-
Unprotected Sex and Associated Factors among Adolescent Students of Rift Valley University Jimma Campus, Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia: Institution Based Cross Sectional Study
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2019
Pages:
1-10
Received:
10 December 2018
Accepted:
2 January 2019
Published:
29 January 2019
Abstract: Unprotected sex is a sex-related risk behavior that contributes to pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease transmission amongst adolescents. Adolescents have high rates of unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases, and they are at increased risk for adverse behaviors and outcomes. Establishing risk factors for unprotected sex in adolescents is one of the essential steps in developing primary and secondary prevention programs in universities and communities. However there is lack of information on unprotected sex and associated factors among private university adolescents in the study area. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of associated factors on unprotected sex among adolescent students of Rift Valley University Jimma campus, Jimma town, South West Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was employed from November 06 - 21, 2017. Five hundred twenty three (523) adolescent students of Rift Valley University Jimma campus were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify the independent predictors of unprotected sex at 95% CI and P-value less than 0.05. The study revealed that 40.4% of respondents were sexually experienced. Majority (74.3%) reported having had sex with only one lifetime partner and 131 (63.6%) had used condom during sex before. Majority (56.3%) of the sexually experienced respondents were sexually active within 12 months of study. Up to 28.4% of sexually experienced respondents have had sex with a person other than their current partner and 44 (37.9%) of them did not used condom consistently. Hence, twenty three (19.8%) of the study participants were reported unprotected sexual practices. Being late age at first sexual intercourse, low parental supervision, visiting night club, and hadn’t source of information on sexuality were the significant predictors of unprotected sex within 12 months of study. The findings of this study showed that university students are involved in unprotected sex that may increase their risk of contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection. Based on the above results, researcher recommended the university, families and zonal education office and other stakeholders should be involved and working in collaboration to reduce the unprotected sexual practice.
Abstract: Unprotected sex is a sex-related risk behavior that contributes to pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease transmission amongst adolescents. Adolescents have high rates of unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases, and they are at increased risk for adverse behaviors and outcomes. Establishing risk factors for unprotected sex in adolesce...
Show More
-
Application of the Health Belief Model to HIV Testing and Counselling Among Youth Living in Selected Rural Communities in Ghana
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2019
Pages:
11-18
Received:
14 December 2018
Accepted:
5 January 2019
Published:
29 January 2019
Abstract: Human Immune Virus/Acquired Humane Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a pandemic that has caused devastating effects on both infected and affected persons. However, with the discovery of Anti-Retroviral Therapy, early detection of HIV leads to timely treatment, which significantly leads to prolong life. This study aimed at predicting the HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) behaviour of youth of selected rural communities in Ghana using the health belief model (HBM). This cross sectional study was conducted on 424 youth using a questionnaire. By applying the multi stage sampling technique, a dominantly rural district was first purposefully selected, and then the communities through simple random sampling, and lastly the individual youth were purposefully selected. Data was processed and analysed using SPSS version 22 software. Findings from the study revealed that, respondents’ perceived susceptibility to HTC, perceived benefits and the level of awareness (cues to action) were high, however respondents perceived barriers to HTC was indifferent. It was also found that an increase in a person’s perceived benefits was likely to affect one’s perceived barriers to participate in HIV Testing and Counselling. This indicates a crucial need for formal educational programs to sensitize them regarding the benefits of HTC. Stakeholders in health should therefore focus HIV/AIDS educational programmes on the benefits of HIV screening behaviours to the youth.
Abstract: Human Immune Virus/Acquired Humane Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a pandemic that has caused devastating effects on both infected and affected persons. However, with the discovery of Anti-Retroviral Therapy, early detection of HIV leads to timely treatment, which significantly leads to prolong life. This study aimed at predicting the HIV Testing...
