Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Information Research Articles

What drives older men who have sex with men in China away from AIDS information?

ABSTRACT A worrying phenomenon has emerged recently: more people are deliberately avoiding rather than seeking information regarding acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This is the first study to explore behaviors related to AIDS information avoidance and the potential influential factors among older men who have sex with men (MSM). We enrolled 11 older MSM from Wuhan, the largest city in central China, from January to March 2023 using a phenomenological method. This qualitative research was conducted using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. AIDS information avoidance was commonly observed among the respondents. Behaviors related to AIDS information avoidance included avoiding AIDS-related information, ignoring known AIDS information, and avoiding medical care. The main factors associated with AIDS information avoidance included information overload, high-risk sexual behaviors, over-optimism, fear of disclosure, and age. China should provide AIDS information in a manner suitable for older MSM, pay more attention to MSM over the age of 70 years, those who are not open about their sexual orientation and those who are too optimistic, and strengthen the censorship of AIDS information.

Dissemination of HIV and AIDS Information to Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe

Given the issue of the high prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among youths, the study sought to investigate how HIV and AIDS information is disseminated to students at Mkoba Teachers College (MTC) in Zimbabwe. The researchers assumed that the high HIV prevalence among the youths may be attributed to a lack of adequate information on HIV and AIDS. Given this background, the researchers chose to target students in tertiary institutions because most of the active youths in Zimbabwe are absorbed there. According to past studies, the response of most tertiary institutions across Southern Africa to HIV and AIDS is passive. The survey descriptive research method was employed to conduct the study, whereby questionnaires were administered to twenty randomly selected students at the institution. Interviews were also conducted with two administrators, who were responsible for the Health and Life Sills department. It appeared that there were some HIV and AIDS programmes at MTC, mainly in the form of formal lectures and peer education programmes. It also seemed that most students acknowledge the need for HIV and AIDS information respectively. These include limited formats of information dissemination as well as lack of funding for information dissemination programmes. In order to counter these loopholes, it is recommended that MTC strengthens its partnerships with influential Non Governmental organisations (NGOs). The project gave referrals to NGOs which could assist the institution boost its HIV and AIDS information dissemination programme.

AIDS education for Tanzanian youth: a mediation analysis

Mediation analysis is a statistical technique that can be used to identify mechanisms by which intervention programs achieve their effects. This paper presents the results of a mediation analysis of Ngao, an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) education program that was implemented with school children in Grades 6 and 7 in Tanzania in the mid-1990s and evaluated using a controlled, group-randomized trial. The study examined which variables mediated the effect Ngao had in regard to (i) fostering positive attitudes towards people living with AIDS and (ii) decreasing intentions to be sexually active in the near future. Data from students who participated in a baseline and 12-month follow-up survey (n = 814) were analyzed. Results indicate that increasing exposure to AIDS information and increasing knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus transmission/prevention were significant mediators of the intervention's effect on alleviating the stigma associated with people living with AIDS. Moreover, encouraging more restrictive social norms about sexual intercourse was a significant mediator of the intervention's effect on decreasing students' intentions to be sexually active in the near future. Implications for future AIDS education programs for school children in this part of Africa designed to achieve similar goals are discussed.

LOWERING HIV RISK AMONG ETHNIC MINORITY DRUG USERS: COMPARING CULTURALLY TARGETED INTERVENTION TO A STANDARD INTERVENTION

To test the efficacy of culturally targeted acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention programs on ethnic minority street drug users, 669 African-American and Puerto Rican drug users were assigned to receive either the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) standard intervention or a culturally competent enhanced intervention in a quasi-experimental study. The standard intervention was a two-session educational program, while both the African-American and Puerto Rican enhanced interventions provided additional AIDS information in a culturally appropriate fashion. Although human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors, as measured by Bell's risk indices, decreased, there were no meaningful significant differences between interventions. However, participants who went into drug treatment programs showed greater reduction in HIV risk behavior. Cultural interventions may provide better outcome if they concentrate on getting participants into drug treatment.

