HIV-related knowledge and behaviors among high school students - selected US sites, 1989

Article Abstract:

Results from a CDC (Centers for Disease Control)-sponsored survey of high school students about their knowledge and behaviors relevant to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection are presented. The data were gathered by departments of education in 30 states, 10 cities, and two territories during a four-month period in 1989. Anonymous responses to a self-administered questionnaire constituted the data, and questions concerned demographic characteristics, drug use, and sexual behavior. Between 33 percent and 86 percent of students said they had been taught about AIDS or HIV infection in school, and between 43 percent and 69 percent had discussed these issues in their families. The proportion of students who knew that AIDS cannot be transmitted by blood donation, mosquito or insect bites, public toilets, or blood tests varied considerably. Most, however, knew that the infection can be transmitted by sharing needles when injecting drugs, and by sexual intercourse without a condom. Of the students who reported intravenous drug use (between 2 and 5 percent), between 0.2 percent and 3 percent said they had shared needles. Between 27 and 76 percent of students reported having had sexual intercourse at least once, and between 7 and 40 percent reported having had four or more partners. More departments of education now conduct surveys regarding HIV-related behavior; this is an important step, since many students appear to be at risk for HIV infection. Results from such surveys are used to plan school-based educational programs about AIDS. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (a collaborative arrangement between the CDC and state and local departments of education) will monitor a range of health-risk behaviors among ninth- through twelfth-grade students. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexual behavior, Evaluation, Risk factors, Statistics, HIV infection, HIV infections, Teenagers, Youth, Drug use, Health education, Teenage sexual behavior, Health risk communication

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Nursing home outbreaks of invasive group A streptococcal infections - Illinois, Kansas, North Carolina and Texas

Article Abstract:

Three outbreaks of streptococcal infections in nursing homes were reported to the United States Centers for Disease Control during the past winter. A total of 18 residents with invasive (systemic) disease and 10 deaths (56 percent) were reported. The patients suffered from severe, changed mental state, and other symptoms. Eight of the patients developed pneumonia, seven had skin infections, two had sinusitis. In three patients the site of the original infection could not be identified. Severe infections of the connective tissue around muscles (fasciitis) required surgical intervention including amputation, and kidney failure and adult respiratory distress syndrome were reported complications. Few staff members were found to have streptococcal infections. Evaluation of throat cultures showed that approximately four percent of patients and one percent of staff had streptococcal organisms in the throat or pharynx, but were free of symptoms. In two nursing homes, full antimicrobial therapy was given to residents and staff, and in a third, therapy was discontinued when all cultures were found to be negative for the organism. Following this therapy no further cases were reported. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Streptococcal infections, Demographic aspects, Diseases, Nursing home patients

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