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Campbell JT, Gesselman AN, Staten MC, Carter G. U=U: "Undetectable Equals Untransmittable" Perceptions Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Active Duty Service Members: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2024:00001782-990000000-00119. [PMID: 39208424 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) is a key message emphasizing that antiretroviral therapy suppresses HIV and prevents its sexual transmission. However, dissemination of U=U varies among health care providers, potentially leading to knowledge gaps among patients. Little research exists on the understanding of U=U among active duty men who have sex with men (MSM) in the U.S. military. Our cross-sectional, online study examines 222 active duty MSM to determine prevalence of accurate knowledge of U=U and demographic predictors of misinformation. Participants received a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) overview and were asked to indicate if the statement "Undetectable equals Untransmittable" was true or false. Although the majority accurately understood U=U (70%; n = 156), approximately 30% did not (n = 66); a binary logistic regression revealed lower U=U understanding among White, bisexual, unmarried, and Marines/Navy participants. Standardized education on U=U is crucial for resolving knowledge gaps and combating stigmas surrounding HIV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T Campbell
- Jessica T. Campbell, PhD, MS, is an Assistant Research Scientist, The Center for Evaluation, Policy, and Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA. Amanda N. Gesselman, PhD, MS, is a Research Scientist, The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA. M. Colten Staten, RN, is a Registered Nurse, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gregory Carter, PhD, MSN, BSN, is an Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean of Research, Department of Nursing, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Nakadomari T, Iwakuma M. A Study on Perceptions of Undetectable = Untransmittable Among Gay Men with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the HIV Community on Twitter in Japan: An Exploratory Qualitative Study Using a Modified Grounded Theory Approach. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2655-2665. [PMID: 38727987 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) campaign among gay men with HIV in Japan who are part of the HIV community on Twitter. We conducted detailed semistructured interviews with 12 participants using a modified grounded theory approach. The analysis resulted in 31 concepts, 5 subcategories, 9 categories, and 2 core categories. The relationship between categories and core categories was examined in conjunction with the transcriptions, yielding a comprehensive category map depicting the process of understanding U = U. The three main processes emerged: participants expressed "expectations for improvement," underwent stages of "understanding U = U," and encountered "dilemmas" in forming their opinions. There are two routes to "understanding U = U": Route 1 involved a frictionless understanding of U = U, and Route 2 involved difficulty in understanding the slogan. In both routes, participants experienced the dilemma of "but I still have HIV" and regarding its ease of use. These dilemmas and difficulties in understanding U = U affected their "expectations for improvement." Efforts to promote U = U in Japan must address challenges in public understanding and related dilemmas. This entails reformulating the U = U message in simpler terms, leveraging professional explanations, disseminating it to a broader audience, and incorporating ideas from individuals living with HIV to enhance the message.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nakadomari
- Department of Medical Communication, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Miho Iwakuma
- Department of Medical Communication, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
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Konda KA, Qquellon J, Torres TS, Vega-Ramirez EH, Elorreaga O, Guillén-Díaz-Barriga C, Diaz-Sosa D, Hoagland B, Guanira JV, Benedetti M, Pimenta C, Vermandere H, Bautista-Arredondo S, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Caceres CF. Awareness of U = U among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru: Differences According to Self-reported HIV Status. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2391-2402. [PMID: 38662277 PMCID: PMC11199300 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04336-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The slogan Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U = U) communicates that people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) will not transmit HIV to their sexual partners. We describe awareness of U = U among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) living in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru by self-reported HIV status (PLHIV, negative, unknown) during 2021 using an online survey. We estimated two models using Poisson regression for each population group: Model A including socio-demographic factors (country, gender, age, race, education, and income), and then Model B including taking ART (for PLHIV) or risk behavior, ever-taking PrEP, and HIV risk perception (for HIV-negative or of unknown HIV status). A total of 21,590 respondents were included (Brazil: 61%, Mexico: 30%, Peru: 9%). Among HIV-negative (74%) and unknown status (12%), 13% ever used PrEP. Among PLHIV (13%), 93% reported current use of ART. Awareness of U = U was 89% in both Brazil and Mexico, which was higher than in Peru 64%. Awareness of U = U was higher among PLHIV (96%) than HIV-negative (88%) and HIV-unknown (70%). In multivariate models, PLHIV with lower education were less aware of U = U, while those taking ART were more aware. Among HIV-negative, non-cisgender, lower income, and those with lower education had lower awareness of U = U, while individuals ever using PrEP had higher awareness. In conclusion, awareness of U = U varied by HIV status, socio-demographic characteristics, and HIV risk behavior. The concept of U = U should be disseminated through educational strategies and include a focus on SGM to combat HIV stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Konda
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, SIDA y Sociedad, Lima, Peru.
| | - J Qquellon
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, SIDA y Sociedad, Lima, Peru
| | - T S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E H Vega-Ramirez
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - O Elorreaga
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, SIDA y Sociedad, Lima, Peru
| | - C Guillén-Díaz-Barriga
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - D Diaz-Sosa
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - B Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J V Guanira
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, SIDA y Sociedad, Lima, Peru
| | - M Benedetti
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C Pimenta
- Departmento de Doenças de Condições Crônicas e Infecções Sexualmente Transmissiveis, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - H Vermandere
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - V G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - B Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C F Caceres
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, SIDA y Sociedad, Lima, Peru
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Calabrese SK, Zaheer MA, Flores JJ, Kalwicz DA, Modrakovic DX, Rao S, Dovidio JF, Zea MC, Eaton LA. Messaging About HIV Transmission Risk When Viral Load Is Undetectable: Reactions and Perceived Accuracy Among US Sexual Minority Men. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 96:270-279. [PMID: 38905477 PMCID: PMC11196007 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scientific evidence indicates that HIV viral suppression to an undetectable level eliminates sexual transmission risk ("Undetectable=Untransmittable" or "U=U"). However, U=U messaging has been met with skepticism among sexual minority men (SMM) and others. In this survey-based experiment, we manipulated messaging about HIV risk and examined reactions and perceived message accuracy among US SMM. METHODS SMM living with HIV (n = 106) and HIV-negative/status-unknown SMM (n = 351) participated in an online survey (2019-2020). Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 messaging conditions, which varied by level of HIV sexual transmission risk associated with an undetectable viral load (No Risk [U=U]/Low Risk/Control). Participants reported reactions, message accuracy, and reasons for perceiving inaccuracy. We coded open-response data (reactions and reasons) into conceptual categories (eg, "Enthusiasm"). We compared reactions, accuracy ratings, and reasons by condition and serostatus. RESULTS In the No Risk Condition, common reactions were Enthusiasm (40.0%), Skepticism/Disagreement (20.0%), and Agreement (19.4%), reactions common to comparison conditions. A higher percentage of HIV-negative/status-unknown participants (24.1%) expressed Skepticism/Disagreement in the No Risk Condition compared with other conditions (3.2%-9.7%). Participants living with HIV were more likely than HIV-negative/status-unknown participants to perceive the message as accurate in all conditions. In the No Risk Condition, common reasons for perceiving inaccuracy were Risk Misstated (46.1%), Oversimplified/Caveats Needed (17.1%), and Personal Unfamiliarity/Uncertainty (14.5%), reasons common to comparison conditions. Across conditions, 10.3% of participants attributed message inaccuracy to undetectable being misdefined. CONCLUSION Most SMM reacted favorably to U=U messaging. However, many-especially HIV-negative/status-unknown SMM-expressed skepticism. Interventions are needed to enhance U=U understanding and acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Calabrese
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Myra A. Zaheer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Justino J. Flores
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David A. Kalwicz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Djordje X. Modrakovic
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sharanya Rao
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John F. Dovidio
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maria Cecilia Zea
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa A. Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Ribeiro PG, Vitori PVR, Dos Santos MCS, Mazzini YC, Dos Santos-Junior GA, Rocha KSS, Torres TS, Araújo DC. Brazilian Version of the Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale: Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation Among Healthcare Students. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2216-2225. [PMID: 38676781 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04350-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to validate the Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale (HPASS) among healthcare students in Brazil. The validation process occurred in three phases from August 2022 to July 2023: translation and cross-cultural adaptation; content validity assessment involving four experts; and evaluation of psychometric properties among 553 healthcare students from the Federal University of Espírito Santo. We used exploratory factor analysis and convergent validity for structural validation. The average scale content validity index was 0.90, while the evaluation of validity evidence based on the internal structure indicated a robust explanatory model. Parallel analysis indicated that the scale is composed by two dimensions: "Discrimination/Prejudice" and "Stereotype"; the composite reliability values for these dimensions were 0.96 and 0.85, respectively. The Brazilian version of HPASS has shown to be a simple, reliable, and psychometrically valid measure to quantify HIV stigma among healthcare students who speak Brazilian Portuguese.Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue validar la "Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale" (HPASS) entre estudiantes de salud en Brasil. El proceso de validación se llevó a cabo en tres etapas: traducción y adaptación transcultural; evaluación de la validez de contenido; y evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas con estudiantes de salud de la Universidad Federal de Espírito Santo. El índice de validez de contenido promedio de la escala fue de 0.90, mientras que la evaluación de la evidencia de validez basada en la estructura interna indicó un modelo explicativo sólido. El análisis paralelo indicó que la escala está compuesta por dos dimensiones: "Discriminación/Prejuicio" y "Estereotipo". La versión brasileña de HPASS ha demostrado ser una medida simple, confiable y psicométricamente válida para cuantificar el estigma del VIH entre estudiantes de salud que hablan portugués brasileño.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Gonçalves Ribeiro
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Innovation in Health Care, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Paulo Vitor Ramos Vitori
- Laboratory for Innovation in Health Care, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | - Yohan Cancilheri Mazzini
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Innovation in Health Care, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Genival Araujo Dos Santos-Junior
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Group on Implementation and Integration of Clinical Pharmacy Services in Brazilian Health System (SUS), Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, ES, Alegre, Brazil
| | - Kérilin Stancine Santos Rocha
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Innovation in Health Care, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Thiago Silva Torres
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases Evandro Chagas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dyego Carlos Araújo
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Innovation in Health Care, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil.
