Sex Education and HIV Testing Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Findings From the 2006-2010 and 2011-2015 National Survey of Family Growth

Background: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionally affected by HIV and exhibit low levels of HIV testing. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sex education and subsequent HIV testing among YMSM.

Methods: Data from sexually active men aged 15-24 years at interview in the 2006-2010 or 2011-2015 National Survey of Family Growth. Sex education included 3 contexts [formal institutions (eg, schools), parents, and health care providers] and specific topics. Outcome variables were ever- and recent-HIV testing. Multivariate models were adjusted for sociodemographics, and data were weighted to account for the complex survey sampling design.

Results: A total of 323 sexually active YMSM met inclusion criteria. Overall, 42.4% had ever-tested for HIV and 16.9% tested in the previous 12 months. YMSM were more likely to have ever-tested for HIV if they talked with a parent/guardian about how to prevent HIV/AIDS [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07 to 2.06], talked with a health care provider about how HIV/AIDs is transmitted (aPR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.38), sexually transmitted diseases (aPR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.19), condom use (aPR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.30), and the importance of HIV testing (aPR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.73).

Conclusions: Tailored sex education by parent(s) and health care providers related to HIV/AIDS seems to significantly increase the likelihood of HIV testing among YMSM.