scholarly journals A comparative study to assess the knowledge and beliefs regarding AIDS among higher secondary students in rural schools of South Kerala and South Tamil Nadu

Author(s):  
Jose P. Cyril ◽  
Baburaj Stephenson ◽  
Joy John ◽  
Anju Mirin Alex ◽  
Sony S. Paul ◽  
...  

Background: HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed 36.3 million lives so far.  India has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world, with 2.1 million people living with HIV. Epidemiological data on AIDS suggests that in many cases, HIV infection was acquired during adolescence and lack of knowledge is one of the most important reasons.  Hence, an ardent need was felt to assess the knowledge and beliefs of adolescents regarding AIDS. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and beliefs regarding AIDS among higher secondary students of rural schools in South Kerala and in South Tamil Nadu.   Methods: After getting ethical committee clearance, the study was conducted among higher secondary students of twelfth standard using a predesigned and validated self-administered questionnaire. An educational intervention regarding AIDS lasting for 30 min was given after the test. Data analysis was done using appropriate software.Results: The mean knowledge scores of students from Kerala (11.57) and Tamil Nadu (11.51) were almost same. Television, newspaper and teachers were the main source of information about AIDS. Beliefs like Whiteman’s disease can spread through mosquito bite, sharing vessels and giving shake hands/touching were highly prevalent in the study subjects.Conclusions: Proper emphasis should be given to teachers on mentoring adolescents and imparting them with the needed knowledge on HIV/AIDS to enable them to overcome this period of stress and storm.

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (11.1) ◽  
pp. 133S-139S
Author(s):  
Hayk Davtyan ◽  
Ani Petrosyan ◽  
Garry Aslanyan ◽  
Seda Aghabekyan ◽  
Deborah De Basso ◽  
...  

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a global public health problem. People with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to TB. It is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and is a leading cause of death for people living with HIV (PLWH). The aim of the current study was to perform programmatic data analysis of TB cases treated with the first-line drugs, registered in Armenia for the period of January 2017 – August 2018, and to identify gaps in TB care system in Armenia. Methodology: A retrospective cohort study using programmatic data from National TB Program. Results: Overall treatment success rate for the period of study was 79%. HIV had impact only on “died” outcome with odds ratio (OR) of 20.9. More than a third (34%) of all HIV-positive patients died during TB treatment and 45% of patients who had non-Armenian citizenship were lost to follow-up during the treatment (OR = 3.3). Treatment duration for the 8% of all cases (mainly with brain or bone localization) was > 9 months and lasted up to 500 days. Conclusions: Better collaboration and partial integration of TB and HIV services in Armenia is required. The access to care for non-Armenian citizens needs to be improved. The national TB treatment guideline needs to be updated based on scientific evidence. This study demonstrates that continuous analysis of the available data and tailoring of the system is required to address the needs of key populations and achieve universal care coverage.


Author(s):  
C. P. Igweagu ◽  
O. H. Chime ◽  
C. N. Onwasigwe

HIV/AIDS continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 32 million lives so far. There were approximately 37.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) at the end of 2018. Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality and improved quality of life among people with HIV infection. Aims: The study was conducted to improve the knowledge and adherence to anti-retroviral therapy among PLHIV in Enugu state, southeast Nigeria. Study Design: Interventional study. Place and Duration of Study: Anti-retroviral Therapy clinics within Enugu metropolis in Enugu state Nigeria between June to December 2018. Methodology: A health education intervention was carried out among 312 PLHIV receiving ART in Enugu metropolis to improve their perception and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 312 PLHIV (156 each in the study and control groups), who were selected by multistage sampling. Subsequently, health education was conducted among the study group. Three months after this intervention its effects were assessed through a survey using the same structured questionnaires employed in the baseline survey.  Results: The most frequently occurring reason given by the respondents for poor adherence to ART was forgetfulness (65.4% for study and 69.9% for control groups). Knowledge of the factors and consequences of poor adherence to treatment was significantly higher among the study group than the controls post-interventions p<0.001. Adherence to ART improved from 42.3% pre-intervention to 81.4% post-intervention. Conclusion: Intensive health education effectively improved adherence to ART among persons living with HIV/AIDS and this should be carried out regularly.