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Koku EF. The Effect of Stigma and Social Networks on Role Expectations among African Immigrants Living with HIV. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:782. [PMID: 38929028 PMCID: PMC11204145 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This paper examines how African immigrants living with HIV negotiate and reconstruct their productive (i.e., educational and career opportunities), sexual, and reproductive identities. We used data from a mixed-methods study to explore how stigma and social networks in which participants were embedded shaped how they understood and negotiated their role expectations and responsibilities. Participants revealed how HIV not only changed their identities and limited their sex life, partner choices, and fundamental decisions about fertility and reproduction, but also presented them with the opportunity to reinvent/reshape their lives. Our analysis revealed that the cultural discourses about illness and HIV in participant's countries of origin, the acculturative and migratory stressors, and the competing influences and expectations from family and friends in their home and host countries shape their illness experience, and how they adjust to life with HIV. This paper builds on sociological understanding of illness experience as a social construct that shapes the ill person's identity, role, and function in society. Specifically, the paper contributes to discourses on how (i) participants' social location and identity (as transnational migrants adjusting to acculturative stressors associated with resettlement into a new country), (ii) cultural discourses about illness and HIV in their countries of origin, and (iii) embeddedness in transnational social networks influence health outcomes, including lived experiences with chronic illnesses and stigmatized conditions such as HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel F Koku
- Department of Sociology, Drexel University, 3201 Arch Street, Room 288, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Gómez W, Organista KC, Sacks TK, Holmes SM, Carrico AW. Narratives of Disconnection: A Life Course Perspective of Methamphetamine Use Among Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV. Int J Behav Med 2024:10.1007/s12529-024-10299-x. [PMID: 38816641 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-024-10299-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minority men (SMM) are exposed to societal and structural stressors that translate into poor health outcomes. One such outcome is substance use, which research has long documented as a prominent disparity among SMM. Methamphetamine is a particularly deleterious substance for SMM because its use is often framed as a coping response to social and structural stressors. METHOD Guided by stress and coping theory and a life course perspective, the purpose of this qualitative study is to assess the development of coping strategies in the context of prominent social and structural determinants among SMM living with HIV who use methamphetamine. RESULTS Data were collected from 2016 to 2018 via in-depth interviews with 24 SMM living with HIV who use methamphetamine in San Francisco, CA. Mean age of participants was 47 and over half self-identified as ethnoracial minorities. Narrative analysis surfaced a sequential pattern of disconnection at foundational, relational, and recovery levels. This analysis revealed that multi-level stressors were present across the life course that amplified engagement in methamphetamine use. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the benefits of holistic, integrated, and trauma-informed approaches to address the function of methamphetamine use as a response to societal, cultural, and institutional processes of stigmatization and discrimination. Peer-based approaches may also be beneficial to reframe the ways in which SMM living with HIV who use methamphetamine form and sustain relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Gómez
- Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois Chicago, 1040 West Harrison Street (MC309), Chicago, IL, 60607-7134, USA.
| | - Kurt C Organista
- School of Social Welfare, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Tina K Sacks
- School of Social Welfare, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Seth M Holmes
- Division of Society and Environment, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Study, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Wells N, Richman B, Grace D, Riley B, Hui C, Vojnov L, Stackpool-Moore L, Ong JJ, Dowell-Day A, Allan B. 2023 Undetectable = Untransmittable global policy roundtable report: a multistakeholder perspective on Undetectable = Untransmittable research and policy priorities. Sex Health 2024; 21:SH24017. [PMID: 38801749 DOI: 10.1071/sh24017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Launched in 2016 by Prevention Access Campaign, the 'Undetectable=Untransmittable' (U=U) campaign empowers people living with HIV to live full social, sexual and reproductive lives, dismantle stigma, promote increased treatment access, and advocate for updated HIV guidelines. Methods Key priorities for promoting improvements to community-centred, evidence-informed U=U policy and research were the focus of a half-day global roundtable held in 2023 alongside the 12th International AIDS Society Conference in Brisbane, Australia. After a series of presentations, experts in U=U research, policymaking, advocacy and HIV clinical care participated in facilitated discussions, and detailed notes were taken on issues related to advancing U=U policy and research. Results Expert participants shared that knowledge and trust in U=U remains uneven, and is largely concentrated among people living with HIV, particularly those connected to gay and bisexual networks. It was agreed that there is a need to ensure all members of priority populations are explicitly included in U=U policies that promote U=U. Participants also identified a need for policymakers, healthcare professionals, advocates and researchers to work closely with community-based organisations to ensure the U=U message is relevant, useful, and utilised in the HIV response. Adopting language, such as 'zero risk', was identified as crucial when describing undetectable viral load as an effective HIV prevention strategy. Conclusion U=U can have significant benefits for the mental and physical wellbeing of people living with HIV. There is an urgent need to address the structural barriers to HIV care and treatment access to ensure the full benefits of U=U are realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Wells
- Kirby Institute, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B Richman
- Prevention Access Campaign, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - B Riley
- ASHM Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C Hui
- School of Public Policy and Democratic Innovations, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada; and Ontario Positive Asians, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L Vojnov
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - J J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | | | - B Allan
- Qthink Consulting, Malmsbury, Vic., Australia
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Brisson JB, Grace D, Perez-Brumer AG. Collective antiretroviral protection: new dimensions of community HIV prevention practices at the intersection of U=U and PrEP. Lancet HIV 2024; 11:e341-e344. [PMID: 38513674 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(24)00034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Collective antiretroviral protection is an evolving sexual health strategy in HIV prevention, used in particular by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The strategy involves HIV-negative individuals who engage in condomless sexual activities but, instead of using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) themselves, choose partners who either have undetectable viral loads or are on PrEP. This biomedical-sorting practice, rooted in the scientific principles of undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U) and PrEP, relies on an indirect protection strategy. Collective antiretroviral protection allows for HIV-negative individuals not on PrEP to benefit from their partner's antiretroviral use, without directly consuming antiretrovirals themselves for HIV prevention, during condomless sex. Empirical research is needed to evaluate the public health implications of this emerging sexual health approach. Research and public health initiatives should adopt a non-stigmatising approach to individuals engaging in collective antiretroviral protection and look beyond individual behaviour to understand the broader community-level effects of this innovative HIV prevention strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien B Brisson
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Sineke T, Bor J, King R, Mokhele I, Dukashe M, Bokaba D, Inglis R, Kgowedi S, Richman B, Kinker C, Blandford J, Ruiter RAC, Onoya D. Integrating 'undetectable equals untransmittable' into HIV counselling in South Africa: the development of locally acceptable communication tools using intervention mapping. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1052. [PMID: 38622528 PMCID: PMC11020191 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global campaign for "Undetectable equals Untransmittable" (U = U) seeks to spread awareness of HIV treatment as prevention, aiming to enhance psychological well-being and diminish stigma. Despite its potential benefits, U = U faces challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, with low awareness and hesitancy to endorse it. We sought to develop a U = U communications intervention to support HIV counselling in primary healthcare settings in South Africa. METHODS We used Intervention Mapping (IM), a theory-based framework to develop the "Undetectable and You" intervention for the South African context. The six steps of the IM protocol were systematically applied to develop the intervention including a needs assessment consisting of a systematic review and qualitative research including focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant (KI) interviews. Program objectives and target population were determined before designing the intervention components and implementation plan. RESULTS The needs assessment indicated low global U = U awareness, especially in Africa, and scepticism about its effectiveness. Lay counsellors and clinic managers stressed the need for a simple and standardized presentation of U = U addressing both patients' needs for encouragement and modelling of U = U success but also clear guidance toward ART adherence behaviour. Findings from each step of the process informed successive steps. Our final intervention consisted of personal testimonials of PLHIV role models and their partners, organized as an App to deliver U = U information to patients in primary healthcare settings. CONCLUSIONS We outline an intervention development strategy, currently in evaluation stage, utilizing IM with formative research and input from key U = U stakeholders and people living with HIV (PLHIV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tembeka Sineke
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jacob Bor
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel King
