Correlates of sexual activity and inconsistent condom use among high-school girls in Dominica

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with sexual activity and inconsistent condom use among high-school girls in Dominica. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at five high-schools in Dominica in 2000 to assess behaviour that may put high-school girls at risk for HIV The main outcome variable, sexual activity, was defined as vaginal or anal sex, and inconsistent condom use defined as none to infrequent condom use. The convenience sample consisted of 204 girls (median age 16 years). RESULTS: Forty-one per cent (41%) of girls reporting at least one episode of sexual activity. Sexual intercourse was associated with past sexual coercion (OR = 7.2, 95% CI 2.4, 21.8), oral sex (OR = 8.0, 95% CI 3.0, 21.0) and smoking marijuana (OR = 8.2, 95% CI 2.9, 23.0). Among sexually active girls, 59% were inconsistent condom users. Variables associated with inconsistent condom use were being coerced (OR 2.8, 95% CI 0.9, 8.2) and low socio-economic status (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1, 9.6). CONCLUSION: Sexual activity and inconsistent condom use occur frequently among high-school girls in Dominica. Therefore, strategies directed at delaying the onset of sexual activities such as providing accurate and age-appropriate information on sexuality in the context of the economic and social conditions of their daily lives, and increasing condom use are important in HIV prevention in this population.     

Associations among condom use, sexual behavior, and knowledge about HIV/AIDS. A study of 13,293 public school students

BACKGROUND: This school-based study explored associations between Mexican young people's condom use, other sexual behaviors, and HIV/AIDS knowledge. METHODS: Students (n=13,293, 11-24 years of age) from a random sample of public schools in the central Mexican state of Morelos completed a self-administered questionnaire. We performed logistic regression analysis of condom use and sexual behavior variables and a knowledge-based index on HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission. RESULTS: Average age at sexual debut was 13.6 +/- 1.9 years among young men and 14.2 +/- 2.2 years among young women; 34.5% of sample participants reported using condoms during their first sexual intercourse. More students had intermediate HIV/AIDS knowledge levels (46%, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 45.2-46.9) than high levels (37%, 95% CI 36.2-37.8, p <0.01). Students knew more concerning HIV transmission than about prevention of HIV infection. Among young men, high levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge increased likelihood of condom use (odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% CI, 1.1-1.7), while among young women high levels of knowledge decreased likelihood of using condoms (OR 0.7, 95% CI, 0.5-1.0). Young men with high levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge were more likely to have had three or more sexual partners (OR 1.7, 95% CI, 1.3-2.2), but young women with high knowledge levels were more likely to have only one lifetime sexual partner (OR 0.6, 95% CI, 0.4-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: As in previous studies in smaller samples, levels of knowledge with regard to HIV/AIDS were low in Mexican youth. HIV/AIDS education programs for Mexican students should focus on conveying knowledge on HIV prevention. Because apparently knowledge is not directly correlated with condom use among young women, prevention strategies that deal with social acceptability of condoms and social skills related with condom negotiation are also needed.     

The characteristics of cocaine users among young adults in Sydney

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and pattern of cocaine use among young Sydney adults interviewed during a study of the "market position" of cocaine. DESIGN: A telephone survey of young Sydney adults. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 499 young Sydney men and women aged between 14 and 35 were selected to ensure a sample of 300 persons who used alcohol and tobacco at least weekly, and who had been offered or had tried at least one illicit drug. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: These were the prevalence of having ever used cocaine, the frequency of cocaine use, the prevalence of daily alcohol and tobacco use, and of ever having tried marijuana, sedatives, designer drugs, amphetamines and heroin. RESULTS: Thirteen per cent of the sample (95% confidence interval [CI], 10%-16%) had ever tried cocaine, of whom only 20% (CI, 15%-25%) were current users. Cocaine users were distinguished from non-users by being more likely to be daily users of tobacco (odds ratio, 2.1; CI, 1.3-3.6) and alcohol (odds ratio, 3.0; CI, 1.7-5.6), and to have tried marijuana (odds ratio, 7.1; CI, 3.2-15.9), sedatives (odds ratio, 11.4; CI, 6.4-20.7), designer drugs (odds ratio, 17.2; CI, 9.2-32.2), amphetamines (odds ratio, 27.1; CI, 14.3-51.3), and heroin (odds ratio, 36.5; CI, 14.0-94.9). The odds of having tried cocaine increased with the number of different types of illicit drugs that the person had tried. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ever having tried cocaine was low among a sample of young adults selected to ensure an over-representation of illicit drug users. Cocaine users were more likely to have experimented with a variety of different types of illicit drugs. Only a minority of those who had ever tried cocaine were current users.     

