According to the results of a new CDC study, HIV prevalence among heterosexuals with low socioeconomic status was 2.3 percent overall. It was also reported that among the survey participants who did not report a previous positive HIV test, the prevalence was 1.1 percent. These results only serve to remind us of the importance of reaching this population with targeted prevention and testing efforts. It is also clear that we need to address the complex social, economic and structural factors that fuel more problems among people in lower-income situations.
The authors of the study were quick to point that it is important to note that these data provide insight into one population – low-income heterosexuals, and in only one type of setting – urban areas with high AIDS prevalence. Across the nation, it’s still true that gay and bisexual men continue to be most affected by HIV.
Metropolitan statistical areas in the Northeast and South regions of the United States had the highest overall prevalence. The prevalence was also very high among those who had reported exchanging sex for money or drugs or those who had reported using crack cocaine in the past 12 months.
This study shows that there is a need for new HIV prevention approaches that move beyond individual risk behaviours and also address environmental factors. It’s no longer possible to look at HIV in isolation from the situations in which people live. It is clear that being in a lower socio-economic bracket places you at a higher risk of developing the condition and this should be addressed.
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