While we know how HIV is transmitted physically, increasingly, social determinants are being linked to a person’s exposure to situations where HIV transmission is more likely. The following are some of the social issues that are being linked to higher risk for HIV:

Poverty

Homelessness

Stigma/discrimination

Addiction

Violence

Untreated mental health problems

Lack of employment opportunities

Powerlessness

Lack of choice

Lack of legal status (i.e. undocumented refugees)

Lack of social support

Information on the Social Determinants of Health from Canadian AIDS Treatment and Information Exchange