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BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on COVID-19 vaccination uptake among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and health care workers (HCWs), with the current evidence concentrated in high-income countries. There is also limited documentation in the published literature regarding the feasibility and lessons from implementing targeted vaccination strategies to reach PLHIV and HCWs in low- and middle-income countries. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, PILOTING, AND IMPLEMENTATION: We designed and implemented multifaceted strategies to scale up targeted COVID-19 vaccination among PLHIV and HCWs in 11 administrative regions on the mainland of Tanzania plus Zanzibar. An initial 6-week intensification strategy was implemented using a diverse partnership model comprising key stakeholders at the national- and subnational levels. A layered package of strategies included expanding the number of certified vaccinators, creating vaccination points within HIV clinics, engaging HCWs to address their concerns, and building the capacity of HCWs as "champions" to promote and facilitate vaccination. We then closely monitored COVID-19 vaccination uptake in 562 high-volume HIV clinics. Between September 2021 and September 2022, the proportion of fully vaccinated adult PLHIV increased from <1% to 97% and fully vaccinated HCWs increased from 23% to 80%. LESSONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our intra-action review highlighted the importance of leveraging a strong foundation of existing partnerships and platforms, integrating COVID-19 vaccination points within HIV clinics, and refining strategies to increase vaccination demand while ensuring continuity of vaccine supply to meet the increased demand. Lessons from Tanzania can inform targeted vaccination of vulnerable groups in future health emergencies.
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Vacinas contra COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Infecções por HIV , Pessoal de Saúde , Humanos , Tanzânia , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Vacinas contra COVID-19/administração & dosagem , SARS-CoV-2 , Vacinação/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on HIV-related healthcare services. Zanzibar has experienced several interruptions of HIV services in the areas of testing and counselling, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, key population, care and treatment services as well due to the hospital operating at a reduced capacity and the strict visit restrictions with health care allocations to COVID 19 pandemic. The community HIV initiatives, such as index testing and ARVs medicine refills, were used to mitigate the consequences of the epidemic and can be applied in future emergencies. This report tries to reveal COVID-19's unnoticed consequences on HIV services in Zanzibar.
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COVID-19 , Infecções por HIV , Feminino , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Tanzânia/epidemiologia , Pandemias , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas/prevenção & controleRESUMO
BACKGROUND: HIV Testing and Counseling is a critical entry-point for HIV care, treatment and prevention. Tanzania adopted the WHO recommendations of Provider-Initiated HIV Testing and Counseling (PITC) in 2007 with the aim of increasing early HIV diagnosis and timely access to treatment and support services. However, approximately 55% of men are still unaware of their HIV status. This study aimed to determine the level of PITC uptake and factors associated with PITC availability and uptake among men attending healthcare facilities in Moshi Municipality, Northern Tanzania. METHOD: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2019 in five selected healthcare facilities in Moshi Municipal, Kilimanjaro region. Exit interviews were conducted with men aged 18 years and above who attended for care in the selected facilities. Modified Poisson regression modelling with robust standard errors were used to determine factors independently associated with being offered and accepting the PITC offer. RESULTS: A total of 562 men participated in this study. The median age of participants at enrollment was 37 (IQR: 26-59) years. Only 58% of participants reported to have been offered provider-initiated HIV counseling. Of these, 83% accepted the offer of HIV testing. Age between 35-59 years (aPR = 1.2; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.0, 1.4; p = 0.033) and having primary education (aPR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6, 0.9; p = 0.010) were factors independently associated with being offered PITC. Age between 35-59 years (aPR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7, 0.9; p = 0.002); having been previously tested for HIV (aPR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.5; p = 0.011) and visiting a health facility twice or more in previous year (aPR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.5; p<0.001) were independently associated with uptake of HIV testing. CONCLUSION: Despite high PITC uptake, about 2 in 5 men attending healthcare facilities in Moshi municipality were not offered the service. Providers should target men aged ≤ 34 years, with primary education, visiting facilities for the first time and who have never been tested for HIV.
