Use of geographic information systems for planning HIV prevention interventions for high-risk youths

Abstract

Geographic information system (GIS) analysis is an emerging tool for public health intervention planning. Connect to Protect, a researcher-community collaboration working in 15 cities to reduce HIV infection among youths, developed GIS databases of local health, crime, and demographic data to evaluate the geographic epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections and HIV risk among adolescents. We describe the process and problems of data acquisition, analysis, and mapping in the development of structural interventions, demonstrating how program planners can use this technology to inform and improve planning decisions. The Connect to Protect project's experience suggests strategies for incorporating public data and GIS technology into the next generation of public health interventions.

FIGURE 1—

Reported arrests (N = 975) for homicide among youths aged 12 to 24 years, by community area: Chicago, Ill, 1999–2001. Source. Data obtained from the Chicago Police Department. Map courtesy of Connect to Protect Chicago. Note. Each red marker indicates a single arrest.

FIGURE 2—

Estimated AIDS rate (per 1000) among youths 12 to 24 years, by zip code: San Francisco Bay Area, Calif, 1998–2002. Note. The total number of AIDS cases reported from 1998 to 2002 was 199. The average AIDS rate per zip code for the area was 0.135 per 1000.