Voluntary Counseling Research Articles

ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT VCT PADA WANITA PEKERJA SEKS DI PUSKESMAS KABUPATEN PEMALANG DALAM SAAT PANDEMI COVID-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) program for female sex workers (WPS) as evidenced by a decrease in the use of VCT in FSW. Therefore, the existence of COVID-19 requires adaptation to program sustainability (adaptive management). The purpose of this study was to find out adaptive management VCT in female sex workers at the Pemalang District Health Center in the Covid-19 pandemic situation. This type of qualitative research uses the focus group discussion (FGD) method to collect data related to the adaptive VCT on female sex workers at the primary health care in the Covid-19 pandemic situation. Participants involved in the FGDs were stakeholders in the management of the VCT HIV program for female sex workers. Data analysis using content analysis method (content analysis). The results showed that the adaptive carried out is not doing mobile VCT, VCT at the primary health care with health protocols, delivering test results via SMS, not doing post-test counseling. Challenges and obstacles in adapting to VCT at the primary health care are the interest of women sex workers to do VCT at the primary health care still low, the counseling provided is limited, women sex workers do not understand the test results, and the risk of messages being not opened. Design improvements based on ideas and ideas are through health promotion with social media, some from the community of female sex workers being role models, owners (pimps) requiring regular VCT FSW at the primary health care, running mobile VCT (6 months) with a health protocol, counselors must be able to provide information that is easy to understand, clear and concise, can use the telephone to convey test results.

Effect Of Cellular Phone SMS As Health Education Media About HIV And AIDS On Health Service Search Behavior Of Women Sex Workers

Abstract Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks white blood cells (lymphocytes) that cause the decline of human immune. High risk groups such as Female Sex Workers (FSWs) tend not to access health services because of the decrimination they face in society. Health promotion is still an important strategy in increasing self-awareness of FSWs to perform Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) examination, one of them is through the utilization of cellular phone technology. This study aims to determine the effect of cell phone Short Message Service (SMS) as a media health education about HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) to health seeking behavior of FSWs. Pre-experimental design one group pre-test pos-ttest design was conducted at 33 FSWs at Terminal Pesiapan, Tabanan District. The results of pre-test and post-test showed an influence on behavior (knowledge, attitude and action) after SMS based health promotion intervention (p <0,05), knowledge (p = 0,039), attitude (p = 0,003), and action (p = 0,000). After the intervention there was an increase in behavior that is on knowledge 30,3%, 36,4% attitude and 63,6% action. Mobile phone SMS media proves to be effective in conveying health information so as to raise awareness of FSWs in conducting HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). An innovative, short, easy-to-understand message on HIV and AIDS should be provided with simple language and regular use of cellular-based information technology by healthcare workers.
 Keywords: Behavior, FSWs, Health Education, Mobile Phone SMS

Factors Associated with Sexually Transmitted Infections among Users of Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Centers in Portugal

Objective: Users of publicly funded voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Centers (VCT C) in the Portuguese National Service have been found to have higher rates of HIV risk behavior than the general population, but data concerning the relationship between socio-demographic, behavioral, and cognitive variables, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (ST Is) in this specific population are limited. This study tests the impact of socio-demographic, behavioral and cognitive variables on ST Is in a sample of 168 users of VCT C. Methods: A cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires was conducted. Results: Being older, being gay or bisexual, and having more barriers towards safer sex (e.g., negative attitudes toward safer sex behavior) were associated with increased odds of having had a ST I diagnosis. We found significant differences between heterosexual and gay men for number of sexual partners, frequency of anal sex, exchanging sex for money or drugs, history of ST Is, AIDS knowledge, and risk beliefs about the partner, with gay men showing higher rates. Conclusions: ST Is education should target older, gay or bisexual individuals, and focus on information as well as on changing barriers towards safer sex and associated health beliefs.

Associations between adverse childhood experiences and adulthood substance use among lesbians

Objective: To investigate the associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and substance use behaviors among lesbians to provide a scientific basis for high-risk population identification and formulation of targeted intervention measures. Methods: Lesbians who participated in routine AIDS voluntary counseling, testing services, activities, and peer recommendations were recruited from July to December 2018, with the help of LesPark in Beijing. Convenient sampling method was used. Demographic characteristics, ACE, and substance use behaviors of subjects were investigated using an online platform powered by www.wjx.cn. Subsequently, the associations between ACE and adulthood substance use behaviors were evaluated using the logistic regression model. The SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 294 lesbians were recruited in the study, 81.3% (239/294) of them were lesbians, and 18.7% (55/294) were bisexuals. Besides, 55.8% (164/294) of subjects reported they had had ACE, with proportions of lesbians experiencing abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction as 33.3% (98/294), 24.5% (72/294), and 32.7% (96/294), respectively. 55.1% (162/294) of the lesbians reported they had smoked in the past 30 days, 11.2% (33/294) reported having drug-use behavior in the past three months, and 22.8% (67/294) claimed drinking alcohol weekly. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lesbians with ACE were at high risks to smoke (OR=1.87, 95%CI: 1.13-3.08), drink (OR=2.13, 95%CI: 1.18-3.84), and use drugs (OR=3.33, 95%CI: 1.29-8.61) in adulthood. Moreover, lesbians with childhood family dysfunction were at higher risk of smoking cigarettes (OR=2.60, 95%CI: 1.46-4.62) and drinking alcohol (OR=2.65, 95%CI: 1.44-4.87). At the same time, those with abuse experience were at higher risk of drug use (OR=3.17, 95%CI: 1.26-7.96). Conclusions: Substance use behaviors, including cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol, and drugs use, were common among lesbians. Positive associations were found between ACE and adulthood substance use behaviors.

Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing Amongst Trainee Nurses and Midwives in Ghana and their Perception of Disclosure of HIV Positive Status to Partners

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is the best strategy for a successful HIV prevention, care, and support service implementation among HIV-negative and positive individuals. VCT is also recognized as a critical component in the reduction of risk among sexually active young people. This study aims to assess the voluntary HIV counseling, testing, and utilization amongst student nurses and midwives in Ghana and their perception of the disclosure of HIV-positive status to partners. This study used a cross-sectional quantitative descriptive survey amongst 98 nursing and midwifery students at the Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Koforidua. A simple random sampling was used in selecting the participants. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire. Females dominated the study with the majority of respondents being single. VCT uptake among the respondents was low. Only 26.5% had ever undertaken VCT. It was observed that their willingness to accept VCT does not translate into actual testing. The majority (83%) of respondents perceived that HIV-infected persons should disclose their status to a sexual partner. Fear of stigma (96.0%), fear of loss of friends (98.0%), and fear of being abused (88.8%) were identified as the barriers to HIV status disclosure. To promote VCT services among trainees, these services need to be periodically included in school activities. A comprehensive VCT training module needs to be included in the school curriculum. More emphasis should be placed on the benefits of VCT so that students will understand the importance of implementing VCT services.

”Screaming isolation” when is a chair more than a chair? Photographic encounters, IPA and capturing out of awareness experiencing: A novel approach to working with temporal, spatial and embodied dimensions

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the concept and analysis of photographic encounters which we utilised in an interview study to explore experiences of psychotherapy environments. Our study involves a dual perspective design (a sample of therapists, and a sample of clients). Interviews incorporating photographic encounters were transcribed, and then analysed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Nine therapists and five clients were recruited from a voluntary counselling service in the West Midlands. Two of the therapists first took photographs of the setting. These photographs were used in the study. Interviews involved participants viewing the photographs and then choosing images to discuss. A theoretical framework for analysing the photographic encounters was incorporated alongside IPA analysis. We show how photographic encounters facilitated insights about how participants were experiencing new, layered and embodied engagement with the therapy environment. We argue that photographic encounters in qualitative interviews can foster awareness of tacit experiencing, and that IPA is an effective and complementary approach for working with such data. Our use of photographic encounters contributes to the existing literature on generating multi-modal accounts of experience using visual methods. This paper also offers a distinctive, conceptually-based framework for use alongside IPA to analyse photographic encounters.

