Transmission Of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Research Articles

Projecting the Dynamic Trends of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: Modeling the Epidemic in Sichuan Province, China

ObjectiveOur study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status and dynamic trends of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence in Sichuan, the second most heavily affected province in China, and to explore future interventions. MethodsThe epidemiological, behavioral, and population census data from multiple sources were analyzed to extract inputs for an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic model (AEM). Baseline curves, derived from historical trends in HIV prevalence, were used, and the AEM was employed to examine future intervention scenarios. ResultsIn 2015, the modeled data suggested an adult HIV prevalence of 0.191% in Sichuan, with an estimated 128,766 people living with HIV/AIDS and 16,983 individuals with newly diagnosed infections. Considering current high-risk behaviors, the model predicts an increase in the adult prevalence to 0.306% by 2025, projecting an estimated 212,168 people living with HIV/AIDS and 16,555 individuals with newly diagnosed infections. ConclusionHeterosexual transmission will likely emerge as the primary mode of AIDS transmission in Sichuan. Furthermore, we anticipate a stabilization in the incidence of AIDS with a concurrent increase in prevalence. Implementing comprehensive intervention measures aimed at high-risk groups could effectively alleviate the spread of AIDS in Sichuan.

Measures to improve participation of registered nurses in HIV and AIDS research.

Registered nurses are crucial in lowering the complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Nigeria. Human immunodeficiency virus infects individuals and impairs the immune system, impairing the body's capacity to fight bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Therefore, registered nurse-led initiatives are beneficial in promoting HIV and AIDS research development. However, these evidence-based treatments and professional expectations for registered nurse research creation do not represent contemporary research development on HIV and AIDS by registered nurses. This study aimed to explore measures to improve the participation of registered nurses in HIV and AIDS research in Nigeria. The study was conducted at a general hospital in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. A qualitative approach design was employed. Participants of the study comprised 31 registered nurses in three focus groups. This study demonstrated the importance of research in effectively reducing HIV and AIDS transmission and maintaining good practices in a hospital setting in Nigeria. However, this understanding did not translate into knowledge creation through autonomous research productivity in this context. The study discovered that registered nurses were primarily involved in data collection and validation, which did not result in publications. The study found that registered nurses in Nigeria are typically worried about ways to promote nurses' engagement in research in Nigeria. These results might be utilised to improve the supply of research services and act as a baseline for future research linked to HIV and AIDS transmission prevention in Nigeria.

Nurses' awareness of the availability of HIV and AIDS research.

Hardship of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) transmission in Nigeria needs research-based strategies that scientifically inform research findings for relevant research advocacy. This study aimed to enhance nurses' awareness of the availability of HIV and AIDS research in Nigeria. The research was carried out in a general hospital, a tertiary hospital in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. A qualitative technique was used, as well as an exploratory-descriptive design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were carried out. Three focus group interviews with seven participants in each group were used to gather data. This study showed the value of nurses' awareness of the availability of HIV and AIDS research in overcoming obstacles to successfully controlling HIV and AIDS transmission in a hospital context in Nigeria. The study results demonstrated the nurses' understanding of local and global research. The result of the study also demonstrated the essential role of collaboration with partners in enhancing nurses' awareness of the availability of HIV and AIDS research in Nigeria. The study found that nurses in Nigeria were usually unaware of their role in healthcare research development in the context of HIV and AIDS. They preferred to go with the flow of events. This study affirms the importance of nurses' awareness of the availability of HIV and AIDS research in overcoming obstacles to successfully controlling HIV and AIDS transmission in a hospital context in Nigeria.

Gambaran persepsi hambatan pasangan serodiskordan dalam perilaku pencegahan penularan HIV/AIDS di Surabaya

Background : Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus who can attacks immune system’s cells, which help body respond to infection. Without effective treatment, HIV can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Based on age, the higest population of HIV’s transmission are the groups of 25-49 years old (prevalence 71.3%) and 20-24 years old (prevalence 16.3%), which means that the most cases of HIV / AIDS transmission occur in woman’s reproductive age. In the reproductive age, woman may decide to marry, become a housewife, have a sex and pregnant. Some of housewife in Surabaya have an HIV-positive couple (serodiscordant couple). The prevention behavior of HIV/AIDS transmission should be done by serodiscordant couple because a husband can transmit HIV to his wife, and wife can transmit HIV to their child. Health Belief Model (HBM) is a model which can describe someone’s health behaviors in preventive behaviors and uses health services. One of component in Health Belief Model is perceived barriers. Methods : This research is qualitative research: phenomenology research. Data was collected by in-depth interview. The Health Belief Model components’ which is used in this research was perceived barriers. Result : Every serodiscordant couple have their own perceived barriers to their illness. Some of perceived barriers whom found in this research were side effect of treatments, treatment initiation, treatment schedule, and condom initiation Conculusion : Partiscipants’perceived barriers effect on their preventive behaviour of HIV/AIDS transmission.

