Country-wide HIV incidence study complementing HIV surveillance in Germany

Serological methods exist that allow differentiating between recent and long-standing infections in persons infected with HIV. During a pilot study in Berlin between 2005 and 2007 methodologies have been evaluated. In a cross-sectional study blood samples, demographic, laboratory, clinical and behavioural data based on a KABP survey were collected from patients with newly diagnosed HIV infections. The BED-CEIA was used to determine recency of infection. Recent HIV infections contributed 54% (CI [95%]: 45; 64) in MSM and 16% (CI [95%]: 0; 39) in patients with other transmission risks (p=0.041). Proportions of recent infections were significantly higher in MSM ≤30 years (p=0.019). The mean age was 33.9 (median 34 years) in recent compared with 38.6 years (median: 38 years) in long-standing infections (p=0.011). High-risk behaviour indicated through very low condom use in recently HIV infected MSM could be identified. The results of the pilot study support expectations that the modified application of the method may contribute to improving HIV prevention efforts in Germany. On this basis the Robert Koch Institute implemented a countrywide HIV incidence study to complement HIV surveillance in early 2008. The study is funded by the German Ministry of Health. Data on recent HIV infections and current HIV transmission risks are collected. Design, methods and impact are described in detail.

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High HIV prevalence and associated factors in a remote community in the Rwenzori region of Western Uganda

Infectious Disease Reports ◽

10.4081/idr.2010.1585 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 13 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

John Rubaihayo ◽

Akib Surat ◽

Mughusu Ezekiel ◽

Abaasa Andrew

Keyword(s):

Hiv Transmission ◽

Risk Behaviour ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Hiv Prevalence ◽

Community Perceptions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Multiple Sexual Partners ◽

Western Uganda

In Uganda, previous studies have shown a tremendous decline in HIV prevalence over the past two decades due to changes in sexual behavior with a greater awareness of the risks involved. However, studies in Fort-Portal municipality, a rural town in Western Uganda, continued to show a persistent high HIV prevalence despite the various interventions in place. We conducted a study to establish the current magnitude of HIV prevalence and the factors associated with HIV prevalence in this community. This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2008. Participants were residents of Fort-Portal municipality aged 15-49 years. A population-based HIV sero-survey and a clinical review of prevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT) and voluntary counseling and HIV Testing (VCT) records were used to collect quantitative data. An inteviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data on social deographics, risk behaviour and community perceptions. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews provided supplementary data on community perceptions. Logistic regression was used in the analysis. The overall HIV prevalence in the general population was 16.1% [95% CI; 12.5-20.6]. Prevalence was lower among women (14.5%; 95% CI; 10.0-19.7) but not significantly different from that among men (18.7%; 95% CI; 12.5-26.3) (c2=0.76, P=0.38). Having more than 2 sexual partners increased the odds of HIV by almost 2.5 times. None or low education and age over 35 years were independently associated with HIV prevalence (P<0.05). Most participants attributed the high HIV prevalence to promiscuity/multiple sexual partners (32.5%), followed by prostitution (13.6%), alcoholism (10.1%), carelessness (10.1%), poverty (9.7%), ignorance (9.5%)), rape (4.7%), drug abuse (3.6%) and others (malice/malevolence, laziness, etc.) (6.2%). Although there was a slight decline compared to previous reports, the results from this study confirm that HIV prevalence is still high in this community. In order to prevent new infections, the factors mentioned above need to be addressed, and we recommend that education aimed at changing individual behavior should be intensified in this community.

