HIV Prevalence Rates Research Articles

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial with a stepped care approach, utilizing PrEP navigation with and without contingency management, for transgender women and sexual minority men with a substance use disorder: Assistance Services Knowledge-PrEP (A.S.K.-PrEP)

BackgroundIn the United States, most (~ 70%) annual newly diagnosed HIV infections are among substance-using sexual minority men (SMM) and gender minority transgender women (trans women). Trans women and SMM are more likely to report or be diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) than their cisgender or heterosexual counterparts and the presence of an SUD substantially increases the risk of HIV infection in both groups. Although Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective, initiation, adherence, and persistence are exclusively behavioral outcomes; thus, the biomedical benefits of PrEP are abrogated by substance use. SUD is also associated with reduced quality-of-life, and increased overdose deaths, utilization of high-cost healthcare services, engagement in a street economy, and cycles of incarceration.ObjectiveTo determine the optimal (considering efficacy and cost-effectiveness) strategy for advancement along the PrEP Care Continuum among trans women and SMM with an SUD.MethodsThis study will implement a randomized controlled trial, evaluating two Stepped Care approaches involving A.S.K.-PrEP vs. standard of care (SOC) to determine optimal intervention strategies for trans women and SMM with an SUD (N = 250; n = 83 trans women; n = 167 SMM) for advancement along the PrEP Care Continuum. Participants will be randomized (3:1) to Stepped Care (n = 187) or SOC (n = 63). Participants in the Stepped Care arm will be assessed at 3-months for intervention response; responders will be maintained in A.S.K.-PrEP, while non-responders will receive added attention to their SUD via Contingency Management (CM). Non-responders will be re-randomized (1:1) to either (a) receive A.S.K.-PrEP + CM, or (b) shift the primary focus to their SUD (CM alone).ResultsRecruitment and enrollment began in May 2023. Recruitment will span approximately 36 months. Data collection, including all follow-up assessments, is expected to be completed in April 2027.DiscussionTrans women and SMM with an SUD have the two highest HIV prevalence rates in the United States, which underscores the urgent need for effective measures to develop scalable behavioral interventions that can encourage advancement along the PrEP Care Continuum. To improve public health, researchers must identify scalable and cost-effective behavioral interventions to promote PrEP initiation, adherence, and persistence among trans women and SMM who use substances.Trial registrationThis trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT05934877.

Very high HIV prevalence and incidence among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Indonesia: a retrospective observational cohort study in Bali and Jakarta, 2017-2020.

There are no longitudinal HIV incidence data among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Indonesia. We aimed to estimate HIV prevalence and incidence and identify associated factors among clinic attendees in Jakarta and Bali. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using medical records from five clinics. We reviewed HIV tests among MSM/TGW aged ≥18 years who attended the clinics between 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020 in Jakarta and 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019 in Bali. HIV prevalence was measured at the first test. Those with an HIV-negative test and ≥1 follow-up test/s were included in the person-years (PY) at risk to determine HIV incidence. The PY at risk calculation started at the first negative test until the last recorded negative test or seroconversion. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to determine factors associated with HIV acquisition. Among 5203 and 2815 individuals with an HIV test result in Jakarta and Bali, respectively, at the first HIV test, 1205 and 616 were HIV positive (HIV prevalence 23.2% and 21.9%). The longitudinal sample included 1418 and 873 individuals, respectively. The median number of tests among repeat testers was 3 in Jakarta (interquartile range [IQR] = 2-4) and 3 in Bali (IQR = 2-5). At baseline, about one-quarter were aged <25 years, >90% were MSM and >35% had been tested for HIV previously. In Jakarta, there were 127 HIV seroconversions in 1353 PY (incidence 9.39/100 PY, 95% CI = 7.89-11.17), and in Bali, 71 seroconversions in 982 PY (incidence 7.24/100 PY, 95% CI = 5.73-9.13). Compared to those aged 18-24 years, the incidence rate was lower in older patients (Jakarta-30-39 years: aRR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34-0.92; 40+ years: aRR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.14-0.81; Bali-25-29 years: aRR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.25-0.79; 30-39 years: aRR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.18-0.61; 40+ years: aRR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01-0.48). In Jakarta, incidence was lower in those with university education than in those without (aRR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.45-0.96). In Bali, those who had been referred by outreach workers had a higher incidence than those who self-presented for testing (aRR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.12-3.07). We observed very high HIV prevalence and incidence rate estimates. Measures to encourage regular testing and effective use of HIV prevention, including pre-exposure prophylaxis scale-up and demand creation, are needed.

