The Geography of HIV/AIDS in Russia: Risk and Vulnerability in Transition

Abstract

A British geographer discusses the spatial distribution of HIV infections in the Russian Federation, and the comparative lack of geographical research probing this phenomenon. Drawing on literature that suggests a connection between HIV and the impact of transition, the paper reports results of exploratory analysis of associations between prevalence of HIV/AIDS (dependent variable) and a range of socioeconomic measures reflecting transition (independent variables). It offers some explanations for the distribution of prevalence rates, and considers the potential regional impacts of the epidemic, arguing that future geographical research will further explicate regional differentiation in the rates of infection. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: I10, O15, O18. 3 figures, 7 tables, 68 references.

Keywords:

• HIV
• AIDS
• medical geography
• economic transition
• epidemic
• injecting drug use
• commercial sex work