Publications by authors named "Nafisa S Nass"

Background: There is a dearth of information regarding mpox risk perception and vaccine acceptance among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially in countries with a dual burden of HIV and mpox, such as Nigeria.

Methods: We used an explanatory mixed methods design and structured questionnaires administered to a clinic-based sample of people living with HIV (n=430), followed by in-depth interviews with a purposive subsample (n=20). Data were analysed using binary logistic regression and the framework approach.

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Introduction: Globally, hypertension is considered a public health problem affecting over 1.3 billion individuals of which 60% need reminders to take medication to achieve adherence, optimal blood pressure and avert complications. Literature shows electronic short message reminders (eSMS) improved medication adherence.

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Limited literature exists on men's experiences with intimate partner violence (IPV) during the COVID-19 lockdown, especially in resource-constrained settings like Nigeria. We investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and lifetime experiences of IPV among men in Nigeria, during COVID-19 restrictions. Using a mixed methods design, we interviewed 420 married men with a structured questionnaire and conducted 20 in-depth interviews.

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Access to HIV care remains challenging, especially for patients living in remote areas, despite advances in antiretroviral treatment. The acceptability of teleconsultations for routine HIV care post-COVID is not well-explored. We explored factors influencing teleconsultation acceptability among people living with HIV (PLWH) and attending a tertiary care center in Kano, Nigeria.

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HIV self-testing (HIVST) holds promise for accessing hard-to-reach populations by overcoming sociocultural and structural barriers to awareness of HIV status. This phenomenological qualitative study explored the experiences and perspectives of married men in Kano, northern Nigeria, regarding HIV testing and counseling (HTC) and HIVST. Twenty married men from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds participated in in-depth interviews conducted in the local language.

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Background And Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic response overwhelmed health systems, disrupting other services, including maternal health services. The disruptive effects on the utilization of maternal health services in low-resource settings, including Nigeria have not been well documented. We assessed maternal health service utilization, predictors, and childbirth experiences amidst COVID-19 restrictions in a rural community of Kumbotso, Kano State, in northern Nigeria.

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Objectives: Severe Acute Malnutrition is a significant cause of mortality in children under the age of 5 years in low-resource settings, including Northern Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the associations between selected risk factors and mortality outcomes in children admitted with SAM in a facility in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria.

Methods: A prospective observational cohort of 201 children aged 6 to 59 months who were admitted with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in stabilization centers in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria between May 18, 2021, and July 20, 2021, (63 days) were assessed followed up.

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Objective: Incident HIV infections in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers pose significant challenges to prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. We identified the predictors of willingness to self-test for HIV when retesting in pregnancy and postpartum among antenatal clients in a tertiary hospital in Northern Nigeria.

Methods: Structured and validated questionnaires were administered to a cross section of antenatal attendees (n = 370) in March 2021.

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Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at increased risk of COVID-19 acquisition, severe disease, and poor outcomes. Yet, little is known about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among PLHIV in high HIV burden countries, such as Nigeria.

Objective: This study aims to assess the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine and identify predictors and reasons for vaccine hesitancy among patients living with HIV and attending a tertiary hospital in Kano, northern Nigeria.

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Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-exposed and HIV-infected infants are at increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, little is known about health care workers' knowledge and immunization counseling practices in this population. We determined the predictors of health care workers' knowledge of vertical transmission risks, HIV exposed/infected infant immunization, and counseling practices in a tertiary center in Northern Nigeria.

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Background: The modulatory effects of psychosocial and biophysical environments on sickle cell disease (SCD) severity during childhood has not been well characterized in high burden settings, such as Nigeria.

Objectives: We identified socio-demographic correlates and explored caregivers' perceptions on socio-behavioral and environmental influences on hospitalization for pain and blood transfusion of children with SCD in Kano, Nigeria.

Methods: Using mixed methods, structured questionnaires were administered to a clinic-based sample of caregivers of children with SCD (n = 372), complemented with eight focus group discussions.

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Concerns about stigma and confidentiality limit the uptake of HIV testing and counseling (HTC) among young adults. HIV self-testing has been offered as a youth-friendly alternative to conventional HTC. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess HTC uptake, willingness to self-test, and their predictors among university students (=399) in Kano, Nigeria.

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Background: Despite advances in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, infants in Africa remain at risk of HIV acquisition from inappropriate feeding practices.

Research Aims: To assess maternal knowledge and predictors of appropriate infant feeding practices among HIV-infected mothers attending a tertiary facility in Kano, Nigeria.

Method: A cross section of 203 HIV-positive mothers were interviewed using structured, pretested survey questionnaires.

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