African journal of AIDS research : AJAR最新文献

{"title":"An analysis of the relationship between HIV risk self-perception with sexual behaviour and HIV status in South African older adults.","authors":"Makandwe Nyirenda,&nbsp;Nonzwakazi Mnqonywa,&nbsp;Bomkazi Tutshana,&nbsp;Jayganthie Naidoo,&nbsp;Paul Kowal,&nbsp;Joel Negin","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2090395","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2090395","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Objective:</i> To examine how older adults perceive their own risk of acquiring HIV; and how this perception correlates with their sexual behaviour and HIV status.<i>Methods:</i> We used cross-sectional survey data for 435 adults aged 50 years and older from South Africa. All participants completed a questionnaire on their basic socio-demographic and economic factors, self-reported health, sexual behaviour, HIV knowledge and attitudes, and self-perceived risk of HIV acquisition. In addition, anthropometrical measurements (weight, height, blood pressure, cholesterol) and HIV testing were conducted. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to determine the association between self-perceived HIV risk (categorised as \"not at risk\", at \"low risk\", at \"high risk\" and \"didn't know\") and being sexually active and testing HIV-positive, controlling for socio-demographic, behavioural and health-related factors.<i>Results:</i> Of the 435 respondents, 9.4% perceived themselves as at high risk of HIV infection, 18.9% as at low risk and 53.6% believed they were not at risk of HIV. Most respondent who perceived themselves as at low risk or not-at-risk at all of HIV were not sexually active. Older adults that were sexually active were more likely to consider themselves as at high risk of acquiring HIV (relative risk ratio [RRR] 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-4.00; <i>p</i> = 0.036), as well as to test HIV positive (RRR 10.5; 95% CI 3.8-29.1; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Self-perceived HIV risk was significantly associated with age, sex, population group, and a greater awareness about HIV and how it is transmitted.<i>Conclusions:</i> Older persons who perceived themselves as at high risk of HIV were closely associated with sexual activity and testing HIV positive. Therefore, there is an urgent need for older persons, particularly those who remain sexually active, to screen and test for HIV routinely. Furthermore, there should be policy and programme interventions, such as the development of a simple risk-assessment tool for older adults to determine their risk for HIV. Older persons have been neglected in sexual health and HIV programmes. There is, therefore, a need to encourage older persons to take up appropriate HIV risk reduction and prevention behaviours.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"277-286"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40354461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HIV renaissance in Ghana: an opinion piece on further measures to address HIV among Ghanaian youth.","authors":"Daniel Katey,&nbsp;Abigail Akua Addo","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2060842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2060842","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article sought to provide insight into further measures to address the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among young Ghanaians, aged 15-24 years. An extensive literature review was carried out to ascertain the dynamics of the disease in the country and the measures put in place to address it. On the strength of findings, we recommended a reformation in the delivery mode and dissemination of HIV-related education and information in the country. It is necessary for the country to buttress existing modes of delivery, which are largely community- and school-based, with a cybernetic one-on-one approach through capitalisation and utilisation of computer-based devices and the internet.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"295-296"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40356509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acceptability and accessibility of HIV testing and treatment among men who have sex with men in Botswana.","authors":"Kgosiekae Maxwell Matlapeng,&nbsp;Gbotemi Bukola Babatunde,&nbsp;Olagoke Akintola","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2077780","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2077780","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background</i>: Although HIV testing and treatment are the cornerstones of a comprehensive prevention strategy, their acceptability and accessibility are complex within the healthcare system.<i>Methods</i>: We used Aday and Andersen's conceptual framework of access to healthcare services to explore factors influencing acceptability and accessibility of HIV testing and treatment among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Botswana. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted, using purposive sampling to recruit 20 MSM. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Setswana and English. All data were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, where necessary, and analysed using thematic analysis.<i>Findings</i>: This study found that acceptance of HIV testing and treatment was largely positive among MSM. Motivators were the expansion of HIV services, free healthcare services and the perceived risk of contracting HIV. Although perceptions of accessibility to HIV testing and treatment were positive, there were some concerns about privacy and confidentiality, perceived barriers and fear of positive diagnosis, making MSM reluctant to access HIV testing and treatment.<i>Conclusion</i>: This study highlights the need for novel approaches to increase the acceptability and accessibility of HIV testing and treatment. Barriers to accessing HIV services should be addressed to achieve satisfactory health outcomes, and sustainable HIV prevention barriers to accessing HIV should be addressed among MSM.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"261-269"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40354459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of nutrition education on nutritional status and serum zinc level of HIV and AIDS clients: implication for care in resource-limited settings.","authors":"Ifeyinwa Ezenwosu,&nbsp;Osita Ezenwosu,&nbsp;Chinyere Mbachu,&nbsp;Ijeoma Itanyi,&nbsp;Emmanuel Aguwa","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2087532","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2087532","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> People living with HIV or AIDS in resource-limited settings are faced with challenges in their nutrition and micronutrient levels. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutrition education on the nutrition status and serum zinc level of HIV and AIDS clients, and its implication for HIV care in resource-limited settings.<i>Methods:</i> This intervention study was conducted among HIV clients at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, which served as the intervention and control groups respectively. A nutrition education programme was delivered to the intervention group. In both groups, before and after the intervention, the body mass index of participants was calculated using their height (m2) and weight (kg) while their serum zinc levels were analysed using spectrophotometry. Chi-square and McNemar chi-square tests were used in the analysis.<i>Results:</i> A total of 185 respondents was studied in each group, with the majority in the 30-39 and 40-49 age groups, respectively (65.4% of the study group and 64.4% of the control group). Larger proportions of respondents in both groups were females (72.4% vs 75.1% respectively). Three months after the intervention, the proportion of respondents with normal serum zinc levels improved significantly from 20.5% to 51.9% in the intervention group (<i>χ</i>²_McNemar, p < 0.001), whereas the control group had no appreciable improvement (16.8% vs 22.7%) (<i>χ</i>²_McNemar, <i>p</i> < 0.117). Furthermore, the post-intervention serum zinc level difference between the intervention and control groups was statistically significant (<i>χ</i>² = 33.699; <i>p</i> < 0.001). No statistically significant difference existed in the nutritional status between the groups (<i>χ</i>² = 3.469; <i>p</i> = 0.325).<i>Conclusion:</i> Nutrition education had a positive effect on the serum zinc levels of HIV clients. Integrating nutrition education programmes as a key component of HIV care in resource-limited settings will help improve the serum zinc level of people living with HIV, which ultimately improves their immune status and life expectancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"270-276"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40354462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Engaging HIV-prevention ambassadors to promote oral PrEP among adolescent girls and young women: results of a Zimbabwe field test.","authors":"Morgan Garcia,&nbsp;Definate Nhamo,&nbsp;Nicole Macagna,&nbsp;Takudzwa Mamvuto,&nbsp;Naledi Katsande,&nbsp;Giuliana Morales,&nbsp;Michele Lanham,&nbsp;Joseph Murungu,&nbsp;Imelda Mahaka,&nbsp;Natalie Kruse-Levy,&nbsp;Kristine Torjesen","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2093232","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2093232","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The HIV Prevention Ambassador Training Package for Adolescent Girls and Young Women was created in collaboration with adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) to improve skills, knowledge, and attitudes about oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among peer \"ambassadors\". It was field tested with 17 ambassadors in Mazowe District, Zimbabwe and changes in ambassadors' knowledge and attitudes about oral PrEP, as well as changes in oral PrEP uptake among AGYW in the district, were assessed. The training package improved oral PrEP knowledge among trained ambassadors and built AGYW's skills to advocate for oral PrEP awareness and rollout. Use of the training package correlated with a 59% increase in oral PrEP uptake among AGYW in Mazowe District in the seven months following the training. The ambassador training package could help support oral PrEP introduction and scale up in countries with high HIV incidence by engaging AGYW in oral PrEP rollout in their communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"287-294"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40354463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the impacts of and reactions to HIV diagnosis in older adults: narratives from Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa.","authors":"Mathew Nyashanu,&nbsp;Eucebious Lekalakala-Mokgele","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2042339","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2042339","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There is an increase in prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among older adults. This new emerging social group is being overlooked, owing to the focus on groups that have traditionally been regarded as \"high risk\". This article set out to explore the impact of and reaction to HIV infection among older adults at the point of diagnosis. This study used a qualitative exploratory design that included a purposive sample of older adults currently receiving HIV treatment. The researchers recruited 12 participants who met the study's inclusion criteria. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data. The study found that the impact on and reaction of older adults following HIV diagnosis included anger and shock, feeling suicidal, blaming others, fear of stigma and discrimination, loss of trust and intimacy, fear of disclosure to new partners and denial. The study concluded that there is a need to improve sexual health and HIV services that cater for the needs of older adults as a new emerging group affected by HIV. Furthermore, HIV testing and prevention counselling should be offered to older adults just as it is to younger patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"213-220"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40355603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Utilisation of HIV services by female sex workers in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive phenomenological study.","authors":"Idah Moyo,&nbsp;Livhuwani Tshivhase,&nbsp;Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2101934","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2101934","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study focuses on female sex workers as a key population group that suffers a degree of vulnerability according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Key populations refer to people at heightened risk of contracting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to specific behaviours and social and legal environments which increase their vulnerability to the virus. Key populations are disproportionately affected by HIV, yet they have less access to HIV services compared to the general population. The coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown and its restrictive measures have further widened the inequalities and gaps in accessing HIV services for this group. A descriptive phenomenological study was undertaken to explore female sex workers' experiences of utilisation of HIV services during COVID-19. The study setting was the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews with 10 female sex workers. Purposive sampling coupled with snowballing was utilised for recruiting participants. Data were analysed guided by the seven-step Colaizzi technique. Rigour was ensured through adhering to Lincoln and Guba's trustworthiness criteria. The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the livelihoods of sex workers and their utilisation of HIV services. There was limited access to HIV services due to an initial lack of travel authorisation letters and financial challenges experienced by study participants. In addition, the quality of care in health care facilities was further compromised by poor screening processes and reduced provider-client interactions. Maintaining access to HIV services for female sex workers during pandemics is critical for the country to attain HIV epidemic control.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"183-193"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40556152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Presidential communication approaches and the impact on public health: a comparative analysis of three South African presidents' communication on AIDS and COVID-19.","authors":"Nompumelelo Gumede,&nbsp;Emma Durden,&nbsp;Eliza Govender","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2091463","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2091463","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The HIV response in the African continent over past decades demonstrates the potency that the words and actions of political leaders have in either expediting or impeding the implementation and adoption of preventive measures at the individual and community levels. The article explores the health communication approaches employed by two South African past presidents (Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma) in responding to the HIV epidemic, and contrasts these with the communicative approach of President Cyril Ramaphosa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approached from this understanding, this article provides a comparative analysis of the communication approaches of these three presidencies across the two pandemics, and considers the variously trusted sources of top-down, government-driven and bottom-up, community-informed approaches to health communication. Critical lessons that emerged in South Africa during the HIV epidemic regarding the need to include communities in communicating about risks and behaviour change have not been adopted into the COVID-19 response. Political leaders are not best placed to communicate about these issues, and, in the context of pandemics, there is a clear need to reconsider top-down communication approaches that are designed without the participation of communities and ignore the interconnected nature of health and other social determinants of health.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"143-151"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40556151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A human rights-based approach to coercive public health interventions: lessons from the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics.","authors":"Petronell Kruger,&nbsp;Safura Abdool Karim","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2073897","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2073897","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and its impact on countries across the globe has been unprecedented. The lack of pharmaceutical interventions to prevent or treat infection have left States with limited avenues to control the spread of the virus. Many countries have introduced stringent lockdowns along with regulatory regimes that give governments new powers to compel compliance with these regulations and to punish non-compliance. This article investigates the use of compelled public health interventions during both the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics and how these can be aligned to human rights. This includes discussion on the use of interventions such as mandatory quarantine and isolation, compelled testing, criminalisation of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Africa. This article also outlines what State obligations are in relation to pandemic responses, both in terms of mandating an effective response and which human rights principles should underscore these responses.Using South Africa as a case study, this article analyses whether the use of these interventions complies with international human rights law. We assess the use of compelled public health interventions in both the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics against established human rights principles applicable to pandemic responses. This article discusses lessons to be learnt about the relationship between human rights and public health interventions across both pandemics so as to guide human rights-based approaches to future pandemics as well as subsequent stages of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"123-131"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40556155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"History matters: AIDS in the time of COVID-19.","authors":"Charles Birungi,&nbsp;Warren Parker,&nbsp;Alan Whiteside","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2106064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2106064","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"iii-iv"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40556157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}