scholarly journals Assessment of HIV Related Disabilities among People Living with HIV Who Are on ART. A Cross Sectional Survey in Blantyre Urban, Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Derrick Manyozo ◽  
Tarimo Nesto ◽  
Gift Kawalazira ◽  
Adamson Sinjani Muula

Abstract Background Despite improvements in survival, persons living with HIV experience a range of physical, cognitive, mental and social health-related challenges. Among adult persons living with HIV in Malawi, the prevalence of disability and associated risk factors are not known. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of impairments, activity limitations and associated risk factors among adults living with HIV in Blantyre urban, Malawi. MethodsWe conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study among adult persons aged 18 years and older living with HIV and on ART receiving their care at five government run health facilities in Blantyre urban. We used the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) for data collection. The ICF provides a unified, standard language and framework for the description of health and health-related states. The College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (COMREC) approved the study and written informed consent was obtained from study participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess association between presence of disability and selected factors. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated.Results Of the 277 participants enrolled, 225 (81%) were female and 52 (19%) were male. The mean age of participants was 37 years (std. dev 9.5). Impairments in mental functions (43%) and sensory functions and pain (40%) were the most prevalent among the study participants. Energy and drive (18%), memory (14%) and sleep (13%) were the most affected mental functions. Socio-demographic characteristics were not significantly associated with occurrence of the mental function impairments. Conclusions Our study highlights the level of impairments among person living with HIV especially mental health impairments, sensory functions and pain. Integrated health services including mental health screening and care, physical rehabilitation into all HIV testing and treatment settings are very critical to improve service delivery but also general access to rehabilitation by persons living with HIV.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Derrick Manyozo ◽  
Nesto Tarimo ◽  
Gift Kawalazira ◽  
Adamson Sinjani Muula

Abstract Introduction Despite improvements in survival, reports indicate that people living with HIV are experiencing a range of physical, cognitive, mental and social health-related challenges associated with HIV, comorbidities and aging recently termed ‘disability’. Among adult persons living with HIV in Malawi, the prevalence of disability and associated risk factors are not known. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of impairments, activity limitations and associated risk factors among adults living with HIV in Blantyre urban, Malawi. Methods We conducted a quantitative cross sectional study among adult persons living with HIV in Blantyre urban from March to August 2018. Participants were recruited consecutively from 5 health centers. We used the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) for data collection. Written informed consent was sourced from study participants, permission was granted at each study site and the study received ethics approval from the College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (COMREC). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages and continuous variables were summarized using means and standard deviation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess association between presence of disability and selected factors. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results Of the 277 participants enrolled in the study, 225 (81%) were female and 52 (19%) were male. The mean age of participants was 37 years ( std. dev 9.5 ). Impairments in mental functions were the most prevalent affecting 118 (43%) study participants. Energy and drive (18%), memory (14%) and sleep (13%) were the most affected mental functions. Impairments in the mental functions, genital urinary, reproductive, digestive, metabolic and endocrine systems were associated with higher odds of disability among the participants. Conclusions Our results indicate a high prevalence of impairments among persons living with HIV. Clinicians and rehabilitation personnel need to be proactive in identifying and managing impairments to promote health among HIV patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Animen Ayehu ◽  
Yibeltal Aschale ◽  
Wossenseged Lemma ◽  
Animut Alebel ◽  
Ligabaw Worku ◽  
...  

Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially in sesame and sorghum growing areas. Compared to other populations, labor migrants are the most exposed. Knowing the seroprevalence ofLeishmania donovaniand associated risk factors is essential to design appropriate control measures. The main aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers and associated risk factors in agricultural camps of West Armachiho district, Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the seroprevalence and associated risk factors ofL. donovaniinfection.Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 laborers from October to December 2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants from selected agricultural camps. After obtaining written informed consent, data were collected using a structured pretested Amharic version questionnaire using the interview technique. A single finger prick blood sample was collected from the study participants and the blood samples were subjected to the serological diagnostic method using the rk39 kit. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors associated withL. donovaniinfection.Result. Among 185 participants examined using rk39, 14 (7.6%) were seroreactive forL. donovani.Leishmania donovaniinfection had a statistically significant association with sleeping underBalanitestrees (AOR: 4.36, 95%CI: 1.186-16.06), presence of domestic animals near sleeping place (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.25-17.56), and lack of knowledge about VL transmission (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.07-13.47).Conclusion. Seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers in agricultural camps of West Armachiho was low. Prevention measures and health education about risk factors that expose toL. donovaniinfection for the laborers are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-100
Author(s):  
Mahendra Singh ◽  
Surekha Kishore ◽  
Bhavan Jain ◽  
Sanjeev Kishore ◽  
Pradeep Aggarwal ◽  
...  

