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Factors Contributing to the Prevalence of HIV Infections in Mwandi District of Zambia: A Three Year Retrospective Review
Tinkler Saul Simbeye,
Ebenezer Obi. Daniel,
Queen Mulenga,
Paul Olaiya Abiodun,
Ahmed Mamuda Bello,
Israel Olukayode Popoola,
Michael Avwerhota,
Azeezat Abimbola Oyewande,
Christiana Asibi-Ogben Inegbeboh,
Michael Olabode Tomori,
Friday Iyobosa Igbinovia,
Adebanke Adetutu Ogun,
Oladapo Michael Olagbegi
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
1-8
Received:
26 November 2022
Accepted:
21 December 2022
Published:
13 January 2023
Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a major public health problem in Zambia affecting people in their prime and most productive years (15-49) of life. The cross sectional study was aimed at determining the factors contributing to HIV prevalence in Mwandi district of Zambia from 2016 to 2018. Two hundred and sixty-nine (269) participants were recruited using simple random sampling technique. The study disclosed that, a large proportion of study participants 50.6% (136) were females. The study also revealed that most of the respondents 43.5% (117) had attained some secondary level of education. The study further revealed that the majority 98.1% (264) of the respondents associated HIV transmission with unprotected sexual intercourse. The study also disclosed that most of the respondents 98.5% (265) and 98.1% (264) received health education on HIV/AIDS from hospital and clinics respectively while a considerable proportion of study participants 66.2% (178) acquired health education on HIV/AIDS through reading magazines. Also, this study exposed that, most 87.7% (236) of the respondents had adequate level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Level of education, occupation and number of children were found to have statistically significant relationship with level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS (P<0.05). Apart from that, this study also revealed that 78.8% (212) of study participants had good adherence to STI/HIV/AIDS treatment while 21.7% (57) had poor drug adherence. Level of education was also found to have statistically significant association with drug adherence on HIV/AIDS (P<0.05). The study also uncovered that 88.8% (239) of the respondents did not have access to the laboratory health services in the health facilities in Mwandi district of Zambia. Conversely, only 11.2% (30) of the respondents had access to the laboratory services in the health facilities. It is suggested that the Ministry of health should make it a policy for every health facility to have its own laboratory diagnostic facilities in order to enhance accessibility to diagnostic laboratory testing services in low-resource settings like Zambia.
Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a major public health problem in Zambia affecting people in their prime and most productive years (15-49) of life. The cross sectional study was aimed at determining the factors contributing to HIV prevalence in Mwandi district of Zambia from 2016 to 2018. Two hundred and...
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Incidence, Predictors and Reasons of Attrition of Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV in Eight Large-Cohort Sites in Conakry
Niouma Nestor Leno,
Jean Michel Lamah,
Foromo Guilavogui,
Thierno Saidou Diallo,
Youssouf Koita,
Laye Kaba,
Arnold Ahiatsi,
Nagnouman Toure,
Souleymane Chaloub,
Andre Kamano,
Mahamadou Drabo,
Jean Gaudart
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
9-19
Received:
20 December 2022
Accepted:
6 January 2023
Published:
17 January 2023
Abstract: Introduction: The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of attrition (death and lost to follow-up) among patients living with HIV on ART and to identify key predictors of this attrition. It also described the reasons why some patients are lost to follow-up. Methods: This was a historical cohort study of patients living with HIV put on ART between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2020 in 8 large cohort sites in Conakry. An additional cross-sectional survey in the form of an investigation was conducted to describe the final status of patients reported lost to follow-up by the sites, as well as to describe the reasons for their loss to follow-up. Kaplan Meier techniques were used to estimate cumulative incidence, and the multivariate Cox proportional model was used to identify predictors of attrition. Results: The cumulative incidence of attrition was 19.50 over a median follow-up time of 2.5 years, for an overall attrition rate of 7.79 years per 100 person-years. Factors significantly associated with attrition were: Age 15 - 24 years [aHR = 2.212; 95% CI (1.321 - 3.704)], age >35 years [aHR = 1.723; 95% CI (1.041 - 2.852)], viral load >100,000 copies/ml [aHR = 2.056; 95% CI (1.668 - 2.534)], patients not on the 3-month or 6-month appointment system [aHR = 3.031; 95% CI (2.603 - 3.531)]. Conclusion: This study showed that the incidence of attrition increases with increasing follow-up time. Investigation of lost to follow-up reduced the estimated number of patients considered lost to follow-up and increased the number of deaths that were previously underreported. A prospective mixed study including many more variables would allow a better understanding of the attrition phenomenon among people living with HIV on ART in Guinea.
