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1 – 10 of 127Emanuele Pontali and Franco Ferrari
Correctional facilities host a disproportionately high prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infection. We evaluated the prevalence of HBV and/or HCV co‐infection among HIV‐infected…
Abstract
Correctional facilities host a disproportionately high prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infection. We evaluated the prevalence of HBV and/or HCV co‐infection among HIV‐infected inmates entering our correctional facility. Over a 30‐month period, 173 consecutive HIV‐infected inmates entered our institution and were evaluated. HCV co‐infection was observed in more than 90% of the tested HIV‐infected inmates, past HBV infection in 77.4% and active HBV co‐infection in 6.7%; triple coinfection (HIV, HCV and HBs‐Ag positivity) was seen in 6.1% of them. Given the observed high prevalence of co‐infection, testing for HBV and HCV in all HIV‐infected inmates at entry in any correctional system is recommended to identify those in need of specific care and/or preventing interventions.
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Roxanne Khan, Shamam Saleem and Michelle Lowe
The purpose of this paper is to explore attitudes towards, and victimisation experiences of, “honour”-based violence (HBV) in a reportedly vulnerable population in the UK.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore attitudes towards, and victimisation experiences of, “honour”-based violence (HBV) in a reportedly vulnerable population in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
A convenience sample of 216 participants were recruited from a local community in England; the majority were young (mean age=21.93), Indian or Pakistani (85 per cent), Muslim (96 per cent), females (67 per cent).
Findings
Although gender differences were found for attitudes towards one aspect of HBV (namely, forced marriage), these were not significant. While HBV victimisation affected only a small proportion of this sample, when it was reported, the effects were serious and included anxiety, attempted suicides and running away from home. This highlights the need to identify and safeguard vulnerable groups without stigmatising whole communities.
Originality/value
These findings contribute to the scarce literature available on HBV in British communities, and highlight a need for culturally aware emergency and health service provision.
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Sadiq Bhanbhro, Anna Cronin de Chavez and Adelaide Lusambili
“Honour”-based violence (HBV), a form of gender-based violence (GBV), has received increasing interest from media, human rights organisations, academics and the public. A…
Abstract
Purpose
“Honour”-based violence (HBV), a form of gender-based violence (GBV), has received increasing interest from media, human rights organisations, academics and the public. A significant increase in the occurrence and reporting of HBV in many parts of the world and its detrimental impact on the health and well-being of women, girls, communities and wider society; marks it as a major public health concern. However, awareness and recognition of HBV in the field of public health is low in many countries and there is little known about its nature, roots and distribution. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature was searched using the Scopus database and a series of search terms related to HBV, GBV and health and well-being.
Findings
Definition of HBV and its forms is varied across cultures. There is a lack of consensus on how HBV can be identified over other forms of violence and no explicit theoretical perspectives have been sufficiently developed to deepen the understanding of HBV. Although the findings from the review suggest that HBV forms and patterns may be regionally distinct, causes emanate from gender-based and socio-economic inequalities.
Research limitations/implications
This review has limitations in that it included only English and Spanish language papers and those accessed through Scopus; it therefore may have excluded papers from other languages, countries and databases. Another major weakness in this review was a lack of papers specifically dedicated to HBV. Despite these weaknesses the paper is an attempt to raise awareness and recognition of HBV in public health research, policy and practice domain.
Originality/value
The findings from the review highlight the complexity of tackling HBV in a globalised world. They also provide insights on how a public health model can be used to analyse both the causes and prevention of HBV. Further, a non-culturalised, unprejudiced and inclusive definition is required to flag-up and record HBV cases.
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Angelo Augusto, Orvalho Augusto, Atija Taquibo, Carina Nhachigule, Narcisa Siyawadya and Eduardo Samo Gudo
The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among 448 HIV-infected prisoners from 32 prisons in Mozambique.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among 448 HIV-infected prisoners from 32 prisons in Mozambique.
Design/methodology/approach
All HIV seropositive prisoners were screened for HBV.
Findings
Of the 448 HIV seropositive prisoners, 51 (11.4 percent, 95%CI: 9.3–13.9 percent) were HBsAg-positive and was significantly higher in prisoners aged<25 years.
Originality/value
Data from this study show for the first time that the frequency of HBV among HIV-infected prisoners is high, suggesting that immediate interventions are needed during incarceration.
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Philip Apraku Tawiah, Albert Abaka-Yawson, Emmanuel Sintim Effah, Kingsley Arhin-Wiredu and Kwabena Oppong
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among medical laboratory science students (MLSSs) in the University of Health…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among medical laboratory science students (MLSSs) in the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit a total of 178 students into the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather relevant information on risk factors, and a hepatitis B diagnostic test kit was used to test for HBV infection. Descriptive, chi-square test, bivariate and multiple logistic regression statistical analysis were computed. Significance was observed at p < 0.05.