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic, debilitating non communicable diseases (NCDs) which has emerged as a leading global health problem. Aim & Objective: To find out the prevalence of known cases of diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors in the study area. Material & Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among people living in Barrage colony of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand for a period of 3 months from December 2018 to February 2019. House to house survey was done in all the four blocks (A, B, C, D) of Barrage colony. Total of 815 study participants (both male and female) ≥ 20 years of age were surveyed. Data collected was entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using epi info software version 7. Results: The prevalence of DM was found to be high i.e 5.6% among the study participants. Prevalence was significantly more among females as compared to males and significantly increased by aging in both genders. Conclusions: It seems that the prevalence of diabetes is increasing in our region as well as our country and the world. To control DM public health education regarding consumption of balanced diet, increasing physical activity and leading a stress-free life is needed.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nouh Saad Mohamed ◽  
Hussam A. Osman ◽  
Mohamed S. Muneer ◽  
Abdallah M. Samy ◽  
Ayman Ahmed ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) can be symptomatic and asymptomatic infection. In this study we aimed at investigating the prevalence of asymptomatic infections and to study risk factors of VL in non-endemic regions in Gedaref state, Sudan. A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted during 2014. Blood samples were collected to serological and molecular analysis. Sticky traps, knockdown spray and CDC miniature light traps were used for the collection of sandflies. Results Ninety-Five participants were included; 52 from Abukishma, 15 Algadamblia Tirfa, 25 Abualnaja and 3 were from Algadamblia Aljabal. Most of the study participants were belonging to the Belala tribe (74.3%). The most frequent reported age was above 40-years old (9.5%). Females were (61.1%) and males were (38.9%). B. aeygptica was the most planted tree in/around the houses (46.3%). 73 (76.8%) of the participants bred more than two types of animals in the house. DAT test revealed 5 positive participants (5.2%). 4/5 DAT positive were past VL infection. PCR detected 35 (36.8%) positive patients. A total of 31 (32.6%) were considered asymptomatic infections based on PCR detection method. Households planted Balanites/Acacia trees or breed domestic animals were found in high percentages with VL PCR positive participants (60.1%, 91.4%).


BJPsych Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Miconi ◽  
Zhi Yin Li ◽  
Rochelle L. Frounfelker ◽  
Tara Santavicca ◽  
Jude Mary Cénat ◽  
...  

Background Although social and structural inequalities associated with COVID-19 have been documented since the start of the pandemic, few studies have explored the association between pandemic-specific risk factors and the mental health of minority populations. Aims We investigated the association of exposure to the virus, COVID-19-related discrimination and stigma with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a culturally diverse sample of adults in Quebec (Canada). Method A total of 3273 residents of the province of Quebec (49% aged 18–39 years, 57% women, 51% belonging to a minority ethno-cultural group) completed an online survey. We used linear and ordinal logistic regression to identify the relationship between COVID-19 experiences and mental health, and the moderating role of ethno-cultural identity. Results Mental health varied significantly based on socioeconomic status and ethno-cultural group, with those with lower incomes and Arab participants reporting higher psychological distress. Exposure to the virus, COVID-19-related discrimination, and stigma were associated with poorer mental health. Associations with mental health varied across ethno-cultural groups, with exposed and discriminated Black participants reporting higher mental distress. Conclusions Findings indicate sociocultural inequalities in mental health related to COVID-19 in the Canadian context. COVID-19-related risk factors, including exposure, discrimination and stigma, jeopardise mental health. This burden is most noteworthy for the Black community. There is an urgent need for public health authorities and health professionals to advocate against the discrimination of racialised minorities, and ensure that mental health services are accessible and culturally sensitive during and in the aftermath of the pandemic.


Author(s):  
Vijay Kumar ◽  
Sandhya Mishra ◽  
Ankur Shrivastava ◽  
S. H. N. Zaidi

Background: Hypertension is one of the most important non-communicable diseases. Although high blood pressure is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the prevalence of hypertension still remains unclear for most populations. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in rural area of Faizabad and to identify the associated risk factors for hypertension.Methods: This community-based cross sectional study was carried out among 300 adults from a randomly selected village in rural health training centre, Safdarganj who were aged 18 years and above over a period of 3 months from March 2019 to May 2019. Participants were interviewed and examined for the assessment of socio-demographic detail, behavioral and lifestyle risk factors of hypertension. Template generated in MS excel sheet and analysis was done on SPSS software.Results: Among 300 study participants, 45.3% were male and 54.7% were female. The prevalence of hypertension was observed to be 10.33%. It was found to be more common in females. Prevalence increased as the age increased. The prevalence of hypertension was high among obese and those consuming more than 2 spoons of salt every day.Conclusions: Prevalence of hypertension is different in different parts of the country. Higher age, male sex, tobacco use, obesity, less physical activity and high salt intake are significantly associated with hypertension.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
Suvarna Jyothi Kantipudi ◽  
◽  
Sushma Vishwanathan ◽  
Kannan G K ◽  
Jayakumar Menon ◽  
...  

