Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive People Research Articles

HIV/AIDS Associated Lymphoma: Review.

Lymphoma is one of the hematologic malignancies that occur at a higher rate in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals. It is one of the most frequent neoplastic causes of death in those individuals. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphomas are acquired immunodeficiency syndrome defining lymphoma and non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome defining lymphoma, respectively. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus-positive people. The lymphoma that develops in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is heterogeneous in terms of morphology, pathogenesis pathways, and cellular derivation. A narrative review was conducted on the basis of relevant literature on the current topic to summarize the current epidemiology, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment of lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. The finding showed that although the incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has decreased after the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, it has remained higher in human immunodeficiency virus-infected people than in the general population. On the other hand, the incidence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma has increased after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Therefore, it is recommended that people living with human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome be screened for the development of lymphoma to increase their survival time and quality of life, and further research is required regarding the pathogenesis, treatment, and laboratory diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated lymphoma.

Relationship between spiritual well-being and Health-Related Quality of Life and some related factors in patients with AIDS/HIV

Abstract Objective The study of effective factors on the quality of life (QoL), as an important criterion, in the outcome of new therapeutic and preventive strategies in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been considered by researchers. To study the relationship between spiritual well-being and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and some related factors in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ([AIDS]/HIV). Methods In this cross-sectional study, 224 people were selected as the study population (112 were male and 112 were female) from patients with AIDS/HIV at the Behavioral Counseling Center of Shiraz with available sampling method. The research tool was Palutzian & Ellison well-being scale and QoL Questionnaire (SF-36). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation test. Results There was a significant direct relationship between physical function dimensions (P = 0.003). There was a significant relationship between general well-being, mental well-being, and total spiritual well-being (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant relationship between the dimensions of QoL and spiritual well-being with some age section of the patients, and their occupation and education (P < 0.001). Conclusions Spirituality has an impact on the QoL dimensions. Therefore, HIV positive people's quality of life could be improved by the possibility of the spiritual well-being promotion as a method of adaptation with the disease.

Effects of Labelling Process, Stigma And Stereotype Toward Malaysian Women with HIV Positive

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the labelling process including stigma and stereotype that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) women patients must go through. The stigma stems from a lack of knowledge and understanding of HIV itself. It is even worse when HIV positive people are also associated with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) even though not all HIV positive people have AIDS. Data were collected from 20 women with HIV positive in Besut, Terengganu and Pasir Puteh, Bachok and Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Purposive sampling with some help from key informant were used to get the total of 20 respondents. Result of the study indicated that those women experience severe stigma, stereotyping and negative labels even though they were not involved in any immoral activities but instead they are a victim, in which the infection came from their own husband. Some people who are not emotionally strong enough to face the negative perceptions and judgement made by the society cause them to live in fear, anxiety, isolation, depression, and some choose to quit their job and lives, avoid getting proper treatment, meeting, and interacting with others. It is not easy to ensure that society do not label or stigmatize HIV positive patients. But it is the duty of all parties to provide knowledge of Positive HIV and it is a disease that is not easily transmitted to the public. So, there is no reason for the public to fear and punish the patients.

1404. Tuberculosis and HIV Coinfection: A Review of 135 Cases Experience of the Infectious Diseases Department- CHU Mohamed VI- Marrakech

BackgroundTuberculosis is a health problem in Morocco, which is increasingly indicative of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.ObjectiveTo determine the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of tuberculosis and HIV co-infection.Methodswe report 135 cases co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis, collected by the infectious diseases department at the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech. This is a 12-year retrospective study (2007 to 2020) that involved all HIV-infected patients hospitalized for tuberculosis regardless of its location.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 40 years (17-73 years). A male predominance was noted in 69% of cases. In 74.6% of cases, tuberculosis was indicative of HIV infection. Nine patients were receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment at the time of the discovery of tuberculosis. There were 24% pulmonary tuberculosis, 25.3% extrapulmonary tuberculosis and 49% disseminated tuberculosis. Tuberculosis was confirmed in 31.7% of cases. At the time of tuberculosis diagnosis, the average CD4 count was 86 cells / mm. Quadruple therapy with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol was started in 83% of patients. The average time to start ARVs was 7 weeks. All patients who received ARVs received a combination therapy comprising the combination of 2 nucleoside analogs and one non-nucleoside analog. At the end of our work, the evolution was favorable in 53% of cases, death occurred in 25% of cases, 18.6% of patients were lost to follow-up, two cases of failure and another of relapse. Immune restoration syndrome was noted in 8 cases. Drug toxicity was observed in 24.5% of patients, 73% of which was related to hepato-toxicity of antibacillary drugs.ConclusionTuberculosis is the most common opportunistic infection in people with HIV. Despite the advent of highly active triple therapy, tuberculosis is still a major cause of death in HIV positive people.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

