2022 IB Diploma Extended Essays

2.2 Economic Factors Along with social factors, the economic status of a country is linked to the prevalence of HIV. Areas with residents that have a lower income are at higher risk of contracting HIV (apa, 2021). Low income limits the level of treatment one can afford and receive; thus, people are at greater risk of developing AIDS. However, Australia has the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, which is a government program that subsidies medicines, making them free for citizens. Similar programs are not seen in South Africa or Botswana (PBS, 2022). As of 2020, Botswana has a GDP per capita of $6700 and an unemployment rate of 17.7% (O’Neill, 2022). South Africa has a GDP per capita of $5100 and an unemployment rate of 35.3% (Arcangeli, 2022). Australia has a GDP per capita of $57,300 and an unemployment rate of 3.9% (9news, 2022). Therefore, these sample of statistics showcases how the level of wealth impacts health as the countries with lower income and employment have a higher prevalence of HIV while Australia has higher income and employment with a lower prevalence of HIV. In contrast, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS has effects on the economic status of a country. People who live with HIV are affected mentally and physically due to the stigma attached to it and its symptoms (Nadal, 2012). Therefore, people will find it more difficult than HIV-free people to carry out their work responsibilities due to fatigue and other HIV symptoms. According to a study by Dray-Spira, Gueguen and Lert in 2008, unemployment rates among people living with HIV/AIDS can range from 45 to 65% (Dray-Spira, 2008). Moreover, the increase in unemployment among people who have contracted HIV will have no income and would not be able to obtain the necessary treatment for HIV, leading to the development of AIDS. In a study by the Canadian Centre of Science and Education, it was revealed that HIV is

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