Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'HIV-positive persons Exercise therapy'
To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: HIV-positive persons Exercise therapy.
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'HIV-positive persons Exercise therapy.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Dionne, Gordon R. "Helpful and hindering events in therapy with HIV-positive gay men." Thesis, McGill University, 1996. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=23716.
Full textAbstract:
A group of five HIV-positive gay men were compared with a group of five HIV-negative gay men. All participants were currently engaged in therapy. Participants completed the Session Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ) and the Session Impacts Scale (SIS) in order to determine what these different groups of individuals felt was helpful or hindering in therapy. Results indicated that both groups of participants found therapy to be powerful, valuable, and helpful in that they: (a) learned something new about themselves or others, (b) changed their ways of thinking, (c) acquired insight into issues, (d) were more clear about their feelings, (e) were able to define their problems, and (f) were feeling understood, supported, and close to their counsellor. In comparison to the HIV-negative group, the HIV-positive group experienced many hindering aspects to counselling. Seropositive participants felt: (a) less understood, supported, and close to their counsellor, (b) more confused, or distracted in counselling, (c) more bothered by unpleasant thoughts in counselling, (d) more impatient or doubting of the value of therapy, and (e) felt more angry, more afraid, and less confident during and as a result of therapy. Implications for counselling are discussed.
2
Williams, Margaret. "A chronic care coordination model for HIV-positive children requiring antiretroviral therapy." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020346.
Full textAbstract:
The human immunodeficiency virus / acquired immune deficiency syndrome pandemic (HIV/AIDS) continues to increase in prevalence worldwide, particularly in South Africa. There is a concurrent and distinct increase in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and HIV-related diseases in the paediatric population in South Africa, particularly those using public sector health services, with a corresponding increase in morbidity and mortality rates (Abdool Karim & Abdool Karim, 2010:363), which impacts greatly on paediatric healthcare services. Adding to this, the provision of paediatric antiretroviral care has numerous stumbling blocks, not least of which is lack of decentralisation of facilities to provide treatment. There is the additional shortage of staff, which includes staff that are comfortable dealing with children, lack of training programmes on the provision of antiretroviral therapy to children, and minimal on-site mentorship of staff regarding HIV/AIDS disease in children. This lack of capacity in the healthcare system means that not all of those who require treatment will be able to access it, and this is particularly pertinent to paediatric patients (Meyers et al., 2007:198). Therefore the purpose of this research was to develop a nursing model that would assist healthcare professionals, in particular professional nurses, to optimise the comprehensive treatment, care and support for HIV-positive children who require antiretroviral therapy at PHC clinics. To achieve the purpose of this study, a theory-generating design based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual approach was implemented by the researcher to gain an understanding of how the healthcare professionals and parents/caregivers of HIV-positive children experienced the comprehensive treatment, care and support provided at primary healthcare clinics. The information obtained was used to develop a chronic care coordination model for the optimisation of comprehensive treatment, care and support for HIV-positive children requiring antiretroviral therapy. The study design comprised the following four steps: Step One of the research design focused on the identification, classification and definition of the major concepts of the study. This involved describing and selecting the research population and the sampling process prior to conducting the field work which comprised in-depth interviews with two groups of participants, namely healthcare professionals and parents/caregivers who accompany their HIV-positive children to PHC clinics in order to receive antiretroviral therapy. Step Two of the research design focused on the development of relationship statements in order to bring clarity and direction to the understanding of the phenomenon of interest. Step Three of the design concentrated on the development and description of the chronic care coordination model for optimising comprehensive treatment, care and support for HIV-positive children who require antiretroviral therapy in order to ensure a well-managed child on ART. A visual representation of the structure of the model for chronic care coordination was given and described as well as a detailed description of the process of the model. Step Four was the last step of the research design and its focus was the development of guidelines for the operationalisation of the model for chronic care coordination for the optimisation of comprehensive treatment, care and support for HIV-positive children requiring antiretroviral therapy at PHC clinics. Guidelines and operational implications for each of the five sequential steps of the model were developed. The evaluation criteria of Chinn & Kramer (2008:237‒248) were used to evaluate the model. It is therefore concluded that the researcher succeeded in achieving the purpose for this study because a chronic care coordination model that is understandable, clear, simple, applicable and significant to nursing practice has been developed for use by healthcare professionals, particularly professional nurses, in order to optimise the comprehensive treatment, care and support for HIV-positive children requiring antiretroviral therapy at primary healthcare clinics.
3
Kubashe, Nomachina Theopatra. "Disclosure of HIV status and adherence to antiretroviral therapy." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1174.
Full textAbstract:
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the leading chronic diseases affecting people in South Africa and throughout the world. This study aimed to investigate the effect disclosure of HIV status had on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. A convenience sample of 65 HIV positive adult patients currently taking ART at a public Primary Health Care (PHC) clinic in the Nelson Mandela Metropole was selected. Participation was voluntary and confidentiality was maintained at all times. Data was collected using three tools/techniques: (1) a Patient Questionnaire (PQ) to extract information on patient's demographics, HIV disclosure status, regimen the patient was on and self-reported adherence to ART; (2) an audit of a Patient Medical Record (PMR) for information on the regimen the patient was on, the period during which the patient had been on ART medication, the adherence to ART care and the level of the patient‟s biological markers; and (3) Pill Counts (PC) performed on the patient's medical supply to validate the self-reported adherence to ART. There was no significant relationship between the disclosure of HIV status and adherence to ART (p= 0.59; Chi²). However, the relationship between the adherence to ART and increase in the CD4 count levels of patients on ART in this population was significant (p=0.03; Chi²). It can be concluded that no direct relationship was found between the disclosure of HIV status and adherence to ART in this population. However, several factors affected the reasons and decisions of individuals to disclose their HIV status and this influenced their daily taking of medication.
4
Pierson, Heather M. "The role of acceptance in cognitive behavioral treatment for chronic pain in an HIV-positive community sample." abstract and full text PDF (free order & download UNR users only), 2008. http://0-gateway.proquest.com.innopac.library.unr.edu/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3339137.
Full text
5
Floor, Henriëtte Carolien. "Developing music therapy referral criteria for institutionalized children affcted by HIV / AIDS at the Mohau Centre." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2007. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-09302008-145409/.
Full text
6
Ransom, Dana M. "Telephone-Delivered, Interpersonal Therapy for HIV-Infected Rural Persons with Depression: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial." Ohio : Ohio University, 2007. http://www.ohiolink.edu/etd/view.cgi?ohiou1181761210.