HIV infection and risk behaviours among young gay and bisexual men in Vancouver

BACKGROUND: Young gay and bisexual men may perceive that the consequences of HIV infection have dramatically improved with the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy. We therefore sought to identify trends in HIV infection rates and associated risk behaviours among young gay and bisexual men in Vancouver. METHODS: Prospective cohort study involving gay and bisexual men aged 18-30 years who had not previously tested HIV positive. Subjects were recruited through physicians, clinics and community outreach in Vancouver. Annually participants were tested for HIV antibodies and asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and substance use. Prevalence of HIV infection and risk behaviours were determined for eligible participants who completed a baseline questionnaire and HIV testing as of May 1998. The primary outcome was the proportion of men who reported having protected sex during the year before enrollment and who reported any episode of unprotected sex by the time of the first follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 681 men completed a baseline questionnaire and HIV testing as of May 1998. The median duration between baseline and the first follow-up visit was 14 months. The median age was 25 years. Most of the subjects were white and of high socioeconomic status. The majority (549 [80.6%]) reported having sex only with men; 81 (11.9%) reported bisexual activity. Of the 503 men who had one or more regular male partners, 245 (48.7%) reported at least one episode of unprotected anal sex in the year before enrollment; the corresponding number among the 537 who had one or more casual male partners was 140 (26.1%). The prevalence and incidence of HIV seropositivity were 1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8%-2.8%) and 1.7 per 100 person-years [95% CI 0.7-2.7], respectively. Fifty-two (26.5%) of the 196 and 55 (29.7%) of the 185 men with regular partners who reported having practiced protected insertive and receptive anal sex in the year before the baseline visit reported engaging in these activities without a condom at the follow-up visit; the corresponding numbers among the 232 and 242 men with causal partners who had practiced protected insertive and receptive anal sex before the baseline visit were 43 (15.5%) and 26 (9.4%) respectively at follow-up. INTERPRETATION: The incidence of HIV infection is unacceptably high among this cohort of young gay and bisexual men. Preliminary results suggest a disturbing trend toward increasing levels of unprotected anal intercourse.     

Hepatitis B virus infection among street youths in Montreal

BACKGROUND: Street youths are at high risk for many health problems, including sexually transmitted diseases and bloodborne infections. The authors conducted a cross-sectional anonymous study from December 1995 to September 1996 involving street youths in Montreal to estimate the prevalence of risk behaviours for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and of markers of past and present HBV infection. METHODS: Participants were 437 youths aged 14 to 25 meeting specific criteria for itinerancy who were recruited in collaboration with the 20 major street youth agencies in Montreal. Sociodemographic and lifetime risk factor data were obtained during a structured interview, and a blood sample was taken to test for HBV markers (hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen). Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 19.5 years; 69.3% (303/437) were males. Many subjects had high-risk behaviours: 45.8% (200/437) had injected drugs, 24.5% (107/436) had engaged in prostitution, and 8.7% (38/437) reported having a sexual partner with a history of unspecified hepatitis. The prevalence rate for one or both HBV markers was 9.2% (40/434) (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.7%-12.3%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being over 18 years of age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.5, 95% CI 1.8-11.7), having injected drugs (adjusted OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.5-8.3) and having had a sexual partner who had unspecified hepatitis (adjusted OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-7.5) were all associated with HBV infection. INTERPRETATION: Street youths are at high risk for HBV infection. Early and complete HBV vaccination among this vulnerable population is urgently needed.     

