The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data today on the percentage of Americans 18 years of age and older who have ever been tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. They stated: 

In 2007, overall, 36.6% of adults aged >18 years reported ever being tested for HIV. For both men and women, the percentage of persons who ever had an HIV test was highest among adults aged 25-34 years and 35-44 years and lowest among adults aged >65 years. The percentages who had ever had an HIV test were higher for women than men in age groups 35–44 years and below, not significantly different for men and women at ages 45–64 years, and higher for men than women at ages >65 years. 

Or to put it graphically: 

This means that about one-third of college-age individuals have been tested for HIV.  And significantly fewer men than women.  As much as testing is promoted — not just for HIV — and as much as services are made available to students, the vast majority are not taking advantage of them.  And it also leaves everyone at increased risk since they do not know their HIV status. 

Wesleyan Resources

• Health Services recommends annual testing for HIV and offers Wesleyan students options for testing as does the Oasis Center in Middletown. Details can be found here. 
• WesWELL offers health information and resources on HIV and AIDS here. 

Discussion Questions (share your thoughts in comments below)

• What are some of the reasons why someone might choose not to get tested? 
• What impact, if any, does choosing not to get tested for HIV have on your sexual behaviors? 
• Why might the testing patterns be different for men and women? 
• Other thoughts? 

Tags: AIDS, HIV, sexual health, testing