HIV-related Sexual Behaviors Research Articles

Meta-analysis on the effects of health education towards HIV/AIDS high-risk behavior, knowledge, and related attitude among floating population in China

To evaluate the effects of health education on HIV/AIDS high-risk behaviors, knowledge, and attitude among floating population in China. A computerized literature searching was carried out in Chinese Biomedical Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang and VIP databases to collect articles published in China between 2005 and 2010. Words as "AIDS", "Floating Population", "Intervention", "Health Education", "High-risk Behavior" were used. Type of studies would include "self-control intervention studies or studies containing sections of self-control intervention". Meta-analyses were performed to assess 8 outcomes which targeting on high-risk behavior, knowledge and attitudes of AIDS. RevMan 4.2 software was used to analyze the intervention effects for these indexes. After the interventions, the rate on awareness of "Whether condoms can reduce the HIV/AIDS infection risk" increased by 23% [rate difference (RD) 95%CI: 0.19, 0.27] and "Whether keeping monogamous sexual relationship can reduce the risk of infection" increased by 18% (RD 95%CI: 0.14, 0.23). The proportion of "Willing to use condoms in sexual life" increased by 16% (RD 95%CI: 0.11, 0.22); and "The incidence of commercial sex behaviors" reduced by 6% (RD 95%CI: -0.11, -0.02). "The Ratio of condom use during commercial sex behaviors" increased by 17% (RD 95%CI: 0.10, 0.23). and "Recent use of condoms during sex" increased by 25% (RD 95%CI: 0.15, 0.35). All the data showed significant differences (P < 0.01), respectively. After health education, great improvements were found for HIV-related sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among the floating population.

HIV-Related Sexual Behaviors among Migrants and Non-migrants in Rural Ethiopia:Role of RuraltoUrbanMigration in HIV Transmission

Objective: To compare HIV-related sexual risk behavior among temporary ruraltourban migrants and non-migrants and to explore the role of migration in HIV transmission in a rural area of Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Bure Woreda, West Gojam, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. A total of 1,310 male subjects (655 rural to urban migrants and 655 non-migrants) were selected randomly and were assessed,analyzed using SPSS version 17 software for their HIV related sexual risk behavioursincluding the role of migration in HIV transmission in a rural Ethiopia. Twopartsof questionnaires were prepared and used for comparing the above groups. The first part of the questionnaires included non-sensitive questions such as demographics and HIV knowledge while the second part comprisedsensitive questions related to sexual behaviors. Results: When multiple sexual partners, sex with commercial sex workers, sexual transmitted infections and premarital sex compared between the two groups, the proportions of rural to urban migrantsVs non- migrants who had multiple sexual partners (31.4 % Vs 7.4%), sex with commercial sex workers (22.3% Vs 13.3%), sexual transmitted infections (11.7% Vs 3.2%) and premarital sex (20.8% Vs 14.2 %)were significantly higher in ruraltourban migrants than non-migrants. Among those who had multiple sexual partners, only 12.7 % of, rural to urban migrants and9.8 % of non-migrants reported consistent condom use with sexual partners other than their spouse. Conclusions: As both rural to urban migrants and non-migrants are at risk for HIV infection, intervention programmes targeting both groups are recommended. However, in order to contain the bridging effect on HIV transmission from urban to rural areas particular attention should be given for the rural to urban migrant population.

Sexual transmissibility of HIV among opiate users with concurrent sexual partnerships: an egocentric network study in Yunnan, China

To investigate the patterns of concurrent sexual partnerships among young opiate users and sexual transmissibility of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in concurrent sexual partnerships in drug-use and sexual networks. Cross-sectional design. A total of 426 young opiate users in Yunnan, China. Young opiate users recruited from their network ties. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit participants. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to analyze the relationships of concurrent sexual partnerships with egocentric social network components, risky sexual behavior for HIV and drug-use practices. The RDS-adjusted prevalence of concurrent sexual partners was 42.9% among opiate users. Opiate users with concurrent sexual partnerships were more likely to engage in risky HIV-related sexual behavior, compared to those without. Specifically, they were more likely to report having had four or more sexual partners (26.3% versus 2.0%), having had a spouse or boy/girlfriends who also had concurrent sexual partnerships (28.1% versus 8.2%), having exchanged drug for sex (12.4% versus 3.8%), having had sexual partners who were non-injection drug users (22.6% versus 10.1%), having had sexual partners who were injection drug users (25.3% versus 13.5%) and having used club drugs (26.3% versus 13.5%). There were no significant differences in consistent condom use between opiate users with sexual concurrency and those without. The same proportion (25.8%) of opiate users in the two groups reported having consistently used condoms when having sex with regular partners, and 46.3% of opiate users with sexual concurrency and 36.4% of those without such concurrency consistently used condoms with non-regular partners. The expansion of the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic from high-risk populations to the general population in China may be driven by concurrent sexual partnerships. Behavioral interventions targeting safer sex should be integrated into harm reduction programmes.

