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This place is killing me: A comparison of counties where the
incidence
rates of AIDS increased the most and the least.
Journal of Infectious Diseases 2005;191(Suppl 1):S123-s126.
Peterman TA, Lindsey CA, Selik RM.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to identify the socioeconomic and
health characteristics of communities with the largest proportional increases
in incidence rates of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). METHODS:
Reported AIDS cases (1981-1990 and 1995-1999) were used for a comparison
between 20 US counties with the largest proportional increases in incidence
rates of AIDS and 20 US counties with the smallest increases. Data were obtained
from Community Health Status Indicators Reports of the Health Resources and
Services Administration (HRSA) and from the US Census Bureau. RESULTS: Counties
with the largest increases in the incidence of AIDS had lower levels of income,
education, and literacy; higher incidence rates of syphilis, age-adjusted
mortality (all causes), and infant mortality; more low-birth-weight infants;
and higher levels on all 9 specific mortality measures in the HRSA reports.
CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of AIDS increased the most in areas where many
other health problems occurred. Research is needed to identify and address
the root causes of ill health.