Transmission of HIV/AIDS among African American intravenous drug users: implication for public health policy.
According to recent research, Baltimore City has one of the highest HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) infection rates in the state of Maryland. Intravenous drug use (IDU) in persons who are infected with HIV, is identified as the critical link to the spread of this disease in Baltimore. Substance abuse programs are insufficient to aid the city in helping to fight the warfare on HIV/ AIDS. The City Council, citizens and community based organizations must play a non-judgmental role in obtaining legislation to address the issues. Adequate substance abuse programs will greatly enhance educational and prevention strategies among African Americans who are already disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and IDU. Efficient, effective, equal, legal, political acceptance, and improvement would be included in the criteria of policy options.
Coleman
Christopher Lance
CL
Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia 19131, USA. colemanc@nursing.upenn.edu
D001741:Black or African American / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D016485:Needle Sharing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011057:Politics; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration