scholarly journals Frequency and reasons for delayed treatment initiation after HIV diagnosis: cross-sectional study in Lahore, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Ali ◽  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Khunsa Junaid ◽  
Amjad Khan ◽  
Florian Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Therapy ◽  
Delayed Onset ◽  
Hiv Management ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Delayed Initiation ◽  
Test Result

Abstract Background Well-timed initiation of HIV therapy enhances life expectancy, decreases mortality and morbidity, and inhibits the transmission of HIV and complications related to it. The purpose of the present survey is to investigate the frequency and reasons for delayed initiation of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and to determine its relationship with various socio-demographic variables and HIV-related characteristics. Methods The analysis is based on a cross-sectional study involving 355 people living with HIV (diagnosed by PCR) who were more than 18 years of age and not receiving HIV therapy before enrolment at the HIV clinics of two selected tertiary-care teaching hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. In this study, delayed initiation of ART was defined as not attending the HIV management centre or a clinic for ART within 3 months of a confirmed diagnosis. The participants were selected using a systematic probability sampling technique. Bivariate logistic regression was performed using a backward stepwise technique to establish the variables related to delayed onset of HIV therapy. Factors significant at p ≤ 0.20 were considered for multivariate analysis, which was used to describe the association between independent factors and delayed initiation of treatment. Results Delayed onset of ART was observed in 28.5% of individuals. Factors such as no schooling (AOR = 5.92; 95% CI: 1.38–25.41; p = 0.017) and occasional household income (AOR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.01–14.89; p = 0.048) were significantly associated with late onset of ART. Our research findings also indicated that the main reasons for late beginning of HIV therapy were: feeling healthy (45.5%), did not have time to go to the HIV treatment centre (42.6%), did not want to discuss HIV test result (37.6%), and fear of stigma and discrimination within their community (35.6%). Conclusions Late commencement of HIV therapy in Pakistan is common, and an improved connection is needed between identification of HIV and beginning of therapy. HIV management centres should counsel and monitor patients from the time of a positive HIV test result until they initiate therapy.

Prevalence of COVID-19-like Symptoms among People Living with HIV, and Using Antiretroviral Therapy for Prevention and Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 373-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi ◽  
Maryam Ghadimi ◽  
Mahboubeh Hajiabdolbaghi ◽  
Mehrnaz Rasoolinejad ◽  
Ladan Abbasian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Living With Hiv

Background: COVID-19 has spread globally with remarkable speed, and currently, there is limited data available exploring any aspect of the intersection between HIV and SARSCoV- 2 co-infection. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19 among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Tehran, Iran. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 200 PLWH were recruited through the positive club via sampling, and completed the symptom-based questionnaire for COVID-19, which was delivered by trained peers. Results: Of 200 participants, respiratory symptoms, including cough, sputum, and shortness of breath, were the most prevalent among participants, but only one person developed symptoms collectively suggested COVID-19 and sought treatments. Conclusions: It appears that existing infection with HIV or receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) might reduce the susceptibility to the infection with SARS-CoV-2 or decrease the severity of the infection acquired. Further research is needed to understand causal mechanisms.

scholarly journals Factors associated with HIV testing among traditional healers and their clients in rural Uganda: Results from a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110150
Author(s):  
Doreen Nabukalu ◽  
Matthew Ponticiello ◽  
Thomas Bennett ◽  
Sunday Clark ◽  
Rachel King ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Male Clients ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Testing Uptake

Uptake of HIV testing is suboptimal in Uganda, particularly in rural communities. Reaching UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals requires strategies to increase HIV testing among hard-to-reach populations. This cross-sectional study sought to characterize engagement with HIV testing among traditional healers and their clients in rural Uganda. We enrolled 175 traditional healers and 392 adult clients of healers in Mbarara District. The primary outcome for this study was having received an HIV test in the prior 12 months. Most clients ( n = 236, 65.9%) had received an HIV test within 12 months, compared to less than half of healers ( n = 75, 46.3%) who had not. In multivariate regression models, male clients of healers were half as likely to have tested in the past year, compared with female (adjusted odds ratios (AORs) = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.26–0.70). Increasing age negatively predicted testing within the past year (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93–0.97) for clients. Among healers, more sexual partners predicted knowing ones serostatus (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.03–2.48). Healers (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.07–1.26) and clients (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.13–1.34 for clients) with greater numbers of lifetime HIV tests were more likely to have tested in the past year. Traditional healers and their clients lag behind UNAIDS benchmarks and would benefit from programs to increase HIV testing uptake.

