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Amplifying and Quantifying HIV-1 RNA in HIV Infected Individuals with Viral Loads Below the Limit of Detection by Standard Clinical Assays
Published on: September 26, 2011
HIV testing in recent college students: prevalence and correlates
Kimberly M Caldeira1, Barbara J Singer, Kevin E O'Grady
1Center on Young Adult Health and Development, University of Maryland School of Public Health, Department of Family Science, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
Summary
Nearly half of college students were tested for HIV. Testing correlated with substance use, sexual activity, and healthcare visits, showing high testing rates are achievable in this population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- HIV testing is crucial for early detection and prevention.
- Understanding factors influencing HIV testing among young adults is essential for targeted interventions.
- College students represent a population with unique behavioral and health-seeking patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HIV testing in a sample of unmarried recent US college students.
- To identify correlates of HIV testing, including sexual behaviors, STI history, healthcare utilization, and substance use.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 957 unmarried recent college students during the 2008-2009 academic year.
- Data collected on HIV testing, sexual activity, STI treatment, healthcare visits, and alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependence.
- Statistical analyses to identify factors associated with HIV testing.
Main Results:
- 41.9% of students reported ever being tested for HIV.
- HIV testing was positively associated with AOD dependence, unprotected sex frequency, number of sex partners, physical exams, healthcare visits, and prior STI treatment.
- Women were more likely to be tested than men, even with similar risky sexual behaviors.
Conclusions:
- HIV testing is feasible in college populations, with nearly half of students tested.
- Risk behaviors and healthcare engagement are key correlates of HIV testing.
- Interventions can leverage healthcare utilization and address substance use to promote HIV testing among college students.
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