Browsing by Author "Onyire, Nnamdi Benson"
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Publication Effect of Helminth Infestationin Children Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)(Nepal Paediatric Society (JNPS), 2017) Orji, Maria-Lauretta Chito; Onyire, Nnamdi Benson; Ibe, Bede C.; Ibekwe, RolandAbstract: Introduction: Infection by human immunodeficiency virus results in immune destruction, while studies among the Ethiopian immigrants in Israel showed that chronic helminthiasis induces immune dysregulation. With destruction of CD4+ cell and consequently progression to AIDS, the host may be more susceptible to invading organisms such as helminths. This study was aimed at determining the effect of immune state on the prevalence and intensity of helminth infection in HIV infected children in two hospitals in Abakaliki. Material and Methods: It was a cross sectional study that involved consecutive recruitment of 84 confirmed HIV infected children attending the ART clinic. Stool analysis for subjects was done, using the Kato-Katz technique. Blood sample for estimation of CD4 cell count was carried outusing flow cytometer from the HIV positive subjects. Results: A total of 84 subjects were recruited during the study period, majority were males (58.3%). Male to female ratio was 1.4:1. The age range of participants was 2-17 years, while mean age of subjects infected with helminthiasis was 6.10± 3.34 year. A significant number of subjects in advanced and severe immunological stages had helminthiasis (χ2 =12.49, p=0.001). There was however no significant relationship between intensity of helminthiasis and immunologic stages of subjects. Conclusion: The study suggests that immunodeficiency state may increase the susceptibility of helminth infection in HIV infected children. Hence children with HIV/AIDS may benefit from routine testing and/or de-worming of helminth infection.Publication Status Disclosure in HIV Infected Children in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Southeast, Nigeria(Nepal Paediatric Society (JNPS), 2017) Orji, Maria-Lauretta; Onyire, Nnamdi Benson; Onwe, Emeka OgahAbstract: Introduction: The emotional and psychosocial issues surrounding HIV infection make status disclosure herculean task. Many caregivers are unwilling to disclose because they are afraid of possible unpleasant outcome. The objective of this study were to determine the prevalence rate of HIV status disclosure and possible effect on ART adherence. Material and Methods: It was a cross sectional study that involved consecutive recruitment of 94 confirmed HIV infected children aged 5-17 years. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic, disclosure and adherence. Assessment of adherence was done in the clinic by direct questioning and pill count. Results: A total of 31 (33.0%) have received a form of information regarding their HIV status. The mean age of disclosure was 12.48± 2.46 years. Majority (95.5%) of the children that received full information about their HIV status were adolescents. Circumstantial disclosure was seen in 25 (80.6%) out of the 31 subjects. A total of 61.3% of HIV status disclosure was done in hospital setting by health workers and 81.8% of subjects that were given full information about HIV were from health workers in a hospital setting. There was however no relationship between adherence to ART and status disclosure (p= 0.832). Conclusion: Age of status disclosure was rather late in this study and majority of the disclosure were consequent to prevailing circumstances in the subjects’ life. A step-wise approach to disclosure that entailed giving age dependent information as from the age of seven years is therefore recommended