Full text
7
Coetzee, Bronwyne Jo'sean. "The development of a scale to assess structural barriers to adherence to antiretroviral therapy." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/17788.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: As the only effective treatment for HIV/AIDS, adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for successful treatment outcomes. Despite its open availability since the national rollout in 2004, adherence to ART has remained sub-optimal and the number of individuals shifted to the more expensive second-line therapy on steady increase. The literature reports more commonly on individual, psychological, and behavioural barriers to treatment. However, there has been a vast interest in the structural barriers that prohibit adherence to ART. In previous research, my colleagues and I identified the following structural barriers to treatment adherence: stigma-related barriers, the disincentives associated with disability grants, poor relationships with clinic staff, lack of privacy at clinics for counselling and treatment, transport difficulties in travelling to the clinic, long patient waiting times, food insecurity, substance abuse and the absence of substance abuse programmes, and migration. The data were arrived at by means of triangulated qualitative interviews obtained from patients, patient advocates, doctors, and nurses. Together, these qualitative data formed phase 1 of this study. The next step or phase 2, in this research was to develop a valid and reliable quantitative instrument based on these qualitative data. Therefore the primary aim of the study presented in this thesis was to identify the underlying factor structure of four scales aimed at measuring adherence at two levels namely, adherence to clinic attendance, and adherence to pill-taking. After sampling a group of almost 300 persons living with HIV (PLWH) four valid and reliable scales assessing structural barriers to adherence to ART were derived at with Cronbach alpha coefficients ranging from 0.87 to 0.91. For each scale, a general or higher order factor was determined by means of hierarchical transformation suggesting that the items on each of the scales were dominated by a single underlying factor. The findings of this research suggest that it is possible to assess the structural barriers to adherence that PLWH face on a daily basis. With a proper means, such as these scales, to assess structural barriers to adherence to ART clinicians may be able to identify patients who are likely to default and provide adequate attention to the most distressing barriers.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Antiretrovirale terapie (ART) is die enigste effektiewe behandeling teen MIV/Vigs. Behandeling met hierdie terapie kan slegs suksesvol voltooi word indien die medikasie ononderbroke en gereeld geneem word. Alhoewel medikasie vrylik beskikbaar was sedertdien die nasionale bekendstelling in 2004, het die aantal individue wat na duurder tweede lyn terapie oorgegaan het toegeneem. Die volhoubaarheid van ART was dus nie optimaal nie. Dit kan toegeskryf word aan individuele -, sielkundige - en gedragstruikelblokke tydens behandeling wat tans baie aandag geniet in die literatuur. Om by te voeg, strukturele hindernisse tot ART geniet ook tans baie aandag. Met hierdie as agtergrond, was die primêre doel van die studie om die onderliggende faktor struktuur van vier skale wat strukturele hindernisse tot ART op twee vlakke meet, naamlik getroue kliniek bywoning en neem van medikasie, te indentifiseer. Ons het met vorige navorsing die volgende strukturele hindernisse tot ART geidentifiseer: stigma-verwante hindernisse, hindernisse wat verband hou met ongeskiktheidstoelaes, swak verhoudings met kliniek personeel, die gebrek aan privaatheid by klinieke in terme van berading en behandeling, vervoerprobleme, lang wagtye vir pasiënte, voedselonsekerheid, dwelmmisbruik en die afwesigheid van middelmisbruik-programme, asook migrasie. Data aangaande bogenoemde strukturele hindernisse is ingesamel deur middel van kwalitatiewe onderhoude met pasiënte, pasiënt-advokate, dokters en verpleegsters (fase 1). Gedurende fase 2 van hierdie studie is 'n geldige en betroubare kwantitatiewe instrument op grond van hierdie kwalitatiewe data ontwikkel. 'n Steekproef van ongeveer 300 MIV-geinfekteerde individue het deelgeneem. Vier geldige en betroubare skale is ontwikkel ten opsigte van die assessering van strukturele hindernisse in terme van gereelde gebruik van antiretrivale middels, met Cronbach alpha koëffisiënte tussen 0.87 en 0.91. Vir elke skaal is 'n algemene of hoër-orde faktor bepaal deur middel van hiërargiese transformasie wat daarop dui dat die items op elk van die skale gekenmerk is deur 'n enkele onderliggende faktor. Ons bevindinge dui daarop dat dit moontlik is om die strukturele hindernisse wat MIV individue daagliks tot ART ondervind te meet. Met die gebruik van hierdie skale sal klinici dus in staat wees om pasiënte te identifiseer wat moontlik van ART sal afwyk of die terapie sal staak met die klem op mees onstellende hindernisse.
8
Augustin, Murenzi. "Physical activity levels among people living with HIV/AIDS treated with high active antiretroviral therapy in Rwanda." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2011. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&action=viewtitle&id=gen8Srv25Nme4_5415_1319109146.
Full textAbstract:
The current study aims to determine physical activity levels among people living with HIV treated with high active antiretroviral therapy in Kigali, Rwanda. A cross-sectional design using quantitative method was used. The participantâs levels of physical activity participation and their association with anthropometric profiles were measured, using a structured selfadministered questionnaire adapted from the Sub-Saharan Africa Activity Questionnaire. Based on a scientific calculation, 407 clients passing through the clinics were included in the study. A convenient sample of people attending the clinics approached to participate voluntarily in the study. The findings of the current study highlighted the lack of motivation, lack of time and fear of worsening the disease amongst the strong barriers to physical activity participation. The current study recommends education about the benefits of physical activity participation and encouragement of patient treated with high active antiretroviral therapy in Rwanda to be emphasized on to improve their lives.
9
Ruanjahn, Ganigah. "Improving adherence to highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) among people living with HIV/AIDS in northern Thailand." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2007. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/319.
Full textAbstract:
Background: This study explored the experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in a region of Northern Thailand and Key Informants (Kls). The principal aim of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors contributing to non-adherence in patients taking Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART). The data from both PL WHA and Kls were integrated and. analysed to provide an intervention programs aimed at improving adherence in patients commencing HAART. The study itself was divided into three Phases: Phase One was an in-depth exploration of the barriers and ways of improving adherence, Phase Two comprised a series of interventions aimed at patients starting HAART for the first time and Phase Three evaluated the effectiveness of these interventions. Study Population: The study population in Phase One comprised a cohort of 32 HIV infected patients who were over 18 years old and had taken HAART for at least 6 months. Another cohort was comprised 21 Kls who had experience working with HIV care and patients taking HAART. In Phase Two, the population comprised 22 HIV infected patients who were commencing HAART for the first time. After 3 months these same participants were reinterviewed for Phase Three of the study to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of the interventions. Methods: Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used in the study. The qualitative component used a multiple case study approach to explore and describe the experiences of patients receiving HAART. The study was strengthened by the inclusion of in-depth interviews with Kls with extensive knowledge and experience with HIV/AIDS and HAART programs. The quantitative component comprised a demographic survey of both the patients and Kls. This demographic data was used to provide descriptive statistics of the research population and assist with the interpretation of the qualitative data. Results: The findings from Phase One identified a number of interventions that could realistically be implemented to improve medication adherence on patients commencing HAART for the first time. The Phase Three findings showed there were improvements in the patient's adherence to HAAR T during the 3 months of implementing the interventions. The study identified a number of recommendations that Health Care Providers (HCPs) and policy makers could implement to improve medication adherence rates in patients taking HAAR T. The recommendations also included suggestions for future research, Conclusion: The financial and social burden of PL WHA presents an urgent challenge to policy-makers and Health Care Providers to identify sensitive and cost effective management strategies to support such patients and their families. One of the most crucial challenges is to develop interventions that enable patients to gain optimum benefit from the new advances in HIV treatment. A key factor in optimising the benefits of HIV treatment is improving adherence to treatment. The findings from the present study outline a number of interventions that can be cost effectively implemented to improve adherence to HAART and the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.
10
Lotter, Jennifer. "The effect of an exercise programme on the health and well-being of people living with HIV in a rural community of the Eastern Cape." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18211.
Full textAbstract:
The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of an 11-week combined progressive resistance exercise and aerobic exercise programme on the health and well-being of a group of participants sampled from an HIV positive rural population. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilised quantitative research methods. A total number of 37 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The participants were assigned to an experimental group (EG) (n=19) based on their willingness to participate in the exercise intervention and the remainder were assigned to the control group (CG) (n=17). The experimental group participated in an 11-week intervention programme which entailed exercising twice a week for the duration of 60 minutes. The intervention entailed a low cost exercise programme which consisted of aerobic exercises (walking, jogging and stepping) and progressive resistance exercises (own body weight, core exercises and light free weight training). The following variables were measured pre-, mid- and post- intervention, namely: health related fitness components, quality of life, physical activity levels and relevant blood variables. An analysis of data was conducted utilising descriptive and inferential statistics. The outcome of the analyses indicated that the EG did not reveal significantly better post-intervention results than the CG in respect of any of the variables assessed. The CG remained sedentary during the intervention period and revealed either an increase in, or maintenance of the initial scores. The slight variation could have been attributed to the decrease in sample size at mid – and post – testing. At the post-intervention testing phase the majority of the participants available for testing were those who were working and healthy. However, it can be concluded that the overall aims and objectives of the study were achieved despite the attrition of participants during the study and that the subsequent outcome of the study was not expected.
11
Labeodan, Moremi Morire OreOluwapo. "Stochastic analysis of AIDS epidemiology." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.l.], 2009. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-10172009-112824.
Full text
12
Yadavalli, Suhrida. "The impact of executive function on medication adherence in people living with HIV." [Kent, Ohio] : Kent State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=kent1259251792.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (M.A.)--Kent State University, 2009.Title from PDF t.p. (viewed April 16, 2010). Advisor: John Gunstad. Keywords: HIV; executive function; adherence. Includes bibliographical references (p. 41-54).
13
Podisi, Mpho Keletso. "The socio-economic aspects involved in compliance to antiretroviral therapy : Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2005. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-01312006-111529.
Full text
14
Mwingira, Betty. "Development and assessment of medicines information for antiretroviral therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003257.
Full text
15
Griffiths, Mikaela Ceridwen. "A profile of needs music therapy with HIV infected children in a South African institution /." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2003. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-02232005-104125/.
