A Real-World Evaluation of Primary Medication Nonadherence in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Prescribed Oral Anticoagulants in the United States.

Background: Nonadherence to oral anticoagulants (OACs) is a challenge to stroke risk reduction in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Data on primary medication nonadherence (PMN) in NVAF are lacking.

Objectives: Our aim was to assess the rates and predictors of PMN among NVAF patients who were newly prescribed an OAC.

HIV and smoking: associated risks and prevention strategies.

High rates of smoking among persons living with HIV (PLWH) may reduce the effectiveness of HIV treatment and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Factors associated with smoking in PLWH include mental health comorbidity, alcohol and drug use, health-related quality of life, smoking among social networks and supports, and lack of access to care. PLWH smokers are at a higher risk of numerous HIV-associated infections and non-HIV related morbidity, including a decreased response to antiretroviral treatment, impaired immune functioning, reduced cognitive functioning, decreased lung functioning, and cardiovascular disease.

Community case management of childhood illness in sub-Saharan Africa - findings from a cross-sectional survey on policy and implementation.

Background: Community case management (CCM) involves training, supporting, and supplying community health workers (CHWs) to assess, classify and manage sick children with limited access to care at health facilities, in their communities. This paper aims to provide an overview of the status in 2013 of CCM policy and implementation in sub-Saharan African countries.

Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative survey amongst technical officers in Ministries of Health and UNICEF offices in 2013.