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

Abstract

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 this 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 testing. Among men, only African-American race was associated with 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. Findings emphasize the value of a gender lens, and provide direction for optimizing engagement in HIV testing.

Keywords:

• adolescent
• HIV testing
• gender differences

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [NICHD R01HD057789; PI Sherman] and the Johns Hopkins Center for AIDS Research [JHU CFAR; NIAID 1P30AI094189; PI Chaisson].