Factors associated with HIV Testing within the National Health Interview Survey (2006-2018)

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends lifetime HIV testing for individuals aged 13-64.
• HIV screening prevalence is disproportionately distributed across racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
• Addressing these disparities is crucial for effective HIV prevention and care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the prevalence of HIV testing across different racial/ethnic populations in the US.
• To identify demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors associated with HIV testing.
• To inform strategies for increasing HIV testing rates and reducing health disparities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of National Health Interview Survey data from 2006-2018.
• Inclusion of over 300,000 individuals across White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian racial/ethnic groups.
• Logistic regression modeling to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for HIV testing.

Main Results:

• HIV testing prevalence was approximately 36% for White, 61% for Black, 47% for Hispanic, and 36% for Asian individuals.
• Black (OR=2.44) and Hispanic (OR=1.28) individuals had higher odds of testing compared to White individuals.
• Asian individuals (OR=0.74) had lower odds of testing; males, married individuals, younger/older adults, those with lower education/income, better self-reported health, and no health visits were also less likely to test.

Conclusions:

• Significant racial/ethnic disparities exist in lifetime HIV testing in the US.
• Socioeconomic and demographic factors influence HIV testing likelihood.
• Targeted interventions are needed to improve HIV screening rates among underserved populations and reduce health inequities.