Background: In the United States, Black cisgender and transgender women are disproportionately affected by HIV. HIV testing is one of the primary modes of HIV prevention, but a large majority of the HIV testing literature focuses on individual level risk behaviors. Furthermore, there is little known about HIV testing among Black transgender women. This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by (1) examining the HIV testing behaviors of Black transgender women (2) using socioecological theory to assess what sociodemographic factors are associated with HIV testing among Black cisgender and transgender women. Methods: This study uses secondary data from the 2014-2017 modules of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Analyses included multiple hierarchical regression. Results: There are no major differences in HIV testing between Black cisgender and transgender women. A number of sociodemographic characteristics have been shown to predict HIV testing among Black cisgender women, but only employment status and age were significant predictors of HIV testing among Black transgender women. A moderation analyses suggested that gender identity significantly moderates the association between employment status and HIV testing such that the relationship between employment status and receiving an HIV test differs by gender identity. Discussion: The findings of this study highlight nuances that are useful for improving HIV testing as a mode of HIV prevention. Overall, the findings contribute to our understanding of HIV testing practices among Black cisgender and transgender women.
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