scholarly journals Is hypoalbuminemia a predictor marker of mortality?

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-125
Author(s):  
Siti Maemun ◽  
Nina Mariana ◽  
Surya Otto Wijaya ◽  
Dina Oktavia ◽  
Vivi Lisdawati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Albumin Level ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Final Logistic Regression Model ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hiv Aids

Latar belakang : Hipoalbuminemia pada pasien rawat inap berkaitan dengan prognosis buruk pasien. Penelitian ini, mengidentifikasi bahwa hipoalbuminemia berat pada awal pasien masuk rawat inap sebagai prediktor andalan penanda laboratorium dalam mortalitas. Metode : Sebuah studi cross sectional pada pasien dewasa dengan hipoalbuminemia (kadar albumin < 3,5 g / dL) pada pasien rawat inap (usia > 18 tahun) pada periode Januari 2013 - Maret 2018. Kami mengevaluasi penanda prediktor kematian. Multivariat dengan regresi logistik diterapkan dalam penelitian ini. Hasil : Dari 747 hipoalbuminemia pada pasien rawat inap dengan rata-rata kadar albumin  pada awal adalah 2,0 ± 0,6 g / dL. Sebagian besar pasien (83,4%) memiliki kadar albumin ≤ 2,5 g / dL (hipoalbuminemia berat), 16,6 persen memiliki > 2,5 g / dL (hipoalbuminemia ringan-sedang). Kondisi yang mendasari pasien adalah infeksi HIV / AIDS (26,9%) dan sepsis (26,6%). Proporsi multiple komorbiditas pada kelompok hipoalbuminemia berat adalah 55,1 persen Pada kelompok hipoalbuminemia berat terutama untuk kadar albumin 2,01 - 2,5 g / dL, angka mortalitas adalah 28,3 persen. Berdasarkan model regresi logistik akhir, faktor risiko kematian meliputi kadar albumin pada awal dan lama rawat pasien. Mortalitas lebih tinggi pada pasien dengan hipoalbuminemia berat (rasio odds yang disesuaikan 2,91, 95% CI 1,88-4,50) dibandingkan pasien dengan hipoalbuminemia ringan-sedang. Kesimpulan: Hipoalbuminemia berat pada awal pasien rawat inap sebagai prediktor penanda kematian di rumah sakit.  Kata kunci: hipoalbuminemia, pasien rawat inap, mortalitas   Abstract Background: Hypoalbuminemia in hospitalized patients has been associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we attempted to identify that severe hypoalbuminemia at baseline in hospitalized patients is a reliable predictor of laboratory marker for mortality. Methods: A cross sectional study on adults of hypoalbuminemia (albumin level < 3.5 g/dL) in hospitalized patients (aged > 18 years old) in period January 2013 - March 2018. We evaluated the predictor marker of mortality. Multivariate with the logistic regression was applied in this study. Results: Of the 747 hypoalbuminemia in hospitalized patients with the mean albumin level at baseline was 2.0 ± 0.6 g/dL. Most patients (83.4 %) had less than or equal to 2.5 g/dL albumin level (severe hypoalbuminemia), 16.6 percent had over 2.5 g/dL (mild-moderate hypoalbuminemia). The underlying condition of patients was HIV/AIDS infection (26.9%) and sepsis (26.6 %). The proportion of multiple comorbidities in the severe hypoalbuminemia group was 55.1percent. In the severe hypoalbuminemia group especially for 2.01 – 2.5 g/dL albumin level, the mortality rate was 28.3 percent. Based on the final logistic regression model, known risk factors of mortality include albumin level at baseline and length of stay. Mortality was higher among patients with severe hypoalbuminemia (adjusted odds ratio 2.91, 95 % CI 1.88-4.50) than patients with mild-moderate hypoalbuminemia. Conclusion: Severe hypoalbuminemia at baseline in the hospitalized patients was a predictor laboratorymarker of hospital mortality.  Keywords: hypoalbuminemia, hospitalized patients, mortality

