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Barriers and Facilitators to Retention in Care and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in a Ghanaian Referral Hospital
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2023
Pages:
39-45
Received:
6 July 2023
Accepted:
22 July 2023
Published:
31 July 2023
Abstract: The rise in new HIV infection cases has prompted widespread worry. High trends of patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy in hospitals have been caused by the increase, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, where more than 300,000 people are currently receiving ART. HIV incidence is rising in Ghana, particularly among young people, despite the implementation of goals, policies, and initiatives aimed at improving patient adherence and length of stay in care. This issue has been partially attributed to the lack of scholarly works on the subject, which has hampered efforts to meet the 95-95-95 targets. This study examined the enablers and impediments to adherence and retention to ART among HIV patients at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital in order to contribute to policy and academic literature. This study was significant because it offers advice for adherence and retention policies to assist governments and international organizations like UNAIDS. To support the study, the Anderson Model of Healthcare Utilization was used. Case study using qualitative methodologies was used. The findings demonstrate that non-disclosure of status, socio-cultural ties, the perception of improved health, access to free medication, cultural and religious preferences, and support from the healthcare facility all help patients adhere to ART and stay in care. Additionally, the study discovered that Model of Hopes have a vital role as counselors, educators, and hope models who visit patients at home, engage them in conversation, and motivate them to adhere. Because of this, client adherence to ART has improved. According to the study, older women who are not employed maintain their treatment regimens better than both working and unemployed males. The study also found that there has been a gradual shift in patients' priorities, with less reliance on spiritual guidance and religious supplications at the expense of ART. Issues with money, the economy, stigma, and religion are obstacles to HIV patients' adherence and retention.
Abstract: The rise in new HIV infection cases has prompted widespread worry. High trends of patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy in hospitals have been caused by the increase, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, where more than 300,000 people are currently receiving ART. HIV incidence is rising in Ghana, particularly among young people...
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Prevalence of AHD Among PLHIVs in Six Health Facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Chinwe Umeozulu,
Esther Loyin,
Olusola Oni,
Folake Isona,
Kayode Joseph,
Adeniyi Ojuope,
Blessing Eloh,
Ann Mark,
Olufunmilola Abodunde
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2023
Pages:
46-52
Received:
4 August 2023
Accepted:
23 August 2023
Published:
6 September 2023
Abstract: Globally, HIV remains a paramount health concern, and despite concerted interventions, it persists as a severe challenge in many communities. In regions like Nasarawa State, Nigeria, where prevalence is high, there's an undeniable need for regular monitoring. This study, aimed at gauging the current status of Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) among People Living with HIV (PLHIV), employed a cross-sectional survey design to analyze the medical records of 336 PLHIVs from six key health facilities within the state. Analytical tools, including descriptive statistics and t-tests, revealed a disturbingly high prevalence of AHD, especially among adults, with rates at 51.29%. Adolescents also showed a significant prevalence at 32%. A deeper comparative analysis between the two age demographics elucidated a marked statistical difference in AHD prevalence. These findings accentuate the pressing need for enhanced, age-specific interventions. Immediate action is warranted, especially for adults aged 20-49 and adolescents in Nasarawa State, to bolster HIV prevention, promote early testing, and optimize treatment methodologies. The insights from this study serve as a clarion call for policymakers and health practitioners to renew and refocus their efforts in these high-risk groups, aiming for a more effective containment and reduction of HIV's impact in the region.
Abstract: Globally, HIV remains a paramount health concern, and despite concerted interventions, it persists as a severe challenge in many communities. In regions like Nasarawa State, Nigeria, where prevalence is high, there's an undeniable need for regular monitoring. This study, aimed at gauging the current status of Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) among People...
