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Mapping Out Factors Affecting HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake and Coverage in West Africa
No full textIntroduction: Various PrEP projects and studies have been centered in Western Africa, as a result of high incidence of HIV in recent times, which explore various facets needed to be looked at in improving PrEP uptake and coverage particularly among high-risk populations, a key measure in helping to fight the HIV pandemic.
Objectives: This scoping review explores available evidence, outlining the factors and affecting HIV PrEP uptake and coverage among vulnerable and key populations in West Africa.
Methodology: This study adopted Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) scoping review framework for conducting the scoping review. A search was conducted on four digital databases – Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar - from January 2013 to December 2023. The PRISMA flow diagram was utilized and data were analyzed through thematic content analysis, following the socio-ecological model.
Results: Thirty-seven studies were included in this review that met the eligibility criteria. 24 of these studies were conducted among MSM and 12 were conducted among FSW. 12 and 10 of the 37 studies reported on PrEP awareness and knowledge respectively. Awareness as reported by these studies was generally low among high-risk populations, however, 17 of the 37 studies reported high willingness and intention to take up PrEP following its introduction and education.
From the study, facilitating factors that helped increase the uptake and usage of PrEP in the study were individual facilitators such as perception of high risk, having a good understanding of PrEP and HIV interpersonal factors such as peer education and support, and environmental factors like convenient access to PrEP and services tailored for at-risk populations.
Barriers to PrEP included personal obstacles like money issues and socioeconomic uncertainties, as well as social barriers like stigma and the belief that taking PrEP means having HIV, and environmental barriers logistical constraints in providing services, stigma, and lack of healthcare setting motivation.
Conclusion: PrEP as a preventive tool holds much promise in the fight against HIV, however, high- risk populations in West Africa for whom PrEP is mainly intended for still demonstrate low level of awareness and knowledge with various barriers to its use accounting for this. Therefore, in order to encourage facilitators and address barriers to PrEP uptake and usage, it is necessary to expand PrEP sensitization programs and tailor PrEP delivery services.The authors have not declared any sponsorship or grant for this study from any funding organization or sourc
Regional Dynamics in Nigerian Politics: Voting in the 2023 Presidential Elections
Full text linkSupplemental Materials: https://osf.io/d6ums/Amid the geo-political and religious divide, we examine the voting pattern and voter behaviour in Nigeria's 2023 Presidential election. We challenged established electoral theories, demonstrating that ethno-religious affiliations predominantly drive voter mobilisation by considering other factors like socioeconomic conditions and elite communication. We employed three multivariate quantitative techniques in our analysis. We considered the four leading candidates from the incumbent part, the main opposition, the third force and the spoiler candidate as we focused on the voting pattern in the six geo-political zones. Our result highlights how regional and religious identities shape voting patterns, overshadowing socioeconomic grievances. We find variations in voting patterns between the Muslim-majority North and the Christian-dominated South. Regions with higher voter turnout and higher poverty rates favour the incumbent party candidate and the main opposition candidate. Regions with higher unemployment rates were less inclined to support the incumbent party's candidate. Our findings on voter mobilisation in response to economic policies have direct implications not only for democracy but for public policy, particularly in areas related to economic stability. Overall, our analysis provides a multidimensional perspective on the electoral dynamics and informs targeted political strategies and understanding of voter behaviour
The role of academic libraries in improving digital inclusion among students with disabilities: A comparative study of the International University of Management (IUM) and the University of Zimbabwe (UZ)
No full textHUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION: AI-DRIVEN GESTURE RECOGNITION
Full text linkThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in human-computer interaction (HCI) has significantly transformed how users engage with technology, particularly through gesture recognition. This paper explores the advancements in AI-driven gesture recognition systems, emphasizing their potential to enhance user experience across various applications, from gaming and virtual reality to accessibility tools and smart environments. We analyze the underlying algorithms and machine learning techniques that facilitate real-time gesture detection and interpretation, highlighting the importance of accuracy and responsiveness in user interactions. Additionally, the paper discusses the challenges faced in developing robust gesture recognition systems, including variability in user behavior, environmental factors, and the need for extensive training data. By examining case studies and recent innovations in the field, we illustrate the growing impact of AI-driven gesture recognition on user interfaces and the future of interactive technology. Ultimately, this research aims to provide insights into the transformative role of gesture-based interactions in creating more intuitive, immersive, and inclusive digital experiences
The Impact of Costaqda Features on Enhancing Qualitative Data Analysis for Reliable Outcomes Across Different Designs – A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Protocol
Full text linkIn this abstract, I present a comprehensive overview of the utilization of Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) methodologies in informing policy-making across various sectors, including education, public health, management, and economic sciences. The rapid growth of QES is driven by the increasing demand among scholars and practitioners for distilled information on effective interventions. However, conducting rigorous QES studies necessitates expertise and adherence to international standards. Integrating QES projects with computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) further enhances reliability and dependability.
