Predictors of Intention to Use HIV Testing Service Among Sexually Experienced Youth in Thailand

This study examined the predictors of intention to use HIV counseling and testing (HCT) services among those who had never used HCT services in a sample of 2,536 Thai youth in Bangkok (ages 15-24). Web-based questionnaires included assessments of HIV knowledge, HIV testing attitude, AIDS stigma, and youth-friendly HCT (YFHCT) service expectation. More than 80% of the sexually experienced youth had never used HCT services but among this group 74.06% reported having intentions to do so. The significant predictors consisted of favorable expectations of YFHCT services (p < .001), positive attitude toward HIV testing (p < .005), perceived high risk for HIV infection (p < .01), having multiple sex partners while also using condoms consistently (p < .01), willingness to pay (p < .001), and being informed about HCT and knowing service locations (p < .001). Policy makers, as well as health promotion program developers and researchers can use these findings to increase intention and use of HCT services among at-risk youth.