Experiences and socialization of Jamaican men with multiple sex partners

One of the goals of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) control programme in Jamaica is to encourage persons to have a single sex partner. Before this can be achieved in men, it is important to identify the demographic characteristics as well as the sexual attitudes and socialization of men who have multiple sex partners. A national survey was conducted on sexual decision-making in Jamaica in which a random sample of 3,001 persons was selected for study and of 2,580 (86%) interviewed 979 were men. The following analyses included the 769 men who were sexually active. Thirty-four per cent (34%), 95% CI, 30.6-37.4%) of these men said that they were currently having sex with more than one woman. Although condom use was higher in men with multiple sex partners, 33% of them said that they never used condoms. Independent predictors of having multiple sex partners were: not being in a stable union; being raised by fathers only; and having a secondary school education. There was no significant association with church attendance or with occupation. Compared with other males, men who had multiple sex partners started having sex at an earlier age and were more likely to engage in high-risk sex behaviours such as having sex with prostitutes and abusing drugs prior to coitus. They were also more likely to believe in the use of sex as a means to control their partners and were less likely to think that being married or involved in a long-term relationship was important. These data must be taken into consideration by the AIDS control programme in Jamaica when formulating policies to promote monogamy. There may also be a need to implement parenting support or education programmes for single men who raise their sons.     

Depression among Australian adolescents

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence and factors associated with depression in Australian adolescents. DESIGN: A representative, multistage probability sample of Australian households conducted in 1998 (part of the National Survey of Mental Health and Well-being). Adolescents completed self-report questionnaires and parents were interviewed using a lay-administered, structured psychiatric interview and several questionnaires. PARTICIPANTS: 1,490 adolescents aged 13-17 years and their parent or main caregiver. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of depression in adolescents, as reported by parents and by adolescents themselves; demographic factors; health-risk behaviours; and rate of use of support services. RESULTS: Of the 1,490 adolescents originally sampled, 150 (10%) did not complete responses to questions on depression and were excluded from the analysis. Seventy of the remaining 1340 adolescents (5.2%; 95% CI, 4.0%-6.4%) met criteria for self-reported depression. Agreement between parent- and adolescent-reported depression was poor (kappa=0.27). Adolescent-reported depression was associated with increased suicide plans (odds ratio [OR], 2.83; 95% CI, 1.19-6.70) and attempts (OR, 9.05; 95% CI, 3.49-23.50) in the previous year, use of marijuana 10 or more times in the previous month (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.25-6.64), having conduct disorder (OR, 4.09; 95% CI, 1.23-13.63) and use of school support services (OR, 4.71; 95% CI, 1.82-12.22). Those who used any kind of support service (24/70; 34%) used a mean of 2.9 services (mode, 2; range, 1-5). Three per cent (2/70) of depressed adolescents had been treated with antidepressants. CONCLUSIONS: Depressed adolescents exhibit higher rates of health-risk behaviours and psychosocial impairment than non-depressed adolescents, but only a small number receive appropriate treatment. Staff working in school-based services should be trained to identify adolescents with depression and facilitate referral for treatment.     

High-risk STD/HIV behavior among college students

The current sexually transmitted disease (STD) epidemic in adolescents has led to concern about the potential for spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In 1988, a total of 5514 students in first-year community college and university classrooms across Canada were surveyed to assess STD/HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and risk behavior. The students' mean age was 19.7 years; the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.4. Students knew more about HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome than other STDs. Of the 74.3% of the men and 68.9% of the women who were coitally active, 14.3% of the men and 18.6% of the women had participated in anal intercourse and 5.5% reported a previous STD. Only 24.8% of the men and 15.6% of the women always used a condom during sexual intercourse. Among the 21.3% of the men and 8.6% of the women with 10 or more partners, regular condom use was reported in only 21% and 7.5%, respectively. In this subgroup, anal intercourse was practiced by 26.9% of the men and 34.8% of the women, and previous STD was reported by 10.6% and 24.2%, respectively. Factors associated with not using a condom included number of sexual partners, embarrassment about condom purchase, difficulty discussing condom use with a partner, use of oral contraceptives, insufficient knowledge of HIV/STDs, and the belief that condoms interfere with sexual pleasure. These factors are potentially amenable to change. Effective, behaviorally focused educational programs are needed to improve condom use and reduce STD/HIV risk.     

