ABSTRACT
Retention is a key element in HIV prevention programs. In Sub-Saharan Africa most data on retention come from HIV clinical trials or people living with HIV attending HIV treatment and control programs. Data from observational cohorts are less frequent. Retention at 6-/12-month follow-up and its predictors were analyzed in OKAPI prospective cohort. From April 2016 to April 2018, 797 participants aged 15-59 years attending HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing in Kinshasa were interviewed about HIV-related knowledge and behaviors at baseline and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Retention rates were 57% and 27% at 6- and 12-month follow up; 22% of participants attended both visits. Retention at 6-month was significantly associated with 12-month retention. Retention was associated with low economic status, being studying, daily/weekly Internet access, previous HIV tests and aiming to share HIV test with partner. Contrarily, perceiving a good health, living far from an antiretroviral center, daily/weekly alcohol consumption and perceiving frequent HIV information were inversely associated with retention. In conclusion, a high attrition was found among people attending HIV testing participating in a prospective cohort in Kinshasa. Considering the low retention rates and the predictors found in this study, more HIV cohort studies in Kinshasa need to be evaluated to identify local factors and strategies that could improve retention if needed.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Retention in Care , Adolescent , Adult , Democratic Republic of the Congo/epidemiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) inadolescents and teenage pregnancy rates are increasing. A decrease in the average age of youth's first sexual experience has also been noted. Sexual education programmes in schools have an important role to play in addressing these issues. The objective of this study was to analyse the content of textbooks in the areas of sexuality and human reproduction in order to evaluate the extent to which these textbooks promote healthy reproductive lifestyles, as well as avoidance of risk behaviour among adolescent students. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study of the content of school textbooks. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 12 textbooks (approximately 80% of all the textbooks used in Spanish secondary schools) which were edited in 2002. Content analysis evaluated the extent to which these books demonstrated reliable scientific information about: (a) condom effectiveness; (b) consequences, prevention and treatment of STIs; (c) family planning methods; (d) assisted reproductive technologies; and (e) the promotion of healthy reproductive lifestyles. RESULTS: All textbooks presented inaccurate information in the areas studied. One hundred and fifty one quotes were identified that facilitated incomplete perception of sexuality or risky behaviour. On average, 12.6 incorrect messages were identified in each textbook. CONCLUSIONS: The textbooks examined are neither appropriate nor sufficiently comprehensive for adolescent education on issues of sexuality. Results suggest a need for alternative textbooks based on better scientific evidence. It is essential that textbooks empower adolescents to make healthy decisions through the promotion of useful life skills that provide a more integrated concept of sexuality. There is a need for approaches to sexual education to integrate values commonly held by parents of the youth that use such texts.
Subject(s)
Schools , Sex Education , Sexuality , Textbooks as Topic , Adolescent , Humans , Safe Sex , SpainABSTRACT
Objetivos: Valorar el conocimiento de los estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad de Navarra sobre la enfermedad cardiovascular y susfactores de riesgo.Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal en una muestra de 334 alumnos de 1º, 4º y 6º curso, autocumplimentando un cuestionario anónimo. Se utilizó el programa estadístico SPSS 11.0Resultados: La mayoría de los alumnos de 4º y 6º identifi caron correctamente los factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV). Los de 4º identifi canmejor los valores lipídicos y los de 6º reconocen mejor la hipertensión arterial y el aumento del índice de masa corporal como FRCV. Un 97,8% considera la dieta mediterránea como factor protector. Conclusión: Existe un buen conocimiento de los FRCV entre los estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad de Navarra y va aumentando a lo largo de la carrera
Objectives: To evaluate cardiovascular risk factor awareness among medical students at the University of Navarra.Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study including 334 students of the 1st, 4th and 6th year. They answered an anonymous structuredquestionnaire, and the results were analyzed using SPSS 11.0.Results: Most 4th and 6th year students correctly identifi ed the cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). The 4th year students obtained better results on lipid values while the 6th year students performed better on body mass index and arterial hypertension. 97.8% of the sample considered the Mediterranean diet to be a protective factor.Conclusion: University of Navarras medical students are well informed about CVRF and their knowledge increases along the degree course
Subject(s)
Humans , Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control , Risk Adjustment , Students, Medical/statistics & numerical data , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Risk Factors , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate cardiovascular risk factor awareness among medical students at the University of Navarra. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study including 334 students of the 1st, 4th and 6th year. They answered an anonymous structured questionnaire, and the results were analyzed using SPSS 11.0. RESULTS: Most 4th and 6th year students correctly identified the cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). The 4th year students obtained better results on lipid values while the 6th year students performed better on body mass index and arterial hypertension. 97.8% of the sample considered the Mediterranean diet to be a protective factor. CONCLUSION: University of Navarra's medical students are well informed about CVRF and their knowledge increases along the degree course.