Perception of risk of HIV and sexual risk behaviours among students in the United States, Turkey and South Africa

The aim of this study was to examine HIV sexual risk behaviours and perception of HIV risk among 1 095 students from the United States of America (US), Turkey and South Africa. Randomly selected students who were enrolled in general education courses completed a structured questionnaire. Results revealed statistically significant differences in specific HIV-related sexual behaviours among students from the three countries and among male and female students in each country. A higher percentage of US and South African students engage in HIV risky sexual behaviours compared with their Turkish counterparts, and a higher percentage of female students in the US and South Africa engage in HIV sexual risk behaviours compared with their male colleagues. A higher proportion of Turkish male students engaged in sexual risk behaviours compared with their female counterparts. The perception of HIV risk was low among US and Turkish students, and high among South African students. There was no agreement between engaging in risky sexual behaviour and self-perception of HIV risk among South African female students, while agreement was poor for US male and female students, Turkish male and female students, and South African male students. The observed optimistic bias needs to be considered in the design and implementation of HIV prevention programmes for these populations.

Influence of religious affiliation and education on HIV knowledge and HIV-related sexual behaviors among unmarried youth in rural central Mozambique

The interactions between religious affiliation, education, HIV knowledge, and HIV-related sexual behaviors among African church youth are poorly understood. In this socio-demographic study, 522 unmarried youth 12–28 years old in rural central Mozambique were surveyed with a structured questionnaire. Using binary logistic regression analysis, we used religious affiliation and education to measure influence on (1) HIV transmission and prevention knowledge and attitudes and (2) HIV-related sexual behaviors among youth. Religiously affiliated males were more likely than non-religious males to know when a condom should be used, respond correctly to HIV transmission questions and respond with less stigma to HIV-related scenarios. Increased levels of education among males corresponded significantly to increased knowledge of condom usage and HIV prevention strategies and less likelihood to respond with stigma. Only education levels influenced young female responses. Religious affiliation and education had minimal effects on sexual activity, condom usage, and multiple partnerships. African Independent Church/Zionist males were 1.6 times more likely to be sexually inexperienced than non-religious males but were also significantly less likely to use condoms (0.23, p=0.024). Non-religious youth were most likely to have visited sex workers and did not use condoms. These results suggest that religious affiliation, possibly as the result of educational opportunities afforded by religious-affiliated schools, is contributing to increased HIV transmission and prevention knowledge among youth in rural Central Mozambique but not influencing HIV-related sexual behavior. The need exists to strengthen the capacity of religious congregations to teach about HIV/AIDS and target non-religious youth with HIV transmission and prevention information.

Medical and Social Service Utilization and HIV-Related Sexual and Drug Use Behaviors among Japanese Nationals Stayingin the U.S.

Medical and Social Service Utilization and HIV-Related Sexual and Drug Use Behaviors among Japanese Nationals Stayingin the U.S.

Non-injected illicit drugs and alcohol and HIV-related high-risk sexual behaviors in a street-recruited sample of non-injecting drug users in New York City

Methods Among the Non-Injecting Drug Users (NIDUs) in the South Bronx and Harlem, New York City questionnaires were administered about the past use and within last three months use of crack cocaine and powder cocaine, alcohol, marijuana/hashish, and heroin and HIV-related sexual behaviors. Sexual behavior was summarized as a single variable, the Vaginal Equivalent Episode (VEE) score; VEE scores above and below the median were categorized as high and low sexual risk respectively.

