HIV testing in the Danish population: a national representative survey, 2000.

AIMS: To describe the accumulated prevalence of HIV testing in the Danish population until and including the year 2000.

METHODS

The study was based on nationally representative data from the Danish Health Interview Survey 2000. Multiple logistic regression analysis investigated the association between HIV testing and background variables, such as gender, age, marital status, educational level, and sexual orientation.

RESULTS

Overall 28.5% of the Danish population aged over 16 years have "ever been tested for HIV". More females (29.4%) than males (27.6%) were tested; 12.6% might not be aware of their blood being HIV tested when donating blood. More males (17.1%) than females (13.8%) had donated blood after 1985. Although males 30-39 years old were the most tested, males 50-59 years old had the highest odds of having donated blood after 1985. Concerning education, the less education one had, the less likely one was to have been HIV tested. Of men having sex with men, only 44% were "ever HIV tested".

CONCLUSIONS

Positive association between extent of HIV testing and some sociodemographic factors was seen. Heterosexuals are HIV tested at lower rates than men having sex with men. Yet, stronger promotion of HIV testing among men having sex with men is recommended. Targeting prevention efforts towards other known risk groups is also recommended.