Abstract
Abstract
Objective:
Gaps in sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing can lead to poor health outcomes due to untreated illness among youth living with HIV (YLHIV). Thus, the objective of this study is to examine STI testing behavior and outcomes among a sample of YLHIV in the southern United States. Clinical records of 139 YLHIV who received HIV care in Alabama (2017–2020) were evaluated for receipt of STI testing (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis), prevalence of positive test results, and factors associated with testing outcomes (933 clinical visits).
Results:
Nearly 80% of our sample identified as African American, most were 20–24 years, and about 60% reported detectable viral load at first visit during the study period. Just under 60% of cisgender male and transgender female clients reported receipt of at least one STI test, compared to less than 40% of cisgender females. Identifying as a cisgender male and having been diagnosed with HIV related to sex with men were associated with greater likelihood receiving STI testing. Cisgender males reported higher rates of positive syphilis test results than cisgender females; the highest rates of positive STI tests were among transgender females. Results underscore need for providers to promote routine STI testing to YLHIV.
Funder
National Institute of Mental Health
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,General Medicine
Reference8 articles.
1. Gamarel KE, Nichols S, Kahler CW, Westfall AO, Lally MA, Wilson CM. A cross-sectional study examining associations between substance use frequency, problematic use and STIs among youth living with HIV. Sex Transm Infect. 2018;94(4):304.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Screening Recommendations and Considerations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines and Original Sources 2021 [Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm.
3. Budhwani H, Kiszla MB, Hightow-Weidman LB. Adapting digital health interventions for the evolving HIV landscape: examples to support prevention and treatment research. March. 2022;17(2):112–8(7).
4. Buchacz K, Patel P, Taylor M, Kerndt PR, Byers RH, Holmberg SD, et al. Syphilis increases HIV viral load and decreases CD4 cell counts in HIV-infected patients with new syphilis infections. Aids. 2004;18(15):2075–9.
5. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. 2021 [Available from: https://www.hrsa.gov/ending-hiv-epidemic.