|
Keeping young South Africans in school: A 'social vaccine' against AIDS
January 17, 2008A study published today in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health suggests that secondary school attendance is linked to lower risk of HIV infection among young people in rural South Africa.
The study, a collaboration between the School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), examined sexual behaviour and HIV prevalence among 916 young men and 1003 young women aged 14 to 25 in rural South Africa. The researchers wanted to know whether youth who remain in school are at higher or lower risk of HIV infection, compared to similar, out-of-school peers.
The team, led by Dr. James Hargreaves of the LSHTM's Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, found that among both sexes, those in school reported fewer sexual partners, compared to their out-of-school peers. For female students, this partner reduction was accompanied by other protective behaviours such as greater condom use, less frequent sex, and partners who were closer to their own age. Strikingly, male students were much less likely to be HIV positive than their out-of-school peers.
In light of recent setbacks, such as the disappointing closure of the Merck HIV vaccine trial, such findings suggest that we should not overlook potential "social vaccines" which, in addition to biomedical interventions, can play a critical role in HIV prevention. Dr James Hargreaves comments: "Our study suggests that, in South Africa, being in school can shape young people's social networks, leading to less high-risk sexual behaviour and, therefore, lower rates of HIV infection. We also recently conducted a review of 36 studies across sub-Saharan Africa which came to the same conclusions - that across a number of countries, those with higher education may now be at lower risk of HIV infection, reversing previous trends. We need to accelerate efforts to increase access to education, including secondary education, if we are going to make an impact on this epidemic. It's encouraging that African governments, the G8, the World Bank, and others have committed to these goals - now there is even more evidence why we should do it. "
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
In light of recent setbacks, such as the disappointing closure of the Merck HIV vaccine trial, such findings suggest that we should not overlook potential "social vaccines" which, in addition to biomedical interventions, can play a critical role in HIV prevention. Dr James Hargreaves comments: "Our study suggests that, in South Africa, being in school can shape young people's social networks, leading to less high-risk sexual behaviour and, therefore, lower rates of HIV infection. We also recently conducted a review of 36 studies across sub-Saharan Africa which came to the same conclusions - that across a number of countries, those with higher education may now be at lower risk of HIV infection, reversing previous trends. We need to accelerate efforts to increase access to education, including secondary education, if we are going to make an impact on this epidemic. It's encouraging that African governments, the G8, the World Bank, and others have committed to these goals - now there is even more evidence why we should do it. "
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Hiv Infection News and Current Hiv Infection Events RSSAsthma risk increases in children treated for HIV
Children whose immune systems rebound after treatment with potent anti-viral drugs for HIV infection face an increased risk of developing asthma, said a federally funded consortium of researchers led by those from Baylor College of Medicine in a report that appears online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Zinc finger proteins put personalized HIV therapy within reach
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and collaborators are using minute, naturally occurring proteins called zinc fingers to engineer T cells to one day treat AIDS in humans.
Findings offer insights into role of breastfeeding in preventing infant death, HIV infection
In many poor countries, mothers with HIV face a stark choice: to nurse their infants, and risk passing on HIV through their breast milk-or to formula feed, and deprive their infants of much of the natural immunity needed to protect against fatal diseases of early infancy.
Extended infant antiretroviral prophylaxis reduces HIV risk during breastfeeding
In many resource-poor countries, infants born to mothers with HIV receive a single dose of nevirapine (NVP) and a one-week dose of zidovudine (ZDV) to prevent transmission of HIV from the mother to her newborn.
Regulatory B cells exist -- and pack a punch
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have uncovered definitive evidence that a small but potent subset of immune system B cells is able to regulate inflammation.
Failed HIV Drug Gets Second Chance with Addition of Gold Nanoparticles
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that adding tiny bits of gold to a failed HIV drug rekindle the drug's ability to stop the virus from invading the body's immune system.
New study shows how genes control blood proteins important to health
A new study shows how genes control levels of many blood proteins implicated in disease. The findings are the result of an international collaboration between scientists at the University of Exeter, the National Institute on Aging, and the Tuscany and Florence Health Agencies.
Prisoner HIV program leads to continuum of medical care after release
By linking HIV positive prisoners to community-based medical care prior to release through an innovative program called Project Bridge, 95 percent of ex-offenders were retained in health care for a year after being released from incarceration, according to researchers from The Miriam Hospital.
Immune exhaustion in HIV infection
As HIV disease progresses in a person infected with the HIV virus, a group of cells in the immune system, the CD8+ T lymphocytes, become "exhausted," losing many of their abilities to kill other cells infected by the virus.
An MUHC team evaluates a new saliva-based HIV test to speed up detection
The usual waiting period for the results of a HIV test can seem like an eternity, especially in emergency situations where results are needed immediately.
More Hiv Infection News Articles
 | The First Year: HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The) by Brett Grodeck |
 | HIV/AIDS: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) by Alan Whiteside |
 | 100 Questions and Answers About HIV and AIDS by Joel Gallant |
 | Inventing the AIDS Virus by Peter H. Duesberg |
 | The Guide to Living with HIV Infection: Developed at the Johns Hopkins AIDS Clinic (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by John G. Bartlett, Ann K. Finkbeiner |
 | Basic Infection Control for Healthcare Providers by Michael Kennamer |
 | The Complete HIV/AIDS Teaching Kit with CD-Rom by Josefina Card, Angela Amarillas, Alana Conner, Diana Dull Akers, Julie Solomon |
 | Teenagers, HIV, and AIDS: Insights from Youths Living with the Virus (Sex, Love, and Psychology) |
 | Healing HIV: How To Rebuild Your Immune System by Jon D., M.D. Kaiser, Jon D. Kaiser |
 | Couples of Mixed HIV Status: Clinical Issues And Interventions by Nancy Beckerman |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |