The face of the AIDS epidemic has changed. The epidemic has shifted from a predominantly gay Caucasian population to a Black and Hispanic population. Research shows that communities of color tend to progress to AIDS faster than whites after testing positive and are tested for HIV after developing symptoms of AIDS. It is therefore, important that we evaluate the HIV trends in communities of color. A retrospective analysis of the 1999 HIV counseling and testing records was conducted at the North General Hospital’s AIDS Center, a Designated AIDS Center in Harlem, NY. The risk factor data is self-reported. Four hundred and thirty-five clients underwent HIV testing and counseling during 1999. The median age of clients being tested was 41 with a range from 0-65 years. Twelve percent of clients were under 30 years of age. Thirty-nine percent of clients were female and 61% were male; 67% Black, 27% Hispanic, and 4% Caucasian. Twelve percent of clients tested HIV positive. Seventy-seven percent of all clients tested returned for post-test counseling and 70% of clients that tested HIV positive returned for post-test counseling. The identified risk factors were heterosexual transmission 54%, unknown 24%, IDU 18%, and MSM 3.4%. Data will be presented including a discussion on the following: · Increasing the number of clients in communities of color under 30 years of age that obtain HIV testing. · Improving the percentage of patients that return for post-test counseling.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Describe current risk factors for HIV in communities of color. 2. Discuss barriers in communities of color to HIV counseling and testing. 3. Apply informtion learned to develop strategies to provide HIV counseling and testing
Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: North General Hospital
1879 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10035
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment