Human Immunodeficiency Virus Awareness Research Articles

Evidence-based prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk factors among female sex workers in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic has remained a key public health issue for the sub-Saharan countries including Nigeria. Thus, sex workers in the region are top on the list of key populations with highest vulnerability. The prevalence of HIV among female sex workers is twice the prevalence found in the general population in Sub-Saharan countries. This study evaluated the prevalence of HIV among female sex workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A respondent-oriented observational sampling technique which involved the use of questionnaire in addition to laboratory-based screening of HIV among female sex workers in Port Harcourt was used. The self-structured questionnaire comprehensively explored socio-demographic characteristics, and risk factors among the subjects. HIV rapid diagnostic test kit from Alere Determine was used to detect HIV infection. This cross sectional study findings recorded that, from a sample of 200 participants drawn, 171 were negative to HIV while 29 subjects were positive to HIV infection with an overall prevalence of 14.5% among female sex workers in Rivers State. Furthermore, the finding demonstrated null association (p>0.05) between HIV and the risk factors measured. The study implies that the risk of HIV among the study population, female sex workers, is not linked to the assumed risk factors measured in this study since the finding failed to establish association at p>0.05. HIV awareness campaigns should be intensified among female sex workers especially on the consistent and correct use of condoms, and possibly bringing HIV testing to the sex partners and clients as secondary prevention strategy to offset the trend in HIV prevalence among this key population. Also implementation of intervention such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis following crucial riskful accident; such as condom breakage is suggested among female sex workers.

Awareness and Knowledge of HIV in the Workplace Policy Among Employees, Employers, and Decision-makers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) anti-stigma and discrimination policies are aimed at protecting the rights of persons living with HIV (PLHIV). In response to the stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV in the state, Akwa Ibom State, like many states in Nigeria, enacted the HIV in the Workplace policy (HIV_WPP). Despite its adoption, many PLHIV still experience stigma and discrimination in workplaces in the state. This study was undertaken to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of the HIV_WPP and related organizational policies in Akwa Ibom State across the private and public sectors. A cross-sectional study using a mixed methods approach was conducted for 591 consecutively recruited employees and 43 employers/ decision-makers across 23 organizations in the State. Data was collected from October 2022 to February 2023. Results were analyzed using SPSS 15.1 for quantitative and NVivo 10 for qualitative data. The study showed that 464 (78.5%) employees and 42 (95.3%) of employers/decision-makers, were unaware of the Akwa Ibom State HIV in the workplace policy (AKS_HIV_WPP). Also, 560 (94.8%) employees had poor knowledge of this policy. A larger proportion of respondents knew more about their organizational policies than the AKS_HIV_WPP. Older respondents (41.1% versus 37.5%, p=0.026) had significantly higher levels of knowledge of the policy. Three hundred and twenty-four (45.2%) respondents had good knowledge of their organizational policies. The awareness and knowledge of the AKS_HIV_WPP was suboptimal. It is recommended that relevant state agencies create awareness of the AKS_HIV_WPP in all public and private organizations through public-private collaboration.

HIV-related knowledge and risk behaviors among transgender individuals in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among transgender individuals in Bangladesh stands at 1%, with a slightly lower rate of 0.9% observed specifically in Dhaka city. Given their status as a minority group, the limited understanding of HIV among transgender individuals poses a significant public health concern. Consequently, the study aims to investigate the HIV-related knowledge and risk behaviors prevalent among transgender individuals in Dhaka city. This cross-sectional study included 135 transgender individuals sourced from a drop-in-center (DIC) and three selected Hijra Pollis in Dhaka. Data collection employed a semi-structured questionnaire featuring a Likert scale designed to collect data on HIV-related knowledge. The majority of participants identified as professional sex workers, with 54.10% reporting irregular sexual clients, and 48.90% involved in sex work for more than 10 years. Despite more than half (57%) exhibiting robust HIV-related knowledge, only one-third (37.30%) reported sporadic use of barrier methods, and slightly more than half (58%) demonstrated awareness of HIV symptoms. A notable discrepancy in HIV-related knowledge was discerned between transgender individuals from the DIC and their counterparts from the Hijra Pollis (t [95% confidence interval] = 0.168 [0.1001 – 0.236], p < 0.001). In conclusion, despite the provision of healthcare services at the DIC, there persists a pressing need to address current risk behaviors and enhance sex education related to HIV awareness to mitigate associated hazards.

