Factors Of HIV Infection Research Articles

Prevalence of HIV infection in patients of a substance use treatment facility

IntroductionAccording to domestic and foreign studies, in the last decade there has been an increase in the number of HIV-infected patients suffering from alcoholic disease. Under the influence of alcohol, the risk of infection and transmission of HIV infection increases, the course of the disease worsens. There is a syndemia between alcohol abuse and HIV infection. This requires new approaches to the tactics of managing patients of a narcological hospital with HIV infection.ObjectivesTo identify the prevalence of HIV infection in patients of the substance use treatment facility suffering from alcohol disease of the second stage.MethodsThe authors analyzed 446 medical histories of patients suffering from alcoholic disease who underwent inpatient treatment in 2009-2021. For data processing, a statistical method for calculating relative indicators used.ResultsThe study showed that a significant proportion of patients with HIV infection were patients of working age 40-59 years. At the same time, since 2009, there has been an increase in HIV-infected patients from the total number of hospital patients. So, if in 2009 they were 1.2%, then in 2021 they were already 7.2%. Most HIV-infected patients of the narcological hospital are single or divorced. The study notes that abuse is common among patients with HIV infection as a means of combating depression. According to 2019 data, 39.0% of hospital patients suffer from depression. The authors show that alcohol affects the increase in risky forms of sexual relations, or risky situations with unprotected sex. In addition, with alcohol abuse, the viral load increases, and therefore the likelihood of transmitting HIV infection to a partner with unprotected sex increases.ConclusionsAlcohol abuse is a causative factor in HIV infection. Early detection of people with harmful alcohol consumption and referral to a psychiatrist will increase adherence to antiretroviral therapy, as well as reduce the rate of HIV infectionDisclosure of InterestNone Declared

High risks of HIV transmission for men sex worker \u2014 a comparison of profile and risk factors of HIV infection between MSM and MSW in China

BackgroundAlthough men who have sex with men (MSM) and male sex workers (MSWs) both represent the high-risk groups for the transmission of HIV/AIDS and syphilis, the comparison between them have not yet been well studied in China. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HIV among MSM and MSW, and then identify the difference of risk factors of HIV infection.MethodsA snowball sampling was employed to recruit patrons attending the Tianjin bathhouse from March 2011 to October 2018. A questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, HIV-related and HIV awareness was completed by 5166 patrons from all parts of China. Bivariate analyses were done using the Chi-square test to investigate the association between factors and HIV infection among MSM and MSWs. Subsequently, we studied the different impact of risk factors on HIV infections among the two groups using multiple logistic regression with the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) being derived.ResultsFrom 2011 to 2018, 235 MSWs and 4931 MSM were included into our study. HIV prevalence among the MSWs was 17.8% (95%CI: 13.2% ~ 23.4%) while 6.5% (95%CI: 5.8% ~ 7.2%) for MSM (P < 0.01). MSWs tends to be younger (26.50% in MSWs vs. 8.64% in MSM, P < 0.05), live alone (84.68% in MSWs vs. 47.98 in MSM, P < 0.05), get poor education (41.28% in MSWs vs. 28.45 in MSM, P < 0.05), use drug (8.09% in MSWs vs. 0.89% in MSM, P < 0.05), have more proportion of always use condom during anal sex (56.50% in MSWs vs. 41.95% in MSM, P < 0.05) but less proportion during commercial sex (81.28% in MSWs vs. 98.48% in MSM, P < 0.05), access HIV-related health services (65.96% in MSWs vs. 47.80% in MSM, P < 0.05) and have a HIV test last year(60.85% in MSWs vs. 41.27% in MSM, P < 0.05). The significant associations between risk factors with HIV infection in MSM were not observed in MSWs and vice versa.ConclusionsHigh HIV prevalence needs urgent intervention targeting MSWs as a higher susceptible to HIV in comparison to MSM owing to their unique characteristics. The discrepancies of profiles and risk factors between MSM and MSWs should be consider in design and development of strategies.

