PIN50 NON-SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIORS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED ODDS OF HIV TESTING: RESULTS FROM THE 2017 BRFSS

Abstract

Of the >1 million people in the United States living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), over 10% are unaware of their infection but cause 40% of new HIV infections by transmitting HIV to others. Selected non-sexual risk behaviors (nSRB) have been shown to be markers of HIV risk, which is associated with HIV testing uptake; yet, the association between nSRB and HIV testing is still exploratory. To evaluate the benefits of targeting HIV testing efforts based on nSRB, this study investigates the relationship between HIV testing behavior and four nSRB: smoking, vaping, heavy alcohol consumption and not wearing a seatbelt in a car. 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis describing the associations between HIV testing and the four nSRBs, both individually and compiled in a nSRB index ranging from 0 to 4. Of the 189,875 study participants most were female (56%), 50 years or older (67%), non-Hispanic white (76%), practiced at least one nSRB (53%), and had never tested for HIV (67%). Three nSRBs were significantly associated with HIV testing (smoking: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.6-1.8]; vaping: aOR 1.6, 95% CI [1.5-1.7]; heavy alcohol consumption: aOR 1.2, 95% CI [1.1-1.3]); while not wearing a seatbelt was not significantly associated. Engaging in multiple nSRB was associated with increased odds of HIV testing, with aORs steadily increasing up to 2.2 (95% CI [1.5-3.2]) for all four nSRB. Other significant associations included gender, age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, HIV-related risk behaviors, recent flu shot, and time since last check-up. Results indicate higher odds of HIV testing among people engaging in nSRB. Future research should evaluate how diverse risk behaviors interact and correlate with actual and perceived HIV risk to target HIV prevention and testing initiatives at high risk populations.