Author(s):  
Rosyadi Aziz Rahmat ◽  
Devy Lestari Nurul Aulia

Background : According to the World Health Organization (WHO) HIV continues to be a global public health problem, claiming more than 70 million people are infected with the HIV virus and around 35 million people have died. In 2015, approximately 1.1 (940 000-1300000) million people have died due to being infected with the HIV virus. There were an estimated 36.7 (34.0-39.8) million people living with HIV at the end of 2016. Globally, Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region, with nearly 1 in 25 adults living with HIV. (WHO 2016). The purpose of this study was to determine the compliance of commercial sex workers on using condoms in the localization of Teluk Bakau, Batam City. Method : This study used a descriptive research design. The location of this research was carried out in the localization of Teluk Bakau, Batam City. The population in this study were all commercial sex workers (CSWs) in the Teluk Bakau brothels with a total of 95 people. The sample is an object under study and is considered to represent the entire population, here the writer uses a purposive technique, namely by means of sampling based on criteria. The measuring instrument in this study using a questionnaire. This analysis was carried out on each variable. These results are in the form of distribution and percentage of each variable. Data analysis was carried out in a univariate manner by looking at the results of the frequency calculation and the presentation of the results which could later be used as benchmarks for discussion and conclusions. Results and conclusions : It can be seen that the compliance of CSWs using condoms in the Bakau Bay brothel, Batam City is the majority of the majority behave obediently as many as 46 respondents (93.9%)


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 873-883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reuben Granich ◽  
Somya Gupta

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis syndemic remains a global public health threat. Separate HIV and tuberculosis (TB) global targets have been set; however, success will depend on achieving combined disease control objectives and care continua. The objective of this study was to review available policy, budgets, and data to reconceptualize TB and HIV disease control objectives by combining HIV and TB care continua. For 22 World Health Organization (WHO) TB and TB/HIV priority countries, we used 2015 data from the HIV90–90–90watch website, UNAIDS AIDSinfo, and WHO 2016 and 2017 Global TB Reports. Global resources available in TB and HIV/TB activities for 2003–2017 were collected from publicly available sources. In 22 high-burden countries, people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy ranged from 9 to 70%; viral suppression was 38–63%. TB treatment success ranged from 71 to 94% with 14 (81% HIV/TB burden) countries above 80% TB treatment success. From 2003 to 2017, reported global international and domestic resources for HIV-associated TB and TB averaged $2.85 billion per year; the total for 2003–2017 was 43 billion dollars. Reviewing combined HIV and TB targets demonstrate disease control progress and challenges. Using an integrated HIV and TB continuum supports HIV and TB disease control efforts focused on improving both individual and public health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Carolina Lechinski de Paula ◽  
Rodrigo Otávio Silveira Silva ◽  
Rodrigo Tavanelli Hernandes ◽  
Geraldo de Nardi Júnior ◽  
Selene Daniela Babboni ◽  
...  

Rhodococcus equiis responsible for infections in multiple-host animals. In humans, the prevalence of rhodococcus has increased worldwide and represents an emergent risk.R. equiis a soil-borne opportunistic bacterium isolated from feces of a wide variety of domestic species, except cats; thus, there is no known potential risk of its transmission from humans. Here, the mono- and cooccurrence ofRhodococcus equiand other bacteria and selected virulence markers were investigated in feces of nondiarrheic cats from urban (n=100) and rural (n=100) areas. Seven (7/200=3.5%)R. equiisolates were recovered in ceftazidime, novobiocin, and cycloheximide (CAZ-NB) selective media, exclusively of cats from three distinct farms (p=0.01), and these cats had a history of contact with horses and their environment (p=0.0002). None of theR. equiisolates harbored hosted-adapted plasmid types associated with virulence (pVAPA, pVAPB, and pVAPN). One hundred seventy-fiveE. coliisolates were identified, and 23 atypical enteropathogenicE. coli(aEPEC), 1 STEC (Shiga-toxin producingE. coli), and 1 EAEC (enteroaggregativeE. coli) were detected. Eighty-sixC. perfringenstype A isolates were identified, and beta-2 and enterotoxin were detected in 21 and 1 isolates, respectively. FiveC. difficileisolates were identified, one of which was toxigenic and ribotype 106. The main cooccurring isolates in cats from urban areas wereE. coliandC. perfringensA (26/100=26%),E. coliandC. perfringenstype Acpb2+(8/100=8%), and aEPEC (eae+/escN+) andC. perfringenstype A (5/100=5%). In cats from farms, the main cooccurring isolates wereE. coliandC. perfringenstype A (21/100=21%),E. coliandC. perfringenstype Acpb2+8/100=8%), andE. coliandR. equi(4/100=4%). We identified, for the first time,R. equiin nondiarrheic cats, a finding that represents a public health issue because rhodococcus has been reported in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent humans, particularly people living with HIV/AIDS.


