Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF AIDS: BEHAVIORAL FACTORS AND INTERVENTION
The Epidemiology of AIDS: Expression, Occurrence, and Control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection. Kaslow RA and Francis DP, eds. New York, Oxford University Press, p. 266-81, 1989.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/90668123 Stall R; Coates TJ; Mandel JS; Morales ES; Sorensen JL; 1618 Castro, no. 507, San Francisco, CA 94114
Abstract:
Early in the AIDS epidemic, prevention and behavioral research efforts stimulated the development of a psychosocial research agenda for AIDS that contained four major components: (1) strategies for preventing the spread of infection; (2) the impact of psychosocial variables on disease incidence and progression; (3) the impact of the disease process itself on behaviors and psychological functioning of those infected with the AIDS virus; and (4) the efficacy of interventions for modifying the effect of the epidemic on individuals coping with the threat of disease. Findings concerning the first three of these components are reviewed here. Prevention strategies for homosexual men, iv drug users, ethnic minorities, and heterosexuals have been formulated and implemented. Because the only means of interrupting the AIDS epidemic is through behavioral change, psychosocial factors are of central importance. Many homosexual men have responded to the AIDS epidemic with behavioral changes, whereas certain groups do not consistently comply with safe sex recommendations. Legal and cultural factors promote or perpetuate needle sharing among iv drug users. Little is known about why heterosexual partners of HIV-1 antibody-positive individuals do not practice safe-sex techniques. Perhaps the most important lesson learned so far is that health education is a necessary, but not sufficient, inducer of behavioral change. Knowledge of positive HIV-1 antibody status has led to subsequent reductions in sexual behavior leading to HIV-1 and other infections. Higher levels of stress and depression and relationship difficulties can accompany a positive test result, whereas some individuals reported seeking testing as a way of reducing uncertainty and anxiety. Psychosocial stress can result from the knowledge that an individual is HIV-1 positive or has AIDS. Psychosocial factors also seem to play a role in the course of infection from various viruses, suggesting that the state of the immune system is linked to psychosocial factors. Various unknown factors (eg, stress, age, nutritional status, depression, and social support) may partly determine host response. (78 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/ PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION Disease Outbreaks/*PREVENTION & CONTROL Female Health Education/*METHODS Homosexuality Human HIV Infections/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION HIV-1/*PATHOGENICITY Male Risk Factors Sex Behavior Sexual Partners Sick Role Substance Abuse, Intravenous/COMPLICATIONS MONOGRAPH REVIEW
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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
