bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P2-S7.06 Factorial validity and internal consistency of the scale of attitude towards people living with HIV and AIDS
Authors: Beaulieu M , Adrien A , Potvin L , Dassa C 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundThe objective of the study was to investigate the factorial validity and internal consistency of the Scale of Attitude towards People Living with HIV and AIDS (SAPLWHA).MethodsBetween 15 March and 2 April 2010, a telephone survey was conducted among a representative sample of 1500 English and French speaking Quebecers between the ages of 15–64 years. The factorial validity of the scale was investigated in two steps: first, with exploratory factor analyses (EFA) (Principal Axis Factoring with oblique rotation) and second, with confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) (Weighted Least Squares estimation with polychoric correlations). The original sample was randomly separated into two subsamples and independently used for the EFA and CFA. Different indicators were used to assess the factorial structure.ResultsThe best EFA model had a simple structure of seven moderately correlated factors: (F1): Fear of being infected; (F2): Personal contact; (F3): Prejudice, perceptions of risk groups; (F4): Liberalism; (F5): Social Support; (F6): Right to be informed / HIV confidentiality; (F7): Support to the criminalisation of disease transmission. This factor structure explained 44% of the variance which represents 76% of the total variance when the data are reduced to 7 dimensions. The reliability analysis showed a high internal consistency for the total scale (0.89), adequate values for all factors except F6 (0.70 to 0.79), and a moderate value for F6 (0.59). Although the CFA χ2test was not significant, fit indexes indicated that the seven factor model fits the data (Root Mean Square Error Of Approximation=0.0396; Comparative Fit Index=0.950; Non-Normed Fit Index=0.942; Goodness-of-Fit Index=0.981).ConclusionsResults suggest that the SAPLWHA is a measure that adequately documents the current attitudes towards PLWHA. Factorial scores derived from this scale will allow external validity assessment as well as provide useful information for future awareness and compassion campaigns designed for the general population.
P2-S7.07 Adherence and difficulties with antiretroviral medication in an Australian sample of people living with HIV
Authors: Lyons A , Grierson J , Koelmeye R , Smith A , Pitts M 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundWhile combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has revolutionised the course of HIV infection, a high level of adherence to cART is required to achieve the full mortality benefit. While a number of studies have investigated factors associated with non-adherence to cART, there has been considerable variability in the findings. In this study we set out to determine which personal, socioeconomic, treatment-related and disease-related factors are independently associated with adherence to ARV in an Australian sample of PLWH.MethodsUsing data from the HIV futures six survey, an anonymous cross-sectional survey of PLWH conducted in 2009, we conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses to assess the association of factors with self-reported difficulty taking ARV. Chi-square and t tests were used for bivariate analysis. A two-step logistic regression modelling procedure based on backwards stepwise regression was used for multivariate analysis. Factors that demonstrated a significant association at α=0.2 in bivariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis.ResultsWe identified 75 variables within our data that were likely to be associated with difficulty taking ARV. 45 met multivariate analysis inclusion criteria. Factors found to be independently associated at a=0.05: younger age, alcohol and party drug use, diagnosis of mental health condition, poor or fair self-reported health, living in a regional centre, taking more than 1 ARV dose/day, experiencing adverse physical events in the last 12 months, health service discrimination in the last 2 years, using a nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor or protease inhibitor and specific attitudes: not believing in the benefits of ARV, concern about medication efficacy in the future and thinking that ARV tablets were an unwanted reminder of having HIV.ConclusionThe multitude of factors found to be independently associated with difficulty taking ARV reaffirms the dynamic nature of adherence behaviour and the ongoing importance of addressing adherence behaviour in the clinical management of PLWH.