scholarly journals Predictors of HIV/AIDS comprehensive knowledge and acceptance attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS among unmarried young females in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tesfaldet Mekonnen Estifanos ◽  
Chen Hui ◽  
Afewerki Weldezgi Tesfai ◽  
Mekonnen Estifanos Teklu ◽  
Matiwos Araya Ghebrehiwet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Young Females ◽  
Comprehensive Knowledge ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Background Youth in general and young females, in particular, remain at the center of HIV/AIDS epidemic. To avoid and prevent HIV infection, comprehensive knowledge as well as correct understanding of transmission and prevention strategies are crucial. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the predictors of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS and accepting attitude towards PLWHIV. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey. A two-stage probability sampling method was applied and data were collected using a standard questionnaire. Of the total 8674 women aged 15–49 years, 1971 eligible women aged 15–24 years were included in this analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. A Chi-square test followed by logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between specific explanatory variables and outcome variables. The results were reported using odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Overall, 99.3% of the unmarried women aged 15–24 years were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only 51.9% had comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Around 70% of the respondents were aware that "using condoms every time when having sex" and "having only one faithful uninfected partner" can prevent HIV transmission. About 68% of the unmarried women rejected at least two common local misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. An alarmingly small (20.6%) proportion of the respondents had a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV. All variables were significantly associated with having comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS in the unadjusted logistic regression analysis. After adjustment, older age (20–24 years), being educated, wealthier, and ever been tested for HIV/AIDS became predictors of adequate comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Moreover, respondents with adequate comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS were more likely (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.30–2.08) to have a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV than their counterparts. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a remarkably high level of awareness about HIV/AIDS among study participants, but the knowledge and positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV were not encouraging. Thus, endeavors to expand and strengthen educational campaigns on HIV/AIDS in communities, health facilities, and schools are highly recommended. Attention should particularly focus on young-aged and disadvantaged women with low educational level, poor socioeconomic status and those who have never been tested for HIV/AIDS.

A cross sectional study: The association between sleeping quality and stress among second and third medical students at the University of Jordan

2021 ◽  
pp. 009121742110112
Author(s):  
AA Toubasi ◽  
BR Khraisat ◽  
RB AbuAnzeh ◽  
HM Kalbouneh
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Regular Exercise ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
University Of Jordan ◽  
The University

Objective Medicine is considered one if not the most stressful educational field. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of stress and poor sleeping quality among medical students and the association between them. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Jordan on second- and third-year medical students. The questionnaire consisted of: 1) Demographics; 2) The assessment tools which were Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index (PSQI) and Kessler Psychological Distress Status (K10). Binary logistic regression, chi-square and linear regression were used to investigate the association between PSQI, K10, and their determinants. Results The mean for PSQI score was 6.76 ± 3.32. PSQI scores interpretation revealed that 61.7% of the 282 participants of this study were poor sleepers. Logistic regression results showed that only the category of not napping at all from the napping hours variable was significantly associated with sleeping quality. Furthermore, the mean of K10 scores was 24.5 ± 8.5. K10 scores revealed that 66.3% of the participants were stressed. Logistic regression results showed that gender and regular exercise were significantly associated with psychological distress. Additionally, chi-square test, logistic regression and linear regression showed that PSQI was significantly associated with K10 (P <0.01). Conclusions Stress and poor sleeping quality in medical students at the University of Jordan were highly prevalent and strongly associated. What determined PSQI was daytime napping, and for K10 were regular exercise and gender. Further investigations into stress and sleep quality in the Arabian region are needed.

