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PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of condom use among students of the El Mina middle school in Nouakchott in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania].

UNLABELLED: This study, intended to contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS infection, sought to identify the factors limiting condom use among the pupils of the El Mina middle school in Nouakchott, in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. METHOD: This investigation, conducted in May 2004, concerned 711 students aged approximately 12-16 years. The dependent variable was condom use, and two categories of independent study variables were examined: socio-demographic and HIV information. The data were entered, verified, and analyzed with Epi info 6.04 software. RESULTS: Overall 40% of the students reported sexual activity; in this group, 41% reported multiple partners and 38% unprotected sexual relations. Condom use was significantly more frequent among boys, married students, students with more than one partner, those who attended educational sessions, those for whom sexuality is a taboo subject, those who knew a source of supply, and those for whom condoms were geographically and financially accessible. DISCUSSION: Condom use among sexually active students is insufficient. This underuse is caused by shortcomings in the distribution system and contributes to the multiplication of sexually-transmitted diseases, including HIV, among the pupils. To provide students with the knowledge necessary for the desired behavioral changes, the following steps are necessary: promoting social marketing of condoms, involving other partners in the fight against STDs and AIDS, using peer educator strategies, and integrating units on HIV/AIDS into secondary education. CONCLUSION: Given the seriousness and the increasing extension of the HIV infection, condom use should be promoted to improve the sexual and reproductive health of students and thus of the entire population of Mauritania.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Epidemiologic profile of puerperals and prevalence of antibodies for HIV and hepatitis C virus infection in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso].

A seroepidemiologic survey was performed aimed at estimating the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV), the risk factors associated with human immunodeficiency virus transmission and the epidemiological profile of the women in puerperal period in three public Hospitals of Cuiabá City between December 2001 and March 2002. The sample was composed of 1,607 women who were interviewed in order to obtain information about socio-demographic aspects and risk behavior. Blood samples were drawn to detect HIV and HCV antibodies using the ELISA test. The prevalence of HIV infection in this population was 0.5% (IC95%= 0.2; 1.0). Most women had only basic level schooling (58.4%), and they presently held a relationship with a fix partner (73%). There were no statistically significant associations between HIV antibody and socioeconomic level, other procedures that involved the risk of HIV parenteral transmission, between anti-HIV positivity and the presence of sexual behavior of risk (relationships with multiple partners or bisexuality) by the women and their partners. Currently, it is presumed that heterosexual transmission is the main cause of infection among women in reproductive age in the study area. The anti-HCV prevalence was 0.4% (CI95%= 0.1; 0.8). Anti-HCV was more common among older women.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Increased condom use without other major changes in sexual behavior among the general population in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVES: This study is part of a continuous evaluation of the Swiss AIDS prevention strategy from 1987 through 1994. METHODS: Annual telephone surveys of samples representative of the general population aged 17 through 45 years have been conducted since 1987 to monitor behavioral change. RESULTS: No major changes in level of sexual activity (lifetime number of partners, frequency of sexual encounters in the past week) or potential exposure to risk of HIV transmission (acquisition of a new steady partner during the year or of casual partners in the last 6 months) were observed. Systematic condom use with a new steady partner increased between 1988 and 1994, from 40% to 64% among 17- to 30-year-olds and from 57% to 72% among those aged 31 to 45. Systematic condom use with casual partners increased from 8% to 56% between 1987 and 1994 among 17- to 30-year-olds and from 22% to 42% between 1989 and 1994 among those aged 31 to 45. Condom use was higher among those with multiple partners. CONCLUSIONS: A general-population approach to AIDS prevention was able to achieve large-scale improvements in condom-based protection against HIV infection without inducing other major changes in sexual behavior.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2006

