scholarly journals Knowledge about HIV/AIDS among Xth standard students in Mangalore, India

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 317
Author(s):  
Haleema Nuwera ◽  
Anitha S. Prabhu

Background: HIV an abbreviation of human immunodeficiency virus, infection of which in most advanced stage leads to AIDS. HIV/AIDS is both global public health problem and young people are at the centre of global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Lack of information and understanding about HIV/AIDS, increases their susceptibility towards the disease. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS among the X grade students as well as to know the differences in knowledge across gender.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 250 students studying in X grade of 3 private schools located in Mangalore city, selected by multistage cluster sampling. The study was conducted for duration of 2 weeks using a predesigned and pre-structured questionnaire. Ethical approval from the institution and necessary permission from school authority was obtained prior to initiation of study. Results: Mean age of the study participants was 15.40±0.615. Females were predominant in the age group of 14 and 16 years (100.0% and 53.40% respectively). Majority of them had adequate knowledge of full form of HIV (94.4%), virus as causative agent (85.6%), awareness symbol of HIV/AIDS (86.8%), modes of transmission of HIV (871.6%). Poor knowledge was observed in areas of prevention (60.4%), actions that does not transmit HIV infection (58.0%), availability of blood tests (58.0%) and drugs (42.4%). Males had better knowledge in various areas when compared to females.Conclusions: Stringent efforts are required to improve the knowledge of HIV/AIDS by health education camps and school teachers need to be trained to enhance the knowledge of students.

Author(s):  
Sunil Kumar Meena ◽  
Rudresh Negi ◽  
Shailendra Singh Chaudhary ◽  
Sunil Kumar Misra

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health problem. With approximately 56% HIV patients in India receiving treatment, adherence to drugs is a crucial element for successful management. Sustainable development goals, National Strategic plan for HIV/AIDS and STI (2017-24) and 90-90-90 target pushing towards ending of AIDS epidemic require adequate adherence and this research estimates the adherence, associated factors and reasons for non-compliance.Methods: This analytical cross sectional study was undertaken on 160 HIV patients from an ART Centre. A pre-structured, pilot tested, face validated questionnaire was used and data collected by face to face interviews, through random selection of participants from outpatient department register. Data was analysed using Epi Info software and chi squared test applied.Results: Of the 160 study subjects, 86.8% remained adherent to the treatment with forgetfulness (71.4%) being the most common cause for non-adherence. Statistically significant treatment adherence was observed to be associated with socio-economic status (p=0.021) and period elapsed since diagnosis (p=0.041).Conclusions: Improving adherence to drug therapy through intensive counselling, streamlined drug supply and increased family participation would go a long way in reducing the menace of HIV. 


2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Koju ◽  
K Manandhar ◽  
A Risal ◽  
TJ Steiner ◽  
A Holen ◽  
...  

Background Hypertension (HTN), a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is a substantial global public health problem. Occasional studies indicate a high prevalence of HTN in the Nepalese population, but no nationwide population-based data exist so far. We opportunistically used a survey of major disorders of the brain in Nepal to measure blood pressure (BP) in participants selected randomly from the adult general population.Objective To establish the prevalence of elevated BP (eBP), and factors associated with it, regardless of any antihypertensive therapy being taken. We took this to be indicative of unmet health-care need.Method This was a cross-sectional study, conducted by unannounced household visits, employing multistage random cluster sampling. To achieve representativeness, 15 districts out of 75 in the country were investigated: one district from each of the three physiographic divisions in each of the five development regions of Nepal. One adult aged 18-65 years was selected from each household and interviewed by structured questionnaire. BP was recorded in a standardised manner by digital device (Microlife 3BM1-3®).Result From 2,109 eligible households, 2,100 adults (99.6%) participated. The prevalence of eBP (>140/90 mmHg on ?2 readings) was found to be 15.1%. Multivariate logistic regression showed significant and independent associations with demographic variables (higher age, male gender), with life-style factors (daily alcohol consumption, BMI ?25), and with living at high altitude (?2000 m).Conclusion In the context of the survey we could not collect data on antihypertensive therapy being taken but, clearly, whatever this might have been, it was failing to meet treatment needs. Almost one in six adults met criteria for hypertension, carrying risk implications for CVDs and their substantial public-health consequences. Two remediable associated factors were identified, although in a cross-sectional survey we could not prove causation.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.13(1) 2015; 3-7


2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110051
Author(s):  
Claudia L. de Moraes ◽  
Érika B. dos Santos ◽  
Michael E. Reichenheim ◽  
Stella R. Taquette ◽  
Luciane Stochero ◽  
...  

