Interaction of cognitive performance and knowing someone who has died from AIDS on HIV risk behaviors.

This study examined the association among knowledge of someone who has died from AIDS, cognitive functioning, and performance of protective health behaviors to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. Baseline data were analyzed from a sample of 229 injection drug users (IDUs) of heroin, a subset of the respondents from the Baltimore site of the International Neurobehavioral HIV Study. Multivariate logistic regression equations were fitted to predict risky injection drug use practices and sexual behavior based on cognitive performance scores and knowledge of someone who had died from AIDS. Among IDUs with lower cognitive reserves, knowing someone who had died from AIDS was associated with increased risk. This finding indicates that more intensive efforts may be required to reduce the risky behaviors among those IDUs with lower cognitive scores in higher risk social groups. Among IDUs with greater cognitive reserves, knowing someone who had died from AIDS was associated with decreased risk. This suggests that cognitive performance can provide protection to individuals in riskier social environments. These findings can aid in targeting HIV prevention efforts toward higher risk individuals within the IDU population.     

Sexual risk behaviors increasing among adolescents over time: comparison of two cohorts in Spain

Despite advances in treatment and prevention, HIV/AIDS remains a serious health and social problem. This study's objective is to examine sexual behavior, levels of knowledge, and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS between two cohorts in Spanish adolescents, and to analyze gender differences in these cohorts. Participants were 2132 adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age: 1222 in 2006 (43.2% boys) and 910 in 2012 (54.1% boys). The results indicate lower HIV knowledge and less favorable attitudes about HIV/AIDS in the 2012 cohort. In addition, adolescents from the 2012 cohort had their first sexual intercourse at an earlier age and have more sexual partners than those from the 2006 cohort. Compared to boys, girls engage in fewer risky behaviors, although they did not use condoms with their stable partner; girls tended to use condom less when they were in a stable relationship than boys. This study confirms the insufficiency of prevention campaigns as well as the need to improve the impact from programs that promote healthy sexual habits. Assuming comparability of cohorts, this study suggests increased risk of HIV/AIDS over time.     

The influence of substance use, social sexual environment, psychosocial factors, and partner characteristics on high-risk sexual behavior among young Black and Latino men who have sex with men living with HIV: A qualitative study

Understanding the sexual risk behaviors of youths living with HIV/AIDS is critical to secondary prevention of HIV. As part of a larger qualitative study of youths living with HIV, in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 African American and Latino, HIV-infected young men who have sex with men, aged 16-24 years, living in New York City. The study explored the role of substance use, the social-sexual-environmental, and psychological contexts in which sexual risk behaviors occurred. Since learning of their HIV infection, the majority of participants had reduced their risky sexual behaviors; however, a subset (26%) of participants continued to have unprotected sex, in most cases with multiple partners. Substance use, the social environmental context of the sexual encounter, the psychological impact of HIV on sexual behavior, and partner characteristics were associated with high-risk sexual behaviors in this group. Among high-risk participants, factors associated with risky sexual behaviors clustered, with 57% reporting two or more factors. More intensive interventions are needed for this subset of youths living with HIV, including assessment and treatment for substance use and mental health issues, strategies for stress reduction, and partner interventions.     

A quantitative risk assessment of multiple factors influencing HIV/AIDS transmission through unprotected sex among HIV-seropositive men

The objective of this study is to conduct a quantitative risk assessment of multiple factors influencing HIV/AIDS transmission through unprotected sexual practices among HIV-seropositive men. A knowledgebase was developed by reviewing different published sources. The data were collected from different sources including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, selected journals, and reports. The risk pathway scenario tree was developed based on a comprehensive review of published literature. The variables are organized into nine major parameter categories. Monte Carlo simulations for the quantitative risk assessment of HIV/AIDS transmission was executed with the software @Risk 4.0 (Palisade Corporation). Results show that the value for the likelihood of unprotected sex due to having less knowledge about HIV/AIDS and negative attitude toward condom use and safer sex ranged from 1.24 × 10(-5) to 8.47 × 10(-4) with the mean and standard deviation of 1.83 × 10(-4) and 8.63 × 10(-5), respectively. The likelihood of unprotected sex due to having greater anger-hostility, anxiety, less satisfied with aspects of life, and greater depressive symptoms ranged from 2.76 × 10(-9) to 5.34 × 10(-7) with the mean and standard deviation of 5.23 × 10(-8) and 3.58 × 10(-8), respectively. The findings suggest that HIV/AIDS research and intervention programs must be focused on behavior, and the broader setting within which individual risky behaviors occur.     

