The Characteristics and Risk Factors of Web-Based Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Eastern China: Cross-sectional Study

BackgroundFinding casual sex partners on the internet has been considered a huge challenge for HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the characteristics and risk factors of finding causal sex partners on the internet among MSM in Zhejiang Province, China.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Participants were enrolled by 4 community-based organizations (CBOs) and 10 Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) clinics through advertisements in bathrooms, bars, and gay hook-up apps from June to December 2018. A CBO- or physician-assisted survey was conducted to collected information on finding casual sex partners, perceived HIV infection, and HIV risk behaviors.ResultsAmong 767 participants, 310 (40.4%) reported finding causal sex partners on the internet. Factors associated with finding casual sex partners on the internet included watching pornographic videos on the internet more than once a week (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.881, 95% CI 1.201-2.948), discussing “hooking-up online” with friends (aOR=4.018, 95% CI 2.910-5.548), and perceiving that the likelihood of HIV infection among casual sex partners sought on the internet was “medium” (aOR=2.034, 95% CI 1.441-2.873) or “low” (aOR=2.548, 95% CI 1.524-4.259). Among the participants who reported finding casual sex partners on the internet, 30.2% (91/310) reported having unprotected sex with casual sex partners encountered on the internet in the past 6 months. On multivariate logistic regression analyses, knowing the HIV infection status of casual sex partners sought on the internet was significantly associated with performing inserted intercourse (aOR=1.907, 95% CI 1.100-3.306) and a decreased risk of inconsistent condom use (aOR=0.327, 95% CI 0.167-0.642).ConclusionsWeb-based casual sexual behavior is becoming more prevalent, and the rate of unprotected sex among MSM in Zhejiang Province is high. Future HIV prevention approaches should emphasize the importance for MSM to proactively determine the HIV infection status of potential casual sex partners sought on the internet.     

Factors Associated With Quitting Smoking in Indonesia

Objectives:The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with quitting smoking in Indonesia Methods:Data on 11 115 individuals from the fifth wave of the Indonesia Family Life Survey were analyzed. Quitting smoking was the main outcome, defined as smoking status based on the answer to the question “do you still habitually (smoke cigarettes/smoke a pipe/use chewing tobacco) or have you totally quit?” Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with successful attempts to quit smoking. Results:The prevalence of quitting smoking was 12.3%. The odds of successfully quitting smoking were higher among smokers who were female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08 to 3.33), were divorced (aOR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.82 to 3.29), did not chew tobacco (aOR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.79 to 5.08), found it difficult to sacrifice smoking at other times than in the morning (aOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.46), and not smoke when sick (aOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.54). About 59% of variance in successful attempts to quit smoking could be explained using a model consisting of those variables. Conclusions:Female sex, being divorced, not chewing tobacco, and nicotine dependence increased the odds of quitting smoking and were associated with quitting smoking successfully. Regular and integrated attempts to quit smoking based on individuals’ internal characteristics, tobacco use activity, and smoking behavior are needed to quit smoking.     

Relationship between Dietary Fatty Acid Intake with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis in People with HIV

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between food intake of lipids with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and/or liver fibrosis in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). In this cross-sectional study, transient elastography was used to detect the presence of NAFLD and/or liver fibrosis. The dietary intake of fats and fatty acids (FA) were assessed by two 24 h dietary recalls (24-HDR) (n = 451). Multivariate logistic regression models were performed. Participants with higher intake of total fat were associated with higher odds for NAFLD compared to those with lower consumption [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.91 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.06–3.44)]. Furthermore, participants with intermediate intake of n6-PUFA (n6-poly-unsaturated FA) and lauric FA had lower odds for NAFLD, respectively aOR = 0.54 (95% CI 0.3–0.98) and aOR = 0.42 (95% CI 0.22–0.78). Additionally, a higher intake of myristoleic FA (fourth quartile) was a significant protective factor for NAFLD [aOR = 0.56 (95% CI 0.32–0.99)]. Participants with higher intake of lauric FA [0.38 (95% CI 0.18–0.80)], myristic FA [0.38 (0.17–0.89)], palmitoleic FA [0.40 (0.19–0.82)] and oleic FA [0.35 (0.16–0.79)] had positively less odds of having liver fibrosis. On the other hand, higher intake of n-6 PUFA was significantly associated with fibrosis [aOR = 2.45 (95% CI 1.12–5.32)]. Dietary assessment of total fat and FA should be incorporated into HIV care as a tool for preventing NAFLD and fibrosis in PLWHA.     