The Prevalence Rate of Syphilis and HIV Across Different Genders, Races, and Ages from 2017 to 2021 in the Southern Region of the United States

The Prevalence Rate of Syphilis and HIV Across Different Genders, Races, and Ages from 2017 to 2021 in the Southern Region of the United States

Increasing HIV prevalence rate among men who have sex with men: results of a comparison of two national surveys.

Our objective was to compare HIV prevalence between two national surveys among men who have sex with men in Brazil in 2009 and 2016. HIV prevalence was estimated stratifying by age and socioeconomic status. HIV prevalence increased from 11.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9-14.3], in 2009, to 19.1% (95% CI: 16.5 - 22.0), in 2016 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3-2.3] increasing 320% among Young MSM of low SES. Political leadership is needed to develop a scientifically sound and inclusive solution.

Menstrual Rite of Passage: Implications for HIV Prevention

Indigenous knowledge ingrained in rites of passage associated with birth, puberty, marriage, and death is often blamed for exacerbating HIV and AIDS prevalence rates in African societies. Against this backdrop, this study utilises the hermeneutic phenomenology of religion to explore the potential role of the Shona-Manyika menstrual rite of passage in complementing or impeding modern biomedical HIV prevention strategies. Given that there is limited research on the menstrual rite of passage among the Shona dialects, the Manyika included, data were qualitatively gathered through purposively selected individual interviews with key participants and focus group discussions in the Shona-Manyika Gandanzara community. The study finds that the menstrual rite of passage or some of its aspects have manifest and latent functions that can promote or impede the use of modern biomedical HIV prevention strategies such as condom use, abstinence, faithfulness, and delayed coital debut. Thus, the role of the menstrual rite of passage as a cultural approach in mitigating HIV transmission is ambivalent. This implies that the cultural approach to HIV prevention can be an important mitigatory strategy if interventionists can capitalise on aspects of rituals that are useful.

Estimation of the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C among prisoners in Tajikistan

Aim. To assess the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C in prisons in the Republic of Tajikistan.Materials and methods. The biobehavioural study included anonymous testing for 3 infections (HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C) and a survey. Participation was voluntary. Each participant was able to access the results of the study through their unique code, which was assigned prior to the start of the study. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi-Info-3.5.2 analysis software.Results and discussion. The prevalence rates of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C in prisons were HIV - 3.4%, syphilis - 2.8%, hepatitis C - 8.9%. According to the results, drug use by injection is prevalent in prisons. The presence of homosexual contacts in prisons is also confirmed.Conclusion. HIV prevalence among prisoners in Dushanbe has increased from 2.2 to 2.9 per cent. In Dushanbe, it increased from 2.5 per cent in 2020 to 3.5 per cent in 2023, while in Khujand it decreased (3.8 per cent and 3.3 per cent). Prisoners’ awareness of HIV/AIDS and use of preventive measures is low. In 2023, only 56 per cent of prisoners had been tested for HIV.