Community violence (CV) is a global public health problem due to its high frequency and severe consequences. Although CV is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents, little is known about the everyday CV situations that do not lead to death. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of exposure to and involvement in CV situations among adolescent students from public and private schools in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study of 693 individuals in their second year of high school selected through stratified multistage random sampling. Information about their exposure to and involvement in CV was collected through a self-completed multidimensional questionnaire in the classrooms. For approximately 30% of the adolescents, someone close to them had been murdered, and 40% had already seen the corpse of a victim of homicide. Seventeen percent reported having been directly involved in CV situations. Approximately 38%, 13%, and 25% had been victims of robberies, interpersonal aggression, and death threats to either themselves or their relatives, respectively. Many of these situations occurred more than once. In general, CV was more frequently reported by boys and by those who did not live with both parents. Adolescents from higher economic classes experienced more interpersonal aggression and felt a greater need to carry a gun. Those who belonged to the lower economic classes and studied in public schools were more exposed to lethal violence than other students. The results call attention to the very high percentage of adolescent students that are involved in CV situations as well as to the differences in violence rates among population subgroups. Such findings should be considered when planning CV prevention and management actions in schools and other socialization spaces for adolescents.


Author(s):  
Chutima Rattanawan ◽  
Suraiya Cheloh ◽  
Asma Maimahad ◽  
Malatee Tayeh

Anemia is a global public health problem. The prevalence of anemia among different ages, genders or ethnic groups must be clarified in order to solve problems. This study proposed to determine the prevalence and factors related to anemia among the Muslim school-age population in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from 200 school-age subjects. The thalassemia screening was performed with KKU-OF and KKU-DCIP reagents. The prevalence of anemia in this study was 36.5%, divided into males and females, 33.3% and 39.1%, respectively. The means of Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, and MCHC in the anemic group were significantly lower. The positive results for KKU-OF or KKU-DCIP or both were 15.0%, 2.5%, and 1.0%, respectively. The result of positive OF test was a significantly independent factor for anemia. The number of family members was 5 to 7 and more than 7 persons are related factors for anemia in this study. In summary, the contribution of thalassemia and socio-economic factor are associated factors to anemia in this population. These findings should be addressed in public health strategies for the control of anemia of school-aged Muslims in the region.


Author(s):  
Suresh C. Gupta ◽  
Karan J. Jain ◽  
Anjana Tiwari ◽  
Indu Padmey ◽  
Nandkishor J. Bankar ◽  
...  

Background: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the deadliest diseases that modern medicine has ever had to tackle. Understanding the knowledge about HIV/AIDS in general populations will help in formulating strategy for prevention and treatment. With this background, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS among general population.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at C.C.M. Medical College and Hospital, Durg during December 2018 to January 2019. The data was collected from 450 patients attending the medicine outpatient department. Study subjects were selected using convenient sampling technique. Patients giving consent and willing to participate were included in the study. The data was collected in predesigned and pretested questionnaire.Results: 77.11% study participants were aware that unprotected sex can lead to transmission of HIV, 73.78% knew that shaking hands will not transmit the disease. 79.8% knew that use of condom can prevent transmission of HIV/AIDS. Overall males had better knowledge than females. 76.85% said they would behave friendly with people having HIV/AIDS and 69.78% were willing to take care of relatives with HIV.Conclusions: This study indicates that majority participants have good knowledge about difference between HIV and AIDS, modes of transmission and prevention though they were not completely aware of it. The proportion of those with lack of correct knowledge though comparatively less, needs to be taken as a challenge and addressed through well planned health educational activities at various platforms including teaching hospital premises.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Demelash Wachamo ◽  
Fisseha Bonja

