African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 12 (7), pp. 001-011, July, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A Study on Infant Feeding Choices among HIV-Positive Mothers in Two Ghanaian Districts

A. K. Laar¹*, W. Ampofo², J. M. Tuakli¹ and I. A. Quakyi¹

¹School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
²Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.

Accepted 2 March, 2024

Abstract

Documentation of the feeding choices and experiences of HIV-positive mothers is needed to improve infant feeding counselling. The feeding behaviour and experiences of mothers receiving infant feeding counselling at two Ghanaian districts were explored. A postpartum survey involving 128 HIV-positive mothers, and in-depth interviews involving a purposively selected sample of 10 HIV-positive mothers were conducted. Exclusive breastfeeding rate was 62%. About six percent of the infants were given breast milk and infant formula, while 33% received breast milk and other feeds. Perceived stigma of formula feeding (odds ratio [OR] 7.50; p < 0.05), and perceived cost of infant formula (OR 0.37; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding for three months. In our multiple regression analysis, perceived stigma of formula feeding (OR 15.62; p < 0.05), and perceived cost of infant formula (OR 4.60; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Social pressure to mix-feed, local norms and “the baby friendly hospital initiative” also influenced infant feeding implementation efforts of mothers. Mothers face various barriers in implementing their feeding intentions. Policy makers and service providers in these districts need to address these issues in order to improve feeding practice.

Key words: Infant feed choices, infant feeding experiences, HIV-positive mothers, Ghana.
 

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 12 (6), pp. 001-005, June, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Exploring the Frequency and Etiology of Epilepsy among Sudanese AIDS patients 

Abbashar Hussein*, Amira Sidig and Mohmad Malk Aldar

Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, P. O. Box 102 Khartoum, Sudan.

Accepted 19 April, 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of epilepsy among Sudanese AIDS patients and to study the underlying causes and types of epilepsy. About 700 AIDS patients where included in this cross sectional hospital based study. Almost 5.71% of the patients had epilepsy and 50% of them had generalized convulsion. Encephalitis was found to be the commonest cause of epilepsy followed by meningitis, brain abscess, CNS lymphoma and toxoplasmosis. The EEGs showed abnormal discharge in 28 patients (70%). AIDS is a great mimicker. It can be present in almost any neurological manifestation. Epilepsy is not an uncommon neurological manifestation associated with AIDS.

Key words: AIDS, epilepsy, Sudanese patients.
 

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 12 (5), pp. 001-007, May, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Exploring the Trauma of Intimate Partner Violence: Insights from Victims in Lagos, Nigeria

Mary O. Esere*, Adeyemi I. Idowu, Irene A. Durosaro and Joshua A. Omotosho

Department of Counsellor Education, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Accepted 15 April, 2024

Abstract

Intimate Partner Rape (IPR) is a pervasive form of gender-based violence and a topical human rights issue. This study investigated the causes and consequences of Intimate Partner Rape and violence as reported by selected married women in Nigeria. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 22 purposively selected married women aged, 22 to 40 years from two Save Our Soul (SOS) Shelters for Abused Women who have been victims of Intimate Partner Rape/Violence. Qualitative data on Intimate Partner Rape/violence experiences and associated factors was collected through eight Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Descriptive analysis was used for the demographic characteristics of the participants. The transcription of the recorded audio cassettes, together with the recorded field notes, provided data for the thematic analysis. The discussions revealed that the principal causes of Intimate Partner Rape/Violence were unequal power relations; alcohol and drug dependence and jealousy. Self-reported consequences of Intimate Partner Rape/Violence by victims included amongst others: physical injury (31.87%) constant headaches (27.27%); sleep disturbances (18.18%); excessive fear and anxiety (9.09%); suicidal ideation (9.09%) and hatred for men (4.55%). These findings confirm that Intimate Partner Rape/Violence may be playing significant but salient role in the poor state of health of Nigerian women. Accordingly, effective intervention strategies at all levels are needed to address it.

Key words: Intimate partner rape/violence, married women, Nigeria, causes, consequences.
 

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 12 (5), pp. 001-010, May, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Community beliefs and practices during pregnancy and their potential effect on HIV prevention product use in Sub-Saharan Africa

Prisca Mutero¹, Alinda M. Young^2,3, Julia H. Ryan², Krishnaveni Reddy⁴, Doreen Kemigisha⁵, Daniel Gondwe⁶, Adlight Dandadzi1, Petina Musara¹

¹University of Zimbabwe – Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
²Women’s Global Health Imperative (WGHI) RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
³Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
⁴Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
5Makerere University – Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
⁶Johns Hopkins Project-College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.

