CDC HIV testing guidelines and the rapid and conventional testing practices of homeless youth.
The study's aims were to describe rapid and conventional HIV testing practices and referrals/linkages to services posttest among homeless youth in New York City. We also examined variation among service-involved youth, street youth, and "nomads." Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit 217 homeless youth who participated in structured interviews. Almost all youth were tested in the past year (82%). Most received pretest/posttest counseling (> 77%). Rapid testing was common and conducted in diverse settings. However, youth reported that rates of referral/linkage to services posttest were low (< 44.4%). Service-involved youth were significantly more likely to receive rapid testing, be tested in the past year, and be tested at a high frequency. Street youth and nomads, those at highest risk for poor health outcomes, had less access to testing and may require creative, low-threshold services. Further, a better understanding of barriers to the use of referrals/linkages to services posttest is needed.
Gwadz
Marya Viorst
MV
New York University College of Nursing, New York, NY 10003, USA. mg2890@nyu.edu
Cleland
Charles M
CM
Quiles
Robert
R
Nish
David
D
Welch
John
J
Michaels
Lucky S
LS
Gonzalez
Jose L
JL
Ritchie
Amanda S
AS
Leonard
Noelle R
NR
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D000293:Adolescent; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D018453:Homeless Youth / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D010808:Physical Examination; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult