Which group of people would be at the lowest risk of contracting HIV?

The group of people donating blood would be at the lowest risk of contracting HIV because blood donation processes are highly regulated and involve rigorous screening procedures. Blood banks thoroughly test all donated blood for HIV and other infectious diseases to ensure the safety of the blood supply. Additionally, individuals who donate blood are generally required to meet specific health criteria, which may discourage those who engage in high-risk behaviors, such as sharing needles or practicing unprotected sex, from donating.

In contrast, individuals who share needles or practice unprotected sex are in situations that significantly increase their exposure to the virus. Needle sharing, often associated with drug use, directly exposes participants to potentially contaminated blood, while unprotected sexual practices can facilitate the transmission of HIV through mucosal contact. Likewise, individuals receiving blood transfusions would typically be at risk if the transfused blood were infected, though this risk has been greatly minimized in most medical environments due to blood screening. These factors contribute to why individuals donating blood are at the lowest risk for contracting HIV.