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Soropositividade para HIV , HIV-1 , Masculino , Humanos , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Transversais , Tanzânia/epidemiologia , Aconselhamento , Teste de HIV , Instalações de Saúde , Atenção à SaúdeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: High altitude settings in Eastern Africa have been reported to experience increased malaria burden due to vector habitat expansion. This study explored possible associations between malaria test positivity rates and its predictors including malaria control measures and meteorological factors at a high-altitude, low malaria transmission setting, south of Mount Kilimanjaro. METHODS: Malaria cases reported at the Tanganyika Plantation Company (TPC) hospital's malaria registers, meteorological data recorded at TPC sugar factory and data on bed nets distributed in Lower Moshi from 2009 to 2018 were studied. Correlation between bed nets distributed and malaria test positivity rates were explored by using Pearson correlation analysis and the associations between malaria test positivity rates and demographic and meteorological variables were determined by logistic regression and negative binomial regression analyses, respectively. RESULTS: Malaria cases reported at TPC hospital ranged between 0.48 and 2.26% per year and increased slightly at the introduction of malaria rapid diagnostic tests. The risk of testing positive for malaria were significantly highest among individuals aged between 6 and 15 years (OR = 1.65; 1.65 CI = 1.28-2.13; p = 0.001) and 16-30 years (OR = 1.49; CI = 1.17-1.89; p = 0.001) and when adjusted for age, the risk were significantly higher among male individuals when compared to female individuals (OR = 1.54; 1.00-1.31; p = 0.044). Malaria test positivity rates were positively associated with average monthly minimum temperatures and negatively associated with average monthly maximum temperatures (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-1.78, p = 0.019 and IRR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.58-0.91, p = 0.005, respectively). When analysed with one month lag for predictor variables, malaria test positivity rates were still significantly associated with average monthly minimum and maximum temperatures (IRR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.28-2.19, p = 0.001 and IRR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54-0.85, p = 0.001, respectively). Average monthly rainfall and relative humidity with or without a one month lag was not associated with malaria test positivity rates in the adjusted models. Explopring possible associations between distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets, (LLINs) and malaria test positivity rates showed no apparent correlation between numbers of LLINs distributed in a particular year and malaria test positivity rates. CONCLUSION: In Lower Moshi, the risk of being tested positive for malaria was highest for older children and male individuals. Higher minimum and lower maximum temperatures were the strongest climatic predictors for malaria test positivity rates. In areas with extensive irrigation activity as in Lower Moshi, vector abundance and thus malaria transmission may be less dependent on rainfall patterns and humidity. Mass distribution of LLINs did not have an effect in this area with already very low malaria transmission.
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Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis/estatística & dados numéricos , Monitoramento Epidemiológico , Malária/epidemiologia , Vigilância da População , Tempo (Meteorologia) , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Incidência , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estações do Ano , Tanzânia/epidemiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: HIV infection is still a global public health problem. More than 75% of HIV-infected people are in Africa, and up to 54% are unaware of their HIV status, limiting access to antiretroviral treatment. CONTEXT AND PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This review aimed to determine whether HIV self-testing (HIVST) increases the uptake of testing, the yield of new HIV-positive diagnoses, and the linkage to antiretroviral treatment, and social harms among adults in Africa. METHODS: PubMed, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Databases of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE), Social Sciences Citation Index, Web of Science and African Index Medicus databases were searched from 1998 to 2019 (updated in December 2019). Eligible trials employed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), before/after studies, and interrupted time series design comparing HIVST to standard HIV testing services or comparing different approaches to HIVST among adults living in Africa were systematically sought. RESULTS: After searching 2,617 citations eleven trials were identified including 59,119 participants from four (4) African countries. Meta-analysis of seven trials showed a significant increase in the uptake of HIVST compared to standard HIV testing services: Both fixed-effects (Rate Ratio (RR) = 2.64, 95% CI: 2.51 to 2.79), and random-effects (RR) = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.80 to 5.37, and a significant increase in the uptake of couples' HIVST (RR = 2.50, 95% CI: 2.29 to 2.73 in fixed-effects models; and RR = 2.64, 95% CI: 2.01 to 3.49 in random-effects model). A decrease in linkage to care and ART was observed in HIVST compared to standard HIV testing services (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.95 in fixed-effects models; and RR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0. 56 to 1.08 in random-effects models). Six RCTs measured social harms, with a total of ten reported cases related to HIVST. One RCT comparing two approaches to HIVST showed that offering home-based HIVST with optional home-initiation of antiretroviral treatment increased the reporting of a positive HIV test result (RR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.98), and linkage to antiretroviral treatment (RR: 2.94; 95% CI: 2.10 to 4.12), compared with facility-based linkage to antiretroviral treatment. CONCLUSIONS: HIVST has the potential to increase the uptake of HIV testing compared to standard HIV testing services. Offering HIVST with optional home initiation of HIV care compared to HIVST with facility-based HIV care increases HIV positivity and linkage to antiretroviral treatment. Reported incidences of intimate partner violence related to HIVST were rare. Future research should focus on the potential of HIVST to reach first-time testers, the effect of using different approaches to HIVST, and strategies for linkage to HIV services. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: This systematic review was prospectively registered on the Prospero International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (CRD42015023935).
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Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Infecções por HIV/diagnóstico , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Teste de HIV/estatística & dados numéricos , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Autoteste , África , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , HumanosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Use of skilled health provider (SBA) during and after childbirth has been reported to reduce maternal and newborn deaths; and is one of the key indicators monitored in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Progress, levels and factors influencing utilization of SBA differ within and between countries. In Tanzania, SBA coverage stands at 64% while the national target is 80%; with wide variability between regions (42-96%). This study aimed at determining factors associated with utilization of skilled births providers during childbirth in Mbeya Region, Southern highlands, Tanzania. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in December 2015 to January 2016, in Mbeya Region. A total of 2844 women of reproductive age were enrolled, but only 1777 women who reported a live birth 5 years prior to the survey were included in this analysis. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent factors influencing utilization of SBA during childbirth. Random effects logistic model was used to assess the variability between clusters on the odds of using skilled birth attendants during delivery. RESULTS: In this setting, 81% of the women reported utilization of skilled births attendants during childbirth. ANC visits four times or more (aOR = 1.63-95% CI = 1.26, 2.10; p < 0.001) and having secondary education or higher (aOR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.19-3.90; p = 0.011) were associated with increased SBA use during childbirth whereas having two (aOR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.33-0.79; p = 0.003) or three children (aOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.27-0.58; p < 0.001) relative to one child, 30 to 60 min walking distance to the health facility (aOR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.48-0.92; p = 0.012) and more than 1 h walking distance to the health facility (aOR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.32-0.57; p < 0.001) compared to < 30 min; were associated with decreased SBA use during childbirth. CONCLUSION: The proportion of births attended by skilled births attendants was high, but 19% of the women are still left behind. Concentrated efforts to improve utilization of SBA should be targeted to women with low education, with higher number of children, and with low frequency of ANC attendance. Furthermore, community and facility interventions addressing transport for pregnant women are needed. Qualitative study to explore the barriers of SBA use among the 19% who are not using skilled assistance during childbirth is needed.
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Parto Obstétrico/estatística & dados numéricos , Tocologia/estatística & dados numéricos , Análise Multinível , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Escolaridade , Feminino , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Estado Civil , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Parto , Gravidez , Cuidado Pré-Natal/estatística & dados numéricos , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Tanzânia/epidemiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Achieving the 95-95-95 global targets by 2030, innovative HIV testing models, such as HIV self-testing are needed for people, who are unaware of their HIV status. We aimed to explore key informants, mountain climbing porters, and female bar workers' attitudes, perceived norms, and personal agency related to HIV self-testing. METHODS: This was a formative qualitative study to inform the design of an HIV self-testing intervention in Northern Tanzania. Informed by the Integrated Behaviour Model, we conducted four focus group discussions, and 18 in-depth interviews with purposively selected participants. Data were analyzed using the framework method. RESULTS: We recruited 55 participants. Most participants had positive attitudes towards HIVST, in that they anticipated positive consequences related to the introduction and uptake of HIVST. These included privacy and convenience, avoidance of long queues at health facilities, reduced counselor workload, and reduced indirect costs (given that transport to health facilities might not be required). Participants expressed the belief that significant people in their social environment, such as parents and peers, would approve their uptake of HIVST, and that they would accept HIVST. Additionally, features of HIVST that might facilitate its uptake were that it could be performed in private and would obviate visits to health facilities. Most participants were confident in their capacity to use HIVST kits, while a few were less confident about self-testing while alone. Strategies to maximize beliefs about personal agency and facilitate uptake included supplying the self-test kits in a way that was easy to access, and advocacy. Perceived potential constraints to the uptake of HIVST were the cost of buying the self-test kits, poverty, illiteracy, poor eyesight, fear of knowing one's HIV status, lack of policy/ guidelines for HIVST, and the absence of strategies for linkage to HIV care, treatment, and support. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that HIVST may be feasible to implement in this study setting, with the majority of participants reporting positive attitudes, supportive perceived norms, and self-efficacy. Hence, future HIVST interventions should address the negative beliefs, and perceived barriers towards HIVST to increase HIV testing among the target population in Northern Tanzania.
