It isn't your father's AIDS epidemic anymore: Demographic changes over 20 years, Georgia & the United States

Background:

National trends have shown a dramatic shift in the demographic distribution of HIV/AIDS cases in the U.S. Georgia's epidemiological data is well suited to examine similar patterns due to the substantial number of cases among African-Americans and Georgia's clearly defined metropolitan area around Atlanta. This presentation will examine Georgia's major demographic trends that have shifted the burden of disease over a 20 year period.

Methods:

A snapshot of incident AIDS case data in 1986, 1996, and 2006 will be presented. Findings were generated through SAS analysis of case data in the Georgia HIV/AIDS Reporting System and national data.

Results:

Geographical distribution: The percentage distribution of incident AIDS cases has decreased in urban settings and increased in rural areas (Urban: 75% of cases in 1986, 67% in 1996, and 66% in 2006). Race/Ethnicity: The percentage distribution of incident AIDS cases has sharply increased in minority communities (Non-Whites: 32% of cases in 1986, 78% in 1996, and 84% in 2006). Gender: The percentage of female cases has increased during this time period (Females: 5% of cases in 1986, 21% of cases in 1996, and 28% of cases in 2006). Risk Factor distribution: HIV transmission via male to male sexual contact has steadily decreased (75% in 1986, 41% in 1996, and 29% in 2006).

Conclusion:

It is critical that HIV/AIDS prevention programs keep abreast of demographic shifts in the burden of disease in order to target care and prevention services effectively. This report will contribute to that goal.