Human Immunodeficiency Virus/acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Research Articles

Predictors of quality of life of TB/HIV co-infected patients in the Northern region of Ghana

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) co-morbidity continues to be a serious worldwide health issue, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies on the quality of life (QOL) of TB/HIV co-infected patients guide stakeholders on the delivery of patient-centred healthcare. This study evaluated QOL of TB/HIV co-infected individuals and its contributing factors.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among TB/HIV co-infected patients, receiving treatment at clinics in the Northern Region of Ghana. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 213 patients from 32 clinics. We gathered information on patients’ QOL using the World Health Organization QOL-HIV BREF assessment tool. At a 5% level of significance, multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to find correlates of QOL among the patients.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was (38.99 ± 14.00) years with most, 33.3% (71/213) aged 30–39 years. Males constituted 54.9% (117/213). About 30.0% (64/213) of the patients reported a good QOL. Being employed (aOR = 5.23, 95% CI: 1.87 – 14.60), and adhering to treatment (aOR = 6.36, 95% CI: 1.51 – 26.65) were significantly associated with a good QOL. Being depressed (aOR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.03 – 0.29), stigmatized (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI : 0.11 – 0.84), and not exercising (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12 – 0.67) were negatively associated with a good QOL.ConclusionLess than one-third of TB/HIV co-infected patients in the region have good QOL. To guarantee good QOL, modifiable predictors such as patients’ physical activity and medication adherence should be targeted by the National AIDS and TB Control Programs.

Exploring factors influencing the perspective regarding HIV transmission and prevention among college students in India

ABSTRACT Objective and Design: Although many studies have been conducted to assess the knowledge and practices among healthcare workers, high-risk groups or medical students, very few studies have been conducted among college students from non-medical backgrounds. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perception about human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among the college students of the Mumbai region and to determine their association with the socio-demographic variables. Setting and Methods: A cross-sectional online and offline questionnaire survey was conducted among 401 college students from the month of August 2022 to October 2022. Mean score and percentage were used to analyse the data. Results: About 82.04% of participants exhibited good knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention, while 46.38% had a positive attitude towards HIV. Age, gender, religion and education had not influenced either knowledge or attitude significantly. Overall, knowledge score had a weak positive correlation with attitude of the participants. Conclusion: Our study findings indicate that a holistic approach covering knowledge, psychological and societal health aspects is necessary among youth in India for positive changes in people’s behaviour and achieving HIV prevention and management goals which will benefit public health at large.

Social stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV infection and AIDS patients

Background: Social stigma and discrimination are major barriers to an effective national response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and there have been repeated calls to transform the current surveillance-focused policy. Serious instances of discrimination and clinical service failings increase the urgency and importance of addressing issues relevant to AIDS-related stigma. Yet, progress in achieving effective and people-centered responses to AIDS is insufficient.Current Concepts: Based on a comprehensive multi-sectoral review of a wide range of literature, this article examines the key features of AIDS-related stigma in South Korea and evaluates governmental and organizational efforts to redress them. Three major areas, of issues and possibilities for change, are identified: (1) addressing discrimination in health care settings, (2) decriminalization of HIV transmission, according to the Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) principle, (3) improving the quality of life and social inclusion of people living with HIV.Discussion and Conclusion: An extensive examination of existing evidence on AIDS-related stigma, guided by the authors’ long-term experience of public participation and civic empowerment, suggests that by placing these three issues at the center of the national response to AIDS, significant improvement in the AIDS care continuum is achievable. People-centered service delivery models that focus on dismantling structural barriers and incorporating leadership from key populations will enable high-impact public health responses to AIDS and HIV infection.

Epidemiology of HIV infection and AIDS

Background: The expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in a reduction in numbers of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths worldwide, except in some regions. As people with HIV live long and healthy lives, their health issues are also changing. In this review, we briefly summarize the global HIV epidemic and examine the changing trends in the epidemiology of HIV in Korea.Current Concepts: Since 2013, more than 1,000 new infections have been reported in Korea every year, and after reaching its peak at 1,223 in 2019, approximately 1,000 were reported each year during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Most newly infected people were men, and the proportion of young people aged 20 to 40 years, men who have sex with men, and foreigners has been steadily increasing. AIDS was the most common cause of death, and cancer, chronic diseases, and suicide were also important causes of death in Korea.Discussion and Conclusion: Achieving sustained ART and viral suppression is approaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in Korea, but additional research and efforts are required to reduce late presentation and scale-up of HIV diagnosis. Targeted and coordinated prevention programs to prevent HIV among people from key populations are also needed. Additionally, supportive services for older people with HIV, including cancer screening and chronic disease management, and multifaceted efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination against people with HIV are needed in Korea.