A population survey of sexual activity, sexual dysfunction and associated help-seeking behavior in middle-aged and older adults in Germany

The Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors was a survey of 27,500 men and women aged 40 to 80 years in 29 countries. Here we report the sexual activity, the prevalence of sexual problems and related help-seeking behaviour among subjects in Germany. A telephone survey was conducted in 2001 and 2002, using a standardised questionnaire covering demographics, general health, relationships, and sexual behaviours, attitudes and beliefs. A total of 1,500 individuals in Germany (750 men and 750 women) completed the survey. Eighty-six percent of men and 66% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the year preceding the interview. The most common male sexual problems were early ejaculation (15%), a lack of sexual interest, erectile dysfunction and non-pleasurable sex (each 8%). The most common female sexual problems were a lack of sexual interest (18%), non-pleasurable sex (14%) and lubrication difficulties (13%). Most sexual problems were less common among men and women in Germany than in other European regions. Increasing age was a significant predictor of a lack of sexual interest and erectile difficulties in men. Only 18% of men and 15% of women had talked to a doctor about their sexual problem(s). In conclusion, many middle-aged and older German adults reported continued sexual interest and activity. Overall, sexual problems were less prevalent in Germany compared with other European regions. Of those who experienced sexual problems, however, few had sought medical help. This was often due to a lack of perception of a problem.     

Sexual behaviors and reproductive health outcomes: associations with wife abuse in India

CONTEXT: Wife abuse has been associated with a variety of health concerns. Associations between abuse and reproductive health in India are not well known. OBJECTIVE: To examine relationships between men's reports of wife abuse and reproductive health issues in northern India. DESIGN: Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted as part of the male reproductive health supplement of the PERFORM System of Indicators Survey, a systematic multistage survey conducted in 1995-1996. SETTING: The northern state of Uttar Pradesh, one of the least developed states in India. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 6632 married men aged 15 to 65 years who lived with their wives and completed all survey questions for the study variables reported here. MAIN MEASURES: Physically and sexually abusive behaviors toward wives, sexual activities outside marriage, sexually transmitted disease (STD) symptoms, contraception use, unplanned pregnancies, and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of men reported not abusing their wives, while 17% reported physically but not sexually abusing their wives, 22% reported sexual abuse without physical force, and 7% reported sexual abuse with physical force. Abuse was more common among men who had extramarital sex (for sexual abuse using force: odds ratio [OR], 6.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.98-9.72). Similarly, men who had STD symptoms were more likely to abuse their wives (with current symptoms: OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.73-3.42). Unplanned pregnancies were significantly more common among wives of abusive men, especially sexually abusive men who used force (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.91-3.60). CONCLUSIONS: Wife abuse appears to be fairly common in northern India. Our findings that abusive men were more likely to engage in extramarital sex and have STD symptoms suggest that these men may be acquiring STDs from their extramarital relationships, thereby placing their wives at risk for STD acquisition, sometimes via sexual abuse. These abusive sexual behaviors also may result in an elevated rate of unplanned pregnancies.     

Determinants of consistent condom use among adolescents and young adults attending a tertiary educational institution in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the determinants of consistent condom use among adolescents and young adults aged 15 - 29 years. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey to which 600 (300 of each gender) adolescents/young adults who had never married were recruited. Information was collected from respondents by means of a purpose-designed, self-administered questionnaire. Information sought includes the respondents' social and demographic characteristics, sexual practices and issues relating to condom use. RESULTS: Five hundred and thirty-six (89.3%) of the 600 questionnaires were suitable for analysis; 372 (69.4%) had had sexual intercourse. A third reported that they were having sex frequently or fairly frequently; 145 (41.7%) had more than one partner while 74 (19.9%) were aware that their partners had other sexual partners. Two-thirds of currently sexually active respondents reported that condoms were readily available and cheap although only 90 (24.2%) reported using condoms consistently. The factors that were statistically significant predictors of consistent condom use among the males were age; younger respondents were more likely to be consistent users (p = 0.015), having more than one sexual partner (p = 0.030) and ability to refuse sex with a partner who would not want to use condom (p = 0.008). Among the females, statistically significant predictors were frequency of sexual intercourse; respondent who had sex frequently were more likely to use condoms consistently (p = 0.018) and having more than one partner (p=0.018). CONCLUSION: Inconsistent condom use is rampant and females were probably disadvantaged as far as condom negotiation is concerned.     

