For Many Served By The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, Disparities In Viral Suppression Decreased, 2010-14
Rupali K Doshi1, John Milberg2, Theresa Jumento3
1Rupali K. Doshi (rkdoshi@gwu.edu) is an assistant research professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, and chief of the Strategic Information Division, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration, District of Columbia Department of Health, both in Washington, D.C.
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|January 11, 2017
Summary
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program reduced disparities in viral suppression rates for Black Americans, young adults, and Southerners between 2010-2014. However, disparities persist for people experiencing homelessness and transgender individuals.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- HIV/AIDS Epidemiology
Background:
- The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has provided comprehensive HIV services for 25 years.
- Understanding disparities in HIV care is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Viral suppression is a key indicator of HIV treatment success and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in viral suppression rates among populations served by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program from 2010 to 2014.
- To identify changes in health disparities related to viral suppression across different demographic and geographic groups.
- To assess the program's effectiveness in reducing inequities in HIV care.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for individuals with HIV.
- Analyzed viral suppression rates for Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program recipients.
- Compared disparities in viral suppression rates across racial/ethnic groups, age groups, geographic regions, housing status, and gender identity.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in viral suppression disparities were observed between 2010 and 2014 for Black/African Americans, adolescents/young adults, and individuals in the Southern US.
- Viral suppression rates became more equitable when comparing these groups to White individuals, older adults, and those in other US regions, respectively.
- While absolute viral suppression rates improved for unstably housed and transgender populations, disparities compared to stably housed and cisgender populations were not reduced.
Conclusions:
- The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has successfully reduced certain HIV care disparities, particularly racial and regional ones.
- Persistent disparities in viral suppression for unstably housed and transgender individuals highlight areas needing targeted interventions.
- Addressing these remaining inequities is essential for achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
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