HIV/AIDS in Society

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a literature review on programs available to educate young people about HIV/AIDS. The paper examines some of the approaches being taken today and how effective they have been. The paper also attempts to show some of the ways in which the efficacy of these program has been tested and to suggest where more study is needed to improve these programs and make them as effective as possible, with the ultimate goal being to change risky behavior and so to reduce the incidence of HIV infection.

Outline:
Background
Objectives
Selection Criteria
Search Strategy
Methods of the Review
Description of Studies and Results
Methodological Quality
Discussion and Conclusions

From the Paper:

"The author analyzes recent literature investigating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior among street youth, finding that prevalence rates of both adolescent homelessness and HIV seropositivity are unknown but that data from a number of samples document a high prevalence of HIV risk behavior, sexually transmitted diseases, and alcohol/drug use among homeless adolescents. A number of individual and social factors are associated with street survival and may also propel adolescents toward high-risk behavior. Unfortunately, for some adolescents, testing HIV positive is seen as advantageous in the procurement of basic needs such as food and shelter. Any HIV risk-reduction interventions must consider the cause of homelessness, access to and participation in shelter services, and individual factors (such as the effects of sexual orientation and ethnicity) that often have not been systematically included in previous research. HIV risk for many homeless adolescents derives directly from their state of homelessness, and national policies and funding are therefore needed to address the health needs of these youth. How effective such programs may be depends on how they are shaped, how they are presented, and the precise nature of the social situation."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Crosby, R.A., DiClemente, R.J., Wingood, G.M., Salazar, L.F., Harrington, K., Davies, S.L., & Oh, M.K. (2003). Identification of strategies for promoting condom use: a prospective analysis of high-risk African American female teens. Prevention Science: The Official Journal of The Society For Prevention Research 4 (4), 263-70.
• Emans, S.J., Brown, R.T., Davis, A., Felice, M., & Hein, K. (1991). Society for Adolescent Medicine Position Paper on Reproductive Health Care for Adolescents. The Journal of Adolescent Health: Official Publication of The Society For Adolescent Medicine Vol. 12 (8), 649-61.
• Harvey, B., Stuart, J., & Swan, T. (2000). Evaluation of a drama-in-education programme to increase AIDS awareness in South African high schools: a randomized community intervention trial. International Journal of STD & AIDS 11 (2), 105-11.
• Morrison-Beedy, D., Nelson, L.E., & Volpe, E. (2006, February 24). HIV Risk Behaviors and Testing in Adolescent Girls: Evidence to Guide Clinical Practice. Pediatric Nursing.
• Munodawafa, D., Marty, P.J., & Gwede, C. (1995). Effectiveness of health instruction provided by student nurses in rural secondary schools of Zimbabwe: a feasibility study. International Journal of Nursing Studies 32 (1), 27-38.

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