A cross-section of articles we've read this week about HIV/AIDS, STIs and a wide cross-section of structural and systemic factors impacting HIV/AIDS in Black communities.
MSM
The Unending Paradox: Why Are HIV Rates Higher in Black MSM?
In 2006, Greg Millett and colleagues studied HIV in African American men who have sex with men (MSM) to try to understand why they have the highest rates of infection in the U.S. His study reported that, compared with white MSM, African American MSM had fewer sexual partners, and found no differences in the rates of reported unprotected sex. They found no evidence to support theories ranging from genetic risk factors to increased substance use to higher incarceration rates. The men had similar histories regarding their use of sex workers, and similar HIV testing frequency.
Prevention
Medicare Now Covers HIV Tests, Just in Time for STD Awareness Month
April is the annual STD Awareness Month, a campaign to raise awareness about sexually transmitted diseases and encourage everyone to "Know the Facts and GYT: Get Yourself Tested." It's a joint effort from the Kaiser Family Foundation, MTV, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and others.
Treatment
Research Informs HIV Treatment Policy for Inmates
A national, five-year study of care for inmates with HIV brought strangers together, produced policy change in the Delaware Department of Corrections and documented the importance of good communication and coordinated care for those who return to the community. But many challenges remain in preventing, detecting and treating HIV in offender populations.
Miscellaneous
8-Year Old Boy to be Tested for HIV/AIDS After Mistaking Condom for Balloon
An 8-year old boy is under the microscope after doing the unthinkable: mistaking a used condom for a balloon.
Finding LGBT-Competent Doctors May Be Difficult, Study Shows
Researchers find few hospitals offer LGBT-competency training and that LGBT patients have worse health outcomes
5 Urgent Ways to Make Black Health Matter
As the media continues to reveal more truth on the systematic injustice and devastation of our community, we should all take a moment to breath.
Indiana Says H.I.V. Outbreak Is Worsening
INDIANAPOLIS - An Indiana county at the heart of an H.I.V. outbreak has seen a "significant increase" in the number of cases more than two weeks into a short-term needle exchange program, state health officials said.
Meth, Crack, Coke & Ecstasy: Effects on HIV Disease Progression
Stimulant use (e.g., methamphetamines) may have less of a negative effect on health outcomes for people living with HIV than previously thought. A team of researchers, in an article published in JAIDS, reported that they found no association between any frequency of stimulant use and mortality, and only a modest association between high-frequency stimulant use and the combined outcomes of mortality and progression to AIDS.
New Cards for Medicare Recipients Will Omit Social Security Numbers
WASHINGTON - Concerned about the rising prevalence and sophistication of identity theft, most private health insurance companies have abandoned the use of Social Security numbers to identify individuals. The federal government even forbids private insurers to use the numbers on insurance cards when they provide medical or drug benefits under contract with Medicare.
Rauner's Budget Cuts Funding For HIV-Prevention Program, Preschool For HIV-AIDS-Affected Kids
The state's HIV-AIDS programs will suffer Under Gov. Rauner's proposed austerity measures, including a groundbreaking HIV-prevention program and a preschool for impoverished AIDS-affected children.
Rick Scott's Obamacare Debacle: Florida Man Traps Himself in Wholly Unnecessary Medicaid Fight
Florida's GOP governor is suing the Obama administration to get his hands on some sweet non-"Obamacare" money.
