, and (4) avoid having to make undesired lifestyle changes. Findings are discussed in terms of the prevailing social constructions of the HIV antibody test. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) |
