Young African American Females' HIV Testing Knowledge, Beliefs, and Sexual Behaviors

African American women are disproportionally affected by HIV/AIDS, especially young African American females. The purpose of the study was to assess the HIV testing knowledge, beliefs and sexual behaviors of young African American females aged 13-22. The participants were administered a pre-test and post test to assess their HIV testing knowledge, beliefs and sexual behaviors. The significance of the study is to advance the understanding of African American females' knowledge about HIV testing and sexual behaviors in order to prevent HIV transmission among young African American females. The major findings of the study included the following: 1) approximately 62.5% of the participants rated their knowledge about HIV testing from low to very low; 2) only 10.0% of the participants absolutely plan to have a HIV test in the next six months; 3) approximately 57.5% of the participants were very interested in learning more about HIV/AIDS and HIV testing; and 4) the majority of the participants reported not engaging in sexual activities (oral, vaginal, and anal sex), although 30% of them felt most of their friends have had vaginal sex. The major conclusions of the study were: 1) most of the participants' knowledge of HIV testing is low; 2) most of the participants do not intend to get tested for HIV within six months; and 3) most of the participants were not engaging in sexual activities, however, they felt the majority of their friends were having vaginal sex.