Research Participation and Feedback: Perception of Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based research remains the cornerstone in changing the narrative of wholesome health among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV (AYALHIV). However, little is known about the perceptions of AYALHIV in research participation and outcomes, in low- and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes the perception of AYALHIV in research participation and outcome in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: The study population was drawn from a cohort of participants in a cross-sectional study at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. The survey questions were on perceptions of the importance of research participation, the frequency, understanding of participation in research, the interest in the outcome, the knowledge of the interpretation of the outcome and the willingness to participate in future studies. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the AYALHIV was 15.7(±3.1) years, with a male-to-female ratio of (0.8:1), and 85.7% on antiretroviral drugs for at least five years. Seventy-two percent (46/63) have been involved in previous studies at least once, with only 27% (17/63) informed on the outcome of the research they have ever participated. Only 30% (19) of participants understood they were involved in research, with 92% interested in the study outcome. 87.3% (55) will request more information before participating in future research activities. CONCLUSION: Educating AYALHIV on research participation is important in promoting concerted efforts by researchers towards improving engagement, patient-centred care, and research dissemination.

CONTEXTE: La recherche fondée sur des données probantes reste la pierre angulaire du changement du discours sur la santé saine chez les adolescents et les jeunes adultes vivant avec le VIH (AYALHIV). Cependant, on sait peu de choses sur les perceptions de l'AYALHIV dans la participation et les résultats de la recherche, dans les pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire, en particulier en Afrique subsaharienne. Cette étude décrit la perception d'AYALHIV dans la participation et les résultats de la recherche à Lagos, au Nigéria. METHODES: La population m'étudiée a été tirée d'une cohorte de participants à une étude transversale menée à l'Institut nigérian de recherche médicale. Les questions de l'enquête portaient sur les perceptions de l'importance de la participation à la recherche, la fréquence, la compréhension de la participation à la recherche, l'intérêt pour les résultats, la connaissance de l'interprétation des résultats et la volonté de participer à des études futures. Les données obtenues ont été analysées à l'aide de SPSS version 26.0. RESULTATS: L'âge moyen des AYALHIV était de 15,7 (± 3,1) ans, avec un ratio hommes/femmes de (0,8 : 1) et 85,7 % prenaient des médicaments antirétroviraux depuis au moins cinq ans. Soixantedouze pour cent (46/63) ont participé à des études antérieures au moins une fois, et seulement 27 % (17/63) sont informés des résultats de la recherche à laquelle ils ont déjà participé. Seulement 30 % (19) des participants comprenaient qu'ils étaient impliqués dans la recherche, et 92 % d'entre eux étaient intéressés par les résultats de l'étude. 87,3 % (55) demanderont plus d'informations avant de participer à de futures activités de recherche. CONCLUSION: Éduquer AYALHIV sur la participation à la recherche est important pour promouvoir les efforts concertés des chercheurs en vue d'améliorer l'engagement, les soins centrés sur le patient et la diffusion de la recherche. MOTS CLES: VIH, Adolescent, Jeunes adultes, Perception, Recherche.

Intimate Partner Violence and Risk Factors among Women during the COVID-19 Movement Restriction in Nigeria: An Online Survey.

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the absence of treatment or the presence of vaccines is forcing nations to respond with strong preventive measures ranging from mitigation, containment, and in extreme cases, quarantines. While these measures are a useful measure of infection control, they can lead to significant social, economic, and psychological consequences. This study sought to establish the prevalence and risk factors of intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 movement restriction in Nigeria among girls and women. METHODS: An online-based questionnaire survey using Google Forms was conducted over four weeks among girls and women aged 15 years and above. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, and logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for IPV experience during the lockdown. RESULTS: Overall, 32.8% of respondents reported ever experiencing IPV, and 42.5% experienced IPV during the lockdown. Verbal (35.1%) and psychological (24.1%) violence were the commonest forms of violence in the study. There was considerable overlap between the various forms of IPV in the study. Age less than 35 years (aOR = 1.3; CI = 1.2 - 1.4), resident in the northeast region (aOR=1.6; CI=1.41.9), alcohol (aOR=1.3;CI=1.2-1.5) and substance (aOR = 1.5; CI = 1.3 - 1.8) use, average family monthly income < $100 (aOR = 1.4;CI=1.2 - 1.5), daily or weekly income (aOR = 2.7; CI = 2.5-3.1) had an increased association with IPV during the lockdown, residency in the southeast region had lower odds of experiencing IPV (aOR=.0.5; CI = 0.3-0.8). CONCLUSION: The reported lockdown prevalence of IPV was 42.8%, with verbal and psychological violence being the most prevalent form of IPV. Age less than 35 years, resident in northeast and southeast, use of alcohol or substances, average family monthly income < $100, and partner being a daily-weekly earner was associated with IPV experience. Policymakers in the future should consider the consequences, including IPV, before issuing such an order.

CONTEXTE: La propagation rapide de l'infection par le CoV-2 du SRAS en l'absence de traitement ou présence de vaccins oblige les nations à réagir par des mesures préventives fortes allant de l'atténuation à l'endiguement et, dans les cas extrêmes, à la mise en quarantaine. Bien que ces mesures soient utiles pour contrôler l'infection, elles peuvent avoir des conséquences sociales, économiques et psychologiques importantes. Cette étude visait à établir la prévalence et les facteurs de risque de la violence exercée par le partenaire intime au cours de la restriction de mouvement du COVID-19 au Nigeria, chez les filles et les femmes. MÉTHODES: Une enquête par questionnaire en ligne utilisant google form a été menée pendant quatre semaines auprès de filles et de femmes âgées de 15 ans et plus. L'analyse des données a été réalisée à l'aide de la version 20 de SPSS et une régression logistique a été utilisée pour déterminer les facteurs de risque de violence conjugale pendant la période de restriction. RÉSULTATS: Dans l'ensemble, 32,8 % des personnes interrogées ont déclaré avoir déjà subi des VPI, et 42,5 % ont subi des VPI pendant l'enfermement. La violence verbale (35,1 %) et la violence psychologique (24,1 %) étaient les formes de violence les plus courantes dans l'étude. Il y avait un chevauchement considérable entre les différentes formes de VPI dans l'étude. L'âge inférieur à 35 ans (aOR=1,3 ; CI= 1,2 - 1,4), la résidence dans la région nord-est (aOR=1,6; CI=1,4-1,9), la consommation d'alcool (aOR=1,3; CI=1,2 - 1,5) et de substances (aOR=1,5 ; CI = 1,3 - 1,8), le revenu mensuel moyen de la famille < 100 $ (aOR=1. 4 ; IC = 1,2 - 1,5), le revenu quotidien ou hebdomadaire (aOR = 2,7 ; IC = 2,5-3,1) était davantage associé à la VPI pendant le lockdown, la résidence dans la région du sud-est avait moins de chances d'être victime de VPI (aOR = 0,0,5 ; IC = 0,3-0,8). CONCLUSION: La prévalence de la VPI pendant le lockdown était de 42,8 %, la violence verbale et psychologique étant la forme de VPI la plus répandue. L'âge inférieur à 35 and, le fait de résider dans le nord-est et le sud-est, la consommation d'alcool ou de substances, le revenu mensuel moyen de la famille inférieur à 100 dollars et le fait que le partenaire gagne sa vie toutes les semaines étaient associés à l'expérience de la VPI. À l'avenir, les décideurs politiques devraient prendre en compte les conséquences, y compris la VPI, avant d'émettre un tel ordre. Mots-clés: Violence entre partenaires intimes, COVID-19, Lockdowns, Nigeria, Violence fondée sur le genre.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Antiretroviral Access at a Large Treatment Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has ravaged the world with significant implications on the socio-economic and health status of individuals. Several measures were put in place to curtail the pandemic especially movement restrictions. The effect of this pandemic and the restriction measures could further compound the health needs of PLWHA. This study thus described the trend in access to HIV/AIDS care services before and during the COVID-19 induced lockdown and the possible consequences on their treatment outcome. METHODS: A secondary analysis of client data was carried out at the HIV clinic of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. The sociodemographic and clinical data [type of ART, duration on ART, clinical services 3-months before and during the COVID-19 induced Lockdown] were extracted from the electronic medical records. Data obtained was analyzed using the SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS: The median age of PLWHA was 45 years (IQR: 39-51), with the predominant age group being 25-49 years (65.4%). The majority were females (68.7%), married (59.5%), had at least secondary education (82.8%), and employed (81.5%). The median duration on ART was 102 months (IQR: 67-138) with the majority on non-Protease Inhibitor based regimen (77.7%). In the 3 months before the lockdown, there was an increase in drug pick-up of approximately 25% over the booked appointment compared to a decline of 40% when the lockdown was enacted. CONCLUSION: The significant decline in drug pick-up during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic raises the need for measures to ensure continued access to drugs and care among PLWHA.

INTRODUCTION: La pandémie de SRAS-CoV-2 a ravagé le monde avec des implications significatives sur l'état socio- économique et sanitaire. Plusieurs mesures ont été mises en place pour freiner la pandémie, en particulier la restriction des déplacements. L'effet de cette pandémie et les mesures de restriction pourraient encore aggraver les besoins de santé des PVVIH. Cette étude décrit ainsi la tendance des services de soins du VIH / SIDA avant et pendant le verrouillage induit par le COVID-19 et les conséquences possibles sur l'issue de leur traitement. MÉTHODES: Une étude transversale parmi les PVVIH fréquentant la clinique VIH de l'Institut nigérian de recherche médicale. Les données sociodémographiques et cliniques [type de TAR, durée de la TAR, services cliniques 3 mois avant et pendant le verrouillage induit par COVID-19] ont été extraites des dossiers médicaux électroniques. Les données obtenues ont été analysées à l'aide de la version 22.0 de SPSS. RÉSULTATS: L'âge médian des PVVIH était de 45 ans (IQR (39-51), le groupe d'âge prédominant étant 25-49 ans (65,4%). La majorité étaient des femmes (68,7%), mariées (59,5%), avaient au moins secondaire (82,8%) et employé (81,5%). La durée médiane des TAR était de 102 mois (IQR: 67-138), la majorité sous traitement sans inhibiteur de protéase (77,7%). Au cours des 3 mois précédant le verrouillage , il y a eu une augmentation de la cueillette de médicaments d'environ 25% par rapport au rendez-vous réservé, comparativement à une baisse de 40% lorsque le verrouillage a été décrété. CONCLUSION: La baisse significative de la collecte de médicaments pendant la pandémie de SRAS-CoV-2 fait ressortir la nécessité de prendre des mesures pour assurer un accès continu aux médicaments et aux soins parmi les PVVIH. Mots Clés: SRAS-CoV-2, antirétroviral, COVID-19, ramassage de médicaments, VIH, verrouillage.