Predictors of sexual risk behaviors among adolescent mothers in a human immunodeficiency virus prevention program.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the following: (1) whether adolescent mothers in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention program had significantly greater perceived self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control to use condoms, and more favorable outcome expectancies and subjective norms regarding condom use than those in a health education control group, 3 months after intervention; and (2) the impact of the 3-month postintervention theoretical variables on intentions to use condoms at 3 months and sexual risk behaviors at 6 months. METHODS: Structural equation modeling with latent variables was used to assess the influence of theoretical variables and treatment condition using data from 496 participants (78% Latinas, 18% African-Americans) who completed questionnaires at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-up evaluations. RESULTS: Substantial improvements were shown by both groups, with a slight advantage for the HIV prevention group, on all theoretical variables between pretest and the follow-up evaluations. In the predictive model, the intervention group reported significantly fewer sex partners. By using intentions to use condoms as a mediator, greater self-efficacy, hedonistic beliefs, positive subjective norms, and less unprotected sex predicted intentions to use condoms, which, in turn, predicted less unprotected sex. Lower subjective norms modestly predicted multiple partners. Significant indirect paths mediated through intentions to use condoms were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These data support a relationship among several constructs from social cognitive theory and the theory of reasoned action, and subsequent sexual risk behaviors. HIV-prevention programs for adolescent mothers should be designed to include these theoretical constructs and to address contextual factors influencing their lives.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Cognitive and behavioral adaptations to HIV/AIDS among gay and bisexual adolescents.

PURPOSE: To examine short-term changes in HIV knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors among gay and bisexual adolescents, 139 gay and bisexual male adolescents (13-21 years of age) completed interviews and self-administered surveys of HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors during an initial assessment (Time 1) and 3-6 months after intervention (Time 2). METHODS: The intervention included individualized HIV/AIDS risk assessment and risk reduction counseling, peer education, and referrals to needed services. Cross-sectional (group) and individual cognitive and behavioral changes were examined; adolescents who reported unprotected anal intercourse and/or injecting drug use after interventions were compared to those who did not. RESULTS: Compared to Time 1, 60% fewer subjects at Time 2 reported unprotected anal intercourse with recent partners. Subjects also reported less frequent anal intercourse and more consistent use of condoms during follow-up. Substance abuse severity scores and use of amphetamines and amyl nitrite declined. One-quarter of subjects reported ongoing high-risk behaviors associated with multiple partners, frequent anal intercourse, completion of education, and relative numbers of gay friends. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with HIV risk reduction improved over time. Constructive change most often involved the practices of anal intercourse and, to a lesser extent, oral sex. Ongoing risk-taking behavior may reflect serious psychosocial problems.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2005

Subunit contributions to histone methyltransferase activities of fly and worm polycomb group complexes.

The ESC-E(Z) complex of Drosophila melanogaster Polycomb group (PcG) repressors is a histone H3 methyltransferase (HMTase). This complex silences fly Hox genes, and related HMTases control germ line development in worms, flowering in plants, and X inactivation in mammals. The fly complex contains a catalytic SET domain subunit, E(Z), plus three noncatalytic subunits, SU(Z)12, ESC, and NURF-55. The four-subunit complex is >1,000-fold more active than E(Z) alone. Here we show that ESC and SU(Z)12 play key roles in potentiating E(Z) HMTase activity. We also show that loss of ESC disrupts global methylation of histone H3-lysine 27 in fly embryos. Subunit mutations identify domains required for catalytic activity and/or binding to specific partners. We describe missense mutations in surface loops of ESC, in the CXC domain of E(Z), and in the conserved VEFS domain of SU(Z)12, which each disrupt HMTase activity but preserve complex assembly. Thus, the E(Z) SET domain requires multiple partner inputs to produce active HMTase. We also find that a recombinant worm complex containing the E(Z) homolog, MES-2, has robust HMTase activity, which depends upon both MES-6, an ESC homolog, and MES-3, a pioneer protein. Thus, although the fly and mammalian PcG complexes absolutely require SU(Z)12, the worm complex generates HMTase activity from a distinct partner set.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

The epidemiology of group B streptococcal colonization in pregnancy. Vaginal Infections and Prematurity Study Group.

