HIV Health Disparities

Question 1

Definition of health disparity

Answer 1

Gaps in the quality of health and healthcare across racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic groups.

Question 2

5 reasons young women are at increased risk for HIV

Answer 2

• Biologically vulnerable due to vaginal mucosa providing a larger surface area for acquisition. 5-8x more susceptible.
• More likely to acquire HIV from a heterosexual partner
• Unlikely to be able to negotiate safer sex w/ an older partner. More vulnerable social / economic situations, limited social mobility, older partner more likely to be HIV+.
• More worried about pregnancy than STI’s, despite the fact that there are 3x more STI’s per year than pregnancies in teenagers.
• Prioritize health of their family (kids) over their own health risks.

Question 3

Risk factors among lower risk pxs (3)

What makes them lower risk? (4)

Answer 3

Less than HS education, food insecurity, non-monogamous sex partner.
Lower risk: few partners, no alcohol / tobacco / drug use

Question 4

Barriers to care (4)

Answer 4

Poverty, unstable health insurance, long distances for care, scarce resources (including mental healthcare)

Question 5

Prejudice vs discrimination

Answer 5

Prejudice = attitude.  
Discrimination = behavior

Question 6

2 parts of stigma against HIV

Answer 6

1) marks an enduring condition, such as poverty, homelessness, or rape.
2) negatively valued by society.
Due to these, pxs become discredited / disadvantaged.