People Living With HIV/AIDS Research Articles

A systematic review of risk factors for mortality among tuberculosis patients in South Africa

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB)-associated mortality in South Africa remains high. This review aimed to systematically assess risk factors associated with death during TB treatment in South African patients.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of TB research articles published between 2010 and 2018. We searched BioMed Central (BMC), PubMed®, EBSCOhost, Cochrane, and SCOPUS for publications between January 2010 and December 2018. Searches were conducted between August 2019 and October 2019. We included randomised control trials (RCTs), case control, cross sectional, retrospective, and prospective cohort studies where TB mortality was a primary endpoint and effect measure estimates were provided for risk factors for TB mortality during TB treatment. Due to heterogeneity in effect measures and risk factors evaluated, a formal meta-analysis of risk factors for TB mortality was not appropriate. A random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate case fatality ratios (CFRs) for all studies and for specific subgroups so that these could be compared. Quality assessments were performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale or the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.ResultsWe identified 1995 titles for screening, 24 publications met our inclusion criteria (one cross-sectional study, 2 RCTs, and 21 cohort studies). Twenty-two studies reported on adults (n = 12561) and two were restricted to children < 15 years of age (n = 696). The CFR estimated for all studies was 26.4% (CI 18.1–34.7, n = 13257 ); 37.5% (CI 24.8-50.3, n = 5149) for drug-resistant (DR) TB; 12.5% (CI 1.1–23.9, n = 1935) for drug-susceptible (DS) TB; 15.6% (CI 8.1–23.2, n = 6173) for studies in which drug susceptibility was mixed or not specified; 21.3% (CI 15.3-27.3, n = 7375) for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV); 19.2% (CI 7.7–30.7, n = 1691) in HIV-negative TB patients; and 6.8% (CI 4.9–8.7, n = 696) in paediatric studies. The main risk factors associated with TB mortality were HIV infection, prior TB treatment, DR-TB, and lower body weight at TB diagnosis.ConclusionsIn South Africa, overall mortality during TB treatment remains high, people with DR-TB have an elevated risk of mortality during TB treatment and interventions to mitigate high mortality are needed. In addition, better prospective data on TB mortality are needed, especially amongst vulnerable sub-populations including young children, adolescents, pregnant women, and people with co-morbidities other than HIV. Limitations included a lack of prospective studies and RCTs and a high degree of heterogeneity in risk factors and comparator variables.Systematic review registrationThe systematic review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD42018108622. This study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Investment ID OPP1173131) via the South African TB Think Tank.

Characteristics of refined lymphocyte subsets changes in people living with HIV/AIDS during antiretroviral therapy period: An observation from Wuhan, China.

To analyze the changing characteristics of continuous monitoring of refined lymphocyte subsets in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) during ART period. Refined lymphocyte subsets was continuously monitored using flow cytometry for 173 PLWHA, who were hospitalized in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from August 17, 2021 to September 14, 2022. The effect of ART status and duration of ART on changes of refined lymphocyte subsets were compared in different groups. Then, the levels of refined lymphocyte subsets in PLWHA treated for more than 10 years were compared to those of 1086 healthy individuals. In addition to conventional CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio, gradually increasing in numbers of CD3+CD4+CD45RO cells, CD3+CD4+CD45RA cells, CD45RA+CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127low and CD45RO+CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127low cells were found with the increase of ART duration. The number of CD4+CD28+ cells and CD8+CD28+ cells were 174/ul and 233/ul at 6 months post-ART, which gradually increased to 616/ul and 461/ul after ART initiation more than 10 years. Moreover, in ART ≤ 6 months, 6 months-3years, 3-10 years and >10 years groups, the percentage of CD3+CD8+HLA-DR+/CD8 were 79.66%, 69.73%, 60.19% and 57.90%, respectively, and the differences between groups showed statistical significance (F=5.727, P=0.001). For those PLWHA with ART more than 10 years, the levels of CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD3+CD4+CD45RO cells, CD3+CD4+CD45RA cells, CD4+CD28+ cells and CD8+CD28+ cells can increase to levels similar to those of healthy control. However, for those PLWHA with ART more than 10 years, CD4+/CD8+ ratio was 0.86 ± 0.47, which was lower than that of healthy control (0.86 ± 0.47 vs 1.32 ± 0.59, t=3.611, P=0.003); absolute counts and percentage of CD3+CD8+HLA-DR+ cells were 547/ul and 57.90%, which were higher than those of healthy control(547/ul vs 135/ul, t=3.612, P=0.003; 57.90% vs 22.38%, t=6.959, P<0.001). Persistent ART can gradually improve the immune status of PLWHA, which is manifested in the increase of lymphocytes, function recovery of lymphocytes and reduction of aberrant activation status of the immune system. After 10 years of standardized ART, most lymphocytes could return to levels of healthy persons, although it may take longer to complete recovery for CD4+/CD8+ ratio and CD3+CD8+HLA-DR+ cells.

