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Review Article
Comparison of Viral Load, CD4 and Hematological Parameters Amongst HIV, Patients on Tenofovir and Zidovudine-Based ARV Therapy in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Chinwe Umeozulu*
,
Nnannah Ibeh,
Isaac Obafemi
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, June 2024
Pages:
1-17
Received:
9 January 2024
Accepted:
21 February 2024
Published:
2 April 2024
Abstract: HIV is a global public health concern and people diagnosed with HIV are treated with Antiretroviral therapy. Until 2017, Tenofovir and Zidovudine-based ART were the two major first line drugs for PLHIVs in Nasarawa Nigeria. This study aims to compare the HIV viral load suppression amongst patients on these two ART combinations in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in three (3) secondary health facilities in Nasarawa State using one hundred subjects selected randomly from the three facilities comprising 50 HIV Sero-positive individuals on Tenofovir-based ART and 50 HIV sero-positive individuals on Zidovudine-based ART. Ethylene diamine Tetra Acetic (EDTA) blood specimen was obtained from each study participant for Full blood count (FBC) using haematology auto-analyser (Sysmex K21N), CD4 count using Partec Cyflow Counter II and HIV viral load analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The demographic data of study participants shows that more females (72) were involved in the study making up 64% of the subjects on Tenofovir and 80% of those on Zidovuine and most of the subjects were within the ages of 26-35years. There was no significant difference (p=0.666) in the viral load of the subjects on any of the regimen. The red blood cells count (RBC) and platelet counts were significantly different (p<0.0001) amongst the subjects on the two ART regimen whereas CD4 count, white blood cells count, lymphocytes count, granulocytes count and Packed cell volume (PCV) were not significantly different within the two groups. Age affected some of the haematological parameters (granulocytes, PCV, RBCs and platelets) within the two groups at different ages. Sex only affected the PCV and granulocytes of subjects within the two different groups (p=0.0069), occupation, knowledge about HIV/AIDS disease and care, duration of ART treatment and year of initial diagnosis of HIV did not affect the haematological and immunological parameters of subjects on the two ART regimen. Conclusively, there is no significant difference in the virologic and immunological response of patients on the two ART therapy but some haematological parameters of subjects on Zidovudine were statistically different from those on Tenofovir.
Abstract: HIV is a global public health concern and people diagnosed with HIV are treated with Antiretroviral therapy. Until 2017, Tenofovir and Zidovudine-based ART were the two major first line drugs for PLHIVs in Nasarawa Nigeria. This study aims to compare the HIV viral load suppression amongst patients on these two ART combinations in Nasarawa State, Ni...
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Research Article
Evaluating Experts’ Perspectives on Utilizing mHealth for Data Services in HIV Program Implementation in Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, June 2024
Pages:
18-28
Received:
4 March 2024
Accepted:
15 March 2024
Published:
2 April 2024
Abstract: Introduction: The widespread adoption of mobile health (mHealth) technology has become a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional healthcare systems. Cameroon, a Central African nation grappling with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, presents a suitable context for mHealth interventions. This study aims to assess expert opinions on the application of mHealth for data services in implementing HIV programs in Cameroon. Methods: Employing a mixed-methods approach, we utilized a quantitative cross-sectional design (via a survey questionnaire) and a qualitative design (through in-depth interviews). The purposive sample technique was employed to recruit health specialists from diverse organizations and healthcare facilities across the country. Results: Analysis of responses from mHealth experts revealed that 76% held a positive perspective on using mHealth for data services in HIV program implementation in Cameroon, while 24% expressed a negative opinion. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant association (p = 0.265) between qualifications and perspectives on mHealth. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) experts exhibited a notable association (94.1%) with positive perspectives on mHealth utilization. In contrast, IT specialists and public health experts demonstrated slightly lower percentages (78.6% and 60%, respectively). Conclusion: Experts in mHealth conveyed optimism about using mHealth to provide data services for implementing HIV programs in Cameroon. The study discovered that mHealth users' perceptions were positively correlated with age group and work position. However, there was no discernible relationship between the attitudes of mHealth users and gender or educational attainment.
Abstract: Introduction: The widespread adoption of mobile health (mHealth) technology has become a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional healthcare systems. Cameroon, a Central African nation grappling with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, presents a suitable context for mHealth interventions. This st...
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Research Article
Study on HIV Status Disclosure and Treatment Adherence Amongst Support Group Members in Mushin Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos State
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, June 2024
Pages:
29-37
Received:
9 April 2024
Accepted:
24 April 2024
Published:
10 May 2024
Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant global health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of the epidemic is highest. Lagos State, in Southwest Nigeria, faces a significant challenge with HIV prevalence, particularly in the Mushin Local Government Area (LGA). This study investigates the relationship between HIV status disclosure and adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) medication among members of the God is Good Support Group in Mushin LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria. The study used a qualitative framework design and conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty members of the support group who were purposely selected due to the specific nature of the target population. Collected data was manually transcribed, while thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. The results showed that the majority of participants in the support group had disclosed their HIV status to their partners, and those who hadn't disclosed often confided in children or close relatives. Participants reported receiving strong support from their confidantes after disclosure. Participants believed that effective treatment adherence is crucial for achieving viral suppression, and a significant majority believed that disclosing their HIV status helped them achieve viral suppression. Most participants had positive experiences disclosing their status to partners, with nearly all reporting supportive partners. Only a small minority reported negative impacts on their sexual life, suggesting that disclosure may not necessarily harm relationships. Based on these findings, the study concludes that there is a high level of disclosure among support group members, and participants with good adherence were more likely to have disclosed their status. Disclosure was associated with achieving viral suppression, potentially due to the support received. The study suggests that strengthening support groups through funding from local, state, and international organizations could be beneficial in encouraging disclosure and improving health outcomes for individuals living with HIV.
Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant global health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of the epidemic is highest. Lagos State, in Southwest Nigeria, faces a significant challenge with HIV prevalence, particularly in the Mushin Local Government Area (LGA). This study investigates the relationship betwee...
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