P2-S7.08 Psychosocial support and therapeutic adherence of HIV positive pregnant women at HIV Treatment Hospital of Suru LÉrÉ in Cotonou (Benin)
Authors: Codjo K Adolphe , Mistourath S S 
Published: July 2011

ContextThe sociocultural contexts and social environnement of people living with HIV and especially of HIV positive pregnant women are poorly documented and often not integrated with global care of HIV in Benin. This study describes and analyzes the interactions between healthcare professionals and HIV positive pregnant women to better understand the challenges of the medical staff to guide patients in their social environment.MethodData were collected through documentary analysis, direct observation, semi structured interview, Focus Group with healthcare professionals, HIV positive pregnant women, their family and social environment. The study focused on 130 respondents. Analysis was done with the triangulation method and content analysis.ResultAcademic training, professional experiences with patients direct the activities and practices of nursing staff. Therapeutic Relations determine the management of confidentiality. For 90% of HIV positive pregnant women interviewed, it is within the system or hospital or medical device (with the health personnel) that they find psychosocial support to be safe from the stigmatisation. It results in low therapeutic adherence and barriers to the Preventing Mother to child transmission of HIV.ConclusionThe stigmatisation of people with the AIDS virus remains present in society and influenced the Behaviours of Patients. The healthcare professionals—patient relationships built on mutual trust and focused primarily on the medical device to the detriment of the social environment of HIV positive pregnant women not guarantee continuity of care and support for people living with HIV.
P2-S8.05 Use of cellular telephones in a study of high-risk patients
Authors: Craig D , Hensel D , Fortenberry J D , Harezlak J , Jones K 
Published: July 2011

ObjectivesTo describe interest, uptake, advantages and problems associated with the use of cellular phones in a study of incident STDs in a high-risk population.MethodsStudy participants (SP) (N=357; 18–29 yrs; 91% African American; 19.9% incident STD at enrolment: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Trichomoniasis) were enrolled in a 12-week study involving weekly STD sampling and three times daily electronic diary submission via cellular phone. SPs received 3 months of free unlimited calling, texting and internet browsing as part of study and an option to retain the phone at study conclusion.ResultsEligible SPs, the majority of whom were self-referred, were placed on a waiting list (volume range: 50–150 people) until space in the study was available (avg time: 4 months). About 50% of persons on the waiting list were not enrolled; common barriers included invalid contact information and no call back. Advantages to SP cell phone use included: paperless data collection (SPs who completed the study [N=261] submitted 89.99% of expected diaries), facilitated communication between SP and study staff, free cell minutes/texting and internet, and the option to keep phone at study conclusion (about 80%) as incentives to SPs. Challenges with cell phone use included issues with actual use (most common: failing to charge phone or poor care of phone), technical problems (most common: equipment failure [11.2%] and connectivity problems [21.1%]), theft (about 10%) and equipment breakage/damage [14.8%]). Once SP reported equipment issues, the time to replacement was short (average: 2 days).ConclusionThe data support the feasibility of using cellular phones in a high-risk population. Participants were not recruited for the waiting list, but self-referred. SPs were able to complete and submit surveys correctly and work with technical issues encountered.
P1-S1.38 Emergence ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeisolates With decreased susceptibilities to Ceftriaxone and Cefixime in Canada - 2001–2010