Effects of solution chemistry on dielectric barrier atmospheric non-thermal plasma for operative degradation of antiretroviral drug nevirapine

The global prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has been an environmental menace. Tons of drug wastes from antiretroviral therapy are released into the environment annually. We, for the first time, employed the novel dielectric barrier atmospheric non-thermal plasma (DBANP) discharge, to mitigate the inadvertent pollution arising from the antiretroviral therapy. A 40-min treatment of nevirapine achieved >94 % (0.075 min−1) removal efficiency at discharge power of 63.5 W and plasma working gas of atmospheric air. Chemical probes confirmed •OH, ONOO− and eaq− as the dominant reactive species whilst further revealing the reaction acceleration role of NaNO3 and CCl4 which are known reaction terminators. The commonly coexisting inorganic anions potentiated nevirapine removal with over 98 % efficiency, achieving the highest rate constant of 0.148 min−1 in this study. Moreover, the initial solution pH (1.5–11.1) was no limiting factor either. The insensitivity of the DBANP discharge to actual water matrices was an eminent inference of its potential applicability in practical conditions. With reference to data obtained from the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis, nevirapine degradation pathway was proposed. A nucleophilic attack by ONOO− at the cyclopropyl group and •OH attack at the carbonyl carbon of the amide group, respectively, initiated nevirapine degradation process. It is anticipated that the findings herein, will provide new insights into antiretroviral drug waste management in environmental waters using the innovative and green non-thermal plasma process.

Related factors to HIV/AIDS prevention behavior of adolescents in Jakarta’s high school

Adolescents are developing self-maturity, so they should have the correct views to become a person with a positive self-concept. Therefore, this period requires the role of parents. The parental roles include educating, teaching, disciplining, and protecting children to reach adulthood according to social norms. However, adolescents prefer to spend time with their peers, so peers are dominant in influential and modeling aspects of adolescents' sexual behavior with their partners. One of the behaviors compulsorily concerned is human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevention behavior. This study aimed to determine the relationship between characteristics, communication quality, parenting, peer roles, and HIV/AIDS prevention behavior in adolescents at “Y” Senior High School in North Jakarta. This study employed a cross-sectional research design. Samples were taken using the purposive sampling technique, and 208 students were obtained from 432 students. Gender, parental communication quality, and peer roles affected HIV/AIDS prevention behavior. The dominant variable was parental communication quality (OR=0.509). After controlling for gender and peer role characteristics, adolescents with strong parental communication quality were 0.51 times more likely to participate in HIV/AIDS-positive preventive activities than those with poor parental communication quality. Adolescents are expected to communicate with their parents, especially about sexual issues, more openly.

Improving the knowledge of the HIV/AIDS community in Surabaya city for self-detection of HIV oral manifestations

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a significant problem in Indonesia. As individuals with compromised immune systems, PLWHA are susceptible to various opportunistic infectious diseases. Awareness and specific knowledge regarding these conditions are important in facilitating prompt treatment and reduce further morbidity and complication in PLWHA. However, many PLWHA lack essential information about these conditions, describing the importance of designing and education an intervention strategy to increase PLWHA knowledge regarding the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this study is to analyze the knowledge of PLWHA about the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS after virtual learning (V.L) intervention. Methods: A pre- and post-test study was conducted with 30 members of the Mahameru Foundation, a support group for PLWHA in Surabaya. The subjects participated in interactive sessions covering various manifestations of HIV/AIDS, disease etiology, attitudes towards proper treatment, and techniques for self-check screenings. Results: The subjects demonstrated increased knowledge of HIV/AIDS oral manifestations and improved skills in self-detecting oral abnormalities related to HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Educational interventions through interactive sessions and self-check screenings can enhance PLWHA's knowledge and awareness of oral health, aiding in preventing the disease's progression. This approach supports the government's objective of achieving three zeros: zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero new cases.

