Communication Between Middle SES Black Women and Healthcare Providers About HIV Testing

Purpose

This article explores the impact of patient and healthcare provider communication (PPC) on the HIV testing behaviors of middle socioeconomic status (SES) Black women in North Carolina. We explore how PPC about STIs and HIV (or the lack thereof) affects the provision of STI/HIV testing by either confirming the need for middle SES Black women to test routinely or potentially deterring women from feeling they need to be tested.

Suicidal Ideation and Attempted Suicide Among Women Living With HIV/AIDS

The prevalence, timing, and predictors of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide were evaluated in a sample of 207 HIV-positive women in New York City. Twenty-six percent of the women reported attempting suicide since their HIV diagnosis. Of those who made an attempt, 42% acted within the first month after diagnosis and 27% acted within the first week. AIDS diagnosis, psychiatric symptoms, and physical or sexual abuse were significant positive predictors of both suicidal ideation and attempts. Contrary to expectations, having children and being employed were also significant positive predictors. Spirituality was significantly negatively associated with suicidal ideation only. These results suggest that suicide prevention measures should be implemented for HIV-positive women immediately after diagnosis. Specifically, interventions should target those with an AIDS diagnosis, psychiatric symptoms, an abuse history, children, or employment. The encouragement of spiritual connection seems to be a deterrent to suicidal thoughts and is a possible avenue for intervention.     

Implicit Cognition and HIV Risk Behavior

Implicit cognition theory differs from most other approaches to health behavior in that it emphasizes neurobiologically plausible and experimentally documented memory association processes rather than rational decisions, considerations of pros and cons, or beliefs. The present study of adults from a community population investigated the predictive effects of implicit cognition, as well as behavioral and personality variables (sensation seeking, hostility, conscientiousness, and polydrug use), on risky sexual behaviors (lack of condom use, sex after drug use, and multiple sexual partners). In addition, this study simultaneously investigated the predictors in both a high-risk and a low-risk sample. Results showed that the implicit cognition indicator was a significant, independent predictor of lack of condom use in the high-risk sample. Polydrug use and sensation seeking also had important predictive effects. The results encourage more research on implicit cognition in health behavior and further document links among drug use, personality, and HIV risk behavior.     

Psychological adjustment, substance use, HIV knowledge, and risky sexual behavior in at-risk minority females: developmental differences during adolescence

OBJECTIVE: To assess developmental differences in the psychological functioning, substance use, coping style, social support, HIV knowledge, and risky sexual behavior of at-risk, minority adolescent girls; to assess developmental differences in psychosocial correlates of risky sexual behavior in older and younger adolescents. METHOD: Participants included 164 minority teens, ages 12-19, who were receiving medical care in an adolescent primary care clinic. Teens completed measures of psychological adjustment, substance use, coping style, social support, religious involvement, and HIV knowledge and attitudes. In addition, they answered questions regarding their sexual history, family situation, school status, and psychiatric and legal history. RESULTS: Younger teens (ages 12-15) reported more symptoms of depression and earlier sexual debuts than older teens (ages 16-19). However, older teens reported significantly more substance use and were more likely to have been pregnant and to have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) than younger teens. Older teens also reported more religious involvement and using more adaptive coping strategies than younger teens. Developmental differences in the correlates of risky behaviors were also found between younger and older teens. Specifically, conduct problems and substance use were significantly associated with risky sexual behavior for younger teens, but not for older teens. Similarly, younger teens whose peers were engaging in risky behaviors reported engaging in more risky sexual behaviors; however, these same relations were not found for older teens. CONCLUSIONS: Young minority adolescents exhibiting conduct problems and using substances seem to be at highest risk for contracting HIV and STDs as a result of risky sexual behavior. Prevention interventions should target teens in high-risk environments during late elementary school or early middle school to encourage teens to delay intercourse, practice safer sex, and avoid drug and alcohol use. An interdisciplinary model of care in primary care settings is clearly indicated to provide these services to at-risk youths.     

Correlates of HIV infection among people visiting public HIV counseling and testing clinics in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Background

HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) reduces high-risk sexual behaviour. Factors associated with HIV infection in VCT clients have not been well characterized in South Africa.

Objectives

A case-control study was carried out to determine the association between socio-demographic and HIV risk variables and HIV infection among people visiting HIV counseling and testing centers in two districts in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Cases (n=1093) and controls (n=1162) were compared by socio-demographics, exposure to substances, and risky behaviours that predispose them to HIV infection.

Results

In multivariable analysis, having children, having been diagnosed with a a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past three months, not having had oral sex in the past three months, lack of condom use consistency in the past three months, and lack of HIV behavioural skills enactments were significantly associated with HIV positive status.

Conclusion

HIV risk behaviour was found to be a significant risk factor for HIV infection in the study population. There is urgent need for health education to bring about behavioural changes to reduce HIV infection in the community.     

Predictors of risky sexual behavior in African American adolescent girls: implications for prevention interventions

OBJECTIVE: To describe empirically the risky sexual behavior of an at-risk sample of adolescent girls, to assess psychosocial correlates of risky behavior, and to examine the utility of applying a risk and protective model to predicting teens' risky sexual behavior. METHOD: Participants included 158 African American girls, ages 12 to 19, who were receiving medical care in an adolescent primary care clinic. Teens completed measures of depression, conduct problems, substance use, peer norms, social support, HIV knowledge, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual behavior. RESULTS: Teens in this sample reported high rates of risky sexual behaviors, including early sexual debuts and frequent unprotected sexual encounters with multiple partners. African American girls who reported high rates of substance use and who reported that their peers engaged in risky behaviors also reported engaging in high rates of risky sexual behaviors. Little support was obtained for protective factors (HIV knowledge, social support, sexual self-efficacy) moderating the relations between risk factors and adolescents' risky sexual behavior in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: Teens presenting in primary care settings in urban environments seem to be at high risk for HIV, STDs, and substance abuse, and risk reduction strategies should be introduced during the preteen years. An interdisciplinary model of care in primary care settings serving adolescents is clearly indicated, and prevention-oriented interventions aimed at reducing risky behaviors and preventing the development of more significant health, mental health, or substance abuse disorders are needed.     

Anti-HCV antibody among newly diagnosed HIV patients in Ughelli,a suburban area of Delta State Nigeria

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) share common routes of infection and as such, co-infection is expected. Co-infection of the two viruses is of great medical importance as it determines the effect of drugs used for treatment at various stages.ObjectiveThis interplay between HIV and HCV sets the tone for the objective of this study which is to ascertain the seroprevalence of HCV among newly diagnosed HIV patients in Ughelli, a suburban area of Delta State, Nigeria.MethodsA total of 200 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients were recruited for this study. Each of the sera was tested for anti-HCV antibody using SWE-life HCV ultra rapid test strip. Appropriate questionnaires were used to ascertain other important information which include social behaviour such as whether the patients were MSM (males), IDU, tattoo and/or have received blood transfusion in the past.ResultsThe prevalence of HCV among the study population was determined to be 15.0%. A higher seroprevalence was observed among females (16.5%) than in males (13.0%). A higher seroprevalence was also observed among age groups >26 years (16.0%) than in age-groups 14–25 years (13.0%) and 2–13 years (0.0%). Of the 7 patients with tattoos, 1(14.3%) tested positive for HCV compared to 29(15.0%) with no tattoos. We found no significant correlation with transfusion, intravenous drug use (IDU), men that have sex with men (MSM), tattooing and the seroprevalence of HCV. However, significant correlation existed with age, sex and HCV prevalence.ConclusionThis study reports a 15.0% seroprevalence of HCV among newly diagnosed HIV patients and that is alarmingly well above several other studies done in the past in Nigeria and other countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Planned preven tion, screening, and treatment are needed to reduce further transmission and morbidity. Future studies involving HCV-RNA assays are needed.     

Predictors of Cognitive Appraisals Following Genetic Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations

The objectives of this study were (1) to describe perceptions of stress and confidence following genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutations and (2) to identify predictors of these processes. Participants were 130 high-risk women affected with cancer who received BRCA1/2 test results. Individual difference characteristics and interpersonal factors were measured by self-report before genetic counseling and perceptions of stress and confidence were evaluated by self-report 1 month following disclosure of test results. BRCA1/2 test results had a significant effect only on perceptions of stress (beta = 0.38, p = 0.0001), while trait anxiety had a significant effect on both perceptions of stress (beta = 0.44, p = 0.0001) and confidence (beta = -0.41, p = 0.001). These results suggest that interventions designed to address perceptions of stress related to medical decision-making and familial concerns may need to be targeted to BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and individuals who are highly anxious.     