Population-based study of chlamydial infection in China: a hidden epidemic

Context  Sexually transmitted diseases are increasing rapidly in China. Surveillance data imperfectly indicate current prevalence and risk factors. Objectives  To estimate the prevalence of genital chlamydial and gonococcal infections and to describe patterns of infection by subgroup and behavioral patterns. Design, Setting, and Participants  A national stratified probability sample of 3426 Chinese individuals (1738 women and 1688 men) aged 20 to 64 years, who were interviewed between August 1999 and August 2000, completed a computer-administered survey, and provided a urine specimen (69% total participation rate). Main Outcome Measure  Positive test result for chlamydial or gonococcal infections. Results  The overall prevalence per 100 population of chlamydial infection was 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-4.1) for women and 2.1 (95% CI, 1.3-3.3) for men. For gonococcal infection, the overall prevalence per 100 population was 0.08 (95% CI, 0.02-0.4) for women and 0.02 (95% CI, 0.005-0.1) for men. Risk factors for chlamydial infection among men aged 20 to 44 years were unprotected sex with a commercial sex worker (odds ratio [OR], 8.24; 95% CI, 3.51-19.35), less education (OR, 7.20; 95% CI, 2.31-22.37), and recent sex with their spouse or other steady partner (OR, 7.73; 95% CI, 2.70-22.10). Among women aged 20 to 44 years, risk factors for chlamydial infection were having less education (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.01-7.91) and living in a city (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.67-7.18) or along the southern coast (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.29-3.63) and having a spouse or other steady sexual partner who earned a high income (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.11-7.29), who socialized often (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.08-7.19), or who traveled less than 1 week per year (OR, 5.40; 95% CI, 1.44-20.3). Conclusions  The prevalence of chlamydial infection in China is substantial. The patterns of infection suggest potential avenues for intervention.      

广西部分地区男男性行为者安全套使用情况及影响因素分析

目的 分析广西部分地区男男性行为者（men who have sex with men, MSM）的危险行为、安全套使用情况及其影响因素。方法 在广西南宁市、柳州市和贺州市通过方便抽样的方法招募MSM,开展面对面问卷调查,收集其社会人口学、行为学、艾滋病相关知识、安全套使用等基本信息。采用卡方检验、Logistic回归模型分析最近6个月同性肛交坚持使用安全套的影响因素,计算OR（95%CI）值,以P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。结果 375名MSM中,认为当地MSM疫情严重占56.3%,曾经吸食过新型毒品占5.1%,最近6个月同性肛交性行为坚持使用安全套仅占58.4%,最近6个月性伴数3人以上占25.9%,最近6个月与异性发生过性行为占14.1%。多因素Logistic回归模型分析结果显示,文化程度高中或中专及以上[OR=1.86(95%CI:1.01~3.43)]、认为当地MSM艾滋病疫情严重[OR=3.79(95%CI:1.61~8.95)]、最近1年做过HIV检测[OR=1.93(95%CI:1.18~3.15)]、最近1年患过性病[OR=0.36(95%CI:0.14~0.90)]为最近6个月同性肛交坚持使用安全套的-影响因素。结论 广西MSM安全套坚持使用率低,需结合不同特点的MSM采取针对性干预措施,提高安全套坚持使用率,减少艾滋病的传播。     

长沙市295名男性同性行为对暴露前预防用药的意愿和影响因素分析

  目的  了解长沙市男性同性行为(men who have sex with men, MSM)对HIV暴露前预防(pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP)用药意愿及影响因素。  方法  于2020年1—12月在长沙市MSM人群哨点监测站采用问卷调查开展横断面研究。不同特征MSM对PrEP服务需求影响的差异采用χ2检验进行单因素分析,建立logistic回归模型进行多因素分析。  结果  54.20%的MSM人群听说过PrEP,其中有30.80%表示愿意接受PrEP,知晓率高于使用意愿。月收入水平(χ2=17.037,P < 0.05)、对当地MSM感染艾滋病疫情感知情况(χ2=8.449,P < 0.05)、是否出现过安全套破裂或滑脱等危险性性行为(χ2=9.916,P < 0.05)以及最近6个月内是否有同性商业性行为(χ2=6.717,P < 0.05)与PrEP服务需求差异有统计学意义。月经济收入水平高、出现过安全套破裂或滑脱等危险性性行为、认为当地MSM艾滋病疫情严重的MSM更愿意使用PrEP服务,OR值分别为3.339、3.710、2.517。  结论  长沙市MSM以年轻、文化较高的单身人群为主,PrEP服务的人群知晓率较高,使用意愿低于知晓率,存在知晓与行动相分离的现象。月收入水平、对当地MSM感染艾滋病疫情感知、是否出现过安全套破裂或滑脱等与对PrEP服务的需求有关。      

商业性性服务MSM HIV/梅毒感染及高危行为调查

目的 了解深圳市既往提供过商业性性服务的男男性行为者高危行为特征及梅毒/HIV感染情况.方法 知情同意原则下,对2009～2011年深圳市MSM人群资料应用SAS8.0软件进行x2检验.结果 2943例MSM中,393例(13.4％)最近半年内提供过商业性性服务,梅毒感染率为24.7％,HIV感染率为9.2％,梅毒合并HIV感染率为5.6％.与既往无商业性性服务的MSM人群相比,既往提供过商业性性服务的MSM人群普遍多性伴;与男性肛交时每次使用安全套比例较高,与男性口交时从不使用安全套比例较低,与女性发生性行为时从不使用安全套比例较低;梅毒感染率、HIV感染率较高.结论 深圳市既往提供过商业性性服务的MSM人群为艾滋病性病易感人群,应对这一亚群引起足够重视.     

Elevated C-reactive protein levels in overweight and obese adults

CONTEXT: Human adipose tissue expresses and releases the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6, potentially inducing low-grade systemic inflammation in persons with excess body fat. OBJECTIVE: To test whether overweight and obesity are associated with low-grade systemic inflammation as measured by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level. DESIGN AND SETTING: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, representative of the US population from 1988 to 1994. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 16616 men and nonpregnant women aged 17 years or older. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Elevated CRP level of 0.22 mg/dL or more and a more stringent clinically raised CRP level of more than 1.00 mg/dL. RESULTS: Elevated CRP levels and clinically raised CRP levels were present in 27.6% and 6.7% of the population, respectively. Both overweight (body mass index [BMI], 25-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI, > or =30 kg/m2) persons were more likely to have elevated CRP levels than their normal-weight counterparts (BMI, <25 kg/m2). After adjustment for potential confounders, including smoking and health status, the odds ratio (OR) for elevated CRP was 2.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-2.91) for obese men and 6.21 (95% CI, 4.94-7.81) for obese women. In addition, BMI was associated with clinically raised CRP levels in women, with an OR of 4.76 (95% CI, 3.42-6.61) for obese women. Waist-to-hip ratio was positively associated with both elevated and clinically raised CRP levels, independent of BMI. Restricting the analyses to young adults (aged 17-39 years) and excluding smokers, persons with inflammatory disease, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes mellitus and estrogen users did not change the main findings. CONCLUSION: Higher BMI is associated with higher CRP concentrations, even among young adults aged 17 to 39 years. These findings suggest a state of low-grade systemic inflammation in overweight and obese persons.     

Male-to-female transmission of human immunodeficiency virus

Ninety-seven female sexual partners of 93 men infected with human immunodeficiency virus were studied. All of the women had sexual contact within the year before their partner had been diagnosed as having acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or was found to have a positive reaction on the human immunodeficiency virus serologic test. Fifty-seven percent were the partners of bisexual men. Overall, 23% of the women were infected (95% confidence interval, 15% to 32%). The total number of exposures to the index case (sexual contacts with ejaculation) and the specific practice of anal intercourse, also with the infected partner, were associated with transmission. Neither condom use, total number of sexual partners since 1978, nor lifetime number of sexually transmitted diseases was associated with infection.     

年轻男男性行为者艾滋病相关行为自主性变化及影响因素

目的 了解年轻男男性行为者（young men who have sex with men,YMSM）艾滋病相关行为自主性变化及影响因素。方法 开展了YMSM前瞻队列研究,用滚雪球抽样法,在绵阳市招募15~24岁的YMSM进行艾滋病相关行为自主性的基线调查并建立随访队列,实施行为干预12个月后进行随访调查。通过广义估计方程分析YMSM行为自主性变化,采用χ²检验、Logistics回归分析其行为自主性变化的影响因素。结果 入组队列328人,随访调查198人（60.37%）。基线与随访调查相比：性伴相处坚持自我主张从79.9%上升到89.8%,近6个月肛交主动每次准备安全套从64.6%上升到79.8%、性伴不用安全套进行劝说从50.8%上升到70.5%、肛交没有安全套去买/非插入性行为从59.2%上升到84.4%（均P<0.05）。单因素分析显示焦虑症状,抑郁症状,风险认识,近6个月肛交主动每次准备安全套、劝说性伴使用安全套效果、性角色、有保护肛交、有保护固定性行为与行为自主性变化有关（均P<0.05）。多因素分析结果：有抑郁症状（OR=0.024）、有风险认识（OR=0.145）的行为自主性变化的可能性较小,近6个月有保护肛交的（OR=23.831）行为自主性变化的可能性较大。结论 绵阳市YMSM行为自主性变化明显,行为自主性变化与心理健康、风险认识和性行为保护有关,行为自主性变化能有效降低其行为风险。     