The perception of taxi drivers in southern part of Saint Lucia, West Indies towards HIV/AIDS and condom use

Background The prevention and control of HIV/AIDS remains a challenge to health care providers in the Caribbean. Despite the threat posed by the rapid spread of the virus, many subgroups of the populations continue to engage in risky sexual behaviours. The taxi drivers belong to an occupation whose lifestyles while on duty have made them to be identified as highly susceptible. This study was conducted with the aim of understanding HIV-related knowledge and sexual behaviour with respect to condom use. The prevention and control of HIV/AIDS remains a challenge to health care providers in the Caribbean. Despite the threat posed by the rapid spread of the virus, many subgroups of the populations continue to engage in risky sexual behaviours. The taxi drivers belong to an occupation whose lifestyles while on duty have made them to be identified as highly susceptible. This study was conducted with the aim of understanding HIV-related knowledge and sexual behaviour with respect to condom use.

Gender Differences in HIV-Related Sexual Behavior among College Students from Spain and Portugal

Under the perspective of the Theory of Planned Behavior, the objective of this study was to know the gender differences in the variables involved in the use of effective preventive measures in sexual relations against HIV in a sample of university students from Spain and Portugal. Furthermore, it is examined whether these factors produce different predictions concerning the adoption of safe sexual behaviour for young man and women in each country. The sample consisted of 683 university students, 319 Portuguese (64% female and 36% male) from the University of Algarve and 364 Spanish students (51% female and 49% male) from the University of Huelva. Data were obtained by means of a questionnaire. The data revealed that there are gender differences which apply in both countries, highlighting that the young women have more positive attitudes, greater perceived behavioural control and intention of condom use than young men. However, they protect themselves less that their male counterparts: the percentage of females who say using condoms as a contraceptive method is less than the percentage of males, and especially with their steady partners. The results are discussed in relation to gender role norms, to have a steady partner or not, gender relations, the associated meaning to sexual relations for men and women and their implications for the design of sexual educational programmes for them.

Why Has HIV Stabilized in South Africa, Yet Not Declined Further? Age and Sexual Behavior Patterns Among Youth

To understand the stabilization in HIV prevalence in South Africa, and why HIV prevalence has not declined further, despite behavior change and apparently moderate risk behaviors. HIV prevalence and 4 HIV-related sexual behaviors in 15- to 24-year old South Africans and Ugandans were compared, before and during HIV prevalence stabilization and decrease, respectively. According to standard indicators, 15- to 24-year-old South Africans have shown behavior change and have moderate risk behaviors. Yet, the HIV prevalence of South African youth is more than twice the prevalence among Ugandan youth, despite 2 times greater reported condom use and an increase in secondary abstinence among young females. We observed inconsistent use of condoms and an extended age distribution of risk together with age and partner mixing. These increase the cumulative risk beyond indicators which are based on sexual behavior in the last year and condom use at last sexual act. In addition, the extended age distribution of risk together with age and partner mixing, increase the cumulative risk beyond standard indicators which are based on sexual behavior in the last year and condom use at last sexual act. Comprehensive HIV prevention in South Africa needs to be intensified beyond individual age groups for example youth, clearly promote consistent condom use and reduction in sexual partners, and focus on the transmission dynamics including older age groups. This should be based on careful behavioral analysis of the epidemic, which goes beyond standard indicators. This study shows the significant risks beyond apparently improving behavioral indicators in Southern Africa, and helps explains the seriousness of the epidemics in this region.

Higher-risk sexual behaviour among HIV patients receiving antiretroviral treatment in Ibadan, Nigeria

A stress–coping model was tested to examine the role that negative life events, coping methods, and depression might play in moderating the associations between HIV-related factors (ARV drug regimen, HIV staging and CD4 count) and higher-risk sexual behaviours of people living with HIV/AIDS. The model depicted hypothesised relationships among several characteristics of HIV-related variables, negative life events, coping behaviours and depression. One hundred and fifty-four HIV patients who were receiving antiretroviral therapy through the PEPFAR programme in Ibadan, Nigeria, responded to a questionnaire. In a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, variables were entered into the equation in the order specified a priori by the model. The results show that: (a) patients on the combined 3-drug ARV regimen were more likely to have engaged in higher-risk sexual behaviours as compared to those on a regimen of two or one ARV drugs; (b) negative life events and (c) a coping method characterised by HIV-status denial both predicted increased higher-risk-sexual-behaviour practice among the patients. The study underscores the need for continuous evaluation of the level of higher-risk-sexual-behaviour practice and associated factors, particularly among HIV/AIDS patients receiving ARV treatment.

