Awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among women of reproductive age in Tajikistan.

Using data from the 2012 and 2017 Tajikistan Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), this research explores the trends and determinants of HIV/AIDS awareness and knowledge among women of reproductive age in Tajikistan across two time periods and identifies areas for improvement. The results of this research indicate that nearly four in ten women had not heard of HIV/AIDS before participating in the DHS. Moreover, between 2012 and 2017, the level of HIV/AIDS awareness among women decreased from 63% to 57%. Although the level of HIV knowledge increased from 21% in 2012-33% in 2017, many women still lack knowledge about the modes of HIV transmission and effective prevention methods. Considering that the HIV epidemic is currently increasing in Tajikistan, HIV/AIDS prevention interventions are urgently needed that include outreach efforts targeting younger women and those from rural areas and lower socioeconomic groups.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine knowledge, the intention to vaccinate, and HPV vaccination uptake among male college students.

ObjectiveThis systematic mixed studies review aims to summarize the results of available research on knowledge of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine, the intention to vaccinate, and HPV vaccination uptake among male college students. Methods: PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO, PsycINFO, JSTOR, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar searches were performed to identify studies. A total of 39 studies were included in this review. Results: Most studies were cross-sectional (n = 27) and used convenience samples (n = 18). Although many students were aware of HPV and the HPV vaccine, gaps in their knowledge about the mode of transmission, symptoms, risk factors, and HPV vaccine mechanism were evident. The cost of HPV vaccination and concerns about safety and side effects were the most frequently reported barriers to obtaining the vaccination. Conclusion: More effort to increase knowledge about HPV and the uptake of the HPV vaccination among college men in the United States is necessary.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the productivity of academics who mother.

The aim of the study is to document how academics who mother have reorganized work and childcare since the beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States, how those shifts have affected their academic productivity, and solutions proposed by academics living these experiences. We collected data via an online survey and, subsequently, by conducting qualitative interviews with a subsample of participants. From June to August 2020, 131 female-identified academics who mother were recruited via a Facebook group, Academic Mamas, and participated in our online survey. Twenty participants were then interviewed via phone or Zoom to explore more deeply the experiences of academics who mother. Results of our research suggest that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pressure on academics who mother is immense. Analysis of the qualitative data revealed three major themes: (1) inability to meet institutional expectations; (2) juggling work and family life; and (3) proposed solutions. Our results suggest that significant efforts must be made by academic institutions to acknowledge and value the childcare responsibilities of academics who mother and to create solutions that fully address the challenges they face in meeting the academic expectations and requirements that largely remain unmodified despite the pandemic.

Uptake of HIV testing among women of reproductive age in Tajikistan: An assessment of individual determinants.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past decade, the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in Tajikistan increased significantly, with women particularly vulnerable to acquiring HIV. This research assessed individual determinants associated with HIV testing among women of reproductive age. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was done using data from 5,867 females aged 15-49 years. Chi-square test, t-test, and multivariate analysis were applied to find associations between women's socio-demographic characteristics, reproductive health variables, and HIV testing uptake. RESULTS: Overall, only 26% (1,501) of women in the present research reported HIV testing in the past. Multiple regression indicated that HIV testing was significantly associated with participants' age (25-34 age group: OR 0.7, p ≤ 0.001; 35-49 age group: OR 0.2, p ≤ 0.001), education (OR 2.2, p ≤ 0.001), area of residence (OR 0.6, p ≤ 0.001), marital status (OR 2.4, p ≤ 0.001), HIV knowledge (OR 1.1, p ≤ 0.001), and pregnancy history (OR 6.7, p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Results of this research suggest that there is a need for culturally acceptable interventions, including outreach to increase the overall HIV testing rate among women in Tajikistan.

Knowledge and Awareness of Human Papillomavirus Among College Students in South Carolina.

Despite the existence of a safe and effective vaccine, human papillomavirus (HPV) remains prevalent in the United States, with late adolescence and early adulthood being periods of increased risk. Thus, targeting college-aged individuals for HPV prevention and vaccination promotion is critical-particularly in regions such as the Deep South where vaccination rates remain low. This study sought to examine awareness and knowledge of HPV as well as experiences and attitudes regarding HPV vaccination among college students in the Deep South. Specifically, we completed a cross-sectional survey of 256 undergraduate students from a large public university in South Carolina. Although a majority of participants were aware of HPV, significant knowledge gaps existed, particularly regarding prevention, symptoms, and consequences of HPV infection. Participants were also largely unaware of men's susceptibility for negative HPV outcomes. Multivariate regression modeling was used to identify predictors of HPV knowledge, with results indicating that participants who were female and white, as well as those who were vaccinated, had higher levels of HPV knowledge. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive HPV education on college campuses and offer insights to priority populations that may be appropriate focuses of efforts to increase HPV knowledge and vaccination rates.