扬州市MSM人群艾滋病高危行为特征?感染状况及影响因素分析

目的:了解江苏省扬州市男男性行为者(men who have sex with men,MSM)艾滋病高危行为特征?感染情况及其影响因素?方法:采用横断面调查设计,采取分类滚雪球抽样的方法于2008年5月起,对扬州市范围内的MSM人群就艾滋病知识态度?高危行为特征的面对面问卷调查结果,以及血样的人类免疫缺陷病毒(human immunodeficiency virus,HIV)及其他性传播疾病(sexually transmitted disease,STD)感染的实验室检测数据进行统计分析?结果:所调查300例MSM中,82.7%最近6个月发生过同性性行为,其中79.4%有多个同性性伴;48.7%曾与异性发生过性行为,其中21.2%有多个异性性伴;最近6个月与同性发生肛交性行为时坚持使用安全套的比例为52.0%,与异性发生性行为时该比例为21.2%?均采集血样进行了血清学检测,确证HIV阳性22例,阳性率为7.3%;确证梅毒抗体阳性66例,阳性率为22.0%;未发现丙型肝炎病毒抗体阳性?在多因素Logistic回归模型中,常通过互联网寻找性伴(OR=1.93,95%CI:1.01~3.67)和最近6个月曾与固定性伴发生性行为(OR=0.45,95%CI:0.25~0.79)与最近6个月同性性行为时安全套坚持使用率的关系有统计学意义;梅毒感染(OR=3.17,95%CI:1.25~7.99)与HIV感染的关系具有统计学意义?结论:扬州市MSM人群无保护性性行为及多性伴现象较为普遍,HIV和梅毒感染率较高,需要进一步加强对该人群的行为干预以防止艾滋病在该人群中的蔓延以及传播至一般人群?     

社区综合干预对北京市郊区吸烟、慢性支气管炎和哮喘流行的影响

目的研究社区综合干预对北京市郊区人群吸烟、慢性支气管炎和哮喘流行情况的影响.方法1992年,将北京市房山区23个自然村整群随机分为13个干预村和10个对照村,对干预村进行以戒烟、改善居住环境为主的社区人群综合干预,对照村未施加干预.2000年4月,对干预区和对照区34 436名15岁以上人群进行吸烟、慢性支气管炎和哮喘流行情况普查.同期,对1 658名慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)高危人群进行卫生知识水平、居住环境和吸烟状况的基线调查和复查.结果干预区男女高危人群卫生知识水平得分改善幅度和居住环境好转率显著大于对照区(P＜0.001).干预区全人群中男性吸烟率、现吸烟率下降幅度显著大于对照区(0.4% vs -0.8%,P＜0,001;2.4% vs 1.3%,P＜0.001),女性差异无显著性(P＞0.05).无论男女,干预区15～24岁人群1993～2000年累积新吸烟率显著低于对照区(男:18.9% vs 23.7%,P=0.005;女:0% vs 0.7%,P=0.005).干预区吸烟者日吸烟支数低于对照区[男:(14.8±7.0)支/d vs(17.2±8.2)支/d,P＜0.001;女:(12.8±6.9)支/d vs(13.4±7.2)支/d,P=0.088].由于人群老龄化,慢性支气管炎患病率呈上升趋势,干预村上升幅度低于对照村(男:0.9% vs 1.3%,P=0.012;女:0.1% vs 0.3%,P=0.003).控制年龄因素后,干预村慢性支气管炎1993～2000年累积发病率低于对照村(比值比:男性为0.80,95%CI:0.60～1.07;女性为0.76,95%CI:0.45～1.28).干预区男女哮喘患病率和累积发病率均与对照区差异无显著性(P＞0.05).结论社区综合干预可以有效提高人群COPD防治知识水平,改善居住环境,降低人群新发吸烟率和吸烟量,减少慢性支气管炎的发生,对哮喘无明显影响.