Health-related quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral treatment: A questionnaire-based study

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?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 > ?) associations between good HRQoL and variables such as age >40 years, gender, education, marital status, duration of disease, disclosure of serostatus to family, ART for >3 years, and CD4 >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.

Condições de vulnerabilidades de pessoas idosas vivendo com o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) / Conditions of vulnerability of elderly people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Condiciones de vulnerabilidades de personas ancianas que viven con el Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (HIV)

Estudo com objetivo de descrever as condições de vulnerabilidades de pessoas idosas ao Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV). Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo e que utilizou como método a história oral temática, realizado no Serviço de Atendimento Especializado, com seis idosos com 65 anos ou mais. A coleta de dados se deu por uma entrevista em profundidade com questões sobre vulnerabilidades individuais, sociais e programáticas e os dados foram explorados por meio da análise de conteúdo temática. Entre as condições encontradas estão a ausência de preservativo nas relações sexuais; baixo grau de conhecimento e de procura por consultas e exames de rotina; presença do preconceito e discriminação; ruptura no convívio familiar; descoberta tardia do HIV e baixa capacitação da equipe de saúde. Enfrentar essas condições de vulnerabilidade pressupõe um debate sobre as políticas e normativas do cuidado às pessoas com HIV e a reconfiguração do modelo de cuidado focado na prevenção. (AU)

The aim of this study was to describe the conditions of vulnerability to HIV among older people. Using the thematic oral history method, we conducted a qualitative study in the SAE with six people aged 65 and over. The data were collected using in-depth interviews covering issues related to individual, social and programmatic vulnerabilities. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Vulnerability conditions included not using a condom, low level of knowledge of appointments and tests and health-seeking behavior; prejudice and discrimination; family break-ups; late diagnosis of HIV; and limited capacity of health teams. To tackle these vulnerability conditions, it is necessary to promote a debate about policies and regulations geared towards the care of people with HIV and reshape the prevention-based care model. (AU)

Estudio con el objetivo de describir las condiciones de vulnerabilidades de personas ancianas al VIH. Un estudio cualitativo, usando como método la historia oral temática, realizado en el SAE, con seis ancianos de 65 años o más, y la colecta de datos fue realizada mediante una entrevista en profundidad con preguntas sobre vulnerabilidades individuales, sociales y programáticas. Se realizó el análisis de contenido temático. Entre las condiciones encontradas están la ausencia de preservativo en las relaciones sexuales, bajo grado de conocimiento y de búsqueda de consultas y exámenes de rutina, presencia de prejuicios y discriminación, ruptura en la convivencia familiar, descubrimiento tardío del VIH y la baja capacitación del equipo de salud. El enfrentamiento de esas condiciones de vulnerabilidad presupone un debate con relación a las políticas y normativas del cuidado con las personas con VIH y la reconfiguración del modelo de cuidado enfocado en la prevención. (AU)

Contracepção e poder na decisão sobre maternidade de mulheres vivendo com hiv: revisão integrativa / Contraception and decision-making power in women living with hiv: integrative review / Contracepción y poder en la decisión sobre la maternidad de las mujeres que viven con el vih: examen integrativo

Objetiva-se identificar as práticas contraceptivas e quais motivos influenciam na decisão reprodutiva de mulheres vivendo com HIV. Revisão integrativa da literatura com estudos primários publicados na íntegra, sem restrição de tempo e idioma, de dezembro de 2022 a março de 2023 nas bases de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, via National Library of Medicine, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Science Direct Journals e Web of Science. Foram incluídos 32 estudos com base nos tipos de contraceptivos usados por mulheres com HIV e seu poder e desejo na decisão sobre ter filhos: "métodos contraceptivos modernos", englobando principalmente contraceptivos hormonais orais e injetáveis, além de preservativos (78,2%); "métodos contraceptivos naturais", incluindo em sua maioria o método rítmico e coito interrompido (21,8%); e "poder e desejo reprodutivo", referindo nestes influência da família, da comunidade, religião e cultura, do parceiro, e de profissionais da saúde. O nível de evidência da maioria dos estudos foi IV. Assim, o uso de contraceptivos por MVHIV mais comuns são os métodos modernos do tipo hormonais orais e injetáveis e métodos comportamentais. Quanto as influências sobre o poder e desejo reprodutivo, estes podem refletir as desigualdades de gênero, controle e submissão feminina que podem ocasionar comportamentos sexuais de risco.

The objective is to identify contraceptive practices and which reasons influence the reproductive decision of women living with HIV. Integrative literature review with primary studies published in full, without time and language restriction, from December 2022 to March 2023 in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online databases, via National Library of Medicine, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Science Direct Journals and Web of Science. We included 32 studies based on the types of contraceptives used by women with HIV and their power and desire in deciding to have children: "modern contraceptive methods", mainly encompassing oral and injectable hormonal contraceptives, plus condoms (78.2%); "natural contraceptive methods", including mostly rhythmic method and interrupted coitus (21.8%); and "reproductive power and desire", referring in these influences of family, community, religion and culture, partner, and health professionals. The level of evidence from most studies was IV. Thus, the most common use of MVHIV contraceptives are modern oral and injectable hormone- like methods and behavioral methods. As for the influences on reproductive power and desire, these may reflect the inequalities of gender, control, and female submission that can cause risky sexual behavior.

Su objetivo es identificar las prácticas anticonceptivas y las razones por las que las mujeres que viven con el VIH tienen una decisión reproductiva. Una revisión integral de la literatura con estudios primarios publicados en su totalidad, sin restricciones de tiempo e idioma, de diciembre de 2022 a marzo de 2023 en las bases de datos del Sistema de Análisis y Recuperación de Literatura Médica Online, a través de la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Science Direct Journals y Web of Science. Se incluyeron 32 estudios basados en los tipos de anticonceptivos utilizados por las mujeres con VIH y su poder y deseo en la decisión de tener hijos: "métodos anticonceptivos modernos", que abarcan principalmente anticonceptivos hormonales orales e inyectables, así como preservativos (78,2%); "métodos anticonceptivos naturales", principalmente el método rítmico y omnipresente (21,8%); y "anticonceptivos naturales"; poder y deseo", refiriéndose a estas influencias de la familia, la comunidad, la religión y la cultura, el compañero y los profesionales de la salud. El nivel de evidencia para la mayoría de los estudios fue IV. Por lo tanto, el uso de anticonceptivos MVHIV que son más comunes son métodos y métodos de comportamiento orales e inyectables modernos. En cuanto a las influencias sobre el poder y el deseo reproductivos, éstas pueden reflejar las desigualdades de género, control y sumisión que pueden generar conductas sexuales riesgosas.

Medication adherence and health-related quality of life amongst HIV patients receiving care at umuebule cottage hospital, etched, Rivers State

HIV treatment is available, free, and accessible for individuals who are infected. The study is aimed at determining the levels of medication adherence and health related quality of life (HRQOL) among HIV patients receiving care at Umuebule Cottage Hospital, Etche, Rivers State.Method: This cross-sectional study recruited 430 adult clients who have been on ART for at least one year using a convenient sampling method. An average of 10 patients visits the facility on clinic days. After explaining the purpose of study and obtaining consent,patients who met the eligibility criteria were recruited on each clinic day for a period of 12 weeks, until the sample size was reached. Data was collected using semi-structured interviewer administered validated questionnaire; Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MMAS-8) and WHO-Quality of Life-BREF(WHOQOL-BREF), after a pilot study on 30 PLHIV from Okomoko general hospital, Etche. Data was analyzed with IBM-SPSS Version 25. The mean age of respondents was 35.9±10.9 years, 59.3% of the respondents' last viral load was suppressed, 19.1% had low level viremia, while (21.6%) were virally unsuppressed. Medication adherence levels were observed to be good (67.7%), poor (32.3%) respectively, while HRQOL of respondents were found to be poor (56.9%) and good (43.1%).Conclusion:A significant proportion of the respondents adhere to their medication whereas most of them had poor HRQOL. There is need for hospital management to collaborate with social welfare organizations to support PLHIV to set up means of earning to enable them to provide their basic needs for improved HRQOL

HIV in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa threatens farm employment and food security