Target Audience Reach of the Sida Dans La Cité AIDS Prevention Television Series in C⊚te D'ivoire

This paper uses sample survey data to examine the reach of SIDA dans la Cité (SDLC), a popular television series on Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. Within the intervention area where SDLC was televised, the program targeted those with an elevated risk of contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and those with low socioeconomic status who were likely to have limited access to health information and services. The results indicate that in electrified regions, the SDLC program achieved very good reach among the elevated-risk groups and moderate to good reach among the low socioeconomic status groups. The finding that rural populations obtain AIDS information overwhelmingly from radio and television implies that televised HIV prevention information can play a crucial role in electrified rural regions.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in parenteral drug users: evolution of the epidemic over 10 years. Valencian Epidemiology and Prevention of HIV Disease Study Group.

Evaluation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention strategies requires an on-going follow up of the frequency of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. The aim of this study was to examine the trends in prevalence and incidence of HIV-1 infection among injecting drug users (IDU) during the period 1987-1996. Transversal and cohort studies were designed which included a consecutive sample of 7132 IDU who attended three AIDS Prevention and Information Centres in the Region of Valencia (Spain) and voluntarily asked to be tested for HIV antibodies. The prevalence was estimated for each year based on the serological status of HIV-1 when the patient first visited the centre. The annual incidence rates were calculated based on the seronegative patients in which a new determination of HIV-1 was done. In order to control the possible effects on the estimations of age, sex and duration of addiction of the people studied, Poisson and logistic regression models were adjusted. Prevalence and incidence rates of HIV-1 infection showed parallel trends over time. The overall prevalence found was 43.6% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 42.4-44.7%). Of the 4023 seronegative individuals, 1746 were followed up over the whole of the study period. The incidence rate observed was 6.85 x 100 persons/year (95% CI : 6.04-7.66). The prevalence figures show a decrease, which is most marked from 1990 onwards and then they tend to stabilize over the past few years. The incidence rates increase slightly up to 1991 (9.8 x 100 persons/year), and then begin to decrease. Trends of prevalence of HIV-1 infection approximate trends of subjacent incidence rate. Despite decrease in HIV-1 infection frequency observed over 10 years, both the prevalence and incidence figures continue to be high in absolute terms. It is necessary to intensify and adapt preventive measures to each subgroup at risk of infection and in the case of heterosexual transmission ensure that the failure observed in the case of IDU is not repeated.

Changes in HIV risk behavior following alternative residential programs of drug abuse treatment and AIDS education

We compared the effectiveness in changing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior of two different approaches to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) education given by residential drug abuse treatment programs differing in their planned duration. Two randomized controlled trials compared (a) a 6-month with a 12-month therapeutic community (TC) program, and (b) a 6-month with a 3-month relapse prevention (RP) program. Three composite variables assessing HIV risk—(a) drug injection, (b) sexual partners, and (c) condom use—were measured for the 3 months prior to admission and follow-up. The TC program comprised a four-part AIDS information intervention. The RP program comprised a 21- or 42-session small-group program in the principles of RP, 5 skills-building AIDS education sessions, and 6 other health education sessions. Four hundred ninety-five clients were enrolled in the study and completed a follow-up interview within 6 months of exit (79% of those enrolled). Clients in the RP program reduced their drug injection and condom use risk. Female clients in the TC program reduced their condom use risk. There were no differential effects on risk behavior change of either planned duration (randomization assignment) or program type (RP versus TC). Thus, differences in the treatment programs, including AIDS education components, had no apparent effect on HIV risk behavior change. The contribution of residential drug abuse treatment programs to AIDS prevention remains unproved.

AIDS hot lines and information agencies. The consistency of their information

To determine the consistency of responses given by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) hot lines and AIDS information agencies to a standard set of questions related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and to investigate the training of workers in these telephone information agencies. A two-part questionnaire that addressed issues of HIV transmission and testing (part 1) and sexual behavior, diet, alcohol use, and partner notification (part 2). Thirty-three AIDS telephone information agencies. Information specialists at these agencies were contacted on multiple occasions over a 1-year period. Initially, 48 calls were made to these agencies. Responses were recorded in the words of the information specialists, categorized, and assessed for consistency. Two additional surveys using the same questionnaire were also performed, examining the variability of responses within an individual agency and the variability of responses from six agencies, three with and three without formal training of their information specialists. The initial survey revealed inconsistencies and inaccuracies in responses from AIDS telephone information agencies particularly in the areas of HIV testing, risk factor assessment, safe-sex recommendations, and life-style changes for infected persons. The second survey revealed variability in responses from six information specialists within a single agency. The third survey revealed that, overall, agencies with and without formal training of workers were equally inconsistent in their responses. There are identifiable deficiencies in the quality and consistency of information given by some AIDS telephone information agencies. Training procedures of information specialists at these agencies are variable and may be inadequate.

