DR. RAJESH DHAIRYAWAN, M.D.

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This study looked at how people living with HIV in London engaged with their clinical care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that of the 122 people who stopped attending their appointments, only 21% were on treatment by March 2023, while 71% of the 89 who returned to care were on HIV medication after 24 months. This matters because it highlights the importance of support for people with HIV to stay in care, especially during crises like the pandemic. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV and healthcare providers working to improve access to treatment.

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This study looked at patients with plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), a rare and aggressive type of cancer, to understand what affects their survival. Out of 281 patients studied, only 36% survived for five years. Key factors that led to worse survival included having a specific type of virus, advanced disease stage, and poor health before treatment. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients by highlighting important risk factors that can be used to guide treatment decisions and manage expectations.

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This study looked at sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among South Asians in England, who typically use sexual health services less than other groups. Researchers found that in 2019, 121,842 South Asians visited sexual health services, and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) were more likely to be diagnosed with a bacterial STI than heterosexual South Asian men (over two times more likely) while South Asian women had a lower chance of being diagnosed. Understanding these differences is important for tailoring health services to better meet the needs of diverse South Asian communities. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by highlighting specific risks and needs in the South Asian population.

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This study looked at how the gender and ethnicity of panel members affected audience participation at a large HIV conference in Europe with over 3,200 attendees. The results showed that men asked 61.5% of the questions, and over 95% of questions came from people of white ethnic backgrounds, with fewer questions asked in sessions that lacked diversity. This matters because it highlights the need for more diverse panel representation to encourage broader participation and ensure equitable knowledge sharing at medical conferences. Who this helps: This helps conference organizers and attendees, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

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This study looked at how chronic hepatitis B (HBV) interacts with other infections, particularly hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HIV, in liver tissue samples. Researchers used advanced techniques to analyze liver biopsies from three patients who had not received treatment, finding specific gene patterns linked to the infections. They noted that co-infections altered immune responses and liver cell functions, which could affect how quickly the disease progresses. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic hepatitis B, especially those co-infected with HDV or HIV, by informing potential new treatments.

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This study looked at pain levels in women aged 45-60 living with HIV, finding that 44.6% reported moderate or extreme pain. Key factors contributing to this pain included being peri-menopausal, smoking, having other health conditions, and the length of time living with HIV. The study also pointed out that having a stable job and enough money were linked to less pain. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for doctors treating women with HIV, allowing them to better address pain and improve patient quality of life.

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This study looked at how people newly diagnosed with HIV in East London felt about starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) quickly, within a week of their diagnosis. Researchers interviewed 18 individuals aged 22 to 69 years, finding that most participants appreciated the rapid start to treatment, seeing it as a way to take control of their health and reduce the risk of passing on HIV. They emphasized the importance of having good information and support from healthcare professionals, with some expressing that a lack of understanding or denial about their diagnosis could delay starting treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients newly diagnosed with HIV by ensuring they receive timely support and information for starting treatment.

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This study looked at the mental health and socioeconomic conditions of older women living with HIV in England, focusing on differences based on ethnicity among 724 women aged 45-60. It found that Black African women were more likely to have a university education but also faced higher poverty rates and reported feeling more psychological distress than their White British counterparts. This matters because it highlights the need for better mental health care and support services tailored to the unique challenges faced by these women, especially those from racially minoritized communities. Who this helps: This research benefits older women living with HIV, particularly those from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

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This study looked at how menopause affects the quality of life for women aged 45 to 60 living with HIV in England, comparing their health to that of similarly aged women without HIV. Researchers found that about 40% of women with HIV reported perfect health, while 39% reported poor health—similar to the general population. They discovered that peri-menopausal women and those experiencing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms had significantly lower quality of life scores. Who this helps: This information is useful for healthcare providers caring for mid-life women with HIV, helping them address menopausal symptoms more effectively.

