...Behavioral Economics Matters for HIV Research: The Impact of Behavioral Biases on Adherence to Antiretrovirals (ARVs) Abstract Behavioral economics (BE) has been used to study a number of health behaviors such as smoking and drug use, but there is little knowledge of how these insights relate to HIV prevention and care. We present novel evidence on the prevalence of the common behavioral decision-making errors of present-bias, overoptimism, and information salience among 155 Ugandan HIV patients, and analyze their association with subsequent medication adherence. 36 % of study participants are classified as present-biased, 21 % as overoptimistic, and 34 % as having salient HIV information. Patients displaying present-bias were 13 % points (p = 0.006) less likely to have adherence rates above 90 %, overoptimistic clients were 9 % points (p = 0.04) less likely, and those not having salient HIV information were 17 % points (p\0.001) less likely. These findings indicate that BE may be used to screen for future adherence problems and to better design and target interventions addressing these behavioral biases and the associated suboptimal adherence The Importance of BE Biases for Chronic Health Behaviors We focus on three key behavioral biases that have been found to influence health behaviors for other chronic conditions [9] and that we hypothesize may also be important to components of ARV adherence: Present-Bias A key behavioral bias is present-bias, which is the tendency...
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...Volunteering at San Francisco General Hospital-Ward 86 as a medical scribe and pharmacy assistant gave me the opportunity to observe visits and have limited interactions with patients from all walks of life. The ward is an HIV outpatient clinic which treats numerous patients every day regardless of their background. While scribing for the attending physician and assisting the pharmacist, I interacted with patients that were mainly middle-aged, had housing challenges, spoke no to limited English, and were living with HIV for many years. There was a patient that spoke limited English and through our conversation I learned that she did not disclose her HIV status to anyone besides her husband because she feared being judged by her family. She...
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...the country of Kava. Facing natural disasters and other health concerns the doctors see an opportunity to open a clinic to aid Kava. This company will have to address several issues and obstacles before opening the doors of the new clinic. These include community involvement, backing from government agencies, and religious group help. Outlining and organizing key decisions in order of importance will help address the most important ones first. Recognizing the stakeholders and enlisting their support will help the organization succeed. Preliminary Considerations Southwestern Cardiovascular Associates operates in the United States with the primary focus in surgery tending to patients with heart and lung trouble. Providing services to countries in need is a part of the mission of this organization and after recent travels to Kava the doctors discover that there is a need for a health clinic. Chris Morales, the founder, believes in doing the right thing and helping people in need. Kava is a country in the South Pacific which is the center of many natural disasters, prevalent HIV and AIDS, and high risk for Avian Flu (Axia College, 2011, Week Three Assessment). Providing medical care, training classes and disaster relief is way for this organization to give back to a country that supplies products people depend on. Issues and Obstacles Establishing a health clinic in Kava will present challenges that will require staff members to work closely with community members. Gaining...
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...Epidemiology Paper: HIV Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V 08/09/2015 Human immunodeficiency virus, otherwise known as HIV, is a serious disease that affects the bodies’ immune system. HIV affects the immune cells, specifically called the CD4 cells or T cells. As time passes, these cells are destroyed and soon the body begins to lose its ability to fight off infections and disease. HIV is the virus that could lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV, meaning once infected, you will remain infected for the rest of your life. The earliest HIV case was known to be in 1959. While it is unknown when exactly it came about, or from where, the transfer of the disease is thought to be from animal to human decades earlier. Some scientists believe that the chimpanzee transmitted the virus to humans, back when humans would hunt the chimpanzees for their meat. The contact with their HIV infected blood caused the spread of the communicable disease. After slowly spreading across Africa through the years, the virus made its way out into the world. “The first cases of HIV in the United States date back to 1981.” (Holland, 2013) The HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. There are many myths about how HIV is spread; the truth of how it is spread is simple, through blood, semen, vaginal/rectal fluids and breast milk. “These fluids must come in contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue or be directly injected...
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...Conducting Business in Kenya February 13, 2015 Abstract As a business consultant for XYZ Medical Group, our mission is to travel to East Africa and build a HIV/AIDS clinic. Our goal is to educate different communities on the importance of safeguarding their health against contracting this disease. XYZ Medical Group has designed a program that has been successful in New York City and Philadelphia. Pursing international endeavors will be challenging when it comes to cultural and business practices. Understanding the different cultures and how to interact to convey the message is crucial. In order to be successful there must be policies and a strategic framework for mobilizing and coordinating resources for the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission and provision of care and support to the infected and affected people in Kenya. AIDS is an epidemic throughout Africa and Kenya is not excluded. Currently, most people are not educated on the dangers of this disease due to ethnic, cultural, and religious beliefs. The country’s diverse culture, customs and gestures, political imbalance, economic state, and how they conduct business with foreign influences are some issues that will be addressed and solved before entering this venture. Conducting Business in Kenya Kenya or the Republic of Kenya is a newly independent country that gained its independence in 1963 from British colonial rule. Kenya is located in East Africa and is bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan. Ethiopia...
