Adolescents' perspectives on health literacy interventions for reducing epilepsy misconceptions and stigma, and enhancing epilepsy management in Uganda.

Background: Despite the advancement in medical knowledge, epilepsy is still one of the most highly misunderstood and stigmatized neurological conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is widely believed to be a contagious disease, caused by demonic possession, witchcraft, or other spiritual phenomena, and in some cases attributed to both biologic and supernatural etiologies. These misconceptions and the associated stigma result in social rejection, emotional distress, and feelings of shame.

Computationally Selected Multivalent HIV-1 Subtype C Vaccine Protects Against Heterologous SHIV Challenge.

: The RV144 trial in Thailand is the only HIV-1 vaccine efficacy trial to date to demonstrate any efficacy. Genetic signatures suggested that antibodies targeting the variable loop 2 (V2) of the HIV-1 envelope played an important protective role. The ALVAC prime and protein boost follow-up trial in southern Africa (HVTN702) failed to show any efficacy.

"Walking the Journey Together": Creating a unique learning module in provider-patient communication for the care of epilepsy in Uganda.

Objective: This report documents the creation of a practical communication skills module about epilepsy care, specifically targeted at first-line care providers who treat patients with epilepsy in Uganda.

Methods: Our team conducted semi-structured interviews, utilizing Zoom video conferencing, with Ugandan physicians specializing in epilepsy care. Our interview guide promoted a semi-structured conversational interview that explored aspects related to developing a patient-provider relationship, how epilepsy is described in a culturally appropriate manner, exploration of alternative treatments, the impact of the stigma of epilepsy, and facilitators and barriers to antiepileptic drug treatment adherence.

Evaluation of a tailored epilepsy training program for healthcare providers in Uganda.

Objective: This study evaluated an epilepsy training program for healthcare workers that was designed to improve their knowledge of epilepsy, its treatment, and its psychosocial effects.

Methods: This single group, before and after survey was conducted in three regional referral hospitals in Uganda. Healthcare workers participated in a 3-day epilepsy training program and were assessed immediately prior to and following the program using a 39-item epilepsy knowledge questionnaire.

Vaccine-Induced, High-Magnitude HIV Env-Specific Antibodies with Fc-Mediated Effector Functions Are Insufficient to Protect Infant Rhesus Macaques against Oral SHIV Infection.

Improved access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and antenatal care has significantly reduced and peripartum mother-to-child human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. However, as breast milk transmission of HIV still occurs at an unacceptable rate, there remains a need to develop an effective vaccine for the pediatric population. Previously, we compared different HIV vaccine strategies, intervals, and adjuvants in infant rhesus macaques to optimize the induction of HIV envelope (Env)-specific antibodies with Fc-mediated effector function.