scholarly journals Trends and correlates of HIV prevalence among adolescents in South Africa: evidence from the 2008, 2012 and 2017 South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour surveys

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Musawenkosi Mabaso ◽  
Goitseone Maseko ◽  
Ronel Sewpaul ◽  
Inbarani Naidoo ◽  
Sean Jooste ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Adolescents are at increased risk of HIV infection compared to other age groups. There is an urgent need for strategic information that will inform programmes to reduce risk and vulnerability to HIV and reverse the pattern of increasing HIV infection as they transition to adulthood. This paper analysed trends and factors associated with HIV prevalence among adolescents in South Africa using the national HIV population-based household surveys conducted in 2008, 2012 and 2017. Methods All three surveys used a multistage cross-sectional design. A trend analysis was conducted to assess the differences in HIV prevalence and covariates overtime using P-trend Chi-squared statistic. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with HIV prevalence. Results Overall there was a significant increase in HIV prevalence among adolescents aged 12–19 years from 3.0% (n = 2892) in 2008 to 3.2% (n = 4829) in 2012 and 4.1% (n = 3937) in 2017 (p = 0.031). The odds of being HIV positive among adolescents aged 12–19 years was significantly higher among females [AOR = 2.24; 95% CI (1.73–2.91); p < 0.001] than males, those residing in KwaZulu-Natal province [AOR = 2.01; 95% CI (1.-3.99); p = 0.027] than Northern Cape, and those who did not attend an educational institution and were unemployed [AOR = 2.66; 95% CI (1.91–3.67); p < 0.001] compared to those attending an educational institution. The odds were significantly lower among Whites [AOR = 0.29; 95% CI (0.09–0.93); p = 0.037], Coloureds [AOR = 0.21; 95% CI (0.11–0.37); p ≤ 0.001] and Indian/Asian [AOR = 0.08; 95% CI (0.02–0.34); p = 0.001] population groups than Black Africans. Conclusion The observed increasing trend and gender disparities in HIV prevalence suggests an urgent need for age appropriate and gender specific HIV interventions tailored and targeted at identified drivers of HIV infection among adolescents.

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e031667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaymarlin Govender ◽  
Sean Edward Beckett ◽  
Gavin George ◽  
Lara Lewis ◽  
Cherie Cawood ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThis study investigated the behavioural, psychosocial and biological factors associated with HIV in a younger group of men (15 to 24 years) compared with an older group of men (25 to 35 years).DesignA household-based, cross-sectional study was conducted.SettingMen were randomly selected using a two-stage random sampling method in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, between June 2014 and June 2015.ParticipantsOverall, we interviewed 1472 younger men and 1138 older men. Only participants who could speak English or Zulu, were able to provide informed consent and who were expected to be living in the study area for the next 12 months were enrolled into the study.Primary and secondary outcomesHIV status was the primary outcome for the study. Men’s HIV status was derived from blood samples collected in the study which were tested for HIV antibodies.ResultsHIV prevalence was higher among older men (35.4%, 95% CI: 31.7 to 39.1) than younger men (7.6%, 95% CI: 6.2 to 9.4, p<0.01). Older men, who completed secondary school had a lower likelihood of being HIV positive (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.41, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.63, p<0.001) and those with greater food insecurity had a higher likelihood of being HIV positive (AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.34, p=0.04). Younger men with a higher number of lifetime sexual partners had a higher likelihood of being HIV positive (AOR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.09, p=0.09).ConclusionGiven that the HIV prevalence is higher in the older men, community based interventions need to target older men for medical circumcision and support HIV positive men to improve their material conditions early. For younger men intervening to reduce HIV risk behaviours at a young age before these behaviours become entrenched should be central to HIV prevention programmes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siobhan L. Johnstone ◽  
Nicola A. Page ◽  
Juno Thomas ◽  
Shabir A. Madhi ◽  
Portia Mutevedzi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In South Africa, there are limited data on the burden of diarrhoea at a community level, specifically in older children and adults. This community survey estimated rates of and factors associated with diarrhoea across all ages and determined the proportion of cases presenting to healthcare facilities. Methods Households were enrolled from an existing urban health and demographic surveillance site. A household representative was interviewed to determine associated factors and occurrence of diarrhoea in the household, for all household members, in the past 2 weeks (including symptoms and health seeking behaviour). Diarrhoeal rate of any severity was calculated for < 5 years, 5–15 years and > 15 years age groups. Factors associated with diarrhoea and health seeking behaviour were investigated using binomial logistic regression. Results Diarrhoeal rate among respondents (2.5 episodes/person-year (95% CI, 1.8–3.5)) was significantly higher than for other household members (1.0 episodes/person-year (95% CI, 0.8–1.4); IRR = 2.4 (95% CI, 1.5–3.7) p < 0.001). Diarrhoeal rates were similar between age groups, however younger children (< 5 years) were more likely to present to healthcare facilities than adults (OR = 5.9 (95% CI, 1.1–31.4), p = 0.039). Oral rehydration solution was used in 44.8% of cases. Having a child between 5 and 15 years in the household was associated with diarrhoea (OR = 2.3 (95% CI, 1.3–3.9), p = 0.003) and, while 26.4% of cases sought healthcare, only 4.6% were hospitalised and only 3.4% of cases had a stool specimen collected. While the majority of cases were mild, 13.8% of cases felt they required healthcare but were unable to access it. Conclusion Diarrhoeal rate was high across all age groups in this community; however, older children and adults were less likely to present to healthcare, and are therefore underrepresented through facility-based clinical surveillance. Current diarrhoeal surveillance represents a fraction of the overall cases occurring in the community.