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus' (HIV's) threat to food security is highest in areas with high poverty levels. The OR Tambo district in the Eastern Cape province has the highest poverty rate in South Africa (80.4%); HIV prevalence is 11.4%. Objective: The purpose of the study was to describe the threat that HIV poses to farm employment and food security in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Methods: A multi-method approach was used. The quantitative component was a cross-sectional design and the qualitative component was a narrative design. The study population comprised approximately 7 000 smallholder farmers from the five local municipalities in the OR Tambo district. Participants for both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the study were selected using convenience sampling. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and qualitative data were collected from face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Qualitative data were analysed using Tesch's eight-step procedure for thematic content analysis. Results: Five hundred and ninety-three farmers completed the questionnaire. Most agreed that HIV affects food security (n = 486, 72.0%), that HIV negatively affects food security (n = 454, 76.6%), that people living with HIV are excluded from farming activities (n = 426, 71.8%), and that HIV affects farming skills (n = 495, 83.5%). A significantly larger proportion of farmworkers older than 60 years than those who were younger perceived the threat to food security. Twenty participants described the effect of HIV on farm workers in interviews, and highlighted that HIV impacts farm skills and labour due to ill health and lost income from farming, which threatens food security. Conclusion: HIV threatens food security among smallholder farmers in the OR Tambo district due to farmworkers' diminished capacity to work and consequent reduced income, which affects their ability to secure food.

Lived experience of people living with HIV in Blantyre, Malawi: an exploratory qualitative study

Background People living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) encounter a range of complex challenges that impact their physical, psychological, and social well-being. The combined effects of these challenges significantly impact their daily functioning. Despite the relatively high prevalence of HIV in Malawi, there is limited knowledge on how the challenges experienced by people living with HIV correlate with their societal participation and performance of activities. Objectives This study aimed to explore the lived experience of people living with HIV and how the challenges experienced impact societal participation and activity performance. Method: A qualitative exploratory study design was used. Fourteen participants were purposefully selected for the study, with an equal number of males and females. The data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and manually analyzed using thematic analysis. Results It was found that participants faced discrimination, stigma, depression, anxiety, and worries. The study participants associated their taking of antiretroviral therapy with physical impairments such as dizziness, leg pain, yellow eyes, and fatigue. The physical impairments hampered participants' ability to walk, work, conduct business, perform household chores, and care for children. Conclusion This study identified the difficulties that people living with HIV faced in their communities and how these challenges impact societal participation and performance in activities. There is a need for a holistic approach to managing these challenges and making referrals to specialized professionals.

Hypertension and associated factors among patients attending HIV clinic at KorleBu Teaching Hospita

Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among patients attending the HIV clinic at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at KBTH. The prevalence of hypertension was estimated among study participants, and socio-demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, metabolic and HIV/ART-related factors associated with hypertension were determined by logistic regression modelling. Setting: Study participants were recruited from the HIV clinic at the KBTH. Participants: A total of 311 Persons Living with HIV were recruited as study participants Interventions: Simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. A questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk-factor surveillance was used to collect study participants' data. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 36.7%, and the factors associated with hypertension were increasing age, positive family history of hypertension, minimal exercising, current BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2 , total cholesterol level ≥5.17 mmol/L, exposure to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and increasing duration of ART exposure. Conclusions: This study shows a high prevalence of hypertension among patients attending the HIV clinic at KBTH,associated with exposure to ART and increasing duration of this exposure. Blood pressure monitoring should move from routine to a more purposeful screening of patients for hypertension. Patients with the identified risk factors should be encouraged to have regular blood pressure measurements at home and not only when they visit the HIV clinic.

The correlates of health facility-related stigma and health-seeking behaviors of people living with HIV

Objective@#This study aims to assess the presence of stigma in health facilities and health-seeking behaviors of persons living with HIV (PLHIV).@*Methods@#This study utilized a cross-sectional design employing self-report questionnaires answered online. A total of 100 PLHIV participants were recruited using the respondent-driven sampling method.@*Results@#Results revealed that most participants are young adult men who have been diagnosed with HIV within the last five years. Overall, participants display moderate health-seeking behavior (M = 2.94, SD = 0.54), and moderate experience of health facility-related stigma (M = 2.21, SD = 0.87). Further, there is a negative correlation between age and health-seeking behavior (r = −0.2796, p = 0.049). The type of facility is significantly correlated with HIV stigma (r = 0.4050, p = 0.036).@*Conclusion@#A sustained linkage to care is essential for a PLHIV to remain engaged on his health and well-being. Necessary strategies should be implemented to improve the health-seeking behaviors of PLHIV. Public Rural Health Units are considered to be the most stigmatizing health facility. The presence of health facility-related stigma requires immediate action of the government to reinvigorate these catchment centers as providers of stigma-free and nondiscriminatory primary health care.

