Adolescents and HIV: knowledge, behaviors, influences, and risk perceptions.

Although the rate of progression from HIV to AIDS has slowed, the incidence of HIV infection has continued to rise. Many teenagers are knowledgeable about the risks and consequences of HIV, yet a large percentage do not perceive that they are personally at risk. Gaining insight into the perceptions and factors influencing the behavior of teens is critical in HIV and AIDS prevention. A structured 39-item questionnaire was designed to elicit answers that explored 4 areas: knowledge of HIV and AIDS, reported sexual behavior, perceived susceptibility to HIV, and factors influencing behavior. The mean age of the 78 respondents was 15.9 years. One important finding was that 74% of respondents perceived their knowledge of HIV transmission to be "good," yet only 33% were able to answer all of the 8 test questions in this area correctly. In addition, 80% of those who reported engaging in risky behavior such as multiple sexual partners or having sex without condoms also felt they were not personally at risk for HIV.     

Promoting African American women and sexual assertiveness in reducing HIV/AIDS: an analytical review of the research literature

African American women, including adolescents and adults, are disproportionately affected by the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV/AID is a health disparity issue for African American females in comparison to other ethnic groups. According to data acquired from 33 states in 2005, 64% of women who have HIV/ AIDS are African American women. It is estimated that during 2001-2004, 61% of African Americans under the age of 25 had been living with HIV/AIDS. This article is an analytical review of the literature emphasizing sexual assertiveness of African American women and the gap that exists in research literature on this population. The multifaceted model of HIV risk posits that an interpersonal predictor of risky sexual behavior is sexual assertiveness. The critical themes extracted from a review of the literature reveal the following: (a) sexual assertiveness is related to HIV risk in women, (b) sexual assertiveness and sexual communication are related, and (c) women with low sexual assertiveness are at increased risk of HIV As a result of this comprehensive literature, future research studies need to use models in validating sexual assertiveness interventions in reducing the risk of HIV/AIDS in African American women. HIV/AIDs prevention interventions or future studies need to target reducing the risk factors of HIV/AIDS of African Americans focusing on gender and culture-specific strategies.     

Why Are Young College Women Not Using Condoms? Their Perceived Risk,Drug Use,and Developmental Vulnerability May Provide Important Clues to Sexual Risk

BACKGROUND: Young multiethnic college women (YMCW) are at risk for STDs and HIV secondary to high-risk sexual behaviors that are related to developmental issues such as invincibility, low perceived risk, and substance use. METHOD: One hundred YMCW on a southern California university campus completed surveys that examined variables that impacted their sexual risk. RESULTS: The study yielded many significantly correlated variables. Women with low perceived risk, lower use of drugs and alcohol, and who had parental involvement had lower sexual behavior risk. Women that were sexually assertive, had intentions to use condoms, and did not use substances used condoms more often. Older students in advanced grades who had steady partners used substances less and had decreased sexual risk, however, they experienced partner resistance to condoms, which canceled out any reduced risk. In a multiple regression analysis, condom use intention and substance use predicted condom use, perceived risk and substance use predicted sexual behavior risk. White women had significantly higher substance use, perceived sexual risk, and sexual behavior risk than did Latinas and African Americans. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their assertiveness and intentions, many participants had multiple sexual partners, and 64% of the YMCW were inconsistent condom users. Despite knowing the elevated risks, 52% used drugs and alcohol during sex. Negative attitudes (61%) about condoms were also demonstrated as a key factor in the lack of condom use.     

Gender and knowledge about HIV,risky sexual behavior,and safer sex practices

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in knowledge about HIV, the reported incidence of risky sexual behavior, and comfort with safer sexual practices among young adults. The conceptual framework was social role theory, which argues for the influence of gender roles on beliefs and social behaviors. Participants were 141 female and 131 male college students who responded to questions regarding their knowledge of HIV, risk-taking behaviors with respect to HIV, and comfort with safer sexual behaviors. Overall, respondents had accurate knowledge about HIV. However, men reported engaging in significantly more risky behaviors than women. More men reported that intercourse without a condom occurred in unplanned, spontaneous situations, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a person not well known. More women reported that intercourse without a condom occurred in long-term relationships. Women were significantly more comfortable abstaining from sexual intercourse and asking partners about their sexual history while men were significantly more comfortable buying condoms. Both men and women reported comfort using condoms. Gender roles help to explain why men are willing to take more risks, and in what situations risk taking is apt to occur. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

