Correlates of HIV Testing Intentions among African-American Women in the Southeastern United States

Background: National guidelines recommend that HIV testing be performed routinely in high-risk individuals, such as those with STI diagnoses and have partners who exhibit high-risk behaviors. While studies have examined the correlates of HIV testing, very few have examined the correlates of HIV testing intentions. This study examined behavioral and biological factors as correlates of HIV testing intentions among young African-American women.

Methods: A sample of 848 African-American females (ages 18-29) completed a computer-assisted survey assessing sociodemographic characteristics, intention to obtain an HIV test in the next 6 months, having a risky partner, and perceived control over partners' STI testing. Participants also provided vaginal swab specimens assayed for STIs. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the associations between correlates of HIV testing and HIV testing intentions.

Results: Mean age was 22; 70% reported intentions to obtain an HIV test. Controlling for age and education, factors associated with intentions to obtain an HIV test included perceived control over partner's testing behavior (OR= 2.56, p=.004), having a risky partner (OR=1.64, p=.04), and a positive test for trichomoniasis (OR=4.77, p=.04).

Discussion: These findings suggest that behavioral factors and STI diagnosis are associated with young, African-American women's intention to get an HIV test. When taking medical histories, providers should consider assessing STI-related symptoms and behavioral risk factors of patients. Since intention to perform a behavior is a strong predictor of the actual behavior, providers may be uniquely positioned to intervene with patients who exhibit high-risk behaviors and influence them to pursue HIV testing.