scholarly journals Predictors of HIV/AIDS comprehensive knowledge and acceptance attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS among unmarried young females in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tesfaldet Mekonnen Estifanos ◽  
Chen Hui ◽  
Afewerki Weldezgi Tesfai ◽  
Mekonnen Estifanos Teklu ◽  
Matiwos Araya Ghebrehiwet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Young Females ◽  
Comprehensive Knowledge ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Background Youth in general and young females, in particular, remain at the center of HIV/AIDS epidemic. To avoid and prevent HIV infection, comprehensive knowledge as well as correct understanding of transmission and prevention strategies are crucial. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the predictors of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS and accepting attitude towards PLWHIV. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey. A two-stage probability sampling method was applied and data were collected using a standard questionnaire. Of the total 8674 women aged 15–49 years, 1971 eligible women aged 15–24 years were included in this analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. A Chi-square test followed by logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between specific explanatory variables and outcome variables. The results were reported using odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Overall, 99.3% of the unmarried women aged 15–24 years were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only 51.9% had comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Around 70% of the respondents were aware that "using condoms every time when having sex" and "having only one faithful uninfected partner" can prevent HIV transmission. About 68% of the unmarried women rejected at least two common local misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. An alarmingly small (20.6%) proportion of the respondents had a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV. All variables were significantly associated with having comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS in the unadjusted logistic regression analysis. After adjustment, older age (20–24 years), being educated, wealthier, and ever been tested for HIV/AIDS became predictors of adequate comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Moreover, respondents with adequate comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS were more likely (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.30–2.08) to have a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV than their counterparts. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a remarkably high level of awareness about HIV/AIDS among study participants, but the knowledge and positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV were not encouraging. Thus, endeavors to expand and strengthen educational campaigns on HIV/AIDS in communities, health facilities, and schools are highly recommended. Attention should particularly focus on young-aged and disadvantaged women with low educational level, poor socioeconomic status and those who have never been tested for HIV/AIDS.

scholarly journals Symptoms of common mental disorders and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adults living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e049824
Author(s):  
Andreas D Haas ◽  
Cordelia Kunzekwenyika ◽  
Stefanie Hossmann ◽  
Josphat Manzero ◽  
Janneke van Dijk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Art Adherence ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Living With Hiv

ObjectivesTo examine the proportion of people living with HIV who screen positive for common mental disorders (CMD) and the associations between CMD and self-reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).SettingSixteen government-funded health facilities in the rural Bikita district of Zimbabwe.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsHIV-positive non-pregnant adults, aged 18 years or older, who lived in Bikita district and had received ART for at least 6 months.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of participants screening positive for CMD defined as a Shona Symptoms Questionnaire score of 9 or greater. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of participants reporting suicidal ideation, perceptual symptoms and suboptimal ART adherence and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for factors associated with CMD, suicidal ideation, perceptual symptoms and suboptimal ART adherence.ResultsOut of 3480 adults, 18.8% (95% CI 14.8% to 23.7%) screened positive for CMD, 2.7% (95% CI 1.5% to 4.7%) reported suicidal ideations, and 1.5% (95% CI 0.9% to 2.6%) reported perceptual symptoms. Positive CMD screens were more common in women (aPR 1.67, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.35) than in men and were more common in adults aged 40–49 years (aPR 1.47, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.85) or aged 50–59 years (aPR 1.51, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.17) than in those 60 years or older. Positive CMD screen was associated with suboptimal adherence (aPR 1.53; 95% CI 1.37 to 1.70).ConclusionsA substantial proportion of people living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe are affected by CMD. There is a need to integrate mental health services and HIV programmes in rural Zimbabwe.Trial registration numberNCT03704805.

scholarly journals Clinical situation of Venezuelan migrants living with HIV in a hospital in Lima, Peru

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110240
Author(s):  
Genesis S Huerta-Vera ◽  
Manuel A Amarista ◽  
Fernando A Mejía ◽  
Ana B Graña ◽  
Elsa V Gonzalez-Lagos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Clinical Situation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Epidemiological Trends ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Living With Hiv