Marine Ascomycetes Extract Antifungal Susceptibility against Candida spp. Isolates from Oral Candidiasis HIV/AIDS Patient: An In Vitro Study.

The etiology of oral candidiasis (OC) was Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. dubliniensis, C. tropicalis that are frequently found in human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients. Marine ascomycetes (MA) have been widely reported as an important producer of various antibiotic compounds. However, there is limited study of antifungal compounds from MA against Candida species. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal susceptibility of MA against Candida spp. isolates from OC HIV/AIDS patient. Trichoderma sp. is a sponge-associated fungus collected from Karimunjawa National Park, Central Java, Indonesia. The validation of C. albicans, C. krusei, C. dubliniensis, C. tropicalis. was done by ChromAgar. This study was true experimental with post-test only control group design; the sample was four replications for each group. Nystatin administration (K +), the golden standard antifungal drug, was used. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and diffusion zone methods were done. Analysis of variance difference test, and post-hoc Tukey's honest significant different were done to analyze the significant different between groups (p ≤ 0.05). The MFC and MIC of MA against C. albicans, C. krusei, C. dubliniensis, and C. tropicalis were found at 12.5%. In addition, the greatest diffusion zone of MA against C. albicans, C. krusei, C. dubliniensis, and C. tropicalis was found at 12.5%. There is no appreciable difference in antifungal activity between K + and 12.5% of MA extract (p ≥ 0.05). Concentration of 12.5% MA extract has antifungal susceptibility against Candida spp. isolates from OC HIV/AIDS patient.

Stigma Pada Penderita HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a virus that attacks the human immune system. Negative stigma in HIV/AIDS patients can affect the level of quality of life of HIV patients, which in turn can affect the patient's psychology, self-confidence, and career. Factors that cause discrimination against PLWHA are the low level of education and public understanding of HIV/AIDS. Objective: to determine the stigma of HIV/AIDS sufferers. Method: The method for preparing this article is the PRISMA method with database searches including Google Scholar, Digital Reference Garba, and Science Direct, using 10 articles based on inclusion criteria, namely published in 2019-2023, can be accessed in full text, articles in Indonesian and English and is research qualitative. Results: Of the 10 articles that have been analyzed, it is stated that stigma in HIV/AIDS sufferers can affect aspects of mental health, especially the quality of life of HIV/AIDS sufferers. The stigma faced by leprosy sufferers is self-stigma and public stigma. Conclusion: The stigma experienced by HIV patients comes from themselves, their families, society, and the surrounding environment. Stigma also causes depression and anxiety, feelings of sadness, guilt, and feelings of lack of worth due to low levels of knowledge about HIV/AIDS

Evaluation of University Students' Attitudes Towards Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS

Aim: The purpose of this study was to ascertain how college students felt about people who were HIV/AIDS positive. Method: The study is cross-sectional and descriptive in nature. The data of the study were collected from 367 university students through an online questionnaire. The Attitudes Towards Individuals Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) Scale for University Students and the participants' personal data identification form were utilized as data collection instruments. The statistical program IBM SPSS 26.0 was utilized to analyze the data. Results: It was discovered that the participants' mean age was 21.60±2.50, with 77.1% of them being female and 39.2% belonging to the senior category. The middle level scale had a mean overall score of 58.28±11.72. Gender and the overall Attitudes Toward Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS Scale score showed a significant correlation (p<0.05). It was discovered that women exhibited more empathy and had more favorable views toward those who were HIV/AIDS positive. Grade level and the sub-dimensions of acceptance, relationship, and empathy on the Attitudes Towards Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS Scale were found to be significantly correlated (p<0.05) when the association between the two variables was evaluated. Conclusion: In conclusion, sexually transmitted illnesses should be taught to university students who fall into the high-risk category for HIV/AIDS. Higher knowledge level university students will also have positive attitudes toward those living with HIV/AIDS. Nurses have a great role in informing and educating these individuals. Nurses should make interventions especially for adolescents with the role of educator and counselor. In addition, courses on infectious diseases and sexually transmitted diseases should be included in the curriculum of university students.