Challenges of Accessing Care in Art Clinic during COVID-19 Lockdown in Lagos.

BACKGROUND: As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to ravage the world, its impact on the health systems and survival of people with chronic diseases especially People living with HIV [PLWH] could be undermined. It becomes relevant to assess the challenges PLWH face during this period to institute measures towards combating the negative effects of the pandemic. AIMS: This study aims to investigate the challenges faced by PLWH in accessing care during the lockdown period in Lagos, Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional one involving PLWH aged 18 years and above who presented for care. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic characteristics, their knowledge about COVID-19 disease, and challenges experienced in accessing care during the COVID-19-induced lockdown. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institution Research Ethics Board (IRB) of NIMR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data generated from the survey was exported to Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. RESULTS: The mean age of PLWH who participated in the study was 42.2 (±12.2) years. The majority were female (74.3%), married (66.3%), employed (58.9%), and on less than $100 monthly income (80.5%). The commonest challenges experienced were psychological (78.5%), financial (68%) and food (40.7%). There were significant association among the income status, lack of food (OR: 2.5, CI: 1.4-4.5, P = 0.002), financial challenges (OR: 1.7, CI: 1.0-3.0, P = 0.048) and psychological challenges (OR; 1.8, CI: 1.0-3.5, P = 0.05). Ninety-five percent of participants believed SARS-COV-2 infection is a viral infection. CONCLUSIONS: PLWH faces a myriad of challenges that would have a significant impact on their overall well-being and the gains of HIV care.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Seen at a Testing Centre in Lagos Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to ravage the global community since it was declared a pandemic. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics defining the disease are mainly from Europe and Asia. The disease symptomatology is similar to the prevalent diseases in our environment, this could result in the delay in prompt identification and appropriate management of suspected cases toward combating community transmission. This study evaluates the prevalence, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of positive cases of COVID -19. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. Data on the socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and the results of the SARS-CoV-2 test of participants at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research [NIMR] Modified Drive-through Centre for COVID-19 test sample collection over two months [24th February 2020- 27th April 2020] were retrieved from the electronic medical records (EMR). Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS: A total number of 481 clients were evaluated in this review. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the population was 14.6%. The mean age of the positive cases was 42.2 [±15.9] years. The common symptoms reported by the positive cases were fever (40.0%), cough (32.9%), sore throat (17.1%) and running nose (15.7%). Fever depicted statistical significance with positive cases with the majority being of mild to moderate clinical severity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among this cohort was 14.6% with a male preponderance. Fever and sore throat were the variables that predicted SARS CoV-2 infection among our cohort.

Challenges of accessing care in art clinic during COVID-19 lockdown in Lagos

Background: As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to ravage the world, its impact on the health systems and survival of people with chronic diseases especially People living with HIV [PLWH] could be undermined. It becomes relevant to assess the challenges PLWH face during this period to institute measures towards combating the negative effects of the pandemic. Aims: This study aims to investigate the challenges faced by PLWH in accessing care during the lockdown period in Lagos, Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional one involving PLWH aged 18 years and above who presented for care. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic characteristics, their knowledge about COVID-19 disease, and challenges experienced in accessing care during the COVID-19-induced lockdown. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institution Research Ethics Board (IRB) of NIMR. Patients and Methods: Data generated from the survey was exported to Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The mean age of PLWH who participated in the study was 42.2 (±12.2) years. The majority were female (74.3%), married (66.3%), employed (58.9%), and on less than $100 monthly income (80.5%). The commonest challenges experienced were psychological (78.5%), financial (68%) and food (40.7%). There were significant association among the income status, lack of food (OR: 2.5, CI: 1.4-4.5, P = 0.002), financial challenges (OR: 1.7, CI: 1.0­3.0, P = 0.048) and psychological challenges (OR; 1.8, CI: 1.0-3.5, P = 0.05). Ninety­five percent of participants believed SARS-COV-2 infection is a viral infection. Conclusions: PLWH faces a myriad of challenges that would have a significant impact on their overall well-being and the gains of HIV care.