HIV/AIDS and Young People: Risk and Protective Factors November 2010 Meera Beharry, MD Division of Adolescent Medicine University of Rochester Medical Center ACT for Youth Center of Excellence Cornell University Family Life Development Center Cornell University Cooperative Extension of New York City New York State Center for School Safety University of Rochester Medical Center Div. of Adolescent Medicine
Objectives Review general HIV and AIDS facts Provide details about HIV and AIDS in New York Discuss differences between adolescents and adults with respect to HIV, as well as racial and ethnic disparities across adolescent populations. Identify risk and protective factors related to HIV, emphasizing sexual health issues
Summary of HIV and AIDS ( 1 of 2 ) HIV is acquired through direct contact with infected body fluids of a person who has HIV. Untreated, HIV destroys the body’s immune system, leading to AIDS (serious infections, organ failure and death). High-risk groups : Men who have sex with men (MSM) at highest risk. High risk heterosexual behavior
Summary of HIV and AIDS ( 2 of 2 ) Avoid high-risk behaviors to avoid HIV. Screening is reliable and results can be obtained quickly; Testing takes longer but is definite. Treatment with multiple medications (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy- HAART) is able to stop the progression of HIV replication in the body, but requires compliance with therapy.
HIV/AIDS Cases by Transmission Category and Sex, Females Males 91% ● New HIV among year old gay male: 48% Black; 21% Latino 2 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2 National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors. HIV/AIDS: Crisis among Young Black and Latino Gay Men and Other Men who have Sex with Men. Youth Issue Brief no. 1. February 2009
HIV/AIDS and young men who have sex with men CDC FactSheet: HIV/AIDS and young men who have sex with men
HIV/AIDS Cases by Transmission Category and Sex, Males Females 97% ● High-Risk Heterosexual Contact: direct contact with a person known to have, or to be at high risk for, HIV infection.
HIV/AIDS Cases by Transmission Category and Sex, Females ● High-Risk Heterosexual Contact: direct contact with a person known to have, or to be at high risk for, HIV infection.
Highly Active Anti-Retrovial Therapy (HAART)
54%
NYC
Special Issues for Adolescents Increased risk-taking behavior 1 Lack of knowledge about confidential testing and care Biologic factors Runaway and homeless youth Males who have sex with males (MSM), with special risk for Blacks and Latinos Compliance with prescribed medications 1 Risk-Reyna.pdf
2007 YRBSS data BehaviorNYCNYSUSA Ever had sex Sex with 4 or more partners Substance use before last sex Used a condom during last sex Taught about HIV/AIDS in school
Testing NYS DOH HIV Counseling and Testing Resource Directory (01/08 Update ) NYS DOH phone Via the DOH website below National info by texting your zip code to KNOWIT (566948) or
Summary: HIV, AIDS and Adolescents Teenage HIV/AIDS due to sexual behaviors Males: Male-Male and High-Risk Heterosexual Females: High-Risk Heterosexual Adolescent racial, ethnic, and gender disparities compared to adults No significant differences between NYC vs the rest of State for HIV age or risk categories, but some behavior differences Special developmental issues for teenagers regarding HIV exposure
Resources CDC: NYS DOH AIDS Institute: s/ s/ 100 questions and answers about HIV/AIDS (Español) NYC DOH/MH: Or call: AIDS (English) SIDA (Español)
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