A voluntary serosurvey and behavioral risk assessment for human immunodeficiency virus infection among college students.
The authors conducted a voluntary serosurvey and educational campaign among 3394 undergraduate students attending the University of Maryland at College Park to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Two students were seropositive (0.06%, 95% confidence interval 0-0.15%). Both were homosexual men with multiple sexual partners. Despite the low prevalence of infection, potential risk factors for transmission of HIV-1 were common, as assessed by a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. These included a previous sexually transmitted disease (12.6%), male homosexual intercourse (4.8% of men), heterosexual anal intercourse (25.3%), heterosexual intercourse with a person at risk (an HIV-1 infected person, a bisexual man, a parenteral drug user, a female prostitute, or a hemophiliac) (5.2%), multiple sexual partners (21% reported 10 or more lifetime partners), and intravenous drug use (1.3%). Assessment of the efficacy of our program by comparing responses on pre- and post-test questionnaires showed gains in knowledge about heterosexual transmission of HIV-1 and an increase in the reported frequency of condom use 1-2 months after participating in the survey. The authors conclude that HIV-1 infections are occurring among college students but in our study group remain confined to persons with known high-risk behavior; however, practices that may support transmission are common, and programs designed to diminish these behaviors among college students are needed.
Kotloff
K L
KL
Department of Pediatrics and Geographic Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201.
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Wasserman
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Bridwell
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Cowan
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Clemens
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Brothers
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O'Donnell
S A
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Quinn
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003275:Contraceptive Devices, Male; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D013334:Students; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015483:HIV Antibodies