Association of intimate partner violence and other risk factors with HIV infection among married women in India: evidence from National Family Health Survey 2015\u201316

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains an important public health concern in many countries. It is fuelled by gender inequality and disparity, which has resulted in a fundamental violation of women’s human rights. This study aims to find out the association of intimate partner violence (IPV) and other risk factors with the prevalence of HIV infection among married women in India.MethodsThis study is based on data from the India National Family Health Survey (2015–16). Bivariate analysis has been performed to estimate the prevalence of HIV. Logistic regression analysis is conducted to find out the association between IPV, factors such as having alcoholic husband and lifetime partner, and HIV infection among currently married women.ResultsMarried women who had faced physical, sexual, and emotional violence from their husbands/partners were almost twice more likely to have tested HIV positive compared to married women who did not face violence [OR: 2.14, CI: 1.08–4.50]. The odds of testing for HIV positive was significantly higher among the married women experiencing IPV and having alcoholic husband [OR: 4.48, CI: 1.87–10.70] than those who did not experience IPV and had non-alcoholic husband. The use of condom did not show any significant association with HIV infection. Again, having more than one lifetime partner had a positive association with HIV infection compared to those with one partner [OR: 2.45, CI: 1.21–4.16].ConclusionsThe study revealed that factors such as experiencing all types of IPV, having an alcoholic husband, increased number of lifetime partners, being sexually inactive, belonging to vulnerable social groups, and urban place of residence are important risk factors of HIV infection among married women in India. The results also suggest that gender-based violence and an alcoholic husband may represent a significant factor of HIV infection among married women and interventions should on focus such vulnerable populations.

Rising prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk factors among young Thai Men in 2018

The prevalence of HIV among young Thai men stabilized at 0.5% from 2005 to 2011. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the male army conscripts in 2018 at 36 military training units nationwide. All new conscripts in each selected unit were invited to participate in the study. Questionnaires were used to determine risk factors to HIV infection that had been developed from related risk factors studies among young Thai men. Among 4629 participants, 44 (1.0%) HIV positive individuals were identified. The proportion subject reporting a history of sex with another man was 10.1%. The prevalence of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) was 4.0%. The proportion of consistent condom use with a male partner was 39.7%. The risk factors of HIV infection included having sex with another man, history of sexually transmitted infection and history of sex in exchange for gifts/money. Only 1.4% of MSM used pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). HIV prevention programs including PrEP in Thailand should be emphasized among MSM in both rural and urban settings.

Quality of life of HIV-infected people receiving ARV treatment in outpatient Clinic of Nha Trang Medical Center 2020 and some related factors

The study “The quality of life of HIV-infected people receiving ARV treatment at the outpatient clinic of Nha Trang Medical Center in 2020 and some related factors” aims to assess the quality of life and identify a number of relevant factors of HIV infection being treated with ARV in the outpatient clinic of Nha Trang Medical Center. The research results show that the average score of quality of life (QOL) is l2.88 (SD = 3.23), in which the highest physical aspect is 14.53 points (SD = 3.34), the average score, the lowest quality quality of social aspects 10.36 points (SD = 2.76). HIV-infected people have moderate QOL. There are some factors related to CLCS of HIV-infected people such as HIV-infected people with a viral load test&gt; 1000 copies / ml had lower CLCS in all respects than HIV-infected people with lower viral load detection threshold, p &lt;0.05, there was a statistically significant difference. People living with HIV who were stigmatized also had lower CLCS scores than those without stigmatization. Immunological factors and stigma related to CLCS of HIV infected people. Therefore, they need to comply with treatment, periodically check the immune status according to the doctors, have a healthy lifestyle, have a positive spirit to improve quality of life. Keywords: Quality of life, HIV-infected people, ARV treatment, Nha Trang Medical Center.

Prevalence and predictors of HIV infection among adults aged 50 years and above in Shinyanga, Iringa and Ruvuma regions of Tanzania

Background &#x0D; The UNAIDS Report on the global AIDS report show that 35.3 million people living with HIV globally, out of that an estimated 3.6 million are people aged 50 years or above.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; This was a cross sectional study conducted in Shinyanga, Iringa and Ruvuma regions in Tanzania aiming at determining prevalence and risk factors for HIV infection among elderly people aged 50 years and above. Random sampling was employed to select 2,214 participants. HIV testing to consenting participants was conducted and a survey was used to collect data on socio-demographic information, medical conditions and sexual behavioral factors.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results&#x0D; The overall prevalence of HIV infection among study participants was 4.4% (95% CI=3.6-5.4). The prevalence was higher among females compared to males. Majority of study participants were aware of HIV, transmission and preventive measures. Few respondents knew that a person could be infected through anal sex. More than half of the participants prefer HIV status to remain confidential. A significantly larger proportion (24.2%) of males reported to ever use a condom during their last sexual intercourse compared to females (9.5%). Compared to older age groups, respondents aged 50-59 years were significantly more likely to report condom use during last sexual intercourse. Being in the fourth of highest wealth quintile, ever use of condom, condom use during last sexual encounter, having 2 or more partners in the last one year were associated with an increased risk of HIV infection.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; The high prevalence of HIV among study participants highlights the prerequisite for increased attention to address underlying risk factors for HIV infection among adults.&#x0D;

EP26 HIV infection masquerading as connective tissue disease

Case report - IntroductionConnective tissue diseases are multisystem disorders. Diagnosis and evaluation of suspected cases is not straight forward in most of the cases. This case describes the significance of considering a broader approach when evaluating a suspected case of connective tissue disease.Case report - Case descriptionWe describe a case of 58 years old non-smoker lady, presented with acute onset livedo reticularis rash on lower limbs and background of sicca symptoms, oral ulcers, fatigue, paraesthesias in feet and arthralgias without any systemic or inflammatory joint symptoms.General examination showed livedo reticularis rash on both elbows and lower legs. There was no evidence of peripheral joint synovitis, but she had nodal osteoarthritis in her hands. Systemic examination was unremarkable.Investigations revealed anaemia, pancytopenia, ESR of 77, low C4 and urine dipstick positive for leucocytes, nitrates, protein, and blood. Schirmer’s test, ANA and ENA screen was positive with positive RNP and SMdp antibody. She also had hypergammaglobulinemia in a polyclonal pattern. Nerve Conduction and EMG studies revealed mild axonal sensory neuropathy.Case report - DiscussionThis lady appeared to have mixed connective tissue disease with mixed features of Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. She was started on Hydroxychloroquine but stopped it shortly after developing floaters in her eye. She had poor response to Depomedrone injection. She had ongoing symptoms of fatigue, weight-loss, loose stools, and abdominal pain, investigated further and CT scan showed hyperdense liver lesions and mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed oesophageal candidiasis. She was admitted with progressive symptoms. Further investigations showed a positive HIV test and liver biopsy came back positive for anaplastic lymphoma, later she was diagnosed with advanced HIV disease, rapidly deteriorated with neutropenic sepsis and multi-organ failure, and unfortunately died.Case report - Key learning pointsThis lady initially presented with symptoms of connective tissue disease and investigations in keeping with this diagnosis. Unfortunately, by the time she was tested for HIV infection, it was already too late. There could be overlap of symptoms of connective tissue disease and viral infections e.g. HIV infection. Autoantibodies may be falsely positive in infections e.g. HIV and in malignancy. Risk factors of HIV infection should be considered during assessment of multisystem diseases like connective tissue diseases particularly prior to immunosuppression. Viral screening including HIV test should be considered in all high-risk patients and particularly if the symptoms are atypical and do not quite fit well with the diagnosis.

