HIV Cases Research Articles

Distinctive model for HIV index testing (IT) in Eastern Europe: results of Ukraine’s physician-led, integrated IT programme

ObjectivesThe effectiveness of HIV index testing (IT) in Eastern Europe has not been described. This study reports the performance of a scaled IT programme in Ukraine.DesignThis observational study included clients...

The Effect of Teleeducation Methods on Level Knowledge and Attitudes about HIV/AIDS Student in Ciasem 1 Public High School

HIV/AIDS is one of the major global health problems. Approximately, 5 percent of all HIV cases are originated from adolescents and around 1.7 million adolescents worldwide are living with HIV in 2019. Adolescents are often less exposed to information related to reproductive health, including HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the teleeducation method on the level of knowledge and attitudes of adolescents about HIV/AIDS. The research design used in this study was pre-experimental designs with one group pretest-posttest approach. Reproductive health education with the teleeducation method is carried out for 1 day. The data was collected using questionnaires that were distributed before and after the teleeducation was given. The number of respondents that was taken for this study were 78 students who were taken using purposive sampling technique. The results of the non-parametric two-related sample test using the Wilcoxon test in the knowledge analysis showed that the p-value was 0.000 or (p-value < 0.05) and the attitude analysis using the Wilcoxon test found that the p-value was 0.000 or (p-value < 0.05), indicating that there are differences in knowledge and attitudes before and after the teleeducation method was given. It can be concluded from this study that there are effects of the teleeducation method on increasing knowledge and increasing adolescent attitudes about HIV/AIDS.

Depression Management Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Among HIV/AIDS Patients

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is a worldwide health problem that has claimed a total of 36.7 million lives due to the HIV virus. In Indonesia, there are 30,935 cases of HIV and 7,185 cases of AIDS. HIV/AIDS can affect a person’s mental and psychological health. For example, the most common psychological problem faced by HIV/AIDS patients is depression. Depression experienced by HIV/AIDS patients is caused by the burden of life and social stigma. To overcome the psychological problems experienced by PLHIV, it is necessary to provide psychotherapy such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing a person’s mindset through their experiences so that they can move on with their lives. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of ACT on depression in PLHIV. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a one group pretest-posttest design. This study’s population consisted of all HIV/AIDS patients who were also depressed. The number of samples in this study is 33 PLWHA who had depression problems using a purposive sampling technique. The intervention given to treat depression in HIV/AIDS patients is ACT with 4 sessions, and the analysis of this study used a t-test. Results: The average depression score of respondents decreased from 38.73 before being given Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to 19.27 after being given ACT. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the average depression score between before and after being given ACT (t= 63,162 and p=0.000).

E66 Arthropathy as the initial presentation of HIV

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been associated with musculoskeletal disorders which has been estimated to occur in 11–72% of infected patients. Most of these reports however have been in adults with few published cases of HIV associated arthritis in children. The articular manifestations of HIV, especially overt arthritis, can occur at any stage of the disease but are more prevalent in advanced immunosuppression. With the increased access to early diagnosis and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), such complications have increasingly become rare. However, HIV diagnosis may often be missed or delayed in slow progressors, and in such circumstances, these patients may manifest with arthritis as the initial manifestation of HIV. Therefore, there’s need for consideration of HIV associated arthritis in children presenting with arthropathy of undetermined cause. We hereby present a case of arthritis as the initial manifestation of HIV in a child with missed diagnosis of HIV. Methodology/case presentation A 12-year-old boy was admitted in the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) paediatric ward with a history of joint pain and swelling for three months. He had otherwise previously been well. He had no history of fever, trauma, preceding gastroenteritis or urine tract infection. He had no chorea, no erythematous rash and no cardiac complications of rheumatic fever. He was not wasted, and was able to walk with great difficulty. He had bilateral knee and right ankle swelling. The swollen joints were warm to touch with positive ballotment and fluid sweep test. Joint aspiration revealed straw coloured joint effusion. Investigations included a positive HIV rapid test with CD4% of 6, CRP 8.33 mg/l (n = <5), Elevated ESR (111 mm in first h) and negative ANA. Bilateral Knee -rays did not reveal any destructive or erosive changes. A diagnosis of HIV arthropathy was made and the patient was started on HAART, HCQ, prednisone and ibuprofen. He improved, with resolution of the joint swellings, was discharged home after 10 days and follow up in the rheumatology and comprehensive care clinics advised. Conclusion HIV arthropathy should be considered in patients manifesting with arthritis of unknown origin; and the patients evaluated for HIV as a strategy for identifying and including them in care. Highly active antiretroviral therapy, steroids, hydroxychloroquine and NSAIDS may be effective therapy for HIV arthropathy. Disclosure statement: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Upaya Pencegahan Infeksi Menular Seks Pada Komunitas Men Sex Men melalui Penyuluhan