Show More
-
A Case of TASO Tororo Surge Strategy: Using Double Layered Screening to Increase the Rate of Identification of New HIV Positive Clients in the Community
Ronald Opito,
Mastula Nanfuka,
Levicatus Mugenyi,
Michael Bernard Etukoit,
Kenneth Mugisha,
Lynette Opendi,
Betty Nabukonde,
David Kagimu,
Godfrey Muzaaya,
Caroline Karutu
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2019
Pages:
19-25
Received:
5 January 2019
Accepted:
7 February 2019
Published:
28 February 2019
Abstract: Introduction: HIV testing services is the entry point to HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support services. According to Uganda Population HIV impact assessment preliminary report released in 2018, 72.5% of people living with HIV in Uganda knew their status, which is below the UNAIDS target of 90%. We proposed a double layered screening of the population using the Ministry of Health HIV Testing Services (HTS) screening tool to identify more HIV positives and start them on treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the double layered screening approach on HIV test yield. Methods: A double layered screening approach involved using community and technical teams from TASO Tororo HIV clinic through the surge strategy. The community team (first layer) comprised of expert clients, local council 1, market and church leaders who were trained on how to screen the people in the community using the HTS screening tool. The technical team (second layer) comprised of medical personnel and counselors who subjected all people mobilized and screened by the community team to a second layered screening before offering an HIV test. We compared proportions of HIV test yields before and after the implementation of the double layered HTS strategy using proportions test and we assessed the impact of the double layered screening using a difference in difference (DID) evaluation method. Results; There was a general increase in HIV test yield from 4.75% with single screening (period: January-March 2018) to 12.25% with double screening (period: April – June 2018) (P<0.001). The increase was more in males (from 3.51% to 11.06%) than in females (from 6.36% to 13.31%) and this difference was significant (P=0.035). The increase in HIV test yield did not differ by age (P=0.060), by marital status (P=0.606) or by first time tester (P=0.167), Conclusion: The double layered screening before HIV test could be an effective strategy to maximize HIV test yield in the general population, which if scaled up can save huge resources, time and help focus on actual targets for HIV testing services, leading to early attainment of the UNAIDS 1st target of 90-90-90.
Abstract: Introduction: HIV testing services is the entry point to HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support services. According to Uganda Population HIV impact assessment preliminary report released in 2018, 72.5% of people living with HIV in Uganda knew their status, which is below the UNAIDS target of 90%. We proposed a double layered screening of the ...
Show More
-
An Assessment of HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) Service Utilization in Nigeria: A Binary Logistic Regression Approach
Onemayin Kolawole Jospeh,
Halid Omobolaji Yusuf,
Obafemi Oluwafemi Samuel,
Adetunji Ademola Abiodun
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2019
Pages:
26-36
Received:
13 February 2019
Accepted:
15 March 2019
Published:
8 April 2019
Abstract: HIV infection remains the most challenging health and development crisis in the last two decades as it continues to create health and socio-economic challenges in many parts of Nigeria and the world at large. HIV counselling and testing (HCT) can identify infection in early stages as it involves analysis of body fluids for the presence of antigens or antibodies produced in response to HIV and these are key to controlling the HIV epidemics. As a result, certain factors are considered in this study as deterrents to HCT service utilization in Nigeria applying the k-order binary logistic regression model using a structured questionnaire developed by the research team in some selected states in South-West of Nigeria. The socio-demographic details of respondents reveals that out of 788 people (out of 800 administered questionnaires) that were interviewed, 452 (57.4%) have had HCT while 336 (42.6%) never had HCT. Age15-19 (the adolescent) with 68.1% are the groups with the highest respondents with HCT uptake. The chi-square test of independence also reveals that age, gender, religion, and marital status are not related with HCT uptake while ethnic, educational status, place of residence are associated with decision on HCT uptake. The binary logistic regression of HCT uptake on the investigated socio-demographic details of respondents reveals the age group (50 and above) has the highest odds of up-taking HCT while those in the group 25-29 years has the least. Male respondents have a slightly higher odds compared to female and the Yoruba ethnic group are the most likely to utilize HCT. Results also revealed that traditionalist are the most likely to utilize HCT (1.635) with the Christianity (with 1.000) being the least. Those who are single/never married has a non-significant highest odds (1.092) among the marital status considered while those who are separated/divorced has the least (0.712). The odds of utilizing HCT is least among those with no formal education. People with Primary education are about three times more likely to take HCT compared to those with no formal education. Rural settlers are about three times (2.818) more likely to uptake HCT in comparison with those who reside in urban centres. Finally, employment status of respondents is insignificant to HCT uptake, although the odds in favour of those that are schooling is highest (1.175), followed by those that are self-employed (1.013).
