Objective We aimed to elucidate the rates of repeat HIV testing and incident HIV diagnosis, and baseline CD4^＋ T cell count among individuals attending HIV voluntary counseling and testing （VCT） clinics in Wuxi, Ch...Objective We aimed to elucidate the rates of repeat HIV testing and incident HIV diagnosis, and baseline CD4^＋ T cell count among individuals attending HIV voluntary counseling and testing （VCT） clinics in Wuxi, China. Methods A repeat HIV testing within 12 months was recorded if individuals had their first test with negative results, during 2013-2014 and retested within 12 months. An incident HIV diagnosis was recorded if individuals had their first test with negative results, during 2013-2015 and had a subsequent positive result at any point by the end of 2015. Data on HIV testing and diagnosis among individuals attending 32 VCT clinics from 2013 to 2015 and HIV diagnosis from other clinical services in Wuxi, China, were retrieved. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze factors associated with repeat HIV testing. Cox regression was used to evaluate factors associated with incident HIV diagnosis. Results From 2013 to 2014, 11,504 individuals tested HIV negative at their first recorded test, with 655 （5.7%） retesting within 12 months. Higher repeat HIV testing within 12 months was associated with male gender [adjusted odds ratio （a OR） = 1.7, 95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.4-2.2], risk behaviors [commercial heterosexual behaviors （a OR = 1.4, CI： 1.1-1.6）, male-male sexual behaviors （a OR = 3.7, CI： 2.7-4.9）], injection drug use （a OR = 9.9, CI： 6.5-15.1）, and having taken HIV tests previously （a OR = 2.0, CI： 1.6-2.4）. From 2013 to 2015, 1,088 individuals tested negative on HIV test at their visit and at ≥ 2 subsequent tests; of them 30 had incident HIV diagnosis. The overall rate of incident HIV diagnosis among all VCT individuals was 1.6 （95% CI： 1.1-2.1） per 100 person-years. Incident HIV diagnosis was associated with male gender [adjusted hazard ratio （a HR） = 8.5, 95% CI： 1.9-38.1], attending hospital-based VCT clinics （a HR = 7.8, 95% CI： 1.1-58.3）, and male-male sexual behavior （a HR = 8.4, 95% CI： 1.5-46.7）. Individuals diagnosed at VCT clinics had higher CD4＋ T cell count compared with those diagnosed at other clinical services （median 407 vs. 326 copies/mm3, P = 0.003）. Conclusion VCT individuals in Wuxi, China, had a low repeat HIV testing rate and high HIV incidence. VCT-clinic-based interventions aimed at increasing repeat HIV testing are needed to detect more cases at an earlier stage, especially among individuals at high risk for HIV infection such as men who have sex with men.展开更多
Background: HIV testing and counseling (HTC) plays a central role in specific prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) interventions, as these interventions depend on the woman knowing her HIV status. Over n...Background: HIV testing and counseling (HTC) plays a central role in specific prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) interventions, as these interventions depend on the woman knowing her HIV status. Over ninety percent of HIV infection in children is acquired through mother-to-child transmission. Objectives: This study assessed pregnant women’s knowledge of HIV/AIDS, their awareness of HIV testing and counseling, and compared the uptake of HTC to the previously practiced voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) in a teaching hospital in northern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A pre-tested, structured interview questionnaire was administered on a cross-section survey of 270 antenatal clients in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Nigeria. Information about knowledge of HIV/AIDS and attitude towards HTC was elicited among respondents. Results: Eighty-nine percent of respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS.?The knowledge of route of disease transmission was high, with 87.4% and 81.1% of studyparticipants mentioning sexual activity and mother-to-child transmission, respectively. Majority of respondents (98.9%) were aware of HTC and approved of it (91.1%) while 7.8% declined and the remaining 1.1% were undecided. Fourteen percent of respondents didn’t approve of retesting in labour. Sixty-eight percent of respondents were aware of interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Switching from VCT to HTC has dramatically improved the uptake of testing from 78.9% in 2006 to 91.1% in 2012. Conclusion: Routine HIV testing and counseling is more acceptable than voluntary counseling and testing among antenatal clients. Although the awareness and uptake of HTC were quite high among the antenatal clients, there is still a need to intensify health education and incorporate husbands into the counseling session when necessary to convince the remaining minority who are still ignorant of the benefits of HTC.展开更多
Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is important in controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS especially among the Youths. The aim of the study was to determine the extent, to assess the level of awareness and to describe...Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is important in controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS especially among the Youths. The aim of the study was to determine the extent, to assess the level of awareness and to describe the Youths’ attitude towards VCT Service Utilization in Kapsabet Division, Nandi Central District from 1st February to 30th April 2013. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among male and female Youths aged 18 - 34 years who were selected by convenience sampling, using Quantitative and Qualitative methods of data collection with mean age of 26 years. The study found that 52% of Youths had visited VCT and the majority was aware about VCT through print media, TV/radio and IEC materials. Forth-six percent (46%) said Post-Counseling was poor. Seventy seven (77%) highlighted various challengesi.e. most VCT centers were openly located within the hospital and user fee Ksh. 20 was charged. The study also found that there was high level of awareness but slightly low utilization of VCT Services with only 52% having tested. Posters in VCT rooms were stigmatizing and this could have influenced their low utilization of VCT Services. Therefore there is need for dialogue with policy-makers, Youths and Stakeholders in regards to changing strategy for future efforts to increase the uptake of services among the Youths.展开更多
Background: The prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is paramount in safeguarding the lives of unborn children and young babies. The study sought to examine the know...Background: The prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is paramount in safeguarding the lives of unborn children and young babies. The study sought to examine the knowledge and attitudes of expectant mothers towards HIV screening and testing in the Jachie-Pramso Community of the Ashanti Region. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive survey approach as its research design. The population of the study comprised 158 expectant mothers who were registered and attended regular antenatal care sessions at the community hospital. The census approach to sampling was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used as the tool for data collection. Chi-square and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: The findings from the study indicated that awareness level of HIV and its related issues were high among expectant mothers. It was also found that attitude of healthcare workers, community members and sexual partners are the main factors that prevent expectant mothers from patronising voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. It was generally, recommended that intensive educational programmes be instituted to sensitize both healthcare workers and the general public on discriminative behaviours. Conclusion: Most of the expectant mothers have knowledge of HIV and attitudes of the expectant mothers towards VCT of HIV were positive. The healthcare facility and its professionals may consider training the expectant mothers so they can act as snow-ballers in the dissemination of relevant health education and coerce other expectant mothers in the community to participate in the VCT and HIV programmes.展开更多
艾滋病自愿咨询检测(voluntary counseling and testing,VCT),是指人们在经过咨询以后能够对于是否做艾滋病检测做出自我选择的过程。开展VCT服务是进入艾滋病预防、治疗、心理社会支持和关怀工作的切入点和枢纽。在预防HIV的传播,对患...艾滋病自愿咨询检测(voluntary counseling and testing,VCT),是指人们在经过咨询以后能够对于是否做艾滋病检测做出自我选择的过程。开展VCT服务是进入艾滋病预防、治疗、心理社会支持和关怀工作的切入点和枢纽。在预防HIV的传播,对患者提供情感支持,减少对HIV感染者的歧视以及为感染者提供合适的治疗转诊服务等方面都具有重要意义。VCT服务在江苏的试点已显示出大众对此服务的强烈需求。如果当前能在全省广泛开展艾滋病自愿咨询检测服务,尽早发现感染者,并有针对性地开展各项干预措施,将对江苏省艾滋病防治产生积极作用。展开更多
基金supported by the Wuxi Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission[MS201613,QNRC033,ZDXK009]Wuxi Municipal Bureau on Science and Technology[CSZ0N1512]Early Career Fellowship from Australian National Health and Medical Research Commission[APP1092621]
文摘Objective We aimed to elucidate the rates of repeat HIV testing and incident HIV diagnosis, and baseline CD4^＋ T cell count among individuals attending HIV voluntary counseling and testing （VCT） clinics in Wuxi, China. Methods A repeat HIV testing within 12 months was recorded if individuals had their first test with negative results, during 2013-2014 and retested within 12 months. An incident HIV diagnosis was recorded if individuals had their first test with negative results, during 2013-2015 and had a subsequent positive result at any point by the end of 2015. Data on HIV testing and diagnosis among individuals attending 32 VCT clinics from 2013 to 2015 and HIV diagnosis from other clinical services in Wuxi, China, were retrieved. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze factors associated with repeat HIV testing. Cox regression was used to evaluate factors associated with incident HIV diagnosis. Results From 2013 to 2014, 11,504 individuals tested HIV negative at their first recorded test, with 655 （5.7%） retesting within 12 months. Higher repeat HIV testing within 12 months was associated with male gender [adjusted odds ratio （a OR） = 1.7, 95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.4-2.2], risk behaviors [commercial heterosexual behaviors （a OR = 1.4, CI： 1.1-1.6）, male-male sexual behaviors （a OR = 3.7, CI： 2.7-4.9）], injection drug use （a OR = 9.9, CI： 6.5-15.1）, and having taken HIV tests previously （a OR = 2.0, CI： 1.6-2.4）. From 2013 to 2015, 1,088 individuals tested negative on HIV test at their visit and at ≥ 2 subsequent tests; of them 30 had incident HIV diagnosis. The overall rate of incident HIV diagnosis among all VCT individuals was 1.6 （95% CI： 1.1-2.1） per 100 person-years. Incident HIV diagnosis was associated with male gender [adjusted hazard ratio （a HR） = 8.5, 95% CI： 1.9-38.1], attending hospital-based VCT clinics （a HR = 7.8, 95% CI： 1.1-58.3）, and male-male sexual behavior （a HR = 8.4, 95% CI： 1.5-46.7）. Individuals diagnosed at VCT clinics had higher CD4＋ T cell count compared with those diagnosed at other clinical services （median 407 vs. 326 copies/mm3, P = 0.003）. Conclusion VCT individuals in Wuxi, China, had a low repeat HIV testing rate and high HIV incidence. VCT-clinic-based interventions aimed at increasing repeat HIV testing are needed to detect more cases at an earlier stage, especially among individuals at high risk for HIV infection such as men who have sex with men.
文摘Background: HIV testing and counseling (HTC) plays a central role in specific prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) interventions, as these interventions depend on the woman knowing her HIV status. Over ninety percent of HIV infection in children is acquired through mother-to-child transmission. Objectives: This study assessed pregnant women’s knowledge of HIV/AIDS, their awareness of HIV testing and counseling, and compared the uptake of HTC to the previously practiced voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) in a teaching hospital in northern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A pre-tested, structured interview questionnaire was administered on a cross-section survey of 270 antenatal clients in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Nigeria. Information about knowledge of HIV/AIDS and attitude towards HTC was elicited among respondents. Results: Eighty-nine percent of respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS.?The knowledge of route of disease transmission was high, with 87.4% and 81.1% of studyparticipants mentioning sexual activity and mother-to-child transmission, respectively. Majority of respondents (98.9%) were aware of HTC and approved of it (91.1%) while 7.8% declined and the remaining 1.1% were undecided. Fourteen percent of respondents didn’t approve of retesting in labour. Sixty-eight percent of respondents were aware of interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Switching from VCT to HTC has dramatically improved the uptake of testing from 78.9% in 2006 to 91.1% in 2012. Conclusion: Routine HIV testing and counseling is more acceptable than voluntary counseling and testing among antenatal clients. Although the awareness and uptake of HTC were quite high among the antenatal clients, there is still a need to intensify health education and incorporate husbands into the counseling session when necessary to convince the remaining minority who are still ignorant of the benefits of HTC.
文摘Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is important in controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS especially among the Youths. The aim of the study was to determine the extent, to assess the level of awareness and to describe the Youths’ attitude towards VCT Service Utilization in Kapsabet Division, Nandi Central District from 1st February to 30th April 2013. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among male and female Youths aged 18 - 34 years who were selected by convenience sampling, using Quantitative and Qualitative methods of data collection with mean age of 26 years. The study found that 52% of Youths had visited VCT and the majority was aware about VCT through print media, TV/radio and IEC materials. Forth-six percent (46%) said Post-Counseling was poor. Seventy seven (77%) highlighted various challengesi.e. most VCT centers were openly located within the hospital and user fee Ksh. 20 was charged. The study also found that there was high level of awareness but slightly low utilization of VCT Services with only 52% having tested. Posters in VCT rooms were stigmatizing and this could have influenced their low utilization of VCT Services. Therefore there is need for dialogue with policy-makers, Youths and Stakeholders in regards to changing strategy for future efforts to increase the uptake of services among the Youths.
文摘Background: The prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is paramount in safeguarding the lives of unborn children and young babies. The study sought to examine the knowledge and attitudes of expectant mothers towards HIV screening and testing in the Jachie-Pramso Community of the Ashanti Region. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive survey approach as its research design. The population of the study comprised 158 expectant mothers who were registered and attended regular antenatal care sessions at the community hospital. The census approach to sampling was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used as the tool for data collection. Chi-square and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: The findings from the study indicated that awareness level of HIV and its related issues were high among expectant mothers. It was also found that attitude of healthcare workers, community members and sexual partners are the main factors that prevent expectant mothers from patronising voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. It was generally, recommended that intensive educational programmes be instituted to sensitize both healthcare workers and the general public on discriminative behaviours. Conclusion: Most of the expectant mothers have knowledge of HIV and attitudes of the expectant mothers towards VCT of HIV were positive. The healthcare facility and its professionals may consider training the expectant mothers so they can act as snow-ballers in the dissemination of relevant health education and coerce other expectant mothers in the community to participate in the VCT and HIV programmes.
文摘艾滋病自愿咨询检测(voluntary counseling and testing,VCT),是指人们在经过咨询以后能够对于是否做艾滋病检测做出自我选择的过程。开展VCT服务是进入艾滋病预防、治疗、心理社会支持和关怀工作的切入点和枢纽。在预防HIV的传播,对患者提供情感支持,减少对HIV感染者的歧视以及为感染者提供合适的治疗转诊服务等方面都具有重要意义。VCT服务在江苏的试点已显示出大众对此服务的强烈需求。如果当前能在全省广泛开展艾滋病自愿咨询检测服务,尽早发现感染者,并有针对性地开展各项干预措施,将对江苏省艾滋病防治产生积极作用。
