MyMedR

Displaying all 3 publications

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among People Living with HIV in Nepal

Shrestha S, Chataut S, Kc B, Acharya K, Pradhan SK, Shrestha S

AIDS Res Treat, 2023;2023:7292115.
PMID: 37492128 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7292115

INTRODUCTION: Patient's knowledge and attitude towards their treatment avert stereotypical misconceptions about the disease and its treatment, as well as aid in attaining optimal adherence. This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, practice, and adherence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) clients in Nepal.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 ART clients visiting five ART sites in the far western region and the capital city of Nepal. The convenience sampling method was employed, and the data were collected through interviews with ART clients using a validated questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors.
RESULT: Approximately 80.7% had adequate knowledge and 55% had a positive attitude towards ART. Stigmatization was associated with ARV by only 4.2%. Half of the participants (50.3%) revealed that they had surreptitiously stored their ART medication, diverging from the recommended storage guidelines. A significant proportion of respondents (33.3%) chose to repackage the medication as a strategy to prevent unintended disclosure of their HIV status. Many (59.3%) believed that ART does not prolong life. Nevertheless, they advocated the regular use of ART rather than taking it only when the health deteriorates (81.8%). The majority (97.6%) were found to be adherent to their ART. There was a significant association of age with a level of knowledge and attitude (p < 0.05). A significant association was also found between knowledge and attitude towards ART (p < 0.05). None of the variables had a significant association with adherence (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Overall, adequate knowledge was demonstrated, whereas efforts are still needed to improve the attitude of ART clients towards ART. A need for counseling regarding the storage practices of ART is needed. A focus on ensuring the perfect translation of adequate knowledge and a positive attitude to the practice of ART clients is essential. Whether adequate ART knowledge and attitude scores will lead to near-perfect ART adherence needs further investigation.
Fulltext Adapting an Evidence-Based Intervention Targeting HIV-Infected Prisoners in Malaysia

Copenhaver MM, Tunku N, Ezeabogu I, Potrepka J, Zahari MM, Kamarulzaman A, et al.

AIDS Res Treat, 2011;2011:131045.
PMID: 21860786 DOI: 10.1155/2011/131045

HIV-infected prisoners in Malaysia represent a critical target population for secondary HIV risk reduction interventions and care. We report on the process and outcome of our formative research aimed at systematically selecting and adapting an EBI designed to reduce secondary HIV risk and improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy among soon-to-be-released HIV-infected prisoners. Our formative work involved a critical examination of established EBIs and associated published reports complemented by data elicited through structured interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders, members of the target population, and their family members. Based on all information, we adapted the Holistic Health Recovery Program targeting people living with HIV (HHRP+), an EBI, to consist of eight 2-hour sessions that cover a range of specified topics so that participants may individually apply intervention content as needed to accommodate their particular substance abuse, HIV risk, and antiretroviral adherence issues. This study provides a complete example of the process of selecting and adapting an EBI-taking into account both empirical evidence and input from target organization stakeholders and target population members and their families-for use in real world prison settings where high-risk populations are concentrated.
Fulltext Barriers to Care for Newly Diagnosed HIV Patients: Insights From a Single-Centre Study

Yong JY, Zaidan NZ, Gan WF

AIDS Res Treat, 2025;2025:7548833.
PMID: 40191382 DOI: 10.1155/arat/7548833

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation and diagnosis process of all newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients and conduct a 'look back' for barriers to care to aid a greater understanding of interventions to reduce late presentation. Methods: We evaluated 102 patients with newly diagnosed HIV who were referred to Melaka Hospital's infectious disease (ID) team from January 2021 to December 2022 via retrospective case record review. They were categorised into late presenters (LPs) and nonlate presenters (NLPs). LP is defined as persons presenting for care with a cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count below 350 cells/μL or presenting with an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining event, regardless of the CD4 cell count. Demographic characteristics, individual and healthcare system barriers and treatment outcomes were evaluated. Results: There were 89.2% of LPs, with 56.9% presenting with opportunistic infection (OI). Median CD4 for LPs upon diagnosis was 53 cells/μL. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia was the most common presenting OI. Most were men who had sex with men (MSM) with more university graduates among the NLPs compared to LPs (36.4% vs. 8.8%, p 0.02). 9.9% of LPs experienced pitfalls during healthcare consultation, leading to late presentation, which was labelled as adverse events. LP's median time from diagnosis to first ID consultation was 7 days, and all patients' median duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation was 24 days. 82.4% of the patients were still on follow-up, with 69.6% achieving virological suppression at 6 months of ART. The mortality rate was 5.9%, all of which were LPs, and most were MSM. Conclusions: Late presentation remains challenging, with 9.9% of potent preventable adverse events. Morbidity meetings are crucial for immediate feedback to involved healthcare providers. Community-based organisations also play an essential role in identifying and providing linkage of high-risk groups to early HIV screening and diagnosis.

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links