Understanding Youth Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS in Uganda: Social, Economic, and Behavioural Dimensions

This review examines the multifaceted vulnerability of Ugandan youth to HIV/AIDS, emphasising the interplay of social, economic, and behavioural dimensions. Through a comprehensive analysis of HIV prevalence rates, trends, regional variations, and gender disparities, the review highlights key risk factors, including peer pressure, cultural norms, stigma, economic hardship, and substance use. It underscores the critical role of gender dynamics, with female youth facing unique challenges such as gender-based violence and economic dependence, while LGBTQ+ youth encounter compounded risks due to societal stigma and inadequate services. We also explore the disparities between rural and urban youth in access to information and services, uncovering significant barriers they face. Youth-led initiatives are critical in addressing these challenges, with peer education programs, youth-friendly services, and innovative digital campaigns all playing a crucial role in prevention efforts. We discuss barriers to youth participation, such as stigma, cultural norms, and educational gaps, and discuss strategies to overcome them, like culturally sensitive education and improved access to resources. We highlight the role of schools and educational institutions, emphasising the importance of integrating comprehensive sex education, school-based health services, and extracurricular activities to foster awareness and preventive behaviours. The review also highlights the importance of youth advocacy and leadership in shaping inclusive policies and driving effective interventions. We present economic empowerment strategies, including skills training andmicrofinance, as complementary to health-focused efforts by addressing socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The review concludes by advocating for a holistic approach that combines education, economic empowerment, gender-sensitive interventions, and collaborative partnerships among government, NGOs, civil society, and the private sector to effectively reduce HIV prevalence and improve the well-being of Ugandan youth. Keywords: Youth, HIV/AIDS, Uganda, social, economic, and behavioural dimensions

Biosocial Analysis of the DREAMS Program in Tanzania

In Tanzania, the HIV epidemic is impacting many people throughout the country. However, this impact is not equally distributed among all people. Different areas in Tanzania suffer higher prevalence rates of HIV than others. In addition, females, especially adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), are at greater risk when it comes to HIV infection. These inequitable prevalence rates are caused by a number of factors, including but not limited to gender-based violence, lack of education, and involvement in transactional sex and sex work. In order to address HIV in Tanzania, U.S.-based groups including President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and ICAP have designed and implemented the DREAMS program, which aims to protect AGYW from HIV infection via empowerment, education, and testing services. While this is a multi-faceted intervention that aims to protect women and address more than just the biological factors that spread disease, there are possible unintended consequences that can lead to harm.

Evaluating the Influence of Parental HIV Status on Well-being of Children and Adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background and Purpose: The quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents living with HIV is a crucial area of public health concern, particularly in regions heavily impacted by HIV. Parental HIV status can significantly influence different dimensions of a child’s life, including their emotional, social, and physical health. Nigeria is one of the countries having the highest HIV prevalence rates; understanding how parental HIV status affects children is essential for designing effective intervention and support systems. This study aims to investigate the relationship between parental HIV status and health-related QoL (HRQoL) among children and adolescents. We hope to provide insights that can improve the lives of young individuals in Lagos State, Nigeria. By examining demographic factors and health-related variables, this research seeks to advise targeted strategies to support families affected by HIV. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study collected data at the Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic, the Clinical Sciences Department of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria, between May and July 2019. The Institutional Review Board of NIMR granted ethical approval for the study. The study population consisted of 113 children and young people with HIV. Participants were randomly selected and assessed for eligibility. Then, written informed consent was obtained before enrollment in the main study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, HIV-related health metrics, and HRQoL were collected using a case record form and a validated questionnaire to assess the pediatric QoL (PedsQL). A total of 108 participants (60 with single parent HIV-positive and 48 with both parents HIV-positive) were included. The data were analyzed using STATA software, version 16, employing the chi-square test and logistic regression to examine the determinants influencing HRQoL. We employed the PedsQL version 4, and the clinician filled out the questionnaire in the Pediatric Clinic. Results: Participants’ mean ages were 13.6 years (single parent HIV positive) and 14.2 years (both parents HIV positive), with significant associations between age and parental HIV status (P&lt;0.05). Fathers were primary caregivers for 46.7% (single parent HIV positive) and 56.3% (both parents HIV positive) of participants (P&lt;0.05). Parental status (alive or deceased) and education level were significantly associated with parental HIV status, with most participants having secondary education. Most participants identified as Christians (86.7% single parent HIV positive and 87.5% both parents HIV positive). The CD4 cell counts below 500 were more common in participants with both parents HIV positive, though with no significant association (P&gt;0.05). The HRQoL scores were significantly associated with parental HIV status (P&lt;0.05), with better scores in psychosocial and physical domains. Logistic regression showed no significant links between parental HIV status and gender, age group, or primary caregiver’s gender. Participants with both HIV-positive parents were less likely to have both parents alive. Conclusion: Parental HIV status significantly affects demographic factors and HRQoL in children and adolescents. These findings highlight the necessity for specialized interventions and support mechanisms to enhance the QoL for families affected by HIV.