Correlates of HIV Knowledge and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Female Military Personnel

Uniformed services personnel are at an increased risk of HIV infection. We examined the HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual risk behaviors among female military personnel to determine the correlates of HIV risk behaviors in this population. The study used a cross-sectional design to examine HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual risk behaviors in a sample of 346 females drawn from two military cantonments in Southwestern Nigeria. Data was collected between 2006 and 2008. Using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual behaviors were described in relation to socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that level of education and knowing someone infected with HIV/AIDS were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of HIV knowledge in this sample. HIV prevention self-efficacy was significantly (P < 0.05) predicted by annual income and race/ethnicity. Condom use attitudes were also significantly (P < 0.05) associated with number of children, annual income, and number of sexual partners. Data indicates the importance of incorporating these predictor variables into intervention designs.     

Gender differences in behavioural and psychosocial predictors of HIV testing and return for test results in a high-risk population

We assessed gender differences in psychosocial and behavioural predictors of HIV testing and returning for results in a high-risk sample of 1,049 predominately minority, impoverished, homeless and/or drug-abusing women (n = 621) and men (n = 428). Predictors included latent variables representing injection drug use, self-esteem, social support, AIDS knowledge, poor access to health services, perceived risk for AIDS, sexual risk behaviour and the mediators of positive and negative coping styles. Significant predictors of test and return for women included injection drug use, greater social support, more AIDS knowledge, a higher perceived risk for AIDS and a positive coping style. Significant predictors for the men included injection drug use, greater AIDS knowledge, a higher perceived risk for AIDS and a positive coping style. Although greater social support was not significant for the men, the significant predictors of HIV testing and return were generally similar for the men and women. However, the men evaluated their risk of AIDS significantly lower than the women, although they reported more sexual risk behaviours and equally risky injection drug use behaviours. Results suggest that interventions designed to increase AIDS knowledge, to raise the perception of risk and to promote a positive coping style would be effective in encouraging more HIV testing for both men and women, but raising perceptions of what constitutes personal risk behaviours may need special emphasis when delivering prevention programmes to men.     

Latent Class Analysis of HIV Risk Behaviors Among Russian Women at Risk for Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies

The number of HIV cases attributed to heterosexual contact and the proportion of women among HIV positive individuals has increased worldwide. Russia is a country with the highest rates of newly diagnosed HIV infections in the region, and the infection spreads beyond traditional risk groups. While young women are affected disproportionately, knowledge of HIV risk behaviors in women in the general population remains limited. The objectives of this study were to identify patterns of behaviors that place women of childbearing age at high risk for HIV transmission and determine whether socio-demographic characteristics and alcohol use are predictive of the risk pattern. A total of 708 non-pregnant women, aged between 18 and 44 years, who were at risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy were enrolled in two regions in Russia. Participants completed a structured interview focused on HIV risk behaviors, including risky sexual behavior and alcohol and drug use. Latent class analysis was utilized to examine associations between HIV risk and other demographic and alcohol use characteristics and to identify patterns of risk among women. Three classes were identified. 34.93% of participants were at high risk, combining their risk behaviors, e.g., having multiple sexual partners, with high partner’s risk associated with partner’s drug use (class I). Despite reporting self-perceived risk for HIV/STI, this class of participants was unlikely to utilize adequate protection (i.e., condom use). The second high risk class included 13.19% of participants who combined their risky sexual behaviors, i.e., multiple sexual partners and having STDs, with partner’s risk that included partner’s imprisonment and partner’s sex with other women (class II). Participants in this class were likely to utilize protection/condoms. Finally, 51.88% of participants were at lower risk, which was associated primarily with their partners’ risk, and these participants utilized protection (class III). The odds of being in class I compared with class III were 3.3 (95% CI [1.06, 10.38]) times higher for those women who had Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores ≥ 8 than those who had lower scores, and were 3.9 (95% CI [1.69, 8.97]) times higher for those who used alcohol before sex than those who did not. In addition, women who drank more days per week were 1.36 times more likely to be in class II than in class III. The study informs prevention by identifying specific population groups and targets for interventions. Alcohol use is a significant predictor and an overarching factor of HIV risk in women. Since at-risk drinking is common among young Russian women, alcohol risk reduction should be an essential component of HIV prevention efforts.     

