Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndromes (AIDS) continue to be major global health priorities. Although forced displacement is believed to fuel HIV/AIDS epidemic in countries affected by conflict, factors associated with forced displacement and HIV risk in conflict-affected populations are not well understood. The aims of this study were therefore (1) to describe factors that influence risk for HIV infection in a Utah-based Burundi refugee population and (2) explore relationship between Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior/Practices (KABP) in order design targeted HIV/AIDS prevention interventions for the population. Results were controlled for known confounders. Attitude towards HIV/AIDS (b = 0.5071, p > 0.001) was a significant predictor of HIV/AIDS knowledge. Behavior/ practices were strongly associated with knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, gender, and household size. Overall, men were more knowledgeable than women and had higher self-efficacy. Women had more positive attitudes and scored higher behavior/practices.

ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS Background: There were an estimated 300,000 new HIV infections in the Asia and Pacific region in 2015, with young people aged 15 to 24 years accounting for 37% of all new HIV infections. The number of adolescents living with HIV has risen by 28% between 2005 and 2015 in this region. The HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, behavior and HIV testing status study was done among young people aged 15 to 24 years in Myanmar, 2016. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, behavior, and HIV testing status among young people of Myanmar. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study; it was a nationally representative survey of women and men age 15-24 year throughout Myanmar, data based on 2015-16 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS). A total of 3,728 women and 1,458 men were interviewed to examine knowledge, awareness, and behavior regarding HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The survey used computer-assisted field editing (CAFE) procedures. SAS software 9.4 used for data management and analyses. Results: The young people in the study group have the high awareness about HIV, but limited knowledge about HIV/ AIDS prevention which varied across residence and education level. The stigma and discrimination of HIV/AIDS still prevalent among young people. The prevalence of HIV testing was low among young men. Conclusion: HIV related knowledge, attitude and behavior among young people is the key area to focus on young people living in the rural area with low education and income in Myanmar. The policymakers and HIV program managers should focus on the most vulnerable groups on HIV prevention by awareness raising campaign and by creating an enabling environment for HIV counseling and testing. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice, Young People

Hardly a day goes by without news headlines concerning infectious disease threats. Currently the spectre of a pandemic of influenza A|H1N1 is raising its head, and heated debates are taking place about the pro’s and con’s of vaccinating young girls against human papilloma virus. For an evidence-based and responsible communication of infectious disease topics to avoid misunderstandings and overreaction of the public, we need solid scientific knowledge and an understanding of all aspects of infectious diseases and their control. The aim of our book is to present the reader with the general picture and the main ideas of the subject. The book introduces the reader to methodological aspects of epidemiology that are specific for infectious diseases and provides insight into the epidemiology of some classes of infectious diseases characterized by their main modes of transmission. This choice of topics bridges the gap between scientific research on the clinical, biological, mathematical, social and economic aspects of infectious diseases and their applications in public health. The book will help the reader to understand the impact of infectious diseases on modern society and the instruments that policy makers have at their disposal to deal with these challenges. It is written for students of the health sciences, both of curative medicine and public health, and for experts that are active in these and related domains, and it may be of interest for the educated layman since the technical level is kept relatively low.