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Completion of Primary Package Sessions by Adolescent Girls and Young Women Before and During COVID-19 Period: Case of DREAMS Program in Zimbabwe
Fungai Hamilton Mudzengerere,
Emmanuel Tachiwenyika,
Dominica Dhakwa,
Edewell Mugariri,
Kennedy Yogo,
Tidings Masoka,
Getrude Ncube,
Florence Mudokwani,
Taurai Bhatasara,
Taurayi Adriano Tafuma,
Haurovi William Mafaune
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2023
Pages:
53-58
Received:
21 August 2023
Accepted:
11 September 2023
Published:
27 September 2023
Abstract: Rapid increase in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Zimbabwe resulted in lockdown measures to curb further transmission. Participation of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in HIV prevention programs was erratic during lockdown periods due to movement restrictions. We assessed completion of primary package sessions among AGYW aged 10-24 years enrolled in the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) program before and during COVID-19 periods, in Bulawayo, Gweru and Mazowe districts. Secondary analysis of routine program data for AGYW aged 10-24 years enrolled in the DREAMS program in Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mazowe districts was conducted. Data for the period 1 April 2019 to the 31 March 2020 (period before COVID-19) and 1 April 2020 to the 31 March 2021 (COVID-19 period) were extracted from the DREAMS District Heath information Systems (DHIS 2) database and analysed using SPSS generating descriptive statistics. Completion was defined as AGYW who went through and finished the HIV prevention, gender norms and financial literacy sessions after enrolment in DREAMS. Chi-square test was used to assess differences in completion rates between different categories of AGYW. Data for 52,300 AGYW enrolled in the DREAMS program were analysed and the median age was 15 years (IR, 7). Overall completion rate of primary package sessions in DREAMS program was 96.0% (50,184/52,300), with the completion rate before COVID-19 period being 96.8% (25,460/26,299) and 95.1% (24,724/26,001) during the COVID-19 period. Session completion before COVID-19 period was high among those in-school, out of school, age groups 15-19, 20-24, among young mothers, as well as Bulawayo and Gweru districts (p<0.001). Also, the 10-14 years old, people Living with HIV (PLHIV), and young women selling sex (YWSS) showed higher completion of primary package sessions before than during COVID-19 period. However, session completion for young mothers dropped from 97.5% before COVID-19 to 86.1% during COVID-19 period. Completion of DREAMS primary package sessions remained high during the COVID-19 period although it dropped by 1.7%. Despite travel and meeting restrictions during the COVID-19 period, session completion remained high, and this can be attributed to the use of virtual platforms and effective community follow-up mechanisms for AGYW invested by the DREAMS program. We recommend scaling up the DREAMS HIV prevention primary package sessions delivery models employed during COVID-19 period and improve session delivery strategies for young mothers to match the other categories of AGYW.
Abstract: Rapid increase in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Zimbabwe resulted in lockdown measures to curb further transmission. Participation of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in HIV prevention programs was erratic during lockdown periods due to movement restrictions. We assessed completion of primary package sessions among AGYW aged 1...
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Research Article
Prevalence and Trends of HIV Infection Among Blood Donors in Republic of Congo from 2016 to 2022
Brunel Monic Angounda*,
Serge Oscar Mokono,
Felix Koukouikila-Koussounda,
Boris Soba Bakoua,
Edwige Paola Louanga Nanitelamio,
Geneviève Mbanzoulou Boukatou,
Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba,
Fabien Roch Niama
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2023
Pages:
59-62
Received:
2 November 2023
Accepted:
27 November 2023
Published:
6 December 2023
Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus, a member of the retrovirus family, wich primarily invades the human immune system and causes immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV infection is one of the major public health problems associated with blood transfusion. The objective of this study is to estimate prevalence and trend of HIV among blood donors in Republic of Congo. A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from January 2016 to December 2022 among blood donors in republic of Congo. For each blood donor, data including age, sex and type of blood donation (volunteer or family/replacement) were collected during a predonation examination. Samples were tested for anti-HIV antibodies using a fourth-generation ELISA. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21 software with a significance level of p<0.05. A total of 520823 blood donors were enrolled and the overall prevalence of HIV was 2.35%. The trend of HIV infection has decreased from 2016 (3.6%) to 2022 (2.1%). The prevalence of HIV among male (2.5%) was higher than in female donors (1.8%). The age groups 31-45 years and family/replacement donors were the highest prevalence of HIV infection, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). This study shows that the prevalence of HIV infections among blood donors remains high and needs constant monitoring to evaluate prevention strategies to reduce the burden of transfusion-transmissible HIV infections.
Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus, a member of the retrovirus family, wich primarily invades the human immune system and causes immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV infection is one of the major public health problems associated with blood transfusion. The objective of this study is to estimate prevalence and trend of HIV among bl...
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