Data from the surveys provide estimates of HIV prevalence for populations surveyed in 1997. Because the results of each survey reflect different biases, the reader is encouraged to read the Technical Notes and consult the Suggested Readings for effective interpretation of the data. When considered with their respective biases, data from the surveys can contribute to an overall picture of HIV infection in the United States.

In STD clinics, prevalence rates were highest among the population of men who reported having sex with men. The median clinic prevalence rate in this population was 19.3%; rates among black men who have sex with men (MSM) were approximately twice that of white MSM. The median clinic prevalence rate was 4.8% among injection drug users (IDUs) attending STD clinics. Among heterosexuals attending STD clinics and reporting no other behavioral risk category, prevalence rates were higher for males than for females in nearly all metropolitan areas (Table 1 and Figures 2-5).

Prevalence surveys conducted at drug treatment centers during 1997 continue to reflect a wide range of estimated HIV prevalence among IDUs. The overall median clinic prevalence rate for IDUs attending drug treatment centers was 14.8%. The highest rates were in the Northeast and the South. In the Northeast, South, and West, prevalence rates were highest among black IDUs (Table 2; Figures 6 and 7).

National patterns of HIV prevalence among youth are provided by the CDC unlinked adolescent surveys and the screening programs of Job Corps entrants and applicants for military service. During 1997, HIV prevalence ranged from 0.0% to 1.0% in the six adolescent medicine clinics, with no consistent geographic pattern of prevalence (Table 3). Statewide prevalence rates ranged from 0.0% to 0.8% among Job Corps entrants and from 0.0% to 0.1% among applicants for military service. Prevalence rates were substantially higher among black Job Corps entrants and black military applicants than among other racial/ ethnic groups. Rates were particularly high among black female entrants to the Job Corps and among black male military applicants (Figures 8-11).