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Trends in HIV Testing among Adults in Georgia: Analysis of the 2011–2015 BRFSS Data

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  • Benjamin E. Ansa

    (Institute of Public & Preventive Health, Augusta University, CJ-2300 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA)

  • Sashia White

    (Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA)

  • Yunmi Chung

    (Institute of Public & Preventive Health, Augusta University, CJ-2300 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA)

  • Selina A. Smith

    (Institute of Public & Preventive Health, Augusta University, CJ-2300 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
    Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA)

Abstract

Georgia is ranked fifth highest among states for rates of human immunodeficiency virus (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 by analyzing data of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). 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, compared to 19,808 (55.8%) who had not. There was a slight decrease in the percentage of respondents who have ever tested for HIV, from 45.6% in 2011 to 43.7% in 2015 (APC (annual percent change) = −0.98, not significant). Factors associated with HIV testing were being female ( p = 0.004), black ( p < 0.001), younger than 55 years ( p < 0.001), single ( p < 0.001), attaining education level above high school ( p < 0.001), and earning annual income of $50,000 or less ( p = 0.028). 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin E. Ansa & Sashia White & Yunmi Chung & Selina A. Smith, 2016. "Trends in HIV Testing among Adults in Georgia: Analysis of the 2011–2015 BRFSS Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:11:p:1126-:d:82710
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patricia M Dietz & Michelle Van Handel & Huisheng Wang & Philip J Peters & Jun Zhang & Abigail Viall & Bernard M Branson, 2015. "HIV Testing among Outpatients with Medicaid and Commercial Insurance," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(12), pages 1-12, December.
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