The Cognitive Escape Scale: Measuring HIV-related Thought Avoidance

Cognitive escape provides a model for examining the cognitive processes involved in escaping from thoughts of HIV/AIDS in a population of men who have sex with men (MSM). This investigation presents psychometric information and validation data on the Cognitive Escape Scale (CES), a measure of HIV-related cognitive avoidance. This study also examined the associations between the CES and self-report measures of theoretically related constructs, including HIV-related worry, sensation-seeking, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and risky sexual behaviors. Participants were 709 MSM (71% White, 13% Latino, 8% African-American, 6% Native American; M age = 35). The CES measured HIV-related thought avoidance. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a 3-factor structure to the CES, suggesting three strategies of cognitive escape: fatalism/short-term thinking, thought suppression/distraction, and alcohol/drug use. These factors are differentially related to several variables of interest including risky sexual behaviors. Although the CES is designed for use with both HIV negative and positive men, correlates differed between groups.

Mobility and HIV-Related Sexual Behavior in Burkina Faso

This study compared HIV-related sexual behavior among mobile and non-mobile populations in Burkina Faso and identified venues where HIV/AIDS interventions targeting mobile individuals should be implemented. Men (N = 940) and women (N = 430) responded to a sexual behavior survey while socializing at venues where people meet sexual partners in eight Burkina Faso villages. Mobile women were more likely than non-mobile women to report new sexual partnerships (adjusted prevalence odds ratio (POR): 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-3.59) and transactional sex (adjusted POR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.55-3.42) in the past month. Mobility was most common and associations between mobility and sexual partnership levels were particularly strong among women interviewed in urban commercial towns situated near international borders. Mobile women were most likely to be interviewed at venues such as bars and clubs, making these appropriate locations for HIV/AIDS interventions. Mobility was not associated with HIV-related sexual behaviors among men.

Sexual behaviors and their correlates among young people in Mauritius: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLittle is known about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Indian Ocean region, including Mauritius. National records suggest a prevalence of HIV in Mauritius of < 1% in the general population, which is one of the lowest prevalence rates in southern Africa. However, HIV-positive cases have been increasing recently in Mauritius. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in January 2003 to assess the prevalence of HIVrelated sexual behaviors and their correlates among young people aged 15–24 years in Mauritius.MethodsWe identified 1200 participants using two-stage cluster sampling. Demographic, social, sexual, and knowledge of HIV/AIDS data were obtained in face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire administered by trained interviewers. The prevalence of sexual behaviors was described in relation to gender, and the correlates of ever having had sex and nonuse of condom at last sex were analyzed using logistic regression.ResultsIn the target population, 30.9% of males and 9.7% of females reported a history of sexual intercourse. Of the currently sexually active participants, 50.6% of men and 71.2% of women did not use condoms at their last sexual encounter. Logistic regression revealed that work experience and marijuana use were significantly associated with men's sexual experience, whereas being out of school and drinking experience were significantly associated with women's sexual experience. For both men and women, being Christian and visiting nightclubs were associated with having ever had sexual intercourse (P < 0.05). In addition, not using a condom at the first sexual encounter and lack of exposure to a nongovernmental organization (NGO) dealing with HIV/AIDS were associated with the nonuse of condoms at the last sexual encounter (P < 0.05).ConclusionYoung people in Mauritius are at risk of a future HIV epidemic because behaviors predisposing to HIV infection are prevalent among sexually experienced youth. A focused prevention program targeting young people should be reinforced as part of the National AIDS Control Program, taking into account the predictors of sexual behaviors identified here.

Immigration Status and HIV-risk Related Behaviors among Female Sex Workers in South America

This study compares immigrant (i.e., foreigner) with non-immigrant (i.e., local/native) HIV-related risk behaviors among female sex workers (FSW) in South America. A total of 1,845 FSW were enrolled in Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Uruguay. According to their nationality, 10.1% of participants were immigrant FSW. Immigrant FSW were more likely to be younger in Argentina; to work in a disco/bar in Bolivia; to be single and use illegal drugs in Ecuador; and to work in a brothel, consume alcohol, and have sex with foreign clients in Uruguay. HIV-related sexual and drug use behaviors were more common among immigrant FSW in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Uruguay. Country-specific HIV/STI prevention and control programs should be developed for immigrant FSW populations in South America.