浙江省455名男性大学生的临时异性性行为特征分析

  目的  了解浙江省男性大学生的临时异性性行为特征,为高校男性大学生艾滋病防控提供依据。  方法  采用分层整群抽样方法,于2018年在浙江省11个市13所高校,并选取自述最近1年有临时异性性行为的男性大学生为调查对象。 使用自制的网络调查问卷,收集调查对象的人口学特征、性态度、性行为发生情况、接受干预情况等信息。  结果  共调查最近1年有临时异性性行为的男性大学生455人,年龄为（20.09±1.38）岁,发生临时异性性行为占有性行为经历男生的16.6%。 研究对象中接受一夜情和商业性行为分别为78.0%和53.4%,最近1年接受学校艾滋病检测宣传为67.5%,想知道对方艾滋病感染情况的占51.3%,自觉有感染艾滋病风险的占11.8%;寻找临时性伴通过网络、娱乐场所和其他途径分别为33.3%、29.1%和37.6%,临时性伴数量≥2个的达60.4%,临时性伴含社会人员的占33.8%,酒后临时性行为和商业性行为发生率分别为45.0%和26.4%,接受艾滋病自愿咨询检测的为8.4%,发生性行为前讨论过安全套使用和发生性行为时每次使用安全套分别为72.7%和40.1%;最近1年与固定性伴发生性行为及安全套每次使用分别为67.5%和35.9%。  结论  有临时异性性行为的男性大学生存在性态度开放程度高,酒后性行为、商业性行为和网络寻找多性伴等危险行为,安全套使用率不高、艾滋病病毒抗体检测率低等情况。 应采取多措并举的预防艾滋病宣教干预形式,倡导安全性行为,减少艾滋病对大学生的危害。     

HIV/AIDS among midlife African American women: an integrated review of literature

HIV occurs among African American women at rates exceeding those among White women, and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is rising disproportionately among African American adults over 40. The literature between 1987 and 2003 was reviewed for data on prevention and risk taking behavior regarding HIV transmission among midlife African American women. A search of relevant databases revealed four reports specifically targeting African American women aged 40-65. Five reports including this population also included men and other ethnic/racial groups. Content analysis revealed that factors related to risk for HIV included socioeconomic factors, knowledge, perceived vulnerability, sexual assertiveness, and risk taking behavior. Findings suggest that further research on the relationships between sociocultural variables and individual factors may explain prevention and risk taking behaviors in midlife African American women.     

Relationships of sexual imposition, dyadic trust, and sensation seeking with sexual risk behavior in young Urban women

This study was designed to examine the relationships of sexual imposition, dyadic trust, and sensation seeking with HIV sexual risk behavior in 257 young urban women. Interviews were conducted using Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI). Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that sexual imposition, dyadic trust, and sensation seeking explained 18.3% of the variance in sexual risk behavior. Although sexual imposition was positively related to sexual risk, pressure to satisfy a male partner sexually was more common than physical coercion. Dyadic trust was negatively related, indicating that women engaged in sexual risk behavior with men they distrusted. Sensation seeking was positively related to sexual risk. Findings suggest the need for enhancing awareness of non-sexually imposing relationship alternatives and incorporating thrill and excitement in health promotion messages.     