Factors associated with HIV-positive status awareness among adults with long term HIV infection in four countries in the East and Southern Africa region: A multilevel approach.

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) appropriately and regularly used decreases the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load in the bloodstream, preventing HIV-infected people from spreading the infection to others. Disparities in ART adoption persists in East and Southern Africa, with low HIV-positive status knowledge being the primary factor. We investigated individual and household characteristics of HIV-positive status awareness among adults with long-term HIV infection in four East and Southern African countries: Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The study analyzed data from surveys conducted in Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe in 2015-2016. Only individuals who tested positive for HIV through rapid tests were included in the analysis. Those who already knew they were HIV-positive were categorized as aware, while those who reported being negative, never tested, or didn't know their status were categorized as unaware. Statistical models were used to examine various factors related to HIV awareness. Pooled and country-specific odds ratios were computed. The percentage of people who knew they had HIV ranged from 58% (Tanzania and Malawi) to 87% (Eswatini). After adjusting for other variables, young persons in all countries were less likely to be aware of their HIV-positive status. Gender, marital status, education, working status, household wealth, and urbanization level of households were also associated with HIV-positive status awareness but inconsistent across countries. HIV-positive status awareness in these four East and Southern African nations remained unsatisfactory as compared to the United Nations' 95% guideline, indicating that testing and knowledge of HIV testing in this region still has a lot of potential for improvement. The observed variations among nations may be attributable to differences in HIV pandemic culture and policies. The findings of this study will assist governments determining which subpopulations to target to boost adoption of HIV testing services, as well as in designing and development of policies.

Investigating coping and stigma in people living with HIV through narrative medicine in the Italian multicentre non-interventional study DIAMANTE

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly reduced Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) morbidity and mortality; nevertheless, stigma still characterises the living with this condition. This study explored patients’ coping experience by integrating narrative medicine (NM) in a non-interventional clinical trial. From June 2018 to September 2020 the study involved 18 centres across Italy; enrolled patients were both D/C/F/TAF naïve and previously ART-treated. Narratives were collected at enrolment (V1) and last visit (V4) and then independently analysed by three NM specialist researchers through content analysis. One-hundred and fourteen patients completed both V1 and V4 narratives. Supportive relationships with clinicians and undetectable viral load facilitated coping. Conversely, lack of disclosure of HIV-positive status, HIV metaphors, and unwillingness to narrate the life before the diagnosis indicated internalised stigma. This is the first non-interventional study to include narratives as patient reported outcomes (PROs). Improving HIV awareness and reducing the sense of guilt experienced by patients helps to overcome stigma and foster coping.

Programmatic Approach to Hearing Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Programmatic Approach to Hearing Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Awareness and Willingness to use Condoms and Preexposure Prophylaxis among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Cisgendered Men who Have sex with men in Slum Communities in Ghana. BSGH-004.

