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}
Davy Vancampfort, Peter Byansi, Eugene Kinyanda, Richard Serunkuma Bbosa, James Mugisha
{"title":"Internalised HIV-related stigma associated with physical inactivity in people with HIV and AIDS: A cross-sectional study from Uganda.","authors":"Davy Vancampfort, Peter Byansi, Eugene Kinyanda, Richard Serunkuma Bbosa, James Mugisha","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2021.1979607","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2021.1979607","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Aim:</i> The aim of the current study was to explore correlations between continuous physical activity (PA) levels and HIV-related stigma and differences in HIV-related stigma between those who meet versus those who do not meet the international PA recommendation of 150 min of PA per week at moderate intensity.<i>Methods:</i> 295 people living with HIV (PLHIV) (median [interquartile range] age = 37.0 [16.0]; 67.8% [<i>n</i> = 200] female) from central Uganda completed the Internalised AIDS-Related Stigma Scale (IA-RSS), Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS).<i>Results:</i> There was a significant correlation between the PAVS and IA-RSS scores correcting for GAD-7, PHQ-9 and AUDIT scores (<i>r</i> = -0.15, <i>p</i> = 0.009). The IA-RSS score was also significantly different between those meeting versus not meeting PA guidelines.<i>Conclusions:</i> Our data demonstrate that higher internalised HIV-related stigma is associated with lower levels of physical activity. The current evidence demonstrates the need to explore whether HIV stigma-reduction interventions could improve physical activity participation and consequently physical and mental health outcomes in PLHIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"20 3","pages":"238-243"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39507472","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}
Maxwell Peprah Opoku, Eric Lawer Torgbenu, J-F, William Nketsia, Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah, Anthony Kweku Edusei
{"title":"Living with HIV in Ghana: Disclosure of status and experiences of persons receiving antiretroviral therapy.","authors":"Maxwell Peprah Opoku, Eric Lawer Torgbenu, J-F, William Nketsia, Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah, Anthony Kweku Edusei","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2021.1964546","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2021.1964546","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Barriers to treatment faced by people living with HIV (PLWH) have been well explored in the literature. Despite the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the treatment of HIV and prevention of AIDS, in the Ghanaian context only about 32% of infected persons have access to treatment. This underscores a need to understand the experiences of PLWH receiving ART to provide baseline information for policymakers' efforts to increase access to treatment. This study captures the voices of PLWH who were receiving ART in Ghana. A total of 35 participants receiving treatment in a hospital setting (11 males, 24 females; mean age 38 years, age range 21-60 years) took part in semi-structured face-to-face interviews to discuss their opinions about the cause of their HIV infection and its impact on their lives. The study found that the participants were susceptible to discrimination in their communities and at health care facilities. Some participants experienced marriage breakdowns, unemployment, social isolation, and were unable to perform everyday chores and responsibilities. Concerted efforts to address the barriers to treatment faced by PLWH are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"20 3","pages":"204-213"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39415373","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":"Reflecting on pandemic publishing, now and then: COVID-19 and HIV.","authors":"Alan Whiteside","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2021.1984039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2021.1984039","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"20 3","pages":"189-191"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39485782","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":"Factors influencing HIV-risk perception among MSM students at a university in Durban, South Africa.","authors":"Geogina Charity Gumindega, Pranitha Maharaj","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2021.1981413","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2021.1981413","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Risk perception is embedded in attitudes and beliefs that determine how one ultimately behaves. In relation to HIV-risk behaviours, risk perception is a key dimension in most health behaviour models used to construct health promotion campaigns. This study aimed to understand HIV-risk perception and associated factors among men who have sex with men (MSM). The qualitative data used in this study came from 15 in-depth interviews with MSM studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. The findings show that MSM perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV due to their awareness of the main routes of infection. This perception exists because HIV has affected them through the loss of close family members. With each sexual encounter, risk perception changed based on factors such as the sexual role being assumed (insertive versus receptive), the socio-economic status of the partner, perceived level of discriminatory dating patterns, and the use of preventive measures. High levels of risk perception among the men did not translate into positive attitudes towards condoms as many of them preferred to have unprotected sex with trusted partners. Despite perceiving their risk of HIV infection to be high, MSM continue to engage in multiple sexual partnerships and high partner turnover. However, the men in this study were keen to protect their health; with time, they have developed more positive attitudes towards HIV and they understand that it is possible to protect oneself before and after infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":50833,"journal":{"name":"Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research","volume":"20 3","pages":"244-253"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2021-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39507471","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}