Abstract: Background and aims: This review aimed to describe factors associated with HAART non-adherence and did focus on the HIV/AIDS situation and antiretroviral therapy. Methods: The strategy of this review adopted a critical approach to reduce the bias of published or non-published information. Only evidence-based information was used from PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Google scholar. However, relevant grey information from monography/technical reports or specific books was also used. Results: Findings were out lighted across the global status of HIV epidemic, HIV/AIDS epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, history of HIV and ART in South Africa, HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy, HIV life cycle, HIV treatment, Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, Adherence to HAART, and factors associated with HAART non-adherence. The reviewed literature revealed consistency in important factors associated with HAART non-adherence across multiple settings and countries. Conclusion: This review was to determine factors associated with non-adherence with highly active antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected patients attending Lerato clinic in Gauteng, South Africa. The reviewed factors leading to non-adherence will be submitted to policymakers, health care workers in general, and Family medicine staff in particular.Abstract: Background and aims: This review aimed to describe factors associated with HAART non-adherence and did focus on the HIV/AIDS situation and antiretroviral therapy. Methods: The strategy of this review adopted a critical approach to reduce the bias of published or non-published information. Only evidence-based information was used from PubMed, Embase...Show More
Abstract: Introduction: Antiretrovirals have improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLHIV). The evaluation of quality of life and its improvement is now an important element of care. The current study assessed the quality of life and identified associated factors with adults living with HIV who were followed at the CHUD Borgou. Methods: A case-control study was conducted from August to October 2018. Cases of PLHIV aged 15 years and older, were recruited through systematic sampling with steps equal to 2 based on the order of arrival of patients at the site. The controls were composed of apparently healthy, HIV-negative individuals recruited in the community in 10 neighborhoods selected at random out of 58 in the city of Parakou. A pen rotation was used to choose the direction to follow and households were selected with a step size of 4. Each PLHIV is associated with two HIV-negative respondents matched on age, sex, and average monthly income. The generic score composed of 36 questions "SF-36" was used to assess the quality of life of the participants. These questions are grouped into three categories exploring physical, mental, and self-perceived health changes, respectively. Respondents gave oral consent. The favorable opinion of the ethics committee for Biomedical research of the University of Parakou was obtained. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi-Info 7.2.2 software. The general linear regression model was used to identify independent factors associated with quality of life. Results: There were 222 PLHIV and 444 HIV-negative subjects. The mean quality of life score of PLHIV was higher than that of HIV-negative subjects in all dimensions: physical health (56.04 vs. 50.52; p ˂ 0.000), mental health (40.15 vs. 35.16; p ˂ 0.000), and perceived health (67.00 vs. 59.40; p < 0.000). PLHIV had a low vitality score compared with controls (53.67 vs 54.85; p = 0.215). Independent factors associated with quality of life were: age < 40 years (p=0.001), male gender (p=0.046), shared HIV status with spouse (p=0.045), existence of psychological support (p=0.026), length of time since testing (p=0.041), last CD4 ≥ 500 (p=0.025). Conclusion: Several factors contribute to a better quality of life for PLHIV compared to the community. The impact of free care in Benin on the quality of life of PLHIV deserves to be evaluated in the long term.Abstract: Introduction: Antiretrovirals have improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLHIV). The evaluation of quality of life and its improvement is now an important element of care. The current study assessed the quality of life and identified associated factors with adults living with HIV who were followed at the CHUD Borgou. Methods: A ca...Show More
Abstract: Background: Viral hepatitis is a critical global health challenge and acquiring adequate and recent epidemiological data on Hepatitis B and C infections is important in prevention and control of the disease. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors related with HBV and HCV infection and associated liver enzymes profile among patients suspected of liver diseases in Asmara, Eritrea. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among patients suspected of liver diseases. 411 participants were screened for serological markers of anti-HCV and HBsAg using rapid assays which were further confirmed using ELISA. A predesigned structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and risk factors data. Liver function tests were also performed using an automated spectrophotometer analyzer. Furthermore, for every HBV and HCV positive samples viral load was determined. Collected data were then analyzed using SPSS statistical tool. Result: The overall prevalence of HBV and HCV among study participants was 6.6% and 1.7% respectively. Hepatitis virus positive participants had substantially higher mean values of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and GGT. Viral load mean assay level was 10.6 x 106 IU/ml ranging from 20 IU/ml - 1.7 x 108 IU/ml. There was a significant association between HBsAg and sex (cOR= 4.18, 95% CI: 1.65-10.6), residence area (cOR=2.51, 95% CI: 1.10-5.69). Multivariate logistic analysis showed males were more prone to HBsAg infection (AOR= 3.9; 95% CI: 1.5-10.0). Moreover, prevalence of liver enzyme abnormality was 8.5% (95% CI: 6.1%-8.2%). Among these patients, 24 (5.8%) had cholestatic type, 4 (1%) had hepatocellular, and the rest 7 (1.7%) had mixed type of hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: Though the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection is comparatively low, regular surveillance should be conducted to prevent further spread of disease and achieve global goals of HBV and HCV elimination.Abstract: Background: Viral hepatitis is a critical global health challenge and acquiring adequate and recent epidemiological data on Hepatitis B and C infections is important in prevention and control of the disease. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors related with HBV and HCV infection and associated liver enzymes profile ...Show More