Question

A study is conducted about the effect of condoms in reducing the spread of AIDS. This study followed heterosexual couples where one partner was infected with the HIV virus. Of 171 couples who always used condoms, 2 partners became infected with HIV, while 55 couples who did not always use condoms, 6 partners became infected. Test whether the rates are significantly different. Complete parts (a) and (b) below.

a) Define p1 and p2 in this context, and specify the null and two-sided alternative hypotheses. Choose the correct answer from each dropdown menu.
Define p1 and p2.
The population proportion p1 is the proportion of partners where _______
The population proportion p2 is the proportion of partners where _______

Answer 1

The population proportion p2 refers to the proportion of uninfected partners who become infected with HIV when condoms are not always used. This statistical study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of condoms in reducing HIV transmission rates in heterosexual couples. The result suggests that consistent condom use is indeed an important preventive measure against HIV spread.

Step-by-step explanation:

A study to test whether the rates of HIV transmission are significantly different between couples who always used condoms and those who did not consistently use condoms has been conducted. In this context, the population proportion p2 is the proportion of uninfected partners becoming infected with HIV when condoms are not always used. The study compares this population proportion with the proportion of uninfected partners (population proportion p1) being infected when condoms are always used.

The data from the study indicates that out of 171 couples who always used condoms, 2 partners became infected, while among 55 couples who did not always use condoms, 6 partners became infected. To determine if there is a significant difference in the transmission rates, a statistical hypothesis test can be conducted. Considering that consistent condom use shows a transmission rate of less than 1 percent per year, and that public health policies in various countries encourage condom use to prevent HIV, this data can be empirical evidence of the effectiveness of condoms in reducing HIV spread in heterosexual relationships.

Despite condoms not being foolproof and potential failures with typical use, they remain a critical component in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS, as emphasized in comprehensive sex education programs and recognized by public health campaigns across the globe. It's vital to continue advocating for condom use in combination with other preventative measures like comprehensive sex education and needle-exchange programs to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly in regions with high infection rates such as Sub-Saharan Africa.