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Article
HIV Testing Characteristics among Hispanic Adolescents
Journal of Community Health
  • Mindy Ma, Nova Southeastern University
  • Lydia R. Malcolm, Nova Southeastern University
  • Kristine Diaz-Albertini, Nova Southeastern University
  • Vera A. Klinoff, Nova Southeastern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2016
Disciplines
Abstract/Excerpt

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
Citation Information
Mindy Ma, Lydia R. Malcolm, Kristine Diaz-Albertini and Vera A. Klinoff. "HIV Testing Characteristics among Hispanic Adolescents" Journal of Community Health Vol. 41 Iss. 1 (2016) p. 11 - 14 ISSN: 0094-5145
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mindy-ma/27/