Socioeconomic Status

Previous research has shown that there is a connection between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and socioeconomic status (SES), primarily that those who are living in low socioeconomic status community are disproportionately affected by HIV. There are higher rates of HIV in these less affluent, almost impoverished, communities as compared to other communities. In other words, there are higher rates of HIV in these less affluent, almost impoverished, communities, than compared to other communities. This increased risk for HIV infection, as well as, lack of HIV therapy adherence can be tied to a multitude of reasons that are specific to the low SES community, which listed in the following. These facets include the increased risky sexual behavior

In this “network,” there must be a core group, who are identified by a small set of disease carriers, who account for a large proportion of cases, which then reaches a larger population. In terms of low SES and higher rates of HIV, poverty can increase the amount of crime present, which can then increase male incarceration rates, which reduced the sex ratio. This lower sex ratio equals smaller “sexual network,” and a smaller “sexual network” equals an increased chance of core group diseases infecting disease free population (Fitzpatrick, 2013).

The final component of the synthetic model is incarceration, and with incarceration the poor are often overrepresented in crime statistics and the criminal justice system. These former prisoners are often eager to engage in intercourse with others. Due to this, many transmit disease that they contracted from other prisoners, thus, causing a bridge between the prisoner and outside world (Fitzpatrick,

The lack of resources is an all-encompassing facet of a lowered likelihood of HIV survival that includes issues with healthcare access, transportation access, and funding for HIV intervention. Issues with access to healthcare not only include with the inability to reach healthcare facilities, but also includes individuals are uninsured or underinsured. One’s quality and level of insurance can dictate the amount and quality of care an individual receives. Also, issues with access to transportation is tied to healthcare access. Many times people in low SES communities are found without a means of transportation. This lack of transportation not only prevents individuals from gaining access to healthcare, but also prevents individuals from achieving other tasks, such as obtaining employment, education, and food security (Needle, et al.,