Abstract: HIV infection remains the most challenging health and development crisis in the last two decades as it continues to create health and socio-economic challenges in many parts of Nigeria and the world at large. HIV counselling and testing (HCT) can identify infection in early stages as it involves analysis of body fluids for the presence of antigens ...
Show More
-
Factors Influencing Maternal Adherence to Infant’s Nevirapine Prophylaxis in a Cross-Sectional Study Conducted at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Caroline Kambugu Nabasirye,
Ratib Mawa,
Elizabeth Ayebare
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2019
Pages:
37-46
Received:
14 February 2019
Accepted:
3 April 2019
Published:
6 May 2019
Abstract: To eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV, existing interventions might need to be scaled-up and rigorously implemented. One of the strategies to reduce vertical transmission of HIVis the 4-6weeks daily single oral dose ofNevirapine (NVP) or Zidovidinerecommended for newbornsto HIV positive mothers. Maternal optimal adherence to these anti-retroviral prophylaxis regimens is imperative to prevention of vertical transmission of HIV. Limited studies investigated maternal adherence to infant’s NVP prophylaxis regimen and associated factors. This study examined the level and factors influencing maternal adherence to infant’s NVPprophylaxis regimenat six weeks of age. Maternal adherence to infant’s NVP regimen was defined as dispensation of 95% of the total daily single dose of NVPsuspension to infants at 6 weeks of age. Maternal adherence, socio-demographic and psychosocial factors were measured using a pre-tested questionnaire. Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression model were used to determine the level and factors influencing maternal adherence to infant’s NVP regimen respectively. Results showed that 77% of the mothers had optimal adherence. Maternal age ≥ 20 years and believe in the effectiveness of NVP in prevention of vertical transmission of HIV were associated with increased likelihood of adherence to infants NVP regimen (OR 6.18; 95% CI: 1.64-23.24) and (OR 12.69; 95% CI 3.07-52.44) respectively.In conclusion maternal maturity and perceived benefits of NVP seems to be important positive drivers of optimal adherence. This suggests the importance of considering psychosocial and demographic characteristics of mothers in policy and intervention designing.
Abstract: To eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV, existing interventions might need to be scaled-up and rigorously implemented. One of the strategies to reduce vertical transmission of HIVis the 4-6weeks daily single oral dose ofNevirapine (NVP) or Zidovidinerecommended for newbornsto HIV positive mothers. Maternal optimal adherence to these anti-r...
Show More
-
HIV Status Disclosure to Sexual Partner(s) and Associated Factors Among Young Adults, A Mixed Methods Study
Tafadzwa Dzinamarira,
Martha Ndapandula Hatutale,
Hilda Namwenyo Ndadi,
Moreblessing Chipo Mashora,
Saara Penehafo Shatumbu
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2019
Pages:
47-51
Received:
24 February 2019
Accepted:
30 March 2019
Published:
15 May 2019
Abstract: With a documented HIV prevalence among adults of 12.6% with disparities by sex; 15.7% and 9.3% among women and men respectively, Namibia is one of the first countries reported to be nearing epidemic control for HIV. Namibia has been very successful in ensuring universal treatment access for people living with HIV. For prevention interventions, the importance of HIV status disclosure among HIV-infected individuals, particularly to their sexual partners cannot be over emphasized. We used a mixed methods approach on a combined sample of 185 HIV positive young adults attending comprehensive care departments at selected referral hospitals in Namibia. For quantitative data, the chi-square test and multiple regression analysis were employed for data analysis. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded and analysed to build themes in line with study objectives. Of the 185 participants; only 35 were included in the qualitative component of the study with stratification by gender and age. Multiple logistic regression found HIV post-test counselling plus age were the only factors associated with disclosure status whilst adjusting for other study variables. Three major themes were built from the qualitative data. Theme one showed fear to be an important barrier to disclosure (fear of being rejected and violence). Theme two showed revealed lack of knowledge on importance of disclosure to sexual partner if not married or cohabitating. Theme three showed one main motivation for disclosure was having been tested together or discussed with sexual partner prior to testing. The importance of HIV post-test counselling remains an important factor affecting HIV status disclosure. In the advent of new HIV interventions such as HIV self-testing, findings from our study may be used to guide policies for these new interventions and strengthen post-test counselling to ensure HIV status disclosure to sexual partner(s). Health education on importance of testing as couples or with sexual partner needs to be strengthened.