Risk Factors Associated with Opportunistic Infections among People Living with HIV/AIDS and Receiving an Antiretroviral Therapy in Gabon, Central Africa.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is still one of the main causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa. Antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) have significantly improved the health conditions of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Consequently, a significant drop in morbidity and mortality, along with a reduced incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs), has been observed. However, certain atypical and biological profiles emerge in ART patients post-examination. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors that contributed to the onset of OIs in HIV patients undergoing ART in Gabon. Epidemiological and biological data were obtained from medical records (2017 to 2019) found at the outpatient treatment centre (CTA) of Franceville in Gabon. Samples for blood count, CD4, and viral load analysis at CIRMF were collected from PLWHA suffering from other pathogen-induced conditions. A survey was carried out and data were analysed using Rstudio 4.0.2 and Excel 2007 software. Biological and socio-demographic characteristics were examined concerning OIs through both a univariate analysis via Fisher's exact tests or chi2 (χ2), and a multivariate analysis via logistic regression. Out of the 300 participants initially selected, 223 were included in the study, including 154 (69.05%) women and 69 (30.95%) men. The mean age was 40 (38.6; 41.85), with individuals ranging from 2 to 77 years old. The study cohort was classified into five age groups (2 to 12, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, and 50 to 77 years old), among which the groups aged 30 to 39 and 40 to 49 emerged as the largest, comprising 68 (30.5%) and 75 (33.6%) participants, respectively. It was noted that 57.9% of PLWHA had developed OIs and three subgroups were distinguished, with parasitic, viral, and bacterial infections present in 18%, 39.7%, and 55.4% of cases, respectively. There was a correlation between being male and having a low CD4 T-cell count and the onset of OIs. The study revealed a high overall prevalence of OIs, and extending the study to other regions of Gabon would yield a better understanding of the risk factors associated with the onset of these infections.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Knowledge among Followers of Various Religions in India

Abstract Introduction: Effective educational interventions to knowledge, attitude, and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) may limit the spread of the disease. However, the relevance of HIV knowledge to followers of religions is unknown. We assessed the 2015–2016 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from India to investigate the levels of knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Buddhists in relation to standard sociodemographic variables in India. Methods: We used the individual and household level data from the internationally and temporally harmonized cross-sectional DHS. These data were representative of the national population and were collected from January 2015 to December 2016. Results: The age range of the population was 15–54 years (n = 224,531). We found the highest level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Sikh men (than the followers of other religions (80.4%–92.7%). Conversely, Muslims and Hindus were least knowledgeable of HIV/AIDS (80.4% and 81.2%). Younger participants (82.5%), residents of urban areas (90.6%), more educated (98.6%), never married (84.9%), wealthier (95.5%), and having more access to mass media (90.4%–96.7%) were more aware of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge. Among various religions, Sikhs were more educated (16.1% with higher education), wealthier (59.5% in the top quintile), with higher exposure to communication means than Muslims, Hindus, and Christians. Conclusion: We report that Sikh men are most knowledgeable of HIV compared to Sikh women and followers of other religions. Our findings may help formulate public health strategies targeting various religious groups to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS.

Use of Biochemical Tests and Machine Learning in the Search for Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers of COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and Pulmonary Tuberculosis

This study aims to develop, validate, and evaluate machine learning algorithms for predicting the diagnosis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/TB co-infection. We also investigated potential biomarkers associated with the diagnosis. Data from biochemical and hematological tests of infected and controls were collected in a single general hospital, totalizing 6,418 patients. The discriminant analysis by partial least squares (PLS-DA) model had the highest performance in predicting the diagnosis of COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, TB, and HIV/TB co-infection with an accuracy of 94, 97, 95, and 96%, respectively. The biomarkers calcium, lactate dehydrogenase, red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were associated with COVID-19. HIV infection was associated with mean corpuscular volume, platelets, neutrophils, and mean platelet volume. Red blood cell distribution width and urea were associated with infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The following biomarkers were associated with HIV/TB co-infection: lymphocytes, RBC, hematocrit, hemoglobin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and glycemia. The PLS-DA model can optimize COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, TB, and HIV/TB co-infection diagnostics. Some biomarkers were potential diagnostic indicators and could be evaluated during the screening of these diseases.