Mindfulness-Based Compassion-Focused Therapy and a Comparison of Effectiveness of Stress Reduction Program on Self-Compassion of HIV Positive Patients

Background: Over the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in exploring self-compassion as a related and complementary construct to mindfulness. Improved self-compassion may predict clinical outcomes after implementing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) approach and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). This pilot study compared the impact of MBSR and CFT on self-compassion in people living with HIV, utilizing implicit and explicit instructions, respectively. Methods: The present quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design was conducted among people living with HIV referred to the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran in which 54 patients were selected by convenient sampling. The interventions based on CFT and MBSR were applied to two experimental groups (18 people in each group) while the control group included 18 people who received no interventions and were placed on a waiting list. The experimental groups received the two interventions for 10 weekly sessions. Patients’ self-compassion was assessed at three stages of pre-test, post-test, and follow-up with a self-compassion scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics (analysis of covariance) were used to analyze the extracted data. Results: The results showed that both interventions based on CFT and MBSR were effective in enhancing self-compassion of people living with HIV (p<0.05), and this effect remained consistent even during the follow-up stage (p=0.021). The changes were observable even three months after the treatment (p< 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that MBSR and CFT can be effective in improving self-compassion among HIV positive patients. Besides, they can be helpful in developing preventive interventions.

Determinants of HIV voluntary counseling and testing: a multilevel modelling of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing services are vital to reduce the spread of HIV infection, and to create an opportunity for early treatment and reduction of HIV/AIDS-related mortality. However, only 12 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries reached the first 90% target (90% of people living with HIV to know their status). Hence, this study aimed to investigate the determinants of HIV counseling and testing among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia.MethodsEthiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS 2016) data was used to identify the determinants of HIV counseling and testing among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. A weighted sample of 14,599 reproductive age women was included in the study. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the determinants of HIV counseling and testing. The odds’ ratio with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and the corresponding P-value ≤ 0.05 was employed to declare the statistically significant variables.ResultsIn this study, both individual and community-level variables were significantly associated with Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) uptake among women. Women aged 25–34 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.29, 95% CI 2.05, 2.56), aged ≥ 35 years (AOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.38, 1.75), attending primary education (AOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.51, 1.88), secondary education (AOR 3.07, 95% CI 2.64, 3.58), and higher education (AOR 5.15, 95% CI 4.17, 6.36), women with medium household wealth (AOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.32, 1.84), richer (AOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.58, 2.24), and richest wealth index (AOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.91, 2.94), having comprehensive knowledge (AOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06, 1.37), ever married (AOR 3.87, 95% CI 3.46, 4.32), having sexual risky behavior (AOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.69, 2.49), women from communities with high HIV knowledge (AOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.68, 2.45), women from communities with high literacy level (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05, 1.51) and women from communities with high wealth quintile (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03,1.57) had higher odds of VCT uptake. However, those women having stigma (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74, 0.92) had reduced odds of VCT uptake.ConclusionThis study revealed that not only individual level factors but also community level factors determine the status of HIV voluntary counseling and testing. Hence, strengthening both individual and community based interventions are crucial to increase the women HIV counseling and testing practice in the country.

Intention to Use Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services among College Students

Background: HIV is a health problem of global concern. A large number of HIV cases in Surakarta is due to various factors such as the characteristics of adolescents, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs to reduce HIV prevention through the use of VCT services. This study aims to analyze the relationship between age, gender, type of study program, information exposure, organizational participation, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in using VCT to use Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services for college students. Method: This research was a quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach. The study population was all students at one university in Surakarta in the 2016-2017 class as many as 12,457 students, while the research sample was 500 students who were taken using a proportional random sampling technique. Data analysis using chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: The results of the multivariate analysis showed that students' knowledge of HIV / AIDS and VCT affected the intention to use VCT services with an OR = 1.776 (CI = 1.170-2.695). The bivariate test results showed that there was a relationship between information exposure (p-value = 0.001), knowledge (p-value = 0.007), attitude (p-value = 0.006) and belief (p-value = 0.013) with the intention to use VCT services. Meanwhile, there was no relationship between age (p-value = 0.118), gender (p-value = 0.579), type of study program (p-value = 1,000), organizational participation (p-value = 0.352) with the intention of using VCT services. Students' knowledge of HIV / AIDS and VCT was the most dominant VCT intention. Therefore, providing information about VCT to students is necessary to increase students' knowledge and confidence in using VCT services.

What explains gender inequality in HIV infection among high-risk people? A Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition

BackgroundDespite clear evidence on role of gender in vulnerability and exposure to HIV infection, information on gender-related inequalities in HIV and related factors are rarely documented. The aim of this study was to measure gender inequality in HIV infection and its determinates in Tehran city, the capital of Iran.MethodsThe study used the data of 20,156 medical records of high-risk people who were admitted to Imam Khomeini Voluntary Counseling and Testing site in Tehran from 2004 to 2018. The Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition was used to quantify the contribution of explanatory variables to the gap in the prevalence of HIV infection between female and male.ResultsThe age-adjusted proportion of HIV infection was 9.45% (95%Cl: 9.02, 9.87). The absolute gap in the prevalence of HIV infection between male and female was 4.50% (95% CI: − 5.33, − 3.70%). The Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition indicated that most explanatory factors affecting the differences in HIV infection were job exposure, drug abuse, history of imprisonment, injection drug, heterosexual unsafe sex, and having an HIV-positive spouse.ConclusionThe results can provide evidence for health policymakers to better planning and conducting gender-based preventive and screening programs. Policies aiming at promoting HIV preventive behaviors among male may reduce the gap in HIV infection between female and male in Iran.

PREVALENCE OF VOLUNTARY COUNSELING AND TESTING SERVICE UTILIZATION AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREPARATORY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GONDAR TOWN, AMHARA REGION, ETHIOPIA

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services utilization and associated factors among preparatory school students in Gondar town, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed. Multistage sampling procedure was conducted. Data were collected using pre-tested self-administered questionnaire and the data were entered, clean, and analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were employed. Multivariate analysis with 95% CI was computed to identify factors associated with VCT service utilization at p<0.05. Results: The study included a total of 654 study participants, with a response rate of 97%. According to the research, 48.3% of adolescents used VCT services (95% CI: 44.5–52.1). The results of multivariate analysis revealed that age, site of birth, mother education, and discussion with parents were all substantially associated with the use of VCT services. Conclusions: The majority of those who took part in the survey did not use VCT services. Only a small percentage of respondents have ever taken a VCT test and discussed it with their parents. The primary barrier for adolescents in the study area was cultural taboos, which they did not discuss with their parents. As a result, it will take an endless amount of effort from all relevant parties to promote teenage service use, as well as family life education, to encourage students and parents to use VCT.

Utilization of family planning and volunteer counseling and testing service and associated factors among preparatory school students in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: the utilization of reproductive health service plays significant role in preventing youths from different reproductive related health problems. Adolescents in Ethiopia have inadequate access to information and services. The objection of this study was to assess utilization of family planning and volunteer counseling and testing service and associated factors among preparatory school students in Arba Minch Town. METHOD: institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 522 regular preparatory students in Arba Minch Town from December 01-30/2019. Data was entered and clean into Epidata-4.6 templates then transferred to SPSS-25 statistical software for analysis. A bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify statistically significant variables of the independent variable. Variables with P-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered significant determinant variables. RESULT: out of the total of 541selected students, 522 responded to the questionnaires yielding a response rate of 96.48%. The mean age of the study participant was 17.8 with (SD±0.8) years. From those who had sexual intercourse 78.6% and 29.3% of them used family planning and voluntary counseling and testing service, respectively. Sexual intercourse experienced adolescents were 8.24 times more likely utilized Family Planning (FP) service than their counterparts (AOR=8.236, 95% CI: 6.18-15.76). The study participants living with both parents were about 1.6 times (AOR=1.645, CI: 1.077-2.513 more likely to use voluntary counseling and testing service compared to those who living with others. CONCLUSIONS: based on this finding, majority of adolescents used family planning, but voluntary counseling and testing service utilization were low. The reasons for not utilizing voluntary counseling and testing service were felt ashamed from friends and unfriendly approach of health workers during service provision. So, we can recommend that encourage adolescents open discussion about reproductive health service utilization with different peoples, open discussion within couples and encourage to increase female education are important steps to improve adolescent’s reproductive service utilization.

