Master of Public Health - MPH / Background: According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 340 000 children between 0-14years of age are living with HIV in South Africa as of 2019. Decentralization of HIV services was included in South Africa’s paediatric guidelines since 2010 in a bid to improve access to care. The current study sought to address the paucity of Eastern Cape (EC) data on the outcomes of down-referred paediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART) patients. These outcomes included retention in care (RIC) and virological suppression after 12 months Methodology: This retrospective analysis was conducted in the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) district of the EC. The study population included HIV positive males and females, 0-14 years of age at transfer, who were initiated on ART at a tertiary or a regional hospital and subsequently down-referred, between June 2013 and June 2017. Data were collected from electronic databases at the facilities (Tier.net), patient files and patient registers. A descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics software version 26. Results: In total, 80.1% of patients successfully down-referred to a primary healthcare (PHC) facility, in a median of 42 days. Of those, 95.4% of patients were retained in care at 6 months and 93.1% at 12 months after arrival, with a median of 4 scheduled monthly visits missed. For those with results, virological suppression was maintained in 96.7% of patients at 6 months, 92.2% at 12 months and 96.2% for the entire post-transfer period of 2-14 months. In the 2-14 months post down-referral only 76.9% of patients had at least one viral load (VL) result and 50.3% had one CD4 result. For those with results, immune response (IR) to ART was maintained in 100% of patients at 6 months, 94.3% at 12 months and 97.7% in the 2-14 month period post successful down-referral. Conclusions: This study confirmed that loss to follow-up (LTFU) and treatment interruption at the point of transfer are significant risk factors for paediatric ART patients. This study also demonstrated high levels of RIC once patients had successfully down-referred. However, missed clinic visits suggest possible treatment interruptions for many patients post down-referral. While good virological and immunological responses to ART were maintained at the PHC facilities, suboptimal VL and CD4 monitoring was highlighted by the low proportion of available results. Therefore, while there are a number of issues to address, this study confirms that down-referral is a feasible option for up-scaling paediatric HIV care in the EC.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T12:51:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 joaoricardoadossantos_tese.pdf: 8146308 bytes, checksum: b084a50364f9159086f5311dc3310a34 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-01 / Introduction: The main aim in the use of antiretroviral drugs is delaying the progression of immunodeficiency and restoring, as much as possible, an individual s immunity, increasing the length and quality of life of people living with HIV-1-AIDS. The various polymorphisms presented by HIV-1 may have implications for the pathogenesis, transmission, diagnosis, treatment and development of vaccines which enable an effective prophylaxis. Objective: Describing the resistance profile of HIV-1 to antiretroviral drugs in patients with treatment failure in a reference unit in the treatment of AIDS in the city of Catanduva, Northwestern Region of São Paulo State. Methods: Genotyping tests of 527 patients monitored by the Department of Infectious Diseases belonging to Emilio Carlos School Hospital, located in Catanduva-SP, requested between January 2000 and December 2010 were analyzed. All sequences of the viral genome (TR and PR segment of the pol gene) were analyzed in RENAGENO sites (MS-Brazil) and reanalyzed using Stanford University s algorithm, in order to assess the presence of HIV-1 resistance mutations through updated database. Results: Most analyzed patients were male (58.02%), aged between 40 and 50 years old and had already been subjected to ART. The main therapeutic regimen was 3 ARV, followed by 62.78% of patients. The 184V mutation was the most prevalent (52.7%) among all analyzed ones. There was a high prevalence for TAM: 215Y, 41L, 67N, 210W, 70R, whereas TAM 215F and 219Q were the least frequent ones. Among the multidrug resistance-related mutations, the presence of the 118i mutation may be highlighted in 23.5% of viral genomes. Among the NNRTI mutations, the high prevalence of 103N, found in 28.57% of cases, must be emphasized; 36I mutation was the most frequent among PR leading ones. Conclusion: Analysis of the genomic profile of the virus in the population studied showed that the presence of a specific point mutation does not necessarily increase the resistance of HIV-1 to a certain drug. Interactions among polymorphisms may cause not only resistance but also susceptibility to ART. / Introdução: O principal objetivo do uso dos antirretrovirais é retardar a progressão da imunodeficiência e restaurar, tanto quanto possível, a imunidade do indivíduo, aumentando o tempo e a qualidade de vida das pessoas que vivem com HIV-1-AIDS. Os diversos polimorfismos apresentados pelo HIV-1 podem ter implicações na patogênese, na transmissão, no diagnóstico, no tratamento e no desenvolvimento de vacinas que permitam uma profilaxia eficaz. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil de resistência do HIV-1 aos antirretrovirais em pacientes com falha terapêutica em uma unidade de referência no tratamento da AIDS no município de Catanduva, Noroeste Paulista. Métodos: Foram analisados exames de genotipagem de 527 pacientes acompanhados pelo Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas do Hospital Escola Emílio Carlos, localizado na cidade de Catanduva-SP, solicitados entre janeiro de 2000 e Dezembro de 2010. Todas as sequências do genoma viral (segmentos da TR e PR do gene Pol) foram analisadas nos sites da RENAGENO (MS-Brasil) e reanalizadas utilizando-se o algoritmo da Stanford University, a fim de avaliar a presença de mutações de resistência do HIV-1 através de banco de dados atualizado. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes analisados pertence ao sexo masculino (58,02%) e à faixa etária entre 40 e 50 anos e já havia sido submetida à TARV. O principal esquema terapêutico utilizado foi composto por três antirretrovirais, sendo prescrito para 62,78% dos pacientes. A mutação 184V foi a mais prevalente (52,7%) entre todas as analisadas. Houve elevada prevalência para as TAM: 215Y, 41L, 67N, 210W, 70R, enquanto 215F e 219Q foram as TAM menos frequentes. Entre as mutações relacionadas à multirresistência, destacamos a presença da mutação 118I em 23,5% dos genomas virais. Dentre as mutações para ITRNN, ressalta-se a elevada prevalência da 103N, encontrada em 28,57% dos casos; a mutação 36I foi a mais frequente dentre as principais da PR. Conclusão: Análises do perfil genômico dos vírus presentes na população estudada mostraram que a presença pontual de uma determinada mutação não implica no aumento da resistência por parte do HIV-1 a determinada droga. Interações entre polimorfismos podem resultar não só em resistência, mas também em suscetibilidade à terapia antirretroviral.

Magister Artium (Social Work) - MA(SW) / The burden of HIV disease is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa (SA) is particularly affected. Whilst there have been many studies conducted on the biomedical and socio-psychological aspects of HIV and AIDS, insufficient attention has been paid to the quality of life of those infected with the virus. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction (Q-LES) of individuals living with HIV and or AIDS and those on anti-retroviral treatment or being prepared for it. Further, the study determined the relationship between psychological distress and Q-LES of HIV positive individuals because psychological distress is reported to contribute substantially to the burden of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including SA. This quantitative study used a battery of questionnaires administered to 121 participants in an out-patient clinic setting. The main hypothesis tested in this study is: psychological distress is a strong predictor of Q-LES. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to screen for psychological distress and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) to assess the various components of QoL. A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit participants into the study. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS to test the hypothesis. Of the total sample (N=121), 74% were females. The study found that a large proportion (49.5%) of the sample within the age group 25-49 years old had significant presence of psychological distress. Those not on ART yet were significantly affected (66%). The relationship between Q-LES subscales and psychological distress was significant (p< 0.01). The results show that psychological distress was significantly prevalent among HIV positive individuals and it was the strongest predictor of Q-LES among the study participants. Modifying the current psychological intervention programmes, in the public health clinics, for individuals vi infected with the HI virus will assist in improving the current health outcomes and also help to achieve better Quality of Life outcomes.

The effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) transformed the pediatric HIV epidemic. The disease changed significantly over the course of three decades: while early in the epidemic it was almost always fatal, it has become a chronic condition. This study examined how perinatally-infected youth experience the impact of HIV in their lives. A qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was conducted. Twenty in-depth interviews were carried out among 12 women and 8 men aged 18 to 30 years in Puerto Rico. These were conducted in Spanish, audio-recorded, transcribed and translated into English. While narrating their experiences, participants were interpreting what the situation meant to them and how they make sense of it. Three topics emerged: (1) perception and response to treatment and illness, particularly their lived experiences with ART; (2) disclosure experiences; and (3) family matters. Most participants challenged their therapy, in most cases to force their caregivers to disclose their status. Problems with adherence were attributed to busy schedules or forgetfulness. Participants experienced the disfiguring adverse effects of ART, which they endured for years without being informed that ART was the cause of these. Participants’ experiences with disclosure demonstrated the importance of validating them as individuals capable of managing their health. The paternalistic approach of withholding their diagnosis to spare them suffering resulted in increased anxiety. Participants acknowledged the difficulties of revealing their HIV status to their partners. They referred to family and friends as essential in coping with HIV. However, some encountered discrimination and stigma within their families. Participants who had suffered the loss of their parents found other parental figures such as adoptive parents or other family members. Most participants expressed a desire to have children. Perinatally HIV-infected youth will require health services for the rest of their lives. The adult health care into which they transition should consider their needs and journey. Services should consider including family members. This study underscores the need for improved access to mental health services. It is also essential to transcend medical treatment and develop a broader perspective of health care. Health care services should include reproductive decision-making counselling services.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a worldwide pandemic that affects the lives of millions of people across all ages. Its devastating effects are far-reaching and affect all aspects of an individual’s daily life. HIV/AIDS is responsible for widespread clinical manifestations involving the head and neck. Disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems are often associated with HIV/AIDS, however the extent and nature of these vestibular manifestations is still largely unknown. The main aim of this research study was to investigate vestibular functioning and pathology in adults with HIV/AIDS. This was achieved through three main research steps: a systematic literature review of the body of peer-reviewed literature on HIV/AIDS related vestibular manifestations and pathology, a description and comparison of vestibular involvement in adults with and without HIV/AIDS and an investigation to determine if HIV/AIDS influence the vestibulocollic reflex (VCR) pathways. For the first study a systematic literature review related to vestibular findings in individuals with HIV infection and AIDS was conducted. A varied search strategy was used across several electronic databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed reports in English. Several databases (Medline, Scopus and PubMed) and search strategies were employed. Where abstracts were not available, the full paper was reviewed, and excluded if not directly relevant to the study’s aims. Articles were reviewed for any HIV/AIDS associated vestibular symptoms and pathologies reported. For the second and third study, a cross-sectional, quasi-experimental comparative research design was employed. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit subjects. The sample consisted of 53 adults (29 male, 24 female, aged 23-49 years, mean = 38.5, SD = 4.4) infected with HIV, compared to a control group of 38 HIV negative adults (18 male, 20 female, aged 20-49 years, mean = 36.9, SD = 8.2). A structured interview probed the subjective perception of vestibular complaints and symptoms. Medical records were reviewed for cluster of differentiation 4+ (CD4+) cell counts and the use of antiretroviral (ARV) medication. An otologic assessment and a comprehensive vestibular assessment (bedside assessments, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, ocular motor and positional tests and bithermal caloric irrigation) were conducted on all subjects. The systematic literature review identified 442 records, reduced to 210 after excluding duplicates, reviews, editorials, notes, letters and short surveys. These were reviewed for relevance to the scope of the study. There were only 13 reports investigating vestibular functioning and pathology in individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. This condition can affect both the peripheral and central vestibular system, irrespective of age and viral disease stage. Post-mortem studies suggest direct involvement of the entire vestibular system, while