A qualitative view of the HIV epidemic in coastal Ecuador

Abstract

In 2013 approximately 37,000 people were living with HIV in Ecuador (prevalence 0.4%), representing a generalized epidemic where most new infections arise from sexual interactions in the general population. Studies that examine attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLWH), individual risk perception of acquiring HIV amongst Ecuadorians, and the ways in which levels of risk perception may affect risk behaviors are lacking. This qualitative study aimed to fill this gap in the literature by investigating these issues in the rural, coastal community of Manglaralto, Ecuador, which has among the highest incidence of HIV in Ecuador. We conducted interviews with 15 patients at Manglaralto Hospital. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed widespread negative attitudes towards PLWH, prevalent risk behaviors such as multiple sex partners and lack of condom use, and low individual risk-perception of contracting HIV. These findings underscore the need for increased efforts to prevent further growth of the HIV epidemic in Ecuador.

A Review of Published Literature Regarding Health Issues of Coastal Communities in Sabah, Malaysia

“…This review provides substantial information to reflect on the healthcare burdens that are observed in the coastal areas in Sabah. The results from this study were also consistent with the findings from the previous literature that described explicitly on the significant health burdens experienced by individuals residing in the coastal communities, particularly in developing countries [1][2][3]. Nevertheless, the exclusion of non-full article journals, such as the national report and regional surveillance, might limit our review.…”

“…Several inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied in the literature search. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies that were published within a 10-year period from 2009 to 2019, (2) full article journals, (3) studies that elicited the health status/problem of the coastal communities in Sabah, and (4) studies that were published in English language. Initially, the review intended to capture all literature without a specific time frame.…”

Sexually transmitted infections and factors associated with risky sexual practices among female sex workers: A cross sectional study in a large Andean city

“…On the other hand, some studies mention that a prior history of STI could be an indicator of RSP [ 9 , 10 ]. In Ecuador, previously published data on RSP and STIs risk have focused largely on HIV infection [ 11 , 12 ], men who have sex with men [ 13 , 14 ] or transgender persons [ 15 ] while information for female sex workers (FSWs) is outdated and limited [ 16 , 17 ]. In developing countries there are few health programs in sex work environments coupled with limited STI surveillance and weak or non-existent structural approaches to RSP [ 18 , 19 ].…”