Structural approaches for prevention of sexually transmitted HIV in general populations: definitions and an operational approach

摘要: Introduction : Although biomedical HIV prevention efforts have seen a number of recent promising developments, behavioural interventions often been described as failing. However, clear lessons identified from past efforts, including the need to address influential social, economic and legal structures; tailor local contexts; multiple influencing factors in combination. Despite these insights, there remains pervasive strategy try achieve sexual behaviour change through single, decontextualized, or sets activities. With current calls for structural approaches part combination prevention, though, is unique opportunity define approach one which moves beyond limitations better incorporates our knowledge social world efforts. Discussion A range interlinked concepts require delineation definition within broad concept HIV. This includes distinguishing between “structural factors,” can be any elements (other than knowledge) influence risk vulnerability, drivers,” should reserved situations where an empirically established relationship target group known. Operationalizing similarly take different paths, either working alter drivers alternatively build individual community resilience infection. diagnostic approach” further defined process undertakes develop intervention strategies tailored groups. Conclusions For three decades, has struggled reduce spread behaviours with limited success, but equally engagement that learned about realities shaping patterns practices. Future must they do so ways particular settings. Clarity on concepts, terminology allow this therefore essential improve (social) science prevention. Keywords: drivers; approaches; prevention; Implementation. (Published: 8 September 2014) Citation: Parkhurst JO. Journal International AIDS Society 2014, 17 :19052 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/19052 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.17.1.19052