HIV Testing Characteristics among Hispanic Adolescents

Author(s)

Mindy Ma, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Lydia R. Malcolm, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Kristine Diaz-Albertini, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Vera A. Klinoff, Nova Southeastern University

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Community Health

ISSN

0094-5145

Publication Date

2-2016

Abstract

Hispanic adolescents are dis proportionally impacted by HIV/AIDS. Among Hispanic people living with HIV, delayed testing and late entry into HIV care have been documented. The current study examined Hispanic adolescents’ HIV testing characteristics and factors related to testing. Adolescents aged 13–16 (N = 223) completed a survey on HIV testing motivation, perceptions, and experience, sexual behavior, and substance use. Results indicate few adolescents (9 %) had taken an HIV test. Among those who have not been tested, 32.5 % expressed interest in testing. HIV testing was favorably perceived with 82.4 % reported testing should be done with all youth or those are sexually active. Adolescents who had engaged in high risk behaviors (history of sexual intercourse, substance use) were more likely to have been tested or to express interest in testing. Given that HIV testing is positively perceived by Hispanic adolescents, prevention efforts should focus on minimizing barriers and enhancing accessibility to HIV screening.

DOI

10.1007/s10900-015-0056-7

Volume

41

Issue

1

First Page

11

Last Page

14

NSUWorks Citation

Ma, M., Malcolm, L. R., Diaz-Albertini, K., Klinoff, V. A. (2016). HIV Testing Characteristics among Hispanic Adolescents. Journal of Community Health, 41(1), 11-14.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/968