Conectar
Despite several intensive interventions, HIV remains a major public health challenge affecting many individuals worldwide and highlighting ongoing gaps in HIV testing.
To assess the proportion of ‘never been tested for HIV’ and the risk factors associated therewith among women aged 15–49 years.
The 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey data were used for this study. The variable of interest was whether women of reproductive age (WRA) reported never being tested for HIV. A total weighted sample of 15 254 WRA participated in the study. A survey logistic regression model was employed to determine factors associated with never being tested for HIV, as it accounts for the complexity of the sampling design. Analysis was performed at a 5% level of significance using R statistical software V. 4.5.2.
Of the 15 254 WRA that participated, 3082 (20.2%) reported never being tested for HIV. The median (IQR) age of participants was 28 (21–37) years. The odds of never being tested for HIV decreased with increasing age (OR=0.96; 95% CI 0.95 to 0.97). Furthermore, factors such as having primary or secondary education, being pregnant or breastfeeding, marital status (married, living with a partner, widowed, divorced or separated), living in a female-headed household, using the internet, abstaining from sex, being aware of HIV test kits but never using them, media exposure, belonging to the middle wealth index category, using contraceptives and having other sexual partners besides a spouse within the past 12 months was found to be associated with never being tested for HIV among WRA in Tanzania.
This current study identified several factors associated with never being tested for HIV among WRA. To enhance HIV testing uptake in this population, government and public health stakeholders should design targeted interventions that address these determinants, particularly by improving access to education, promoting health awareness and integrating HIV testing into routine reproductive health services.
by Patrick Kaggwa, Juliet Nabbuye Sekandi, Mcdonald Kerone Adenike, Peter Nabende, Sarah Nabukeera, Kenneth Kidonge Katende, Esther Buregyeya, Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye
BackgroundUnique patient identification is often challenging in healthcare systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Digital facial recognition is a promising alternative to traditional identification methods. This pilot study explores the perceptions and attitudes of healthcare workers towards using facial recognition technology in a healthcare setting in Uganda.
MethodsWe conducted an explorative qualitative study using key informant interviews with healthcare workers in Kampala, Uganda, to assess perceptions and attitudes towards digital facial recognition. We interviewed a total of 10 healthcare workers, including five doctors and five nurses, aged 20–39 years, with at least one year of professional experience. A trained interviewer provided a brief overview and demonstration of the facial recognition application and then used an open-ended interview guide to elicit responses about perceptions and attitudes. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data obtained from Key Informant Interviews were manually analyzed using thematic content analysis.
ResultsOverall, the healthcare workers perceived digital facial recognition as a more effective and acceptable way to identify patients who receive service at outpatient clinics. Four themes emerged, including: i) Challenges affecting current patient identification standards, ii) Healthcare workers’ views on facial recognition, iii) Perceived digital facial recognition implementation challenges, and iv) Solutions to challenges of digital facial recognition. The healthcare workers recommended ensuring the protection patients’ images privacy, providing adequate technological infrastructure in clinics, and securing stable internet access for the successful implementation of digital facial recognition.
ConclusionOur exploratory study indicates that overall, healthcare workers have a positive perception of the digital facial recognition application. However, it is crucial to acknowledge and address concerns regarding confidentiality and privacy to pave the way for the future implementation of the system.
FreshRSS 