Prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus among university students

Article Abstract:

The 13 million students enrolled in higher education programs in the United States are at an age when they are testing their independence, experimenting with sex and perhaps drugs. Young adults often do not consider the risks involved in some behaviors; they feel invincible. Some of the behaviors that they experiment with, such as sex and, less frequently, intravenous drugs, put them at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, which causes AIDS). In addition, alcohol and other more acceptable drugs can affect judgment and enable young people to engage in risky behaviors that they might otherwise not try. Sexually transmitted diseases, not uncommon on college campuses, and unwanted pregnancies indicate that students are not cautious when it comes to sexual behavior. To determine the prevalence of HIV infection among college students, 16,863 blood samples were analyzed. (The specimens had been drawn for other purposes at 16 colleges.) Thirty specimens, or 1 in 500, were positive for HIV antibodies, an indication of exposure to HIV. The 0.02 percentage rate of seropositivity is approximately equal to that of the nation as a whole. The rate varied among schools, with only one school having a rate of over 0.06 percent, although schools in high-risk areas such as New York and Florida were excluded. The data reveal that, in this sample, students over 25 years of age were 6.5 times as likely to be positive for HIV, and males were 25 times as likely to be positive. One major limitation of the study is that students who go to university health centers and have blood drawn may not be representative of the whole student population. The correlation between HIV infection and the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases would seem to inflate the number of seropositive tests. Students still do not understand how HIV infection is transmitted, and even those who do may not consider themselves at risk when they engage in high-risk behaviors. Attempts at education will have to address students of diverse ages, races, ethnic groups, and sexual orientations. Preventing the spread of HIV infection should be a priority at all institutions of higher education. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Students, Demographic aspects, AIDS (Disease), HIV seropositivity, HIV positive

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Reducing the risk of maternal-infant transmission of HIV by attacking the virus

Article Abstract:

Reducing the risk of HIV in infants born to HIV-infected mothers may require maximal viral suppression during pregnancy, reduction in viral exposures during birth, and treatment of the infant after birth. Suppression of HIV viral loads with antiviral agents during pregnancy appears to substantially reduce the risk of infecting the child. Preventing exposure of the infant to genital secretions or blood during birth by elective cesarean delivery or intravaginal antimicrobial agents may be effective. Avoidance of breastfeeding, or treatment of the infant with antiviral drugs after birth, appear to reduce the risk of postpartum transmission of HIV.

United States, Editorial, Statistical Data Included, Disease transmission, Pregnancy, Antiviral agents, HIV infection in pregnancy

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Curbing the global AIDS epidemic

Article Abstract:

Twenty-nine million new HIV infections could be prevented worldwide if the global community implements basic HIV prevention techniques. These techniques are especially needed in developing countries, where many new HIV infections occur. Preventive measures include treating sexually transmitted diseases, treating HIV-infected pregnant women to prevent transmission to the baby, and giving drug addicts clean needles.

World

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