Prevalence and factors influencing HIV testing behavior in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective

To systematically evaluate the prevalence and influencing factors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing among adolescents and young adults (10–25 years old), providing a reference for optimizing testing strategies and supporting the global goal of eliminating HIV as a public health threat.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) recommendations. To assess the prevalence and factors influencing HIV testing among adolescents and young adults, databases were searched up to April 19, 2025. Publications were selected based on the inclusion criteria, and data were analyzed using Stata software.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that the HIV testing rate among adolescents and young adults was 32 % (95 %CI:0.24,0.39). The influencing factors included age ≥ 20 years old, educational level in secondary and higher, female, marital status, Asian or Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, sexually active, having two or more sexual partners, a history of pregnancy or impregnating a partner, living in rural areas.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that adolescents and young adults have lower rates of HIV testing. Targeted measures should be implemented to facilitate the promotion of testing.