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Infecções por HIV/diagnóstico , Programas de Rastreamento/métodos , Autocuidado , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Atitude , Estudos de Viabilidade , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Autoeficácia , Meio Social , Tanzânia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: More than 40% of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa are unaware of their HIV status. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a novel approach with a potential to increase uptake of HIV testing and linkage to care for people who test HIV positive. We explored HIV stakeholder's perceptions about factors that enable or deter the uptake of HIV self-testing and experiences of self-testing of adult users in Africa. METHODS: This systematic review of qualitative evidence included articles on qualitative studies published or made available between January 1998 to February 2018 on perspectives of key stakeholders, including HIV policymakers, HIV experts, health care providers, and adult men and women (18 years and above) about factors that enable or deter the uptake of HIV self-testing and experiences of self-testing among adult users. We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE in Pubmed, EMBASE, AJOL, PsycINFO, Social Science Citation Index (SSCI), and Web of Science for articles in English on HIVST with qualitative data from different African countries. RESULTS: In total, 258 papers were retrieved, and only nine (9) studies conducted in 5 African countries were eligible and included in this synthesis. Perceived facilitators of the uptake of HIVST were autonomy and self-empowerment, privacy, confidentiality, convenience, opportunity to test, including couples HIV testing, and ease of use. The perceived barriers included the cost of buying self-test kits, perceived unreliability of test results, low literacy, fear and anxiety of a positive test result, and potential psychological and social harms. HIV stakeholder's concerns about HIVST included human right issues, lack of linkage to care, lack of face-to-face counseling, lack of regulatory and quality assurance systems, and quality of self-test kits. Actual HIVST users expressed preference of oral-fluid self-testing because of ease of use, and that it is less invasive and painless compared to finger-stick/whole blood-based HIV tests. Lack of clear instructions on how to use self-test kits, and existing different products of HIVST increases rates of user errors. CONCLUSIONS: Overcoming factors that may deter HIV testing, and HIVST, in particular, is complex and challenging, but it has important implications for HIV stakeholders, HIVST users, and public health in general. Research is warranted to explore the actual practices related to HIVST among different populations in Africa.
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Infecções por HIV/diagnóstico , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Programas de Rastreamento/métodos , África , Humanos , Pesquisa QualitativaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has many benefits to the child from mental to physical growth and development; however, methods of measuring EBF have raised a number of policy and programmatic questions. This study assesses EBF rates and factors associated with EBF practices in Northern Tanzania using two different methodologies, namely, the 24-hours recall and recall-since-birth. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted from October 2013 to December 2015 among mother-infants' pairs. Mothers with child delivery information (N=430) were followed and included in the analyses. We enrolled pregnant women who were in their third trimesters and interviewed them with the help of questionnaires at enrollment, delivery, 7 days and thereafter monthly up to nine months after delivery. At each visit after delivery, information on breastfeeding using the two methods (24 hours recall and recall-since-birth) was collected. RESULTS: The prevalence of EBF dropped from one month to six months when using both the 24 hours recall and the recall since birth methods, but at different rates. At six months, 24.2% of the mothers practiced EBF when measured with the recall since birth method, compared to 38.8% when measured with the 24 hour recall. Predictors of EBF were also different. When using the recall since birth method, women who had received counseling on infant feeding had increased odds of practicing EBF compared to those who did not receive counseling, [AOR=2.3; 95% CI (1.2, 3.7)]. When using 24 hours recall, women who were unemployed had increased odds of practicing EBF compared to those who were employed [AOR=1.5;95% CI(1.1,2.5)], and women aged 35 - 49 years had decreased odds of practicing EBF compared to younger women[AOR=0.28; 95 % CI(0.1,0.7)]. CONCLUSIONS AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: The two methods for EBF give substantially different results, both in the prevalence of EBF and factors associated with EBF. The higher EBF obtained with 24 hours recall represents an overestimation and thereby an overly positive picture of the situation.