An Exploration of Geographic Access to Substance Use Treatment Programs and Violence Against Women.

Violence against women (VAW) is a significant public health and human rights issue, with an estimated 736 million women globally experiencing VAW. Consistent evidence demonstrates that substance use is associated with VAW and that participation in substance use treatment programs is associated with reduction in substance use-related violence. While evidence demonstrates the ability to address VAW through substance use treatment programs, less attention has been paid to geographic access to substance use programs. If these programs are geographically inaccessible, particularly to marginalized populations, many people will not get the help they need. This study seeks to explore the relationship between geographic access to substance use treatment programs on VAW. Using data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 064 study, longitudinal multilevel models were used to assess the relationship between neighborhood-level social determinants, with a specific focus on geographic access to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) certified drug and alcohol treatment programs and VAW. The study included 1910 women, ages 18 to 44, living in select geographic areas with high-ranked prevalence of HIV and poverty. The findings of this study indicate that among women who reside in census tracts with high prevalence rates of HIV: (1) substance use increases VAW; (2) VAW decreases as geographic access to SAMHSA-certified drug and alcohol treatment facilities increases; and (3) when looking at specific types of VAW, emotional and physical abuse decreases as geographic access to substance use treatment increases. Policies and programs to increase access to substance use treatment should be explored and evaluated, and more programs are needed that address the intersectionality of substance use and VAW.

Transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors of Kamenge Teaching Hospital blood bank in Burundi.

The current risk of contracting a transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) is unknown in Burundi. The aim of this study was to assess sociodemographic profiles of blood bank donors at Kamenge Teaching Hospital, the prevalence and associated risk factors of HIV, syphilis, HBV and HCV from 2015 to 2020. We conducted a cross-sectional study including all blood donors of Kamenge Teaching Hospital blood bank. During this study, 1370 blood samples were screened for HIV, Syphilis, HBV and HCV. We calculated prevalence of TTIs and performed logistic regression to know associated risk factors. Blood donors were males at 77% and 23% females. They were mostly students (54.2%). On screening, 83 blood samples (6.06%) were seropositive for at least one TTI. The overall prevalence rate of HIV, Syphilis, HBV and HCV among blood donors was 1.3%, 0.2% ,1.6%, 2.9% respectively. There was difference in distribution of the four TTIs among blood donors which is statistically significant (x2=33.997, ϱ-value<0.001). Private donors were associated with a high risk of syphilis and being a first-time donor was associated with a high HBV risk factor. The prevalence of TTIs found still to be high; mandatory and continuous screening is necessary.

Viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy after single drug substitution of efavirenz with dolutegravir at an HIV Centre in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: AIDS was first reported in the 1980s. The HIV prevalence rate among Pakistani adults is 0.2%. The Sindh Center for AIDS Control Programs (SACP) was established in Karachi in 2006. In 2018, the SACP introduced the integrase chain transfer inhibitor dolutegravir (DTG) and lamivudine (3TC) and tenofovir diproxilfumarate (TDF). Patients who developed virological failure on Efavirenz, 3TC, and TDF were switched to DTG/3TC/TDF. As the two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors remained the same, EFV and DTG were effectively substituted as single agents. We assessed immunological, virological and clinical responses to DTG. Material and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at the SACP of adults with virological failure on EFV/3TC/TDF who were switched to DTG/3TC/TDF from April 2019 till November 2023. Results: The 14 patients were switched after a mean of 28.2 months of prior antiretroviral therapy with mean CD4 of 116 cells/mm3. Mean age was 28.4 years with 7 (50.0%) males.12 were adherent to the DTG regimen; 11 (92 %) achieved viral suppression. The Mean period of suppression was31 months. There was no clinical or immunological failure with upsurge of mean CD4 to 632 cells/mm3. Conclusion: The patients with virological failure on an efavirenz-based regimen are likely to have viral suppression after switch to a dolutegravir-based routine even if they potentially have NRTI resistance. These results are relevant to HIV programs in resource-poor settings where switches between regimens are often implemented without frequent viral load or resistance testing. Keywords: HIV, Dolutegravir, Efavirenz, Tenofovir, Viral suppression, CD4 count

