CDC HIV/AIDS/Viral Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update 2/10/2012 (AEGiS)
CDC HIV/AIDS/Viral Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update 2/10/2012 (AEGiS) -
CDC HIV/AIDS/Viral Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update
For Friday, February 10, 2012
The CDC National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs and Tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC NCHHSTP Daily News Summary should be cited as the source of the information. Copyright © 2012, Information Inc., Bethesda, MD.
NATIONAL NEWS
MEDICAL NEWS
LOCAL AND COMMUNITY NEWS
- NEW YORK: New York Policymakers Grilled over HIV/AIDS Housing Help
- CALIFORNIA: Solemn Ceremony Opens AIDS Quilt Display
- VIRGINIA: Nonprofit Is a Lifeline for HIV/AIDS Inmates Nearing Release
- COLORADO: Unusual Rate of Latent TB Prompts More Testing at Longmont High School
- WISCONSIN: Test Confirms Appleton Student Has Tuberculosis
- AUSTRALIA: Sex Education 'Campaign Needed for Teens'
- THAILAND: Survey Shows Many Youngsters Not Practicing Safe Sex
NATIONAL NEWS
UNITED STATES: Singles America
Sharon Jayson
USA Today (02.12.12) - Friday, February 10, 2012
Two-thirds of US singles age 21 and older responding to a recent national survey expressed doubts about marrying. Almost 40 percent said they were uncertain about wanting to marry; 27 percent said they want to remain single; and 34.5 percent said they do want to marry.
Most of the 5,541 singles surveyed are heterosexual (90.5 percent); 56.5 percent have never married; 30.9 percent are divorced; 2.4 percent are separated; and 10.2 percent are widowed.
The "Singles in America" survey was conducted online in December by MarketTools for the Internet dating service Match.com. It was developed by the Institute for Evolutionary Studies at Binghamton University, with input from biological anthropologist Helen Fisher and Chicago sex therapist Laura Berman.
"It's true that researchers used to find that people who hadn't gotten married still had aspirations to get married, but I think that may be eroding now," said sociologist Michael Rosenfeld of California's Stanford University. "If they're 20 years into adult relationships and haven't found somebody they want to marry, maybe they've changed their minds about how necessary marriage is."
The survey found that 55 percent of singles (men: 66 percent; women: 44 percent) reporting having sex on the first date. Online socializing may be facilitating this, said Berman: "It's almost as if by the time they've had the first physical date, it might have been the equivalent of three dates. I think this online sharing has definitely escalated some of this familiarity and quickness in which people get into sexual scenarios."
Almost one-quarter said they generally have sex after one, two or three dates; 25 percent said they do so "when the other person is ready"; 19 percent said "when we agree to an exclusive relationship"; and 13 percent said "when we are married."
Having had a one-night stand was reported by 58 percent of singles (men: 65 percent; women: 51 percent).
Forty-four percent said they had not experienced infidelity. Among those who had, 36 percent said their partner had been unfaithful; 8 percent said they themselves had been unfaithful; 13 percent said both parties had been unfaithful.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
SOUTH AFRICA: 'Alarm' at South African Pupils' Lack of HIV/AIDS Knowledge
Victoria John
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) (02.09.12) - Friday, February 10, 2012
A new study finds that two-thirds of South African sixth-graders lack basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
"The results [indicate] that major alarm bells should be ringing in South Africa [because] knowledge levels about HIV and AIDS among around two-thirds of grade six learners in 2007 were below a benchmark defined as mastery of more than one-half the official school curriculum," wrote study authors Meshack Moloi and Mark Chetty. The findings are from the latest Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality report, which is based on research in 15 nations in 2007.
Socioeconomic status greatly affected HIV/AIDS awareness: 17 percent of lower-income students had basic knowledge levels versus 65 percent of their wealthier peers. Large provincial variations were seen as well, with Gauteng scoring high and Limpopo low in student awareness of the virus.
"Before 2008 [Limpopo] did not have someone assigned to specifically deal with HIV-awareness programs in schools, but now we have a person to do that," said provincial education department spokesperson Pat Kgomo.
South Africa's education leaders point to a dedicated HIV/AIDS awareness budget and expanded programming since 2007. "Recently the Department of Health has approached us on their voluntary testing model which we are currently in discussion to assist in addressing [HIV awareness levels]," said Department of Education spokesperson Panyaza Lesufi.