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This study examined mental health symptoms in women aged 45-60 living with HIV in England, focusing on how these symptoms vary depending on whether they are pre-, peri-, or post-menopausal. Researchers found that 57.8% of women reported few mental health symptoms, while 13.8% experienced high anxiety and depression, and 14.4% had significant ongoing mental health issues. These symptoms were linked to lower adherence to HIV treatment and more missed clinic appointments, highlighting the need for better support for mental health during menopause. Who this helps: This information benefits women living with HIV, their healthcare providers, and mental health professionals.

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This study focused on women aged 45-60 living with HIV in England, investigating factors that contribute to obesity. Out of 396 women, nearly 40% were classified as obese, with those from certain black ethnic backgrounds being more likely to struggle with weight issues. This is important because obesity can worsen health risks for these women, especially those with HIV, indicating a need for targeted support and intervention strategies. Who this helps: This benefits women with HIV, particularly those from specific ethnic backgrounds facing obesity challenges.

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This study looked at how different ethnic groups in east London were affected by COVID-19 during the second wave of the pandemic. It found that Asian patients were more likely to be hospitalized than White patients, at a rate 4.1 times higher, while Black patients had a 2.1 times higher hospitalization rate. Additionally, Asian patients had a significantly higher risk of dying within 30 days of hospitalization compared to White patients, while no such increased risk was seen for Black or Mixed/Other ethnic groups. Who this helps: This research benefits patients from Asian and Black communities by highlighting their increased risks during COVID-19.

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This study examined how common menopausal symptoms are among women living with HIV. Researchers found that among 709 women, 21.6% were pre-menopausal, 44.9% were peri-menopausal, and 33.6% were post-menopausal. The most reported symptoms were joint pain (66.4%), hot flashes (63.0%), exhaustion (61.6%), and sleep problems (61.4%), with peri- and post-menopausal women experiencing more severe symptoms. Addressing these symptoms is crucial for improving the quality of life for women with HIV during menopause. Who this helps: This helps women living with HIV experiencing menopause.

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This research focuses on how racism, xenophobia, and discrimination negatively impact health and healthcare systems. The study found that existing measures are not enough to address these issues effectively, and it calls for significant, transformative actions to tackle the systemic roots of these problems. By promoting anti-racist initiatives and using legal frameworks to challenge discrimination, the authors aim to improve health outcomes for affected populations. Who this helps: This benefits patients who face health disparities due to discrimination.

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This study looked at how the rates of hepatitis C infections changed among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV in London and Brighton, UK, from 2013 to 2018. Researchers found that acute hepatitis C infections peaked in 2015 at about 15 per 1,000 people each year but dropped to about 5 per 1,000 by 2018, marking a 78% decrease in new infections since the peak. This decline coincided with increased access to effective treatments, highlighting the need for even more efforts to prevent re-infections in this group. Who this helps: This benefits MSM living with HIV, public health officials, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how severe menopausal symptoms affect women with HIV in England, specifically regarding their adherence to HIV treatment and attendance at medical appointments. The researchers found that women with severe menopausal symptoms were more likely to struggle with sticking to their treatment plan (over two times more likely) and were less likely to attend their clinic visits (about 50% more likely to miss appointments). This is important because better management of menopausal symptoms might help these women maintain their health and effectively manage their HIV. Who this helps: This helps women living with HIV, enabling better support for their health during menopause.

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This study looked at 131 British South Asians living with HIV in North East London in 2017, finding that 73% were born outside the UK and most were Muslim. It revealed that men who have sex with men (59.6%) were more likely to be diagnosed through routine testing rather than waiting for symptoms, while heterosexual men and women had lower health markers (CD4 counts of 257 and 307, respectively, compared to 456 for MSM). Almost all patients were receiving treatment, with 94.5% achieving an undetectable viral load, but many struggled with additional health issues and mental health problems. Who this helps: This information helps patients and healthcare providers understand the needs of South Asians with HIV.

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This study looked at how different ethnic groups fared after being hospitalized with COVID-19 in East London. It found that out of 1,737 patients, 29% died within 30 days, with Asian and black patients having a higher risk of death—1.49 times and 1.30 times more likely respectively compared to white patients. These results highlight significant disparities in outcomes for different ethnic groups, pointing to a need for targeted healthcare strategies to better support these communities during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those from Asian and black backgrounds, as well as healthcare providers focusing on equitable care.

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This study looked at how different ethnic groups in the UK are affected by HIV from 2000 to 2017. It found that heterosexual participants from black and other minority ethnic groups had lower immune health (measured by CD4+ cell counts) compared to white participants and were less likely to stay engaged in their care. Specifically, 22.2% of participants from these groups experienced a viral rebound, indicating a return of the virus, which is higher than in white participants. Who this helps: This information helps patients and healthcare providers understand the disparities in HIV care among different ethnic groups.

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This study looked at the menopausal status and experiences of 847 women living with HIV in England, aged 45-60. The researchers found that 34.2% were post-menopausal and that 27.9% reported severe menopausal symptoms, but only a small percentage were aware of or used hormone therapies to help manage these symptoms. This research is important because it emphasizes the need for better education and support regarding menopause for women living with HIV, helping them manage their symptoms effectively. Who this helps: This helps women living with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) on patients with COVID-19 in five hospitals in London. Out of 1,855 hospitalized patients, 455 (about 25%) developed early AKI, with those affected facing a much higher risk of death—53% of AKI patients died within 30 days compared to just 18% of those without AKI. Understanding how AKI affects recovery is crucial, as about 46% of those who survived to a week still had ongoing kidney issues, which further increased their risk of death. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better manage COVID-19 patients, particularly those at risk for kidney problems.

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This study looked at how pregnancy affects the ability of women with HIV in the UK to stick to their HIV care routines before, during, and after pregnancy. Researchers found that women who were pregnant engaged in HIV care more during pregnancy (90.5% of the time) and after giving birth (84.6%) compared to before pregnancy (78.5%). In contrast, non-pregnant women showed stable engagement levels, suggesting that pregnancy positively influences care participation for women living with HIV. Who this helps: This benefits women with HIV, particularly those who are or become pregnant.

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This study looked at how HIV affects sexual function in women aged 45-60 in England by comparing two groups: one group of women living with HIV and another group assumed to be HIV-negative. The findings revealed that women with HIV were 3.75 times more likely to have low sexual function and 2.44 times more likely to experience sexual problems lasting more than three months compared to the HIV-negative group. This matters because it highlights the need for doctors to routinely assess sexual function in women living with HIV to better address their needs. Who this helps: This helps women living with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how mentor mothers living with HIV in the UK use WhatsApp for support and communication. Researchers interviewed seven people, including five mentor mothers, and found that WhatsApp makes it easier for these women to connect despite challenges like costs, lack of confidence with technology, and privacy concerns. Understanding what works and what doesn't with these digital tools is crucial for creating better support services for people with HIV. Who this helps: This benefits women living with HIV who seek support and connection.

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This study looked at how the age at which women go through menopause affects their management of HIV in the UK. Researchers found that older women (over 50) were less engaged in HIV care than younger women, with only 68% of them fully engaging compared to 83% in women under 40. Additionally, women aged 40-50 showed better rates of controlling the virus, experiencing less viral rebound than those younger than 40, indicating that menopause may impact health outcomes for women living with HIV. Who this helps: This research is valuable for healthcare providers and women living with HIV, particularly those approaching menopause.

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This study looked at how older women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and found that between 16.5% and 54.5% of older women have faced this kind of violence during their lives. The research highlighted that older women may encounter IPV differently than younger women due to their unique life situations, and they often struggle to seek help because of factors like disability or reliance on their partners. It is important to create support services that are designed specifically for older women and to train professionals to recognize and address IPV in this group. Who this helps: This helps older women who experience intimate partner violence.

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This study looked at how symptoms of depression and anxiety affect sexual behavior in women and heterosexual men visiting sexual health clinics. Among the 676 women surveyed, 15% had symptoms of depression, and 12% had anxiety, while 7% of the 470 men reported depression and 5% reported anxiety. Women with depression were found to be more likely to have unprotected sex with non-regular partners, and those with anxiety were more likely to have unprotected sex with multiple partners and had a higher chance of being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This highlights the need for healthcare providers to consider mental health when assessing sexual health risks. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly women dealing with mental health issues and their sexual health.

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This study focused on how shame affects people living with HIV and their access to care. Researchers found that shame can lead to individuals not sharing important sexual history with doctors, avoiding testing and treatment, and not disclosing their HIV status to partners. These barriers make living with HIV harder and can worsens health outcomes, highlighting the need to address shame in public health strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV by promoting a more supportive healthcare environment.

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This study looked at how facilities in the UK that help sexual assault victims have changed since 2006. Researchers found that by 2012, all responding centers (20 out of 20) had 24-hour access for emergencies and offered pregnancy tests and emergency contraception. However, there was still a need for better sexual health screening and services for young people, highlighting that while progress has been made, more improvements are necessary. Who this helps: This helps sexual assault survivors by ensuring they have access to better medical and psychological care.

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This paper explores how shame and stigma affect people living with HIV and their treatment. The researchers identified five ways that shame can make it harder for individuals to seek help or stay in care, emphasizing that understanding these emotions is crucial for addressing the challenges associated with HIV. They highlight that improving our understanding of shame can lead to better support for individuals navigating these issues. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV and those involved in their care.

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Researchers studied the presence of HIV and hepatitis viruses (B and C) in patients who had routine blood tests in nine emergency departments in the UK during a week-long campaign called "Going Viral." They found that out of 2,118 patients tested, 71 showed positive results for these viruses, which is about 3.4%. Notably, this included 32 new diagnoses, highlighting that routine testing can uncover many undetected infections, particularly hepatitis C, which could lead to better care and treatment for those affected. Who this helps: This benefits patients who might be unaware of their infections and need treatment.

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This study examined how well people in the UK understand the risks of getting HIV, focusing on specific groups like men who have sex with men and black Africans. Out of over 2,600 participants, 78% were in the key groups at higher risk, which highlights ongoing issues with sexual risk behavior. These findings are important because they can help create better prevention strategies to reduce new HIV infections. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who are at risk of HIV, as well as healthcare providers looking to improve prevention efforts.

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This study looks at a 54-year-old woman who was diagnosed with HIV after experiencing severe brain problems related to the virus. Her HIV viral load was extremely high, indicating a very active infection. The findings are important because they highlight how untreated HIV can lead to serious health issues, especially in patients receiving strong immunosuppressive treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV and their doctors by emphasizing the risks of undiagnosed infections.

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This study looked at the use of atazanavir, a medication for HIV, during pregnancy by reviewing medical records from 145 pregnancies across 12 London centers from 2004 to 2010. They found that most women (89.3%) who took atazanavir before pregnancy had low levels of the virus, and only a small percentage experienced side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues in five cases and liver enzyme increases in 11% of those starting the drug during pregnancy. This is important because it shows that atazanavir can be safely used during pregnancy, helping keep both mothers and babies healthy. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women living with HIV and their doctors.

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This study looked at how common intimate partner violence (IPV) is among women living with HIV at a clinic in London. Over half of the 191 women surveyed (52%) reported having experienced IPV at some point in their lives, with 14% experiencing it in the past year and during pregnancy. The findings emphasize the need for healthcare providers to be more aware of IPV, as it is often linked to mental health issues and affects younger women and those from certain ethnic backgrounds. Who this helps: This helps women living with HIV, healthcare professionals, and social support services.

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This study looked at whether male partners of pregnant women would agree to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV during routine ultrasound appointments. Out of 1,243 men who came with their partners, 430 (about 35%) chose to get tested, revealing that 4% had an infection—specifically two with hepatitis C, eight with hepatitis B, and six with chlamydia. This is important because detecting these infections can help protect both the mother's health and the baby's future. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and their partners by identifying and treating potential health risks during pregnancy.