Herbal medicines for sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are gaining significant importance at present due to rapid spread of the diseases, high cost of treatment, and the increased risk of transmission of other STDs and AIDS. Current therapies available for symptomatic treatment of STDs and AIDS are quite expensive beyond the reach of common man and are associated with emergence of drug resistance. Many patients of STDs and AIDS are seeking help from alternative systems of medicines such as Unani, Chinese, Ayurvedic, naturopathy, and homeopathy. Since a long time, medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of many infectious diseases without any scientific evidence. At present there is more emphasis on determining the scientific evidence and rationalization of the use of these preparations. Research is in progress to identify plants and their active principles possessing activity against sexually transmitted pathogens including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with an objective of providing an effective approach for prevention of transmission and treatment of these diseases. In the present review, plants reported to possess activity or used in traditional systems of medicine for prevention and treatment of STDs including AIDS, herbal formulations for vaginal application, and topical microbicides from herbal origin, have been discussed.

AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes towards Homosexuals of Black First-Year University Students: 1990–1992

Using an anonymous structured questionnaire to obtain baseline data on knowledge and attitudes of first-year black university students about the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and their attitudes towards homosexuals during 1990, 1991, and 1992 (ns = 1902, 2113, and 1558), the following information was obtained. Students' knowledge of AIDS was inadequate and misconceptions about AIDS transmission prevalent as were prejudiced and exclusionary beliefs about people with AIDS. Little difference was evident on any of the scales over the three-year period.

Beliefs about condoms and their association with intentions to use condoms among youths in detention

Purpose: Youths in detention have been identified as a high-risk group for AIDS. To help inform AIDS-prevention efforts targeted for these youths, we surveyed youths in detention regarding their sexual behaviors, beliefs about condoms, intentions to use condoms, and actual condom use. We examined race and gender differences in these beliefs and behaviors, and we studied the relationship of these beliefs to condom-use intentions. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 201 youths in detention who were, on average, 16 years old. The sample was stratified on gender and race (African-American and white), with approximately equal numbers in each group. Results: The results indicate that these youths had engaged in behaviors that put them at high risk of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. Although they used condoms somewhat more consistently with casual partners than with their steady partners, the majority did not use condoms consistently with either partner type. Very few race or gender differences were found with regard to condom use, intentions to use condoms, or beliefs about the consequences of using condoms. Beliefs associated with intentions to use condoms with steady partners included protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and the beliefs that condoms reduce pleasure, are artificial, unromantic, and interrupt sex. In contrast, only the belief that condoms prevent pregnancy was related to intentions to use condoms with casual partners. Conclusion: The results suggest that interventions targeted at African-American and white males and females in detention need not differ greatly in content as long as they include the most salient concerns of each group; that interventions include content on the two protective benefits of condom use (pregnancy and STD prevention), as well as on how to minimize the perceived negative aspects of condom use; that they stress the need for condom use with steady as well as casual partners; and that they stress that anal intercourse is especially risky with regard to AIDS transmission.

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.

Knowledge of AIDS Transmission, Risk Behavior, and Perceptions of Risk Among Urban, Low-Income, African-American and Hispanic Youth

Low-income, urban, African-American and Hispanic youth have been identified as a group that may be at risk for the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This article evaluates general knowledge of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), knowledge of routes of sexual transmission of HIV, risk behaviors related to sex, and perceived susceptibility to AIDS of urban low-income youth in Detroit. We drew data from a household probability sample of 1,435 of these Detroit youth. The data indicate that, with a few exceptions, general knowledge of AIDS and routes of sexual HIV transmission was good; there were small ethnic and gender differences in knowledge. However, we found substantial ethnic and gender differences in risk behaviors. Young African-American men reported the earliest initiation of sexual activity and the most partners. Young Hispanic women reported the latest initiation of sexual activity and the fewest partners. A substantial minority of the youth were concerned about becoming infected with HIV, and these concerns were related to risk behavior. We demonstrate from these data a need for interventions in this population to correct misconceptions and to promote use of condoms and other safer sexual behaviors.