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BACKGROUND: Sub Saharan Africa continues to be the epicenter of HIV with 70% of people living with HIV globally. Women form nearly 60% of those living with HIV. Studies have shown disclosure of one's HIV status is important in HIV prevention, in increasing partners who are tested and getting into care early as well as in improving retention in PMTCT and ART programs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, factors and outcomes of HIV status disclosure to partners among HIV-positive women attending HIV care-and-treatment clinics (CTCs) at Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2014 in 3 out of the 7 districts of Kilimanjaro region. The study population was HIV-positive women aged 15-49, who were attending for routine HIV care at 19 selected clinics. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with consenting women to collect necessary information. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the independent predictors of HIV status disclosure to partner. RESULTS: A total of 672 HIV-positive women in Moshi municipal, Hai and Mwanga districts were enrolled. Of them, 609 HIV-positive women reported to have a regular partner. Prevalence of serostatus disclosure to partners was 66%. Of the 400 who had disclosed; 56% did so within the first month of knowing their HIV status. In a multiple logistic regression model, HIV serostatus disclosure was higher among women who: were married/cohabiting (AOR = 4.16, 95% CI: 2.39-7.25; p<0.001), currently on ART (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.11-3.82; p = 0.020), and who reported had ever communicated with partners on number of children (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.15-2.98; p = 0.010) and contraceptives use (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.27-3.20; p = 0.208). Most of the women (81%) who disclosed their HIV status to did not reported negative outcomes. CONCLUSION: In this setting still a third of the HIV-positive women (34%) fail to disclose their HIV- serostatus to partners. Interventions to impart skills in communication and negotiation between partners may help in improving disclosure of HIV. Efforts to involve men in general sexual and reproductive health including couple counseling and testing will contribute in improving disclosure and communication on HIV among partners.
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Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Autorrevelação , Parceiros Sexuais , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Soroprevalência de HIV , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise Multivariada , Gravidez , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/epidemiologia , Inquéritos e Questionários , Tanzânia/epidemiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Measuring and monitoring progress towards Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 4 and 5 required valid and reliable estimates of maternal and child mortality. In South Africa, there are conflicting reports on the estimates of maternal and neonatal mortality, derived from both direct and indirect estimation techniques. This study aimed to systematically review the estimates made of maternal and neonatal mortality in the period from 1990 to 2015 in South Africa and determine trends over this period. METHODS: Nationally-representative studies reporting on maternal and neonatal mortality in South Africa were included for synthesis. Literature search for eligible studies was conducted in five electronic databases: Medline, Africa-Wide Information, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL. Searches were restricted to articles written in English and presenting data covering the period between 1990 and 2015. Reference lists of retrieved articles were screened for additional publications, and grey literature was searched for relevant documents for the review. Three independent reviewers were involved in study selection, data extractions and achieving consensus. RESULTS: In total, 969 studies were retrieved and 670 screened for eligibility yielding 25 studies reporting data on maternal mortality and 14 studies on neonatal mortality. Most of the studies had a low risk of bias. Estimates from the institutional reporting differed from the international metrics with wide uncertainty/confidence intervals. Moreover, modelled estimates were widely divergent from estimates obtained through empirical methods. In the last two decades, both maternal and neonatal mortality appear to have increased up to 2009, followed by a decrease, more pronounced in the care of maternal mortality. CONCLUSION: Estimates from both global metrics and institutional reporting, although widely divergent, indicate South Africa has not achieved MDG 4a and 5a goals but made a significant progress in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. To obtain more accurate estimates, there is a need for applying additional estimation techniques which utilise available multiple data sources to correct for underreporting of these outcomes, perhaps the capture-recapture method. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016042769.