Author(s):  
Daniela Cia Penoni ◽  
Maria Elisa da Silva Nunes Gomes Miranda ◽  
Flávia Sader ◽  
Mario Vianna Vettore ◽  
Anna Thereza Thomé Leão

Abstract Objectives Understanding the possible risk factors of noncarious cervical lesion (NCCL) is important for prevention and clinical management of the condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the prevalence of NCCL among adolescents, adults, and elderly people. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study involving 501 participants aged 15 years or older was conducted. Participants were examined to assess the number of natural teeth and the prevalence and severity of NCCL by calibrated examiners. Data on age, gender, harmful toothbrushing habits, and acidogenic diet were collected through individual interviews. Multivariate Poisson’s regression models were used to evaluate the association between the independent variables and the prevalence of NCCL according to the three age groups: 15 to 39, 40 to 64, and 65 years or older. Results The prevalence of NCCL among participants was 62.5% (95% confidence interval: 58.2–66.7). Among 15- to 39-year-old participants, the mean of NCCL was higher in males, those with lower number of teeth and acidogenic diet intake. Males aged 40 to 64 years and those with harmful brushing habits were more likely to present higher mean of NCCL. Elderly people with harmful toothbrushing habits had a greater mean of NCCL. Conclusion Demographic (age and gender), clinical (number of teeth), and behavioral characteristics (harmful brushing habits and acidogenic diet) were meaningful factors associated with NCCL severity. The above-mentioned relationships varied between age groups.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e2019054
Author(s):  
Florence Urio ◽  
Humphrey George ◽  
Furahini Tluway ◽  
Thomas B Nyambo ◽  
Bruno P Mmbando ◽  
...  

