HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care最新文献

{"title":"Exploring Adherence, Treatment Experiences, and Quality of Healthcare Services in HIV Management Among Iraqi Patients: Challenges and Influential Factors.","authors":"Shlova Najim Talabani, Ehab Mudher Mikhael","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S539087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S539087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although all antiretroviral therapies reduce viral load, first-line regimens vary slightly in effectiveness and tolerability, often leading to treatment changes. Non-adherence is common in developing countries due to limited-resources and poor patient-provider communication. Data on HIV treatment and adherence are scarce in Iraq.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To obtain in-depth insight into treatment regimens, medication adherence, healthcare quality, and the challenges and factors influencing them among Iraqi HIV patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study utilizing face-to-face interviews was conducted with HIV patients at three HIV centers in Iraq. The interview-guide was developed and validated by a panel of experts. Participants were recruited via convenience and purposive sampling. Interviews, conducted in Arabic, were audio-recorded and lasted 10-20 minutes. Data collection continued until saturation. Data analyzed manually by thematic-analysis approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-seven HIV patients were interviewed. Three themes emerged: treatment of HIV, adherence to anti-HIV medications, and accessibility and quality of care for HIV patients. All patients were on a combination pill (Tenofovir-disoproxil, lamivudine, and dolutegravir), but most had changed regimens due to medication shortages or side effects. While most began treatment immediately after diagnosis, delays occurred mainly due to administrative issues, drug unavailability, or side effects. Most patients reported transient initial side effects. Medication adherence was generally good, though many patients missed some doses due to forgetfulness, travel, or medication unavailability. Most patients rated care quality as good, valuing the physician's role in HIV-management. Barriers to accessing care included medication supply interruption and discrimination. Recommendations to improve care included establishing specialized clinics at HIV centers and ensuring continuous medication supply.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HIV care in Iraq largely aligns with international guidelines, but administrative delays hinder timely treatment initiation. Adherence is good, though medication supply interruptions and travel are main non-adherence factors. Ensuring continuous medication supply and establishing specialized clinics are essential for improved care.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"227-240"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12285861/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spectrum and Correlates of Dyslipidemia in People Living with HIV on Dolutegravir-Based Regimen Attending Kabutare Hospital, Southern Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Honore Nsengumuremyi, Vedaste Nsanzimana, Herbert Tendayi Mapira, Elizabeth Gori, Cuthbert Musarurwa","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S529826","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S529826","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dyslipidemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), is common among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The interaction between HIV, dolutegravir (DTG)- based antiretroviral therapy (ART), and lifestyle factors contribute to dyslipidemia, increasing CVD risk. Rwanda has made significant progress in expanding access to ART, achieving high coverage and viral suppression rates. However, comprehensive data on dyslipidemia among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Rwanda is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to fill this gap by examining the prevalence, types, and correlates of dyslipidemia among PLWH.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study with 264 participants analyzed serum lipid profiles to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and specific lipid abnormalities. Demographic and lifestyle factors were collected using a questionnaire. Differences in categorical variables between HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups were assessed using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Continuous variables were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Multivariable logistic regression models, stratified by HIV status, identified factors independently associated with dyslipidemia, reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was defined as p-value < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Dyslipidemia (NCEP ATP III criteria) was present in 74.2% of participants, significantly higher among PLWH (82.7%) than HIV-negative group (59.4%). Hypoalphalipoproteinemia and hyperbetalipoproteinemia were more common in PLWH (72.6% and 53.0%) vs HIV-negative (57.3% and 3.1%). Male gender reduced odds of dyslipidemia in both groups; smoking significantly increased risk among PLWH (aOR 8.8; 95% CI 1.73-44.59), while alcohol consumption was protective (aOR 0.2; 95% CI 0.07-0.55). DTG- based ART duration > 6-12 months increased odds of dyslipidemia vs ≤ 6 months (aOR 4.8; 95% CI 1.11-20.93).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found a high prevalence of dyslipidemia among PLWH on ART, linked to ART duration, age, smoking and sex, highlighting the need for regular screening, lifestyle interventions, and tailored HIV care.