2013年太原地区男男性行为人群行为特征和HIV/STI感染情况的调查

目的了解太原市男男性行为人群(mem who have sex with men,MSM)行为特征、艾滋病防治知识知晓率、艾滋病/梅毒/丙型病毒性肝炎(丙肝)感染状况及影响因素。方法 2013年3-8月对MSM人群进行问卷调查,了解其人口学特征、性行为及性经历、性伴类型及数量、艾滋病相关知识、接受行为干预等内容,采集血样进行HIV、梅毒及丙肝抗体检测。采用χ2检验和logistic回归模型对感染HIV的影响因素进行分析。结果 255名符合标准的MSM参加了调查,自认同性恋占54.12%,双性恋占43.14%;首个性伴是男性占70.98%、女性占29.02%;与同性发生性行为时主动、被动肛交都做占45.88%;有固定性伴占55.29%,无44.71%;近6个月发生性行为,同性占85.49%,同性商业性行为占5.96%,异性占21.57%,性伴中位数为2人(1~200人),寻求男性性伴网络占71.56%,与不同性伴安全套使用率低下。HIV感染率为18.90%、梅毒7.48%、丙肝0.72%、HIV与梅毒合并感染2.36%。知识知晓率为91.76%。Logistic回归多因素分析显示,HIV感染与以下因素有关联:年龄﹥25岁(OR=3.04,95%CI:1.52~6.08),在本地居住时间2年以上(OR=0.76,95%CI:0.62~0.94),有性病感染(OR=3.818,95%CI:1.11~15.02)。结论 MSM人群属于性活跃人群,拥有性伴类型复杂多样,高危行为发生率高,使HIV及性病在该人群中广泛传播,加大对该人群的干预力度,减低高危行为,提高安全套的使用率,降低HIV在MSM人群中的传播。     

Applying the theory of reasoned action to AIDS risk behavior: condom use among black women

This study tested hypotheses regarding attitudinal and normative influences on intentions to use condoms, a practice that would reduce women's risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection. Participants were 103 sexually active unmarried black women undergraduates at an inner-city commuter university, in an area with a high rate of reported AIDS cases among women. Consistent with the theory of reasoned action, multiple regression analysis on women's anonymous responses to a mailed survey revealed that those who registered more favorable attitudes toward condoms and those who perceived subjective norms more supportive of condom use reported firmer intentions to use condoms in the next three months. Key behavioral beliefs related to attitudes centered on the adverse effects of condom use on sexual enjoyment. Key normative influences were respondents' sexual partners and mothers. However, women's own attitudes were a stronger determinant of intentions to use condoms than were their perceptions of normative influences, particularly among women with above-average AIDS knowledge. The results suggest that the theory of reasoned action provides a potentially useful conceptual framework for interventions to change a key AIDS risk behavior among women.     

Health beliefs, health locus of control, and women's mammography behavior

Research has shown that routine mammography screening can significantly reduce mortality from breast cancer. The use of mammography screening, however, remains well below national goals. In an effort to understand the factors that influence women's mammography behaviors, this study explored the relation between health beliefs, locus of control, and women's mammography practice. Survey instruments used were Champion's health belief scales and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales. The study used a convenience sample of 25 African Americans and 72 white women ages 35 to 84. Findings showed that women who participated in mammography screening were significantly more likely to perceive greater benefits, greater health motivation, and fewer barriers to screening than those who did not participate. These same three variables were similarly associated with greater frequency of receiving mammograms. It also was found that perceived benefits and health motivation were significantly correlated with shorter duration of time since the last mammogram. No support was found for perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, and health locus of control as predictors of women's mammography behavior. Implications for nursing research in further examining the MHLC and the Health Belief Model construct of susceptibility as they relate to mammography behavior are identified. Practice implications for nurses are suggested.     

Incidence and correlates of physical violence among HIV-infected women at risk for pregnancy in the southeastern United States.

To identify the incidence and correlates of physical and sexual violence among HIV-infected women at risk for pregnancy, a cross-sectional examination was conducted within a longitudinal study of reproductive decision making. Participants consisted of 275 HIV-infected women 17 to 49 years of age (mean = 30.1 years). Women were predominantly African American (87%) and single (82%), with annual incomes of $10,000 or less (66%). Overall, 68% of the women reported experiencing lifetime physical and/or sexual violence. Before becoming HIV infected, 65% of the women reported having been physically or sexually abused. After HIV diagnosis, 33% of the women reported experiencing physical or sexual abuse. Women reporting greater violence were more likely to disclose their HIV-seropositive status to their sex partner. Using logistic regression, greater intent to get pregnant (odds ratio [OR] = 0.933), decreased present life satisfaction (OR = 1.048), having three or more children (OR = 0.474), and history of drug use (OR = 0.794) significantly distinguished between women who reported physical and/or sexual violence and those who did not.     

