Another correlation was based on the level of non-marital status of both homosexual male couples and heterosexual couples. This particular correlation surprised me due to the fact that the most abundant means of transmission within Pennsylvania is through the homosexual interactions at a rate of 12,307 cases, which accounts for 39% of the mode of transmission of HIV within Pennsylvania (3). Despite this particularly high amount cases within the Pennsylvanian counties, the correlation made between the non-marital living statuses of couples was seen among the heterosexual couples rather than the homosexual couples, as seen in table 3 and chart 3:
Table 3: Correlation of the non-marital living status of homosexual males and heterosexual couples
|
Correlation of the non-marital status of homosexual males |
Correlation of the non-marital status of heterosexual couples |
|
0.327399326
|
-0.655506496
|
Chart 3: Correlation of the non-marital living status of heterosexual couples
This correlation might possibly explain as the number of unmarried heterosexual couples living together increases, the number of AIDS cases amongst this group of individuals decreases. This particular portion of the correlation is understandable, I believe, because of the monogamous relationship this couple should be having, thus the less this couple will experiment with other individuals. The decrease in the amount of sex with a variety of people may lead to a decrease in the number of AIDS cases. However, the fact that there was not a strong correlation within the gay community seems strange to me. Although these homosexual couples that are living together may be monogamous, the statistics support that homosexual males are the leading mode of transmission within Pennsylvania as seen in table 4 (3):
Table 4: Mode of transmission in Pennsylvania
|
|
Aids cases |
Percentage of incidence |
|
MSM |
12,307 |
39% |
|
Injecting drug use(IDU) |
10,340 |
33% |
|
MSM & IDU |
1,628 |
5% |
|
Coagulation disorder |
246 |
1% |
|
heterosexual contact |
5,389 |
17% |
|
transfusion received |
277 |
1% |
|
undetermined/other |
1,209 |
4% |
|
all pediatric modes |
386 |
1% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
31,782 |
100 |
Therefore, this level of homosexual transmission could possibly show that the gay/lesbian community as a whole may transmit AIDS more rapidly than the heterosexual community within Pennsylvania. The only conclusion that can be draw as to why there is no strong positive correlation is I believe is the possible monogamous relationship of these couples. The fewer sexual partner an individual has, despite there sexual preference, the less chance this individual has of acquiring a sexual transmitted diseases. Therefore, I believe that these couples are only having sexual contact with one person, which should diminish their probability contracting this fatal disease.
See map of the correlation of the non-marital status of heterosexual couples
