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Research Article
Exploring Adolescent Contraceptive Use: The Voices of Parents/Guardians from a Selected Hospital in Lesotho
Sebofe Peter Molefe*,
Isabel Nyangu
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
1-8
Received:
9 December 2024
Accepted:
23 December 2024
Published:
9 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20251101.11
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Abstract: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services have drawn much attention in most African countries. Special focus had been directed toward the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. However, little is known about parental and guardians' roles in optimizing the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by adolescents 15 – 19 years in Leribe district, Lesotho. The study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of parents and guardians regarding contraceptive use by adolescents to prevent teenage pregnancy in the Leribe district. A qualitative exploratory study design was done using one-on-one semi-structured interviews with parents and guardians raising adolescents aged 15-19 years in their homes. Twelve parents and guardians attending healthcare services at the selected hospital were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data was analyzed using six steps of Thematic data analysis by Braun and Clarke. Six themes were identified from the study, parents and guardians knew about contraceptives and their use, contraceptive use was understood to prevent problems to the family, contraceptives were viewed as resulting in unfavorable behaviour to adolescents, experiences on sexual health communication were considered as significant and non-significant, outreach services were needed to reach vulnerable adolescents, and awareness about contraceptive use by adolescents. Participants were aware of the prevailing situation of teenage pregnancy and its consequences. That is why they advocated for contraceptive use by adolescents and engage in sexual health communication for their adolescents to make the right decisions concerning SRH issues.
Abstract: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services have drawn much attention in most African countries. Special focus had been directed toward the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. However, little is known about parental and guardians' roles in optimizing the utilization of sexual and reproduc...
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Research Article
Comparative Study on Anti-TB Treatment Outcome Among HIV Positive and HIV Negative TB Patients at Adare Hospital, Hawassa South Ethiopia
Samson Tadiwos*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
9-17
Received:
16 December 2024
Accepted:
30 December 2024
Published:
16 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20251101.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Approximately one third of all PLWHA are infected with latent TB infection and HIV`s attack on the immune system greatly increases the risk that latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) will progress to active TB form. Implementation of a co-infection prevention intervention addresses the HIV counseling and testing for all TB patients and this allows individuals to access comprehensive health care services for both diseases. Recognizing and treating TB in people living with HIV can be advantage to prevent or reduce TB-related morbidity and mortality. General objective of the study: Assess the Anti-TB treatment outcome among HIV positive and negative TB patients. Method: This study was conducted in SNNPR, Hawassa city, Adare Hospital from February 20 to 28/2011. A retrospective comparative cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted on a total of 1000 TB patients (existing facility based secondary data from TB registry book). Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version17 statistical package. Percentages were calculated to describe all the variables, odd ration with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess associations between independent and dependent variables. Result: Only 72.9% were tested for HIV and out of these 32.6% were HIV positive. Among HIV negative patients “treatment success” rate was 85.7% whereas among HIV positive patients was 77.1%. These indicate that individuals with HIV positive its anti-TB treatment outcome is more associated with its HIV sero-status. Conclusion: strengthening of implementation of TB/HIV co-infection intervention and giving attention to those co-infected patients for better quality of care is recommended.
Abstract: Background: Approximately one third of all PLWHA are infected with latent TB infection and HIV`s attack on the immune system greatly increases the risk that latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) will progress to active TB form. Implementation of a co-infection prevention intervention addresses the HIV counseling and testing for all TB patients and t...
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Research Article
Survival Status of HIV-Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection with HIV Mono-infected Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Mekelle City, North Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
18-29
Received:
12 October 2024
Accepted:
9 November 2024
Published:
23 January 2025
Abstract: Background: HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are two serious global health threats that co-occur and are resistant to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Milions of people worldwide lost their lives to acquired immunodeficiency in 2019.Thus, this study was aimed to evaluate the survival status of patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis B viruses who are on antiretroviral therapy (HART). Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was conducted. Individuals with HIV-HBV co-infected with HIV mono-infected in six health facilities in Mekelle City from January 2009 to February 2018. The total sample size was 466, of which 94 were HBV exposed and 372 were unexposed for HBV on ART clients. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazard models for survival analysis were used. Data was analyzed using STATA version 14. Result: Of the total patients, 300 (64.3%) were females and most age groups were 15-30 years old, 199 (43%). Over 1960 person years of observation time at risk, 23 (24%) HIV-HBV co-infected and 26 (7%) HIV mono-infected died. In the adjusted analysis, HIV-HBV co-infected group had a 2.53 times increased hazard of death (aHR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.31-4.85) than HIV mono-infected. Conclusion: In this cohort study, mortality is higher in the HIV-HBV co-infected group. Hence, special attention shall be given to HIV-HBV co-infected groups, to significantly reduce mortality, and contribute to alleviating public health burden.