Stigma kills

@#Stigma due to an HIV diagnosis is a well-known phenomenon and is a major barrier to accessing care.1 Over the last forty years, HIV has been transformed from a fatal disease to a manageable one, thanks to the remarkable success of antiretroviral (ARV) medication.2 When people living with HIV (PLHIV) start ARV treatment early, their life expectancy is almost completely restored. Moreover, a suppressed viral load means that PLHIV are no longer able to infect other people.3 They can have children naturally without risk to their seronegative partner or their child. PLHIV nowadays are more likely to die with HIV, not of HIV. While a cure remains elusive, the successful global rollout of ARVs means that there is no good reason for a PLHIV to die of AIDS and its complications due to lack of access to proper treatment. The Philippine AIDS Law Republic Act 8504 and its successor, Republic Act 11116 explicitly states that the State should “ensure access to HIV and AIDS-related services by eliminating the climate of stigma and discrimination that surrounds the country’s HIV and AIDS situation, and the people directly and indirectly affected by it.” Unfortunately, despite this admonition, stigma remains a significant cause of delayed HIV testing and of not seeking treatment in our country. In this issue of the journal, Dr. De Los Santos and her colleagues examine the effect of healthcare facility stigma on PLHIV accessing care in the Philippines.4 They report that 81% of their Filipino PLHIV respondents experienced stigma, which is an unacceptably high number. They identify which facilities are more likely to be correlated with stigma and make suggestions on how to address this problem. This study is very timely and comes at a time when the Department of Health is shifting first line antiretrovirals to dolutegravir-based regimens.5 Dolutegravir-based treatment is associated with fewer side effects than efavirenz-based regimens and is much more durable against resistance.6 With an HIV transmitted-drug resistance rate of 11.7%, it is imperative that PLHIV are started on more durable regimens which they are less likely to discontinue.7 Properly addressing stigma means that more people will access care. Better regimens will ensure that people stay in care. This will go a long way towards minimizing the impact of HIV and AIDS on Filipino PLHIV. Stigma among PLHIV is a complicated subject matter. Aside from the stigma associated with diagnosis, there is also stigma associated with the mode of acquisition of the disease. The most-at-risk populations are highly stigmatized. Men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and female sex workers experience additional stigma on top of the stigma from an HIV diagnosis.8 Aside from societal stigma, PLHIV are also prone to self-stigma.9 This phenomenon occurs when PLHIV believe they no longer deserve to live since they contracted the disease from deviant or sinful behavior. High rates of depression are found among these self-stigma sufferers. This significantly impacts the entire HIV healthcare cascade, starting from early diagnosis, to accessing treatment, and staying in care. The finding that Public Rural Health Units are the most stigmatizing healthcare facilities is very concerning since these are usually the only facilities available to PLHIV in far-flung areas. This needs to be addressed with better sensitivity training as well as concrete guidelines on avoiding stigma. It is very troubling that facilities that are supposed to cater to vulnerable populations inadvertently make it difficult for them to access care.10 Unfortunately, even facilities in urban areas are not immune to discrimination and stigmatizing behavior. I recall the experience of one of my early PLHIV patients who developed and eventually succumbed to a disseminated fungal infection.11 He told me that he had tried getting tested several years earlier but he had a traumatic experience in the government health facility that he accessed. He made a wrong turn and entered a different clinic in that hospital and when he asked for an HIV test, people recoiled from him in horror. Because of that terrible experience, he put off getting his HIV test for years until he started developing the fungal infection that eventually killed him. Had he been started on proper treatment earlier, he could have been saved. For me, it wasn’t just the fungus that killed him but it was the delay in diagnosis and care as a direct result of stigma. Addressing HIV-related stigma in our country entails a whole-of-society and a whole-of-nation approach. Mental health services to address self-stigma and depression should be standard of care not just among confirmed PLHIV but among the most-at-risk populations. Proactive education of all members of society, especially healthcare workers in facilities that diagnose and care for PLHIV is essential for ensuring sustained linkage to care. Ensuring that the majority of the PLHIV population are properly diagnosed, enrolled in treatment hubs, and have suppressed viral loads will ultimately lead to fewer transmissions and less AIDS-related deaths.

Immunological CD4+ T-cell recovery and prognostic influencing factors in elderly HIV/AIDS patients of different genders after antiviral therapy / 中国热带医学

@#Objective　To investigate the prognostic influencing factors and recovery of CD4+ T lymphocytes in elderly HIV/AIDS patients after antiviral therapy by analyzing basic data and clinical follow-up data of elderly HIV/AIDS patients. Methods　The clinical data of 3 618 elderly AIDS patients aged ≥50 yeas who received antiretroviral therapy (ART) at HIV ART sites in Liuzhou City from 2005-2015 were collected. The data, including basic information, CD4+ T cell count, WHO clinical stage, infection route and follow-up, were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the differences in patient survival, multivariate Cox regression to analyze the independent influencing factors influencing the risk of death, and to compare the recovery of CD4+ T cell counts during follow-up of patients of different genders. Results　During the follow-up period, the 5-year cumulative survival rate up to the observation endpoint was 0.82 (female) and 0.66 (male). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors affecting the effect of antiviral treatment were age (OR=1.909, 95%CI:1.474-2.464, P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (OR=0.744, 95%CI: 0.574-0.965, P=0.026), opportunistic infections (OI) (OR=1.223, 95%CI:1.028-1.454, P=0.023), gender (OR=0.692, 95%CI:0.503-0.952, P=0.023) and baseline CD4+ T lymphocytes count (OR=0.563, 95%CI:0.429-0.739, P<0.001). Recovery of CD4+ T lymphocyte counts showed when baseline CD4+ T lymphocyte counts were less than 200 cells/mm3, older women with HIV/AIDS had higher CD4+ T lymphocytes than men at all times of ART treatment (P<0.05). Conclusions　Older women have a higher survival rate than older men after five years of antiviral therapy. Age, BMI, gender, OI and baseline CD4+T lymphocyte count may be important indicators that affect the survival of elderly HIV/AIDS patients. Older women showed better recovery of CD4+ T lymphocytes than older men during the 4-year follow-up period after ART.

Major depressive disorder among patients receiving antiretroviral treatment in a social hygiene clinic: Prevalence, associated factors and effects on quality of life

Objectives@#The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among patients who received antiretroviral treatment; describe the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with Major Depressive Disorder; as well as compare the quality of life among those with and without the co morbid psychiatric illness.@*Methodology@#A descriptive study was performed at a local hygiene clinic. Sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered, using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) for screening depression and confirmed by Mental Status Exam (MSE). Quality of life assessment was done through WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire.@*Results@#Of the 130 respondents, 31 (23.85%) subjects were assessed to have depression. Among the different sociodemographic and clinical factors, younger age (p value = .0174) was associated with depression. Though the quality of life of a Person Living with HIV (PLHIV) fell in the acceptable category, those who had depression had poorer quality of life in all subdomains especially in the psychological and social domains and these were all highly statistically significant (p value <.0001).@*Conclusion@#The study revealed that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) was prevalent in almost one fourth (23.85%) of HIV patients who were mostly of a younger age i.e. less than 45 years old; with 90.32 % of the 31 noted to have MDD were less than 35 years old. Patients with concomitant depression had a poorer quality of life not only psychologically but in all subdomains compared to those who were not depressed.

