In:
American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, Vol. 98, No. 3 ( 2008-03), p. 515-519
Abstract:
Objectives. We sought to examine whether there were differential rates of HIV incidence among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal injection drug users in a Canadian setting. Methods. Data were derived from 2 prospective cohort studies of injection drug users in Vancouver, British Columbia. Using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression, we compared HIV incidence among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants. Results. Overall, 2496 individuals were recruited between May 1996 and December 2005. Compared with that of non-Aboriginal persons, the baseline HIV prevalence was higher among Aboriginal persons (16.0% vs 25.1%; P 〈 .001). Among participants who were HIV negative at baseline, the cumulative HIV incidence at 48 months was higher among Aboriginal persons (18.5% vs 9.5%; P 〈 .001). In multivariate analyses, Aboriginal ethnicity was independently associated with elevated HIV incidence (relative hazard=1.59; 95% confidence interval=1.12, 2.26; P=.009). Conclusions. Aboriginal persons in Vancouver had a significantly elevated burden of HIV infection, which calls for a culturally sensitive and evidence-based response. Policymakers in other settings with at-risk Aboriginal populations should seek to avert similar public health emergencies by being proactive with evidence-based HIV-prevention programs.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0090-0036
,
1541-0048
DOI:
10.2105/AJPH.2007.114595
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Public Health Association
Publication Date:
2008
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2054583-6
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