Authors: Martin I , Sawatzky P , Allen V , Hoang L , Lefebvre B , Mina N , Gilmour M 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundIn Canada, the susceptibilities for ceftriaxone and cefixime inNeisseria gonorrhoeaeare gradually decreasing and there has been a shift in the modal minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) from 0.016 μg/ml in 2000 to 0.032 μg/ml in 2008. We examined the phenotypic and genetic characteristics ofN gonorrhoeaewith decreased susceptibilities to 3rd generation cephalosporins isolated in Canada between 2001 and 2010.MethodsN gonorrhoeaeisolates were collected by Canadian provincial public health laboratories. MICs were determined by agar dilution at the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) and isolates displaying decreased susceptibilities to cefixime (MIC=0.25 mg/l and 0.5 mg/l) and ceftriaxone (MIC=0.125 mg/l and 0.25 mg/l) were examined using multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) and sequencing of resistance determinants associated with decreased cephalosporin susceptibilities (penA, mtrR, ponA, porB).ResultsA total of 155N gonorrhoeaeisolates with decreased susceptibility MICs to ceftriaxone and cefixime were identified from the following provinces - Ontario (53.5%, N=83); British Columbia (34.2%, N=53); Québec (12.3%, N=19). Of the 155 isolates observed with reduced susceptibility, 23 were observed between 2001 and 2007 (14.8%), whereas in 2008, 2009 and 2010 there were 84 isolates (54.2%), 23 isolates (14.8%) and 25 isolates (16.1%) observed, respectively. Thirty-eight different NG-MAST sequence types were identified among the isolates; ST-3158, ST-225 and ST-1407 were the most prevalent at 25.9%, 19.4% and 14.8%, respectively. The mtrR resistance determinants were present in 95.5% of the isolates. The penA mosaic was present in 60% of the isolates, with the most common penA mosaic types XXXII and X identified at 51.0% and 7.7%, respectively, while the non-mosaic penA type XII was identified in 36.8% of the isolates. The G101K alteration in porB was present in 97.4% of the isolates and the A102N and A102D alterations in porB were found in 49.7% and 45.8% of the isolates, respectively. L421P alterations in ponA were present in all the isolates.ConclusionsIn Canada,N gonorrhoeaeisolates with decreased susceptibilities to 3rd generation cephalosporins, including cefixime and ceftriaxone have increased over the years. The alterations in penA, mtrR and porB are important determinants identified in these isolates. The most common ST types identified among these Canadian isolates have also been reported worldwide.
P2-S8.06 Using electronic diaries prospectively to capture STI-related phenomenology
Authors: Hensel D , Fortenberry J D , Harezlak J , Jones K , Craig D 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveTo describe electronic diary study adherence, completion and sexual behaviour patterns among a high-risk sample clinically recruited for a prospective study of incident STI.MethodParticipants (N=243; 18–29 yrs; 61% female; 88% African American) completed 12-weeks of weekly STI testing and 3x/day electronic diaries assessing individual and partner-specific affect, daily activities, substance use and sexual and contraceptive behaviour. We analysed event- and subject-level completion rates, and subject-level STI and behaviour response effects among subjects who had completed the study and who had not been incarcerated during study.ResultsIn total, 82.3% (200/243) of participants individually submitted at least 250 diaries (252 expected) during the study; as a group, participants submitted 89.7% (54 900/61 236) of the total number diaries expected. The average number of diaries weekly submitted varied between 17.03 and 19.45 (21 expected). Total and weekly submissions were similar by gender, age and race. The overall median survey completion time was 1.77 min (1.68 min: if no partners; 3.00 min: if any partners). Among those with only one partner, median completion time when no sex occurred was 2.47 min and was 3.87 min when any sex occurred. About 35% (85/243) of participants had an STI at some point in the study. Subjects reported the following sexual behaviours: vaginal sex (86.4%: 210/243), anal sex (29.6%: 72/243), giving oral sex (70.8%: 172/243) and receiving oral sex (82.7%: 201/243). Of those reporting vaginal sex, 60.4% (127/210) had only one partner and 23.3% (49/210) reported two partners. The median number of partner changes was one. Event level data suggest no response effects: sensitive behaviours, such as substance use or vaginal sex, exhibited similar stability in reports over time as compared to non-sexual activities such as eating or taking a walk.ConclusionData suggest excellent study protocol adherence and stable behaviour reporting among a high-risk sample. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of prospective, incident STI data collection methods, particularly in clinically recruited samples, which are often assumed to be non-compliant or unreliable around such methods.
