{"title":"Parental decision-making in infant and child male circumcision: a case study in two townships in Gauteng, South Africa","authors":"Eurica Palmer, L. Marais, M. Engelbrecht","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2038645","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2038645","url":null,"abstract":"Parental decision-making in infant and child male circumcision is influenced by complex, interrelated factors on many levels. Several studies have highlighted reasons for the acceptance and non-acceptance of child male circumcision. This study investigates the factors that influence parental decision-making in this matter and proposes a parental decision-making framework. The study was conducted in the townships of Diepsloot and Diepkloof in Gauteng, South Africa, using 48 in-depth interviews with parents, grandparents and uncles of the boys, as well as government officials and members of civil society as part of an explorative case study. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select the participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data by applying the conceptual framework of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. Three main themes emerged from the data: microsystem factors related to health and hygiene, the father’s circumcision status, cultural expectations, pain, the child’s autonomy and the extended family; mesosystem factors related to early childhood development centres; and exosystem factors related to circumcision policies and financial considerations.","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"32 - 40"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44556215","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}
F. Kimmie-Dhansay, J. Shea, S. Amosun, Xan Swart, L. Thabane
{"title":"Perspectives on academic mentorship, research collaborations, career advice and work–life balance: a masterclass conversation with Professor Salim Abdool Karim","authors":"F. Kimmie-Dhansay, J. Shea, S. Amosun, Xan Swart, L. Thabane","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2047078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2047078","url":null,"abstract":"Mentorship and collaboration are fundamental to ensure success in research, particularly health research. In this article, we summarise a conversation between the Master’s in Biostatistics students at Stellenbosch University and Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the head of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa. In May 2021, Professor Abdool Karim was invited to share some of his expertise and knowledge on successful mentorship and collaboration with researchers in the early stages of their careers. Passion, hard work and always trying one’s best were some of the key values he highlighted as what a young researcher would need to succeed in today’s world. In this candid and open discussion, Professor Abdool Karim provides valuable insight pertaining to the intricacies of a career in research, in terms of collaboration, mentorship and personal lessons drawn from his own life experience.","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"86 - 91"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48449070","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}
M. S. Simelane, Garikayi B. Chemhaka, Mduduzi Colani Shongwe, Mfundi Ps Motsa, L. P. Dlamini
{"title":"Factors associated with HIV testing among youth in a generalised hyperendemic setting: findings from a national survey in Eswatini","authors":"M. S. Simelane, Garikayi B. Chemhaka, Mduduzi Colani Shongwe, Mfundi Ps Motsa, L. P. Dlamini","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2039728","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2039728","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Even though Eswatini was the first country in Africa to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets among people living with HIV nationally, youth aged 15–24 years lag behind in HIV testing. This study determined the overall prevalence of HIV testing among the youth and the factors associated with HIV testing. Methods: Data were analysed for 1 834 young people from the 2016–2017 Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey (SHIMS2) using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Overall, 66% of the young people had tested for HIV in the past 12 months before SHIMS2. Lower odds of HIV testing were observed among males, among those aged 15–17 years, the never married/cohabited, those with primary and secondary education, and among those who had high perceived stigma towards people living with HIV and AIDS. Youth from households classified in the poor and middle quintiles had higher odds of testing for HIV compared to those from rich households. Conclusion: Efforts to increase HIV testing should consider the sociodemographic and behavioural factors identified as determinants of HIV non-testing in this age group.","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"41 - 48"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44748324","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}
Tariku Shimels, Gelila Bogale, Rodas Asrat Kassu, T. Gedif
{"title":"Quality of life and its predictors among clients visiting antiretroviral therapy clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia","authors":"Tariku Shimels, Gelila Bogale, Rodas Asrat Kassu, T. Gedif","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2021.2013907","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2021.2013907","url":null,"abstract":"This study assessed the quality of life (QoL) and associated factors among a group of clients visiting ART clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A multi-site cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 August 2020. Adults with HIV and who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were considered. A systematic random sampling technique with proportional size allocation was employed. Data were collected using a modified EQ-5D and EQ-VAS tool. The analysis was done using SPSS version 26. Non-parametric statistical analyses were done using Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis and Spearman’s correlation tests. A p-value ≤ 0.05 and 95% confidence level were considered for analysis. The majority of the clients were from health centres (58%), were 43 years old or less (54%), and were males (63%). Pain/discomfort and depression/anxiety were the most prominent dimensions in the age group above 43 years. The mean score of EQ-5D index values was 0.87 (SD 0.05; 95% CI 0.86–0.87) and that of EQ-VAS was 81 (SD 15; 95% CI 80–83). About 38% and 43% of the clients showed an altered health state of some degree in functional and current overall status respectively. Comorbidity, history of current substance use, facility type, social support and sleep disturbance showed a statistically significant association with both outcomes. A considerable proportion of clients have altered functional and overall health status, with pain/discomfort and depression/anxiety most affected. Inclusion of multidisciplinary treatments for HIV and the highlighting of psychosocial issues that are likely among this group are warranted.","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"15 - 22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43021564","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}