Background: Male sex workers (MSM) are at high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS due to frequent partner changes and anal sex. MSM is the highest risk factor for new HIV cases in Indonesia. Data of MSM (Gay, Bisexual, and Waria) in PKBI Semarang City, until March 2023 amounted to 3185. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find out in depth about the counseling of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Men Sex Men (MSM) at the Indonesian Family Planning Association PKBI Semarang City. Method: This research is a qualitative research with descriptive approach. Data collection techniques used were observation and interview, then the results of the study were analyzed descriptively. Informants were obtained from 3 MSM informants and 3 informants from the PKBI Semarang City team. Result: The results showed that, First, the good cooperation of the PKBI team and support from the Education Office, Health Office, and also from related institutions resulted in the willingness of MSM to participate in activities both education, socialization and counseling. While the obstacles are the lack of budget availability, and the assumption of people who consider the issue of sexual reproductive health is not important, sensitive issues, and do not want to receive information related to reproductive health. Second, the counseling conducted by PKBI Semarang city so far can be said to be good, the extension workers can provide maximum counseling. So far, the prevention of PKBI Semarang by providing condoms, lubricants, IEC and accompanied by education and socialization activities to increase knowledge about STIs and HIV/AIDS.

Using a Geosocial Networking App to Investigate New HIV Infections and Related Risk Factors Among Student and Nonstudent Men Who Have Sex With Men in Chengdu, China: Open Cohort Study.

In China, condomless sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the primary route of HIV infection in young people. Chengdu is a hotspot for reported HIV cases among young people nationwide. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone apps has dramatically changed the pattern of sexual behavior among young MSM (YMSM). However, data on HIV incidence and the risk behavior of YMSM using the GSN app are still obscure. This study aims to analyze and understand the HIV incidence and its risk factors among YMSM using GSN apps in Chengdu, China. An open cohort study was conducted among YMSM aged 18-24 years through a gay GSN smartphone app in Chengdu, China, from July 2018 to December 2020. Every participant completed a web-based questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and other related statuses; made a reservation for a web-based HIV testing; and then voluntarily got tested at the designated testing site. At least one additional HIV test was taken via the app during the study period, and participants were evaluated at the end of the study or at the time of HIV seroconversion. By dividing the sum of the observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-years, HIV incidence was calculated and compared between the student and nonstudent MSM. Univariate and multivariate (Cox proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to discuss the risk factors for new HIV infections. In the study cohort, 24 seroconversions occurred among 625 YMSM who took at least two HIV tests through the app during the study period, contributing to 505 observed person-years. The HIV incidence rate per 100 person-years was 4.75 (95% CI 2.89-6.61) among all MSM, 3.60 (95% CI 1.27-5.93) among student MSM, and 5.88 (95% CI 2.97-8.79) among nonstudent MSM. In addition, the HIV incidence per 100 person-years was 11.11 (95% CI 4.49-17.73) among those who had resided in the area for 6 months or less and 7.14 (95% CI 1.52-12.77) among those with senior high school or less education. Two or more sexual partners (adjusted hazards ratio [HR] 3.63, 95% CI 1.08-12.23) in the preceding 6 months was a risk factor for new HIV infections. Consistent condom use for anal sex (adjusted HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.88) and insertive anal sex only (adjusted HR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.75) in the preceding 6 months were protective factors for new HIV infections. The rate of new HIV infections among YMSM who actively used GSN smartphone apps was high, especially among migrant nonstudent MSM. Targeted interventions on GSN smartphone apps should be implemented to provide demand-adapted prevention and services to reduce the threat of HIV.

