A Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (AIDS) é doença causada pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana. Apesar dos benefícios proporcionados pela terapia de supressão viral, algumas doenças como lipodistrofia, doenças cardiovasculares e infertilidade aumentaram a sua prevalência. No paciente com AIDS, considera-se a carga viral e o uso de terapia antirretroviral como possíveis agentes de genotoxicidade. Apesar do espermograma não poder detectar a causa precisa da infertilidade, o mesmo ainda é o exame mais realizado para averiguar a qualidade seminal. Por outro lado, a integridade do DNA do espermatozóide tem sido proposta como um parâmetro adicional de qualidade do sêmen. O ensaio cometa alcalino detecta a genotoxicidade de células germinativas humanas e pode ser usado para demonstrar a capacidade de uma substância interagir com o material genético das células gonadais. O presente estudo incluiu 50 pacientes com AIDS, atendidos no Ambulatório de Infectologia do Município de Caxias do Sul e no Ambulatório da Universidade de Caxias do Sul, sendo analisados dois grupos: usuário de terapia antirretroviral e naive. Realizou-se espermograma e o ensaio cometa alcalino, comparando com o número de linfócitos T CD4+, a carga viral, a idade, etc. Os dados demonstraram que o uso de antirretrovirais reduziu a genotoxicidade espermática, mas não se encontrou correlação com o espermograma. O presente trabalho demonstra que o ensaio cometa alcalino é um método eficiente para mensurar a genotoxicidade espermática dos pacientes portadores do vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida. / The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. Despite all the benefits provided by the viral suppression therapy, some diseases such as lipodystrophy, heart diseases and infertility increased their prevalence. In patients with AIDS, viral load and anti-retroviral therapy are possible agents for genotoxicity. The World Health Organization guidelines are reference for semen analysis and sperm DNA integrity has been proposed as an additionalparameter for semen quality and a potential predictor of fertility. The alkaline comet assay has the potential to detect genotoxic human germ cells and can be used to demonstrate the ability of a substance or metabolite to interact directly with the genetic material of gonadal cells. The study has included 50 patients with AIDS treated at the Outpatient Center for Infectious Diseases and at the University of Caxias do Sul Clinical Center, evaluated as two groups: one treated with anti-retroviral therapy and the other was a naive group. Semen and sperm genotoxicity were analysed by alkaline comet assay, comparing CD4 cell count, viral load, age and other factors of potential genotoxicity between the two groups. Data showed that the use of any anti-retroviral class has reduced sperm genotoxicity. This study shows that the alkaline comet assay is a eficcientmethod to measure sperm genotoxicity in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

Orientadores: Lúcia Helena Simões da Costa Paiva, Ana Lúcia Ribeiro Valadares / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T21:45:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Akl_LiviaDrumond_D.pdf: 1659743 bytes, checksum: 05cc93759e4280105f72769b37386da1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: A terapia antirretroviral (TARV) impactou drasticamente na taxa mortalidade e expectativa de vida de pessoas vivendo com HIV (PVHS), mas tem sido associada a uma série de alterações metabólicas, incluindo a síndrome metabólica (SM). Tal como para as consequências clínicas da SM, existe evidência de que as mulheres são particularmente afetadas negativamente. Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de SM e fatores associados em mulheres climatéricas com e sem o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo de corte transversal, entre outubro de 2010 e julho de 2012, em uma amostra com 537 mulheres (273 mulheres climatéricas HIV soropositivas e 264 mulheres climatéricas HIV soronegativas) entre 40 e 60 anos em dois centros de referência no tratamento ambulatorial de HIV. A SM foi diagnosticada de acordo com o critério da IDF, 2006. Foi realizada uma entrevista para avaliação dos fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos, comportamentais e fatores associados com a infecção pelo HIV. Todas foram submetidas à medida do peso corporal, altura, circunferência da cintura, pressão arterial e realizaram coleta de sangue periférico para dosagem de colesterol total e frações, triglicérides, glicemia de jejum e dosagens hormonais. Foram utilizadas a análise bivariada e a análise de regressão múltipla para selecionar os principais fatores associados à SM. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 47,7 anos nas mulheres HIV soropositivas e 49,8 anos nas mulheres HIV soronegativas (p<0,001). A prevalência de SM no grupo soropositivo foi de 46,9% em comparação com 42,2% no grupo soronegativo (p=0,340). A análise bivariada mostrou maior prevalência de SM no grupo HIV soropositivo em mulheres que estavam na pós-menopausa em comparação ao grupo soronegativo (p=0,032), em uso de terapia hormonal (TH) (p=0,040), quando a autopercepção de saúde foi considerada excelente/boa (p=0,011) e em mulheres com índice de massa corporal (IMC) > 25 kg/m² (p=0,005). A análise bivariada somente do grupo HIV soropositivo mostrou associação entre SM e idade ? 50 anos (p=0,002), escolaridade < 8 anos (p=0,003), pós-menopausa (p<0,001), IMC > 25 Kg/m² (p<0,001) e FSH ? 40 mUI/mL (p=0,002). Não houve associação entre SM e o uso de Lopinavir e Indinavir no grupo HIV soropositivo. A análise de regressão múltipla no grupo geral mostrou que os fatores associados a SM foram IMC > 25 kg/m² (RP: 2,34; IC95%%: 1,70-3,21; p<0,001), envelhecimento (RP: 1,05; IC95%%: 1,02-1,07; p<0,001) e uso de TARV (RP: 1,48; IC95%%: 1,13-1,94; p=0,005). A análise múltipla somente do grupo soropositivo mostrou associação entre SM e IMC em kg/m² (RP: 1,09; IC95%%: 1,05-1,13; p<0,001) e dosagem de hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH) ? 40 mUI/mL (RP: 1,66; IC95%%: 1,14-2,40; p=0,008). Conclusão: Não houve associação de SM e infecção pelo HIV. Verificou-se que as mulheres HIV soropositivas tiveram prevalência significativamente maior de SM quando na pós-menopausa, com alto IMC e em uso da TARV. Observa-se a necessidade de uma melhor abordagem de mulheres HIV soropositivas e soronegativas para evitar o ganho de peso e SM / Abstract: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) dramatically impacted mortality and life expectancy in people living with HIV (PLWH), but has been associated with a number of metabolic abnormalities, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). As to the clinical consequences of MetS, there is evidence that females are particularly negatively affected. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of MetS and associated factors in climacteric women with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods: A cross-sectional study between october 2010 and july 2012, in a sample of 537 women (273 HIV seropositive climacteric women and 264 HIV seronegative climacteric women) between 40 and 60 years at two referral centers in the HIV outpatient¿s clinic. MetS was diagnosed according to IDF, 2006. Interviews to assess sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors associated with HIV infection was performed. All women were submitted to body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure and performed peripheral blood collection for total cholesterol dosage and fractions, triglycerides, fasting glucose and hormone levels. Bivariate analysis and multiple regression analysis to select the main factors associated with MetS were performed. Results: The mean age was 47.7 years in HIV seropositive women and 49.8 years in the HIV seronegative women (p<0.001). The prevalence of MetS in HIV seropositive climacteric women was 46.9% compared to 42.2% in the HIV seronegative group (p=0.340). Bivariate analysis revealed a higher prevalence of MetS in HIV seropositive group in women who were postmenopausal compared to HIV seronegative group (p=0.032), in use of hormone therapy (HT) (p=0.040), when the self-rated health was considered excellent/good (p=0.011) and in women with body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m² (p=0.005). The bivariate analysis of such HIV seropositive group showed an association between MetS and age ? 50 years (p=0.002), formal education < 8 years (p = 0.003), being postmenopausal (p<0.001), BMI > 25 kg/m² (p<0.001) and FSH ? 40 mIU/mL (p=0.002). There was no association between MetS and the use of Lopinavir and Indinavir in HIV seropositive group. Multiple regression analysis showed that in the whole group, factors associated with MetS were BMI > 25 kg/m² (PR: 2.34; 95 % CI: 1.70 to 3.21; p<0.001), aging (PR: 1.05; 95 % CI: 1.02 to 1.07; p<0.001) and the use of HAART (PR: 1.48; 95 % CI: 1.13 to 1.94; p = 0.005). Multiple analysis of such HIV seropositive group showed an association between MetS and BMI in kg/m² (PR: 1.09; 95 % CI: 1.05-1.13; p<0.001) and follicle stimulating hormone dosage (FSH) ? 40 mIU/mL (PR: 1.66; 95 % CI: 1.14 to 2.40; p=0.008). Conclusion: There was no association of MetS and HIV infection. It was found that HIV seropositive women had significantly higher prevalence of MetS when being postmenopausal, with high BMI and in use of HAART. There is a need of a better approach to both HIV seropositive and seronegative women to prevent weight gain and MetS / Doutorado / Fisiopatologia Ginecológica / Doutora em Ciências da Saúde