Michael Boah, Daudi Yeboah, Mary Rachael Kpordoxah, M. Adokiya
{"title":"Frequency of exposure to the media is associated with levels of HIV-related knowledge and stigmatising attitudes among adults in Ghana","authors":"Michael Boah, Daudi Yeboah, Mary Rachael Kpordoxah, M. Adokiya","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2040549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2040549","url":null,"abstract":"Studies show that increased knowledge of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is achieved through exposure to mass media, which then contributes to positive attitudes and behaviours towards people living with HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study examined the relationship between the frequency of exposure to the media and the level of HIV-related knowledge and stigmatising attitudes towards HIV and AIDS among adults in Ghana. A weighted sample of 13 484 men and women 15 to 59 years old took part in the study. The main outcome variable was the HIV-related knowledge score, calculated based on responses to eight questions about general HIV concepts and HIV transmission modes. The frequency of exposure to the media was the primary explanatory variable. The relationship between the frequency of media exposure and the level of HIV-related knowledge was investigated using Poisson regression methods in Stata 13.0. Of the 13 484 respondents analysed, 25%, 88.2% and 79.7% reported reading print media, listening to the radio and watching TV at least once a week respectively. The average HIV-related knowledge score was 4.9 (SD 1.6), with 22.9% of respondents correctly answering five questions and about 2.0% correctly answering all eight questions. The frequency of exposure to the media, particularly print media and television, was associated with an increase in the level of HIV-related knowledge. When compared to having a low level of HIV-related knowledge, having a moderate and high level of HIV-related knowledge reduced the score of stigmatising attitude by 0.065 and 0.277 points, respectively. The adult population in Ghana has a very low level of HIV or AIDS knowledge, as well as a significant level of stigma associated with HIV or AIDS, which could stymie HIV prevention efforts. The media, on the other hand, provide a platform for these issues to be addressed.","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"49 - 57"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48770577","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}
E. Kalomo, Dasha Shamrova, J. Jun, Mgori Nuru Kaddu, A. Kalb
{"title":"Risk and protective factors for depressive symptoms among the youth living with HIV in Namibia","authors":"E. Kalomo, Dasha Shamrova, J. Jun, Mgori Nuru Kaddu, A. Kalb","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2041054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2041054","url":null,"abstract":"Background : Namibia has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates among young people living with HIV and AIDS. The study of mental well-being among this vulnerable population is emerging as an important area of public health research. Methods : This study examined how gender, social support, food insecurity, HIV-related stigma, HIV treatment adherence and HIV transmission knowledge are related to depressive symptoms among young people living with HIV in rural northern Namibia. Data were collected from 188 participants from the Zambezi region. Results : The hierarchical regression analysis revealed that being a female infected with HIV, having perceived food insecurity, experiencing more HIV-related stigma and having low levels of social support can exacerbate the severity of depressive symptoms in this sample of Namibian youth. Discussion : Our findings point to the need to expand social support interventions, enhance socio-economic programmes and reduce HIV-related stigma among young people living with HIV, especially those residing in rural, HIV endemic, resource-limited communities in developing countries.","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"65 - 76"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41759839","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}
S. Atinge, O. Kanma-Okafor, T. Ladi-Akinyemi, I. Akase, A. Onajole
{"title":"Determinants of antiretroviral treatment adherence among patients attending secondary health care facilities in north-east and south-west Nigeria: a comparative study","authors":"S. Atinge, O. Kanma-Okafor, T. Ladi-Akinyemi, I. Akase, A. Onajole","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2042338","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2042338","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Four decades after its discovery, HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, even with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Strict adherence to ART remains a challenge, with attendant implications for treatment success. This study aimed at comparing ART adherence between north-east and south-west Nigeria. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in two regions in Nigeria among 400 HIV/AIDS patients on ART. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of ART adherence in the regions. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents from both the north-east (87.5%) and south-west (92.5%) of Nigeria had good knowledge about ART. The self-reported adherence level was 90.0% in the north-east and 87.5% in the south-west. Predictors of ART adherence in the north-east were knowledge about ART (AOR 9.949; 95% CI 2.009–49.284) and transport costs to the clinic (AOR 0.177; 95% CI 0.047–0.661). In the south-west, education (AOR 0.198; 95% CI 0.047–0.832) and knowledge of ART (AOR 8.945; 95% CI 1.749–45.751) were identified as predictors of ART adherence. Conclusion: In both regions, knowledge about ART was appreciable, but adherence was sub-optimal. Strategies to support adherence should be tailored to specific predictors in each region.","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"77 - 85"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46586596","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":"Giving condoms to school children: educators’ views on making condoms available in South African schools","authors":"L. Junck, G. George","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2040550","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2040550","url":null,"abstract":"One of the policy goals of the South African Department of Basic Education’s National Policy on HIV, STIs and TB of 2017 is to reduce the incidence of HIV and pregnancy among learners. This is expected to be achieved by improving access to prevention services, including the provision of condoms in schools. This study uses street- level bureaucracy theory to explain how educators can play a more productive role in ensuring that policy goals are achieved. Educators provide their views on their role as condom promotion agents, their perception of demand and utilisation among learners, as well as their insights on suitable distribution mechanisms in the school setting. Trepidation exists among educators about their roles in the promotion and education of condoms. Educator statements suggest that they see the value in their policy-ascribed role to deliver sexual health messages and are also open to performing a role in the distribution of condoms at schools. However, our findings reveal that their role as policy communicators or “street-level bureaucrats” is complicated by inadequate policy guidance. We therefore conclude that to achieve optimal outcomes in terms of safer sexual practices among learners, condom messaging and distribution mechanisms in school settings require evidence-informed implementation strategies.","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"58 - 64"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49006571","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}
Miriam Hartmann, Alexandra M Minnis, Emily Krogstad, Sheily Ndwayana, Siyaxolisa Sindelo, Millicent Atujuna, Shannon O'Rourke, Linda-Gail Bekker, Elizabeth T Montgomery
{"title":"iPrevent: Engaging youth as long-acting HIV prevention product co-researchers in Cape Town, South Africa.","authors":"Miriam Hartmann, Alexandra M Minnis, Emily Krogstad, Sheily Ndwayana, Siyaxolisa Sindelo, Millicent Atujuna, Shannon O'Rourke, Linda-Gail Bekker, Elizabeth T Montgomery","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2021.1998784","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2021.1998784","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>South African youth are one of the highest risk groups, globally, for HIV acquisition. Identifying prevention methods that will be acceptable and used consistently is an urgent priority. Engaging youth as co-designers is a targeted strategy to achieve the goal of developing prevention products that meet youth's needs. The iPrevent study engaged male and female youth, aged 18-24 years, in Cape Town, South Africa, to co-design critical aspects of the research project aimed at understanding youth preferences for long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). An established advisory board of young men who have sex with men, women who have sex with men and men-who-have-sex-with-men, as well as a purposively selected youth cohort were involved in film-making, survey design and interpretation of study results. Convening youth as co-designers had several impacts on iPrevent's approach and outputs. Youth input informed the use of local actors in the study's educational video, creating a \"real-world\" community setting that meaningfully situated the content. Their participation led to the successful development of survey language and images to explain scientific concepts in terms that would resonate (e.g. chili peppers to express product-associated pain). Lastly, their insight reviewing results led to clarifications around misinterpretations of risk perception and confirmed youth's desires for products that fit into their goals around family, future happiness and education. The engagement of youth through creative, interactive activities contributed to adaptations of the study design, research implementation and understanding of results. This was important for connecting with young end-users and translating study findings for product developers in a way that reflected the context of their lives.</p>","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"20 4","pages":"277-286"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10825069","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}
Dennis Junior Choruma, Simbarashe Dexter Choruma, Rutendo Moyra Pasirayi
{"title":"Catch them young: Knowledge and awareness levels of HIV and AIDS transmission among high school students in Harare, Zimbabwe.","authors":"Dennis Junior Choruma, Simbarashe Dexter Choruma, Rutendo Moyra Pasirayi","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2021.1979060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2021.1979060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>HIV and AIDS has developed as one of the urgent problems affecting many youths in Africa. Yet many of the knowledge and awareness programmes aimed at young people do not target high schools where the majority of young people are found. As a result, many youths do not have accurate information on HIV and AIDS that they can use to protect themselves from the disease. The objectives of this study were to determine the knowledge and awareness of Sixth Form students regarding the spread of HIV and AIDS among young people. A study was carried out among Sixth Form students in three schools in Harare from October 2017 to November 2017. A total of 156 students participated in the survey. Results showed that most students (74%) obtained their information on HIV and AIDS from television and radio programmes. Most students (92%) were able to identify unprotected sexual intercourse as the major mode of HIV transmission, while 89% said that HIV could be transmitted through sharing injections. Some students had misconceptions about HIV and AIDS which might negatively influence their behaviour and attitude towards HIV and AIDS, for example, 11% of students said HIV and AIDS could be cured. The study concludes that programmes on awareness and knowledge application in schools are limited, and efforts should be increased to help students effectively apply the knowledge they have about HIV and AIDS in everyday life situations, and protect themselves from the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"20 3","pages":"224-231"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39507474","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}