Publications by authors named "J G Pienaar"
Building upon evidence of safety and efficiency gains from a randomized control trial (RCT) in South Africa, we further scaled implementation of two-way, short message service (SMS), text-based (2wT) follow-up after voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). We aimed to determine if gains in adverse event (AE) identification and reduced follow-up visits could be maintained when 2wT was implemented in routine VMMC settings. A pragmatic, stepped wedge design (SWD) study was implemented across three districts in South Africa.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUp to 98% of adult voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) clients heal without adverse events (AEs) in South Africa and in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region, yet all clients in South Africa (SA) are still required to attend in-person reviews, creating added work for providers and barriers for clients. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) using our fee-free, open-source, two-way texting (2wT) approach showed that males could independently monitor their healing with support from VMMC nurse-led telehealth and that 2wT was more cost-effective than routine visits for quality post-operative monitoring. The objectives of this costing activity were to assess the additive cost of 2wT vs.
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- The XENONnT dark matter experiment successfully measured nuclear recoils from solar ^{8}B neutrinos, marking a significant advancement in neutrino detection technology.
- Using a two-phase time projection chamber with a 5.9 t liquid xenon target, the experiment produced 37 observed events, which surpassed the expected background events, indicating a notable signal.
- The results provide a measured solar neutrino flux consistent with previous studies and confirm the neutrino cross section predictions aligned with the Standard Model, showcasing the effectiveness of dark matter detectors in neutrino research.
Article Synopsis
- The study focused on exploring user preferences and satisfaction for postoperative care communications through two platforms: WhatsApp and SMS, among males aged 15 and older who underwent voluntary medical male circumcision in South Africa.
- The researchers aimed to analyze response rates and gather feedback regarding these communication methods, using quantitative data and structured interviews to assess client behaviors and perceptions.
- Results indicated that over a two-month period, 53% of the 337 participants preferred WhatsApp, highlighting potential implications for improving telehealth practices and policies in similar contexts.
Background: Key populations (KP), including men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and transgender women (TGW), experience a disproportionate burden of HIV, even in generalized epidemics like South Africa. Given this disproportionate burden and unique barriers to accessing health services, sustained provision of care is particularly relevant. It is unclear how the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions may have impacted this delivery.
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