scholarly journals Physiotherapists’ Awareness of Risk of Bone Demineralisation and Falls in People Living with HIV and their Perceptions about Fall Risk Management: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Yvonne Charumbira ◽  
Karina Berner ◽  
Quinette Louw

Abstract Background: Recent research has indicated a seemingly increased propensity for both falls and accelerated bone loss in people living with HIV (PLWH). Physiotherapists play a crucial role in optimising function and quality of life of PLWH through prevention of falls and reducing the harm that results. Aim: This study aimed to explore physiotherapists’ awareness of falls risk and accelerated bone demineralisation in PLWH and their perceptions about current falls prevention in the care of PLWH in selected regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Method: An interpretative exploratory qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach was employed to explore physiotherapists’ perceptions and experiences regarding bone health and falls in PLWH. In-depth semi-structured telephonic interviews were used to collect data from 21 physiotherapists working in primary HIV care. Transcribed interview data were coded in Atlas.ti.8 ® and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: The primary study revealed a lack of awareness by physiotherapists of falls risk and bone demineralisation in PLWH. As such, physiotherapists did not link falls or fractures to HIV or antiretroviral therapy (ART) when they did observe such events during their general patient assessments. However, in retrospect, some physiotherapists were able to recognise risk factors linked to falls in those with HIV. Current services for falls prevention, as perceived by the physiotherapists, were sub-optimal. Conclusion: Physiotherapists may need to be more aware of the potential risk of falls and bone demineralisation in PLWH and routinely assess for these phenomena in both older and younger PLWH. Key words: Accidental falls, Bone mineral density, HIV, physiotherapists, sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Y. Charumbira ◽  
Karina Berner ◽  
Quinette Louw

Abstract Background Recent research has indicated a seemingly increased propensity for both falls and accelerated bone loss in people living with HIV (PLWH). Physiotherapists play a crucial role in optimising function and quality of life of PLWH through prevention of falls and reducing the harm that results. Aim This study aimed to explore physiotherapists’ awareness of falls risk and accelerated bone demineralisation in PLWH and their perceptions of current falls prevention strategies in the care of PLWH in selected regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Method An exploratory descriptive qualitative research method was employed to explore physiotherapists’ perceptions and experiences regarding bone health and falls in PLWH. In-depth semi-structured telephonic interviews were used to collect data from 21 physiotherapists working in primary HIV care. Transcribed interview data were coded in Atlas.ti.8® and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results The primary study revealed a lack of awareness by physiotherapists of falls risk and bone demineralisation in PLWH. As such, physiotherapists did not link falls or fractures to HIV or antiretroviral therapy (ART) when they did observe such events during their general patient assessments. However, in retrospect, some physiotherapists were able to recognise risk factors linked to falls in those with HIV. Current services for falls prevention, as perceived by the physiotherapists, were sub-optimal. Conclusion Physiotherapists may need to be more aware of the potential risk of falls and bone demineralisation in PLWH and routinely assess for these phenomena in both older and younger PLWH.


BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e047205
Author(s):  
Fisaha Haile Tesfay ◽  
Sara Javanparast ◽  
Hailay Gesesew ◽  
Lillian Mwanri ◽  
Anna Ziersch

