Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Elizabeth Secord
Wayne State University, USA
Keynote: Update on HIV Testing in Pediatric ER in Large Urban Hospital
Time : 09:00-09:30
Biography:
Elizabeth Secord is the Medical Director for the horizons project which provides HIV prevention and treatment for adolescents and young adults in the Detroit Metropolitan Area. She is a Professor of Pediatrics at Wayne State University, and Division Chief for Allergy and Immunology.
Abstract:
Last year we reported the start of an HIV testing program in a children’s ER. This project was started because of an observation that at least 2 cases of adolescent HIV had been missed over the past several years, both teens presenting with AIDS after being seen in medical venues multiple times without being offered testing. We also presented data previously to show that more than half of our clients in the teen and young adult HIV clinic had no STI history prior to being diagnosed with HIV. Most young women are diagnosed during pregnancy. Data collected over several months indicated that only a fraction of teens were being offered HIV testing, and even those with other STIs were not offered HIV testing consistently. Over the past year and a half we have made some progress. We now have on site rapid testing for 8-12 hours weekly, have presented rationale for testing to all providers, and have done multiple in-service educational sessions with staff to assist in normalizing testing. We have increased testing from an average of 10/month to an average of 50/month. We are still far from goal, but are now increasing our testing efforts to 2-3 days a week on- site rapid testing 24-36 hours weekly, and are continuing our educational programing.
Keynote Forum
D. K. Agarwal
Indraprastha Apollo hospitals, India
Keynote: Renal Transplantation in HIV positive patients; Our experience at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, India
Time : 10110
Biography:
D K Agarwal has 26 years of experience in the field of Nephrology including specialization in renal transplantation, hemodialysis, CAPD and all kidney problems and diseases along with critical kidney patients with emergency management. He worked as Senior Consultant, Nephrologist in various institutes of national and international repute. He is experienced at division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, and Columbia, USA. At present he is working as Senior Consultant in Nephrology and Renal Transplant in Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, India. He is also Head and Coordinator of DNB Nephrology programme.
Abstract:
HIV infection is a major health problem worldwide. These patients are at high risk for end stage renal disease because of multiple factors including HIVAN. Previously HIV infection was considered a contraindication to renal transplantation. However with gaining experience, renal transplantation has been proved to be a safe and effective mode of treatment. Various studies have also confirmed that patient and graft survival are at par with results of renal transplantation in non HIV recipients. We conducted a prospective observational study of renal transplant in HIV recipients at our center. We did 20 renal transplants in HIV positive patients from 2009 to 2017 successfully. HIV RNA negativity C04 count more than 200 and absence of opportunistic infections were eligibility criteria. HTN (60%) was the most common cause of end stage renal disease followed by HIVAN and diabetic Nephropathy. Most of the patients were male (18 out of 20). 17 (85%) patients were on hemodialysis before transplant. All patients had received renal allograft from live donors. All patients were put on triple drug immunosuppression including steroids, MMF and CNI in the form of tacrolimus or cyclosporine along with cART. The patient and graft survival were 93% each at one year, 93% and 79% at 3 years and 93% and 79% at 5 years respectively. The major complications were infections (30%), NODAT (20%), CNI toxicity (15%) and acute rejection (10%). There was no relapse of HIV in our cases except in one case with very low viral copies.
Keynote Forum
D. K. Agarwal
Indraprastha Apollo hospitals, India
Keynote: Renal Transplantation in HIV positive patients; Our experience at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, India
Time : 09:30-10:00
Biography:
D K Agarwal has 26 years of experience in the field of Nephrology including specialization in renal transplantation, hemodialysis, CAPD and all kidney problems and diseases along with critical kidney patients with emergency management. He worked as Senior Consultant, Nephrologist in various institutes of national and international repute. He is experienced at division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, and Columbia, USA. At present he is working as Senior Consultant in Nephrology and Renal Transplant in Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, India. He is also Head and Coordinator of DNB Nephrology programme.
Abstract:
HIV infection is a major health problem worldwide. These patients are at high risk for end stage renal disease because of multiple factors including HIVAN. Previously HIV infection was considered a contraindication to renal transplantation. However with gaining experience, renal transplantation has been proved to be a safe and effective mode of treatment. Various studies have also confirmed that patient and graft survival are at par with results of renal transplantation in non HIV recipients. We conducted a prospective observational study of renal transplant in HIV recipients at our center. We did 20 renal transplants in HIV positive patients from 2009 to 2017 successfully. HIV RNA negativity C04 count more than 200 and absence of opportunistic infections were eligibility criteria. HTN (60%) was the most common cause of end stage renal disease followed by HIVAN and diabetic Nephropathy. Most of the patients were male (18 out of 20). 17 (85%) patients were on hemodialysis before transplant. All patients had received renal allograft from live donors. All patients were put on triple drug immunosuppression including steroids, MMF and CNI in the form of tacrolimus or cyclosporine along with cART. The patient and graft survival were 93% each at one year, 93% and 79% at 3 years and 93% and 79% at 5 years respectively. The major complications were infections (30%), NODAT (20%), CNI toxicity (15%) and acute rejection (10%). There was no relapse of HIV in our cases except in one case with very low viral copies.
- Special Session
Location: Las Vegas
Session Introduction
Suzanne Moore
Caracole, Inc. USA
Title: Housing First and Harm Reduction Practices and Standards
Biography:
Suzanne Moore studied Psychology and has worked in substance abuse and with the homeless population for over 10 years. For the last 7 years, her focus has been housing opportunities for people living with HIV, specifically Housing First. She has presented on Housing First and Harm Reduction at the National HIV/AIDS Housing Conference in Washington DC, the National Harm Reduction Conference in San Diego, and various other HIV related events. She is currently the Associate Director of Housing at Caracole, Inc, SW Ohio’s largest AIDS Service Organization. Caracole, Inc. has 2 permanent housing programs, a up and coming site based housing program, and several financial services.
Abstract:
Caracole is an ASO in Cincinnati, Ohio with permanent housing programs for homeless individuals and families, site based housing, homelessness prevention support, and prevention/education services. In 2013, the housing programs transformed from a housing ready to a housing first model in an effort to address client needs. A greater percentage of our clients are people who inject drugs, are newly released from prison, and/or are engaged in sex work. As a housing ready agency, our program was under-utilized and clients were struggling. Following our belief that housing is a right and housing is healthcare, Caracole identified the need for new programming, including HIV/HCV testing, Evidence Based interventions, and site based harm reduction services. Three years into this new model, we have powerful data to support that our clients are experiencing decreased viral loads, fewer arrests and overdoses, and increased housing stability. We can prove that housing = healthcare. The Caracole housing team includes case management, prevention and education services, specialized housing support, and mental health services. In addition, relationships with MAT providers, mental health and treatment agencies, shelters, outreach workers, and other housing programs provide a continuum of care. We are proud of our client’s successes and look forward to sharing not only our data, but continued barriers, implementation, outcomes, staff challenges, and client response.
Daniel Bauer
Motivational Speaker & Escape Artist, DB Studios, USA
Title: Life or death: A story of living with HIV in India
Biography:
Daniel Bauer is an internationally renowned motivational speaker, escape artist and HIV Activist. He holds a B.S. in Management and an M.S. in Family Life Education. He has spoken to more than a half-million youth and healthcare professionals to date. He is currently a candidate to become a Nationally Certified Family Life Educator. He is a WEGO Health Activist Award nominee in the categories of “Hero” and “Best Kept Secret”. Bauer also serves as the Community Engagement Director Emeritus at The Alive Inside Foundation. He continues to travel the world performing to sold out crowds with his famed escape and magic talents with a mission to inspire as many hearts possible to believe that HIV will come to an end.
Abstract:
As an American born citizen, where Daniel Bauer has experienced his fair share of trials and tribulations living with HIV and man-made HIV stigma that still thrives in America, nothing could prepare Bauer for what he was about to endure as he prepared to relocate to India to become the Director of an International school in the heart of Gurgaon. This special session is a true to life story of the actual events that took place which left Daniel Bauer in a life and death situation with very scary, uncertain outcomes. Attendees will learn how HIV Stigma is thriving globally, and also learn how discrimination does not exist with everyone. Following the telling of this heart-pounding journey, attendees will be invited to discuss ways in which we as a global community can work closer together to educate more on the myths and facts of those living with HIV in hopes of continuing to eradicate HIV Stigma world-wide.
