Knowledge Of HIV Transmission Research Articles

Knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women of reproductive age in Ghana

IntroductionHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant health challenge affecting many people including those from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Even though HIV can be transmitted through various means, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains the major route of transmission in children under the age of five. This study examined the correlates of knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among reproductive-age women in Ghana.MethodsData for this study were obtained from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The sample consisted of 9,106 women aged 15 to 49 years. We conducted both descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine the prevalence and factors associated with knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy. The results were presented using frequencies, percentages, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsApproximately, 69.41% of women of reproductive age knew of HIV transmission during pregnancy. Women who had two (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.01, 1.72]) or three (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.07, 1.76]) births were more knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy. Women who read the newspaper (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.31, 1.86]), listened to the radio (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.05, 1.45]), lived in rural areas (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.09, 1.54]) or ever been tested for HIV (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.05, 1.37]) were more likely to be knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy than their counterparts in the reference categories. Compared to those in the Western Region, women in the Upper East (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI [0.32, 0.63]), Upper West (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.35, 0.85]), Ashanti (aOR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.58, 0.97]) and Greater Accra Regions (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI [0.56, 0.98]) were less knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy.ConclusionsThe study highlights a gap in the knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women in Ghana. Continuous public education is required to educate women on HIV transmission from mothers to their children during pregnancy and how this may be interrupted. Such programs should involve the use of the media and take into consideration the demographic and geographic characteristics highlighted as determinants in this study. This will ultimately contribute to the reduction of MTCT of HIV in Ghana.

Knowledge of HIV transmission, prevention strategies and U=U among adult sexual and gender minorities in Brazil.

Although strong scientific evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness of treatment-as-prevention (TasP) is available, full endorsement of the "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U = U) and "zero-risk" messages could be improved. Increasing knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment is a critical component of care efforts. The study assessed knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention strategies, and the perceived accuracy of the slogan U = U among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Brazil. Cross-sectional web-based survey targeting adult SGM living in Brazil (2021-2022) recruited on social media and dating apps. We used the 12-item HIV Knowledge Assessment (HIV-KA) questionnaire to assess HIV knowledge, three items of which address pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis and TasP. Perceived accuracy of the U=U slogan was assessed with the question: "With regards to HIV-positive individuals transmitting HIV through sexual contact, how accurate do you believe the slogan U=U is?". We a priori grouped the study population into three mutually exclusive groups: people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV negative and HIV unknown. We used logistic regression models to assess factors associated with high HIV knowledge and perception of the U=U as completely accurate. Of 50,222 individuals accessing the questionnaire, 23,981 were included: 5071 (21.0%) PLHIV, 17,257 (71.5%) HIV negative and 1653 (6.9%) HIV unknown. The proportion of participants with high knowledge was significantly higher for PLHIV and HIV negative (48.1% and 45.5%, respectively) compared to 26.1% of HIV unknown. More PLHIV perceived U=U as completely accurate (80.4%), compared to 60.0% of HIV negative and 42.9% of HIV unknown. HIV knowledge correlates with perceived accuracy of the U=U slogan across all groups. Higher HIV knowledge was associated with higher income and education regardless of HIV status. Among HIV-negative participants, PrEP awareness and use were associated with higher knowledge and accurate perception of the U=U slogan. Our findings show that HIV knowledge and perceived accuracy of U=U are strongly correlated, that knowledge differs according to HIV status, and that poor socio-economic is linked to poor knowledge among SGM from Brazil. Educational strategies regarding TasP, U=U and zero risk targeting socio-economically vulnerable populations are urgent in Brazil.

Gender differences in HIV knowledge among adolescents and young people in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review.