Assessment of Index Case Family Testing Among Adults Attending Art Clinic at Kule Refugee Camp, Southwest Ethiopia: 2021.

BackgroundHuman immune virus testing and counseling is the gateway to accessing anti-retro viral treatment. As a priority population group, families of index clients have been largely neglected due to a number of different factors. Testing sexual partners and children of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive persons (index case finding) is a promising way of identifying HIV-positive persons unaware of their HIV status.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the proportion of index case family testing and its associated factors among adults attending an ART clinic at Kule Refugee Camp, southwestern Ethiopia, 2021.Methods and MaterialsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Kule Refugee Camp, Gambela region. A total of 348 adult ART clinic attendants were selected by using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by using a pre-tested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with index case family testing. The strength of association was assessed by adjusted odds ratio, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05 and 95% CI.ResultsThe proportion of index case family testing was 49.%. Educational level: primary level (AOR=2.4, 95% CI=1.24–4.42), secondary level and above (AOR=2.6, 95% CI=1.20–4.70), ART adherence (AOR=6, 95% CI=2.8–14.1), years on ART (AOR=2, 95% CI=1.10–3.20), discussion about HIV testing (AOR=3.6, 95% CI=1.30–10.30), disclosure status (AOR 6, 95% CI=2.21–16.94), and being tested through voluntary counseling and testing (AOR=3.0, 95% CI1.70–5.70) were factors significantly associated with index case family HIV testing.Conclusion and RecommendationsThis study revealed that the proportion of index case family HIV testing in Kule Refugee Camp was 49%. Educational status, adherence status, disclosure status, years on ART, and voluntary counseling and testing were determinant factors. Health professionals should advise index cases to adhere to ART drugs, to disclose their HIV status to their families, and should provide counseling based on guidelines.

HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT-HIV) Effectiveness for Sexual Risk-Reduction Among Key Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT-HIV) Effectiveness for Sexual Risk-Reduction Among Key Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Predictors of repeat voluntary counseling and testing for HIV among men who have sex with men from Metro Manila, Philippines: a reasoned action approach

Predictors of repeat voluntary counseling and testing for HIV among men who have sex with men from Metro Manila, Philippines: a reasoned action approach

Cross-sectional assessment of government health center needs to implement long-acting reversible contraception services in rural Rwanda

BackgroundThere is unmet need for family planning in Rwanda. We previously developed an evidence-based couples’ family planning counseling (C)FPC program in the capital city that combines: (1) fertility goal-based family planning counseling with a focus on long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) for couples wishing to delay pregnancy; (2) health center capacity building for provision of LARC methods, and (3) LARC promotion by community health workers (CHW) trained in community-based provision of oral and injectable contraception. From 2015 to 2016, this service was integrated into eight government health centers in Kigali, reaching 6072 clients and resulting in 5743 LARC insertions.MethodsFrom May to July 2016, we conducted cross-sectional health center needs assessments in 30 rural health centers using surveys, key informant interviews, logbook extraction, and structured observations. The assessment focused on the infrastructure, materials, and human resources needed for LARC demand creation and provision.ResultsFew nurses had received training in LARC insertion [41% implant, 27% intrauterine device (IUD)]. All health centers reported working with CHW, but none trained in LARC promotion. Health centers had limited numbers of IUDs (median 10), implants (median 39), functional gynecological exam tables (median 2), and lamps for viewing the cervix (median 0). Many did not have backup power supplies (40%). Most health centers reported no funding partners for family planning assistance (60%). Per national guidelines, couples’ voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) was provided at the first antenatal visit at all clinics, reaching over 80% of pregnant women and their partners. However, only 10% of health centers had integrated family planning and HIV services.ConclusionsTo successfully implement (C)FPC and LARC services in rural health centers across Rwanda, material and human resource capacity for LARC provision will need to be greatly strengthened through equipment (gynecological exam tables, sterilization capacity, lamps, and backup power supplies), provider trainings and follow-up supervision, and new funding partnerships. Simultaneously, awareness of LARC methods will need to be increased among couples through education and promotion to ensure that demand and supply scale up together. The potential for integrating (C)FPC with ongoing CVCT in antenatal clinics is unique in Africa and should be pursued.

