Stress and healthcare workers caring for people living with HIV/AIDS in Polokwane municipality clinics

Aim Stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) working with HIV/AIDS patients is an important deterrent to provision of services to HIV patients. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stress levels among HCWs in Polokwane Municipality HIV clinics. Method Forty-four HCWs in four different clinics completed a self administered questionnaire. Questionnaire consisted of demographic info, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the AIDS Stress scale and the stressors and rewards of HIV/AIDS work. Results The majority of the healthcare workers (HCWs) in this study were female (77%) and married (64%). The biggest professional group were nurses (46%) followed by lay counsellors (25%). The mean age of the HCWs was 39. The results of this study revealed that half of the respondents (52%) had high level of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. A total of 27% of HCWs had moderate to severe AIDS stress as measured by AIDS Stress Scale. An overwhelming majority (95%) of HCWs reported that they enjoy their work with HIV/AIDS patients. Conclusion Despite the high levels of burnout, the majority of HCWs in the HIV clinics find HIV/AIDS work rewarding. Workplace related stressors rather than the actual work with HIV/AIDS patients is a major source of stress

The prevalence of multimorbidity in virally suppressed HIV-positive patients in Limpopo

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are an emerging global public health problem. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors among adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Method: This was a cross-sectional study (July 2019 – January 2020) in Limpopo, South Africa. Patients were enrolled if they were ≥ 40 years, HIV-positive, and virologically suppressed on ART. Data were analysed descriptively, and a binomial regression model was used to identify risk factors for NCDs. Results: The majority of participants (65%; 319/488) were women. Most (83%; 405/488) were aged 40–59 years; 60% (285/472) were overweight or obese. Based on self-report, 22% (107/488) were currently smokers. Almost half (44%) 213/488) reported daily consumption of vegetables and 65% (319/488) exercised regularly and 39% (190/488) reported treatment for another chronic disease. The leading comorbid conditions were hypertension (32%; 158/488) and diabetes mellitus (5%; 24/488). Risk factors for hypertension included age 60 years and older (relative risk [RR]: 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–2.30) diabetes (RR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.08–1.87), overweight (RR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03–1.69) and obesity (RR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.32–2.17). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence, both of risk factors for NCDs and multimorbidity ( 1 chronic disease) in patients who are ≥ 40 years and virologically suppressed on ART