Sociocultural and structural influences on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Engagement and Uptake among African American Young adults

BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) demonstrates effectiveness in decreasing new cases of HIV. However, few African Americans use PrEP, despite being disproportionately impacted by HIV. Understanding the influence of sociocultural and structural factors on PrEP use among multiple priority groups of African Americans, including but not limited to men who have sex with men, may improve PrEP engagement and uptake. The social ecological model (SEM) as a framework guided the understanding of how these factors operate on multiple levels to influence PrEP use among this population.MethodsThis study derived data from the Afya PrEP study consisting of eleven focus groups (N = 63) with 18-29-year-old African American sexual and gender minority and heterosexual individuals at heightened behavioral vulnerability to HIV. We employed constructivist grounded theory processes to inductively analyze the data. A pooled kappa score of 0.90 indicated excellent inter-rater agreement.ResultsFactors impacting PrEP engagement among African American young adults included: (1) Community/social network influences; (2) medical mistrust; (3) stigma; (4) PrEP availability and accessibility, which had two sub-categories: (a) cost and (b) where to obtain PrEP; and (5) PrEP engagement strategies, which had two sub-categories: (a) current AIDS service organizations’ PrEP engagement practices and (b) recommended future PrEP engagement strategies. Categories one through three represent sociocultural factors, and categories four and five represent structural factors that influence perceptions and attitudes of African American young adults regarding PrEP.ConclusionOur study highlights sociocultural and structural factors that act as barriers and facilitators to PrEP engagement. The SEM guided the understanding of how these factors operated on multiple levels. One of the sociocultural factors, community/social network influences operated at the interpersonal level of the SEM; the other two, stigma and medical mistrust, operated at the community level. The structural factors (PrEP availability, accessibility, and engagement strategies) operated at the institutional/organizational level. Thus, multi-level interventions are warranted to improve PrEP engagement among various African American young adult priority groups.

Non-Disclosure of Sexual Orientation of Men Having Sex With Men (MSM): A Hidden Threat of HIV Transmission in Palembang, Indonesia

Men who engage in sexual relationships with other men (MSM) are consider a high-risk group for HIV transmission, with MSM in Indonesia accounting for 17.9% cases of HIV in 2020. This qualitative study aimed to understand better the factors determining MSMs' motivation to disclose their sexual orientation. This research employed a phenomenological approach to explore the disclosure experiences of MSM in Palembang City. In-depth interviews and observations were conducted with 11 purposively recruited MSM informants and five MSM outreach workers to ensure data triangulation. Documentation and observations of the participants were conducted during various activities at the Intan Maharani Foundation (IMF). MSM participants observed extreme caution when disclosing their sexual orientation and only chose to reveal their sexual orientation to a very limited network, such as close friends, who are MSM, and at risk of HIV transmission. The hesitation to disclosing sexual orientation may be linked to the fact that only a few MSM had ever undergone an HIV test. MSMs, if they choose to, could share their status with Field Outreach (FO) during routine health check-ups. Findings of this study call for further research on barriers that hinder MSM from openly discussing their sexual orientation. Such research can inform policy and program developers on how to improve services, promote health literacy, foster confidence and trust among MSMs, hence facilitating their access to HIV services, enabling them to disclose their HIV status confidentially, safely, and in a respectful environment.

Prevalence, characteristics and challenges of late HIV diagnosis in Germany: an expert narrative review.

We aimed to review the landscape of late HIV diagnosis in Germany and discuss persisting and emerging barriers to earlier diagnosis alongside potential solutions. We searched PubMed for studies informing the prevalence, trends, and factors associated with late HIV diagnosis in Germany. Author opinions were considered alongside relevant data. In Germany, older individuals, heterosexuals, and migrants living with HIV are more likely to be diagnosed late. The rate of late diagnosis in men who have sex with men (MSM), however, continues to decrease. Indicator conditions less often prompt HIV testing in women and non-MSM. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the absolute number of late diagnoses fell in Germany, but the overall proportion increased, probably reflecting lower HIV testing rates. The Ukraine war and subsequent influx of Ukrainians living with HIV may have substantially increased undiagnosed HIV cases in Germany. Improved indicator testing (based on unbiased assessments of patient risk) and universal testing could help reduce late diagnoses. In patients who receive a late HIV diagnosis, rapid treatment initiation with robust ART regimens, and management and prevention of opportunistic infections, are recommended owing to severely compromised immunity and increased risks of morbidity and mortality. Joint efforts are needed to ensure that UNAIDS 95-95-95 2030 goals are met in Germany. These include greater political will, increased funding of education and testing campaigns (from government institutions and the pharmaceutical industry), continued education about HIV testing by HIV experts, and broad testing support for physicians not routinely involved in HIV care.

