The epidemiology of HIV in New York State

Abstract

This examination of the epidemiology of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) in 1987 takes into account three factors. First, New York State has the largest number of reported AIDS cases of any state. As of October 28, 1987, there were 12,790 cases reported among New York State residents.¹ However, the prevalence of AIDS is not uniform throughout New York State communities and displays marked variation by age, sex, race, and geography. Further, the dominance of risk factors and the phase of the epidemic vary between regions within the state. New York State, excluding New York City, has approximately 10% of the total cases. However, this proportion still accounts for 1,181 cases, with an additional 432 cases occurring among prisoners housed in New York State Department of Correction facilities. If New York City cases were excluded, New York State would have the sixth highest number of cases among the 50 states.