Abstract: Introduction: The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of attrition (death and lost to follow-up) among patients living with HIV on ART and to identify key predictors of this attrition. It also described the reasons why some patients are lost to follow-up. Methods: This was a historical cohort study of patients living with HIV put on...
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Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030
Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano,
Joel Ubandoma Rimmande,
Babylon Philemon
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
20-24
Received:
14 March 2023
Accepted:
4 April 2023
Published:
20 April 2023
Abstract: Nigeria has waded through the HIV/AIDS epidemic for more than 35 years now since 1986. Response efforts are down-grading the epidemic from a peak of 5.8% prevalence in 2010 to a decline of 1.4% prevalence in 2019. Nigeria is desirous of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, but the terrain is challenged by bleak economic outlook and socio-political shocks that impose vulnerability including insurgency. This study explores the feasibility of Nigeria ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by the year 2030, applying evaluation, management by objective (MBO), content analysis and the deductive model to assess early stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria for the period 2006 - 2011. Secondary data were collected comprising summary of client flow activities of all 117 VCT centers in the State. Content analysis and deductive model were applied on the data to derive lessons learnt. The study found that: (i) VCT services were beneficial to about 1.9% of the State population, though with gross capacity under-utilization of VCT centers at 2.7 clients/day and the under-utilization of counselors at 0.6 clients served/day arising from low client flow; (ii) counseling process was effective and efficient in persuading consent to test; (iii) routine and mass HIV testing were cost-effective in detecting HIV positive sero-status; (iv) the synergy arising from counseling, testing and referral effectively mobilized Persons Living with HIV/AIDS for improved knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) including formation of support groups averaging approximately 2 support groups per Local Government Area. The study recommends that VCT be adapted to a universal counseling and testing paradigm that includes, among others, outreach counseling and testing sessions, on-line counseling, and help-line supported self-testing. The study concludes that with necessary adjustment in counseling and testing, as well as necessary adjustments in other HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support services, the objective of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria by 2030 will be attained.
Abstract: Nigeria has waded through the HIV/AIDS epidemic for more than 35 years now since 1986. Response efforts are down-grading the epidemic from a peak of 5.8% prevalence in 2010 to a decline of 1.4% prevalence in 2019. Nigeria is desirous of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, but the terrain is challenged by bleak economic outlook and socio-political...
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Approach to HIV Prevention in Cuba for Men Who Have Sex with Other Men
Carlos Alejandro Lopez Lima
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
25-29
Received:
13 April 2023
Accepted:
10 May 2023
Published:
25 May 2023
Abstract: This paper describes the main interventions for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus infection, aimed at men who have sex with men, who constitute a risk group for acquiring the disease. For its preparation, the scientific literature published in national and international sources and documents considered relevant to the subject was selected. The analysis and recommendations focused on the health sector and the group of men who have sexual relations with other men. The approaches to the human immunodeficiency virus in Cuba are considered among the high-impact prevention programs, prepared both by civil society, through subsidies from the World Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, as well as by technicians from the National Program for Prevention and Control of STIs-HIV/AIDS. They include personalized service packages, which contain structural, biomedical and behavioral elements for key population groups in the social contexts where they are most needed. As is well known, the risk for each individual depends on their practices and not on the group to which they belong. These offer a common base for the development and promotion of effective programs for prevention, which allow organizing efforts directed at key populations, especially men who have sex with other men, and in this way reduce the number of new infections each year.
Abstract: This paper describes the main interventions for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus infection, aimed at men who have sex with men, who constitute a risk group for acquiring the disease. For its preparation, the scientific literature published in national and international sources and documents considered relevant to the subject was selec...
