HIV testing among detained youth

Dexter R. Voisin, Laura F. Salazar, Richard Crosby, Ralph J. DiClemente, William L. Yarber, Michelle Staples-Home

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Published reports have not investigated the issue of voluntary HIV testing among detained youth, a population disproportionately infected with HIV compared to other adolescent groups. Data were collected from 467 sexually active detained adolescents in Georgia on demographic, environmental, and drug and sexual history variables, to explore differences between those who ever tested for HIV and those who never tested for HIV prior to being detained. Among the total sample, testing was associated with living in a rural area, having received school or community-based sex education classes, causing a pregnancy or having been pregnant, having had an STD diagnosis, and recently having sex with a partner who was high on drugs. However, there were significant gender differences with respect to these findings. Results suggest that a significant number of detained adolescents (especially males) engage in risky sexual behaviors, but have never been tested for HIV: Consequently, strongly promoting HIV testing at detention centers may serve as a significant best baseline care practice for detained youth.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)83-96
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of HIV/AIDS Prevention in Children and Youth
Volume6
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004

Keywords

  • Detained adolescents
  • Gender
  • HIV
  • Testing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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