High-Risk Behaviors Among Youth and Their Reasons for Not Getting Tested for HIV

Abstract

Abstract Concerned about reports of a 15% decline in HIV testing among high-risk youth in an earlier study in Pittsburgh, this study was initiated to explore reasons why young people are not getting tested for HIV, while gathering data on their respective level of risk taking behaviors. A total of 580 surveys were collected from youth aged between 14 and 24. Overall, 17% of youth were found to be at high to some risk for HIV infection, while many of them agreed they were not at-risk for HIV. Young MSM reported being afraid of testing HIV positive. Young people continue to engage in high-risk behaviors and avoid HIV testing, and efforts are needed to identify these youth and equip them with the resources they need to avoid infection.