Learning About HIV: Predicting the Sources of Knowledge That Matter Regarding HIV Testing Among a National Sample of Black and Latinx Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States.

This study investigated the knowledge and beliefs of a nationally representative sample of youth and young adults about HIV based on the microsystems and mesosystems of the ecodevelopmental theory. We used a stratified sample (n = 538) of Black and Latinx adolescents and young adults in the United States, 15-24 years of age, at risk of becoming infected with HIV to assess the source of their HIV knowledge and its association with HIV testing to identify modifiable factors that can support the development of interventions addressing HIV-related risks. Using a logistic regression analysis, findings suggest that identifying protective health behaviors, such as providing adolescents and young adults with sexual health information that is accurate, trustworthy, and safe, could be one way to reduce their risk of HIV infection. Expanding knowledge about the important role and influence of sources of HIV-related knowledge on testing behaviors can inform HIV prevention and intervention programs specific to this population.