HIV surveillance data show that the rates of new HIV infection are disproportionately highest within ethnic minority populations. African- Americans account for a higher proportion of HIV infections than any other population at all stages of the disease from initial infection to death (see text box). Moreover, speci c minority subgroups are at particular risk. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of new HIV infections among MSM occurred in minority men (Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Paci c Islanders, and Native American/ Hawaiian). In addition, young minority men (13–24 years old) had the greatest increase (53 percent) of HIV infections of all groups studied between the years 2006 and 2009, occurring predominantly in the South. Young people are also at risk for HIV infection. Approximately 9,800 people aged 13–24 were diagnosed with HIV in 2010, representing 20 percent of newly diagnosed cases, with the highest rate occurring among those aged 20–24. Particular HIV risk behaviors within this age group include sexual experimentation and drug abuse, which are often in uenced by strong peer group relationships. Compounding this vulnerability is “generational forgetting”: Studies show that today’s youth may be less likely to perceive the dangers associated with HIV than are older Americans, who witnessed a higher AIDS mortality rate associated with the rapid progression from HIV to AIDS in the early years of the epidemic. Young people are also at risk for HIV infection. Approximately 9,800 people aged 13–24 were diagnosed with HIV in 2010, representing 20 percent of newly diagnosed cases, with the highest rate occurring among those aged 20–24. Particular HIV risk behaviors within this age group include sexual experimentation and drug abuse, which are often in uenced by strong peer group relationships. Compounding this vulnerability is “generational forgetting”: Studies show that today’s youth may be less likely to perceive the dangers associated with HIV than are older Americans, who witnessed a higher AIDS mortality rate associated with the rapid progression from HIV to AIDS in the early years of the epidemic. e growing number of people contracting HIV later in life, combined with the prolonged survival made possible by HAART, has contributed to an increasing number of people over the age of 50 living with HIV. is trend will continue, and by 2015, the over-50 population is predicted to represent one-half of all HIV/AIDS cases.27 e aging population presents a variety of treatment challenges. Older adults progress more rapidly to AIDS, have a greater number of age-related comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular disease, limited mobility), and report smaller support networks than their younger counterparts.
The Hispanic population accounted for 1 in 5 new HIV infections in the United States in 2009 — a rate 3 times that of the White community. 13
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