IMPACTS OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSION ON THE GRAVITY OF COVID-19 IN INDIVIDUALS CO-INFECTED WITH THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)

Objective: To identify the levels of severity of COVID-19 in individuals co-infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Methods: Expanded summary of the literature review type. The searches were carried out in the main databases of the BVS and CAPES. The above authors declare that they do not have conflict of interest in this study. Results: Most individuals were being treated with antiretrovirals (83-100%) and, therefore, most had a TCD4 lymphocyte count above 200 cells/µL and a viral load ranging between 67-100%. Comorbidities ranged from 33-70% and deaths from 0-14%. The severity picture was mostly mild, at a minimum proportion of 63%, not significantly differing from the population with COVID-19 in general, which on average remains in a mild symptomatic picture, around 80%. Therefore, the percentage of deaths and more severe levels of the disease were lower than expected due to the immune deficiency of HIV positive people. Conclusion: It is rash to make generalizations about the topic or to safely close the hypothesis that the immunosuppression of individuals with HIV, co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 has an increased risk to acquire the most severe form of COVID-19. This is because the studies found in the literature did not have a sample of participants significant enough.

Loss to follow-up correction increased mortality estimates in HIV–positive people on antiretroviral therapy in Mozambique

ObjectivesPeople living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) may be lost to follow-up (LTFU), which hampers the assessment of outcomes. We estimated mortality for patients starting ART in a rural region in sub-Saharan Africa and examined risk factors for death, correcting for LTFU. Study Design and SettingWe analyzed data from Ancuabe, Mozambique, where patients LTFU are traced by phone and home visits. We used cumulative incidence functions to estimate mortality and LTFU. To correct for LTFU, we revised outcomes based on tracing data using different inverse probability weights (maximum likelihood, Ridge regression, or Bayesian model averaging). We fitted competing risk models to identify risk factors for death and LTFU. ResultsThe analyses included 4,492 patients; during 8,152 person-years of follow-up, 486 patients died, 2,375 were LTFU, 752 were traced, and 603 were found. At 4 years after starting ART, observed mortality was 11.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.9–13.0), but 23.5% (95% CI: 19.8–28.0), 21.6% (95% CI: 18.7–25.0), and 23.3% (95% CI: 19.7–27.6) after correction with maximum likelihood, Ridge regression, and Bayesian model averaging weights, respectively. The risk factors for death included male sex, lower CD4 cell counts, and more advanced clinical stage. ConclusionIn ART programs with substantial LTFU, mortality estimates need to take LTFU into account.

Factors Affecting Changes of Cluster of Differentiation 4 Cell Counts Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive People Who Inject Heroin and Receive Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Opioids have been hypothesized to suppress the immune function and worsen outcomes among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The study aimed to identify key factors associated with the increased cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cell counts among HIV-positive people who inject heroin and receive methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This longitudinal study was conducted at a psychiatric hospital in Northern Taiwan. Participants were recruited from 2006 through 2011, and received CD4 cell counts and HIV viral load monitoring once every 4 to 6 months. Trend in CD4 cell counts, defined as change in CD4 cell count over time, was used as the outcome measure. Independent variables included MMT-related factors and baseline characteristics. Baseline characteristics included age, gender, CD4 cell count, HIV viral load, tests for other infections, liver function tests, and urine drug screens. Three hundred and fifty one participants were recruited during the study period. The multivariate linear mixed model analysis revealed a higher MMT attendance rate, a higher baseline CD4 cell count, and a shorter duration of MMT were associated with an increase in CD4 cell count over time. The study showed better adherence to MMT was associated with better preserved immune functions. The negative impact of duration of MMT on CD4 cell counts may be ameliorated by improving the attendance rate, initiation of MMT earlier when the baseline CD4 cell count is still relatively high and by the other beneficial effects of MMT, such as healthier lifestyles with reduced use of short-acting opioids.

