Phlebotomus martini is a known vector of visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is known to be endemic in areas of north and south Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Somalia but has not been reported from Tanzania. In this report we present the first documented collection of P. martini and P. vansomerenae in Tanzania. Sand flies were collected using standard dry-ice baited CDC light traps (John W. Hock Company, Gainesville, FL) from five sampling sites in the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions from 14 to 20 July 2010. Phlebotomus martini was collected from all sites and represented 6.6% of the total identified sand flies. Phlebotomus martini ranged from 4.5 to 9.4% of the total identified catch from the four sites in the Kilimanjaro region and 17.9% of the total identified catch at the one collection site in the Arusha region. In addition, one male specimen of the sibling species, Phlebotomus vansomerenae, was found at Chemka Springs in the Kilimanjaro region. These data indicate the presence of an established population(s) of P. martini in northern Tanzania that could support L. donovani transmission in an area with no prior case history of visceral leishmaniasis.
Background It is known from previous studies that university students in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) engage in sexual risk-taking behaviour (SRTB). However, there is paucity of data on correlates of SRTB among university students (emerging adults {EmA}) at the Kenyan Coast thus hindering intervention planning. This study seeks to provide an in-depth qualitative understanding of correlates of SRTB and their interconnectedness among university students at the Kenyan coast combining qualitative research with a systems thinking approach. Methods Using the ecological model, and employing in-depth interviews, we explored the perceptions of twenty-one EmA and five other stakeholders on what constitutes and influences SRTB among EmA at a tertiary institution of learning in Coastal Kenya. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach. A causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to map the interconnectedness of the correlates of SRTB. Results Our findings show that unprotected sex, transactional sex, cross-generational sex, multiple sex partnerships, gender-based violence, sex under influence of alcohol/drugs, early sex debut, and sharing sex toys were common SRTBs. Based on the ecological model and CLD, most of the reported risk factors were interconnected and operated at the individual level followed by those that operate at social level. Conclusion Our study shows that EmA are mostly engaging in unprotected sex. Enhancing sexuality education programs for students in Kenyan universities and strengthening support systems including counselling for those using alcohol/drugs may help reduce SRTB among EmA in universities in Kenya.
Background Sexual risk-taking behavior (SRTB) is a well-documented pathway to HIV acquisition in emerging adults (EmA) and remains common amongst African EmA. We aimed to describe the relationship between disordered eating behavior (DEB) and SRTB amongst EmA attending a tertiary educational institution at the Kenyan Coast. Methods We applied a cross-sectional design nested in a young adults’ cohort study. Eligibility included sexually active EmA aged 18-24 years. Three DEBs (emotional, restrained and external eating) were assessed using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. Seven SRTB indicators were assessed: i) non-condom use ii) casual sex iii) multiple sex partners iv) transactional sex v) group sex vi) age-disparate relationship and vii) anal sex, and grouped into low vs. high SRTB using latent class analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between DEB and SRTB. Results Of 273 eligible participants (female, n =110 [40.3%]), the mean [SD] of emotional, restrained and external eating was 1.9 [0.6], 2.0 [0.6] and 3.0 [0.5] respectively. Overall, 57 (20.9%) were grouped into the latent high SRTB class. Emotional (Adjusted odds ratio {AOR [95% confidence interval, CI]: 1.0 [0.9 – 1.0], p = 0.398), restrained (AOR, 1.0 [CI: 0.9 – 1.1], p = 0.301) and External (AOR, 1.0 [CI: 0.8 – 1.2], p = 0.523) eating were not independently associated with latent high SRTB. Conclusion There was no significant association between DEB and SRTB. More studies in different African settings are needed to validate our findings in order to lay a strong evidence base for public health interventions on SRTB in this and similar settings.
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