Paper Example on Health Disparities in HIV/AIDS

Healthy people, 2020 is an organization that focuses on attaining equity in health, eliminating disparities and improving health for all groups of individuals. HIV/AIDS outcomes have positive and negative influence based on certain determinants. The paper aimed at discussing the determinants associated with positive and negative outcomes. It also focuses on the specific health disparities that exist in the HIV/AIDS outcomes. The write up eventually compares the difference between rates on HIV/AIDS issues.

People earning low income in the United States receive stigma from medical providers who contribute to barriers in communications and trust among them and medical providers. The latter is because health providers do not trust them to finance their medication fully. Population in the north east is known to have the highest rates of HIV infection due to high poverty levels and lack of awareness on the HIV. Illiteracy concentrations in this communities lead to misconception on the modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS virus. The CDC reports show that HIV rates in the year 2004 were highest among the non-Hispanic blacks. The Non-Hispanic blacks account for almost 50% of the cases of HIV/AIDS than diagnosed in the year 2004. The HIV is also prevalent among the Latino/Hispanic/Alaskan Natives/ Native American than in the Non-Hispanic whites. To counter the National Organization came up with initiatives that do help reduce HIV infection rates among the minority races. The initiative focused mainly on preventive measures and treatment services in those minority groups. The initiative expanded the HIV education and testing programs in these communities, increased awareness on the service providers and urged the community to participate in enabling them to eradicate HIV infection levels. The community participated in media campaigns, accepting people living with HIV and AIDS and offering job opportunities to curb unemployment.

The disparity is evident in the male to female infection levels. According to statistics carried out in 2001 2004, males have higher infection levels compared to women. In the year 2010, 80% of HIV diagnosis was found among men in the United States. (Hiv among Men in the United States) The young Adults and adolescents are likely to acquire the virus than any other age group. The young women have higher HIV infection levels due to efficiency in the male to female transmission rates. Young women are two times likely to contract HIV/AIDS than men of the same age group. Young women are also likely to acquire the virus due to them having older male partners, little sexual experience, multiple sexual partners and high rates of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections. Women also suffer massive discrimination while dealing with primary care providers.

The age disparity is both avoidable and unavoidable. Rates of HIV diagnosis is common among populations between 20-24 years. The rates of HIV diagnosis are increasing among young Adolescents and Young Adults. In 2015 youths diagnosed with HIV/AIDS were 80% (7,084). In the year 2015, 1,489 youths were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.  (Hiv among Youth) The latter is due to high-risk behavior from this age group. The age group is known to indulge in drug and substance abuse and irresponsible sexual behavior. Healthy people 2020 tries to counter this disparity by offering programs that educate youth on the dangers of HIV and AIDS and provide age appropriate psychosocial services to decrease the fear of stigmatization. The program provides a stable social network for these youths and age- appropriate care.

References

MD, C. C., & Solowyn, P. A. (2008, March 2). Current Health Disparities in HIV/AIDS. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from AIDS Reader: http://www.theaidsreader.com/articles/current-health-disparities-hivaids