Factors that influence the satisfaction of people living with HIV with differentiated antiretroviral therapy delivery models in East Central Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) and the Uganda Ministry of Health recommend differentiated service delivery models (DSDMs) as patient-centered antiretroviral therapy (ART) mechanisms for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) with undetectable viral loads. We studied patient satisfaction with ART services, and its associated factors amongst PLHIV enrolled in DSDMs in Uganda.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved a random sample of PLHIV accessing DSDM-related ART at nine facilities in East Central Uganda. Eligible patients were adult PLHIV (≥18 years), on ART, and enrolled for at least 12 months in one of three DSDMs: Community Client-Led ART Delivery (CCLAD), Community Drug Distribution Points (CDDP), or Fast-Track Drug Refill (FTDR). We collected data from June to July 2019. A validated tool measured satisfaction. General Estimating Equations with modified Poisson regression and exchangeable correlation structures accounted for clustering at health facilities and identified DSDM-related satisfaction factors.ResultsOf 842 participants enrolled, 530 (63.5%) accessed HIV care through CDDP, 166 (20.1%) through CCLAD, and 146 (16.3%) through FTDR; 541 (64.2%) were satisfied with DSDM services: 78.7% in CDDP, 42.8% in CCLAD, and 36.3% in FTDR. The delivery and treatment factors positively associated with satisfaction included: being enrolled on CDDP [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.51, 95% CI:1.47–1.56] or FTDR [aPR = 1.47, 95% CI:1.26–1.71] relative to CCLAD and being enrolled in a DSDM for more than 3 years [aPR = 1.28, 95% CI:1.11–1.48]. Poor ART adherence [aPR = 0.33, 95% CI:0.19–0.56] and having a baseline WHO HIV stage of 3 or 4 [aPR = 0.36, 95% CI:0.20–0.64] relative to stages 1 and 2 were negatively associated. Among socioeconomic factors, having lower transport costs (< $1.35) per clinic visit [aPR = 1.34, 95% CI:1.17–1.53], being employed [aPR = 1.61, 95% CI:1.38–1.87], and being single [aPR = 1.10, 95% CI:1.08–1.13] were positively associated with satisfaction; drinking alcohol at least once a week [aPR = 0.77, 95% CI:0.63–0.93] was negatively associated with patient satisfaction.ConclusionsResults showed that 64.2% of patients were satisfied with DSDM services. HIV service delivery and treatment factors (DSDM type, time in DSDM, WHO stage, ART adherence), plus social factors (employment and marital status, transport costs, alcohol consumption), were associated with patient satisfaction. DSDM implementers should tailor services to address these factors to improve patient satisfaction.

Student nurses’ perceptions and experiences in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study

BackgroundCaring for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) requires clinical experience and quality care delivery skills. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of nursing students in caring for PLWHAs.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study interviewed 18 student nurses who had cared for PLWHAs from 14 tertiary hospitals across 7 provinces in China through semi-structured telephone interviews.ResultsTwo themes emerged from the narratives: student nurses’ perceptions and attitudes toward PLWHAs and student nurses’ practical experiences with PLWHAs. Five theme clusters were revealed, namely “negative attitudes held before the care-giving,” “a series of psychological struggles in care-giving,” “favorable attitudes increased after the care-giving,” “consensus on care delivery for PLWHAs,” and “considerations regarding contamination reduction.”ConclusionsFindings shed light on the development and changes in student nurses' perspectives on PLWHAs throughout their clinical experiences. Student nurses' perceptions and attitudes toward PLWHAs progressed through three distinct stages, and positive changes were observed after care-giving. Participants' perceptions and practical experiences with patients with AIDS enable patients to receive fair and high-quality care and provide valuable insights for nursing educators better prepare HIV nurses.

Prevalence and factors associated with condom use among people living with HIV/AIDS in Bayelsa state, Nigeria

Epidemiological and laboratory studies have demonstrated that latex condoms effectively prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, inconsistent use or nonuse of condoms among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) could propagate the spread of infection. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of condom use and identify the associated factors among PLWHAs in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Six hundred (600) participants were recruited for this cross-sectional study from the HIV clinics at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, and Otuasega Cottage Hospital, Ogbia in Bayelsa State, Nigeria after giving informed consent. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data comprising socio-demographic characteristics, condom use and ART status of the respondents. The data obtained were analyzed and presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square and Binary logistic regression were used to test the association between variables with statistical significance set at p&lt;0.05. Results showed a mean age of 34.6±6.4 years, comprising 160 males (26.7%) and 440 females (73.3%). The prevalence of condom use was 69.2%. There were statistically significant associations between age (X2=7.305, P=0.007), sex (X2=7.919, P=0.005; OR=1.6 (1.1-2.4), P=0.033), religion (X2=12.238, P=0.007; OR=2.7(1.1-6.8), P=0.039), having skipped medication (X2=22.295, P&lt;0.001; OR=2.1 (1.5-3.2), P&lt;0.001), revealed status to someone (X2=12.002, P=0.001; OR=2.7 (1.2-6.2), P=0.020) and number of sexual partners (X2=14.684, P&lt;0.001; OR=3.0 (1.7-5.4), P&lt;0.001) with condom use. In conclusion, condom use among PLWHAs in Bayelsa state is sub-optimal. There is a need to explore measures that target these factors to promote the attainment of the optimal prevalence of condom use among PLWHAs. &nbsp

ADVERSE PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY AND METHADONE ON PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) USING INJECTION DRUGS (IDUS)

Background: People with HIV who use injecting drugs besides taking ARVs also use methadone. With these conditions, of course there will be a risk of causing various side effects. Based on this, researchers are interested in exploring the physical side effects experienced by PLWHA IDUs while using ARV therapy and Methadone. Method: This qualitative research uses a phenomenological study approach. Participants were taken based on criteria referring to the purposive sampling technique (snowball sampling). Participants were PLWHA with a history of injecting drug users (IDU) aged 20 years and over and had undergone ARV therapy and Methadone maintenance therapy for at least 6 months. Researchers conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews and used Colaizzi's data analysis stages. Results: HIV AIDS sufferers who inject drug users experience physical side effects on the digestive system, namely tooth decay, constipation, anorexia. Side effects on the musculoskeletal system include muscle pain and weakness and insomnia. Side effects of the covering system are the appearance of itching and rashes. Side effect on the reproductive system is a decrease in sexual function. Recommendation: The results of this study need to be followed up with studies with a larger number of participants so that they can represent other problems experienced by PLWHA while using ARV therapy and methadone together.

Case Report: Lesson Learned from Delayed Definitive Treatment of Stage 4 HIV Patient with Cerebral Toxoplasmosis – A Case Report

Background: Cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis continue to burden people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This surge in cases is primarily due to patients’ delayed definitive treatment, missed follow-up, and insufficient diagnostic equipment in some regions, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia.Case Presentation: We report on a 35-year-old male referred to the emergency department with impairment in four extremities from a secondary healthcare facility. Specific atypical symptoms that mimicked subacute meningitis were identified during the physical examination. Internists, neurologists, and rehabilitation medicine professionals were associated with the management.Conclusion: We suggest that improved early diagnosis and treatment of HIV patients to prevent opportunistic infections, including cerebral toxoplasmosis, is needed, particularly in primary healthcare facilities in developing countries.

Application of group positive psychotherapy to improve psychological well-being for people with HIV in Papua

Introduction: Problems that arise in a person with HIV/AIDS status are related to disease conditions and psychosocial conditions that can affect psychological well-being. One form of intervention that can improve psychological well-being is Group Positive Psychotherapy. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of implementing positive group psychotherapy in improving the psychological well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the working area of the Timika Jaya Health Center, Mimika Regency. Method: This is a quasi-experimental research with the One Groups Pretest-Posttest Design technique approach. Respondents were pretested before the group positive psychotherapy treatment with counseling and education methods. Upon completing the treatment, a posttest was administered. The population of this study was the entire community of PLWHA in the working area of the Timika Jaya Public Health Center with 27 people for a total sampling technique. Data analysis used Chi-Square Test and Paired Samples T-Test. Based on the results of the analysis using paired sample t-test, p-value = 0.000 &lt;α means that there is a significant difference in psychological well-being in PLWHA before and after 1 month of positive group psychotherapy intervention. Result: Furthermore, from 1 month of group positive psychotherapy intervention to the next 2 months, p = 0.000, and before the second group positive psychotherapy intervention, p = 0.000. Overall, there was a significant difference in the improvement of psychological well-being before and after the group positive psychotherapy intervention. Conclusion: Group positive psychotherapy effectively improves psychological well-being for people with HIV/AIDS.

Stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) among general adult population: the results from the 6th Thai National Health Examination Survey (NHES VI)

Thailand has an ongoing action plan to reduce human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) discrimination and stigma. We aimed to monitor the level of stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) among the general adult population and to investigate its related factors. This study was based on data from the 6th Thai National Health Examination Survey, a large-scale country-wide survey in 2019-2020. We used a multistage sampling technique and included 11 843 adults aged 20 to 59. We collected data through face-to-face interviews which included six items related to HIV stigma domains. We weighted all analyses to account for the probability of sampling the Thai population aged 20 to 59 years. We found that anticipated stigma had the highest percentage of negative stigmatizing attitude responses (78.5%), followed by perceived stigma (66.6%), fear of HIV infection (54.4%), and social judgment (28.2%). Regarding the UNAIDS global indicator for discriminatory attitude, 48.6% of respondents had negative perceptions to questions about experienced stigma or discrimination. Multiple logistic regression showed that factors associated with discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA were being aged 20-39 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18-1.47) or 50-59 (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.09-1.40) compared to being aged 40-49, being Muslim compared to Buddhist (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.46-2.06), being married compared to being single (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.04-1.28), holding certificate degree or higher compared to not studying or studying at a primary level (aOR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.68-0.97), living in the Northeast (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.12-1.45) and Bangkok (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.12-1.51) compared to living in the North, having no HIV/AIDS infected relative or acquaintance compared to having an HIV/AIDS infected relative or acquaintance (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.41-1.73), and not obtaining an HIV test compared to obtaining it (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.02-1.19). We found that HIV stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA decreased, but remained concerning among Thai adult people. A public education and awareness campaign, as well as an intervention to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the country's health care facilities, must still be maintained.

Perception and Behavior of PLWHA towards Out-of-Pocket Costs when Accessing Antiretroviral Treatment

Out-of-pocket costs are defined as direct and indirect costs when accessing antiretroviral (ARV) treatment at healthcare centers that aren’t subsidized by the government. While ARV treatment can be accessed for free, costs for diagnostic tests, consultation, and treatment for opportunistic infections are the main factor behind the low number of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) accessing ARV treatment post-diagnosis. This study aims to understand PLWHA’s behaviors that are related to ARV treatment access based on perceived barriers to out-of-pocket costs. This study used a qualitative approach with 8 PLWHA informants and 1 healthcare worker informant that works at a care, support, and treatment (CST) clinic at a private hospital. This study was conducted for four months from August to November 2021. Results found that behaviors in accessing ARV treatment in PLWHA are influenced by their perceived seriousness of HIV, perceived barriers in the national healthcare insurance referral process, and self-efficacy. Perceived out-of-pocket cost barriers were not identified as the informants’ reason for deciding to start ARV treatment or discontinue ARV treatment. This study recommends increasing the availability of clinical psychologists that can provide psychological support for PLWHA, specifically within the first 6 months of diagnosis, supplemented by peer support groups.

Cerebral toxoplasmosis with neurological co-infection in people living with AIDS/HIV: results of a prospective cohort in São Paulo, Brazil

Concomitant neurological diseases in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is a challenging subject that has been insufficiently evaluated by prospective clinical studies. The goal of the present study was to identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of PLWHA with cerebral toxoplasmosis and neurological co-infections. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study at a tertiary teaching center in São Paulo, Brazil, from January to July 2017. Hospitalized PLWHA aged ≥ 18 years with cerebral toxoplasmosis were consecutively enrolled. A standardized neurological examination was performed at admission and weekly until discharge or death. Diagnosis and treatment followed institutional routines; neuroradiology, molecular diagnosis, neurosurgery, and the intensive care unit (ICU) were available. The main outcomes were neurological coinfections and in-hospital death. We included 44 (4.3%) cases among 1,032 hospitalized patients. The median age was 44 (interquartile range [IQR]: 35-50) years, and 50% (n = 22) of the patients were male. The median CD4+ T lymphocyte count was of 50 (IQR: 15-94) cells/mm3. Multiple lesions on computed tomography were present in 59% of the cases. Neurological coinfections were diagnosed in 20% (n = 9) of the cases, and cytomegalovirus was the most common etiology (encephalitis: n = 3; polyradiculopathy: n = 2). Longer hospital stays (30 versus 62 days; p = 0.021) and a higher rate of ICU admissions (14% versus 44%; p = 0.045) were observed among PLWHA with neurological coinfections in comparison to those without them. The rate of in-hospital mortality was of 13.6% (n = 6) (coinfection group: 33%; no coinfection group: 8.6%; p = 0.054). Neurological c-infections were common among PLWHA with cerebral toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus was the main copathogen. The group of PLWHA with neurological co-infections underwent longer hospital stays and more frequent intensive care unit admissions. Additionally, this group of patients tended to have higher in-hospital mortality rate.

Validation of Kiswahili Version of WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire among people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania- a cross sectional study

World Health Organization (WHO) has developed HIV specific quality of life tool called World Health Organization Quality of Life brief questionnaire in HIV population (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) for assessing the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Despite its sound validity and reliability from several studies, the developers recommend it to be validated in different cultures to assess its psychometric properties before its adoption. The study aimed at evaluating the validity and reliability of the Kiswahili version of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire in Tanzania among people living with HIV/AIDS. a cross-sectional study with 103 participants recruited via systematic random sampling. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed by the Cronbach alpha coefficient. Validity of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF was assessed through analysis of construct, concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity. The model performance was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. the mean age of the participants was 40.5 ± 9.702 years. The internal consistency of the items of the Kiswahili version of WHOQOL-HIV BREF shows Cronbach's alpha values of 0.89-0.90 (p < 0.001). Analysis of test-retest reliability showed a statistically significant Intra-class correlation (ICC) of 0.91 - 0.92 (p < 0.001). The spiritual and physical domains were highly discriminated from the rest of the domains (Psychological, Environmental, Social and Independent domain). Kiswahili WHOQOL-HIV BREF tool was found to have good validity and reliability among Tanzanian people living with HIV/AIDS. These findings provide support for the use of this tool in assessing the quality of life in Tanzania.