Full text
16
Takaidza, Isaac. "Modelling the optimal efficiency of industrial labour force in the presence of HIV/AIDs pandemic." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1305.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (DTech (Mechanical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012In this thesis, we investigate certain key aspects of mathematical modelling to explain the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS at the workplace and to assess the potential benefits of proposed control strategies. Deterministic models to investigate the effects of the transmission dynamics of HIV/AIDS on labour force productivity are formulated. The population is divided into mutually exclusive but exhaustive compartments and a system of differential equations is derived to describe the spread of the epidemic. The qualitative features of their equilibria are analyzed and conditions under which they are stable are provided. Sensitivity analysis of the reproductive number is carried out to determine the relative importance of model parameters to initial disease transmission. Results suggest that optimal control theory in conjunction with standard numerical procedures and cost effective analysis can be used to determine the best intervention strategies to curtail the burden HIV/AIDS is imposing on the human population, in particular to the global economy through infection of the most productive individuals. We utilise Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle to derive and then analyze numerically the conditions for optimal control of the disease with effective use of condoms, enlightenment/educational programs, treatment regime and screening of infectives. We study the potential impact on productivity of combinations of these conventional control measures against HIV. Our numerical results suggest that increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) could decrease not only the HIV prevalence but also increase productivity of the infected especially when coupled with prevention, enlightenment and screening efforts.
17
Ramela, Thato. "An illustrated information leaflet for low-literate HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy : design, development and evaluation." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007563.
Full textAbstract:
South Africa's HIV prevalence rate is estimated to be 5.7 million and at the end of2007 a total of 45845 HIV/AIDS adult patients were taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). The global incidence of HIV/AIDS has been slowly decreasing over the years but is still widespread. This disease is still more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa than in other parts of the world, with more than 60% people living with HIV/AIDS. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the treatment of choice, slows the progression of the human immunovirus but demands a high adherence rate in excess of 95%. Patients who are poorly informed about antiretrovirals (ARVs) and misunderstand medicine-taking instructions or experience unexpected side effects may interrupt therapy, predisposing them to the development of resistance. Such patients need information but, given the poor literacy skills prevalent in South Africa, written information is often not fully comprehended and is often written at too high a reading level. The objectives of this research project were to design, modify and evaluate HIV / AIDS patient education materials for low-literate isiXhosa speaking adults residing in Grahamstown and to examine their impact on the understanding of various aspects of the disease and its treatment. Pictograms illustrating common side effects of ARVs (e.g. stavudine, efavirenz, lamivudine), as well as various sources 'for purchasing nonprescription medicines, storage and medicine-taking instructions were designed and evaluated both qualitatively, using group discussions, and quantitatively through individual interviews where interpretation of the pictograms was assessed. These pictograms were incorporated in a patient information leaflet (PIL) which had been specifically designed for people with limited reading skills and was a simple document containing the minimum of essential text. A previously developed PIL was modified in collaboration with the target population and two versions were produced, one incorporating pictograms illustrating side effects, the other with none. Pictograms were used in both to illustrate other medicine-taking instructions. The PILs were tested objectively to assess the readability, format, content, and general design. They were translated into isiXhosa prior to being qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated in a low-literate isiXhosa speaking population. Understanding of the PILs was assessed by asking a series of questions about the PIL content. Participant opinion of the readability and appearance of the PIL was recorded. The relationship between PIL understanding and selected demographic variables was investigated. Findings from this study illustrated that well designed pictograms assist in the location of information in written leaflets and they may enhance understanding of the information. It was further demonstrated that education influences total understanding of PIL content thus emphasizing the need for tailor-written information in accordance with the education level of the target population. A desire to receive PILs incorporating pictograms was expressed by the majority of participants. Collaboration with the intended target population is essential to design culturally acceptable, easily interpreted pictograms and to produce user-friendly, easy-to-read, comprehensible patient education materials. The rigorous, iterative design, modification and testing process described in this study is one that should be adopted in producing all health-related education materials.
18
Jackson, Dawne Shirley. "The experiences of people living with HIV-AIDS with regard to the comprehensive antiretroviral therapy management received from registered nurses at selected public primary heathcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1253.
Full textAbstract:
Currently South Africa has the highest number of persons living with HIV-AIDS (PLWAs) in the world. Focus-group discussions conducted by Moon (2005:3) in the Eastern Cape indicated that people may not want to get tested for HIV or to access antiretroviral therapy (ART) for fear of disclosure of their HIV-positive status and of stigmatization. These findings prompted the researcher to conduct a study in this field. The objectives of this study are to explore and describe the experiences of PLWAs with regard to the comprehensive ART management received from registered nurses at selected public primary healthcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay; and to develop guidelines for registered nurses that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The research study is based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual research design. The research population comprised of HIV-positive patients who received treatment at the selected public primary healthcare clinics. Criterion-based, purposive sampling was used to select participants for the interviews. Ten in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted. Data was then transcribed and coded. One central theme identified the fact that PLWAs experienced both positive and negative experiences at the clinics. The main findings of this research included evidence of various forms of stigma experienced by the PLWAs; distrust of the lay health counselors; but also that PLWAs were generally well-treated and satisfied with the service they had received. Broad guidelines for registered nurses was formulated that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The study concludes with recommendations made with regards to the areas of nursing practice, education and research. Throughout the study the researcher abided by the ethical considerations. The aspects of trustworthiness implemented in this study, included dependability, credibility, transferability and confirmability (Holloway & Wheeler, 2002:354).
19
Jaiswal, Jessica Lynn. "A qualitative study of urban people of color living with human immunodeficiency virus: challenges related to retention in care, antiretroviral therapy acceptance, and “conspiracy beliefs”." Thesis, 2017. https://doi.org/10.7916/D8GF106X.
Full textAbstract:
Background: Despite advances in HIV medication, many people living with HIV (PLWH) do not link to care upon diagnosis, do not remain engaged if linked, and do not achieve viral suppression through consistent ART adherence. Not achieving viral suppression is associated with low CD4-cell counts, preventable hospitalizations, frequent emergency room usage, risk of developing a drug resistance, and excess morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive literature that explores barriers to care, these disparities remain, particularly among racial, ethnic and sexual minority groups. Mistrust of health care systems and/or providers is thought to provide a partial explanation for why racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely to access outpatient HIV care. One form of health-related mistrust, referred to as “conspiracy beliefs” in the literature and in popular culture, is particularly associated with racial and ethnic minority people. HIV-related “conspiracy beliefs” can include the ideas that the government created HIV to target specific minority groups, that antiretroviral medication is used to experiment on vulnerable groups, or that a cure is being withheld or delayed by pharmaceutical companies and/or the government. Although many studies have assessed the prevalence of such beliefs, little is known about the possible relationship between endorsing these ideas and engagement from HIV care/ART adherence among PLWH. Moreover, the extant literature has provided equivocal findings that point to the need for further research on the relationship between these beliefs and managing one’s HIV.
Methods: Over the course of one year, 27 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with low income PLWH of color living in the NYC area that are currently, or were recently, disengaged from outpatient HIV medical care. Additionally, a brief questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic and engagement/medication adherence data to describe the sample of participants.
Findings: This analysis revealed the variation, texture and diversity related to people’s beliefs about the origin and treatment of HIV. Beliefs about the pharmaceutical industry and the government highlighted both the racism and classism experienced by low income who belong to racial and ethnic minority groups. Notably, HIV care providers did not appear to be perceived as part of the government-pharmaceutical power complex. This suggests that while many people may endorse these types of ideas, endorsement does not necessarily directly impact engagement in care. However, endorsing positive beliefs about the efficacy of ART, and the belief that HIV can be a chronic disease if treated consistently, helped participants remain adherent or desire to re-commit to taking it consistently. Participants also appreciated, and desired, providers that engaged in patient-centered medicine.
Recommendations:
It may be that public health does not necessarily need to endeavor to dislodge origin or pharmaceutical/cure-related beliefs; rather, interventions can focus on building trust between health care providers and populations that have been experienced both historically and ongoing marginalization. Participants’ emphasis on wanting to manage their ART-related challenges with their providers suggests that HIV providers have an instrumental role in not only lowering viral loads and achieving viral suppression, but also helping their patients feel agentic and able to manage their HIV. Implementing patient-centered medicine will also engender trust, thereby helping patients internalize the belief that consistent engagement and ART adherence makes HIV a chronic, manageable illness.
20
Nosrat, Sanaz. "Acute Effects of Resistance Exercise Intensity in a Depressed HIV Sample: The Exercise for People Who Are Immunocompromised (EPIC) Study." Thesis, 2018. https://doi.org/10.7916/D8VT38GS.
