The association between school attendance, HIV infection and sexual behaviour among young people in rural South Africa

摘要: Objectives: To investigate whether the prevalence of HIV infection among young people, and sexual behaviours associated with increased risk, are differentially distributed between students those not attending school or college. Design: A random population sample unmarried people (916 males, 1003 females) aged 14–25 years from rural South Africa in 2001. Methods: Data on attendance risk characteristics came structured face-to-face interviews. serostatus was assessed by oral fluid ELISA. Logistic regression models specified high-risk as outcome variables. The primary exposure attendance. Models were adjusted for potential confounders. Results: knowledge, communication about sex testing similarly non-students. lifetime number partners lower both sexes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) more than three men 0.67; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.00; aOR two women 0.69; 0.46 1.04). Among women, fewer reported having older themselves (aOR 0.58; 0.37 0.92), five times a partner 0.57; 0.87) unprotected intercourse during past year 0.60; 0.40 0.91). Male less likely be positive non-students 0.21; 0.06 0.71). Conclusions: Attending lower-risk and, men, prevalence. Secondary may influence structure networks reduce risk. Maximising transmission people.