Since 1981, when HIV and AIDS came to the forefront of the public’s mind, Los Angeles County has confirmed 38,000 cases of AIDS. Of that number, 24,000 have died. This accounts for 35% of all AIDS cases in California, and 6% nationally. While both men and women are at risk, in LA County, AIDS is the leading cause of death among men ages 25-44 ("HIV testing," 1999).
Despite continuous efforts to address HIV infection, it continues to spread. Advances in treatment, though, have resulted in a drop in AIDS related deaths.
LA County Survey In the spring of 1997, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services conducted a phone survey of about 8,000 residences. Of those contacted, 52% of adults agreed to participate in the survey. Demographic …show more content…
This was important in gaining the trust of those who offered information about their personal lives and sexual practices ("HIV testing," 1999).
Survey Results Based on the answers provided, it was reported that about one-third of adults in Los Angeles County had been tested for HIV in the preceding two years. The percentage of men and women were relatively equal, with African Americans having a higher test rate than Caucasian or Asian adults. Not surprising, those without medical insurance were less likely to have an HIV test ("HIV testing," 1999). Those adults that were living below the poverty level had a higher testing rate than those that were living at 200% of poverty level. This can be attributed to the fact that many of these lower income individuals were covered by MediCal, which is a state Medicaid insurance. MediCal pays for the screening in full, so they were faced with no out of pocket expense. Others with private insurance often have to pay a copay or deductible for services. About half of the people who have an increased risk, such as drug users or homosexuals, claimed to have had an HIV test. Ten years prior, only a quarter of those with a higher risk had been tested ("HIV testing," …show more content…
With this survey, one area that is identified as lacking is testing for adults that have private insurance. When this survey was administered, screening services were not covered in full by most insurance companies. Patients were then left with balances that they had to pay the service provider, such as a laboratory. Depending upon the type of coverage, this out of pocket balance could be high enough to discourage a person to get tested. Because of this, community health interventions could be developed so that HIV screenings are covered in full, or at a significantly reduced cost to the individual. This allows for early identification of HIV status. However, community health must have a plan to help those that test positive obtain the appropriate care at a reasonable cost.
This particular survey was helpful in identifying where disparities existed in the community. Instead of trying to focus on one perceived high risk group, the assessment reached out to a large number of households, regardless of the demographic living there. Although no assessment is perfect, this allowed for a fair survey of every group regardless of sexual orientation, gender or race. Also, by not focusing on a particular group at the beginning, the results may have identified areas where community outreach workers may not have felt a problem existed (Cacari-Stone, Wallerstein,
Despite continuous efforts to address HIV infection, it continues to spread. Advances in treatment, though, have resulted in a drop in AIDS related deaths.
LA County Survey In the spring of 1997, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services conducted a phone survey of about 8,000 residences. Of those contacted, 52% of adults agreed to participate in the survey. Demographic …show more content…
This was important in gaining the trust of those who offered information about their personal lives and sexual practices ("HIV testing," 1999).
Survey Results Based on the answers provided, it was reported that about one-third of adults in Los Angeles County had been tested for HIV in the preceding two years. The percentage of men and women were relatively equal, with African Americans having a higher test rate than Caucasian or Asian adults. Not surprising, those without medical insurance were less likely to have an HIV test ("HIV testing," 1999). Those adults that were living below the poverty level had a higher testing rate than those that were living at 200% of poverty level. This can be attributed to the fact that many of these lower income individuals were covered by MediCal, which is a state Medicaid insurance. MediCal pays for the screening in full, so they were faced with no out of pocket expense. Others with private insurance often have to pay a copay or deductible for services. About half of the people who have an increased risk, such as drug users or homosexuals, claimed to have had an HIV test. Ten years prior, only a quarter of those with a higher risk had been tested ("HIV testing," …show more content…
With this survey, one area that is identified as lacking is testing for adults that have private insurance. When this survey was administered, screening services were not covered in full by most insurance companies. Patients were then left with balances that they had to pay the service provider, such as a laboratory. Depending upon the type of coverage, this out of pocket balance could be high enough to discourage a person to get tested. Because of this, community health interventions could be developed so that HIV screenings are covered in full, or at a significantly reduced cost to the individual. This allows for early identification of HIV status. However, community health must have a plan to help those that test positive obtain the appropriate care at a reasonable cost.
This particular survey was helpful in identifying where disparities existed in the community. Instead of trying to focus on one perceived high risk group, the assessment reached out to a large number of households, regardless of the demographic living there. Although no assessment is perfect, this allowed for a fair survey of every group regardless of sexual orientation, gender or race. Also, by not focusing on a particular group at the beginning, the results may have identified areas where community outreach workers may not have felt a problem existed (Cacari-Stone, Wallerstein,