Full textAbstract:
Introduction: In the US, Black/African Americans comprise the largest proportion of People Living with HIV (PLWH). Depressive symptoms and fatigue are highly prevalent among PLWH. Depressive symptoms are linked to progression of HIV disease, and fatigue is linked to severity of depressive symptoms. Resistance exercise is known to have psychological benefits in non-HIV depressed populations, and these benefits are hypothesized to be intensity-dependent. That is, moderate intensity exercise seems to stimulate better psychological outcomes compared to other exercise intensities. To date, no study has examined the acute psychological effects of resistance exercise intensity with depressed PLWH. Purpose: To test the acute effects of resistance exercise intensity on affect, perceived activation, and perceived distress among sedentary Black/African American PLWH who experience depressive symptoms. Methods: Twenty-five men and 17 women ages 24-66 (47.5±11.2) with a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score of ≥10 completed a battery of questionnaires and 10-repetition maximum (10-RM) muscular strength tests. Participants were randomized into a moderate intensity resistance exercise group (i.e., 70% of 10-RM), n=21, or vigorous intensity resistance exercise group (i.e., 100% of 10-RM), n=21. Both groups completed 3 sets of 10 repetitions for 5 exercises at the assigned intensity. Exercises include squat, chest press, lat pull-down, dumbbell shoulder press, and dumbbell biceps curl. Affect, perceived activation, and perceived distress were measured with the Feeling Scale, Felt Arousal Scale, and Subjective Units of Distress Scale, respectively. Measures were administered at PRE, MID, POST, at 15-minute DELAY, and at 30-minute DELAY. Changes were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, with Bonferroni adjustments for post-hoc analyses. Results: There were significant Time x Group interactions for affect (F=2.6, p=0.03, η2=0.1), and perceived distress (F=5.5, p<0.01, η2=0.1), and a main effect of Time for perceived activation (F=16.2, p<0.001, η2=0.3). In the moderate intensity group, affect improved PRE to POST (t=3.2, p<0.01, d=0.7), PRE to DELAY 15 (t=4.1, p<0.01, d=0.9), and PRE to DELAY 30 (t=4.1, p<0.001, d=0.7). In addition, perceived distress was reduced from PRE to MID (t=4.2, p<0.001, d=0.9), PRE to POST (t=5.5, p<0.001, d=1.2), PRE to DELAY 15 (t=5.6, p<0.001, d=1.2), and PRE to DELAY 30 (t=6.7, p<0.001, d=1.5). In the vigorous intensity group, affect declined PRE to MID (t=2.9, p<0.01, d=-0.6), while perceived distress improved PRE to DELAY 15 (t=4.8, p<0.001, d=1.0) and PRE to DELAY 30 (t=3.5, p<0.01, d=0.7). Perceived activation increased in both groups similarly PRE to MID (t=5.1, p<0.01, d=1.5), and PRE to POST (t=6.1, p<0.001, d=1.8). Conclusions: Results suggest that an acute bout of moderate intensity resistance exercise is more effective than vigorous intensity resistance exercise in improving affect, increasing energy, and reducing distress in depressed Black/African American PLWH. However, vigorous intensity resistance exercise also appears to have distress-reducing benefits, but this appears to only occur after exercise. These findings should be considered when prescribing exercise for depressive symptom management in this population.
21
Sewduth, Sathiabama. "The role of Reiki therapy in improving the quality of life in people living with HIV." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2539.
Full textAbstract:
This qualitative study explored the use of Reiki in improving the quality
of life of people living with HIV (PLWH). A purposive sample of seven
participants consented to the study. Reiki attunement, self healing and
data collection were done over a six-month period. An idiographic
approach was used. The participants were interviewed, then
underwent Reiki attunement, performed self healing for 21-30 days
and were interviewed again.
Responses suggest that Reiki therapy had positive outcomes. Illnessspecific
symptom relief, increased levels of energy, improved sleeping
patterns, decreased anxiety and depression, spiritual awakening and a
better ability to handle stressful situations were reported.
Reiki therapy enabled the participants to reappraise living with HIV,
deal with anger, depression and self-blame. These positive changes led
to some of them seeking employment, leaving destructive personal
relationships and reconnecting with family members. The researcher
strongly recommends further research in this area.Sociology
(M.A. (Social Behavioural Studies HIV/AIDS))
22
Heeter, Andrea. "Creatine phosphokinase levels in HIV-seropositive individuals after a single bout of isokinetic resistance exercise." Thesis, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10125/20657.
Full text
23
Day, Larry John. "Creatine phosphokinase elevations following exercise in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus." Thesis, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10125/20425.
Full text
24
Mabirizi, David. "Adults mortality trends since the introduction of free anti retroviral therapy in the rural hospital of Uganda." Diss., 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/4076.
Full textAbstract:
Uganda has experienced 1.6 million deaths to HIV/AIDS related illness. Introduction of free-ART in rural hospitals that bear the burden od AIDS reduces adults morbidity and mortality. The study design was a quantitative, retrospective and descriptive design through data mining of medical records. In the six years, hospital admissions decreased by 16.7% and the median age at death increased by seven years. Hospital admissions decreased from three to seven deaths per 100 admissions per month. Male and female mortality was 1:1.6 and females in the 15-34 age group had a 37% higher likeliness of dying in hospital compared to males. Deaths from sub-countries with an ART site reduced by 4% to 8.6%. The data revealed that despite ART coverage of 60%, mortality rates showed a rising trend. Free access to ART's over three years did not make any observable changes to overall mortality. Therefore, ART access contributed to a decline in overall hospital admissions, an increase in median age at time of death and a reduction in deaths from sub-counties with an ART site. There was no reduction in overall hospital mortality rate.M.A. (Public Health)
Health Studies
25
Karamchand, Leshern. "Apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/1202.
Full textAbstract:
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is currently the only treatment that effectively reduces the morbidity and mortality of individuals infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1). Standard HAART regimens typically comprise 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and either one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or a protease inhibitor. These drugs bind to and inhibit the HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase and Protease enzymes respectively, thereby suppressing viral replication. The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors promote mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction by strongly inhibiting mt polymerase gamma (Pol-y) and subsequently, mtDNA replication. In contrast, the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, efavirenz (EFV) and nevirapine (NVP) do not inhibit Pol-y although EFV has been shown to induce mt depolarisation ( mlow) in vitro at supra-therapeutic concentrations. However, the capacity of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drugs to induce mt toxicity in vivo previously remained undetermined. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of EFV and NVP on peripheral lymphocyte mt transmembrane potential (Avj/m) and apoptosis in HIV-1-infected patients treated with these non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Thirty-two HIV-1-infected patients on HAART between 4 and 24 months (12 on EFV, 20 on NVP) and 16 HAART-naive HIV-1-infected patients were enrolled into this study. All participants were black South African patients. Spontaneous peripheral lymphocyte apoptosis and mlow were measured ex vivo by flow cytometry for all patients. CD4 T-helper apoptosis for the EFV and NVP cohorts was 19.38% ± 2.62% and 23.35% ± 1.51% (mean ± SEM), respectively, whereas total lymphocyte mlow was 27.25% ± 5.05% and 17.04% ± 2.98%, respectively. Both parameters for each cohort were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of the HAART-naive patients. The NVP cohort exhibited both a significant time dependent increase in peripheral lymphocyte ö¿mlow (P = 0.038) and correlation between Thelper apoptosis and low (P = 0.0005). These trends were not observed in the EFV cohort. This study provides evidence that both EFV and NVP induce peripheral lymphocyte ö¿ m low in HIV-1-infected patients on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based HAART, which in the case of NVP is sufficient to induce the apoptosis cascade.Thesis (M.Med.Sci.)--University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.
26
Martin, Leah J. "Outcomes of antiretroviral therapy in northern Alberta the impact of Aboriginal ethnicity and injection drug use /." Phd thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10048/574.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Alberta, 2009.A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Public Health Sciences. Title from pdf file main screen (viewed on September 20, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.
27
Okoli, Emmanuel Ikechukwu. "Incidence of tuberculosis amongst HIV positive clients who received isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT)." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19152.
