Abstract
Analysis of the AIDS case data for the United States reported to the Centers for Disease Control reveals quite different risk group profiles for minorities and for whites. A much higher percentage of minority male AIDS cases are heterosexual, the ratio of bisexual to homosexual cases is two to three times higher, and IV needle use is a greater risk factor in minority populations. Among women and children with AIDS, 75% and 82% respectively are minorities. Whites at risk for AIDS tend to be concentrated in the gay community but blacks at risk for AIDS are dispersed throughout the entire community. As a result, AIDS education programs aimed at gay populations do not reach most of the minority populations at risk. AIDS prevention programs need to take this fact into account.
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