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Mortalidade Infantil , Mortalidade Materna , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , África do Sul/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a serious public health problem that threatens the lives of many people including health care workers. Health care workers are frequently exposed to occupational hazards throughout their careers. Health care workers are at risk of being infected by the virus when caring for patients in health care facilities. Utilization of HIV Post-exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PEP) is very vital once an individual is exposed. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of occupational exposure, knowledge of, availability and utilization of post exposure prophylaxis among health care workers in Singida District Council, Tanzania. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from April to May 2013. Health care workers actively treating patients were enrolled from 18 heath facilities in Singida District Council. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and analysed using Stata version 12. RESULTS: Out of 239 participants, slightly more than half, 124 (52%) had inadequate overall knowledge of HIV PEP. Of the 239, 121(50.6%) participants experienced occupational exposure. Two leading types of exposure were blood splash 57(47.1%) and needle stick injuries 45 (37.2%),respectively. Among the 121 exposed participants, 83(68.6%) reported the exposure incident, 91(75.2%) had an HIV test, 32 (26.4%), started HIV PEP after testing, 28 (23.1%), completed HIV PEP, and 65 (53.7%) had a follow-up HIV test. About two thirds (159/239), of participants reported that HIV PEP services were available at the time the study was conducted, and 49 (20.5%), reported daily access to HIV PEP service. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of occupational exposure among health care workers is high with low utilization of HIV PEP. The majority of healthcare workers had inadequate knowledge of HIV PEP. The findings highlight the need to improve the level of knowledge of HIV PEP and utilization of PEP among this at-high-risk-group in Singida.
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Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Pessoal de Saúde , Ferimentos Penetrantes Produzidos por Agulha/epidemiologia , Traumatismos Ocupacionais/epidemiologia , Adulto , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/reabilitação , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Infecções por HIV/virologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Humanos , Transmissão de Doença Infecciosa do Paciente para o Profissional , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Ferimentos Penetrantes Produzidos por Agulha/patologia , Ferimentos Penetrantes Produzidos por Agulha/reabilitação , Exposição Ocupacional/prevenção & controle , Traumatismos Ocupacionais/patologia , Traumatismos Ocupacionais/reabilitação , Traumatismos Ocupacionais/virologia , Profilaxia Pós-Exposição/métodosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Mother-to-Child-Transmission (MTCT) of HIV is still a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The region has a high unmet need for family planning and high unplanned pregnancy rates among HIV-positive women. Most efforts to prevent MTCT of HIV have focused on the third prong, a strategy which offers antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to HIV-infected pregnant women and their exposed infants. However, the effective use of contraceptives to prevent unplanned pregnancies among women living with HIV is more effective in reducing HIV MTCT. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and factors influencing modern contraceptive use among HIV-positive women in northern Tanzania. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January and June 2014 in three selected districts of Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews with HIV-positive women attending Care and Treatment Clinics (CTC) in the selected districts. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of modern contraceptive use. RESULTS: In total 672 HIV-positive women were enrolled. Their mean age was 36.4 years (±7.7). Fifty four percent (362) were currently using modern contraceptives, and the most common method used was male condoms 76% (275) followed by Depo-Provera 28% (101). A total of 33% (121) of the users reported dual contraceptive use. Women with primary education [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 7.54, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.51-17.48, P = 0.014]; post-secondary [AOR = 6.23, 95% CI: 1.14-14.07, P = 0.035]; not currently on ARVs [AOR = 11.29, 95% CI: 2.60-19.94, P = 0.001]; currently sexually active [AOR = 8.40, 95% CI: 4.47-15.78, P < 0.001]; ever discussed contraceptive use with partner [AOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.67-8.11, P = 0.001]; and being counseled on dual contraceptive use at CTC [AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.66-5.23, P < 0.001]; had significantly higher odds of currently using modern contraceptive methods. CONCLUSIONS: Given the population studied, the prevalence of modern contraceptive use was low. Strategies are required to increase the use of dual and long-term contraceptive methods among women who do not want more children in order to reduce MTCT, and to improve maternal and child health in the region. Programme managers and health care providers need to identify counseling strategies that are specific to HIV-positive women that not only impart knowledge on contraceptives, but also address the issue of responsibility for influencing HIV transmission in the community.
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the spectrum and antibiogram of the isolated bacteria from patients presenting with infected wounds at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in northern Tanzania. RESULTS: Bacterial growth was observed in the vast majority of wound swabs (91.4%). Most of the bacteria isolated (62.3%) were Gram-negative rods. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolated organism (16%) followed by other Coliforms and Enterococcus spp. (12.5% each). Enterococcus spp. (36.4%) was the most common isolated bacteria in diabetic wounds whereas S. aureus was the most common isolated bacteria from the wounds caused by trauma (40.0%) and surgical site infection (20.6%). Resistance was high to most common antibiotics used in the hospital.