Knowledge of AIDS and Safer Sex Practices Among College Freshmen

We assessed knowledge of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and of safer sex practices among college freshmen. A second purpose of the study was to assess this knowledge among black as well as white students. Students attending classes at three private colleges in a large southern city were asked to participate in the study. Respondents completed the modified AIDS information survey, the knowledge of safe sex practices questionnaire, and a demographic data sheet. A total of 689 questionnaires were received from single college freshmen. The results indicated that respondents were knowledgeable about the cause and transmission of AIDS but were less knowledgeable about medical aspects. Most knew that condoms are effective in preventing the spread of AIDS, but fewer could differentiate between the effectiveness of latex and nonlatex condoms. These findings are useful to health educators in improving AIDS education programs.

How Much Do Health Care Providers Know About AIDS?

We sent a survey to more than 8,000 New Jersey health professionals to collect information on their knowledge level, attitudes, and prevention practices relating to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The surveys were distributed through the mail in three separate waves with a postcard reminder. A total of 2,725 individuals provided completed questionnaires (34% response rate). We assessed the AIDS and HIV-related knowledge level of these health professionals, compared their knowledge levels, and identified variables that predict a high level of knowledge. The overall test scores indicate a definite need for AIDS education among these health professionals; on average, doctors answered 71% of the knowledge items correctly; dentists, 66%; and nurses, 65%. Doctors scored higher than the other health professionals on almost all of the 38 items relating to the epidemiological aspects of HIV, transmission, identification and reporting of HIV disease and AIDS, and assessment of HIV-associated risks. The multivariate regression model explained 24% of the variability in knowledge score (P = .0001) and identified the following independent variables as significant predictors of knowledge score: age, race, marital status, religious beliefs, political orientation, professional group, average number of hours worked each week, experience with HIV+/AIDS patients, knowledge self-assessment, and sources of AIDS information.

The disclosure of celebrity HIV infection: its effects on public attitudes.

Despite the magnitude of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, studies have shown low levels of public concern about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. We investigated the effects of celebrity disclosure of HIV infection on the AIDS-related perceptions of urban men. Measures of AIDS-related perceptions were collected from 361 men waiting for mass transportation in downtown Chicago; 252 were assessed at three time points prior to and 109 were assessed at two time points after professional basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson's disclosure of his HIV infection. Significant increases in concern about AIDS, interest in AIDS information, and talking with friends about AIDS occurred after celebrity disclosure of HIV infection. Celebrity disclosure of HIV seropositivity demonstrated a marked change in AIDS-related perceptions among the men surveyed. Changes in awareness due to celebrity disclosure may lead to increased readiness to reduce risk and could be viewed as a window of opportunity for HIV prevention efforts.

Communicating AIDS Information to Hispanics: The Importance of Language and Media Preference

Though Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority group in the United States and have a high cumulative incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), very little data are available concerning attitudes and beliefs concerning AIDS in this population. In January 1988, 216 Hispanics from three clinics in Oregon participated in a survey regarding AIDS information acquisition and knowledge. Overall, respondents reported receiving more information about AIDS from broadcast media such as television (42.6%) and radio (19.9%) and less from print media such as newspapers (18.5%) and pamphlets (17.6%). Respondents whose primary language was Spanish tended to have fewer information sources and relied relatively more on broadcast media than on print media. Though over 90% of the sample believed AIDS could be transmitted sexually, only 50% thought condoms could prevent transmission. Compared to primarily English speakers, respondents whose primary language was Spanish were more likely to believe that AIDS could be casually transmitted and less likely to believe that condoms could prevent transmission. This study suggests that more information delivered in an effective manner, both culturally and linguistically, is needed.