Due to a huge crisis extensive to health services many Venezuelan people living with HIV (PLWH) had migrated abroad, including Peru where favorable laws were in place until June 2019. We describe the health status and epidemiological trends of PLWH from Venezuela at an HIV program in Lima. We analyzed baseline and follow-up data of all Venezuelan PLWH enrolled in our HIV program from January 2017 to December 2019. A cross-sectional study in a subsample served to describe ARV adherence and context of migration. Between 2017-2019 our HIV Program registered 398 Venezuelan PLWH, representing 20% of the 2018 annual enrollments; numbers decreased since mid-2019. The median age was 30 years (IQR 26;37) and 90.5% were men. Between 2017 and 2019, the proportion with diagnosis in Peru increased from 14.3% to 60.9%; of AIDS stage at entry, from 8.8% to 27.2%. By December 2019, 182/250 (72.8%) were still in care, and 43 (10.8%) had not started ART. Viral suppression evaluated in 195, was achieved in 71.8%. From 2017 to 2019, migrant PLWH arrived in worsened clinical conditions, with increasing diagnosis in Peru; the flow of migrant PLWH entering care diminished with less favorable laws. Viral suppression rates were suboptimal.

Anorectal pathology amongst HIV infected patients attending the Douala General Hospital: a cross-sectional study

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Namme Luma ◽  
Servais Albert Fiacre Bagnaka Eloumou ◽  
Ellis Atemlefeh Fualefeh-Morfaw ◽  
Agnes Malongue ◽  
Elvis Temfack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Study Participant ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

While gastrointestinal disease is common among HIV infected individuals, the prevalence and distribution of ano-rectal pathology has not been well studied in our setting. The objective of this study therefore was to determine the prevalence and determinants of ano-rectal pathology in HIV infected patients attending the Douala General Hospital HIV treatment centre. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken. We collected socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data using a structured questionnaire and patients’ files. Each study participant had a full physical and ano-rectal examination. We further studied factors associated with having at least one ano-rectal lesion by logistic regression reporting odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included 390 HIV infected patients. The mean age was 41 (SD: 8) years and 48% were men. Median duration since HIV diagnosis was 3 (interquartile range: 2–5) years and median CD4 cell count was 411 (interquartile range: 234–601) cells/mm3. Prevalence of ano-rectal pathology was 22.8% (95% CI: 18.7–27.3). Hemorrhoids and proctitis were most common lesions found; each in 10% of patients. From multivariate logistic regression, factors associated with ano-rectal pathology were CD4 < 350 cells/ml (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–4.2), not on highly active antiretroviral therapy (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.6), inpatient (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2–4.3), ano-rectal intercourse (OR: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.7–15.1), and more than one sexual partner (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–4.2). Ano-rectal pathology is common amongst HIV infected patients. Care givers should actively investigate and treat them as this will improve the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Health-related quality of life assessment among people living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 1035-1045 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Castro ◽  
Raquel B. De Boni ◽  
Paula M. Luz ◽  
Luciane Velasque ◽  
Livia V. Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Quality Of Life Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Living With Hiv

scholarly journals Insulin resistance in PLHIV on HAART and HAART naïve PLHIV: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Prabir Kumar Ganguly ◽  
Niladri Das
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Group I

ABSTRACT HAART (Highly active antiretroviral therapy) has transformed a fatal disease to a chronic, manageable disease. But long term toxicities are emerging after prolonged exposure to antiretroviral therapy(ART). Adverse metabolic effects like dyslipidemia, increased blood pressure, and insulin resistance(IR) have been attributed to HAART. Therefore, the use of HAART raises concerns regarding metabolic disorders and cardiovascular risk in HIV(Human immunodeficiency virus) infected patients. Objective: To determine the prevalence of insulin resistance in a cohort of HIV infected patients on HAART as compared to HAART naïve PLHIV(People living with HIV) Methods: A cross sectional study includes 53 subjects, out of which 26 were PLHIV on ART –Group I, 27 were ART naïve PLHIV-Group II was conducted. Insulin resistance was determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) mathematical model. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory results and insulin resistance. Results: 69.5 % PLHIV on HAART showed IR, as compared to 37 % of ART naïve PLHIV (p= 0.01). MetS(Metabolic Syndrome) was found in 53.8% among PLHIV on ART , compared to 11.1% among ART naïve PLHIV(p= 0.001) .In the multivariate analysis, presence of metabolic syndrome was found to be directly associated with insulin resistance.

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