Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine最新文献

{"title":"HIV testing at birth: Are we getting it right?","authors":"Chanté Bisschoff, J. Coulon, Ziva Isaacs, Lavinia van der Linde, L. Wilson, R. van Zyl, G. Joubert","doi":"10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.951","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.951","url":null,"abstract":"Background Birth polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing improves early detection of HIV and allows for early treatment initiation. National guidelines exist, but it is unknown whether these are being implemented correctly. Objectives To determine whether HIV-exposed infants at the Mangaung University Community Partnership Programme Community Health Centre (MUCPP CHC) received PCR tests at birth, if HIV-positive infants were initiated on treatment, if follow-up dates were scheduled and the percentage of mothers or caregivers who returned to collect the results. Methods The study was a retrospective descriptive file audit (1304 files) of births from 01 January to 31 December 2016 at MUCPP CHC. The study sample was 428 infants born to HIV-positive mothers. The birth register was used to collect the infants’ HIV PCR test barcodes. The birth and 10-week PCR results were retrieved from an electronic database at the Virology Department, University of the Free State. Results In total, 375 infants received a birth PCR test (87.6%) of which 4 (1.1%) tested HIV positive and 327 (87.2%) negative. Follow-up tests were not scheduled. However, 145 (44.3%) HIV-negative infants returned for a 10-week test. Irrespective of the PCR birth result, 157 (36.7%) infants were brought for a 10-week follow-up test at which time 3 (1.9%) tested positive and 151 (96.2%) negative. Conclusion The majority of HIV-exposed infants received a PCR test at birth; however, the clinic is below the national target (90%) for HIV testing. A record-keeping system of infants’ visits does not exist at MUCPP CHC, making it impossible to determine whether HIV-positive infants were started on antiretroviral treatment.","PeriodicalId":49489,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2019-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42659640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"‘At this [adherence] club, we are a family now’: A realist theory-testing case study of the antiretroviral treatment adherence club, South Africa","authors":"Ferdinand C. Mukumbang, B. V. van Wyk, Sara Van Belle, B. Marchal","doi":"10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.922","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.922","url":null,"abstract":"Background An estimated 7.9 million people were living with HIV in South Africa in 2017, with 63.3% of them remaining in antiretroviral therapy (ART) care and 62.9% accessing ART. Poor retention in care and suboptimal adherence to ART undermine the successful efforts of initiating people living with HIV on ART. To address these challenges, the antiretroviral adherence club intervention was designed to streamline ART services to ‘stable’ patients. Nevertheless, it is poorly understood exactly how and why and under what health system conditions the adherence club intervention works. Objectives The aim of this study was to test a theory on how and why the adherence club intervention works and in what health system context(s) in a primary healthcare facility in the Western Cape Province. Method Within the realist evaluation framework, we applied a confirmatory theory-testing case study approach. Kaplan–Meier descriptions were used to estimate the rates of dropout from the adherence club intervention and virological failure as the principal outcomes of the adherence club intervention. Qualitative interviews and non-participant observations were used to explore the context and identify the mechanisms that perpetuate the observed outcomes or behaviours of the actors. Following the retroduction logic of making inferences, we configured information obtained from quantitative and qualitative approaches using the intervention–context–actor–mechanism–outcome heuristic tool to formulate generative theories. Results We confirmed that patients on ART in adherence clubs will continue to adhere to their medication and remain in care because their self-efficacy is improved; they are motivated or are being nudged. Conclusion A theory-based understanding provides valuable lessons towards the adaptive implementation of the adherence club intervention.","PeriodicalId":49489,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2019-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42410006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-reported risky sexual practices among adolescents and young adults in Botswana","authors":"Unoda Chakalisa, K. Wirth, K. Bennett, Etienne Kadima, Kutlo Manyake, T. Gaolathe, P. Bachanas, T. Marukutira, R. Lebelonyane, S. Dryden-Peterson, L. Butler, M. Mmalane, J. Makhema, M. Roland, Molly Pretorius-Holme, M. Essex, S. Lockman, K. Powis","doi":"10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.899","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.899","url":null,"abstract":"Background Adolescents and young adults account for more than one-third of incident Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections globally. Understanding sexual practices of this high-risk group is critical in designing HIV targeted prevention programming. Objectives To describe self-reported risky sexual practices of adolescents and young adults aged 16–24 years from 30 Botswana communities. Methods Cross-sectional, self-reported age at sexual debut; number of sexual partners; condom and alcohol use during sex; intergenerational sex; and transactional sex data were collected. Modified Poisson estimating equations were used to obtain univariate and multivariate-adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing engagement in different sexual practices according to gender, accounting