Trends in HIV Testing among Adults in Georgia: Analysis of the 2011-2015 BRFSS data

• Main Author: Benjamin Ansa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Georgia Southern University 2017-07-01
• Series: Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association
• Subjects: hiv/aids; testing; trends; behavioral risk factor surveillance system; socio-demographic; georgia
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/jgpha/vol7/iss1/36

Background: Georgia is ranked fifth highest among states for rates of HIV diagnosis. About 4% of persons living with HIV infection in the United States reside in Georgia, and almost 19% of these people do not know their HIV status. The present study examined the trends and associated factors of HIV testing among adults in Georgia between 2011 and 2015. Methods: The 2011-2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were analyzed. Results:A total of 31,094 persons aged ≥18 years were identified who responded to the question “Have you ever been tested for HIV?” Overall, there were 11,286 (44.2%) respondents who had been tested for HIV, with a slight decrease in percentage from 45.6% in 2011 to 43.7% in 2015 (APC= -0.98, not significant). Factors associated with HIV testing were being female (p=0.004), black (pConclusions: Overall in Georgia, there has been a slight decline in the temporal trend of HIV testing, and more than half of adults have never been tested for HIV. For reducing HIV transmission in Georgia, enhancing access and utilization of HIV testing should be a public health priority. Key words: HIV/AIDS; testing; trends; Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; socio-demographic; Georgia