Risk factors for HIV infection among married couples in Rakai, Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlthough married couples can be at an elevated risk of HIV infection, few studies have explored the risk factors for HIV infection at the couple-level. We explored the risk factors for HIV infection among married couples in settings with differing HIV prevalence levels in Rakai, Uganda.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among 664 heterosexual couples living in three HIV prevalence strata (low: 9–11.2%; medium: 11.4–20% or high HIV prevalence: 21–43%) in Rakai District, south-western Uganda, between November 2013 and February 2014. Data were collected on socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics from all consenting adults and aggregated to allow for couple-level analyses. We conducted bivariate and multivariable Logistic regression to assess the factors that were independently associated with HIV infection among married couples. Data were analysed using STATA statistical software (version 14.1).ResultsOf the 664 couples, 6.4% (n = 42) were in HIV-discordant relationships; 5.8% (n = 39) were in concordant HIV-positive relationships while 87.8% (n = 583) were in concordant HIV-negative relationships. At the bivariate analysis, we found that residing in a high HIV prevalence stratum, reporting extra-marital relations, age difference between partners and number of previous marriages were significantly associated with being part of an HIV infected couple. After adjusting for potential cofounders, living in a high HIV prevalence stratum (Adjusted OR [AOR] =2.31, 95% CI: 1.52, 3.52), being in a third or higher order relationship (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI: 2.30, 6.28), and engagement in extra-marital relations (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.59) were associated with couple HIV infection. Individuals that had stayed together for six or more years had 28% odds of being part of an HIV infected couple (AOR = 0.28; 95%CI: 0.18, 0.43).ConclusionLiving in a high HIV prevalence stratum, engagement in extra-marital relations and having a higher number of previous marriages were significant risk factors for HIV infection among married couples. Long marital duration was associated with reduced risk of HIV infection. Interventions that increase marital stability and those that promote pre-marital couples’ HIV testing before marital formation can reduce HIV transmission risk among married couples in this setting.

Prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk behaviors among people who inject drugs in Kermanshah, Iran: 2017

ABSTRACT Background: Globally, the prevalence of HIV infection among People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) is higher than the general population due to high-risk behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk behaviors among male PWIDs in Kermanshah city in 2017. Methods: We surveyed 606 male PWIDs in Kermanshah city. Data on demographic characteristics and risk behaviors associated with HIV infection were gathered through structured interviews. HIV was also measured through venous blood testing. Eligible participants were recruited from two drop-in centers using snowball sampling. Simple and multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the risk behaviors of HIV infection. Results: Among 606 male PWIDs in this study, prevalence of HIV infection was 6.40% (95% CI: 1.61–4.32). Older age (Adjusted Odds Ratio; AOR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.15) and older age at first drug injection (Adjusted Odds Ratio; AOR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85–0.97) were risk factors for HIV infection. Conclusion: This study implies that prevalence of HIV among male PWIDs is higher than the general population. Older age and older age at first drug injection were risk factors for HIV infection.

Atypical presentation of classic Kaposi sarcoma in circumcised penis presenting as an ulcerative nodule with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) positivity and successfully treated with only local excision

IntroductionAlthough the Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is one of the AIDS defining entity and seen in almost one third of HIV infected patients with low CD4 cell counts, it is not uncommon in HIV seronegative persons, but genital KS is rare, particularly in people without risk factors for HIV infection. Isolated penile KS is an unusual manifestation, especially as solitary nodule with ulceration, in HIV seronegative patient.Case presentationWe report such a case of Kaposi sarcoma showing HHV-8 positivity in an elderly male Arabian patient with a delay in prompt diagnosis, but treated successfully with 3 3 years follow-up after limited local surgical excision.ConclusionThe general practitioners, venereologists and urologists should think of KS as a possibility in such lesion and consider early biopsy.

Correlates of HIV-infection among men who have sex with men: results from a community-based, cross-sectional study in Tianjin, China

ABSTRACTChina has 747,000 confirmed HIV/AIDS cases and sexual transmission between men who have sex with men (MSM) is the most prevalent mode of transmission. Our study aims to (a) examine HIV prevalence and behavioral risk factors for HIV infection among 1900 MSM recruited from a community-based organization in Tianjin, China, and (b) describe HIV treatment outcomes for those diagnosed with HIV. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify which socio-demographics and behaviors were associated with HIV infection. The overall HIV prevalence was 3.95%. Key behavioral risk factors included: receptive sex role, older age at first sex with man, condomless anal sex, and having used 2+ drugs. Of those living with HIV, 83% were successfully enrolled in antiretroviral therapy and those enrolled were all virally suppressed after one year. These findings highlight key behavioral risk factors for HIV infection in Tianjin, China and can inform interventions to preventing further HIV transmission.

COMPULSIVE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AS A RISK FACTOR FOR HIV

In recent years, the number of newly detected cases of HIV infection in Russia has been increasing every year. Risky behaviour and mental disorders (not only disorders caused by HIV infection, but also premorbid mental disorders leading to HIV infection are well-known risk factors for HIV infection. One of the mental disorders associated with risky sexual behaviour is compulsive sexual behaviour, which was recommended for inclusion in the International Classification of Diseases of the 11-th revision under the diagnosis of Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder. This review article is devoted to the problem of compulsive sexual behaviour and its connection with the HIV infection. Current data on epidemiology and clinical characteristics of compulsive sexual behaviour are presented. Special attention is paid to the theoretical substantiation of the impact of compulsive sexual behaviour on the implementation of risky sexual behaviour in the aspect of increasing the risk of HIV infection.

Compulsive Sexual Behavior in HIV-Infected Men in a Community Based Sample, Russia

This is the first study in Russia to explore Compulsive Sexual Behavior in HIV-infected men. The aims of the present study were to estimate the frequency of Compulsive Sexual Behavior in HIV-infected men in community-based sample in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. The study sample consisted of 119 HIV-infected men. Compulsive Sexual Behavior was found in 18 men who have sex with men and 7 men who have sex with women (29.5% and 12.1%). Our results suggest that Compulsive Sexual Behavior could be a significant risk factor for HIV-infection.

Missed opportunities of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in France: a retrospective analysis in the French DAT\u2019AIDS cohort

BackgroundHIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was implemented in France in November 2015 based on individual-level risk factors for HIV infection. We evaluated the proportion of missed opportunities for PrEP among newly HIV-diagnosed people entering the Dat’AIDS cohort in 2016.MethodsMulticenter retrospective analysis in 15 French HIV clinical centers of patients with a new diagnosis of HIV infection. Among them we differentiated patients according to the estimated date of infection: those occurring in the PrEP area (a previous negative HIV test in the last 12 months or those with an incomplete HIV-1 western blot (WB) with no HIV-1 anti-Pol-antibody at time of HIV diagnosis) and those in the pre-PrEP area (older infections). Epidemiological, biological and clinical data at HIV diagnosis were collected. Clinicians retrospectively identified potential eligibility for PrEP based on individual-level risk factors for HIV infection among those infected in the PrEP area.ResultsAmong 966 patients with a new HIV diagnosis, 225 (23.3%) were infected in the PrEP area and 121 (53.8%) had complete data allowing evaluation of PrEP eligibility. Among them, 110 (91%) would have been eligible for PrEP, median age 31 years, with 68 (75.6%) born in France and 10 (11.1%) in Central/West Africa, with more than one previous STI in 19 (15.7%). The main eligibility criteria for PrEP were being a man who had sex with men or transgender 91 (82.7%) with at least one of the following criteria: unprotected anal sex with ≥2 partners in the last 6 months: 67 (60.9%); bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the last 12 months: 33 (30%); Use of psychoactive substances in a sexual context (chemsex): 16 (14.5%). PrEP was indicated for other HIV risk factors in 25 (22.7%).ConclusionWith 91% (110/121) of patients infected in the PrEP area eligible for PrEP, this study highlights the high potential of PrEP in avoiding new infection in France but also shows a persistent delay in HIV testing. Thus, an important limit on PrEP implementation in France could be insufficient screening and care access.

