Abstract
The study's aims were to describe rapid and conventional HIV testing practices and referrals/linkages to services posttest among homeless youth in New York City. We also examined variation among service-involved youth, street youth, and "nomads." Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit 217 homeless youth who participated in structured interviews. Almost all youth were tested in the past year (82%). Most received pretest/posttest counseling (> 77%). Rapid testing was common and conducted in diverse settings. However, youth reported that rates of referral/linkage to services posttest were low (< 44.4%). Service-involved youth were significantly more likely to receive rapid testing, be tested in the past year, and be tested at a high frequency. Street youth and nomads, those at highest risk for poor health outcomes, had less access to testing and may require creative, lowthreshold services. Further, a better understanding of barriers to the use of referrals/linkages to services posttest is needed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 312-327 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | AIDS Education and Prevention |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2010 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases