scholarly journals Are Expert Patients an Untapped Resource for ART Provision in Sub-Saharan Africa?

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Decroo ◽  
Wim Van Damme ◽  
Guy Kegels ◽  
Daniel Remartinez ◽  
Freya Rasschaert
Keyword(s):  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Art Programs ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Adherence To Medication ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Expert Patients ◽  
Untapped Resource ◽  
Hiv Aids

Since the introduction of antiretroviral treatment, HIV/AIDS can be framed as a chronic lifelong condition, requiring lifelong adherence to medication. Reinforcement of self-management through information, acquisition of problem solving skills, motivation, and peer support is expected to allow PLWHA to become involved as expert patients in the care management and to decrease the dependency on scarce skilled medical staff. We developed a conceptual framework to analyse how PLWHA can become expert patients and performed a literature review on involvement of PLWHA as expert patients in ART provision in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper revealed two published examples: one on trained PLWHA in Kenya and another on self-formed peer groups in Mozambique. Both programs fit the concept of the expert patient and describe how community-embedded ART programs can be effective and improve the accessibility and affordability of ART. Using their day-to-day experience of living with HIV, expert patients are able to provide better fitting solutions to practical and psychosocial barriers to adherence. There is a need for careful design of models in which expert patients are involved in essential care functions, capacitated, and empowered to manage their condition and support fellow peers, as an untapped resource to control HIV/AIDS.

scholarly journals Rates and predictors of adherence and retention for antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive adults in Enugu, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-211
Author(s):  
Onyinye Hope Chime
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Art Programs ◽  
Adherence To Medication ◽  
Behavioural Modification ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Predictors Of Adherence

BackgroundHIV infection and AIDS are majorpublic health challenges in Nigeria, a country with one of the highest rates of new infection in sub-Saharan Africa and the second largest HIV epidemic in the world.Non-adherence to medication and defaulting from treatment are the two major challenges faced by anti-retroviral therapy (ART) programs in resource-constrained settings. This study was undertaken to determine the rate and predictors of adherence to medication and retention among people living with HIVin Enugu State, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross-sectionalretrospective study conducted among adults living with HIV(PLHIV) receiving ARTs in eightcomprehensive health facilities in Enugu, Nigeria. We used self-reported adherence and recorded clinic visits to assess adherence and retention, respectively. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, proportions, mean and standard deviation) and regression analysis were then conducted to identify the association between adherence, retention and demographic and health-related factors. ResultsThe mean age of respondents was 38.5±9.8 years. Predictors of good adherence to medication includedbeing male(adjusted odds ratio [AOR]:2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.12–3.85), having been on anti-retroviral medications for more than 5 years (AOR:1.92; 95% CI: 1.17–3.16), the non-consumption of alcohol(AOR: 3.67; 95% CI: 2.01–6.70),not usingtraditional medicine (AOR: 2.76; 95% CI:1.33–5.73) and having a baseline CD4count exceeding 500 cells/μl (AOR: 5.67; 95% CI: 1.32–24.32).Adequate retention was predicted by being resident in the urban area (AOR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.17–3.06). Being away from home (41.8%) and forgetfulness (35.0%) were reported as the major reasons for missing medication.ConclusionThe rates of adherence and retention found in this study were similar to those reported forother resource-limited settings. Health education and behavioural modification interventions should be intensified to reduce the consumption of alcohol and the use of traditional medicine by people living with HIV. Identifying other factors may help to design effective strategies to ensure that people living with HIV adhere to their medications and remain in care.

scholarly journals Stigmatising Attitudes Towards Co-workers with HIV in the Workplace of a Metropolitan State, Southwestern Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Idongesit Godwin Utuk ◽  
Kayode Omoniyi Osungbade ◽  
Taiwo Akinyode Obembe ◽  
David Ayobami Adewole ◽  
Victoria Oluwabunmi Oladoyin
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background:Despite demonstrating global concerns about infection in the workplace, very little research has explored how co-workers react to those living with HIV in the workplace in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the level of stigmatising attitude towards co-workers living with HIV in the workplace.Methods:The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 403 respondents. They were recruited from selected companies through a multistage sampling technique. Survey was carried out using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to generate frequencies, cross tabulations of variables at 5% level of significance. Logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors at 95% confidence intervals.Results:Mean age of respondents was 32.9 ± 9.4 years with 86.1% being females. Overall, slightly below two-third (63.0%) had good knowledge on transmission of HIV/AIDS while 218 (54.1%) respondents had a high stigmatising attitude towards co-workers with HIV in the workplace. More female respondents (69.6%) demonstrated high stigmatising attitudes towards co-workers with HIV in the workplace (p = 0.012). Female workers were twice more likely to have high stigmatising attitudes towards co-worker with HIV [OR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.13 – 3.83)].Conclusion:Stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDs is still very persistent in different settings. Good knowledge amongst our participants about HIV/AIDs did not translate to low stigmatising attitudes among workers. Concerted efforts and trainings on the transmission of HIV/AIDs are essential to reduce stigma that is still very prevalent in workplace settings.

scholarly journals Synthesizing evidence on nutrition challenges among people living with HIV/AIDS in sub- Saharan Africa: a protocol for a scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 3173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tafadzwa Dzinamarira ◽  
Moreblessing Chipo Mashora
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Nutritional Management ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Improve Health ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background: Good nutritional status is highly significant for individuals who are infected with HIV. However, they still face a number of nutritional challenges. The proposed scoping review will map literature on the nutritional challenges facing people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) and guide future research in nutritional management to improve health outcomes for PLWH. Here we outline a scoping review protocol designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P 2015 Guidelines).Methods: The Arksey and O’Malley’s 2005 scoping methodological framework further improved by Levac et al. 2010 will guide the search and reporting. Searches will be conducted for eligible articles from MEDLINE (PubMed), MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete and ISI Web of Science (Science Citation Index) electronic databases. Two independent reviewers will conduct the search guided by an inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality appraisal of the included articles will be conducted guided by the mixed methods appraisal tool 2018 version. We will employ NVivo version 12 for thematic content analysis.Conclusions: The findings of this review will guide future research in nutritional management to improve health outcomes for PLWH in sub-Saharan African. This review will be disseminated electronically in a published peer reviewed article and in print.

scholarly journals Mapping evidence on adolescents’ HIV-positive status disclosure in sub-Saharan Africa: a protocol for a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience Adzordor ◽  
Clement Avoka ◽  
Vitalis Bawontuo ◽  
Silas Agbesi ◽  
Desmond Kuupiel
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Keyword Search ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Status Disclosure ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Background Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) homes most of the people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. Adolescents/young people are a vulnerable population and at high risk of HIV infection. Identifying and bridging the research gaps on the disclosure of HIV-positive status among adolescents, particularly to their sexual partners, is essential to inform appropriate policy planning and implementation towards preventing HIV transmission. This study will aim to explore literature and describe the evidence on HIV-positive status disclosure among adolescents in SSA. Methods The framework provided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and improved by Levac and colleagues will be used to conduct a scoping review. A keyword search for relevant literature presenting evidence on HIV-positive status disclosure among adolescents in SSA will be conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and SCOPUS. Date limitations will be removed, but Boolean terms “AND” and “OR” as well as Medical Subject Headings terms will be included where possible and syntax modified to suit the database during the search. Additional relevant articles will be sought from the reference lists of all included studies using a snowballing method. Two reviewers will independently screen the articles at the abstract and full-text screening phases in order to reduce bias and improve the reliability of this study’s findings. A tabular form will be developed using Microsoft Word and piloted for data extraction. Thematic content analysis will be conducted, and a narrative summary of all relevant outcomes reported. Quality appraisal of the included studies for this proposed study will be performed utilizing the recent mixed methods appraisal tool. Discussion The evidence produced by this review may help inform policy and strategies to reduce the incidence of HIV infection among adolescents and improve social support for adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in SSA. It may also reveal literature gaps to guide future researches to further inform HIV policies for adolescents in SSA. Platforms such as peer review journals, policy briefs, and conferences will be used to disseminate this study’s findings.

scholarly journals Alcohol Use and Antiretroviral Therapy Non-Adherence Among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1727-1742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Velloza ◽  
Christopher G. Kemp ◽  
Frances M. Aunon ◽  
Megan K. Ramaiya ◽  
Emma Creegan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

scholarly journals The Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS Victims in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Gospel

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 185
Author(s):  
PHILLIPUS J. (FLIP) BUYS
Keyword(s):  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Community Attitudes ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Keywords Hiv ◽  
Shame Culture ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

One of the most challenging issues in dealing with HIV/AIDS in Africa is breaking through the stigmas surrounding the disease and building resilience in communities where large numbers of people are infected with HIV or otherwise affected by the pandemic. This article explores the relationship between shame, fear, guilt, witchcraft, and HIV/AIDS stigmatization by looking at key features of the African traditional worldview and culture. We point out predominant witchcraft beliefs and how they translate to community attitudes towards people living with HIV and AIDS. We highlight the influence of prevailing beliefs in witchcraft and how they aggravate the experience of fear, shame, and stigmatization by people infected with or otherwise affected by HIV. Relevant aspects of the gospel are brought to bear to answer these challenges. KEYWORDS: HIV/AIDS, stigmatization, shame culture, fear culture, witchcraft, ubuntu

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