“Who will say Kaddish for me”? The American Reform Jewish response to HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT The AIDS epidemic tragically caused the death of millions of people. This article examines the role that the American Reform Jewish community fulfilled in responding to HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, and what lasting effects, if any, these responses had, and how they related to Reform Judaism as a whole. In 1985 the General Assembly of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) 1 passed a historic resolution calling to abolish discrimination against HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive people. The Reform movement thus became the only formal Jewish institution to advocate an open discussion regarding congregants who lived with HIV or had AIDS, and presented a clear resistance to the AIDSphobic Orthodox agenda, which declared the disease to be a punishment from God for the “sin” of homosexuality. Based on the textual analysis of recovery and memorial prayers, rabbis’ sermons and community services activities and educational programmes, I argue that the Reform community served as a social agent for the recognition of people with HIV/AIDS. Thus, I conclude that the Reform response, which was arising from personal mourning and social needs, advocated and encouraged inclusion of the American gay Jewish community.

Spatial Analysis of Risk Factors of Potable Water and The Efficiency of HIV/AIDS in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been a major problem around the world, and various control have been put in place to tame this potentially life-threatening virus. The research aims to expose the relationship between HIV/AIDS and potable water. However, it is generally believed that the virus cannot be contacted through water, but the interface between HIV/AIDS may likely be influenced through scarcity of water. The data for this research was collected through administration of questionnaire to people leaving with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) at major health institutions in the three senatorial districts in Ekiti state. The data collected were analyzed using statistical tools and the results show that 44.5% of the respondents believed that water availability can reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS infection around the study area. 84.5% of the respondents had an increased need of water after HIV infections. While 92.7% of the respondents agreed HIV positive people have increased need for better hygiene and sanitation. The study discovers that water, sanitation, hygiene and population are agents determining the spread of HIV/AIDS in the environment. Thus, planning and proper spread of infrastructure that support supply of potable water will reduce and control the virus.

Toxoplasma gondii: The Prevalence and Risk Factors in HIV-Infected Patients in Fars Province, Southern Iran

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan that threatens the health of the people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV-positive subjects are at risk of cerebral toxoplasmosis. Objectives: The current study was designed to find out the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected individuals in Fars province, in the South of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 251 HIV-infected individuals referred to Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center in Fars province, Southern Iran, in 2016. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected from each individual and sera as well as buffy coat were isolated from each sample. Demographic and HIV-associated data were obtained from the patients’ medical records. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (both IgG and IgM) were determined by ELISA, using a commercial kit. In addition, PCR, targeting a 529 bp gene of T. gondii was performed on the patients’ buffy coats for detection of Toxoplasma DNA. Results: Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were detected in the sera of 42 out of 251 (16.7%) HIV infected patients. Of these, 39 cases (15.5%) were seropositive only for IgG and 3 (1.2%) were positive only for IgM. Seropositive subjects mainly belonged to 40 - 49 year age group. None of the subjects were positive for Toxoplasma DNA when evaluated by the PCR. No significant associations were found between Toxoplasma seropositivity and gender, age, and CD4+ cell level (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Findings of this study demonstrated a significant rate of seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in HIV infected subjects in Fars province, Southern Iran. The seropositive cases are at risk of Toxoplasma reactivation and subsequent cerebral encephalitis. Treatment and also prevention of toxoplasmosis in HIV positive people should be considered.

Study of opportunistic and other intestinal parasitic infections in relation to CD4 count among human immuno deficiency virus positive patients

