Adolescents navigating a maze towards an HIV testing center in NYC

Navigating HIV Testing: What Teens Need to Know for a Healthy Future

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the crucial risk factors affecting HIV test rates among NYC adolescents and how targeted education can bridge the gap."

New York City continues to grapple with the impact of HIV, making it crucial to address the issue, especially among its youth. Despite recommendations from health organizations for all adolescents to undergo HIV testing, rates remain low nationally. This lack of testing is a significant concern, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve screening and awareness among at-risk youth.

Various factors play a role in whether a young person gets tested for HIV. These include environmental aspects, such as the accessibility of testing facilities and convenient hours, as well as individual factors like race/ethnicity, sexual activity, substance use, and mental health. Understanding these influences is essential to addressing the disparities in HIV testing rates and tailoring interventions effectively.

To tackle this issue, a study was conducted using data from the 2013 NYC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) to estimate the prevalence of HIV testing and identify risk factors among adolescents with a history of sexual intercourse. This article dives into the study's findings, offering insights into the challenges and potential solutions for improving HIV testing rates among young people in NYC.

Why Are HIV Testing Rates Low Among NYC Teens?

Adolescents navigating a maze towards an HIV testing center in NYC

The 2013 NYC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) provided a wealth of data for researchers to analyze the factors influencing HIV testing rates. The survey included a cross-sectional questionnaire administered biannually in NYC public high schools. In 2013, the YRBS used a two-stage cluster sampling design, where 81 public high schools were randomly selected, followed by random selection of classes (9th-12th grade) within those schools. Survey weights were applied to ensure accurate representation of the NYC high school population.

From the survey data, researchers identified a subpopulation of interest: adolescents who had data available, answered the HIV testing question, and reported ever engaging in sexual intercourse. This subpopulation consisted of 1,199 students, providing a focused group for analyzing risk factors associated with not receiving an HIV test.

Younger Age: Adolescents under 16 were less likely to have been tested.
Male Gender: Males were less likely to get tested compared to females.
White Race/Ethnicity: White adolescents showed lower testing rates compared to other groups.
Heroin Use: Those who reported using heroin were less likely to have been tested.
One Prior Sexual Partner: Having only one previous partner was associated with lower testing rates.

These findings suggest that a combination of factors, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, and certain behaviors, contribute to the low HIV testing rates among NYC adolescents. Understanding these factors is vital for designing targeted interventions and improving testing rates in this vulnerable population.

The Road Ahead: Empowering Teens Through Education and Accessible Testing

Increasing HIV testing rates among NYC adolescents requires a multi-faceted approach. By implementing educational programs, promoting open conversations, and ensuring accessible testing options, we can work towards a healthier future for all young people in NYC. It is imperative to continue monitoring trends, address disparities, and adapt strategies to meet the evolving needs of this vulnerable population.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/17450128.2016.1268741, Alternate LINK

Title: Risk Factors For Self-Report Of Not Receiving An Hiv Test Among Adolescents In Nyc With A History Of Sexual Intercourse, 2013 Yrbs

Subject: Sociology and Political Science

Journal: Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Tina Y. Gao, Chanelle J. Howe, Andrew R. Zullo, Brandon D.L. Marshall

Published: 2016-12-12

Everything You Need To Know

Why are low HIV testing rates among NYC teens a concern?

Low HIV testing rates among NYC teens are a significant concern because early detection is crucial for managing HIV and preventing its spread. These low rates hinder efforts to identify and treat HIV, potentially leading to more severe health outcomes and increased transmission within the community. Addressing this requires understanding and tackling the specific factors contributing to this issue.

What survey was used to gather the data?

The study utilized data from the 2013 NYC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). This survey employed a two-stage cluster sampling design, selecting 81 public high schools and then randomly choosing classes (9th-12th grade) within those schools. Survey weights were applied to the data to ensure accurate representation of the NYC high school population. The YRBS provided a wealth of information about the adolescents' behaviors and experiences, helping researchers identify factors related to HIV testing.

What are some of the factors that affect whether teens get tested?

Several factors influence HIV testing rates in NYC adolescents. These include age (adolescents under 16 were less likely to be tested), gender (males were less likely to be tested), race/ethnicity (White adolescents showed lower testing rates), heroin use (those who used heroin were less likely to be tested), and the number of sexual partners (having only one partner was associated with lower testing rates). Understanding these specific risk factors is essential for designing targeted interventions.

What steps can be taken to increase HIV testing rates?

Addressing the low HIV testing rates among NYC adolescents requires a multifaceted approach. The article emphasizes the need for educational programs to increase awareness and understanding of HIV. Promoting open conversations about sexual health and HIV testing is also crucial. Furthermore, ensuring accessible and convenient testing options is essential. Monitoring trends, addressing disparities, and adapting strategies to meet the evolving needs of this vulnerable population are also important steps.

What are the implications of these findings?

The implications of the findings from the 2013 NYC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) are far-reaching. They highlight the importance of targeted interventions. The study's results suggest that tailored education and outreach programs could be developed for specific groups, such as younger adolescents, males, and certain racial/ethnic groups. This would help improve testing rates and overall public health outcomes. Identifying and addressing risk factors identified by the YRBS can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, preventing the spread of HIV.