Impact of social determinants on antiretroviral therapy access and outcomes entering the era of universal treatment for people living with HIV in Italy

BackgroundSocial determinants are known to be a driving force of health inequalities, even in high income countries. Aim of our study was to determine if these factors can limit antiretroviral therapy (ART) access, outcome and retention in care of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Italy.MethodsAll ART naïve HIV+ patients (pts) of Italian nationality enrolled in the ICONA Cohort from 2002 to 2016 were included. The association of socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, risk factor for HIV infection, educational level, occupational status and residency area) with time to: ART initiation (from the first positive anti-HIV test), ART regimen discontinuation, and first HIV-RNA < 50 cp/mL, were evaluated by Cox regression analysis, Kaplan Meier method and log-rank test.ResultsA total of 8023 HIV+ pts (82% males, median age at first pos anti-HIV test 36 years, IQR: 29–44) were included: 6214 (77.5%) started ART during the study period. Women, people who inject drugs (PWID) and residents in Southern Italy presented the lowest levels of education and the highest rate of unemployment compared to other groups. Females, pts aged > 50 yrs., unemployed vs employed, and people with lower educational levels presented the lowest CD4 count at ART initiation compared to other groups. The overall median time to ART initiation was 0.6 years (yrs) (IQR 0.1–3.7), with a significant decrease over time [2002–2006 = 3.3 yrs. (0.2–9.4); 2007–2011 = 1.0 yrs. (0.1–3.9); 2012–2016 = 0.2 yrs. (0.1–2.1), p < 0.001]. By multivariate analysis, females (p < 0.01) and PWID (p < 0.001), presented a longer time to ART initiation, while older people (p < 0.001), people with higher educational levels (p < 0.001), unemployed (p = 0.02) and students (p < 0.001) were more likely to initiate ART. Moreover, PWID, unemployed vs stable employed, and pts. with lower educational levels showed a lower 1-year probability of achieving HIV-RNA suppression, while females, older patients, men who have sex with men (MSM), unemployed had higher 1-year risk of first-line ART discontinuation.ConclusionsDespite median time to ART start decreased from 2002 to 2016, socio-demographic factors still contribute to disparities in ART initiation, outcome and durability.

Estimating risk factors for HIV infection among women in Mozambique using population-based survey data

The use of population-based survey data together with sound statistical methods can enhance better estimation of HIV risk factors and explain variations across subgroups of the population. The distribution and determinants of HIV infection in populations must be taken into consideration. We analysed data from the HIV Prevalence and Behaviour Survey in Mozambique aiming to find risk factors associated with HIV infection among Mozambican women. The paper provides a complex survey logistic regression model to explain the variation in HIV seropositivity using demographic, socio-economic and behavioural factors. Results show that women aged 25–29 years, living in female-headed households, living in richer households and those widowed, divorced or not living with a partner have higher odds of being HIV-positive. Findings from our study provide a unique and integrated perspective on risk factors for being HIV-positive among Mozambican women and could support the implementation of programmes aiming to reduce HIV infection in Mozambique.

