Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 1 March 2012
Andrieux-Meyer I, Clayden P, Collins S, Geffen N, Goemaere E, et al.
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 1 March 2012
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 24 March 2020; Volume 20 (Issue 1); DOI:10.4102/sajhivmed.v21i1.991
Khamisa N, Mokgobi M, Basera T
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 24 March 2020; Volume 20 (Issue 1); DOI:10.4102/sajhivmed.v21i1.991
Background
Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) is a global health and social problem, with South Africa having an estimated overall prevalence rate of 13.5%. Compared to young male participants, young female participants have been reported to have less knowledge about HIV and AIDS, including prevention strategies, and this is associated with risky sexual behaviours and negative attitudes towards condom use.
Objectives
The study investigated gender differences in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards HIV and AIDS among 542 private higher education students in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Method
Participants completed an online structured questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes and behaviours as well as demographics (including age, gender and relationship status).
Results
The results indicate that overall there were no significant differences between male and female students in terms of HIV and AIDS knowledge. However, female students had significantly less knowledge with regard to unprotected anal sex as a risk factor for HIV and AIDS. In addition, young female students reported condom use at last sex less frequently than male students. Nonetheless, both genders reported a positive attitude towards condom use and towards people living with HIV and AIDS.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the relevant authorities at the state and the higher education level seriously consider implementing specific strategies for preventing HIV and AIDS through improved knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among young females.
Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) is a global health and social problem, with South Africa having an estimated overall prevalence rate of 13.5%. Compared to young male participants, young female participants have been reported to have less knowledge about HIV and AIDS, including prevention strategies, and this is associated with risky sexual behaviours and negative attitudes towards condom use.
Objectives
The study investigated gender differences in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards HIV and AIDS among 542 private higher education students in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Method
Participants completed an online structured questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes and behaviours as well as demographics (including age, gender and relationship status).
Results
The results indicate that overall there were no significant differences between male and female students in terms of HIV and AIDS knowledge. However, female students had significantly less knowledge with regard to unprotected anal sex as a risk factor for HIV and AIDS. In addition, young female students reported condom use at last sex less frequently than male students. Nonetheless, both genders reported a positive attitude towards condom use and towards people living with HIV and AIDS.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the relevant authorities at the state and the higher education level seriously consider implementing specific strategies for preventing HIV and AIDS through improved knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among young females.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 8 November 2019; Volume 20 (Issue 1); 1030.; DOI:10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.1030
Govender NP, Meintjes GA, Mangena PM, Nel J, Potgieter S, et al.
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 8 November 2019; Volume 20 (Issue 1); 1030.; DOI:10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.1030
Journal Article > Short ReportFull Text
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 28 April 2015; DOI:10.4102/hivmed.v16i1.376
Nelson AM, Maritz J, Giddy J, Frigati L, Rabie H, et al.
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 28 April 2015; DOI:10.4102/hivmed.v16i1.376
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 11 June 2019; Volume 20 (Issue 1); 905.; DOI:10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.905
Sharp J, Wilkinson LS, Cox V, Cragg C, van Custem G, et al.
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 11 June 2019; Volume 20 (Issue 1); 905.; DOI:10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.905
BACKGROUND
Eligibility for differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models has to date been limited to low-risk stable patients.
OBJECTIVES
We examined the outcomes of patients who accessed their care and treatment through an ART adherence club (AC), a differentiated ART delivery model, immediately following receiving support to achieve viral suppression after experiencing elevated viral loads (VLs) at a high-burden ART clinic in Khayelitsha, South Africa.
METHODS
Beginning in February 2012, patients with VLs above 400 copies/mL either on first or second-line regimens received a structured intervention developed for patients at risk of treatment failure. Patients who successfully suppressed either on the same regimen or after regimen switch were offered immediate enrolment in an AC facilitated by a lay community health worker. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who enrolled in an AC directly after receiving suppression support. We analysed outcomes (retention in care, retention in AC care and viral rebound) using Kaplan–Meier methods with follow-up from October 2012 to June 2015.