Background: The distribution of human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) infection is ubiquitous and occurs worldwide. The virus has high tropism to red blood cells progenitor`s cells leading to temporary infection of bone marrow and transient arrest of erythropoiesis. People with frequent episodes of haemolytic anaemia including sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia are at increased risk of infection. This study aimed at assessing prevalence and factors associated with HPV B19 infections among hospitalized SCD patients. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional hospital-based study among 329 SCD patients hospitalized at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). HPV B19 was detected using RT-PCR. Haematological and Chemistry tests were done using Sysmex XT2000i and Chemistry analyser respectively. Results: The prevalence of HPV B19 among hospitalized 329 SCD patients was 29%. The median age for hospitalized SCD patients with HPV B19 was 15 years (IQR; 7-22), no variation of prevalence with age. In multivariate logistic regression model, HPV B19 infection was associated with pain (OR=4.28, 95%CI: 1.20–15.19; p=0.025), low neutrophil counts (OR=0.57,95%CI: 0.35–0.92, p=0.022) and MCH (OR=0.92, 95%CI: 0.85–0.99; p=0.033). In univariate analysis, HIV infection was slightly higher in SCD patients infected with HPVB19 (exact p-value=0.083). Conclusion: The prevalence of HPV B19 among hospitalized SCD patients at MNH was high. SCD patients with HPV B19 were more likely to present with pain, low neutrophils levels and MCH. HIV infection might be associated with high risk of HPV infection in SCD patients, however this requires further investigation.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Scheibe ◽  
Katherine Young ◽  
Anna Versfeld ◽  
C Wendy Spearman ◽  
Mark Sonderup ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: People who use drugs including people who inject drugs (PWUD/ID), sex workers (SWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for HIV and viral hepatitis infection. Limited data exists on the epidemiology of these infections among these key population groups (KPs) in South Africa. We aimed to describe the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV and related risk factors among these KPs to inform effective responses. Methods: We aimed to recruit 3 500 KPs across Cape Town (SWs, MSM, PWUD/ID), Durban (SWs, PWUD/ID), Pietermaritzburg (SWs), Mthatha (SWs), Port Elizabeth (SWs), Johannesburg (MSM) and Pretoria (MSM and PWUD/ID) for participation in a cross-sectional survey. We used an interviewer administered questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics, drug use and sexual risk practices. We tested for HCV (antibody, viral load and genotype), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV antibody. We used descriptive statistics to explore data, which was stratified by KP. Results: Among the 3 439 included in the study (1 528 SWs, 746 MSM, 1 165 PWUD/ID) the median age was 29 years, most participants were black African (60%), and 24% reported homelessness. 82% reported substance use in the last month, including alcohol (46%) and heroin (33%). 75% were sexually active in the previous month, with condom use at last sex at 74%. HIV prevalence was 37% (highest among SWs at 47%), HBsAg prevalence 4% (similar across KPs) and HCV prevalence of 16% (highest among PWUD/ID at 46%). Conclusions: HCV, HBV and HIV are major health threats for KPs in South Africa. While HIV is an important condition for all included KPs, HCV is of particular importance to PWUD/ID. For KPs, HBV vaccination and behaviour change interventions that support consistent condom and lubricant access and use are needed. Coverage of opioid substitution therapy and needle and syringe services and access to HCV treatment for PWUD/ID need to be expanded.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 492-503
Author(s):  
Mangi Ezekiel ◽  
Lucas E. Matemba ◽  
Idda Mosha ◽  
Mukome Nyamhagatta ◽  
Sharon Lwezaura ◽  
...  

Background The UNAIDS Report on the global AIDS report show  that 35.3 million people living with HIV globally, out of that an estimated 3.6 million are people aged 50 years or above. Methods This was a cross sectional study conducted in Shinyanga, Iringa and Ruvuma regions in Tanzania aiming at determining prevalence and risk factors for HIV infection among elderly people aged 50 years and above. Random sampling was employed to select 2,214 participants. HIV testing to consenting participants was conducted and a survey was used to collect data on socio-demographic information, medical conditions and sexual behavioral factors.   Results The overall prevalence of HIV infection among study participants was 4.4% (95% CI=3.6-5.4). The prevalence was higher among females compared to males. Majority of study participants were aware of HIV, transmission and preventive measures. Few respondents knew that a person could be infected through anal sex. More than half of the participants prefer HIV status to remain confidential. A significantly larger proportion (24.2%) of males reported to ever use a condom during their last sexual intercourse compared to females (9.5%). Compared to older age groups, respondents aged 50-59 years were significantly more likely to report condom use during last sexual intercourse. Being in the fourth of highest wealth quintile, ever use of condom, condom use during last sexual encounter, having 2 or more partners in the last one year were associated with an increased risk of HIV infection. Conclusion The high prevalence of HIV among study participants highlights the prerequisite for increased attention to address underlying risk factors for HIV infection among adults.  