Polydrug Use and Heterogeneity in HIV Risk Among People Who Inject Drugs in Estonia and Russia: A Latent Class Analysis

Non-medical drug injection is a major risk factor for HIV infection in Russia and Estonia. Multiple drug use (polydrug) has further been associated with increased harms. We compared HIV, injecting and sexual risk associated with polydrug use among people who injected drugs (PWID) in 2012–2013 in Kohtla-Järve (Estonia, n = 591) and St Petersburg (Russia, n = 811). Using latent class analysis, we identified five (poly)drug classes, the largest consisting of single-drug injectors among whom an opioid was the sole drug injected (56% of PWID). The four remaining polydrug classes included polydrug-polyroute injectors who injected and used opiates and stimulants (9%), opiate-stimulant poly-injectors who injected amphetamine-type-stimulants with a primary opiate (7%) and opiate-opioid poly-injectors who injected opioids and opiates (16%). Non-injection stimulant co-users were injectors who also used non-injection stimulants (12%). In multivariable multinomial regressions, all four polydrug classes were associated with greater injection risks than single-drug injection, while opiate-stimulant and opiate-opioid poly-injection were also associated with having multiple sex partners. Riskier behaviours among polydrug-injectors suggest increased potential for transmission of blood-borne and sexually-transmitted infections. In addition to needles/syringes provision, services tailored to PWID drug and risk profiles, could consider drug-appropriate treatment and sexual risk reduction strategies to curb HIV transmission.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of HIV Infection, Syphilis, Genital Chlamydia and Viral Hepatitis B and C in a Pregnant Women’s Population of Southwest Madagascar

Prevalence and Risk Factors of HIV Infection, Syphilis, Genital Chlamydia and Viral Hepatitis B and C in a Pregnant Women’s Population of Southwest Madagascar

The impact of addictive disorders on the HIV and syphilis coinfection

IntroductionOne of the main risk factors for both HIV-infection and syphilis is addictive behavior.The objective of the study was to determine the impact of addictions on the HIV and syphilis coinfection.MethodSixty-five HIV-infected patients with syphilis were examined by a clinical method.ResultsThe sample included 45 men (average age 32.09 ± 9.83) and 20 women (average age 31.7 ± 5.97). All patients were characterized by risky behavior. Seventy-one percent of men belonged to the category of men who have sex with men (MSM). Eighty-five percent of women had drug dependence (as compared to 61% for men who have sex with women (MSW) and 19% for МSМ; P &lt; 0.05). Women were more likely to have opiate dependence (P &lt; 0.001; as compared to men). We revealed a high incidence of drug addiction and alcoholism with the prevalence of dependence on opioids (F11; 55.0%; 7.7%), polysubstance use (F19; 25.0%; 23.1%) and alcoholism (F10; 50.0%; 61.25%) among women and MSW respectively (P &lt; 0.05 as compared to MSM). Only 50% of women and 23% of MSW were in remission. MSM regularly consumed stimulants and cannabinoids without developing dependence.ConclusionsInjecting drug use is typical of women and MSW and plays a leading role in the risk factors for HIV infection and syphilis. Addictive behavior among MSM increases risky sexual behavior and thus influences infection with HIV and syphilis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Risk factors for incident HIV infection among antenatal mothers in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa

BackgroundThe prevalence of HIV among antenatal clients in South Africa has remained at a very high rate of about 29% despite substantial decline in several sub-Saharan countries. There is a paucity of data on risk factors for incident HIV infection among antenatal mothers and women within the reproductive age bracket in local settings in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.ObjectiveTo establish the risk factors for incident HIV infection among antenatal clients aged 18–49 years attending public antenatal clinics in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa.DesignThis was an unmatched case–control study carried out in public health antenatal clinics of King Sabata District Municipality between January and March 2014. The cases comprised 100 clients with recent HIV infection; the controls were 200 HIV-negative antenatal clients. Socio-demographic, sexual, and behavioral data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from the standard DHS5 women's questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the independent risk factors for HIV infection. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe independent risk factors for incident HIV infection were economic dependence on the partner, having older male partners especially among women aged ≤20 years, and sex under the influence of alcohol.ConclusionsTherefore, effective prevention of HIV among antenatal mothers in KSDM must target the improvement of the economic status of women, thereby reducing economic dependence on their sexual partners; address the prevalent phenomenon of cross-generation sex among women aged <20 years; and regulate the brewing, marketing, and consumption of alcohol.