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"203-213"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12275987/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144676093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cancer Awareness Among People Living with HIV (PLWH): Insights from an Italian Survey of Oncologists and Infectious Disease Specialists.","authors":"Davide Dalu, Rosaria Iardino, Emanuela Vaccher, Angioletta Lasagna, Margherita Digaetano, Alberto Giovanni Leone, Lorenzo Ruggieri, Eva Massari, Eva Blondeaux, Andrea Gori, Cristina Mussini, Giuliano Rizzardini, Matteo Bassetti, Antonio Di Biagio, Claudio M Mastroianni, Luisa Brogonzoli, Mario Cascio, Francesco Perrone, Saverio Cinieri, Giordano D Beretta, Nicla La Verde","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S519956","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S519956","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Since the mid-1990s, the adoption of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has significantly reduced HIV-related mortality and morbidity. Nevertheless, cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted a survey to assess the knowledge and inter-disciplinarity among the Italian oncologists and infectious disease specialists in the cancer prevention and treatment of PLWH.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>All the members of AIOM, SIMIT and SITA who are oncologists and infectious disease specialists were invited via email. A survey with 24 queries was administered using a web-based platform. Data were analysed with the chi-square or Fisher exact tests to explore any significant difference between the two specialist subgroups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From April to June 2023, 182 participants filled in the questionnaires. A low rate of respondents from each scientific society was reported (3% for AIOM, 8% from SIMIT and 2% from SITA). All interviewees agreed that HIV infection was a relevant risk factor for cancer (95.1%) and that PLWH had limited access to clinical trials (73.1%). More than a third of oncologists worked in a hospital without an infectious diseases department, using a remote method of communication for interdisciplinary discussion (telephone and Email were used in 64.5% of cases). Eighty-four percent of the oncologists vs 51.4% of the infectious disease specialists had in charge less than 5 patients with HIV during the previous year.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this survey underscore the opportunity for education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and organizational support to optimize cancer care for PLWH. A Hub&Spoke model could represent a potential facilitation to build-up in the near future through inter-societal collaboration.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"215-226"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12275914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144676092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retention in HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Tanga, Tanzania.","authors":"Faithness Kiondo, Emmy Metta, Elia John Mmbaga, Melkizedeck Thomas Leshabari, Calvin Swai, Christopher Hariri Mbotwa, Kåre Moen","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S527111","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S527111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Men who have sex with men are at high risk of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and bear the highest burden of the disease in Tanzania. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated high efficacy in the prevention of HIV infection in clinical trials, challenges with retention threaten its effectiveness. Therefore, we assessed the extent and predictors of retention in PrEP care among men who have sex with men in Tanga, Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study included 369 men who have sex with men who were recruited using respondent-driven sampling. Baseline data were collected using structured questionnaires that captured socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics. The primary outcome was one-month retention in PrEP care. A statistical analysis using modified Poisson regression was conducted to identify independent factors associated with 1-month retention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 369 men (mean age, 24.7 (± 5.5 years)) participated in the study. After one month, 87 participants (23.6%) were retained in PrEP care. Independent factors associated with retention included assuming a receptive position in anal sex (aPR 1.6, 95 CI: 1.0-2.6, p = 0.030), having initiated sexual activity with anal, oral, or thigh sex (aPR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.8, p = 0.011), and having adequate social support (aPR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0-2.6, p = 0.030).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Tailored interventions that improve social support and address the varying needs of men who have sex with men with diverse sexual behavior patterns are essential for improving retention and maximizing the effectiveness of PrEP in HIV prevention. Practically, this highlights the need to strengthen supportive environments within communities and healthcare systems to enhance retention in PrEP, reduce HIV transmission, and advance progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"185-194"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12262076/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144643825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HIV Infection Among Pregnant Women in a Vietnamese Population: Prevalence and Associated Factors.","authors":"Hang Thi Thu Ho, Thuan Hoa Nguyen, Ha Hong Nguyen, Sam Phan Hai Nguyen, Kien Trung Nguyen","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S529618","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S529618","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In pregnant women, HIV infection warrants special attention due to the high risk of complications during pregnancy and the increased likelihood of fetal HIV exposure. Consequently, screening for HIV in pregnant women within the community and identifying associated risk factors are essential.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The study aims to investigate the prevalence of HIV infection and the associated risk factors in pregnant women.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This is a cross-sectional study that utilized convenience sampling and was conducted between 2018 and 2020 at 107 commune health stations, 8 district health centers, and the Obstetrics Department of Vinh Long Provincial General Hospital.