Abstract: With a documented HIV prevalence among adults of 12.6% with disparities by sex; 15.7% and 9.3% among women and men respectively, Namibia is one of the first countries reported to be nearing epidemic control for HIV. Namibia has been very successful in ensuring universal treatment access for people living with HIV. For prevention interventions, the ...
Show More
-
Factors Associated with Agreeing to Early Childbearing Among School Girls of Selected Rural Districts in Zambia
Priscilla Nkonde,
Cheelo Mweene,
Patrick Musonda
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2019
Pages:
52-58
Received:
12 March 2019
Accepted:
17 April 2019
Published:
20 May 2019
Abstract: Background: The Zambia Demographic Health survey conducted in 2014 reported a notable number of adolescent girls 3627(11.7%) who had their first sexual intercourse by age 15 and the Zambia National Health Strategic Plan 2017-2021 highlighted the high adolescent birth rate which stood at 141 per 1000 live births between the years 2013 and 2014. In this paper, we adopted the WHO definition of an Adolescent as any person between the ages of 10 to 19 years. This study aimed at investigating baseline factors that leads to agreeing into early childbearing practices among adolescent girls in selected rural districts of Zambia nested in the RISE cluster randomized trial. In this study early childbearing was taken to mean any pregnancy before the age of 16. Methods: This study is a nested quantitative cross-sectional design. Participants were girls attending grade seven at various schools in 2016. Information on factors that could influence the participants’ view on childbearing were collected at baseline. A complete enumeration of approximately 5000 girls recruited in 12 rural districts of Central and Southern provinces were analysed. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages in tables. To check for association with categorical variables, either Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test was done depending on whether the assumptions for Chi-squared test were satisfied or not. Univariate and Multiple Logistic regression analysis was used to test the association between independent factors and early childbearing. Clustering in the study was accounted for using robust standard errors. Results: The findings showed that more than two-thirds 3189 (73.7%) of the participants had little or no knowledge regarding adolescent sexual and reproductive health services while less than one-third 1137 (26%) had knowledge regarding Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health services. Adolescents with mobile phones were 2.5 times more likely to have children early compared to adolescents without mobile phones. Majority 227 (69%) who agreed to early childbearing were aged 10 to 15 years, whilst the least 99(30.3%) were in the age range of 16 to 20 years. In addition, results revealed that one-year increase in age of an adolescent girl increases agreeing to early childbearing by 30% (OR=1.30, 95% CI (1.01, 1.67), p- value=0.03). Overall, very few factors (mobile phone and age) at baseline were found to be associated with agreeing to early childbearing. Conclusions: Only mobile phone use and age were associated with agreeing to early childbearing.
Abstract: Background: The Zambia Demographic Health survey conducted in 2014 reported a notable number of adolescent girls 3627(11.7%) who had their first sexual intercourse by age 15 and the Zambia National Health Strategic Plan 2017-2021 highlighted the high adolescent birth rate which stood at 141 per 1000 live births between the years 2013 and 2014. In t...
Show More
-
Geographical Distribution of HIV-patients with Respect to HIV-treatment Units in Cameroon: A Cross-sectional Study
André Pascal Goura,
Benjamin Azike Chukuwchindun,
Martin Ndinakie Yakum,
Joliette Azakoh Nguefack,
Paméla Ekeme Lonbe,
Jérôme Ateudjieu
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2019
Pages:
59-67
Received:
20 March 2019
Accepted:
25 April 2019
Published:
20 May 2019
Abstract: The treatment of HIV-patients is a key component to HIV/aids control strategies. Since 2007, Cameroon is treating HIV-patients for free within decentralized treatment units created in functional health districts. This study aimed to map the geographical distribution of HIV-patients with respect to that of treatment units in Cameroon. We conducted a cross-sectional study in which functional health districts with HIV-treatment units were exhaustively sampled to map the local access to antiretroviral care in the Cameroon West region. Patients from these units were randomly selected and recruited during their monthly period of receiving antiretroviral drugs. Four hundred and seventy-two patients were included. The mean age of participants was 42 (± 10) years with a sex ratio male/female of 1/3. Fourteen units were distributed in 09 health districts (45% coverage) and 11/20 districts had no Treatment unit. Sixty two percent (294/472) of participants resided in the health district of their screening and 65% (308/472) were follow up in the health district of residence. Nine of ten patients resided in their treatment health region. Less than 10% of patients travel from health districts with no HIV-treatment unit. Close to 1/5 (74/382) patient migrated from local health district with treatment unit to another local health district for follow up. Second line treatment was not available except in one public and one private treatment unit. The distribution of HIV-treatment units is strongly linked to the geographical distribution of HIV-patients across health districts. We therefore believe that the creation of treatment units in health districts still lacking them can significantly increase screening and treatment of patients in this region.
