Epidemiologic profile of HIV and AIDS among American Indians/Alaska natives in the USA through 2000

Abstract

Objectives To describe HIV and AIDS among American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in the USA through 2000. Design An epidemiologic profile was constructed using HIV/AIDS surveillance, sexually transmitted disease (STD), and seroprevalence data. Results Although AIDS among AI/AN represents <1% of cumulative AIDS cases in the USA, in 2000 the AIDS incidence rate (cases per 100,000 population) for AI/AN (11.9) was higher than that for whites (7.3). AI/AN had high rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis from 1996 through 2000; among all females, AI/AN females had the second highest rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported during this time period. Of all AIDS cases among AI/AN, 70% were reported by 10 states. Conclusions These data demonstrate that the impact of STDs and the potential for an impact of HIV/AIDS among AI/AN are greater than indicated by the relatively small number of AIDS cases in this population. Additional mechanisms are needed to fill gaps in the available data. Coordination among the complex network of healthcare providers, tribes, and federal, state, and local health agencies is needed to improve delivery of information about HIV/AIDS to AI/AN and to ensure access to HIV prevention and treatment programs for AI/AN.