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...2011, the country reports that a total of 14,000 people died from AIDs, at the same time, 12,073 new HIV infections were recorded. In 2011, Ghana had an HIV population of 225,487 with 30,397 of those being children. Perhaps the most sad and shocking fact is that an estimated 172,000 children in Ghana were turned into orphans by AIDS when their parents died. These facts were reported by by Dr Richard Amenyah, Director of Technical Services at the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), when he presented a paper on the “Overview of the National HIV Response: Achievements and Challenges”, at the opening of a three-day media training workshop organised by the GAC. The workshop was attended by about 50 journalists in the Central Region to help them improve upon their reporting skills on issues concerning HIV and AIDS. Another shocking fact is that according to UNAIDS Global Epidemic Report for 2011, although the numbers for 2011 were very high, Ghana had reduced new HIV infections by 66 per cent from 2001 and 2011. Those kinds of numbers of people being infected are shocking in this modern world. However, the good news is that with careful attention to education and healthcare, the country has been able to make such significant reductions. Still, Dr Amenyah said a total of 221,202 males checked their HIV status with 14,090 of the number testing positive for HIV and 42,801 females testing HIV positive. Obviously, the programme is still facing many challenges. Dr Amenyah said Ghana still relied...
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...SOCIAL EFFECTS OF HIV AND AIDS AMONG THE YOUTHS IN KENYA; A SURVEY STUDY OF ELDORET TOWN GROUP MEMBERS REG No. FAITH TOMNO BTM/1008/08 MERCY RUTO BTM/1077/08 CAROLINE KOECH BTM/13/08 EVA NADUPOI BTM/1076/09 JOSPHINE MARITIM BTM/ 116/09 CHAPTER TWO 2.0 Literature review 2.1 Introduction This chapter reviews the previous studies on the related field, acknowledges the contribution made by the scholars’ publication (seminar papers, conference proceedings, business journals text books and periodicals) the literature review has been categorized under various sub headings. 2.2 Past studies Epidemics like HIV/AIDS are both a social phenomenon and a biological reality, and therefore occur within a specific social context. The process through which individuals decide either to take or not to take an HIV test takes place in a social context. HIV/ AIDS have become one of the most serious challenges facing human development and achievement of National and Millennium Development Goals in Kenya. 2.2.1 Characteristics of the youth without HIV and AIDS Personality characteristics They are successful in the way they present themselves to the surrounding environment, and most importantly their target. There are a great many books and resources about how to have a positive personal...
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...a place to go for medical treatment just like everyone else. Unemployment and no insurance should not be what keeps people from getting the proper medical treatment. The new free clinic opening in our community will be available for adults and children who do not have traditional means of obtaining medical treatment. There will be several doctors on site with a wide range of specialties. Many have practices focusing on certain types of medical problems and some who can assist with any general issues. In some cases, patients may have to visit doctors off site. Because we are aware that some patients may not have the means to get to other areas, we will provide a shuttle service on preassigned days for this very reason. Doctors are volunteering their knowledge as well as their time to raise awareness and help those in the community in which some of them grew up in. We are aware that examination and knowledge is but a portion of what is needed. For this reason, we have partnered with some local pharmacies who will provide medication at a substantial discount and even free of charge in some cases. Patients will be informed of everything every step of the way and be given the same assistance as if they were paying customers. Each new patient will complete a short questionnaire informing the clinic of any existing conditions as well as report any ailments that may have risen. Based on these responses, patients will be put in categories focusing on their particular needs. Each...
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...THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING THE PREVENTION OF MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV (PMTCT) PROGRAMME AT BULAWAYO CITY CLINICS, ZIMBABWE. by MGCINI SIBANDA Submitted in part fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTERS OF ARTS in the subject SOCIAL BEHAVIOR STUDIES IN HIV/AIDS at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA SUPERVISOR: DR GE DU PLESSIS JOINT SUPERVISOR: MR L ROETS SEPTEMBER 2008 DEDICATION This is dedicated to all women living with HIV, in the sincerest hope that this study will make a small contribution to programme development and implementation. I also wish to dedicate this to my family: Patience, Babongile and Bongiwe, with love. i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This study would not have been possible without the support, commitment and encouragement of a large number of people in a wide range of capacities. Unfortunately, it is not possible to acknowledge by name all the people who contributed in some way to the study. Above all l appreciate the contribution of all the pregnant women who participated in the study, who volunteered their time and valuable information. Particular thanks are due to my supervisor Gretchen du Plessis for her untiring effort and thorough guidance throughout the study. A special word of thanks goes to the Bulawayo Medical Director’s office and the staff at the city clinics for allowing me to carry out the study. I am also grateful to the research assistants who assisted in collecting...
