Kathy-Ann Isaac
Final Paper: HIV/AIDS AND AFRICAN AMERICAN ADOLESENTS
Professor Charnell Covert
Sociology of Urban Poverty (AFR 1502-E868)
December 20th, 2013
Running Head: HIV/AIDS AND ADOLESCENTS
1
Executive Summary
HIV/AIDS is a major ailment that affects our Black Community. According to studies
done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) its shows that African Americans
presents greater danger when it comes to HIV/AIDS infection in comparison to other ethnicities.
This dreadful disease can cause tremendous physical and psychological pain to individuals.
Furthermore, it’s a virus that has no cure as a result, when you are infected with the disease it’s
for a lifetime. There are different ways HIV/AIDS can be contracted such as by having
unprotected sex with an infected person, from mother to child and by sharing needles with an
infected individual. African Americans make up 12% to 14% of the United States population
and it is astounding that they are accredited for 44% of the new cases of the HIV/AIDS infection
(CDC, 2010). There are numerous stigmas about individuals infected with HIV/AIDS such as if
you touch them you can become infected and they are promiscuous. In addition, they are
discriminated against.
It is imperative for the Black community and families to educate the youths on the
dangers of HIV/AIDS. Too many young individuals in the United States are in danger of
contracting the disease. In 2010 African American adolescents ages 13 through 19 accounted for
15% of African Americans diagnosed with the HIV/AIDS virus (CDC, 2010). This is a disease
that can be avoided 100 percent considering individuals are informed. Men who have sex with
men (MSM) have a greater chance of being infected. Statistics show that approximately 10,600
African Americans MSM are newly diagnosed HIV infection cases (CDC, 2010).
There are various reasons why some populations are more vulnerable than others. Some
factors include socioeconomic status, geographic location and lack of education about the
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disease. These aspects will determine what care an individual with HIV/AIDS will acquire.
Receiving the appropriate services and medical care plays an integral part when it comes to their
health and living a productive and long life. As a result, they can have the most normalize life as
possible although infected with the disease.
Introduction
The African American community is plagued by the HIV/AIDS disease. African
Americans account for 44% of the new cases of HIV/AIDS infections in correlation with other
races (CDC, 2010). Although African Americans make up a very small percent of the population
in the United States, the percentage of infected individuals with HIV/AIDS is troubling. HIV is
defined as Human Immunodeficiency Virus whereas AIDS is defined as Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Moreover, HIV can advance into AIDS of which none of these
illnesses are curable. Although there have been immense improvements in the medications given
to HIV/AIDS patients they are still searching for a cure. African American adolescents infected
with this disease are on rise. Subsequently, it is evident that we do whatever is necessary to
lessen the spread of this terrible disease. There are precautions that can be taken to decrease the
transmission of the disease because it is preventable. There are several ways the disease can be
transmitted such as having unprotected sex with an infected individual, mother to child and
sharing needles through intravenous drugs use with an infected person. Some steps to prevent it
include using condoms during sexual intercourse, abstinence and drug users refrain from sharing
needles. Furthermore, be aware of coming in contact with bodily fluids. Essentially, semen,
breast milk and blood, always take precaution to prevent the transmission of the HIV infection.
Socioeconomic status, geographic location and being misinformed can heighten the spread of the
disease. Educating the youths about HIV/AIDS is vital to their survival and the endurance of
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Black race. In this way assist in the reduction of HIV/AIDS infection rates among the Black
community.
Analysis
According to AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AFH) the world became familiarized with
the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s. As a result of numerous amounts of homosexual
men in New York and California experiencing uncommon types of pneumonia and cancer, hence
that raised a red flag. Previously, the symptoms of HIV/AIDS were disclosed under other names
such as “gay-related immune deficiency” and “slim” nevertheless by 1985 they were reported all
over the world (AFH, 2013). This disease has become one of the primary elements of death
pandemics.
The HIV virus cause gradual failure of an individual’s immune system which allows
strategic infections and cancers to thrive. It may start off with an acute infection and followed by
swollen lymph nodes, fever, malaise, muscle and joint pain. Furthermore, the vital cells of the
immune system such as dendrite, helper T and macrophages cells are infected (Wikepedia,
2013). When these cells are infected with the disease it is very hard to fight any illnesses that the
body comes into contact with because they are not functioning properly. In the past when an
individual contracted HIV, due to the lack of knowledge and developments in medicine they
would wait to die. However, in 2013 persons infected with the disease are living longer lives as
a result of new development in medicine. One medication of that stature is antiretroviral drugs
which help withhold the HIV virus but does not eradicate the exposure of the virus being
transmitted fully. These individuals can have jobs go to school and maintain a family like any
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other individual. Looking at someone you cannot tell if they have this disease. Thus, it is
encouraged to get tested in order to be sure of your status.
