HIV Prevalence amongst Pregnant Women Clients Attending Antenatal Clinic at the Faith Alive Foundation and PMTCT Centre, Jos Plateau State

Introduction: HIV infection and AIDS is a public health problem worldwide, particularly affecting the populace in resource challenged setting like sub-saharan Africa. Women of reproductive age are mostly affected and infected with the HIV disease. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 216 randomly selected women that booked for antenatal care at the Faith Alive Foundation and PMTCT centre Jos between 1st July to 31st December, 2014 was carried out. Information regarding age, parity, gestational age at booking, educational status and HIV sero-status of the clients was analysed. Screening test was conducted in a serial two step approval using determine and UNIGOLD as the confirmatory test, while STAT-PAK was the tie-beaker with discordant result as per the national algorithm. Positive samples were confirmed by western blot method. Result: A total of 18 women out of the 216 women studied were positive giving a sero-prevalence rate of 8.3%. The highest sero-prevalent rate was amongst 25 - 29 years age group (31.5%). Women of parity 1 - 4 constituted the highest group of 62.9%. Majority of the women 65.7% booked in the second trimester while 26.9% booked in the 3rd trimester. Most of the women 47.2% had secondary school education while only 5.6% of them had no form of education. Conclusion: HIV infection prevalence rate among antenatal attendants at Faith Alive Foundation and PMTCT centre Jos is still high. Multisectorial approach and intervention strategies should be further scaled up for the prevention of vertical transmission of the virus. However, it is worth noting that it is mainly an HIV/AIDS hospital which should have affected the outcome.

HIV prevalence and influencing factors analysis of sentinel surveillance among men who have sex with men in China, 2003-2011

Background Men who have sex with men （MSM） have been impacted by HIV and now as an important driver of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in China. This study collected HIV sentinel surveillance system data on the MSM population to describe the characteristics and trends of the HIV epidemic among MSM in China from 2003 to 2011. Methods Data on HIV prevalence and risk behaviors from 2003 to 2011 were obtained from the national HIV sentinel surveillance database. Results MSM sentinel surveillance data for 2011 showed that proportions of MSM who consistently used condoms during anal sex in the last six months and at last anal sex encounter were 43.3% and 74.1%, respectively. Between 2005 and 2011 there were no significant changes in the proportion of consistent condom use. The proportion of MSM who had multiple male sex partners in the last six months increased. Overall HIV prevalence over the years showed a rising trend from 0.9% in 2003 to 6.3% in 2011. The syphilis antibody positive rate was 7.8% in 2011. In addition, the proportion of MSM in heterosexual marriages was rising, AIDS awareness was also increasing, and the proportion of MSM who had taken an HIV test in the last year and was aware of the results rose. The proportion who had received intervention services in the last year stabilized. Conclusions HIV prevalence in MSM populations is rapidly and widely distributed. MSM who are in heterosexual marriages may be a bridge group transmitting HIV to their heterosexual partners. The risky sexual behavior among MSM will remain a serious and important driver of China＇s AIDS epidemic over the next period of time. Intervention need to be strengthened, as does the effective implementation of measures to control AIDS and prevent it from spreading further.

Spatial-temporal heterogeneity and determinants of HIV prevalence in the Mano River Union countries

Background:Utilizing population-based survey data in epidemiological research with a spatial perspective can integrate valuable context into the dynamics of HIV prevalence in West Africa.However,the situation in the Mano River Union(MRU)countries is largely unknown.This research aims to perform an ecological study to determine the HIV prevalence patterns in MRU.Methods:We analyzed Demographic and Health Survey(DHS)and AIDS Indicator Survey(AIS)data on HIV prevalence in MRU from 2005 to 2020.We examined the country-specifc,regional-specifc and sex-specifc ratios of respondents to profle the spatial–temporal heterogeneity of HIV prevalence and determine HIV hot spots.We employed Geodetector to measure the spatial stratifed heterogeneity(SSH)of HIV prevalence for adult women and men.We assessed the comprehensive correct knowledge(CCK)about HIV/AIDS and HIV testing uptake by employing the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator(LASSO)regression to predict which combinations of CCKs can scale up the ratio of HIV testing uptake with sex-specifc needs.Results:In our analysis,we leveraged data for 158,408 respondents from 11 surveys in the MRU.From 2005–2015,Cote d’Ivoire was the hot spot for HIV prevalence with a Gi_Bin score of 3,Z-Score 8.0–10.1 and P<0.001.From 2016 to 2020,Guinea and Sierra Leone were hot spots for HIV prevalence with a Gi_Bin score of 2,Z-Score of 3.17 and P<0.01.The SSH confrmed the signifcant diferences in HIV prevalence at the national level strata,with a higher level for Cote d’Ivoire compared to other countries in both sexes with q-values of 0.61 and 0.40,respectively.Our LASSO model predicted diferent combinations of CCKs with sex-specifc needs to improve HIV testing uptake.Conclusions:The spatial distribution of HIV prevalence in the MRU is skewed and the CCK about HIV/AIDS and HIV testing uptake are far below the threshold target set by UNAIDS for ending the epidemic in the sub-region.Geodetector detected statistically signifcant SSH within and between countries in the MRU.Our LASSO model predicted that diferent emphases should be implemented when popularizing the CCK about HIV/AIDS for adult women and men.

Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection among the Boda-Boda Riders in Mbarara Municipality-Uganda

Background: Boda-Boda is a well-known and booming motorcycle taxi that employs youths to earn a living. They transport passengers at a faster rate where other means of transport are inaccessible or would be time consuming. Global statistics show that HIV has continued to be a major global Public Health issue especially among the “Most At-risk Populations” (MAPs) that include commercial transporters and Boda-Boda riders. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and predisposing factors for HIV/AIDS among Boda-Boda riders living in Mbarara Municipality. Specifically, the study determined the prevalence of HIV among the Boda-Boda riders, identified social demographic predisposing factors for HIV and determined knowledge of Boda riders on prevention of HIV. Study setting: Boda-Boda operators in the transport sector are at high risk of HIV infection but the HIV status of the Boda Riders in Mbarara was not known a reason why the study was instituted: Study design: This was an analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study that employed quantitative methods of data collection. The study population comprised the registered Boda-Boda operators from two divisions of Kakoba and Kakiika in Mbarara municipality. Sample size and sampling methods: Using Morgan’s table (1970), the population of the registered Boda Riders was 15,041;this corresponded to a sample size of 375 respondents by Morgan Table. Systematic sampling procedure was used to get every 3rd registered rider on the list. Data collection: A pre-tested structured tool aided data collection after group pretest counseling. Individual counseling was also done prior to testing and giving results. The laboratory technologists drew blood to determine the sero-status of the respondents. Results were recorded as tested reactive (TRR) or tested non-reactive (TR). Unigold was used as tie breaker to confirm their diagnosis in order to ascertain those who were HIV positive on determine. Data analysis: Analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate using STATA version 13, Statistical significance of the relationship was determined for the p-value (p ≤ 0.05). Significant variables were then considered at multivariate level of analysis. Results: More than half 195 (52%) of the Boda-Boda cyclist had attained primary level of education and 36.5% secondary education. HIV prevalence among Boda-Boda riders was 9.9%. Riders who had never heard of VCT/HCT screening for HIV were three times likely to acquire HIV compared to those who ever heard of VCT/HCT screening (OR = 3.35;95% CI 1.14 9.83;p = 0.027). Those with multiple partners were six times more likely to acquire HIV/AIDS compared to those who buy sex from prostitutes (OR = 6.13;95% CI 1.54 24.38;p = 0.01). The level of awareness of VCT was found high at (94.7%), and the general knowledge about utilization and importance of VCT services was at 80%, however condom use as a preventive measure was found low at 44.3% among the respondent Boda-Boda riders. Conclusion: Boda-Boda riders had high HIV prevalence of 9.9% compared to that of Mbarara district at 6.1% and much higher than 5.7% national HIV prevalence level. The predisposing factors to acquire HIV/AIDS were having multiple sexual partners, not having heard of HIV counseling and testing as well as low and inconsistent condom use at 44.3%. The study recommends health service providers and HIV counselors to intensify awareness and behavior change campaigns on condom use among the Boda-Boda riders as preventive measure against HIV.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Immunological Profiles among Suspected Tuberculosis Cases in Mombasa County, Kenya

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern and cause of death globally including Kenya. HIV infection is characterised by CD4+ lymphocyte depletion manifested through the loss of the immune response capacity. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and CD4+T cell counts among suspected tuberculosis (TB) cases seeking healthcare at TB clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya. Study Design: Hospital and laboratory based cross-sectional study was carried between May 2011 and November 2013 in Coast General Referral Hospital, Tudor, Port-Reitz, Mlaleo, Likoni and Mikandani districts and sub-districts hospitals. Methodology: A total of 500 suspected TB cases (271 males and 229 females) were screened for HIV infection using Trinity Biotech Uni-GoldTM test and positives confirmed with the enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. CD4+ and CD8+T cells were analyzed using a BD FACS Count flow cytometer. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data of the participants. Results: In total, 127 (25.4%) of the suspects were HIV infected 55.1% females and 44.9% males. Females were significantly affected than males (OR = 0.78;95% CI: 0.44 - 1.37;p = 0.042). The majority (36.2%) of the HIV cases were in the 25 - 34 years age group followed by the 35 - 44 (33.9%), 45 - 54 (16.5%) and 18 - 24 (7.1%) age groups, respectively. Widowed (AOR = 6.14;95% CI: 1.53 - 20.54;p < 0.033), alcohol (AOR = 2.83;95% CI: 1.71 - 4.87;p < 0.001) and condom use (AOR = 2.31;95% CI: 1.62 = 4.71;p < 0.002) were risk factors associated with HIV infection. The mean CD4 cell count was 333.27 ± 150.59 cells/mm3 and it was higher in males (343.05 ± 149.33 cells/mm3) than females (325.93 ± 152.92 cells). The mean values of white blood cells (5.9 ± 2.42) × 109/l), packed cell value (34.1% ± 4.3%), platelets (195.16 ± 88.7) × 109/l and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (102.0 ± 17.4 mm/hr) were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection among suspected TB cases was 25.4% which was higher than the current national average HIV prevalence of 6.9%. Lower CD4+ lymphocyte count was found to be the only predicting factor for HIV. There was a significant relationship between CD4/ESR and HIV infection.