Effects of health education on HIV/AIDS related knowledge among first year university students in China

BackgroundThe number of new HIV infections has increased and implementation of school-based health education programs on AIDS have been advocated for a long time.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effectiveness of an intervention of HIV/AIDS on the knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and control among first year university students.MethodsAn awareness questionnaire was adopted to assess awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS pre- and post-health education among first year university students in Qinghai, China. Independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used.ResultsA total of 2,165 and 2,062 first year university students were respectively recruited pre- and post- HIV/AIDS health education. The awareness rate increased significantly after the health education intervention (from 48.59%, 95%CI: 46.47%–50.72% to 76.24%, 95%CI: 74.35%–78.06%). Students from Hui and Tibetan ethnicities, and those holding prejudices against AIDS patients were less knowledgeable than their counterparts regarding HIV/AIDS related knowledge, whereas urban-dwellers and those with higher paternal education were positively associated with awareness of HIV/AIDS related knowledge (p <0.05).ConclusionHIV/AIDS awareness among first year university students improved greatly after receiving an education intervention, which underscores its utility as part of the approaches of HIV/AIDS control and prevention.     

Impact of family planning health talks by lay health workers on contraceptive knowledge and attitudes among HIV-infected patients in rural Kenya

Objective

To determine if a health talk on family planning (FP) by community clinic health assistants (CCHAs) will improve knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions about contraception in HIV-infected individuals.

Methods

A 15-min FP health talk was given by CCHAs in six rural HIV clinics to a sample of 49 HIV-infected men and women. Effects of the health talk were assessed through a questionnaire administered before the health talk and after completion of the participant's clinic visit.

Results

Following the health talk, there was a significant increase in knowledge about contraceptives (p < .0001), side-effects (p < .0001), and method-specific knowledge about IUCDs (p < .001), implants (p < .0001), and injectables (p < .05). Out of 31 women and 18 men enrolled, 14 (45%) women and 6 (33%) men intended to try a new contraceptive. Participant attitudes toward FP were high before and after the health talk (median 4 of 4).

Conclusion

A health talk delivered by CCHAs can increase knowledge of contraception and promote the intention to try new more effective contraception among HIV-infected individuals.

Practice implications

FP health talks administered by lay-health providers to HIV-infected individuals as they wait for HIV services can influence FP knowledge and intention to use FP.     

Acceptability of counselling and testing for HIV infection in women in labour at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Background

Many patients are referred to labour ward as emergencies, and therefore do not benefit from the antenatal HIV counselling and testing and treatment offered to registered patients.

Objective

To assess the acceptability and suitability of offering HIV counselling and testing to women of unknown HIV status presenting in labour.

Methods

A cross-sectional study comprising counselling and obtaining consent for HIV testing among 104 unregistered patients who presented in labour over a 3-month period. Rapid and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay screening was performed for 90 consenting respondents. Reactive results were confirmed by Western blot. Appropriate therapy was instituted.

Results

Acceptance rate for HIV testing was 86.5%, prevalence of HIV was 6.7%. Women of lower educational status were more likely to accept testing in labour (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.7; p=0.01); age, parity, occupation and knowledge of HIV had no influence. Most women (66.3%) had satisfactory knowledge of HIV. No one admitted to feeling coerced to test in fear of being denied care. Most refusals for screening were to avoid needle pricks (28.6%).Compared to ELISA screening test, specificity of the rapid test was 100%, sensitivity 85.7%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 98.8%. Attitude to testing was maintained on post-partum re-evaluation.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HIV amongst unregistered parturients showed the importance of offering point-of-care HIV testing and intervention, especially in an environment where antenatal clinic attendance is poor. Rapid testing appeared to be acceptable and feasible in labour to prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV.     

Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1): knowledge among senior health workers at a secondary health care institution in Southwest, Nigeria

Objective

This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge of influenza A (H1N1) infection among health care workers in a secondary health care facility in Osogbo, Southwest Nigeria.

Methods

A structured questionnaire assessing participants''knowledge of swine influenza viruses, mode of transmission, clinical criteria, primary prevention, indications for emergency care, care of affected persons and ongoing pandemic of Influenza A H1N1 was hand-delivered to all senior health care workers working in the hospital.

Results

The mean age of the respondents was 40.4±9.6 years. The majority (59.3%) were females. Television (73.6%) radio (61.5%), newspapers (44%), other health workers (31.9%), and internet (15.4%) were the main sources of information about influenza A H1N1. Nearly all (92.3%) felt that their source of information about the disease was inadequate. About half (51.6%) knew the virus can be transmitted from one person to another. Majority identified correctly the symptoms of infected victims such as fever (83.5%), and runny nose (79.1%). Most (87.9%) identified hand washing with soap and water as a mode of preventing transmission. Most (83.5%) felt an infected person should be isolated while very few knew oseltamivir (13.2%) and zanamivir (17.6%) are drugs to treat. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified, male sex (p=0.029), internet as a source of information (p=0.029) and knowledge of prevention of H1N1 (p= 0.005) as factors that were significantly associated with a high knowledge score on the current pandemic.

Conclusion

There is a need to provide comprehensive information to health workers on the current pandemic.     

Metabolic syndrome and its components among HIV/AIDS patients on Antiretroviral Therapy and ART-Naïve Patients at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital,Calabar, Nigeria

BackgroundAlthough an increasing access to ART in sub-Saharan Africa has made it possible for HIV/AIDS patients to live longer, clinicians managing such patients are faced with the challenge of drug-related metabolic complications.MethodsA cross -sectional study was carried out at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, on three groups of participants; namely HIV patients on ART, ART-naïve patients and HIV negative subjects (n =75). Demographic and anthropometric data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire while biochemical parameters were measured using colorimetric methods.ResultsThe highest prevalence of MS was associated with the HIV/AIDS patients on ART (i.e. 32.0 %, and 50.3% for NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria respectively). Patients on ART had significant increases (p< 0.05) in waist to hip ratio, FPG, serum TG and LDL-c; and a significantly higher (p< 0.05) prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, low HDL-c and hypertriglyceridaemia compared to the ART-naïve patients. Low serum HDL-c was the most prevalent form of dyslipidaemia in all three groups and the most prevalent component of MS in HIV patients.ConclusionART increases the risk of MS and CVD. HIV/AIDS patients on ART should be advised on lifestyle modifications and undertake regular assessment of their cardiovascular risk factors.     

Attitude of Lesotho health care workers towards HIV/AIDS and impact of HIV/AIDS on the population structure

Background

The impact and management of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho in the context of disaster management was investigated.

Objectives

Lesotho health care workers'' perception on HIV/AIDS progression, whether HIV/AIDS was managed as a disaster, and the impact on the demographic profile was investigated.

Methods

The empirical investigation included a literature study, and primary and secondary data analyses. Questionnaires (n=116) determined health care workers'' perception of HIV/AIDS. Interviews with officers of Lesotho Disaster Management determined how HIV/AIDS was managed as a disaster. National population censuses and data from surveys were summarised to describe the impact of HIV/AIDS on the population structure.

Results

Respondents'' modal age group was 25 to 39 years, 28.4% viewed HIV/AIDS related deaths as very high and perceived that HIV/AIDS changed the age composition, sex and dependency ratio of the population. Although HIV/AIDS was declared a disaster, the Lesotho Disaster Management Authority only aided the National AIDS Commission. There was evidence that HIV/AIDS caused the population pyramid base to shrink, and an indentation in the active population.

Conclusion

Health care workers attributed HIV/AIDS to changing the demographic profile of Lesotho, also reflected in the population pyramid. Lesotho Disaster Management Authority played a supporting role in HIV/AIDS disaster management.     

湖沼型疫区居民血吸虫病健康促进17年干预效果评价

目的研究湖沼型疫区居民血吸虫病健康促进干预模式,并观察其近期和远期干预效果。方法选择鄱阳湖区饭湖村（实验组）和板山村（对照组）学生、16～60岁成年女性和成年男性居民为目标人群。1992年基线调查,1993-1999年和2000-2009年分别应用＂信息传播＋防护技能培训＋奖惩激励＂（模式A）和＂信息传播＋行为参与＋行为激励＂（模式B）干预实验组学生,1993-2009年分别应用＂信息传播＋血防价值观教育＋行为激励＂和＂信息传播＋化疗依从性教育＋防护技能培训＂模式干预成年女性和成年男性居民,并考核干预效果。结果近期干预结果：实验组学生、成年女性、成年男性血防知识知晓率分别由干预前（1992年）8.99%、55.34%、67.35%提高到干预1年（1993）的94.38%、84.85%、91.92%（P=0.000）;成年女性血防价值观正确率由干预前67.96%提高到95.96%（P〈0.01）;成年男性化疗态度正确率由干预前56.44%提高到97.98%（χ2=48.722,P〈0.01）,化疗行为依从率由干预前46.46%提高到92.08%（P〈0.01）;学生和成年女性疫水接触率分别由干预前14.55%、9.47%下降到1.87%、5.07%（P〈0.01）,血吸虫感染率分别由干预前13.48%、19.42%下降到2.25%、7.14%（P〈0.05）;成年男性干预前和干预1年疫水接触率分别为38.39%、41.11%,血吸虫感染率分别为29.59%、41.41%,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。远期干预结果：1994-1999年模式A干预学生,接触疫水率和血吸虫感染率分别为0.50%～2.19%、1.04%～1.98%,2000-2009年模式B干预,未见接触疫水者和血吸虫感染者;1995-2009年成年女性感染率为5.05%～8.10%;1995-2009年成年男性血吸虫病化疗依从率为90.29%～97.52%,感染率为21.78%～42.31%,多数成年男性肝、脾肿大及肝纤维化趋向好转与稳定,未见新发晚期血吸虫病人。结论健康促进干预可有效控制学生和成年女性血吸虫感染,提高成年男性血吸虫病化疗依从性,有效控制患病。     

A study on the feasibility of delivering a psychologically informed ward-based intervention on an acute mental health ward

Acute mental health inpatient wards have been criticized for being nontherapeutic. The study aimed to test the feasibility of delivering a psychologically informed intervention in these settings. This single-arm study evaluated the feasibility of clinical psychologists delivering a ward-based psychological service model over a 6-month period on two acute mental health wards. Data were gathered to assess trial design parameters and the feasibility of gathering patient/staff outcome data. Psychologists were able to deliver key elements of the intervention. Baseline staff and patient participant recruitment targets were met. However, there was significant patient attrition at follow-up, with incorrect contact details on discharge being the primary reason. Implementation of a ward-based psychological intervention appears feasible when implemented flexibly. It is feasible to recruit staff and patient participants and to collect staff outcome measures over a 6-month period. However, greater efforts need to be taken to trace patient movement following discharge.     

Ear-related problems among children attending the paediatric and otorhinolaryngology out-patients clinics of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital,Enugu

BackgroundEar related diseases are commonly seen in clinics worldwide especially among children. They are associated with significant morbidity and frequent hospital visits. Limited data exists regarding the burden of ear disease among Nigerian children.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of ear-related problems among children presenting at the Paediatric and Otorhinolaryngology clinics of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.ResultsThree thousand and twenty-one children were seen during the study period. Out of these, 248 children (8.2%) presented with ear-related problems. Chronic otitis media (30.5%), acute otitis media (29.9%), cerumen auris (11.3%), otitis externa (10.1%), hearing impairment (7.3%) and foreign body in the ear (5.7%) were the most commonly diagnosed ear-related problems.ConclusionEar-related problems among children presenting at the UNTH Enugu were not uncommon. However, otitis media was the most commonly diagnosed ailment affecting the ears in children.     

Evaluation of an educational,theater-based intervention on attitudes toward organ donation in Risaralda,Colombia

Introduction:

The shortage of organs for transplantation is a worldwide problem and the main cause is the refusal of family members to donate. Consent to donate is influenced by many factors and educational interventions are strongly recommended.

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of an educational, theaterbased strategy on the attitudes toward organ donation.

Methods:

This study employed an intervention using theater as the central tool. The impact of this intervention on the intention to donate was assessed through a controlled, prospective, nonrandomized designed study. The sample consisted of 1,038 people. All the participants answered a survey that asked about sex, age and intent to donate. Afterward, one portion of the sample was exposed to the play, The Gift of Life, and a subsequent discussion forum that was guided by experts. The same survey was administered again after the intervention.

Results:

Before the intervention, donation attitudes were positive in 68.3% of the responses, negative in 6.8% and uncertain in 24.9%. Females showed a greater intent to donate while age had no apparent influence on the donation decision. Those exposed to the intervention were found to be more likely to donate and show a favorable change in attitude toward donation than those who were not exposed to the intervention.

Conclusion:

An educational intervention using theater is an effective tool to generate a short-term change in the intent to donate. Educational strategies should be employed to increase the rates of organ donation.     