2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 670-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Grierson ◽  
Richard de Visser ◽  
Michael Bartos

The aim of this study was to assess whether the lives of Australian people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have improved to the extent hoped for following the introduction of new antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV. In 1997, 925 Australian PLWHA completed the first national survey of the social impacts of HIV/AIDS. In 1999, 924 Australian PLWHA were recruited for a repeat of the survey. Study participants completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The data revealed that although new ARV drugs have improved the clinical profiles of many PLWHA, there have not been corresponding improvements in the physical well-being, levels of employment, or financial circumstances of many PLWHA. Nevertheless, PLWHA express favourable attitudes toward ARV drugs. Australian PLWHA have a complex relationship with their ARV medication that is likely to change over time as their HIV disease progresses and new treatments become available.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Reed ◽  
Anne Siegler ◽  
Loni P. Tabb ◽  
Florence Momplaisir ◽  
Dorsche Krevitz ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present evaluation results. People exiting incarceration who use opioids are at an elevated risk for overdose following release. People living with HIV (PLWH) who use drugs are also at increased overdose risk. Overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) is an effective community-based intervention, but few OEND programs have been evaluated in a correctional setting and none have specifically targeted PLWH. Design/methodology/approach An OEND pilot program was implemented in the Philadelphia jail from December 2017 to June 2019. OEND was provided through an HIV case management program and naloxone given at release. Participants (n = 68) were assessed for changes in overdose knowledge and beliefs in their ability to respond to an overdose from baseline to one month later while still incarcerated. Other demographic variables were assessed via publicly available records and case manager chart abstraction. Findings A total of 120 incarcerated PLWH were OEND trained; 68 (56.7%) were still incarcerated one month later and received post-tests. The 68-person sample was predominantly male (79.4%) and Black (64.7%). One-fifth reported heroin use, a third reported cocaine use and nearly 2/3 reported use of any illegal drug on date of arrest. Among these 68, overdose knowledge and overdose attitudes improved significantly (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Originality/value OEND in correctional settings is feasible and knowledge and overdose attitudes improved significantly from baseline. OEND programs should be implemented within the general population of incarcerated people but, as with PLWH, can be extended to other vulnerable populations within correctional settings, such as persons with mental health conditions and a history of homelessness.


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.


Curationis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavashni Valjee ◽  
Alta C. Van Dyk

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a serious public health issue, and it is often the caregivers who carry the brunt of the epidemic. Caregivers of people with AIDS face distinctive demands that could make them more prone to occupational stress, with serious consequences for their psychosocial well-being. The impact of caring for people living with HIV infection on the psychosocial well-being of palliative caregivers was investigated using in-depth interviews and questionnaires in 28 participants. The results indicated no burnout, but occupational stress was prevalent. Factors impacting negatively on well-being were stressors inherent in AIDS care, such as suffering and dying of the persons being cared for, work-related stressors such as heavy workload, lack of support and ineffective coping mechanisms. Positive aspects of caring such as job satisfaction, holistic palliative care, effective coping mechanisms and psychosocial support were identified. Recommendations to curb the negative effects of caregiving are provided.


Author(s):  
Senthilsayinathan Balasubramaniam ◽  
Kasikrishnaraja Pauldurai ◽  
Madhushanthini Eswaran ◽  
Mohankumar Vethanayagam ◽  
Rajesh Rajagopalan

Background: Diagnosis of HIV infection creates an overwhelming stress and leads to symptoms like guilt, fear, anxiety, sad mood, grief and suicidal ideation. Though the rate of suicide has decreased after the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), it still remains high. Indian studies assessing suicidal ideation in people living with HIV (PLHIV) are scarce. Psychiatric evaluation and treatment improves the quality of life in PLHIV. Aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and patterns of psychiatric morbidity including suicidal ideation in PLHIV attending Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), prior to initiation of ART.Methods: A cross sectional study design was used. 11476 persons attending ICTC of IRT Perundurai Medical College, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India were tested for their HIV status over a period of two years. 211 persons were found to be positive, 143 persons gave consent and met inclusion criteria. Every patient underwent a semi-structured clinical interview and their psychiatric morbidity was assessed based on ICD 10. Current suicidal behavior, hopelessness and depression were measured by appropriate rating scales. Data was analyzed by using the SPSS 16.Results: Psychiatric diagnosis was present in 36.4% of the sample. Depression was the commonest diagnosis followed by adjustment disorder, alcohol related problems and anxiety disorder. 26 persons (18.2%) had current suicidal ideation. 3 out of 143 persons had attempted suicide within 6 months following notification of their HIV status.Conclusions: Nearly 1/3rd of PLHIV require psychiatric referral and 1/5th of PLHIV have suicidal ideation. It will be highly beneficial to integrate psychiatric services into daily care of PLHIV.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document