By Eduardo Morales, Ph.D.–
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first reported the initial cases of HIV/AIDS in the U.S. during June of 1981. In the recent release of the 2020 Annual Report by the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), gradual declines in new HIV/AIDS cases were noted. The data, however, was compromised by the lack of public access to HIV testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. A rally was held on the steps of SF City Hall on Monday, March 21, and called on San Francisco leaders to take back HIV as a major priority. San Francisco employed strategies to respond to COVID-19 built upon novel comprehensive approaches used for HIV/AIDS. Meanwhile, the SFDPH 2020 Annual Report notes important differences by ethnicity and race.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau as of April 1, 2020, the San Francisco population (N=873,965) estimates are 52.8% White alone with 40.2% being White alone, not Hispanic or Latinx; 36.0% Asian alone; 15.2% Hispanic or Latinx; 5.6% Black or African American alone; 4.5% two or more races; and 1.2% being of other ethnicities and races. In sharp contrast, the 2020 Annual Report notes newly diagnosed HIV cases (N=131) were reported to be 37% Latinx, 28% White, 21% Black/African American, 11% Asian/Pacific Islander, 2% Native American, and 1% were other/unknown race and ethnicity. For Black/African Americans, this is more than triple the population estimate of 5.6%. Meanwhile, for Latinxs, this is more than double the San Francisco population estimate of 15.2% Latinx persons.
When examining data of those living with HIV in 2020 (N=15,811), 57% are White, 21% are Latinx, 12% are Black/African American, 4% are Asian/Pacific Islander, 3% are other/unknown race and ethnicity, and less than 1% are Native American. Here again, Black/African Americans are more than double while Latinxs are higher than the expected 15.2% when compared to the U.S. Census data. Persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS were more likely to be men. In 2020 in San Francisco, newly diagnosed persons had higher proportions of women, Black/African Americans, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islanders, trans women who have sex with men, persons who inject drugs, and heterosexuals.
Data for California in 2019 in this report noted more dramatic differences by race and ethnicity. For newly diagnosed cases in California (N=4,396), 48% were Latinx, 25% were White, 18% were Black/African American, 6% were Asian/Pacific Islander, 3% were other/unknown, and less than 1% were Native American. For those living with HIV in California (N=137,785), 38% were Latinx, 37% were White, 17% were Black/African American, 4% were Asian/Pacific Islander, 3% were other/unknown, and less than 1% were Native American.
Overall, in the past decade, Latinx persons in San Francisco were reported to have had the largest proportional increases of newly diagnosed cases while the proportion of new diagnosed cases among Whites declined. For years 2011 through 2020, most of the newly diagnosed HIV cases were men who have sex with men. By age groups, those who were 30–39 years old accounted for the highest proportion of diagnosed cases each year, while in 2019 and 2020, individuals diagnosed at ages 50 and older increased. No children below the age of 13 were diagnosed with HIV during 2011 to 2020. However, as of 12/31/2020, Latinx adolescents and young adults accounted for 41% of young adults living with HIV in San Francisco.
HIV among trans women (N=96) from 2011 to 2020 accounted for 3% of all new HIV diagnoses with 43% of these being Latinx, 26% being Black/African American, 15% being White, 10% being Asian/Pacific Islander, and 6% being other/unknown. Among the 420 trans women living with HIV in San Francisco, 37% were Latinx and 30% were Black/African Americans.
The SFDPH 2020 Annual Report on HIV Epidemiology contains much more detailed information and is accessible to download from the department’s website: https://tinyurl.com/2p9fcj8u
In examining the HIV/AIDS epidemic in San Francisco and throughout California, interventions must be culturally specific and linguistically diverse. The effect of medications used to prevent infection commonly referred to as PrEP vary due to inconsistencies in taking these medications to prevent infection across California, according to newly funded state grantees. Also, PEP medications are available if one suspects to have been infected within a 72-hour window.
While those with HIV and taking HIV medications are less likely to infect others, the use of condoms continues to be recommended as well as not sharing needles. There are numerous cofactors affecting the spread of HIV. This report by SFDPH provides good, comprehensive information. Throughout California and the U.S., however, HIV/AIDS needs more attention, especially given the complications of COVID-19 and other unforeseen diseases that can impact our general health.
Eduardo Morales, PhD, is one of the founders of AGUILAS, where he serves as Executive Director. He is also a retired Distinguished Professor at Alliant International University and is the current Past President of the National Latinx Psychological Association.
Published on April 7, 2022
Recent Comments