NCJ Number
129707
Journal
International Journal of Health Services Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: (1990) Pages: 601-615
Date Published
1990
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The extent and character of the AIDS/HIV epidemic is examined in New York City (NYC) with particular focus on the inner city populations.
Abstract
NYC accounts for 20 percent of all AIDS cases in the United States. Five to 20 percent of adults aged 25 to 45 are infected with HIV; eight to ten thousand new cases per year are predicted for 1992 particularly among drug users within several population subgroups. Factors such as social class and race together with gender and age and their association with behavioral risk factors of sexuality and drug use form the context of this epidemic. In addition to the stress of the AIDS epidemic, community survival is weakened by underfunding and a deteriorated social structure. At the same time, HIV infection is spreading to adjacent urban areas, and, through migration patterns, to localities distant from NYC such as Puerto Rico. Nevertheless, early presymptomatic interventions and community-based approaches such as in the South Bronx can provide a combination of clinical care with public health strategies, humane care for persons with AIDS, and support for their families. 2 tables, 2 figures, and 38 references (Author abstract modified)