HIV Insight: HIV Testing Patterns among Urban YMSM of Color

The heightened level of risk for HIV infection among African-American and Latino young men who have sex with men (YMSM) is driven by multi-level influences. \

Using cross-sectional data, we examined HIV testing patterns among urban YMSM of color in a high HIV sero-prevalence area (ages 16 to 21 years). Self-reported frequency of testing was high with 42% of youth reporting testing at a greater frequency than recommended guidelines. There were no differences between less frequent and high frequent testers on sexual risk behaviors. Most (80%) youth cited reassurance of HIV-negative status as a reason for testing. Further, over half of the sample reported numerous other reasons for HIV testing, which spanned individual, partner, social, and structural levels of influence. Approximately half of respondents indicated that peers, family members, and counselors influenced their motivation to get tested. Of concern, youths’ first HIV test occurred approximately two years after their first sexual experience with another male.

These results indicate the need to consider developmental issues as well as for comprehensive, multi-level efforts to ensure that YMSM of color test at the CDC-recommended frequency, but not less than this or too frequently.

Reasons for HIV Testing by HIV Testing Frequency

	Minimum Frequency HIV Testers % (N = 43)	High Frequency HIV Testers % (N = 37)	Total % (N = 80)
Individual Influences
Want to be reassured not HIV positive (n = 79)	73.8	83.8	78.5
Feel anxious or worried about being HIV positive (n = 80)	48.8	64.9	56.3
Feel at risk due to own behavior * (n = 80)	37.2	62.1	48.8
Diagnosed with an STD (n = 79)	31.0	37.8	34.2
Wanted to stop using condoms (n = 80)	25.6	40.5	32.5
Want to have children† (n = 80)	16.3	35.1	25.0
Partner Level Influences
Have a new sexual partner (n = 80)	46.5	54.1	50.0
My partner’s sexual behavior	42.9	54.1	48.1
Suspect my partner is HIV positive† (n = 79)	35.7	56.8	45.6
A new partner asked† (n = 80)	20.9	37.8	28.8
Risk from my partner’s HIV status (n = 79)	19.0	32.4	25.3
Risk from my partner’s drug use (n = 79)	19.0	21.6	20.3
Might have exposed partner to HIV (n = 79)	11.9	24.3	17.7
Social Influences
Friends or family members were getting tested * (n = 80)	34.9	62.2	47.5
Friends or family were HIV positive (n = 80)	11.6	24.3	17.5
Structural Influences
A counselor or other professional suggested (n = 80)	48.8	56.8	53.8
Offered as part of my regular medical care† (n = 79)	58.1	38.9	49.4
Research study (n = 80)	20.9	27.0	23.8
Received a stipend (n = 80)	20.9	27.0	21.3
In foster care (n = 80)	9.3	18.9	13.8