Predictors of HIV testing among youth 15-24 years in urban Ethiopia, 2017-2018 Ethiopia population-based HIV impact assessment.

Youth (adolescents and young adults) aged 15-24 years comprise approximately 22% of Ethiopia's total population and make up 0.73% of HIV cases in urban Ethiopia. However, only 63% of HIV-positive youth are aware of their HIV status. We describe the HIV testing behaviors of youth 15-24 years and determined the characteristics of those who were most likely to be tested for HIV within the past year. Using data from the 2017-2018 Ethiopia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment, we provide survey-weighted estimates and prevalence risk ratios for engagement in HIV testing in the 12 months preceding the survey. We model the likelihood of HIV testing one year or more before the survey compared to never testing, using a multinomial logistic regression model. Among HIV-negative and unaware HIV-positive youth 15-24 years old (N = 7,508), 21.8% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 20.4-23.3%] reported testing for HIV in the last 12 months. Female youth [Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.4-1.8], those aged 20-24 years (PR = 2.6, 95% CI:2.3-2.9), and those ever married (PR = 2.8, 95% CI: 2.5-3.1) were more likely to have tested for HIV within the last year. Adjusting for select demographic characteristics, sex with a non-spousal or non-live-in partner [Relative Risk (RR) = 0.3, 95% CI:0.1-0.8] among males did not increase their likelihood to test for HIV in the prior 12 months. Female youth engaged in antenatal care (RR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.7-5.3) were more likely to test for HIV in the past year. The Ethiopian HIV case finding strategy may consider approaches for reaching untested youth, with a specific focus on adolescent males,15-19 years of age. This is critical towards achieving the UNAIDS HIV testing goal of 95% of all individuals living with HIV aware of their status by 2030.

CORELLATION BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE LEVEL WITH HIV/AIDS PREVENTION BEHAVIOR AT YADIKA 8 JATIMULYA VOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN 2022

Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a problem in Indonesia which is the 5th most at risk of HIV/AIDS in Asia, reports of HIV cases have increased every year since it was first reported in 1987, the most spike in increase was in 2016 compared to 2015 namely of 10,315 cases. Researcher's Objective: To find out the relationship between knowledge level and HIV/AIDS prevention behavior in Yadika 8 Jatimulya Vocational High School in 2022 Research Method: This research method is quantitative by using a cross sectional design. The population in this study were 110 teenagers at SMK Yadika 8 Jatimulya consisting of grades 10, 11 and 12 majoring in Accounting, Administration and Computer and Network Engineering. by using simple random sampling technique. Researcher results: Based on the results of research conducted by researchers at SMK Yadika 8 Jatimulya, the results of data processing using SPSS obtained Chi Square statistical test results, namely the Asymp Significance value (0.000) < value (0.05), this indicates that H0 is rejected. this shows that H0 is rejected. Thus, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between the level of knowledge and HIV/AIDS prevention behavior at SMK Yadika 8 Jatimulya in 2022. Conclusion: There is a relationship between the level of knowledge with HIV/AIDS prevention behavior in SMK Yadika 8 Jatimulya.

Effectiveness of provider-initiated versus client-initiated HIV testing by different health facility departments in Northern Tanzania

BackgroundHIV prevalence in Tanzania is still high at 4.7% among adults. Regular HIV testing is consistently advocated in the country to increase the level of awareness of HIV status, thus contributing to national HIV prevention. We report findings from three years of implementation of an HIV Test and Treat project utilizing provider-initiated and client-initiated testing and counselling (PITC and CITC). This study compared the effectiveness of PITC versus CITC in HIV case detection by the different departments of health facilities.MethodThis retrospective cross-sectional study used health facility-based HIV testing data collected from adults aged 18 years and above between June 2017 – July 2019 in the Shinyanga region, Tanzania. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were used to assess determinants of yield (HIV positivity).ResultsA total of 24,802 HIV tests were performed of which 15,814 (63.8%) were by PITC and 8,987 (36.2%) by CITC. Overall HIV positivity was 5.7%, higher among CITC at 6.6% than PITC at 5.2%. TB and IPD departments had the highest HIV positivity 11.8% and 7.8% respectively. Factors associated with a positive test were testing at a department in the facility compared to CITC, first-time test, and being or having been married compared to being single.ConclusionSuccess in identifying HIV + patients was highest among people visiting the clinic for HIV testing (CITC) and first-time testers. With PITC, HIV + patient detection differed between departments, suggesting divergent risk profiles of respective clients and/or divergent HIV alertness of staff. This underscores the importance of increased targeting for PITC to identify HIV + patients.