Introduction: Research has begun to examine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies within the Ghanaian context. Still, little is known about specific populations such as gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men (GBMSM) living in slum communities. We studied HIV prevention strategies such as condoms and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in slum communities and the awareness and willingness to use these choices among GBMSM. This qualitative study examines HIV prevention strategies, specifically examining PrEP and condom use behaviors among GBMSM in Ghana. Methods: We conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews among 12 GBMSM from slums in Accra and Kumasi cities in Ghana. Data were analyzed through a summative content analysis with multiple reviewers to develop codes. Data were collected from participants in January 2022. Results: We found the fear and perceived risk of infection were motivators for consistent condom use, especially during anal sex. GBMSM living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy were more inclined to use condoms. We found motivations for using PrEP were influenced by the type of sexual activity and a history of negative HIV status. Also, the barriers to PrEP for GBMSM included limited access to healthcare facilities and the distance to these facilities. Conclusions: To improve condom and PrEP access and uptake, we recommend addressing structural barriers by increasing the number of health facilities and implementing targeted interventions to address the lack of information on HIV awareness and prevention. Involving peer educators may also effectively promote HIV prevention strategies, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare such as slums. Overcoming these access constraints could significantly enhance awareness and prevention of HIV, leading to improved health outcomes for GBMSM living in slum communities.

Mathematical modeling of HIV-HCV co-infection model: Impact of parameters on reproduction number.

Background:Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are both classified as blood-borne viruses since they are transmitted through contact with contaminated blood. Approximately 1.3 million of the 2.75 million global HIV/HCV carriers are people who inject drugs (PWID). HIV co-infection has a harmful effect on the progression of HCV, resulting in greater rates of HCV persistence after acute infection, higher viral levels, and accelerated progression of liver fibrosis and end-stage liver disease. In this study, we developed and investigated a mathematical model for the dynamical behavior of HIV/AIDS and HCV co-infection, which includes therapy for both diseases, vertical transmission in HIV cases, unawareness and awareness of HIV infection, inefficient HIV treatment follow-up, and efficient condom use. Methods:Positivity and boundedness of the model under investigation were established using well-known theorems. The equilibria were demonstrated by bringing all differential equations to zero. The associative reproduction numbers for mono-infected and dual-infected models were calculated using the next-generation matrix approach. The local and global stabilities of the models were validated using the linearization and comparison theorem and the negative criterion techniques of bendixson and dulac, respectively. Results: The growing prevalence of HIV treatment dropout in each compartment of the HIV model led to a reduction in HIV on treatment compartments while other compartments exhibited an increase in populations . In dually infected patients, treating HCV first reduces co-infection reproduction number R ech , which reduces liver cancer risk. Conclusions:From the model's results, we infer various steps (such as: campaigns to warn individuals about the consequences of having multiple sexual partners; distributing more condoms to individuals; continuing treatment for chronic HCV and AIDS) that policymakers could take to reduce the number of mono-infected and co-infected individuals.

Experiences of South African caregivers disclosing to their children living with HIV: Qualitative investigations.

Awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status improves health outcomes in children living with HIV, yet caregivers often delay disclosure. This qualitative investigation explored, through observation, how 30 caregivers responded to a HIV Disclosure study conducted between 2017 and 2020 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa. Caregivers were assisted in disclosing to their children, aged 7-13 years; followed by a sub-sample of caregivers providing in-depth interviews to elaborate on findings.1) Barriers to disclosure included: caregivers being ill equipped, the fear of negative consequences and children considered lacking emotional or cognitive readiness. 2) Deflecting diagnosis from their children and the need for medication, motivated caregivers to disclosure. 3) Apprehension was evident during disclosure; however, overall disclosure was a positive experience with the support of the healthcare providers. These results highlight the significant role healthcare providers' play in supporting caregivers through the disclosure process.

Mathematical modeling of HIV-HCV co-infection model: Impact of parameters on reproduction number.