Trend of HIV Prevalence in Antenatal Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Western Region of India.

Background The severity of AIDS and the social and personal implications of HIV makes the epidemiological study of HIV more difficult. Surveillance studies remain the mainstay of understanding thetrends of HIV infection. In this study, we aimed to determine the trend in the prevalence of HIV in the antenatal women attending our hospital situated in the western region of India over the period of the last nine years and theART adherence and the viral loads of the cluster of positive patients identified from this antenatal HIV testing. Methodology A retrospective study was conducted by collecting data fornine years from January 2015 to December 2023 from the PPTCT (Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission) Centre and ART (Anti-Retroviral Treatment) Centre of the hospital. All pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and being admitted to the labor room are counseled for HIV testing as per the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) guidelines of India. The data of the total antenatal women counseled for HIV testing and who tested HIV positivewere collected. The HIV prevalence rate was derived and the trend of HIV prevalence in antenatal women attending the hospital was determined over the study period. The data on ART adherence and the viral load of these HIV-positive women detected antenatally and their seropositive spouseand children were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 22,584 antenatal women were counseled for HIV testing during the study period. No women opted out and there was 100% testing of these 22,584 antenatal women for HIV. Fifty antenatal women tested positive for HIV, resulting in an overall HIV prevalence of 0.22% (50/22,584) during the study period. There was adeclining trend of HIV prevalence among antenatal women from 2020 to 2023 (from 0.37% to 0.19%). Of the 50 seropositive antenatal women, 42remained bookedat our ART Centre for treatment. Thirty (71%) women are still adhered to taking ART. Of their 20 seropositive spouses, 14 (70%) have remained adhered to ART. Twenty-eight (93%) female patients on ART and 13 (93%) spouses on ART have suppressed viral loads. Two children of these seropositive mothers had tested HIV positive. ART adherence and suppressed viral load were seen in both seropositive children. Conclusion The study reflects a decline in antenatal seroprevalence in recent years in our region. The antenatal HIV prevalence trends have major implications on mother-to-child transmission and these positive antenatal cases serveas index cases bringing the testing opportunity for the so-called identified as the non-high-risk population. ART adherence of positive female patients, after the completion of the antenatal period, remains the challenge in our region, which requires improvement in the outreach activities and increased motivation and awareness of these patients regarding the importance of taking lifelong ART.

Prevalence and association of HIV and tuberculosis status in older adults in South Africa: an urgent need to escalate the scientific and political attention to aging and health.

This study examined the prevalence and sociodemographic factors among older adults with HIV and TB status in South Africa. This data was cross-sectional and obtained from the 2019 General Household Surveys in South Africa. Adults 50 years and over with reported HIV and TB status were included (N = 9,180,047). We reported statistical analyses of the descriptive, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, and binary logistic regression. The study has found a prevalence rate of HIV to be 5.3% and TB to be 2.9% among older adults aged 50 years and above in South Africa. However, the study found HIV and TB to be highest among older adults residing in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. For HIV status, the female gender [AOR = 0.80*, CI 95% = 0.80-0.80] and secondary education [AOR = 0.57, CI 95% = 0.56-0.58] have lower odds of association among older adults with HIV. Regarding TB status, primary education [AOR = 1.08*, CI 95% = 1.06-1.10] and diabetes [AOR = 1.87*, CI 95% = 1.82-1.91] have lower likelihoods of associations among older adults with TB. There is an urgent need to escalate scientific and political attention to address the HIV/TB burden in older adults and, public health policymakers need to take cognizance of the interdependence of inequality, mobility, and behavioural modification among this high-risk population.

