A Prospective Analysis of HIV Testing among an At-Risk Community Sample of Adolescents and Young Adults

Background: Little is known about predictors of HIV testing among sexually active adolescents, who account for a large proportion of new HIV infections. This study sought to determine predictors of HIV testing among a large community based sample of adolescents who had recent unprotected sexual intercourse. Method: Sexually active adolescents and young adults (N=1222; mean age= 18.2 years) completed baseline and 3 month assessments of sexual behavior, substance use and HIV testing behaviors as part of a larger, multi-site, brief HIV prevention program. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the most salient predictors of adolescent HIV testing. Results: Fifty percent of adolescents reported having previously been tested for HIV, and of those one-third got tested in the next 3 months without a specific intervention. Adolescents who received HIV testing were more likely to have ever been tested, have a STI diagnosis, have not used substances during sex and have been assertive about condom use with a partner. Conclusions: Health care models encouraging testing at an earlier age may be an important public health initiative to curb the spread of HIV. Regular HIV screenings provide an opportunity to enhance awareness of behavioral risk and HIV status, as well as provide opportunities for early detection and care.