Full textAbstract:
The research objectives were to describe the age and gender of adult HIV positive clients on ART who received IPT; the incidence of tuberculosis among clients that received IPT and the defaulter rate among those that were commenced on IPT. Quantitative non-experimental descriptive retrospective cohort study was undertaken to ascertain the incidence of tuberculosis among adult HIV positive clients who received IPT. 104 clinic records of HIV positive adult clients accessing care at Isithebe Clinic, iLembe-South Africa who were commenced on IPT between 01 July 2010 and 30
November 2011 were analysed. The study found that 66 of 104 (63.5%) study respondents completed the course of IPT and the majority of those that defaulted were due to poor quality of care. Gender was statistically found to have played a role on whether a patient completes IPT. None of the study respondents that completed IPT was diagnosed with TB disease.Health Studies
M.A. (Public Health)
28
Kapiamba, Muteba Germain. "Antiretroviral adherence and HIV virological outcomes in HIV-positive patients in Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal Province." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18852.
Full textAbstract:
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is crucial to ensure viral suppression. In the scientific community it is widely accepted that an adherence level of at least 90% is necessary to achieve viral suppression. This study uses pharmacy refill records to describe antiretroviral adherence in HIV-positive patients in Ugu District and to describe pharmacy refill records as reliable monitoring method of antiretroviral therapy. In total, 61 patients’ records were reviewed. Overall, 82% of participants (n=50) achieved an optimum adherence level of at least 90%. Although 38% (n=19) of these participants did not show any related viral suppression. A statistically significant relationship between adherence and viral suppression was not demonstrated. Therefore, pharmacy refill records cannot be recommended as an alternative method of monitoring response to antiretroviral therapy, but laboratory tests including CD4 cell count and or viral load must be combined to pharmacy refill method for monitoring of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive patientsHealth Studies
M.A. (Public Health)
29
Marutha, Tebogo Rector. "Genetic variation influencing mitochondrial DNA copy number and the development of sensory neuropathy in HIV-positive patients exposed to stavudine." Thesis, 2017. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/24162.
Full textAbstract:
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree in Master of Science in the School of Molecular and Cell Biology
August 2017Antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs such as stavudine (d4T) are known to have off-target side-effects, including the inhibition of DNA polymerase gamma which replicates mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). ART-induced depletion of mtDNA copy number may cause mitochondrial toxicities such as sensory neuropathy (SN). Genetic variation in DNA polymerase gamma or in other nuclear genes influencing mtDNA replication and mtDNA copy number may therefore contribute to susceptibility to d4T-induced SN. DNA samples from 263 HIV-positive South African adults exposed to d4T were classified as cases with SN (n = 143) and controls without SN (n = 120). A total of 28 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were chosen in nuclear genes from the mtDNA replication pathway and from a GWAS paper examining SNP association with ART-induced SN (Leger et al. 2014). Genotyping was performed using Sequenom Mass Spectrometry. MtDNA copy number was determined using a qPCR assay. Associations between SN and genetic variants, between genetic variants and mtDNA copy number, and between mtDNA copy number and SN were evaluated in univariate and multivariate models using Plink v1.07 and GraphPad v7. Age and height were significantly different in the cases with SN vs controls without SN. In univariate analyses, three SNPs and two haplotypes were significantly associated with SN, three SNPs were associated with pain intensity and three haplotypes were significantly associated with mtDNA copy number. However, there were no significant associations with SN, pain intensity or mtDNA copy number after correction for multiple SNP testing. No significant difference in mtDNA copy number in cases vs. controls was observed. In conclusion variation in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes examined in the current study do not play a role in ART-related mitochondrial complications such as changes in mtDNA copy number, or occurrence of SN.
MT2018
30
Mthiyane, Italia Nokulunga. "Adherence to antiretroviral therapy by HIV infected patients in rural UMkhanyakude District, South Africa." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/4794.
Full textAbstract:
The background.
HIV and AIDS is a huge problem in sub-Saharan Africa where an estimated 22.5
million people were living with HIV in 2007.1 South Africa has the worst epidemic in
the world.1 There were about 5.5 million people living with HIV and 1000 AIDS deaths
daily in South Africa by the end of 2005.17 In 2007 the number of people living with
HIV in South Africa increased to 5.7 million.1
The HIV prevalence in Umkhanyakude district, KwaZulu Natal, where Hlabisa subdistrict
is situated, amongst public antenatal clinic attenders was 39.8% in 2007.19 AIDS
is the cause of 50.0% of deaths in the Hlabisa sub-District.15
In 2003 the South African government decided to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART)
in the public health sector, giving hope to thousands of people who are in need of this
intervention to improve their quality of life and reduce premature deaths.7,13 However
adherence to antiretroviral drugs is essential for successful treatment.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in South Africa as in other African countries was
expected to be low31 (<95.0%), however, in a study that was done in Cape Town during
1996 – 2001, the authors concluded that adherence was high.28 The aim of that study
was to identify predictors of low adherence (<95.0%) and failure of viral suppression
(>400 HIV copies/mm3). Pill counts and records of treatment refills from pharmacy
were used to measure adherence.28 The results revealed no significant difference in
adherence between patients on protease inhibitor based regimens and/or those on nonnucleoside
based regimens nor with socioeconomic status, sex and HIV stage.
Independent predictors of low adherence were English language speaking, age, and
three times per day dosing. The following were found to be independent predictors of
failure of viral suppression: baseline viral load, <95.0% adherence, age and dual
nucleoside therapy.28This study however was done in an urban area before the
antiretroviral therapy (ART) roll out in South Africa when the cost of treatment limited
the accessibility of ART. These patients may have been different to patients who access
free treatment in public health facilities today.
Other South African studies have also reported good adherence rates.39,40 In another
study in Soweto, South Africa, adherence was high, 88.0% of patients achieved >
95.0% goal, 9.0% achieved 90.0-95.0% adherence and only 3.0% achieved <90.0%.39In
a study done at Khayelitsha, adherence was also high, viral load level was < 400 in
88.1%, 89.2%, 84.2%, 75% and 69.7% of patients at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.40
However, Soweto and Khayelitsha are urban and different from Hlabisa, and it is
difficult to generalize these results to the sub-district. This study intended to assess how adherent patients are to antiretroviral therapy in a typical rural district in order to
inform policy to enhance adherence to ART.Thesis (M.Med.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.
31
Den, Hollander Weltje Annigje. "Pastoral development training in contextual and narrative family therapy." Thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/1738.
Full textAbstract:
The need for a family therapeutic counselling programme in the management of HIV/AIDS was established by the researcher in 2001 (den Hollander 2001). The focus of this study was to develop the training programme model in family therapeutic counselling for church leaders and lay counsellors. This was accomplished using a variety of samples and research instruments, by firstly exploring the issues and problems facing people and families living with HIV/AIDS and then how best churches could respond as faith-based community organizations. At a theoretical level, this study sought to compare the paradigms of contextual and narrative family therapy with the theory and practice of social work and practical narrative theology, in order to integrate these paradigms into an incorporated response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The main research methodology was the Intervention Research Model as adapted from De Vos (2001). This model consists of six phases, consisting of problem analysis and project planning, information gathering and synthesis, design, early development and pilot testing, evaluation and advanced development, and dissemination of the training model. During the analysis phase an extensive literature research, as well as several field studies, both quantitative and qualitative were conducted. During the development phase, three pilot studies were designed and performed, in attempt to accommodate the context specific problems of different families and communities. The results of these two phases indicated a need for pastoral training in family therapeutic counselling, specifically in the areas of mental health, trauma and bereavement and child participation. Importantly, the need to intervene meaningfully to alleviate structural problems such as poverty and food insecurity were clearly indicated, with the study recommendation being for active networking across all stakeholders so that therapeutic counselling may work in tandem with these community based efforts. Recommendations in respect of offering such training are to provide a comprehensive structure of training, supervision and counselling practice.Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.
32
Bengtsson, Mavis Neo. "Factors contributing to mortality among HIV infected people on Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) in Botswana." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13272.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of the study was to describe factors contributing to mortality among HIVinfected
people on Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) in Botswana. A quantitative,
explorative, descriptive study was used and 80 records of deceased IPT respondents
were reviewed through the use of a checklist.
The demographic factors, baseline physical examination, hospitalisation and drug
history were taken into consideration. Out of the deceased patients, 75% were female.
The major findings showed that 100% (N=80), the most highly indicated causes of death
were gastroenteritis (18.75%), cryptococcal meningitis (17.5%) andpneumonia
(16.25%). Of the patients (28.75%) who died before completing the six months of IPT.