Findings
The prevalence of HBV infection among MLSSs was 6.7%. Torn gloves and splash of blood and body fluids contributed to 43.0% and 28.0% of all the risk factors of HBV infection, respectively. Also, 43.3% of students had received at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccination. Sharp object-related injury and torn gloves increased the odds of HBV infection, while vaccination decreased the odds of HBV infection.
Originality/value
This study reveals the prevalence of HBV among MLSSs, who are recognized as being among the high-risk student populations aside from student nurses.
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Michelle Lowe, Roxanne Khan, Vanlal Thanzami, Mahsa Barzy and Rozina Karmaliani
Although intimate partner violence (IPV) and “honor”-based violence (HBV) are major concerns throughout the world, little research has investigated the acceptance of these forms…
Abstract
Purpose
Although intimate partner violence (IPV) and “honor”-based violence (HBV) are major concerns throughout the world, little research has investigated the acceptance of these forms of abuse outside of the West. The purpose of this paper is to therefore respond to this gap in the literature by exploring attitudes toward HBV in a fictional depiction of IPV across four Asian samples: India, Iran, Malaysia and Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants (n=579) read a hypothetical scenario in which a husband, despite his own marital infidelity, verbally abuses and physically assaults his wife after discovering that she has been unfaithful. Participants then completed a questionnaire that assessed perceptions of damage to the husband’s honor, approval of intimate partner HBV against the wife, and perceptions of both the victim-wife and the perpetrator-husband.
Findings
The findings revealed that more males than females, across all four nations, were endorsing of honor-adhering attitudes in response to the perceived threat to the husband’s reputation resulting from the wife’s infidelity. Additionally, of the four samples, Pakistani participants were the most approving and Malaysians least endorsing of honor-adhering attitudes.
Originality/value
The results are discussed in relation to studies of honor-adherence in Asian populations. This study provides an original glimpse into the perceptions of intimate partner HBV in these not-often sampled nationalities.
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Emanuele Pontali, Nicoletta Bobbio, Marilena Zaccardi and Renato Urciuoli
– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and/or HCV co-infection among HIV-infected inmates entering the correctional facility.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and/or HCV co-infection among HIV-infected inmates entering the correctional facility.
Design/methodology/approach
Prospective collection of data of HIV-infected inmates entered the institution over a ten-year period.
Findings
During study period 365 consecutive different inmates were evaluated. HCV co-infection was observed in more than 80 per cent of the tested HIV-infected inmates, past HBV infection in 71.6 per cent and active HBV co-infection was detected in 7.1 per cent; triple coinfection (HIV, HCV and HBs-Ag positivity) was present in 6 per cent of the total.
Originality/value
This study confirms high prevalence of co-infections among HIV-infected inmates. Testing for HBV and HCV in all HIV-infected inmates at entry in any correctional system is recommended to identify those in need of specific care and/or preventing interventions.
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Sukran Kose, Pelin Adar, Ayhan Gozaydin, Lutfiye Kuzucu and Gulgun Akkoclu
Prisons, which are hazardous places for various contagious diseases, carry additional risks for HBV and HCV because of the communal lifestyle (common use of tools like razor…
Abstract
Purpose
Prisons, which are hazardous places for various contagious diseases, carry additional risks for HBV and HCV because of the communal lifestyle (common use of tools like razor blades, tattoo applications, intravenous drug use and homosexual intercourse). The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV, and also provide information for prisoners in this respect.
Design/methodology/approach
This study included 180 prisoners from the Buca F-Type Closed Prison, and 180 prisoners from the Foça Open Prison in Turkey. After the training seminars, serum levels of HBsAg, anti HBs, anti HBc total and anti HCV in the prisoners were assessed using the MICROELISA method.
Findings
All the prisoners were male. The mean age was 40(21–73) years. According to the results of 360 prisoners from both prisons, 17 (4.7 percent) prisoners were HBsAg positive and were diagnosed as HBV. Isolated anti HBs was positive in 33 (9.1 percent) prisoners who had been previously vaccinated. In 25 (6.9 percent) prisoners isolated Anti HBc total was positive, and in 61 (16.9 percent) prisoners both Anti HBs and Anti HBc total was positive in those who were considered to be recovered from the HBV. Anti HCV was positive in 2 (0.5 percent) prisoners; the process was repeated twice, and found to be repeatedly positive. Coinfection of HBV and HCV was not detected.
Research limitations/implications
In this study, the prevalence of HBV and HCV was determined to be similar to those in the normal population. However, it is not expedient to generalize this result and apply it to all prisons. For the sake of public health, prisons should be scanned for infectious diseases, and vaccinations must be applied as necessary, in order to provide protection.