P2-S8.09 What are they asking? An analysis of STD related calls to CDC-INFO
Authors: Kachur R , Thompson N , Haecker S , Jones R 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundLaunched in 2005, CDC-INFO is the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) national contact center, which responds to health related enquiries from the general public and healthcare providers and partners 24 h a day, 7 days a week. STD-related topics have consistently been among the top ten most frequently asked questions. In order to better understand what information is being sought, telephone calls and emails to CDC-INFO were analysed for STD specific topics and topic frequencies.MethodsSTD-related calls and emails made to CDC-INFO between October 2009 and September 2010 (FY2010) were analysed for topic content and frequency.ResultsIn FY2010, there were 44339 STD-related calls and 2123 STD-related emails to CDC-INFO. Enquiries fell into 11 main categories. The top 3 telephone enquiries were about Herpes (26%), Testing and Counselling (25%) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (18%). The top 3 email enquiries were about Herpes (34%), HPV (21%) and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (12%). The most common STD question to CDC-INFO was Can you help me locate a STD testing site in my area?", although the largest percentage of questions were about Herpes, followed by HPV, Testing and Counselling and Chlamydia. Findings from CDC-INFO correlate with findings from traffic to the Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) website (http://www.cdc.gov/std/) which also finds that Genital Herpes and HPV are the most frequently visited pages on the website. A CDC-INFO satisfaction survey conducted between October 2009—and March 2010 found that among STD related telephone callers, 63% were female, over 65% were 34 years old or younger, 34% were White and 35% were Black/African American. Of those qualitatively interviewed, 91% (n=199) reported learning new information as a result of the call to CDC-INO and 68% indicated a desire to change a behaviour based on the new information. Reducing risky sexual behaviour was the most common type of behaviour change indicated.ConclusionsInformation about Genital Herpes, HPV, and STD testing locations are the most frequently sought after topics by those accessing CDC-INFO. Regularly analysing enquiries to CDC-INFO can help the DSTDP identify topics of most concern to the general public, possibly detect emerging trends and tailor communications accordingly. Further research should be done to determine how DSTDP communication and prevention priorities correspond to general public enquiries and concerns.
P2-S8.11 Co-creating the Dutch Safe Sex Campaign 2011: Using social media and municipal health centres (MHC) to improve implementation intentions of condom use
Authors: Zimbile F , Fisser E 
Published: July 2011

In the period 2008–2009 the Dutch Safe Sex Campaign (DSSC) effectively improved the attitudes and intentions among young people (18–25 yrs) to maintain condom use in a new relationship until both partners have done a STI test. The positive intentions increased from 50% (Aug 2008) to 73% (Nov 2009). However, no changes were seen in self-reported condom use in this period. Theoretical models show that in case of positive intentions a strategy aimed at improving implementation intentions can be effective on behavioural level. In line with this strategy DSSC 2011 is designed to improve implementation intentions in the chain of skills which are relevant for condom use: buying—carrying—communicating about and using condoms.MethodThe campaign strategy consists of three stages. In the third stage (Sep 2011) an e-learning module will be launched which will train condom skills and help to concretely plan condom use. The first two stages are especially designed to generate content for the e-learning module in co-creation with the target group members and the MHC. In the first (awareness) stage of the campaign (Feb 2011) members of the target group were invited to report about the campaign. A kick off session was organised for editors of school magazines and popular vloggers (video webloggers). During the kick off the young reporters were facilitated to produce their own safe sex campaign materials. They were also given the opportunity to interview a Dutch celebrity about the campaign topic. The results were used to promote the campaign on YouTube, Twitter and local school magazines. At the same time discussions and polls about the campaign topic were initiated on several community sites. In the first stage, the campaign also provided a game to the MHC. This game is played in school classes with students of secondary education. The game consists of settings that are relevant for the e-learning module: a drugstore (buying condoms), schoolyard and disco (carrying condoms), bedroom (communicating and using condoms). The MHC officers invited the student to discuss the condom skills in these settings and register the advices that are most relevant to them. These advices will be used as content in the e-learning module. In the second stage (April—June 2011) the target population will be mobilised to participate in the campaign through popular social media. The target group will be asked to reflect on the results of the discussions and polls in the first stage. They will also be invited to send in their ideas for a TV-campaign. The concept of the winner will be used as input for the definite TV-commercial(s) broadcasted in September 2011.ResultsAlmost 200 school magazine reporters and 11 vloggers participated in the first stage of the campaign. More than 80 000 people viewed the nine vlogs that were produced in the first week.ConclusionSocial media offer good opportunities to co-create safe sex campaigns with the target group.