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...and Testing Campaign in the Ga-Motupa Community in Limpopo Mushwana Sipho Simeon An assignment submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Philosophy (HIV & AIDS Management) at the University of Stellenbosch Africa Centre for HIV &AIDS Management Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Supervisor: Gary Eva March 2011 Declaration I hereby declare that the entire work contained in this document is my original work and I have not previously submitted the same work to the same or another institution for another qualification. All sources used are herein acknowledged and referenced. Date: 22 January 2011 Copyright©2011 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved Abstract The National Department of Health and The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) jointly agreed to launch a massive campaign for HIV Counselling and Testing. The campaign was launched as an effort to step up and supplement and modify the programmes that are already running in the country, to fight HIV and AIDS. The campaign is known as the National HIV Counselling and Testing Campaign and it is based on the National HIV Counselling and Testing Campaign Strategy of SANAC (2010). The study aimed to investigate the impact of the campaign in terms of awareness levels of the benefiting groups as well as the challenges experienced...
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...MY PROFFESSIONAL GOAL My professional goal is to become an influential healthcare provider and impact the health care field worldwide. Since childhood, I always anticipated being a doctor. Indeed through life experiences I have had, my dream of being a doctor has become even more vital. Furthermore, I have a passion of finding strategies for improving health care. I grew up in Kenya where health care was the worst people die needlessly due to persistent strikes by the health care providers. These on and off strikes leave the less fortunate dying like flies. Moreover, health care providers prioritize money than they value life. This breaks my heart. Furthermore, I have had a devastating experience my mum has been sick on and off and what...
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...genital mutilation (FGM) WHAT is FGM? Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Procedures Female genital mutilation is classified into four major types. 1. Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals) and, in very rare cases, only the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris). 2. Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (the labia are "the lips" that surround the vagina). 3. Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, or outer, labia, with or without removal of the clitoris. 4. Other: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area. WHO Who is at risk? Procedures are mostly carried out on young girls sometime between infancy and age 15, and occasionally on adult women. In Africa, about three million girls are at risk for FGM annually. Between 100 to 140 million girls and women worldwide are living with the consequences of FGM. In Africa, about 92 million girls age 10 years and above are estimated to have undergone FGM. WHERE The practice...
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...sores have healed, the scabs have fallen off, and the skin is normal again. The use of condoms lessens the chance of getting herpes, but does not completely prevent the spreading of the disease due to exposed sores on the body. Touching sores can also spread herpes to other parts of the body or to a partner. After the outbreak has passed and the skin appears normal again and there are no symptoms of herpes, sexual contact can be resumed, but the herpes virus can still be spread without symptoms. Condoms should always be used when engaging in oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Note: Individuals with herpes or other sexually transmitted infections that cause genital sores are more likely to get HIV. The sores provide a place for the HIV virus to enter and start spreading. If an individual with HIV also gets genital herpes, the herpes infection is likely to be more severe. As stated by Kiefer (2015): Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It’s caused by infection with the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It tends to infect warm, moist areas of the body, including the: • urethra (the tube that drains urine from the urinary bladder) • eyes • throat •...
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...Code of Ethics Anonymous HCS/335 April 7, 2014 Patricia Daugherty Code of Ethics Introduction The organization’s code of ethics serves as a guide to its employees when making difficult decisions. Ethics helps professionals with their actions and practices that are directed to improve the welfare of people in an ethical way (Fremgen, 2009). An organization’s culture and mission statement also help its employees make ethical decisions. The Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) organization is the national public health organization that is committed to protect the health and safety of our nation. CDC’s mission statement focuses on to protect the health and safety of our communities through prevention strategies and control of disease. The mission statement motivates the employees to do their best to prevent diseases and infection. The code of ethics provides guidance to ensure that CDC employees avoid situations that could violate ethics law (CDC, 2013). The organization’s mission statement and culture reflect its ethical values. Organization’s Goals and how they are tied to its ethical principles The organization’s goals are to provide protection for our nation’s health and safety. The CDC has pledged to treat all human beings with dignity, honesty, and respect. They have also pledged to provide an environment for positive personal growth and integrity. The CDC provides employment for over 17,000 employees and they work to provide a diverse work environment...
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...FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM Introduction: In 2003, there is about 84 million population expected to grow annually at 2.36 percent. With this rate, the population is expected to double in 29 years. The 2003 total fertility rate in the country remains at 3.5 children per woman, much higher than the desired fertility rate of 2.5 children per woman. The contraceptive prevalence rate has increased gradually from 15.4 (1996) to 48.9% (NDHS, 2003) in 35 years. There are about 3 to 4 million women getting pregnant every year. In developing countries, about 85% of all pregnancies are expected to progress full term. The National Demographic and Health Survey of 2003 revealed that about 44% of women got pregnant with their first child at ages 20-24 and 6.1% at ages 15-19. The FP unmet needs had declined from 26.2% in 1993 to 17.3 in 2003 with a physiologic process, the health sector aims to make pregnancy for the women and gestation for the fetus as safe and medically uneventful as far as possible. The high fertility rate coincides with the low contraceptive prevalence rate of 47.3% among all Filipino women of reproductive age (15-49 yrs old) and 70.6% among married women. The highest percentage of using contraceptives belongs to the 35-39 age group and the 15-19 years old have the lowest percentage of ever using any contraceptive method. Among currently married women in 2003, it was found that 48.8% use any form of contra captive method and 51.1 do not use any form of contraceptive...
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