Originality/value
It is a study to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV in the prisoner population, which constitute one of the risk groups because of the communal lifestyle (common use of some tools such as the razor blade, tattoo applications, intravenous drug use and homosexual intercourse), and to compare the results with other groups in Turkey and globally.
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Stephanie Ellen Perrett, Mark Erricker and Marion Lyons
The purpose of this paper is to provide education on blood-borne viruses (BBVs) to prison staff to help reduce stigma within the prisons, improve the care prisoners receive and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide education on blood-borne viruses (BBVs) to prison staff to help reduce stigma within the prisons, improve the care prisoners receive and reduce the risk of occupational transmission.
Design/methodology/approach
An e-module was used to improve staff understanding of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV at a prison in Wales, UK. An assessment was used to gather data on prison staff understanding of BBVs prior to undertaking the e-module.
Findings
In total, 530/697 (76 per cent) prison staff completed the BBV e-module. Average pre- and post-course assessment scores were 8.6/11 and 10.85/11, respectively. Most staff understood the modes of hepatitis transmission, however, gaps in understanding were highlighted. In total, 22 per cent of staff believed HBV and HCV were airborne, 9 per cent believed transmission occurred through sharing cutlery. In total, 31 per cent of staff believed prisoners with hepatitis should declare their status to the prison.
Practical implications
The e-module significantly improved staff understanding of BBVs and should be incorporated into future prison training packages. Future education should include how BBVs are not transmitted with an emphasis on casual contact. Medical confidentiality in prisons should also be addressed. Improving understanding will help reduce the stigma of BBVs within prison and improve the multidisciplinary care the prisoner receives.
Originality/value
To the authors knowledge this is the first published evaluation of a BBV learning package for custodial staff. Evaluation of this educational package demonstrates a unique and valuable insight into the general understanding of BBVs by prison staff in Wales, UK.
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Abdolrahim Asadollahi and Abdolkarim Najafi
Injecting drug use addiction is a main factor in hepatitis B, C infection and HIV–AIDS infection. The purpose of this paper is to measure seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C virus…
Abstract
Purpose
Injecting drug use addiction is a main factor in hepatitis B, C infection and HIV–AIDS infection. The purpose of this paper is to measure seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C virus and HIV–AIDS amongst injecting drug users (IDUs) and its influencing factors.
Design/methodology/approach
The cross-sectional method was used in mid-2017 in Ahwaz city, southwest Iran. In total, 133 IDUs, aged 29–71 years (mean age=48.21 ± 10.4), were chosen from Aria addiction treatment centre. The data were collected on demographic and behavioural characteristics. In addition, serum samples were screened for those diseases.
Findings
In a total of 131 IDUs, 2 (1.5 per cent) were HIV+, 16 (11.7 per cent) HCV+ and 8 (6.1 per cent) HBV+. There was a significant correlation between diseases and IDU. Results of multiple regression stated that IDU was a more predicting variable as β=0.76 and the model was able to predict 74.1 per cent of the variance, F (3, 35)=12.42, ρ<0.001, R2=0.741, OR=3.01, 95% CI [1.44, 3.83]. The synchronised pairwise effect of age, imprisonment and IDU with GLM analysis was significant, F (2, 114)=20.433, ρ<0.000,
Research limitations/implications
The non-cooperation of two samples, lack of participation of three addiction rehabilitation centres in Ahwaz city, the end of cooperation in the first two months of the implementation of the plan, and the lack of consistency of the three serum samples in the cases (two cases) were limitations of the study.
Practical implications
Based on the results, the following suggestions could be presented: establishing “Intervention Clubs” for treatment in the peripheral urban areas for the participation of women drug users – the responsible organisation is Cultural and Social Deputy of Ahwaz Municipality Organisation. Integration of “Small Self-caring Groups” in Sepidar Women’s Penitentiary in the East Ahwaz region – the responsible organisation is Khuzistan Province Prisons Organisation (the southwestern Iranian prisons authority); constructing “Community-based Committees” to increase the level of social intervention – the responsible organisation is the Iran Drug Control Headquarters at Iranian Presidential Office; screening of injecting drug use in the populations at risk, especially girls and women in marginalised areas – the responsible organisation is Deputy Director of Prevention and Treatment of Addiction in the Iran Welfare and Rehabilitation Organisation; establishing an “Patient Treatment Center” in high-risk areas along with directing drug users and supervising the relevant authorities – the responsible organisation is Deputy Police Commander on Social Assistance; providing education to families involved with addiction in the “Neighborhood Parks” – the responsible organisation is Deputy for Health Affairs.
Social implications
They are mixed with practical implications as well.
Originality/value
The comprehensive harm reduction plan and prison-related issues of IDUs with shared syringe along with the pairwise age and imprisonment need to consider the above factors.
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