AIDS Prevention in Low-Incidence Areas

AIDS has been largely described as a problem of major urban areas. However, states in which there is a low incidence of AIDS are dealing with issues from somewhat different perspectives than high-incidence states. The terms "low incidence" and "high incidence" can be misleading: If one state compares its AIDS cases to another state, the comparison may indeed show a comparatively low incidence of AIDS. However, if the comparison is made with other diseases within the same state, a quite different picture may emerge. In low-incidence states, some individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may seek medical care from physicians who have more experience in treating AIDS cases, both because of a perception of better medical care and less stigmatization. Although the numbers may be relatively small, the number of HIV/AIDS patients seeking care in large metropolitan areas may add to the health care burden already being seen in some parts of the country.