广州市2019年新报告HIV/AIDS病例确诊后30天内接受抗病毒治疗分析

目的 评价广州市“发现即治疗”实施情况,分析相关影响因素,为进一步优化HIV/AIDS病例管理提供科学依据。方法 通过艾滋病防治基本信息模块,收集广州市2019年新报告的HIV/AIDS病例信息,采用单因素和多因素logistic回归,分析HIV/AIDS病例确诊后30天内开始治疗的相关影响因素。结果 2019年广州市新报告HIV/AIDS病例确诊后30天内接受抗病毒治疗1185例,占71.6%。与确诊后30天内未治疗的病例相比,确诊后30天内接受抗病毒治疗的病例女性较多［aOR(95%CI): 1.61(1.08~2.39)］（男性作为参照）,已婚有配偶的比例高［aOR(95%CI): 1.51(1.04~2.17)］（未婚作为参照）,文化程度高,初中［aOR(95%CI): 1.58(1.08~2.30)］,高中或中专［aOR(95%CI): 2.24(1.49~3.37)］,大专及以上［aOR(95%CI): 2.66(1.74~4.08)］（小学及以下作为参照）,同性传播的比例高［aOR(95%CI): 1.45(1.10~1.92)］（异性传播作为参照）,自愿检测发现的比例高［aOR(95%CI): 1.86(1.41~2.45)］（医务人员/场所主动提供检测作为参照）,确诊时已进入艾滋病期的比例高［aOR(95%CI): 1.66(1.29~2.15)］（确诊时为HIV感染者作为参照）。结论 广州市新发现HIV/AIDS病例确诊后30天内接受抗病毒治疗已达较高比例,要加强男性、单身、文化程度低、经异性传播、医务人员/场所主动提供检测发现病例的治疗转介。     

Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination Among People Living With HIV and AIDS in China: Nationwide Cross-sectional Online Survey

BackgroundHIV infection is a significant independent risk factor for both severe COVID-19 presentation at hospital admission and in-hospital mortality. Available information has suggested that people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) could benefit from COVID-19 vaccination. However, there is a dearth of evidence on willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination among PLWHA.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination among a national sample of PLWHA in China.MethodsThis cross-sectional online survey investigated factors associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination among PLWHA aged 18 to 65 years living in eight conveniently selected Chinese metropolitan cities between January and February 2021. Eight community-based organizations (CBOs) providing services to PLWHA facilitated the recruitment. Eligible PLWHA completed an online survey developed using a widely used encrypted web-based survey platform in China. We fitted a single logistic regression model to obtain adjusted odds ratios (aORs), which involved one of the independent variables of interest and all significant background variables. Path analysis was also used in the data analysis.ResultsOut of 10,845 PLWHA approached by the CBOs, 2740 completed the survey, and 170 had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This analysis was performed among 2570 participants who had never received COVID-19 vaccination. Over half of the participants reported willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination (1470/2570, 57.2%). Perceptions related to COVID-19 vaccination were significantly associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, including positive attitudes (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09-1.12; P<.001), negative attitudes (aOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.97; P<.001), perceived support from significant others (perceived subjective norm; aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.46-1.61; P<.001), and perceived behavioral control (aOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11-1.14; P<.001). At the interpersonal level, receiving advice supportive of COVID-19 vaccination from doctors (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.65-2.40; P<.001), CBO staff (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.51-2.36; P<.001), friends and/or family members (aOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.93-5.35; P<.001), and PLWHA peers (aOR 2.38, 95% CI 1.85-3.08; P<.001) was associated with higher willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The overall opinion supporting COVID-19 vaccination for PLWHA on the internet or social media was also positively associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.31-1.94; P<.001). Path analysis indicated that interpersonal-level variables were indirectly associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination through perceptions (β=.43, 95% CI .37-.51; P<.001).ConclusionsAs compared to PLWHA in other countries and the general population in most parts of the world, PLWHA in China reported a relatively low willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The internet and social media as well as interpersonal communications may be major sources of influence on PLWHA’s perceptions and willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination.     

