Hall of Shame - Women and HIV

While men still represent the majority of HIV and AIDS cases in the United States, women are accounting for an increasing share. 

·      In 1985, women represented 8% of AIDS diagnoses; by 2005 they accounted for 27%. 

·      Even more concerning is that HIV is the 5^th leading cause of death in women in the United States between the ages of 25-44.  It is likely that the majority of these women contracted HIV as an adolescent or young adult. 

Among certain female populations the statistics are even more concerning. 

·      Girls between the ages of 13-19, represented 43% of AIDS cases reported, while women ages 25+ represented 26% of AIDS cases. 

·      For African-American women ages 25-34, HIV is the leading cause of death.

·      In 2009, black/African American females made up 14% of the female population but accounted for an estimated 66% of diagnoses of HIV infection among females.

It is important to consider the ways that HIV/AIDS impact different populations and not rely on a one-size-fits-all prevention program.  Often for women, asking their partner to use protection is not an easy task because many relationships have a power imbalance.  If prevention programs only address the facts about HIV and encourage safe sex, then it will be useless for these women.  Prevention programs needed to be gender-specific and consider the ways in which gender roles and power impact relationships. 

Treatment for women living with HIV/AIDS also needs to be gender-specific because their demographics look different than those for men.

·      Nearly two-thirds (64%) had annual incomes below $10,000 compared to 41% of men

·      Research suggests that women with HIV face limited access to care and experience disparities in access, relative to men

·      Also many of these women have familial responsibilities that complicate the management of their illness, which results in poorer health.

All statistics are from: Kaiser Family Foundation