Open AccessFactors Associated With HIV Testing Among Atlanta's Homeless Youth
Author(s) -
Ranell L. Myles,
Janae N. Best,
Greg Bautista,
Eric R. Wright,
Ana LaBoy,
Zewditu Demissie,
Hazel D. Dean
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
aids education and prevention
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.309
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1943-2755
pISSN - 0899-9546
DOI - 10.1521/aeap.2020.32.4.325
Subject(s) - atlanta , medicine , transactional sex , population , gerontology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , demography , environmental health , family medicine , metropolitan area , pathology , sociology , research methodology
Homeless youth experience increased risk of contracting HIV, making HIV testing imperative in this population. We analyzed factors associated with HIV testing among homeless youth in Atlanta, Georgia using data from the 2015 Atlanta Youth Count and Needs Assessment. The analysis included 693 homeless youth aged 14-25 years, of whom 88.4% reported ever being tested for HIV, and 74.6% reported being tested within the previous year. Prevalence of ever testing for HIV was significantly higher among youth who reported risk factors for HIV (sexually active, transactional sex, or ever having an STI). Higher prevalence of testing within the last year was significantly associated with experiencing physical abuse or transactional sex. However, reporting ≥ 4 sexual partners or not using condoms were not associated with higher testing. Although testing prevalence among homeless youth was high, homeless youth engaging in certain high risk behaviors could benefit from further promotion of HIV testing.