Does where we live matter? Community characteristics and HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevalence in southwestern China
Yang, X.
International Journal of Std and Aids 16(1): 31-37
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0956-4624 PMID: 15705270 DOI: 10.1258/0956462052932610Document Number: 240351
Studies of HIV/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in China have paid little attention to community characteristics that may be conducive to HIV/STD risk behaviours and to the spread of epidemics. Using data from a community survey and employing both correlation and multiple regression analysis, this paper examined the county-level determinants of the prevalence of HIV/STD risk behaviours and infections in China, during 1996-2000. The results showed that community social and behavioural norms significantly predicted the prevalence of illicit drugs and commercial sex and that the prevalence of the 2 HIV/STD risk behaviours reinforced each other. In addition, migration significantly increased the prevalence of HIV and STDs, as well as the prevalence of injecting drug use and commercial sex. It is concluded that HIV and STDs are not diseases of poverty but more likely as byproducts of social and behaviour changes associated with development and urbanization.