scholarly journals Acceptance and utilization of HIV testing among the youth: a cross-sectional study in Techiman, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-149
Author(s):  
Bernard YA Asare ◽  
Henrietta Y Yeboaa ◽  
Bismark Dwumfour-Asare
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hiv Screening ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Awareness Campaign ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Prevention Of Hiv ◽  
Structured Questionnaire ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background: In Ghana, efforts including ‘Know Your Status’ campaign have been made to increase awareness and improve the uptake of HIV screening. Objective: This study examined the acceptance and utilization of the HIV/AIDS ‘Know Your Status’ campaign and determine dthe differences in HIV testing by demographic characteristics among the youth in Techiman, Ghana. Method: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted among the youth aged 15-24 years. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 200 purposively selected respondents. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 19.6±2.72 years. There was a universal awareness (100%) of HIV/AIDs, and were knowledgeable about the mode of transmission, symptoms and the prevention of HIV. A high proportion of the respon- dents (n=161, 80.5%) had heard about the ‘Know Your Status’ (KYS) campaign. Less than half of respondents (n=91, 45.5%) had tested for HIV, and only 16.5% (n=15/91) of respondents tested through the KYS campaign. Testing for HIV was associ- ated with age (p<0.001) and marital status (p<0.001). Conclusion: The youth should therefore be targeted in the awareness and the ‘Know Your Status campaigns’, and in an effort- sto promote screening for HIV. Keywords: Awareness; campaign; knowledge; HIV/AIDS; know your status; screening.

scholarly journals Awareness of HIV/AIDS among rural youth in India: A community based cross-sectional study

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 711-716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudha B Yadav ◽  
Naresh R Makwana ◽  
Bhavin N Vadera ◽  
Kishor M Dhaduk ◽  
Kapil M Gandha
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Rural Youth ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Aids

Introduction: More than one third of reported cases of HIV/AIDS in India are among youth and 60 percent of these reside in rural areas. Assessment of the awareness of HIV/AIDS in the youth is important for determining the impact of previous and current awareness programs as well as the need for interventions.  This study aimed to assess the knowledge of rural youth regarding HIV/AIDS and to explore the epidemiological determinants of awareness among them. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among youths aged 15-24 years in rural areas of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. A cluster sampling design was used, surveying 50 subjects from each of 30 clusters. Data was collected through house-to-house visits using a semi-structured questionnaire. Proportions and logistic regression were used for analysis. Results: Out of a total of 1,237 subjects who participated in survey, 60% knew something about HIV. Of those who had heard of HIV, more than 90% subjects knew the modes of transmission and more than 80% were aware of modes of prevention of HIV/AIDS. One fifth of the subjects had misconceptions in relation to HIV/AIDS.  On applying multiple logistic regression, age, education, occupation, and mass media exposure were found to be the major determinants of their knowledge with regard to HIV/AIDS. Conclusions: Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS is still lacking in two fifths of the rural youth. Literacy and media exposure are factors that determine awareness of HIV among them and can be helpful to raise their knowledge regarding this scourge.

scholarly journals Stigma Among Patients with HIV/AIDS: A Cross Sectional Study in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Azreen Abdullah ◽  
Adibah Hanim Ismail ◽  
Ching Siew Mooi
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hiv Stigma ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

Introduction:HIV stigma refers to negative beliefs, feelings and attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLWH), groups associated with PLWH and other key populations at higher risk of HIV infection, such as people who inject drugs, sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender people. Despite the advancement made in the knowledge and treatment of HIV, PLWH continues to be stigmatized.Objective: To determine the level of HIV stigma and its predictors among people living with HIV/AIDS in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among HIV/AIDS patients aged 18 and above at infectious disease clinic in Hospital Sungai Buloh, Gombak, Malaysia. HIV stigma was assessed using Berger’s HIV stigma scale, which is available in Bahasa Malaysia and English.A self-administered questionnaire was used to determine their demographic and clinical characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors.Results: 526 subjects participated in this study. The mean age of the study population was 33.5± 8.4 years. The majority of the participants were male (90.9%) and contracted HIV through sexual activities (87.8%). The mean score of HIV stigma was 104.7 ± 19.5. Based on multiple linear regression analysis, patients who were unemployed (B = -8.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -12.12,-3.88, p = < 0.001) and being on antiretroviral treatment (B = 4.95, 95% (CI) = 0.30, 9.60, p = < 0.037) had higher level of HIV stigma.Conclusions: The level of HIV stigma was high (mean score =104.7 ± 19.5). HIV/AIDS patients who are unemployed and on antiretroviral agents were at risks of having higher level of HIV stigma. Future study is needed urgently to implement intervention that can minimize the stigmatization among patients with HIV/AIDS.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 04 No. 01 January’20 Page : 26-35

scholarly journals Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors in Lubumbashi City, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jacques Mbaz Musung ◽  
Placide Kambola Kakoma ◽  
Clarence Kaut Mukeng ◽  
Stéphane Lubamba Tshimanga ◽  
Jeef Paul Munkemena Banze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean

Background. Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its struggle involves knowing its prevalence. Insufficient data on hypertension in adults in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompted the conduct of this study. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of hypertension and to identify the associated factors in adults in Lubumbashi. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 6,708 adults from October 15th to November 24th, 2018, in Lubumbashi. Anthropometric data, lifestyle, and medical history were collected. Hypertension was defined when the mean of the last two blood pressure (BP) measurements was greater than or equal for systolic (SBP) at 140 mmHg and for diastolic (DBP) at 90 mmHg or a history of taking antihypertensive medication whatever the value of the BP. Logistic regression was used to identify the relative effects of hypertension risk factors and all statistical tests were declared significant at a p value <0.05. Results. The female participants numbered 4479 (66.8%). The mean age of all participants was 47.9 ± 16.5 years. The mean SBP and DBP were 128.4 ± 25.9 mmHg and 79.1 ± 15.3 mmHg, respectively. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 33.6%. This prevalence was statistically higher in women than in men (34.5% vs. 31.7%; p = 0.024 ). After logistic regression, the risk of hypertension increased with age >50 years (aOR = 5.85 [5.19–6.60]), overweight (aOR = 1.25 [1.11–1.41]), obesity (aOR = 1.25 [1.11–1.41]), central obesity (aOR = 1.37 [1.16–1.61]), diabetes mellitus (aOR = 2.19 [1.63–2.95]), alcohol consumption (aOR = 1.21 [1.05–1.39]), nonconsumption of vegetables (aOR = 1.35 [1.02–1.80]), and history of stroke (aOR = 2.57 [1.88–3.51]). Hypertension was inversely associated with being underweight (aOR = 0.68 [0.53–0.87]). Conclusion. The prevalence of hypertension in the city of Lubumbashi is high as in other cities of the DRC and Africa. This situation requires the implementation of prevention, detection, and treatment programs for hypertension.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Voluntary HIV Testing among General Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sarawak, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aren Sinedeh Lemin ◽  
Md Mizanur Rahman ◽  
Cliffton Akoi Pangarah ◽  
Andrew Kiyu
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Aids

Objective: Voluntary HIV testing is one of the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention and control program. New National Strategic Plan for 2016-2030 in Malaysia, adapt three zeros viz. ‘zero new infections of HIV/AIDS, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths’. This study aimed to determine the predictors of voluntary HIV testing in Sarawak. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 900 respondents (450 males and 450 females) from the state of Sarawak, aged 18 years and above, who were selected by gender-stratified multistage cluster sampling. Data were obtained by face-to-face interview using a pretested questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to determine the potential predictors for voluntary HIV testing. Results: The prevalence of HIV testing was higher among female respondents (26%) compared to male respondents (14.2%), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that household income more than MYR 1501 (p = 0.009), not living with a partner (p < 0.001) and discussion on HIV/AIDS (p = 0.019) appeared to be predictors for the male respondents, while, ethnicity was statistically significant for female respondents (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The utilisation of HIV testing was low in both males and females. Thus, the finding of this study could be considered when designing HIV education and screening program in Sarawak.

scholarly journals Factors Predicting Responses to HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages among Wollega University Students, Oromia, Ethiopia: A Cross- Sectional Study

1970 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zelalem Desalegn Waktole ◽  
Ameyu Godesso Roro ◽  
Lakew Abebe Gebretsadik
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Aids Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Response Efficacy ◽  
Prevention Messages ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hiv Aids

