HIV testing factors among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: an analysis based on Lasso regression and Bayesian networks

Men who have sex with men (MSM) face a high risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and HIV testing is an effective strategy to reduce transmission. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with HIV testing among MSM and analyze the potential relationship between HIV testing and these factors. Non-probability sampling was used to obtain samples, and an electronic questionnaire was used for cross-sectional survey. Lasso regression was used to screen the variables. Bayesian networks (BNs) were used to explore the interrelationships among factors influencing HIV testing. Among the 1674 MSM, 68.22% had an HIV testing. BNs showed that HIV risk perception, number of male sexual partners, HIV knowledge and condom use were the factors directly related to HIV testing in MSM. Income, marital status and frequency of searching for sexual partners on the Internet were the indirect influencing factors of HIV testing. This study explored factors influencing HIV testing and the interrelationships among these factors among MSM, thereby providing a theoretical basis for improving the HIV testing rate.