Prevalence of sickle cell trait and its association to renal dysfunction among blood donors at University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital,Ondo, Nigeria

IntroductionProspective blood donors are routinely screened for blood borne infections but medical illnesses and haemoglobin genotype are overlooked despite a high prevalence of haemoglobin AS among Nigerian donors.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of haemoglobin AS and its association to renal function, if any.MethodApparently healthy donors were studied between February and December 2018. Their haemoglobin genotype and, estimated glomerular filtration rates were determined.ResultsThere were 96 males (94.1%) and 6 (5.9%) females with mean age of 26.7±4.5 years (range 19–44 years) and mean eGFR of 103.97±19.00ml/min/1.73m2. Eighty one (79.4%) and 21 (20.6%) subjects had haemoglobin AA and AS genotypes respectively. The mean eGFR for subjects with haemoglobin AA and AS were 105.2±18.6ml/min/1.73m² and 99.9 ± 21.2ml/min/1.73m² respectively (p value = 0.270). Eighty one (79.4%), 20 (19.6%) and 1 (1.0%) subjects had renal function at >90ml/min/1.73m², 60–89ml/min/1.73m² and 30–59ml/min/m² respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean eGFR between subjects with haemoglobin AA and AS (mean difference 5.3, p = 0.265, 95%CI = -4.07 to 14.60).ConclusionThe prevalence of sickle cell trait among Nigerian blood donors is high. There is no significant difference in the renal function status of blood donors with SCT and normal haemoglobin genotype.     

妇科门诊患者中开展宫颈癌机会性筛查健康教育的模式及效果

目的探索提高宫颈癌机会性筛查的门诊现场健康教育模式．以进一步提高宫颈癌机会性筛查效率。方法选择2012年1—5月期间非因宫颈病变来本院妇科门诊就诊的育龄期患者1000名,根据病历号的单双号分成对照组与实验组,每组500人,分别对两组患者采取语言结合科普图片（实验组）和单纯语言（对照组）两种宫颈癌防治知识的健康教育。并对照分析两组的宫颈癌机会性筛查的干预效果。结果实验组宫颈癌机会性筛查接受率为79．2％,患者接受宫颈癌机会性筛查所用平均有效干预时间为（121．24＋21．39）S;对照组宫颈癌机会性筛查接受率为62．4％,患者接受宫颈癌机会性筛查所用平均有效干预时间为（165．67＋20．62）S;两组干预效果及平均有效干预时间比较差异均有统计学意义（x2=34．13,P=0．0000;t=-28．00,P=0．0000）。结论语言结合科普图片的健康教育模式不仅可提高妇科门诊患者的宫颈癌机会性筛查的接受度,还具有较高的干预效率,值得推广。     

南京某大学低年级学生性态度、行为和性健康知识的调查分析

目的了解低年级大学生性态度、行为和性健康知识状况,为高校开展生殖健康教育与服务提供参考。方法参考以往同类型调查和项目自行设计问卷,调查内容包括性态度、性行为、生殖健康知识、性病知识的知晓率和对性健康知识和服务需求状况。结果低年级大学生性态度性别差异大,男生性态度较开放,有性经历的男生（13.9%）明显多于女生（6.4%）,差异有统计学意义（χ2=11.532,P〈0.01）;对于人流危害的认识女生优于男生（P〈0.05）;对AIDS知识的知晓情况男生优于女生（P〈0.05）,但两者对避孕知识及性健康知识掌握均有所不足;男女生性健康知识的获取途径主要为互联网、媒体和同伴;男女生希望提供的服务均依次为知识教育、生殖健康咨询及性病/艾滋病防治知识、避孕方法。结论对大学生进行性健康咨询、性知识教育、性病/艾滋病防治知识及避孕方法知识的教育非常迫切。     

Prevalence and risk factors of HIV and syphilis,and knowledge and risk behaviors related to HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men in Chongqing,China

High HIV prevalence and incidence burdens have been reported in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chongqing, China. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), to appraise the knowledge and risk behaviors related to HIV/AIDS among MSM, and to analyze the possible causes of deviation between behavior and knowledge to make better strategies. We recruited 617 MSM from February to July in 2008 by using a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method in Chongqing, China. Through the collection of questionnaire-based data and biological testing results from all objects, we launched a cross-sectional survey. STATA/SE was used for data analysis by frequency, ANOVA, rank sum test and logistic regression models. MSM with syphilis (OR=4.16, 95%CI: 2.35-7.33, P<0.0001) were more likely to be HIV infected. Being a company employee (OR=3.64, 95%CI: 1.22-10.08, P<0.0001) and having bought male for sex (OR=3.52, 95%CI: 1.10-11.32, P < 0.034) were associated with a higher probability of syphilis. MSM with younger age, higher education and greater monthly income had a higher mean knowledge score. MSM who had HIV testing had a higher mean knowledge score than those who never had. Students, venues for finding sex partners by Internet and homosexuals in MSM had a higher mean knowledge score compared to other occupations, venues for finding sex partners and sexual orientation. There is an urgent need for delivery of barrier and biomedical interventions with coordinated behavioral and structural strategies to improve the effect of HIV interventions among MSM.     