Oral health status of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus and related factors, Iran: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a major global issue. HIV-infected patients commonly experience oral health problems. This study aimed to assess oral health status of the patients and its related factors in Shiraz, Iran.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, by using simple random sampling, 250 HIV-infected patients were selected from Shiraz Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center in 2019. Patients' decayed, missing, and filled tooth (DMFT) index, plaque index (PI), and community periodontal index (CPI) were determined. Associations between patients' characteristics and the above-mentioned indices were examined by using Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, chi-square, and independent sample T test. The effect of possible confounding factors was controlled by using multiple linear regression and logistic models.ResultsOf the 222 participants, 111 (50%) had 15 or more missing teeth and 79 (35.6%) were edentulous. Their mean (SD) DMFT and PI were 20.71 (10.74) and 1.11 (0.79), respectively. About 40% of them had healthy gingiva. DMFT (p < 0.001), PI (p < 0.001), and CPI (p = 0.002) were significantly worse in men than women. The patients' DMFT and edentulous status were significantly associated with their age (both p < 0.001) and duration of disease (p = 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). Unemployed patients had the worst DMFT, PI, and CPI (all p < 0.001) and the highest percentage of edentulous individuals (p = 0.003). All examined indices were significantly worse in cigarette smokers, alcoholics, addicts, and patients with a previous history of imprisonment (all p < 0.001). The odds ratio of being edentulous was 5.74 times in addicted patients than in non-addicted ones (p < 0.001). The odds increased 0.11 with every year that the patients' age increased (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression models also showed that the addicted patients had significantly more scores in DMFT index, PI, and CPI (all p < 0.001).ConclusionsOverall, oral health status of the HIV-infected patients was unsatisfactory. Therefore, effective interventional programs are needed for prevention and early treatment of dental problems among this population, especially for more vulnerable groups such as older men with low socioeconomic status, and those with high-risk behaviors.

Determinant Factors affecting Quality of Life of Children with HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS causes physical problems, such as recurrent infections, growth disorders and malnutrition.HIV/AIDS also causes psychosocial problems, such as being shunned by friends and gettingdiscriminatory behavior. All of the problems described earlier affect children’s mental growth anddevelopment which will affect the quality of life of children with HIV/AIDS.This research is a cross sectional study, conducted at the Intermediate Care Unit of Infection Disease ofChildren Outpatient Clinic in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya and Voluntary Counselling andTesting Outpatient Clinic in Gresik General Hospital, Probolinggo General Hospital and TrenggalekGeneral Hospital in November 2019-May 2020. Data collected was descriptively, then statisticallyanalyzed by bivariate and multivariate analysis.According to bivariate analysis, factors significantly related to quality of life of children with HIV/AIDS were age, monthly caregiver income, distance between diagnosis and therapy, immunologicalstatus, nutritional status and treatment adherence. Multivariate analysis showed that age (p=0,014,Odds Ratio [OR] 18,780, confidence interval [CI] 1,810-194,844) and treatment adherence (p=0,010,OR 7,823, CI 1,631-37,516) had a significant relationship with the quality of life of children with HIV/AIDS (p &lt;0.05).In conclusion, age, monthly caregiver income, distance between diagnosis and therapy, immunologicalstatus, nutritional status and treatment adherence are significantly related to the quality of life of childrenwith HIV/AIDS. Age and treatment adherence have the most significant relation with the quality of lifeof children with HIV/AIDS .