Os bancos de dados atualizados constituídos a partir de informações dos prontuários de pacientes HIV+ são importantes fontes para a realização de pesquisas clínicas e epidemiológicas de forma rápida e eficiente. A elevada variabilidade do HIV-1, resultado, entre outros fatores, da ausência de mecanismos eficientes de reparo durante os estágios da replicação viral, contribui para a emergência de cepas resistentes aos antiretrovirais. O objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver e implementar um banco dados inteligente utilizando a Rede Neural Artificial Paraconsistente (RNAP), assentada na Lógica Paraconsistente Anotada, para auxiliar o mapeamento de informações contidas nos diversos formulários a fim de apoiar o mapeamento das informações provenientes dos diferentes registros médicos produzidos. O banco de dados será usado principalmente para apoiar o processo de decisão sobre a prescrição da terapia antiretroviral. Os resultados obtidos durante a pesquisa mostram que a técnica pode se tornar uma ferramenta promissora. / Updated databases made from information collected from HIV+ patients are important references to quickly and efficiently design clinical and epidemiologic studies. The high levels of variability of the HIV-1 virus, among other factors, the result of the absence of repair mechanisms during replication, strongly contribute to the establishment of resistance to antiretroviral therapy. The main objective of this study is the design and implementation of an inteligent database using the concept of Paraconsistent Artificial Neural Network (PANN) based on the Paraconsistent Annotated Logic, in order to support the mapping of the information coming from the different medical records produced. The database will be used primarily to support the decision process on the antiretroviral therapy prescription. Results obtained during the research show that the technique may become a promising tool.

A utilização de códigos QR por deficientes visuais e robôs expande o horizonte de emprego dessa tecnologia e viabiliza várias aplicações cogitadas por um número crescente de trabalhos acadêmicos. Para que os códigos QR possam ser decodificados eles precisam ser apropriadamente enquadrados. A detecção desses símbolos em imagens adquiridas ao acaso é a primeira etapa na construção de um sistema de enquadramento assistido. O presente trabalho apresenta uma proposta para a detecção de códigos QR em imagens adquiridas ao acaso. A abordagem proposta é baseada em componentes e dividida em estágios, nos quais primeiramente partes do símbolo são detectadas através da técnica de detecção rápida de objetos proposta por Viola-Jones e em seguida uma análise do conjunto formado por essas partes é realizada para determinar a localização exata do símbolo na cena. A adaptação da técnica proposta por Viola e Jones para esse novo domínio é descrita e detalhada. É realizada uma discussão sobre a influência dos muitos parâmetros de treinamento e detecção presentes na abordagem proposta com base em resultados experimentais detalhados. Por fim é apresentado o desempenho em termos da qualidade dos resultados e tempo de processamento em vídeo e conclui-se que a abordagem proposta aponta um caminho promissor na resolução do problema de detecção de códigos QR em imagens adquiridas arbitrariamente na maioria das situações práticas. / The use of QR codes by visually impaired people and robots expands the applications of this technology and enables many possibilities that are emerging in a crescent number of scientific papers. QR code decoding relies on prior framing of the symbol during image acquisition. The detection of these symbols is the first step in the construction of a system to assist the framing process. This work presents an approach for the detection of QR codes in arbitrarily acquired images. The proposed approach is a component-based one consisting of two stages, where parts of the symbol are first detected through the fast object detection method proposed by Viola-Jones, and then an analysis of the set of detected parts is carried subsequently in order to determine the exact location of the symbol in the scene.The adaptation of the framework proposed by Viola-Jones for this new application domain is described in detail. The influence of various training and detection parameters of the framework in QR code detection is discussed using a series of experiments. The performance of the proposed approach is presented in terms of result quality and processing time and it is concluded that the proposed approach indicates a promising direction in solving the problem of detecting QR codes in arbitrarily acquired images in the majority of real world situations.

Introdução: A Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (SIDA) é uma doença infecciosa causada por um retrovírus chamado Human Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV. Os principais alvos do HIV são as células que exibem a molécula CD4 e as células gliais do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC) possuem estas moléculas. Uma das alterações possíveis de acontecer em virtude da infecção pelo HIV é a alteração de linguagem, pois o processamento desta ocorre no SNC. Dentre todas as dimensões da linguagem a semântica é a parte que compreende o significado das palavras tanto na compreensão quanto na produção. Esta dimensão pode influenciar o processo da leitura. Objetivo: Comparar o desempenho entre crianças portadoras de HIV por transmissão vertical e crianças com baixo risco para o HIV em atividades de vocabulário receptivo e na leitura de palavras e pseudopalavras e quanto aos Recursos do Ambiente Familiar (RAF) que podem estar envolvidos com o aprendizado, identificar: a relação entre a gravidade da doença com o vocabulário receptivo e com a leitura, considerando o nível de CD4 e da carga viral (CV), a classificação CDC (Centers for Disease Control), adesão ao tratamento e tempo de uso da medicação; a classificação econômica das crianças portadoras de HIV e sua relação com RAF e o desempenho em vocabulário receptivo e leitura. Método: A população estudada foi de 11 crianças com HIV e 20 crianças com baixo risco para HIV, com idades entre 8 anos e 10 anos. Para a avaliação foi utilizado o Teste de Vocabulário por Figuras USP (TVfusp-139o) e o Teste de Competência de Leitura de Palavras e Pseudopalavras (TCLPP). Foi realizada a classificação econômica das crianças e a avaliação do RAF através de dois questionários respondidos pelos responsáveis, considerando que estes fatores podem estar envolvidos com a aprendizagem escolar. Resultados: Houve diferença entre os grupos para as variáveis RAF e o vocabulário, sendo que o grupo com baixo risco para o HIV apresentou desempenho significativamente superior ao grupo com HIV. As perguntas relacionadas aos passeios que a criança realizou, presença de brinquedos, jornais, livros e revistas em casa foram as que diferiram. Não houve diferença para a variável leitura. Não teve correlação entre as variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais e o vocabulário. Embora não significativa, houve correlação positiva entre a classificação CDC e leitura. Conclusão: Crianças portadoras de HIV apresentam desempenho inferior em vocabulário e o RAF significativamente inferior; não foi encontrada diferença em leitura. Os recursos do ambiente familiar que possivelmente podem contribuir para o aprendizado escolar é a presença de objetos, brinquedos, livros e revistas em casa e passeios; todas as variáveis laboratoriais e clínicas não apresentaram correlação significativa com o desempenho em vocabulário; a maior parte nos portadores de HIV encontravam-se na classificação econômica C ou D (82,1%). Houve correlação positiva com a classificação econômica, RAF e leitura. / Introduction: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an infectious disease caused by a retrovirus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV. The main targets of HIV are the cells that display the CD4 molecule and the glial cells of the Central Nervous System (CNS) possess these molecules. One of the possible changes to occur due to HIV infection is the language change, as the processing of this occurs in the CNS. Of all the dimensions of language, semantics is the part that understands the meaning of words in both comprehension and production. This dimension can influence the reading process. Objective: To compare the performance of HIV-infected children by vertical transmission and children with low HIV risk in activities of receptive vocabulary and reading of words and pseudowords and Family Environment Resources (RAF) that may be involved in learning , To identify: the relationship between the severity of the disease with the receptive vocabulary and reading, considering CD4 and viral load (CV), CDC (Centers for Disease Control) classification, adherence and time of medication use; The economic classification of children with HIV and their relationship with RAF and o, performance in receptive and reading vocabulary. Method: The study population was 11 children with HIV and 20 children with low HIV risk, aged 8 years and 10 years. For the evaluation we used the Vocabulary Test for Figures USP (TVfusp-139o) and the Test of Competence of Reading of Words and Pseudowords (TCLPP). The economic classification of the children and the RAF evaluation were performed through two questionnaires answered by those responsible, considering that these factors may be involved with school learning. Results: There was a difference between the groups for the RAF and vocabulary variables, and the group with low HIV risk presented a significantly superior performance to the HIV group. The questions related to the trips that the child performed, the presence of toys, newspapers, books and magazines at home were the ones that differed. There was no difference for the reading variable. There was no correlation between clinical and laboratory variables and vocabulary. Although not significant, there was a positive correlation between the CDC classification and reading. Conclusion: HIV-positive children have lower vocabulary performance and significantly lower RAF; no difference was found in reading; the resources of the family environment that can possibly contribute to the school learning are the presence of objects, toys, books and magazines at home and walks realized in the last 12 months; all laboratory and clinical variables did not show a significant correlation with vocabulary performance, ie there was no correlation between viral load, CD4 cell count, CDC score, adherence and medication with vocabulary performance; the majority of those with HIV were in the economic classification C or D (82.1%); there was a positive correlation for the economic classification and the RAF score and the economic classification and performance in reading and strong tendency between the economic classification and the vocabulary.