ObjectivesAlthough some studies have identified various challenges affecting nutritional programmes to effectively tackle undernutrition among people living with HIV, evidence about the characteristics and impacts of these programmes on weight-related nutritional outcomes varies based on country contexts, specific programme goals and the implementation processes. This systematic review sought to synthesise evidence on the characteristics and impact of nutritional programmes on weight-related nutritional outcomes of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesWe searched for primary studies published in the following databases: Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest and Google Scholar, supplemented by checking reference lists of included papers.Eligibility criteriaStudies published from 2005 to 10 July 2020 and reporting on the weight-related nutritional outcomes of undernourished people enrolled in nutritional programmes in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa were included.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted using a data extraction proforma. Weight-related nutritional outcomes of people living with HIV before and after enrolment in a nutritional programme were compared and narratively synthesised.ResultsSixteen studies assessing the impact of nutritional programmes in HIV care on weight-related nutritional outcomes were included. Of these, 13 examined nutritional programmes implemented in health facilities and the remaining three were delivered outside of health facilities. Nutritional recovery (defined differently in the studies) ranged from 13.1% to 67.9%. Overall programme failure rate, which included default after enrolment in a nutritional programme or non-response, ranged from 37.6% to 48.0%. More specifically, non-response to a nutritional programme ranged from 21.0% to 67.4% and default from the programme ranged from 19.0% to 70.6%. Key sociodemographic, clinical and nutritional characteristics that affect nutritional recovery, non-response and default were also identified.Conclusions and recommendationsNutritional programmes in HIV care have led to some improvements in weight-related nutritional outcomes among people living with HIV. However, the programmes were characterised by a high magnitude of default and non-response. To improve desired weight-related nutritional outcomes of people living with HIV, a holistic approach that addresses longer-term determinants of undernutrition is needed.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020196827.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1231-1243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Godwin Abazho Aleku ◽  
Moses P Adoga ◽  
Simon M Agwale

Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 70% of the 35 million people living with HIV worldwide, obviously carries the heaviest burden of the HIV epidemic. Moreover, the region’s poor health system occasioned by limited resources and inadequate skilled clinical personnel usually makes decentralization of HIV care difficult. Therefore, quality diagnostics that are easy to use, inexpensive, and amenable for use at point of care (POC) are a dire necessity. Clearly, such diagnostics will significantly lessen the pressure on the existing over-stretched centralized HIV laboratory services. Thankfully, some POC diagnostics are already being validated, while others are in the pipeline. As POC test kits emerge, implementation hurdles should be envisaged and planned for. This review examines emerging HIV diagnostic platforms, HIV POC product pipelines, gaps, perceived POC implementation challenges, and general recommendations for quality care.


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark J. Siedner

Objective: The number of people living with HIV (PLWH) over 50 years old in sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to triple in the coming decades, to 6-10 million. Yet, there is a paucity of data on the determinants of health and quality of life for older PLWH in the region. Methods: A review was undertaken to describe the impact of HIV infection on aging for PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa. Results: We (a) summarize the pathophysiology and epidemiology of aging with HIV in resource-rich settings, and (b) describe how these relationships might differ in sub-Saharan Africa, (c) propose a conceptual framework to describe determinants of quality of life for older PLWH, and (d) suggest priority research areas needed to ensure long-term gains in quality of life for PLWH in the region. Conclusions: Differences in traditional, lifestyle, and envirnomental risk factors, as well as unique features of HIV epidemiology and care delivery appear to substantially alter the contribution of HIV to aging in sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, unique preferences and conceptualizations of quality of life will require novel measurement and intervention tools. An expanded research and public health infrastructure is needed to ensure that gains made in HIV prevention and treamtent are translated into long-term benefits in this region.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Idongesit Godwin Utuk ◽  
Kayode Omoniyi Osungbade ◽  
Taiwo Akinyode Obembe ◽  
David Ayobami Adewole ◽  
Victoria Oluwabunmi Oladoyin

Background:Despite demonstrating global concerns about infection in the workplace, very little research has explored how co-workers react to those living with HIV in the workplace in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the level of stigmatising attitude towards co-workers living with HIV in the workplace.Methods:The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 403 respondents. They were recruited from selected companies through a multistage sampling technique. Survey was carried out using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to generate frequencies, cross tabulations of variables at 5% level of significance. Logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors at 95% confidence intervals.Results:Mean age of respondents was 32.9 ± 9.4 years with 86.1% being females. Overall, slightly below two-third (63.0%) had good knowledge on transmission of HIV/AIDS while 218 (54.1%) respondents had a high stigmatising attitude towards co-workers with HIV in the workplace. More female respondents (69.6%) demonstrated high stigmatising attitudes towards co-workers with HIV in the workplace (p = 0.012). Female workers were twice more likely to have high stigmatising attitudes towards co-worker with HIV [OR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.13 – 3.83)].Conclusion:Stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDs is still very persistent in different settings. Good knowledge amongst our participants about HIV/AIDs did not translate to low stigmatising attitudes among workers. Concerted efforts and trainings on the transmission of HIV/AIDs are essential to reduce stigma that is still very prevalent in workplace settings.


