Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Keeping young South Africans in school: A 'social vaccine' against AIDS

Keeping young South Africans in school: A 'social vaccine' against AIDS

January 17, 2008

A 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



Related Hiv Infection Current Events and Hiv Infection News Articles Hiv Infection Current Events and Hiv Infection News RSS Hiv Infection Current Events and Hiv Infection News RSS
Multiple health concerns surface as winter, vitamin D deficiences arrive
A string of recent discoveries about the multiple health benefits of vitamin D has renewed interest in this multi-purpose nutrient, increased awareness of the huge numbers of people who are deficient in it, spurred research and even led to an appreciation of it as "nature's antibiotic."

Many pregnant women avoid HIV screening in Africa
'Prevention is the best cure' is a common expression, but what happens if preventative measures are not used? A large proportion of pregnant Ugandan women are going out of their way not to be HIV tested, increasing the risk of mother-to-child transmission.

An atomic-level look at an HIV accomplice
Since the discovery in 2007 that a component of human semen called SEVI boosts infectivity of the virus that causes AIDS, researchers have been trying to learn more about SEVI and how it works, in hopes of thwarting its infection-promoting activity.

Scientists explain binding action of 2 key HIV antibodies; could lead to new vaccine design
A very close and detailed study of how the most robust antibodies work to block the HIV virus as it seeks entry into healthy cells has revealed a new direction for researchers hoping to design an effective vaccine.

Global challenges and opportunities in fighting HIV/AIDS and neglected diseases
Responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and tackling so-called neglected tropical diseases are the focus of the November/December 2009 edition of Health Affairs.

HIV care providers applaud Congress' extension of Ryan White program
Medical providers on the front lines of HIV care applaud the U.S. Congress for extending the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, helping to ensure that more than half a million low-income, uninsured, or underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS have access to lifesaving care.

Pitt researchers find candidates for new HIV drugs
While studying an HIV protein that plays an essential role in AIDS progression, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered compounds that show promise as novel treatments for the disease.

NIH launches 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine trials in HIV-infected pregnant women
The first clinical trials to test whether the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine can safely elicit a protective immune response in pregnant women launched yesterday, and a trial to conduct the same test in HIV-infected children and youth will begin next week.

Continuing racial differences in HIV prevalence in US
HIV prevalence among African Americans is ten times greater than the prevalence among whites. This racial disparity in HIV prevalence has persisted in the face of both governmental and private actions, involving many billions of dollars, to combat HIV.

HIV vaccine regimen demonstrates modest preventive effect in Thailand clinical study
In an encouraging development, an investigational vaccine regimen has been shown to be well-tolerated and to have a modest effect in preventing HIV infection in a clinical trial involving more than 16,000 adult participants in Thailand.
More Hiv Infection Current Events and Hiv Infection News Articles
The Guide to Living with HIV Infection: Developed at the Johns Hopkins AIDS Clinic (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

The Guide to Living with HIV Infection: Developed at the Johns Hopkins AIDS Clinic (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
by John G. Bartlett MD (Author), Ann K. Finkbeiner (Author)

The Guide to Living with HIV Infection is the most complete source of medical, emotional, social, and practical advice available for those infected with HIV and their loved ones. Developed at the Johns Hopkins AIDS Clinic, the guide provides essential information for making decisions about treatment and testing in a world transformed by new research and pharmacotherapy.

In this thoroughly updated sixth edition, Dr. John Bartlett and Ann K. Finkbeiner address the latest information about risks of transmission, viral mutations that confer drug resistance, and new, rapid, HIV testing. They offer guidelines for Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), a therapy protocol that has dramatically increased life expectancy for HIV-positive people. They describe how to follow HAART and...

EPA approved - Protex Disinfectant Spray Bottle, 12 oz. Efective against MRSA, E-coli, influenza, H1N1, Herpes, HBV, VISA, VRE, HCV, HIV.

EPA approved - Protex Disinfectant Spray Bottle, 12 oz. Efective against MRSA, E-coli, influenza, H1N1, Herpes, HBV, VISA, VRE, HCV, HIV.
by Parker Labs

A powerful one-step disinfectant effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including MRSA, HIV, Staph and many others. Useful in disinfecting ultrasound transducers, probes, mammography compressor plates and other hard nonporous, non-surgical surfaces. Protex is an EPA approved, one-step spray that effectively kills a wide range of bateria, viruses, and fungi including: MRSA, E-coli, influenza, H1N1, Herpes, HBV, VISA, VRE, HCV, HIV Salmonella and Norwalk Virus.

The HIV / HCV Co-Infection Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad

The HIV / HCV Co-Infection Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad
by MyHeritageWear.com

The HIV / HCV Co-Infection Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the HIV / HCV Co-Infection Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your HIV / HCV Co-Infection Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness!

  Pulmonary Complications of HIV Infection Volume 4
Also With: Bayer Pharmaceutical Division (Primary Contributor)

The Pulmonary Clinical Consultant. Diagnosis and Management of acute lung injury in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

The First Year: HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The)

The First Year: HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The)
by Brett Grodeck (Author), M.D. Daniel S. Berger (Foreword)

This supportive resource explores the next generation of HIV/AIDS drugs and also includes new research on HIV and crystal meth, as well as new insights for the hardest hit population — African Americans.

  Nutrition & Metabolic Disorders in Hiv Infection
by Aamic



  HIV Infection And Developmental Disabilities: A Resource for Service Providers
by Allen C. Crocker (Author), Herbert J. Cohen (Author), Theodore A. Kastner (Editor)



100 Questions and Answers About HIV and AIDS

100 Questions and Answers About HIV and AIDS
by Joel Gallant (Author)



ProntoPass Naplex Review HIV & Opportunistic Infections Poster

ProntoPass Naplex Review HIV & Opportunistic Infections Poster
by ProntoPass Solutions

HIV & Opportunistic Infections 11" x 17" Poster. Great visual adjunct to regular ProntoPass® QUICKCARDS® Naplex® Review study material. Visualize the material and burn it into your brain. Evolutionary educational change, revolutionary results. Do HIV drugs confuse you? This poster will help you better understand them. HIV is important to know for NAPLEX®. Printed on both sides. ProntoPass® - the prescription for success.

  Medical Management Of HIV Infection 2007
by John G. Bartlett (Author), Joel E., M.D. Gallant (Author)



© 2009 BrightSurf.com