Prevalence and Pattern of Psychiatric Morbidity among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Kano

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus/ Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), has remained a disease of public health concern, with the largest burden being found in sub Saharan Africa. The advent of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced the mortality of the disease, thereby transforming it to a chronic disorder, with significant co-morbid psychiatric sequalae.
 Objectives: To determine the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric morbidity among PLWHA attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.
 Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study of adult patients with HIV/AIDS attending outpatient clinic at the S.S. Wali Virology Centre of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital who gave informed consent. Systematic random sampling technique was used.Patients aged 18years and above who had been on ARV drugs for at least one year were included, while those who had a medical emergency and needed immediate attention were excluded.Socio demographic characteristics were obtained using a socio-demographic questionnaire and psychiatric morbidity was assessed with the MINI International Neuropsychiatry Interview.
 Results: A total of 420 participants were recruited in the study with a male to female ratio of 1:1.5 and mean age of 40.4±10.0 years. The prevalence of a psychiatric disorder was 22.1% out of whom 5.0% had more than one psychiatric diagnosis. Major depression was the most common (11%) psychiatric disorder. Generalized Anxiety disorder, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse accounted for 7.6%, 5.5%, 2.4% and 1.7% of psychiatric disorders respectively.
 Conclusion: Psychiatric disorders are common in PLWHA, with major depression being the commonest.

Results of the study of the attitude of women of reproductive age to the integrated gynecological care provision by family physicians.

Aim: To study and analyze the attitude of women of reproductive age to the integrated gynecological care provision by family physicians, their readiness to receive some gynecological services from family physicians, as well as to analyze the level of women's support and readiness for the integrated provision of gynecological care depending on age and level of education. Materials and Methods: For the survey, anonymous questionnaires containing questions on the attitude of women of reproductive age to the integrated provision of certain types of gynecological care by family physicians were developed. 181 women from the Kyiv region took part in the survey. Results: Support of more than 80% of respondents regarding the integrated gynecological care provision by family physicians received the following questions: counseling on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) (92,3%); counseling on family planning and prevention of unwanted pregnancy (83,4%); counseling on the use of various methods of contraception (82,3%); examination and palpation of mammary glands (80,1%); referral of women to a higher level of obstetric and gynecological care (if necessary (86,2%). Conclusions: The majority of respondents (67,4%) are ready or better ready than not ready to receive certain types of gynecological care services from family physicians. Almost the same percentage ratio (more than 60%) of women of each age group and all levels of education are ready or better ready than not ready to receive gynecological care services, which they supported, from family physicians.

Risky Sexual Behavior among People Living with HIV in Brazzaville: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) infection is still a global health challenge, better still a societal problem. Antiretroviral therapies have improved the quality of life of people living with HIV, making them potential subjects of transmission in the event of risky behavior. Objectives: To describe the socio-demographic characteristics of the study population, to determine the prevalence of risky sexual behavior, to identify the factors associated with risky sexual behavior in Brazzaville. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was carried out between March and September 2022 in the care centers for PLHIV in Brazzaville. PLHIV receiving ART for at least six months who agreed to participate in the study were included. The socio-demographic characteristics, those relating to the disease, behaviour, psychosocial and those related to the desire for procreation were the variables studied. The statistical test used was Pearson's or FISHER's Chi2 and the odds ratio with adjustment. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: On these criteria, 1002 people living with HIV/ART were interviewed. They had an average age of 38.89 ± 9.45 years, a secondary education level n=688 (64.74%), an average socioeconomic level n=774 (77.24%). The prevalence of risky sexual behavior is 78.04%. Female sex (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.02-2.97), lack of pre-test counseling (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.17- 5.52), lack of knowledge modes of transmission (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.21-3.34), occasional partners (OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.84-2.12), alcohol consumption before sexual relations (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-2.87), non-disclosure of serological status (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.07-2.22) and ignorance of the serological status of the Partner(s) (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.40-4.22) were associated with risky sexual behavior. Conclusion: The high prevalence of risky sexual behaviors and the importance of the associated factors identified require that positive prevention programs be strengthened while emphasizing enhanced communication for the development of a global approach to care for PLHIV by integrating sexual health.