Highlights from the Canada youth and AIDS study.

The identification of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in 1981, and the subsequent isolation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1983, signaled the beginning of worldwide concern over the potential impact of the disease. As the global incidence of AIDS and HIV infection increased, Canadians expressed growing apprehension about the epidemic's affect on themselves. Because adolescents potentially are at risk for HIV infection, a special need existed to determine how Canadian youth were responding to the AIDS epidemic. During the summer of 1987, the Federal Centre for AIDS, in conjunction with the National Health Research and Development Program and the Canadian Public Health Association, commissioned a nationwide study. A national sample of more than 38,000 youth in grades 7, 9, 11, and the first year of college and university were surveyed about their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Also included in the total sample were youth who had recently dropped out of school and those who lived on the streets of large cities. In this article, the authors summarize findings from the study and offer conclusions and recommendations for action.

Grants and Outcomes

Grants and Outcomes

Community health nurses' AIDS information needs.

Community health nurses (CHNs) provide direct nursing care to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) clients in their homes and in community settings such as clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospice facilities. Direct-care needs are exemplified in the case management of the client in the community. The case management of the AIDS client in the community can include direct care to prevent and control infections, to maintain nutrition and fluid status, to manage pain, to manage alterations in bowel and bladder elimination, to treat circulatory impairment, to treat the consequences of decreased activity and immobility, and to provide psychosocial and bereavement support and counseling. In addition, CHNs provide indirect care to clients and their families through such services as education, referral, and counseling. As part of case management, they provide education on the disease; financial, housing, and health resources; and referral to community AIDS services, centers, and support groups. CHNs are involved in AIDS prevention through public health education, counseling the public about sexual practices, counseling persons who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, and AIDS-related complex (ARC), and making referrals to community resources for education, testing, and support. Prevention and education activities take place in health settings, social settings, and occupational or work settings.

French AIDS campaign criticized as too soft by volunteer groups

The French Ministry of Health has prepared a 20-second video clip on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) that will be shown a total of 90 times on French television channels. The film which cost the government US$1.13 million to produce depicts a heterosexual couple preparing to use a condom before intercourse. This film--and the governments AIDS prevention campaign in general--has been criticized for being too soft and for ignoring high-risk populations. No special measures have been taken to ensure that those at greatest risk of AIDS infection--homosexuals drug addicts and prostitutes--receive information on AIDS prevention. Government educational campaigns have tended to focus on the theme that AIDS will be stopped only by providing funding for medical research. In response to the perceived weaknesses of the government information campaign several voluntary AIDS information organizations have been formed in France. A 24-hour answering service has been established to give information about AIDS. In addition a group of young people has prepared a film on safer sex and distributed 3 different leaflets to secondary school students one of which contained a free condom.

AIDS risk reduction: a community health education intervention for minority high risk group members.

During the past year, members of the Detroit Health Department health education staff have developed an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) community education intervention. The intervention was designed in response to the growing public health problem of AIDS and the need to provide the community with accurate information regarding the transmission and prevention of the disease. The gap in AIDS education and information was particularly evident in the black community. In attempting to develop a comprehensive health education program, the staff encountered a number of barriers. Traditional antagonisms between the high-risk groups, homosexual and bisexual males and intravenous drug abusers, and the health department hampered the ability of the intervention team to design a clinic centered program. Concurrently, lack of access to the high-risk population and reactionary public sentiment toward the disease posed serious problems for developing community support for the implementation of an effective community-based program. The intervention team also found that traditional methodologies of health education program planning were inadequate. The staff lacked sufficient data on the beliefs and attitudes of the high-risk populations necessary to design relevant risk reduction activities. Recognizing our limited awareness and accessibility to the high risk groups, a strategy was developed to encourage members of the high-risk population to assume a leadership role in the development and implementation of the community-based program. The success of the Community Health Awareness Group (C-HAG) is, in part, a result of the willingness of high risk individuals to assume some responsibility in educating themselves and others. It also speaks to the efficacy of collaborative relationships between health workers and target populations when designing public health interventions.