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Characterising HIV transmission risk among US patients with HIV in care: a cross-sectional study of sexual risk behaviour among individuals with viral load above 1500 copies/mL

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

10.1136/sextrans-2017-053178 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 94 (3) ◽

pp. 206-211 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Michael J Stirratt ◽

Gary Marks ◽

Christine O’Daniels ◽

Edward R Cachay ◽

Meg Sullivan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Load ◽

Sexual Risk ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Risk Behaviour ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Transmission Risk ◽

Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽

Sexually Active ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Viral Loads

ObjectivesViral load and sexual risk behaviour contribute to HIV transmission risk. High HIV viral loads present greater transmission risk than transient viral ‘blips’ above an undetectable level. This paper therefore characterises sexual risk behaviour among patients with HIV in care with viral loads>1500 copies/mL and associated demographic characteristics.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at six HIV outpatient clinics in USA. The study sample comprises 1315 patients with HIV with a recent viral load >1500 copies/mL. This study sample was drawn from a larger sample of individuals with a recent viral load >1000 copies/mL who completed a computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) regarding sexual risk practices in the last 2 months. The study sample was 32% heterosexual men, 38% men who have sex with men (MSM) and 30% women.ResultsNinety per cent of the sample had their viral load assay within 60 days of the CASI. Thirty-seven per cent reported being sexually active (vaginal or anal intercourse) in the last 2 months. Most of the sexually active participants reported always using condoms (56.9%) or limiting condomless sex to seroconcordant partners (serosorting; 29.2% overall and 42.9% among MSM). Among sexually active participants who reported condomless anal or vaginal sex with an at-risk partner (14%), most had viral loads>10 000 copies/mL (62%).ConclusionsA relatively small number of patients with HIV in care with viral loads above 1500 copies/mL reported concurrent sexual transmission risk behaviours. Most of the individuals in this small group had markedly elevated viral loads, increasing the probability of transmission. Directing interventions to patients in care with high viral loads and concurrent risk behaviour could strengthen HIV prevention and reduce HIV infections.Trial registration numberNCT02044484, completed.

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Hepatitis B, C, and HIV Infections among blood Donors at Several Hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i55a33814 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 112-126

Author(s):

Shafia Arshad ◽

Amina Arif ◽

Rafique Ahmad ◽

Zeemal Seemab ◽

Faiqa Shaheen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Needle Stick Injury ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Demographic Risk

The study's objectives are to find out the frequency of hepatitis C, B, and HIV infection among blood donors at different hospitals of Lahore; to understand the relationship of demographic risk factors contributing to the positive cases of hepatitis C, B, and HIV. A cross-sectional study with random sampling in which 200 blood donors participated. A questionnaire was used to record the social and personal practices. A small percentage of blood donors have a history of jaundice. More than one-fourth had undergone surgical intervention, and more than one-third had suffered a needle stick injury. The vast majority had a history of I/V injections/drips, tooth extraction/dental operations, or both. 10.5% of blood donors were Anti-HBV positive, 12.5% were Anti-HCV positive, and 0.5% were HIV positive. Shaving from community barbers should be avoided. In addition, to overcome hepatitis B, C, and HIV transmission, health education programs should be held among blood donors and the general public to prevent them from infection.

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HIV Surveillance: Life Skills Education Programme among in-school Adolescents

Online Journal of Public Health Informatics ◽

10.5210/ojphi.v7i1.5766 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Olubunmi Adeyemi ◽

Olufunmilayo Fawole ◽

Adedayo Adeyemi

Keyword(s):

Life Skills ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Education Programme ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hiv Surveillance ◽

School Based ◽

Socio Demographic Factors ◽

Skills Education ◽

Life Skills Education

Reduction in HIV transmission needs continuous, comprehensive and effective communication methods to motivate adolescents to reduce risk of HIV infection. Life skills education, an integral part of school-based AIDS programs, is a timely prevention effort. The main goal of the life skills approach is to enhance young people ability to take responsibility for making healthier choices, resisting negative pressures, and avoiding risk behaviors. A cross sectional study design was done. The number of students was 1467. This study showed that family life and HIV/AIDS education with some socio demographic factors contributed to the improvement of life skills education program.

