Individual, Partner, and Relational Factors Associated with HIV Testing among Heterosexual Young Adults

Monica A. Longmore, Bowling Green State University
Wendi L. Johnson, Bowling Green State University

This study examined whether HIV testing occurred within the context of specific dating/romantic relationships among a sample of heterosexual men and women, and analyzed the gender specific, individual, partner, and relationship barriers and facilitators to HIV testing. Data were collected from 704 interviews conducted in Toledo, Ohio. Consistent with the public health goal of routine testing, nearly 40% of respondents had an HIV test within the context of their current sexual relationship. Consistent with prior research on having ever taken an HIV test, women (47%) were significantly more likely to have tested within the current relationship than were men (31%). For women, it is both their own risky behavior, as well as the partners’ characteristics that distinguish testers from non-testers. In contrast, for men, their own risky behavior appears to be more salient in influencing whether men got tested.