HIV testing among youth in a high-risk city: prevalence predictors and gender differences

摘要

While HIV is prevalent among adolescents and young adults, testing levels remain low and little is known about gender differences in HIV testing. The objectives of the study were to describe the prevalence of past-year HIV testing, and evaluate associations between HIV testing and individual- and partner-level factors by gender among heterosexually experienced youth (15-24 years) in Baltimore, Maryland (N=352). Past-year HIV testing was prevalent (60.1%) and differed by gender (69.4% among women vs. 49.6% among men, p=0.005). For women, African American race (AOR 3.09), and recent older partner by <=2 years (AOR 4.04) were significantly associated with increased testing. Among men, only African American race was associated with increased testing (OR 4.23), with no patterns identified based on risk behavior or perceived partner risk. HIV testing among adolescent and young adults was prevalent in this highly affected urban area and provide direction for optimizing engagement in HIV testing.