Health-related quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral treatment

Introduction: The knowledge of the effect of sociodemographic and disease-related factors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is important for planning comprehensive health-care services for them. Material and Methods: Two hundred PLWHA on antiretroviral therapy (ART) volunteered to complete a self-reported World Health Organization's Quality of Life[FIGURE DASH]HIV brief questionnaire (WHOQoL-HIV-BREF) that examines six domains each with four items (physical, psychological, level of independence, social, environmental, and spiritual) with 25 facets and additional 5 facets specific to PLWHA (symptoms of HIV, social inclusion, forgiveness, worries about the future, and death and dying). Results: Only 135 questionnaires from 73 (53.3%) men and 63 (46.7%) women (male: female – 1.14:1) aged 20–82 years (mean ± standard deviation: 42.9 ± 10.5 years) were found complete. Eighty-five (63%) individuals were aged 41–60 years, 78 (57.8%) individuals were matriculates, graduates, or postgraduates, 76 (56.3%) respondents were married, and 38 (28.1%) were widows/widowers. Staying-alone workers comprised 43 (31.8%) individuals. Overall health and HRQoL were rated satisfactory (n = 85.2%) and good/very good (n = 74.8%) by a significantly greater number of individuals (P = 0.001). Pearson's Chi-squared test showed no statistically significant (P &gt; α) associations between good HRQoL and variables such as age &gt;40 years, gender, education, marital status, duration of disease, disclosure of serostatus to family, ART for &gt;3 years, and CD4 &gt;200 cells/mL. Conclusion: Regular ART can result in adequate control of immunosuppression and no comorbidities in a majority of PLWHA, family and social acceptance, and financial security can result in overall good HRQoL in all six domains within the WHOQoL-HIV-BREF. The study is limited by its cross-sectional study design and small sample size.

Using Machine Learning to Establish the Concerns of Persons With HIV/AIDS During the COVID-19 Pandemic From Their Tweets

There are millions of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) globally and over the years, addressing their concerns has been topical for many stakeholders. It is a well-known and established fact that PLWHA are at increased risk of victimization and stigmatization. Unfortunately, the world experienced an outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to strict social measures in many states. Thus, it is the goal of this research to study the impact that the outbreak and its mitigation measures have had on the PLWHA. Specifically, we sought to highlight their concerns from sentiments expressed on social media based on posted tweets. By combining machine learning (ML) techniques such as textual mining and thematic analysis, we determined 14 major themes as factors that are worth exploring. In this work, we originally extracted 2,839,091 tweets related to HIV/AIDS posted from March 2020 to April 2022. After initially doing data cleaning and preprocessing, we performed topic modeling using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic model to extract 25 topics that are made up of 30 keywords each. The topics were then narrowed into 14 themes. The paper details the negative, positive, and neutral sentiment polarities which we highlight as concerning. These sentiments were determined using the Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (VADER) Sentiment Analysis Library with a 90% F1-score compared to TextBlob which showed a 53% F1-score. The research findings highlight issues affecting PLWHA during and post-pandemic such as high cost of medical care, late diagnosis of HIV, limited access to medications, stigmatization and victimization, absence of testing kits in hospitals, and lack of urgency in the development of vaccines or cure for HIV.

Determinant of Perception Factors in People Living with HIV/AIDS (Plwha) with the Attitude of Preventing Opportunistic Infections

HIV and AIDS are worldwide health concerns. Opportunistic infections are brought on by a weakened immune system and the introduction of germs (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) into the body. Opportunistic Infections (OIs) can cause death in &gt;90% of AIDS patients. The objective of this research is to identify perception factors associated with a positive attitude toward preventing opportunistic infections in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This research was an analytical study applying a cross-sectional design and quantitative approaches. This study included 30 samples from PLWHA from the General Hospital of South Tangerang City, Indonesia. Samples were collected using a non-random sampling technique involving accidental sampling. From the results of the study, a relationship of perceived threat (p-value = 0.001; r = 0.515), perceived susceptibility (p-value = 0.044; r = 0.345), perceived severity (p-value = 0.361), perceived benefit (p-value = 0.643), perceived barrier (p-value = 0.094; r = 0.463), and perceived self-efficacy (p-value = 0,004; r = 0.463) was obtained with the prevention attitude of opportunistic infections. The perceived threat is a major factor influencing attitudes toward OI prevention.

