Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and high-risk HIV behavior among 18–22 year-old students and non-students: Results of the National Survey of Family Growth

Background: This study characterized human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and high-risk behavior among 18–22 year-olds by enrollment in an undergraduate education program. Methods: Data from 18–22 year-olds (n=2007) in Cycle 6 of the National Survey of Family Growth, a nationally representative survey conducted March 2002–February 2003, were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods. Results: The estimated percentage of 18–22 year-olds ever tested for HIV excluding during blood donation was 34.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31.6–36.8%) and was less common among students than non-students after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity and marital status (adjusted OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.40-0.73). The estimated percentage tested during the previous year was 18.1% (95% CI 16.1–20.1%), and there was no difference between students and non–students (adjusted OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.55–1.05). The estimated percentage of 18–22 year olds reporting any high-risk HIV behavior was 37.5% (95% CI 34.4%–40.5%). Of these, only 28.3% (95% CI 24.5%–32.0%) had an HIV test within the year prior to the study, and this did not vary by student status (adjusted OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.62–1.35). Conclusions: Over a third of this young adult population reported high-risk HIV behavior. Of these, less than a third was tested for HIV excluding blood donation during the year prior to the study. These results indicate that enhanced HIV testing and prevention efforts are needed for students and non-students and that HIV testing in this age group should be monitored over time.