Correlates of STI Testing Among US Young Adults: Opportunities for Prevention

The purpose of this study was to examine sex cognitions and behavioral strategy correlates for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV testing among a national sample of young adults ages 18–20. Young adults (18–20 years) were recruited nationally (n = 1144). The sample was restricted (n = 817) based on inclusion/exclusion criteria for analysis. The outcome variables were gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV testing, respectively, in the last 12 months. Covariates included demographic variables, alcohol use, perceived vulnerability, protective behavioral strategies, and sexual behavior in the last 3 months. Adjusted logistic regression models were estimated in SAS 9.4. Approximately 24% of respondents were tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and 21% were tested for HIV in the past year. Women were more likely than men to be tested for chlamydia (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.13, 2.46) and gonorrhea (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.05, 2.28). Persons who were worried about an STI after a sexual encounter and who engaged in casual sex were more than two times as likely to be tested for all three STIs. Similarly, persons who used more non-condom-related protective behavioral strategies were more likely to be tested. Future studies may consider these correlates as potential intervention points for promoting STI testing among young adults.