HIV and Antiretroviral Therapy Are Independently Associated with Cardiometabolic Variables and Cardiac Electrical Activity in Adults from the Western Cape Region of South Africa

Cardiovascular-related complications are on the rise in people with HIV/AIDS (PWH); however, the relationship among HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-related parameters, cardiovascular risk, and cardiac electrical activity in PWH remain poorly studied, especially in sub-Saharan African populations. We investigated whether HIV and ART are associated with cardiometabolic and cardiac electrical activity in PWH from Worcester in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. This was a cross-sectional study with HIV-negative (HIV−, n = 24) and HIV-positive on ART (HIV+/ART+, n = 63) participants. We obtained demographic, lifestyle, and medical history data and performed anthropometric, clinical assessments, and blood/urine biochemistry. We performed multiple stepwise linear regression analyses to determine independent associations among HIV, ART, cardiometabolic, and electrocardiographic (ECG) variables. HIV+/ART+ independently associated with a lower body mass index (p = 0.004), elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase levels (β: 0.333 (0.130–0.573); p = 0.002), and elevated alanine aminotransferase levels (β: 0.427 (0.224–0.629); p < 0.001) compared to HIV−. Use of second-line ART was positively associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.002). Although ECG parameters did not differ between HIV− and HIV+/ART+, viral load positively associated with p-wave duration (0.306 (0.018–0.594); p = 0.038), and longer HIV duration (≥5 years) with ST-interval (0.270 (0.003–0.537); p = 0.047) after adjusting for confounding factors. Our findings suggest that HIV and ART are associated with mixed effects on this population’s cardiometabolic profile and cardiac electrical activity, underpinning the importance of cardiovascular risk monitoring in PWH.

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Performance in grade 12 mathematics and science predicts student nurses’ performance in first year science modules at a university in the Western Cape

Curationis ◽

10.4102/curationis.v40i1.1776 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katlego D.T. Mthimunye ◽

Felicity M. Daniels

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Academic Performance ◽

Predictive Validity ◽

Life Science ◽

Student Nurses ◽

First Year ◽

Western Cape ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mathematics And Science ◽

First Year Student

Background: The demand for highly qualified and skilled nurses is increasing in South Africa as well as around the world. Having a background in science can create a significant advantage for students wishing to enrol for an undergraduate nursing qualification because nursing as profession is grounded in scientific evidence.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive validity of grade 12 mathematics and science on the academic performance of first year student nurses in science modules.Method: A quantitative research method using a cross-sectional predictive design was employed in this study. The participants included first year Bachelor of Nursing students enrolled at a university in the Western Cape, South Africa. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to analyse the data by using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences versions 24. Descriptive analysis of all variables was performed as well as the Spearman’s rank correlation test to describe the relationship among the study variables. Standard multiple linear regressions analysis was performed to determine the predictive validity of grade 12 mathematics and science on the academic performance of first year student nurses in science modules.Results: The results of this study showed that grade 12 physical science is not a significant predictor (p > 0.062) of performance in first year science modules. The multiple linear regression revealed that grade 12 mathematics and life science grades explained 37.1% to 38.1% (R2 = 0.381 and adj R2 = 0.371) of the variation in the first year science grade distributions.Conclusion: Based on the results of the study it is evident that performance in grade 12 mathematics (β = 2.997) and life science (β = 3.175) subjects is a significant predictor (p < 0.001) of the performance in first year science modules for student nurses at the university identified for this study.

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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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What's in the lunchbox? Dietary behaviour of learners from disadvantaged schools in the Western Cape, South Africa

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980011001108 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 14 (10) ◽

pp. 1752-1758 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Zulfa Abrahams ◽

Anniza de Villiers ◽

Nelia P Steyn ◽

Jean Fourie ◽

Lucinda Dalais ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Standard Of Living ◽

Dietary Behaviour ◽

Processed Meat ◽

Western Cape ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractObjectiveTo identify and describe factors associated with food shop (known as tuck shop in South Africa) and lunchbox behaviours of primary-school learners in South Africa.DesignAnalysis of data collected in 2008 from a cross-sectional survey.SettingSixteen primary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa.SubjectsA total of 717 grade 4 learners aged 10–12 years.ResultsA 24 h recall established that 69 % of learners carried a lunchbox to school and 49 % had consumed at least one item purchased from the school food shop/vendor. Most lunchboxes contained white bread with processed meat, whereas the most frequent food shop/vendor purchase comprised chips/crisps. Learners who carried a lunchbox to school had significantly lower BMI percentiles (P = 0·002) and BMI-for-age (P = 0·034), compared with their counterparts. Moreover, they were younger, had higher standard-of-living and dietary diversity scores, consumed more meals per day, had greater self-efficacy and came from predominantly urban schools, compared with those who did not carry a lunchbox to school. Learners who ate food shop/vendor purchases had a lower standard-of-living score and higher dietary diversity and meal scores. Only 2 % of learners were underweight, whereas 19 % were stunted and 21 % were overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2).ConclusionsChildren who carried a lunchbox to school appeared to have greater dietary diversity, consumed more regular meals, had a higher standard of living and greater nutritional self-efficacy compared with those who did not carry a lunchbox to school.

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Commitment and the emigration intentions of South African professional nurses

Health SA Gesondheid ◽

10.4102/hsag.v18i1.512 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jeffrey J. Bagraim

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

South African ◽

Employee Commitment ◽

Western Cape ◽

Public Health Services ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tertiary Hospitals ◽

Quantitative Design ◽

The Relationship

The emigration of skilled nurses from South Africa exacerbates the crisis in the provision of public health services. A descriptive, quantitative design was applied to investigate the relationship between intention to emigrate and employee commitment. Over 400 registered nurses (N = 419), working within public sector tertiary hospitals in the Western Cape, responded to a cross-sectional survey questionnaire. Three foci of employee commitment (organisational, professional and national) were examined but only national commitment significantly helped predict intention to emigrate from South Africa in the regression model (beta = -0.0525, p < 0.0001). The implications of the results obtained in this study are discussed.Die emigrasie van verpleegkundiges uit Suid-Afrika vererger die krisis in die verskaffing van gesondheidsorgdienste in die land. ’n Beskrywende, kwantitatiewe ontwerp is gebruik om die verwantskap tussen werknemertoewyding en die voorneme om te emigreer te ondersoek. Meer as 400 verpleegsters (N = 419) wat in openbare tersiêre hospitale in die Wes-Kaap werk, het op die vraelys gereageer. Drie fokusareas van toewyding (organisatories, professioneel en nasionaal) is gemeet, maar net nasionale toewyding het daartoe bygedra om emigrasievoorneme te voorspel (beta = -0.0525, p < 0.0001). Die implikasies van hierdie resultate word bespreek.

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Association of Two Indices of Insulin Resistance Marker with Abnormal Liver Function Tests: A Cross-Sectional Population Study in Taiwanese Adults

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina58010004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 4

Author(s):

Adi Lukas Kurniawan ◽

Chien-Yeh Hsu ◽

Jane C.-J. Chao ◽

Rathi Paramastri ◽

Hsiu-An Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Liver Function ◽

Early Stage ◽

Abnormal Liver Function ◽

Low Grade ◽

Positive Trend ◽

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tyg Index ◽

Glutamyl Transferase

Background and objectives: Insulin resistance (IR) is frequently associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and has an important role as a mediator in the development of liver disease. Thus, this study aimed to explore the relationship between two indexes of IR and abnormal liver function parameters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study obtained data of 41,510 men and 92,357 women aged ≥30 years from a private health screening institute in Taiwan. Two IR indexes namely triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio were used to examine their relationship to predict abnormal liver function parameters (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)). Results: Positive trend was shown for the association of TyG index in the highest quintile (Q5) and risk of high AST (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.33–1.57), high ALT (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.73–1.97), high GGT (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.93–2.15), and high ALP (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07–1.19) compared with the median quintile (Q3) in the fully adjusted model. Similarly, participants in the Q5 of the TG/HDL-C ratio were associated with 1.38 (95% CI: 1.27–1.49), 1.71 (95% CI: 1.61–1.82), 1.75 (95% CI: 1.66–1.84), and 1.21 (1.16–1.27) odds for having high AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP respectively. The AUC (95% CI) value of the TyG index for predicting high AST, high ALT, and high GGT was 0.699 (0.692–0.705), 0.738 (0.734–0.742), and 0.752 (0.749–0.755), respectively. Meanwhile, the AUC (95% CI) of the TG/HDL-C ratio for predicting high AST, high ALT, and high GGT was 0.680 (0.673–0.686), 0.738 (0.734–0.742), 0.734 (0.731–0.738), respectively. Conclusions: Our study supported that the TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio may be useful as non-invasive methods to predict the existence of impaired liver function in the early stage.