The causes of death were gastroenteritis (21.7%), symptoms and signs of bacterial
pneumonia (17.4%), cryptococcal meningitis (13%), Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB)
(13%), septicaemia (13%), and murder (13%). It has been recommended that there
should be reorganisation of services of care for HIV-infected persons, such as provision
of Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis Therapy (CPT) and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to ensure
holistic approach care. The future study should include HIV-infected children on IPT
using the same or modified objectives. The conclusion drawn was that disintegrated
interventions of IPT, CPT and ART and lack of holistic care for PLHIV lead to
opportunistic infections that caused mortality on patients on IPT.Department of Health Studies
M.A. (Public Health)
33
Moketla, Blessings Marvin. "Genetic variants of d4T drug transporters and dNTP pool regulators, and their association with response to d4T-ART." Thesis, 2017. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/24022.
Full textAbstract:
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Genetics.
Johannesburg, South Africa
2017Background: Stavudine (d4T) use is associated with the development of sensory neuropathy (SN), several mechanisms may underlie d4T-induced toxicity, including: (1) Inter-patient genetic variability in the genes modulating the deoxynucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) pool sizes. (2) Variation in intracellular ARV drug concentrations due to genetic variation in drug transporters. In our study we examined the genetic variation in four stavudine transporter genes and seven genes regulating the deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP) synthesis and their associations with d4T-induced SN or CD4+ T cell count or mtDNA copy number. Methods: We examined a cohort of HIV-positive South African (SA) adults exposed to d4T, including 143 cases with SN and 120 controls without SN. 26 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the literature were chosen, prioritised on being tagSNPs with minor allele frequency >5% in Kenyan Luhya (a proxy population for the SA Black population); SNP functional effects and suitability for multiplex analysis on the genotyping platform. Genotyping was performed using Sequenom mass spectrometry. A qPCR assay was used to measure the mtDNA copy number. Association of sensory neuropathy, CD4+ T cell count and mtDNA copy number with genetic variants was evaluated using PLINK. Results: All 26 SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in both the cases and controls. SNP rs8187758 of the SLC28A1 transporter gene and a 3-SNP haplotype ABCG2 were significantly associated with CD4+ T cell count after correction for multiple testing (p = 0.043 and p=0.042 respectively), but were not significant in multivariate testing. No SNP remained significantly associated with SN or mtDNA copy number, after correction for multiple testing. Conclusion: Variation in genes encoding molecular transporters of d4T may influence CD4+ T cell counts after ART. This study presents a positive step towards achieving personalized medicine in SA.
MT 2018
34
Ndlovu, Thandie Sylph. "An investigation of metabolic side effects of antiretroviral therapy using laboratory biomarkers in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10321/1071.
Full textAbstract:
Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology: Biomedical Technology, Durban University of Technology, 2012.Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was introduced because it has shown to reverse the Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), by reducing the HIV replication, allowing the regeneration of the patient’s immune system. ART is given to patients for the rest of their lives as part of HIV clinical care, but the use of ART has shown evidence of metabolic side effects which range from manageable to life threatening complications. Aims and objectives of the study The aim of the study was to investigate whether patients on ART developed metabolic side effects such as pancreatitis, dyslipidaemia and hepatotoxicity. These metabolic side effects were determined by laboratory testing of blood levels of specific biomarkers at stipulated intervals. Any significant change in the blood levels of these specific biomarkers was identified. Methodology : The study included 92 patients who were already selected for the ART programme which is in accordance to the South African National Antiretroviral Therapy Guidelines of 2003 Laboratory blood analysis was conducted. The repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare changes in biomarkers over time. The severity of each side effect was assessed by grading each biomarker laboratory result through the use of an established toxicity grading table. Results : It was found that the biomarker blood levels were not significantly altered within 12 months of ART, however, there was a gradual increase of most biomarker values, indicating that abnormalities may be detected after a longer period of treatment. Conclusion : Within 12 months of treatment, life-threatening toxicities were not detected. It may be speculated that if ART is monitored correctly, life-threatening toxicities may be avoided in many patients.
35
Abdissa, Abelti Eshetu. "Determinant factors affecting adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV infected patients in Addis Ababa." Diss., 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13959.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the determinant factors affecting adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV infected patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was used and data were collected by interviewing 290 study participants from two health facilities using structured questionnaire. The research finding revealed 80.0% of the study participants had optimal combined adherence to dose, schedule and dietary instructions in the past three days. And, the non adherence rate was 20.0%. In multivariate analysis only WHO clinical stage, change of ARV medication, knowledge about HIV disease and ART, and use of reminders were found to be independently associated with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. The most common reasons for missing HIV medications in the past one month were forgetfulness (35.1%), being busy with other things (17.5%), and running out of pills (10.5%). Adherence improving interventions should be emphasized to address multi-faceted problems. This study recommends setting of convenient appointment schedule, disclosure of one's HIV status, maintaining confidentiality of patient-related information, enhancing patient-provider relationship, use of reminders including SMS text messages, and engagement of PLHIV in adherence improving interventions through peer support, and providing regular health education to the PLHIV to improve adherence of patients to ARTHealth Studies
M.A. (Public Health)
36
Tambe, Lisa Arrah Mbang. "Evaluation of adherence to antiretroviral therapy using efarivenz as a marker." Diss., 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/11602/1493.
Full textAbstract:
MSc (Microbiology)Department of Microbiology
Background: Patients on antiretroviral (ART) are expected to be at least 95% adherent to their treatment, as this will increase their chances of achieving treatment success (maximum and durable suppression of HIV-1 viral load); non-adherence may lead to the development of HIV drug resistance, which may lead to virologic failure and treatment failure. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has been reported to be the most efficient method to assess treatment adherence in HIV individuals, since it quantifies the concentration of ARTs in biological matrices. This is very effective when using a robust technique such as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS), which has played a significant role in the evaluation and interpretation of bioavailability, bioequivalence and pharmacokinetic data. Even with patient adherence, various intra-individual factors have an influence on the expression and function of the genes responsible for the transport (MDR1) and metabolism (CYP2B6) of Efavirenz (EFV). This may lead to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes, and this may affect the way antiretrovirals (ARVs) are metabolized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the EFV concentration in plasma to assess patient adherence to treatment and correlate this with genomic occurrences in human and viral genes. Hypothesis: The concentration of ARVs in patient plasma can be used to estimate adherence to treatment; while ARVs’ transport and metabolism can affect bioavailability in a patient’s system. Research Question: Can EFV concentration in plasma be used to estimate patient adherence to treatment? Can transport and metabolism of EFV affect their bioavailability in the patient’s system? Objectives: To determine EFV concentration in plasma to assess patient adherence to treatment and correlate this with genomic occurrences in human genes and viral genes. Methodology: Twenty blood samples were collected from HIV positive individuals before treatment initiation (baseline) and between six to twelve months following treatment initiation (follow-up). The concentration of EFV in patient plasma was measured by LC-MS/MS technique. To infer other factors influencing patient pharmacokinetics output, drug resistance and human genetic characteristics were analyzed. A 1.65kb fragment of the HIV-1 Pol gene was amplified and sequenced to determine drug resistant mutations; while 363bp and 289bp of the MDR-1 and CYP2B6 human genes respectively, were also amplified and sequenced to determine polymorphisms in the transport and metabolism genes. Obtained sequences were manually edited and analyzed using Geneious Version 11.1.5 software. The Stanford HIV Drug Resistance database was used for drug resistant mutation (DRMs) analysis and MDR1 and CYP2B6 test sequences were compared with variant reference sequences to detect the presence of any SNPs. Results: The plasma EFV concentration at baseline and follow-up range was as follows: 0 – 1183ng/ml and below limits of quantification (BLQ) to 15,670ng/ml, respectively. At baseline, 0ng/ml is the expected plasma EFV concentration for patients about to commence treatment; however, two out of twenty patients had 769.9 and 1,183ng/ml drug levels in their system. Post treatment, plasma EFV levels in patients are expected to range from 1,000 – 4,000ng/ml, however, of the twenty patients, two had <1,000ng/ml, and three patients had >4,000ng/ml in their plasma. For Pol amplification, 35% (7/20) were positively amplified at baseline and 25% (5/20) were positively amplified from the follow-ups; 100% (20/20) samples were amplified for both CYP2B6 and MDR1 genes. Detection of drug resistance in the baseline Pol sequences revealed the absence of major mutations in both NRTI and NNRTI drug classes. The G516T polymorphism was present in 15% of the study participants while the homozygous GG and heterozygous GT genotype was present in 25% and 40% of the study participants, respectively. Allele determination was impossible in 20% of the samples, due to the poor nature of the sequence. The homozygous TT variant polymorphism at position 3435 was absent in the entire population, however, the CC and CT genotype was present in 15% and 85% of the study participants respectively. Analysis of EFV concentration in close proximity with the human genetic characteristics reveals that the presence of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism affects the pharmacokinetic output observed. Discussion and Conclusion: Post treatment, 90% of the study participants indicate adherence to treatment, with only 10% of them having lower than expected EFV concentrations, implying they were non-adherent to their treatment. However, because plasma drug concentrations only reflect a patient’s adherence pattern for a few hours to at most two days, the adherence patterns of these individuals cannot be concluded with certainty. Using plasma EFV as a biomarker to evaluate adherence to treatment in HIV seropositive individuals is a feasible technique, however, its application in non-research settings is still a drawback due to the cost of the method. Characterizing patient inter-individual differences should be taken into consideration, especially since any polymorphism in their transporter and metabolizing genes may influence their overall treatment success.