Knowledge,awareness and use of HIV services among the youth from nomadic and agricultural communities in Tanzania

BACKGROUND:Nomadic life not only prevents the community from accessing and utilising HIV services but also deters them from obtaining reliable information on HIV.METHODS:We conducted a cross-sectional study of youth aged 10–24 years from the Kilindi and Ngorongoro Districts in Tanzania to assess knowledge, accessibility and utilisation of HIV/AIDS services among nomadic and agricultural youths.RESULTS:Of 518 youths interviewed, 279 (53.9%) were males, and 276 (53.3%) were from agricultural communities. A significant proportion of youths from agricultural communities had correct knowledge of AIDS (n = 126, 45.8%; P = 0.002), HIV transmission (n = 273, 98.9%; P = 0.001) and comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS (n = 78, 28.5%; P = 0.009) compared to nomads. Youths from agricultural communities were two times (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.6) more likely to be aware of the availability of formal HIV services. Awareness of the availability of HIV services was higher among married individuals than in unmarried ones (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.0–7.4), and significantly higher among youths with secondary/college education than in those who did not have formal education (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.3–12.4). The uptake of HIV services was lower among nomadic youths.CONCLUSION:Knowledge, awareness and utilisation of HIV/AIDS transmission services were low in general, and even lower among nomadic youths, calling for more targeted interventions.     

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV in a low-resource setting: A multi-center study of prevalence,correlates and reasons

BackgroundHesitancy to COVID-19 vaccine may worsen the burden of COVID-19 among people living with HIV (PLHIV), who are at a higher risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization and death, compared to HIV non-infected individuals. Therefore, we evaluate the predictors and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among unvaccinated PLHIV in six antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics across northern Nigeria.MethodologyIn this cross-sectional study, conducted between October 2021 and February 2022 in six hospitals across two geopolitical regions of Nigeria, we utilized interviewer-administered questionnaires to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among a convenience sample of 790 eligible adult PLHIV. Hesitancy was defined as answering ‘no' or ‘maybe’ to a question asking participants their willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among PLHIV.ResultsOf the total 660 unvaccinated participants included in the analysis (61.82% female, mean age [SD] of 39.76 [10.75]), 381 (57.72%) were hesitant to COVID-19 vaccine. Being 50 years and older (aOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.21–0.89), being unemployed (aOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.34–0.95), experiencing the adverse effects of ART (aOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15–0.86), and perception of being at high risk of contracting COVID-19 (aOR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.13–0.37) were associated with significantly lower odds of hesitancy. Conversely, being female (aOR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.02–2.61) and attending ART clinics at state administrative capital cities (IIDH Kano [aOR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.10–5.25], MMSH Kano [aOR: 5.59; 95% CI: 1.97–10.66], YSSH Damaturu [aOR: 9.88; 95% CI: 4.02–24.29] vs. GH Gashua) were associated with significantly higher odds of hesitancy. The most common reasons for hesitancy include fear of potential adverse effects, skepticism about vaccine efficacy, the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the perceived lack of effort to develop a cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS.ConclusionInterventions aimed at combating misperceptions and misinformation regarding the COVID-19 vaccination program may reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among unvaccinated PLHIV.     

Drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and stigmatisation in a Dai community in Yunnan, China

The latest data indicate that between 540,000 and 760,000 people are infected with HIV in China. Although minority nationalities represent 8.1% of China's total population, they account for more than 30% of the reported HIV/AIDS cases. This study examined stigma and discrimination against drug abusers and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in a Dai minority nationality community in Yunnan, China. The study used qualitative research methods, which included participatory observations, in-depth interviews, focus-group discussions, transect walking and community mapping. A combination of different sampling strategies was used to maximise diversity of the initially selected sample. The data revealed deeply entrenched stigma and overt discrimination against drug abusers and PLHA that manifested in familial, work, civil and institutional contexts. The stigma reflected pre-existing cultural, religious sanctions against "deviant behaviours". Intervention programmes that were insensitive to the local culture and religion may have also contributed in part to the stigmatisation of drug abusers and PLHA. The major impact of stigma was that it created a vicious cycle of social isolation, marginalisation and thus addiction relapse. This in turn reinforced the stigmatisation and discrimination against drug abusers and thus hindered efforts towards prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.     

