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.

With insightful discussion of program evaluation and the efforts of the Centers for Disease Control, this book presents a set of clear-cut recommendations to help ensure that the substantial resources devoted to the fight against AIDS will be used most effectively. This expanded edition of Evaluating AIDS Prevention Programs covers evaluation strategies and outcome measurements, including a realistic review of the factors that make evaluation of AIDS programs particularly difficult. Randomized field experiments are examined, focusing on the use of alternative treatments rather than placebo controls. The book also reviews nonexperimental techniques, including a critical examination of evaluation methods that are observational rather than experimentalâ€"a necessity when randomized experiments are infeasible.

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.

Thousands of HIV-positive women give birth every year. Further, because many pregnant women are not tested for HIV and therefore do not receive treatment, the number of children born with HIV is still unacceptably high. What can we do to eliminate this tragic and costly inheritance? In response to a congressional request, this book evaluates the extent to which state efforts have been effective in reducing the perinatal transmission of HIV. The committee recommends that testing HIV be a routine part of prenatal care, and that health care providers notify women that HIV testing is part of the usual array of prenatal tests and that they have an opportunity to refuse the HIV test. This approach could help both reduce the number of pediatric AIDS cases and improve treatment for mothers with AIDS. Reducing the Odds will be of special interest to federal, state, and local health policymakers, prenatal care providers, maternal and child health specialists, public health practitioners, and advocates for HIV/AIDS patients. January

The main aim of this practical Handbookis to strengthen counselling and communication skills of skilled attendants (SAs) and other health providers, helping them to effectively discuss with women, families and communities the key issues surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, postnatal and post-abortion care. Counselling for Maternal and Newborn Health Careis divided into three main sections. Part 1 is an introduction which describes the aims and objectives and the general layout of the Handbook. Part 2 describes the counselling process and outlines the six key steps to effective counselling. It explores the counselling context and factors that influence this context including the socio-economic, gender, and cultural environment. A series of guiding principles is introduced and specific counselling skills are outlined. Part 3 focuses on different maternal and newborn health topics, including general care in the home during pregnancy; birth and emergency planning; danger signs in pregnancy; post-abortion care; support during labor; postnatal care of the mother and newborn; family planning counselling; breastfeeding; women with HIV/AIDS; death and bereavement; women and violence; linking with the community. Each Session contains specific aims and objectives, clearly outlining the skills that will be developed and corresponding learning outcomes. Practical activities have been designed to encourage reflection, provoke discussions, build skills and ensure the local relevance of information. There is a review at the end of each session to ensure the SAs have understood the key points before they progress to subsequent sessions.