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a significant health problem facing in Asia and Africa. Gastrointestinal infections are very common in patients with HIV infection or AIDS where diarrhea is a common clinical presentation caused by intestinal parasites. The main objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV positive people in Nepal. Methods & Materials: A total of 202 stool samples from HIV positive patients were examined by Formalin- ether sedimentation and Sheather-sucrose floatation followed by modified acid fast (Ziehl-Neelsen) staining techniques during the period of June to November 2015 at National public health laboratory (NPHL), Kathmandu. Results: Among 40 total infected patients, 33 (82.5%) were found to be infected with single parasite. Giardia lamblia was the most predominant one i.e. 9 (27.27%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica 6 (18.18%), Trichuris trichiura 5 (15.15%), hookworm 4 (12.12%), Ascaris lumbricoides 4 (12.12%), Cryptosporidium 3 (9.09%) and Cyclospora 2 (6.06%) respectively. Co-infection of hookworm and E. histolytica 2 (28.57%) and T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides 2 (28.57%) were the most predominant followed by G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium 1 (14.29%) and T. tichiura and E. histolytica 1 (14.29%). Co-infection with Cryptosporidium, hookworm and G. lamblia 1 (14.29%) was also observed. The prevalence of diarrhoea in infected cases was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the non-infected cases. Significant difference existed in HIV patients with or without the use of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and in cases with or without the use of anti-parasitic drugs with p < 0.05 in both the cases. There was no significant difference between the occupation and the parasitic infection (p > 0.05) and between the CD4 count and the parasitic infection (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Opportunistic intestinal infection was observed only in AIDS patients (CD4 count < 200 cells/μl). The result indicates that parasitic infection in HIV patients are mainly due to illiteracy, poor hygiene and lack of access to the portable drinking water. Government and related health sector should take the preventive action for the control of HIV/AIDS and proper screening of intestinal parasitosis in HIV patients.

Hubungan antara Profilaksis Kotrimoksazol dan Prevalensi Toksoplasmosis pada Pasien HIV Positif di Jember (The Association Between Prophylactic Cotrimoxazole and the Prevalence Toxoplasmosis in HIV-Positive Patients in Jember)

&#x0D; Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is a high mortality disease and the number of patients is increasing recent days. Based on dr. Soebandi Jember Hospital report in 2015, there were 1,492 HIV patients and 455 people received antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Toxoplasmosis is one of opportunistic infections commonly found in HIV patients in central nervous system. WHO has issued guidelines for the use of cotrimoxazole as prophylaxis in HIV positive people. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between cotrimoxazole prophylaxis and the incidence of toxoplasmosis. This research was a case control study with retrospective approach and used chi-square analysis. The results showed that most patients were male (57%), 20-29 years in age (50%), and 41-60 kg in weight (64%). Based on the CD4 level, most HIV patients were less than 350/mm3 (96%) and total lymphocite count (TLC) also less than 1,200/mm3 (42%). There were 1 patient from 76 patients with cotrimoxazole prophylaxis and 7 patients from 52 patient without cotrimoxazole prophylaxis who developed toxoplasmosis. Based on chi-square analysis, cotrimoxazole prophylaxis reduce the incidence of toxoplasmosis in HIV positive (p-value 0,004).&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: HIV/AIDS, prophilaxis therapy of cotrimoxazole, toxoplasmosis infection&#x0D;

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C virus among HIV positive people: implication for anaemia and disease progression, Tamale, Ghana 2015

Introduction : human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the three most common chronic viral infections globally. Since these viruses have common modes of transmission, co-infection is very common in certain populations. The co-infection of HBV, HCV with HIV accelerates disease progression and may complicate the management of patients infected with HIV. The study was conducted to determine seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among the HIV positive patients visiting the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). Methods : a cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected HIV patients from TTH from June to December 2015. The subjects were made up of 319 HIV positive patients. We collected socio-demographic data of participants using structured pre-tested questionnaire. We collected and tested blood samples for haemoglobin and CD4+ counts. We tested serum for antibodies to HCV and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen. Data was analyzed descriptively. Continuous variables were expressed as means and standard deviation. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and relative frequencies. Data entry, cleaning and analysis were done using Microsoft Excel and Epi Info version 7. Results : of the 319 participants, 68% were females. Mean age of participants was 38.89 to 9.91. The seroprevalence of HBsAg and HCV in the study population was 15.36% and 8.46% respectively. However, 7(2.19%) had all three infections. Participants with viral co-infection had significantly lower haemoglobin and CD4 counts compared to those without co-infection. Conclusion : co-infection of HBV and HCV with HIV is prevalent in the study population and influences disease progression. Based on the evidence provided by this work, it is essential that all the HIV infected patients be screened for HBV and HCV co-infection to inform clinical care and guide public health interventions.