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Non-Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and Factors Affecting Low Medication Adherence Among Incident HIV-Infected at Lerato Clinic in Germiston
Nzale Nzali Ntumbanzondo Arnold,
Nzale Nzali Kadiombo Tshilela Anastasie,
Longo-Mbenza Benjamin,
Wembonyama Okitosho Stanis,
Tsongo Kibendelwa Zacharie,
Kamangu Ntambwe Eric,
Kabakele Tshibwabwa Alain,
Kisoka Lusunsi Christian
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
30-34
Received:
3 May 2023
Accepted:
22 May 2023
Published:
31 May 2023
Abstract: Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the management of HIV/AIDS has made it possible to significantly reduce its incidence and its morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to identify factors affecting levels of non-adherence to HAART. Methods: The investigator conducted a cross-sectional study at Lerato Clinic in Bertha Qxowa Hospital in Germiston, Gauteng, South Africa from September 2019 to December 2019. Were included to participate, those being more than 18 years old, on HAART for at least three months, consenting to participate, and attending the clinic in that period. Non-adherence was defined as taking their medication ≤ 95% of the time. A threshold of non-adherence >5% was considered high, with P <0.05 statistically significant. Results: Of a total of 278 participants in the study, the average age was 41 ± 13 years with a minimum of 19 years and a maximum of 75 years, a male predominance of 56% (n ꞊ 156); 19% of patients showed adherence ≤ 95%, of which 13.31 (n=37) were men and 5.4% (n=15). High blood pressure, hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia, and LDL-hypercholesterolemia emerged as clinico-biological determinants and associated factors of non-adherence to HAART. People who often found HAART toxic/bad and who often cared for their partners/spouses/parents were at risk of non-adherence. Similarly, people who were busy doing other things and those who "often" cared for a parent were more likely to adhere to HAART. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), uric acid, blood sugar, and LDL cholesterol which showed higher values. Conclusion: Effective management of HIV/AIDS requires <5% non-adherence. At the end of the present study, the factors associated with non-adherence were individuals and cardiometabolic. All these observations affirmed the holistic and multidisciplinary nature of HIV/AIDS care.
Abstract: Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the management of HIV/AIDS has made it possible to significantly reduce its incidence and its morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to identify factors affecting levels of non-adherence to HAART. Methods: The investigator conducted a cross-sectional study at Lerato Cli...
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Sero-Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antibodies Among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) Jajere
Ahmed Idriss Jajere,
Isah Muhammad Liyo,
Dembo Emmanuel Moses
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2023
Pages:
35-38
Received:
13 April 2023
Accepted:
28 April 2023
Published:
27 June 2023
Abstract: HIV/AIDS, also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and human immunodeficiency virus infection, continue to be a global public health concern. A total of 150 pregnant patients at the PHCC clinic had their blood tested for the presence of HIV 1/2 antibodies. The DetermineTM HIV-1/2 in vitro diagnostic kit was used for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus antibodies (HIV). Using a pipette with arrows pointing in their direction and dropping the plasma samples onto the test strips, the reaction was allowed to occur for 15 minutes. Negative samples only display a color band in the control zone, while positive samples produce a red color band in both the test and control portions of the strips. The results showed that only 1 (0.7%) pregnant woman of the 150 tested positive for HIV. On the age group distribution of pregnant women tested for HIV in PHCC Jajere, it showed that 0 (0.0%) women aged 10–20 tested positive for HIV, 1 (0.7%) of those aged 21–30 were tested positive, 0 (0.0%) of those aged 31–40 were tested positive, and 0 (0.0%) of those aged 41–50 were tested positive for HIV. Whereas, the distribution of pregnant women tested positive for HIV in PHCC Jajere based on their locations showed that only 1 (0.7%) pregnant woman from Ganji was tested positive for HIV. It's therefore concluded that the sero-prevalence of HIV 1/2 in the study area is low, and thus, screening pregnant women for HIV/AIDS is recommended despite the low prevalence.
Abstract: HIV/AIDS, also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and human immunodeficiency virus infection, continue to be a global public health concern. A total of 150 pregnant patients at the PHCC clinic had their blood tested for the presence of HIV 1/2 antibodies. The DetermineTM HIV-1/2 in vitro diagnostic kit was used for the detection of human i...
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