Spread of HIV infection in married monogamous women in India

CONTEXT: A high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in female sex workers (FSWs) and men who attend sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics poses a risk for spread of infection to other populations. OBJECTIVE: To examine spread of HIV to a low-risk population by comparing prevalence of, and risk factors for, HIV and STDs in FSWs and non-FSWs. METHODS: Women attending STD clinics in Pune, India, were assessed for STDs and HIV from May 13, 1993, to July 11, 1996. Demographic and behavioral information was collected, and clinical and laboratory assessment was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prevalence and risk determinants of HIV infection. RESULTS: Of 916 women enrolled, 525 were FSWs and 391 were non-FSWs. Prevalence of HIV in FSWs and non-FSWs was 49.9% and 13.6%, respectively (P<.001). In multivariate analysis, inconsistent condom use and genital ulcer disease or genital warts were associated with prevalent HIV in FSWs. History of sexual contact with a partner with an STD was associated with HIV in non-FSWs. CONCLUSIONS: Infection with HIV is increasing in non-FSWs, previously thought to be at low risk in India. Since history of sexual contact with their only sex partner was the only risk factor significantly associated with HIV infection, it is likely that these women are being infected by their spouses. This underscores the need for strengthening partner-notification strategies and counseling facilities in India.     

Cancer occurrence in the elderly: agreement between three major data sources

OBJECTIVE: To identify the individual, dyad, and family variables that influence young women's perceptions of risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). DESIGN: Cross-sectional telephone survey using forced-choice questioning. Data were analyzed using first-order correlations and logistic regression. SETTING: Participants were recruited from a mid-Atlantic study of young adults and from volunteers at a mid-Atlantic university and surrounding community. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 93 sexually active, unmarried, heterosexual women, ages 17-26 years. The majority of the study sample was white. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Respondents were asked to estimate their own level of risk for STDs, including HIV, using the responses no, low, moderate, and high risk. Responses were later recoded into no risk versus some risk. RESULTS: Communication with parents about sexual risk decreased the odds that women would see themselves as being at no risk. Consistent condom use, relationship satisfaction, and perceiving the partner as no risk increased the odds that women would believe they were at no risk. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses can incorporate these and other study findings into the design of sexual risk reduction programs. Programs that enhance parent-teen communication about sexual risks and assist young women to examine their perceptions of their partners may be more effective than programs that provide information only.     

Changes in attitude, sexual behaviour and the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in southwest Nigeria

This pilot study was carried out in southwest Nigeria to determine the current trends in sexual behaviours known to be associated with HIV transmission in Nigeria. Knowledge of AIDS in general and as an incurable disease was high (91.4% and 79.4% respectively). Knowledge of the means of AIDS transmission was also very high among both men and women. Overall, condom use was consistent at 25%, inconsistent at 55% and non-existent at 20% for all sexually active respondents. Over 60 per cent of sexually active respondents had two or more sexual partners, with significantly more males than females having this number of sexual partners (p < 0.01). Eighteen per cent of sexually active respondents had a history of sex with commercial sex workers while 25% had a history of at least one sexually transmitted disease. Using multiple logistic regression, the significant determinants of condom use among the sexually active group were: being in a stable sexual relationship, history of sex with commercial sex workers, self-perception of testing positive for HIV and self-perception of HIV/AIDS risk in Nigeria. Prevalence of condom use in this study was much higher than those reported in previous studies, suggesting a probable decline in high risk sexual behaviours among inhabitants of urban Southwest Nigeria since the advent of AIDS. Most sexually active respondents aged 19 years or below (adolescents) who perceived themselves at a high risk of testing positive for HIV had never used condoms. The non usage of condoms among this group of adolescents is disturbing, since they are at greatest risk of spreading the disease. Health education and promotion of safe sex practices need to be extensively targeted at adolescents.     