Risk factors for cervicovaginal group B streptococcal colonization at 23-26 weeks' gestation were studied in 7742 women participating in the Vaginal Infections and Prematurity study. The prevalence of group B Streptococcus was 18.6%, and was greatest in (predominantly Caribbean) Hispanics from New York City, followed by blacks, whites, and other (predominantly Mexican) Hispanics. Group B Streptococcus was more common among older women and women of lower parity, and less common among women living with their partner compared with those living alone. Current smoking was associated with a decreased risk of colonization, and group B Streptococcus was less common among women with more education. Increased risk was seen only with extreme increases in sexual activity including both frequent intercourse and multiple partners during the previous year. The risk of colonization was greater when there was concurrent colonization with Candida sp, but group B Streptococcus was not associated with carriage of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma hominis. External genital erythema and scaling, purulent vaginal discharge, and pH greater than 5 were associated with increased colonization. Although these associations can raise the clinical index of suspicion for group B streptococcal colonization in a given patient, the study data did not enable us to select a small group of women with a very high probability of colonization. We conclude that selective screening is not useful in detecting group B streptococcal colonization in pregnancy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Cumulative sexual intercourse patterns among middle adolescents: problem behavior precursors and concurrent health risk behaviors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to document associations among problem behaviors in childhood and early adolescence and several health risk behaviors in middle adolescence, including a cumulative index of sexual intercourse risk. METHOD: A nontreatment sample of 1167 10th and 11th grade students was recruited from three homogeneous suburban high schools in western New York. Intercourse activity and number of sexual partners were assessed four times at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period via self-report questionnaires administered in classroom settings. RESULTS: Sexual intercourse activity, once initiated, was found to be relatively persistent, rather than sporadic, for most adolescents. Repeated intercourse experience with multiple partners over the assessed time periods was associated with higher levels of externalizing childhood behavior problems, earlier onset of antisocial behaviors and substance use, and higher concurrent substance use. An avoidant, withdrawn behavioral style in childhood was associated with lower rates of sexual involvement in adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal linkages among childhood precursors and adolescent sexual behaviors were identified as critical to understanding adolescent risk behaviors. These cross-time relationships may identify potential targets for future intervention/prevention efforts among high risk subsamples of children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Intentions to use condoms in Rwandan secondary school students.

A survey was conducted among 474 (213 female and 261 male) students (mean age 21 years) in three secondary schools in rural Rwanda in order to evaluate their attitudes towards condoms. Male students and those with sexual experience had more favourable attitudes towards condom utilisation than female students and those without prior sexual contacts. Of the 44% with reported sexual experience, reported age at first encounter was lower in boys (16.8 years) than in girls (18.3 years; p=0.03); 73 students (36%) reported regular use of condoms. Having more than one sexual partner was reported by 42 (9%), of whom 20 (48%) claimed regularly using a condom. Intention to use condoms was reported by 77% of the male and 53% of the female students (p=0.001). In addition, those with prior use of condoms and those having multiple partners were more likely to report future use intentions than others. Future campaigns in Rwanda should therefore focus on sensitising adolescents to a more positive attitude towards condoms and include modules to reduce condom misconceptions and stigma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

CO(2) laser vaporization as primary therapy for human papillomavirus lesions. A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus manifestations occur with increased frequency and severity amongst sexually active people. Several therapeutic approaches have been suggested to treat this viral disease. The aim of this prospective observational study was to assess the effectiveness of CO(2) laser vaporization for human papillomavirus warts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty healthy sexually active women with cytologically, colposcopically and histologically diagnosed human papillomavirus urogenital and perianal warts were enrolled and then treated by CO(2) laser (16-18 W). Male partners were also investigated, and interferon-beta was eventually administered. All patients were then followed up for twelve months consecutively. RESULTS: At twelve-month follow-up, warts clearance was observed in 70 (87.5%) women. Recurrence was reported in ten (12.5%) women with multiple partners and affected by flat or endophytic condiloma of the cervix. Moreover, there were no complaints of pain, scar tissue deformity or other side effects. CONCLUSIONS: CO(2) laser vaporization is an effective, as well as safe and simple therapeutic approach for treatment of human papillomavirus warts. Its use should be encouraged for condyloma acuminata not associated with malignancy, as well as during pregnancy.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Key aspects of sexual behavior and safer sex practice among men in the city of São Paulo].

Heterosexual relations currently constitute the predominant route of HIV transmission to women in Brazil. Few studies have approached male sexual behavior taking women into account. This study included 597 men ages 21 to 50 in São Paulo city and explored several aspects pertaining to safer sex, such as sexual partners, knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)/AIDS, risk perception, and protective practices aimed at AIDS prevention. The results showed that, similar to other countries, the proportion of men who have sex with men is low (5%), that younger men adopt more protective behavior than older men regarding multiple partners and condom use, that knowledge of AIDS is widespread (but that there is still a lack of knowledge concerning STDs in general), and that although risk perception increases protective behavior, presumption of the partner's behavior influences this perception, placing men and women in a vulnerable situation.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1999

Psychological abuse: implications for adjustment and commitment to leave violent partners.