RESULTS
A total of 165 patients were enrolled in an AC following suppression (81.8% female, median age 36.2 years). At the closure of the study, 119 patients (72.0%) were virally suppressed and 148 patients (89.0%) were retained in care. Six, 12 and 18 months after AC enrolment, retention in care was estimated at 98.0%, 95.0% and 89.0%, respectively. Viral suppression was estimated to be maintained by 90.0%, 84.0% and 75.0% of patients at 6, 12 and 18 months after AC enrolment, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that patients who struggled to achieve or maintain viral suppression in routine clinic care can have good retention and viral suppression outcomes in ACs, a differentiated ART delivery model, following suppression support.
Eligibility for differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models has to date been limited to low-risk stable patients.
OBJECTIVES
We examined the outcomes of patients who accessed their care and treatment through an ART adherence club (AC), a differentiated ART delivery model, immediately following receiving support to achieve viral suppression after experiencing elevated viral loads (VLs) at a high-burden ART clinic in Khayelitsha, South Africa.
METHODS
Beginning in February 2012, patients with VLs above 400 copies/mL either on first or second-line regimens received a structured intervention developed for patients at risk of treatment failure. Patients who successfully suppressed either on the same regimen or after regimen switch were offered immediate enrolment in an AC facilitated by a lay community health worker. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who enrolled in an AC directly after receiving suppression support. We analysed outcomes (retention in care, retention in AC care and viral rebound) using Kaplan–Meier methods with follow-up from October 2012 to June 2015.
RESULTS
A total of 165 patients were enrolled in an AC following suppression (81.8% female, median age 36.2 years). At the closure of the study, 119 patients (72.0%) were virally suppressed and 148 patients (89.0%) were retained in care. Six, 12 and 18 months after AC enrolment, retention in care was estimated at 98.0%, 95.0% and 89.0%, respectively. Viral suppression was estimated to be maintained by 90.0%, 84.0% and 75.0% of patients at 6, 12 and 18 months after AC enrolment, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that patients who struggled to achieve or maintain viral suppression in routine clinic care can have good retention and viral suppression outcomes in ACs, a differentiated ART delivery model, following suppression support.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 4 June 2008
Ford NP, Gray A, Venter F
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 4 June 2008
Scaling up antiretroviral therapy (ART) in developing countries would not have been possible without market competition, which has driven down the price of standard first-line ARV drugs from more than US$12,000 per person per year in 2000 to US$99 today. However, access to new, second-line ARVs remains largely restricted to originator (patented) drugs. This causes significant challenges in countries where access to newer drugs is becoming inceasingly important as programmes mature and face challenges related to drug toxicity and resistance. Toxicity, in particular, has emerged as a major reason for individual drug switches and regimen changes, and is strongly implicated in decreasing adherence.
Journal Article > ReviewFull Text
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 1 December 2011
Garone DB, Hilderbrand K, Boulle AM, Coetzee D, Goemaere E, et al.
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 1 December 2011
Journal Article > Short ReportFull Text
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 21 May 2013; DOI:10.7196/sajhivmed.924
Wilkinson LS
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 21 May 2013; DOI:10.7196/sajhivmed.924
The ART-adherence club model described here provides patient-friendly access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for clinically stable patients. It reduces the burden that stable patients place on healthcare facilities, increasing clinical human resources for new patients, and those clinically unstable and at risk of failing treatment. In the model, 30 patients are allocated to an ART club. The group meets either at a facility or community venue for less than an hour every 2 months. Group meetings are facilitated by a lay club facilitator who provides a quick clinical assessment, referral where necessary, and dispenses pre-packed ART. From January 2011 to December 2012, after adoption for phased rollout by the Western Cape Government, more than 600 ART clubs were established in Cape Town, providing ART care to over 16 000 patients. This extensive, rapid rollout demonstrates active buy-in from patients and facility staff. South Africa should consider a similar model for national rollout.
Journal Article > Short ReportFull Text
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 2 July 2015; DOI:10.4102/hivmed.v16i1.353
Ashmore J, Henwood R
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 2 July 2015; DOI:10.4102/hivmed.v16i1.353
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 5 March 2014; DOI:10.7196/SAJHIVMED.1025
Stinson K, Giddy J, Cox V, Burton R, Ibeto M, et al.
Southern African Journal of HIV medicine. 5 March 2014; DOI:10.7196/SAJHIVMED.1025