Abstract: Background: HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are two serious global health threats that co-occur and are resistant to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Milions of people worldwide lost their lives to acquired immunodeficiency in 2019.Thus, this study was aimed to evaluate the survival status of patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis B viruses ...
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Research Article
Screening for Lower Limb Arterial Occlusive Disease in HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy: A Monocentric Study of 150 Patients in Dakar, Senegal
Aliou Alassane Ngaïdé*,
Ngoné Diaba Gaye,
Joseph Salvador Mingou,
Houda Haimed,
Karim Diop,
Amadou Rassoul Diouf,
El Hadji Bara Diop,
Marguerite Tennig Diouf,
Momar Dioum,
Fatou Aw,
Simon Antoine Sarr,
Alain Affangla,
Serigne Mor Beye,
Mouhamed Leye,
Malick Bodian,
Mouhamadou Bamba Ndiaye,
Alassane Mbaye,
Adama Kane,
Maboury Diao,
Abdoul Kane
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
30-36
Received:
12 December 2024
Accepted:
27 December 2024
Published:
18 March 2025
Abstract: Background: The aims of this study were to assess the frequency of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy by measuring the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and to examine the links between the HIV condition, antiretroviral therapy administration, and associated cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted from May 1st to June 30th, 2022. Included were HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy after signing an informed consent. The collected data included particularly the systematic and bilateral measurement of the ankle-brachial index. Any difference less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Our study was conducted on 150 patients. There was a female predominance with a sex ratio of 0.58. The average age was 46.78±12.37 years. The main cardiovascular risk factors identified were dyslipidemia (51.6%), hypertension (19.5%), smoking (6.9%), and diabetes (3.4%). The duration of HIV infection over 15 years was most represented at 37.6%. The frequency of PAD was 55.2%. Among these, 37.6% had poorly compensated PAD. There was a correlation between PAD and smoking (p=0.029), dyslipidemia (p=0.02), and the duration of HIV infection between 6 and 10 years (p=0.039). Conclusion: Our study shows a very high frequency of PAD in patients living with HIV and highlights the importance of the ABI in screening for PAD in this patient group.
Abstract: Background: The aims of this study were to assess the frequency of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy by measuring the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and to examine the links between the HIV condition, antiretroviral therapy administration, and associated cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: T...
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Research Article
Impaired Renal Function and Associated Factors Among HIV-Infected Individuals Who Are on Follow-Up in Two Tertiary Hospitals’ Art Clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Lijalem Abera Tema,
Tsion Habtamu Ababiya,
Saron Negasi Gidey*,
Robel Habtamu Ababiya,
Fiyameta Abraham Fissehatsion,
Samuel Dagnachew Shibeshi,
Amanuel Teshome Tekle,
Selamawit Seifu Hailu,
Rediet Ajebu Nurfeta,
Bemnet Gossaye Teka,
Bezaye Lemma Deregasso
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
37-48
Received:
2 November 2024
Accepted:
18 November 2024
Published:
29 April 2025
Abstract: Background: It has been four decades since the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) became a global public health issue; much has changed about the disease since then. The occurrence of renal impairment in HIV-infected individuals is associated with both increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the incidence of renal dysfunction and the variables associated with it in HIV-positive patients undergoing treatment at the ART clinics of Zewuditu Memorial Hospital (ZMH) and St. Paul's Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) between April and August of 2021. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association between impaired renal function and different factors among HIV-infected individuals. Data was collected from the medical charts of the patients in the anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinic of respective hospitals. Variables with a p-value of <0.25 on bivariate analysis were taken to Multivariable logistic regression to see the statistical significance and at <0.05 statistical significance was declared. Result: The total number of samples was 405, and all of them were included in the analysis. The magnitude of the renal dysfunction revealed in this study was 8.4% (95% Confidence Interval: 5.51 to 11.4). Multivariable logistic regression showed that being female (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 4.5; 95%CI: 1.94, 10.36), Baseline CD4 count less than 200, (AOR = 3.4; 95% CI:1.34, 8.70), and a history of opportunistic infection (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.02, 7.39) were significantly associated with the impaired renal function. Conclusion: Routine monitoring of renal function, especially in patients with risk factors like female gender, low CD4 count, and history of opportunistic infections, is crucial. Promoting ART regimens containing TDF, early detection and prevention of opportunistic infections, and educating patients about regular CD4 count monitoring and timely treatment are essential for maintaining renal health.
