ABSTRACT
Objectives: To determine the association between HIV infection and anthropometric measures (weight; height; midupper arm circumference and head circumference) of children aged one to five years.Method: A cross sectional descriptive study using structured questionnaire and measurement of weight; height; head and midupper arm circumference of 846 infected children and matched controls.Results: The mean weights of the controls were significantly higher than those of the infected children at all age groups (p0.005) while; the controls were significantly taller than the infected children after 49months (p
Subject(s)
Child , Tertiary Care Centers , Weights and MeasuresABSTRACT
Despite their high levels of knowledge about HIV and AIDS; young people ages 15-24 years in South Africa remain disproportionately affected by the epidemic. Young people's continued susceptibility to HIV infection has been consistently linked to intractable higher-risk sexual behaviours. This paper uses multivariate techniques and secondary data from two nationally representative surveys to illuminate individual and socio-structural factors that play a significant role in youths' continued engagement in higher-risk behaviour; despite their high awareness about HIV and AIDS. The findings show that notwithstanding progress in terms of increased condom use and reduced incidence of other sexually transmitted infections; the average age of sexual debut remains low; multiple sexual partnerships are prevalent; and inconsistent condom use is widespread among young people. Factors significantly associated with these risk behaviours occur at the individual and structural levels and include issues of race; gender; poverty and susceptibility to peer pressure. The paper concludes by recommending that future HIV-prevention interventions in South Africa should aim at building resilience among youths by promoting affirmative; supportive interventions that emphasize the potentials of young people