HIV Testing in the Past Year Among the U.S. Household Population Aged 15–44: 2011–2013

In 2011, more than 1 million Americans aged 13 and over were living with HIV infection, and one in seven did not know their infection status. Routine, voluntary HIV testing is a recognized way to reduce HIV transmission.

A new NCHS report updates nationally representative estimates and trends for HIV testing in the past year (excluding donation of blood or blood products, during which individuals are routinely tested) among the U.S. household population aged 15–44.

Patterns of reported HIV testing in 2011–2013 are shown by age, race and Hispanic origin, education, and selected sexual behaviors that may be related to an elevated risk of HIV infection.

Key Findings from the Report:

• Overall, 19% of persons aged 15–44 in 2011–2013 had been tested for HIV in the past year, including 22% of females and 16% of males.
• Higher percentages of HIV testing in the past year were seen for persons aged 15–34 compared with those aged 35–44, and for non-Hispanic black persons compared with other race and ethnicity groups.
• Four of 10 males who had same-sex sexual contact in the past year had been tested for HIV in the past year, compared with 2 of 10 who had opposite-sex sexual contact in the past year.
• Levels of HIV testing in the past year were higher for persons with behaviors that increase HIV risk, including having one or more same-sex partners or higher numbers of opposite-sex sexual partners in the past year.