Prevalence and Patterns of Multimorbidity among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive People in Odisha, India: An Exploratory Study

Improved and efficient Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) has turned HIV positive into a chronic disorder. The increase in life expectancy and quality of life comes with an increased risk of multimorbidity from the traditional risk factors. To explore the prevalence of multimorbidity among People Living with HIV (PLHIV). An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out in an ART center of Odisha, India, from November 2013 to December 2013. A systematic random sampling was done to include 197 adult HIV positive patients receiving ART at least for one year or more. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic profile, ART status, multimorbidity and opportunistic infections. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 47.7% (95% CI 41% to 55%). Among them, the most common chronic conditions were pulmonary tuberculosis (28.4%), gastro-intestinal conditions (7.1%), neural disorders (5.1%) and hypertension (2.5%). In total, 48.7% had opportunistic infections; with 36% bacterial, 25% fungal and 21% viral infections. The prevalence of multimorbidity was high among HIV positive patients. Further research should explore the epidemiology of multimorbidity among HIV positive patients to formulate proper clinical practice guidelines to enhance long-term outcomes of PLHIV in the current treatment era.

Pakistan needs to speed up its human immunodeficiency virus control strategy to achieve targets in fast-track acquired immune deficiency syndrome response.

In last fifteen years remarkable success in the fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is achieved globally. The number of HIV infections has decreased and the number of people on antiretroviral therapy is increased. This all is possible by strong political commitments and heavy investments in the fight against HIV. Pakistan is among few Asian countries in which HIV cases are increasing year by year since 1990. There are 94000 cases of HIV in Pakistan and only 14000 are registered with government. The main source of HIV infection in Pakistan is the use of contaminated injection equipment among people who inject drugs (PWID). The overall prevalence of HIV among PWID in Pakistan is 27.2%. There are five cities in Pakistan in which HIV prevalence is above 40% in PWIDs. In June 2016, United Nations political declaration on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) provided a global mandate to fast-track the AIDS response over the next five years to achieve the targets in Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve the targets in fast-track AIDS response, the global leaders showed strong commitments to invest $ 26 billion per year by 2020. Pakistan needs to speed up its HIV control program. There is a dire need to locate all HIV positive people and enroll them in the treatment program. Pakistan also needs to calculate exact number of people living with HIV, increase HIV treatment centers and increase HIV awareness. Recently, Global Fund invested handsome money in the fight against HIV. Let’s hope the country will have effective HIV control strategy to achieve the HIV elimination target by 2030.

Barriers of Condom Use among HIV Positive Women at Thika Level 5 Hospital, Kenya

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the key public health concern particularly in sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya. Consistent condom use is crucial especially among HIV positive people to prevent HIV transmission as well as re-infection with different resistant virus strain. It is important to identify the obstacles of condom use among HIV positive individuals in order to constitute preventive measures. Thus, the study was conducted to explore barriers and challenges of condom use among women living with HIV attending Comprehensive Care Centre of Thika Level 5 Hospital, Kenya. We conducted qualitative method of data collection using three focus group discussions and ten key informant interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Descriptive quotes representing key themes were identified and then analysed thematically. The result indicated that the main barriers of condom use were inability to negotiate in condom use, fear of mistrust, nondisclosure of HIV positive status to partner, alcohol use, and reduced sexual pleasure. In addition, among the negative beliefs and misconceptions identified as barriers of condom use were feeling promiscuous for carrying condoms, religion (being Catholic) and perceived pores in condoms. HIV positive women face many challenges in using condoms and the specific areas of focus should include the barriers mentioned above.

The development and psychometric analysis of the Chinese HIV-Related Fatigue Scale.

