Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008) |
Methods: A nationally representative sample of Asian Americans (n=1195, 48% women, age 18-27), from wave III (2001) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, was analyzed. HIV/STI testing behavior was measured by using, “Have you ever gone to see a doctor or nurse because you thought you might have a STD or HIV?” Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the predictors of STI testing behavior among Asian Americans while controlling for age, gender, and sexual orientation.
Results: 86.8 % had not tested for HIV/STIs in the past year. After controlling for age, gender, and sexual orientation, having a history of STI (OR: 6.7) and U.S. birth status (OR: 1.6) were significantly associated with STI testing behaviors. In addition, various sexual risk behaviors were significantly associated with testing behaviors: having multiple sex partners (OR: 2.4), having paid money for sex (OR: 6.6), first sexual intercourse before 15 years old (OR: 2.4), drinking alcohol while having sex (OR: 1.5). Access to health care and failure to receive medical care were not associated with testing behaviors.
Implications: The prevalence of HIV/STIs testing among Asian Americans is very low (13.2%). This prevalence is the lowest compared to other ethnic groups in the U.S. This demonstrates that various sexual risk behaviors, diagnosis of HIV/STIs, and US born increases the likelihood of HIV/STIs testing behaviors among Asian Americans. To prevent the spread of HIV/STIs induction in this fast growing population, urgent efforts are needed to promote HIV/STI testing by raising awareness and education.