Oral

After more than two decades, the HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a health crisis for racial/ethnic minorities in the US, disproportionately affecting African Americans who account for 50% of the estimated 40,608 AIDS cases diagnosed in the 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2005 (although they represented about 13% of the US population). The rate of new infections among African American women was 15 times that of white women and four times that of Hispanic women. According to the CDC, one in 30 African American women and one in 16 African American men will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetime. HIV is preventable; and HIV risk-reduction interventions have been effective in reducing HIV infection among drug users. HIV is closely linked to HCV and other STDs and many women are unaware of their status. A number of factors limit accessibility to treatment for some population groups; e.g., lack of health insurance, homelessness or housing instability.

Session Objectives: 1) Describe why high levels of HIV prevalence exist among African-Americans in the United States. 2) Explain HIV-risk reduction programs that have been successful with African Americans. 3) Describe factors that contribute to high levels of HIV incidence among African-Americans in the US.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)