The contribution of psychological abuse, beyond that of physical abuse, to battered women's psychological adjustment and their intentions to terminate their abusive relationships was examined. Sixty-eight battered women residing in shelters for battered women provided information on their: (1) physical and psychological abuse; (2) psychological symptomatology; (3) strategies for coping with and perceptions of control over partner violence; and (4) intentions to return to their abusive partners. Multiple regression analyses indicated that frequency and severity of physical abuse was not a significant predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology nor of women's intentions to terminate their abusive relationships. However, psychological abuse was a significant predictor of both PTSD symptomatology and intentions to permanently leave abusive partners even after controlling for the effects of physical abuse. PTSD symptomatology moderated the relationship between psychological abuse and intentions to terminate the abusive relationships: resolve to leave the abusive partner as a function of level of psychological abuse was significant only among women characterized by low levels of PTSD symptomatology. Greater use of emotion-focused coping strategies, absolutely and relative to problem-focused coping, had direct effects on PTSD symptomatology. However, neither coping nor perceptions of control moderated the effects of psychological abuse on psychological adjustment. The results of the investigation suggested that psychological abuse and ensuing PTSD symptomatology are important variables to assess among physically battered women.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2006

The NMR structure of the gpU tail-terminator protein from bacteriophage lambda: identification of sites contributing to Mg(II)-mediated oligomerization and biological function.

During the late stages of lambda bacteriophage assembly, the protein gpU terminates tail polymerization and participates at the interface between the mature capsid and tail components. When it engages the lambda tail, gpU undergoes a monomer-hexamer transition to achieve its biologically active form. Towards understanding how gpU participates in multiple protein-protein interactions, we have solved the structure of gpU in its monomeric state using NMR methods. The structure reveals a mixed alpha/beta motif with several dynamic loops at the periphery. Addition of 20 mM MgCl(2) is known to oligomerize gpU in the absence of its protein partners. Multiple image analysis of electron micrographs revealed ring-like structures of magnesium ion saturated gpU with a 30 A pore, consistent with its function as a portal for the passage of viral DNA into the host bacterium. The ability of magnesium ions to promote oligomerization was lost when substitutions were made at a cluster of acidic amino acids in the vicinity of helix alpha2 and the beta1-beta2 loop. Furthermore, substitutions at these sites abolished the biological activity of gpU.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Daily negative interactions and mood among patients and partners dealing with multiple sclerosis (MS): the moderating effects of emotional support.

Negative interactions with intimate partners may have adverse consequences for well-being, especially for individuals dealing with chronic illness. However, it is not clear whether negative interactions affect both dimensions of positive and negative well-being and factors that may moderate this effect have not been well-described. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between daily received negative responses from the partner and end-of-day positive and negative mood in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their intimate partners. Further, the moderating role of receiving emotional support from the partner on the same day was examined. Sixty-one MS patients and their intimate partners were approached via one MS centre and the neurology department of one hospital in the Netherlands and completed computerized diaries for 14 days. Both partners filled out diaries at the end of each day, recording received negative responses, emotional support and end-of-day positive and negative mood. In line with a domain specific model, patients or partners who reported receiving negative responses on a day had higher end-of-day negative mood, whereas received negative responses were unrelated to end-of-day positive mood. Further, for both patients and partners, the adverse effect of received negative responses on end-of day mood was moderated by receiving emotional support on the same day.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, opportunistic infections, and malignancies in male homosexuals. A hypothesis of etiologic factors in pathogenesis.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs in a subgroup of male homosexuals having sexual contact with a large number of partners. Uncommonly, AIDS has also been diagnosed in Haitians, hemophiliacs, and intravenous drug users and their infants. Manifestations include autoimmune disturbances, opportunistic infections, Kaposi's sarcoma, chronic lymphadenomegaly, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or squamous cell carcinoma. The hypothesis receiving most consideration is that a yet-to-be-identified virus causes AIDS. An alternative view is that repeated sexual involvement with multiple partners, in a subgroup of male homosexuals, exposes the men to the immunosuppressive impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and allogeneic semen. Antibody to asialo-Gm1 and other antigens on sperm react with and impair lymphoid cells. We propose a biphasic process. First, a reversible acquisition phase of impaired T-cell immunoregulation permits reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and autoantibodies are produced by the activated B cells. If sexual activity continues at a high level, accumulating immune defects, including destruction of thymic epithelium, lead to a second, self-sustaining phase wherein cytotoxic lymphocytes fail to eliminate herpesvirus-infected cells. Evidence is mounting that Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by CMV and that EBV is responsible for the B-cell lymphomas in these patients. Multiple factors, rather than a novel virus, probably induce AIDS in male homosexuals. If this hypothesis is correct, then rational bases for prevention and intervention can be designed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2002

Men who have sex with men and also inject drugs-profiles of risk related to the synergy of sex and drug injection behaviors.

