African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 12 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The economic burden of HIV/AIDS on patients seeking care at a university teaching hospital in Southwestern Nigeria

Ofonime Effiong Johnson

Department of community health, university of Uyo teaching hospital, Uyo, Nigeria.
E-mail: [email protected]; Phone Number: 2348023062991

Accepted 23 May, 2023

Abstract

This study was carried out among clients attending clinic in a teaching hospital in Uyo, southern Nigeria in 2005. The objective was to determine some of the financial implications of living with HIV/AIDS. This was a descriptive study. Data was collected using a structured, interviewer- administered questionnaire and was subsequently analysed using Epi 6 software. A total of 331 respondents participated in the study, with a male: female ratio of 1:1.The age distribution was 15-69 years. Up to 46.6% of respondents were married, with about 11% having more than 4 children. Though the respondents cut across all income groups, 44.7% either had no income or earned less than 5, 000 naira monthly. This could not support their laboratory investigations and treatment. Financial support was available to only 37.8% of them and was higher among those who disclosed their status to many people. Most of the support (80.8%) was from family members. Up to 60.7% of respondents had either borrowed money or sold assets and 56.9% could not afford quality food as before. Further studies will help determine the current trend of the financial impact of living with HIV/AIDS among clients attending clinic in this part of Nigeria.

Keywords: Assets, financial support, household members, income, borrow.

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 12 (1), pp. 001-004, January, 2024. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Cross-cultural perspectives on adolescent perceptions of HIV/AIDS vulnerability: An American and African comparison

Tuntufye Selemani Mwamwenda

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 50 Holzner Road Pinetown 3610 South Africa. Email: [email protected]

Accepted 25 November, 2023

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to examine African and American adolescents’ claim to HIV/AIDS invulnerability frequently expressed stance that they are not susceptible to the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Participants were selected from diverse countries comprising USA, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania. The method of data analysis consisted of frequency, percentage, chi-square and probability. The measuring instrument was a questionnaire dealing with HIV/AIDS transmission, infection and prevention. The results showed that the majority of participants held the perception and belief that indeed they were invulnerable to HIV/AIDS infection, even though some of them engaged in behaviour that predisposed them to contracting HIV/AIDS. In conclusion, it was argued that HIV/AIDS public education ought to underscore this misconception to advance the cause against HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Keywords: Adolescents in denial, HIV/AIDS transmission, low HIV perception, HIV/AIDS invulnerability, existence of HIV/AIDS, university students

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 12 (1), pp. 001-004, January, 2024. © International Scholars Journals

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, girls’ education, Sierra Leone

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-003, March, 2023. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Short  Communication

Breaking Barriers: A Revolutionary Social Modeling Strategy for Reducing HIV Stigma and Discrimination

SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi MD1, 2* Reza B. Daraei1, 2 and Minoo Mohraz MD, MPH1, 2

¹Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS (IRCHA), Tehran University of Medical Sciences

²Tehran Positive Club, IRCHA

Accepted 09 October, 2023

Abstract

Since HIV/AIDS related stigma exists in all over the world, there is a need for appropriate action against stigma and discrimination by introducing a scientific model to address the issue of stigma. We created a systematic management procedure called "Stigma Reduction Management Model (SRMM version І)". Based on this model, the management of HIV/AIDS care and support institutions is performed thorough a central council participated by trained people living with HIV/AIDS. Subsequently, under the supervision of this council, different practical committees are created. These committees are in close interaction with each other and by participation of HIV positive and negative volunteers can result in the reduction of stigma.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Model, Stigma and Discrimination.

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-006, March, 2023. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Examining the Economic Consequences of HIV/AIDS on Patients Seeking Treatment at a Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Ofonime Effiong Johnson

Department of community health, university of Uyo teaching hospital, Uyo, Nigeria.

E-mail: [email protected]; Phone Number: 2348023062991

Accepted 23 January, 2023

Abstract 

This study was carried out among clients attending clinic in a teaching hospital in Uyo, southern Nigeria in 2005. The objective was to determine some of the financial implications of living with HIV/AIDS. This was a descriptive study. Data was collected using a structured, interviewer- administered questionnaire and was subsequently analysed using Epi 6 software. A total of 331 respondents participated in the study, with a male: female ratio of 1:1.The age distribution was 15-69 years. Up to 46.6% of respondents were married, with about 11% having more than 4 children. Though the respondents cut across all income groups, 44.7% either had no income or earned less than 5, 000 naira monthly. This could not support their laboratory investigations and treatment. Financial support was available to only 37.8% of them and was higher among those who disclosed their status to many people. Most of the support (80.8%) was from family members. Up to 60.7% of respondents had either borrowed money or sold assets and 56.9% could not afford quality food as before. Further studies will help determine the current trend of the financial impact of living with HIV/AIDS among clients attending clinic in this part of Nigeria.

Keywords: Assets, financial support, household members, income, borrow.

African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2736-1748 Vol. 11 (2), pp. 001-011, February, 2023. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Unveiling the Hidden Truth: Self-Stigma and HIV Disclosure among Sub-Saharan African Migrant Women in Belgium

Agnes Ebotabe Arrey¹*, Johan Bilsen¹, Patrick Lacor² and Reginald Deschepper¹

¹Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.

²Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases-AIDS Reference Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.

Accepted 13 November, 2023

Abstract

Antiretroviral treatment has significantly reduced AIDS-related deaths but the increased number of people living with HIV/AIDS and experiencing stigma remains a global health challenge. Self-stigma deeply affects the lives of people with HIV/AIDS and may thwart prevention efforts. This paper explores the drivers of self-stigma, experiences and the coping strategies common to HIV-positive sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrant women in Belgium. Qualitative study of 40 SSA migrant women was conducted between April 2013 and December 2014. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and snowball techniques from AIDS Reference Centers and AIDS workshops in Belgium; if 18 years and older, French or English speaking, and diagnosed HIV-positive more than 3 months. We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients and did observations during consultations and support groups attendances. Follow-up interviews were conducted four to eight months later. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes, aided by NVivo 8 as they emerged from data. Self-stigma was ubiquitous in the lives of almost all participants, driven by: public endorsed negative feelings, chronic/incurable nature of disease, HIV transmission misconceptions. The most striking implications of HIV self-stigma include: reluctance to seek treatment/care, unwillingness to disclose HIV+ status. Participants reported that disclosure/non-disclosure, treatment adherence, faith in God, empathy and support help them cope HIV/AIDS self-stigma. Our findings highlight the complex and shifting nature of self-stigma experienced by SSA migrant women living with HIV/AIDS in Belgium. There is urgent need for innovative culturally-adapted self-stigma reduction programs that will improve personalized support services and optimize HIV prevention and treatment.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Self-stigma, Stigma drivers, African migrant women, Belgium.