Factors Associated with HIV Testing Among People Who Inject Drugs: Findings from a Multistate Study at the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

Few studies have examined HIV testing among people who inject drugs (PWID) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines factors associated with PWID who have been recently (past six months) tested for HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic. PWID were recruited between August 2020 and January 2021 from 22 drug treatment and harm reduction programs in nine states and the District of Columbia. We used logistic regression to identify correlates of recent HIV testing among PWID (n = 289). Most (52.9%) PWID reported having been recently tested for HIV. Factors associated with recent HIV testing included: having attended college [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.32, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.32-4.10], weekly hunger (aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.20-3.60), crystal methamphetamine injection (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.97), and non-metropolitan residence (aOR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13, 0.88). Findings suggest HIV testing initiatives should be expanded during times of crisis, such as global pandemics.