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Idah Mokhele
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mandisa Dukashe
- South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dorah Bokaba
- Tshwane Department of Health, City of Tshwane, South Africa, City of Tshwane, South Africa
| | | | - Sharon Kgowedi
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bruce Richman
- Prevention Access Campaign, United States of America, New York City, USA
| | - Cameron Kinker
- Prevention Access Campaign, United States of America, New York City, USA
| | - John Blandford
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Robert A C Ruiter
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dorina Onoya
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Núñez I, Piñeirúa-Menéndez A, Valdés-Ferrer SI. Retiring the term AIDS for more descriptive language. Lancet HIV 2024; 11:e195-e198. [PMID: 38417978 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The term acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was coined to describe a condition marked by weakened cell-mediated immunity in the absence of a clear cause. Due to unfortunate messaging during the early days of the HIV epidemic, this term became loaded with stigma. After the discovery of HIV, the term AIDS became redundant, but its use has persisted and has come to embody negative connotations in the current landscape of the HIV epidemic. People commonly associate AIDS with a terminal illness. This misconception promotes stigma by others, including health-care workers, but also self-stigma, which can prevent individuals from accessing health care. Also, the link between AIDS and gay men generated during the early epidemic with use of the term gay-related immune disorder is misleading regarding which populations are at risk, which can delay diagnosis. The use of the term AIDS is now discouraged by several professional associations, some of which ironically have the word as part of their name. Ending use of the term AIDS would not eradicate stigma. However, this term has outlasted its usefulness, and we should transition towards more descriptive language that aligns with contemporary challenges in HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Núñez
- Department of Medical Education, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico; Division of Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | - Sergio Iván Valdés-Ferrer
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico; Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
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12
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Hart TA, Noor SW, Tavangar F, Zahran A, Skakoon-Sparling S, Tan DHS, Lambert G, Grace D, Lachowsky N, Sang JM, Palma PA, Zhang T, Dvorakova M, Cox J, Moore DM. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment Attitudes and Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Gay and Bisexual Men. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:178-185. [PMID: 38412464 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Positive attitudes toward human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment, such as reduced concern about HIV transmissibility, are associated with sexual behaviors that may increase the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). We examined associations between HIV treatment attitudes and bacterial STI diagnoses among GBM in Canada's three largest cities. METHODS We fit a structural equation model between HIV treatment attitudes and bacterial STI diagnoses via sexual behaviors in the Engage study's baseline data. We estimated direct and indirect paths between scores on HIV treatment attitudes and STIs via number of male anal sex partners, condomless anal sex, and oral sex. We conducted sub-analyses with participants stratified by HIV serostatus. RESULTS Among 2449 GBM recruited in 2017 to 2019, there was a direct association between HIV treatment attitudes and current STI diagnoses (β = 0.13; 95% CI, 0.07-0.19; P < 0.001). The mediated model revealed a positive total indirect effect through 2 pathways: (1) engaging in condomless anal sex and (2) number of male anal sex partners and condomless anal sex. These 2 indirect pathways remained in the stratified mediation models for both HIV negative GBM and for GBM living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS The association between HIV treatment attitudes and diagnosed STIs is mediated through a higher number of male anal sex partners and condomless anal sex. The results highlight the importance of providers educating patients when providing effective STI counseling, testing, and prevention for GBM about how accurate HIV treatment attitudes may inadvertently be associated with the bacterial STI epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Adhm Zahran
- From the Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jordan M Sang
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paolo A Palma
- From the Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terri Zhang
- From the Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milada Dvorakova
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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13
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Agarwal H, Yeatts K, Chung SR, Harrison-Quintana J, Torres TS. Perceived Accuracy Around Undetectable = Untransmitable Among Sexual and Gender Minorities Using Smartphones in India. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1039-1046. [PMID: 37861923 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04212-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) using online venues in India are usually not reached by government HIV interventions, remaining an understudied yet important population. We investigated sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours along with familiarity, knowledge, and correlated factors around perceived accuracy of the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) slogan. Grindr users in India completed an online, cross-sectional survey in May-June 2022. We included individuals ≥ 18 years old who reported sex with men (excluding those who were born female and or identified as cis-gender female). Associations with perceived U = U accuracy were estimated using adjusted prevalence odds ratios (aPOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The survey was completed by 3,126 eligible participants. The median age was 28 years and most participants lived in urban areas and had graduate or postgraduate education. HIV prevalence was 3.1%. Only 14% reported familiarity with the U = U slogan and after an explanation was provided, 25% perceived it as completely accurate. This was associated with knowing their HIV status (HIV Negative aPOR 1.37 [95%CI 1.1, 1.71], HIV Positive aPOR 3.39 [95%CI 2.11, 5.46]), having heard of PrEP (aPOR1.58 [95%CI 1.29,1.92]) or have used PrEP (aPOR1.56 [95%CI 1.15, 2.12]) along with use of party drugs (aPOR1.51 [95%CI 1.0 2.10]), being in touch with NGOs (aPOR 1.61 [95%CI 1.27, 2.02], p < .001) and having attended LGBTQIA + events (aPOR1.38 [95%CI 1.1, 1.73]). SGMs in India had low familiarity and low perceived accuracy around U = U. Education about U = U and innovating new strategies to reach this hidden population could reduce stigma around HIV in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Agarwal