Endorsement of HIV misconceptions over time among females and males in Haiti

To address high HIV prevalence rates in Haiti, disseminating information about HIV transmission has been emphasized. Yet, after several decades, we do not know how effective HIV information dissemination has been in reducing HIV misconceptions. Using the 2005-06, 2012, and 2016-17 Haiti Demographic and Health Surveys and applying logistic regression, we found nuanced gender dynamics in endorsing HIV misconceptions over time. Among females at the bivariate level, the odds of endorsement of HIV misconceptions in 2012 (OR = 0.87, p < 0.05) and 2016-17 (OR = 0.68, p < 0.001) had declined compared to 2005-06. At the multivariate level, however, we observed that demographic factors suppressed the difference between 2005-06 and 2012, although those in 2016-17 (OR = 0.71, p < 0.001) were still less likely to endorse HIV misconceptions. However, this relationship disappeared once we added behavioral factors (OR = 0.93, p > 0.05). Among males, after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors at the multivariate level, those in 2012 (OR = 1.55, p < 0.001) and 2016-17 (OR = 1.24, p < 0.01) were more likely to endorse HIV misconceptions compared to men in 2005-06. We recommend that while improving women’s access to HIV services, it is important to incorporate the HIV needs of males into the National HIV policy priority areas.

Patterns of Rising HIV Positivity in Northern Madagascar: Evidence of an Urgent Public Health Concern.

Despite over two decades of progress against HIV/AIDS in adjacent sub-Saharan Africa, HIV rates and deaths due to AIDS are exponentially rising in Madagascar. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence suggests that, due to a scarcity of general-population screening data, even the startling increase demonstrated by official models vastly underestimates the true population prevalence of HIV. We aimed to implement a real-world HIV screening and treatment protocol to serve a general population stemming from across northern Madagascar. In collaboration with the Malagasy Ministry of Health, we provided point-of-care HIV screening and confirmatory testing for over 1000 participants from 73 towns, villages, and cities. We recorded an overall HIV prevalence of 2.94%. Notably, we observed a 13.1% HIV prevalence rate among urban populations and showed that proximity to a major route of travel was significantly associated with HIV risk. We also observed a link between HIV risk and various occupations, including those associated with increased mobility (such as mining). Importantly, all HIV-positive individuals were initiated on antiretroviral therapy in concordance with local health authorities. To our knowledge, this study marks the largest primary test data-based HIV study to date among Madagascar's general population, showing a greatly higher HIV prevalence (2.9%) than previously reported modeling-based figures (0.4%). Our rates aligned with the pattern of higher prevalence demonstrated in smaller general-population screening studies occurring more commonly prior to political strife in the mid-2000s. These findings demonstrate evidence of a growing HIV epidemic in northern Madagascar and underscore the need for future investment into more comprehensive HIV screening and control initiatives in Madagascar.

HIV prevalence and associated factors among married women, Mozambique, 2015: analysis of the 2015 National AIDS Indicator Survey (IMASIDA).

epidemiological estimates from the 2021 Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) emphasize the existing gender disparities, where women face a higher risk of HIV/AIDS exposure. In Mozambique, as of 2021, the HIV prevalence rate among the adult population stood at 12.5%, with an even more concerning rate of 15.4% among women of reproductive age. a cross-sectional study was carried out with secondary data from the Survey on National Indicators of Vaccination, Malaria, and HIV/AIDS (IMASIDA 2015), where we included married women, both civil marriage and common law marriage of reproductive age 15-49 years. Statistical analyses, including chi-squared tests and logistic regression models, accounting for survey design, were employed to assess associations. the study findings showed that HIV prevalence was higher among married women aged 35-49 years (aOR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.3-4.6; p=0.005), those without formal education (aOR=7.7; 95% CI: 1.1-52.9; p=0.038) and those with primary education (aOR=9.8; 95% CI: 1.6-60.1; p=0.014), those who experienced domestic violence (aOR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.0-3.2; p=0.04), had an uncircumcised partner (aOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-3.1; p=0.008), and had three or more lifetime sex partners (aOR=3.6; 95% CI: 2.9-7.3; p<0.001). Women who were in one lifelong union had a lower risk of HIV positivity (aOR=0.5; 96%CI: 0.3-0.8, p=0.005). the findings of this study highlight sociodemographic, behavioral, and violent factors associated with HIV prevalence among women. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and education programs aimed at reducing HIV transmission among females and promoting safer sexual practices.

Exploring Interconnection Among Status of Literacy, Awareness and Comprehensive Knowledge about HIV/AIDS in India

It has long been believed that improved health outcomes are positively associated with enhanced literacy and better awareness. The study investigates the relationship between literacy rates, knowledge, awareness of HIV/AIDS, and adult HIV prevalence in Indian states over the last years. In India the adult HIV prevalence rate always remains a significant concern because access to primary health care is still a distant goal for the development practitioners. The study in India highlights the need for a comprehensive, multisectoral strategy to combat the adult HIV prevalence rate, highlighting disparities in literacy status, HIV awareness, and prevalences, and the need for a multisectoral approach to access primary health care. The study emphasizes the importance of interventions promoting gender equality, reducing stigma, improving HIV education, and increasing healthcare access, particularly personalized therapies for high-risk populations like drug injectors and sex workers. The study uses secondary data sources to examine the relationship between adult HIV prevalence rates and literacy rates, highlighting that awareness and literacy alone are not sufficient to combat the HIV epidemic.

Exploring mobility data for enhancing HIV care engagement in Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx individuals: a longitudinal observational study protocol

IntroductionIncreasing engagement in HIV care among people living with HIV, especially those from Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx communities, is an urgent need. Mobility data that measure individuals’ movements over time...

Evaluation of Process Indicators and Challenges of the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B in Bali Province, Indonesia (2019-2022): A Mixed Methods Study.

This study was conducted to describe the prevalence of and evaluate the processes and challenges in implementing the elimination of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B transmission from mother to child in Bali Province, Indonesia. The research method used is a descriptive approach using indicators and a set of processes by the WHO, quantitative methods using descriptive analysis, and qualitative methods using phenomenological paradigms through in-depth interviews and FGD with healthcare professionals involved in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) program. The indicators that have successfully met the target for 4 years are antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage in Badung District (≥95%) and ANC coverage (at least one visit) in Buleleng District (≥95%). The study found low prevalence rates of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B among pregnant women in the three districts. There are some indicators that show improvement from 2019 to 2022, namely, syphilis (60.44% to 86.98%) and hepatitis B (29.03% to 95.35%) screening coverage showed improvements, with increasing screening rates observed in Buleleng District. However, adequate treatment coverage for pregnant women with syphilis decreased in Denpasar City in 2022 compared to 2019 (100% to 71.28%). Despite data on hepatitis B treatment being unavailable, hepatitis B vaccination coverage exceeded the WHO target in all three districts. The utilization of the information system is not yet optimal, and there is a lack of ability to track cases. Furthermore, there is insufficient involvement of the private sector, particularly in screening, and a lack of standardized procedures in the management of referrals for pregnant women with hepatitis B. The prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B among pregnant women has consistently remained below the Ministry of Health's target for four years. Despite this, there are a lot of targets, and the indicator EMTCT process has yet to reach the WHO target. The challenges for each district in reaching the WHO target include providing syphilis and hepatitis B reagents and benzatine penicillin; increasing private sector involvement; and strengthening information systems, policies, and guidelines for the management of hepatitis B among pregnant women in line with WHO recommendations to achieve EMTCT.