Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adam Akullian, Alain Vandormael, Joel C. Miller, Anna Bershteyn, Edward Wenger, Diego Cuadros, Dickman Gareta, Till Barnighausen, Kobus Herbst, Frank Tanser
Summary: In a hyper-epidemic region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the median age of HIV seroconversion increased in both men and women, suggesting a changing demographic of HIV risk with a focus on younger age groups. The decline in HIV incidence was more pronounced in young men and women, while older individuals showed stable or even lagging declines in incidence. These results provide direct epidemiological evidence of the impact of large-scale treatment and prevention interventions on the age distribution of HIV incidence in sub-Saharan Africa.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yann Ruffieux, Tafadzwa Dhokotera, Mazvita Muchengeti, Lina Bartels, Victor Olago, Julia Bohlius, Elvira Singh, Matthias Egger, Eliane Rohner
Summary: This study examined cancer incidence in adolescents and young adults living with HIV in South Africa from 2004 to 2014. The results showed that infection-related cancers were the most common types of cancer in this population, and their occurrence rates were higher with lower CD4 cell counts.
Article
Immunology
Kimesha Pillay, Lara Lewis, Santhuri Rambaran, Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma, Derseree Archary, Santhanalakshmi Gengiah, Dhineshree Govender, Razia Hassan-Moosa, Natasha Samsunder, Salim S. Abdool Karim, Lyle R. McKinnon, Nesri Padayatchi, Kogieleum Naidoo, Aida Sivro
Summary: The study suggests that increased risk of TB recurrence in HIV infected individuals on ART is likely associated with HIV mediated translocation of microbial products and resulting chronic immune activation. This indicates that immunological markers play an important role in the risk of TB recurrence.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melanie Plazy, Adama Diallo, Thabile Hlabisa, Nonhlanhla Okesola, Collins Iwuji, Kobus Herbst, Sylvie Boyer, France Lert, Nuala McGrath, Deenan Pillay, Francois Dabis, Joseph Larmarange, Joanna Orne-Gliemann
Summary: This study reports on the implementation and effectiveness of a linkage-to-care intervention in rural South Africa, which involved tracking HIV-positive individuals through phone calls and home visits. The results showed that this intervention was effective in improving the linkage-to-care rate among patients.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nolwenn Conan, Erica Simons, Menard L. Chihana, Liesbet Ohler, Ellie FordKamara, Mduduzi Mbatha, Gilles VanCutsem, Helena Huerga
Summary: The viral suppression among people living with HIV in Eshowe/Mbongolwane, South Africa has significantly improved from 2013 to 2018, but young men have a lower suppression rate and women and older adults have a higher rate of unsuppressed viral load. Specific strategies are needed to increase viral suppression in these groups.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Thokozile R. Malaba, Elton Mukonda, Mushi Matjila, Hlengiwe P. Madlala, Landon Myer, Marie-Louise Newell
Summary: This study conducted in a public sector primary care facility in Cape Town, South Africa found that pregnant women using ART may have a higher risk of delivering small for gestational age infants compared to HIV-negative women, but no increased risk of preterm delivery was observed. Further research is needed to better understand how ART contributes to adverse birth outcomes.
PAEDIATRIC AND PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Monisha Sharma, Edinah Mudimu, Kate Simeon, Anna Bershteyn, Jienchi Dorward, Lauren R. Violette, Adam Akullian, Salim S. Abdool Karim, Connie Celum, Nigel Garrett, Paul K. Drain
Summary: Based on data from the STREAM trial in South Africa, point-of-care (POC) testing is a promising strategy to improve patient outcomes in moderately sized clinics in South Africa. Results are most sensitive to changes in the intervention impact on enrollment into community-based ART delivery.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nivashnee Naicker, Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma, Ayesha B. M. Kharsany, Hlengiwe Shozi, Duduzile Nkosi, Anushka Naidoo, Nigel Garrett, Salim S. Abdool Karim
Summary: Pregnancy rates following HIV acquisition in South Africa are high, highlighting the importance of timely provision of antiretroviral therapy and contraception counseling for women recently diagnosed with HIV. The study also showed improvements in CD4 count and HIV viral load trajectories in pregnant women over time.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mhairi Maskew, Kieran Sharpey-Schafer, Lucien De Voux, Thomas Crompton, Jacob Bor, Marcus Rennick, Admire Chirowodza, Jacqui Miot, Seithati Molefi, Chuka Onaga, Pappie Majuba, Ian Sanne, Pedro Pisa
