Associated factors to attitudes and perceptions toward HIV/AIDS: a study of ethnic minorities in Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam

Background: In Central Highland of Vietnam, number of HIV infected people in the Highlands region was 2,869, with 654 cases of AIDS. There are very few researches on HIV/AIDS, especially, research in community [14]. The ethnic minority populations are the source of differences from other regions of in the country. Negative attitude and misperception toward HIV/AIDS are remaining among this group. To improve the perception and attitude towards HIV/AIDS among Ethnic minorities. This study aims to illustrate attitude and perception towards HIV/AIDS among ethnic minority in Buon Ma Thuot City and determine factors related to attitude and perception towards HIV/AIDS in this population. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of collected from 810 ethnic minority aged 15-49 in Buon Ma Thuot city, Vietnam in 2012.  Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information regarding HIV knowledge, HIV perception and attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).  The mean score was calculated. Multivariate analysis performed to analyze the influence of socio-demographic, HIV information sources and HIV knowledge on attitudes and perception towards HIV/AIDS. Results: We identified the mass media channel is common HIV information resource (92.8%), but the respondents received HIV information through mass media channels had lower perception and attitude towards HIV/AIDS. The multivariate analysis showed that the socioeconomic-demographic characteristic, HIV information, and HIV knowledge significantly associated with perception and attitude towards HIV/AIDS. But the HIV information provided by health officers, who are ethnic minorities had more effectiveness of improving attitude towards PLWHA in community (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on these data, we recommend improving quality of HIV massage through mass media channel with adequate HIV information combine with social messages. Besides, the role of multichannel mass media and the role of health officers is need to combine together

Sentinel surveillance for HIV among people who inject drugs at Gia Lai Province, Vietnam

Background: HIV remains a public health challenge, especially among people who inject drug (PWID). The HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS), together with the HIV/AIDS case reporting, are two core components of the HIV/AIDS surveillance system providing systematic, on-going monitoring of HIV epidemic in Viet Nam. The HSS was first conducted in 1994 to determine HIV prevalence among the high-risk group by collecting blood sample. But in 2009, this system was monitored the risk behaviors by addition of a brief behavioral questionnaire, known as HSS+. In Central Highland, the HIV situation in Gia Lai province has primarily affected PWID, which are main criteria to select into the surveillance system.Aims: This study aims to determine risk factors for HIV infection to improve intervention programs for PWID in Gia Lai province, Vietnam.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of 150 randomly selected PWID from June to September 2014 in Gia Lai province. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information regarding drug use, sexual behavior, accessibility of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing services. Blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of HIV antibodies using ELISA and rapid test. For data analysis, the frequencies and proportions were calculated. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the association between risk factors and HIV infection.Results: We identified 14 infections among 150 PWID (prevalence = 9.3%). Among PWID, 22.7% (34/150) had shared needles and 3 HIV prevalence among PWIDs injecting drug for at least 3 years was 2.4%. HIV prevalence among PWIDs who have had sexual intercourse with more than one commercial sex worker (CSW) per month was 6.5%. In multivariable logistic regression, the odds of HIV infection with sharing needles, injecting for over 3 years, and sexual intercourse with more than one CSW per month was 6.7 (95% CI: 1.6-27.7), 6.1 (95% CI: 1.2-30.3) and with 4.0 (95% CI: 1.0-15.3), respectively.Conclusion: We identified a few modifiable risk factors among PWID. Based on these data, we recommend improving harm reduction intervention and behavior change communication. The sentinel surveillance site should continue monitoring PWID behavior over time. Keywords: HIV Sentinel surveillance, People Who Inject Drug (PWID), Gia Lai, Vietnam Received: 28 May 2018, Reviewed: 31 May 2018, Received:  in revised form 11 June 2018, Accepted: 29 June 2018,  DOI: 10.35898/ghmj-2256

Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Dengue Virus Infection and Correlation between Circulating Soluble MICB Protein Level and Platelet Counts &quot;Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Dengue Virus Infection and Correlation between Circulating Soluble MICB Protein

Abstract Background: Soluble MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence B (sMICB) has been associated with the development of severity of dengue fever. However, serum sMICB level and relationship with platelets in patients with dengue virus (DENV) infection remain unclear. The aims of this study are to identify soluble MICB serum level and the correlation with platelets counts in patients with dengue virus infection. Methods: A total of 88 patients were confirmed with an acute phase of DENV infection (1-7 days after the onset of illness) based on the result a positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), or anti-dengue IgM antibodies were used. Serum soluble MICB level was measured by MICB ELISA. Results: Serum soluble MICB (sMICB) levels in dengue virus infected patients were observed a median of 146.3 pg/ml. Serum sMICB was significantly higher in dengue patients with warning signs and severe compared to patients without warning signs. However, no significant difference of sMICB between age groups of dengue patients; and between primary and secondary infection were observed (P &gt; 0.05). The significantly negative correlation between serum sMICB levels and platelet counts was found (Spearman&apos;s rho = -0.34, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Serum sMICB levels might be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker for dengue patients