NRF
37
Mathebula, Rudy Londile. "Profile of selected cardiovascular disease risk factors among HIV patients on anti-retroviral therapy in Bushbuckridge Sub-District, Mpumalanga Province." 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2933.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2019The purpose of this study was to profile selected cardiovascular disease risk factors among HIV patients on ART in Bushbuckridge sub-district. Quantitative, crosssectional research was conducted to describe cardiovascular disease risk factors among HIV patients on ART in Bushbuckridge Sub-district. Data collection was done using researcher-administered questionnaires. Adult HIV patient on ART participated in the study (n=328). The study has highlighted cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among HIV patients on ART. The findings revealed the prevalence of hypertension is 34.6% among HIV patients on ART and men had a higher prevalence compared to women. There is an increase in body mass index and it is seen mostly among women. Alcohol consumption is highest in the young adults (18 to 24 years) both men and women. Health promotion and policymaking interventions need to improve strategies on management and prevention of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Key concepts HIV, ART, cardiovascular disease risk factors, prevalence, body mass index, Bushbuckridge
38
Zhou, Tolybert Munodawafa. "Evaluation of virologic monitoring frequencies on responses to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infected patients." Diss., 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/23812.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of virologic monitoring frequencies on treatment failure, adherence to therapy, and the emergence of drug resistance in HIV-1 infected patients. A quantitative, meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the virologic outcomes of infrequent and frequent Viral Load (VL) testing among patient on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Data was collected through a self-designed data collection form. Two comparison groups emerged being guided by the VL monitoring frequency. In group I, the health outcomes were compared for (≥3 VLs per year) versus (≤2 VLs per year) and (2 VLs per year) versus (≤1 VLs per year) for group II. Data were analysed using the Cochrane's statistical software, RevMan v5.3. The findings support (2 VLs per year) as the optimal VL monitoring strategy for stable and virologically suppressed patients and there is nothing to be gained by (≥3 VLs per year).Health Studies
M.P.H.
39
Moloi, Khehla Daniel. "Joint modelling of survival and longitudinal outcomes of HIV/AIDS patients in Limpopo, South Africa." Thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3081.
Full text
40
Mutasa, Kuda. "Pharmacy refills as a measure of adherence to antiretroviral therapy for HIV positive patients at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo Zimbabwe." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19640.
Full textAbstract:
This non-experimental, retrospective, descriptive and correlational study investigated adherence to antiretroviral drugs among HIV positive patients at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. Data among 118 patients was extracted from clinic registers and patient facility held medical records to determine level of adherence to ART using pharmacy refills (a non-immunological adherence parameter) and compared to CD4 cell count ( an immunological adherence parameter).
Adherence levels obtained in this study using pharmacy refills was low (62.7%) and a relatively high non-adherence level of 37.3%. The pharmacy refill adherence level obtained was comparable to CD4 cell count adherence level of 64.6% (as indicated by a 50% CD4 cell count gain). These findings would seem to indicate the need for more education on the importance of adherence and further the need for better adherence monitoring systemsHealth Studies
M.A. (Public Health)
41
Makasi, Tasara. "Factors associated with delayed entry into HIV medical care among HIV positive people who are aware of their status in Bulawayo Zimbabwe." Diss., 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8667.
Full textAbstract:
Using non-experimental descriptive exploratory survey, this study sought to find out factors associated with delayed entry into HIV medical care among HIV positive people who are aware of their status. A quantitative design was used and a structured questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. Respondents were patients in a hospital’s Opportunistic Infection Department whose hospital records indicated that they were HIV positive during the time of the study. The study found out that as much as 71.6% (n =43) first entered HIV medical care more than 12 months after testing HIV positive while 40% (n = 24) did so as a result of illness. Low education levels, unemployment and being single are associated with delayed entry into HIV medical care. A percentage of the population uses and trusts non-biomedical approaches to dealing with HIV/AIDS. Being diagnosed HIV positive is therefore not necessarily a strong reason enough for one to immediately enter into medical care. Intensive health education needs to be done at work places, health facilities, schools, through print and electronic media, churches and other community settings to equip the population with knowledge of the advantages of early entry into HIV care.Health Studies
M.A. (Public Health)
42
Okoth, Patrick Paul. "The HIV disclosure and sexual practices of people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy at Mbabane National Referral VCT/ART centre, Swaziland." Diss., 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/5755.
Full textAbstract:
This quantitative study sought to identify and describe factors influencing HIV disclosure and sexual practices among 340 PLWHA on ART at Mbabane National Referral VCT/ART Centre, Swaziland. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.
A high general HIV disclosure rate (94.1%; f=320; N=340) was observed of which 57.5% (f=184; n=320) was to sexual partners. X2 procedures indicate an association with gender, residential region, religion, and period of being on ART.
The majority (70.2%; f=179; n=255) of the respondents used condoms all the time to avoid infecting their sexual partners (99.2%; f=243; n=245) and to avoid contracting STIs (99.2%; f=243; n=245). X2 procedures indicate an association with gender, residential region, marital status, number of sexual partners, knowledge of the HIV status of sexual partners and period of being on ART.
The single leading reason for not using the condom was sexual partners’ refusal to use condoms (85.7%; f=54; n=63).Health Studies
M.A.(Health Studies)
43
Moola, Sabihah. "A qualitative analysis of the communication process between HIV-positive patients and medical staff : a study at Stanger Regional Hospital's antiretroviral therapy clinic." Diss., 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/4113.
Full textAbstract:
Health communication is a vital part of health care and treatment. For patients living with HIV, effective health communication is crucial. This study aimed at describing health communication from the perspective of HIV-positive patients by uncovering their experiences as they interacted with various medical staff members at Stanger Hospital. Guided by a review of various health communication models, data were collected via individual interviews and non-participant observation. The findings showed that interactive communication was favoured by all the respondents, especially communication that was patient-centred. Such communication encompassed education on how to live and cope with HIV. Obstacles to effective communication such as power differentials, lack of time and privacy at public health care clinics were identified. The study found that the different medical staff members at the clinic to various degrees addressed distinctive communication needs of HIV-positive patients. This study contributed to effectively understating the communication process as a whole.Sociology
M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)
44
Mupawose, Anniah. "The effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the cognitive-linguistic abilities of adults living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/12895.
Full textAbstract:
In the context of HIV high infection rate in South Africa, an assumption can be made that there is a high prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders or cognitive linguistic deficits. The aim of this study was to determine assess whether highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) affected the cognitive – linguistic abilities of individuals living with HIV and AIDS before and after HAART use; and to determine whether their functional performance in terms of engaging in activities of daily living was affected by HAART use. Adults living with HIV and AIDs were recruited through purposive convenience sampling to participate in the study. They were divided into three groups. The experimental and cross sectional group included participants who were HIV infected and initiated HAART. The comparison group included participants who elected not to start HAART. Participants in all three group were assessed using the Cognitive – Linguistic Quick Test and were also required to fill out a structured interview scale at baseline, four and eight months. For the experimental group 55 participants were tested at baseline, 55 at four months and 52 at eight months after HAART initiation. The comparison group included 21 participants who tested at baseline, ten at four months and nine at eight months. The cross sectional group included different participants who recruited at baseline (55) before HAART initiation, then again at four (44) and eight months (42) after HAART initiation.