Background: Maternal depression is associated with a number of adverse maternal outcomes such as preterm birth, maternal dysfunction, maternal suicide and perinatal outcomes such as low birth weight, lower rates of breastfeeding, increase in diarrheal disease, hospitalisations, poor emotional, social development, lower academic achievements in adolescence and future mental health problems for the children of the mothers. Maternal depression has rightly been identified as a priority mental health condition and large scale community interventions in low and middle income countries (including India) have been shown in RCTs to be effective in not only improving maternal depression but also improve the perinatal outcomes. Given the scale, severity of the problem and strength of evidence available for effective interventions in the Indian context, there is a great opportunity for implementation research in this area. As a first step there is a need to understand the prevalence of the problem and associated risk factors in our context. Aim: Aim of this study to understand the prevalence of maternal depression and associated risk factors among antenatal mothers attending Sri Ramachandra Medical College (SRMC) Obstetrics outpatient department. Methods: A cross-sectional design will be employed for determining the prevalence, while a case control framework will be used for the risk factor analysis. Antenatal mothers will be startified according to the trimester of the pregnancy. Semi-structured socio demographic proforma; Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 Tamil version), Generalised Anxiety Scale (Tamil Version) and Brief COPE (Tamil version) questionnaire will be administered for antenatal mothers who offer informed consent. Those who score above 10 points on the PHQ scale will be interviewed using the MINI diagnostic interview schedule for clarifying diagnosis. Those who are diagnosed with depression will be referred to the SRMC psychiatry department for treatment & follow up. Analysis: Statistical analysis is to be done using computer software, to assess the prevalence of antenatal depression and the associated risk factors. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the sample. Mean, standard deviation and range will be employed to describe continuous variables, while frequency distributions will obtained for categorical variables. The chi square and fisher’s exact tests will be used to assess the significance of associations between categorical variables. Multivariate analysis will be performed using stepwise backward logistic regression models


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagnachew Muluye ◽  
Yitayih Wondimeneh ◽  
Yeshambel Belyhun ◽  
Feleke Moges ◽  
Mengistu Endris ◽  
...  

Background. Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite and is a major opportunistic pathogen in immune-compromised hosts. This study assessed the prevalence of T. gondii and associated risk factors among people living with HIV. Methods and Materials. A cross-sectional study was carried out among people living with HIV attending Gondar University Hospital. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic factors, and 10mL of venous blood was collected for anti-Toxoplasma antibody test and determination of CD4 levels. Serum was tested in duplicate for anti-Toxoplasma antibody using rapid slide agglutination test. Results. A total of 170 study subjects were enrolled in the study. Seroprevalence of T. gondii among the study participants was 76.5% (95% CI: 69.0–82.8). High proportions of seropositive individuals (64.7%) were found under the child bearing age groups. The mean CD4+ lymphocyte count of HIV monoinfected participants was cells/mm3 while coinfected study participants had mean CD4+ lymphocyte count of cells/mm3 with value of 0.01. Conclusion. The seroprevalence of T. gondii among people living with HIV was high. Cautious followup of HIV-positive patients is needed to prevent development of toxoplasmic encephalitis and other related complications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Genet Gebrehiwet Hailu ◽  
Araya Gebreyesus Wasihun

Abstract Background People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with immuno-virological discordant responses are at an increased risk to develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and severe non AIDS events which are risk factors for death. This study was aimed to assess prevalence of immuno- virological discordant responses and associated risk factors among highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) users in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted from September to December 30, 2016 on 260 people living with HIV who started first line HAART from January 2008 to March 2016 at Mekelle hospital and Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital. Baseline and follow-up clinical data and CD4+ result were collected from patient charts. Besides, socio-demographic data and blood samples for CD4 + count and viral load measurement were collected during data collection period. Fisher’s exact test, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used for data analysis. P-value < 0.05 with 95% CI was considered as statistically significant. Result Among the 260 study participants, 8.80% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) =8.77–8.84%) and 2.70% (95% CI = 2.68–2.72%) had virological and immunological discordant responses, respectively with an overall immuno-virological discordance response of 11.50% (95% CI = 11.46–11.54%). The median age of the study participants at HAART initiation was 35 (IQR: 28–44 years). More than half (58.1%) of the study participants were females. Age at or below 35 years old at HAART initiation (AOR ((95% CI) = 4.25(1.48–12.23), p = 0.007)), male gender ((Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) (95% CI) =1.71(1.13–1.10), p = 0.029)), type of regimen given ((AOR(95% CI) = 0.30 (0.10–0.88), p = 0.028)) and good treatment adherence ((AOR (95% CI) = 0.12 (0.030–0.0.48), p = 0.003)) were associated risk factors for virological discordant response. Likewise, immunological discordant response was associated with tuberculosis co-infections (p = 0.016), hepatitis B virus co-infections (p = 0.05) and low CD4+ count (≤100 cells/μl) at baseline (p = 0.026). Conclusions Over all, immuno-virological discordance response was 11.5% in the study area. Males, low baseline CD4+ count, poor/fair treatment adherence, and TB and HBV co-infections were significantly associated with higher immuno-virological discordance. We recommend that decision of patient treatment outcome, regimen change and patient management response should be done using trends of both viral load and CD4+ count concurrently.


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