Changes in sexual behavior and risk of HIV transmission after antiretroviral therapy and prevention interventions in rural Uganda

BACKGROUND: The impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on sexual risk behavior and HIV transmission among HIV-infected persons in Africa is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in risky sexual behavior and estimated HIV transmission from HIV-infected adults after 6 months of ART. DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed in rural Uganda. Between May 2003 and December 2004 a total of 926 HIV-infected adults were enrolled and followed in a home-based ART program that included prevention counselling, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for cohabitating partners and condom provision. At baseline and follow-up, participants' HIV plasma viral load and partner-specific sexual behaviors were assessed. Risky sex was defined as inconsistent or no condom use with partners of HIV-negative or unknown serostatus in the previous 3 months. The rates of risky sex were compared using a Poisson regression model and transmission risk per partner was estimated, based on established viral load-specific transmission rates. RESULTS: Six months after initiating ART, risky sexual behavior reduced by 70% [adjusted risk ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.2-0.7; P = 0.0017]. Over 85% of risky sexual acts occurred within married couples. At baseline, median viral load among those reporting risky sex was 122 500 copies/ml, and at follow-up, < 50 copies/ml. Estimated risk of HIV transmission from cohort members declined by 98%, from 45.7 to 0.9 per 1000 person years. CONCLUSIONS: Providing ART, prevention counseling, and partner VCT was associated with reduced sexual risk behavior and estimated risk of HIV transmission among HIV-infected Ugandan adults during the first 6 months of therapy. Integrated ART and prevention programs may reduce HIV transmission in Africa.     

HIV stigma perceptions and sexual risk behaviors among black young women

Studies on HIV/AIDS routinely identify stigma as a barrier to both reducing sexual risk and increasing protective behaviors. Due to the high rates of HIV infections among Black females in the United States, this exploratory study examined stigma perceptions and their associations with risk behaviors in a sample of 281 Black females aged 18–23 attending family planning clinics. Participants completed the HIV/AIDS Stigma scale which has three sub-scales assessing knowledge, subjective, and community stigma. Risk behaviors were also measured. The majority of participants demonstrated a lack of knowledge about HIV transmission pathways, some displayed self-shaming attitudes associated with an HIV diagnosis, and perceived stigma from the community. Overall, there were no associations between the stigma subscales and risk behaviors. Since there are major inconsistences in knowledge, stigma and behaviors among sexually active Black female youth, HIV education must address both stigma and risk behaviors associated with HIV transmission. These results suggest family planning clinics should engage this youth population in both routine HIV screening and HIV and risk behavior education during their healthcare visits.     

西部地区50个县（区）不同活动场所暗娼人群艾滋病行为学监测结果分析

目的了解我国西部地区50个县（区）不同活动场所暗娼（FSW）人群的艾滋病病毒（HIV）抗体阳性检出率和行为学指标情况。方法通过高危人群规模估计,对不同场所内FSW人群进行分层随机抽样和一对一问卷调查,收集高危行为信息,检测血清HIV抗体。结果 15 526名调查对象中,第一类来自宾馆、酒店、桑拿、洗浴中心、夜总会、卡拉OK厅、歌舞厅、酒吧等,占48.04%;第二类来自洗脚屋、发廊、路边店、小饭店和街头站桩,占51.96%。年龄20～29岁者占60.96%;初中以下文化程度占83.77%。第二类FSW人群最近一次性交易时安全套使用率（68.9%）,最近一个月性交易时安全套使用率（37.07%）,艾滋病知识知晓率（17.53%）,最近一年接受预防服务率（67.31%）,均低于第一类。FSW人群HIV阳性率为1.58%。结论 FSW人群中艾滋病知识知晓率较低,存在商业性行为中不使用安全套等高危行为,尤其是在街头等第二类场所中的FSW,是监测和干预工作的重点人群。     

Alcohol Use, Anal Sex, and Other Risky Sexual Behaviors Among HIV-Infected Women and Men

Effective sexual risk reduction strategies for HIV-infected individuals require an understanding of alcohol’s influence on specific sexual behaviors. We conducted audio-computer-assisted-self-interviews on 910 patients from two HIV primary care programs. The association between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors was examined using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, education, race/ethnicity and drug use. Frequent/binge drinking was associated with engaging in anal sex and having multiple sex partners among women, engaging in insertive anal sex among gay/bisexual men, and was unrelated to risky sexual behaviors among heterosexual men. Infrequent drinkers did not differ in sexual risk behaviors from abstainers among women or men. Finally, there was no interaction effect between race/ethnicity and alcohol use on the association with sexual risk behaviors. The study has yielded important new findings in several key areas with high relevance to HIV care. Results underscore the importance of routinely screening for alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors in HIV primary care.     

