AIDS and behavior
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The novel coronavirus 2019 illness (COVID-19) has completely transformed and uprooted lives across the globe. While different diseases, there are critical observations and lessons to be learned from the ongoing HIV epidemic to inform our response to COVID-19. We reflect on how this relates to (1) testing, including contact tracing; (2) health system redesign; (3) telehealth; (4) health disparities; (5) political denial, with inadequate and uncoordinated governmental response; (6) occupational exposure; and (7) complex reactions among healthcare providers. Decades of experiences with HIV provide an important framework for moving forward as we combat COVID-19.
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Research in Uganda examining HIV-positive status disclosure and IPV victimization is scarce, and existing findings may not generalize to community-based samples of men and women newly diagnosed with HIV in Uganda. We investigated the prevalence of lifetime IPV, IPV experienced between HIV diagnosis and 6 months following diagnosis (recent IPV), and IPV specifically related to a partner learning one's HIV-positive status among a sample of men and women newly diagnosed with HIV in a population-based study in rural Uganda. We also examined correlates of recent IPV, including HIV-positive status disclosure. ⋯ Younger age, non-polygamous marriage, lower social support, and greater acceptance for violence against women were also significantly associated with experience of recent IPV. Overall, 12.20% of participants who experienced recent IPV reported that the IPV was related to their partner learning their HIV-positive status. Findings highlight the need for IPV screening and intervention integrated into HIV diagnosis, care, and treatment services.