Deprivation and AIDS in a southern European city: Different patterns across transmission group

Abstract

Objective: To analyse deprivation and AIDS among three AIDS transmission groups (men who have sex with men - MSM, heterosexuals, and intravenous drug users - IDUs) in Barcelona, Spain, during the period 1990-95. Methods: This is an ecological study, the unit of analysis being the neighbourhoods. Included were AIDS cases residents in Barcelona. The association among AIDS rate and deprivation was studied using Spearman correlation coefficients and Poisson regression. Results: For MSM, inner city neighbourhood residence meant a greater risk of AIDS; but lower educational level was inversely related with AIDS rates. For heterosexuals, variables related with AIDS rates were younger age, inner city areas and social unrest for women, and extreme poverty for men. Among UDIs variables related with AIDS were unemployment and social unrest for both sexes. Conclusion: The association between AIDS rates and deprivation differs across transmission groups in a southern European city.