There are several ways the virus can spread; firstly, by having unprotected sex with an
individual that’s infected with the disease. The transmission of semen or other bodily fluid
during intercourse can result in being infected. There are three ways the virus can be transmitted
sexually through anal, vaginal and oral sex or fellatio. Anal sex involves being penetrated via the
anus done by either male with male or male with female. Receptive anal intercourse appears to
be more risky than receptive vaginal intercourse with obvious implications for spread amongst
men who have sex with men (MSM) (Morison, 2001).Vaginal intercourse involves being
penetrated via the vagina by a male. Oral sex or fellatio includes being sexually stimulated by the
tongue of a sexual partner. If not fully protected bodily fluid can be transferred among
individuals during anyone of these situations. One minute of pleasure can cause a lifetime of pain
by not taking necessary measures to protect yourself and your partner. It is evident to make the
appropriate choices when it comes to who you choose to have sex with. Consequently,
someone’s appearance does not dictate their HIV/AIDS status. Ideally, safety is off outmost
importance because many people do not disclose their status because of fair of discrimination.
It’s the individual’s duty to protect themselves and their partner by using protection.
Many of our African American teenagers’ lives have been inflicted with the HIV/AIDS
epidemic because they are having unprotected sex and lack comprehensive sex education.
Evaluating how frustrating it can be after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, we can empathize
with the teenagers. The significance of being part of a community that provides treatment
programs and intervention can be beneficial to their emotional health. African American
adolescents are greatly affected by this terrible disease. Youths are accounted for 12, 2000
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(25.7%) new HIV infections in 2010, of which 7,000 (57.4%) were among blacks/African
American (CDC, 2012). Studies show that there is a disparity in the quantity of new HIV
infections that happens among adolescents, particularly African Americans. This disease not
only affects the individual but their families and the black community as well. Necessary steps
needs to be taken to diminish such high levels of HIV infection percentages among this
vulnerable group. Research shows that adolescents are more susceptible to engage in precarious
activities when related to HIV infection (Richardson, Brown, Van Brakle, & Godette, 2010).
This occurs amongst youths ages 13 through 24 years. Apparently there is some misinformation
or miscommunication when it comes to educating the youths on how to prevent the transmission
of this incurable disease. Where does it start? Who should educate the youths on prevention? At
what age is it appropriate to start informing children about sex and sexually transmitted diseases
such as HIV/AIDS?
There is a deficiency when it comes to educating the youths about HIV/AIDS thus it’s
displayed in the astounding proportions of the infection rates. It is obvious if the appropriate
information was being given to them there would not be such drastic rates of African American
youths infected with the disease. Being unaware of their HIV status plays a significant role in the
transmission of the virus. Hence, an unknown status can lead to careless and risky behavior.
Using modernized methodology to assist adolescents in understanding how to protect them from
being infected with HIV is ideal. For example, using popular music such as rap and hip hop to
acquire their attention because it very common around youths. By using a school stationed
program entitled Reducing HIV/AIDS through Prevention (RHAP), teens are thought ways to
stop the spread of the disease through music (Boutin-Foster, McLaughlin, Gray, Ogedegbe,
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Hageman, Knowlton & Beeder, 2010). This will provide major enlightenment of the risks of
contracting the HIV virus and how to be proactive.
Adolescents being knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS is not restricted to their family it’s
has to be the effort of the community as a whole. Although the family should be the root of a
child’s education about sex, having the support of the schools and the churches in the community
will be of immense help. The schools can organize rallies against HIV/AIDS and hand out
information on how to use condoms, how to protect yourself, the statistics and the risks.
Churches can also get involved by having workshops and showing videos of what the symptoms
of HIV/AIDS are and how to actually put a condom on in order for it to be effective. With this
information at hand the youths can be fully armed against the virus. Educating them is the key to
prevention because when they are aware of the consequences they will think twice before
deciding if taking the risk is worth it. According to the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention the rates of undiagnosed HIV infections among blacks was nine times more than
whites. Thus, it is crucial to know your status most of the new sexually transmitted HIV
infections are believed to be transferred by those who are unaware of the infection.
Socioeconomic status (SES) plays a substantial role in the quality care individuals
infected with the HIV/AIDS virus receive. The harsh actualities of various African Americans
lives can enhance the risk of HIV infection. Some socioeconomic elements that contribute to the
increase in the rise of HIV infection cases are discrimination, unavailable access to health care
and poverty. In 1999 1 in 4 African Americans were living in poverty (Laurencin, Christensen &
Taylor, 2008). Geographic location will entail what type of care individuals receive and what
referrals they are given. For example, if an infected individual has no insurance the services
available to them will definitely be limited if they are not financially stable. Additionally, not
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having available transportation to carry them back and forth to appointments can be detrimental
to an HIV/AIDS infected person. When someone has this disease there are many safety
measures that should be taken to lengthy their life. For instance, eating a healthy diet and taking
their medication as directed by their medical provider. Quality of care can be ascertain if African
Americans have proper access to health insurances whether Medicaid or private insurance.
Medicaid is medical insurance provided by the government whereas private insurances such as
Blue Cross Blue and United are usually obtained from employment. Studies conclude that more
than half of African Americans, (59%) relied on Medicaid compared to 32% of whites
(Laurencin, Christensen & Taylor, 2008). The extensive amounts of anonymous African
American with the HIV infection are a cause for public involvement and alarm. Moreover, it is
time to eradicate this epidemic. This is one of the major ailments affecting the African American
community thus it cause for concern. Seemingly, the odds are we all probably know someone
with this disease.
