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Published on: March 30, 2014
Insights
HIV testing prevalence varies across the U.S. by geographic area and sex. Promoting voluntary HIV counseling and testing is crucial for early detection and access to care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Prevention
Background:
- Over 816,000 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases reported by December 2001.
- A national goal to increase the proportion of HIV-infected individuals aware of their status from 70% to 95% by 2005.
- The Advancing HIV Prevention initiative aims for universal access to HIV testing, care, and prevention services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HIV-antibody testing among U.S. adults.
- To identify variations in HIV testing rates across different geographic areas and demographic groups.
- To inform strategies for improving HIV testing uptake and linkage to care.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
- Examination of HIV testing prevalence based on geographic location and sex.
- Statistical analysis to characterize testing disparities.
Main Results:
- Significant variability in HIV testing prevalence was observed across different U.S. areas.
- Differences in HIV testing rates were also noted based on sex within specific geographic regions.
- Findings highlight disparities in access to and utilization of HIV testing services.
Conclusions:
- HIV testing prevalence is not uniform across the United States.
- Targeted interventions are needed to address geographic and sex-based disparities in HIV testing.
- Increased promotion of voluntary HIV counseling and testing is essential for early diagnosis and effective HIV management.
Abstract:
As of December 2001, a cumulative total of 816,149 cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) had been reported to CDC (1). One of CDC's national human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)--prevention goals for 2005 (Goal 2) is to increase the proportion of HIV-infected persons in the United States who know they are infected from an estimated 70% to 95% (2). A goal of the new CDC initiative, Advancing HIV Prevention: New Strategies for a Changing Epidemic, is to ensure that every HIV-infected person has the opportunity to be tested and has access to state-of-the-art medical care and prevention services needed to prevent HIV transmission (3). To characterize the prevalence of HIV-antibody testing among U.S. adults, CDC analyzed data from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The findings document variability in HIV testing prevalence by area and by sex within areas, underscoring the ongoing need to promote voluntary HIV counseling and testing that will provide persons with early knowledge of their HIV status and offer them access to appropriate counseling and treatment.