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 18,034 pregnant women, with a median age of 28 years. Fifty-one cases (0.3%) tested positive for HIV. The risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of HIV infection included having multiple sexual partners, drug addiction, smoking, and engaging in unprotected sex. In the multivariate model, only multiple sexual partners, drug addiction and alcohol consumption were independent factors that significantly increased the risk of HIV infection among pregnant women.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study among pregnant women indicated that the HIV exposure rate within the community is below 1.0%. Unsafe sexual behaviors with multiple partners were identified as the most significant risk factor for HIV exposure among pregnant women.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"195-202"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12262090/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144643824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Missed Appointments and Associated Factors Among Children Accessing Anti-Retroviral Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Western Uganda.","authors":"Timothy Nduhukire, Ismail Abiola Adebayo, Rachel Luwaga, Immaculate Mandela, Agnes Napyo, Herbert Ainamani, Victor Musiime","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S520964","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S520964","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Disruptions to the health sector in Uganda during the COVID 19 pandemic affected health services in the early phases of the pandemic. Not much data exists on their effect on these same services during the later stages of the pandemic especially for children. To fill this gap, we set out to study missed appointments and their associated factors during the lockdown for children receiving Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a retrospective cohort study from January 2022 to May 2022. We included all children aged 0-15 and adolescents aged 15-19 years who were on ART. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) for the participants in the last 12 months were extracted. Descriptive statistics are presented. Binary logistic regression was performed, and odds ratios were reported.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 382 participants, 26 (6.8%) missed appointments during the study period. The likelihood of missing appointments was increased when drugs were given to last 4 months than when they were given to last one month (COR 3.207, P value 0.026, 95% CI 1.150-8.943). Patients were also more likely to miss appointments if their mode of receiving drugs was Facility based group (COR 3.174, P = 0.043, 95% CI 1.037-9.713). Not having a viral load in the last 12 months increased the likelihood of missing an appointment (COR 2.309, P = 0.049, CI 1.004-5.306).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A drug refill of 4 months and being scheduled to receive drugs by Facility-based group model predisposed the participants to missing the next appointment. Home- or community-based ART delivery to clients as well as drug prescriptions for a longer period could reduce missed appointments. Timely viral load testing should be encouraged as it correlates with adherence to appointments. More research is needed on the safety, storage practices and efficacy of ART given to last more than 2 months.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"175-184"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12219174/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144555233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in People with HIV: an Evidence-Based Review.","authors":"Andrew T Read, Jane Akodu, Tristan J Barber, James P Brown, Fiona M Burns, John R Hurst, Robert F Miller, Marc C I Lipman","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S496211","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S496211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>HIV co-infection is a risk factor for the development of COPD. HIV enhances the deleterious effects of exposures such as tobacco smoking, as well as interacting with other drivers of COPD such as pulmonary tuberculosis, air pollution and biomass fuel burning. Recent work demonstrates that HIV also contributes independently to COPD pathogenesis by promoting oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, abnormal innate and adaptive immune responses, microbial dysbiosis, and epigenetic alterations within the lung. Consequently, people with HIV develop COPD younger, more often, and with faster rates of lung function decline compared to seronegative individuals. They may also have distinct patterns of lung function abnormalities compared to other etiotypes of COPD. Understanding the natural and pathogenetic history of HIV-associated COPD is important as its assessment, prevention and treatment are currently extrapolated from the general population. Whilst smoking cessation remains vital, further understanding may help guide unique management strategies for HIV-associated COPD. In this review, we explore its epidemiology and pathophysiology and discuss prevention and treatment approaches in this increasingly common disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"153-174"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12170358/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144318364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Awareness and Acceptability of Hospital Autopsy Among People Living with HIV and Their Caregivers in Northern Uganda.","authors":"Felix Bongomin, Winnie Kibone, Ritah Nantale, Byron Awekonimungu, Nixson Oyoo, Joseph Baruch Baluku, Francis Okongo, Megan Genevieve Latoya, David W Denning, Davidson H Hamer, Conrad Muzoora","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S521230","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S521230","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Autopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool utilized to identify causes of death and to confirm ante-mortem diagnoses of opportunistic infections among people living with HIV (PLHIV). We assessed acceptance of full or minimally invasive hospital (non-medicolegal) autopsies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study between October 2023 and January 2024 in four large HIV clinics in Northern Uganda among adult PLHIV and their caregivers, using a structured questionnaire. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to assess for association between acceptance of autopsy and selected exposures among PLHIV and caregivers with results expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 310 participants, including 232 PLHIV and 78 caregivers were enrolled. Most participants (77.4%, n=240) had heard of autopsy. Overall, 132 (42.6%) participants reported that they would accept autopsy; 38/78 (48.7%) of the caregivers versus 94/232 (40.5%) of PLHIV. Most (81.3%, n=252) cited desire for accurate cause of death as their reason for accepting autopsy. However, 133 (42.9%) reported fear of body disfigurement, 77 (24.8%) lack of perceived benefit, 35 (11.3%) religiously unacceptable, and 52 (16.8%) culturally/traditionally forbidden as reasons for autopsy refusal. Autopsy acceptance among PLHIV was associated with being an inpatient (aOR: 4.6; 95% CI: 2.04-10.4), autopsy awareness (aOR: 5.1; 95% CI: 1.2-22.0), and inversely with having a primary education level (aOR: 0.44; 95% CI: 1.61-3.18). Among caregivers, no education was associated with acceptance of autopsy (aOR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02-0.55).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In Uganda, less than half of PLHIV or their caregivers would accept having an autopsy when they die. There is need for public sensitization about the relevance of autopsies in this population, with emphasis that the clinical diagnosis may not necessarily be the cause of death.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"143-152"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12164845/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144303271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Usefulness of Mediastinal Cryobiopsy in the Diagnosis of Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy in HIV Patients.","authors":"Olivia Sánchez-Cabral, Iván Armando Osuna-Padilla, Adnan Majid, Belinda Maricela Contreras-Garza, María Fernanda Negrete-García","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S499971","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S499971","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Mediastinal diseases in HIV patients show complex diagnostic challenges due to opportunistic infections and rare neoplasms. While Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a key technique, its effectiveness is limited as it only provides cytological samples. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided mediastinal cryobiopsy (CryoEBUS) emerges as a promising alternative, yielding larger and higher-quality samples. This study, the first in Mexico and the first worldwide in HIV patients, evaluates its diagnostic efficacy compared to EBUS-TBNA, highlighting its potential to improve disease management in immunocompromised populations.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A prospective cross-sectional study has been conducted from April 2023 to October 2023 at a tertiary center for respiratory diseases in Mexico, evaluating the usefulness of the endobronchial ultrasound-guided mediastinal cryobiopsy (CryoEBUS) diagnostic in HIV-positive patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy ≥1cm. Patients underwent CryoEBUS, with outcomes assessed via pathology and microbiology reports.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eleven patients were included (64% male, mean age 39.1 years). CryoEBUS yielded diagnostic results in 82% of cases compared to 72% for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and 50% for EBUS alone. Combined CryoEBUS and BAL demonstrated the highest yield (91%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In patients with HIV and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, mediastinal cryobiopsy has proven to be a useful, effective technique with a high diagnostic yield, especially for benign pathologies. It has also proven to be a safe technique and when combined with other lung sampling techniques, it improves the diagnostic yield of infectious diseases and rare neoplasms.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"135-141"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12155373/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144276202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adapting to HIV: The Paradoxes of Autonomy and Vulnerability Among Young People Living with HIV in Tororo District, Eastern Uganda - A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Emmanuel Asher Ikwara, Isaac Isiko","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S521473","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S521473","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>HIV is a significant public health issue in Uganda, particularly among young people (15-24 years), with an estimated 150,000 living with the virus. This study examines the paradoxes of autonomy and vulnerability experienced by young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) in Tororo District, Uganda. It explores how stigma, social support, and healthcare systems shape their experiences, influencing both their autonomy and vulnerability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative study in Tororo District explored the autonomy and vulnerability of young people living with HIV, using 18 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussions to examine personal, social, and healthcare influences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings reveal how stigma, social isolation, and dependence on family support impact autonomy. Participants highlighted the importance of peer support, healthcare empowerment, and resilience in managing HIV. While struggling with medication adherence and gendered expectations, many expressed a desire for independence while acknowledging the critical role of support systems in maintaining their well-being.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and recommendations: </strong>This study explores the tension between autonomy and vulnerability among young people living with HIV in Uganda, emphasizing the roles of stigma, social support, and healthcare providers. Recommendations include stigma reduction, peer support integration, and family involvement in care.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"121-134"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12151303/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}