Exploring the Role of Healthcare Affordability in HIV Testing Behaviors Among Young Adults in Tennessee
Abstract
Abstract Background: HIV remains a significant public health challenge in the United States, with 14% of Tennesseans living with HIV unaware of their status, contributing to ongoing transmission. Young adults aged 18 to 34 years are disproportionately affected, yet barriers such as healthcare affordability limit HIV testing rates. This study explores the relationship between healthcare affordability and HIV testing behaviors among young adults in Tennessee, using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) dataset. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using BRFSS 2023 data. The analysis included 812 individuals aged 18–34 years in Tennessee, representing a weighted population of 1,223,832. The primary outcome was HIV testing status, and the main exposure was healthcare affordability, defined as the inability to afford medical care in the past 12 months. Covariates included gender, age group, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, general health, urban/rural residence, and health insurance status. Weighted logistic regression was performed, including interaction terms to assess effect modification. Results: Healthcare affordability was significantly associated with HIV testing. Participants reporting financial barriers were 42% less likely to undergo testing compared to those without affordability issues (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.37–0.92; p = 0.019). Testing rates were higher among females, urban residents, and individuals with health insurance. Age and race/ethnicity were significant moderators, with disparities observed among Black and Asian populations. Conclusion: Addressing healthcare affordability is critical to improving HIV testing rates among young adults in Tennessee. Targeted public health interventions should prioritize financial barriers and focus on underserved demographic groups to enhance HIV prevention efforts.
Start Time
16-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 4:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate Student - Doctoral
Faculty Mentor
Bill Brooks
Faculty Department
Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Exploring the Role of Healthcare Affordability in HIV Testing Behaviors Among Young Adults in Tennessee
Abstract Background: HIV remains a significant public health challenge in the United States, with 14% of Tennesseans living with HIV unaware of their status, contributing to ongoing transmission. Young adults aged 18 to 34 years are disproportionately affected, yet barriers such as healthcare affordability limit HIV testing rates. This study explores the relationship between healthcare affordability and HIV testing behaviors among young adults in Tennessee, using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) dataset. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using BRFSS 2023 data. The analysis included 812 individuals aged 18–34 years in Tennessee, representing a weighted population of 1,223,832. The primary outcome was HIV testing status, and the main exposure was healthcare affordability, defined as the inability to afford medical care in the past 12 months. Covariates included gender, age group, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, general health, urban/rural residence, and health insurance status. Weighted logistic regression was performed, including interaction terms to assess effect modification. Results: Healthcare affordability was significantly associated with HIV testing. Participants reporting financial barriers were 42% less likely to undergo testing compared to those without affordability issues (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.37–0.92; p = 0.019). Testing rates were higher among females, urban residents, and individuals with health insurance. Age and race/ethnicity were significant moderators, with disparities observed among Black and Asian populations. Conclusion: Addressing healthcare affordability is critical to improving HIV testing rates among young adults in Tennessee. Targeted public health interventions should prioritize financial barriers and focus on underserved demographic groups to enhance HIV prevention efforts.