Articles

Feasibility of MHealth Interventions towards Promoting HIV Self-testing Uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Literature

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Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST) with mobile health technology (mHealth) support is the use of mobile phone-based interventions to complement HIVST in order to improve its efficiency and uptake. Existing reviews leaves a gap in the evidence that summarizes efforts on the feasibility of mHealth to promote HIVST uptake within Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Objective: This study synthesized existing research on the feasibility of mobile health technology (mHealth) aimed at promoting HIV self-testing (HIVST) uptake within SSA using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Result: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were narratively synthesized, 63% of which were observational studies while 37% were randomized control trials. Mobile applications, SMS or a combination of mHealth strategies were mostly used to promote HIVST uptake. Most studies were carried out in South Africa (54%), and in the general population (54%). Feasibility metrics were inconsistently reported across studies because its definitions varied, nonetheless most studies reported one or more feasibility metrics and HIVST uptake was the most common way (81%) of assessing feasibility.

SMS-based interventions significantly increased HIVST uptake among hard-to-reach populations and were effective for reporting testing outcomes. Mobile applications guided participants through testing, result interpretation, and self-reporting HIVST results, and most studies reported high HIVST uptake (89.0%–100%). Compared to HIVST alone, call-based intervention enhanced HIVST uptake and linkage to care or prevention (p = 0.021). Most studies found combined mHealth interventions highly feasible (78.9%–99.2%).

Conclusion: Feasibility was variable between the diverse mHealth supports used to promote HIVST uptake. While findings pave the way for greater use of mHealth supported HIVST, future research should consider using rigorous research designs and focus on populations disproportionately affected by HIV within diverse SSA regions to ensure broad applicability. Feasibility measures should also be standardized for uniform reporting across studies.

Effects of Moderate Intensity Circuit Exercise Programme on the Blood Oxygen Saturation and Pulmonary Function of People Living With HIV

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Introduction: Impaired pulmonary function and arterial oxygen (O2) saturation are among the symptomatic changes in people living with HIV (PLWH), associated with progression of HIV disease and anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Exercise has been considered an important adjuvant therapy for health promotion and improving the pulmonary function of PLWH. However studies are lacking on the effects circuit exercise training on o2 saturation and pulmonary function of PLWH.

Objective: This study determined the effect of moderate intensity circuit exercise programme on the O2 saturation and pulmonary function of PLWH.

Methods: The study design was a pretest-posttest randomized controlled design. A total of 120 participants were recruited from the HIV clinic of a teaching hospital. Fish bowl method was used to randomize the participants to control group or exercise group. Moderate intensity (50 – 75% MHR) circuit exercise programme was administered to the participants 3 times a week between 30-60 minutes per session for 8 weeks. Pulse Oximeter and hand held spirometer were used to measure the oxygen saturation and some pulmonary functions respectively. Measurement were taken at baseline and at 8-week. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and percentages were used to summarize demographic data. Paired sample t-test and Independent sample t-test determined the mean difference within the groups and between the groups respectively. Alpha level was set at P<0.05.

Results: There was significant difference in the mean score of O2 saturation and pulmonary function within the exercise group after 8-week exercise intervention. There was significant difference in the mean score of O2 saturation and pulmonary function between the control group and exercise group after 8-week exercise intervention.

Conclusion: An 8-week circuit exercise programme brought about improvement in O2 saturation and pulmonary function of PLWH. Circuit exercise can be effectively employed to improve lung function and ameliorate the exercise hypoxemia associated with decreased O2 saturation in PLWH.

A Review Study on Ocular Posterior Segments & Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and its Management Options

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To describe the various types of ocular posterior segment and neuro-ophthalmic manifestation associated with Human Immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infection. And also describe the management or preventive measures associated with it. In all cases of ocular disease due to HIV, there is only one reason i.e. immune system.
A Descriptive study was done to review the articles available on PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Publon, Orcid, Healthstar, Science Open, Cochrane Library, Paperity and others related to the ocular complications associated with HIV infections. Peer-reviewed articles/ studies were referred to ascertain the available screening tests, preventive measures, hygiene, neuro-ophthalmic manifestation and management options for HIV patients. Some authors suggest that ocular posterior segment & neuro-ophthalmic manifestation due to HIV infection is not recovered, but few authors suggest that it can be recovered with the help of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in combination with some preventive measures and hygiene.
The Eye-care professional’s responsibility is to spread awareness about the complications related to the eye and their management or preventive measures. Ocular complications are very diverse and relatively frequent in the case of HIV infection. Commonly it is associated with a concurrent diagnosis of depression, anxiety, panic, attack and psychiatric disorders, etc. There are various management or preventive measures like regular eye examinations, follow-up of the HIV patients, following the preventive measures strategies, taking therapy properly, preventing to spread of the infection, etc.