Abstract: The treatment of HIV-patients is a key component to HIV/aids control strategies. Since 2007, Cameroon is treating HIV-patients for free within decentralized treatment units created in functional health districts. This study aimed to map the geographical distribution of HIV-patients with respect to that of treatment units in Cameroon. We conducted a...
Show More
-
Perceived Social Support and Its Association with Depression Among Patients Infected with HIV: A Hospital Based Study in Jos, Nigeria
Halima Mwuese Sule,
Mark Davou Gyang,
Michael Terkura Agbir,
Kingsley Mayowa Okonoda
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2019
Pages:
68-75
Received:
20 April 2019
Accepted:
28 May 2019
Published:
10 June 2019
Abstract: The chronicity of HIV infection predisposes the infected to mental health problems such as depression that demand a need for social support. The perception of social support is key to its beneficial effects. This study aimed to assess the level of perceived social support and its association with depression among patients infected with HIV in a hospital in Jos, Nigeria. In a cross-sectional study, 386 participants selected by systematic random sampling were interviewed to obtain their sociodemographic information, and they were assessed for perceived social support and depression using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the PHQ-9 Questionnaire respectively. Data was analysed using Epi info version 7. Half the proportion of participants (50.5%) had a moderate level of perceived social support, while 39.9% and 9.6% had low and high levels of perceived social support respectively. Female gender, age ≥ 45 years, absence of a history of being affiliated with a HIV support group, low educational status, low income, unemployment and shorter duration of known HIV diagnosis were negatively associated with lower levels of perceived social support. The prevalence of depression was 32.6%, and lower levels of perceived social support were significantly associated with depression. The results suggest gaps in the social support needs of the participants. This highlights a need for interventions aimed at improving the perception of social support among people living with HIV. Further studies are needed to identify those unmet needs so as to device strategies to address them in order to close the gaps in perception and enhance mental health in HIV care.
Abstract: The chronicity of HIV infection predisposes the infected to mental health problems such as depression that demand a need for social support. The perception of social support is key to its beneficial effects. This study aimed to assess the level of perceived social support and its association with depression among patients infected with HIV in a hos...
Show More
-
Challenges Facing Children Born with HIV: A Case Study of One Rural Schoolin Oshikoto Region of Namibia
Emilia Ndapandula Mbongo,
Anna Niitembu Hako
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, June 2019
Pages:
76-81
Received:
7 May 2019
Accepted:
11 June 2019
Published:
24 June 2019
Abstract: An increasing number of children born with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are surviving well into adolescence and adulthood. This is a direct result of the roll-out of antiretroviral therapy to those infected. This study investigated the challenges facing children born with HIV in one rural school in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. The sample of the study constituted six learners who were purposively selected. Semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire were used to collect data. The results reveal that children know their HIV status and were mostly informed of their status by their caregivers. All the children are on antiretroviral treatment in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) antiretroviral therapy guidelines, that recommends the initiation of treatment regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage. The results further showed that adherence to treatment remains a problem exacerbated by the secrecy around the virus. Children reported HIV related stigma and discrimination at the hands of adults or peers. Some participants reported feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, isolation and depression. The children’s education is also negatively affected by the HIV -positive status. As with other vulnerable children, the HIV-infected child faces many barriers to learning. The study recommends a comprehensive HIV education programme for all Namibians to mitigate the effects that come with misconceptions and a lack of understanding regarding the virus.
Abstract: An increasing number of children born with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are surviving well into adolescence and adulthood. This is a direct result of the roll-out of antiretroviral therapy to those infected. This study investigated the challenges facing children born with HIV in one rural school in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. The samp...
Show More