- Sessions
Global Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, STDs, & STIs
HIV in women
HIV Drug Discovery and Research
HIV, bone damage and aging
HIV and Retroviral Diseases Affecting Afro-Asian Continents
Location: Las Vegas
Session Introduction
Yueqi Yin
Southeast University, China
Title: Genetic diversity of HIV-1 and transmitted drug resistance among newly diagnosed individuals with HIV infection in Eastern China
Time : 11:35-12:00
Biography:
Yin Yueqi is a PhD student major in Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Southeast University. Her research focuses on HIV-1 transmission and phylogenetic analysis, especially among young people. Till now, one article about HIV-1 drug resistance mutations meta-analysis in Chinese has been accepted, and another article is under review. Wuxi and other cities in Jiangsu province were the main study settings, and the content in this abstract is part of her research.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: HIV transmitted drug resistance (TDR) can compromise antiretroviral therapy (ART), especially where ART has been scaled up, like China. Wuxi is a high economy region in eastern China, adjacent to Shanghai. Although the prevalence of HIV-1 infections is rising, little is known on TDR among newly diagnosed individuals in Wuxi. The aim of this study was to characterize the HIV-1 genotypes and TDR mutations among treatment-naïve HIV-infected individuals in Wuxi, China.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The pol fragment containing the entire protease and the first 300 codons of the reverse transcriptase gene was amplified by nested PCR. Genotypic DR and phylogenetic analyses were performed on the 139 obtained sequences which were successfully amplified from 174 individuals.
Findings: Multiple genotypes were identified, including CRF01_AE (43.2%), CRF07_BC (24.5%), CRF67_01B (8.6%), CRF08_BC (7.9%), subtype B (5.8%), BC (1.4%), and 59_01B (0.7%). 19 individuals (13.7%) were detected with various levels of drug resistance degree, including two high-level degree individuals, one medium-level degree individual, and sixteen low-level degree individuals. A total 3.6% of the subjects were found to be infected with HIV-1 variants with surveillance drug-resistant mutations (SDRMs) according to the world health organization (WHO) list.
Conclusion & Significance: The prevalence of CRF67_01B (8.6%) in Wuxi was higher than other cities in Jiangsu province. Although TDR in Wuxi was in low level, there were still other major resistance mutations being detected, like V179E, V179D, K103Q and E138A, which are not in the WHO list. High HIV-1 diversity has been found in Wuxi, indicating possible transmission of anti-retroviral drug resistance mutations. Therefore, continued molecular monitoring and epidemiological surveillance are imperative.
Jing Zhu
Southeast University, China
Title: Prevalence of HIV/STD infection and correlated factors among Vietnamese cross-border female sex workers in a border region of Yunnan Province, China
Time : 12:00-12:25
Biography:
Jing Zhu is majoring in epidemiology of infectious disease. He has been engaged in research on HIV/STD prevention and intervention for high-risk population who are vulnerable to HIV/STD in border regions of Yunnan Province, China for many years. In the last 5 years his studies were focused on HIV/STD prevention for female sex workers and their male clients in the China-Vietnam border region
Abstract:
Background: Female sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted diseases (HIV/STD) infection and serve as a bridge in HIV transmission from the high-risk population to the general, low-risk population. Little is known about the characteristics and risk factors for HIV/STD infection among Vietnamese cross-border FSWs in Hekou county Yunnan Province in southwestern China bordering with Vietnam recently.
Methods: To examine the factors of Vietnamese FSWs that correlate with the prevalence of HIV/STD infection in the China-Vietnam border region, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2015 in Hekou county of Yunnan province, China. We performed a questionnaire survey to collect data on demographics, sexual behavior, and drug use. Blood and urine samples were collected for testing of HIV/STD and drug use.