Descriptive analysis revealed that the mean scores for both the Cognitive – Linguistic Quick Test (CLQT) and the structured interview schedule (IS) in all the cognitive domains increased for all three groups from four and eight months after testing. However the severity ratings provided by the CLQT indicated that neurocognitive deficits were still prevalent among the participants after HAART intiation. The most impaired cogntive – linguistic ability was executive functions and the least impaired was language. One way ANOVA analysis on the CLQT and IS revealed that was a signiifcant difference in performance between the three groups at baseline, four and eight months. Repeated measures analysis revealed significant differences or improvements within participants across the three time periods. The greatest improvement was observed from baseline to eight months especially on the CLQT. ANCOVA analysis on the Cognitive- Linguistic Quick Test indicated that education had a major impact on cognitive – linguistic abilities followed by age and CD4 count. However, ANCOVA analysis on the structured interview scale revealed that the effect of time, participant group and to a lesser extent age influenced the participants cognitive – linguistic abilities when it came to perfroming activities of daily living. Quantitave inquiry using content analysis showed that participants in all three groups cited attention, followed by visual and language problems as hindering their abilities to perform activities of daily living.
The implications from this study revealed that even though HAART improves cognitive –linguistic abilities, neurocognitive deficits were still prevalent. Therefore findings suggest that health professionals need to monitor the neurocognitive impairments of their patients so as determine levels of functional performance.
45
Sade, Anteneh Habtenarian, and Anteneh Habtemariam Sade. "The impact of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) on tuberculosis incidence among HIV infected patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia." Diss., 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/11917.
Full textAbstract:
Background: IPT is an effective, safe and feasible disease prevention scheme that should
be administered for all PLHIV living in areas with high latent TB prevalence.
Objective: To assess the impact of isoniazid in the incidence of tuberculosis among HIV
infected individuals in Addis Ababa.
Methods: A case control study design was undertaken among 489 HIV and TB infected
patients in Addis Ababa from January 2008 to December 2010.
Results: Tuberculosis incidence rate among those who developed TB after completing 6-9
month isoniazid preventative therapy was17.14 PYO compared to 10.28 PYO among
those who were not. Isonizide reduced the chance of developing tuberculosis among HIV
infected patients (OR= 0.072; 95% CI 0.044, 0.12). Age (AOR= 0.14; 95% CI 0.03, 0.97)
and sex (AOR= 1.86; 95% CI 1.02, 2.23) of the patient, CD4 count at HIV diagnosis
(AOR= 0.21; 95% CI 0.13, 0.31), clinical stage of HIV illness (AOR= 1.22; 95% CI 1.09,
1.84) and past tuberculosis history (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.24, 3.67) were major factors
associated with tuberculosis incidence.
Conclusions: INH prophylaxis was associated with lower incidence of tuberculosis among
PLHIV.Health Studies
M. Public Health
46
Tshidzumba, Mukondeleli Elisabeth. "Challenges faced by HIV positive pregnant mothers in accessing ARVS : a case study of Tshirenzheni Village at Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11602/303.
Full text
47
Zeleke, Amsalu Belew. "Evaluation of the impact of the information-motivation-behavioural skills model of adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19649.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the IMB skills model for its relevance to the
Ethiopian context. According to the model, adherence-related information and
motivation work through adherence-related behavioural skills to affect adherence to
ART. Quantitative, analytical, observational, cross-sectional, institution-based study was
conducted to evaluate the model by assessing those patients who have and do not
have the right information, motivation, and behavioural skills whether they have or do
not have good adherence to ART. Data was collected using structured questionnaires
where a total of 400 randomly selected participants provided data on adherence-related
information, motivation and behavioral skills as well as adherence behavior per se. Data
was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.
Both descriptive and inferential statistics used in the study. Only 90.75 % of the total
sample population reported ART adherence rate of more than or equal to 95% in this
study. Free and restricted model tests, through bivariate and multivariate analyses,
used to assess the propositions of the IMB model of ART adherence and provided
support for the interrelations between the elements proposed by the model. The study
has supported the applicability of the IMB model of adherence to the Ethiopian context
highlighting its application in adherence-promotion intervention efforts. The findings
revealed the need for on-going educational, informational and other interventions to
address the knowledge, motivation and adherence behavioural skills of patients in order
to improve the current levels of ART adherence behaviour.Health Studies
D. Litt. et. Phil. (Health Studies)
48
Massicotte, Alexandre Claude Raynald. "A comparative analysis of quality of life and stigma experienced by people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy in a home-based care project in Malema an Ribaue districts, Mozambique." Diss., 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/4256.
Full textAbstract:
Stigma is broadly considered as an important obstacle in HIV prevention and
treatment. In Mozambique, more PLWHIV have access to treatment than ever.
ART increased their QoL and created a new context for stigma production.
This cross-sectional study conducted in Northern Mozambique explored a
possible association between stigma and QoL. The Berger Stigma Scale and
WHOQOL-BREF were used to measure levels of HIV-related stigma and
perceived QoL in two groups of PLWHIV receiving ARV, with participation in a
HBC programme as the independent variable.
The study uncovered a weak to moderate negative correlation between stigma
and QoL scores. Statistically significant differences were discovered between the
groups’ scores on the Berger Stigma Scale and a higher perceived QoL for
PLWHIV in the HBC group on three WHOQOL-BREF subscales and on the
overall score. The scores on the social relationships subscale indicated lower
perceived QoL for PLWHIV in the HBC group.Sociology
M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)
49
Ntshakala, Theresa Thembi. "Quality of life of people living with HIV and AIDS in Swaziland who are on antiretroviral therapy." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8873.
Full textAbstract:
This study was done to assess the quality of life (QOL) of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Swaziland who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). No study has been done on QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART since it started to be administered in Swaziland in 2001.
A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was used to assess QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART. Twenty-four PLWHA were purposely selected to participate in the study. Methods of data collection used were semi-structured individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The data (tape-recorded interviews and discussions, and field notes) were transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Data analysed was done using Tesch’s framework of data analysis as described in Creswell (2002:256-283).
The research findings are reflected, with the six domains of QOL identified through a literature review and validated by nurses’ expertise. These domains are the physiological, psychological, spiritual, socio-economic, cognitive, and environmental domains.The study revealed that PLWHA in Swaziland are faced with many challenges concerning ART, namely: inability to meet their nutrition needs, non-adherence to
ART, experience of disfiguring side effects of ARVs, inconsistent condom use, experience of stigma and discrimination, depression, difficulty in accepting and coping with ARVs, lowered self-esteem, a negative influence of some religions on ART, a lack of financial support, poor support systems, poor understanding of ARVs, negative thoughts about HIV and AIDS and ART, an unsatisfactory health care delivery system, a negative influence of culture on ART, and violation of the rights of PLWHA. These challenges negatively influence the QOL of PLWHA and hence the study concluded that PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART have a poor QOL.
Conclusions drawn from the data analysis reveal that PLWHA in Swaziland are powerless to deal with the above challenges and improve their QOL. The researcher, therefore, developed guidelines to empower PLWHA to deal with these challenges and adhere to ART, thus improving their QOL. Recommendations were made with regard to nursing practice, nursing education, and further nursing research.Health Studies
D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)
50
Lekubu, Gloria Stephinah Sebaetseng. "Exploring the experiences of adult offenders living with HIV on pre-antiretroviral therapy program at the Losperfontein Correctional Centre." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/22274.
Full textAbstract:
Text in EnglishThe aim of the study was to explore the experiences of adult offenders living with HIV (OLWHIV) not qualifying for antiretroviral therapy (ART). Such offenders are put on the pre-antiretroviral therapy (pre-ART) program after HIV diagnosis. Follow up of OLWHIV is done every six months to ensure prompt treatment. Research objectives include exploration of experiences of OLWHIV on the pre-ART program, the accessibility of the program and the challenges thereof. An exploratory, qualitative study with face-to-face interviews was conducted. Purposive sampling of the eight participants was done to conduct the study. Seven out of eight participants accessed the pre-ART program well but had little knowledge of the pre-ART program. Furthermore, participants experienced little support from partners and health care workers. The study showed institutional constraints such as poor diet, shortage of staff and humiliation from Correctional officers. Participants portrayed commitment in the support group irrespective of the challenges experienced. The study further showed that the self-care theory could enhance the pre-ART program but that institutional constraints deterred the progress. Participants made recommendations such as strengthening of partnerships for support groups, good diet, and an increase of staff capacity. Overall study recommendations include implementation of universal test and treat and mixed methods for future studies.
Sociology
M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)