The impact of HIV treatment on risk behaviour in developing countries: A systematic review

In developing countries, access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is improving as HIV treatment becomes a greater priority in the global fight against AIDS. While ART has clearly beneficial clinical effects, increased access to treatment may also affect sexual behaviour. To examine the strength of evidence for the impact of medical treatment for HIV-positive individuals on behavioural outcomes in developing countries, we conducted a comprehensive search of the peer-reviewed literature. Studies were included if they provided clinical treatment to HIV-positive individuals in a developing country, compared behavioural, psychological, social, care, or biological outcomes related to HIV-prevention using a pre/post or multi-arm study design, and were published between January 1990 and January 2006. Only three studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. All were conducted in Africa, utilized before/after or multi-arm study designs, and relied on self-reported behaviour. In all three studies, a majority of HIV-infected individuals reported being sexually abstinent, and access to ART was not associated with an increase in HIV-related risky sexual behaviours. However, one cross-sectional study found that ART patients were more likely to report STD treatment. The available evidence indicates a significant reduction in risk behaviour associated with ART in developing countries. However, there are few existing studies and the rigor of these studies is weak. More studies are needed to build an evidence base on which to make programmatic and policy decisions.

Methamphetamine use and infectious disease‐related behaviors in men who have sex with men: implications for interventions

Review the current evidence regarding the prevalence of methamphetamine use among men who have sex with men (MSM) and to evaluate the factors that contribute to methamphetamine use and potential for sexual transmission of HIV and other infectious diseases. Databased reports address (1) epidemiology of methamphetamine use in MSM; (2) methamphetamine use and risk behaviors for sexually transmitted infections; and (3) interventions. Methamphetamine use is highly prevalent in MSM. Strong associations between methamphetamine use and HIV-related sexual transmission behaviors are noted across studies of MSM and correspond to increased incidence for HIV and syphilis compared to MSM who do not use the drug. Behavioral treatments produce sustained reductions in methamphetamine use and concomitant sexual risk behaviors among methamphetamine-dependent MSM. Brief screening of methamphetamine use for MSM who seek physical, mental health and substance abuse services is recommended. Behavioral interventions that address methamphetamine use may range from brief interventions to intensive out-patient treatments.

HIV-Related Sexual Behavior in Urban, Rural and Border Areas of Burkina Faso

As HIV/AIDS prevention resources are scarce program planners must first reach areas at highest risk of HIV transmission. "High transmission areas" are often locations where increased social mixing intersects with increased commercial activity (e.g. hotels for truck drivers at the intersection of major commercial routes bars near trading centers and migrant worker residences). Nationally-representative surveys provide serological evidence that HIV prevalence is highest in urban areas where "high transmission areas" are concentrated. However such areas are also found outside urbanized settings. Even within relatively small rural areas large differences in prevalence by residence have been observed. In a 1997 review of urban-rural differences in sexual behavior and HIV risk Carael emphasized that simultaneous epidemics occur within both urban and non-urban areas and the interplay between these epidemics as a result of population mobility is important. Especially considering that the majority of the population in sub-Saharan Africa lives in non-urban areas understanding HIV transmission risk in both urban and non-urban areas is warranted. (excerpt)

Preventing adolescents from adopting HIV-related risky sexual behaviours: do we have all the answers?

Preventing adolescents from adopting HIV-related risky sexual behaviours: do we have all the answers?

HIV-related sexual behaviour among migrants and non-migrants in a rural area of China: Role of rural-to-urban migration

To compare human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related sexual risks between temporary rural-to-urban migrants and non-migrants, and to explore the role of migration in HIV transmission in a rural area of China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 605 (302.5 couples, one male missing) marriage licence applicants. A two-part anonymous questionnaire was used. The first part included non-sensitive questions including demographics and HIV knowledge. Sensitive questions related to sexual behaviours were administered in the second part of the questionnaire using a tape recorder, earphones and an answer sheet. Sixty-six percent (399/605) of the study subjects had migrated to a city for a temporary job. The proportions of migrants who had premarital sex (62%, 247/399) and multiple sexual partners (12%, 47/399) were significantly higher than those of non-migrants (52 and 6%, respectively). Among those who had multiple sexual partners, only 9% (4/47) of migrants and 8% (1/12) of non-migrants reported often or always using condoms with sexual partners other than their spouse. A low level of knowledge regarding HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was observed in both groups. Very few migrants (15%, 61/399) and non-migrants (10%, 20/206) perceived themselves to be at risk of HIV infection. As both migrants and non-migrants are at risk of HIV infection, intervention programmes targeting reduction of HIV sexual risk behaviour should cover both groups in rural areas of China.