I focus on the Collaborative Online Software Tool for Qualitative Data Analysis (COSTAQDA), a cloud-based platform designed to facilitate robust literature-based studies while upholding rigorous standards. COSTAQDA incorporates Inter-Coder Reliability Statistics, employing Cohen’s Kappa, to ensure methodological rigor. I delineate optimal methodologies for leveraging QES to support policy-makers and decision-makers with credible and trustworthy information.
Advantages and disadvantages of QES methodologies are scrutinized, with attention to limitations. I explore opportunities for addressing methodological constraints through the proposed ENTREQ framework. Additionally, I introduce and demonstrate the COSTAQDA application, providing guidance from project inception to completion. In conclusion, this abstract provides insights into the symbiotic relationship between QES methodologies and CAQDAS applications like COSTAQDA, aiming to advance evidence-informed policy-making. By adopting rigorous methodologies and innovative tools, policy-makers and decision-makers can access reliable information crucial for addressing societal challenges
Ten Simple Rules For Successful And Sustainable African Research Collaboration
Full text linkThis manuscript presents 10 practical and sustainable steps that if followed and built upon will enhance successful collaboration between African researchers and the international research community
TIME Learning Brief No 3
Full text linkMore information about the TIME (Together in My Education) home-learning programme and materials can be found in open access at: https://wwhomeliteracy.org.za/time/This is the third in a series of learning briefs that explore the implementation of the TIME Home Learning programme and learning trajectories of 5- to 7-year-olds. This brief is based on interviews held in 2022 with stakeholders from Western Cape schools. It focuses on schools’ commitment to TIME, a programme that is offered on a sign-up and co-payment basis. The brief unpacks the factors influencing schools’ decision to either register for the programme, or turn it down, including strategic priorities, past experiences and financial constraints. As such, the brief offers interesting insights for NGOs about opportunities and pitfalls of co-payment models.DG Murray Trus
Socio-Economic Development through Regional Organizations: A Study of the Implementation of Agenda 2063 by the African Union (AU) in Collaboration with China
No full textThe African Union (AU) unveiled Agenda 2063 in 2013 which is a strategic framework that sets sights on wide-ranging growth, international collaborations and sustainable development, with a special focus on infrastructure development. While aligning the objectives of the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) with those of Agenda 2063, China has also emerged as a key stakeholder in the economic wellbeing of the African continent. The instant study explores the evolving role and status of the AU with special reference to its collaboration with China in terms of socio-economic development of the continent by examining key areas of this partnership with respect to the implementation of Agenda 2063, the impact of these interactions on Africa's development, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of the parties involved. By analysing the AU's strategies and initiatives in engaging with China, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play in this crucial partnership and the potential pathways for enhancing Africa's global standing through effective regional diplomacy and cooperation. It qualitatively analyses the official reports, statements, literature and public records and finds that the AU has proved quite influential and successful forum for the transformation of this “hopeless continent” into a hopeful region for its inhabitants, nevertheless, this vigilance and activism shuld be kept alive until the attainment of all the desired goals
AFAAN AMAARAA, AFAAN TIGRII, FI AFAAN OROMOO WIIKIIPIDIYAA GUMAACHUU KESSATTI QORMAATA JIRU HUBACHUU
No full textThis a translation of the summary of the article: Hellina Hailu Nigatu, John Canny, Sarah Chasins. (2024). "Low-Resourced Languages and Online Knowledge Repositories: A Need-Finding Study" Proceedings of ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (ACM CHI). https://doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642605Qormaata gumaachitootni Wiikiipiidiyaa afaanota odeeffannoo baay’ee hin qabneen mudatan hubachuuf qorannoo gaggeessineen, qorannoo (1) marii waltajjii Wiikiipiidiyaa irraa ragaa xiinxallee (2) hirmaattonni 14 barruu Afaan Tigrii, Afaan oromo ykn Amaariffaan barreessuuf yaaluu isaanii ilaalle. Argannoo keenya irratti hundaa’uun teeknooloojiiwwan afaanii hunda hammate ijaaruuf yaada dizaayinii ni kennina. Barreeffama kana keessatti argannoowwan maxxansa keenya irraa argaman kanneen asitti argamuu danda’an gabaabsinee dhiyeessina