Teens Not Being Tested For HIV

For Release: September 2, 1997, 5 p.m. (ET)

Below is a highlight of a study published in the September issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). To receive full text of this study, you can e-mail the Division of Public Relations at [email protected] and ask for C371-97. E-mail requests should include your name, phone and fax numbers or address. You can also phone the Division at 847-981-7877.

TEENS NOT BEING TESTED FOR HIV DESPITE CONCERNS

CHICAGO--Despite concerns about contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), many adolescents still arent being tested for HIV, according to a recent study published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine and Boston University School of Public Health surveyed 906 adolescents in Massachusetts ages 16 to 19 years about their sexual habits and perceptions about HIV testing. They discovered that 567 (63 percent) had had sexual intercourse within the past year. Of those, 127 (22 percent) had undergone HIV testing with only 54 (10 percent) stating their testing was for personal reasons. However, more than half of the adolescents expressed a "great deal" or "some" worry about contracting HIV and more than half said it was at least a little likely they will get acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). According to the researchers, the 54 adolescents who sought a test for HIV were more likely to have the following characteristics: more than one sexual partner within the past year; belief that condoms arent completely effective at preventing AIDS; having discussed AIDS with a doctor; lack of AIDS discussion in school; or believing a positive HIV test means having AIDS. Many of those surveyed also had misconceptions about HIV testing, including: 35 percent did not know or believe the test results were confidential; 19 percent thought their partner would be informed about the test results by the tester; and 30 percent did not think the test was accurate. The researchers did discover that adolescents who discussed HIV testing with their doctor were more than twice as likely to be tested. More than 136 (30 percent) of the adolescents who had visited their doctor within the past year had discussed AIDS with their doctor. However, this conversation was initiated by the physician in 85 percent of the cases. The studys authors conclude that teens need to be educated on the testing process, availability and confidentiality issues and discussion by the physician about HIV with those at risk results in more frequent HIV testing.

--30--

EDITORS NOTE: This study was published in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, but does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the Academy. The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 53,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.