Abstract
Urban teens disproportionately impacted by HIV may not seek HIV testing. The objectives of this study are to determine factors that impact HIV testing among sexually active and non-sexually active teens seeking care in an urban academic setting; whether teens with high levels of self-efficacy are more likely to receive HIV testing; and whether an teen's ability to cope impacts positive attitudes toward testing. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 228 HIV negative adolescent and young adult participants age 12-21 who received care in an academic urban primary care clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. Most youth reported being sexually active (N=146, 64%) and reported having been tested at that day's visit (N=135, 85%). Provider recommendation was significantly associated with higher odds of testing among sexually active teens (OR 3.5, 95%CI 1.07-11.7) and those with no prior sexual history (OR 5.89, 95%CI 1.40-24.9), while high HIV stigma was associated with lower odds of testing (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.77) among youth with no prior sexual history. Sexually active teens with a positive attitude toward HIV testing were more likely to be older (late: 6.3 [1.0-40]), report intention to be tested in 6 months (OR 7.11, 95% CI 1.48 - 34.2), and have higher HIV coping self-efficacy (OR 1.12, 95%CI 1.00-1.26). Provider recommendation may be the most important independent factor for testing in teens, regardless of sexual history, while HIV-related stigma may be an important factor for teens with no prior sexual history and thus may be perceived to have little or no risk for HIV acquisition. In sexually active youth, older age, intention to be tested for HIV and the ability to cope with a positive diagnosis likely dictates adolescent attitudes toward engagement in HIV testing, although it may not directly correspond with HIV testing behavior.
Highlights
Some urban teens disproportionately affected by HIV, are less likely to seek HIV testing and counseling, two essential components of HIV care [1,2]
There were no differences observed between sexually active teens and those who are not sexually active with respect to being female or African American
Teens with a positive attitude toward HIV testing were more likely to be older age, report an intention to be tested in 6 months, and had been previously tested for HIV
Summary
Some urban teens disproportionately affected by HIV, are less likely to seek HIV testing and counseling, two essential components of HIV care [1,2]. Less than 25-30% of urban African American youth report a history of HIV testing [1,2]. In order to effectively prevent and treat HIV in this population, we need better strategies to increase uptake of available HIV testing and counseling services. Few explanations exist for why some teens living in urban communities engage in HIV testing while others do not. Studies have demonstrated that stigma inhibits and social support facilitates test acceptance in low-income urban teens [4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