Suicide is of great concern nationally and has become a significant social problem within the last 10years. One group of growing concern is those who served in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the impact of a suicide attempt on their career retention. Previous studies had focused on potential risk factors that may lead an individual to attempt suicide, but there was limited research on the impact of a suicide attempt on an individual's career retention. It was unknown if the desire of USCG veterans to retain their career can primarily influence their decision not to attempt suicide. The experiential impact of suicide on the career retention of the participants was examined in this study. The study method was planned to be a qualitative phenomenological study but changed to a qualitative descriptive design. The theoretical framework comprised an application of Joiner's interpersonal psychological theory of suicidal behavior and Tinto's integration model for retention relevance and practical implications. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data from 12 USCG veterans to address the primary research question as to the lived experience of USCG members who have attempted suicide while on active duty that are currently veterans. NVivo analysis indicated that participants experienced difficulties with career, work, and personal relationships before their suicide attempt. Themes were similar for participants who stayed or left service after a suicide attempt. The results also indicated that all participants needed to receive support from people in their life after the attempts. Data suggested peer support was critical for retention and contributed to the promotion of a confident, healthy workforce and social growth in communities and society after an attempted suicide.

Thesis (M.A.) / INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer exists as the second most common cancer among women world wide, and in numerous countries is the leading type of female cancer. Specifically, Zambia has one of the highest mortality rates and cervical cancer incidence rates. The goal of this study is to analyze the published literature on preventative techniques for cervical cancer in resource-deprived areas of sub-Saharan Africa by focusing on the correlation between the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and cervical cancer; the accuracy and feasibility of “screen and treat” clinics; and socio-economic and geographical barriers. RESULTS: Correlations exists between the prevalence of HIV, HPV, and cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, and a clear association exists between HPV and cervical cancer. The deliverance of HPV vaccines as well as educational programs has helped to improve this medical problem. Main screening methods for cervical cancer include the Pap smear, naked eye visual inspection of the cervix after the application of either diluted acetic acid (VIA), Lugol’s iodine (VILI), or with a magnifying device (VIAM), colposcopy, and tests for HPV markers. Studies indicate that the VILI screening test has the highest level of sensitivity with the LEEP method also of importance. The procedure is relatively low cost and is easy to implement when excising lesions. Major risk factors and determinants of cervical cancer can help to explain the underlying barriers of access to care. Women’s misconceptions regarding cervical cancer, gender inequality in African nations, socio-economic status, and foreign aid all play major roles the cervical cancer screening process. A lack of proper education, especially among women in sub-Sahara Africa, has led to misconceptions about the causes of cervical cancer. Studies have found that some women associated cervical cancer with prostitution, a Satanic curse, and other bad behavior. Gender inequality also plays a significant role since the Zambia government had reported that a husband would have absolute rights over children and reproductive rights over his wife once he had made payments for a bride. Geographical barriers also exist as the terrain in Zambia is swamp-like and heavy flooding throughout the year is common. After flooding occurs, communities become physically separated. Furthermore, there are correlations between high incidence rates of cervical cancer and high poverty as it has been shown that the largest number of people living on less than $1.25 dollars per day is that of sub-Saharan Africa. DISCUSSION: Studies have indicated that virtually all of cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, implying that HPV testing and detection would largely prevent the progression of lesions. Ultimately, this would reduce the high incidence rate of cervical cancer in Zambia and in other Sub-Saharan African countries. In areas where cytology programs are either non-existent or not efficient, HPV testing approaches should be evaluated and implemented, and they should be based off of the HIV/AIDS infrastructure that has already been established. In regards to the screening approaches, VIAM and VIA are the only two tests that are also practical, affordable, and available. Affordability is the major concern when implementing screening programs in sub-Saharan Africa; for this reason, either VIAM and VIA would arguably be the best options as long as they were effective. VIA would be considered the most appropriate method in terms of screening procedures as the method has the advantage of giving immediate results that can be applied to large populations. Lastly, the lack of proper education, including sex education, has in part led to drastic misconceptions about the causes of cervical cancer. Women hold negative beliefs about cervical cancer since they associate it with being unclean and view it as a reflection of bad behavior. Geographical barriers also play a role; the physical inaccessibility of the clinic discourages women to come to the clinic for screenings. Home visits by physicians and/or the utilization of community health workers may help to eliminate this particular barrier of access. This strategy would be especially beneficial to residents of rural areas since they are more likely to live farther away from institutionalized clinics and screen and treat facilities and are also more likely to be in a state of extreme poverty.