As a multi-faceted phenomenon, prostitution is influenced by various factors, including gender, social norms, and legal frameworks. Prostitution is criminalized, and this legal framework has been associated with adverse outcomes for sex workers, such as violence, stigma, and limited access to essential healthcare services, especially those related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and treatment. This study explored how criminalization exacerbates vulnerabilities by creating a hostile environment for sex workers, constraining their ability to negotiate safer working conditions, and increasing the risks of HIV transmission. It supported transitioning from punitive measures to a more humane approach that respects their rights. This research suggested that decriminalization, educational empowerment, harm reduction strategies, and better healthcare access, are essential parts for improving the welfare and reducing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, it discussed how deep-seated societal stigma and cultural taboos create discriminatory barriers, which hinder access to important preventive programs. By analyzing global best practices and the impact of Indonesia’s legal and health frameworks, the study emphasized the requirement for comprehensive policy reforms, prioritizing the health, safety, and human rights of sex workers. In conclusion, community-based non-punitive policies, which decriminalize sex work must be implemented to effectively combat the HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome epidemic and improve health outcomes as sex worker-friendly health services. This approach, coupled with a shift in societal attitudes toward sexual health and human rights, will contribute to better health outcomes and a reduction in HIV transmission among high-risk groups.
Introduction We have recently published a study indicating that, given a wide range of confounding factors, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains an independent factor accelerating epigenetic ageing. In this research, a detailed analysis of medical history of ten (n = 10) participants from our previous study was conducted, for whom extreme results of global DNA methylation, a key marker of epigenetic ageing, were obtained. Material and methods The current study included five (n = 5) patients with the highest levels of global DNA methylation, and five (n = 5) with the lowest levels of global DNA methylation. The current analysis focused particularly on clinical status at the time of HIV diagnosis and at the start of combined antiretroviral therapy. Results In the analysis of continuous variables, no significant differences between groups were reported, even without multi-test corrections. This was attributable to small group sizes. The strongest (most negative) association was observed between global DNA methylation and years since HIV diagnosis (ρ = –0.400, permutation p = 0.249), followed by HIV RNA at diagnosis (ρ = –0.309, p = 0.386). Conclusions No common, distinct feature distinguishing HIV-infected individuals with low versus high global DNA methylation levels was identified. However, the results suggest a negative correlation between the global DNA methylation level and the time since HIV diagnosis as well as viral load at diagnosis.
Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/tuberculosis (TB) co-infection has become huge barrier to achieving TB control in the world. TB, despite being discovered in 1882, remains a major public health problem in many developing countries. The problem is now further complicated by persistent spread of HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study attempted to describe the underlying correlates of HIV/TB co-infection. Material and methods A retrospective study in the Department of Tuberculosis and Chest Disease at a tertiary care teaching hospital was conducted from January 2011 to December 2019, among 622 patients co-infected with HIV and TB from ART center of G. K. General Hospital in Kutchh, Bhuj, India. Demographic details were collected, including age, sex, symptoms at presentation, mode of transmission, occupation, residence, TB details (diagnosis, type of TB, CBNAAT results, and CD4+ count at TB detection), details of antiretroviral therapy and anti-TB treatment, and treatment outcomes. Results The diagnosis of pulmonary TB (71.86%, n = 447) dominated in the population sampled, followed by extra-pulmonary TB (28.14%, n = 175), with predominant pulmonary TB being observed throughout the study duration. The rate of HIV/TB co-infection in this study was found to be higher among males (78.7%, n = 490) in the sexually active age group of 31-40 years (37.45%, n = 175), living in rural areas (54.51%, n = 339), and laborers by occupation (17.68%, n = 110). In line with studies across India, the heterosexual route was the main way of transmission in this population (n = 556) at 89.38%. Conclusions The prevalence of HIV/TB co-infection was higher in sexually active married males with poor education, laborers by occupation, living in rural areas, and of lower socio-economic class. HIV/TB co-infection was observed to be associated with reduced CD4+ counts, which could fasten the progression to AIDS. Health interventions should mainly focus on the rural population, as 54.5% of HIV/TB co-infected persons were living in rural areas. Awareness campaigns should address this high-risk inhabitants along with aggressive case finding.