This review seeks to critically analyze studies assessing gender differences in HIV-related knowledge among adolescents and young people in low- and middle-income countries. Using PRISMA guidelines and searching Pubmed and Scopus online databases, the search strategy combined search keywords with Boolean operators: (HIV OR AIDS) AND (knowledge) AND (gender) AND (adolescents). AC and EG conducted the search and independently reviewed all articles in Covidence software; conflicts were resolved by GC. Articles were included if they evaluated differences in HIV knowledge in at least two groups ages 10-24 and were implemented in a low or middle-income country. The search resulted in 4,901 articles, of which fifteen studies, implemented in 15 countries, met selection criteria. Twelve evaluated differences in HIV knowledge in school settings; three evaluated participants in clinic settings. Adolescent males consistently scored higher in composite knowledge scores, as well as knowledge of HIV transmission, prevention, attitudes and sexual decision-making. We found gender-based discrepancies between knowledge, perception of risk and HIV prevalence among youth globally, with boys consistently scoring higher in HIV knowledge. However, there is significant evidence that social and cultural contexts render girls at high risk of HIV infection, and the gaps in girls' knowledge and boys' roles in HIV risk must be addressed urgently. Future research should consider interventions that facilitate discussion and HIV knowledge building across genders.

Public Awareness and Stigmatizing Attitudes toward People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in Saudi Arabia

Background: Recently, there have been efforts to increase HIV/AIDS education and awareness programs to reduce the stigmatization and discrimination of people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (PLWHA). However, it is essential to understand that these efforts must be ongoing and sustained to be effective. Objective: This study aimed to assess the Saudi population’s awareness and stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWHA. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on individuals (patients or families of patients) who attended “King Fahad Hospital of The University (KFHU)”. The study was conducted between September 1st and December 31st, 2018. Each participant provided informed consent, and data were collected through an informative, validated, anonymous, self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed by experts and included all the data regarding demographic information, assessment of knowledge of HIV transmission, general awareness of HIV, assessment of attitudes toward PLWHA, etc. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS version 22. Results: The majority of the participants were aware that HIV might be spread by receiving blood from an infected person, sharing a needle or syringe, and receiving organs from an infected person. There is a strong correlation between HIV transmission knowledge with age (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.001), an education level (p = 0.001), and economic status (p = 0.049). The study indicated negative stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWHA. Conclusion: This study highlights significant public awareness gaps about HIV/AIDS and stigmatizing attitudes of the public toward HIV/AIDS.

Public Awareness and Stigmatizing Attitudes toward People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in Saudi Arabia

Background: Recently, there have been efforts to increase HIV/AIDS education and awareness programs to reduce the stigmatization and discrimination of people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (PLWHA). However, it is essential to understand that these efforts must be ongoing and sustained to be effective. Objective: This study aimed to assess the Saudi population’s awareness and stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWHA. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on individuals (patients or families of patients) who attended “King Fahad Hospital of The University (KFHU)”. The study was conducted between September 1st and December 31st, 2018. Each participant provided informed consent, and data were collected through an informative, validated, anonymous, self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed by experts and included all the data regarding demographic information, assessment of knowledge of HIV transmission, general awareness of HIV, assessment of attitudes toward PLWHA, etc. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS version 22. Results: The majority of the participants were aware that HIV might be spread by receiving blood from an infected person, sharing a needle or syringe, and receiving organs from an infected person. There is a strong correlation between HIV transmission knowledge with age (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.001), an education level (p = 0.001), and economic status (p = 0.049). The study indicated negative stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWHA. Conclusion: This study highlights significant public awareness gaps about HIV/AIDS and stigmatizing attitudes of the public toward HIV/AIDS.

Conocimientos y actitudes en adolescentes frente a enfermedades de transmisión sexual

Introduction: sexually transmitted diseases are communicable pathologies caused by microorganisms such as viruses, fungi and bacteria, which are acquired through sexual or non-sexual contact. Objective: to determine the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents towards sexually transmitted diseases. Methods: a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional cohort study was carried out with a population made up of 102 leveling students of the Nursing Career. Using two validated instruments, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0,88 and 0,66, the first consists of 24 multiple-choice questions that evaluate five components: general knowledge of HIV, knowledge of condoms as a protective method, knowledge of HIV transmission routes HIV prevention and knowledge about other sexually transmitted diseases and the second consisted of 10 questions; 8 open and 2 closed to know their attitudes. Results: the participants comprised an age between 15 to 19 years; with a predominance of the female gender in 82,4 %, there are adolescents who have not started their sexual activity with 43,1 %. In addition, this research aims to know the knowledge, so the results of the evaluation indicate that most adolescents have an average knowledge (15 points) on this topic. Conclusion: it can be concluded that adolescents have an average knowledge regarding STIs, which is why it is essential to promote health promotion and disease prevention as a fundamental nursing strategy.