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-40582/v4 ◽

2021 ◽

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 six months among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January – 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%. EBF’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 six months since birth while mothers who consumed alcohol (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.34-0.85) were less likely to practice EBF for six 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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STUDY ON EVALUATION OF SERUM GAMMA-GLUTAMYL TRANSFERASE (GGT) LEVELS IN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

10.36106/ijar/4109004 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 39-40

Author(s):

Avtar Singh Dhanju ◽

Deepshikha Singla ◽

Pashaura Singh ◽

Ajay Chhabra ◽

Sukhraj Kaur

Keyword(s):

Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Gamma Glutamyl ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Healthy Control ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Glutamyl Transferase

Aim: The present study was undertaken with the aim to evaluate serum Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) levels in patients of acute coronary syndrome. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 cases with acute coronary syndrome (Group A) and 50 healthy control subjects (Group B) meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: There is signicant rise in serum GGT levels in patients presenting with ACS in Group A as compared to Group B. Conclusion: Higher levels of GGT in ACS patients with risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and smoking may serve as biomarker to predict the occurrence of ACS.

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Nurses’ views on promotion and the influence of race, class and gender in relation to the Employment Equity Act

SA Journal of Industrial Psychology ◽

10.4102/sajip.v45i0.1611 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 45 ◽

Author(s):

Mariana M. Van der Heever ◽

Anita S. Van der Merwe ◽

Talitha Crowley

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Public Sector ◽

Diversity Training ◽

Survey Design ◽

Mixed Race ◽

Western Cape ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Managerial Positions ◽

And Gender

Orientation: Regardless of the implementation of the Employment Equity Act (EEA), No. 55 of 1998 and the abolishment of apartheid in 1994, African and mixed-race females are under-represented in managerial positions in the public sector of the Western Cape (WC) in South Africa and nationally in the private health sector.Research purpose: The purpose was to explore the views of nurses about promotion to managerial positions in view of the Employment Equity Act (EEA) and the possible influence of race, class and gender.Motivation for the study: South Africa has a history of racial hierarchies and gender inequities. It was therefore important to explore the influence of the EEA and race, class and gender on the promotion of nurses in the post-apartheid context.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was completed. Six hundred and eighty-eight (n = 688) nurses consented to participate and 573 (83%) questionnaires were returned.Main findings: Race as a social construct surfaced in the superior viewing of white and the inferior viewing of African nurses. Mixed-race and white nurses seemed disgruntled with the EEA because of the benefits it holds for African nurses. African nurses seemed angered by their under-representation in managerial positions in the private and public sectors in the WC. White nurses seemed convinced that African, mixed-race and Indian nurses experience upward mobility. Mixed-race nurses (public sector WC) showed concerns about the career successes of males in a female-dominated profession.Practical/managerial implications: Managerial structures should be required to invest in diversity training, create awareness of the noble intentions of the EEA and communicate the relevance of employment equity plans.Contribution/value-add: The findings provided evidence that reflected a need for diversity training and the creation of awareness about the longstanding influence of racial and gender hierarchies.

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The Nutritional Status of Adult Antiretroviral Therapy Recipients with a Recent HIV Diagnosis; A Cross-Sectional Study in Primary Health Facilities in Gauteng, South Africa

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare8030290 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 290

Author(s):

Khabo Mahlangu ◽

Perpetua Modjadji ◽

Sphiwe Madiba

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Health Facilities ◽

The Body ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Hiv Diagnosis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Primary Health ◽

Primary Health Facilities

The study determined the nutritional status of adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) recipients, and investigated the association between the duration on ART and the nutritional status. This study was based in primary health facilities in Gauteng, South Africa. The data collected included sociodemographic variables; the duration of the treatment; and the body mass index (BMI), classified as undernutrition (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), or overweight/obesity (≥25 kg/m2). ART recipients (n = 480) had a mean age of 35 (± 8.4SD) years. All had taken ART for six months or more (range 6–48 months). The data were analyzed using STATA 13.0. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity was 39%, it was higher in females (46%) than in males (30%), 26% were overweight, and 13% were obese. Underweight was 13%, and was higher in males (18%) than females (9%). Being overweight was more likely in those aged ≥35 years and those in smaller households. Being obese was less likely in males, in the employed, and in those with a higher income, but was more likely in those with a longer duration on ART. Abdominal obesity was high, but less likely in males. Interventions to prevent overweight/obesity should be integrated into routine HIV care, while at the same time addressing the burden of undernutrition among ART recipients.

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