大理州娱乐场所性服务人员综合干预项目基线调查分析

目的掌握大理州娱乐场所性服务人员基本情况及危险行为，为干预项目的终期评价提供依据。方法对目标人群采用随机抽样和问卷调查，调查目标人群的人口学、艾滋病相关知识、安全套的使用、是否吸毒、自愿咨询检测、求医行为、是否接触干预措施等。结果在被调查的669人中，20～24岁占50．60％，其中初中文化占54．80％，正确认识艾滋病预防及传播途径知识的比例分别为78．80％、13．90％。每次使用安全套、接触过毒品、自愿HIV检测、干预措施的比例分别为44．40％、1．30％、12．30％、57．10％。结论只有强化高危行为的认知，建立良好的行为和生活方式，才能有效遏制艾滋病在娱乐场所中的传播。     

201名暗娼艾滋病知识及性行为特征分析

目的 了解暗娼艾滋病病毒HIV感染情况及艾滋病知识、态度、信念、行为特征,为制定预防策略提供依据。方法对201名暗娼采取匿名调查方法进行问卷调查和HIV抗体榆测。结果 调查对象HIV抗体检测均为阴性,年龄最小为14岁,初中文化占50.7％;首次性交和卖淫平均年龄分别为18.3岁和18.9岁,21.4％卖淫时从不使用安全套,18.9％既卖淫又吸毒;72.1％听说过艾滋病,但艾滋病相关知识十分缺乏。结论 暗娼艾滋病相关危险行为发生率高,应加强宣传教育和安全套的推广使用,以减少HIV经性传播。     

Family, cultural and gender role aspects in the context of HIV risk among African American women of unidentified HIV status: an exploratory qualitative study

This was an exploratory, qualitative study of contextual cultural and social realities of the sexual interactions of a representative sample of African American women of unidentified HIV status. The study expanded our understanding of family and gender role variables by exploring influences of family of origin and idealistic perceptions of roles on sexual relationships. Data was collected on 51 African American women who were recruited through probability sampling. Between 39% and 70% of study participants reported at least one of the following HIV risk factors: low condom use, substance use during sex, partner's incarceration and history of abuse. Nonetheless, all women in our study perceived their chances of HIV infection to be almost non-existent, despite a fairly good knowledge of HIV/AIDS modes of transmission including that anyone could become HIV infected, knowing somebody with HIV/AIDS and acknowledgment, among some, of their partner's infidelity and risk behaviors. Our analysis revealed that parental communications about sexuality in relationships focused largely on trust (being mistrustful of men) and women's control of their sexual impulses. Trust was also emphasized (desired) by women in the discussions of gender roles. Women reported a strong reliance on God and made frequent references to the role of the church in HIV prevention. Our findings offer suggestions for HIV prevention for the general population of African American women. HIV-prevention messages that consider their views of relationships, gender roles, sexual abuse history and the role of the church are suggested.     

Knowledge, Perception of Risk for HIV, and Condom Use: A Comparison of Registered and Freelance Female Sex Workers in Cebu City, Philippines

The HIV infection rate is lower in the Philippines than would be expected based on the numbers of people believed to engage in high-risk behaviors. A national behavioral surveillance system has been implemented to monitor selected behaviors among vulnerable populations. This paper reports on an interview survey of 360 registered and 360 freelance sex workers in Cebu City, the Philippines, from 1997 to 1999. All of the women had engaged in sexual activity in exchange for money during the week preceding the interview. The freelance workers reported more sexual partners than the registered sex workers (p < .00001), assessed themselves as more at risk for HIV (p < .00001), and were less likely to always use condoms during sex (p < .00001). The groups were comparable on a measure of knowledge about HIV transmission. As these women continue to engage in risky behaviors, some form of intervention will be necessary to prevent the escalating HIV/AIDS rates seen in other Southeast Asian countries.     

The influence of knowing someone with HIV/AIDS on preventive behaviors in Italy

The influence of knowing someone with HIV/AIDS on HIV preventive behaviors has become increasingly relevant in the literature, with controversial findings. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between knowing someone with HIV/AIDS and preventive behaviors in a representative sample of the Italian adult population. Drawing on two sociocognitive models, perceived threat and HIV/AIDS knowledge were proposed as mediators of this relationship. Results from 1969 telephone interviews were analyzed. Questions included sociodemographic information, knowing someone with HIV/AIDS, past sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge, HIV/AIDS perceived threat (susceptibility and severity), and preventive behaviors (HIV testing and condom use). The results of mediation models showed that knowing someone with HIV/AIDS had an indirect effect on condom use through HIV-perceived susceptibility. Knowing someone with HIV/AIDS showed a direct and an indirect effect through HIV/AIDS knowledge on HIV testing.     

