An expanded One Health model: integrating social science and One Health to inform study of the human-animal interface.

Zoonotic disease emergence is not a purely biological process mediated only by ecologic factors; opportunities for transmission of zoonoses from animals to humans also depend on how people interact with animals. While exposure is conditioned by the type of animal and the location in which interactions occur, these in turn are influenced by human activity. The activities people engage in are determined by social as well as contextual factors including gender, age, socio-economic status, occupation, social norms, settlement patterns and livelihood systems, family and community dynamics, as well as national and global influences.

Testing a service integration model: results from the HIV/AIDS initiative, ConnectHIV.

Staff of 20 AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs), grantees of the initiative ConnectHIV in the United States, developed a theoretical model of five categories of factors - external, community, organizational, staff, and client - that lead to effective service integration (SI) and took part in a self-assessment related to the model. The model was tested empirically using GEE analysis to assess the effect of ASO SI scores on client outcomes from participation in HIV/AIDS interventions involving case management with persons living with HIV/AIDS. Results showed that clients served by ASOs with more effective SI were more knowledgeable of HIV disease, healthier (higher CD4, lower viral load) and perceived themselves as healthier than clients in ASOs with less effective SI.

Perceptions of HIV/AIDS leaders about faith-based organisations' influence on HIV/AIDS stigma in South Africa.

The extent of the HIV pandemic-particularly in the hardest-hit countries, including South Africa-has prompted a call for greater engagement of all groups, including faith-based organisations (FBOs). Although FBOs are known to play a substantial role in providing care and support to those affected by HIV and AIDS, empirical evidence in regard to their actions in the broader context of stigma is limited. A qualitative, key-informant survey was conducted in South Africa as part of a six-country international study to examine perceptions of how FBOs have contributed to reduction in HIV risk, vulnerability and related impacts.

Factors associated with use and non-use of mosquito nets owned in Oromia and Amhara regional states, Ethiopia.

Background: Many countries across sub-Saharan Africa are rapidly increasing insecticide-treated net (ITN) coverage to combat malaria, but systematic data on the use of those ITNs and the factors affecting this use are scarce.

Methods: A household survey was conducted during malaria season in 23 communities of Amhara and Oromia Regional States, Ethiopia, stratified by degree of urbanization (rural, peri-urban, or urban), whether or not they received indoor residual spraying (IRS), and whether or not free nets had been distributed. Descriptive statistics as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to describe household net ownership and identify factors associated with use or non-use of nets already in the household.

Examining the actions of faith-based organizations and their influence on HIV/AIDS-related stigma: a case study of Uganda.

Background: Stigma and discrimination are widely recognized as factors that fuel the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Uganda's success in combating HIV/AIDS has been attributed to a number of factors, including political, religious and societal engagement and openness - actors that combat stigma and assist prevention efforts.

Objectives: Our study aimed to explore perceptions of Uganda-based key decision-makers about the past, present and optimal future roles of FBOs in HIV/AIDS work, including actions to promote or dissuade stigma and discrimination.