Risk profile and HIV testing outcomes of women undergoing community-based testing in San Diego 2008-2014

Sci Rep. 2017 Feb 6:7:42183. doi: 10.1038/srep42183.

Abstract

Women comprised 19% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States in 2014, with significant racial and ethnic disparities in infection rates. This cross-sectional analysis of women enrolled in a cohort study compares demographics, risk behaviour, and sexually transmitted infections (STI) in those undergoing HIV testing in San Diego County. Data from the most recent screening visit of women undergoing voluntary HIV screening April 2008 -July 2014 was used. HIV diagnosis, risk behaviour and self-reported STIs were compared among women aged ≤24, 25-49, and ≥50, as well as between HIV-infected and uninfected women and between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women. Among the 2535 women included, Hispanic women were less likely than other women to report unprotected vaginal intercourse (p = 0.026) or stimulant drug use (p = 0.026), and more likely to report one or fewer partners (p < 0.0001), but also more likely to report sex with an HIV-infected individual (p = 0.027). New HIV infection was significantly more prevalent among Hispanic women (1.6% vs. 0.2%; p < 0.001). Hispanic women were more likely than other women to be diagnosed with HIV despite significantly lower rates of risk behaviour. Culturally specific risk reduction interventions for Hispanic women should focus on awareness of partner risk and appropriate testing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Black People
  • Black or African American
  • California / epidemiology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / ethnology*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Partners / psychology
  • Unsafe Sex / ethnology
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data*
  • White People