(P146) Factors Associated with Self-Reported HIV Testing and HIV positivity Among Young Black Men Having Sex with Women in New Orleans, LA

Background: Though the majority of HIV transmission in the US occurs through male-to-male sexual contact, heterosexual contact was still responsible for roughly 20% of new infections in 2020. There are significant disparities in acquisition, with those between 20-29 and Black individuals facing disproportionately more new diagnoses. Prompt testing of those at elevated risks is essential to treat individuals and reduce the risk of transmission.



Methods: Data from the Check It study were used. Check It was a seek test and treat study for Chlamydia Trachomatis (Ct) in New Orleans, LA among Black MSW aged 15-24. For the present analysis, survey data was used to elicit self-reported HIV testing, self-reported testing results, and socio-demographic and behavioral factors. Factors associated with HIV testing and positivity were examined



Results: Per CDC, all individuals should be tested at least once in their lifetime, and men at increased risk (who have male sexual contact, multiple partners, have partners with multiple partners, or inject non-prescription drugs) should be tested annually. Of the 1321 men included, 694 (52.2%) reported ever having been HIV tested, 551 (41.5%) were tested in the last year. Of those tested, 44 (6.3%) self-reported that they were positive. Of the 720 (57.8%), men who met the recommendation for annual testing only 323 (44.9%) reported being tested in the previous year. HIV testing was associated with inconsistent condom use (OR:1.71, p< 0.001), drug use (OR: 1.56, p=0.001), marijuana use only (OR:1.46, p=0.007), binge drinking (OR:1.98, p< 0.001), multiple partners (OR: 1.28, p=0.029), more than high school education (OR:2.54, p< 0.001), former incarceration (OR:2.08, p< 0.001), prior Ct testing (OR: 10.59, p< 0.001), and prior syphilis testing (OR:27.60, p< 0.001). Having a male partner (OR:4.10, p=0.017), and not binge drinking (OR: 0.33, p=0.018) were associated with HIV positivity.



Conclusions: Though HIV testing was associated with factors that might increase risk of acquisition, fewer than half of men meeting annual testing recommendations had been tested in the past year. Reaching more young Black men for HIV testing in the Deep South would support the reduction of the burden of this disease among this population.