Given the lack of an appropriate vaccine or an effective treatment for AIDS, more attention has been focused on controlling the threat of the disease, particularly through efforts to increase widespread behavioral change. HIV antibody testing has been advocated as an important intervention to influence people to practice safer sex to decrease the risk of infection with HIV (CDC, 2003; Wilson & Jaccard, 1993). The theory of reasoned action and planned behavior (Ajzen, 1975. 1991) was used to explore the factors that influence HIV testing decisions among 186 sexually active heterosexual college students. According to the TPB, the most important determinant of an individuals' HIV testing is his/her behavioral intention to be tested for HIV. The present research operationalized all components of the TPB model and several extensions including attitudes (perceived benefits & HIV testing Beliefs), subjective norm (college norm and friend/family/sexual partner norm), perceived behavioral control, and perceived barriers. The role of anticipated regret was explored as well as the relationship between returning for test results and several model variables. Results revealed that despite a relatively high knowledge level, students are continuing to engage in a multitude of HIV risk behaviors that are not translating into an increased likelihood of being tested for HIV. The hypothesized relations among the study independent variables and HIV testing intentions and behavior were partially supported in the regression analyses. HIV testing intentions was significantly related to perceived benefits and anticipated regret, whereas HIV testing behavior was significantly related to college norm, family/friend/sexual partner norm, HIV testing beliefs, and perceived behavioral control. As noted in the literature review, the present research was the first of its kind to apply the full TRA/TPB model to HIV testing intentions in college students. Overall, the TPB model variables (attitudes [perceived benefits, testing beliefs], subjective norms [college norms, family/friend/sexual partners' norms], perceived behavioral control and anticipated regret, accounted for a significant amount of the variance in HIV testing intentions, approximately 30%. This was particularly the case with non tested students. These findings offers support for the use of the full TRA/TPB model variables in research on variables that may influence decisions to be tested for those who have never been tested. The general findings of this research are that the TRA/TPB is a useful and valuable model to use as a framework to inform HIV testing interventions.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between HIV knowledge, perception of HIV risk and severity, prior sexuality education, and HIV risk behaviors among college students. The participants of this study consisted of a convenience sample of students who attended a large Midwestern urban university during the fall quarter of the 2006-2007 academic year. Most students were female, white, and heterosexual. It was concluded that sexual risk behaviors were affected by both HIV knowledge levels and whether or not sexuality education was received. Furthermore, it was concluded that a relationship existed between several factors: condom use frequency, HIV knowledge, number of partners in the past year, personal beliefs regarding HIV transmission, sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the type of sexuality education received.

Centers for Disease Control (2011a) Surveillance report revealed African American women comprised 63% of new HIV cases among women; 65% of African American women were infected with HIV transmitted by heterosexual sex; yet represent 13% of the female population in the United States. An existing data set was examined from a sample of 761 African American women with a history of drug use at high risk to acquire or transmit HIV and/or STDs to determine 751 women's knowledge and attitudes about risky sexual behaviors, factors influencing a decision to HIV test, and the influence of sex trading on the decision to HIV test. Binary logistic regression predicted a small percentage of women's decision to HIV test was influenced by knowledge of risky sexual behaviors (Naegelkerke R2, = .100). There were significant difference in the number HIV tests for women who reported cheating on a steady sex partner (M = 4.25, SD =7.49) versus women who did not cheat (M = 3.28, SD = 4.67), t(747) = - 2.19, p = .03. Binary logistic regression predicted a minor percentage of women's decision to HIV test was influenced by women's attitudes about risky sexual behavior (Nagelkerke R2 = .043). Women who agreed with the statement, I have risk drug behaviors that need changing were predicted to be twice as likely to HIV teste Exp [B] = 1.829, 95% CI [1.018, 3.288]. Binary logistic regression predicted an increased 15.3% variation in the decision to HIV test is influenced by women's knowledge to prevent HIV and attitudes about risky sexual behavior (Nagelkerke R2 = .153). Women who agreed with the knowledge item, asked their partner if they were HIV positive, were 1.3 times more likely, and women who agree with the knowledge statement, I have risky drug behaviors that need changing, increased to 1.9 times more likely to HIV test. There were significant differences in number of HIV tests for women who engaged in sex-trading versus women who do not engage in sex-trading. Tailored strategies that determine unique needs of African American women to reduce risky sex an increase HIV testing are recommended.

During the early years of the AIDS epidemic, thousands of Americans became infected with HIV through the nation's blood supply. Because little reliable information existed at the time AIDS first began showing up in hemophiliacs and in others who had received transfusions, experts disagreed about whether blood and blood products could transmit the disease. During this period of great uncertainty, decision-making regarding the blood supply became increasingly difficult and fraught with risk. This volume provides a balanced inquiry into the blood safety controversy, which involves private sexual practices, personal tragedy for the victims of HIV/AIDS, and public confidence in America's blood services system. The book focuses on critical decisions as information about the danger to the blood supply emerged. The committee draws conclusions about what was doneâ€"and recommends what should be done to produce better outcomes in the face of future threats to blood safety. The committee frames its analysis around four critical area: Product treatmentâ€"Could effective methods for inactivating HIV in blood have been introduced sooner? Donor screening and referralâ€"including a review of screening to exlude high-risk individuals. Regulations and recall of contaminated bloodâ€"analyzing decisions by federal agencies and the private sector. Risk communicationâ€"examining whether infections could have been averted by better communication of the risks.

The United States has the dubious distinction of leading the industrialized world in overall rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), with 12 million new cases annually. About 3 million teenagers contract an STD each year, and many will have long-term health problems as a result. Women and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to these diseases and their health consequences. In addition, STDs increase the risk of HIV transmission. The Hidden Epidemic examines the scope of sexually transmitted infections in the United States and provides a critical assessment of the nation's response to this public health crisis. The book identifies the components of an effective national STD prevention and control strategy and provides direction for an appropriate response to the epidemic. Recommendations for improving public awareness and education, reaching women and adolescents, integrating public health programs, training health care professionals, modifying messages from the mass media, and supporting future research are included. The book documents the epidemiological dimensions and the economic and social costs of STDs, describing them as "a secret epidemic" with tremendous consequences. The committee frankly discusses the confusing and often hypocritical nature of how Americans deal with issues regarding sexualityâ€"the conflicting messages conveyed in the mass media, the reluctance to promote condom use, the controversy over sex education for teenagers, and the issue of personal blame. The Hidden Epidemic identifies key elements of effective, culturally appropriate programs to promote healthy behavior by adolescents and adults. It examines the problem of fragmentation in STD services and provides examples of communities that have formed partnerships between stakeholders to develop integrated approaches. The committee's recommendations provide a practical foundation on which to build an integrated national program to help young people and adults develop habits of healthy sexuality. The Hidden Epidemic was written for both health care professionals and people without a medical background and will be indispensable to anyone concerned about preventing and controlling STDs.

The result of collaboration between the University of New South Wales and the Tsinghua University in Beijing, this unique chronicle maps some of the most important social, political, and cultural characteristics of the HIV epidemic in China. Demonstrating that the epidemic was propelled by three main economic drivers--the blood trade, the drug trade, and the sex trade--this informative compilation of essays uncovers the hidden truths about the spread of HIV and analyzes its social impacts.