Factors that influence risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men in Liaoning province, China: a structural equation model

HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased rapidly in China. Behavioral and biologic interventions are the key to control the spreading of HIV in the MSM population and the primary strategy for reducing the spread of AIDS in China. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship among HIV-related knowledge, the basic information of respondents, service utilization and risky sexual behavior. Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit 225 MSM in Fushun and Huludao in China. The results of univariate analysis showed that condom use in the past 6 months was associated with age, being more knowledgeable about HIV, accepting lubricant distribution, and peer education (p<0.05). The structural equation modeling (SEM) results was as following, χ(2)=863.45 (p<0.01); root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.04; goodness of fit (GFI)=0.94, which indicated the model fitted the data well. The factor loads of HIV-related knowledge, the basic information of respondents, service utilization and risky sexual behavior was -0.06, 0.07, -0.27, respectively, which indicated that service utilization was likely to be a major factor negatively impacting risky sexual behavior. For service utilization, the greatest item load was for distribution of lubricants and peer education, 0.69, 0.68, respectively. The factor load of HIV-related knowledge and service utilization was 0.15, which suggested that risky sexual behaviors might be indirectly reduced by improving HIV/AIDS knowledge to increase service utilization. Basic information (age, income, marital status, age at first sexual intercourse) had a greater impact on service utilization, with a load factor of 0.26. For basic information, the greatest item load was age (0.96). In terms of the intervention strategies, it is essential that public health education is provided for the young, to ultimately decrease risky behaviors in MSM.     

Food Insecurity and Sexual Risk in an HIV Endemic Community in Uganda

Food insecurity has been linked to high-risk sexual behavior in sub-Saharan Africa, but there are limited data on these links among people living with HIV/AIDS, and on the mechanisms for how food insecurity predisposes individuals to risky sexual practices. We undertook a series of in-depth open-ended interviews with 41 individuals living with HIV/AIDS to understand the impact of food insecurity on sexual-risk behaviors. Participants were recruited from the Immune Suppression Clinic at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Mbarara, Uganda. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated, and coded following the strategy of grounded theory. Four major themes emerged from the interview data: the relationship between food insecurity and transactional sex for women; the impact of a husband’s death from HIV on worsening food insecurity among women and children; the impact of food insecurity on control over condom use, and the relationship between food insecurity and staying in violent/abusive relationships. Food insecurity led to increased sexual vulnerability among women. Women were often compelled to engage in transactional sex or remain in violent or abusive relationships due to their reliance on men in their communities to provide food for themselves and their children. There is an urgent need to prioritize food security programs for women living with HIV/AIDS and address broader gender-based inequities that are propelling women to engage in risky sexual behaviors based on hunger. Such interventions will play an important role in improving the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS, and preventing HIV transmission.     

739名暗娼STD/AIDS危险行为监测分析

目的掌握曲靖市暗娼的性传播疾病/艾滋病(STD/AIDS)危险行为特征和影响因素。方法绘制娱乐场所分布图,采用三阶段随机抽样法抽取调查对象,进行一对一匿名调查。结果调查739名暗娼,平均年龄23.66岁,AIDS知识平均知晓率为57.36%。首次性行为年龄18.51岁,每周平均客人数3.19人。最近一次与客人使用安全套的占53.86%,与客人每次都用安全套的占10.42%。39.64%的人在半年内有过生殖器的异常,27.30%的人到正规医院就诊,44.71%的人自己买药,22.53%的人到私立诊所就医。自愿做过艾滋病病毒(HIV)检查的占2.84%,认为自己有感染HIV可能性的有9.47%,HIV感染率为1.23%。结论暗娼对AIDS知识认识少,且未充分认识AIDS的危害。暗娼感染和传播HIV的危险行为有多性伴,性交频次多,首次性交年龄较小,无保护性行为多,性病患病率高,吸毒兼卖淫。     

恩施土家族苗族自治州艾滋病流行病学特征及趋势分析

目的分析恩施土家族苗族自治州1995~2003年艾滋病流行病学特征和趋势,为制定艾滋病防治策略提供依据。方法对1995~2003年恩施土家族苗族自治州艾滋病流行病学调查和监测资料进行分析。结果1995~2003年共检出艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染者108例,艾滋病病人16例(已全部死亡)。108例HIV感染者中血液传播占87.04%,经性传播11.11%,母婴垂直传播1.85%。目前主要传播途径以血液传播为主,流行的HIV-1毒株为B’(泰国B)亚型。结论目前恩施土家族苗族自治州处在艾滋病流行的低感染阶段,当前预防与控制的重点是开展高危人群行为干预措施和艾滋病预防知识宣传。同时应注意控制艾滋病经性接触和静脉吸毒传播。