A new outbreak of HIV infection among people who inject drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece.

Multiple HIV outbreaks have been recorded among people who inject drugs (PWID) since 2010. During an intervention for PWID in 2019-2021 in Thessaloniki, Greece, an increasing number of HIV cases was documented. Here, we provide an analysis of this new outbreak. ALEXANDROS was a community-based program and participation included interviewing, rapid HIV/HCV tests, counselling and linkage to care. PWID were recruited through Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) in five sampling rounds. Crude and RDS-weighted HIV prevalence estimates were obtained. HIV incidence was estimated from data on 380 initially seronegative PWID with at least two tests. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess risk factors for HIV seroconversion. In total, 1,101 PWID were recruited. At first participation, 53.7% were current PWID, 20.1% homeless, 20.3% on opioid substitution treatment and 4.8% had received syringes in the past 12 months. HIV prevalence (95% CI) was 7.0% (5.6-8.7%) and an increasing trend was observed over 2019-2021 (p=0.002). Two-thirds of the cases (67.5%) were new diagnoses. HIV incidence was 7.0 new infections/100 person-years (95% CI:4.8-10.2). Homelessness in the past 12 months (HR:2.68; 95% CI:1.24-5.81) and receptive syringe sharing (HR:3.86; 95% CI:1.75-8.51) were independently associated with increased risk of seroconversion. By the end of the program, 67.3% of the newly diagnosed cases initiated antiretroviral treatment. A new HIV outbreak among PWID was documented in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic with homelessness and syringe sharing being associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition. Peer-driven programs targeting the population of high-risk underserved PWID can be used to early identify emerging outbreaks and to improve linkage to HIV care.

PERANAN TOKOH MASYARAKAT DALAM PENGENDALIAN PERILAKU BERISIKO HIV/AIDS

The incidence of HIV/AIDS is still high and continues to increase. The Indonesian Ministry of Health's report on P2P in 2019 in Indonesia was 50,282 HIV cases and 7,036 AIDS cases. West Sumatra is ranked 19th regarding the highest number of HIV cases with 541 HIV cases and 258 AIDS cases. The HIV incidence rate in Padang City in 2019 was 287 cases. The aim of this research is to determine the role of bundo kanduang and religious scholars in controlling HIV/AIDS. This research uses quantitative cross-sectional methods. The research will be conducted in Padang City, Payakumbuh City, Fifty Cities Regency, Bukitinggi City and Pasaman Regency in West Sumatra Province with a sample size of 104 people. The research was conducted from August 2021 to December 2022. The research procedures that will be carried out are data collection, data analysis and data interpretation. Data was collected using a questionnaire with data sources namely primary and secondary data. Data were analyzed computerized using SPSS version 25, univariate and bivariate. The results of the research obtained information that there was a relationship between the role of biological mother (p-value = 0.001) and religious ulama (p-value = 0.000) with HIV/AIDS risk behavior. Based on statistical results, information was obtained that there is a relationship between biological parents and religious scholars with HIV/AIDS risk behavior. It is hoped that the West Sumatra government will again increase the role of community leaders by involving community leaders in preparing plans to control HIV/AIDS in the community.

Modeling the future of HIV in Turkey: Cost-effectiveness analysis of improving testing and diagnosis.

