Report of the NIAID study group on integrated behavioral research for prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases; Part 1: Issues in defining behavioral risk factors and their distribution
Article Abstract:
Behavioral factors are as important as biomedical factors in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In the past, however, little intervention-oriented behavioral research with respect to STDs has been done. To improve the collaboration between social scientists and biomedical researchers, and to identify important areas, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) held conferences in November 1989 and April 1990. This article reports the work of the study group. Three major topics were addressed: defining behavioral risk factors and their distribution, designing behavioral interventions, and evaluating behavioral interventions. Behavioral risk factors can be characterized as being related to the infectivity rate, the rate of new partner selection, and the duration of infectiousness. Sociocultural context also provides factors which must be considered in analysis of behavioral risks. Risk factors associated with each of these parameters may provide opportunities for intervention. Specific areas of research that are needed to improve understanding of behavioral risk factors are discussed. Behavioral interventions designed to prevent acquisition and spread of STDs may occur at a primary, secondary, or tertiary level. Prevention of disease occurrence is the primary level, early detection and treatment to prevent further transmission is the secondary level, while rehabilitation or dealing with disease complications is the tertiary level of intervention programs. Strategies concerned with primary and secondary levels are discussed, and research needs and opportunities are specified. Studies of behavioral factors in STDs must deal with issues in the design of such research, and these issues of measurement and issues related to epidemiological and intervention studies are discussed. Research needed to address these issues is described. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0148-5717
Year: 1990
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Sexually transmitted diseases in the AIDS era: development of STD diagnostics for resource-limited settings is a global priority
Article Abstract:
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur throughout the world and have particularly adverse effects upon females, fetuses, and newborns. Worldwide focus on STDs has greatly increased since the first reports of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which causes AIDS. (HIV is often, but not exclusively, transmitted between heterosexual and homosexual partners.) To prevent the spread of STDs, many efforts have been made to provide and improve health education. Unfortunately, these attempts have not been very successful in underdeveloped countries or the inner cities of developed countries. A global consensus has emerged that a worldwide effort must be initiated to control and prevent STDs. It will require greatly improved access to medical care for the evaluation and treatment of STDs as well as the development of quick, easy, and inexpensive methods for diagnosing these infections. Results from a recent workshop sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the United States Agency for International Development concluded that such tests are technically feasible, and established a priority list of tests that need to be developed. Distribution of diagnostic tests also represents a major obstacle in many underdeveloped countries. The group considered ways to overcome this problem. Development of and access to simple and inexpensive diagnostic tests are absolutely necessary to combat the global STD problem. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0148-5717
Year: 1991
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Sexually transmitted infections in female sex workers
Article Abstract:
A program of intermittent examinations of female sex workers for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) did not seem to have the effect of reduce the rates of infections. Consistent condom use did have an effect of reducing gonorrhea and other STD's. A program established for female sex workers in Lima, Peru provided diagnostic tests for gonorrhea and syphilis. The program, of itself, was not effective, suggesting that STD control programs must be adequately planned and financed to be successful.
Publication Name: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0148-5717
Year: 1998
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