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O Davidson

Publications and source records attributed to O Davidson.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Mayisha II: pilot of a community-based survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles and anonymous HIV testing within African communities in London.

The pilot aim was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of undertaking anonymous HIV testing using oral fluid samples as part of a community-based survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles of black African communities in London. The three components of the study were administered in various venues across London: (1) a cross-sectional self-completion anonymous questionnaire survey, (2) an optional oral fluid sample for anonymous HIV testing and (3) a nested in-depth interview study in a sub-set of respondents. A total of 114 black African men and women were recruited. A large number of African countries were represented among respondents from newly-migrant and well-established communities. The response rate to the oral fluid sample was high at 82% and all samples collected were of sufficient quality to be tested for HIV. In-depth interviews with respondents revealed positive views and experiences about participating in the study whilst understanding of the questionnaire was good. We therefore conclude that anonymous HIV testing as part of a community-based survey is feasible and acceptable, whilst a set of recommendations was produced to refine the survey methodology and questionnaire. Participatory research methods are essential for achieving successful community-based surveys among black Africans in Britain.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

British HIV Association (BHIVA)/British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines on provision of adherence support to individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (2003).

The widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically reduced HIV-associated morbidity and mortality where treatment has been made available. Very high levels of adherence to HAART are a prerequisite for a successful virological and immunological response. Low adherence increases the risk of treatment failure and disease progression. It is also likely to lead to further transmission of resistant viruses, and to have a negative impact on the cost effectiveness of HAART. Low adherence is difficult to predict, and this has two key implications for service provision. Firstly, HAART should not be withheld on the basis of assumptions about adherence. Secondly, support with adherence should be provided to all patients prescribed HAART. Our understanding of barriers to and enablers of high adherence, and the evidence base regarding effective interventions, is limited. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials available from the general literature suggests multiple interventions are required to maintain high adherence to chronic therapy. This document recommends a series of measures for adoption within HIV clinical care settings, based on evaluation of existing data. High adherence is a process, not a single event, and therefore adherence support must be integrated into clinical follow up. Every prescribing unit should have a written policy on provision of adherence support, and ensure that staff are appropriately trained to make delivery of such services possible.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed2002

HIV testing and high risk sexual behaviour among London's migrant African communities: a participatory research study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the demographic and behavioural factors associated with HIV testing among migrant Africans in London. METHODS: A cross sectional survey of migrants from five sub-Saharan African communities (Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe) resident in London was carried out. The study formed part of a larger community based participatory research initiative with migrant African communities in London-the MAYISHA project. Trained, ethnically matched interviewers recruited study participants in a variety of community venues. A brief self completion questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics, utilisation of sexual health services, HIV testing history, sexual behaviour, and attitudes. RESULTS: Valid questionnaires were obtained from 748 participants (396 men and 352 women), median ages 31 and 27 years, respectively. Median length of UK residence was 6 years. 34% of men and 30% of women reported ever having had an HIV test. HIV testing was significantly associated with age and previous STI diagnosis among women; and additionally, nationality, education, employment, and self perceived risk of acquiring HIV among men. After controlling for significant demographic variables, previous diagnosis of an STI (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for men: 2.96, 1.63 to 5.38, and women 2.03, 1.06 to 3.88) and perceived risk of acquiring HIV for men (adjusted OR 2.28, 95%CI 1.34 to 3.90) remained independently associated. CONCLUSION: Among these high HIV prevalence migrant communities, these data suggest that HIV testing remains largely associated with an individual's STI history or self perceived risk. This strategy may be inappropriate given the potential for onward and vertical transmission. Antenatal HIV testing combined with proactive targeted HIV testing promotion should be prioritised.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

HIV transmission risk among sub-Saharan Africans in London travelling to their countries of origin.

Migrant black African communities bear the brunt of heterosexual HIV/AIDS epidemic in the UK. This study confirms the close links that exist between UK resident black Africans and their countries of origin. A total of 43% of men and 46% of women visited their home countries within the last five years. While there, men were more likely than women to have acquired a new sexual partner. Previous diagnosis with a sexually transmitted disease, and the use of condoms at last intercourse were independently associated with this practice. This represents a potential risk of HIV transmission, and highlights an area for targeted health promotion within these communities.

Africa South of the Sahara↗
PubMed2001

Legal pitfalls of psychiatric research.

BACKGROUND: The increasing complexity of psychiatric research, including recent attempts to evaluate mental health legislation, suggests legal advice may be valuable in a wide range of research contexts. AIMS: We aim to illustrate both the legal pitfalls of research in psychiatry and the potential for solutions if the methods are carefully chosen. METHOD: Two examples of research are subject to legal analysis, one involving advance directives, the other the random discharge of compulsory out-patients. RESULTS: This analysis illustrates that participation in research may expose clinicians to additional forms of liability, but the legal risks can be minimised through changes in the methods or additional safeguards. CONCLUSIONS: Collaboration between academic law and psychiatry can enrich research agendas and avoid serious legal pitfalls. We argue that sound legal advice should be sought at the planning stage of research in psychiatry, but the fear of liability should not lead to overly defensive research practices. The aim should be to strike the right balance between avoiding unacceptable exposure to liability and stifling innovative research.

Advance Directives↗
PubMed1996

Treating infertility. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using human menopausal gonadotropin in combination with intrauterine insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) with intrauterine insemination (IUI) for the treatment of various causes of infertility and to identify prognostic factors for the success of this treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart analysis. RESULTS: Of the 271 cycles initiated, 247 were completed in 104 couples, and analysis of these cycles showed that the overall cycle fecundity rate was 10% and the pregnancy rate 22%. The miscarriage rate was 8% and the ectopic pregnancy rate 4%. The multiple pregnancy rate was 29%. For the various causes of infertility, we found that the cycle fecundity rate was 7% for male factor, 11% for oligoovulation, 8% for tubal/pelvic factor, 13% for minimal endometriosis, 18% for mild endometriosis, 17% for moderate endometriosis, 3% for women aged > or = 40 years, 75% for myoma, and 7% for idiopathic infertility. We also found that one IUI timed at 36-48 hours was as effective as two IUIs timed at 18-24 and 36-48 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Poor prognostic factors that were elicited from this study were: (1) failure of pregnancy in three cycles of treatment, (2) female age > or = 40 years, (3) requirement of > 300 IU of hMG daily, and (4) presence of more than eight mature follicles at the time of hCG administration. CONCLUSION: HMC and IUI are effective treatment of some causes of infertility.

Adult↗