ACOG Suggests Routine Checkups for Black Women Who are at Greater Risk for HIV

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a recommendation urging doctors to make particular efforts in HIVdefine education and encouragement towards HIV screening.

ACOG’s findings state how minority women are more at risk of developing the epidemic than white women.

Dr. Heather Watts, a liaison member of ACOG’s Committee on Health Care for Undeserved Women, says that statistics show that out of the number of women infected with the HIVdefine virus, sixty four percent are black women. This number is highly alarming because blacks make up just thirteen percent of the U.S. population.

Of all black women living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was high-risk heterosexual contact, followed by injection drug use
In 2004, HIV infection was also the leading cause of deaths among black women between ages 25 to 34.

Dr. Watts elaborated that HIV is more prevalent in minority communities; therefore women of color should be informed of their risk towards infection.

Injection drug use is the second leading cause of HIV infection both for
black men and women. In addition to being at risk from sharing needles, casual and chronic substance users are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex, when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drug use can also affect treatment success.

A recent study of HIV-infected women found that women who used drugs, compared with women who did not, were less likely to take their antiretroviral medicines exactly as prescribed.

Education is the key. Research shows that behavioral intervention can help reduce the spread of the sexually transmitted disease. Reducing risky behavior like number of partners and consist use of condoms has shown positive results.

Watts quoted, “Physicians can explain to their patients that HIV screening is recommended for all adults. There are numerous benefits of being tested.” She feels the need to continue to de-stigmatize HIV screening and make it a part of routine medical care.