Disparities in HIV Education and Testing Between Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Adolescents and Young Adults in the U.S.

Abstract

PurposeTo examine receipt of formal sexual health education on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and receipt of HIV testing in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) residing in nonmetropolitan versus metropolitan areas. MethodsA secondary data analysis of the 2015–2017 National Survey of Family Growth of AYAs ages 15–24 years (N = 3,114). Logistic regression models predicted associations between nonmetropolitan versus metropolitan status and outcomes of interest (formal sexual health education on HIV/AIDS and HIV testing). ResultsMost AYAs (85.3%) reported receiving formal sexual health education on HIV/AIDS, while less than half (46.9%) indicated receiving HIV testing. Residing in a nonmetropolitan area was associated with a lower odds of reporting formal sexual health education on HIV/AIDS (OR = .47, CI = [.29, .77]) but not with HIV testing (OR = 1.33, CI = [.89, 2.01]). ConclusionsAYAs living in nonmetropolitan areas are less likely to receive formal sexual health education on HIV/AIDS.