Rate,Predictors, and Consequences of Late Antenatal Booking in a National Cohort Study of Pregnant Women With HIV in Italy

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and consequences of late antenatal booking (13 or more weeks gestation) in a national observational study of pregnant women with HIV. Methods: The clinical and demographic characteristics associated with late booking were evaluated in univariate analyses using the Mann-Whitney U test for quantitative data and the chi-square test for categorical data. The associations that were found were re-evaluated in multivariable logistic regression models. Main outcomes were preterm delivery, low birthweight, nonelective cesarean section, birth defects, undetectable (<50 copies/mL) HIV plasma viral load at third trimester, delivery complications, and gender-adjusted and gestational age-adjusted Z scores for birthweight. Results: Rate of late booking among 1,643 pregnancies was 32.9%. This condition was associated with younger age, African provenance, diagnosis of HIV during pregnancy, and less antiretroviral exposure. Undetectable HIV RNA at third trimester and preterm delivery were significantly more prevalent with earlier booking (67.1% vs 46.3%, P < .001, and 23.2% vs 17.6, P = .010, respectively), whereas complications of delivery were more common with late booking (8.2% vs 5.0%, P = .013). Multivariable analyses confirmed an independent role of late booking in predicting detectable HIV RNA at third trimester (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3; P < .001) and delivery complications (AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8; P = .005). Conclusions: Late antenatal booking was associated with detectable HIV RNA in late pregnancy and with complications of delivery. Measures should be taken to ensure an earlier entry into antenatal care, particularly for African women, and to facilitate access to counselling and antenatal services. These measures can significantly improve pregnancy management and reduce morbidity and complications in pregnant women with HIV.     

Glucose Plasma Levels and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with HIV

Abstract

Background: There is limited information on the relation between glucose levels in pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes in HIV-infected pregnant women. Objective: To evaluate the potential impact of fasting glucose levels on pregnancy outcomes in a large sample of pregnant women with HIV from a national study, adjusting for potential confounders. Methods: Data from the Italian National Program on Surveillance on Antiretroviral Treatment in Pregnancy were used. The main outcomes evaluated in univariate and multivariable analyses were birthweight for gestational age >90th percentile (large for gestational age [LGA]), nonelective cesarean delivery, and preterm delivery. Glucose measurements were considered both as continuous and as categorical variables, following the HAPO study definition. Results: Overall, 1,032 cases were eligible for the analysis. In multivariable analyses, a birthweight >90th percentile was associated with increasing fasting plasma glucose levels (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] per unitary (mg/dL) increase, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06; P = .005), a higher body mass index, and parity of 1 or higher. A lower risk of LGA was associated with smoking and African ethnicity. A higher fasting plasma glucose category was significantly associated with LGA occurrence, and AORs for the glucose categories of 90–94 mg/ dL and 95–99 mg/dL were 3.34 (95% CI, 1.09–10.22) and 6.26 (95% CI, 1.82–21.58), respectively. Fasting plasma glucose showed no association with nonelective cesar-ean section [OR per unitary increase, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98–1.02] or preterm delivery [OR per unitary increase, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99–1.02]. Conclusions: In pregnant women with HIV, glucose values below the threshold usually defining hyperglycemia are associated with an increased risk of delivering LGA infants. Other conditions may independently contribute to adverse perinatal outcomes in women with HIV and should be considered to identify pregnancies at risk.     

Prevalence and associated clinical characteristics of hepatitis B,C, and HIV infections among injecting drug users in Korea

