Mukasa Kk

Bio: Mukasa Kk is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Reproductive health & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 30 citations.

Time to intervene: preventing the spread of HIV / AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa.

Abstract: The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa (MEAN) region increased from 87000 in 2003 to 152000 in 2005 according to United Nations estimates. While these numbers may look small compared to about 40 million people who are living with HIV worldwide the number of infections appears to be increasing rapidly in the region. More important the low number of HIV infections does not mean low risk. MEANs conservative culture--in which sexual relationships outside marriage are forbidden--has been partly responsible for keeping the rates of HIV infection relatively low. The same conservative norms however often contribute to a general attitude of denial combined with strong stigmatization and social ostracism of people living with HIV/AIDS. Because HIV infection is concentrated for now among people who are often perceived as socially deviant the AIDS epidemic has been shrouded in ignorance--and that ignorance does not help prevent the spread of the infection. Thepurpose of this policy brief is to raise awareness among MEANs decision-makers and opinion leaders about the urgent need for action by presenting some of the warning signs risks and vulnerabilities that face the region. The current low rates of HIV infection and concentration among specific groups in MEAN offer the opportunity to develop policies and programs to prevent an epidemic that could have far-reaching social and economic implications. (excerpt)

Stigmatization of Persons With HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Data about the stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Recent statistics from Saudi Ministry of Health showed that 77% of HIV-positive Saudis were males. The present study analyzed data from 162 Saudi male college students. The findings suggest that students who knew less about HIV/AIDS were more likely to stigmatize persons living with HIV/AIDS than those who knew more. Neither degree of religiosity nor worry about HIV infection was related to AIDS stigma. However, AIDS-related shame was the best predictor of AIDS stigma. The findings of this study point to important suggestions for AIDS prevention programs in Saudi Arabia.

HIV-related knowledge and AIDS stigma among college students in Yemen.

Abstract: The present study analysed data from 501 Yemeni university students to examine their knowledge about HIV and their attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS. The findings indicate that participants had several serious misunderstandings about HIV/AIDS and held negative attitudes toward people living with HIV/ AIDS. Although female students were less knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS than were male students, they held more positive attitudes toward people with HIV/AIDS. An overwhelming number of students expressed their willingness to get tested for HIV and recognized that AIDS is a serious issue facing their country. The study provides suggestions for HIV prevention efforts and ideas for future studies in Yemen.

Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV & HIV co-infection and risk factors analysis in Tripoli-Libya.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 1998 Libya experienced a major outbreak of multiple blood borne viral hepatitis and HIV infections. Since then no studies have been done on the epidemic features and risk factors of HBV HCV HIV and co-infection among the general population. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out using a multi-centre clustering method to collect samples from the general population. The participants were interviewed and relevant information was collected including socio-demographic ethnic and geographic variables. This information was correlated with the risk factors involved in the transmission of HBV HCV and HIV. Blood samples were collected and the sera were tested for HBsAg anti-HCV and anti-HIV using enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: A total of 9170 participants from the nine districts of Tripoli were enrolled. The average prevalence of HBsAg was 3.7% anti-HCV 0.9% anti-HIV 0.15% and co-infection 0.02%. The prevalence varied from one district to another. HBV was more prevalent among those aged over 50 years and was associated with family history. Anti-HCV and anti-HIV were more prevalent among those aged 20-40 years. Intravenous drug use and blood transfusion were the main risk factors for HCV and HIV infection. CONCLUSION: HBV HCV HIV and co-infection are relatively common in Libya. High prevalence was associated with geographic ethnic and socioeconomic variability within the community. HCV and HIV infections among the younger age groups are becoming an alarming issue. Regulations and health care education need to be implemented and longer term follow-up should be planned.

HIV in Iran: onset, responses, and future directions.

Abstract: Iran, a country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has been actively involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS over the past three decades. The unique features of the HIV epidemic in Iran are reflected by the modes of transmission and its recent changes to improve management and prevention programs. In this review, we recount the initial onset and subsequent spread of HIV infection in Iran, beginning with the first case diagnosed to the ongoing responses and most recent achievements in controlling this epidemic. Although in the MENA region, Iran is one of the pioneers in implementing pertinent policies including harm reduction services to decrease HIV incidence, drug injection still continues to be the major risk of infection. In line with other nations, the programs in Iran aim at the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets (UNAIDS 90-90-90 global targets to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020: by 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status; 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy; and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression) and to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission. In this article, we discuss the strengths and shortcomings of the current HIV programs and offer suggestions to provide a better perspective to track and respond to the HIV epidemic. More generally, our account of the national religious and cultural circumstances as well as obstacles to the approaches chosen can provide insights for decision-makers in other countries and institutions with comparable settings and infrastructures.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Doctors Toward People Living With HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES Reports showed that Saudi Arabia has low prevalence of HIV/AIDS despite increasing influx of foreign nationals from countries with high risk of HIV. Knowledge and stigmatizing attitudes of health care workers contribute to difficulties of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) accessing prevention, care, and treatment services. Nothing is known about stigma and discrimination about PLWHA in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN We assessed knowledge of Saudi Arabian doctors about HIV and their attitudes toward PLWHA using a cross-sectional study design. METHOD In this study, 1483 doctors completed a self-administered questionnaire. RESULT Knowledge scores and stigma index were computed from responses to relevant statements in the questionnaire. Stigmatizing attitudes of contact, reproductive rights, blaming, and judgmental were identified. HIV knowledge was a significant predictor of high stigma. Doctors' year of medical practice, status/specialty, and location of practice in Saudi Arabia were major predictors of HIV knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Evidence of poor knowledge of HIV suggests the need for further training of health workers on HIV transmission mode.