Last year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that there were 40 percent more new HIV infections each year than was previously believed. And yet, a new (2009) survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation has found that Americans, even those in the high risk groups for HIV, are worrying less about HIV/AIDS. How can this be?
The survey suggests that:
- Fewer Americans consider HIV an urgent health problem.
- Only 17 percent of people aged 18-29 (those traditionally the most sexually active) reported that they were personally very concerned about becoming infected with HIV.
- In spite of HIV rates being seven times higher among African Americans, personal concern about HIV has decreased in this population.
- More than half of people aged 18-29 have not been tested for HIV, in spite of the fact that the CDC now recommends HIV testing for all adults.
The survey also found that misinformation and stigma about people living with HIV still exist.
- Although 44 percent of the 2,554 adults surveyed reported that they would be comfortable with a coworker who had HIV, 51 percent would be uncomfortable having their food prepared by someone who was HIV positive.
- One-third of the people surveyed incorrectly believed that HIV could be transmitted by sharing a glass of water; touching a toilet seat; or swimming in a pool with an HIV positive person.
- 18 percent believed there was a cure for HIV and 24 percent believed there was a vaccine available to prevent HIV.
This post, Why Aren’t We Worrying About HIV Anymore?, was originally published on by Nancy Brown Ph.D
The danger of minimizing the enormity HIV is that people will begin to put themselves at risk for HIV because they no longer perceive the seriousness of the disease. As a result people are less likely to practice safer sex, to ask their partners questions regarding sexual behaviors and to get tested and know their status all of which increases the possibility of transmission. Creating resistant strains of HIV is another concern because the virus begins to replica the drug resistant strains of HIV consequently reducing treatment options for those living with HIV.
Every 9 1/2 minutes someone becomes infected with HIV, therefore we can’t afford to worry less about HIV. HIV/AIDS is still a health disparity that needs to be taken very seriously. Yes, people are living longer and managing to live a quality life within the spectrum of the disease, as results of HIV treatments; however there still needs to be a sense of urgency placed on HIV outreach, education and prevention messages. The “one size fits all” modus operandi does not apply when it comes to HIV programs! While much effort has been put into developing and replicating Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBI), more allocation of funds, research and effort needs to focus on developing program/interventions with the input of the actual population and/or community that its’ intended to serve.
In order to ensure communities are receiving effective outreach, education and prevention messages, HIV programs and must be relevant, speak to and meet the identified needs of and by the community. In additions, programs must be culturally appropriate, focus on the whole individual as a means of prevention, NOT just risky behaviors and address social determinants within that community. Incorporating practical skills building and wrap around support services are also essential components of effective programs. Again, community input and buy-in is not only needed but it is vital for success!
Greater coordination is needed between community, researchers, community-based agencies, and health and social service providers to ensure that truly effective, comprehensive, community focused HIV programs and services are being developed and implemented with integrity!
Get Tested, Know Your Status, Stay Educated, Ask the Right Questions, Protect Yourself & Reduce Your Risk!