opportunistic infections such as oto- and neurosyphilis and encephalitis cause secondary vestibular dysfunction resulting in vertigo, dizziness and imbalance. The second study showed an overall vestibular involvement in 79.2% of subjects with HIV in all categories of disease progression, compared to 18.4% in those without HIV. Vestibular involvement increased from 18.9% in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) category 1 to 30.2% in category 2. Vestibular involvement was 30.1% in category 3. There was vestibular involvement in 35.9% of symptomatic HIV positive subjects and 41.5% in asymptomatic HIV positive subjects. Individuals with HIV were 16.6 times more likely to develop vestibular involvement during their lifetime, than among individuals without this disease. Vestibular involvement may occur despite being asymptomatic. The third study showed that abnormal cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and caloric results were significantly higher in the HIV positive group (p=.001), with an odds ratio of 10.2. Vestibulocollic reflex and vestibulo-ocular reflex involvement increased with progression of the disease. There were more abnormal test results in subjects using ARV therapies (66.7%) compared to those not using ARV therapies (63.6%), but this difference was not statistically significant. Vestibular involvement was significantly more common in subjects with HIV than among those without this disease. This disease and its associated risk profile include direct effects of the virus on the vestibular system as demonstrated by postmortem studies. Opportunistic infections may compromise the functioning of the sensory and neural structures of hearing and the vestibular system indirectly, causing vertigo, dizziness or disequilibrium. Ototoxicity may also be related to vestibular dysfunction, due to the ototoxic nature of certain ARV medications. HIV/AIDS influence not only the vestibulo-ocular reflex, but also the vestibulocollic reflex pathways. Primary health care providers could screen HIV positive patients to ascertain if there are symptoms of vestibular involvement. If there are any, then they may consider further vestibular assessments and subsequent vestibular rehabilitation therapy, to minimize functional limitations of quality of life. / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / lk2014 / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / DPhil / Unrestricted

This non-experimental, retrospective, descriptive and correlational study investigated adherence to antiretroviral drugs among HIV positive patients at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. Data among 118 patients was extracted from clinic registers and patient facility held medical records to determine level of adherence to ART using pharmacy refills (a non-immunological adherence parameter) and compared to CD4 cell count ( an immunological adherence parameter). Adherence levels obtained in this study using pharmacy refills was low (62.7%) and a relatively high non-adherence level of 37.3%. The pharmacy refill adherence level obtained was comparable to CD4 cell count adherence level of 64.6% (as indicated by a 50% CD4 cell count gain). These findings would seem to indicate the need for more education on the importance of adherence and further the need for better adherence monitoring systems / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

This study was done to assess the quality of life (QOL) of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Swaziland who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). No study has been done on QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART since it started to be administered in Swaziland in 2001. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was used to assess QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART. Twenty-four PLWHA were purposely selected to participate in the study. Methods of data collection used were semi-structured individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The data (tape-recorded interviews and discussions, and field notes) were transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Data analysed was done using Tesch’s framework of data analysis as described in Creswell (2002:256-283). The research findings are reflected, with the six domains of QOL identified through a literature review and validated by nurses’ expertise. These domains are the physiological, psychological, spiritual, socio-economic, cognitive, and environmental domains.The study revealed that PLWHA in Swaziland are faced with many challenges concerning ART, namely: inability to meet their nutrition needs, non-adherence to ART, experience of disfiguring side effects of ARVs, inconsistent condom use, experience of stigma and discrimination, depression, difficulty in accepting and coping with ARVs, lowered self-esteem, a negative influence of some religions on ART, a lack of financial support, poor support systems, poor understanding of ARVs, negative thoughts about HIV and AIDS and ART, an unsatisfactory health care delivery system, a negative influence of culture on ART, and violation of the rights of PLWHA. These challenges negatively influence the QOL of PLWHA and hence the study concluded that PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART have a poor QOL. Conclusions drawn from the data analysis reveal that PLWHA in Swaziland are powerless to deal with the above challenges and improve their QOL. The researcher, therefore, developed guidelines to empower PLWHA to deal with these challenges and adhere to ART, thus improving their QOL. Recommendations were made with regard to nursing practice, nursing education, and further nursing research. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This study was done to assess the quality of life (QOL) of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Swaziland who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). No study has been done on QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART since it started to be administered in Swaziland in 2001. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was used to assess QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART. Twenty-four PLWHA were purposely selected to participate in the study. Methods of data collection used were semi-structured individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The data (tape-recorded interviews and discussions, and field notes) were transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Data analysed was done using Tesch’s framework of data analysis as described in Creswell (2002:256-283). The research findings are reflected, with the six domains of QOL identified through a literature review and validated by nurses’ expertise. These domains are the physiological, psychological, spiritual, socio-economic, cognitive, and environmental domains.The study revealed that PLWHA in Swaziland are faced with many challenges concerning ART, namely: inability to meet their nutrition needs, non-adherence to ART, experience of disfiguring side effects of ARVs, inconsistent condom use, experience of stigma and discrimination, depression, difficulty in accepting and coping with ARVs, lowered self-esteem, a negative influence of some religions on ART, a lack of financial support, poor support systems, poor understanding of ARVs, negative thoughts about HIV and AIDS and ART, an unsatisfactory health care delivery system, a negative influence of culture on ART, and violation of the rights of PLWHA. These challenges negatively influence the QOL of PLWHA and hence the study concluded that PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART have a poor QOL. Conclusions drawn from the data analysis reveal that PLWHA in Swaziland are powerless to deal with the above challenges and improve their QOL. The researcher, therefore, developed guidelines to empower PLWHA to deal with these challenges and adhere to ART, thus improving their QOL. Recommendations were made with regard to nursing practice, nursing education, and further nursing research. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This non-experimental, retrospective, descriptive and correlational study investigated adherence to antiretroviral drugs among HIV positive patients at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. Data among 118 patients was extracted from clinic registers and patient facility held medical records to determine level of adherence to ART using pharmacy refills (a non-immunological adherence parameter) and compared to CD4 cell count ( an immunological adherence parameter). Adherence levels obtained in this study using pharmacy refills was low (62.7%) and a relatively high non-adherence level of 37.3%. The pharmacy refill adherence level obtained was comparable to CD4 cell count adherence level of 64.6% (as indicated by a 50% CD4 cell count gain). These findings would seem to indicate the need for more education on the importance of adherence and further the need for better adherence monitoring systems / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

This study aimed to identify factors affecting women’s utilisation of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, evaluate the quality of PMTCT services, describe health outcomes of mothers and infants and to identify factors that influence mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Structured interviews were conducted with 384 women who had utilised PMTCT services. Information was also obtained from the health records of these women and of their infants. Better educated women, who had male partners and were self-employed were more likely to use PMTCT services. Being unmarried, poor and feeling stigmatised made it difficult for women to use these services. Respondents were satisfied with PMTCT services except that clinics sometimes had no medications. The health care workers followed the Ethiopian guidelines during HIV testing and counseling but not when prescribing treatment. Although the respondents’ CD4 cell counts improved, their clinical conditions did not improve. The MTCT rate was significantly higher if infants did not receive ARVs, had APGAR scores below seven, weighed less than 2.5kg at birth, were born prematurely, and if their mothers had nipple fissures. PMTCT services could be improved if more women used these services, health care workers followed the national guidelines when prescribing ARVs, clinics had adequate supplies of medicines, all infants received ARVs, and mothers’ nipple fissures could be prevented. Antenatal care should help to avoid premature births of infants weighing less than 2.5kg and having APGAR scores below 7. Future research should compare formula feeding versus breastfeeding of infants with HIV-positive mothers / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)