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Karin Yeatts
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Stephanie R Chung
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | | | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectología Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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14
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Colpani A, De Vito A, Zauli B, Menzaghi B, Calcagno A, Celesia BM, Ceccarelli M, Nunnari G, De Socio GV, Di Biagio A, Leoni N, Angioni G, Giambenedetto SD, D'Ettorre G, Babudieri S, Madeddu G. Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV among People Living with HIV: Should We Be Concerned? Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:417. [PMID: 38391793 PMCID: PMC10888293 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Poor knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among people with HIV (PLHIV) could worsen life quality. We aimed to investigate their STI and HIV knowledge, disclosure and undetectable = untransmittable (U=U). We proposed an anonymous questionnaire regarding STI and HIV to PLHIV attending ten Italian outpatient infectious diseases clinics. Moreover, disclosure and U=U were investigated. The calculated sample size was 178 people. Considering a missing response of 10%, the final sample size was 196. We enrolled 200 PLHIV (73.5% males), with a median age of 52.5 (IQR 41-59) years. The mean score was 7.61 ± 1.22 with no difference by gender, education, and employment. Significant statistical difference was observed by sexual orientation; bisexuals and those who preferred not to answer had a lower score than heterosexuals and MSM (p = 0.0032). PLHIV showed poor knowledge about HIV transmission (25% appropriately answered). Nearly 30% responded that virologically suppressed PLHIV could transmit the infection. Finally, 137 (68.5%) and 158 (79.0%) disclosed to the general practitioner and family and friends, respectively. Nearly 52.0% knew the meaning of U=U, and 83.6% highlighted its positive rebound. In conclusion, important knowledge gaps are present among PLHIV regarding U=U, and its implications are little-known. Improving PLHIVs' awareness will undermine self-stigma and enhance life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Colpani
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea De Vito
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Zauli
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Barbara Menzaghi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, "Ospedale di Circolo", 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Andrea Calcagno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10123 Torino, Italy
| | - Benedetto Maurizio Celesia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Manuela Ceccarelli
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Di Biagio
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicola Leoni
- Unit of Infectious Disease, SS Trinità Hospital, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Goffredo Angioni
- Unit of Infectious Disease, SS Trinità Hospital, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Di Giambenedetto
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Babudieri
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giordano Madeddu
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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15
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Xie Z, Duan Z. Balancing public health and privacy rights: a mixed-methods study on disclosure obligations of people living with HIV to their partners in China. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:30. [PMID: 38311762 PMCID: PMC10840163 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00920-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2021, a Chinese court, based on the newly enacted Civil Code, first revoked a marriage license due to the spouse's failure to disclose their HIV infection before the marriage. This landmark case ignited a fresh debate on whether people living with HIV (PLHIV) have a legal duty to inform their spouses and sexual partners. Advances in medicine have partially isolated HIV transmission from sexual contact, extending the legal basis for the obligation to disclose beyond disease prevention. This study investigates some possibly unforeseen challenges for PLHIV in China to fulfill this duty, and the outcomes of their decisions in light of the government's goal to promote health. METHODS This study aims to provide a detailed examination of the legal provisions and practices concerning partner notification among PLHIV in China. A mixed-methods research approach was employed between 2019 and 2020, combining questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, and participatory observations. A total of 433 valid responses were obtained through a questionnaire posted on a Chinese online platform for PLHIV. Following the collection and random coding of the questionnaire data, 40 individuals living with HIV were selected for in-depth interviews. Subsequently, a six-month field investigation was conducted in Guan ai jia yuan (Caring Home) in Jinhua City to further explore this issue. RESULTS A considerable proportion of PLHIV exhibit a high rate of disclosure to their spouses (nearly 80%). In the context of sexual partners, 56% of PLHIV stated that their sexual partners were aware of their HIV infection. Whether married PLHIV disclosing to their spouses or unmarried/divorced PLHIV disclosing to sexual partners, however, a substantial majority expressed apprehension about the potential disruption to their relationships that the disclosure might cause. The sole exception was observed among married PLHIV in extramarital relationships who demonstrated a slightly diminished level of concern in this context. Reasons for non-disclosure predominantly included undetectable viral load and the adoption of protective measures. DISCUSSION This study reveals that a prevailing "HIV stigma" hinders PLHIV from voluntarily fulfilling the disclosure duties bestowed by Article 38 of the Regulations on the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS, and the unclear legal provisions of the new Civil Code play a significant role in this regard. Addressing this issue necessitates not only increasing societal tolerance toward PLHIV and reducing instances of social exclusion but also shifting the legal basis of disclosure duties from disease prevention to rights and obligations within the legal relationships of the parties involved. When it comes to the recipients of disclosure, for instance, it is crucial to differentiate between spouses and sexual partners. As for PLHIV failing to fulfill their disclosure duties, apart from interventions involving indirect notifications, the addition of further legal responsibilities may not be advisable. Intentional transmission actions, on the other hand, should still be subject to severe penalties. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Xie
- Macao Polytechnic University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Macao, China
| | - Zhizhuang Duan
- Zhejiang Normal University, Xingzhi College, Jinhua, China.