Abstract Background Opportunistic infections are late complications of HIV infection is the depletion of the immune system. It is a major public health problem and high morbidity AIDS patients die of AIDS-related infections in developing countries like Ethiopia. Identification of opportunistic infections (OIs) is important to develop a specific intervention. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the burden and associated factors of opportunistic infections.Method A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 randomly selected HIV/AIDS patients taking anti-retroviral therapy. Data was collected from selected hospitals in Sidama Zone based on population proportion to size. Data was collected by a pre-tested questionnaire and a pre-tested checklist from the medical records of patients. Data entry and analyzed for descriptive and logistic regression models by SPSS v.23. The result declared as statistically significant at p < 0.05.Result The magnitude of opportunistic infections was 39.6%. Major identified OIs was oral candidacies 23.2%, recurrent bacterial pneumonia 21.5%, Herpes zoster 6.3%, and Pulmonary Tuberculosis 6.0%.The magnitude of opportunistic associated with; older age [AOR=2.69, 95% CI: 1.33-5.43], No formal education [AOR=3.12, 95% CI: 1.06-9.25], Low monthly income [AOR=2.27, 95%CI:1.35-3.83], initial CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3 [AOR=1.91, 95% CI:1.05-3.46), WHO clinical stage II [AOR=2.43, 95% CI:1.34-4.42] and stage III and IV [AOR=4.27, 95% CI: 2.12-8.59], had no extra medicine additional to ART (prophylaxis) had [AOR= 5.91, 95% CI: 3.31-10.56], who interrupt ART medicines [AOR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.09- 3.80] and Khat chewing [AOR=5.48, 95% CI: 2.32-12.96] when compared to their counterparts.Conclusions The overall magnitude of opportunistic infections was high when compared with other studies. Health officials and clinicians need to give attention on the strengthening of the provision if ART with prophylaxis on early-stage and adhrerence, implementation of the TB/HIV collaboration activity, and early initiation of ART to reduce opportunistic infections.


2021 ◽  
Vol 106 (106(812)) ◽  
pp. 30-37
Author(s):  
J. Núñez ◽  
A. Romano ◽  
M. Medina ◽  
R.A. Cardozo

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections are a global public health problem. Objective: to analyze the results of cervical-vaginal cytologies with suggestive changes of Human Papillomavirus infection in students of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Carabobo, who was attended the gynecology consultation of the Ambulatory “Nuestra Seora de la Luz” in 2016-2017. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional study. Population consisting of all students of the Faculty of Health Sciences who was attended the Gynecology Consultation at the Ambulatory mentioned above during the period under study. Non-probabilistic and intentional sample, inclusion criteria: age, acceptance to belong to the study by signing informed consent, and not suffering pathologies at the time of sampling or being pregnant. The collection of the information was carried out through the interview and subsequent cytological examination, and the cytological study was expressed according to the BETHESDA 2001 system. The sample for cervical-vaginal cytology was performed according to standard procedure. Results: average age of 21.43-2.47 years, 40.2% belonging to the low mean stratum, 9.2% smokers, sexarquia in ages 18-20 years in 52.6% of cases, 70% with 2 or 3 pairs. As for the cytology result, 9.2% was suggestive for Human Papillomavirus infection, while with the BETHESDA 2001 System, in the epithelial cell abnormalities section, 63.6% showed low-grade Human Papillomavirus -associated. Conclusions: in the sample, the suggestive changes to Human Papillomavirus infection, was higher than that found in other countries, whereas most interviewees presented risk factors to contract it, so emphasis on education is recommended conducting annual cytology to the at-risk population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Ramadhan ◽  
Yulidar Yulidar ◽  
Abidah Nur ◽  
Zain Hadifah ◽  
Yasir Yasir