Received July 15, 2023; Accepted October15, 2023; Published May 04, 2024

Abstract

Pregnant and breastfeeding (P/BF) women face a heightened risk of HIV acquisition and need effective HIV prevention methods. The MTN-041 study explored the potential acceptability of the dapivirine vaginal ring, and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis pills use during pregnancy and breastfeeding in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. We explored pregnancy-related practices and beliefs and their potential impact on the use of the ring and pills. Focus group discussions were conducted with P/BF women, grandmothers, male partners, as well as in-depth interviews with key informants. Results revealed that P/BF women engaged in birth preparation practices and consulted traditional/spiritual healers, traditional birth attendants and religious leaders, to promote their health, the health of the unborn baby, to ease the birthing process, and sought spiritual guidance. Participants believed these cultural beliefs and practices could have a potential effect on uptake of the ring and pills during the pregnancy and breastfeeding periods. Therefore, when implementing community roll-out strategies, it is imperative to take these practices into consideration to foster increased uptake. These insights can help tailor interventions and public health strategies to better meet the unique needs of P/BF women in the fight against HIV.

Keywords: Pregnancy, Culture Beliefs and Practices, oral PrEP, Dapivirine Vaginal Ring, HIV/AIDS.

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 12 (4), pp. 001-008, April, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Empowering smallholder farmers: A case study on cassava and sweet potato production in response to HIV/AIDS challenges in Zvishavane district, Zimbabwe

Dadirayi Manyumwa¹, Robert Baars² and Koos Kingma²

¹Corresponding author: Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe.
²Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 411, 6700 AK Wageningen, the Netherlands

Accepted 21 July, 2023

Abstract

This study explored the role of cassava and sweet potato, promoted by the NGO Africare, as a labour saving mitigation strategy in AIDS affected and drought prone Zvishavane District. The study focused on the impact of AIDS on livelihood assets, the current food production and food security, household income, and household coping strategies. A case study among 16 households was conducted. There was a low production of sweet potato whilst cassava was hardly grown, despite the strong promotion of both crops because of their labour saving effects. There was no significant contribution of these crops to food security and income. The households continued to lose productive assets to meet medical expenses and food requirements after the introduction of these crops. The sweet potato cultivation also increased the workload of women who were already burdened with the care giving role. It was recommended to support sweet potato production, which HIV/AIDS affected households are familiar with, to strengthen the community initiative of bartering with maize to meet their food requirements.

Keywords: Food security, HIV/AIDS, sustainable livelihood framework, Zimbabwe.

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 12 (3), pp. 001-004, March, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Metabolic disorders in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: A comprehensive examination of biochemical markers

AI Shugaba¹, CB Uzokwe¹, AM Rabiu², F Shinku¹, IM Gambo², MB Mohammed¹ and VO Onwuliri³

¹Department of anatomy, faculty of medical sciences Universty of Jos, Nigeria.
²Department of physiology, faculty of medical sciences Universty of Jos, Nigeria.
³Ministry of foreign affairs, Abuja, Nigeria.

Accepted 03 September, 2023

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which was first reported in the United States in 1981 has the potential to cause catastrophic medical and social effect because of its Immunosuppressive effect (Sabatier, 1987; Abimuku et al., 1995; Blattner, 1991; National STD, AIDS Control 1992). Lipodystrophy is a defective fat metabolism of Lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy experienced by HIV patients on Anti-Retroviral therapy (ARV) (Grunfeld, 2001). The aim of this study was to determine the Lipid profile, total protein and glucose concentration in 14 HIV patients on ARV with Lipodystrophy. 28 HIV patients were recruited randomly in the outpatient clinic of the infectious disease unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), their blood samples collected, centrifuged and analyzed. The lipid profile, albumin and bilirubin were increased while glucose and total protein concentration were decreased in patients with Lipodystrophy. 62.8% of females and 37.2% of males, and 59% of married victims and 41% of singles were affected. 47.8% attended tertiary institution, 31.2% of secondary schools and 21% primary school level. Patients with Lipodystrophy were on ARV treatment for a period of 17 – 24 months while those without Lipodystrophy were on ARV for a period of 8 – 12 months. This study showed increase in the mean concentrations of HDL-Cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin and bilirubin and decrease in the mean concentration of glucose and total protein in patients with Lipodystrophy.

Keywords: HIV patient, ARV, Lipodystrophy.