Results: Totally 594 female participants were recruited in our study. We found that the prevalence of HIV and herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) infection among Vietnamese FSWs were 1.85% (11/594) and 45.29% (269/594). In addition 6 Vietnamese FSWs (1.01%) were Syphilis positive. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HSV-2 infection was a risk factor of HIV infection, further more age, monthly income, has no-commercial sexual partners, and positive urinalysis result for amphetamine-type stimulants were correlated factors of HSV-2 infection of Vietnamese cross-border FSWs.
Conclusion: Prevalence of HIV infection was decreased but HSV-2 prevalence was still alarmingly high among Vietnamese cross-border FSWs in Hekou County. The correlation between HIV and HSV-2 infection among Vietnamese FSWs suggests that the increased role of sexual transmission in the HIV epidemic in the China-Vietnam border region. Positive urinalysis result for amphetamine-type stimulants was observed in Vietnamese FSWs with HSV-2 infection, confirming that drug use is an important target in future HIV/STD related interventions. Moreover, non-commercial sexual partners of Vietnamese FSWs may be a potential bridge for HIV/STD transmission that needs further research.
Simon Afewerki
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
Title: Factors associated with HIV/AIDS Knowledge and attitude among young women of Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo: Cross-Sectional Study
Time : 12:25-12:50
Biography:
Simon Afewerki Gebremedhin is a Database Management Expert in Bureau of Standards and Evaluation of National Commission for Higher Education since six years and also a part-time Lecturer for the past one and half year in Asmara College of Health Science, Eritrea. Currently he is studying Masters in Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Tongji Medical College, School of Public Health in Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Background & Aim: Adequate comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS and positive acceptance attitude towards People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are very important and vanguards in averting and ending the epidemics. This study was aimed at assessing the associates of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and acceptance attitude towards PLHA among young women aged 15-24 of Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Methods: A cross-sectional study using the 2013 Nigeria and 2013-14 Democratic Republic of Congo Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data. IBM SPSS version 22 was employed to multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: Awareness of the young women of Nigeria (91.1%) and DRC (90.6%) was generally stable. Comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge (33.6% vs. 9.8% respectively) and acceptance attitude towards PLHA (28.4% vs. 3.2% respectively) was low. Age, place of residence, educational level, religion, marital status and wealth index were significant associates of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Similarly, age, educational level, religion, marital status, wealth index and comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge showed significant associations with acceptance attitude towards PLHA. After controlling the socio-demographic characteristics, higher comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge (OR 1.09, 95% C.I 1.01-1.17) and acceptance attitude towards PLHA women (OR 2.54, 95% C.I 2.17-2.98) was observed among young women in Nigeria than in DRC.
Conclusion: A high level of HIV/AIDS awareness was observed. However the level of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and acceptance attitude towards PLHA was very low. Hence educational intervention programs to raise the awareness and knowledge of the young women on HIV/AIDS are highly needed.
Shibani Datta
All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, India
Title: The current scenario of HIV/AIDS and the National AIDS Control Programme in India
Time : 12:50-13:15
Biography:
Dr Shibani Datta is a Professor of Public Health in All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health. Previously she was a Professor of Calcutta Medical College which is a very renowned College in West Bengal India . She was the team leader of Central Surveillance team of India. She acted as a resource person of various Training Programmes. Many of her research works have been published in National and International journals .
Abstract:
The last decade has seen a 50% decline in the number of new HIV infections in India. Despite being home to the world's third-largest population suffering from HIV/AIDS (with South Africa and Nigeria having more), the AIDS prevalence rate in India is lower than in many other countries. In 2014, India's AIDS prevalence rate stood at approximately 0.26% — the 90th highest in the world. The spread of HIV in India is primarily restricted to the southern and north-eastern regions of the country and India has also been praised for its extensive anti-AIDS campaign. The main factors which have contributed to India's large HIV-infected population are extensive labor migration and low literacy levels in certain rural areas resulting in lack of awareness and gender disparity. The Government of India has also raised concerns about the role of intravenous drug use and prostitution in spreading AIDS, especially in north-east India and certain urban pockets. To control the spread of the virus, the Indian government set up the National AIDS Control Programme in 1987to co-ordinate national responses such as blood screening and health education . On February 12, 2014 Government of India launched the fourth phase of its anti-AIDS/HIV strategy, the National AIDS Control Programme, NACP 1V, under the banner of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). The highlights of the programme are Reversal of AIDS epidemic through a participative/inclusive approach, Targeting High Risk Groups (HRG) – truckers, migrants, pregnant women, etc, Strengthening the response in India through a cautious and well defined integration process (testing and counselling), discussion with stakeholders , promotion of female condoms, upscaling the antiretroviral therapy ,social protection and prevention of parent to child transmission etc.