Experiences of Stigma and Discrimination of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Health-Care Settings of Kashmir

Stigma and discrimination create barriers for women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) in accessing quality health‑care services, affecting their well‑being and also increasing the number of cases. The current article studies issues of stigma and discrimination that WLHA experience in health‑care settings and highlights the importance of building awareness and sensitivity regarding HIV among all health‑care workers. This hospital‑based study was conducted in an anti‑retroviral therapy center in Kashmir. Twenty‑one WLHA participated in the study. The WLHA internalizes stigma and experiences shock, guilt, anger, and numbness while receiving a diagnosis. The stigma is socially constructed, having very little medical or logical basis. Verbal abuse, gossiping, expression of shock and disbelief of health‑care workers, discriminatory attitudes such as wearing multiple surgical gloves, denial of care and treatment, and disclosing their HIV‑positive status without their consent to their families and others have been learned. These experiences in health‑care institutions are disempowering for WLHA. Gender stereotyping and inequalities within health‑care settings and the discriminatory approach of some health practitioners toward women is the main barrier to accessing the services for HIV prevention, treatment and support services.

Metabolic Syndrome in People Living with Antiretroviral Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Investigation from Pune, India

Background: Improved longevity of people living with HIV on highly active antiretroviral therapy and accelerated aging processes are considered contributory to Metabolic Syndrome. Objectives: The current study investigated metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people living with HIV (PLH) who were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) under the ongoing National AIDS Control Program. Methods: Clinic attendees(n = 3088) who were on ART for more than 6 months constituted the sampling frame, from which 378 study participants were randomly drawn and included in the analysis following the eligibility check. One hundred and fifty‑nine clinic attendees, initiated on ART in ≤6 months, provided an opportunity to estimate the prevalence of MetS in them. Sixty‑two PLH from this smaller group were enrolled. Results: MetS was found among 19% (73/378; 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.5%–23.7%) PLH who were on ART >6 months compared with 24% (15/62; 95% CI 14.2%–36.7%) in those who were on ART for ≤6 months based on harmonization criteria for the Asian population; the confidence intervals overlapped and apparently observed difference was not statistically significant. Adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), protease inhibitor (PI)‑based ART regimen, duration of ART, insulin resistance (IR), reported family history of hypertension and residential setting, factors independently associated with MetS were PI containing ART regimen, IR, duration of ART intake and BMI. In the adjusted model, the odds of MetS were three times higher among PLH on PI containing ART regimen (95% CI of adjusted odds ratio; aOR 1.27–8.51) and those having IR (95% CI of aOR 1.48–5.07). The odds of MetS among PLH with BMI ≥23 kg/m2 was 4 (95% CI of aOR 2.08–6.81) times higher than those with lower BMI. Conclusions: MetS in PLH requires the attention of health‑care workers in India. Appropriate screening would help initiate early management.

Quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS before and after receiving antiretroviral therapy

Background- HIV/AIDS is a chronic illness. Besides having serious morbidities, opportunistic infections, it also adversely affects quality of life of People Living with HIV/AIDS (QOL- PLHIV). Early and prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) might improve quality of life of PLHIV in various domains like psychological, physical, environment level of independence, social relationship and spirituality/religion/personal beliefs. Material and methods- The study was conducted at a medical institute of North India. Patients attending ART centre of the institute for the treatment of HIV/AIDS were interviewed on WHOQOL-HIV questionnaire. Aim and objectives- To assess and compare quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS at initiation and after 6 months of receiving antiretroviral therapy. Result- QOL-PLHIV was improved in various domains when assessed after six months of receiving ART. For physical domain mean score increased from 12.83 to 13.85, for psychological domain from 12.54 to 14.31, for level of independence from 12.95 to 13.21, for social relationship from 12.46 to 14.15, for environment domain from 11.98 to 13.15 and for spirituality/religion/personal belief mean score increased from 11.41 to 11.96. Respective standard deviation was decreased when compared from before initiation of ART to six months after receiving ART. Conclusion – Quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS was improved significantly after receiving ART.

Mediating antiretroviral treatment for HIV during COVID-19: lessons from implementation in Gomba District, Uganda

Initial and subsequent waves of COVID-19 in Uganda disrupted the delivery of HIV care. In rural areas, village health teams and organisations on the ground had to develop strategies to ensure that people living with HIV could continue their treatment. It was necessary to take evolving circumstances into account, including dealing with movement restrictions, constrained access to food and stigma due to anonymity being lost as a result of a shift from health facility-based services to community-level support. Uganda has a long history of community-driven response to HIV, although health systems and response programming have become more centralised through government and donors to address political commitments to HIV treatment and other targets. The delivery system for antiretroviral therapy was vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions and related circumstances. To understand the continuum of challenges, and to inform ongoing and future support of treatment for people living with HIV, interviews were conducted with HIV organisation implementers, health workers, village health team members and people living with HIV. It was found that stigma was a central challenge, which led to nuanced adaptations for delivering antiretroviral treatment. There is a need to strengthen support to households of people living with HIV through improving community capacity to manage crises through improving household food gardens and savings, as well as capacity to organise and interact with support systems such as the village health teams. In communities, there is a need to evoke dialogue on stigma and to support community leadership on pressing issues that affect communities as a whole and their vulnerable groups. There are opportunities to reawaken the grassroots civic response systems that were evident in Uganda's early response to HIV yet were lacking in the COVID-19 context.

Effect of COVID-19 on older adults 50 years and above living with HIV in a less-developed country

Introduction: Globally, control measures have been communicated to reverse the COVID-19 pandemic. In Uganda, as soon as the first case of COVID-19 was identified, strict lockdown measures were enforced, including a ban on all public and private transport, night curfew, closure of schools, and suspension of religious and social gatherings and closure of non-essential shops and markets. These measures affected access to health services, which could have been worse for older people living with HIV (PLHIV). In this study, we explored how COVID-19 affected the health and social life of older PLHIV. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in HIV clinics of two hospitals in Uganda. We completed 40 in-depth interviews with adults above 50 years who had lived with HIV for more than 10 years. The interviews explored the effect of COVID-19 on their health and social life during the lockdown. We analysed data thematically. Results: The overarching themes regarding the effects of COVID-19 on older adults living with HIV were fear and anxiety during the lockdown, lack of access to health care leading to missing HIV clinic appointments and not taking their ART medicines, financial burden, loss of loved ones, and effect on children's education. Some patients overcame health-related challenges by sending motorcycles to their health facilities with their identifying documents to get the medicines refilled. Some health care providers took the ART medicines to their patients' homes. Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown negatively affected the health and social well-being of older PLHIV. This calls for strategies to improve HIV care and treatment access during the lockdown to sustain the HIV program gains in this vulnerable population.

Knowledge of final year undergraduate nursing students about HIV and AIDS in Eswatini

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are overwhelming health issues globally. They have caused many devastating and draining health issues, which have escalated a critical need for a well-trained and sustainable healthcare workforce in order to meet the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). Health science students are the future healthcare providers who will implement proper preventive measures, as well as health educational and promotional sessions to promote information and knowledge among the public regarding HIV and AIDS in Eswatini. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 final-year undergraduate nursing students in three nursing universities in Eswatini. A questionnaire adapted from Othman and Ali in Malaysia with closed-ended questions was modified and used to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of questions on the virus structure, transmission, prevention and management of HIV and AIDS. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was utilised to analyse the data. Results: The level of knowledge about HIV and AIDS was high, as evidenced by a mean score and standard deviation of (91.02 ± 5.00). However, there were low scores on questions related to the transmission of the disease. Conclusion: Across all three universities in Eswatini, there were good nursing education programs on HIV and AIDS, evidenced by the high knowledge level about HIV and AIDS. However, there are still some knowledge gaps on HIV and AIDS transmission and management that need to be attended to contribution: This study contributed by providing knowledge of undergraduate nursing students' HIV and AIDS training and management of PLWHA.

Estigma relacionado ao HIV entre jovens em transição para a clínica de adultos num hospital público no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / HIV-related stigma among young people living with HIV transitioning to an adult clinic in a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Resumo Neste estudo investigamos como vivências de estigma do HIV se expressam entre jovens soropositivos, em transição para a clínica de adultos, no serviço de saúde, na família e nas interações afetivos-sexuais e sua relação com as desigualdades e hierarquias sociais. O estudo envolveu 31 jovens (idade mediana 21) em transição para a clínica de adultos (G1) e 12 jovens (idade mediana 30) que já fizeram essa transição (G2), ambos atendidos num serviço de saúde do Rio de Janeiro. Dentre os 43 jovens, 70% eram mulheres e 65% foi infectado por transmissão vertical. Os jovens responderam a questionários e participaram de grupos focais sobre estigma da aids e passagem para a vida adulta. A maioria relatou situações de discriminação associadas ao estigma do HIV na vida cotidiana e no cuidado em saúde. Os jovens do G1 revelaram maior preocupação com as consequências da revelação do HIV e dificuldades com o tratamento. Os relatos do G2 sugerem que a constituição de relações conjugais, incluindo parceiro/a e filhos soronegativos e o acesso ao tratamento, possibilitaram resignificar o receio da estigmatização. Os achados visam orientar a formação e ação de profissionais envolvidos na prevenção e cuidado de jovens vivendo com HIV.

