Title: Teen sex, AIDS, and contraception: part three [editorial]

POPLINE Document Number: 121068

Author(s):

Dawson G

Source citation:

JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 1996 Dec;88(12):768-72.

Abstract:

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic in the US is becoming increasingly similar to the scenario in the Third World, where almost half of all new infections occur in women. In the US, AIDS cases among Black women 25-44 years of age (most of whom became infected as adolescents) now exceed those among White men in the same age group. Although African Americans and Hispanics 13-24 years of age comprise only 27% of the US population, they represent 59% of AIDS cases. Despite findings that long-acting progestogens have a thinning effect on the vaginal epithelium in monkeys, facilitating transmission of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), Norplant and Depo-Provera continue to be promoted, especially for inner-city teenagers. Neither contraceptive provides any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and may, if the SIV finding is applicable to humans, actually increase the risk of AIDS. Recent shifts in the class and racial background of AIDS patients raise concerns about whether the US government will continue to allocate the requisite resources for inpatient care, drugs, and hospice services. Urged is contraceptive research aimed at the development of a safe, effective method that provides protection against STDs as well as pregnancy.

Keywords:

United States
Adolescents
Blacks
Low Income Population
Contraceptive Implants
Levonorgestrel
Depo-Provera
HIV Prevention
AIDS Prevention
Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention
Political Factors
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Ethnic Groups
Cultural Background
Social Class
Socioeconomic Status
Socioeconomic Factors
Economic Factors
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Contraceptive Agents, Progestin
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraceptive Agents
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
AIDS
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Reproductive Tract Infections
Infections