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Florida Public Health Review

Publication Date

May 2019

Abstract

Background: Identifying changes in HIV related risk factors is essential to reducing HIV rates in Florida. This study examines if changes occurred in HIV risk factors between 2013 and 2016. Methods: The study utilized secondary data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2013 and 2016. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the changes between the years regarding health care coverage and routine HIV testing. Additionally, a separate analysis was performed for the 2016 dataset analyzing if HIV risk behaviors varied by gender, race, age, insurance coverage and HIV testing.

Results: The findings of this study suggest that there have been changes in healthcare coverage over the years (p=0.006). Likewise, the results also revealed that the changes occurred among HIV testing over the years (p=0.000). The results of the 2016 analysis indicated that a statistical significance existed for race (p=0.040), age (p=0.000), gender (p=0.000) and HIV testing (p=0.000). However, no statistical significance was observed for health insurance coverage (p=0.916).Conclusions: Strategies must be implemented to increase HIV testing in Florida and reduce the burden of HIV in the state. A needled exchange program may be beneficial in improving routine screening practices and reducing HIV risk behaviors.

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