Voluntary Counseling Research Articles

Understanding the role of resilience resources, antiretroviral therapy initiation, and HIV-1 RNA suppression among people living with HIV in South Africa: a prospective cohort study.

Failure to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) and achieve virologic suppression are significant barriers to the United Nations 90-90-90 goals. Identifying resilience resources, or modifiable strength-based factors, among people living with HIV is critical for successful HIV treatment and prevention. Prospective cohort study. From July 2014 to July 2015, 500 adults presenting for voluntary counseling and HIV testing who were diagnosed with HIV and were ART-eligible in South Africa (Soweto and Gugulethu) were enrolled and surveyed. Logistic regression models assessed resilience-related predictors of ART initiation within 6 months of voluntary counseling and HIV testing for HIV, and HIV-1 plasma RNA suppression within 9 months, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Within 6 months, 62% initiated ART, and within 9 months, 25% had evidence of an undetectable HIV-1 plasma RNA (<50 copies/ml). Participants who initiated ART relied less on social support from friends [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-0.99], coped using self-distraction (aOR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.10) and avoided coping through substance use (aOR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65-0.97), as compared with participants who did not initiate ART. Those who achieved plasma RNA suppression relied more on social support from a significant other/partner (aOR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07), used positive religious coping (aOR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07), and were less likely to engage in denial coping (aOR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77-0.92), compared with those who initiated ART but did not achieve plasma RNA suppression. Interventions optimizing resilience resources and decreasing maladaptive coping strategies (e.g., substance use, denial) may present a feasible approach to maximizing ART-based HIV treatment strategies among South African people living with HIV.

Mutu Pelayanan Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) di Klinik VCT Puskesmas Puger dari Perspektif Provider

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is an entry point to help everyone in utilizing services related to HIV-AIDS prevention, care, support and treatment. Puger Primary Health Care is a primary health care located in the work area with the highest number of HIV-AIDS sufferers in Jember Regency, experiencing a decrease in client visits, and there are some management services that are still not in accordance with VCT guidelines. This study aimed to describe the quality of VCT services at the VCT Clinic Puger Primary Health Care from the perspective of provider. This study was descriptive study using questionnaire, documentation study, and observation. The study respondents were 7 VCT clinic officers. The results indicated that in input parameter showed a lack of human resources, insufficient funding, lack of availability and material conditions that meet the VCT guidelines. In planning indicators related to the human resources, improvements of infrastructure facilities had not been written in the POA, the job description was sufficient based on duties and competences of staff and there were coordination, supervision and evaluation. In the dimensions of technical competence, access to services, efficiency, human relations, continuity and safety of VCT clinics in good categories, but sufficient and less categories for dimensions of effectiveness and comfort dimensions.

Gambaran Pengetahuan, Sikap, dan Praktik Perilaku Mahasiswa terhadap HIV/AIDS dan ODHA (Orang dengan HIV/AIDS)

Undergraduate students in adolescence and young adulthood period are sexually productive. It is crucial to discover their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards HIV/AIDS since the highest HIV infection in Indonesia until 2016 is between those ages. The survey was conducted in Indonesia between November-December 2015. Data was collected using online structured KAP questionnaire to 350 undergraduate students (aged 18-23 years old) in Universitas Indonesia and analyzed with descriptive statistic. The KAP questionnaire used was adapted from Mulu, Abera, and Yinner (2014). Results shown that most participants answered correctly in knowledge items, but most of them still didn't know that HIV and AIDS are two different things, and they think that HIV can be infected through sharing foods, exchanging clothes and toilets with PLWH (People Living with HIV). Most participants have a positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS, but they have a negative attitude regarding on using condom while having sex as an affront to the couple, and disagreeing to live together with PLWH. Regarding on the practice, as much as 76 participants who have had sex ever had a risky sexual behavior but never had VCT (Voluntary Counseling &amp; Testing), while the rest of participants who never had sex mostly have seen a condom but didn't feel comfortable to hold it. Knowledge towards HIV/AIDS was quite sufficient, the attitude was fair enough, but the practice for the participants who have had sex needed attention more. The results also might indicate stigma towards HIV/AIDS in Indonesia still exists because HIV is considered as an easily infected disease.

The evaluation of epidemiological control of HIV-infection in the Republic of Tajikistan

Nowadays, in the Republic of Tajikistan the main technique of detecting is a testing for presence of antibodies to with obligatory before and after testing counseling of patients with primarily detected HIV-infection. Purpose of study. To evaluate epidemiological control of in the Republic of Tajikistan on the basis of data of serum epidemiological screening. The information is receivedfrom monthly reports of the Republican center of prevention and struggle with AIDS presented in the form N 4 Information of results of blood analysis on antibodies to HIV-infection in 2008-2014. The statistical processing of data was implemented using techniques of variation statistics. The differences were considered as significant at p<0.05. During last years, in the Republic of Tajikistan increasing of coverage of population by voluntary counseling and testing related to presence of was marked. In 2008 148 255 individuals (2% of all population) were examined. In 2014 this number increased in 3.3 times and reached 482 492 individuals (5.7%). In 2014, among examined 482 492 individuals 1008 (0.2% of their total number) with were revealed. The examination was applied to 14 groups of population and about a half of them were pregnant women (233 810 individuals, 48.5%). In 2014, in the Republic of Tajikistan increasing of number of individuals of risk group of contamination with was marked: injection drugs users up to 6.2 times (13 082 individuals) and individuals with CWS up to 13.4 times (6273 individuals). So far, any data is lacking concerning development offull picture ofprevalence of in various population groups that dictates necessity of more complete coverage ofpopulation with examination for presence of antibodies to HIV-infection.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of HCV among HIV-1 infected individuals living in Ahvaz, Iran

BackgroundTo explore the prevalence, transmission routes and genotypes distribution of HCV in HIV-1/HCV co-infected individuals in Ahvaz, Iran.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV adult voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clients, from September to November 2016. Reverse transcription (RT) nested PCR was performed to amplify the HCV core and 5′UTR regions from 90 HIV/HCV co-infected individuals. The PCR products were then sequenced for HCV subtyping. Genetic analysis was done by MEGA6 software.ResultsThe prevalence of HCV in HIV-1-infected individuals was 58.7%. Injection drug use (IDU) was the most common route (99.1%) of transmission, and most of the patients (97.8%) had a history of imprisonment. The HCV subtypes were identified as 1a (55.2%), 3a (35.8%), 3 h (4.5%), 1b (3%) and 4a (1.5%) respectively, HCV 1a and 3a subtypes were predominant.ConclusionsThe diversity of HCV subtypes in HIV-1/HCV co-infected individuals in Ahvaz city was high, although two subtypes (1a and 3a) are predominant.

Knowledge about male circumcision and perception of risk for HIV among youth in Harare, Zimbabwe.

BackgroundMale circumcision will require high uptake among previously non-circumcising countries to realise the impact of circumcising in preventing HIV. Little is known about whether youths are knowledgeable about male circumcision and its relationship with HIV prevention and their perception of risk of HIV infection.ObjectiveThis article aimed to ascertain youth’s knowledge about male circumcision and perception of risk of HIV infection.MethodsA quantitative study on 784 youth (men aged 15–35 years) was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe, after obtaining their consent. Multivariate analysis examined the associations between background characteristics and knowledge about male circumcision and the perception of risk of HIV infection.ResultsThe results revealed that age was a significant predictor of knowledge about male circumcision among youth in Harare, as was educational attainment and ever having tested for HIV. In addition, youth who had heard of voluntary medical male circumcision were more likely to have high knowledge of male circumcision compared to those who had never heard of it. The results also showed that male circumcision status was associated with higher knowledge about male circumcision compared to those who were not circumcised. The study also found that educational attainment, belonging to the Shona ethnic group, never having tested for HIV and disapproval of voluntary counselling and testing prior to male circumcision were associated with the perception of risk of HIV infection.ConclusionThe study provides two recommendations: the need to strengthen perceived susceptibility to HIV among the youth and the need for advocacy on the health benefits of male circumcision.

Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure and Serum Cortisol Level as Stress Index in Symptomatic HIV/AIDS Male Subjects on Antiretroviral Therapy Negative to Malaria Parasite in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: HIV infection is a risk factor for a variety of endocrine problems. Objectives: This study investigated the body mass index (BMI), Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and serum cortisol level as stress factor/index symptomatic HIV/AIDS male subjects on ART who are negative to malaria parasite in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 274 adult male participants aged between 18 and 60 (42 ±13) years were randomly recruited at the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Centre in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital and grouped based on WHO criteria for staging HIV into symptomatic HIV (stage 11) infected male participants on ART (A: n=69), Symptomatic HIV subjects not on ART (B: n= 69), Asymptomatic HIV positive subjects (C: n= 68) and HIV seronegative subjects (D: n= 68). Blood samples were collected from the participants for the determination of HIV status by immunochromatography and HIV confirmation by Western Blot. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to assay for cortisol level. Results: The results showed a significantly increased BMI and decreased mean serum cortisol level in HIV/AIDS seropositive participants on ART than in those, not on ART (p&lt;0.05). Also, the BMI and mean serum cortisol level were significantly decreased and increased respectively in HIV/AIDS seropositive participants not on ART than in Asymptomatic HIV positive subjects and control respectively (p&lt;0.05). However, the mean SBP and DBP did not differ significantly between the groups studied (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed a decreased stress index in HIV/AIDS subjects on ART with hypercortisolism and lower BMI in symptomatic HIV participants, not on ART.&#x0D; Keywords: HIV; AIDS; Malaria uninfected male subjects; Cortisol; Blood pressure; Antiretroviral therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Trauma and Self-Care (CBT-TSC) in Men Who have Sex with Men with a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To address childhood sexual abuse (CSA) related distress and HIV risk in men who have sex with men (MSM) using cognitive-behavioral therapy for trauma and self-care (CBT-TSC), which is a novel intervention integrating HIV risk reduction with modified cognitive and behavioral therapy strategies for post-traumatic stress. We compared CBT-TSC to HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT)-only in an initial 2-arm RCT in 43 HIV-negative MSM at with a history of CSA and HIV risk. Serodiscordant condomless anal/vaginal sex (CAS; CAS with HIV-postive or HIV unknown status partners) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (Davidson Trauma Scale: total score and avoidance, intrusions, hyperarousal subscales) were outcomes immediately post-treatment, and at 6- and 9-month follow-up. At post-treatment, CBT-TSC had decreased odds (approximately 60%) of any CAS and greater reductions in CAS compared to VCT-only. Additionally, the CBT-TSC condition experienced greater reductions in total PTSD and avoidance symptoms. At the follow-up visits, CBT-TSC condition had significant reductions in the odds of any CAS and reductions in CAS. However, for PTSD symptoms, only the avoidance subscale remained significantly different compared to VCT-only. CBT-TSC is a potentially efficacious approach to address HIV risk in MSM with a CSA history, with replication and extension in a larger trial needed. This proof-of-concept trial is the first to integrate the treatment of a commonly occurring mental-health syndemic problem in MSM with a health psychology approach to self-care in MSM.Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01266122.

Demographic Factors and Sexual Self-Disclosure: HIV/AIDS Counselling Implications in Universities in Kenya

The study set out to determine the relationship between student demographic factors and sexual self-disclosure with a view of discerning HIV/AIDS counselling implications in public universities in Kenya. Four hundred and fifty-six undergraduate students from Egerton University, Kenyatta University and University of Nairobi participated in the study. Results indicated that demographic factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, knowledge of languages and disabilities do not affect the level of sexual self-disclosure during voluntary counselling and testing (F (5, 449) = 2.21, p =.266). Implications of these findings on HIV/AIDS counselling are discussed.

HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge and Willingness to Participate in Voluntary Counseling and Testing among Health Sciences University Students

Introduction: Health sciences university students (HSUS) are susceptible to HIV infection due to frequent contact with patients whose HIV status is unknown. This study aimed to compare the HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and the willingness to participate in VCT among HSUS, analyzing the differences between groups, and correlation and effect between variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 357 HSUS from the faculty of nursing, pharmacy, psychology and medicine at an accredited university. Samples were selected using simple random sampling. Data analysis used descriptive statistic, Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA test, and linear regression test (α&lt;0.05).Results: Most respondents were 20-21 years old single female who still live with parents, exposed to HIV/AIDS material twice/more via academic activities; lack of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge (51.5%), highest mean found in medical students (73.1%); willing enough to participate in VCT (83.5%), highest mean found in nursing students (86.4%). No correlation found between variables (p=0.101), and the regression model was not significant (p=0.101). HIV/AIDS-related knowledge contributed only 0.8% influence on the willingness to participate in VCT among HSUS (R2=0.008), other unidentified factors possibly play a more important role.Conclusion: Besides knowledge, other factors like demographic factors, social determinants, close person, health education, fear, and HIV-related stigma may affect the willingness to participate in VCT among HSUS. HSUS's knowledge about HIV/AIDS was low but their willingness to participate in VCT was quite high. HIV/AIDS-related knowledge has a slight contribution in determining HSUS's willingness to participate in VCT. Further analysis of other potential factors is needed to determine stronger predictors.

Voluntary Counselling and Testing Services for Youths with Hearing Impairment: A Case for Masvingo District in Zimbabwe

The study investigates the accessibility of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services to youths with hearing impairment in Masvingo District. Hearing influences nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from our ability to access services to the quality of our relationships. Youths with hearing impairment often struggle with significant health disparities due to poor communication competences. The qualitative approach was used and the descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The sample consisted of 20 youths and 10 counsellors from the VCT service provision departments who were purposively sampled. The youths were interviewed while the VCT counsellors responded to a questionnaire. The results of the study were that many youths with hearing impairment have not been tested for HIV infections because they experience communication barriers and their privacy and confidentiality is not guaranteed. The majority are not able to access the essential services offered to the general populace. It was recommended that access to health care services is a serious issue and that health providers should learn sign language and plan inclusive programmes in order to cater for the needs of young adults with hearing impairment.

Recreational ART use among individuals living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa: Examining longitudinal ART initiation and viral suppression

BackgroundSouth Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV (PLWH) and one of the largest antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs globally. High rates of substance use comorbidity exist, including speculation of recreational ART use (i.e., mixing ART with other illicit drugs). Recreational ART use may affect viral load among PLWH due to ART nonadherence and/or viral resistance; however, prior quantitative research has not examined rates of recreational ART use, nor associations with HIV treatment outcomes longitudinally. MethodsData were drawn from a prospective, observational cohort study (n = 500) of ART-eligible adults recruited from two HIV voluntary counseling and testing centers in Cape Town, and Johannesburg, South Africa. Multiple logistic regression models assessed recreational ART use as a predictor of ART initiation over six months and viral load suppression over nine months, above and beyond other substance use (binge drinking and illicit drug use). ResultsApproximately 5% (n = 24) reported recreational ART use, which was less frequent in Cape Town compared to Johannesburg (AOR = 0.025; 95%CI: 0.003-0.19; p < 0.001). Recreational ART use was not significantly associated with ART initiation or viral suppression. Other substance use, but not recreational ART use, was significantly associated with lower odds of ART initiation (AOR = 0.54; 95%CI: 0.33-0.87; p = .01) and viral suppression (AOR = 0.47; 95%CI: 0.25-0.89; p = .02). ConclusionsRecreational ART use was infrequent and not uniquely associated with ART initiation or viral suppression. Findings suggest that comorbid use of other substances is ultimately what may make recreational ART use problematic for ongoing engagement in care and viral suppression.

The impacts of depression and anxiety on quality of life among patients with HIV/AIDS and their spouses: testing dyadic dynamics using the actor-partner interdependence model

ABSTRACTHIV/AIDS not only affects the patients, but also their entire family. This study aimed to assess the impacts of the patients’ and their spouses’ anxiety and depression on their quality of life (QoL) at the dyadic level. A total of 120 serodiscordant husband-wife dyads from the voluntary counselling and testing center in Shiraz, Iran, were involved in this study from February to June 2015. The WHOQOL-BREEF, CESD-10, and Beck Anxiety Inventory instruments were used, respectively, to assess the QoL, depression, and anxiety scores of the participants. The actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) was used to estimate the effects of depression and anxiety of both the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and their spouses on their own QoL (actor effect) as well as their partners’ (partner effect). The APIM analysis revealed that both PLWHAs’ and their spouses’ depression and anxiety showed actor effects on their own QoL. Furthermore, spouses’ depression showed a significant partner effect on PLWHAs’ QoL and PLWHAs’ anxiety had significant partner effects on spouses’ QoL. Accordingly, this data can be used to develop targeted interventions aimed at guidance and assistance of PLWHAs and their spouses to find coping strategies that improve their own QoL as well as their partners’.

HIV late presentation and advanced HIV disease among patients with newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS in Southwestern China: a large-scale cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HIV late presentation and advanced HIV disease and to identify the factors associated with HIV late presentation and advanced HIV disease among patients with newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in Southwestern China.MethodsPatients with newly diagnosed HIV registered in the HIV surveillance system of Guangxi Centers for Disease Control between January 2012 and December 2016 were included in this study.ResultsOf 45,118 newly diagnosed patients, 70.2% had late presentation, and 45.1% had advanced HIV disease. A higher prevalence of late presentation and advanced HIV disease was found in male heterosexuals and female people who use drugs (PWID). Heterosexuals (OR 2.11 [95% CI 1.90–2.34]) and PWID (OR 1.55 [95% CI 1.30–1.84]) had a higher risk of late presentation than men who have sex with men (MSM). Blood testing of the blood receivers (OR 1.75 [95% CI 1.36–2.26]) and diagnosed in hospital (OR 1.74 [95% CI 1.65–1.84]) had an increased risk of late presentation compared to those who diagnosis in voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). Heterosexuals (OR 2.86 [95% CI 2.51–3.27]), PWID (OR 2.23 [95% CI 1.83–2.71]), blood testing of the blood receivers (OR 1.58 [95% CI 1.29–1.94]) and diagnosed in hospital (OR 1.85 [95% CI 1.76–1.94]) were also independent risk factors associated with advanced HIV disease. Older age, lower level of education and being divorced or widowed were also associated with late presentation and advanced HIV disease.ConclusionsLate presentation and advanced HIV disease were very common among patients with newly diagnosed HIV in Guangxi, China during 2012–2016. Targeted programs are urgently required to reduce HIV late diagnosis in Guangxi, especially for male heterosexuals, PWID, and patients with characteristics such as older age, lower level of education, divorced or widowed.

Analysis of HIV infection status and the related factors among male students who have sex with men from voluntary counseling and testing clinics by classification tree model in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province

Objective: To analysis the status of HIV infection and the related factors among students of men who have sex with men (MSM) from voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics in Changzhoucity Jiangsu province. Methods: A total of 236 subjects with previous male sexual history, 16-25 years of age and less than 3 months of confirmation time of HIV positive infection were recruited in Changzhou from January 2014 to December 2017. Questionnaires were conducted and plasma samples were collected for selenium and HIV antibody testing. The relevant factors of HIV infection among MSM were screened by classification tree model. The model was evaluated using cross validation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The age of subjects was (20.76±1.97) years old. The age of the first sex with men was (19.14±1.85) years old and the plasma selenium content was (82.59±11.99) ng/ml. Of the 236 subjects, 74.58% (176 cases) were college students or undergraduates; 8.90% (21 cases) were diagnosed with venereal diseases in the last year; 80.93% (191 cases) received health services in the last year, and the positive rate of HIV antibody was 25.00% (59 cases). Four relevant factors were screened by the classification tree model, including the diagnosis of sexual transmitted diseases (STDs) in the last year, health services in the last year, plasma selenium level and education level. The most important factor was whether STDs were diagnosed in the last year. The estimate of re-substitution and cross-validation of the classification tree model was 0.186 and 0.195, and the standard error was 0.025 and 0.026, respectively. The area under the ROC was 0.706 (P<0.001). Conclusion: The MSM HIV antibody positive rate of VCT students in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province was 25.0%. The diagnosis of STDs in the last year, receiving health services in the last year, plasma selenium level and education level were relevant factors of HIV infection.

The characteristics of recent HIV-1 infection and associated factors in Tianjin

The newly reported HIV infected cases was collected, and HIV blood samples were detected to identify recent HIV infection in Tianjin during 2008-2015. Factors associated with HIV-1 infection were analyzed by the univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression. The recent HIV-1 infection proportion of homosexuals increased from 37.70% in 2008 to 83.68% in 2015. Those cases who aged ≤30 years (OR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.30-1.79), in han ethnic group (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.02-1.91), students (OR=1.79, 95%CI: 1.28-2.51) were more likely to be recent infected. The cases who had a high school education (OR=1.28, 95%CI: 1.05-1.56) or collage education (OR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.00-1.50) were more likely to be recent infected than those who had a primary school education. Compared with patients identified by hospitals, the recent HIV infections were more likely to be found through voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), STD outpatients, men who have sex with men (MSM) investigation and unpaid blood donors. Homosexual transmission has become the major route of HIV-1 recent infection in Tianjin.

