HIV TESTING, BEHAVIORS, AND KNOWLEDGE AMONG ADOLESCENTS AT HIGH-RISK

Purpose: We examined HIV testing behavior and its predictors among ado lescents considered at high risk for HIV. Methods: Self-reports of HIV testing, knowledge, attitudes, and high-risk acts were examined among 272 adolescents aged 13-23 years (M = 18.7; SD = 2.3) attending commu nity-based agencies that serve youth at high risk for HIV in Los Angel es, New York City, and San Francisco. Results: Evidence of adolescents ' risk for HIV is reflected in a rate of 4.8% seropositivity, 24% inje cting drug use, a mean of 4.3 (SD = 11.6) sexual partners during the p revious 3 months, and 71% condom use during vaginal/anal sex. HIV test ing was common (63%) and often repeated (M = 3.6, SD = 4.0). Knowledge of the meaning and consequences of testing was high (84% correct). Co ntrary to service providers' expectations, youth were likely to return for their test results (90% returned). Youth who were older, labeled themselves gay or bisexual, lived in Los Angeles or San Francisco, and those who injected drugs were significantly more likely, compared to peers, to get tested for HIV. Conclusions: These results suggest a nee d for more detailed observational studies of HIV testing behavior that include evaluation of characteristics of the youth, the testing site, and the attitudes and beliefs of providers offering HIV testing. (C) Society for Adolescent Medicine, 1997.