Abstract This study analyzes how experiences of HIV-related stigma are expressed among HIV-positive young people transitioning to an adult clinic, the health service, the family, the affective-sexual interactions, and their relationship with inequalities and social hierarchies. This research included 31 young people (median age 21) transitioning to an adult clinic (G1) and 12 young people (median age 30) who had already made this transition (G2), both monitored at a health service in Rio de Janeiro. Seventy percent of the 43 young people were women and 65% were infected by mother-to-child transmission. Young people answered questionnaires and participated in focus groups on AIDS stigma and transition to adulthood. Most reported discrimination associated with HIV stigma in daily life and health care. G1 young people showed more significant concern about the consequences of HIV disclosure and difficulties with treatment. The G2 accounts suggest that establishing marital relationships, including HIV-negative partners and children, linked to treatment access allowed resignifying the fear of stigmatization. The findings aim to guide the training and action of professionals involved in the prevention and care of young people living with HIV.

Risk factors for leptospirosis and brucellosis in people living with human immunodeficiency virus who attended a referral hospital in southeastern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leptospirosis and brucellosis cause immunosuppression that worsens the clinical condition of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). We investigated the serological profile and risk factors of PLWHA. METHODS: Serum samples (n=238) were researched for Brucella spp. antibodies using Rose Bengal and tube agglutination tests and Leptospira spp. antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test. RESULTS: All samples were negative for Brucella spp. For leptospirosis, four samples (1.69%) were positive, and Andamana was the prevalent serovar. CONCLUSIONS: Low or no detection of these zoonoses does not reduce their importance in PLWHA. Vigilant, educational, and preventive measures should be adopted.

Análise da estigmatização no contexto do HIV/AIDS: concepções de pessoas que vivem com HIV/AIDS / Analysis of stigmatization in the context of HIV/AIDS: concepts of people living with HIV/AIDS

A presente pesquisa buscou identificar as concepções acerca do estigma social entre pessoas vivendo com o HIV/AIDS. Participaram 44 soropositivos, com idade entre 23 e 67 anos (M = 41,00; DP = 10,60), que estavam em acompanhamento no centro de testagem e aconselhamento (CTA) da Secretária da Saúde da Prefeitura Municipal de Parnaíba/PI. Utilizou-se entrevista semiestruturada e questionário sociodemográfico para caracterização da amostra. Constatou-se que, apesar de quase três décadas passadas da epidemia e da sua mudança epidemiológica, as pessoas que convivem com HIV/AIDS ainda sofrem e internalizam estigmas, que são construções históricas, culturais e sociais, que giram em torno da doença, assim demonstrando medo do julgamento moral da sociedade. Espera-se que esses dados possam subsidiar futuras intervenções em saúde coletiva que possam contribuir para atenuar as vivências de estigma social no contexto da soropositividade para o HIV/AIDS.

The current research sought to identify the conceptions about the social stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS. Participated 44 HIV-positive individuals, aged between 23 and 67 years (M = 41,00, SD = 10,60), who were being monitored at the testing and counseling center (CTA) of the Secretary of Health of the Municipality of Parnaíba/PI, Brazil. Semi-structured interview and sociodemographic questionnaire were used to characterize the sample. It was found that, despite almost three decades after the epidemic and its epidemiological change, people living with HIV/AIDS still suffer and internalize stigmas, which are historical, cultural and social constructions, revolving around the disease, as well showing fear of the moral judgment of society. It is expected that these data may support future public health interventions that can contribute to alleviate the experiences of social stigma in the context of HIV/AIDS seropositivity.