HIV Testing Behavior and Associated Characteristics Among U.S. Adults, 1993 and 1994

In this study we examined the prevalence of HIV testing and the factors that influence testing among U.S. adults. Data were obtained from the 1993 and 1994 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a state-specific, population-based, random telephone survey that collects health behavior information monthly from U.S. adults aged 18 years or older. AIDS-related questions were asked of adults under 65. Using weighted data and aggregating across states, we examined prevalence estimates and relationships among sociodemographic factors, perceived general health status, having health insurance, perceived risk for HIV infection, and having been tested voluntarily for HIV Among all respondents, 13.8% in 1993 and 18.5% in 1994 were tested voluntarily. Adults who were younger, Black, or female, had lower levels of income, resided in the West, had no health insurance, had poorer perceived general health, and were at greater perceived risk for HIV infection were significantly more likely to be voluntarily tested for HIV. Our prevalence estimates were similar to other national estimates. HIV testing also appears to have become more common. Factors found in our study that significantly influenced testing were similar to findings from other HIV studies. The results are encouraging as they indicate that those at greater risk for HIV are more likely to be tested. However, a substantial proportion of adults who perceived themselves to be at high or medium risk for HIV have not been tested. Efforts to encourage testing for these individuals should be continued.