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Study on Medication Adherence Among Adolescents on Antiretroviral Medications in Lagos State
Sadiq Rukayyat,
Nwanya Emmanuel,
Omo-Eboh Francis Omokhudu,
Nnamani Okechukwu Hosea,
Okunade Opeyemi Salome,
Ojegbola Blessing,
Soyemi Chinedu Emmanuella
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, December 2021
Pages:
54-60
Received:
17 March 2021
Accepted:
27 March 2021
Published:
8 July 2021
Abstract: Worldwide, the rate of new HIV infections is highest among people between the ages of 15 and 24. Poor ART adherence increases the risk of viral drug-resistance, limits treatment efficacy and reduces future therapeutic choices. This study was carried out to determine the level of adherence among adolescents on antiretroviral medications. This study was carried out on adolescent 10-19 years who are HIV positive on ART in 3 health facilities in Lagos State, South West Nigeria providing comprehensive ART services. The sample size was determined using the Leslie Kish formula for cross-sectional studies. Data was collected using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. In-depth interview was also used to collect information from participant. Data were analyzed using SPSS for windows version 25.0. Finding from the study show that more 77.3% had optimal adherence for two months and 68.7% had optimal adherence for two weeks. Over twenty-five percent (25.3%) did not even take their medication the day before interview. The level of adherence is higher among adolescents older than 13 years (25.4% for optimal and 29.5% for sub-optimal. In conclusion, the study reveals there is a low rate of adherence amongst adolescents leading to poor clinical outcomes.
Abstract: Worldwide, the rate of new HIV infections is highest among people between the ages of 15 and 24. Poor ART adherence increases the risk of viral drug-resistance, limits treatment efficacy and reduces future therapeutic choices. This study was carried out to determine the level of adherence among adolescents on antiretroviral medications. This study ...
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Sociodemographic and Psychological Determinants of Neurocognitive Disorders in People Living with HIV on TARVs in Kinshasa: Cross-sectional Study
Robert Mahamudi Mussa,
Aliocha Natuhoyila Nkodila,
Naomi Asani Kiala,
Justin Mpila Muilu,
Gilbert Lelo Mananga
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, December 2021
Pages:
61-65
Received:
6 July 2021
Accepted:
21 July 2021
Published:
6 August 2021
Abstract: Background and aim: Neurocognitive disorders are described in people living with HIV (PLWH) on therapeutic anti-retroviral (TARVs), but their determinants are not known. The aim of this study is to determine the determinants of neurocognitive disorders in PLHIV on TARVs. Methods: 45 PLWH on ARVs were analyzed in a cross-sectional study conducted in 2 ARV distribution centers in Kinshasa from August to October 2020. Sociodemographic variables, perceived stress score and neurocognitive disorders were the parameters of interest. A logistic regression made it possible to identify the determinants. The threshold of statistical significance was p <0.05. Results: We recorded 45 patients who met our inclusion criteria. The female sex was the majority (71.1%), the mean age was (50.6 plus or minus 9.1 years) with a sex ratio 3F: 1H, asymptomatic neurocognitive disorders (AND) was more noted in our patients and they was more in the attention and calculation component (60%). All of our patients were under stress, 58% of whom were under high stress; there has been a clear correlation between stress and AND, age> 60 years [aOR: 4.09, 95% CI: 1.63), p = 0.022), unmarried status [aOR: 4.40, 95% CI: 1.79-6.63), p = 0.017) and high perceived stress [aOR: 4.97, 95% CI: 2.72-9.85, p = 0.008) were independent risk factors associated with cognitive impairment in the population of study. Conclusion: The prevalence of neurocognitive disorders was high in PLWH on TARVs and these disorders concerned adults, educated, living alone with a predominance of women. Their determinants were age> 60, loneliness and high stress level.
Abstract: Background and aim: Neurocognitive disorders are described in people living with HIV (PLWH) on therapeutic anti-retroviral (TARVs), but their determinants are not known. The aim of this study is to determine the determinants of neurocognitive disorders in PLHIV on TARVs. Methods: 45 PLWH on ARVs were analyzed in a cross-sectional study conducted in...
