Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes : JAIDS
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J. Acquir. Immune Defic. Syndr. · Dec 2020
Prevention, Partners, and Power Imbalances: Women's Views on How Male Partners Affected Their Adherence to Vaginal Microbicide Gels During HIV Prevention Trials in Africa.
Low adherence has contributed to disappointing results for trials testing vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention. This study engaged former gel trial participants to understand the reasons behind low adherence and seek suggestions on how to improve products and adherence to microbicides. This analysis examines the impact of participant perceptions of male partners on participant adherence and suggestions on how to address those issues. ⋯ The imbalance of power in intimate relationships affects the ability of women to use microbicides as directed. To improve adherence to HIV prevention methods within trials and for successful rollout of proven HIV prevention methods in populations, it is important that the complicated dynamics of sex and relationships be taken into greater consideration and that women receive targeted support to navigate product use and communication within the context of these gender dynamics.
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J. Acquir. Immune Defic. Syndr. · Dec 2020
Impact of COVID-19-Related Stress and Lockdown on Mental Health Among People Living With HIV in Argentina.
The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has necessitated widespread lockdown to mitigate the pandemic. This study examines the influence of resilience on the impact of COVID-related stress and enforced lockdown on mental health, drug use, and treatment adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Argentina. ⋯ The impact of COVID-stress and lockdown on emotional distress seemed mitigated by resilience coping strategies, and the buffering impact of resilience on perceived stress was greater among women. Results highlight PLWH's capacity to adhere to treatment in challenging circumstances and the importance of developing resilience skills for better coping with stress and adversity.
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J. Acquir. Immune Defic. Syndr. · Nov 2020
Physical Distancing Due to COVID-19 Disrupts Sexual Behaviors Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia: Implications for Trends in HIV and Other Sexually Transmissible Infections.
In March 2020, Australian state and federal governments introduced physical distancing measures alongside widespread testing to combat COVID-19. These measures may decrease people's sexual contacts and thus reduce the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). We investigated the impact of physical distancing measures due to COVID-19 on the sexual behavior of gay and bisexual men in Australia. ⋯ Gay and bisexual men in Australia have dramatically reduced their sexual contacts with other men since COVID-19. These behavioral changes will likely result in short-term reductions in new HIV and STI diagnoses. If sexual health screenings are undertaken before resuming sexual activity, this could present a novel opportunity to interrupt chains of HIV and STI transmission.
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J. Acquir. Immune Defic. Syndr. · Sep 2020
Coinfection With HIV and SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China: A 12-Person Case Series.
Given the magnitude of the global COVID-19 pandemic, persons living with HIV (PLWH) may become coinfected with SARS-CoV-2. ⋯ Twelve coinfected persons were identified in Wuhan; 9 of 10 were on long-term ART and had favorable outcomes. Two men identified as having started ART only recently were found to have severe symptoms. Our case series suggests the value of ART for potential mitigation of COVID-19 coinfection.
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J. Acquir. Immune Defic. Syndr. · Dec 2019
Ten Things We Need to Do to Achieve the Goals of the End the HIV Epidemic Plan for America.
DHHS announced a plan for Ending the HIV Epidemic (EtHE) by reducing new HIV infections in the United States by 75% within 5 years and 90% within 10 years through early diagnosis of all individuals with HIV, immediate treatment to achieve viral suppression, protection of high-risk but uninfected individuals including with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and quickly responding to emerging HIV clusters. ⋯ EtHE goals are achievable but will require concerted, sustained effort.