Sharwani Vijayshree Lal
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, India
Title: Profile of opportunistic infections in patients with HIV/AIDS started on ART & its correlation with CD4 cell counts
Time : 14:00-14:25
Biography:
Sharwani Vijayshree Lal is currently working as a Medical Officer at a Central Government Hospital in the capital of India. She has developed sharp acumen and insight in effective clinical judgement. Her passion for meticulous and comprehensive management of a case, has matured during her rewarding exposure to healthcare in hospitals and educational institutions over the years. This study, capturing profile of opportunistic infections in patients with HIV, effectively demonstrates the significance of sound assessment and diligent handling of a case.
Abstract:
Statement of the problem: India has 21.17 lakh people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in 2015. Although mortality has decreased substantially but the course of HIV is still frequently complicated by various opportunistic infections which are still the most common cause of death amongst these patients.
Methodology: It was a cross sectional, observational study done over a span of one year at PGIMER, Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi. Patients were evaluated for any pre-existing opportunistic infections by clinical, radiological and laboratory parameters.
Results: A total of 651 patients were started on ART (64% males and 36% females). The most common route of transmission was heterosexual (95%) followed by intravenous drug abuse (3%) and 2% couldn’t elicit any cause. 32, 13 and 24 patients were positive for HBsAg, Anti-HCV and VDRL respectively. The mean CD4 counts of 651 patients were 264/µL. 130 (20%) patients amongst these 651 developed or had opportunistic infections at the time of initiation of ART and their mean CD4 counts were 95/µL. All of them were on 1st line ART as per NACO guidelines (2NRTI + 1NNRTI). 95% compliance was seen in >90% of these patients. 80% of these opportunistic infections manifested after ART was started (Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome - IRIS). The most common opportunistic infection was Tuberculosis (74%) out of which 61 (45%) patients had Extra Pulmonary TB and 39 (29%) had Pulmonary TB. 16 (12%), 11 (8%), 3 (2%), 3 (2%) had Candidiasis, Diarrhea, Herpes Zoster, Cryptococcal meningitis respectively, and 1 case each of Toxoplasmosis, LRTI and Molluscum contagiosum. 14 patients died of these infections, 6 were lost for follow up.
Conclusion: Opportunistic infections especially TB is very common in PLHIV in India. Many of these infections occur as a part of IRIS, where a thorough clinical judgement and expert management is of utmost importance.
Kamga Nkouli Steve Jacquier
Seventh-Day Adventist Health Center, Cameroon
Title: Prevalence and determinants of depression in hiv-positive women during pregnancy and postpartum in the South West Region of Cameroon
Time : 14:25-14:50
Biography:
General practitioner in charge of the Gynaecology/Obstetric wards and maternity at the Seventh-Day Adventist Health Center, Buea, Cameroon. I was born on the 28th of October 1989 and I obtained an M.D degree from the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Buea, Cameroon in 2016. I also received training on training on cervical cancer screening and managements such as cryotherapy and leep procedures. I have also given several health talks through numerous massive cervical cancer screening outreach campaigns nationwide to teenagers and all women of reproductive age. As a young physician; I have developed interest in sexual and reproductive health research particularly in the field of HIV-AIDS and I am in the process of writing few articles on HIV-AIDS. I speak and write 2 languages and I love swimming and playing football
Abstract:
Background: HIV-AIDS in pregnancy and postpartum remains a global public health burden and depression is a significant contributor to the global burden of this current pandemic. Current studies show there is an association between depressive symptoms and HIV during pregnant and postpartum, lower adherence Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Depression during these periods jeopardizes effective care mostly in postpartum. However, there is lack of data regarding these associations in Cameroon. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, determinants of depression in pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV-AIDS in the South West Region of Cameroon.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted involving 107 HIV-positive women during pregnancy and postpartum aged 18-47 years in the Buea and Limbe Regional and Kumba District Hospitals from August 2016 to April 2017. Depression was diagnosed using the nine-item patient health questionnaire and classified as none, mild and moderate. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate determinants of depression in these patients.