Factors influencing the adoption of HIV prevention measures in low socio-economic communities of inner-city Durban, South Africa

ABSTRACT South Africa is the epicentre of the HIV pandemic. Although there have been health promotion education campaigns to reduce HIV incidence, these have not achieved the desired outcomes. When exploring the effectiveness of these campaigns, it is useful not only to examine HIV knowledge, but also to explore the relationship between that knowledge and health-related behaviour. This study aimed to determine the (1) level of knowledge of HIV prevention, (2) relationship between the level of knowledge and the adoption of these behaviours and (3) barriers to sexual behaviour change of vulnerable women in Durban’s city centre, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A mixed methods approach was used to collect information from a marginalised population of women (n = 109) attending a non-governmental organisation, which provides for the needs of people from low socio-economic strata. Data were collected during September 2018 at a wellness day programme at the centre. A total of 109 women, over the age of 18 years answered the questionnaire. Knowledge of HIV transmission was high, with majority of participants correctly identifying modes of transmission. Almost all the participants (91.2%) had been tested for HIV, with 68.8% tested a minimum of three times. Despite this, sexual risk behaviour was high. Despite the high level of knowledge of HIV transmission, there was no relationship between HIV knowledge and adoption of behaviours for the prevention of HIV transmission (p = .457). However, bivariate analysis showed an association between transactional sex and living in informal housing (OR = 31.94, 95% CI: 5.65–180.63, p < .001). Living in informal housing was also associated with having multiple current sexual partners (OR = 6.30, 95% CI: 1.39–28.42, p = .02). Multivariate analysis, after adjusting for all other factors, indicated that the odds of having transactional sex was increased by 23 times in those who did not have formal housing (OR = 23.306, 95% CI: 3.97–144.59, p = .001). Qualitative responses showed that women perceived poverty as the overarching factor determining the lifestyle choices which impacted their health. They indicated a need for employment opportunities and provision of housing to alleviate both poverty as well as transactional sex. Although, participants from this study understood the benefits of the protective behaviours to prevent HIV transmission, economic and social factors do not afford this vulnerable group the opportunity nor the motivation to adopt such behaviours. In the current climate of increasing unemployment and escalating GBV, urgent interventions are needed in terms of employment opportunities and empowerment drives to prevent an increase in HIV transmission.

Karakteristik Remaja Terinfeksi HIV yang Memanfaatkan Program Pencegahan Penularan HIV ke Anak di RSUP P Kota Jakarta Timur

Abstract – Cases of adolescents infected with HIV in Indonesia continue to show numbers that show an increase. Ignorance of adolescents is one of the factors driving this increase. Thus the need for insight regarding how HIV is transmitted in order to provide assistance for adolescents to avoid HIV and its transmission to children. Adolescents are categorized as an age with a very high risk of transmission. The rate of HIV transmission from mother to child has increased from year to year. In this case, the government implements the Prevention of HIV Transmission from Mother to Child or known as PPIA. PPIA's first program was the provision of information related to HIV/AIDS to pregnant women during pregnancy checks. This study uses a quantitative approach which is presented descriptively with a sample of 97 adolescents. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire which was afterwards presented in table form with percentages and cross-tabulations between variables. The results showed that 75% of the respondents were aged 14-16 years, with the majority having high school education (48%), working (54%), and having good knowledge of HIV transmission (71%). Good knowledge is not always directly proportional to a supportive attitude towards the PPIA program. Thus it is necessary to improve integrated antenatal care services related to the integration of counseling services and HIV testing.

Description of Cultural Factors Related to Comprehensive Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Women in Nepal

This research paper has analyzed the individual and cultural factors related to comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission. Secondary and primary data are used to identify the individual and cultural factors of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among women in Nepal. Secondary source of quantitative data is based on NDHS, 2011 and 2016 whereas qualitative data collected from Nam Nagar of Naalparasi (Susta West) district. The total sample size of NDHS 2011 (N=12674) and 2016 (N=12862) are large and nationally representative. The study reveals that only 20 percent of women have comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. The individual cultural factor such as native language of women[OR= 3.34 (2.21-5.05) in 2011 and OR= 1.47 (1.01-2.13) in 2016] and ethnicity[OR= 1.90 (0.90-3.96) in 2011 and OR=1.74 (1.10-2.74) in 2016] are the influential factors for comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Beside these, socially constructed knowledge of HIV/AIDS has been determining the misconception of HIV transmission. The lower level of comprehensive knowledge is trigger by the cross-cultural context of women in Nepal.