Introduction Barbers are one of the groups who are likely to develop acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Using ordinary barber's tools and failing to adhere to cleanliness requirements can lead to spreading of the illness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS prevention behaviors among barbers. Material and Methods The current study was a systematic review. We performed a search of Persian and English articles in Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran databases, published from 2000 to 2023. Out of 70 articles assessed, 24 publications were selected, which were relevant to the study objective. Key words used were "AIDS/ HIV," "Prevention," "Salon Workers," "Hairdressers," "Barbers," and "Knowledge." Results Based on the findings, the effective factors in AIDS prevention behaviors in barbers were classified into five categories: 1) information, knowledge, and attitude; 2) education and empowerment; 3) perceived sensitivity and intensity; 4) perceived benefits; and 5) the influence of media and people. Conclusions According to the outcomes of the study, it is feasible to improve HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors among barbers by raising knowledge, attitude, perceived susceptibility, perceived sensitivity, and perceived advantages toward AIDS with effective planning, which eventually will prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Biological and socio-structural factors result in susceptibility of women to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared with men. This systematic review aimed to assess the relationship between women's empowerment with high-risk sexual behaviors and HIV preventive measures. For this systematic review, which followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 checklist, a literature search was conducted in databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, until February 2022. Studies were included if they reported on relationship between women's empowerment with high-risk sexual behaviors and HIV-preventive measures. Two independent authors were involved in studies’ selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. A total of eleven observational studies with 126,701 participants were included in this review. Higher education and wealth, living in a society with a high proportion of women with higher education, and a moderate level of poverty were significantly accompanied by multiple sexual partners and engaging in high-risk sexual encounters. By contrast, higher education and wealth level, being employed, having high sexual autonomy, and positive attitudes toward safer sex negotiation, increased the likelihood of HIV testing. The relationship between different empowerment indicators and the use of female and male condoms or the acceptance of their use were contradictory in different studies at individual and national levels. Although this study shows the relationship between some indicators of women's empowerment with high-risk sexual behaviors and/or HIV-preventive measures, due to the existing contradictions, further studies are recommended to assess other factors contributing to the engagement of women in high-risk behaviors in different cultural contexts.
Introduction Prisoners are at higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HIV among prisoners in different continents, and investigate its heterogeneity. Material and Methods International databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Science were explored for original articles reporting the prevalence of HIV among prisoners from 2000 to 2022. Random effect model was applied to estimate pooled prevalence, and analysis was performed with Stata 13 using the metaprop package. Results Sixty-three studies evaluating HIV prevalence among total of 9,034 prisoners worldwide were included in the study. The prevalence rates of HIV varied considerably, ranging from 0 in Iran and England to > 0.23 in Zambia and 0.19 in Ghana. While the pooled prevalence of HIV among prisoners in all countries was 0.03 (95% CI: 0.03-0.04%), it was estimated that 0.01 (95% CI: 0.01-0.21%), 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01-0.03%), 0.03 (95% CI: 0.02-0.04%), and 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01-0.03%) prevalence rates were reported in Africa, Asia, North America, and Europe and South America, respectively. The prevalence among men was 0.04 but raised to 0.11 in Asia, and in women, it was 0.03 but also raised to 0.09 in Africa (one study). Conclusions Although the overall rate of HIV-infected male prisoners showed a higher prevalence than women, this difference was more evident in Asia. The prevalence and heterogeneity were very high among males in Asia. In contrast, among males in North America and Europe, the rates were low and more homogenous, which may be due to better healthcare infrastructure, effective government policies, and HIV education.
Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care within HIV hyperendemic eThekwini municipality remains a public health challenge. Non-availability of any formal framework to support HIV care delivery within the mobile health clinics (MHCs) needed attention. Aim of the study was to develop a conceptual framework to strengthen and improve the utilization and delivery of HIV care within the MHCs of eThekwini municipality. The study was conducted in eThekwini District of KwaZulu Natal Province. Material and methods An explanatory descriptive simultaneous QUAL+quant+qual multimethod study design was employed on 13 MHCs nurses, 137 MHCs and 12 MHCs managers, preceded by a systematic literature review on HIV care delivery in MHCs and Donabedian’s model and Dickoff’s theory was adapted for development of the framework following data analysis for individual studies employing descriptive statistics and Atlas.TI respectively. Results The researchers performed meta-inference and interpreted the qualitative findings from two studies and descriptive results from the quantitative study. Following findings obtained from the systematic review. Multiple themes emerged from the review, operations, and managers suggestive that gross lack of standardized HIV care exists in the MHCs, with multiple challenges spreading across operations and management. While infrastructural challenges exist. Various suggestions also emerged from the study and formed bases for construction of the conceptual framework. Conclusions The developed NIMART strengthening framework for MHCs addresses current contextual challenges addressing stakeholders, context, dynamics, procedures, and outcomes concerning HIV care in MHCs in line with the universal HIV care and support framework.
Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a chronic disease associated with psycho-social risks, including stigma and poor mental health. Concurrently, these can have a substantial impact on quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of QoL among persons living with HIV, and to assess its association with depression, anxiety, and social support. Material and methods This was a cross-sectional study among 209 respondents receiving care from HIV clinic of General Hospital, Calabar. Socio-demographic questionnaire, World Health Organization QoL in HIV – BREF (WHOQOL HIV-BREF), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and Oslo social support scale (OSSS-3), were administered to consenting clinic attendees. Alpha level for bivariate analysis was set at 0.05. Results QoL was lowest in independence domain and highest in spirituality domain. Patients with at least secondary education and those with employment had a significantly better QoL (p < 0.05). All QoL domains showed significant negative correlations with both anxiety and depression scores (p < 0.05), while physical, psychological, environmental, and spirituality fields had substantial positive correlations with social support (p < 0.05). After linear regression, anxiety (β = –0.31; 95% CI: –1.37 to –0.62), depression (β = –0.46; 95% CI: –1.85 to –1.10), and unemployment (β = –0.10; 95% CI: –6.20 to –0.26), predicted QoL. Conclusions Anxiety and depression reduce the QoL of people living with HIV. Social support, on the other hand, might be a protective factor. More research is needed to establish causal relationships.
At present, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the biggest and most mortal infectious diseases worldwide in distribution, while human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases increase each year. Opportunistic infections are among the major health problems affecting HIV/AIDS patients worldwide, usually following an increase in immunosuppression, which occurs mainly in late stages of disease. Immunosuppression is also known to expose HIV-positive patients to a wide range of parasitic and microbial infections. Intestinal parasitic infections cause severe problems in patients infected with HIV. There have been reports of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients from different regions of Iran, and the most common species are Giardia lamblia, Blastocystis hominis, and Cryptosporidium. The impact of intestinal parasite infections on immunocompromised patients has been studied extensively worldwide, but few comparable studies have been conducted in Iran. Iran's HIV/AIDS situation is suspected to be more serious than previously thought, with the main concern being the spread of the disease from injecting drug addicts to the young population through risky sexual behaviors. In Iran, intestinal parasite infections remain a major health concern, with the World Health Organization estimating that 3.5 billion people are affected by intestinal parasitic infections worldwide.
Introduction: About 5% of the 38 million people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) worldwide are children aged less than 15 years. A significant proportion of caregivers living with HIV-seropositive children still fail to disclose their children's status to them due to a multiplicity of factors, leading to a high prevalence of preventable mortality among preteens and adolescents. Disclosure to HIV-seropositive children is critical in enhancing their standard of life. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed in this study. Data collection was carried out using structured interviews in May 2021 among 100 participants at Parirenyatwa Centre of Excellence. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22.0 was used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed that only 20 (20%) participants had disclosed the HIV-seropositive status to their children. Disclosure status was significantly associated with the relationship with child (p = 0.043), number of children taken care of (p = 0.041), child's age (p = 0.012), fear of child's response (p = 0.021), child enquiring on status (p = 0.011), and fear of psychological harm to the child (p = 0.041). Conclusions: This study concludes that early HIV disclosure is critical in promoting adherence to treatment, while caregivers need to be empowered to disclose early. There is a need to formulate evidence-based guidelines and standardized operational modalities to support the disclosure of HIVseropositive status to children. Collaborative management is significantly required in helping caregivers in the disclosure process.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks human immune system by destroying CD4+ T cells, which are the main component of immune system, lowering body's resistance, so that HIV-infected patients are susceptible to other infections. HIV mainly attacks the productive age group, where half of new infection cases occur in people aged under 25.5 years. HIV affects not only an individual's health, but also households, communities, and development and economic growth of any country. The aim of the study was to investigate the safety of antiretroviral (ARV) regimen use in pregnant women. For that, a systematic review was conducted in literature related to a pre-determined theme. The literature was searched systematically using PRISMA guidelines, and the published articles were search in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar electronic databases. After reading, 13 articles on interventions among pregnant women, neonates, and ARV drug usage were selected. Dolutegravir-based ARV therapy is safe and recommended for pregnant and lactating women. Most of the treatments consists of three ARV drugs, as recommended.
Introduction: Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience a higher burden of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection compared with the general population. Although immune dysregulation has been demonstrated in HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU) children, their risk of HPV infection remains unclear. This study assessed the prevalence, genotype distribution, and clinical manifestations of HPV infection among pre-pubertal HEU children and their HIV-positive mothers in Poland. Material and methods: Thirty HEU children (median age, 17.7 months) and 28 WLWH were examined, along with 24 HIV-unexposed controls. Genital swabs were tested for 35 HPV genotypes by PCR, and HPV 6/11/16/18 antibodies were assessed by ELISA. Mothers also underwent gynecological examination and cervical cytology. Results: HPV DNA was detected in 12/ 28 mothers (43%), including 11 (39%) with high-risk HPV types and 21% with multiple infections (2-7 genotypes), most frequently HPV 16, 31, 52, and 83. Cytological abnormalities, such as inflammatory changes, LSIL, ASC-US, and ASC-H, occurred in 17%, 25%, 17%, and 8% of HPV-positive women, respectively. HPV DNA was found in 3/30 (10%) of HEU children and none among controls (p = 0.24), while HR-HPV accounted for 100% of HEU children infections. Nonavalent vaccine-covered genotypes were revealed in 43% of HPV infections in mothers and 75% in children. All serologic tests were negative. Conclusions: Women living with HIV showed a high prevalence of HPV, with frequent multiple infections and predominance of high-risk genotypes. HPV DNA was detected in 10% of HIV-exposed, uninfected children. These findings underscore the need for larger longitudinal studies to better define HPV epidemiology in HEU children, and to inform preventive strategies.
Introduction: Critical appraisal is a key step in the process of evidence-based practice. Strong evidence is required for decisions on patient care and policy-making, and high-quality studies are vital for developing the foundation of evidence-based medicine. This study aimed to assess the compliance of published cross-sectional studies regarding pregnancy decision-making in women with human immuMaterial and methods: In this critical review, the search was performed through English databases including PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus and Google Scholar search engine, without a time limit until the end of September 2022 with the keywords of HIV, AIDS, HIV seromaking, contraceptive methods, and family planning. Finally, 38 English articles were critically appraised using the STROBE checklist. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 22). Results: The overall compliance rate with the STROBE statements was 77.36%. Introduction was the section with the highest level of compliance (98%) and results was the section with the lowest level of compliance (60.69%). 27 studies (71.05%), had good and 11 studies (28.94%) had moderate quality. The publication of the STROBE statement has not had a significant effect on the overall quality score of published studies (p = 0.14). Conclusions: It is suggested that not only medical journals use the STROBE statement to evaluate articles but also the researchers adhere to its standard principles when preparing and submitting articles.