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16
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Onoya D, Sineke T, King R, Mokhele I, Sharma S, Dukashe M, Cele R, Bokaba D, Inglis R, Sigasa S, Bor J. Designing effective U = U communication strategies considering the needs of PLHIV, their partners, and healthcare worker constraints in South African clinics. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295920. [PMID: 38117817 PMCID: PMC10732369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We sought to understand the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) communication needs of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and barriers to U = U communication among healthcare providers (HCPs) in South Africa. METHODS We conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) with HCPs (N = 42) including nurses and counsellors from primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) in the Gauteng and Free State Provinces of South Africa, three FGDs (N = 27) with PLHIV recruited by snowball sampling from civil society organizations, and 27 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with recently diagnosed PLHIV in Johannesburg. IDIs and FGDs were audio recorded, transcribed, translated to English, and analysed thematically. RESULTS PLHIV were largely unaware and sceptical of U = U as the message appeared to contradict the mainstream HIV prevention clinical guidance. The low viral load (VL) knowledge further reduced confidence in U = U. PLHIV need support and guidance on the best approaches for sharing U = U information and disclosing their VL status to their partners, highlighting the central role of community understanding of U = U and VL to mediate the desired stigma reduction, social acceptance and emotional benefits of U = U for PLHIV. HCPs were uneasy about sharing U = U due to concerns about risk compensation and ART non-adherence and worried about enabling any ensuing HIV transmission. HCPs also need a simple, unambiguous, and consistent narrative for U = U, integrated with other HIV prevention messages. PLHIV and HCPs alike recommended a patient-centred approach to communicating U = U, focusing primarily on attaining viral suppression and emphasizing that condomless sex is only safe during periods of ART adherence. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight the need for simple U = U communication support targeting both HCP and PLHIV. Culturally appropriate communication materials, with training and ongoing mentorship of the clinic staff, are essential to improve patient-centred U = U communication in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorina Onoya
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tembeka Sineke
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel King
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Idah Mokhele
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shubhi Sharma
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Mandisa Dukashe
- South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Refiloe Cele
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dorah Bokaba
- Tshwane Department of Health, Tshwane, South Africa
| | | | - Simangele Sigasa
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jacob Bor
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
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17
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Ma J, Chase GE, Black A, Klaphake J, Garcia-Myers K, Baker JV, Horvath KJ. Attitudes Toward and Beliefs in the Effectiveness of Biomedical HIV Prevention Strategies Among Emerging and Young Adult Sexual Minority Men. Int J Behav Med 2023:10.1007/s12529-023-10244-4. [PMID: 38114707 PMCID: PMC11187700 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10244-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV treatment as prevention, which underlies the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) campaign, are two effective biomedical approaches for HIV prevention among sexual minority men (SMM). Attitudes toward PrEP and U = U may differ between SMM emerging adults (EA: 18-24 years old) and young adults (YA: 25-29 years old) to drive differences in sexual behavior. However, to date, few studies assessed the degree to which YAs and EAs differ in their beliefs in the effectiveness of PrEP and U = U. METHOD A national sample of 80 SMM in the USA (Mage = 25.1 years; 53.7% racial/ethnic minority; 38.8% EA; 61.3% YA) participated in a 6-month mHealth intervention for PrEP adherence. Non-parametric tests assessed differences in sexual behaviors and attitudes toward the effectiveness of PrEP and U = U between EAs and YAs using baseline data. RESULTS Compared to EAs, higher proportions of YAs trusted PrEP's effectiveness and considered condom use unnecessary after taking PrEP. More YAs than EAs were willing to engage in sexual behaviors that they felt too risky before learning about U = U and were more comfortable having condomless sex with HIV-positive partners. Conversely, a greater proportion of EAs than YAs preferred to use condoms even when their partners are on anti-HIV medications. CONCLUSION Overall, YAs trusted the effectiveness of U = U and PrEP more than EAs, underscoring developmental differences in SMM's perspectives on biomedical HIV prevention tools. Our findings underscore the importance of tailoring messages on biomedical HIV prevention options differently for EAs and YAs to optimize uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junye Ma
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 103, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA.
