Reducing HIV sexual risk behaviors among runaway adolescents

Article Abstract:

Even though research has shown that runaway teenagers are relatively knowledgeable about the risk of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), associated with AIDS, more than five percent of runaways in New York City and eight percent of runaways in San Francisco have been infected. The propensity of runaways to engage in high risk sexual behavior and intravenous (IV) drug use places them at high risk for infection. In New York City, the major route of HIV transmission among this population appears to be via unprotected sexual intercourse. To evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive intervention program aimed at reducing HIV risk behaviors, a study was carried out of runaways at the only two publicly funded shelters in New York City. Subjects were between the ages of 11 and 18 and most were black or Hispanic. Seventy-eight runaways at one shelter participated in educational intervention sessions concerning HIV and AIDS, while another 67 runaways at a different shelter did not receive the information. Subjects were interviewed regarding their sexual behavior at the study's start and again three and six months later. Results at both follow-up periods showed an increase in consistent condom use among those attending the sessions as well as a decrease in high-risk sexual behavior. Exposure to a greater number of sessions was more effective in altering the behavior of these teenagers. After 15 sessions, the number of runaways engaging in high-risk behavior fell from 20 percent to zero at the three- and six-month follow-ups. The success of this educational program indicates that such efforts can reduce risky behavior if the two- or three-session format, commonly in use now for adolescents, is expanded. One third of the participants were not sexually active at the beginning of the study, a proportion that seems high in light of the view of runaways offered by the media, but it is important to note that this proportion did not change as a result of intervention. This which suggests that encouraging abstinence is not a workable approach. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexually transmitted diseases, Education, HIV infection, HIV infections, Runaway teenagers, Runaways, Sexually transmitted disease prevention

---

Evidence for the effects of HIV antibody counseling and testing on risk behaviors

Article Abstract:

A key element in the national strategy for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is counseling and testing people at high risk for developing acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The goals of counseling and testing are to help people evaluate their risks, to encourage or reinforce changes in behaviors that increase risk, and to refer infected individuals for care. Evaluation of the effectiveness of counseling and testing programs is difficult because there is more than one goal. A report is presented of a review of 66 published reports that discussed the effect of HIV counseling and testing on risk behaviors. These studies focused on several groups: homosexual men, intravenous drug abusers receiving rehabilitation, pregnant women, and heterosexuals. Sixteen studies were excluded because of small sample size. A synthesis of the reported data reveals that all long-term studies of homosexual men indicated a reduction in high risk behavior in both tested and untested men. Several studies showed that HIV-positive men had a greater change in behavior than did HIV-negative men and subjects who were unaware of their HIV status. Among drug abusers in treatment, there were reductions in drug use and in high risk sexual behaviors; this occurred whether or not the subject received counseling or testing services. Counseling and testing had little influence on pregnancy and/or abortion rates for either HIV-positive or HIV-negative high-risk women. Heterosexual couples with one infected partner showed major reductions in high risk behaviors. It is suggested that further research be directed specifically to the impact of counseling and testing on changing high risk behavior. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Demographic aspects, Health behavior, HIV seropositivity, HIV positive, HIV seroprevalence

---

Prospects for prevention of and early intervention against HIV

Article Abstract:

Several questions have arisen in the development of a vaccine against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). One question is whether or not the body's antiviral immune response to an HIV infection can control the virus and function as a barrier against it. The natural history of HIV infections and aspects of an immune response against HIV are outlined. In addition, research relating to antibody responses to selected HIV proteins during infection or immunization is discussed. In one case of the development of an immune response to HIV infection, a laboratory worker accidentally infected with the virus developed antibodies to HIV. Various strategies for the prevention of and early intervention against HIV are outlined, and directions are indicated for the development of a vaccine against HIV infection. There are clear indications that it is possible to slow and even arrest transmission of HIV from person to person and within a given individual. Not all humans exposed to HIV develop an active infection, and progression of the disease following infection has not reached 100 percent. This evidence suggests hosts are able to control the infection.

Laws, regulations and rules, Physiological aspects, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Immune response, column

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Maternal cocaine use during pregnancy as a risk factor for congenital urogenital anomalies. Cocaine and Pregnancy--Time to Look at the Evidence
• Abstracts: Protecting the patient at risk. Administering antibiotic therapy at home
• Abstracts: Geriatrics: sleep disorders and aging. Tragedy and insomnia. Sleep disturbances in the wake of traumatic events
• Abstracts: Association of asthma with serum IgE levels and skin-test reactivity to allergens. Exoskeletons and exhalation
• Abstracts: The effect of weight loss on the sensitivity of blood pressure to sodium in obese adolescents. Increased blood pressure during potassium depletion in normotensive men

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.