Knowledge and attitudes of nurses working in sexual health clinics in the United Kingdom toward post-sexual exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection

The use of anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs after occupational exposure to HIV is a proven method of preventing some HIV infections. There is anecdotal evidence that this treatment is being used to treat recently exposed sexual contacts of HIV infection, known as non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (NONOPEP). This raises the issues of the impact of such treatment on sexual behavior and public health. Six hundred questionnaires were distributed to nurses working in sexual health clinics. Four hundred and six (67%) were returned. Questionnaires contained items related to awareness of HIV NONOPEP and items included attitudes related to its use. Seventy two percent of respondents were aware of HIV NONOPEP, and 17% had experience of its use in their clinic. Twenty one percent of respondents indicated that their clinic had a specific HIV NONOPEP policy. In relation to attitudes, practitioners were more positive of NONOPEP in relation to an HIV exposure within a long-term relationship than exposure within a casual relationship, indicating that the mode of HIV exposure was a factor in the justification of NONOPEP. Practitioners seemed to support the notion that HIV NONOPEP use in a casual exposure may increase the likelihood of unsafe sexual practice; however, practitioners with experience were less likely to express this view. It is suggested that an informed debate and NONOPEP policy development within all sexual health clinics will militate against judgmental views affecting access and care.     

Perceived health six months after delivery in women who have experienced low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A majority of women suffer from low back pain and pelvic pain (LBPP) during pregnancy. The aim of the study was to investigate perceived health, sexual life, social situation, sick leave and use of medical services 6 months after pregnancy in women with LBPP during pregnancy. RESEARCH METHODS: In a previous questionnaire study, 72% (n = 639) of the respondents had reported LBPP during pregnancy. These respondents were sent a second questionnaire approximately 6 months after delivery. The respondents were divided into three groups: 'no pain', 'recurrent pain' and 'continuous pain'. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to test the difference between groups. RESULTS: Perceived health status 6 months after pregnancy was less favourable for women with persistent LBPP compared to women with remission of LBPP. Family situation, change of relationship and sexual life did not differ among women with remission of LBPP or persistent LBPP after pregnancy. Four of 10 women with persistent LBPP had sought medical care, and two of 10 had been on sick leave because of LBPP after pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived health status was less favourable for women with persistent LBPP after pregnancy. Use of medical services among women with persistent LBPP was prevalent.     

The relationship between HIV-related knowledge and safe sexual behavior in African American women dwelling in the rural southeast.

There is an epidemiological shift toward increased rates of HIV infection in African American women, despite widely available information regarding HIV prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between HIV-related knowledge and high-risk sexual behavior while controlling for related variables. A multivariate regression model was selected to differentiate the effects of these variables. The participants were 75 African American women, aged 18 to 38. The results indicated a positive relationship between HIV-related knowledge and high-risk sexual behaviors using the Pearson's r correlation coefficient (0.411, p < .001). Age of first sexual experience, number of lifetime sexual partners, income, educational level, and level of HIV-related knowledge were then regressed onto level of high risk sexual behavior using a hierarchical techniques. Only total years of education achieved statistical significance (p < .001 on the first step and p < .05 on the second step).     

舟山海岛地区卖淫妇女HIV感染情况调查分析

目的　了解卖淫妇女的性行为特征及HIV感染情况 ,以便实施对STD/AIDS的综合监测有效的干预措施。方法　对舟山市收容所 113例卖淫妇女 ,采用统一表格匿名填写调查方法进行问卷。性交易地点 ,首次性交 ,开始卖淫年龄 ,年限 ,接待嫖客人数 ,安全套使用 ,同时采集静脉血 3ml作HIV抗体检测。结果　调查人群中年龄最小 17岁 ,主要在宾馆、美容美发店及租房等服务场所进行卖淫 ,首次性交年龄 ,首次卖淫在 19岁以下 ,分别占 34.51%、17.7%。外省流动妇女占 86.73% (98/113)。卖淫年限最长 10年。每日接嫖客高达 20多个 ,从来不用安全套 15.93% (18/113)。检出HIV抗体阳性 1例。结论　卖淫人群不安全性行为传播HIV危险 ,加大该人群健康教育和干预措施的实施 ,阻止AIDS经性的传播。