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are both as classified blood-borne viruses since they are transmitted through contact with contaminated blood. Approximately 1.3 million of the 2.75 million global HIV/HCV carriers inject drugs (PWID). HIV co-infection has a harmful effect on the progression of HCV, resulting in greater rates of HCV persistence after acute infection, higher viral levels, and accelerated progression of liver fibrosis and end-stage liver disease. In this study, we developed and investigated a mathematical model for the dynamical behavior of HIV/AIDS and HCV co-infection, which includes therapy for both diseases, vertical transmission in HIV cases, unawareness and awareness of HIV infection, inefficient HIV treatment follow-up, and efficient condom use. Methods: Positivity and boundedness of the model under investigation were established using well-known theorems. The equilibria were demonstrated by bringing all differential equations to zero. The associative reproduction numbers for mono-infected and dual-infected models were calculated using the next-generation matrix approach. The local and global stabilities of the models were validated using the linearization and comparison theorem and the negative criterion techniques of bendixson and dulac, respectively. Results: The growing prevalence of HIV treatment dropout in each compartment of the HIV model led to a reduction in HIV on treatment compartments while other compartments exhibited an increase in populations . In dually infected patients, treating HCV first reduces co-infection reproduction number R ech , which reduces liver cancer risk. Conclusions: From the model's results, we infer various steps that policymakers could take to reduce the number of mono-infected and co-infected individuals.

HIV awareness and prevention strategies among transgender women in the Eastern and Southern United States: findings from the LITE Study.

IntroductionTransgender women (TW) experience an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. This study identified patterns of HIV awareness and prevention strategies used by TW who were not living with HIV.MethodsData were drawn from a baseline survey of the LITE Study, a multi‐site cohort of TW in Eastern and Southern United States (March 2018–August 2020). We conducted a latent class analysis to identify classes of HIV awareness and prevention strategies among TW who reported past 12‐month sexual activity (N = 958) using 10 variables spanning HIV knowledge, receipt and use of HIV prevention strategies, and sexual practices. Due to differences across the cohort arms, classes were estimated separately for TW enrolled in site‐based versus online study arms. We identified demographic characteristics, gender‐affirming indicators and HIV vulnerabilities associated with class membership.ResultsFour parallel classes emerged: class 1 “limited strategies—less sexually active” (15% and 9%, site‐based and online, respectively), class 2 “limited strategies—insertive sex” (16%/36%), class 3 “limited strategies—receptive sex” (33%/37%) and class 4 “multiple strategies—insertive and receptive sex” (36%/18%). Across all classes, condomless sex, pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)/post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) prevention knowledge and awareness were high but reported PrEP/PEP use was low. Compared with class 1, membership in class 4 was associated with being a person of colour (site‐based OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.15–4.00, online OR = 4.54, 95% CI = 1.09–18.81) increased odds of self‐perceived medium‐to‐high HIV risk (site‐based OR = 4.12, 95% CI = 2.17–7.80, online OR = 11.73, 95% CI = 2.98–46.13), sexually transmitted infections (STI) diagnosis (site‐based OR = 6.69, 95% CI = 3.42–13.10, online OR = 8.46, 95% CI = 1.71–41.78), current sex work (site‐based OR = 6.49, 95% CI = 2.61–16.11, online OR = 10.25, 95% CI = 1.16–90.60) and 2–4 sexual partners in the last 3 months (site‐based OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.33–5.13). Class 3, compared with class 1, had increased odds of current sex work partners (site‐based OR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.19–8.07) and of having 2–4 sexual partners in the last 3 months (site‐based OR = 3.69, 95% CI = 1.85–7.39).ConclusionsTW have varied HIV awareness and prevention strategy utilization, with clear gaps in the uptake of prevention strategies. Algorithms derived from latent class membership may be used to tailor HIV prevention interventions for different subgroups and those reached through facility‐based or digital methods.

HIV awareness, pre-exposure prophylaxis perceptions and experiences among people who exchange sex: qualitative and community based participatory study

BackgroundPeople who exchange sex for money, favors, goods or services, combat higher risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Understanding barriers to STD and HIV related healthcare from the perspective of this stigmatized and marginalized community may improve access to sexual health services including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). MethodsWe used community-partnered participatory and qualitative methods to conduct anonymous one-on-one interviews with people who exchange sex to understand their perspectives and experiences related to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV acquisition. We conducted twenty-two interviews and coded them to perform thematic analysis. ResultsWe identified five themes: (1) Appreciation of HIV risk and prevention strategies grew from information accumulated over time. (2) PrEP information came from a variety of sources with mixed messages and uncertain credibility. (3) Decision-making about use of PrEP was relative to other behavioral decisions regarding exchange sex. (4) The multi-step process of obtaining PrEP presented multiple potential barriers. (5) Healthcare providers were seen as powerful facilitators to PrEP utilization.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that PrEP education and care needs to be made more relevant and accessible to individuals who exchange sex.