for the clustered design of the study. Results Among the 3380 participants, 2311 reported being sexually active with more females reporting being sexually active compared to males (65% vs. 35%, respectively; p < 0.0001). In univariate analyses, female participants were more likely to report inconsistent condom use (PR 1.61; 95% CI 1.44–1.80), intergenerational sex (PR 9.00; 95% CI 5.84–13.88) and transactional sex (PR 3.46; 95% CI 2.07–5.77) than males, yet less likely to report engaging in sex before age 15 years (PR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.41–0.85), using alcohol around the time of intercourse (PR: 0.59; 95% CI 0.45–0.76) or having ≥ two partners in the last 12 months (PR 0.65; 95% CI 0.57–0.74). Conclusions Self-reported risky sexual practices of adolescents and young adults in Botswana differed significantly between males and females. Gender-specific risky sexual practices highlight the importance of developing tailored HIV prevention programming.","PeriodicalId":49489,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2019-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42470215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Peripartum HIV infection in very low birth weight infants fed ‘raw’ mother’s own milk","authors":"M. Coetzee, S. Delport","doi":"10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.912","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.912","url":null,"abstract":"Background HIV-exposed very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (≤ 1500 g) are considered at high risk of peripartum mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT). In the past, they received formula to prevent breast milk related HIV transmission. This denied them the benefits of breast milk, thus exposing the infant to the risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). From 2010, ‘raw’ mother’s own milk (rMOM) has been recommended for term infants whose mothers’ received antenatal antiretroviral therapy (ART). At the same time, the infant received antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis as per the National Prevention of MTCT programme. Objectives To determine the cumulative incidence of peripartum HIV infection by 4–6 weeks of age in HIV-exposed VLBW infants, who received rMOM and infant ARV prophylaxis. Method A retrospective, observational audit over 3 years at a single institution was undertaken. The study population comprised HIV-exposed VLBW infants who received both nevirapine prophylaxis and rMOM from birth until discharge. A positive HIV-PCR by 4–6 weeks of life was used to confirm maternal to infant HIV transmission. Results Of the 80 eligible infants admitted between 2010 and 2013, 63 (79%) were exposed to antenatal ART. Seventy-eight (97.5%) tested HIV-PCR negative at 4–6 weeks. Of the two infants who tested positive, both presented with features of an acute HIV infection. The absence of MTCT in the remaining 78 infants given ARV prophylaxis and rMOM suggests that rMOM is an unlikely source of infection in the two infected infants. Conclusion rMOM, in the presence of infant prophylaxis, was a safe feeding option for HIV-exposed VLBW infants. It should be strongly considered for these infants, as rMOM likely provides additional maternal and child benefits.","PeriodicalId":49489,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2019-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44384088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Outcomes of patients enrolled in an antiretroviral adherence club with recent viral suppression after experiencing elevated viral loads","authors":"Joseph Sharp, L. Wilkinson, V. Cox, Carol Cragg, G. van Cutsem, A. Grimsrud","doi":"10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.905","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.905","url":null,"abstract":"Background Eligibility for differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models has to date been limited to low-risk stable patients. Objectives We examined the outcomes of patients who accessed their care and treatment through an ART adherence club (AC), a differentiated ART delivery model, immediately following receiving support to achieve viral suppression after experiencing elevated viral loads (VLs) at a high-burden ART clinic in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Methods Beginning in February 2012, patients with VLs above 400 copies/mL either on first- or second-line regimens received a structured intervention developed for patients at risk of treatment failure. Patients who successfully suppressed either on the same regimen or after regimen switch were offered immediate enrolment in an AC facilitated by a lay community health worker. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who enrolled in an AC directly after receiving suppression support. We analysed outcomes (retention in care, retention in AC care and viral rebound) using Kaplan–Meier methods with follow-up from October 2012 to June 2015. Results A total of 165 patients were enrolled in an AC following suppression (81.8% female, median age 36.2 years). At the closure of the study, 119 patients (72.0%) were virally suppressed and 148 patients (89.0%) were retained in care. Six, 12 and 18 months after AC enrolment, retention in care was estimated at 98.0%, 95.0% and 89.0%, respectively. Viral suppression was estimated to be maintained by 90.0%, 84.0% and 75.0% of patients at 6, 12 and 18 months after AC enrolment, respectively. Conclusion Our findings suggest that patients who struggled to achieve or maintain viral suppression in routine clinic care can have good retention and viral suppression outcomes in ACs, a differentiated ART delivery model, following suppression support.","PeriodicalId":49489,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2019-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46643843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cognitive and behavioural determinants of