Abstract: Background: It has been four decades since the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) became a global public health issue; much has changed about the disease since then. The occurrence of renal impairment in HIV-infected individuals is associated with both increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the incidence ...
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Research Article
Acceptance of Index Case HIV Testing and Associated Factors Among ART Patients in ART Sites in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2025
Fikadu Shiferaw,
Solomon Tesfaye Doelaso*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
49-58
Received:
5 March 2025
Accepted:
24 April 2025
Published:
25 June 2025
Abstract: Globally, HIV continues to be one of the biggest public health concerns, affecting nearly 38 million people, of whom over 16% are unaware of their status. More than two-thirds of people living with HIV are found in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Index cases HIV testing is a good approach for addressing and improving the efficiency and yield of testing among high-risk populations. Partners and families of people living with HIV are among the high-risk populations for contracting HIV. However, there is a limited study on index-case HIV testing among ART patients attending ART sites. The objective of this study was o assess the acceptance of index case HIV testing and associated factors among ART patients in ART sites in Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2024/5. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 December, 2024 to 15 January, 2025 among ART patients in ART sites in Gedeo zone. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and observational checklist. A simple random sampling technique was used to select four public health facilities. The study participants were chosen through systematic random sampling. Exit interviews were conducted by trained data collectors. Data were entered into EPI Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. The magnitude of the acceptance of the index case testing among ART patients was 198 (65.6%), (95% CI, 65.12- 66.07). The acceptance of index case testing was significantly associated with several factors: residence (AOR=2.80; 95% CI: 1.62 - 4.83), disclosure of HIV status (AOR=3.27; 95% CI: 1.79-5.96), and possessing good knowledge (AOR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.02-3.37).
Abstract: Globally, HIV continues to be one of the biggest public health concerns, affecting nearly 38 million people, of whom over 16% are unaware of their status. More than two-thirds of people living with HIV are found in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Index cases HIV testing is a good approach for addressing and improving the efficiency and yield of testing amo...
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Research Article
Impact of Defaulter Tracing Strategies on HIV/AIDS Dynamics: A Numerical Simulation Study
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
59-67
Received:
21 May 2025
Accepted:
13 June 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is crucial for HIV/AIDS control, yet patient default remains a significant challenge. Defaulter tracing aims to re-engage patients lost to follow-up, but its quantitative impact under varying conditions needs assessment. This study employs numerical simulations of a deterministic compartmental HIV/AIDS model to evaluate the impact of varying defaulter tracing effectiveness (DTeff) and ART retention rates (θ) on epidemic dynamics within Kenya. The model, incorporating susceptible, infected, on-ART, not-on-ART, and under-tracing compartments, was solved using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg (RKF45) method with parameters informed by data. Scenarios explored DTeff levels from 45% to 75% and retention rates (θ) from 65% to 85%. Simulation results demonstrate that increasing DTeff significantly reduces the untreated infected population (INARV) and the size of the defaulter population (DTR), while increasing the population maintained on ART (IARV). However, improving the retention rate (θ) showed a significant impact of reducing the need for tracing and the size of the untreated population, while substantially increasing ART coverage. The findings highlight that while effective defaulter tracing is a vital component, particularly when retention is suboptimal, improving ART retention is fundamental for long-term HIV control. This study shows the need for integrated public health strategies that combine robust, proactive retention efforts with efficient defaulter tracing mechanisms to effectively manage the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Abstract: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is crucial for HIV/AIDS control, yet patient default remains a significant challenge. Defaulter tracing aims to re-engage patients lost to follow-up, but its quantitative impact under varying conditions needs assessment. This study employs numerical simulations of a deterministic compartmental HIV/AIDS model t...
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