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Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Infecções Bacterianas/microbiologia , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana/métodos , Infecção da Ferida Cirúrgica/microbiologia , Centros de Atenção Terciária , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Bactérias/classificação , Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Staphylococcus aureus/efeitos dos fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus/isolamento & purificação , Tanzânia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes who are attending diabetes clinics in northern Tanzania. RESULTS: In total 227 type 2 diabetic patients attending diabetes clinics were enrolled. Majority of patients 193 (85.0%) were overweight (44.9%) or obese (40.1%). Of them, 65 (33.7%) were overweight/obese after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was significantly higher in female participants than the males [92.2% vs. 69.2%; OR = 5.10; 95% CI 2.22-11.05]. Regarding the region of residence, Kilimanjaro (100.0%) and Arusha (89.8%) regions had significantly highest prevalence of overweight/obesity compared to Tanga region (69.2%) [χ2 = 32.455, P < 0.001].
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/epidemiologia , Sobrepeso/epidemiologia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Comorbidade , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Obesidade/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Tanzânia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Measuring and monitoring progress towards Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 4 and 5 requires valid and reliable estimates of maternal and neonatal mortality. In South Africa, there are conflicting reports on the estimates of maternal and neonatal mortality, derived from both direct and indirect estimation techniques. This study aims to systematically review the estimates made of maternal and neonatal mortality in the period from 1990 to 2015 in South Africa and determine trends over this period. METHODS: For the purpose of this review, searches for eligible studies will be conducted in MEDLINE, Africa-Wide Information, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases. Searches will be restricted to articles written in English and presenting data covering the period between 1990 and 2015. Reference lists of retrieved articles will also be screened for additional publications. Three independent reviewers will be involved in the study selection, data extractions and achieving consensus. Study quality and risk of bias will thereafter be assessed by two authors. The results will be presented as rates/ratio with their corresponding 95% confidence/uncertainty intervals. DISCUSSION: Identifying trends in maternal and neonatal mortality will help to track progress in MDGs 4 and 5 and will serve in evaluating interventions focusing on reducing maternal and child mortality in the country. This study will, in particular, provide the context for understanding inconsistencies in reported estimates of maternal and neonatal mortality by considering estimation methods, data sources and definitions used. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016042769.
Assuntos
Programas Gente Saudável , Mortalidade Infantil/tendências , Mortalidade Materna/tendências , Países em Desenvolvimento , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , África do Sul , Revisões Sistemáticas como AssuntoRESUMO
This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors associated with underweight, stunting and wasting among children aged 0-24 months in six districts of Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. A cross-sectional population-based study using a multistage, proportionate to size sampling was conducted from June 2010 to March 2011. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, economic, feeding and child information. Anthropometric data were collected by trained field workers, and the data were used to assess child nutritional status. A total of 1870 children were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of children classified as underweight was 46.0%, stunting was 41.9%, and wasting was 24.7%. About 33% were both underweight and stunted, and 12% had all three conditions. In a multivariate logistic regression, child age, child being ill and birth weight were associated with all anthropometric indices. Child being breastfed was associated with being underweight and wasting. Mother's education was associated with being underweight and stunting. Fathers aged 35+ years, and living in the Hai district was associated with stunting, and being female was associated with wasting. The prevalence of child undernutrition is high in this region. Strategies that target each risk factor for child undernutrition may help to reduce the problem in the region.
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Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/epidemiologia , Magreza/epidemiologia , Antropometria , Aleitamento Materno/estatística & dados numéricos , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Infantil , Pré-Escolar , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Distribuição por Sexo , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Tanzânia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Fever in malaria endemic areas, has been shown to strongly predict malaria infection and is a key symptom influencing malaria treatment. WHO recommended confirmation testing for Plasmodium spp. before initiation of antimalarials due to increased evidence of the decrease of morbidity and mortality from malaria, decreased malaria associated fever, and increased evidence of high prevalence of non-malaria fever. To immediately diagnose and promptly offer appropriate management, caretakers of children with fever should seek care where these services can be offered; in health facilities. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to describe healthcare seeking behaviors among caretakers of febrile under five years, in Tanzania. And to determine children's, household and community-level factors associated with parents' healthcare seeking behavior in health facilities. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was done using the Tanzania HIV and Malaria Indicator Surveys (THMIS) 2011-2012. Three-level mixed effects logistic regression was used to assess children's, household and community-level factors associated with appropriate healthcare seeking behavior among care takers of febrile children as well as differentiating between household and community variabilities. RESULTS: Of the 8573 children under the age of five years surveyed, 1,675(19.5%) had a history of fever two weeks preceding the survey. Of these, 951 (56.8%) sought appropriate healthcare. Febrile children aged less than a year have 2.7 times higher odds of being taken to the health facilities compared to children with two or more years of age. (OR: 2.7; 95%CI: 1.50-4.88). Febrile children from households headed by female caretakers have almost three times higher odds of being taken to the health facilities (OR: 2.85; 95%CI; 1.41-5.74) compared to households headed by men. Febrile children with caretakers exposed to mass media (radio, television and newspaper) have more than two times higher odds of being taken to health facilities compared to those not exposed to mass media. Febrile children from regions with malaria prevalence above national level have 41% less odds of being taken to health facilities (OR: 0.49; 95%CI: 0.29-0.84) compared to those febrile children coming from areas with malaria prevalence below the national level. Furthermore, febrile children coming from areas with higher community education levels have 57% (OR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.14-2.15) higher odds of being taken to health facilities compared to their counterparts coming from areas with low levels of community education. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: To effectively and appropriately manage and control febrile illnesses, the low proportion of febrile children taken to health facilities by their caretakers should be addressed through frequent advocacy of the importance of appropriate healthcare seeking behavior, using mass media particularly in areas with high malaria prevalence. Multifaceted approach needs to be used in malaria control and eradication as multiple factors are associated with appropriate healthcare seeking behavior.
Assuntos
Atenção à Saúde , Malária/epidemiologia , Malária/terapia , Adulto , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Prevalência , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Tanzânia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption, marijuana use, unprotected sex, and multiple concurrent sexual partnerships are prevalent among youth globally. These factors are regarded as important behavioural risk factors for HIV infection. The aim of this study was to assess the sociodemographic and other characteristics associated with behavioural risk factors of HIV infection among male mountain-climbing porters working on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled a representative sample of 384 male mountain-climbing porters from 7 tour companies in the Kilimanjaro region using a multi-stage sampling technique. Local interviewers completed a structured questionnaire with porters in the local language, Kiswahili. The questionnaire covered demographics, alcohol and marijuana use, sexual history, sexual partners, and condom use. In-person interviews were completed between April and May 2013. Univariate and bivariate analysis were used to describe data and determine significant predictors of behavioural risk factors of HIV infection. RESULTS: Of 384 participants, 381 (99.2%) were sexually experienced, 353 (92.6%) were sexually active, and 168 (44.1%), reported condom use at last sex. The prevalence of ever-use of alcohol was 62%, and 68% of participants reported being current alcohol users. The prevalence of ever-use of marijuana was 15%, and 49% of participants reported being current marijuana users, with 12% reporting daily use. Age, marital status, working duration as a porter, transactional sex practices, and number of concurrent sexual partners were factors that were significantly associated with unprotected sex, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Age, marital status, working duration, transactional sex practices, and number of concurrent sexual partners were significantly associated with unprotected sex, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use, among porters in this setting. The findings suggest the need for efforts to motivate sexually active male porters to engage in HIV prevention interventions, including condom use and reduction of multiple concurrent sexual partners, transactional sexual practices, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus are prevalent infections in sub-Saharan Africa, but information on the prevalence of co-infection is limited. This study aimed to determine seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among people living with HIV receiving care and treatment at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Referral Hospital in northern Tanzania. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from March to June 2015 among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) aged 15 years and above attending the Care and Treatment Clinic for routine care at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Systematic sampling was used to select the study participants. Information on socio-demographic data, sexual behaviour and medical history were collected using a questionnaire. Hepatitis B surface antigen was diagnosed using a rapid test. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. RESULTS: A total of 300 PLWHIV consented to participate in this study, of whom 62% were female. Their ages ranged from 15-75 years, with a median age of 46 years (IQR of 39-53 years). The seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among people living with HIV was 2.3% (n=7/300). A history of blood transfusion was the only factor associated with hepatitis B surface antigen infection, while other socio-demographic and clinical factors showed no association. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B virus infection is infrequent among PLWHIV in this setting. Despite the prevalence, we recommend routine screening for hepatitis B surface antigen and other hepatitis B virus markers among PLWHIV in order to tailor antiretroviral regimens against hepatitis B virus.