Tenofovir-based highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is one of the preferred first-line therapies in the management of HIV 1 infection. Ghana has since 2014 adopted this recommendation; however there is paucity of scientific data that reflects the safety and efficacy of the tenofovir-based therapy compared to zidovudine in the Ghanaian health system. This study sought to assess the comparative immune reconstitution potential between tenofovir and zidovudine-based HAART regimens, which includes lamivudine and efavirenz in combination therapy. It also aimed to investigate the adverse drug reactions/events (ADREs) associated with pharmacotherapy with these agents in a total of 106 HAART naïve HIV patients. The study included 80 patients in the tenofovir cohort while 26 patients were on the zidovudine regimen. The occurrence of HIV comorbidities profile was assessed at diagnosis and throughout the study period. The baseline CD4 T cells count of the participants was also assessed at diagnosis and repeated at a median period of five months (range 4–6 months), after commencing treatment with either tenofovir- or zidovudine-based HAART. After five months of the HAART, the tenofovir cohort recorded higher CD4 T cell count change from baseline compared to the zidovudine cohort (p < 0.0001). The patients on the tenofovir-based HAART and female sex however appeared to be associated with more multiple ADREs.
Conclusion Even in a relatively small context such as TimorLeste, a large variation was reported in the degree to which sex work was accepted. Ongoing social and law enforcement challenges for FSW highlight the need for continued investment in sex work advocacy and community building. Introduction Intimate partners (IP) of female sex workers (FSW) are a population of growing interest in Ghana. The study objectives were to: explore the emotional, financial, and power dynamics within these relationships; describe the sexual behaviours and HIV knowledge and vulnerabilities of both partners; and document the perceived availability and accessibility of social support and health services. Methods In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 24 male IP of FSW. Two focus group discussions were conducted with 13 male IPs and three with 20 FSWs. The age range of IPs was from 20-60 years and FSWs from 18-50. Results The IPs met their FSWs through introductions by close friends, patronising FSW's services and/or by FSWs going after the IPs. The nature of relationships ranged from the IP offering protection for financial support (transactional), meeting emotional needs (intimate) to consensual reciprocal relationships. Forty percent of IPs were monogamous with their FSW partner, and about 50% of IPs and FSW couples used condoms. Lack of condom use was considered a sign of intimacy. The majority of respondents had some knowledge of HIV transmission and consequences. All respondents understood that condoms offer protection against HIV infection, but many FSW respondents reported difficulty in convincing regular clients to use condoms. Over half of the men who participated in the IDIs had recently tested for HIV, and half the men knew their FSW partner's HIV status. Respondents showed varying levels of awareness of HIV testing options and pricing, and had suggestions for how to improve services. Conclusion Study results show a nuanced picture of IP of FSW relationships, and these dynamics are important in the context of HIV and STI transmission prevention. Expanded communitybased services for FSW and IP and initiatives that increase availability and acceptability of condom use should be pursued.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.