Bearinger Lh

Bio: Bearinger Lh is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Reproductive health & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 46 citations.

Time to intervene: preventing the spread of HIV / AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa.

Abstract: The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa (MEAN) region increased from 87000 in 2003 to 152000 in 2005 according to United Nations estimates. While these numbers may look small compared to about 40 million people who are living with HIV worldwide the number of infections appears to be increasing rapidly in the region. More important the low number of HIV infections does not mean low risk. MEANs conservative culture--in which sexual relationships outside marriage are forbidden--has been partly responsible for keeping the rates of HIV infection relatively low. The same conservative norms however often contribute to a general attitude of denial combined with strong stigmatization and social ostracism of people living with HIV/AIDS. Because HIV infection is concentrated for now among people who are often perceived as socially deviant the AIDS epidemic has been shrouded in ignorance--and that ignorance does not help prevent the spread of the infection. Thepurpose of this policy brief is to raise awareness among MEANs decision-makers and opinion leaders about the urgent need for action by presenting some of the warning signs risks and vulnerabilities that face the region. The current low rates of HIV infection and concentration among specific groups in MEAN offer the opportunity to develop policies and programs to prevent an epidemic that could have far-reaching social and economic implications. (excerpt)

Parent-adolescent communication about sex in Morelos, Mexico: does it impact sexual behaviour?

Abstract: Objectives Parent-adolescent communication about sexuality has been shown to influence adolescents' sexual behaviour. This study aims to describe communication about sex between Mexican parents and adolescents, and its relation to age at first intercourse and condom use.Methods Cross-sectional study with self-administered questionnaires of first year students at 23 high schools. Communication was divided into three themes: biological aspects, risks associated with sexual behaviour, and prevention. For sexually active adolescents, discussion timing was determined to have occurred prior to, or after sexual initiation. Analysis included logistic regression models stratifying by discussion timing.Results Overall 5,461 questionnaires were analysed. Among male respondents 24.3% and among females 10.6% stated that they were sexually active. As many as 83.1% reported having spoken with parents about sexual relations. Communication was more common with mothers. Discussions about risk and prevention prior to sexual...

Stigmatization of Persons With HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Data about the stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Recent statistics from Saudi Ministry of Health showed that 77% of HIV-positive Saudis were males. The present study analyzed data from 162 Saudi male college students. The findings suggest that students who knew less about HIV/AIDS were more likely to stigmatize persons living with HIV/AIDS than those who knew more. Neither degree of religiosity nor worry about HIV infection was related to AIDS stigma. However, AIDS-related shame was the best predictor of AIDS stigma. The findings of this study point to important suggestions for AIDS prevention programs in Saudi Arabia.

HIV-related knowledge and AIDS stigma among college students in Yemen.

Abstract: The present study analysed data from 501 Yemeni university students to examine their knowledge about HIV and their attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS. The findings indicate that participants had several serious misunderstandings about HIV/AIDS and held negative attitudes toward people living with HIV/ AIDS. Although female students were less knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS than were male students, they held more positive attitudes toward people with HIV/AIDS. An overwhelming number of students expressed their willingness to get tested for HIV and recognized that AIDS is a serious issue facing their country. The study provides suggestions for HIV prevention efforts and ideas for future studies in Yemen.

Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV & HIV co-infection and risk factors analysis in Tripoli-Libya.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 1998 Libya experienced a major outbreak of multiple blood borne viral hepatitis and HIV infections. Since then no studies have been done on the epidemic features and risk factors of HBV HCV HIV and co-infection among the general population. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out using a multi-centre clustering method to collect samples from the general population. The participants were interviewed and relevant information was collected including socio-demographic ethnic and geographic variables. This information was correlated with the risk factors involved in the transmission of HBV HCV and HIV. Blood samples were collected and the sera were tested for HBsAg anti-HCV and anti-HIV using enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: A total of 9170 participants from the nine districts of Tripoli were enrolled. The average prevalence of HBsAg was 3.7% anti-HCV 0.9% anti-HIV 0.15% and co-infection 0.02%. The prevalence varied from one district to another. HBV was more prevalent among those aged over 50 years and was associated with family history. Anti-HCV and anti-HIV were more prevalent among those aged 20-40 years. Intravenous drug use and blood transfusion were the main risk factors for HCV and HIV infection. CONCLUSION: HBV HCV HIV and co-infection are relatively common in Libya. High prevalence was associated with geographic ethnic and socioeconomic variability within the community. HCV and HIV infections among the younger age groups are becoming an alarming issue. Regulations and health care education need to be implemented and longer term follow-up should be planned.