Injecting drug use is associated with an increased risk of blood‐borne viral infections, such as hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV, respectively) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, their prevalence, virological characteristics, and associated factors are not clear among the injecting drug users in Korea. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection, as well as their virological and clinical characteristics of injecting drug users in South Korea. Between 2007 and 2010, 318 injecting drug users (89.3% male; mean ± age 41.9 ± 8.15 years) were participated. While HIV infection was not found, the seroprevalence of anti‐HCV and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) was 48.4% (n = 154) and 6.6% (n = 21), respectively. HBV/HCV co‐infection was found in 4.1% (n = 13). Occult HBV infection was suggested in 5.0% (n = 16). Among the HCV genotypes, 1b (37.7%) and 2a/2c (35.7%) were mostly often detected. HCV RNA was detected in 98.1% (n = 151/154) and high‐level viremia (HCV RNA level, ≥400,000 IU/ml) were observed in 59.6% (n = 90/151). In multiple logistic regression analysis, old age (OR 1.18 per year, 95% CI = 1.09–1.27) and ever‐sharing injecting equipment (OR 4.17, 95% CI = 1.39–12.45) independently predicted HCV mono‐infection. The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection were high but largely undiagnosed in the present sample of Korean injecting drug users. Strategic prevention, screening, and treatment are needed to reduce further transmission and morbidity. J. Med. Virol. 85:575–582, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

艾滋病自愿咨询检测行为影响因素调查

目的了解大众艾滋病相关认知水平对于自愿咨询检测（VCT）的影响，为VCT的社区倡导提供依据。方法限定时段内对于自愿咨询检测门诊的求询者和整群抽取的社区居民进行包括人口学特征、艾滋病相关认知、VCT需求和行为的调查。采用描述性统计和Logistic回归对资料进行分析。结果VCT对传播途径的认知水平（Z=3．24314，P=0．0012）和公共卫生焦虑程度（Z=1．92708，P=0．0540）明显高于社区居民。对于存在感染风险者，主要影响其自愿咨询检测行为的是性别（OR=0．051，P=0．0001）、传播途径认知水平（OR=12．161，P=0．0264）、应对病毒的自我效能感（OR=3，252，P=0．0343）和流行现状焦虑（OR=1．576，P=0．0305）等。结论人口学特征对于合理检测行为的影响并非关键，在VCT社区倡导中要加强流行状况的介绍提高防治紧迫感，详细解释传播风险以提高风险自觉性，同时通过介绍HIV的防治方法以提高应对病毒的自我效能感也有助于促进自愿咨询检测。     

认知行为疗法联合护理干预在体外受精胚胎移植术孕妇早孕期的应用

目的探讨认知行为疗法联合护理干预在体外受精胚胎移植术孕妇早孕期的临床应用效果。方法选择2011年1月-2012年1月在我院进行体外授精胚胎移植术的120例患者,随机分为两组,对照组患者进行常规护理,实验组在常规护理的基础上进行认知行为疗法及护理干预,比较两组患者的临床应用效果。结果实验组患者受精率、总胚胎数及妊娠率均明显高于对照组患者,两组间差异具有显著性(χ2=4.357;5.208;6.009;P0.05);实验组患者的焦虑值、收缩压、舒张压及脉搏明显低于对照组,两组间差异均具有显著性(t=-6.293;-4.678;-4.489;-3.334;P0.05)。结论认知行为疗法及护理干预体外受精胚胎移植术孕妇早孕期的临床应用效果较好,可明显提高患者的受精率及妊娠率,且可改善患者的焦虑状态,临床应用价值较高。     

Barriers to HIV Medication Adherence: Examining Distinct Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among Women Living with HIV Who Experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse

Experiencing sexual violence in childhood or adolescence is highly prevalent among some women living with HIV, often resulting in anxiety and depression symptoms in adulthood. Anxiety and depression have been associated with HIV medication nonadherence, yet little research has assessed distinct components of anxiety and depression as risk factors of HIV medication nonadherence. The current study examined distinct symptom components of anxiety and depression as predictors of HIV medication non-adherence among women living with HIV and childhood sexual abuse enrolled in a coping intervention. This secondary analysis included a sample of 85 women living with HIV and childhood sexual abuse and being prescribed antiretroviral medication who completed measures on anxiety, depression, and medication adherence. Results from a logistic regression analysis suggest that distinct components of anxiety may be related to medication nonadherence among this population. Targeted mental health interventions for this population may increase adherence to antiretroviral medication.     

