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Early Sexual Debut And Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection In Central Africa, Emerencienne Kibangou

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

Background: A variety of studies identified early sexual debut as a significant risk factor for HIV infection, particularly among young African women. However, little is known about this relationship in Central Africa.

Methods: This study was based on a cross-sectional analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys data drawn from four central African countries, Cameroon and Gabon with high HIV prevalence levels, Democratic Republic of Congo and Congo with low HIV prevalence levels. Relationship between sexual activity initiated before age 15 and HIV sero-status was examined in men and women aged 15-24 years, to determine potential differences in this relationship …

Urban-Rural Disparities In Hiv Related Knowledge, Behavior And Attitude In Burkina Faso: Evidence From Burkina Faso Demographic And Health Survey 2010, Degninou Yehadji

Public Health Theses

Introduction

HIV infection is a global health concern and the epidemic is particularly serious in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding HIV-related knowledge, attitude and behavior is a key element for prevention programs. Because of rural-urban variations in social and economic factors, this study was conducted to assess urban-rural disparities in HIV-related knowledge, attitude and behavior in Burkina Faso.

Methods

This study is based on a nationally representative data from the 2010 Burkina Faso Demographic and Health Survey. Odds ratios from the logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between HIV-related knowledge, attitude and behaviors with residence (urban /rural).

Results

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Examination Of The Association Between Intimate Partner Violence And Sti/Hiv Risk In African American Women In High Risk Areas Of Atlanta, Ga: A Mixed Methods Analysis, Rachael Wendlandt

Public Health Theses

In March 2012, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum creating an interagency Federal Working Group to explore the intersection of HIV/AIDS, violence against women and girls, and gender-related health disparities. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV constitute major public health issues for women, particularly African American women who are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2012, the rate of HIV for African American women was four to 20 times higher than rates for females of other races. This study explores the complex relationship between IPV and STI/HIV risk in African American females.

In an attempt to examine the intersection of IPV …

Analysis Of Predictors Of Unmet Hiv-Related Support Services And Barriers To Needs Among Hiv-Infected Individuals In Georgia, Taylor Guffey

Public Health Theses

Introduction: Behavioral and medical interventions such as syringe exchange and anti-retroviral therapy have been successful in reducing the incidence and transmission of HIV and improving the longevity and quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS. However, there are an estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States and only about 37% are retained in some form of HIV care. People living with HIV often have multiple comorbidities and other challenges that often require specialty care.

Methods: We used data from the Medical Monitoring Project to assess HIV-related supportive service needs among people living with HIV in Georgia …

Hiv Care Continuum Among Subpopulations Of Msm, Georgia, 2012, Hilary Gleske

Public Health Theses

Background: As of 2012, Georgia ranked fifth in the United States in the number of people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Given the high burden of disease among men who have sex with men (MSM), the HIV Care Continuum has become an important measure for keeping persons living with HIV in care and eventually reaching an undetectable viral load.

Methods: Data were extracted from the Enhance HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS) using SAS version 9.3.A univariate analysis was then performed by cross tabulating variables such as linked to care, any care in 2012, retained in care and viral suppression (VS) for …

Parenting And Youth Sexual Risk In South Africa: The Role Of Contextual Factors, Nada M. Goodrum

Psychology Theses

Black South African youth are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, and risky sexual behaviors increase youths’ vulnerability to HIV infection. U.S.-based research has highlighted several contextual factors that impact sexual risk, but these processes have not been examined in a South African context. In a sample of Black South African parent-youth dyads, this study examined relations among parenting, neighborhood quality, maternal social support, coparenting, and youth sexual risk. Hypotheses were evaluated using structural equation modeling. Results revealed that better neighborhood quality predicted less youth sexual risk via higher levels of positive parenting. Social support was positively related to parenting …

Understanding The Health-Related Challenges Experienced By Former State Prisoners Living With Hiv: A Qualitative Study, Rene' Meadors

Public Health Theses

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disproportionately affects certain populations, specifically those passing through correctional facilities. It is estimated that about 1.4% of the approximately two million people residing in correctional facilities are living with HIV. Although the health services offered in correctional facilities are limited, health status may improve substantially for individuals during their placement. Often this progress is lost once a person is released back into the community. Lack of access to care and/or financial assistance inhibits the ability to make health a priority, especially when individuals are faced with the struggle to obtain basic needs such as …

An Examination Of The Differences In Risk Factors And Their Association With Variations In Hiv Prevalence Between Cameroon, Coted'ivoire, And Senegal, Lea Accalogoun

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

An Examination of the Differences in Risk Factors and their Association with Variations in HIV Prevalence between Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal

(Under the direction of RICHARD ROTHENBERG, M.D., M.P.H. FACULTY

MEMBER)

Background: Extensive evidence suggests there are large variations in the prevalence of HIV infection among Sub-Saharan African countries. Some studies associated these variations in HIV prevalence to differences in the rate of HIV spread while others attributed the variations to risky sexual behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in risk factors for HIV infection between Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal, to determine …

Hiv In African American Women: Evidence That Elevated Rate Of Infection Cannot Be Explained Solely On The Basis Of Known Individual Risk Behaviors., Bermann Francois

Public Health Theses

Objective: To compare known individual risk behaviors in African American, Whites, and Hispanic women as found in the literature and support those findings by analyzing data available through NHANES in order to find out if the higher rate of HIV infection in African American women is a direct result of higher risk behaviors. Those risk behaviors include lower rates of condom use, higher rates of drug use including those taken intravenously, higher rates of risky sex habits, higher number of sexual partners over their lifetime, and a more extensive history of sexually transmitted infections. This study also aims to …

Examining The Effects Of A Motion Comic Intervention On Hiv-Stigma Among A Sample Of Adolescent Men Who Have Sex With Men, Kristen M. Nichols

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: HIV disproportionately affects African Americans, Latinos, and gay and bisexual men of all racial and ethnicity groups. People living with HIV/AIDS experience stigma related to their disease. HIV/AIDS stigma can have detrimental effects on HIV prevention, testing and treatment. Entertainment-education is a health communication strategy that can be used to influence behavioral and social change in the population.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a Motion Comic intervention, an EE strategy, can decrease H/A stigma in a sample of MSM adolescents aged 15-24.

METHODS: Participants were recruited from GA, FL, NY and CA using convenience …

Factors Associated With Hiv Among Heterosexual African American Adults Aged 50 Years And Older In Ten Zip Codes Of Atlanta, Georgia, 2005-2011, Grace Marriott

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: The fastest growing segment of the U.S. population is among individuals aged 50 and older. However, advanced age is not protective against HIV.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to examine individual characteristics (gender, age, education) as well as environmental and behavioral factors (doctor visits and IDU) that may be linked with HIV status among older heterosexual African American adults. The factors associated with HIV status that were examined include education level, IDU within the last six months, non-injected drugs that were used within the last six months and the length of time since the last doctor visit. …

Factors Influencing Sexual Behavior Among Hiv Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men, Noreen Mcdonough

Nursing Dissertations (PhD)

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV infection and account for more than half of all new HIV infections diagnosed in the U. S. The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence sexual behavior among sexually active HIV positive MSM using constructs from the health belief model (HBM).

A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with a non-randomized sample of 216 HIV positive MSM. Participants were predominantly Black/African American (85.6%). The mean age of the sample was 43.02 years (SD = 9.74) and ages ranged from 19 to 66. More than 90% reported …

An Analysis Of Geography Project Data To Determine Hiv And Behavioral Risk For High Risk Zip Codes And Low Risk Zip Codes In Fulton County, Ga, Jamaal B. Marshall

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: HIV disease is thought to be cluster in specific areas rather than be evenly distributed. A study to show a significantly higher HIV risk in certain geographical areas would be beneficial for resource allocation purposes. AIM: The purpose of this study is to describe the demographics of the study population, describe the demographics of those participants that tested HIV-positive, and determine the associations between zip code of residence, HIV infection, and risky behavior. METHODS: Data were collected by Georgia State University’s Center of Excellence for Health Disparities Research for The Geography Project. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses …

Modulation And Recognition Of Nucleic Acid Structures, Alexander M. Spring

Chemistry Dissertations

The fidelity of an organism’s genome is central to biology. DNA, however, is constantly being damaged and modified by a variety of sources. As a result of these changes, repair enzymes, polymerases, and other interrogating biomolecules must be able to recognize, repair, and adapt to a multitude of different structures and dynamics presented. Manipulation of natural systems via the development and introduction of novel bases and DNA structures only adds to this complexity. In addition, specific RNA sequences are becoming more prevalent therapeutic and diagnostic targets. These include retroviruses and other viruses that maintain their genome with RNA. Unlike DNA, …

Suboptimal Nutrient Intake In Hiv-Infected Youth And Associations With Serum Lipid Profiles And Hiv-Related Factors, Lindsey A. Stricker

Nutrition Theses

Background: Few studies have evaluated habitual nutrient intake among HIV-infected youth in the United States, even though diet may influence disease progression and chronic complication risk.

Objective: This study determined micro- and macronutrient intake in HIV-infected youth, and investigated relationships among nutrient intake, demographics, lipid profiles, and HIV-related factors.