BACKGROUND: Since the first HIV/AIDS cases were reported in 1981, HIV has become one of the world’s most serious health and development challenges. Messages should be persuasive and appealing in order to bring the desired effect among the target group. This study aims to assess the factors associated with responses to HIV/AIDS prevention messages among university students.METHODS: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaire. A total of 710 Wollega University regular students drawn by multi-stage sampling were included. The data were summarized and organized with different descriptive measures and regression analysis using SPSS 16.0.RESULTS: Six hundred ninety-three (693), 429(61.9%) male and 264 (38.1%) female students were participated making a response rate of 97.6%. The mean age of the respondents was (21.27+ 1.703) (males = 21.60+1.618; females = 20.72+1.701). About 252(36.4%) of the respondents were sexually active, and the mean age of sexual initiation was (18.08+ 2.416), male (18.47+2.294), and female (17.43+2.491). Perceived severity, perceived self and response efficacy of abstinence significantly predicted the current practice of abstinence (R=0.304, adjR2 =0.087). Perceived self-efficacy of being faithful significantly predicted the current practice of being monogamous (R=0.218, adjR2 =0.042). Perceived self and response efficacy of condom use significantly predicted practice of consistent condom use (R=0.398, adjR2 =0.153).CONCLUSION: Perceived self and response efficacy more predicted HIV/AIDS prevention methods than other variables; so an intervention planned targeting those variables would be more successful on HIV/AIDS prevention in the university.

scholarly journals Assessment of Level of HIV/AIDS Preventive Self-Efficacy and Associated Factors Among Regular Undergraduate Students of Madda Walabu University, Southeast Ethiopia, 2020. A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chala Kene ◽  
Haweni Adugna ◽  
Kalkidan Lemessa ◽  
Leul Deribe
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Drinking Alcohol ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Southeast Ethiopia ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Background: Self-efficacy for HIV prevention is described as a person’s belief in his/her capacity to carry out necessary actions to perform a specific behavior for HIV prevention. This study aimed to assess level of HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy and associated factors among regular undergraduate students of Madda Walabu University, Southeast Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted from February 15 to 20, 2020. Four hundred forty-two study participants were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data was entered to Epi Data version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed and p value less than 0.05 was used to determine the level of significance. Result: The mean level of HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy among regular undergraduate students of Madda Walabu University was found to be 74.58+19.98. Being female [AOR=1.76(1.04-2.81)], in field of health science [AOR= 1.92(1.10-3.36)], second year of study [AOR=2.77(1.55-4.94)] and drinking alcohol [AOR=2.9(1.61- 5.23)] were found to be factors associated with higher HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy. Whereas, exposed to pornography [AOR=0.53(0.33-0.85)] was found to be factor associated with lower HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy.Conclusion: The mean HIV /AIDS preventive self-efficacy of the participants in this study area were found to be low. Sex, field and year of study, drinking alcohol and ever had watched pornography were factors found to be significantly associated with HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy. Staffs should be cooperative in educating their students to boost their self-efficacy.

scholarly journals Prevalence and correlates of herbal medicine use among Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) clients at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre Malawi: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-158
Author(s):  
Hawah Mbali ◽  
Jessie Jane Khaki Sithole ◽  
Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background There has been an unprecedented explosion in the popularity of herbal preparations during the last few decades. Herbal medicines are commonly used by HIV/AIDs clients. There is limited data on the prevalence of herbal medicine and correlating factors of herbal medicine use in Malawi. This study establishes prevalence and factors contributing to the use of herbal medicine among HIV/AIDS clients attending the ART clinic at QECH, Blantyre Malawi.Methods A cross-sectional study design was used to interview 211 conveniently sampled clients at QECH ART clinic. The questionnaire addressed socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, NCD-HIV comorbidity, and herbal medicine utilization. The main outcome of the study was herbal medicine use since the initiation of ART. Logistic regression analysis was done in Stata version 16. Both unadjusted and adjusted models were fitted for potential confounders. ResultsThe prevalence of use of herbal medicine was reported in 17.5% (n=37) of the ART clients. The adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that urban residence was statistically associated with reduced use of herbal medicine (adjusted Odds Ratio –AOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.169, 0.976).ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of use of herbal medicine among clients taking ART. Herbal Medicine has the potential to cover the gaps in health coverage in rural communities.

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