Sexually transmitted diseases among teenagers in England and Wales

A profile of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV infections among teenagers in England and Wales was obtained from reports of newly diagnosed STDs among teenagers attending genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in 1995, laboratory reports of newly diagnosed HIV infections between 1985 when reporting began and the end of 1995, and the prevalence of HIV (unlinked anonymous programme) among teenagers attending genitourinary medicine clinics and antenatal clinics in 1994 and 1995. STD reports were analysed by sex, age group, and place of residence of patients--whether in the NHS Thames regions or elsewhere in England and Wales. High rates of STDs were reported in teenagers, particularly in girls. The incidences of gonorrhoea, chlamydia infection, and first attack genital wart infections were higher in teenage girls than in any other age group. Boys under 16 years of age had substantially higher rates of infection with all STDs in the Thames regions than elsewhere. Rates of gonorrhoea in teenagers of both sexes in the Thames regions were more than twice those in the rest of the country. Infection rates for genital herpes, and chlamydia in girls, were also higher in the Thames regions, although the geographical differences were less marked. The seroprevalence of HIV among heterosexual teenagers was very low. In contrast, 226 HIV infections among teenage boys had probably been acquired through sexual intercourse with other males. Unlinked anonymous testing revealed HIV antibody in 7.5% of routinely collected serology specimens taken from teenage homosexual or bisexual males attending GUM clinics in London. The high rates of STDs among teenage girls and all teenagers in the Thames regions make these groups a high priority for sexual health promotion, with special consideration given to homo/bisexual male teenagers. Detailed surveillance of risk factors for STDs, and further studies of teenage sexual behaviour will help to effectively target resources to improve the sexual health of teenagers in England and Wales.     

STD/HIV prevention in Turkey: planning a sequence of interventions

This study was initiated to assess which mix of early STD/HIV prevention interventions would potentially be effective, cost-effective and sustainable in Turkey; and to program an intervention sequence to maximize synergy among the interventions. During rapid assessment we: 1) reviewed past issues of 3 leading newspapers; 2) collected information on TV coverage; 3) interviewed key informants including taxicab drivers, hotel employees, grocery store owners, academicians in public health and law, investigators of STD/HIV and reproductive tract infections, and officials in the ministry of health; 4) reviewed available evidence on STD/HIV morbidity, sexual behavior patterns, migration patterns and same/opposite gender sex trade. We found: 1) discrepancies between decision makers' perceptions and social realities with respect to the epidemiology of sexual behavior and STDs, and the state of public health programs; 2) discrepancies between sexual practices and public expression regarding sexual practices; 3) economic, demographic, and political pressures in Turkey and in surrounding countries for the expansion of prostitution; 4) a sexual double standard and gender specific migration patterns which sustain a high demand for commercial sex; 5) patterns of health care seeking behaviors and provision of STD clinical services which indicate other STDs may play a very important role in spread of HIV infection; 6) an important mass media role in opinion formation; 7) consensual denial of risk for the majority based on beliefs embedded in machismo, nationalism and religion, and a resulting marginalization and externalization of STD/HIV risk; 8) high prevalence of syphilis among both Turkish and immigrant female prostitutes in Istanbul (early latent 8 and 13%; late latent 0 and 4%; previous history 9 and 22%) 9) and high rates of syphilis among male prostitutes (early latent 11%, late latent 21% and previous history 58%). We concluded that interventions should initially include, in the following order; 1) awareness raising for decision makers and opinion leaders including members of parliament and mass media; 2) awareness raising for members of the general population; 3) needs assessment and intervention development for sex workers; 4) training in HIV and other STDs for medical personnel; and 5) quality assurance and control for laboratory procedures for STDs/HIV.     

Sexual behavior among U.S. high school students, 1990-1995

CONTEXT: High rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV infection, among adolescents are major public health concerns that have created interest in trends in teenage sexual activity. METHODS: Nationally representative data from Youth Risk Behavior Surveys conducted in 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1995 are used to examine levels of sexual experience, age at first intercourse, current sexual activity and condom use at last intercourse among students in grades 9-12. RESULTS: The proportion of students who reported being sexually experienced remained at 53-54% from 1990 through 1995, while the percentage of sexually active students who used condoms at last intercourse rose from 46% to 54% between 1991 and 1995. Black students were more likely than white students to report being sexually experienced, being currently sexually active and having had four or more lifetime sexual partners; black students also reported a significantly younger age at first intercourse. Gender differences in sexual behavior were found more frequently among black students than among white or Hispanic students. CONCLUSIONS: Although levels of sexual experience for high school students in the United States have not risen during the 1990s, a very high percentage of students continue to be at risk for unintended pregnancy and STDs, including HIV infection.     

Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases: Implications for risk behavior in women.

