The Potential Impact of Interruptions to HIV Services: A Modelling Case Study for South Africa

SummaryThe numbers of deaths caused by HIV could increase substantially if the COVID-19 epidemic leads to interruptions in the availability of HIV services. We compare publicly available scenarios for COVID-19 mortality with predicted additional HIV-related mortality based on assumptions about possible interruptions in HIV programs. An interruption in the supply of ART for 40% of those on ART for 3 months could cause a number of deaths on the same order of magnitude as the number that are anticipated to be saved from COVID-19 through social distancing measures. In contrast, if the disruption can be managed such that the supply and usage of ART is maintained, the increase in AIDS deaths would be limited to 1% over five years, although this could still be accompanied by substantial increases in new HIV infections if there are reductions in VMMC, oral PrEP use, and condom availability.

Dominant Factors Related To Use Of Male Condoms Of Man Who Have Sex With Men In Buleleng Regency

Men who have sex with men(MSM) community had become one of the epicentrum of transmission of STIs and HIV / AIDS. The results of an integrated survey of biological behavior of MSM condom use are only less than 50%. The objective of this study is to determine the most dominant factors increasing condom use in MSM. Survey Cross sectional study on MSM with a sample of 58 people selected by snowball sampling when MSM examined the Buleleng Health Center 1. Data collection was done by interviewing a questionnaire related to: social demographic characteristics, internal, external factors, negotiation and condom use. Data were analyzed by chi square followed by logistic regression using software. The study found that several factors related to condom use in MSM namely marital status showed that the respondents were unmarried (AOR: 9.5, 96% CI 1.5-59.7). Then the perception of high MSM susceptibility was also related to condom use (AOR: 6.5, 96% CI 1.3-33.3). Subsequently the availability of condoms on site and carried by MSM (AOR: 6.8, 96% CI 1.1-45.6). Factors related to condom use in MSM in Buleleng Regency are unmarried status, condom availability and perceived susceptibility.

A State-Level Examination of School Nurses’ Perceptions of Condom Availability Accompanied by Sex Education

School nurses are often sources of health-care support for teens with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. However, providing prevention (e.g., condoms) and teaching technical skills (e.g., condom use) needed to reduce high-risk sexual behavior may require a change in perceptions and policies. This study used a cross-sectional study design to assess nurses’ perceptions of condom availability accompanied by sex education programs among high school nurses ( n = 87) in Kansas. Results showed that school nurses in this study supported condom availability, were comfortable providing condoms, and felt condom availability was within the scope of their job but were less likely to provide condoms because of external barriers. Common barriers include administration, parents, cost, community support, and policies. School nurses, by virtue of their access to the majority of Kansas’ adolescents, have the potential to provide sex education and tools such as condoms, so young people can prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies.

Condom Availability Programs in Schools: A Review of the Literature

Objective: This review synthesizes findings from the peer-reviewed evaluation literature on condom availability programs (CAPs) in secondary schools. Data Source: Peer-reviewed evaluation literature indexed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, SCOPUS, and POPLINE. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Manuscripts had to be, written in English, and report evaluation data from a US school-based CAP. Data Extraction: Articles were coded independently by 2 authors. Discrepancies were resolved through open discussion. Data Synthesis: We grouped findings into outcome evaluation and process evaluation findings. Outcome evaluation findings included sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy rates, condom use, contraception use, sexual risk, and substance use. Process evaluation findings included awareness of CAPs, attitudes toward CAPs, attitudes toward condoms, and receipt of education and instruction. Results: Of the 138 citations reviewed, 12 articles published between 1995 and 2012 met the inclusion criteria, representing 8 programs. Evaluations indicate CAPs yield condom acquisition rates between 23% and 48%, have mixed results related to condom use, and are not associated with increases in sexual and other risk behaviors. One program found CAPs were associated with a decrease in a combined rate of chlamydia and gonorrhea. One program found no association between CAPs and unintended pregnancy. Students’ attitudes toward CAPs were favorable and awareness was high. Conclusions: Condom availability programs are accepted by students and can be an appropriate and relevant school-based intervention for teens. Condom availability programs can increase condom use, but more evaluations are needed on CAP impact on rates of HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy.

Breaking Down the Administrative Barriers: Condom Availability in the School Setting

School nurses are at the forefront of health resource decisions, education, and health advocacy in the school setting. When it comes to sex education and condom availability, navigating the politics and controversy surrounding student access and education is not an easy task. Moreover, recent research shows school administrators are not aware of sexual health issues in their district and are not typically supportive of condom availability, limiting evidence-based practice implementation in the school setting. At the district level, school nurses must recognize these challenges and develop plans to promote science-based interventions for students’ sexual health.