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STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe
Toweka Andrea,
Moyo Stanzia,
Mhloyi Marvellous,
Makochekanwa Albert,
Mandizadza Enock
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, December 2021
Pages:
66-74
Received:
19 May 2021
Accepted:
15 June 2021
Published:
30 October 2021
Abstract: Personal risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV has been a topical issue because of its association with risky sexual behaviours. Yet little is known about the risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV among female students at the University of Zimbabwe and Chinhoyi University of Technology. The study triangulated quantitative and qualitative research methods. A survey with 770 female students was used to quantify the female students’ sexual practice. Eight face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted using an in-depth interview guide, and eight face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted using a focus group discussion guide. The study revealed that the risk perception of getting pregnant was high, 94%, across universities although variations were noted, 97% at UZ and 88% at CUT. The risk of contracting STIs was also high in both universities, 88%, however it was high at UZ, 89% than 85% at CUT. The risk perception of contracting HIV infection was also high, 86%, across universities although marginal variations were noted, 87% at CUT and 85% at UZ. Qualitative results revealed that female students acknowledged the risks due to their own sexual behaviours, partner refusing to use condoms, and conducting sex parties. The study recommends that information on the dangers of reproductive health problems should be disseminated to students. There is need to encourage students to effectively and consistently use contraceptives.
Abstract: Personal risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV has been a topical issue because of its association with risky sexual behaviours. Yet little is known about the risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV among female students at the University of Zimbabwe and Chinhoyi University of Technology. The study tria...
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Rapid Review of COVID-19 Mitigation Within a Clinical Trials Unit: The UZ- CTRC Experience
Mhembere Tsungai Patience,
Mutambanengwe-Jacob Mercy,
Vhembo Tichaona,
Nicodimus Nicol,
Kokera Sandra Betty,
Bwakura-Dangarembizi Mutsa,
Chirenje Zvavahera Mike
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, December 2021
Pages:
75-83
Received:
11 October 2021
Accepted:
8 November 2021
Published:
17 November 2021
Abstract: Background and aim: The University of Zimbabwe-Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) continued to provide essential services while safeguarding the safety of study participants and research staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. A COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Taskforce formed in March 2020 drafted the institutional IPC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to prevent, mitigate, and manage SARS-CoV-2 infections. Identifying staff infected with SARS-CoV-2, isolation of positive cases and promoting risk reduction measures were key strategies to prevent workplace transmission. The SOP included a routine self-completed risk assessment questionnaire for staff prior to entering Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) facilities each day in addition to the recommended non-pharmaceutical preventative measures. Staff reporting a risk factor of greater than zero were assessed by a clinician and offered real time COVID-19 testing. Details of confirmed cases were reported to the IPC Taskforce and documented in the CTU COVID-19 tracker by the Monitoring and Evaluation Department. COVID-19 vaccine uptake was reported weekly by each clinical research site from February 2021. Methods: We conducted a desk review of this operational information, from March 2020 to August 2021, which was recorded as de-identified data in the CTU COVID-19 Tracker from ten active sites and 247 research staff. Data was tabulated in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Stata 15.0. Results: A total of 753 SARS-CoV-2 tests were conducted (560 PCR tests and 193 Rapid Antigen tests) on CTU staff. Fifty-three SARS-CoV-2 cases were identified; 1 (1.9%) from March-August 2020 (first wave), 15 (28.3%) from September 2020- February 2021 (second wave; 2 deaths) and 37 (69.8%) from March-August 2021 (third wave; 1 death). Vaccination uptake was 84.6% (209/247) among staff between February and August 2021. Of 37 confirmed cases occurring after vaccines became available, 27 (73%) were fully vaccinated, 4 (10.8%) had received 1 vaccine dose and 6 (16.2%) were not vaccinated. Close contact with a known case was reported by 23 (43.4%) of whom 11 (20.7%) was presumed associated with workplace contact, and 10 (18.9%) a family member. Association with positive cases was unknown in 30 (56.6%) cases. Conclusion: We observed a significant rate of breakthrough COVID-19 infections in our Research Unit in the background of 84.6% vaccine uptake. Clinical trial units should consider having mechanisms in place to identify, test and isolate SARS-CoV-2 cases among staff for containment, safety, and continuity of research activities. Our staff remained at risk of acquiring COVID-19 even after vaccination, therefore non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 preventative measures remain critical in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Abstract: Background and aim: The University of Zimbabwe-Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) continued to provide essential services while safeguarding the safety of study participants and research staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. A COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Taskforce formed in March 2020 drafted the institutional IPC Standard ...
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