Ansa, B.E.; White, S.; Chung, Y.; Smith, S.A. Trends in HIV Testing among Adults in Georgia: Analysis of the 2011–2015 BRFSS Data. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2016, 13, 1126.
Ansa, B.E.; White, S.; Chung, Y.; Smith, S.A. Trends in HIV Testing among Adults in Georgia: Analysis of the 2011–2015 BRFSS Data. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13, 1126.
Ansa, B.E.; White, S.; Chung, Y.; Smith, S.A. Trends in HIV Testing among Adults in Georgia: Analysis of the 2011–2015 BRFSS Data. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2016, 13, 1126.
Ansa, B.E.; White, S.; Chung, Y.; Smith, S.A. Trends in HIV Testing among Adults in Georgia: Analysis of the 2011–2015 BRFSS Data. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13, 1126.
Abstract
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 2010 and 2014 by analyzing data of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). A total of 30,791 persons aged ≥18 years were identified who responded to the question “Have you ever been tested for HIV?” Overall, there were 11,543 respondents who had been tested for HIV, with a decrease in percentage from 49.4% in 2010 to 43.7% in 2014 (p<0.001). Factors associated with HIV testing were being black (p<0.001), being younger than 55 years (p<0.001), single (p=0.02), attaining education level above high school (P<0.001), engaging in HIV high-risk behaviors (p<0.001), and not having healthcare coverage (p=0.03). Overall in Georgia, there has been a decline in the temporal trend of HIV testing, and more than half of adults have never been tested for HIV. For reducing HIV transmission in Georgia, enhancing access and utilization of HIV testing should be a public health priority.
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received:
5 September 2016
Commenter:
Ernest Alema-Mensah
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
This is an excellent publication and addressing the HIV/AIDS testing trends in Georgia is relevant for this time. This will definitely help to reduce HIV/AIDS transmission in Georgia.
Received:
6 September 2016
Commenter:
Joanne E. Ikani
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
This is a timely article that addresses the HIV/AIDS testing not only in Georgia but also in other States and Nations. It broadens the limited understanding of victims and enlightens others on how to reduce the transmission of the dreadful disease.
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Commenter: Ernest Alema-Mensah
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Commenter: Joanne E. Ikani
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.