This study aimed to determine HIV incidence and prevalence in Turkey and to estimate the cost-effectiveness of improving testing and diagnosis in the next 20 years. HIV incidence in Turkey has been rapidly increasing in the last decade with a particularly high rate of infection for younger populations, which underscores the urgent need for a robust prevention program and improved testing capacity for HIV. We developed a dynamic compartmental model of HIV transmission and progression among the Turkish population aged 15-64 and assessed the effect of improving testing and diagnosis. The model generated the number of new HIV cases by transmission risk and CD4 level, HIV diagnoses, HIV prevalence, continuum of care, the number of HIV-related deaths, and the expected number of infections prevented from 2020 to 2040. We also explored the cost impact of HIV and the cost-effectiveness of improving testing and diagnosis. Under the base case scenario, the model estimated an HIV incidence of 13,462 cases in 2020, with 63% undiagnosed. The number of infections was estimated to increase by 27% by 2040, with HIV incidence in 2040 reaching 376,889 and HIV prevalence 2,414,965 cases. Improving testing and diagnosis to 50%, 70%, and 90%, would prevent 782,789, 2,059,399, and 2,336,564 infections-32%, 85%, and 97% reduction in 20 years, respectively. Improved testing and diagnosis would reduce spending between $1.8 and $8.8 billion. In the case of no improvement in the current continuum of care, HIV incidence and prevalence will significantly increase over the next 20 years, placing a significant burden on the Turkish healthcare system. However, improving testing and diagnosis could substantially reduce the number of infections, ameliorating the public health and disease burden aspects.

Retesting of Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Treatment at HIV Care and Treatment and Prevention of Mother-To-Child HIV Transmission Sites in Cameroon

The World Health Organization recommends retesting of newly diagnosed HIV cases for verification of results prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. This study aimed at ascertaining the HIV status of clients on lifelong ART. We tested 25% of ART clients in 6 care and treatment (C&T) sites and all HIV-positive women receiving ART in 22 prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) sites in Northwest and Southwest regions. Testing was proposed consecutively to clients in group education sessions during ART refill visit until the sample size was achieved. Individual counselling was provided to clients who opted to be retested. Testing was with Determine HIV-1/2 and First Response rapid tests and further testing was with DNA-PCR. Clients with negative test results were counseled to discontinue ART. Results were analyzed comparing misdiagnosis at ART and PMTCT sites. A total of 4526 ART clients were retested for HIV; 3914(86.5%) from ART and 612(13.5%) from PMTCT sites. Female participants dominated (79%) and the median age was 39 years. Higher proportions of clients retested at PMTCT sites were negative with both tests (0.8% vs 0.1%) and had discordant results (1.1% vs 0.4%) than at ART sites. All 32 clients with negative or discordant results were tested with DNA-PCR and 22(0.5%) were negative; 11(0.3%) in ART and 11(1.8%) in PMTCT sites. HIV positive status was confirmed for 99.5% of clients retested, with a lower rate at PMTCT (98.2%) than C&T (99.7%) sites; meaning misdiagnosis and inappropriate ART treatment was more likely at PMTCT. Adherence to recommendation for HIV retesting for verification will reduce inappropriate treatment. Keywords: HIV, Retesting, Misdiagnosis, Care and Treatment Centre, PMTCT, Cameroon

The relationship between the anxiety level of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) about covid-19 and covid-19 vaccination compliance

HIV is a type of virus that infects white blood cells causing a decrease in human immunity. The incidence of HIV in Indonesia is 50,282 people and AIDS is 7,036 people. HIV and AIDS cases have increased, from 2018-2019 HIV numbered 219 people to 249 people and AIDS numbered 226 people to 354 people. The aim of the researchers was to find out the anxiety of PLWHA during the Covid-19 pandemic with the compliance of PLWHA taking the Covid-19 vaccination. This type of quantitative research with a cross sectional approach. Total population of 152 people, using the Slovin formula obtained 61 samples, determined using accidental sampling technique. Data collection using a questionnaire. The results of the study The majority of respondents were anxious about Covid-19 in the No anxiety/mild category, namely 32 people (52.5%). And a minority of respondents experienced moderate/severe anxiety with a total of 29 people (47.5%) during the Covid-19 pandemic . The results of the chi square test obtained a significant relationship between the anxiety of PLWHA on covid-19 and the compliance of PLWHA following the covid-19 vaccination p value = 0.00 ≤ 0.05 then Ha is accepted. The implications of this research are expected to reduce the anxiety of PLWHA about COVID-19 so that they comply with the COVID-19 vaccination

Sexual Attitudes, Age, Sex and Romantic Commitment as Factors in the Level of HIV Awareness of Selected College Students