Results: The mean age of the study population was 32.6±10 years and 59 (55.1%) were pregnant while 48 (44.9%) were in postpartum. The prevalence of depression was 71.9% (n=77). Stigmatization by health personnel (OR=2.85, 95% CI: 1.67-5.01) and partners in discordant couples with fear of divorce and rejection (OR=4.73, 95% CI: 2.64-6.03), ostracisms by the community (OR=4.01, 95% CI: 2.14-5.75), fear of transmission to the newborn (OR=6.71, 95% CI: 3.92-8.24), lower CD4 counts ≤ 200mm3 (OR=5.01, 95% CI: 2.44-7.75) and lower adherence to ART (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.14-4.75) were determinants of depression in these women.
Conclusion: Our study suggests there is a high prevalence of depression among HIV-positive
women during pregnancy and postpartum, with more than one in two women affected.
Multidisciplinary care for HIV-positive women during pregnancy and postpartum and screening for depression involving mental health practitioners is highly encouraged.
Ezinna E Enwereji
Abia State University , Nigeria
Title: Using Drama for investment and Management of HIV and AIDS Risk Reduction Practices in Selected Universities in Abia State: A Controlled Study
Time : 14:50-15:15
Biography:
Ezinna E Enwereji, Abia State University , Nigeria
Abstract:
Introduction:
Studies have shown that performing on stage allows individuals to use rational and holistic approaches to suggest solutions to problems. Following this, using drama as an intervention strategy could result to internalizing both the emotional and cognitive dimensions of a problem to produce positive changes. This study used drama to create awareness on HIV and AIDS risk reduction practices among university students .
Materials and method:
First year students in three universities, Federal, State and Private Universities were used for the study. It was assumed that using drama as a form of intervention for the first year students, will create awareness on the likelihood of sexual overtures in tertiary institutions.
A random sample of ninety ((90) students made up of 30 students from each of the three universities studied was used. The completed copies of self-administered pre- and post drama questionnaire were collected and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using Tables and percentages.
Results:
Results showed that 27 (90%) of students in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUA) , 28 (98%) in Abia State University (ABSU) and 28(93%) in Rhema University were aware that HIV is a virus infection. Also a good number of students 29 (97%) in MOUA , 28(93%) in ABSU and 27( 90%) in Rhema viewed sharing sharp objects like razor blades and syringes as risk factor for HIV infection.
Knowledge on meaning of unprotected sex, showed that 25 (83%) of students in MOUA, 22 (73%) in ABSU, and 23 (77%) in Rhema viewed unprotected sex as having sex without condom.
Conclusion:
Based on result of the study, drama is a valuable and timely intervention strategy that is capable of encouraging HIV risk reduction among university students.
Key words: drama, intervention, HIV risk reduction, condom
Martina Chikaodinaka Ezeama
Abia State University , Nigeria
Title: Strategies for HIV and AIDS preventive intervention programmes among in School adolescents in Imo State, Nigeria
Time : 15:15-15:40
Biography:
Ezeama Martina is currently working at the Imo State University, Nigeria. Her research interest is HIV/AIDS, Public health etc.
Abstract:
Introduction
Strategies to prevent Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS among adolescents remain the greatest challenge in human sustainable development especially in developing countries like Nigeria. It is necessary to provide in school adolescents with appropriate HIV and AIDS preventive educational interventions. Effective interventions for sustainable HIV prevention among adolescents are limited in Nigeria. This study investigated the effects of using Class-room Instruction (CI) and Drama (DR) for HIV and AIDS prevention among in school adolescents in Imo State,Nigeria.
