Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus testing and associated risk factors in college students

This study documents the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in a sample of college students and examines associated demographic and behavioral characteristics.

College students aged 18 or older were randomly selected to participate in a health behavior survey at a southeastern university in September 2011.

Only sexually active students were included (N = 905). Relationships between demographic and sexual behavior characteristics were explored using logistic regression and classification regression tree (p ≤.05).

Only 36.2% reported having been tested for HIV. Age was the most significant factor associated with testing. Factors associated with those least likely to be tested were race and anal sexual activity. Unsafe sexual behaviors were also associated with lower rates of HIV testing.

Findings support the need for targeted HIV interventions on college campuses. Such interventions need to be tailored for at-risk students and take into consideration factors likely to contribute to HIV testing.