P2-S9.06 Vaginal film microbicides for HIV prevention: a mixed methods study of women's preferences
Authors: Fan M , Ferguson L , Rohan L , Meyn L , Hillier S 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundQuick-dissolve films hold promise for HIV microbicide formulation with regards to low cost and scalable manufacture. Consideration of women's preferences enhances probable use of promising microbicides. This study examined preferred physical characteristics of quick-dissolve vaginal films for HIV prevention and factors that influenced valuation of HIV prevention.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional mixed methods study of women aged 18-30 years from two counties in southwestern Pennsylvania to qualitatively and quantitatively assess preferences. During focus groups women handled and evaluated films of varying texture, thickness, size, shape, and appearance. A pre-focus group survey collected demographics, sexual history, and valuation of vaginal product characteristics. A post-focus group survey collected attitudes towards vaginal microbicides. We carried out thematic analysis of focus group transcripts using modified grounded theory. We examined relationships between participant characteristics and valuing HIV prevention using Fisher's exact test.ResultsEighty-four women participated, with a mean age of 23 years and largely white (54%) and black (43%). Only three reported previous use of a vaginal film. Participants preferred films to be smooth and thin (63%), translucent (48%), and 2×2" square size (36%). Translucent and smooth, thin films were perceived as likely to disintegrate rapidly. Smooth, thin films were perceived as more comfortable and less irritating than textured, thick films. Translucent films were thought to represent a balance between discretion and visual discernibility. Easy, accurate insertion, uniform coverage, and adequate HIV prevention efficacy were viewed as advantages of 2"×2" square size films. Engaging in at least one episode of binge drinking in the past year was associated with rating HIV prevention as important (p=0.048). Participants expressed concern regarding sexual intercourse in the context of alcohol intoxication. Factors associated with ranking HIV prevention as the most important characteristic of a vaginal product included higher number of lifetime vaginal sex partners (p=0.001) and black race (p=0.011).ConclusionsSmooth, thin, translucent, and 2"×2" square films were perceived to offer features valued by women in our sample. Women were concerned with issues of use, including insertion, disintegration, and comfort, as well as issues of discretion and efficacy.
P2-S9.11 HIV infection and violence against married/cohabiting women: findings from a national household survey in Rwanda
Authors: Kayibanda J F , Alary M , Bitera R 
Published: July 2011

ObjectivesWe used the third Rwanda demographic and health survey (DHS) data to examine relationship between violence, gender attitudes and HIV prevalence among women and men in union.MethodsThe third Rwanda DHS is a nationally representative household-based survey conducted in 10 272 households in 2005. Analyses were restricted to 2715 women and 2461 men who were legally married or cohabiting. HIV prevalence was the dependent variable whereas sexual risk factors, gender attitudes, emotional and domestic violence were independent variables. A face-to-face interview covered socio-demographic characteristics, sexual risk behaviour, domestic violence and gender attitude. Domestic violence was measured by questions from the Conflict Tactics Scale Questionnaire. HIV antibodies testing was performed using ELISA tests. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.ResultsHIV prevalence was significantly higher among women who reported ever having experienced any form of emotional violence (4.7% vs 2.1%; p=0.019), who reported ever been threaten by their husband or cohabiting partner (6.1% vs 2.3%; p=0.026) and among those who reported that their fathers beat their mothers (3.4% vs 1.9% p=0.029). HIV prevalence was higher among men who reported that they are justified to hurt or beat their wives if they argue with them (10.1% vs 2.9 p=0.03). After adjustment for age, geographic area, number of lifetime partners, history of genital ulcers in the previous year, women who experienced at least one form of violence (either, emotional, inter parental, or intimate partner violence) demonstrated a much higher HIV prevalence [adjusted OR (AOR): 2.75; 95% CI 1.08 to 7.02]. Compared to those who confirmed that it is not justified for a husband to hurt or beat his wife if she argues with him, men who agreed with this statement had a fourfold higher HIV-prevalence (AOR: 4.15; 95% CI 1.69 to 10.17).ConclusionViolence experienced by women and the acceptance of wife beating by men are independent risk factors for HIV infection among married/cohabiting population in Rwanda. Interventions to prevent any form of violence towards women and hostile gender attitudes should be integrated into HIV programs.