HIV Risk Perception and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness Among Transgender Women from Mexico.

This study aimed to identify factors associated with HIV risk perception among Mexican transgender women (TGW). This cross-sectional survey was conducted online and at a public HIV clinic in Mexico City. Participants were ≥ 18 years old, self-identified as TGW, and reported not living with HIV. They answered questions on sexual behavior, HIV risk perception, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness. We performed a multivariate logistic regression to accomplish the study's objective. One hundred ninety-one TGW completed the survey. High HIV risk perception was associated with > 5 sexual partners, condomless receptive anal sex, sex with a male partner(s) of unknown HIV status, and PrEP awareness. Although most TGW reported low HIV risk perception, over half had risk sexual behavior, reflecting inaccurate risk assessment. Future interventions to improve accurate risk perception among TGW should promote HIV transmission and prevention knowledge and increase PrEP awareness and uptake.

Assessment of Safe Sexual Practice and Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Female Sex Workers in Port Harcourt

Introduction: Monitoring of the practices and behaviour of populations more vulnerable to HIV infection is essential for effective interventions and it is of importance to curtail the spread of HIV and to help generate significant changes in the transmission pattern of HIV/AIDS in the general population. The aim of this study was to assess safe sexual practice and knowledge of HIV/AIDS among female sex workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Method: Two hundred female sex workers participated in this cross-sectional study. Data was collected using an adapted IBBSS-2014 semi-structured questionnaire and interview method. Knowledge of HIV among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) was also assessed with questions on Test for HIV, modes of transmission, prevention, behavioural attributes of HIV and safe sexual practice assessed for with the options of answers of these dimension: YES and NO. Data for this study was collected by trained peer educators who are familiar with the environment via interview method with FSWs. Data Obtained were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics of frequency tables, simple percentage and bar charts using Microsoft Excel 2016.&#x0D; Results: Result obtained showed that the mean age of FSWs was 25.7±3.7years, majority of the respondent (59.5%) had secondary education, majority (81.0%) of FSWs are Single and about 2.5% are married. Also more than a quarter (44.5%) started sex work at 20-24 years with a mean age of 22.0±3.0 years. Also, majority of them do not have other source of income (70%). On Assessment of risky behaviours such as multiple sex partners, no condom use during sexual intercourse, there was a high prevalence of use of condoms with most especially paying partners (70.5%) and casual partners (52.5%). On assessment of female Sex Workers’ knowledge on HIV, majority of FSWs have good knowledge of HIV transmission, prevention and the need to get tested.&#x0D; Conclusion: Though FSWs practice a minimal safe sexual practice by the use of condoms with higher percentage of different identified partners as well as having acceptable knowledge of HIV, the few FSWs who lack this knowledge and do not practice safe sex needs to be re-sensitized of the need for their benefit and the benefit of the general population. Conclusively, safe sexual practices and acceptable knowledge about prevention, transmission and the need to be tested for HIV were observed.

Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Testing Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Washington, District of Columbia: Formative Research to Inform the Development of an mHealth Intervention.