To view the report, visit http://lyris.danyaitss.com/t/2479694/3074008/221/25/
MEDICAL NEWS
UNITED STATES: HIV Drugs Not Linked with Child Psychiatric Problems
Julie Steenhuysen
Reuters (02.07.12) - Friday, February 10, 2012
Antiretroviral therapy does not appear to increase the risk of psychiatric problems in children with HIV, a new study suggests. Scientists have been worried about high rates of psychiatric and academic problems in children with HIV.
"The question that is coming up is, 'Why do they have so many issues? Is it their HIV, is it their antiretrovirals or is it other factors?'" said study author Dr. Sharon Nachman of Stony Brook University in New York.
In an earlier study, Nachman and colleagues found that children with HIV and those with an HIV-positive family member had similarly high rates of psychiatric problems, suggesting environmental stressors. The new study analyzed data on 319 HIV-infected children and adolescents ages six to 17 enrolled in the International Maternal Pediatrics Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group study in the United States and Puerto Rico.
One-third of the children had at least one psychiatric disorder, such as depression or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, no link was found between antiretroviral therapy and any psychiatric problem.
"It wasn't the antiretrovirals," Nachman said. "It didn't matter which antiretrovirals the kids used. Those didn't predict or prevent a kid from getting a psychiatric illness" or having social or academic problems, she said.
In looking at markers of the severity of the disease, such as CD4 cell levels and viral loads, the results were mixed. Children with a lower CD4 percentage at baseline had less severe depression. Those with high viral loads at baseline had more severe depression. Children with the most severe disease at baseline did worse on cognitive tests of executive functioning, such as remembering a sequence of numbers, Nachman said.
"It appears if you had a high viral load at a younger age or a low CD4 percentage, you did get a hit on your brain" in terms of executive function, Nachman said. The study did not prove cause and effect, but it suggests HIV infection could affect the brain, she said.
The full report, "Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease Severity, Psychiatric Symptoms, and Functional Outcomes in Perinatally Infected Youth," was published online in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (2012;doi:10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.1785).
LOCAL AND COMMUNITY NEWS
NEW YORK: New York Policymakers Grilled over HIV/AIDS Housing Help
Cristian Salazar
Associated Press (02.08.12) - Friday, February 10, 2012
New York City Council members on Wednesday questioned policymakers about a rule that changed eligibility criteria for clients seeking housing assistance through the HIV/AIDS Services Administration. Under the policy, which took effect in the fall, HASA clients have to be screened for substance abuse and accept treatment or lose eligibility for some housing services. No one would be denied shelter, HASA officials said, but that did not assuage some council members' fears.
Adherence to substance abuse treatment would be one factor in assessing eligibility, Jacqueline Dudley, HASA's deputy commissioner, told the council's general welfare committee before a packed hearing. Some 650 HASA clients have been referred for treatment under the policy and about half have complied, a HASA spokesperson said.
"Clients who are not compliant will be offered alternative housing," where on-site counselors can work with them on substance abuse, Dudley said. Such housing is at 90 percent capacity, she said.
"I believe you're punishing people, and in some ways pushing them away at the very moment when you should actually be bringing them closer," said council member Jimmy Van Bramer.
Housing should not be used as leverage for substance abuse treatment, said advocates and researchers. In studies, stable housing has been associated with HIV treatment adherence, reduced risk behaviors, and obtaining medical care, they said.
"They are making drug treatment the highest priority, above adherence to HIV antiviral medications, above survival," said Ginny Shubert, a public policy researcher and consultant. "It makes no sense."
CALIFORNIA: Solemn Ceremony Opens AIDS Quilt Display
Matthew S. Bajko
Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco) (02.09.12) - Friday, February 10, 2012
This weekend, San Francisco will host its first large-scale display of AIDS Memorial Quilt blocks since 1999. A reading of the names of 10,000 of the people the quilt memorializes will open the exhibit.
"The quilt has not been shown in San Francisco for years. Many of my employees who are part of the younger generation have no knowledge about it," said Petyr Kane, a Castro neighborhood retailer who helped organize the display.
"We wanted to do something big that would draw attention back to this critical issue and combat what we're seeing as a decreasing concern about getting infected," said Beth Feingold, executive director of Under One Roof. The Castro store, whose proceeds benefit HIV agencies, also worked to make the display possible. The Names Project, which maintains the quilt, was founded in San Francisco but relocated to Atlanta in 2000.