A sample of 808 nonpregnant women residing in an area of high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) was studied with respect to sexual risk behaviors in the 4-month period before and after testing for a series of STDs. All women were tested for both Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis and were given the option of also taking a test for the HIV antibody. Neither the experience of receiving a negative HIV test result nor that of receiving a positive versus a negative diagnosis for STDs resulted in significant mean changes in self-reports of STD or HIV susceptibility, condom use consistency, or number of sexual partners during the 4 months following testing. However, perceived susceptibility was found to predict when women would decrease the consistency with which they used condoms as a function of HIV testing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Discontinuation of treatment with IFN-beta leads to exacerbation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats. Rapid reversal of the antiproliferative activity of IFN-beta and excessive expansion of autoreactive T cells as disease promoting mechanisms

BACKGROUND: It is important for HIV/AIDS control programmes to determine population knowledge on AIDS in order to develop appropriate Information, Education and Communication (IEC) messages. The objectives of our study were to determine the seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis among pregnant women, female prostitutes and long-distance truck drivers and to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practice (KABP) with respect to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in these three groups in Burkina Faso. METHODS: We performed three cross-sectional serosurveys including face-to-face interviews on KABP between October 1994 and February 1995 in three population groups. RESULTS: Overall, 1,294 pregnant women, 236 long-distance truck drivers and 426 female prostitutes were recruited. HIV seroprevalence was 8% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 6.6-9.6) among pregnant women, 18.6% (95% CI: 13.9-24.2) among long-distance truck drivers and 58.2% (95% CI: 53.4-62.9) in female prostitutes. The prevalence of syphilis was 2.5%, 9.3% and 15%, respectively. Most pregnant women (98%), long-distance truck drivers (96%) and female prostitutes (98%) had already heard of AIDS. However, the level of knowledge of HIV transmission routes, of risk factors for HIV transmission and of available preventive measures was very low. Consequently, 41% of pregnant women, 40% of long-distance truck drivers and an alarming 61% of female prostitutes reported that they did not feel themselves at risk for HIV. In each group, high levels of knowledge on AIDS were associated with increased awareness of AIDS risk and the adoption of preventive behaviours. Level of education was associated with knowledge of AIDS and condom use. However, in the 12 months preceding the surveys, condom use was very low among pregnant women (0.1%), long-distance truck drivers (18%) and among female prostitutes (42%). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that HIV is widespread in Burkina Faso and that there is an urgent need to develop and evaluate HIV prevention strategies in the general population and among core groups such as female prostitutes and long-distance truck drivers. Interventions must include information campaigns, condom promotion and distribution, and sexually transmitted diseases control.     

Associations of marijuana use and sex-related marijuana expectancies with HIV/STD risk behavior in high-risk adolescents.

Multiple studies suggest an association of marijuana use with increased rates of sexual risk behavior and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most studies have focused on global associations of marijuana use with sexual risk outcomes and few have examined relevant cognitive variables. Adolescents in the juvenile justice system are at elevated risk for HIV/STDs and preliminary evidence suggests that marijuana is a potentially important cofactor for sexual risk behavior in this population. This study evaluated global, situational and event-level associations of marijuana use and sex-related marijuana expectancies with sexual risk outcomes in a large, racially diverse sample of adjudicated youth (n = 656, 66% male, mean age = 16.7 years). Cross-sectional and prospective analyses identified associations of marijuana use and dependence symptoms with sexual risk outcomes, including lower frequency of condom use and higher STD incidence. Stronger sex-related marijuana expectancies predicted greater intentions for and frequency of marijuana use in sexual situations. In event-level analyses that controlled for alcohol, marijuana use predicted a significantly decreased likelihood of condom use; this association was moderated by sex-related marijuana expectancies. Mediation analyses suggested that behavioral intentions partly accounted for the prospective association of expectancies with marijuana use before sex. These results provide further evidence that marijuana use is a potentially important cofactor for HIV/STD transmission in high-risk adolescents and suggest that cognitive factors could be important for characterizing this association. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interaction between Set1p and checkpoint protein Mec3p in DNA repair and telomere functions

OBJECTIVES: This article describes the implementation and impact of the first statewide condom social marketing intervention in the United States. METHODS: A statewide social marketing program made condoms freely available in 93 public health clinics, 39 community mental health centers, 29 substance abuse treatment sites, and more than 1000 businesses in neighborhoods with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV. Surveys about condom use were conducted annually. RESULTS: Between 1994 and 1996, more than 33 million condoms were distributed without significant opposition. Over time, self-reported condom use at the last sexual encounter increased among African American women (from 28% in 1994 to 36% in 1996), particularly African American women with 2 or more sex partners (from 30% to 48%). Condom use at the last sexual encounter increased among African American men (from 40% in 1994 to an average of 54% in 1996). The number of reported sex partners did not increase. CONCLUSIONS: Condom social marketing can be successfully implemented in the United States. The widespread availability of free condoms is associated with increased condom use, particularly among persons at high risk for STDs and HIV.     