multiple sexual partnerships and condom use in South Africa: Results of a national survey","authors":"P. Manjengwa, Kerry Mangold, A. Musekiwa, L. Kuonza","doi":"10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.868","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.868","url":null,"abstract":"Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risky behaviours including multiple sexual partnership (MSP) and non-condom use (nCU) are known to be drivers of the spread of HIV; cognitive factors including perceived susceptibility of HIV, self-efficacy and attitudes play a significant role in influencing risky sexual behaviours. Objectives We sought to investigate personal beliefs, perceptions, thoughts and actions that are associated with MSP and nCU in South Africa. Methods We analysed nationally representative data from the 2012 National HIV Communication Survey (NCS) that included about 10 000 participants aged 16–55 years. Five constructs were created to measure psychosocial and cognitive determinants. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for internal consistency reliability was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with MSP and nCU. Results Of the 6061 sexually active respondents, 13% (95% CI: 11.47–13.12) reported MSP and 52.7% (n = 3158 of 6039) (95% CI: 51.0–53.55) nCU at last sex. Factors associated with MSP included perceived benefits, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.16 (95% CI: 1.80–2.58), perceived susceptibility to HIV, aOR = 2.22 (95% CI: 1.83–2.69) and engaging in intergenerational sex, aOR = 2.14 (95% CI: 1.78–2.56). Predictors of nCU were perceived benefits, aOR = 1.25 (95% CI: 1.09–1.43); perceived susceptibility to HIV, aOR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.39–1.83); and personal beliefs, aOR = 1.35 (95% CI: 1.13–1.62). Conclusion Cognitive and behavioural factors were found to be predictors of risky sexual behaviours for HIV. This highlights the importance of considering personal perception and reasoning when attempting to understand and influence an individual’s sexual behaviour. This could be done through enhancing awareness of HIV risk in the general population and by influencing cognitive behaviour change through community mobilisation, advocacy and creating activities to improve self-esteem.","PeriodicalId":49489,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2019-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43731952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of rilpivirine in Southern Africa.","authors":"Michelle A Moorhouse,&nbsp;Karen Cohen","doi":"10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.825","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.825","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rilpivirine, a second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), is included as an option in first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) for antiretroviral-naïve individuals in treatment guidelines in high-income countries, including the United States and many European countries. Rilpivirine is available in a single-tablet fixed-dose combination, has a favourable tolerability profile and is of relatively low cost. However, rilpivirine has reduced efficacy in patients commencing ART at high viral loads. Therefore, baseline viral load testing is required before commencing rilpivirine, and it is not recommended for patients commencing therapy with a viral load greater than 100 000 copies/mL. Rilpivirine is not included in the treatment regimens recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which form the basis of treatment guidelines in many lower- and middle-income countries. Some patients commencing standard first-line regimens experience treatment-limiting toxicity. A low-cost rilpivirine-containing fixed-dose combination would potentially be a useful addition to treatment options available in South Africa and other countries in the region, for patients who do not tolerate standard first-line ART. In this article, we explore the utility of rilpivirine as an option in ART in South Africa and the region in the context of current public-sector regimens. We consider what role rilpivirine might play if first-line therapy moves to a dolutegravir-based regimen, as has already happened in some lower- and middle-income countries, including Botswana, Kenya and Brazil. Finally, we describe emerging evidence for rilpivirine in the prevention of HIV transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":49489,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine","volume":"20 1","pages":"825"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2019-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6556917/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37075045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tonsil histopathology in HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected adults.","authors":"Ridwaan Essa,&nbsp;Shivesh Maharaj,&nbsp;Kapila Hari,&nbsp;Shahpar Motakef","doi":"10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.936","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.936","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The relationship between HIV and tonsil malignancy has not been fully investigated and established. Both of these diseases prominently feature in the Otorhinolaryngology clinics.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>There is minimal data available on the histopathology of tonsillectomy specimens in the HIV-infected population. This retrospective review compared tonsil histopathology between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Of the 319 adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy (01 July 2005 to 30 June 2015), HIV results were available for 160. The histological findings were compared in the HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected subgroups. The effects of age, HIV status and CD4 count on the risk of malignancy were determined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 86 patients who were HIV-infected and 74 were uninfected. Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia was the most common diagnosis in both groups (77%). Malignancies were diagnosed in eight HIV-infected and six HIV-uninfected patients, an insignificant difference.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The majority of patients undergoing tonsillectomy had benign conditions. HIV status does not appear to be a specific risk factor for tonsil malignancies, but advanced age may be.</p>","PeriodicalId":49489,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine","volume":"20 1","pages":"936"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2019-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6556941/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37075049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational blood and body fluid exposures and human immunodeficiency virus post-exposure prophylaxis amongst intern doctors.","authors":"Sunday J Aigbodion,&nbsp;Feroza Motara,&nbsp;Abdullah E Laher","doi":"10.4102/HIVMED.v20i1.958","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/HIVMED.v20i1.958","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare workers (HCWs) are constantly vulnerable to occupational blood and body fluid exposures (OBBFEs). Exposed HCWs experience emotional, physical and psychological trauma. Less experienced HCWs, such as intern doctors, are more prone to OBBFEs.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and practices pertaining to OBBFEs amongst a select group of intern doctors in the Gauteng province of South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study using a questionnaire based on a practical model was used. Intern doctors were recruited from four major hospitals in Gauteng.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 175 intern doctors participated in the study. There was a total of 182 (mean = 1.04, standard deviation [s.d] 0.88) reported OBBFEs amongst 136 (77.7%) subjects. The exposures occurred predominantly whilst subjects were working in surgery (<i>n</i> = 50, 27.5%), obstetrics and gynaecology (<i>n</i> = 49, 26.9%) and internal medicine (<i>n</i> = 48, 26.4%) departments; were superficial wounds (<i>n</i> = 69, 37.9%); were acquired during vascular puncture or intravenous line insertion (<i>n</i> = 69, 37.9%); and occurred when subjects were working >12 h shifts (<i>n</i> = 101, 55.5%). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was initiated in 141 (77.5%) out of the 182 exposures. Only 90 (63.8%) subjects completed the recommended 28-day course of PEP. Two (1.1%) subjects reported that they had acquired HIV infection as a consequence of the OBBFE.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Occupational blood and body fluid exposures are common amongst intern doctors. It is recommended that regular training, health education and monitoring compliance should be incorporated during the induction of medical intern doctors in hospitals. The availability of PEP regimens with better tolerability will encourage compliance.</p>","PeriodicalId":49489,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine","volume":"20 1","pages":"958"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2019-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6561641/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37075050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sexual behaviours, awareness and perceptions towards voluntary medical male circumcision among students in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, South Africa.","authors":"Sam Mndzebele,&nbsp;Lebogang G Matonyane","doi":"10.4102/HIVMED.v20i1.846","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/HIVMED.v20i1.846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is regarded as the most cost-effective intervention in reducing female-to-male transmission of HIV in countries where heterosexual transmission is the most prevalent mode of infection.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the study was to determine the awareness, sexual behaviours and perceptions of college students in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional design was engaged among a sample of 400 students selected using a stratified random sampling method. Descriptive data analysis was engaged to analyse data using STATA 13.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the respondents was 23 years. About 50% of the respondents were below the age of 23 years. The majority among the ethnic groups were black people and or African people (87.5%), followed by people of mixed race (8.1%). Most of the students belonged to the Christian religion (94.7%), and about 91.3% were single, while only 6.0% lived with their partners. Among those who were circumcised, a majority (78.0%) had undergone the MMC. About 76.5% of those residing in urban areas, and 80.6% residing in rural areas were circumcised. About 90.3% of the participants had good awareness about VMMC. About 77.3% of the participants disagreed that VMMC reduces the size of the penis, while 57.0% felt that VMMC provides an individual with the status of being a real man in society. Only 14.3% felt that VMMC exposes the penis to environmental hazards. While almost half (47.7%) of the cohort had one sexual partner, about 20.9% had three or more sexual partners.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that there is a high level of awareness on VMMC among college students in relation to its positive role towards reducing STIs and the enhancement of penile hygiene.</p>","PeriodicalId":49489,"journal":{"name":"Southern African Journal of Hiv Medicine","volume":"20 1","pages":"846"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2019-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6556943/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37075046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}