Table 1 Psychosocial determinants, items used in the survey to measure each determinant, and response percentages in the total sample surveyed

Perceived risk

Thinks that he/she could become infected with HIV¹

9.2ª

[7.7, 10.7]

0.47

1.01

2.34

Underestimation of risk of infection (unrealistic optimism)

Thinks he/she is less likely to become infected by HIV than the average of the population¹

53.8^b

[51.3,56.3]

1.01

0.18

-1.01

Knowledge about HIV sexual transmission

Considers that it is likely to become infected by HIV through sexual intercourse if condoms are not used

90.5ª

[89, 92]

0.45

-0.76

0.15

Invulnerability associated with stereotypes

Does not think he/she can become infected because only certain groups of people have HIV¹

41.7^b

[39.2,44.2]

0.87

0.52

-0.84

Perceived threat

Would feel afraid if he/she received a positive diagnosis¹

81.9^b

[79.2, 83.2]

0.41

-0.65

-0.53

Perceived severity

AIDS is a deadly disease¹

39^b

[36.5,41.5]

0.92

0.51

-0.85

AIDS is a very serious disease¹

81.8^b

[79.8, 83.8]

0.55

-0.48

-0.33

Perceived stigma

People with HIV are highly rejected in society¹

78.9^b

[76.8,81]

0.69

-0.55

-0.25

Self-efficacy

Perceived ability to be tested¹

87.9^c

[86.2, 89.6]

0.43

-1.67

2.72

Perceived ability to deal with a positive result¹

76.4^c

[74.2, 78.6]

0.70

-0.78

0.22

Social proximity

Has people nearby who have been tested¹

9.4^d

[7.9, 10.9]

0.60

0.97

0.53

Motivation to comply with referents

Would be tested if asked to by reference persons¹

95.7^b

[94.7, 96.7]

0.24

-2.63

6.29

Perceived benefits of knowing a positive diagnosis

Receiving treatment as soon as possible and controlling the disease¹

99^b

[98.5, 99.5]

0.02

-5.95

34.3

Protecting the partner and preventing transmission¹

99.1^b

[98.6, 99.6]

0.02

-5.95

34.3

Having information about the diagnosis would relieve you about your health status¹

94.3^b

[93.1, 95.5]

0.09

-2.57

4.76

Instrumental attitude (M ± SD)

Considers it harmful-beneficial to be tested²

8.14 ± 2.56

3.51

-2.24

6.25

Considers it useless-useful to be tested²

8.52 ± 2.56

1.34

-2.27

4.49

Emotional attitude (M ± SD)

Considers it unpleasant-pleasant to be tested²

4.44 ± 3.63

12.48

-0.12

-1.14

Considers it stressful-relaxing to be tested²

4.02 ± 3.57

11.84

0.38

-0.94