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A pilot study of attachment relationships, psychological problems and negative automatic thoughts among college students in Pakistan

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2019-0264 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Siddrah Irfan ◽

Nor Sheereen Zulkefly

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Psychological Problems ◽

Peer Attachment ◽

Automatic Thoughts ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attachment Relationships ◽

Automatic Thought ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Negative Automatic Thoughts

AbstractObjectivesThe present pilot study examined the associations between attachment relationships, psychological problems, and negative automatic thoughts among late adolescents in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.SubjectsA total of 98 participants (male = 49, female = 49) were recruited from government colleges in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.MethodsThe measures used to assess the research variables of this cross sectional study were the Inventory of Parent-Peer Attachment (IPPA-Urdu), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-Urdu), and the Automatic Thought Questionnaire (ATQ-Urdu).ResultsAll of these measures had good reliabilities. Findings of the correlation analyses demonstrated that maternal, paternal and peer attachment relationships were negatively related to symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as to negative automatic thoughts. On the other hand, depressive and anxiety symptoms were positively associated with negative automatic thoughts. Additionally, findings suggested that future studies must investigate adolescents from two-parent households and exclude those with only one living parent.ConclusionThe results underscored the need for further investigations of the linkages between attachment relationships, negative automatic thoughts and psychological problems on larger samples.

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Sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

International Breastfeeding Journal ◽

10.1186/s13006-021-00366-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Ter Goon ◽

Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽

Oladele Vincent Adeniyi

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Eastern Cape ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Breastfeeding Practice

Abstract Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with a reduction of postnatal HIV transmission and optimal infant growth. Given that the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding are multi-factorial and context-specific, we examined the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in the first 6 months among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January to May 2018, on 469 parturient women enlisted in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cohort study in the Eastern Cape. Mothers were asked to recall whether they breastfed their infant exclusively with breast milk from birth and if so, to state how long they did. We collected relevant sociodemographic, lifestyle, and maternal information by interview. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were fitted to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. Results The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding, measured since birth, was 32.0%. E Exclusive breastfeeding’s prevalence was significantly higher among married women (36.8%), unemployed women (36.6%), non-smokers (32.7%), and those who never drank alcohol (37.0%). Unemployed women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.66, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.08–2.56) and those with grade 12 or less level of education (AOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.02–7.49) had a higher likelihood of practising EBF for 6 months since birth while mothers who consumed alcohol (AOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34–0.85) were less likely to practice EBF for 6 months. Conclusions The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding in the study, although comparable with sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide prevalence, remains suboptimal. Advocacy campaigns on EBF must target alcohol cessation and the creation of a favourable workplace environment for lactating mothers.

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Young women's misperceptions about sexually transmissible infection testing: a 'clean and clear' misunderstanding

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh07060 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 273 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Sara K. Head ◽

Richard A. Crosby ◽

Lydia A. Shrier ◽

Gregory R. Moore

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Sexual Debut ◽

Risk Behaviour ◽

Healthcare Setting ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽

Transmissible Infection

Background: This exploratory study investigated young women’s perceptions of sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing received during gynaecological care. Correlates of the incorrect perception that STI testing occurred were assessed. Methods: Cross-sectional study of sexually active young women, age 18–24 years, attending a university healthcare setting for gynaecological care (n = 109). Two hundred and four women were approached and 87 were ineligible; of the remaining 117, 93.2% chose to enrol. Results: Of the women enrolled, 25.7% falsely perceived that they were STI tested (labelled ‘clean and clear’). Only approximately one in seven (14.7%) accurately understood the STI for which they were tested. In multivariate analyses, controlling for race, STI symptoms, depression, number of lifetime visits to the gynaecologist, and suspicion of current STI, three variables were significant: minority race (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.84, confidence interval (CI) = 1.38–16.96, P = 0.01), earlier age at sexual debut (AOR = 4.67, CI = 1.73–12.57, P = 0.002), and previous STI diagnosis (AOR = 3.38, CI = 1.07–10.66, P = 0.04). Comment: The findings suggest that many young women may have an inaccurate understanding of the STI testing they undergo during gynaecological care and may operate under the misperception they are ‘clean and clear’ of STI. Women with said misperception were more likely to be of minority race and report relatively earlier age of sexual debut and previous STI diagnosis. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether the ‘clean and clear’ misperception influences young women’s sexual risk behaviour.

