Comparison of HIV-risk behaviors and demographics of adolescents tested or not tested for HIV infection
RIS ID
57443
Abstract
In a survey of 2,548 adolescents, 11.5 percent reported ever having had the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody test. Those who had been tested were significantly more likely to be male, black, and to reside in metropolitan areas than those who had not been tested. Tested adolescents were more than three times as likely to report having injected drugs and were more than twice as likely to have had sexual intercourse, had sexual intercourse at earlier ages, and with multiple partners. More than half of adolescents who had been HIV-tested had no reported risks for HIV infection. More than one-quarter of adolescents not tested reported at least one HIV risk factor. These data suggest the importance of discussing the HIV testing and counseling process within any HIV education program directed to adolescents.
Publication Details
Main, D. S., Iverson, D. C. & McGloin, J. (1994). Comparison of HIV-risk behaviors and demographics of adolescents tested or not tested for HIV infection. Public Health Reports, 109 (5), 699-702.