Age at first HIV test for MSM at a community health clinic in Los Angeles

Young MSM, especially ethnic and racial minority young MSM, bear a disproportionate burden of new HIV infections. This group also has the highest rates of undiagnosed infection and lowest rates of viral suppression. Previous research indicates that young MSM are testing for HIV too late, which may explain why rates of new HIV infection are rising in young Hispanic MSM and not falling in young Black and White MSM despite advances in preventive medications. Analysis of our sample showed an overall average age at first HIV test of approximately 26. The average age at first HIV test was 25.5 years for Black/African American individuals, 24.7 years for Hispanic individuals, and 28 years for White individuals. More testing resources and innovative outreach methods are needed to increase rates of testing among young MSM.