Biomedical subjects

A Krasnik

Publications and source records attributed to A Krasnik.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1989

[HIV infection among homosexual and bisexual men in Denmark. Occurrence and transmission].

In Denmark, AIDS has primarily affected men with homosexual behavior. In order to follow the occurrence and development in this group, the sero-epidemiological investigations which focus on the underlying HIV epidemic are reviewed. HIV was introduced in Denmark towards the end of the nineteen-seventies and spread rapidly in the beginning of the nineteen-eighties among promiscuous homosexual men in Copenhagen to a level in which 1/4-1/3 were found to be infected in small selected materials. From the middle of the nineteen-eighties, decreasing tendencies were observed in the numbers of homosexual and bisexual men in whom antibodies to HIV were demonstrated for the first time. Epidemiological evidence suggests that the rate of spread of HIV among homosexual men slowed down in the second half of the nineteen-eighties. In 1985, it was estimated that at least 6,000 homosexual men were infected with HIV. No investigations justify new increased estimates of the numbers of HIV-infected homo- and bisexual men in Denmark. Epidemiological data demonstrate clearly that unprotected receptive anal coitus is the main route of infection for homosexually transmitted HIV. The risk of infection appears to be much lower for the active partner in anal coitus with an HIV-infected man. No epidemiological investigations have demonstrated oral sex as the route of infection for HIV among men although this does not exclude the possibility of HIV-infection in occasional cases of oral sex.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1989

Community and individual considerations in legislation and test policy regarding HIV-infection in the Nordic countries--a cross national comparative study.

The purpose of the study is to facilitate international co-operation and national development on AIDS-policy by describing and comparing the programmes on the control of AIDS in the five Nordic countries. This article is focusing especially on community and individual considerations in legislation and test policy regarding HIV-infection in relation to general testing, testing of special groups, registration, voluntariness and confidentiality. The data were collected in the period of April-December 1987 by a review of existing documental material, mailed questionnaires to key persons in the health agencies in each country and personal interviews with 60 representatives of relevant organisations and institutions. The analysis of the data demonstrate that all the Nordic countries are seeking compromises which try to satisfy individual as well as community needs, although with different weight attached to the elements involved. Compared with international recommendations, national AIDS-policies in the Nordic countries in some instances do not fully respect voluntariness and confidentiality. It is concluded that AIDS-policy should be studied in the context of national traditions concerning general health policy, individual rights and community protection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1989

Attitudes towards HIV infection and sexual risk behaviour. A survey among Danish men 16-55 years of age.

To describe attitudes towards HIV infection in relation to sexual risk behaviour and sociodemographic factors in a representative sample of Danish men 16-55 years of age, a self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed in connection with a personal health interview and returned by prepaid mail. The response rate was 55%, corresponding to 1,155 participants. In contrast to the official AIDS prevention strategy, 28% of the participants stated that HIV infected persons should be forbidden to have sexual relationships, and 44% that they should be registered by the authorities. 33% of the participants had had sexual behaviour which may be associated with increased risk of HIV infection: more than one female partner during the previous 12 months, sexual contact with prostitutes or sex with other men. Despite good basic knowledge of AIDS, only 41-59% of these men perceived themselves at risk, and only 47%-54% of men perceiving themselves at risk had adopted risk-reducing sexual behaviour. The results indicate a need for innovative health education of the general public about AIDS prevention at community and individual level. In the absence of effective treatment and without prospect of a vaccine in the near future the prevention of AIDS must focus on modifying behaviour associated with increased risk of HIV infection, in particular sexual behaviour.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1989

HIV testing in Denmark: a nominator-denominator study.

In order to describe prevalence and trends of HIV infection, demographic variables, risk factors, and reasons for seeking testing, and self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed to approximately 75% of all individuals tested for antibodies to HIV on a voluntary basis, in all parts of the Danish health-care system, in November 1987 and in April 1988. The number of questionnaires returned was 2143 (55%). Overall, HIV prevalence was 1.2% and was highest among homosexual and bisexual men: 6% in November and 9% in April, with no statistical difference. Sixteen per cent of the men reported homosexual behaviour, 7% reported intravenous drug use, and 60% more than one opposite-sex partner within the last 12 months. No substantial difference was observed between reported risk factors in November and April. Overall, 18% had been tested at least once before; this figure rose to approximately 50% among homosexual men and intravenous drug abusers, a substantial number of whom had engaged in risk behaviour since the latest test. Sixty percent of men and 75% of women were tested at general practitioners', and 22% and 13% at sexually transmitted disease clinics; only 6% of men and 3% of women had used alternative test sites. It is concluded that studies of anti-HIV-tested people can give detailed information about patterns of HIV testing and indications of trends in HIV infection rates, thereby supplementing other forms of HIV surveillance.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

PubMed1989

Occurrence of sexual behaviour related to the risk of HIV-infection. A survey among Danish men, 16-55 years of age.

To describe the occurrence of sexual behaviour involving increased risk of HIV-infection in a representative sample of Danish men, 16-55 years of age, a self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed in connection with a personal health interview and returned by mail. The response rate was 55% corresponding to 1,155 participants. The sexual behaviour of 33% of the men was potentially risky, with a chance of HIV-infection. Homosexual experience was reported as 3% and sexual contact with female prostitutes as 14%. During the previous twelve months, 1% had had homosexual contact, 2% had had contact with prostitutes, and 22% had more than one female partner; most of these men had "one night stands" and used condoms infrequently. Consequently, a significant minority of the participants engaged in sexual behaviour which might facilitate the dissemination of HIV-infection. Although the prevalence of HIV among heterosexuals in Denmark is low, intense health education will be needed in order to prevent heterosexual spread of HIV in the future.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1987