Monthly Archives: February 2016

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global health issue and has been associated with an increased HIV-related risk and vulnerability to HIV infection. This study examined the potential relationship between IPV and HIV-risk behaviors among women in Nepal. Our findings revealed that IPV against women was associated with the presence of HIV-risk behaviors, such as history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), multiple sex partners, inconsistent condom use, partner with known HIV risks, and inability to negotiate safer sexual practices. This highlights a need to develop effective interventions aimed at eliminating IPV to decrease the disproportionate burden of adverse health outcomes, including STIs/HIV among women.

Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) among high-risk substance users poses a substantial barrier to reducing risk behaviors in this population. Previous work suggests that NCI is intertwined in a close, reciprocal relationship with risk behaviors. Not only does substance use worsen cognitive impairment but cognitive impairment may also reduce the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing risk and improving medication adherence. In this systematic review, we examine the potential impact of substance abuse and cognitive functioning in the context of HIV risk behaviors and risk-reduction intervention outcomes. The findings thus far suggest that, in order to be effective, risk-reduction interventions must take into account the impact of NCI on learning, memory, and behavior.