Introduction Papillomaviruses are the main causes of cervical cancer. Objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and genotypic characteristics of cervical papillomaviruses in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-positive women. Material and methods Prospective cross-sectional observational study among HIV-positive women at Almenara General Hospital in Peru, between November 2017 and December 2018, was conducted. HPV detection and typing was performed using a polymerase chain reaction technique that evaluated 21 genotypes, stratified according to oncogenic risk, i.e., six low-risk or non-oncogenic (6, 11, 42, 43, 44, and 81), and fifteen high-risk or truly oncogenic (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68). Results We evaluated 148 HIV-positive women. The overall prevalence of papillomavirus infection of the cervix was 41% (61/148). Of these infections, 75% (46/61) were caused by oncogenic genotypes, and in this risk group, 57% (26/46) of women were affected by a single papillomavirus genotype. The most frequent non-oncogenic genotypes detected were human papillomavirus (HPV)-6 in 26% (16/61) and HPV-11 in 23% (14/61) of women. The most frequent oncogenic genotypes were HPV-16 (16%; 10/61), HPV-52 (13%; 8/61), HPV-58 (13%; 8/61), HPV-53 (12%; 7/61), HPV-31 (10%; 6/61), and HPV-45 (10%; 6/61). The frequency of HPV-18 reached 5% (3/61), while concurrent infection with HPV-16/18 was detected in 3% (2/61) of patients. Conclusions The prevalence of papillomavirus infection of the cervix in HIV-positive women is high in our center, with three quarters caused by oncogenic genotypes. Genotype 16 was the most frequent high-risk papillomavirus.
Introduction: Recently, there has been a rise in the prevalence of obesity among people living with hua risk factor for other comorbid conditions. This study aimed to determine the attitude, perception, and psychological consequences of obesity in HIV-positive adults. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study among 412 HIV-positive adults was conducted using an interview-administered questionnaire with validated scales to obtain data on attitude, perception, and psychological consequences of obesity. IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 was applied for data analysis. Respondents' characteristics were assessed by their anthropometric obesity status using proportions, mean, and standard deviation. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of psychological consequences of obesity were computed. Relationships between obesity and attitude, perception, and psychological consequences of obesity were assessed using bivariate analysis and logistic regression. Results: More than two-thirds (68.4%) of the respondents were females. The participants' mean age was 47.4 (10.3) years. 80.6% (95% CI: 76.4-84.3) of the patients had a positive attitude and good perception (52.2%; 95% CI: 47.2-57.1) of obesity. At a 5% level of significance, obesity was associated with impaired quality of life (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.04-2.83) and cognitive restraint (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity and its psychological consequences among people living with HIV in Nigeria is significantly high, while the attitudes and perceptions of obese people are sub-optimal, creating a need for health education and interventions.
Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a global health problem. It is estimated that around 37.7 million people have been infected with HIV, with an additional 1.5 million of new HIV-infected cases, while a total of 680,000 have died from AIDS-related diseases. As reported in March 2021, the cumulative number of people living with HIV in Indonesia was 427,201, of whom 27.2% were homosexuals, including a group of male population who have sex with men (26.3%) and transgender people (0.9%). This research aimed to identify the influence of respondent characteristics and risk behavior on adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model among HIV-1-infected gay and bisexual individuals living in Surabaya. Material and methods: Questionnaire data were collected from 57 HIV-1-infected gay and bisexual people. Questionnaire data were analyzed using the IMB model. Results: The respondent characteristics, such as age, initial HIV diagnosis, and viral load examination, had an influence on adherence to ART, with a moderate category path coefficient (0.476) using the IMB model. Conclusions: The characteristics of respondent have an influence on adherence to antiretroviral medication, with a medium category path coefficient according to the IMB model.
Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in Pakistan has transitioned from low to concentrated levels among people who inject drugs (PWIDs). Although HIV prevalence in the general population is still low (< 0.1%), the prevalence in some high-risk groups is > 5%. Although second-generation surveillance has tracked HIV-prevalence since 2004, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no study evaluating risk factors associated with HIV seroconversion among homeless PWIDs has been conducted in the country. Therefore, we assessed the risk factors associated with HIV seroconversion among homeless PWIDs. Material and methods: A nested case-control study in a cohort was conducted to estimate the incidence rate of HIV among individuals receiving harm reduction services in the megacity of Karachi. Only homeless PWIDs were selected for analysis. HIV-seroconverted homeless PWIDs (n = 82) were considered cases, while homeless HIV-negative PWIDs (n = 189) were enrolled as controls. Results: In multivariable regression analysis, five factors, including being non-Muslim (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.6; p = 0.02), sharing of syringes (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.0-7.6; p < 0.000), source of syringes other than DIC and MSU (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1-3.9; p = 0.03), lack of knowledge that HIV spreads through sex (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.0-6.1; p = 0.04), and frequency of daily injecting drugs (AOR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2-1.7; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with HIV seroconversion. Conclusions: Programmatic improvements in homeless injecting drug users, focused on risk reduction and public health outreach, are needed to control the HIV epidemic among PWIDs in Pakistan.
