Prevalence and Correlates of HIV Testing among Sexual Minorities

Abstract

Objectives: We established baseline prevalence rates of HIV testing among adult, sexual minorities and identified the correlates of never being HIV tested. Methods: We used a 20-state sample of the 2017-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to identify sexual minorities who responded to the HIV testing question (N=433,042). Using weighted multivariate logistic regression analysis, we identified the characteristics associated with never being HIV tested and the impact of state health departments' HIV testing messages on testing status. Results: Overall, 41.6% of sexual minorities reported never being HIV tested with statistically significant state-level variation. Being younger (18-24 years) or older (65+ years), not black, married, and in good health significantly increased the odds of never being HIV tested as did lacking regular healthcare access and reporting no high-risk HIV behaviors. States' HIV testing messages had no statistically significant effect on HIV testing status. Conclusions: Although sexual minorities were less likely than straight respondents to report never being HIV tested, a sizable population remained untested. Specific characteristics associated with sexual minorities' HIV testing status can be used to tailor public health messages and optimize testing rates.