Objective:

To identify the adherence and describe the factors associated with the realization of HIV testing among carnival participants.

Method:

Cross-sectional study with 557 participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was performed and a chi-square test was used, with a significance level of 95%.

Results:

Among participants, 66.2% had been tested for HIV at least once in life, 54.2% had been tested in the last 12 months, and 83.8% had never taken the rapid test. There was a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) of HIV testing with the variables gender, age group, relationship, sexual practice with same-sex partners, registration in Basic Care Units and knowledge about health services that perform the free HIV testing.

Conclusion:

Issues related to social, cultural, gender, and health access aspects showed to be more effective in stimulating testing than exposure to risky sexual practices.

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