Design: HIV-infected subjects and healthy controls 1-25 years old were prospectively enrolled. Concomitant demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Nutrient intake was assessed via 24-hr dietary recalls performed every 3 months for one year, analyzed with NDS-R software, and compared to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) and Acceptable …

An Evaluation Of The Pre-Release Planning Program Of The Georgia Department Of Corrections And A Qualitative Assessment Of Reentry Experiences Of Program Participants, Alison N. Mccullough

Public Health Theses

Higher rates of HIV are seen within correctional systems across the United States. Georgia has one of the largest correctional populations in the country and HIV rates among prisoners are elevated when compared to the state as a whole. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the Pre-Release Planning Program of the Georgia Department of Corrections and to identify reentry needs unique to persons living with HIV. This evaluation was informed by the post-release experiences of participants who described their own reentry journeys through semi-structured qualitative interviews. A convenience sample of 45 program participants was recruited to complete a …

Hiv In South African Youth: Relations With Parenting Quality And Executive Functioning, Christina H. Salama

Psychology Theses

Black South Africans account for a majority of HIV cases in South Africa, highlighting the need for greater understanding of risks specific to this group. Within the HIV prevention and risk literature, little information exists regarding the familial and neuropsychological contributions to HIV risk in youth. The current study addressed this gap. In a group of black South African parent-child dyads, the researchers investigated the independent and interactive contributions of parenting quality and executive functioning in the prediction of HIV risk. Child report of relationship quality was negatively associated with risky sexual attitudes and externalizing behaviors. Parent report of parental …

An Exploratory Study: Perceptions Of Power Dynamics And Sexual Decision-Making Among College-Age African American Women, Latisha Oliver

Africana Studies Theses

This qualitative grounded study explores power dynamics and its influence on sexual decision-making amongst college-age African American women. The film All of Us was shown to eighteen African American women to understand how they perceive power dynamics and sexual decision-making. Taking place at Georgia State University‟s main campus in Atlanta, focus groups and one on one interviews were implemented. Much of the research being conducted theorize that the risk factors regarding HIV infection are related to risky sexual decision-making and lack of consistent condom use; however this study concluded that there is a relationship between sexual decision-making and gendered power …

The Impact Of Psychological Acceptance And Sibling Relationship Quality On Depression And Perceived Stigma For Youth Living With Hiv, Kara E. Snead

Psychology Dissertations

Compared to their uninfected peers, youth living with HIV experience greater distress related to a multitude of stressors they face. In order to enhance the lives of youth who are living with HIV, it is important to identify the personal and social resources that these individuals might bring to coping with their disease. Using the compensatory hypothesis and resiliency theory as conceptual frameworks, the present study examined the function of both psychological acceptance and sibling relationships for youths in managing depression and HIV-related stigma. In addition, the current study investigated the interactive effects of psychological acceptance and sibling relationship quality …

Effectiveness Of A Pre-Release Planning Program For Hiv-Positive Offenders Exiting Georgia Prisons: A Qualitative Evaluation Approach, Claire A. Willeford

Public Health Theses

Background: Two-year nationwide prison recidivism rates stand at over 60%, and minorities and the poor are at greatest risk both of first-time incarceration and of offending repeatedly over time. Initiatives that may address prison inmates’ lack of resources and increase their success in their communities after release are now an important topic in the study of criminal justice policy. Over the course of the past two decades, the public health concern of HIV/AIDS has increasingly become a part of this discourse on re-entry, as the disease disproportionately affects minority communities both in and outside of prisons. Affected reentrants face not …

The Association Between Female Genital Mutilation (Fgm) And The Risk Of Hiv/Aids In Kenyan Girls And Women (15-49 Years), Rosemary G. Kinuthia

Public Health Theses

INTRODUCTION: Kenya like the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be plagued with high rates of AIDS/HIV. Research has shown that cultural practices have serious implications for the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as other communicable diseases. One of the practices that have been speculated to have an impact on AIDS/HIV is female genital mutilation (FGM). Despite efforts to eradicate the practice, prevalence of FGM in Kenya remains relatively high. Researchers have postulated that various forms of FGM may be associated with the spread of HIV/AIDS.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between FGM and …

Nmr Study Of Structure And Orientation Of S4-S5 Linker Peptides From Shaw Related Potassium Ion Channels In Micelles And Binding Of Znf29r Protein To Hiv Rreiibtr Rna, Xiaoguang Qu

