FROM 2017-2021, WERE THERE FEWER PEOPLE AT RISK OF HIV ADVANCEMENT IN METRO ATLANTA, GEORGIA?

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an incurable pandemic that is more common than most people may think. In the United States alone, many of the southern states have the highest percentage of new HIV diagnoses. Because of this, this project specifically analyzes Metro Atlanta, Georgia, comprising five counties: Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Clayton, and DeKalb. This region makes up some of the highest HIV diagnoses in the country. Using 2017-2021 zip codes, I created a dashboard comparing the percentage of residents who received treatment for HIV and those who were still at risk of HIV advancing to late-stage HIV, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Unfortunately, the cases-to-risk ratio was meager in this timeframe: Approximately only 27.7% received treatment (cases) whereas by the end of 2021, approximately 72.3% were still at risk (risks). So, to provide Metro Atlanta residents with a resource for HIV testing and treatment, I digitized 109 HIV facility points and created a Web Map displaying local HIV facilities based on HIV testing and/or treatment with addresses, points of contact, and web pages for the public to access facilities closest to their residents. This project is to demonstrate how valuable geographic information systems is in the health industry and to raise HIV awareness. No matter a person’s social, economic, or demographical status, no one is immune to contracting HIV, and all sexually active persons or illegal drug users should get tested either annually, when having a new contact partner, or after using unsterilized needles.