Predictors of condom use behavior among men who have sex with men in China using a modified information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in China. Correct and consistent condom use is one of the most effective strategies for preventing the spread of HIV. This study developed a modified Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model to predict condom use behavior among Chinese MSM.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data using self-administered electronic questionnaire. Participants were recruited from HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing clinics in six district Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Guangzhou and two community-based HIV service centers (Lingnan Partners and Zhitong Charity) from May to September 2017. Structural equation modeling was performed to develop the modified IMB model with extended multilevel factors.ResultsAmong the 976 MSM included, 52.05% had engaged in anal intercourse with a condom every time. The final modified IMB model fitted the data more ideally than the conventional model. The final modified IMB model revealed that behavioral skills positively contributed directly to condom use (β = 0.385, p < 0.001) and partially mediated the associations between information (β = 0.106, p = 0.005) and motivation (β = 0.390, p < 0.001) and condom use. Regarding the extended multilevel factors, education, income, receiving HIV prevention services, sexual partner seeking behavior, depression, intimate partner violence, and child sexual abuse had indirect impacts on condom use that were mediated by information, motivation, and/or behavioral skills (p < 0.05). All paths from the latent variable to the corresponding observed variables were statistically significant (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe modified IMB model with extended multilevel factors could serve as a theoretical framework for behavioral interventions for condom use among Chinese MSM. Further prospective studies are needed to examine the predictive power of the modified IMB model.

Effectiveness of Health Education on HIV / AIDS Detection towards Family Knowledge and Support in Implementation of Pregnant Women VCT

Background: HIV / AIDS cases in Indonesia has increased. In 2015 there were 30,935 people with HIV positive and 7,185 people with AIDS, while in 2016 until January 2017, 41,250 people with HIV positive and 7,491 people with AIDS. Various efforts have been made to prevent and resolve HIV / AIDS transmission, one of which is VCT (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) for pregnant women. VCT is a recommended program for early detection of HIV transmission. Purpose: To explore the effectiveness of health education on HIV/AIDS detection towards family knowledge and support implementation of pregnant women VCT needed family knowledge about HIV/AIDS detection and family support in implementation of VCT pregnant women. Methods : The type of this research is experimental research, the research time used is prospective longitudinal. The population in this study is the family of pregnant women who have not done VCT in the working area of Public Health Center Parakan in 2018 as many as 42 people with total sampling technique. Bivariate analysis with Wilcoxon test. Results: The results showed that there was a difference of knowledge level and family support between before and after receiving health education with knowledge level (p-value = 0,000) and Z-score = -5,405, and Support (p value = 0.000) and Z-score = -4, 96 Conclusion : Family of pregnant women should be more actively seeking information from various health media about HIV / AIDS detection so as to provide support for family members, especially pregnant women to do VCT. To improve the coverage of HIV / AIDS implementation, it is recommended for health workers to improve their health promotion strategies especially on HIV / AIDS detection. As well as providing access to information such as leaflets and leaflets at every posyandu activity, class of pregnant women

Haiti's complex history with HIV, and recent successes

In Haiti, a Caribbean nation ravaged by natural disaster, gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS have been made against the odds. Joe Parkin Daniels reports. GHESKIO: adapting to challenges in Haiti since the early 1980sThe Haitian Study Group on Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (with the French acronymy GHESKIO), was founded in 1982 before HIV/AIDS had been formally identified as a disease. It has grown from being a grassroots organisation into a network of clinics and research centres, visited by more than 600 000 patients each year and provides voluntary HIV counselling and testing, HIV treatment, and programmes aimed at tackling other infectious diseases including cholera, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections. Full-Text PDF

GHESKIO: adapting to challenges in Haiti since the early 1980s

The Haitian Study Group on Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (with the French acronymy GHESKIO), was founded in 1982 before HIV/AIDS had been formally identified as a disease. It has grown from being a grassroots organisation into a network of clinics and research centres, visited by more than 600 000 patients each year and provides voluntary HIV counselling and testing, HIV treatment, and programmes aimed at tackling other infectious diseases including cholera, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections. It also boasts an education system, with student scholarships and primary education offered. It has long won plaudits for leading the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Haiti's complex history with HIV, and recent successesIn Haiti, a Caribbean nation ravaged by natural disaster, gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS have been made against the odds. Joe Parkin Daniels reports. Full-Text PDF