Determinants of HIV-Screening among Adult Women in the United States
ZENA R. CARTER
Advisor: Saba Masho, MD, MPH, DrPH
BACKGROUND: Women represent more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses; in particular, women of color are disproportionately affected. Early detection and knowledge of HIV status are essential in the management and prevention of the disease. Further research is needed to extensively investigate predictors of HIV/AIDS screening among minority women.
OBJECTIVES: 1) To estimate the rate of HIV screening among U.S. adult women, ages 18-64; and 2) to identify determinants of HIV screening among this population.
METHODS: The 2006 National Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was utilized. Female respondents aged 18-64 (N=160,388) were included in the analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to examine predictors of HIV screening.
RESULTS: Nearly 39% of the women reported that they were screened for HIV in their lifetime. Being Black, 25-34 years old, having a lower income, unemployed, unmarried, having fair or poor health and lack of insurance were significant predictors of having HIV screening.
CONCLUSION: Findings of this study suggest that Black, young, unmarried and women with a lower socioeconomic status were more likely to receive HIV screening. However, efforts need to be made to target other populations such as the elderly.
