Research on HIV prevention for high-risk populations published in the AIDS care journal

Dr. Janet Alexis A. De Los Santos, a faculty researcher from VSU Faculty of Nursing, has published groundbreaking research focused on improving HIV prevention strategies for high-risk populations in the Philippines. 

Her study, a comprehensive scoping review, addresses critical  factors contributing to the ongoing HIV epidemic, particularly among young people and marginalized groups. 

The research uncovers a range of issues affecting HIV prevention in the country, including insufficient HIV knowledge, high-risk behaviors, widespread stigma, restrictive healthcare policies, and the lack of HIV education in schools. 

The findings of the research point to the urgent need for a more inclusive and proactive approach to combat the resign HIV rates, especially in vulnerable communities 

“My work is  driven by the belief that if we do not act now,we may one day look back and realize that many HIV cases could have been prevented,” Dr. De Los Santos said. 

“This research aims to highlight the barriers preventing effective HIV prevention and to provide solutions that can make a tangible difference.”

The study categorizes the contributing factors into five areas: individual, sociocultural, educational, environmental, and biological. 

This approach provides a clearer understanding of the complex landscapes surrounding  HIV prevention and offers a framework that can guide future interventions, policy-making, and research. 

Among the unexpected findings, Dr. De Los Santos discovered the persistent role of conservative societal attitudes toward HIV, which continue to hinder education and prevention efforts. 

Stigma, misinformation, and fear still have a profound impact on how HIV is perceived, particularly among young people and at-risk populations. 

“Despite some progress, these attitudes are a major obstacle in the fight against HIV,” she explained. 

The study also emphasizes the lack of HIV education in schools as a critical gap. With young people remaining unaware of the risks and preventative measures, they are left vulnerable to the spread of the virus. 

Dr. De Los Santos advocates for policy changes that would improve access to HIV testing, treatment, and education, particularly for high-risk groups such as the youth, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people in underserved areas. 

In response to these challenges, Dr. De Los Santos offers several recommendations, including the development of targeted education campaigns, especially in schools and communities with high HIV incidence. 

She also calls for revisions to restrictive healthcare policies to ensure better access to prevention services and treatment for those most at risk. 

This research has already made an impact on local policy, particularly in Cebu, where Dr. De Los Santos’ findings contributed to the establishment of a multi-sectoral STD/HIV council. 

She plans to continue her work by implementing interventions in high-risk areas and advocating for further policy reforms at both local and national levels. 

“I hope this study can inspire other healthcare professionals and policymakers to take actions, and that it will spark a more inclusive, evidence-based approach to HIV prevention,” Dr. De Los Santos said. 

Dr. De Los Santos’ research has been published in the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, a prestigious journal recognized for its contributions to the field of HIV care and prevention. 

Looking ahead, Dr. De Los Santos plans to expand her research and collaborate with other institutions and government agencies to implement effective, culturally-sensitive strategies that can reduce HIV incidence and improve public health outcomes in the country. 

For Dr. De Los Santos, the goal is clear: to create a healthier, more informed society where HIV prevention is accessible to everyone, particularly those most at risk. 

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 3: Good Health and Well-Being; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

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