HIV-Affected community | |
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Specialty | HIV/AIDS |
Risk factors | Mainly unprotected sex |
Diagnostic method | Community-based Diagnosis methods |
The affected community (also known as the HIV-affected community) is composed of people who are living with HIV and AIDS, plus individuals whose lives are directly influenced by HIV infection.[1][2] This originally was defined as young to middle aged adults who associate with being gay or bisexual men, and or injection drug users. HIV-affected community is a community that is affected directly or indirectly affected by HIV. These communities are usually influenced by HIV and undertake risky behaviours that lead to a higher chance of HIV infection.[3] To date HIV infection is still one of the leading cause of deaths around the world with an estimate of 36.8 million people diagnosed with HIV by the end of 2017,[4] but there can particular communities that are more vulnerable to HIV infection, these communities include certain races, gender, minorities, and disadvantaged communities.[5] One of the most common communities at risk is the gay community as it is commonly transmitted through unsafe sex.[6] The main factor that contributes to HIV infection within the gay/bisexual community is that gay men do not use protection when performing anal sex or other sexual activities which can lead to a higher risk of HIV infections.[7] Another community will be people diagnosed with mental health issues, such as depression is one of the most common related mental illnesses associated with HIV infection.[8] HIV testing is an essential role in reducing HIV infection within communities as it can lead to prevention and treatment of HIV infections but also helps with early diagnosis of HIV.[9] Educating young people in a community with the knowledge of HIV prevention will be able to help decrease the prevalence within the community. As education is an important source for development in many areas. Research has shown that people more at risk for HIV are part of disenfranchised and inner city populations as drug use and sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) are more prevalent.[3][10] People with mental illnesses that inhibit making decisions or overlook sexual tendencies are especially at risk for contracting HIV.[3]
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