High prevalence of disability and HIV risk among low socioeconomic status urban adults, 17 U.S. cities.
Katherine E Doyle, Catlainn Sionean, Gabriela Paz-Bailey and 3 others
PMID 31427202WHAT IT FOUND
Low-income urban adults with disabilities reported higher rates of substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and intimate partner violence than those without.
However, HIV prevalence and recent HIV testing rates were similar between the two groups. Screening for these specific risks is warranted in this population.
Key findings
01Participants with disabilities had similar prevalence of HIV and similar rates of recent HIV testing compared to those without disabilities.
02Disability was associated with higher adjusted prevalence of bacterial STI, Hepatitis C, non-injection drug use (including crack and opioids), and binge drinking.
03Participants with disabilities were more likely to report intimate partner violence, exchange sex, and condomless sex with casual partners.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they found
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What it does not show
The sample was recruited through respondent-driven sampling in specific high-prevalence cities, so participants are not representative of all low-income adults in these areas. The cross-sectional design prevents establishing causal relationships between disability and health outcomes. Self-reported measures of sensitive behaviors (drug use, sexual activity) may be subject to social desirability bias. Respondent-driven sampling may have overrepresented individuals with disabilities who had more time to participate due to unemployment.
Declared interests
The paper does not list specific author conflicts of interest or funding sources in the provided text, though it references the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system run by the CDC.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that disability increases HIV prevalence or reduces HIV testing engagement in this population. The study found no difference in HIV status or recent testing between those with and without disabilities, despite higher rates of other health risks and behaviors.