Factors Associated With HIV Testing Among Youth in the United States (US): A Systematic Review

This study synthesized existing literature on the factors that are associated with HIV testing among youth aged 13 to 24 years in the United States (US), using the four levels of the social-ecological model (i.e., personal, relationship, community, and society). Four popular search engines (i.e., PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) were used to identify potential original research studies. Findings from 45 original research studies revealed conflicting findings. Gender, African-American race, age, and physical illness were some of the factors more consistently associated with HIV testing in the literature. Some modifiable factors that could be targeted to increase rates of testing such as fear, drug use, poor condom use, partner communication, and multiple sexual partners are noted. The systematic review revealed some gaps in the literature that needs to explored and provide evidence of ways to improve testing rates among youth. Future additional implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.