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The quantitative findings indicated high levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, self-concept and self-efficacy. Risky sexual behaviour was measured in terms of condom use and the number of sexual partners in the 12 months prior to the study with males reporting significantly more risky sexual behaviour. More males (70% vs. 43 % females) reported no condom use when engaging in sex. More males (62 % vs. 28 % females) reported having had two or more sexual partners in the 12 months prior to the study. Results also suggested that an increase in knowledge of HIV/AIDS would predict an increase in the use of condoms particularly for males. Lower self-efficacy seemed to predict an increase in the number of sexual partners for males. The focus group discussions highlighted students' views of HIV/AIDS knowledge in relation to their sexual practices, attitudes and sexual decision-making. Influences such as personal factors (self-concept and self-efficacy), social factors (e.g. peer influences, gender, and status) and environmental factors (e.g. media) were investigated. Participants also commented on the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS campaigns and the adequacy in provision of health services at college and community level. From the findings, guidelines were developed which may be used to reflect on current intervention programmes and may be considered when developing future interventions programmes, policies, or campaigns in promoting safer sexual practices amongst youth as a means of addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. / South Africa

No description available.

HIV and AIDS pandemic have been declining in South Africa. HIV and AIDS affect individuals, families, organizations and the communities at large. While the roll out of the antiretroviral treatment (ART) has brought much excitement and hope to both patients and the health practitioners, it has also brought challenges (Maskew, Macphail, Menez & Rubel, 2007:853). In order for ART to be effective patients need to adhere to antiretroviral treatment, thus adherence is a critical component of ART. Patients who discontinue treatment are at high risk of illness and death because of AIDS related diseases or developing drug resistant virus. With a better understanding of the reasons for defaulting antiretroviral treatment interventions can be designed to improve adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Thus the purpose of this study was to explore the reasons why HIV and AIDS infected patients default antiretroviral treatment because adherence to ART is of utmost important. Within the context of qualitative and applied research the researcher utilized the collective case study design. Semi structured interviewing was used as data collection method to elicit qualitative information on the reasons why patients default ART. The main research question that was put forward to all participants was: What are your reasons for defaulting ART? The participants in this study were patients who have default their ART during 2012. By using systematic sampling fourteen participants from Thekganang ARV Clinic in Seshego District Hospital, Limpopo province, were selected to form a sample for this study. Some conclusions based on the findings were that: The participants were knowledgeable about the basic facts of HIV and AIDS and they had a good understanding about the importance of adherence even though they defaulted their antiretroviral treatment. The use of ART may also be challenging to individuals. The findings of this study were that not all participants in the study experienced challenges with taking ART. Those who experienced challenges included fear of disclosing HIV status, fear of stigmatization and physical challenges due to ill health. Regarding the reasons for defaulting ART, participants’ reasons for defaulting antiretroviral treatment were similar although some of the reasons applied to only one participant. Participants’ reasons for treatment default were classified into socio-economic factors, patient related, psychological related and medication related factors. Socio- economic factors included shortage of food in the household and lack of money for transport to attend clinic appointments. Patient related factors included substance abuse, lost appointment cards, participants were too busy with personal issues and relocation to another area of residence. Psychological factors that contributed to non-adherence to treatment were depression and denial. Medical related factor voiced was that participant was too confused about the drug regimen. Most participants were satisfied with the services in Thekganang ARV clinic although some participants raised concerns about staff attitudes and long queue. The findings will assist the hospital management and the clinic staff to make informed decisions about the management of defaulters in the clinic. The study was concluded with the relevant recommendations to the ART facilities. The recommendations included implementation of the multi-disciplinary centred approach, establishing patient education programmes and on-going support services to patients who fail to adhere to treatment. Future research studies should determine the prevalence of drug resistant HIV patients in the ART facilities and the development of a systematic method of capturing ‘‘lost to follow up’’ patients who pass away within hospitals. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / lk2014 / Social Work and Criminology / MA / Unrestricted