Good Perceived Health Status Research Articles

Perceived Health Status Predicts Resilience after Hip Fracture in Older People.

Background and Objectives: Perceived health status (PHS) is associated with various health outcomes in older adults, but its relationship with resilience in the context of events with a major impact on functional status (FS), such as hip fracture, has not been explored. Our objective was to evaluate whether older adults who report good PHS before a hip fracture have a higher probability of returning to their baseline physical performance (PP) and personal independence. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from waves 1 and 2 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) study, enrolling patients ≥ 65 years who experienced a hip fracture between these two waves. As study outcomes, we analyzed changes in PP and functional abilities (FAs). Results: We included 149 participants with a mean age of 75.7 years (SD: 6.5); women comprised 66%. The incidence of loss of PP was 51.7% among participants with good PHS and 59.6% among those with poor PHS. FA worsened in 40% of participants with good PHS and 58.4% in those with poor PHS. Relative risk (RR) for loss of FA in people with good PHS was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.48-0.98), which did not change after an adjustment for age, gender, baseline FA, depression, number of comorbidities, education, income, and social support, despite it not reaching statistical significance. After adjustment, the risk of worsening PP in participants with good PHS was reduced by 34% (95% CI: 0.41-1.06). Conclusions: A simple question on PHS may predict the resilience of older adults after an acute stressor. A systematic evaluation of PHS can help identify patients with a higher probability of regaining function after a hip fracture and thus provide useful information for resource allocation.

A comprehensive analysis concerning eating behavior associated with chronic diseases among Romanian community nurses.

Lifestyle factors, including inadequate eating patterns, emerge as a critical determinant of chronic disease. Apart from caring for patients, nurses should also take an active role in monitoring and managing their own health. Understanding the intricate relationship between nurses' eating behavior and managing their own health is crucial for fostering a holistic approach to healthcare, therefore our study aimed to evaluate eating behavior and demographic factors influencing chronic disease prevalence in a sample of community nurses from Romania. Between October-November 2023, 1920 community nurses were invited to answer an online survey, using an advertisement in their professional network. Of them, 788 responded. In the survey, which included a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire with 53 food items, the Intuitive Eating Survey 2 (IES-2), and demographic items were used. A multivariate model was built for the prediction of the association between eating behavior and other factors associated with chronic diseases. The majority of participants were females (95.1%), with the largest age group falling between 40 and 49.9 years (48.2%). Regarding the EFSA criteria for adequate carbohydrate and fat intake, 20.2% of the group have a high intake of carbohydrates, respectively, 43.4% of the group have a high intake of fat. Analysis of chronic diseases indicated that 24.9% of individuals reported at least one diagnosis by a physician. The presence of chronic disease was associated with a low level of perceived health status, with an OR = 3.388, 95%CI (1.684-6.814), compared to those reporting excellent or very good perceived health status. High stress had an OR = 1.483, 95%CI (1.033-2.129). BMI had an OR = 1.069, 95%CI (1.032-1.108), while low carbohydrate diet score had an OR = 0.956, 95%CI (0.920-0.992). Gender and IES-2 did not significantly contribute to the model, but their effect was controlled. By unraveling the intricate interplay between nutrition, lifestyle, and health outcomes in this healthcare cohort, our findings contribute valuable insights for the development of targeted interventions and support programs tailored to enhance the well-being of community nurses and, by extension, the patients they support.

Patients’ Perceptions of Sound and Noise Dimensions in the Dental Clinic Soundscape

In the area of dental healthcare services, where patients and professionals deal with multiple auditory stimuli, this cross-sectional study reports on the various dynamics of sound preferences, noise obstacles, and the profound impact of music on anxiety reduction within dental office settings. The sample comprises 134 dental patients, primarily females (56.7%), with varying age groups, education levels, and therapy durations in the university clinics of the Department of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and four private dental offices at the metropolitan area of Athens, Greece. Notably, 92.5% of the participants reported no hearing loss, and 56.7% exhibited some level of noise sensitivity. This study reveals a moderate to good perceived health status (M = 3.84, SD = 0.95) among participants, with low perceived noise disturbance in university dental clinics. Preferences for instrumental music, foreign pop, and classical music are prominent during waiting times. Potential irritations include impersonal treatment (44%) and staff behavior (41.8%). Correlations and predictors indicate associations between age, gender, educational status, music preferences, and noise disturbances. Findings aim to optimize eco-soundscapes in dental offices, contributing to enhanced patient well-being. The research underscores the potential of music interventions to alleviate dental anxiety and improve the overall dental experience and quality care.

Factors influencing health-related quality of life in older adult women with sarcopenia: analysis of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019.

This study aimed to identify factors influencing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adult women with sarcopenia. The study was secondary data analysis using data from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The final sample consisted of 142 women aged 60 years and older with sarcopenia and were selected from 8,110 women. The participants was analyzed using complex descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and regression. In terms of HRQoL, three general characteristics were found to be influential, with an explanatory power of 56.0%: difficulty climbing stairs, difficulty working, and perceived health status. Having no or mild difficulty when climbing stairs (B=.20, p=.001; B=.21, p<.001) and no or mild difficulty when working (B=.25, p=. 002; B=.208, p=.013) had a significant effect on HRQoL compared to severe difficulty. Having good or ordinary perceived health status had a significant effect on the HRQoL (B=.11, p<.001; B=.09, p<.001). Based on study findings that the HRQoL of older adult women with sarcopenia were influenced by difficulty climbing stairs and working, as well as good perceived health status, healthcare providers should assist elderly women to maintain physical activities in their daily lives.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Willingness towards a Future Vaccine among Pregnant Women in Italy.

This cross-sectional survey was designed to evaluate pregnant women's awareness regarding Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection and willingness to receive the vaccine during pregnancy and to vaccinate their newborn against RSV. An anonymous survey was administered from 20 April to 30 June 2023, to pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years attending gynecology wards of randomly selected public hospitals in southern Italy. A minimum sample size of 427 participants was calculated. The survey assessed women's socio-demographic characteristics, health-related information, their source(s) of information, and attitudes regarding RSV. A total of 490 women participated. Those who were married/cohabiting, with a high-school degree compared to those who had a university degree, and those who needed additional information were more concerned that the newborn could acquire the RSV infection. The perceived utility of a future RSV vaccine administered during pregnancy was higher among those who were married/cohabiting, with a university degree, those with very good perceived health status, those who received information from healthcare workers, and those who needed additional information. Only 45.9% were willing to be vaccinated during pregnancy, and this was more likely among those with a university degree, with a very good perceived health status, who had received information from healthcare workers, and who needed more information. Finally, almost two-thirds (61.1%) were willing to vaccinate their newborn, and this was more likely among women with a university degree, with a very good perceived health status, and who needed additional information. An education campaign regarding RSV infection and its vaccine is needed in order to improve women's perception and to support healthcare workers in promoting it when it will be available.

Long-Term Outcome in Stroke: The Need of Individualized Follow-Up

Introduction: It is well established that in the long-term, many stroke patients potentially have relevant functional incapacity related to deficits in domains other than motor; the burden of unmet long-term needs likely varies between different types of stroke or different healthcare systems. On the other hand, we can say that the ideal length of follow-up in a specialized consultation after ischemic stroke has not been established. Methods: We evaluated long-term stroke patients who underwent endovascular treatment of anterior circulation in our stroke center and that were classified as “therapeutic success” (modified Rankin scale - mRS &lt;3) at 3 months, to participate in an observational, cross-sectional study. Participants underwent a comprehensive interview and examination using validated standard questionnaires for Portuguese population to assess different life aspects after stroke as Post-Stroke Checklist, EQ-5D-3L scale, mRS, Barthel Index (BI), Burden Scale for Family Caregivers and Hamilton scale. Results: We evaluated 36 patients. The mean age was 67.6 years old (±13,8) and the mean time for the interview was 52,8 (±9,9) months after the stroke. Most patients were independent, with a mean mRS of 1 (ranging from 0–3) and BI 95,4 (70-100). Sixty one percent had a clinically significant deficit in at least one domain. On the Post Stroke Checklist (PSC), 77,8% of participants demonstrated a not good perceived health status. EuroQoL index value was 0.750 (IQR 0.664–1.00). The two major disability parameters identified were in cognition (52,8%) and depression (27,8%). After review of the ongoing care by stroke specialists, in almost 2/3 of the patients, additional measures were proposed: additional etiological investigation (44%), physical or speech rehabilitation (~14%) or changes in pharmacological therapy (~3%). Conclusion: These results highlight the prevalence and importance of non-motor disabilities in long-term stroke patients, even after short-term classification as “therapeutic success”. We also point out that even after more than 3 years of the stroke, additional therapeutic or etiological investigation measures were taken, reinforcing the need for individualized follow-up, without a pre-defined maximum follow-up time in a specialized cerebrovascular pathology consultation.

The prevalence of eHealth literacy and its relationship with perceived health status and psychological distress during Covid-19: a cross-sectional study of older adults in Blekinge, Sweden

Background and aimseHealth literacy is important as it influences health-promoting behaviors and health. The ability to use eHealth resources is essential to maintaining health, especially during COVID-19 when both physical and psychological health were affected. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of eHealth literacy and its association with psychological distress and perceived health status among older adults in Blekinge, Sweden. Furthermore, this study aimed to assess if perceived health status influences the association between eHealth literacy and psychological distress.MethodsThis cross-sectional study (October 2021-December 2021) included 678 older adults’ as participants of the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care, Blekinge (SNAC-B). These participants were sent questionnaires about their use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we conducted the statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, Kendall’s tau-b rank correlation, and multiple linear regression.ResultsWe found that 68.4% of the participants had moderate to high levels of eHealth literacy in the population. Being female, age < 75 years, and having a higher education are associated with high eHealth literacy (p< 0.05). eHealth literacy is significantly correlated (tau=0.12, p-value=0.002) and associated with perceived health status (beta=0.39, p-value=0.008). It is also significantly correlated (tau=-0.12, p-value=0.001) and associated with psychological distress (beta=-0.14, p-value=0.002). The interaction of eHealth literacy and good perceived health status reduced psychological distress (beta=-0.30, p-value=0.002).ConclusionsIn our cross-sectional study, we found that the point prevalence of eHealth literacy among older adults living in Blekinge, Sweden is moderate to high, which is a positive finding. However, there are still differences among older adults based on factors such as being female, younger than 75 years, highly educated, in good health, and without psychological distress. The results indicated that psychological distress could be mitigated during the pandemic by increasing eHealth literacy and maintaining good health status.

The association of self-control, self-efficacy, and demographic characteristics with home-based E-learning behavior in nursing and midwifery undergraduates: A cross-sectional study under the COVID-19 epidemic

BackgroundDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, nursing and midwifery undergraduate students' time spent in home isolation and being engaged in home-based e-learning was extended. Limited research has been conducted on home-based e-learning behavior during home isolation, and the relationships between individual factors, such as self-control, self-efficacy, and other demographic characteristics, and home-based e-learning behavior are unclear. ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the associations between self-control, self-efficacy, and demographic information with home-based e-learning behavior among nursing and midwifery undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design and methodsA cross-sectional study was employed, and an online survey was conducted with 3733 nursing and midwifery undergraduates across seven provinces and cities in mainland China. Data were collected using the Brief Self-control Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, Undergraduate Home-based E-learning Behavior Questionnaire, and Demographic Information Questionnaire. A multiple linear regression analysis using the stepwise method was conducted to identify predictors of home-based e-learning behavior. ResultsUndergraduates achieved an overall mean score of 26.02 (SD = 4.20) for home-based e-learning behavior and an overall mean score of 42.54 (SD = 6.22) and 27.59 (SD = 3.89) for self-control and self-efficacy, respectively. Better self-control (β = 0.250, P < 0.001), higher self-efficacy (β = 0.169, P < 0.001), universities being located in non-Hainan provinces (β = 0.249, P < 0.001), being a sophomore or freshman (β = −0.255, P < 0.001), and good perceived health status (β = −0.044, P = 0.003) were identified as the predictors of better home-based e-learning behavior among nursing and midwifery undergraduates. ConclusionSelf-control, self-efficacy, and demographic characteristics including the province of the university, grade level, and personal perceived health status were associated with home-based e-learning behavior. Universities should help nursing and midwifery undergraduates improve self-control and enhance self-efficacy while taking measures to decrease the impact caused by demographic characteristic differences.

Health situation and perceived health status among women experiencing homelessness: A longitudinal study in Spain.

The paper analyses the health situation and the perceived health status of a sample of women experiencing homelessness (n=138) in Madrid, Spain. All participants were adults, and the night before the baseline interview, they had slept on the street, at a shelter or any facility provided to care for people living homeless. The information was collected using structured interviews, repeated twice a year for a 3-year follow-up period. The findings of this study show that women experiencing homelessness presented poor health, particularly in comparison with the general Spanish population. Over half of the women questioned claimed to have a diagnosed serious or chronic illness, with a correlation between these conditions and the age, time spent homeless or high levels of drug use. There was a positive correlation found between women's perceived health status and being younger and having access to independent accommodation, while having suffered a number of stressful life events and having spent long periods of time living homeless presented a negative correlation with a good perceived health status.

POSB386 Predictors of Good Perceived Health Status Among United States Older Adults with Self-Reported Pain

Perceived health status is an important predictor of healthcare service utilization and morbidity and mortality in the United States (US). However, little is known about the variables associated with perceived health status among older US adults with pain. The study Objectives: were to determine significant predictors of good perceived health status among US older adults with self-reported pain.

Determining the association of perceived health status among united states older adults with self-reported pain

BackgroundPerceived health status is associated with healthcare service utilization, morbidity, and mortality in the United States (US). Yet, little is known about the characteristics associated with perceived health status among older US adults with pain. This study aimed to determine factors that are associated with good perceived health status among US older adults with self-reported pain. MethodsThis retrospective, cross-sectional study included individuals aged ≥50 years with self-reported pain that interfered with normal work (including both work outside the home and housework) in the last four weeks in the 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. Adjusted logistic regression models identified variables associated with good (versus poor) perceived health status. Weighted nationally representative estimates were obtained while maintaining the complex survey structure. ResultsThe weighted study sample included 57,134,711 individuals (good perceived health = 73.4%; poor perceived health = 26.6%). Variables associated with higher odds of reporting good health status included: being employed, little/moderate pain, excellent/very good/good perceived mental health, and exercise. Variables associated with lower odds of reporting good health status included: age 50–64 years, Hispanic ethnicity, education up to high school, poor/near poor/low income, ≥5 chronic conditions, and smoking. ConclusionsApproximately 42 million of the 57 million US older adults with self-reported pain that interfered with normal work (including both work outside the home and housework) in the past four weeks reported good perceived health. The many variables associated with good perceived health may be useful information when managing pain and health status in older adults.

Perceptions on good death among parents of pediatric patients with hematology-oncology disease in advance.

e21532 Background: It is difficult to perceive the preparation of a good death for children because of its social and cultural issues. Among the children with serious diseases, they can be alienated and the whole processes are done by the decision of the parent's proxy even when they have to prepare for death. The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of "Good Death" in advance among parents of pediatric patients with hematology-oncology diseases. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to parents of pediatric patients in Kyungpook National University Children’s Hospital. Participants were recruited from the outpatient department of pediatric hematology and oncology. The Good Death Inventory (GDI), a tool developed for the perspectives of end-of-life care from bereaved family members, has a total of 54 items, including 30 in 10 core domains and 24 in 8 optional domains. Higher GDI scores mean better quality of death. A total of 109 questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Results: Most patients were diagnosed with hematology (48%), followed by leukemia and lymphoma (31%), and solid oncology (21%). Patients had diagnosed with diseases 3.7 years ago. Among the characteristics of parents, parents who did religious activity had significantly higher optional GDI score (p = .048). Among the characteristics of patients, female patients had significantly higher optional GDI score (p = .041). Optional GDI score of middle school or higher patients was significantly higher than preschool patients (p = .010). Patients with good perceived health status patients had significantly higher scores in GDI core, optional, and total (p = .048, .044, .013). Patients who had discussed their end-of-life plan with parents or others had significantly higher GDI total scores (p = .045). Parents who agreed with having patients’ living will had significantly higher GDI optional and total scores (p = .012, .026). Patients who already had living will had significantly higher GDI total score (p = .036). Interestingly, parents who wanted to receive all possible treatments to prolong life for their children had higher GDI core score (p = .054). Conclusions: Discussing a living will as well as a willingness to treat would be important for care. To improve quality of life and decreasing the disease stress burden, individualized and multidisciplinary education should be performed regularly.

Prospective associations between illness perceptions and health outcomes in patients with systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-lagged analysis.

ObjectivePerceptions of patients with SLE and SSc are strongly associated with physical and psychological outcomes. This interplay is not yet fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the prospective associations between illness perceptions and depressive symptoms, anxiety, perceived health status and disease activity in SLE and SSc patients.MethodsPatients with SLE and SSc from a single-centre university hospital participated in a longitudinal study spanning 1 year. At both time points, participants completed the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for measuring depressive symptoms and anxiety; The EuroQol five-dimensions with 5 response levels for perceived health status; and disease activity was recorded. The directionality of the associations was investigated using cross-lagged path analysis.ResultsA total of 128 SLE and 113 SSc patients with a mean (s.d.) age of 46.28 (14.97) and 60.17 (10.82) years, respectively, and mean (S.D.) disease duration of 13.90 (9.31) and 8.48 (9.14) years, respectively, participated. In SLE, more depressive symptoms, more anxiety and worse perceived health status predicted a relative decrease in illness coherence 1 year later. More severe perceived consequences predicted a relative decrease in perceived health status. The perception of a more chronic time course predicted an increase in depressive symptoms. In SSc, reporting more depressive symptoms and more anxiety predicted a relative decrease in illness coherence. A good perceived health status and less reporting of depressive symptoms predicted a relative decrease in perceived consequences.ConclusionEvidence was obtained for reciprocal pathways between health outcomes and illness perceptions, although the predominant direction of effects was found to be from health outcomes to illness perceptions.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02655640.

Mental health of senile dementia caregivers in nursing homes in Shenyang and its influencing factors

Objective To investigate the mental health and its correlated factors for senile dementia caregivers in nursing homes in Shenyang. Methods Questionnaire survey was conducted among 174 senile dementia caregivers recruited from the Nursing Home of Shenyang and Shenyang Social Welfare Institute by using Symptom Check-List-90 (SCL-90), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and self-designed general information questionnaire and to analyze the scores of self rating scale of nursing staff, the total score of social support scale, and the factors affecting the mental health status of nursing staff. Results The SCL-90 scores of senile dementia caregivers with education levels from illiteracy, primary school or junior high school, high school or secondary school, college or above were 130.50±10.11, 132.70±12.55, 135.06±9.15, 129.24±8.83, the difference was statistically significant (F=15.05, P<0.01). The SCL-90 scores of senile dementia caregivers with poor, general and good perceived health status were 133.40±10.52, 132.60±11.32, 128.00 ±10.02, the differences were statistically significant (F=9.07, P<0.01). The SCL-90 scores of family monthly income of 1 001 to 3 000 yuan, 3 001 to 5 000 yuan and more than 5 001 yuan were 132.90±10.39, 132.80±11.52, 131.50±8.20, the difference was statistically significant (F=12.11, P<0.01). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the regression coefficient of perceived health status was -0.168 (t=2.880, P<0.01), monthly family income was -0.145 (t=-2.512, P<0.05), SSRS was 0.121 (t=2.112, P<0.05). Conclusions Mental health status of senile dementia caregivers in Shenyang is poor. The health sector should take some measures to improve the degree of social support, nursing staff wages and to ensure their health in order to promote physical and mental health of nursing staff and the nursing level so as to improve the quality of life of the senile dementia elderly. Key words: Aged; Mental Health; Influencing factors

FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO SUBJECTIVE WELLBEING IN OLDER ADULTS

ABSTRACT Objective: identify the factors associated with subjective wellbeing in older adults. Method: analytical, cross-sectional study developed in Chile. The sample consisted of 20,351 seniors, who answered a question on overall life satisfaction in the National Socio-Economic Survey, 2011. Subjective wellbeing was correlated with health, demographic and social indicators. Comparisons of averages, correlations and regressions were applied using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20. Results: life satisfaction was associated with increased age; being male; participation in social organizations; being married or living as a couple; having higher education level; higher income; good perceived health status and better health care. Conclusion: according to the age and income predictors, it can be concluded that, over the years, life satisfaction is reinforced, but in combination with adequate perceived health and income, which permit an excellent quality of life.

The Link Between Everyday Discrimination, Healthcare Utilization, and Health Status Among a National Sample of Women.

Research has not adequately examined the potential negative effects of perceiving routine discrimination on general healthcare utilization or health status, especially among reproductive-aged women. We sought to evaluate the association between everyday discrimination, health service use, and perceived health among a national sample of women in the United States. Data were drawn from the Women's Healthcare Experiences and Preferences survey, a randomly selected, national probability sample of 1078 U.S. women aged 18-55 years. We examined associations between everyday discrimination (via a standardized scale) on frequency of health service utilization and perceived general health status using chi-square and multivariable logistic regression modeling. Compared with women who reported healthcare visits every 3 years or less (reference group), each one-point increase in discrimination score was associated with higher odds of having healthcare visits annually or more often (odds ratio [OR] = 1.36, confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.01-1.83). Additionally, each one-point increase in discrimination score was significantly associated with lower odds of having excellent/very good perceived health (OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.54-0.80). Perceived discrimination was associated with increased exposure to the healthcare setting among this national sample of women. Perceived discrimination was also inversely associated with excellent/very good perceived health status.

Predictors of Physical Activity on a College Campus with a High Proportion of Non-traditional Students

Background and purpose: Given the problem of obesity, physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles among college students in the US, this study presents demographic, psychosocial, personal and environmental predictors of physical activity (PA) on an individual college campus with a high percentage of non-traditional students. Methods: The National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey was completed by college students at a large Northwestern university [N = 949; Male = 292 (31.1%); female = 647 (68.9%); mean age = 26.5 (SD = 9.0) years] during Fall 2011. Results: Sixty-eight percent of participants did not meet both moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and strength exercise (SE) recommendations. Good perceived health status and on-campus housing status were associated with a higher probability of meeting the MVPA and SE recommendations (p

The Combined Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Illness Behavior Among Women

Distinctions in illness behavior for women, such as use of health services, may result from gender-specific biological risks for disease but could also be explained by the relationships among social, psychological, and behavioral factors. The purpose of this study was to determine if illness behavior in women might be related to associations among social support satisfaction, perceived health status, coping skills, and perceived stress. Data were collected November–December 2005 from 205 female college students through self-report using questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was used to test relationships among psychosocial factors. The final model revealed associations between psychosocial factors and illness behavior for women along two paths. First, high perceived stress and poor perceived health status were associated with more reported illness behavior. Second, greater use of total coping skills, greater social support satisfaction, and good perceived health status were associated with less reported illness behavior. Consideration of multiple health-related factors may provide a more complete picture of how psychosocial factors are related to illness behavior for women. Specifically, interactions among stress, coping, social support, and perceived health status may be important to women’s health. Our results suggest that interventions should focus on skill-building and strategies to improve self-perception of health.

Fertility desire and intention of people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania: a call for restructuring care and treatment services

BackgroundScaling up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is currently underway in sub-Saharan Africa including, Tanzania, increasing survival of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Programmes pay little attention to PLWHA’s reproductive health needs. Information on fertility desire and intention would assist in the integration of sexual and reproductive health in routine care and treatment clinics.MethodsA cross-sectional study of all PLWHA aged 15–49 residing in Kahe ward in rural Kilimanjaro Tanzania was conducted. Participants were recruited from the community and a local counselling centre located in the ward. Data on socio-demographic, medical and reproductive characteristics were collected through face-to-face interviews. Data were entered and analysed using STATA statistical software.ResultsA total of 410 PLWHA with a mean age of 34.2 and constituting 264 (64.4%) females participated. Fifty-one per cent reported to be married/cohabiting, 73.9% lived with their partners and 60.5% were sexually active. The rate of unprotected sex was 69.0% with 12.5% of women reporting to be pregnant at the time of the survey. Further biological children were desired by 37.1% of the participants and lifetime fertility intention was 2.4 children. Increased fertility desire was associated with living and having sex with a partner, HIV disclosure, good perceived health status and CD4 count ≥200 cells for both sexes. Reduced desire was associated with havingmore than 2 children among females, divorce or separation, and having a child with the current partner among both males and females.ConclusionFertility desire and intention of PLWHA was substantially high though lower than that of the general population in Tanzania. Practice of unprotected sexual intercourse with higher pregnancy rate was observed. Fertility desire was determined by individual perceived health and socio-family related factors. With increasing ART coverage and subsequent improved quality of life of PLWHA, these findings underscore the importance of integrating reproductive health services in the routine care and treatment of HIV/AIDS worldwide. The results also highlight a group of PLWHA with potentially high desire for children who need to be targeted during care.

P34 Defining a target profile for promoting smoking cessation in Italy

BackgroundIn Italy, smoking cessation programmes rarely consider the characteristics of people who make quit attempts during life (independently from quitting or still smoking) as an useful starting point for effective...