Effective prophylactic vaccines are available against human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18 which are licensed for routine use among young women. Monitoring is needed to demonstrate protection against cervical cancer, to verify duration of protection, and assess replacement frequency of non-vaccine types among vaccinated cohorts.

Introduction: In Georgia limited data exists about awareness of blood borne-diseases among dental health care workers (DHCW). Methodology: To assess DHCW knowledge, attitudes and practices related to infection control practice guidelines designed to limit transmission of blood-borne diseases, a cross-sectional study was conducted. All respondents were asked to voluntarily complete a self-administered questionnaire. Doctors of Dental Medicine, nurses, and dental residents were recruited from 13 private and governmental dental units in three large Georgian cities: Tbilisi (the capital city), Batumi (Western Georgia) and Rustavi (Eastern Georgia). Results: Of 244 DHCWs recruited, 196 (80%) agreed to participate. Nearly 42% DHCWs did not know the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Georgia. Knowledge about risk factors for transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HCV and HBV was low; correct response proportions among all DHCWs were 45.3%, 37.9% and 34.2% for these pathogens, respectively. The 59.7% of DHCWs were uninformed about post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Only 37.3% reported being well informed on infection control guidelines. Nearly all (95.6%) DHCWs expressed interest in receiving additional education on occupational transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Conclusions: Overall, the study suggests DHCWs are aware they have insufficient knowledge of universal precautions. There is a need for developing a continuous education program that is accessible to practicing DHCWs.

Introduction: There is a research gap in how mental health and cognition are associated with antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Kazakhstan.Methods: We randomly selected and enrolled 230 PLWH from the Almaty City AIDS Center registry (June−November 2019) into a cross‐sectional study. We examined associations between self‐reported ART adherence for the last 1 and 2 weeks; the Adherence Self‐Efficacy Scale (ASES) and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 [PHQ‐9]), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool [GAD‐7]), post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD Checklist [PTSD]); cognitive function (PROMIS v2.0 Adult Cognitive Function 8a short form) and forgetfulness (Forgetfulness Assessment Inventory). We used cut points of ≥5 for at least mild and ≥10 for at least moderate symptom severity for PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 and of ≥44 for PTSD. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used.Results: Participants’ median age was 40.0 (IQR: 34−47) with 40.9% (n = 94) of females in the sample. Those who missed at least one pill for the last 2 weeks had higher odds of reporting at least mild depression (aOR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.22–9.11, p < 0.05); mild anxiety (aOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.20–8.92, p < 0.05); and PTSD (aOR = 4.04, 95% CI: 1.15–14.21, p < 0.05) symptoms. Participants who missed at least one pill for the last week had higher odds of at least mild depression (aOR = 7.74, 95% CI: 1.31–45.7, p < 0.05), moderate anxiety (aOR = 21.33, 95% CI: 3.24–140.33, p < 0.005) and PTSD (aOR = 13.81, 95% CI: 2.36–80.84, p < 0.005) symptoms. Participants with better cognitive function had lower odds of non‐adherence over the last week (aOR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.96, p < 0.005) and higher ASES scores (β = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13–0.40, p < 0.005). Poor memory was associated with higher odds of non‐adherence over the last week (aOR = 4.64, 95% CI: 1.76–12.24, p < 0.005) and lower ASES score (β = −0.31, 95% CI: −0.45 to 0.16, p < 0.005). Those who had at least mild depression (β = −0.21, 95% CI: −0.35 to −0.07, p < 0.005); moderate anxiety (β = −0.21, 95% CI: −0.34 to −0.07, p < 0.005) and PTSD (β = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.33 to −0.05, p < 0.005) symptoms had lower ASES scores.Conclusions: Depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms, poorer cognition, and forgetfulness were associated with poorer ART adherence and worse adherence self‐efficacy. It is crucial to assess and treat mental illness and provide support for PLWH with worsened cognition to enhance ART adherence.

Background: HIV-related stigma among healthcare providers remains a significant barrier to effective HIV care and treatment. This study aimed to assess HIV-related stigma and associated factors among healthcare providers in primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, involving quantitative surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews. Eight PHCs were randomly selected, and 448 healthcare providers participated in the survey. The cross-sectional surveys took place at the PHCs between May 2, 2019, and July 2, 2019. The sample size was predetermined statistically with a 2.5% precision using a 95% confidence level. For the qualitative component, 10 participants were chosen for in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression models were performed for quantitative data analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed through manual thematic analysis. Results: The study revealed high levels of HIV-related stigma, with 87% of respondents agreeing with at least one stigmatizing statement about people living with HIV (PLHIV). Fear of HIV infection was also prevalent, with 85% of healthcare providers expressing some level of concern about contracting HIV during medical procedures. Logistic regression analysis indicated that longer years of work in healthcare were protective against stigmatizing opinions (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=0.25; 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI)=0.09,0.67; p = 0.006), while not having seen a patient living with HIV in the last 12 months was associated with higher stigma (AOR = 3.31; 95%CI = 1.73, 6.31; p < 0.001). Qualitative interviews corroborated these findings and highlighted differential attitudes towards PLHIV based on modes of transmission, with particularly negative views towards sex workers and individuals with non-traditional sexual orientations. Conclusions: The study demonstrates significant HIV-related stigma among healthcare providers in Almaty PHCs, influenced by a lack of exposure to PLHIV and specific socio-demographic factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce stigma and enhance HIV care in Kazakhstan.