Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

5-2024

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Epidemiology

First Committee Member

Kendra Ratnapradipa, PhD, MSW

Second Committee Member

Ariane Rung, PhD, MPH

Third Committee Member

Anthony Blake, MPH

Fourth Committee Member

Ishrat Kamal-Ahmed, PhD

Abstract

Objective

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a global epidemic, and public health efforts are moderately effective to date. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine association between high-risk behavior (intravenous drug use, risky sexual behaviors) and odds of testing for HIV utilizing 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N= 445,132).

Methods

Using SAS 3.82, the age-stratified logistic regression model for exposure (high-risk behavior) and outcome (HIV testing) included covariates gender, race, income, mental health and checkup frequency.

Results

High-risk individuals had greater odds of testing compared to low-risk individuals (crude POR 2.98 [2.81 – 3.17]), with greatest odds observed among ages 18-24 (POR 3.2 [2.76 – 3.7]) and >=55 (POR 3.21 [2.68 – 3.85]). Persons aged 18-24 were the majority reporting high-risk behavior (14.5%). Women had greater testing odds (crude OR 1.12 [1.09 – 1.15]) and among non-Whites, other/multiracial non-Hispanics had lower testing odds (crude OR 1.12 [1.06 – 1.18]).

Conclusions

This study confirmed the association between high-risk behavior and HIV testing, highlighted opportunity for prevention among persons under 25 and provided direction for future research to target public health programs for disparate populations.

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