Knowledge and risk perception towards human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B infections among medical students

Background and objectives: Nosocomial human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are common occupational hazards transmitted through infected needle-stick injuries. Younger medical students are at a higher risk of exposure mainly because of their inexperience and ignorance. Both these infections are preventable if standard precautions and protocols for post-exposure prophylaxis are followed. The present study assesses the knowledge, and risk perception among medical students and interns towards HIV and HBV infections, to guide instructors in planning appropriate training programmes. Methods: Following approval of the institutional ethics committee of University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India, (UCMS) undergraduate medical students and interns were invited to respond to an indigenously designed questionnaire regarding HIV and HBV infections. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The students were assessed vertically. Results: There was a gradual increase in the awareness regarding HIV and HBV infection with each passing academic year. The percentage of total questions answered correctly was highest (91.1%) in internship and lowest (71.5%) in the first semester. Awareness regarding HIV was greater as compared to HBV infection in all the groups. Interns had maximum awareness of post exposure prophylaxis available for both HIV and HBV infections. Ninth semester students scored the highest on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HBV infection. Overall, the interns were the most aware. Conclusion: Students’ knowledge on HIV and HBV infections improves as these areas are covered in greater detail during exposure to clinical disciplines. An early clinical exposure module for first year medical students in the Competency Based Medical Education curriculum may provide an opportunity to improve awareness, to reduce infection and subsequent morbidity. The students have greater awareness of HIV than HBV, though the risk of transmission is higher for the latter. Thus, shortcomings in imparting knowledge about hepatitis B must be identified and rectified.

HIV-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Research Among College Students - Six Chinese Cities, 2021.

The number of newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases among Chinese youth 15-24 years of age shows an upward trend between 2010 and 2019. This survey is on a larger scale as compared to previous studies. It shows inadequate HIV knowledge - especially on HIV treatment, self-testing, and post-exposure prophylaxis - among college students. A significant gap exists between knowledge and behavior as indicated by the low condom use rate despite a high knowledge level. Findings suggest priorities for future HIV education and awareness creation of existing services. A low condom use rate at sexual debut suggests that HIV prevention education should start early.

A study of awareness on HIV/AIDS among adolescents: A Longitudinal Study on UDAYA data

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) poses a severe challenge to healthcare and is a significant public health issue worldwide. This study intends to examine the change in the awareness level of HIV among adolescents. Furthermore, this study examined the factors associated with the change in awareness level on HIV-related information among adolescents over the period. Data used for this study were drawn from Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults, a longitudinal survey on adolescents aged 10–19 in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The present study utilized a sample of 4421 and 7587 unmarried adolescent boys and girls, respectively aged 10–19 years in wave-1 and wave-2. Descriptive analysis and t-test and proportion test were done to observe changes in certain selected variables from wave-1 (2015–2016) to wave-2 (2018–2019). Moreover, random effect regression analysis was used to estimate the association of change in HIV awareness among unmarried adolescents with household and individual factors. The percentage of adolescent boys who had awareness regarding HIV increased from 38.6% in wave-1 to 59.9% in wave-2. Among adolescent girls, the percentage increased from 30.2 to 39.1% between wave-1 & wave-2. With the increase in age and years of schooling, the HIV awareness increased among adolescent boys ([Coef: 0.05; p < 0.01] and [Coef: 0.04; p < 0.01]) and girls ([Coef: 0.03; p < 0.01] and [Coef: 0.04; p < 0.01]), respectively. The adolescent boys [Coef: 0.06; p < 0.05] and girls [Coef: 0.03; p < 0.05] who had any mass media exposure were more likely to have an awareness of HIV. Adolescent boys' paid work status was inversely associated with HIV awareness [Coef: − 0.01; p < 0.10]. Use of internet among adolescent boys [Coef: 0.18; p < 0.01] and girls [Coef: 0.14; p < 0.01] was positively associated with HIV awareness with reference to their counterparts. There is a need to intensify efforts in ensuring that information regarding HIV should reach vulnerable sub-groups, as outlined in this study. It is important to mobilize the available resources to target the less educated and poor adolescents, focusing on rural adolescents.

