Abstract
Purpose To determine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, sexual risk behaviors, and attitudes toward HIV vaccine trials among 11–19 year-olds in a peri-urban community near Cape Town, South Africa. Methods We performed HIV antibody testing on oral transudate, and assessed sexual risk behaviors and willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials using self-administered questionnaires. Results Of the 510 adolescents selected, 356 (73%) participated. The HIV prevalence of the group was 10.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.5–14.4). One-third of adolescents had experienced sexual debut, with a mean age of 14.6 years. Number of lifetime sexual partners was independently associated with HIV infection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62; 95% CI 1.1–2.3). In a multivariate analysis, increasing age, female gender, and attending school were independently associated with having had sex. The majority of adolescents (79%) were willing to participate in an HIV vaccine trial. Increasing age and length of residence in the community were significantly associated with willingness to participate (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.01–1.4 and OR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.03–1.26, respectively). Conclusions The prevalence of HIV and risk behavior among adolescents in this community is high. HIV vaccines are required that target preadolescents. HIV vaccine trials in adolescents in this setting will be facilitated by their willingness to participate.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.