Trends in HIV testing among adults in Georgia: Analysis of the 2011-2015 BRFSS data

Abstract

Background: Georgia is ranked fifth highest among states for rates of HIV diagnosis. About 4% of persons living with HIV infection in the United States reside in Georgia, and almost 19% of these people do not know their HIV status. The present study examined the trends and associated factors of HIV testing among adults in Georgia between 2011 and 2015. Methods: The 2011-2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were analyzed. Results: A total of 31,094 persons aged ≥18 years were identified who responded to the question “Have you ever been tested for HIV?” Overall, there were 11,286 (44.2%) respondents who had been tested for HIV, with a slight decrease in percentage from 45.6% in 2011 to 43.7% in 2015 (APC= -0.98, not significant). Factors associated with HIV testing were being female (p=0.004), black (p<0.001), younger than 55 years (p<0.001), single (p<0.001), attaining education level above high school (p<0.001), and earning annual income of $50,000 or less (p=0.028). Conclusions: Overall in Georgia, there has been a slight decline in the temporal trend of HIV testing, and more than half of adults have never been tested for HIV.