Personally, I know someone who has the HIV infection which was contracted through
intravenous drug use but I do not feel any different towards them. I also believe since I work in
a health care setting I am more informed and aware of the facts about the disease. There are
several stigmas when it comes to HIV/AIDS. Fear of disclosing risky behavior or sexual
orientation prevents many African Americans from obtaining testing, treatment and support from
family and friends (CDC, 2012). Sometimes due to what’s considered to be the norm in society,
individuals are judged based on their sexual preference. Moreover, they tend to keep their
lifestyle or their status a secret because of the fear of not being accepted. Especially when you
are battling such an atrocious disease you need all the support there is. Homosexuality notable
causes some men who have sex with men (MSM) to pretend they are straight because of the
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reaction and discrimination they are succumbed to. For example, being attacked because they
are gay and being ridiculed and called names. This can cause serious psychological pressure on
an individual combating HIV/AIDS in conjunction with being homosexual.
Urbanization Poverty
Poverty determines the type of care an individual infected with HIV/AIDS receives. A
state of poverty means that an individual is lacking the necessities to live such as food, clothing
and possibly shelter. Moreover, poverty tends to occur because of low income which is usually a
result of lack of education. It can be hazardous and detrimental to reside in poverty stricken
community. In these situation children are more prone to drug use, violence and diseases such as
HIV/AIDS. With regards to where individuals live the type of health care and recommendations
they receive varies. Individuals with the HIV/AIDS living in poverty can cause enormous harm
to their health and psychological well being. Unmistakably, inadequate access to HIV/AIDS
treatment, education and testing can increase the rates of infection. However, not being able to
afford or obtain the necessary human needs can also result in higher risks of contracting the
virus.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that within the low income urban
areas included in the study, individuals living below the poverty line were at greater risk for
HIV than those living above it (2.4 percent prevalence vs. 1.2 percent), though prevalence for
both groups was far higher than the national average (0.45 percent) (Chandler, 2010). President
Obama has developed a new plan which focuses on individuals affected with HIV/AIDS that’s
lacking necessary resources, the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. This will assist individuals in
need and the less fortunate affected by the HIV/AIDS virus.
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Conclusion
Based on the above information African Americans are greatly affected by the HIV/AIDS
epidemic. Statistics show that in 2010 African Africans represent 12 to 14% of the United States
population but they was accredited for 44% of the most recent HIV cases among adults and
adolescents (ages 13 and older) (CDC, 2010). As a matter of fact CDC established that
adolescents of African American parentage are predominantly affected by the disease, it is
projected that approximately 25,000 infection cases to occur annually among African Americans,
which is more than one third (38%) are among young people aged 13 to 29. HIV is defined as
Human Immunodeficiency virus and AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or the
advanced stage of HIV. This is an incurable disease thus when contracted it’s for life. Although
there is no cure scientists are working really hard on acquiring a cure. However, there have been
great improvements in HIV medications such as the antiretroviral drugs that slow down the
process of the HIV infection. As a result, it would not develop or advance into AIDS.
There are several ways the virus is contracted: through intravenous drug use by sharing
needles with an infected person, from mother to child and by having unprotected sex. Studies
show that men having sex with men (MSM) has the highest percent of HIV infections.
Approximately 10,600 black MSM, white MSM 11,200 and Hispanic/Latino 6,700 were infected
with the HIV virus in the United States (CDC, 2010). In comparison to black heterosexual men
2,700 and white heterosexual men 1,300 accounted for HIV infection cases in 2010 there is a
drastic difference in the numbers. As stated by AIDS Healthcare Foundation the globalization of
HIV/AIDS was brought to our attention in the early 1980s. It was considered a gay disease at
the time because most of the infected were gay men. Thus, it was given the stigmatized names of
“gay related immune deficiency” and “slim.” Initially the disease starts as a severe infection and
HIV/AIDS AND ADOLESCENTS
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is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, rash, muscle pain, fatigue, inflamed throat and fever.
However, these can be the symptoms of other illnesses thus it is suggested to get an HIV test to
confirm the diagnosis.
Educating adolescents on how to protect themselves is the best route to take when it
comes to diminishing the HIV/AIDS infection rates. By feeding them the necessary information
they can better take care of their health and lessen the influence of contracting the disease.
Subsequently, the adolescent’s family should be the initial source of information because they
can be misinformed when information is given by their peers. This is an epidemic that needs to
be eliminated and with the proper tools and facts adolescents will be empowered to defy this
deadly disease. Life can be difficult for numerous individuals especially those battling incurable
diseases. Numerous factors play a part in the accessibility of care individuals of African
American descent receive when it comes to HIV/AIDS such as socioeconomic status, lack of
education on the disease and the many stigmas that society has. President Obama’s
implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy will assist indigent and less fortunate
individuals with HIV/AIDS obtain necessary resources.
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