Analysis on influencing factors of HIV testing services utilization in students with self-assessed high risk of HIV infection based on Andersen's model

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors for HIV testing services utilization in students with self-assessed high risk of HIV infection. Methods: The research framework of the influencing factors for HIV testing services utilization in students was developed based on Andersen's health services utilization behavioral model and related literature. A cross-sectional survey was performed in students with self-assessed high risk of HIV infection by an online HIV infection risk assessment tool from March to April 2019. Multiple logistic regressions were applied with hierarchical model. Results: A total of 526 students were included in the study (age: 19.30±1.19 years old), in whom 96.2% agreed that HIV testing should be received after high-risk behavior. 56.7% (298/526) had sexual behavior and the HIV testing rate was 11.0% (58/526). The HIV testing rates in students who had and had no sex behavior were 13.42%(40/298) and 7.89% (18/228), respectively. According to the results from multivariate logistic regression analysis, non-heterosexual (compared with heterosexual, OR=7.88, 95%CI: 3.98-15.61) and higher score of AIDS knowledge awareness (compared with lower score, OR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.07-3.93) in propensity factor module, and having risk sexual behavior (compared with having no risk sexual behavior, OR=2.66, 95%CI: 1.41-5.03) and having diagnosis of STD infection in hospital (compared with having no such diagnosis, OR=6.35, 95%CI: 2.21-18.27) in demand factor module, and receiving health education about AIDS prevention in the past year (compared with receiving no such health education, OR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.11-0.76) and receiving health education about AIDS testing service in the past year (compared with receiving no such health education, OR=3.67, 95%CI: 1.71-7.90) in ability factor module were the influencing factors for utilization of HIV testing services. Conclusions: The acceptance of HIV testing in students needs to be improved urgently. Propensity factors, such as their AIDS knowledge awareness and sexual orientation, and demand factors, such as having risk sexual behavior and STD infection, have obvious impacts on the utilization of HIV testing services. However, health education about AIDS prevention and HIV testing service can play a more important role in facilitating the utilization of HIV testing in students. In the future, we should further strengthen the publicity of voluntary HIV counseling and testing service in students with particular attention to girls and those with risk sexual behaviors.

Influence of self-categorized deviation in knowledge, attitude and practice for sexual health on the willingness to seek help for corresponding problems among young students

Objective: To evaluate the effect of "self-categorization" on decision of health preference and the influence of self-categorized deviation in knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on the willingness of seeking help for sexual health among young students. Methods: From March to April 2019, young students who used a WeChat applet for sexual health and HIV infection risk assessment, which is called "Detective Bear" were recruited and investigated. According to the consistency between the self-categorization of KAP for sexual health and the systematic categorization from their honest answers, the participants were allocated into three groups: consistent, low or high status, according to their judgment on sexual information acquisition, sexual attitude, and the actual number of sexual experiences. Logistic regression was used to analyze the differences in the willingness to seek help for sexual health problems between the three groups. Results: 2 009 students with an average age of (19.2±1.1) were included. 54.7% (1 099/2 009) were female, and 98.4% (1 976/2 009) were college, undergraduate or postgraduate students. 49.0% (984/2 009) were in the consistent group, 10.9% (219/2 009) had a lower self-categorization, 40.1% (806/2 009) had a higher self-categorization. Compared with the consistent group, students with lower self-categorization of KAP for sexual health were less likely to assess HIV voluntary counseling and testing (aOR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.43-0.99). However, students with higher self-categorization seemed to dislike seeking help for sexually transmitted diseases (aOR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.59-0.98). Conclusions: Deviation in self-categorization of KAP for sexual health will reduce the young students' willingness to seek help for related problems. Especially those with lower self-categorization, lack of risk consciousness, and refuse to assess counseling and testing may increase the HIV/AIDS epidemic among this population. It is necessary to strengthen the capacity of self-assessment for young students while promoting sex education.