OBJECTIVES: Men who have sex with men and also inject drugs (MSM-IDU) are among the groups at highest risk for acquiring and transmitting HIV in Colorado and the US. We conducted formative research and a survey among MSM-IDU in Denver to better understand sexual and drug HIV risk behaviors and how they interact. METHODS: Formative data were collected with 30 persons who work, live or otherwise interact with MSM-IDU using a semi-structured interview instrument. Survey data on sexual and drug risk behaviors were collected with 100 MSM-IDU; eligible participants have had sex with men and injected drugs within the past six months. RESULTS: Results from formative research were used to generate the survey instrument. The survey results demonstrate high-risk sexual behaviors with multiple partners of both genders; 82% of the sample had primary and non-primary male partners, 20% had non-primary female partners, and 15% exchanged money or drugs for sex. Condom use was inconsistent and infrequent for all types of sex (vaginal, anal and oral) and with all types of partners. Drug risk behaviors highlight that the injection drugs of choice for this sample (90% shoot cocaine and 59% shoot methamphetamine) stimulate sexual desire and cocaine injection increases opportunities for injection risk behavior. Forty-five percent of the sample were HIV-infected. Significant differences between HIV infected and non-infected men were not observed with regard to many sexual and drug risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that MSM-IDU are engaging in multiple risk behaviors that may have a synergistic effect on HIV transmission, and that their injection drug of choice contributes to their risk. That there do not appear to be consistent differences in preventive behaviors between men with or without HIV infection suggests a greatly increased risk for HIV transmission in this group of men and their partners. Because MSM-IDU do not identify strongly with either MSM because they may not gay identify or IDU because they do not use heroin, targeted HIV prevention strategies for this group are urgently needed.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Patterns of sexual behavior and risk taking among young New York City gay men.

One-hundred and seventy-four young New York City gay men (aged 18-24) were studied over a two-year period. We describe patterns of HIV risk taking behavior and factors that predict risk taking. Among men who engaged in receptive anal intercourse we discerned different patterns of behaviors. We defined risk takers as men who engaged in receptive anal intercourse. About two-thirds of the men fall into this category in each year, and about half of those (one third of the total) engaged in unprotected anal intercourse. Most of these men seem to make implicit decisions in managing their risk for HIV. Men who engaged in receptive anal intercourse were more likely to be in a coupled relationship and to know their partners' HIV status. Alcohol and/or drug use during sex, earlier sexual experiences, and greater integration into the gay community were also related to receptive anal intercourse. By contrast, a significant minority of the men, about 6% of the sample, engaged in very high risk behavior in each year of the study-defined as unprotected receptive anal intercourse with multiple partners. It appears that very high risk takers are qualitatively different from other risk takers: They reported more mental health problems, including more drug use, and higher levels of internalized homophobia and AIDS-related traumatic stress response. Implications for AIDS education and prevention are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2005

Risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among young women with abnormal screening cytology.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the risk of high-grade cervical disease among teenage women with abnormal cytology. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of females undergoing colposcopy for abnormal screening cytology in an urban dysplasia clinic. RESULTS: Among 211 eligible teens, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were found in 17 (8%) on referral cytology and 4 (2%) on repeat cytology. High-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was found in colposcopic biopsy specimens 30 (15%) of young women; no patient had cancer. Age, referral Pap, ethnicity, parity, HIV serostatus, history of other sexually transmitted infections, smoking, oral contraceptive use condom use, use of medroxyprogesterone, age at first intercourse, and the number of years since first intercourse did not predict increasing risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In logistic regression, both number of partners > or = 5 (p = 0.003) and a finding of any squamous intraepithelial lesion in a Pap test repeated at colposcopy (p = 0.025) were significant predictors of CIN 2,3, though the predictive value of the model was weak (R = 0.12). CONCLUSION: Only 15% of teens with abnormal cytology have high-grade CIN. Colposcopy may be most appropriate for those with multiple partners and squamous intraepithelial lesions on repeat Pap.

Adolescent↗