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Table 3 Signal for taking action and perceived barriers to testing

From: Psychosocial determinants of HIV testing across stages of change in Spanish population: a cross-sectional national survey

 

Percent

95% CI

Reasons to be tested (signal for action)1,a

 It just seemed a good idea

56.4

[51.9, 60.9]

 The doctor or other health professional suggested getting tested

33.2

[28.9, 37.5]

 Is worried about the possibility of being infected

16.4

[13.1, 19.7]

 The partner or someone important has suggested getting tested or has asked whether he/she has been tested

9.6

[6.9, 12.3]

 Felt ill and decided, or has decided, to get a general checkup

19.6

[16, 23.2]

 Had doubts about whether a partner could have HIV or any other sexually transmitted infection

12.3

[9.3, 15.3]

 The doctor or nurse told him/her that they had been tested because it was just one more test of the health checkup

51.1

[46.6, 55.6]

 Does not know/Does not respond

4

[2.2, 5.8]

Perceived barriers to testing2,b

 Related to the health system

  The doctor has not recommended taking the test

81.4

[79.1–83.7]

  Would feel ashamed to talk about the test with the doctor

12.2

[10.3–14.1]

  Worried about what the doctor might think if he/she requests getting tested

9.3

[7.6–11]

Related stigma

 Concerned that someone may expose him/her

25.2

[22.6–27.8]

 Is afraid his/her name might appear in public records

29.3

[26.6–32]

 Concerned that loved ones will reject him/her

42.9

[40–45.8]

Structural barriers

 Has no time to go to take the test

13.6

[11.6–15.6]

 Does not know where to go to take the test

40.1

[37.2–43]

 The place where the test is done is far away

7.47

[5.8–9]

  1. CI Confidence interval
  2. 1 N = 470 (includes people at the stages of deciding to act, action, and abandonment)
  3. 2 N = 1044 (includes people at the stages of lack of awareness, deciding not to act, and abandonment)
  4. aItems have a dichotomous response. Percentage of people who respond “Yes.” b Items have a 4-point response range. Percentage or people who state that they agree “pretty much” or they “strongly agree”