Knowledge, attitude and behavior study on HIV awareness among continuous rotatory residential interns and postgraduates

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that leads to Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is transmitted mainly by sexual contact and exposure to infected blood. Healthcare workers (HCWs) such as Continuous rotatory residential interns (CRRIs) and postgraduates are at risk of acquiring HIV infection, primarily due to exposure to infected blood. The chances of infection depend on occupation, procedures performed, and use of preventive measures. The aim of the study was to access and compare knowledge, attitude and behavior about HIV awareness among CRRIs and Postgraduates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A cross sectional survey of 80 CRRIs and 80 postgraduates from Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital was taken. A self-administered questionnaire was made and information regarding age, gender, knowledge about HIV, attitude and behavior towards HIV positive individual was gathered and compared between CRRIs and postgraduates. The data was compared and analyzed.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The results of the study revealed that postgraduates had better knowledge about routes of transmission of HIV compared to CRRIs. However, knowledge about preventive guidelines, vaccines and prophylaxis have to be improved by both postgraduates and CRRIs. Attitude towards HIV affected individual was positive. Behavior and practices followed to prevent HIV transmission have to be improved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; HIV is an occupational hazard among HCWs. Appropriate knowledge about HIV is important. Attitude towards HIV infected individual plays an important role as it determines the care of the patient. Practicing standard guidelines while phlebotomy prevents the infection.&lt;/p&gt;

Pre-exposure prophylaxis' knowledge, attitudes, practices amongst italian men who have sex with men

Abstract Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suitable for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)high-infection-risk people, foremost amongst males who have sex with other males (MSM). This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PrEP in a sample of Italian MSM, in order to hypothesize strategies to implement PrEP awareness and use. Methods An online survey was given to an opportunistic sample of Italian MSM. The questionnaire investigated sexual behaviour, knowledge on HIV and PrEP awareness, attitudes and practices. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify possible associations with PrEP knowledge. Results A total of 196 MSM completed the survey. Overall data showed very good HIV and safe sexual behaviour knowledge (94.4% of correct answers). Nevertheless, our sample rarely used PrEP because of existing barriers: high therapy price (26.9%)and fear of side effects (23.8%). Only 10.3% of partecipants were informed on HIV and PReP by institutional channels, even less (7.5%) from specialized physicians and general practitioners. The most significant association with PrEP knowledge was having regular HIV-tests (adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) = 3.16; confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-9.29); Conclusions PreP's Knowledge was well established, but PrEP use was not widespread. It is necessary to improve communication on PrEP and to lower existing barriers in order to grant access to PrEP access. Key messages Barriers to access PrEP have to be lowered. Healthcare personnel has to be involved in PrEP's benefits communication.

Correlation Between Voluntary HIV Testing and Public Awareness of HIV Using Google Trends in Japan.

The aim of this article was to evaluate the correlation between the number of voluntary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests conducted and public awareness according to Internet search volumes from Google Trends. We used bivariate correlations to assess the relationship between the Internet search frequency for each term of HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the number of HIV tests, by time series and prefecture. We observed positive correlations between search frequencies of the terms HIV and AIDS and the number of HIV tests in both time-series analysis (HIV: r = 0.65, P < .001; AIDS: r = 0.73, P < .001) and analysis by prefecture (HIV: r = 0.71, P < .001; AIDS: r = 0.40, P = .001). The findings of this study indicate that the current stagnant number of HIV tests conducted in Japan reflects declining public awareness regarding HIV.