Abstract Filariasis is still a global public health problem both in the world and in Indonesia. Aceh is include in one of the provinces with the most clinical cases in Indonesia. The aimed of this study was to determine the description of endemicity status and Related Factors to Instantaneous Transmissions period after Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) 1 in Pidie district. This research is part of the filariasis elimination evaluation study in Indonesia (Multicenter Filariasis Study) Litbangkes Office Center, Ministry of Health in 2017. The research design was cross sectional study. The study was conducted from February to November 2017. The selected research sites were Buloh and Kambuk Payapi Village in Pidie district. Data was collected by interviewin respondent to obtained information about people's knowledge, attitudes and behavior related to filariasis. In addition, finger blood tests were also conducted on respondents who had been interviewed. The number of respondents by finger blood was 627 and 714 were interviewed. The risk of filariasis transmission still occurred with the finding of 10 positive cases of microfilaria as many as 10 people in Kambuk Payapi village  with B.malayi species. The average filarial density was 86.84 / μl blood.  Respondent’s knowledge about filariasis is still low, community attitudes towads the prevention and treatment of filariasis was positive. Only a portion of respondents were involved in mass treatment. Selective treatment and strengthening synergy across sectors and programs must be increased so that elimination of  filariasis can be achieved. In addition, it is necessary to increase public knowledge through various health promotion media to improve community behaviour to achieve  elimination of filariasis. Abstrak Filariasis masih menjadi masalah kesehatan baik di dunia maupun di Indonesia. Aceh termasuk dalam salah satu provinsi dengan kasus klinis kronis terbanyak di Indonesia. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui gambaran status endemisitas filariasis dan faktor yang berpengaruh dengan transmisi setelah Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) 1 di Kabupaten Pidie. Penelitian ini merupakan bagian dari studi evaluasi eliminasi filariasis di Indonesia (studi Multicenter Filariasis) Badan Litbangkes Kementerian Kesehatan tahun 2017. Desain penelitian adalah cross sectional study. Penelitian dilakukan dari Februari-November 2017. Tempat penelitian adalah di desa Buloh dan desa Kambuk Payapi di Kabupaten Pidie. Pengumpulan data dilakukan wawancara responden untuk mendapatkan informasi tentang pengetahuan, sikap, dan perilaku masyarakat terkait filariasis. Selain itu juga dilakukan pemeriksaan darah jari malam hari pada responden yang sudah diwawancarai.  Jumlah responden yang diperiksa darah jari 627 responden dan yang diwawancarai 714.  Resiko penularan filariasis masih terjadi dengan masih ditemukannya kasus positif mikrofilaria sebanyak 10 orang di desa Kambuk Payapi dengan spesies B.malayi. Rata-rata kepadatan filaria adalah 86,84/µl darah. Pengetahuan responden tentang penyebab filariasis masih rendah, sikap masyarakat terhadap upaya pencegahan dan pengobatan filariasis sudah positif. Namun demikian hanya sebagian responden yang ikut terlibat dalam pengobatan masal. Pengobatan selektif dan memperkuat sinergi lintas sektos dan lintas program harus ditingkatkan agar eliminasi filariasis dapat dicapai. Selain itu diperlukan peningkatan pengetahuan masyarakat melalui berbagai media promosi kesehatan untuk meningkatkan prilaku masyarakat untuk mencapai eliminasi filariasis.  


Author(s):  
S. Lokesh Kumar ◽  
V. Pragadeesh Raja ◽  
M. Jasmine

Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a great global public health problem caused by a retrovirus that infects cells of the human immune system, destroying or impairing their function. In the early stages of infection, the person has no symptoms. HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, transfusion of contaminated blood, through contaminated needles and between a mother and her infant. In 2017, globally, 36.9 million people are living with HIV and 940000 people died from HIV related causes. The total number of people living with HIV in India is estimated at 21.40 lakhs people in 2017. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among college students from engineering colleges in Pondicherry from April 2018 to September 2018. The selection of study subjects was done using simple random sampling. After getting informed consent from the individuals a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was administered. Data were entered on and analysed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Descriptive statistics were used and results were expressed as proportions.  Results: The majority of the students, about 92.4% had heard about HIV/AIDS, about 92.4% of the participants were aware that HIV can spread through body fluids such as blood, sexual contact, urine. More than half 52.7% of students are aware that migrant workers, lorry drivers, commercial sex workers are high-risk groups for HIV/AIDS. 68.8% of students don’t know their HIV status. 65.2% were not willing to isolate HIV infected people from society. Conclusion: There is an immediate need for more health education and awareness campaign among students about HIV/AIDS. The Ministry of Education found better methods  to deliver the necessary information about HIV/AIDS through the Internet, social media and mobile applications, information hotlines, pamphlets and printed educational  materials.


Author(s):  
Priya Arora ◽  
Manisha Arora ◽  
Vishal Sharma ◽  
Atul Kotwal

Background: Dengue, an arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes egypti mosquito, has become an important public health problem, with almost half the population of the world being at risk. Community awareness and involvement for vector control is an important aspect of disease prevention and control. The aims and objective was to assess awareness and preventive practices used for dengue and related water storage behaviour in an urban area of Delhi. Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross sectional study. Results: Awareness about dengue fever and its mode of spread is quite high but the participants are not aware about the practices that are putting their surroundings at risk of vector breeding; especially when it comes to water storage behaviour. Conclusions: Behaviour change at individual and community level is essential for vector and hence dengue control, adoption of proper preventive practices and water storage behaviour needs to be emphasized at the community level. 


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