Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is a globally dreaded disease. However, stigmatization and discrimination of People Living With HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) has become a major research and policy challenge. The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine whether or not rural dwellers in selected communities of Kwara State are aware of HIV and AIDS; investigate the attitude of subjects towards stigmatization of PLWHA; as well as determine the predisposition of rural dwellers in selected communities towards discriminating against PLWHA. In-depth interview sessions were held with nine (9) participants, made up of four (4) males and five (5) females who were selected using convenience sampling method from four of the purposively selected villages in the area of study. This study finds that rural dwellers interviewed were predisposed to stigmatizing and discriminating against PLWHA and concludes with appropriate recommendations.

Pharmaco-audiology vigilance is a growing field in developing countries where clinical management of highly prevalent infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS often involves established ototoxic medications as well as medications whose toxicity to the ear has not been established. The main objective of the current study was to monitor the auditory status in two groups of adults with AIDS receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) - two different regimens (Group A: nevirapine, 3TC-lamivudine, and D4T-stavudine; and Group B: AZT-azidothymidine, 3TC, and efavirenz) in hospital outpatient clinics in Johannesburg, South Africa. A total sample of 41 and 33 participants in each group were assessed prospectively following a repeated measures design at every 3 months interval; with the last analysed measures taken at 15 months following initiation of treatment. Participants underwent case history interviews and medical record reviews, otoscopy and tympanometry, as well as conventional and extended high-frequency pure tone audiometry; as well as diagnostic Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE) testing. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to analyze data in the current study. Findings revealed statistically significant changes (p<0.05) for pure tone audiometry–with clinically significant changes found particularly at the high and extended high-frequencies. The sensitivity of DPOAEs to sub-clinical changes in hearing function was demonstrated in the current study; with statistically significant findings on DPOAEs in some high frequencies; without these changes being clinically demonstrated on audiograms. Findings further support the need for continued monitoring of the effects of Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) on hearing through the use of sensitive tools of assessment when conducting drug trials; such as extended high-frequency audiometry and DPOAEs.

Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is a globally dreaded disease. However, stigmatization and discrimination of People Living With HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) has become a major research and policy challenge. The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine whether or not rural dwellers in selected communities of Kwara State are aware of HIV and AIDS; investigate the attitude of subjects towards stigmatization of PLWHA; as well as determine the predisposition of rural dwellers in selected communities towards discriminating against PLWHA. In-depth interview sessions were held with nine (9) participants, made up of four (4) males and five (5) females who were selected using convenience sampling method from four of the purposively selected villages in the area of study. This study finds that rural dwellers interviewed were predisposed to stigmatizing and discriminating against PLWHA and concludes with appropriate recommendations.

Pharmaco-audiology vigilance is a growing field in developing countries where clinical management of highly prevalent infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS often involves established ototoxic medications as well as medications whose toxicity to the ear has not been established. The main objective of the current study was to monitor the auditory status in two groups of adults with AIDS receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) - two different regimens (Group A: nevirapine, 3TC-lamivudine, and D4T-stavudine; and Group B: AZT-azidothymidine, 3TC, and efavirenz) in hospital outpatient clinics in Johannesburg, South Africa. A total sample of 41 and 33 participants in each group were assessed prospectively following a repeated measures design at every 3 months interval; with the last analysed measures taken at 15 months following initiation of treatment. Participants underwent case history interviews and medical record reviews, otoscopy and tympanometry, as well as conventional and extended high-frequency pure tone audiometry; as well as diagnostic Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE) testing. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to analyze data in the current study. Findings revealed statistically significant changes (p<0.05) for pure tone audiometry–with clinically significant changes found particularly at the high and extended high-frequencies. The sensitivity of DPOAEs to sub-clinical changes in hearing function was demonstrated in the current study; with statistically significant findings on DPOAEs in some high frequencies; without these changes being clinically demonstrated on audiograms. Findings further support the need for continued monitoring of the effects of Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) on hearing through the use of sensitive tools of assessment when conducting drug trials; such as extended high-frequency audiometry and DPOAEs.

The aim of this study has been to investigate the potential effects on women’s experiences of their sexuality and their sexual relations after being diagnosed with HIV. The result of the qualitative interviews with seven women living with HIV, the result of the interviews shows that the fear of transmission is great and constant. The sexual practices adjust in the purpose to reduce the risk of transmission. The fear of rejection and peoples negative reactions was strong if their status would come to attention, which affected their experiences of well established and have relationships.