Evaluation of a computer-based bilingual breastfeeding educational program on breastfeeding knowledge,self-efficacy and intent to breastfeed among rural Hispanic women

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of an interactive, computer based, bi-lingual breastfeeding educational program on breastfeeding knowledge, self–efficacy and intent to breastfeed among rural Hispanic women living in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.MethodsA two-group, repeated measures quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the impact of a breastfeeding intervention. Forty six rural Hispanic women between ages 18 and 38 years were enrolled at the Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Study participants were randomized into intervention and control groups, with the intervention group (n = 23) receiving bi-lingual (English and Spanish) breastfeeding education on a touch screen computer program, while the control group received printed educational material. Study participants were enrolled during their last six weeks of pregnancy, with follow up assessments conducted post-partum at days 3 and 7, weeks 2 and 6, and months 3 and 6. The study protocol was approved by the University of Nebraska Medical Center Institutional Review Board (IRB protocol #430-12-EP) and City University of New York Institutional Review Board (IRB protocol # 642980-1).ResultsA significant improvement in the breastfeeding knowledge and intent to breastfeed scores was seen over a 6 month period among all the study participants (p < 0.05). There was a gradual increase in the breastfeeding self-efficacy scores till week 6 followed by a decrease in self-efficacy scores at month 3 (p = 0.46), and month 6 (P = 0.54). Breastfeeding knowledge scores differed significantly between the study participants in the control and intervention groups at week 6 (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in the breastfeeding knowledge between the control and intervention groups at other time points. The control group showed gradual decline in their self-efficacy scores at month 3 and month 6 compared to the intervention group that showed a gradual increase in their self-efficacy scores at different time points during their follow up period. However, there were no significant differences in the self-efficacy scores between the intervention and control groups at different points. The control group showed significantly higher negative breastfeeding sentiment scores compared to the intervention group at days 3 (p = 0.02) and 7 (p = 0.03) indicating a lower intent to breastfeed.ConclusionHispanic women living in rural settings showed improvement in breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy and intent to breastfeed using the computer based bi-lingual educational program. Results show week 6 and month 3 to be the critical time points of intervention so that women continue to breastfeed.     

Triple positivity of HBsAg,anti-HCV antibody,and HIV and their influence on CD4+ lymphocyte levels in the highly HIV infected population of Abeokuta,Nigeria

BackgroundFew studies exist on hospital-based seroprevalence of triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV in Nigeria.ObjectivesThe study aimed at determining the triple positivity of HIV, HBsAg and HCV among HIV-infected individuals in Abeokuta, Nigeria and defining the influence of these triple infections on CD4+ counts of HIV-infected individuals as antiretroviral therapy improves in Nigeria.MethodsEnumeration of CD4+ levels in 183 HIV-infected persons was done with Partec Flow Cytometer. Seropositivity of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody was detected with rapid kits.ResultsFrom the result obtained, significance variance (p<0.05) existed between HIV positive persons and persons who tested positive to HIV/HBV/HCV triple infection before and after the commencement of HAART. Of these infections, 31(16.9%) had HBV/HCV/HIV triple infection, while 152(83.1%) had HIV mono infection only, 56(30.6%) had HBV/HIV dual infection only and 43(23.5%) had HCV/HIV dual infection only. Significant variance (p<0.05) also existed between subjects with CD4 counts of <200 cells/µl, 200–499 cells/µl and >500 cells/µl. Highest seroprevalence of HIV (35.0%) was found in age groups 35–44 years and >65 years had the least (2.7%). Significant variance (p<0.05) also existed in the progression of CD4+ lymphocytes cells between subjects with persistent decrease (32.3%) in CD4+ lymphocytes cells and those with fluctuation in their CD4+ lymphocytes cells (12.9%) after the commencement of ART.ConclusionThe study further confirms that triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV infection is common in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Testing of these triple infections should be a big concern in the best choice and commencement of ART. Also, the study showed that consistent and prolonged use of HAART had a positive impact on the CD4 count of HIV-infected individuals.