Social and economic hardship among people living with HIV in London

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Abstract
Objectives To examine the social and economic circumstances of people living with HIV in London. Methods Between June 2004 and June 2005, 1687 people living with HIV (73% response) receiving treatment and care in north‐east London National Health Service out‐patient clinics completed a confidential, self‐administered questionnaire. The questionnaire sought information on employment, income, education, residency status in the UK and housing. Results In total, 1604 respondents were included in the analysis: Black African heterosexual women (n=480) and men (224); White (646) and ethnic minority (i.e. non‐White) homosexual men (112); White heterosexual men (64) and women (39); and Black Caribbean heterosexual women (26) and men (13). Black African heterosexual men and women consistently reported more difficulties than any other group in relation to employment, income, housing and residency status. Half the Black African heterosexual men (46.8%) and women (51.2%) reported insecure residency status in the UK, significantly more than any other group (PPP<0.001). Conclusions In this study of people living with HIV in London, a substantial number faced social and economic hardship, particularly Black African and other ethnic minority respondents. Our findings provide further evidence that in London HIV is associated with poverty, particularly among migrant and ethnic minority populations.