Abstract
This paper describes HIV testing behaviors among undocumented Central American immigrant women living in Houston, Texas, USA.
Respondent driven sampling was used to recruit participants for an HIV behavioral survey. HIV testing items included lifetime
history of testing, date and location of the most recent test, and reason for testing. Multivariate logistic regression was
used to assess the demographic, behavioral, and structural characteristics associated with testing. The lifetime prevalence
of HIV testing was 67%. Half of those who tested did so within the past 2 years and almost 80% received their most recent
test in a healthcare setting. The primary reason for testing was pregnancy. Lifetime testing was associated with being from
Honduras, having over a sixth grade education, having a regular healthcare provider, and having knowledge of available healthcare
resources. Our results suggest that expanding access to healthcare services may increase the prevalence of HIV testing in
this population.
Respondent driven sampling was used to recruit participants for an HIV behavioral survey. HIV testing items included lifetime
history of testing, date and location of the most recent test, and reason for testing. Multivariate logistic regression was
used to assess the demographic, behavioral, and structural characteristics associated with testing. The lifetime prevalence
of HIV testing was 67%. Half of those who tested did so within the past 2 years and almost 80% received their most recent
test in a healthcare setting. The primary reason for testing was pregnancy. Lifetime testing was associated with being from
Honduras, having over a sixth grade education, having a regular healthcare provider, and having knowledge of available healthcare
resources. Our results suggest that expanding access to healthcare services may increase the prevalence of HIV testing in
this population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9534-x
- Authors
- Jane R. Montealegre, Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler Dr., RAS-336, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan M. Risser, Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler Dr., RAS-336, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Beatrice J. Selwyn, Division of Management, Policy, and Community Health, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
- Keith Sabin, Vietnam Country Office, World Health Organization, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Sheryl A. McCurdy, Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912