The Usability and Acceptability of an Adolescent mHealth HIV/STI and Drug Abuse Preventive Intervention in Primary Care

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk behaviors among adolescents remain significant public health concerns. Shifts in policy and advances in technology provide opportunities for researchers and clinicians to deliver and evaluate mobile-health (mHealth) prevention programs in primary care, however, research is limited. This study assessed the usability and acceptability of Storytelling 4 Empowerment—a mHealth HIV/STI and drug abuse preventive intervention app—among adolescents in primary care. Informed by principles of community-based participatory research, we recruited a purposive sample of 30 adolescents from a youth-centered community health care clinic in Southeast Michigan. The study sample is primarily African American and female. Adolescents who participated in the Storytelling 4 Empowerment intervention assessed its usability and acceptability, and self-reported their HIV/STI risk behaviors. We used a multiple-methods approach. Adolescents reported high acceptability of the content, process, and format of Storytelling 4 Empowerment, as evidenced by qualitative data and mean scores from the Session Evaluation Form for the HIV/STI and Alcohol/Drug content, overall Storytelling 4 Empowerment intervention, and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8. Findings indicate that Storytelling 4 Empowerment is acceptable among adolescents in primary care. A next step is to examine the effect of Storytelling 4 Empowerment on adolescent sexual risk and drug use behaviors and HIV/STI testing.     

Highlights from the 2016 HIV diagnostics conference: The new landscape of HIV testing in laboratories,public health programs and clinical practice

The 2016 HIV Diagnostics Conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia, was attended by public health officials, laboratorians, HIV testing program managers, surveillance coordinators and industry representatives. The conference addressed test performance data, the implementation of new testing algorithms, quality assurance, and the application of new tests in a variety of settings. With regard to the recommended Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Association of Public Health Laboratories HIV laboratory testing algorithm, the conference featured performance data, implementation challenges such as a lack of test options for the second and third steps, as well as data needs for new tests that may be used as part of the algorithm. There are delays when nucleic acid testing is needed with the algorithm. Novel tests such as point of care nucleic acid tests are needed on the U.S. market to readily identify acute infection. Multiplex tests are being developed which allow for the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens. CDC staff highlighted new guidance for testing in non-clinical settings. Innovative approaches to linking testing and care in some settings have led to identification of early infections, improved receipt of test results and expedited initiation of therapy. Work continues to optimize testing so that infections are accurately identified as early as possible and time to treatment is minimized to improve health outcomes and prevent transmission.     

Age, poverty and alcohol use as HIV risk factors for women in Mongu, Zambia

Background

Age, poverty and alcohol use are seen as risk factors for HIV among women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective

The objective of this study was to understand the influence of socioeconomic factors (including age and poverty) as well as alcohol use on risky sexual behaviors among women in Mongu, Zambia.

Methods

This study examines these factors in the local context of Mongu, Zambia using the Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts (PLACE) methodology. This methodology allows for the study of risky behaviors while taking into consideration local factors. The two outcome variable studied were transactional sex in the past year and having two or more sexual partners in the past year.

Results

In this study age was not a significant factor, but alcohol use and poverty/desire for economic advancement were significant factors.

Conclusion

Programs and policies need to address the influence of alcohol on risky sexual behaviors and also the important but complex influence of poverty.     

Rapid screening for co-infection of HIV and HCV in pregnant women in Benin City,Edo State,Nigeria

Background

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are both major global health concerns as they cause high mortality and morbidity in the developing countries. However, while data exists for the co-infection in other countries, little or no information can be found with regard to the sero-prevalence of HIV and HCV co-infection in Nigeria, albeit in pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in Benin City, Nigeria.

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine the sero-prevalence of HIV and HCV among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in Benin City.

Methods

In determining the sero-prevalence in a cross-sectional study, 200 pregnant women, aged between 15 and 49 years were screened for HIV and HCV using rapid screening test kits. Using closed ended structured questionnaires; the respondents volunteered socio-demographic information associated with risk factors of HIV and HCV acquisition.

Results

Results indicated sero-prevalence of HIV and HCV in the sampled population was 3% and 5% respectively. Thirty three percent of the pregnant women that were HCV positive were co-infected with HIV-1 infection. HIV sero-prevalence was highest in the age group, 25–29 representing 5.1%, while HCV sero-prevalence was noted highest among the women in the age group 30–34 years, representing 7.9%. Two percent of the pregnant women had equivocal (ambivalent) HIV-1 results.

Conclusion

The study has shown a prevalence of HIV-HCV co-infection among the tested pregnant women in Benin City and more epidemiological surveys are needed in larger scale to decipher the prevalence in other states of Nigeria.