Factors Associated with HIV Testing and Returning for Test Results in a Sample of Out-of-Treatment Drug Users

Abstract

Demographic and behavioral factors related to taking an HIV test and returning for results were examined in a sample of out-of-treatment IDUs and crack smokers (N=1682) recruited from the streets in East Harlem, New York City. The results of logistic regression analyses indicated that subjects with less than a high school education who reported no previous HIV test and who were older were more likely to test with the project. Returning for HIV test results was associated with being older, and having a high school education. Subjects reporting ever being in prison and subjects ever exchanging sex for money or drugs were less likely to return for test results. Findings suggest that efforts to convey the importance of testing and returning for results must continue in at-risk drug use populations, especially among youth and other high-risk sub-populations.