Knowledge of AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Women Attending a Family Planning Clinic in Nairobi, Kenya

We interviewed 1,716 women attending a family planning clinic in Nairobi between January 1990 and May 1991 about their knowledge of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). When participants in the study were asked to name spontaneously the STDs they knew, more than 90% of the women named gonorrhea and AIDS, and 75.0% named syphilis; 65.4% could name two or more signs of AIDS; and 96.9%, 66.5%, and 58.3% mentioned sexual transmission, transmission via blood transfusion, and perinatal transmission, respectively, as routes of transmission of AIDS. Knowledge of most symptoms and routes of transmission of AIDS, as well as knowledge of gonorrhea and syphilis, was significantly positively associated with level of education. Unmarried women were significantly less likely to know symptoms and routes of transmission of AIDS than were married women. Level of knowledge of gonorrhea and syphilis was significantly positively associated with number of lifetime sexual partners. Although awareness of AIDS was very high, detailed knowledge of signs of AIDS and routes of transmission was deficient, particularly among less educated women. This positive association of detailed AIDS knowledge with level of education suggests a need to design AIDS prevention activities that are more accessible to, and better understood by, women who have little education.

Determinants of consistent condom use by adolescents: the impact of experience of sexual intercourse

The determinants of consistent condom use were investigated in a cross-sectional study of 1018 students 12-19 years of age from 18 Dutch secondary schools. The study was prompted by concern over the lack of acceptance of condoms on the part of young people in The Netherlands despite extensive acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention campaigns. Components of the variance in behavioral intention to use condoms included intuitive attitude regarding personal consequences 34%; self-efficacy (degree to which students considered themselves able to obtain and negotiate condom use) 12%; subjective social norms derived from parents peers and sexual partners 3%; perceived vulnerability to AIDS 2%; and perceived beliefs and behaviors of peer 2%. Adolescents with significant sexual experience (intercourse more than 5 times) were less likely than their inexperienced counterparts to respond positively to condom use as a means of avoiding transmission of AIDS. Students with extensive sexual experience were less likely to express discomfort with the idea of raising the subject of condom use with a new partner than their inexperienced peers but were likely to anticipate problems with consistent condom use with a well-known sexual partner. Those who reported consistent condom use also expressed confidence in their ability to use condoms even when drunk and to interrupt lovemaking to apply a condom. In addition consistent users were less likely to focus on the unpleasant aspects of condom use (decreased sexual stimulation messiness) and to perceive a positive social norm regarding this method of AIDS prevention. Given the finding that condoms decline in popularity as adolescents gain sexual experience behavioral skills programs that increase confidence in purchasing condoms and negotiating their use with sex partners should be implemented.

Fear of aids among day care administrators and teachers

The subject of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a topic of critical importance in family‐related health issues. The number of HIV‐infected preschool children is increasing and, due to medical advances in treatment, living longer. Typically, federally‐funded day care programs will be called upon to provide developmental and educational opportunities for AIDS‐infected children from low socioeconomic groups. In response to these concerns, a pilot project was developed to evaluate AIDS‐related attitudes of child care administrators and teachers in community‐based licensed day care centers in Alabama. Results indicated gaps in pertinent areas of knowledge concerning non‐proven methods of AIDS transmission. There were fears and reservations among the respondents about working with young children with AIDS in a classroom or group setting.

AIDS, sex and condoms: African healers and the reinvention of tradition in Zaire.

Condoms offer considerable protection against sexual transmission of AIDS. Yet many Africans who are at risk of infection reject condoms as "unnatural." Data from Zaire have been used to examine this culturally constructed category in relation to sexuality, procreation, gender roles, class formation and international health and development policy. Much more than a simple transfer of biomedical technology is involved. Condom use with regular partners raises issues of cultural politics at many levels. "Traditional" African healers represent important social networks with considerable authority in poor urban communities. They are able to reinterpret cultural categories and endow behavior with new meanings. Action-research in Kinshasa was used to explore roles that healers might play in promoting change to safer sex practices.

Changing AIDS-risk behavior.

This article contains a comprehensive, critical review of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-risk-reduction literature on interventions that have targeted risky sexual behavior and intravenous drug use practices. A conceptually based, highly generalizable model for promoting and evaluating AIDS-risk behavior change in any population of interest is then proposed. The model holds that AIDS-risk reduction is a function of people's information about AIDS transmission and prevention, their motivation to reduce AIDS risk, and their behavioral skills for performing the specific acts involved in risk reduction. Supportive tests of this model, using structural equation modeling techniques, are then reported for populations of university students and gay male affinity group members.

