Abstract: Objective To gain insights into the status of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men （MSM） in Tongchuan City and analyze the associated factors influencing HIV self-testing in this population, aiming to provide a scientific foundation for promoting HIV self-testing among MSM. Methods A cross-sectional survey on HIV self-testing among MSM in Tongchuan City was conducted from March to May 2023 using a ‘snowball’ approach. The survey analysis included general demographic characteristics, high-risk behaviors, and HIV testing practices. Results A total of 447 valid questionnaires were collected, with 264 individuals reporting HIV self-test experience. Among them, 81.8%（216 individuals） purchased self-test reagents through online platforms. Salivary （urine） and blood test reagents were used by 134 （50.8%） and 83 （31.4%） participants, respectively, while a combination of both was utilized by 47 individuals （17.7%）. Out of the remaining 183 respondents who had not undergone HIV self-testing, 102 （55.7%） thought that the results of HIV self-testing were unreliable, and 53 （29.0%） had not considered self-testing. The median age of MSM was 33 （27, 43） years, 105 individuals （23.5%） were in the age ≥40 group, and 304 individuals （68.0%） were unmarried. Approximately 62.0% （277/447） of MSM perceived themselves to be at risk for HIV infection, 72.5% （324/447） had unprotected anal sex within 6 months, and 245 individuals were habitually tested for HIV, which accounted for 54.8%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age ≥40 years （OR=0.467） and married （OR=0.435） were deterrents to HIV self-testing among MSM. Self-perceived risk of HIV infection （OR=2.069）, unprotected anal sex within 6 months （OR=1.633）, and habitual HIV testing （OR=1.837） were the facilitators of HIV self-testing among MSM. Conclusions The HIV self-testing rate among MSM in Tongchuan City is relatively low, indicating significant room for improvement in the implementation of HIV self-testing initiatives. Therefore, it is imperative to actively promote HIV self-testing among MSM to effectively enhance the identification of individuals infected with HIV.

Key words: Men who have sex with men, HIV self-testing, Influencing factor