Neuropsychiatric sequelae of medication non-adherence in people living with HIV

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Non-adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (cART) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is complex, multifactorial, and leads to increases in viral load, immunosuppression, and HIV burden related to direct CNS virulence and cART re-initiation (i.e., immune reconstitution syndrome). Among behavioral disturbances, which may become long-lasting without proper treatment, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar spectrum disorders are frequent, as well as exacerbation of other premorbid underlying psychiatric conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use and related conditions, not to mention neurocognitive disorders that are encompassed under the umbrella term of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND). In this review, we summarized the neuropsychiatric sequelae of medication non-adherence in PLWHA by utilizing two clinical vignettes to illustrate how syndemic factors may interact and lead to unique presentations.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV/AIDS: a single-centered study

Introduction: as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are distributed and administered globally, hesitancy towards the vaccine hinders the immunisation of a significant number of vulnerable populations, such as people living with HIV/AIDS. Hence, this study aims to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) attending clinical-outpatient follow-up at State Specialist Hospital Maiduguri (SSHM), Borno State, Nigeria.

Pembentukan Model Log Linier Tiga Dimensi pada Asosiasi Sikap Diskriminatif dan Stigma terhadap Orang dengan HIV/AIDS, Pengetahuan Komprehensif HIV/AIDS dan Tingkat Pendidikan Remaja Perempuan di Indonesia

Reducing Discrimination and negative stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA ) was one of three crucial issues in the "Getting to Zero" policy. Discrimination and negative stigma against PLWHA could be performed by anyone, including teenagers. Female adolescents, compared with male adolescents, were more discriminative toward PLWHA. Comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS was essential in determining discriminatory attitudes and negative stigma. Some previous studies employed comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS as the dependent variable. However, in other studies, it was employed as a determinant of discriminatory attitudes and negative stigma towards PLWHA. This study aimed to accomplish the best model of the relationship between discriminatory attitudes and negative stigma on PLWHA, comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS and education level using a linear log model. This study used data from the 2017 IDHS with female adolescents as the unit of analysis. The results showed that the third order was not significant in the model. Furthermore, backward elimination showed that homogeneous association was the best model for modelling the association of the three research variables.

A cross sectional study on quality of life of PLHIV and their psychosocial correlates at tertiary care hospital, Lucknow

Background: People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) are prone to psychological illnesses. HIV/AIDS, not only affects physical health but also emotional and mental health, which affects quality of life (QoL). The aim of present study was to assess the psychosocial variables affecting QoL of PLHIV.Methods: A cross sectional study was done at ART plus centre of a tertiary care hospital of Lucknow, among PLHIV. The questionnaire contained details of the socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, QoL and psychosocial factors including stress, depression, anxiety, stigma, coping and self-transcendence. To see any significant correlation Pearson’s correlation was used to identify relationship between different domains of QoL and psychosocial factors associated with PLHIV. Logistic regression was also used to identify predictors of QoL by using SPSS version 23.0.Results: QoL was rated as poor by 12.2% of the study subjects and 14.6% were dissatisfied with their overall health status. QoL score was highest in “physical health” and “level of independence” domain and the minimum mean score was in “psychological” domain. All the domains of QoL were found to be positively correlated with ‘self-transcendence’ and negatively correlated with ‘stress, depression, anxiety and internalized stigma’.Conclusions: Self-transcendence act as a healing role to improve QoL while depression, stress and anxiety negatively associated with QoL.

Descriptive study of implementation of health protocols for people with HIV-AIDS during the pandemic of covid-19

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system so that the body is susceptible to various diseases. While AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a collection of symptoms or diseases caused by decreased immunity due to infection by the HIV virus. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are at high risk of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus, which is also closely related to the immune system. The purpose of this study was to determine the behavior of PLWHA in carrying out health protocols during the Covid-19 period at the Lima Puluh Health Center in Pekanbaru City in 2021. The type of research was quantitative with a descriptive design. The population in this study were all PLWHA who took drugs and were active at the Limapuluh Pekanbaru Health Center for the July-August 2020 period, totaling 151 people living with HIV. Sampling using the SLOVIN formula with a total of 60 respondents. Univariate data analysis. The results of the study found negative behavior in 34 people (56.7%). It is hoped that respondents will be given health education to comply with health protocols by implementing clean hand washing, wearing masks and keeping a distance&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;