Screening Corneal Donors for Transmissible Disease

The proliferation of newly discovered pathogens and screening tests poses a growing dilemma for the eye-banking community: which of the multitude of serologic tests should be required to screen donors? Are there guidelines that can be developed to facilitate systematic evaluation of future screening proposals according to standards of medical appropriateness and cost effectiveness? What are the scientific data requirements for a successful evaluation program? Are there instances in which one could expect such evaluation to yield divergent recommendations for the screening of corneal tissue vs other organs/tissues? This issue was most clearly brought into focus with the onset of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in the United States in 19811and later reports of AIDS transmission via blood transfusion.2By 1985, a serologic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies was developed and licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Effects of a peer-counseled AIDS education program on knowledge, attitudes, and satisfaction of adolescents

Education programs for adolescents regarding acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been advocated by many professionals to help minimize the risk of infection in this population. This study compares a peer-led vs. an adult-led AIDS education program on the knowledge, attitudes, and satisfaction of the adolescents with their education. Eighty-two male and female adolescents, ranging in age from 12 to 18 years, were randomly assigned to a peer ( n = 27), adult ( n = 28), and control ( n = 27) group. Intervention consisted of receiving didactic information and viewing a videotape about AIDS transmission and prevention. All subjects completed the AIDS Knowledge Questionnaire-Revised, AIDS Attitude Survey, and a measure of consumer satisfaction. Statistical analyses revealed a significant effect for knowledge and attitudes toward practicing personal preventive behaviors and the seriousness of AIDS; both peer- and adult-led groups were superior to controls ( p < 0.05). With the exception of satisfaction with providers, no other significant effects were found across the intervention groups. Satisfaction with providers showed an effect for sex ( p < 0.05). Female adolescents reported more satisfaction with presenters than male adolescents did. Although both adult and peer counselors were equally effective in promoting knowledge gains and appropriate attitude changes, more questions were asked of the peer counselors. These data suggest that when education is presented by peer counselors, adolescents may be more likely to see AIDS as a personal danger and that peer counselors should be considered when designing comprehensive AIDS education programs.

A Surgeon With AIDS

To the Editor.— With a disease as life-threatening, contagious, and untreatable as is the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), it is essential that our research be as objective and thorough as possible to avoid false dogma and conclusions. The Original Contribution A Surgeon With by Mishu et al 1 does not satisfy concerns. In the Background to the study, the authors admit that the study was biased to reassure those concerned in Nashville that the risk of AIDS transmission was minimal. The patient list was compared with the State AIDS Registry, which contained AIDS cases only, not human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity, which would be more significant. Of the 2160 surgical patients, only 616 (29%) had HIV titers measured. There is no basis to conclude that these results support the concept that the risks to patients operated on by HIV-infected surgeons are most

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in the United States

Of 48,712 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control from October 1987 through March 1989, 1239 (2.5%) were diagnosed with extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed in 1013 (2.3%) of the US-born persons with AIDS, compared with 26 (8%) of the Mexican-born, 82 (13%) of the Haitian-born, and 4 (1%) of the Cuban-born. Patients with AIDS with and without extrapulmonary tuberculosis were similar in age, except that extrapulmonary tuberculosis was relatively rare in patients with AIDS under the age 10. Compared with white homosexual/bisexual men, black race (odds ratio, 2.7), intravenous drug use (odds ratio, 2.0), heterosexual AIDS transmission category (odds ratio, 1.9), and Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio, 1.6) were independently associated with extrapulmonary tuberculosis. In 1988, extrapulmonary tuberculosis in persons known to be human immunodeficiency virus seropositive represented 21% of national extrapulmonary tuberculosis morbidity.

Patients' Fear of Contracting the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome From Physicians

This study investigates patients' concern about the human immunodeficiency virus transmission from their physician during the course of routine medical care. We examined patients' fear of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus transmission, level of comfort with medical procedures performed by a physician suspected of having AIDS, perceived risk of AIDS transmission in physician-patient interactions, and the desire to be informed of the human immunodeficiency virus status of physicians. Three hundred fifty patients attending a university-based outpatient center in a large midwestern city were surveyed. Findings show that, as fear of AIDS increases, so does reported level of discomfort with procedures conducted by a physician suspected of having AIDS. Fear of AIDS was inversely correlated with knowledge. Patient concerns regarding susceptibility to the human immunodeficiency virus infection in routine care call attention to the need for education about transmission of AIDS in the health care context.

Homeless youth and AIDS: knowledge, attitudes and behaviour

A study conducted in Brisbane, Queensland, assessed homeless youths' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours relating to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Data obtained from 40 homeless youths aged 15 to 19 years were compared with that from controls. The findings identified a significantly lower level of accurate knowledge of AIDS by the homeless youth on questions related to the transmission of AIDS and on measures to prevent infection. Furthermore, homeless youth exhibited higher levels of at-risk behaviours for the contraction of AIDS. No significant differences regarding attitudes and beliefs about the disease were found. A subgroup of particularly high-risk youth is identified and described. Given the established knowledge deficits, homeless youth were also assessed for educational measures to which they might respond favourably. Implications for future educational programmes are described. It is concluded that homeless youth are comparatively ignorant of AIDS and comparatively at risk of contracting the disease.