The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71820

Grace L. Reynolds, DPA(c), Jennifer A. Klahn, MA, Catherine M. Branson, BA, and Dennis G. Fisher, PhD. Center for Behavioral Research & Services, California State University, Long Beach, 1090 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813, 562-495-2330, greynol2@csulb.edu

Objective: To investigate HIV testing patterns and risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults less than 21 years of age who received testing through a publicly funded mobile testing program in Long Beach, CA. Methods: Descriptive data are presented on number of prior HIV tests, test results, and drug risk behaviors. Chi-square analyses were used to determine relationships between race/ethnicity and risk behaviors. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine differences in mean number of lifetime HIV tests and race/ethnicity. Results: In 2001, 58 individuals between the ages of 13 and 20 were tested. The majority (53%) were White 31/58), 26% were Latino, 12% were African American, 3.5% were Native American, 3.5% were Asian, and 2% were Other race/ethnicity. Twenty-nine (50%) were male, 28 were female and 1 was a pregnant female. 91% reported their reasons for their most recent HIV test as risky behavior, and the remainder “just wanted to know.” 14% reported recent heroin injection and 19% reported using heroin but not injecting it. 26% reported recent crack cocaine use and 48% reported recent amphetamine use. 69% reported at least one previous HIV test (range 0-8). There was a significant relationship between race/ethnicity and heroin use, both injected and non-injected, with Whites being significantly more likely to use heroin in either form (injected heroin c(5)=10.10, p = .07; non-injected heroin c(5) = 10.86, p=.05). There were no race/ethnicity differences in the mean number of lifetime HIV tests. Conclusion: Perception that they are at high risk appears to motivate the majority of young adults who participate in HIV testing.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the relationship between drug use, including injection drug use, and its role in motivating HIV testing behavior in adolescents and young adults

Keywords: Drug Injectors, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.