RESUMO
The prevalence of HIV in Chile predominately affects the male population with the primary mode of transmission (99%) through sexual contact. In order to engage in safe sexual practices, men must have high sexual self-efficacy and perceived risk of infection, however, little research examines these variables with respect to HIV prevention. The purpose of this article is to review existing literature on self-efficacy and its connection with perceived HIV risk among Hispanic men, in order to direct future HIV prevention interventions among Chilean men. A literature search was conducted to identify studies for this review using three databases. A combination of keywords was used to conduct the search and a total of 34 articles were analyzed. All of the articles reviewed examined the Hispanic male population with respect to either self-efficacy or perceived risk, or a combination of the two. Major themes emerging from the review include: substance use, condom use, cultural norms, relationship communication, negotiation, and homonegativity. The existing studies provide evidence for preventing future HIV infection among low socioeconomic status Chilean males and begin to establish a positive relationship between self-efficacy and perceived HIV risk. While additional studies are needed to provide further support, self-efficacy and perceived risk should be integral aspects of future prevention interventions.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The HIV and AIDS epidemic has quickly spread over the world with a tendency towards feminization, pauperization, and heterosexualization. Partner communication around HIV has been described as one protective factor for the acquisition of this disease, favoring the adoption of safe sexual practices, such as couple negotiation and condom use. Considering this is fundamental in the incorporation of self-care practices among female sexuality. OBJECTIVE: Determine the level of partner communication around HIV among socially disadvantaged Chilean women. METHODOLOGY: Four hundred and six (406) women responded the baseline interview for the research project "Testing and HIV/AIDS Prevention Intervention for Chilean Women" (RO1 TW 006977, PI. Cianelli). The scale Health Protective Sexual Communication Scale (HPC) was used (range between 0-10 points). A descriptive analysis was done using SPSS, version 16.0. RESULTS: The mean level of partner communication with the main partner was 3,26 +2,7 points, of 2,52 +2,48 points with the second partner, and 0 points with the third partner. The themes related with less partner communication were the condom use and getting an HIV test before having sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION: Women in the sample had low levels of partner communication in relation with HIV with all their sexual partners. Strategies within HIV/AIDS prevention programs are needed to trigger this area, in order to strengthen the adoption of self care behaviors around this issue.
RESUMO
HIV/AIDS is a pandemic that affects men, women and children, but is increasingly affecting women, especially among reproductive age. This has consequences over vertical transmission during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. This analysis describes the relation between HIV/AIDS and breastfeeding, and the factors that influence the decision mothers living with HIV/AIDS make about the feeding modality they will choose. Also, causes of infant mortality in relation with this problem are described in accordance with international recommendations to prevent mother to child transmission. In this environment where globalization takes place, constant migrations have created a need for health care workers to consider social factors that influence the decision of women living with HIV/AIDS in relation with feeding options for their infants. It is not enough to know the proven risk for HIV/AIDS transmission through breastfeeding, there is a need to be conscious about the dynamic and specific factors each community has.