BackgroundAdolescents and young adults (AYA) in the United States, and in Washington, District of Columbia (DC), specifically, are disproportionately affected by HIV. Both the national Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative and DC-specific plans emphasize HIV testing, and innovative strategies to encourage testing among AYA are needed.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to identify sexual behaviors, HIV knowledge, HIV perceptions (eg, susceptibility and severity), and perceived barriers and facilitators to HIV testing among AYA at risk for HIV in DC.MethodsThis study was part of a larger study to determine the acceptability of using a life-and-dating simulation game to increase HIV testing among AYA. Focus groups and surveys stratified by self-reported sexual orientation were conducted among, and administered to, AYA aged 13-24 years in DC. HIV knowledge was explored during focus groups and measured using an adapted version of the Brief HIV Knowledge Questionnaire. Survey data were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared by self-reported sexual orientation. Transcripts were thematically analyzed.ResultsOf the 46 AYA who participated in the focus groups, 30 (65%) identified as heterosexual and 16 (35%) as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. A higher proportion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer AYA reported sexual activity (12/16, 75%, vs 18/30, 60%), condomless sex (11/12, 92%, vs 15/18, 83%), and HIV testing (13/16, 81%, vs 17/29, 58%) than heterosexual AYA. HIV prevention (“condoms” and “...PrEP”) and transmission (“exchange of fluids”) knowledge was high, and most (34/44, 77%) of the AYA perceived HIV testing as beneficial. However, the AYA also demonstrated some misinformation concerning HIV: an average of 67% (31/46; SD 0.474) of the participants believed that an HIV test could deliver accurate results 1 week after a potential exposure and an average of 72% (33/46; SD 0.455) believed that an HIV vaccine exists. The AYA also identified individual (“...people...are scared”), interpersonal (“it’s an awkward conversation”), and structural (“...people don’t...know where they can go”) barriers to testing. Most of the AYA indicated that they were very likely to use the demonstrated game prototype to help with getting tested for HIV (median 3.0, IQR 2.0-3.0, using a scale ranging from 0 to 3, with 3 indicating high likelihood) and strongly agreed that the game was interesting (median 5.0, IQR 5.0-5.0), fun (median 5.0, IQR 4.0-5.0), and easy to learn (median 5.0, IQR 5.0-5.0, using a scale ranging from 1 to 5, with 5 indicating strong agreement).ConclusionsThese results suggest a need for multilevel HIV testing interventions and informed the development of a mobile health intervention aiming to increase HIV knowledge and risk perception among AYA, while reducing barriers to testing at the individual and structural levels, supporting efforts to end the domestic HIV epidemic.

Newly arrived Asian-born gay men in Australia: exploring men\u2019s HIV knowledge, attitudes, prevention strategies and facilitators toward safer sexual practices

BackgroundAsian-born gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) newly arrived in Australia are more than four times as likely than their Australian-born counterparts to be diagnosed with incident HIV. Our aim was to explore experiences of Asian-born gbMSM newly arrived in Australia and attending a sexual health centre with regards to their knowledge of and preference for HIV prevention strategies.ResultsTwenty-four gbMSM aged 20–30 years attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre who were born in Asia and arrived in Australia in the preceding four years, participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews from 8th May 2019 and 23rd December 2019. Men were excluded if they were living with HIV. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Men reported little knowledge of HIV prevention strategies outside of condom use prior to coming to Australia. Although participants reported basic knowledge of HIV transmission and treatment, exposure to sexual identity and HIV-related stigma in their countries of birth meant they imagined a HIV diagnosis would be devastating. Most relied on condoms to stay HIV negative however their consistency of use varied. Seven men were on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); all but one started PrEP after coming to Australia. Many indicated interest in PrEP but described it as too expensive given they do not have access to government-subsidized healthcare. Sexual health counselling and connections with LGBTQI community groups appeared to facilitate PrEP and consistent condom use.ConclusionsAsian-born gbMSM newly-arrived to Australia may have limited knowledge of HIV prevention strategies aside from condom use. Increased connections with sexual health services and LGBTQI communities may facilitate more effective HIV prevention strategies.

Risk and protective factors for depressive symptoms among the youth living with HIV in Namibia

Background : Namibia has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates among young people living with HIV and AIDS. The study of mental well-being among this vulnerable population is emerging as an important area of public health research. Methods : This study examined how gender, social support, food insecurity, HIV-related stigma, HIV treatment adherence and HIV transmission knowledge are related to depressive symptoms among young people living with HIV in rural northern Namibia. Data were collected from 188 participants from the Zambezi region. Results : The hierarchical regression analysis revealed that being a female infected with HIV, having perceived food insecurity, experiencing more HIV-related stigma and having low levels of social support can exacerbate the severity of depressive symptoms in this sample of Namibian youth. Discussion : Our findings point to the need to expand social support interventions, enhance socio-economic programmes and reduce HIV-related stigma among young people living with HIV, especially those residing in rural, HIV endemic, resource-limited communities in developing countries.

