Depression in HIV-Positive Women in Gaborone,Botswana

This cross-sectional study measured prevalence of depression and suicide ideation in 62 randomly selected HIV-positive (HIV+) women in Botswana, a resource-limited country at the center of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They were administered two screening measures of depression, an inventory of activities of daily living (ADL), and subjective questionnaire of cognitive functioning. Results show that the two screening measures are useful for detecting depression in women infected with HIV in resource-limited countries. Diagnosis of depression is of great importance, not only clinically, but also to ensure judicious allocation of scarce medical resources in the regions worst affected by the HIV epidemic.     

Depression in HIV-positive women in Gaborone, Botswana

This cross-sectional study measured prevalence of depression and suicide ideation in 62 randomly selected HIV-positive (HIV+) women in Botswana, a resource-limited country at the center of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They were administered two screening measures of depression, an inventory of activities of daily living (ADL), and subjective questionnaire of cognitive functioning. Results show that the two screening measures are useful for detecting depression in women infected with HIV in resource-limited countries. Diagnosis of depression is of great importance, not only clinically, but also to ensure judicious allocation of scarce medical resources in the regions worst affected by the HIV epidemic.     

Traditional Tongan medicine and the role of traditional Tongan healers in New Zealand

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of traditional Tongan healers in New Zealand. Qualitative interviews were carried out with twenty nine healers who were contacted through community networks. Every healer was unique in the kinds of ailments they treated which included fakamahaki (spirit related illnesses), lavea (physical injuries), hangatamaki (a wide group of traditional illnesses) and mahaki (non specific symptoms). Healing was seen as an act of love and service for the community for which it was inappropriate to charge. Healing skills and powers were passed on within families through the use of special rituals. The nature and attitude of the healer was regarded as being very important; the efficacy of the healing was seen to be more a function of the healer than the treatment used. Referrals to other healers and general practitioners were common. The healers expressed concern about the lack of understanding of their role by the western health system. There is a need for an increased understanding of the cultural basis of all systems of health care.     

Alcohol Consumption and Risky Sexual Behavior Among Persons Attending Alcohol Consumption Venues in Gaborone,Botswana

Alcohol use is a known key risk factor associated with risky sexual behavior that contributes to HIV transmission. This cross-sectional study used time location sampling to investigate alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors that occurred after ingesting alcohol among 609 patrons of alcohol venues in Gaborone, Botswana. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores were categorized as low (1–7), medium (8–15), and high (16+) for analysis. Logistic regression models stratified by gender assessed the association between alcohol use and condom use at last sex after drinking alcohol. Among females, the odds of condom use during last sex after drinking alcohol were significantly lower for high compared to low AUDIT scores (AOR?=?0.17, 95 % CI 0.06–0.54). Among males, factors significantly associated with condom use at last sex after alcohol use were low levels of education (primary level compared to university and above AOR?=?0.13; 95 % CI 0.03–0.55) and beliefs that alcohol use did not increase risky sexual behaviors (AOR?=?0.26; 95 % CI 0.11–0.62). HIV prevention interventions should target females and emphasize sexual risks associated with alcohol use.