Age-Related Differences in Socio-demographic and Behavioral Determinants of HIV Testing and Counseling in HPTN 043/NIMH Project Accept

Youth represent a large proportion of new HIV infections worldwide, yet their utilization of HIV testing and counseling (HTC) remains low. Using the post-intervention, cross-sectional, population-based household survey done in 2011 as part of HPTN 043/NIMH Project Accept, a cluster-randomized trial of community mobilization and mobile HTC in South Africa (Soweto and KwaZulu Natal), Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Thailand, we evaluated age-related differences among socio-demographic and behavioral determinants of HTC in study participants by study arm, site, and gender. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed using complete individual data from 13,755 participants with recent HIV testing (prior 12 months) as the outcome. Youth (18–24 years) was not predictive of recent HTC, except for high-risk youth with multiple concurrent partners, who were less likely (aOR 0.75; 95% CI 0.61–0.92) to have recently been tested than youth reporting a single partner. Importantly, the intervention was successful in reaching men with site specific success ranging from aOR 1.27 (95% CI 1.05–1.53) in South Africa to aOR 2.30 in Thailand (95% CI 1.85–2.84). Finally, across a diverse range of settings, higher education (aOR 1.67; 95% CI 1.42, 1.96), higher socio-economic status (aOR 1.21; 95% CI 1.08–1.36), and marriage (aOR 1.55; 95% CI 1.37–1.75) were all predictive of recent HTC, which did not significantly vary across study arm, site, gender or age category (18–24 vs. 25–32 years)

Socio-economic benefits of agricultural marketing co-operatives and their challenges: Evidence from Selected Cases in Moshi District Council (Tanzania)

Studies have said a lot on co-operatives’ role in development but less have been documented about agricultural marketing co-operatives engaged in coffee marketing.The paper addresses the gap with study findings which assessed role of agricultural marketing co-operatives (AMCOS) in socioeconomic development and challenges they face in Moshi district council. A multiple case study design was adapted using 10 AMCOS where a total 80 respondents were involved and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Primary quantitative and qualitative data were collected through self-questionnaire administration and Focus Group Discussion (FGDs), respectively and secondary data were collected through documentary review. Quantitative data were analysed using multiple response analysis while qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Theoretical ground of the paper based on Cook’s Life Cycle Model of Agricultural Co-operatives and Collective Action Theory. As for the results, despite challenges faced, AMCOS found to be viable organizations for socioeconomic development where they operate. They also contribute to Government revenues and finance operations of supporting institutions in coffee industry. We recommend on the need for; improved management, coffee quality, business diversification and change in the business model. In addition, AMCOS should improve; farming techniques, enhance provision of co-operative and agricultural education and training as well as forming joint enterprises.Hay muchos estudios sobre el papel de las cooperativas en el desarrollo, pero se ha documentado menos sobre las cooperativas de comercialización agrícola dedicadas a la venta del café. En este trabajo se exponen y analizan los resultados de un estudio en el que se ha evaluado el papel de las cooperativas de comercialización agrícola (AMCOS) en el desarrollo socioeconómico, así como los desafíos que enfrentan en el consejo del distrito de Moshi (Tanzania). Se diseñó un estudio de casos múltiples, a partir de 10 AMCOS, en el que participaron un total de 80 encuestados. Se recopilaron datos tanto cuantitativos como cualitativos primarios utilizando, respectivamente, autocuestionarios y Focus Group. Por su parte, los datos secundarios se obtuvieron mediante el análisis de documentos. Los datos cuantitativos se analizaron mediante el análisis de respuestas múltiples, mientras que los datos cualitativos se analizaron mediante el análisis de contenido temático. El fundamento teórico del documento se basó en el modelo del ciclo de vida de las cooperativas agrícolas y la teoría de la acción colectiva de Cook. En cuanto a los resultados, a pesar de los retos a los que se enfrentaba, las AMCOS consideraban que eran organizaciones viables para el desarrollo socioeconómico de los lugares en los que operaban. Además, contribuyen a los ingresos del Gobierno, así como a las operaciones financieras de las instituciones de apoyo a la industria del café. En cuanto a las recomendaciones se plantea la necesidad de mejorar la gestión, la calidad del café, la diversificación empresarial y cambiar el modelo de negocio. Por último, las AMCOS deberían mejorar las técnicas de cultivo, aumentar la oferta de educación y capacitación cooperativa y agrícola, así como la formación de empresas mixta