Chemistry Dissertations

Potassium ion channels play a key role in the generation and propagation of action potentials. The S4-S5 linker peptide (L45) is believed to be responsible for the anesthetic/alcohol response of voltage-gated K+ channels. We investigated this region to define the structural basis of 1-alkanol binding site in dShaw2 K+ channel. L45 peptides derived from dShaw2 and hKv3.4 K+ channel, which, if part of the complete channel, demonstrate different sensitivity to 1-alcohols. Specifically, dShaw2 is alcohol sensitive and hKv3.4 is alcohol resistant. Structural analysis of L45 with NMR and CD suggested a direct correlation between alpha-helicity and the inhibition of dShaw2 …

Examination Of The Association Between Discussion Of Hiv Status And High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Of Msm In Atlanta, Auntre' Dojuan Hamp

Public Health Theses

As the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States nears the end of its third decade, stakeholders have begun to sift through the previous experiences in prevention in order to assess progress as well as plan the next steps in this fight. The purpose of this study is aimed at understanding the factors which may affect unprotected intercourse. It is hypothesized that for men who have sex with men (MSM) there is an association between having a discussion about their HIV status and high-risk sexual behaviors. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) System. …

Hiv/Aids Relative Survival And Mean Residual Life Analysis, Xinjian Zhang

Mathematics Theses

HIV/Aids Relative Survival and Mean Residual Life Analysis BY XINJIAN ZHANG Under the Direction of Gengsheng (Jeff) Qin and Ruiguang (Rick) Song ABSTRACT Generalized linear models with Poisson error were applied to investigate HIV/AIDS relative survival. Relative excess risk for death within 3 years after HIV/AIDS diagnosis was significantly higher for non-Hispanic blacks, American Indians and Hispanics compared with Whites. Excess hazard for death was also higher in men injection drug users compared with men who have sex with men (MSM). The relative excess hazard of old HIV/AIDS patients is significantly higher compared with younger patients. When CD4 increased, the …

Structure And Energetics Of Rna - Protein Interactions For Hiv Rreiib Targeting Zinc Finger Proteins., Subrata H. Mishra

Chemistry Dissertations

RNA - protein interactions constitute a vital part of numerous biochemical processes. In the HIV life cycle, the interaction of the viral protein Rev and the Rev Responsive Element (RRE), a part of unspliced HIV RNA, is crucial for the propagation of infectious virions. Intervention of this interaction disrupts the viral life cycle. Rev - RRE interaction initially occurs at a high affinity binding site localized to a relatively small stem loop structure called RREIIB. This binding event has been well characterized by a variety of biochemical, enzymatic and structural studies. Our collaborators have previously demonstrated the efficacy of zinc …

Hiv And Psychological Functioning Among Black South African Women: An Examination Of Psychosocial Moderating Variables, Gretchen K. Lindner

Psychology Dissertations

Introduction: South Africa has an HIV-infection rate of 5 million people. Between 1995 and 2005, South Africa is expected to have the highest number of AIDS-related deaths on the African continent, a total of 2.7 million. Many infected individuals are women. However, there is very little research conducted with South African women examining the relationship between HIV-infection and psychological distress. Research conducted in the United States indicates that HIV-infection is associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety. This research project aims to explore the relationship between HIV-infection and psychological functioning in the unique socio-political context of South Africa. In …

Risky Sexual Behavior Among African-American Men Who Have Sex With Men: The Effects Of Peer Norms For Condom Use On Risky Sexual Behavior As Moderated By Socio-Demographic, Socio-Contextual, And Health-Related Variables, Christopher Scott Holliday

Psychology Theses

This study examined contextual influences on the relationship between peer norms for condom use and risky sexual behavior among African-American men who have sex with men. Analyses assessed the moderating effects of socio-demographic, socio-contextual, and health-related variables. One thousand forty African-American men, who have sex with men, ages 17 to 25 years, were surveyed as part of the Community Intervention Trial for Youth (CITY) from 1999 to 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia. Findings supported the hypothesis that participants who engaged in unprotected insertive anal intercourse, socio-contextual variables moderated the relationship between peer norms and risky sexual behavior. Findings also supported the …

Longitudinal Effects Of Family Variables And Illness Severity On Cognitive Functioning In Children With Hiv Infection, Heather Jordon Clark

Psychology Dissertations

Although HIV/AIDS is the 9th leading cause of death in African-American children, 80% of HIV-infected children in the U.S. live into school-age years. This study focuses on associations between HIV illness severity, family factors, and long-term cognitive functioning of these children. Participants included 42 perinatally HIV-infected children (mean age = 72.4 months), 93% of whom were African-American. Mean intellectual functioning was more than one standard deviation below the normative mean; whereas, overall language and attention functioning were generally not different from the normative sample. First, this study described changes in functioning over time and/or between genders. Analyses of variance were …