Influence of Demographic Factors on the Incidence Rate

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Introduction

Policymakers heavily rely on vital statistical information when laying out down strategies or processes aimed at effectively managing certain diseases. The incorporation of vital statistical data in informing policy has gained precedence in the last few decades thus occasioning the utilization of sophisticated technology and methodology in measuring the incidence and mortality levels.

Although HIV is not common in the United States, its high occurrence in minority groups has aroused interest from population scientists and epidemiologists. This essay will discuss the incidence rates and the occurrence of HIV/AIDS in the US based on certain demographic factors, especially race and gender.

Annual incidence levels in the US

It is estimated that slightly above 56000 cases of HIV occurred in the united states in 2006 representing a significant increase from the earlier estimates. The incidence levels were estimated at 22 for every 100, 000 Americans with the blacks contributing to more than half of the new infections. Slightly above 80 black Americans were infected with HIV in 2006 compared to a partly 30 and 12 persons in Hispanics and whites respectively.

In 2007, partly 21.1 new cases of HIV were reported in the whole population although similar trends based on race were observed. Similarly, 11.9 new cases of AIDS were recorded for every 100000 Americans with the highest incidence occurring in African Americans and the least in the Asian populations. An estimated 47.3 and 15.2 new cases occurred in the African and Hispanic populations in 2007. A slight increase to 12.2 cases for every 100000 Americans was noted in 2008 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010, p. 43).

Annual incidence rates of AIDS in Hispanics

A decreasing trend in the incidence rates has occurred in the Hispanics/ Latinos in the last few years with rates of 16.0, 15.4, and 15.0 for 2006, 2007, and 2008 respectively. On average, about 7000 Hispanics are diagnosed with AIDS each year with slight fluctuations occurring in the past years.

The prevalence rate of AIDs among the U.S. population

Statistical data depicted a prevalence of 185.1 persons for every 100000 Americans. Stark variations in the prevalence rates were evident across the various states and residential areas. For instance, the District of Columbia had 1750.6 cases per 100000 while compared to slightly above 2.2 per 100000 persons in far-flung areas such as American Samoa.

The prevalence rate of AIDs among the Hispanics/Latinos

The prevalence has increased steadily since reliable statistical evidence was developed in 2003. More than 455000 persons were estimated to suffer from AIDS in 2007. 19 % of affected individuals were of Hispanic origin while about 80% of the cases were reported in the white and the black population. The Hispanics returned a prevalence rate of 192 per 100000 as observed in data released in 2008 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009).

Comparisons

The general population recorded a slightly higher incidence when put into comparison with the Hispanics. A downward momentum of incidences has been observed in the Hispanics unlike in the general population where a substantial increase has remained the norm since 2003.

Although the occurrence of new cases is minimal, Hispanics have a slightly higher prevalence when compared to the US population. Cultural factors coupled with increased sex between males could explain the higher prevalence. In addition, the constant prevalence rate over the years could be a result of poor health-seeking behaviors that result in speedy progression to AIDS status in the Hispanic population (Hall et al, 2008, p. 526).

Interpretation of graph

The graph depicts an increased awareness and interventions that may explain the inverse relationship between the numbers of new infections when compared to the ever-increasing prevalence. Despite the high prevalence, incidences are tending towards zero unlike during the early years of the HIV epidemic where incidence is directly proportional to prevalence.

Differences in disease burden

The whites have continually exhibited a relatively higher burden to certain illnesses particularly heart disorders and neoplasm, which is mainly due to racial variations. The Alaska natives suffer more from accidental injuries and homicides than any other race probably due to the nature of the occupation. In addition, failure for certain diseases to feature in the leading causes is partly due to genetics and susceptibility of specific populations (Heron, 2010, p. 15).

Mortality rates

Age-adjusted mortality plays a major role when the diseases have a lengthy prognosis thereby occasioning the need to understand its occurrence and subsequent initiation of tailored made interventions for specific groups.

Comparison of neonatal mortality

Blacks have a relatively high neonatal coupled with post-neo-natal mortality owing to the exposure to the majority of the risk factors during pregnancy. On the other hand, the Asian population recorded the lowest number in both categories. Exposures to certain risk factors such as smoking coupled with early pregnancy and drug abuse may result in high rates. More importantly, poor health-seeking behaviors together with inadequate preventive measures explain the high rates in the blacks (Mathews, Menacker & MacDorman, 2004, p. 26).

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, 2007. Vol. 19. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.

Hall, H., Song, R., Rhodes, P., Prejean, J., An, Q. et al. (2008). Estimation of HIV incidence in the United States. Journal of American Medical Association, 300, 520 – 529.

Heron, M. (2010). Deaths: Leading Causes for 2006. National Vital Statistics Reports, 58(14), 1-100.

Lieb, S., Thompson, D., White, S., Grigg, B. Liberti, T. et al. (2010). Estimated HIV Incidence, Prevalence, and Mortality Rates among Racial/Ethnic Populations of Men Who Have Sex with Men, Florida. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, 00(0), 716–723.

Mathews, T.J., Menacker, F. & MacDorman, M. (2004). Infant Mortality Statistics from the 2002 Period Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set. National Vital Statistics Reports, 53(10), 1-29.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). Evidence of Trends, Risk Factors, and Intervention Strategies. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

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