Despite significant progress in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, the disease continues to disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Read more as we discuss strategies to address these health disparities.
HIV/AIDS is a global health issue still affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite significant progress in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, the disease continues to disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those living in poverty. Let’s explore the intersection of HIV/AIDS and health equity and strategies to increase health equity.
Prevalence and Transmission HIV/AIDS
Reports estimate that approximately 86 percent of people living with HIV worldwide have been tested and know their HIV status. It’s well known that HIV attacks the immune system, and AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, both make it difficult or unable for the body is unable to fight off infections and diseases. Unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding remain the primary methods of HIV transmission.
Health Equity and HIV/AIDS
A key differentiator to be made here is distinguishing between equity and equality. Health equality refers to everyone having the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being, stopping short of acknowledging patient differences. While health equity can be described as the principle that everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other factors. Social and health system constructs are attributed to the underlying cause of significant disparities in health outcomes with marginalized communities disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. In the United States, Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals account for a disproportionate number of new HIV diagnoses and deaths from AIDS. Similarly, LGBTQ+ individuals are at a higher risk of contracting HIV, with gay and bisexual men accounting for the majority of new diagnoses.
Globally, marginalized communities also face significant barriers to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. For example, because of gender inequalities and violence, women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Similarly, the stigma and discrimination faced by people who inject drugs make access to HIV prevention and treatment services difficult.
Strategies to Increase Health Equity in Patients with HIV/AIDS
- While we all strive to provide a high quality of care and support, regardless of a patient’s HIV and socioeconomic status, barriers remain. Use of person-first and inclusive language. Example: Patient with HIV instead of HIV patient.
- Identify strategies to promote an awareness of unconscious biases and reduce its potential impact in healthcare.
- Challenge intersectional stigmas and discriminatory behaviors that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS, such as homophobia, transphobia, and racism.
- Ask open-ended questions to develop individualized, patient-centered treatment plans that help overcome social determinants of health.
- Connect patients to supportive resources, including HIV prevention and screening, access to essential care and services for medication, mental health, and substance abuse.
- Empower patients as advocates for their own health and well-being through effective patient education and counseling.
Culturally humble approaches in combination to education are keys to transforming approaches to providing care to people living with HIV and AIDS. Additionally, advocating for policies and programs that address health equity in HIV/AIDS care to diverse patient populations, and understanding the social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities.
REFERENCES
- HIV and AIDS epidemic global statistics. HIV.gov. (n.d.). https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/global-statistics/
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). HIV and AIDS. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
- HIV statistics impact on racial and ethnic minorities. HIV.gov. (n.d.-b). https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/impact-on-racial-and-ethnic-minorities/
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