The display begins at noon Sunday at the former Tower Records store, 2278 Market St. Quilt panels will be on view also at Body, 450 Castro St.; Under One Roof, 518A Castro St.; Bank of America, 501 Castro St.; and Catch, 2362 Market St. The exhibit continues through Feb. 20; there is no admission charge, but donations will be collected to support local AIDS nonprofits.
VIRGINIA: Nonprofit Is a Lifeline for HIV/AIDS Inmates Nearing Release
Denise Watson Batts
Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk) (02.07.12) - Friday, February 10, 2012
In 2005, Newport News-based Health and Home Support Services (HHSS) received a grant to start a "pre-release" program to help inmates with HIV/AIDS prepare for their transition out of prison. Until that time, the East End nonprofit's sole focus was residential medical assistance for seniors and the indigent.
Pre-release case managers work with clients from Williamsburg to Currituck County who are nearing the end of their sentences. They visit jails almost every day, check that clients are taking their medication, and talk about HIV infection. One of the tasks is helping clients become more comfortable with disclosing their serostatus to loved ones. That is a major hurdle for many, said Gwendolyn Ellis-Wilson, a pre-release case manager.
With more funding since 2005, the group has expanded to work with other HIV/AIDS patients and high-risk individuals. HHSS also can help former inmates who need temporary shelter, thanks to recent funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).
Housing had been a missing piece, said Marolyn Edmonds, the group's program administrator. Many of the inmates have been written off by family and friends, said Ellis-Wilson. Without housing, it was difficult to make sure clients adhered to treatment. The EJAF money will allow HHSS to rent two homes and buy one in Newport News.
NEWS BRIEFS
COLORADO: Unusual Rate of Latent TB Prompts More Testing at Longmont High School
Victoria A.F. Camron
Longmont Times-Call (02.08.12) - Friday, February 10, 2012
In two rounds of screening at Longmont High School in Longmont, about 40 percent of students and staff have tested positive for latent TB, prompting plans to test everyone at the school. That rate is unusual but not unheard of, said Dr. Randall Reves, director of the Denver Metro Tuberculosis Control Program. "It just reflects that [the initial student's] particular case of TB was more infectious than average," Reves said. No additional active case has been found. Ninth- and 10th-graders will be tested next week, followed by untested 11th- and 12th-graders the week after. Reves will meet with parents to address their questions and concerns Monday at 6:30 p.m. in Longmont High's gymnasium, 1040 Sunset St.
WISCONSIN: Test Confirms Appleton Student Has Tuberculosis
Associated Press (02.09.12) - Friday, February 10, 2012
An Appleton North High School student has been diagnosed with TB, prompting plans to test about 300 youths who may have been exposed. The health department contacted all ANHS parents this week and sent letters to those whose children need to be tested. People outside the school who may have been exposed also have been notified, health officer Kurt Eggebrecht told the Post-Crescent of Appleton.
AUSTRALIA: Sex Education 'Campaign Needed for Teens'
Australian Associated Press (02.09.12) - Friday, February 10, 2012
The results of a survey of teens in New South Wales has officials calling for expanded sex education in schools. The study found that 32 percent of 10th-graders report having had sex, and 37 percent of 15- and 16-year olds did not use a condom in their last sexual encounter. The government should consult with youths to ensure they are receiving effective messages about sexual health, said Megan Mitchell, the NSW commissioner for children and young people. "Involving young people in developing these messages will be a key to their success," she said. The report, "A Picture of NSW Children," is based on information gathered from more than 1.6 million youths in the state since 2008; to access it, visit www.picture.kids.nsw.gov.au.
THAILAND: Survey Shows Many Youngsters Not Practicing Safe Sex
The Nation (Bangkok) (02.10.12) - Friday, February 10, 2012
A recent survey of 1,014 young people in Bangkok indicates 31 percent have been sexually active. Of the 12- to 24-year-olds polled, some boys reported having had their first sexual experience at age 12, while the youngest for girls was 13. Just 53.2 percent of sexually active young people surveyed used condoms. The Public Health Ministry and Suan Dusit Rajabhat University collaborated on the study as part of broad efforts to control the spread of STDs in Thailand. Dr. Pornthep Siriwanarangsan, director-general of the ministry's Disease Control Department, said plans are underway to launch a new condom promotion campaign on Valentine's Day at MBK Center. An estimated 60 million condoms will be handed out across the country, he said.
Copyright © 2012 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs and TB does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/AIDS/Viral Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.
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