ISSN 2736-1748
Research Article
African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2326-2691 Vol. 6 (7), pp. 372-387, July, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Perception of HIV/AIDS and socio-cognitive determinants of safe sex practices among college students in the United States of America
Maurice Y. Mongkuo1*, Richard J. Mushi2 and Rollinda Thomas3
1Department of Government and History, Fayetteville State University, 1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301, USA.
2Mississippi Valley State University, 14000 Hwy 82, W. # 7227/7273 Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400, Itta Bena.
3Fayetteville State University, 1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301, USA.
Accepted 11 April, 2018
Abstract
This study applies the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model to explore the perception of HIV/AIDS among students attending a historically black college and university (HBCU) and the socio-cognitive factors that influence safe sex practices among these students. A convenient sample of college students attending a HBCU in the South-eastern United States was surveyed. Exploratory factor analysis generated a seven-dimensional final solution structure from the 41-item survey instrument. Frequency distribution of the students’ HIV prevention information, HIV prevention motivation and AIDS prevention behavioral skills latent constructs was estimated. Multiple regression analysis of predictive influence of the constructs on the college students’ willingness to practice safe sex was performed. The study found that most of the students surveyed are knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS transmission modes, understanding of the risk behavior associated with HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS prevention behavior, willing to associate with HIV infected persons, interested in participating in HIV/AIDS education. This finding is consistent with previous research on college students’ socio-cognitive perception of HIV/AIDS. However, regression analysis showed that academic class, willingness to associate with HIV/AID infected person (stigmatization), interest in HIV/AIDS education, understanding of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors and knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission modes are significant predictors of the HBCU students’ willingness (or intention) to practice safe sex.
Key words: HIV/AIDS knowledge, HIV/AIDS prevention, HIV/AIDS education, safe sex behavior, HIV/AIDS perception, factor analysis, multiple regression analysis, historically black colleges and universities (HBCU).
Richard J. Mushi and Rollinda Thomas, Maurice Y. Mongkuo*
Page: 372 - 387
Research Article
African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2326-2691 Vol. 6 (4), pp. 346-354, April, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Tertiary institution learners’ HIV/AIDS sensitization tool(s) receptivity: Implications for sustainable democracy in Nigeria
Virgy Onyene1, Ngozi Uzoka1, Nonye Ikonta2 and T. V. Bakare3
1Department of Educational Administration, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria.
2Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria.
3Department of Adult Education, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria.
Accepted 05 October, 2017
Abstract
This is a multi-phased study that addresses the issue of tertiary institution based programme for awareness creation in order to integrate HIV/AIDS issues and concerns into social relationships. The purpose of the study was to develop simple communication tool combinations and ascertain through sensitization the potency of the tools to increase HIV/AIDS pandemic awareness among students in Nigerian tertiary institutions of learning. Ten tools were administered and later categorized for same purpose on 100 and 200 level students of two Universities and two Colleges within Lagos metropolis. Each of the items in the questionnaire is biased, with such democratic principles of inclusion, equity and justice. Data were analysed and descriptive statistics used to reveal the quality of each tool as well as to predict their control potency over students’ sexual behaviour and social cohabitation. Among the study findings are that the respondents have, at 25%, a limited knowledge of HIV/AIDS awareness; and 25% were indifferent to awareness programmes due to religious practices and belief, among others. It was recommended that institutions of higher learning should create a centre for HIV/AIDS sensitization and control which will adopt these sensitization tools and integrate them into general courses and relevant campaign procedures.
Key words: HIV/AIDS, pandemic, awareness, procedures.
Nonye Ikonta and T. V. Bakare, Ngozi Uzoka, Virgy Onyene
Page: 346 - 354
Research Article
African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2326-2691 Vol. 6 (10), pp. 410-418, October, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Mental health challenges of the lived experiences of adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS in South Africa
Gloria Thupayagale-Tshweneagae1*, Susan D. Wright2 and William A. Hoffmann2
1University of Botswana, P. O. Box, 47073, Gaborone, Botswana.
2Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa.
Accepted 09 July, 2018
Abstract
Situational analysis approach was used to explore the mental health challenges of the lived experiences of adolescents aged 14 to 18 years living in South Africa who have lost their parents to HIV and AIDS. A qualitative phenomenological approach using reflective diaries was used to extract the lived experiences. Fifteen adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS aged between 14 to 18 years participated in the study. Eight adolescents made weekly entries for eight months and 7 of the participants brought empty diaries. Two major themes of experiences with loss and expressed emotions emerged from the reflective diaries. Experiences with loss had three subthemes of personal experience with loss, experiences with adoptive families and experiences at school. Anger, discrimination and not being told the truth were espoused from the diaries as mental health challenges. Expressed emotions included expression of anxiety, guilt, pretence, denial and hope. It became clear from these experiences and expressed emotions that adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS need love, caring, support and to be given hope for the future.
Key words: Adolescents, lived experiences, mental health challenges, orphans, South Africa.