Introduction: Depression in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is a prevalent mental health condition, which can lead to adverse impacts on their quality of life, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with depression in HIV patients, with a particular focus on demographic, clinical, social, and psycho-social characteristics. Previous research has identified several risk factors for depression, such as age, sex, lower education level, and social isolation; however, these are not well understood. This study aimed to further explore the risk factors and their implications for HIV patients with depression. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study used data of 338 HIV-infected patients on demographic, clinical, and psycho-social factors, including marital status, family type, family size, alcohol consumption, and information on duration of HIV infection and receipt of HIV treatment. Data on 36 variables were collected between July and December 2020 in Bangladesh. Depression outcome was assessed using Beck's depression inventory questionnaire, while ordinal logistic regression model was applied for data analysis. Results: The study showed that occupation (p = 0.0267), religion (p = 0.0009), type of family (p <= 0.0001), monthly income (p = 0.0023), and drug abuse (p = 0.0128) were statistically significant risk factors for depression, with other variables adjusted. Conclusions: Certain occupational, religious, and family categories as well as low monthly income and a history of drug abuse are associated with a higher risk of depression. Identifying and understanding these risk factors can help healthcare providers identify patients at higher risk and provide appropriate interventions to manage their mental health effectively. HIV AIDS Rev 2026; 25, 1: ?-? DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/hivar/170217
Introduction: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been fundamental in the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; however, achieving adherence to this treatment is a significant challenge, especially in unique geographic areas and populations. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence to ART among patients with HIV infection in a high-altitude hospital. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 160 patients using questionnaire for evaluation of adherence to antiretroviral treatment in patients with HIV/AIDS (CEAT-HIV). Data processing was performed with Stata 15 program to determine the association between risk factors and non-adherence to ART, with prevalence ratio (PR) calculated by generalized linear model of family Poisson. Statistical significance was defined at a p-value of 0.05. Results: The prevalence of poor adherence was 54.87%. Socio-demographic factors included male sex (PR: 1.45; p = 0.039), no family support (PR: 1.45; p = 0.017), and alcohol consumption (PR: 1.41; p = 0.017). Clinical factors were not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Our study revealed a high proportion of non-adherence to ART. The risk factors associated with non-adherence to ART among patients with HIV/AIDS were male sex, not having family support, and consuming alcohol.
A preliminary study was carried out among a total of 371 acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients from different regions of Libya, investigating the genetic variability of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains. Patients studied were from four regions, including Western region (n = 135, 36.4%), Eastern region (n = 98, 26.4%), Middle region (n = 85, 22.9%), and Southern region (n = 53, 14.3%) of Libya. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 197 (53.1%) patients were sub-type B and 78 (21%) were sub-type A. In 96 (18.6%) patients, CRF02_AG strain was isolated in those from the Eastern region (p < 0.001). CRF02_AG strain was less distributed in other regions, while sub-types B and A showed equal distribution within other regions. The genetic diversity of HIV-1 strain was evident in Western, Central, and Southern regions, although strains from the Eastern region were found to be persistently monophyletic. Compared with other sub-Saharan and North African countries, the genetic sub-type distribution of HIV-1 strains in Libya is very heterogeneous in most of the regions, except the Eastern region. The strain isolated in patients from the Eastern region is unique due to several reasons, including being monophyletic, highly persistent, and rarely reported in other regions. Therefore, monitoring and following the continuity of HIV spread is essential for determining public health priorities, assessing the impact of interventions, and estimating current and future healthcare needs.
