Prevalence and Predictors of Provider-Initiated HIV Test Offers Among Heterosexual Persons at Increased Risk for Acquiring HIV Infection — Virginia, 2016

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? CDC recommends routine, provider-initiated HIV screening (i.e., HIV screening at least once in lifetime) for all patients aged 13–64 years in all health care settings. What is added by this report? In a sample of 333 health care–seeking, heterosexual adults at increased risk for acquiring HIV infection, 194 (58%) reported not receiving an HIV test offer at a recent medical visit(s), and men (versus women) had a significantly lower prevalence of provider-initiated HIV test offers (32% versus 48%). Recent HIV testing was higher among recipients of provider-initiated offers compared with nonrecipients (71% versus 16%). What are the implications for public health practice? Provider-initiated HIV test offers are an important strategy for increasing HIV testing among heterosexual populations. More provider-initiated HIV screening among heterosexual adults at increased risk for acquiring HIV infection, especially men, is needed.