Many Putting Themselves at Risk for HIV Infection and Don’t Perceive the Danger
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released results of a survey that showed nearly one-fifth of NYC adults are at increased risk for HIV infection because of multiple sex partners or drug use. Among those identified with multiple sex partners, 60% do not use condoms all the time. More alarming is the fact that the survey found that 92% of this at-risk population does not believe they are at risk. The findings underscore the importance of prevention education and HIV testing.
The report is one of the first to use a citywide survey of blood samples to estimate HIV prevalence. The results support previous studies that show approximately 1.4% of New York City adults are infected with HIV. It also found disproportionately high numbers among men who have sex with men (MSM) (38 times the citywide average) and the Black and Hispanic populations (3.3% and 1.3% compared to .6% of Caucasians). Because of needle exchange programs and increased access to clean needles, HIV infection due to needle injection has decreased in the city, but the report showed the disease is still common among drug users (21% positive).
“Far too many people are in danger of contracting HIV through risky behavior,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Health Commissioner for New York City. “Reducing the number of sex partners you have and protecting yourself and your partners by consistently using condoms will help you stay safe. We should all know our HIV status, regardless of whether we think we’re at risk – and health care providers should offer this test to their patients.”
In the Capital Region, the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York provides free confidential HIV testing at a variety of locations including walk-in testing Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:00pm at our main office at 927 Broadway in downtown Albany. Check our website, www.aidscouncil.org, for additional testing sites and times.