Disclosure of HSV-2 serological test results in the context of an adolescent HIV prevention trial in Kenya

HSV-2 biomarkers are often used in adolescent sub-Saharan HIV prevention studies, but evaluations of test performance and disclosure outcomes are rare in the published literature. Therefore, we investigated the proportion of ELISA-positive and indeterminant samples confirmed by Western blot (WB); the psychosocial response to disclosure; and whether reports of sexual behavior and HSV-2 symptoms are consistent with WB confirmatory results among adolescent orphans in Kenya

Management information system framework for juvenile justice system in Kenya : a case study for children service department Nairobi

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Computer-Based Information Systems DegreeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Management Information System (MIS) on Children Service Department: the focus being on Juvenile Justice Supervision. The research objectives were; to identify existing Management Information Systems adopted by Children Service Department in Juvenile Justice Supervision, to establish the challenges faced in adoption of MIS and to propose framework for MIS development that will assist the Kenyan Government in Juvenile Justice Supervision. The study used the case study research design .The data was obtained analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.The first phase involved interviewing the middle management of the Children’s Service Department in Nairobi to identify the existing Management Information Systems used in gathering, storing , transmitting data and aid in decision making. The second phase involved content analysis of writings from Department of Children Service publications. Findings of the study revealed the following challenges or impediments to adoption of MIS for JJ supervision: lack of Information Technology (IT) platform, lack of ICT infrastructure and lack of information on potentials of MIS. The study recommends that the key players in MIS framework should include organization, technology, people, external partners and policies. They are to work together to create an Information System solution that addresses the challenges experienced by Children Service Department in Juvenile Justice Supervision

Disclosure of HSV-2 serological test results in the context of an adolescent HIV prevention trial in Kenya

OBJECTIVES: HSV-2 biomarkers are often used in adolescent sub-Saharan HIV prevention studies, but evaluations of test performance and disclosure outcomes are rare in the published literature. Therefore, we investigated the proportion of ELISA-positive and indeterminant samples confirmed by Western blot (WB); the psychosocial response to disclosure; and whether reports of sexual behavior and HSV-2 symptoms are consistent with WB confirmatory results among adolescent orphans in Kenya. METHODS: In 2011, 837 Kenyan orphan youth in grades 7 and 8 enrolled in an HIV prevention clinical trial with HSV-2 biomarker outcomes. We used a modified algorithm for the Kalon HSV-2 ELISA to improve specificity; positive and indeterminate results were WB-tested. We developed culturally sensitive protocols for disclosing positive results and documented psychosocial responses, reports of sexual contact, and HSV-2 symptoms. RESULTS: 28 adolescents (3.3%) were identified as HSV-2 seropositive; 6 as indeterminate. Of these, 22 positive and all indeterminants were WB-tested; 20 and 5, respectively, were confirmed positive. Most youth reported moderate brief stress after disclosure; 22% reported longer and more severe distress. Boys were more likely to be in the latter category. Self-reported virginity was highly inconsistent with WB confirmed positives. CONCLUSIONS: The higher than manufacturer cut-off for Kalon ELISA modestly reduced the rate of false positive test results but also increased false negatives. Investigators should consider the risk-benefit ratio in deciding whether or not to disclose HSV-2 results to adolescent participants under specific field conditions