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Article in press
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An Evaluation of the Measures to Reduce the Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in Zimbabwe and Report on the Achievements Made to Date
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Abstract [+]
The impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) on individuals, communities and organisations is a major bone of resentment the world over. Human capital planning (HCP) focuses on helping managers set the direction for an organisation in regard to its future. Human Resources needs but lamentably this is made difficult because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic which among other devastating effects is short life expectancy which leads to high turnover within organisations. To reduce this catastrophe, a collaborative effort has been made by International organisations, the government and the private sector to provide measures to fight the impact of HIV/AIDS. These measures have been largely effective and include initiatives such as obtaining. Political support by leaders, engaging multiple economic sectors, educating the youth on HIV/AIDS, fighting stigmatization, enhancing poverty and improving free counselling interventions just but to mention a few. The achievements brought by these measures to date in Zimbabwe include reduction of workplace discrimination against HIV/AIDS infected people, formation of the National AIDS Control Programme by the Ministry of Health in 1987 and implementation of a mandatory 3% AIDS levy to support HIV prevention.
Keywords
Antiretroviral; Discrimination; Poverty; Sexually transmitted infection; Stigma; Zimbabwe.
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Identifying Resource Needs and Experiences of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning+ Community during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic
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Abstract [+]
Introduction
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning+ (LGBTQ+) people have historically faced disproportionate economic and health-related challenges, which have likely been further exacerbated by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). To provide support and equitable resources for this community, it is critical to identify resource needs and challenges and understand the experiences of this community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods
We administered an online survey to examine the experiences and needs of minority LGBTQ+ people, ages 18-35, who resided in an Ending the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Epidemic (EHE) metropolitan jurisdiction in the Southeastern United States (U.S.).
Results
Since the onset of COVID-19, the majority of survey respondents reported increases in mental health symptomology and substance use, and decreases in economic stability, food security, and medical care access.
Conclusion
The findings support the need for extended reach of substance use and mental health-related services, linkage to medical/sexual healthcare, and financial assistance.
Keywords
LGBTQ; COVID-19; Sexual and gender minority; Substance use; Mental health.
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The Stopping the Spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome through Relationship Engagement Study: An Opportunity for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention in African American Adolescents with HIV-Positive Mothers
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Current Issue
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The Time is Now for Disruptive Innovation in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Monitoring
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Abstract [+]
Monitoring adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis is a critical component of reaching ending the human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) epidemic goals in the US. Currently, providers still depend on “self-report” pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence, whereby providers ask their patients about their recent pill taking habits. There appears to be growing consensus across the HIV prevention community that “self-report” is an inadequate method of identifying that is in-need of additional adherence support services. In a recent survey, 97% of providers report utilizing self-reported adherence because it is convenient, but only 10% of these providers believe it is accurate. While “self-report” is convenient, evidence and testimonials from diverse stakeholders across the HIV prevention landscape indicate that there is a desire for more accurate, effective adherence monitoring methods. In this mini-review, we will briefly synthesize the emerging evidence and propose a solution to ensure all patients receive the support needed to protect them from HIV acquisition.
Keywords
Pre-exposure prophylaxis; HIV; Adherence; Prevention; Self-report.
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Revision of Maryland Minor Consent Law on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Prevention: An Outcome of Advocacy
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Abstract [+]
Objectives
To date, only few United States (US) states have explicit regulations that allow minors to independently give consent for human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) prevention treatments. This manuscript will reflect upon key advocacy efforts leading to the revision of the Maryland Minor Consent Law, evaluate current human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevention laws for minors in U.S. states, and highlight resources for health advocacy.
Methods
Between 2018-2019, public health professionals in Baltimore, Maryland reviewed the Maryland Minor Consent Law and other adolescent consent laws within the U.S. The professionals advocated for a legal review of the gap by the State Senate and the Office of Attorney General.
Results
In May 2019, the public health advocates were successful in their effort for a revision of the Maryland Minor Consent Law to include Treatment for the Prevention of HIV-Consent by minors. Upon their review of all adolescent consent laws within the U.S., they found that only eleven states currently have explicit language indicative of an adolescent’s ability to give consent for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Conclusion
This inquiry can change upstream factors such as laws, regulations, policies and institutional practices.
Keywords
HIV, Prevention, Pre-exposure prophylaxis, Adolescents, Minor consent law.
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Why do HIV PrEP Patients Become Lost-to-Care and How Can We Improve PrEP Retention?
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Previous Issue
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Exploring the Everyday Lived Experience of African American People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in the Rural South
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Abstract [+]
Aims/Objectives
Despite previous findings attesting to the syndemic nature of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), chronic disease and mental illness coordination of these issues remains a significant barrier to initiating and maintaining the delivery of mental and physical health care to persons living with HIV (PLWH). These inequities are even greater when applied to rural settings, particularly in areas that are medically underserved. To date, there is scarce research regarding the lived experiences of African American PLWH
in rural settings. Constructivist grounded theory was used to analyze this qualitative data set. These discourses provide a rich narrative regarding effective systems of care, the context in which these processes take place and related constraints or limitations of the current systems.Methods
In-depth interviews with 24 African American PLWH both inside (N=20) and outside (N=4) of care in rural Northwestern Virginia were conducted. Rural African American PLWH were queried about their perceptions of the provision of HIV health care services, barriers to linkages to care, retention of PLWH in care, and recommendations for improving HIV health care services for rural PLWH.
Results
Participants offered insights on the linkages to health and mental health care consistent with the pattern recommended by the cascade of care (i.e. pre-screening, testing, refer to treatment, treatment and sustain treatment). Participants identified contextual factors, including traumatic events, medication (side effects), other chronic health issues, issues with the current health and mental health system, stigma, and lack of social support. We highlight PLWH’s recommendations for linking rural PLWH into care and sustaining that care.
Conclusion
We discuss the implications of these findings for programmatic development in the rural context.
Keywords
Rural African Americans living with HIV; Barriers to HIV health care; Rural South; HIV lived experience.
Why do HIV PrEP Patients Become Lost-to-Care and How Can We Improve PrEP Retention?
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Abstract [+]
Objectives
To assess reasons for patients being lost-to-care (LTC) at an urban health center (Philadelphia, PA, USA) that provides access to oral tenofovir/emtricitabine(TDF/FTC) as pre- exposure prophylaxis(PrEP) to patients ages 13-30 years through a drop-in model of care.
Methods
Ninety-nine patients were identified as LTC based on not visiting a clinician in ≥4 months during the period April 2016-January 2017. Patients were contacted by phone/email to participate in a voluntary telephone survey regarding reasons for falling out of care. Results were analyzed descriptively.
Results
Of the 99 patients preliminarily identified as LTC, 19 completed the survey. Reason(s) for becoming LTC included: 47%(9) relocation, 11%(2) transportation difficulties to/from clinic, 26%(5) financial/insurance problems, 5%(1) perceived medication side effects, 16%(3) trouble remembering to attend appointments regularly, 5%(1) difficulty with daily medication adherence, and 0% social stigma. Furthermore, 21%(4) remain at high-risk of HIV/STI acquisition after becoming LTC. The main study limitations are selection bias and small sample size, where the small sample size did not allow for statistical significance.
Conclusion
While the major cause for becoming LTC was relocation, these findings suggest 37% of LTC incidences may be preventable with additional/up-front support. Because 21% of LTC patients remain at high-risk of HIV/STI acquisition, proactive re-engagement initiatives are potentially useful.
Keywords
HIV/AIDS; Pre-exposure prophylaxis; Retention and care; Socioeconomic factors; Adolescent Health; Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Persons.
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