Students and their parental attitudes toward the education of children affected by HIV/AIDS: a cross‐sectional study in AIDS prevalent rural areas,China

Objective : To investigate the prevalence and determinants of student and parental attitudes toward the education of children affected by HIV/AIDS in areas of rural China where AIDS is prevalent. Methods : A cross‐sectional study of a random sample of students (n=732) and their parents (n=732) conducted in April 2010, using a questionnaire and in‐depth interview. Results : Twenty‐six per cent of students and 29% of parents had a ‘good’ attitude toward the education of children affected by HIV/AIDS. Following adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, students’ attitudes were significantly associated with knowledge of HIV/AIDS non‐transmission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]= 3.13) and their parents’ attitudes (aOR= 2.38), but not with knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention or their parents’ knowledge. Parents’ attitudes were significantly associated with knowledge of HIV/AIDS non‐transmission (aOR= 2.12) and their children's attitudes (aOR= 2.52), but not with knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention or their children's knowledge. Conclusion : Stigma and discrimination undermine the right to education of HIV/AIDS‐affected children in rural China. Improving non‐transmission knowledge may improve caring attitudes. Implications : HIV/AIDS public health educational campaigns highlighting non‐transmission and extending family education, combined with school education, may help to enhance an environment of non‐discrimination and safeguard public support programs for the right to education of children affected by HIV/AIDS.     

Factors Influencing Clinicians’ Willingness to Prescribe Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for Persons at High Risk of HIV in China: Cross-sectional Online Survey Study

BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention measure. Clinicians play a crucial role in PrEP implementation, and their knowledge, attitudes, and career experience may affect their willingness to prescribe PrEP. However, little is known about the attitudes and willingness of clinicians to prescribe PrEP in countries without PrEP-specific guidelines.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the factors associated with clinicians being willing to prescribe PrEP in China.MethodsBetween May and June 2019, we conducted an online cross-sectional survey of clinicians in 31 provinces across the six administrative regions in China on the WeChat smartphone app platform. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with willingness to prescribe PrEP.ResultsOverall, 777 HIV clinicians completed the survey. Most of the respondents had heard of PrEP (563/777, 72.5%), 31.9% (248/777) thought that PrEP was extremely effective for reducing the risk of HIV infection, and 47.2% (367/777) thought that it was necessary to provide PrEP to high-risk groups. After adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, and educational background of the clinicians, the following factors significantly increased the odds of the clinicians being willing to prescribe PrEP: having worked for more than 10 years, compared to 5 years or less (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.82, 95% CI 1.96-4.05); having treated more than 100 patients living with HIV per month, compared to 50 patients or fewer (aOR 4.16, 95% CI 2.85-6.08); and having heard of PrEP (aOR 7.32, 95% CI 4.88-10.97). Clinicians were less likely to be willing to prescribe PrEP if they were concerned about poor adherence to PrEP (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.88), the lack of PrEP clinical guidelines (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.32-0.70), and the lack of drug indications for PrEP (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32-0.76).ConclusionsAbout half of all clinicians surveyed were willing to prescribe PrEP, but most surveyed had a low understanding of PrEP. Lack of PrEP clinical guidelines, lack of drug indications, and less than 11 years of work experience were the main barriers to the surveyed clinicians’ willingness to prescribe PrEP. Development of PrEP clinical guidelines and drug indications, as well as increasing the availability of PrEP training, could help improve understanding of PrEP among clinicians and, thus, increase the number willing to prescribe PrEP.     

Stigma by association: the effects of caring for HIV/AIDS patients in South Africa

The shortage of healthcare workers caring for South Africa's 5-6 million persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) calls for inquiry into workers' challenges and experiences. This exploratory study examines one little-studied challenge: stigmatisation of HIV/AIDS healthcare workers based on their association with PLHA. The authors tested the hypotheses that HIV/AIDS healthcare workers experience stigmatisation due to their association with PLHA, and that such association stigma is correlated with thoughts of leaving the HIV/AIDS field. A sample of 100 participants who provided direct care to PLHA was recruited from a variety of public and private HIV/AIDS care centres in Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Participants attended one of 12 focus groups held between June and August, 2008. They completed a 17-item questionnaire and discussed each item. Findings exhibit the presence of an adverse differentiation and labelling of HIV/AIDS healthcare workers, leading to status loss and discrimination, creating an impetus for HIV/AIDS healthcare workers to leave AIDS work altogether. A significant relationship (χ(2) (TREND) = 3.86, df = 1, P = 0.049) was found between contemplation of leaving AIDS work and perception of others' responses to their work with PLHA. In addition, associations emerged between type of AIDS worker and contemplation of working in AIDS care outside of South Africa (Kruskal-Wallis χ(2) = 6.96, df = 2, P = 0.031), with doctors and nurses reporting higher frequency of contemplating leaving South Africa to work with PLHA elsewhere (Mann-Whitney z = -2.53, P = 0.011). The study lays the foundation for additional research on the effects of association stigma. In turn, increased efforts to retain and recruit new HIV/AIDS healthcare workers will expand the pool of healthcare personnel to PLHA.     

