HIV risk behavior and HIV testing: A comparison of rates and associated factors among homeless and runaway adolescents in two cities

This study examined differences in self-reported rates and predictors of HI V testing between homeless and runaway youths in San Diego (N = 1,102) and Los Angeles (N = 1,167). Youths aged 13-23 were recruited from agency and s treet sites using a stratified probability sampling design. Interviewers ad ministered a structured survey instrument lasting 20 minutes, which assesse d youths' involvement in HIV risk-related sexual and drug-use behaviors, co ntact with outreach workers, and other variables. Significantly more Los An geles youths (78%) reported testing than did San Diego youths (52%; P <.001 ). Multivariable analyses con trolling for risk behaviors, knowing someone with HIV, and contact with outreach workers indicated that the higher rates of these factors in Los Angeles did not account for the difference in test ing rates between the cities. Youths in Los Angeles were still 1.85 times a s likely to be tested as San Diego youths (e <.001), possibly a result of d iffering normative behavior and accessibility of testing services.