In response to the rising percentage of individuals infected with HIV the CDC released the Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing of Adults, Adolescents and Pregnant Women in Health-Care Settings in 2006. Routine HIV testing of all individuals age 13-64 was a primary recommendation. However, according to a recent policy update from the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SEICUS) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendations for HIV testing in teens is not being implemented by many health care providers. Some experts believe that one of the primary reasons that health care providers are not offering HIV testing to teens is that providers are uncomfortable discussing sexuality and sexual behavior with their adolescent patients. According to a 2005 survey of 700 pediatricians, 66% said they felt uncomfortable discussing sexuality related issues with adolescent patients and 50% believed that they did not have sufficient training in how to do so. In addition, physicians have cited lack of time, lack of knowledge of the CDC's recommendations, and consent as obstacles.
In 2006, approximately 46,000 people age 13-24 in the US were living with HIV, comprising about 16% of all HIV infections in the nation. African American and Latino youth were disproportionately affected, comprising 72% of new cases in adolescents age 13-19. Some experts believe that actual estimates are likely closer to 30% of cases however individuals have not been identified due to the lack of testing. Dr. Jaime Martinez, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Illinois at Chicago says, "Adolescents with HIV often become seriously ill before they are diagnosed and those unaware of their infection are less likely to practice safe sex and more likely to transmit the infection". The early detection of HIV can add years and quality to a person's life. Therefore, the cost of screening is minimal when compared to the benefits gained.
Printer-friendly version