Summary: This study applied predictive machine learning algorithms to HIV programmatic data from South Africa and developed models to predict patient attendance and viral load suppression. Important predictors included previous visit history, viral load testing frequency, visit time, age, and treatment duration. The results showed that machine learning can effectively identify HIV patients at risk of disengagement and unsuppressed viral load.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tariro Ndoro, Ntombizodwa Ndlovu, Peter Nyasulu
Summary: This study aimed to determine the factors affecting ART adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS attending adherence clubs. The results showed that age, comorbidity, ART regimen, and club membership duration were all significantly associated with ART adherence.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gillian M. Hunt, Mukhlid Yousif, Leon Levin, Johanna Ledwaba, Kim Steegen, Tendesayi Kufa, Hloniphile Zwane, Monalisa Kalimashe, Vibha Kana, Getahun Aynalem, Jaclyn Perlman, Kassahun Ayalew, Gurpreet Kindra, Karidia Diallo, Sergio Carmona, Gayle Sherman, Elliot J. Raizes
Summary: HIV drug resistance is highly prevalent among paediatric patients failing ART in South Africa, with 90% of patients harbouring resistance to NNRTIs and/or NRTIs. Scaling up resistance testing would facilitate access to second- and third-line regimens in South Africa.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mariet Benade, Lawrence Long, Sydney Rosen, Gesine Meyer-Rath, Jeanne-Marie Tucker, Jacqui Miot
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic and responses in South Africa led to a significant decline in the number of HIV-infected individuals starting ART treatment in 2020, without any recovery throughout the year. These delays may result in worse treatment outcomes for HIV patients and potentially higher HIV transmission rates. Efforts will be needed to maintain progress in fighting HIV.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Idah Mokhele, Tembeka Sineke, Jonas Langa, Dorina Onoya
Summary: A study conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, revealed that reporting illness symptoms is the primary motivator for adults to undergo HIV testing, rather than for prevention purposes. The findings highlight the importance of increasing early HIV testing to maximize the benefits of expanded access to antiretroviral therapy.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jonathan Z. Li, Natalia Stella, Manish C. Choudhary, Aneela Javed, Katherine Rodriguez, Heather Ribaudo, Mahomed-Yunus Moosa, Jay Brijkumar, Selvan Pillay, Henry Sunpath, Marc Noguera-Julian, Roger Paredes, Brent Johnson, Alex Edwards, Vincent C. Marconi, Daniel R. Kuritzkes
Summary: In a South African cohort, the presence of majority DRMs increased the risk of virological failure (VF), especially for participants receiving <2 active drugs. However, the detection of drug-resistant minority variants (MVs) alone did not significantly predict an increased risk of VF in the absence of majority DRMs.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eda He, Janke Tolmay, Siyanai G. Zhou, Wylene G. Saal, Elona G. Toska
Summary: Adolescents living with HIV face unique challenges in treatment and care. This study analyzed data to determine the age cut-off for distinguishing how they acquired HIV, which can help tailor HIV services to their needs.
Article
Rehabilitation
Christine Henriksen Oedegaard, Ingunn Marie Stadskleiv Engrebretsen, Marius Veseth, Anne Blindheim, Brynjulf Stige
Summary: This study explores the perspectives of healthcare workers on the challenges and possibilities of music therapy within medication-free services for people with psychotic disorders. The study reveals that music therapy offers treatment flexibility and acceptability, but also presents prioritization dilemmas and challenges when ending therapy. There is potential for improvement in implementing music therapy into existing healthcare teams.
NORDIC JOURNAL OF MUSIC THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Family Studies
Emil Graff Ramsli, Ane-Marthe Solheim Skar, Vilde Skylstad, Disa Sjoblom, Zenona Gread, Wayomi Chiong, Ingunn Marie S. Engebretsen
Summary: This study explores the discrepancies in reporting child maltreatment and emotional health between caregivers and children in the Philippines before and after the piloting of the International Child Development Program (ICDP). The findings suggest that children reported higher rates of maltreatment before the intervention, but not after. This highlights the different perspectives of children and caregivers on maltreatment and the positive effect of ICDP on parenting.
JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Gloria Mutimbwa Siseho, Thubelihle Mathole, Debra Jackson
Summary: The study assesses the quality of care provided around childbirth in northeast Namibia using WHO/UNICEF/UNFPA quality measures. Deficiencies in provider-client interactions and information sharing were identified, highlighting the need for improved training in communication skills to enhance the patient's experience of care.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Oyebola G. Oyebanji, Thubelihle Mathole, Debra Jackson
Summary: The study found that the District Clinical Specialist Team is crucial in enhancing the performance of the PMTCT programme by strengthening clinical skills, providing oversight and technical support, and assisting in data verification to identify gaps in the programme.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Martin Chebet, David Mukunya, Kathy Burgoine, Melf-Jakob Kuehl, Duolao Wang, Antonieta Medina-Lara, Eric Brian Faragher, Amos Odiit, Peter Olupot-Olupot, Ingunn Marie Stadskleiv Engebretsen, John Baptist Waniaye, Julius Wandabwa, Thorkild Tylleskaer, Andrew Weeks
Summary: This trial aims to evaluate if providing alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) to pregnant women can prevent severe infections in infants. The study will be conducted in eastern Uganda with a total of 5932 pregnant women. The intervention group will receive six litres of ABHR and training, and follow-up visits will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando, Marumbo Chirwa, Andrew Kumitawa, Sangwani Salimu, Jacqueline Chinkonde, Tiyese Jean Chimuna, Martin Dohlsten, Bongani Chikwapulo, Mesfin Senbete, Fatima Gohar, Tedbabe D. Hailegebriel, Debra Jackson
Summary: This study assessed the uptake of and barriers and enablers to postnatal care (PNC) services among mothers and babies. The uptake of PNC services was 90.5%, 30.2%, and 6.1% within 48 h of birth, 3 to 7 days, and 8 to 42 days, respectively. Barriers include absence, limited understanding, lack of male involvement, and economic challenges. Enablers include mother's education, awareness, economic resources, community-based support, and attitude of health workers.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Ambrose Agweyu, Kathleen Hill, Theresa Diaz, Debra Jackson, Binyam G. Hailu, Moise Muzigaba
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Debra Jackson, Elizabeth Katwan, Claudia Boehm, Theresa Diaz
Summary: By conducting a scoping review, the study aimed to describe the use of routine health information system (RHIS) data for monitoring changes in essential health services (EHS) coverage for maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that while RHIS can be used to monitor disruptions in MNCH services, there is a need to strengthen RHIS data for future public health emergencies.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sara Dada, Olive Cocoman, Anayda Portela, Aoife De Brun, Sanghita Bhattacharyya, Ozge Tuncalp, Debra Jackson, Brynne Gilmore
Summary: This review aimed to describe and clarify the varying uses of 'community blank' terms in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) interventions. The results showed inconsistency in the usage of these terms, with 'community mobilization', 'community engagement', and 'community participation' being the most frequently used. There is a need for improved documentation and clarification of these terms to promote better sharing of learning and evidence-based practices.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joyce Sserunjogi Nalugya, Vilde Skylstad, Juliet N. Babirye, Andrew Sentoogo Ssemata, Grace Ndeezi, Paul Bangirana, Ingunn M. S. Engebretsen, Noeline Nakasujja
Summary: The study found that school-age children in Uganda have easy access to and use of AOD. Several factors contribute to alcohol and other drug use among children, including availability and accessibility, advertising, lack of parental awareness and supervision, peer influence, adverse childhood experiences, socioeconomic factors, and cultural norms. There is a need for multi-sectoral action to raise awareness of childhood AOD use and to deliberately consider children in the planning, design, and implementation of research, policies, and programs for prevention and early intervention.
Article
Substance Abuse
Harriet Aber-Odonga, Fred Nuwaha, Esther Kisaakye, Ingunn Marie S. Engebretsen, Juliet Ndimwibo Babirye
Summary: There is a lack of readiness in healthcare facilities in Mbale, Uganda, to effectively screen, diagnose, and manage substance use disorders. Improved management of human and other resources is necessary in this setting to enhance facility readiness.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Theogene Habumugisha, Ingunn Marie Stadskleiv Engebretsen, Inger Elisabeth Maren, Carl Walter Matthias Kaiser, Jutta Dierkes
Summary: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials found that reducing meat and/or dairy consumption has no significant impact on protein intake, anthropometric values, and body composition.
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Moise Muzigaba, Theresa Diaz, Blerta Maliqi, Wilson Were, Kathleen Strong, Tamar Chitashvili, Allysha Choudhury, Debra Jackson, Anne Detjen, Jennifer Requejo, Emma Sacks, Anshu Banerjee
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tsigereda B. Kebede, Selamawit Mengesha, Bernt Lindtjorn, Ingunn Marie S. Engebretsen
Summary: This study assessed the nutritional status of mothers in a rural district of southern Ethiopia, focusing on haemoglobin levels and body mass index (BMI) after childbirth. The study found that a significant portion of mothers were anaemic and had a low BMI. Factors such as weight, dietary diversity, secondary school attendance, and household wealth were associated with the mothers' haemoglobin levels and BMI. The findings highlight the need for education and community-based nutrition interventions to improve household food security and the overall nutritional status of mothers.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Pediatrics
Vilde Skylstad, Juliet Ndimwibo Babirye, Juliet Kiguli, Ane-Marthe Solheim Skar, Melf-Jakob Kuhl, Joyce Sserunjogi Nalugya, Ingunn Marie Stadskleiv Engebretsen
Summary: Alcohol use has a significant impact on the burden of disease among youth, but research and treatment opportunities are limited for younger children. Early alcohol use is influenced by sociocultural, economic, and health-related factors, with family and stressful circumstances playing important roles. The World Health Organization has developed guidelines for effective strategies to reduce harmful alcohol use, but implementation gaps remain. Given its wide-ranging implications, more focus on research, policy, and implementation strategies for early alcohol use is needed.
BMJ PAEDIATRICS OPEN
(2022)