As of January of 2023, over 110,000 documented HIV cases have been reported in the Philippines. According to the Department of Health, the rate of infection in 2023 is 22% higher than in 2022. In view of these reports, this study attempted to ascertain the level of HIV awareness of selected college students. It also explored their sexual attitudes, age, sex and presence of a romantic commitment as potential factors that could affect their level of HIV awareness. Fifty 2nd year students from a college in the Province of Rizal, Philippines volunteered to be the respondents. To assess their sexual attitudes, the Brief Sexual Attitude Scale (BSAS), a 23 item 5-point Likert scale instrument, which measures the 4 domains of permissiveness, birth control, communion and instrumentality was used. To assess their HIV awareness, a 29-item true or false researcher-made instrument was crafted based on the HIV facts stated in the UNAIDS website. The results found that with regards to sexual attitudes, the respondents moderately disagree to permissiveness, strongly agree to birth control, moderately agree to communion and are neutral to instrumentality. No significant difference was found between the male and female respondents concerning the 4 BSAS domains. Furthermore, there was also no significant difference between the respondents with and without romantic commitment concerning the 4 BSAS domains. Based on the scores obtained from the researcher-made instrument measuring the respondents’ level of HIV awareness, their level of awareness is only at 52.48%. A very statistically significant difference was found in the level of HIV awareness between the male and female respondents. In addition, it was established that the female respondents have a significantly higher HIV awareness than the male respondents. No significant difference was established between the level of HIV awareness of the respondents with or without romantic commitment. Furthermore, no significant relationship was found between the level of HIV awareness of the respondents and the 4 BSAS domains. However, a significant moderate inverse relationship between the respondents’ age and their level of HIV awareness was established. This implies that as the respondent’s age increases, his HIV awareness score moderately decreases and vice versa. Keywords: HIV, HIV awareness, sexual attitudes, Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale

HIV in Paraná: clinical-epidemiological overview, distribution, and incidence by macroregional and regional health

Objective: to trace the clinical-epidemiological panorama, distribution, and incidence of HIV cases by macroregional and regional health of Paraná. Material and Methods: descriptive epidemiological study, carried out with data obtained by the Notifiable Diseases Information System regarding HIV/AIDS cases registered in the state of Paraná between 2018 and 2019. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The study was authorized by the State Department of Health of Paraná and had a favorable opinion from the Research Ethics Committee. Results: 6,023 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported, with a prevalence of male, white, mean age of 35 years old, complete high school and college, and predominance of sexual transmission. The epidemiological characteristics corroborate the findings in the literature and are similar to the national profile. There were cases of mother-to-child vertical transmission during pregnancy and via transfusion, suggesting possibilities for effective action. East macroregional had the highest number of cases and incidence coefficient. Conclusion: the HIV/AIDS epidemic represents a multidimensional challenge for the health sector, considering its magnitude, severity, costs, and dissemination. Despite the improvement in infection prevention and health promotion strategies, the numbers of new infections per year are relevant and stable. The regionalization of information allows the individualization of epidemiological data, enabling the adoption of more effective strategies that correspond to local needs. Therefore, this study brings great contributions to local managers to direct strategies for assistance, surveillance, and control of this condition of great importance to public health.

The Impact of Sexually Transmitted Infections on Male and Female Infertility: Literature Review

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are a global issue with 374 million new infections globally and a prevalence of 6% in 2022 in Indonesia. Sexually transmitted infections have potential causes of infertility. The purpose of this study is to describe the impact of STIs on infertility for both men and women. The research design is a literature review by looking systematically at journals and articles on Google Scholar, Garuda Portal, and Science Direct. The inclusion criteria in this study were journal publications spanning 2018-2022, the outcome studied was to find out that sexually transmitted infections have an impact on the incidence of infertility in men and women. Reviews of 5 selected articles describing the correlation between sexually transmitted infections and infertility, including reviews of men with Chlamydia trachomatis or men and women positive for Human papillomavirus or women with vaginal lactobacilli have the potential for infertility. Microbiological association with experiments using IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) or pregnancy attempts using IVF shows that 85.7% of microbiologically positive couples have a success rate of 7.5%. Therefore, it can be concluded that sexually transmitted infections have an impact on the incidence of infertility, especially in men compared to women, which are mostly caused by bacteria and viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections. In addition to sexually transmitted infections, it is also caused by poor lifestyle factors such as using drugs, alcoholic beverages and smoking. Efforts are needed to detect symptoms of infertility early, especially in STI sufferers with HIV and AIDS cases.