Gloria Thupayagale-Tshweneagae*, Susan D. Wright and William A. Hoffmann
Page: 410 - 418
Research Article
African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2326-2691 Vol. 6 (9), pp. 403-409, September, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Knowledge and prevention of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh: Evidence from Bangladesh demographic and health survey, 2007
Prosannajid Sarkar
Department of Population Science and Human Resource Development University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +880-721- 750041 - 49/4121, +880-1718154367. Fax: +880-721-750064.
Accepted 27 July, 2018
Abstract
There is no way to get rid of the unbearable sufferings from this killer disease, HIV/AIDS: prevention is the only solution to get rid of it. Increasing knowledge of respondents about the long term effects of this disease is the principal objectives of reproductive health programs recently being carried out in the world. This study gives an idea about this type of health problem. This study is mainly based on secondary data. The study reveals that currently married women (71%) have heard more of HIV/AIDS than formerly married women (about 57%), and that TV is the most dominant source for getting information about HIV/AIDS. In this study, it is also proved that avoiding unsafe blood transfusion is one of the best possible ways of preventing HIV/AIDS. Almost all the variables of contingency analysis are significantly associated (highest significant) with HIV/AIDS. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that currently married women are more likely to use knowledge about HIV/AIDS than formerly married women.
Key words: HIV/AIDS, currently married, formerly married, logistic regression analysis, Bangladesh.
Prosannajid Sarkar
Page: 403 - 409
Research Article
African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2326-2691 Vol. 6 (7), pp. 388-395, July, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Comparative tolerability and efficacy of stavudine 30 mg versus stavudine 40 mg in patients on combination antiretroviral therapy in Kenya
Monicah Wanjiru Karara, Faith Apolot Okalebo, Margaret Ng’wono Oluka, James Ombega, Anastasia Nkatha Guantai and George Oyamo Osanjo*
School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676-00202 Nairobi, Kenya.
Accepted 02 April, 2018
Abstract
Stavudine- containing regimens are currently the most widely used first -line anti-HIV treatment option in Kenya. This study compared the efficacy and tolerability of stavudine at two dose levels in patients attending a HIV Comprehensive Care Centre in Kenya. Data were collected retrospectively from the records of 810 adult patients. Fewer stavudine related adverse effects were seen in patients 60 kg treated with 30 mg stavudine compared to those who received 40 mg (4.2 vs 16.7%, p < 0.001). Patients 60 kg were more likely to experience drug toxicity than those 60 kg when given 30 mg stavudine (12.8 vs 4.2%, p < 0.001). Occurrence of any adverse drug reaction was significantly associated with severe immunosuppression (HR =1.45, CI: 0.86 - 2.45, p < 0.001), co-morbidities (HR = 2.16, CI: 1.06 - 4.38, p < 0.001) and treatment with isoniazid (HR = 2.07, CI: 1.09 - 3.96, p < 0.001). The onset of drug related toxicities was principally in the first year of commencing therapy. Similar immunologic outcomes were demonstrated across all the treatment groups with median CD4 cell counts after 12 months of treatment more than doubling for patients in all the study cohorts. The findings support the use of combination antiretroviral therapy regimens containing low dose stavudine in Kenya.
Key words: Low -dose stavudine, combination antiretroviral therapy, HIV, stavudine tolerability.
Monicah Wanjiru Karara, Margaret Ng’wono Oluka, Faith Apolot Okalebo, James Ombega, Anastasia Nkatha Guantai and George Oyamo Osanjo*
Page: 388 - 395
Research Article
African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2326-2691 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 325-332, February, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Does testing HIV negative encourage potentially dangerous beliefs? A study with young people in Botswana
Ilse E. Plattner
Department of Psychology, University of Botswana, Private Bag 00705, Gaborone, Botswana.
E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +267-355-2825.
Accepted 04 September, 2017
Abstract
While it is assumed that HIV testing could contribute to the reduction of HIV infection rates, little if any research exists regarding whether HIV testing could inadvertently also contribute to the spread of HIV. The study explored whether the experience of testing HIV negative could result in people developing false beliefs about their capability of preventing HIV infection. The study investigated HIV testing and related beliefs among 347 students (18 to 21 years) enrolled at the University of Botswana. Analyses explored whether students who had tested for HIV infection differed in their HIV-related beliefs from students who had never gone for an HIV test. Compared to their counterparts, students who went for an HIV test were more likely to believe that they could trust their dating partner enough not to use a condom and that their dating partner was HIV negative too, even when their partner had not gone for an HIV test; and they were less likely to fear that they could contract HIV from a sexual relationship. The results indicate that the experience of having received an HIV negative test result made students believe that they were in control of HIV, which made them more vulnerable to HIV infection.
Key words: Adolescence, Botswana, cognitive development, dating, distorted beliefs, HIV/AIDS, HIV testing, sexual risk behaviour, self-deception, trust in relationships.
Ilse E. Plattner
Page: 325 - 332