Current HIV Testing & Risk Behaviors among Students at Historically Black Colleges & Universities in a Southern State

Abstract

Background/purpose: HIV testing prevalence is low among young adults (YA) ages 18-24. Previous research supports routine testing among African-American college students. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are uniquely situated to support HIV education and prevention efforts. This study aimed to assess current HIV risk behaviors and current knowledge of PrEP among HBCU students.

Methods: In collaboration with a partnering organization, we conducted HIV testing events and HIV risk assessment at four HBCUs in a southern state.

Results: Among participants (N = 615), most identified as African American (578, 94.8%), female (377, 61.3%) and 18-24 years old (540, 87.9%). Many (42.3%) had never been tested for HIV. Most reported they had been sexually active in the last year (533, 86.8%) with many reporting 2-5 partners (270, 43.9%). Among males (n = 236), 8.6% reported same sex partners. Many participants reported inconsistent condom use during vaginal sex (242, 46%). Most participants had not heard of PrEP (473, 86.2%).

Conclusion: Considering most participants had one or multiple HIV related risk behaviors, and many had never been tested for HIV, HBCUs may be important venues to promote HIV risk reduction and regular HIV testing.

Keywords: College students; Condom use; HBCUs; HIV testing; PrEP.