Materials and Method:
A quasi-experimental design using 165 students from three randomly selected co-educational secondary schools was adopted. There were two experimental groups (CI and DR) and control. Baseline data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire with 29-point knowledge and 9-point attitudinal scales. To analyse knowledge, scores of <15 and ≥15 were classified as poor and good respectively; while for attitude, scores of <5 and ≥5 were categorised as negative and positive. The results for baseline studies were used to design interventions that were implemented for 8 weeks. Also mid-term and follow-up evaluations were conducted during the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA at p=0.05.
Results:
The mean ages of the respondents in CI, DR and control groups were 13.4 ± 1.2, 13.9 ± 1.5 and 13.8 ± 1.2 years respectively. Knowledge scores on HIV/AIDS at baseline were 20.5±2.7, 20.4 ± 2.6 and 21.1 ± 2.7 for CI, DR and Control groups respectively. These scores increased to 22.7 ± 2.7, 22.6±1.8 and 21.2 ± 0.3 at mid-term for CI, DR and control, respectively. At follow-up, scores for CI and DR increased to 23.9 ± 1.8 and 24.5 ± 1.4 respectively while the score for the control dropped to 20.0 ± 2.8. Scores for attitude among CI, DR and control groups during baseline study were 5.3 ± 1.4, 4.9 ± 1.5 and 5.3 ± 1.0 respectively. For mid-term, attitude scores were 5.1 ± 1.2, 5.0 ± 0.9 and 4.7 ± 1.5 for CI, DR and control respectively while scores for follow-up were 5.3 ± 1.2, 5.6 ± 0.7 and 4.5 ± 1.2, indicating greater increase among the intervention groups than that of control.
Conclusion:
Intervention using drama yielded more positive outcomes in both knowledge gained and in attitudinal change than others. Drama is therefore recommended as the most appropriate HIV intervention strategy for sustainable HIV and AIDS prevention among in school adolescents in Imo State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Strategies for HIV/AIDS preventive intervention, Knowledge, Attitudinal change, Adolescents in school.
Shonisani Thivhase
University of Venda, South Africa
Title: Perceptions of students regarding transactional sex and its effects on health at a selected University in South Africa
Time : 15:40-16:05
Biography:
Shonisani Tshivhase University of Venda, South Africa
Abstract:
Background: The exchange of money or gifts for sexual relationships, also called transactional sex, is considered a sexual risk behavior worldwide; and continues to pose sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies risks and other health complications amongst people engaging into this type of relationships.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of students regarding transactional sex and its effects on health at the University of Venda.
Methods: The study adopted a qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design to understand the perceptions of students regarding transactional sex. The target populations of the study were registered students at one of the selected University in South Africa. Purposive technique was used to recruit 18 participants. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and analyzed using Tesch’s thematic analysis.
Results: The study concluded that students at one of the selected Universities of South Africa perceive transactional sex as a material based relationship, prostitution, immoral behavior and abusive relationship. Students perceived socio-economic status, social classes, behavioral aspects and peer pressure to be driving factors pushing students to engage in transactional sex.
Conclusion & Recommendations: Transactional sex is common among University community and has far reaching public health consequences as well as social. Students at this University perceived transactional sex as a bad behavior and this calls for the University to ensure enough extra mural activities and students to engage in activities that could generate the pocket money, awareness to educate student not to engage into transactional sex and also provide health talks through printing of pamphlets with communicating massages.
Christopher Z Abana
University of Ghana, Ghana
Title: Drug resistance mutations in human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) strains from patients in Ghana
Time : 16:05-16:30
Biography:
Christopher Zaab-Yen Abana has research experience in virology such as HIV, influenza and viral hemorrhagic fevers. He also has laboratory experience with molecular biology techniques such as genome extraction and purification, polymerase chain reaction (conventional and real time), restriction fragment length polymorphism, agarose gel electrophoresis and sequencing. The lack of an HIV-2 viral load assay in Ghana for the management of such patients on therapy urged him to win a grant from the HIV Research Trust to undertake training on the HIV-2 viral load assay in New York, USA. His current research focusses on optimizing the first HIV-2 viral load assay in Ghana and determining the association between gut microbiota and Ghanaian HIV infected individuals. He has won several awards notable among them include Best Young Scientist 2016 (College of Health Sciences, Ghana) and Best Poster Presentation (Feb 2017, Noguchi Research Conference, Ghana).