Immigrant generational status and the uptake of HIV screening services among heterosexual men of African descent in Canada: Evidence from the weSpeak study

ObjectiveCanada became a preferred destination for many non-European and non-American migrants since the introduction of favorable immigration policies in the late 1960 s. Blackimmigrants from the African and Caribbean regions however are a known vulnerable population to HIV infection in Canada. Even though first-generation immigrants might differ from subsequent generations in terms of culture and beliefs which are important for health outcomes and behaviors, research examining disparities in their use of preventative healthcare is limited. This study aimed to examine generational disparities in the uptake of HIV screening services among a sample of heterosexual Black men in Ontario, Canada. MethodsWe used data from a cross-sectional survey sample (n = 829) that was collected from heterosexual Black men in four Ontarian cities (Toronto, Ottawa, London and Windsor) between March 2018 and February 2019. We used the negative log-log link function of the binomial family to examine the independent relationship between immigration status and the uptake of HIV testing and the cumulative effect of other predictor variables on HIV testing in nested models. ResultsFindings from multivariate analysis show second-generation immigrants were significantly less likely to test for HIV compared with their first-generation immigrant counterparts. After controlling for theoretically relevant variables, the second-generation immigrants were 53% less likely to test for HIV. We further observed that participants with good knowledge of HIV transmission (OR=1.05; p > 0.05) and those who were older were more likely to test for HIV. Those with masculine tendencies (OR=0.98; p > 0.05) and those who reported not having sexual partner were less likely to test (OR=0.57; p > 0.01). Religion emerged as a significant predictor of HIV testing as Christians (OR=1.62; p > 0.05) and other believers (OR=1.59; p > 0.05) were more likely to test for HIV when compared to their Muslim counterparts. ConclusionHIV prevention policies may need not only prioritize first-generation immigrants, but the wellbeing of their descendants as well. This could be achieved by implementing programs that will enhance second-generation immigrants’ use of HIV screening services. Additionally, HIV educational programs would be of relevance and especially so as respondents with good knowledge of HIV transmission consistently demonstrated higher likelihood of testing for their HIV status.

The association between self-Esteem, stigma, and mental health among South African youth living with HIV: the need for integrated HIV care services

ABSTRACT Treatment among pYLHIV focuses on their physical health. However, they also experience depression and anxiety, compounded by developmental challenges and the stress of managing a chronic illness. However, limited services are available to help pYLHIV manage the emotional stressors of living with a stigmatized condition. Data are from 37 caregiver-child dyads in the VUKA EKHAYA study, in Durban, South Africa. Outcomes were self-esteem and stigma. Predictors included symptoms of depression and anxiety, and HIV treatment and transmission knowledge. Outcomes and predictors were standardized (mean: 0, standard deviation: 1). Pearson correlation, bivariate and multivariate associations between predictors and outcomes were examined. Self-esteem was negatively correlated with symptoms of anxiety (r=-0.5675; p<0.001) and depression (r=-0.6836; p<0.001), suggesting higher self-concept was correlated with fewer symptoms. In multivariate analyses, increased depressive and anxiety symptoms were associated with lower self-esteem, B=0.68 and 0.57, respectively. Higher depressive and anxiety symptoms connected to more internalized stigma B=0.38 and 0.34, respectively. Conversely, HIV knowledge was not related to self-esteem or stigma. HIV treatment and transmission knowledge are not enough to reduce stigma and improve the self-esteem of pYLHIV. Integrated mental and physical health care is needed to help pYLHIV manage psychological stressors that can mitigate their emotional wellbeing.

Explaining utilization of HIV prevention and testing services among university students in Mozambique: results from a mixed methods study