Risk factors for HIV infection in a rural cohort in Zimbabwe: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To identify demographic, sexual behavioural and cultural risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in a rural community in Zimbabwe. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Rural area in Zimbabwe. SUBJECTS: 207 subjects (81 males, 126 females) mean age 31.6 years (SD 15.3), range 12 to 76 years living in the area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: HIV seropositivity and seroconversion, exposure or no exposure to risk factor. RESULTS: Prevalence of HIV was 7.7% and was associated with being divorced or widowed [Odds ratio (OR) 4.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17 to 14.97] and past history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) [(OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.31 to 9.89)]. Seroconversion rate was 3.6% per year and was associated with history of STD [Relative Risk (RR) 13.22, 95% CI 1.15 to 156.1)] during the follow up period. Individuals over 20 years of age, those reporting one or more sexual partners, those reporting irregular use of condoms and those scarified were at greater risk than their counterparts. Individuals who reported being circumcised were at slightly lesser risk than those who did not report circumcision. CONCLUSION: STDs were major determinants of HIV transmission in the study area. In addition being divorced or widowed was a risk factor for HIV infection. Scarification, tattooing and circumcision require further investigations.     

Impact of HIV counselling and testing on HIV seroconversion and reported STD incidence among male factory workers in Harare, Zimbabwe

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of HIV counselling and testing on HIV seroconversion and incidence of reported sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among male factory workers in Harare, Zimbabwe. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study among men recruited to participate in a future workplace based AIDS prevention intervention. METHODS: Participants provided STD histories and blood for HIV antibody testing at enrolment and six month intervals during visits to factories. Participants received HIV test results, post test counselling, and free STD services at the project clinic. RESULTS: Between March 1993 and June 1995, 2,414 men were enrolled with 85% follow up. Overall HIV sero-incidence was 2.60 per 100 person-years; the incidence of reported STDs was 10.19 per 100 person-years. Men who obtained their HIV test results had significantly higher HIV sero-incidence and incidence of reported STDs compared to men who did not obtain their results (IRRs: 1.87, 3.47, respectively). Among men who obtained their HIV test results, a non-significant 40% decrease in HIV sero-incidence was observed after obtaining test results compared to before obtaining results (p = 0.18). The incidence of reported STDs, however, increased by 30% after obtaining HIV test results (p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased HIV sero-incidence in the face of increased reported STD incidence suggests that timely treatment of STDs may decrease the risk of acquiring HIV even in the absence of behaviour change. In populations with high rates of HIV and STDs, the greatest benefit of HIV counselling and testing may be achieved by simultaneously offering STD screening and treatment services.     

Correction of the hypoplastic nasal ala using an auricular composite graft

OBJECTIVES: The study investigated if women with experience of casual travel sex, with a previously unknown man abroad, on different types of journeys (charter, vagabond, business and education trips), differ with regard to sexual risk behavior and history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of 996 women. Of these, 27.7% admitted that they had had casual sex during journeys. The remaining women were used as a comparison group. History of STDs and sexual risk behaviors were investigated. RESULTS: The frequency of women who had more than ten lifetime sexual partners were greatly increased in all groups, as compared to the controls. A history of gonorrhea was most frequent among the charter travellers. A history of genital chlamydial infection was most common among the vagabond travellers. The lowest frequencies of a history of STDs was observed in women engaging in casual sex on 'business' journeys and they had significantly less often a history of STDs as compared to the charter travellers. A high frequency of STDs were seen in women who had experience of casual sex on different types of journeys. CONCLUSION: Women on business trips, although they had a similar sexual risk behaviour as the other groups of travellers, had less often a history of STDs.     

Role of the nurse: introducing theories and concepts

The aim was to determine the association between frequency of alcohol use in the past 30 days and HIV-related risk behaviours among adults in an African-American community. Data were collected by trained street outreach workers, from 522 persons in 4 areas selected on the basis of 7 health and criminal justice indicators of high risk for HIV, STD and substance abuse, and drug-related arrests. A survey assessed demographics, substance use, sexual behaviour, HIV knowledge, attitudes and depression. Subjects reporting using drugs other than alcohol (n=201) were excluded from analyses to avoid the confounding influence of polysubstance use. Of the remaining 321 subjects (mean age=37.1; 58.5% were male), 43.6% reported no alcohol use in the past 30 days, with 37.4% and 19.0%, respectively, having used alcohol < =15 days and = > 16 days in the past 30 days. Alcohol use frequency (no alcohol, 1-15 days, 16-30 days in past month) was significantly associated with being male, STD history, non-use of condoms, higher perceived risk of HIV, lower condom use self-efficacy, multiple sex partners in the past 30 days, and lower HIV-related knowledge. Frequent alcohol use, in the absence of other drugs, is associated with higher levels of HIV risk behaviours. Though an underserved population with respect to HIV prevention and, given the prevalence of alcohol use, the findings suggest that programmes need to target frequent alcohol users to reduce their HIV-associated risk behaviours and enhance HIV risk-reduction knowledge and attitudes associated with the adoption of HIV prevention practices.     

Contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major cause of ill health in women and their sexual partners and children. Contraceptive methods alter in various ways the risk of acquiring STD but assessment of the odds ratio is difficult due to the many confounding factors. Spermicides have been reported to kill a wide range of bacteria and viruses including HIV in vitro and to protect in vivo from infection by gonorrhoea, chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease (organisms unspecified). Spermicides will not cure pre-existing infections. Condoms and diaphragms will give some protection from bacterial and viral infections in all parts of the genital tract. Hormonal contraception and tubal ligation give protection to the upper genital tract but not the cervix. Carcinoma of the cervix follows the same pattern as STDs. The risk of pelvic infection in intrauterine device users is discussed in the chapter by Bromham (pp 100-123, this issue).     

Sampling biases and missing data in explorations of sexual partner networks for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases

The structures of sexual partner networks are important in determining patterns of transmission of STDs including HIV. Empirical data on sexual partnerships and sexual partner networks collected through sampling individuals are a non-random sample of partnerships and network structures even if individuals are sampled randomly. This has the potential to bias estimates of measures describing the sexual partner network. In addition, biases may be introduced through non-response and missing data. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we investigate the biases that are introduced in estimates measures of the sexual partner network through three common sampling methods. The results indicate that substantial systematic biases are introduced. The direction and magnitude of these biases suggest that, by ignoring them, the risk for the establishment and persistence of infection in a population may be underestimated.     

Cultures of sexual adventurism as markers of HIV seroconversion: a case control study in a cohort of Sydney gay men

A case control analysis within an ongoing cohort study was used to examine differences between seroconverters and men who remained HIV-negative. The cases were interviewed within one to 13 months prior to their seroconversion. Their responses to a structured questionnaire were compared with those of HIV-negative controls drawn from the same time period and from the same longitudinal study, Sydney Men and Sexual Health. Data collected from both cases and controls included: demographic and contextual variables, knowledge of HIV transmission, sexual practices, drug and alcohol use and attitudinal factors. The aim was to compare the sexual behaviours, and the social and cultural contexts of such behaviours, of men prior to their HIV seroconversion with men who did not seroconvert. Twenty-three men had seroconverted within the cohort. Cases were identified by a positive HIV antibody test or self-report of positive HIV status following a previous negative HIV test. Three-hundred-and-sixty-nine controls were selected on the basis of being HIV negative at interview in 1994, and having at least one subsequent medically-confirmed negative HIV antibody test. Univariate predictors of seroconversion were: being in a regular relationship with a known HIV-positive partner, drug use, and engaging in a range of anal and esoteric sexual practices. Practices commonly used to enhance sexual pleasure, such as group sex, watching and being watched having sex, the use of sex toys and dressing up/fantasy, were engaged in more frequently by seroconverters. Engaging in these esoteric sexual practices was highly correlated with drug use, involvement in the gay community and engagement in a wide range of anal practices. In the multivariate analysis independent predictors of seroconversion were: younger age; being in a regular relationship with a known HIV-positive partner; believing withdrawal to be safe with regard to HIV transmission; and range of esoteric practices. These results indicate the importance of the social and cultural contexts of particular sexual practices and consequent HIV transmission. Sexually adventurous men may be at increased risk for HIV because they seek sex within particular sexual sub-cultures.     

HIV risk correlates among non-injection cocaine dependent men in treatment

Guided by the AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM), psychosocial correlates of HIV risk behavior were examined among noninjection cocaine dependent, heterosexual men (NI-CD-HM) in treatment. Subjects (N = 111) completed a structured interview to measure ARRM mediating variables and HIV risk behaviors. The results indicated that greater perceived susceptibility to contracting HIV, lower sexual self-efficacy, higher lifetime incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, and being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs during sex predicted having more sexual partners in the month prior to admission. Despite adequate knowledge of safer sex guidelines, subjects remained misinformed regarding certain aspects of HIV transmission. Men who perceived that their partners viewed condoms more positively and who exchanged drugs for sex were more likely to use condoms, yet condom use skills were typically inadequate to ensure effective prevention. These results suggest that HIV prevention interventions among NI-CD-HM should focus on improving knowledge, enhancing beliefs in the capacity to enact safer sex behaviors for preventing HIV and other STDs, building relevant skills (e.g., condom use, open sexual communication between partners), and emphasizing psychoactive substance abstinence. Couple interventions, in which partners actually rehearse safer sex negotiations, may be particularly effective in this regard.