Author(s):  
Maria Y. Charumbira ◽  
Karina Berner ◽  
Quinette A. Louw

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of physiotherapists in four selected regions of sub-Saharan Africa regarding health system challenges impacting the integration of physiotherapy-led falls prevention services in the primary care of persons living with HIV (PLWH). Background: Falls may pose a significant problem among younger PLWH in low- and middle-income countries. Physiotherapists’ role in optimising function and quality of life can do much in the prevention of falls in PLWH and reducing the harm that results. However, falls prevention strategies have not been implemented effectively especially in primary health care settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Physiotherapists’ account of the health system challenges they encounter may provide insights into potential strategies that may be considered in optimising fall prevention for PLWH in poorly resourced settings. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in selected urban districts in the capital cities of four sub-Saharan African countries. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 purposively selected physiotherapists involved in the primary care of PLWH. Audio recordings of interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using deductive thematic content analysis. Findings: The main results are presented in the theme ‘Health care system challenges’ and in nine categories informed by the WHO health system framework: lack of policies and clinical practice guidelines, shortage/Inaccessible falls prevention services, inadequate human resource, physiotherapists not adequately equipped in falls prevention, inaccessible/No facilities for BMD measurement, inefficient data capturing systems, lack of evidence regarding falls among PLWH, unclear physiotherapy role descriptions, inefficient referral system. Physiotherapists highlighted the need for more information and research regarding fall prevention for PLWH, promote their role in the primary care of PLWH and adopt a patient-centred approach to fall prevention.


Author(s):  
Tafadzwa Dzinamarira ◽  
Moreblessing Chipo Mashora

Background: Good nutritional status is highly significant for individuals who are infected with HIV. However, they still face a number of nutritional challenges. The proposed scoping review will map literature on the nutritional challenges facing people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) and guide future research in nutritional management to improve health outcomes for PLWH. Here we outline a scoping review protocol designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P 2015 Guidelines).Methods: The Arksey and O’Malley’s 2005 scoping methodological framework further improved by Levac et al. 2010 will guide the search and reporting. Searches will be conducted for eligible articles from MEDLINE (PubMed), MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete and ISI Web of Science (Science Citation Index) electronic databases. Two independent reviewers will conduct the search guided by an inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality appraisal of the included articles will be conducted guided by the mixed methods appraisal tool 2018 version. We will employ NVivo version 12 for thematic content analysis.Conclusions: The findings of this review will guide future research in nutritional management to improve health outcomes for PLWH in sub-Saharan African. This review will be disseminated electronically in a published peer reviewed article and in print.


2020 ◽  
pp. 901-933
Author(s):  
Sarah Fidler ◽  
Timothy E.A. Peto ◽  
Philip Goulder ◽  
Christopher P. Conlon

Since its discovery in 1983, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been associated with a global pandemic that has affected more than 78 million people and caused more than 39 million deaths. Globally, 36.9 million (34.3–41.4 million) people were living with HIV at the end of 2013. An estimated 0.8% of adults aged 15–49 years worldwide are living with HIV, although the burden of the epidemic continues to vary considerably between countries and regions. Sub-Saharan Africa remains most severely affected, with nearly 1 in every 20 adults living with HIV and accounting for nearly 71% of the people living with HIV worldwide. The impact of HIV in some African countries has been sufficient to reverse population growth and reduce life expectancy into the mid-30s, although HIV incidence has declined in some of these high-prevalence countries. However, there are large-scale HIV epidemics elsewhere (e.g. India, the Russian Federation, and Eastern Europe).


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