Knowledge, perceived risks and barriers to HIV testing among Asian-American adolescents: Implications for targeted health education activities

Background: Studies have shown that, despite having similar rates of sexual activity and risk for HIV infection, Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) in the United States have significantly lower rate of HIV testing. The limited studies that examine perceived or actual barriers to HIV testing in the API community have focused on adults rather than adolescents, who may be at the highest risk at contracting HIV. Methods: Anonymous and confidential surveys were administered to Asian-American teens aged 13 to 21 years in community health center and schools in NYC Chinatown to assess HIV knowledge and perceptions of barriers to HIV testing. Demographic information such as gender, age, birth place, prior sexual activity and previous HIV testing was collected. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the different demographic variables and HIV testing. Results: The preliminary data suggested that non-sexually active, younger, never-been-tested or foreign-born teens were less knowledgeable about HIV. Barriers to testing included lack of knowledge of available testing sites and lack of discussion with pediatrician for the non-sexually active or foreign-born teens, while fear or embarrassment of others' knowing and low perceived risk were the likely reasons to not get tested for the sexually active or US-born teens. Conclusion: The findings call for better education regarding the importance, ease and availability of HIV testing to be provided to Asian-American adolescents, especially the foreign-born. Perceived lower risk for HIV and fear of association with sexual activity should be addressed when offering health education activities to Asian-American adolescents.