Meeting Marginal Demands in New Welfare Governance? China’s Contracting of Welfare Services in the Sectors of Disability and HIV/AIDS

Abstract Since 2013, China has rolled out a policy to contract welfare services to non-governmental forces. This has stimulated a growing body of research on the change of China’s welfare governance. This article focuses on a topic that needs to be added, which is the variation of contracting across different service sectors and the operation of the policy in meeting the needs of marginal people. Based on policy analyses and in-depth interviews, we examine services contracting in the sectors of disability and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). We found a lack of services provision for the marginal groups in the general contracting of public service. Between the two sectors, we found variations in their definition of welfare services, institutional settings, and specific contracting practices. We argue that while contracting is often seen as a new welfare governance mechanism, it fails to revitalise social services and reproduces welfare inequalities across different groups in China.

Consistency of drug-resistant mutations in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced HIV-1 infection.

Genotypic drug resistance testing is cursrently recommended by the World Health Organization for all patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) undergoing care or switching regimes due to failure with previous antiretroviral therapy (ART). Patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) who meet the criteria for free testing for genotypic drug resistance due to poor adherence in Henan Province may resume their previous regimens before resampling. Therefore, resistance testing based on plasma RNA can fail in a proportion of patients. Resistance testing based on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is an alternative option. In this study, we investigated the differences in drug-resistant mutations (DRMs) between plasma HIV RNA and proviral DNA in treatment-experienced and treatment-naïve patients. Matched plasma RNA and proviral DNA samples of 66 HIV-1 infected treatment-naïve and 78 treatment-experienced patients were selected for DRM analysis and comparison. DRMs were detected in 27.3% (18/66) of treatment-naïve and 80.8% (63/78) of treatment-experienced samples. Resistance to at least one drug was detected based on analysis of plasma RNA and proviral DNA in 7.6% (5/66) and 9.1% (6/66) of treatment-naïve patients and in 79.5% (62/78) and 78.2% (61/78) of treatment-experienced patients, respectively. Furthermore, 61/66 (92.4%) of treatment-naïve patients showed concordant RNA and DNA drug resistance. When drug resistance was defined as intermediate and high, the concordance of drug resistance profiles of paired RNA and proviral DNA samples derived from treatment-naïve patients were up to 97.0% compared with only 80.8% (63/78) in treatment-experienced patients. Our data indicate that drug resistance testing based on plasma RNA or proviral DNA might be interchangeable in treatment-naïve patients, whereas plasma RNA-based testing remains the best choice for drug resistance analysis in patients with ART failure in clinical practice.

Marking the 35th World AIDS Day

An early diagnosis and treatment for HIV is essential in reducing the transmission of the virus, improving health outcomes and reducing the stigma that is associated with the disease. This article provides the healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner (HCA and AP) with information to help them continue to make a positive contribution to the care of people with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). HIV weakens a person's immune system and their ability to fight everyday infections and disease. It is transmitted from person to person and, if left untreated, can progress through a series of stages and lead to AIDS.

Observation of Nutritional Status in Adolescents with HIV/AIDS

Adolescents with HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) continue to increase every year in line with the increase in sex behavior outside of marriage. One of the problems in adolescents with HIV / AIDS is malnutrition status. The purpose of the study was to observe nutritional status in adolescents with HIV / AIDS. The subjects were all adolescents with HIV/AIDS at the Kompeda Surabaya Foundation. The research design in this study is a time series, measuring nutritional status variables at some time using weight parameters according to age. Data collection was carried out on February-April 2022. The measurements were conducted using a bathroom scale. The number of subjects was 150 people with incidental sampling techniques. Inclusion criteria: adolescents diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, living in shelters, allowed by caregivers, ages 12-21, not being hospitalized during the study. Exclusion criteria: died, did not follow complete weight monitoring. During the study none of the subjects resigned nor were excluded from the study. The results of the study found that 90 had normal nutritional status and 60 were abnormal. There is a statistically significant difference in nutritional status between the first and second measurements. Foundation managers need to make efforts by paying more attention to adolescent nutritional intake so that nutritional status can improve.