High-risk HIV minorities in the United States: who gets tested and where?

Am J Health Behav. 2012 Mar;36(3):348-59. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.36.3.6.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess characteristics of high-risk populations tested for HIV at particular testing sites.

Methods: BRFSS data (N=20,633) was used to quantify rates of HIV testing and identify specific racial/ethnic testing locations.

Results: Analysis determined associations existing among high-risk individuals based on demographics. Testing differences were identified in racial/ ethnic groups among those at high-risk in the United States. HIV testing was more likely among high-risk African Americans (OR=1.62), other races (OR=1.42), and multiracial participants (OR=1.89) than whites.

Conclusions: Minorities were more likely to be tested at locations such as hospitals and clinics supporting the need for alternative testing locations.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / ethnology
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Minority Groups*
  • Risk-Taking*
  • United States
  • Young Adult