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Defense Date
2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
Department
Epidemiology & Community Health
First Advisor
Dr. Saba W. Masho
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Women represent more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses; in particular, women of color are disproportionately affected. Early detection and knowledge of HIV status are essential in the management and prevention of the disease. Further research is needed to extensively investigate predictors of HIV/AIDS screening among minority women. OBJECTIVES: 1) To estimate the rate of HIV screening among U.S. adult women, ages 18-64; and 2) to identify determinants of HIV screening among this population. METHODS: The 2006 National Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was utilized. Female respondents aged 18-64 (N=160,388) were included in the analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to examine predictors of HIV screening. RESULTS: Nearly 39% of the women reported that they were screened for HIV in their lifetime. Being Black, 25-34 years old, having a lower income, unemployed, unmarried, having fair or poor health and lack of healthcare coverage were significant predictors of having HIV screening. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study suggest that Black, young, unmarried and women with a lower socioeconomic status were more likely to receive HIV screening. However, efforts need to be made to target other populations such as the elderly.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008
VCU Only:
Off Campus Download
Comments
Part of Retrospective ETD Collection, restricted to VCU only.