On Campus HIV Self-Testing Distribution at Tertiary Level Colleges in Zimbabwe Increases Access to HIV Testing for Youth

PurposeHIV self-testing allows youth to access testing outside of healthcare facilities. We investigated the feasibility of peer distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits to youth aged 16–24 years and examined the factors associated with testing off-site rather than at distribution points.MethodsFrom July 2019 to March 2020, HIVST kits were distributed on 12 tertiary education campuses throughout Zimbabwe. Participants chose to test at the HIVST distribution point or off-site. Factors associated with choosing to test off-site and factors associated with reporting a self-test result for those who tested off-site were investigated using logistic regression.ResultsIn total, 5,351 participants received an HIVST kit, over 129 days, of whom 3,319 (62%) tested off-site. The median age of recipients was 21 years (interquartile range 20–23); 64% were female. Overall, 2,933 (55%) returned results, 23 (1%) of which were reactive. Being female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.31), living on campus (aOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.09–1.40), used a condom at last sex (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.26–1.65), and previous knowledge of HIVST (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09–1.37) were associated with off-site testing. Attending a vocational college and teachers training college compared to a university was associated with choosing to return results for those who tested off-site (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.65–3.48, p < .001).DiscussionHIVST distribution is an effective method of reaching a large number of youth over a short period of time. Efforts to increase awareness and roll out of HIVST on campuses should be coupled with support for linkage to HIV prevention and treatment services.     

山西省农村居民艾滋病知识与歧视状况调查

目的了解山西省某地农村居民艾滋病相关知识知晓程度及歧视现状。方法采用单纯随机抽样的方法抽取艾滋病病毒感染者和患者（PLHA）所在村的普通村民246人和无PLHA所在村的村民213人进行访谈式问卷调查。结果无PLHA村的村民艾滋病传播途径知识知晓率为81.0%,非传播途径知识知晓率为82.8%;PLHA所在村的普通村民艾滋病传播途径知识知晓率为89.9%,非传播途径知识知晓率为91.8%。无PLHA村的村民歧视得分为8.4分;PLHA所在村普通村民歧视得分为5.8分。对PLHA最有可能采取的歧视行为是不和感染者一起同桌吃饭、不购买感染者家生产的商品或副食品、不让自家小孩和感染者的小孩一起玩耍。多重线性回归分析显示,无PLHA村的村民非传播途径知识得分越高,越年轻者,对PLHA的歧视程度越低;PLHA所在村的普通村民非传播途径知识、传播途径知识得分及文化程度越高者,歧视程度越低。结论 PLHA所在村的普通村民艾滋病歧视程度低于无PLHA村的村民;艾滋病相关知识缺乏是导致艾滋病歧视的最主要原因。     

Determinants of Depression in Indonesian Youth: Findings From a Community-based Survey

ObjectivesThis study investigated the determinants of depression in adolescents and young adults.MethodsThe present study analyzed data from the 2018 Indonesia Basic Health Survey (Riset Kesehatan Dasar; RISKESDAS). The study subjects were adolescents (15-17 years old) and young adults (18-24 years old). In total, 64 179 subjects were included. Univariable, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between youths’ characteristics, risky behavior, chronic disease, parents’ health, and youths’ depression.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was 5.1% in adolescents and 5.6% in young adults. The risk factors for depression in adolescents were being women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.89 to 4.30; p<0.001), an ex-smoker (aOR, 2.99; 95% CI, 2.10 to 4.25; p<0.001), or a current smoker (aOR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.97 to 3.44; p<0.001); consuming alcohol (aOR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.33 to 3.01; p=0.001), having a chronic disease (aOR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.41 to 4.96; p=0.002); maternal depression (aOR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.97 to 3.09; p<0.001); and paternal depression (aOR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.98 to 3.50; p<0.001). In young adults, the risk factors were being women (aOR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.82 to 2.75; p<0.001) or an ex-smoker (aOR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.67 to 3.67; p<0.001), consuming alcohol (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.89 to 3.09; p<0.001), maternal depression (aOR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.54 to 3.84; p<0.001), and paternal depression (aOR, 2.80; 95% CI, 2.17 to 3.63; p<0.001).ConclusionsBeing women, smoking, drinking alcohol, having a chronic disease, and having a parent with depression were crucial factors associated with youth depression. Mental health screening, prevention, and treatment should involve collaboration among primary healthcare, schools, universities, professionals, and families.     