BackgroundIn Mozambique, HIV infection disproportionately affects young adults, particularly women. Despite awareness and knowledge of HIV transmission, many university students have not received HIV testing and continue to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, including inconsistent condom use. Further understanding of patterns of engagement with HIV prevention and testing is key to reducing HIV transmission in this at-risk population.MethodsThis study used a sequential mixed methods approach to examine patterns of engagement and perceptions of HIV prevention and testing services among higher education students in Mozambique. Survey data were collected from a representative sample of 501 students from Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM) in Maputo, Mozambique to assess the primary outcomes of 1) HIV testing within the last 12 months; and 2) condom use during last sexual encounter. We employed univariate and multivariate regression models. The survey was followed by qualitative interviews with 70 survey participants which were analyzed using an inductive, content-focused analysis to further explain and contextualize survey findings.ResultsOver 85% of students reported to be sexually active, among these 74% reported condom use during their last sexual encounter, and 64.2% reported an HIV test within the past 12 months. Females were more likely to have had HIV testing in the past 12 months in comparison to their male peers (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.11, 2.99), but were half as likely to have used a condom with their last sexual encounter (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33, 0.83), when controlling for other factors. Qualitative data suggests that these discrepancies may be explained by differential perceptions in risk and trust/mistrust, with women being more concerned about infidelity by their male partner(s) and assuming more responsibility for knowing their own serostatus. Women were also subject to negative stereotypes for possessing condoms in comparison to men, which could explain lower propensity for use.ConclusionGiven gendered differences in uptake of condom use and HIV testing, and perceived HIV risk, interventions tailored specifically to male and female students may impact engagement with HIV prevention and testing and empower informed choices about sexual behaviors.

HIV transmission knowledge among Rohingya refugee women in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional survey

Background and objectiveIncreasing numbers of Rohingya refugees have been found to be infected with HIV since they arrived in Bangladesh after being ousted from Myanmar in 2017. This study aimed...

Concurrent sexual partnerships and HIV testing among heterosexual Black men in Ontario, Canada: findings from the weSpeak study

ABSTRACT Background African, Caribbean, and Black men constitute the second-highest category of males living with HIV in Ontario, which increased from 15.4% to 17% between 2011 and 2016. Previous studies have attributed this disproportionately higher rate to multiple concurrent sexual partnerships and low rates of HIV testing. Drawing on theoretical constructs of the health belief model (HBM), this study examined the relationship between multiple concurrent sexual partnerships and the uptake of HIV testing services among heterosexual Black men in Ontario. Methods Using a cross-sectional sample data of 829 individuals from four cities in Ontario, we employed the multinomial logit analysis to examine the relationship between multiple sexual partnerships and the uptake of HIV testing services among heterosexual Black men. Results The findings show that heterosexual Black men with multiple concurrent sexual partners were more than twice (RRR = 2.306, P < 0.01) as likely to test for HIV within the past 12 months when compared to those with one partner. Furthermore, being an immigrant, having good knowledge of HIV transmission, and earning lower annual income predicted higher odds of testing while sexual debut between the ages of 16 and 20 years, no visit to a healthcare provider in the past year and difficulty accessing healthcare significantly predicted lower likelihood of testing for HIV. Conclusions These findings align with the theoretical constructs of the health belief model but more importantly, they suggest heterosexual Black men with concurrent sexual partners may be aware of their HIV risk and are taking measures to know their serostatus. Hence, making HIV screening services accessible and at safer spaces could increase their use of HIV screening services.

Levels of mother-to-child HIV transmission knowledge and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: Analysis of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data.

The world community has committed to eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. Even though different studies have been done in Ethiopia, to the knowledge of the investigators, the Ethiopian women's level of knowledge on the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus is not well studied and the existing evidence is inconclusive. The current study is aimed to study the Ethiopian women's level of knowledge on the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and its associated factors using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data. Data of 15,683 women were extracted from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey. Descriptive statistics and multilevel ordinal logistic regression were respectively used for the descriptive and analytical studies. 41.1% [95% CI: 39.5%, 42.7%] of the Ethiopian reproductive-age women have adequate knowledge of the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. 77%, 84% and 87.8% of the women respectively know that human immunodeficiency virus can be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. There are wider regional variations in the women's level of knowledge of the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. Being an urban resident, having better educational status, being from a wealthy household, owning of mobile phone, frequency of listening to the radio, frequency of watching television, and being visited with field workers were significantly associated with having adequate knowledge of the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. Despite all collective measures put in a place by different stakeholders to prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ethiopia, a large proportion of the Ethiopian women do not know about the mother-to-child transmission of the disease. Stakeholders working on HIV prevention and control should give due emphasis to promoting mobile phone technology and other media like radio and television by giving due focus to rural residents and poor women to promote the current low level of the knowledge. Emphasis should also be given to the information, education, and communication of the mother-to-child transmission of the disease through community-based educations.