Investigation of AIDS cognition and testing willingness among freshmen in Fengtai District, Beijing

Objective To examine college students’ awareness of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), as well as their willingness to undergo testing, and to provide guidance for further education targeted towards AIDS prevention. Methods The respondents were selected from two companies of military training camps in 4 universities in Fengtai District of Beijing using cluster sampling, and a questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information among 1 248 college freshmen. The content of the questionnaire included basic information about the students, awareness of AIDS, and willingness to undergo testing. Results A total of 87.18% students were familiar with AIDS-related knowledge, and 62.98% students intended to have HIV tests in the future. Willingness to be tested for HIV was higher among not local students (67.39%) than among local students (55.65%) (χ 2 = 17.32, P<0.05). The willingness to get HIV testing was higher among students who had an understanding of AIDS (65.26%) than among those who lacked an awareness (47.50%) (χ 2 = 18.87, P<0.05). In terms of the willingness to be tested for HIV, the main concerns focused on personal privacy (23.24%) and the cost (18.59%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that improving students’ awareness of five of the items related to a basic knowledge of AIDS may increase their willingness to get HIV testing ( P<0.05). Most students indicated a preference to get HIV testing at a hospital (68.51%) or at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (42.79%). Conclusion The willingness to get HIV testing can be increased by launching an AIDS health education program that targets weak knowledge points with respect to AIDS awareness. 【摘要】 目的 了解北京市丰台区大学新生艾滋病认知情况与检测意愿, 为进一步开展大学生防艾教育提供参考依据。 方法 采用整群抽样方法, 从北京市丰台区 4 所高等院校中的新生军训营中, 各随机抽取 2 个连, 被抽取到的连队中的全 部学生共 1 248 名参与调查问卷, 内容包括学生基本情况、艾滋病知晓情况、艾滋病检测意愿等。 结果 87.18% 的学生知 晓艾滋病相关知识, 62.98% 具有检测意愿。外地生源的学生艾滋病检测意愿 (67.39%) 高于北京生源学生 (55.65%) (χ 2 = 17.32, P<0.05)。知晓艾滋病相关知识的学生检测意愿 (65.26%) 强于不知晓者 (47.50%) (χ 2 = 18.87, P<0.05)。接受艾滋 病检测的主要顾虑是担心泄露隐私 (23.24%) 和费用问题 (18.59%)。多因素 Logistic 回归分析显示, 艾滋病基本知识 8 道 题目中, 提高其中 5 道题目的知晓率有助于提升检测意愿 ( P 值均<0.05)。多数学生更倾向在医院和疾病预防控制中心获 取艾滋病检测服务, 接受率分别为 68.51% 和 42.79%。 结论 有针对性地对大学生艾滋病认知的薄弱环节开展相关健康 教育活动, 有助于提升艾滋病检测意愿。

Increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge among urban ethnic minority youth: Findings from a community-based prevention intervention program

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)/AIDs (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) prevention and research are imperative. Prevention-intervention programming is minimal in low-income communities of color. Additional research is needed that uncovers points of support and prevention to increase HIV knowledge and awareness and limit new HIV infections among adolescents of color. This study presents preliminary findings from a community-based HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and viral hepatitis (VH) prevention education intervention for ethnic minority youth in a northeastern urban community. We evaluated HIV/AIDS knowledge and factors associated with knowledge. Participants (N = 599) completed a baseline survey followed by an exit survey measuring HIV/AIDS knowledge. Exit survey findings indicated that there was an increase in HIV/AIDs knowledge. Multivariate regression analyses showed that change scores in VH knowledge accuracy, sexual negotiation skills, risk perception, and ethnic identity were positively associated with change in HIV/AIDs knowledge score. The development and implementation of HIV/AIDS knowledge interventions can be crucial in alleviating new infections in the U.S.