A comparison of HIV/AIDS-related stigma in four countries: Negative attitudes and perceived acts of discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination have a substantial impact on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the associations of two constructs of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination (negative attitudes towards PLHA and perceived acts of discrimination towards PLHA) with previous history of HIV testing, knowledge of antiretroviral therapies (ARVs) and communication regarding HIV/AIDS and (2) to compare these two constructs across the five research sites with respect to differing levels of HIV prevalence and ARV coverage, using data presented from the baseline survey of U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Project Accept, a four-country HIV prevention trial in Sub-Saharan Africa (Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa) and northern Thailand. A household probability sample of 14,203 participants completed a survey including a scale measuring HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination. Logistic regression models determined the associations between negative attitudes and perceived discrimination with individual history of HIV testing, knowledge of ARVs and communication regarding HIV/AIDS. Spearman's correlation coefficients determined the relationships between negative attitudes and perceived discrimination and HIV prevalence and ARV coverage at the site-level. Negative attitudes were related to never having tested for HIV, lacking knowledge of ARVs, and never having discussed HIV/AIDS. More negative attitudes were found in sites with the lowest HIV prevalence (i.e., Tanzania and Thailand) and more perceived discrimination against PLHA was found in sites with the lowest ARV coverage (i.e., Tanzania and Zimbabwe). Programs that promote widespread HIV testing and discussion of HIV/AIDS, as well as education regarding and universal access to ARVs, may reduce HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination.     

南京市2018年艾滋病防治三个90%策略的进展及影响因素

  目的  分析南京市2018年艾滋病防治策略“三个90%”目标的进展情况及其实现的影响因素。  方法  从艾滋病防治综合信息系统中获取南京市现存活的人类免疫缺陷病毒(human immunodeficiency virus, HIV)感染者/艾滋病(acquired immune deficiency syndrome, AIDS)患者检测发现、抗病毒治疗(antiviral therapy, ART)和病毒载量(viral load, VL)相关信息,分析“三个90%”进展情况,采用多因素Logistic回归分析模型分析影响因素。  结果  2018年南京市“三个90%”目标分别达到74.0%、88.5%和96.7%。经同性传播的HIV/AIDS检测发现率较低(χ2 =86.15, P < 0.001)。注射吸毒传播(aOR=0.263,95% CI:0.156~0.442,P < 0.001)、 < 25岁年龄组(aOR=0.697,95% CI:0.540~0.899,P=0.005)以及监管场所发现(aOR= 0.353,95% CI:0.193~0.646,P=0.001)的HIV/AIDS治疗覆盖率较低;而同性传播(aOR=1.840,95% CI:1.390~2.434,P < 0.001)、35~44岁年龄组(aOR=1.826,95% CI:1.260~2.645,P=0.001)、汉族(aOR=1.797,95% CI:1.038~3.109,P=0.036)、大专及以上文化程度(aOR=1.652,95% CI:1.005~2.717,P=0.048)、已婚有配偶(aOR=1.466,95% CI:1.051~2.046,P=0.024)的HIV/AIDS治疗覆盖率较高。  结论  南京市朝着2020年实现“三个90%”的防治目标迅速迈进,但仍有一定的挑战,需要继续扩大HIV检测发现,加强吸毒人群、低龄和老年人等重点人群治疗关怀服务。     

Viral suppression among persons living with HIV in Trinidad & Tobago: Implications for targeted prevention programmes

ABSTRACT

In Trinidad and Tobago, despite persons living with HIV (PLHIV) having access to subsidised treatment and care, only 47% PLHIV attain viral suppression. The study assessed the role of individual-level factors on viral suppression among PLHIV in Trinidad and Tobago. Data from 9,629 PLHIV who attended an HIV clinic between 2016 and 2018 were analysed. Cases were aged ≥18 who met the CDC HIV case definition. Viral suppression defined as a viral load of <200 copies/ml at last assessment. The chi-square test of association determined statistically significant relationships between individual factors and viral suppression. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for viral suppression. PLHIV who were males (OR?=?0.76, 95% CI 0.67–0.87), men who have sex with men (MSM) (OR?=?0.82, 95% CI 0.67–0.99), single/unmarried (OR?=?0.69, 95% CI 0.55–0.87), aged 18–24 years (OR?=?0.66, 95% CI 0.49–0.89), aged 25–49 years (OR?=?0.81, 95% CI 0.70–0.94) were less likely to achieve viral suppression. These study findings demonstrate that retention/adherence programmes must urgently identify and target vulnerable PLHIV populations in Trinidad and Tobago to improve viral suppression. Further research examining community and societal factors, such as stigma and discrimination, is warranted.