To develop a Chinese version of the human immunodeficiency virus-related Fatigue Scale and examine its reliability and validity. Fatigue is found in more than 70% of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus. However, a scale to assess fatigue in human immunodeficiency virus-positive people has not yet been developed for use in Chinese-speaking countries. A methodologic study involving instrument development and psychometric evaluation was used. The human immunodeficiency virus-related Fatigue Scale was examined through a two-step procedure: (1) translation and back translation and (2) psychometric analysis. A sample of 142 human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients was recruited from the Infectious Disease Outpatient Clinic in central Taiwan. Their fatigue data were analysed with Cronbach's α for internal consistency. Two weeks later, the data of a random sample of 28 patients from the original 142 were analysed for test-retest reliability. The correlation between the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-Human Immunodeficiency Virus and the Chinese version of the human immunodeficiency virus-related Fatigue Scale was analysed for concurrent validity. The Chinese version of the human immunodeficiency virus-related Fatigue Scale scores of human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy and those without were compared to demonstrate construct validity. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Chinese version of the human immunodeficiency virus-related Fatigue Scale were 0·97 and 0·686, respectively. In regard to concurrent validity, a negative correlation was found between the scores of the Chinese version of the human immunodeficiency virus-related Fatigue Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Additionally, the Chinese version of the human immunodeficiency virus-related Fatigue Scale could be used to effectively distinguish fatigue differences between the human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy and those without. The Chinese version of the human immunodeficiency virus-related Fatigue Scale presents good reliability and validity through a robust psychometric analysis. This scale can be appropriately applied to human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients by clinical staff and case managers in Chinese-speaking countries. The Chinese version of the human immunodeficiency virus-related Fatigue Scale is an effective and comprehensive tool that can help clinical professionals measure the frequency, strength and impact on the quality of life of fatigue in Chinese human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients.

English

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a peer support intervention on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related information and self-management in HIV positive adolescents. Adolescents in this study referred to children in the age group 11 to 16 years. An intervention study, with outcomes assessed the intervention and immediately post-intervention.&nbsp; Participants aged 11 to 16 years (N = 114) were recruited from three antiretroviral treatment (ART) clinics in Lusaka, and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Information on HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was given using an information leaflet entitled &#39;Let&rsquo;s Talk about HIV and Living positively; How can young people with HIV live normally?&rsquo; After the intervention, the findings showed that 96% of the participants were knowledgeable that unprotected sex was the most common route of transmission of HIV. The belief that people with HIV should stop ART when they feel better; and that ART can have unwanted side effects decreased amongst the participants. Overall after the intervention, knowledge and belief about HIV and ART; and self-management improved. Peer support intervention using information leaflets seems to be useful strategy in improving knowledge and self management in HIV positive young people. &nbsp; Keywords: HIV, young people, self-management, information.

Effect of Resilience and Social Support on Immune – Activation in HIV Positive People

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is a disease of human system in which body‟s normal defense system breaks down. Immune –activation has emerged as a critical factor distinguishing pathogenic immunodeficiency virus infections – such as HIV infection. The level of social support given to an individual during a health crisis has been documented to have a profound impact on a person‟s physical and psychological well-being. The capacity to cope and feel competent is referred to as resilience. Psychological resilience refers to an individual‟s capacity to withstand stressors and manifest psychological dysfunction, such as mental illness or persistent negative mood. This study examines the effect of hardiness dimensions of commitment, challenge and control as resilience factors and social support on immune-activation among persons with symptomatic HIV disease and AIDS. The study has been conducted at ART Centre Department of Medicine, S.S. Hospital Banaras Hindu University Varanasi. Total samples of 40 HIV positive people in the age range of 21 to 55 years have been taken for the study. Dispositional Resilience (Hardiness) Scale is a self- report scale that is designed to measures three major component of hardiness (control, commitment and challenge) constructed by Bartone, P.T.(1989) and Multidimensional scale of social support constructed by Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet and Farlay (1988) were administered on the sample. The finding indicated that HIV positive people having high hardiness, gain more social support and their Immune-activation has been found also in increased level.

ORAL DISEASE IN FIVE PATIENTS INFECTED WITH HIV AND SCREENED FOR EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS

Oral opportunistic infections can lead to a range of diseases in people who are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Among them, herpes viruses are responsible for common diseases in HIV positive people. Both benign and malignant oral diseases are associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Five cases of oral lesions from a cohort of HIV positive patients were associated with EBV detection in the oral mucosa. Active EBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was detected in three of the samples. Of the two cases with herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1)-like ulcers, only one was associated with EBV detection. Similarly, only one candidiasis case was also EBV DNA positive. Severe immunosuppression was found in the patient with candidiasis and hairy leukoplakia. This man, who harbored the EBV-2 strain, was also positive for EBNA-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) message and showed several symptoms indicative of disease development. This study provides baseline data on the dynamics of opportunistic oral infections in HIV infected individuals in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), as well as the detection of EBV markers and their link with clinical outcome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17525/vrrjournal.v20i1.143