Aids and IV drug use
Article Abstract:
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has changed the risks and the political ramifications of illegal intravenous drug abuse. The use of intravenous drugs has become the second most important risk factor for infection in the US and Europe. Infection from contaminated injection equipment constitutes approximately 30 percent of current cases of AIDS. Infected intravenous drug abusers also constitute the major source of AIDS infection to homosexuals and to infants. Controlling the spread of AIDS will take courage, as often the data required to support definitive action is lacking. Recent studies have shown that drug abusers have started taking some steps to reduce, but not eliminate their risks. Counseling and various treatment and outreach programs (e.g., bleach distribution, syringe exchange programs) have alerted users to the potential hazards of their habit. However, the users continue to engage in risk behaviors, such as resorting to used injection equipment if they are undergoing withdrawal or having severe drug cravings. A three-part model has been developed to reduce risk: convince drug users of the threat; provide means for behavior change (e.g., provide equipment); reinforce the positive behavior. Unfortunately, all too often public officials deal with the problem by denial, from fear that their activities will be taken as condoning the illegal activities of the users. Pressure over the next decade will grow from the rate of AIDS among drug users, their sexual partners and children. National studies can help establish data upon which public officials can act; two such studies are now in progress.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1989
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Reconstruction and future trends of the AIDS epidemic in the United States
Article Abstract:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the agent that causes AIDS. Estimates of the infection rate of HIV can be obtained statistically, based on the incidence (number of new cases) of AIDS and the incubation period between HIV infection and the development of disease. However, this method of determining the infection rate is subject to error. By using mathematical models of the epidemiology of HIV transmission and surveys of the incidence of HIV infection, more accurate estimates can be achieved. These types of analyses have shown that the HIV infection rate in the United States increased during the early 1980s, peaked in the mid-1980s, and then declined. The incidence of AIDS may remain the same in the next five years because of the decreased rate of HIV infection and the development of effective treatments to delay the progression to AIDS. It is estimated that the number of HIV-infected individuals who will not have AIDS, yet would benefit from treatment, may increase 40 percent by 1995. Despite the fact that the rate of HIV infection has declined, the increasing number of patients with HIV who will continue to require treatment will be an enormous burden on the health care system. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1991
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AIDS - The leading cause of adult death in the West African city of Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Article Abstract:
It is difficult to obtain accurate statistics on the full extent of the AIDS epidemic, both in the US and abroad. One way to collect data is to monitor the frequency of both full-blown AIDS and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection among the cadavers brought into hospital morgues. This method of data collection was used to determine the approximate prevalence of AIDS in the city of Abidjan, the capital of the Ivory Coast. The results indicated that between 1988 and 1989, 41 percent of men and 32 percent of women were positive for the AIDS virus. A full 15 percent of all deaths of men during this period were due to AIDS and its complications; 13 percent of deaths among women were due to similar causes. These figures were tallied for adults only. The results indicate that AIDS is now the major cause of death among men in Abidjan, and the second leading cause of death among women, behind pregnancy and abortion. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
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