1998 ◽  
Vol 121 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. SORVILLO ◽  
G. BEALL ◽  
P. A. TURNER ◽  
V. L. BEER ◽  
A. A. KOVACS ◽  
...  

The seasonality and factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection were assessed in a cohort of HIV-infected patients in Los Angeles County to better define the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis among individuals with HIV. Data were analysed from a cohort of 4247 patients [ges ]13 years of age with HIV infection enrolled from four outpatient facilities in Los Angeles, 1990–6. Cryptosporidiosis was diagnosed in 120 (2·8%) patients. Among the 1296 individuals with complete follow-up until death, cryptosporidiosis occurred in 69 (5·3%). The seasonal rate of cryptosporidiosis showed a modest bimodal trend with the highest rates occurring in March–May and September–October. There was no difference in the rate of cryptosporidiosis for the periods of heaviest rainfall (December–March) and low rainfall (April–November). Infection rates were higher among males (1·59 per 100 person-years) than females (0·92) and lower in blacks (0·98) than other racial/ethnic groups (1·80). A significant trend of decreasing cryptosporidiosis was observed with increasing age, with the highest rate (2·34) in the 13–34 year age group. A strong association between cryptosporidiosis and CD4+ count was noted. These data suggest that cryptosporidiosis among HIV-infected individuals in Los Angeles County exhibits a modest spring and fall seasonality. This pattern of occurrence of cryptosporidiosis appears temporally unrelated to local rainfall patterns. Our findings suggest that HIV-infected men, individuals in younger age groups and those with CD4+ lymphocyte counts <100×106/l are at increased risk of cryptosporidiosis. Blacks with HIV infection appear less likely than other racial/ethnic groups to be diagnosed with Cryptosporidium infection. These results may provide insight into possible routes of transmission and sources of cryptosporidiosis infection in individuals with HIV.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e015390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srean Chhim ◽  
Chanrith Ngin ◽  
Pheak Chhoun ◽  
Sovannary Tuot ◽  
Cheaty Ly ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo examine factors associated with HIV infection among transgender women in Cambodia.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingsHIV high-burden sites including the capital city and 12 provinces.ParticipantsThis study included 1375 sexually active transgender women with a mean age of 25.9 years (SD 7.1), recruited by using respondent-driven sampling for structured questionnaire interviews and rapid finger-prick HIV testing.Primary outcome measureHIV infection detected by using Determine antibody test.ResultsHIV prevalence among this population was 5.9%. After adjustment for other covariates, participants living in urban areas were twice as likely to be HIV infected as those living in rural areas. Participants with primary education were 1.7 times as likely to be infected compared with those with high school education. HIV infection increased with age; compared with those aged 18–24 years, the odds of being HIV infected were twice as high among transgender women aged 25–34 years and 2.8 times higher among those aged ≥35 years. Self-injection of gender affirming hormones was associated with a fourfold increase in the odds of HIV infection. A history of genital sores over the previous 12 months increased the odds of HIV infection by threefold. Transgender women with stronger feminine identity, dressing as a woman all the time, were twice as likely to be HIV infected compared with those who did not dress as a woman all the time. Having never used online services developed for transgender women in the past six months was also associated with higher odds of being HIV infected.ConclusionsTransgender women in Cambodia are at high risk of HIV. To achieve the goal of eliminating HIV in Cambodia, effective combination prevention strategies addressing the above risk factors among transgender women should be strengthened.


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