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The effects of COVID-19 fear and anxiety on symptom severity, sleep quality, and mood in patients with fibromyalgia: a pilot study

Advances in Rheumatology ◽

10.1186/s42358-021-00200-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 61 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Damla Cankurtaran ◽

Nihal Tezel ◽

Buse Ercan ◽

Sadik Yigit Yildiz ◽

Ece Unlu Akyuz

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Psychological Stress ◽

Symptom Severity ◽

Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fear And Anxiety

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals faced psychological stress caused by fear and anxiety due to the high transmission and mortality rate of the disease, the social isolation, economic problems, and difficulties in reaching health services. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic centralized pain sensitivity disorder. Psychological, physical and/or autoimmune stressors were found to increase FM symptoms. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the COVID-19 fear and anxiety level, and to examine their effect on disease severity, sleep quality, and mood in FM patients compared to control group. Methods This pilot study conducted as a cross-sectional study, and included 62 participants. Participants were divided into two groups: FM patient group (n = 31) and control group (n = 31). Symptom severity, sleep quality, and mood were determined using the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), Pitsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. In order to evaluate the level of COVID-19 fear and anxiety, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were used compared to control group. Results FIQR, PSQI, HAD-A, HAD-D, FCV-19S and CAS scores were significantly higher in the FM group (p = 0.01). A positive significant correlation was found between FCV-19S and CAS results and FIQR, PSQI, and HAD-anx results in FM patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion This pilot study showed that, the individuals with FM can be more affected by psychological stress, and this situation negatively affects the symptom severity, sleep quality, and mood in FM patients, so these patients should be closely monitored in terms of psychological stressors and their effects during pandemics. More studies with more participants are necessary to describe the challenges lived by fibromyalgia population.

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Mothers' Knowledge about the Reproductive Health Needs of their Adolescent Girls

Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh ◽

10.3329/jafmc.v6i2.7266 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 9-12

Author(s):

B Zaman ◽

RM Shampa ◽

MA Rahman

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Adolescent Girls ◽

Risk Behaviour ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Needs ◽

Safe Motherhood ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Adolescent Reproductive Health

Introduction: Adolescent is an important segment of life while a child undergoes biological transformation.Objective: The study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge of mothers about reproductive health needs of their adolescent girls. Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on the mothers having adolescent girls. Data was collected by face to face interview with a semi structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS. The knowledge of mothers was assessed by Likert scale.Place of study: The study was conducted at 5 schools of Dhaka city on 118 respondents over a period of four months.Results: It was revealed from the findings that among 118 mothers the mean age of respondents were 40.71 years with standard deviation ± 3.707 years. Majority (70%) of respondents were undergraduate qualified and rest were post graduats. Among the respondents, 64% of mothers did not want to provide information on reproductive health to their daughters. Seventy two percent of the respondents had average knowledge about puberty. Among the respondents, 47% had average knowledge regarding adolescent reproductive health problems and 77% of respondents had average knowledge about safe motherhood. Regarding the complication of unsafe abortion, 73% had average knowledge and 70% had average knowledge about consequence of early pregnancy. Fifty seven percent of the respondents had good knowledge about Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Sixty one percent of the respondents had good knowledge regarding the high risk behaviour of the adolescents. Significant statistical association was found between knowledge and education, knowledge and occupation, and knowledge and source of information of reproductive health (p<0.05).Conclusion: The study findings may be helpful for baseline information and would be beneficial to the policymakers and programme planners to sophisticate further strategy to increase mothers' knowledge about the reproductive health needs of their adolescent girls.Key words: Knowledge; adolescent; reproductive health needs DOI: 10.3329/jafmc.v6i2.7266JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 6, No 2 (December) 2010 pp.9-12

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