- Department of Psychology, College of Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
| | - Gregory E Chase
- Department of Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 296 Eberhart Building, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Ashley Black
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, 701 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Jonathan Klaphake
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, 701 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Kelly Garcia-Myers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, 701 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Jason V Baker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, 701 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 401 East River Parkway VCRC 1st Floor, Suite 131, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Keith J Horvath
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 103, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
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18
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Dawe J, Cassano D, Keane R, Ruth S, Wilkinson AL, Elsum I, Gunn J, Brown G, West M, Hoy J, Power J, Stoové M. Quality of life among people living with HIV aged 50 years and over in Australia: Identifying opportunities to support better ageing. HIV Med 2023; 24:1253-1267. [PMID: 37990812 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Improved life expectancy has led to an ageing population of people living with HIV in most countries. Research on ageing among people living with HIV has predominantly focused on physical and health-related quality of life rather than multidimensional quality of life. We measured quality of life among older people living with HIV in Australia and identified opportunities to guide the development and implementation of appropriate interventions. METHODS In a national health and wellbeing survey of Australian people living with HIV, participants aged ≥50 years completed additional questions relevant to ageing. Quality of life was measured using PozQoL, a validated multidimensional instrument assessing quality of life among people living with HIV (range 1-5). Exploratory bivariate analyses aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with quality of life. Adjusted linear regressions aimed to assess changes in PozQoL score associated with recent experiences (last 12 months) of four exposures: food insecurity, HIV-related stigma, isolation from the HIV community, and difficulties accessing non-HIV health services. RESULTS Among 319 older people living with HIV, the mean PozQol score was 3.30 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.20-3.39). In bivariate analyses, PozQol scores were significantly higher among participants who were older (p = 0.006), had higher educational attainment (p = 0.009), were in a relationship (p = 0.005), were employed (p = 0.005), and had a higher income (p = 0.001). In adjusted regression models, PozQoL scores were lower among participants who reported recent experiences of food insecurity (β -0.49; 95% CI -0.74 to -0.24), stigma (β -0.53; 95% CI -0.73 to -0.33), isolation from the HIV community (β -0.49; 95% CI -0.70 to -0.29), and difficulties accessing non-HIV health services (β -0.50; 95% CI -0.71 to -0.30). CONCLUSIONS Overall, older people living with HIV in this study had a moderate quality of life. Our findings suggest that HIV services should integrate programmes to support economic security and foster connections within the HIV community and across health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Dawe
- Burnet Institute, Public Health Discipline, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dean Cassano
- Burnet Institute, Public Health Discipline, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Keane
- Living Positive Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon Ruth
- Thorne Harbour Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Lee Wilkinson
- Burnet Institute, Public Health Discipline, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Imogen Elsum
- Burnet Institute, Public Health Discipline, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jack Gunn
- Burnet Institute, Public Health Discipline, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graham Brown
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael West
- Department of Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Hoy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Power
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Public Health Discipline, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Sineke T, Onoya D, Mokhele I, Cele R, Sharma S, Sigasa P, Dukashe M, Hansrod L, Inglis R, King R, Bor J. "I was scared dating… who would take me with my status?"-Living with HIV in the era of UTT and U = U: A qualitative study in Johannesburg, South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0000829. [PMID: 37831644 PMCID: PMC10575521 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
South Africa rolled out Universal Test-and-Treat (UTT) in 2016, extending treatment eligibility to all persons living with HIV (PLHIV). We sought to understand how PLHIV in Johannesburg, South Africa, interpret and experience their HIV status, five years into the UTT era. In May 2021, we conducted in-depth interviews (IDI) (N = 27) with adult (≥18 years) PLHIV referred by HIV counsellors at three peri-urban primary healthcare clinics. We also conducted three focus group discussions (FGDs) (N = 27) with adult PLHIV recruited from clinics or from civil society organisations through snowball sampling. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 29 IDI and FGD participants. Participants were asked to reflect on their HIV diagnosis, what their HIV status meant to them and how, if at all, being HIV-positive affected their lives. Interviews and focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated to English, and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Participants perceived that HIV was common, that PLHIV could live a normal life with antiretroviral therapy (ART), and that ART was widely accessible. However, HIV elicited feelings of guilt and shame as a sexually transmitted disease. Participants used the language of "blame" in discussing HIV transmission, citing their own reckless behaviour or blaming their partner for infecting them. Participants feared transmitting HIV to others and felt responsible for avoiding transmission. To manage transmission anxiety, participants avoided sexual relationships, chose HIV-positive partners, and/or insisted on using condoms. Many participants feared-or had previously experienced-rejection by partners due to their HIV status and reported hiding their medication, avoiding disclosure, or avoiding relationships altogether. Most participants were not aware that undetectable HIV is untransmittable (U = U). Participants who were aware of U = U expressed less anxiety about transmitting HIV to others and greater confidence in having relationships. Despite perceiving HIV as a manageable chronic condition, PLHIV still faced transmission anxiety and fears of rejection by their partners. Disseminating information on U = U could reduce the psychosocial burdens of living with HIV, encourage open communication with partners, and remove barriers to HIV testing and treatment adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tembeka Sineke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dorina Onoya
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Idah Mokhele
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Refiloe Cele
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shubhi Sharma
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Patience Sigasa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Rachel King
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jacob Bor
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Hurley EA, Mayatsa J, Matovu JKB, Schuetz N, Wanyenze R, Wagner G, Goggin K. Piloting Gain and Loss-Framed PrEP and Childbearing Messaging to Promote HIV Testing in Uganda: Perspectives from Couples and Providers. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:669-679. [PMID: 37642350 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2251919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Fears of relationship dissolution and the inability to bear healthy children remain barriers to HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) carries both clinical and symbolic benefits that counter these fears. We conducted a pilot messaging intervention through Uganda's assisted partner notification (APN) program, where providers assist HIV-positive index clients in notifying sexual partners and encourage testing. We randomized providers at three clinics to implement phone scripts over two months with (1) gain-framed or (2) loss-framed information about PrEP and childbearing; or (3) usual care. In 23 in-depth interviews with providers, index clients, and partners, five major themes emerged on intervention acceptability and feasibility: (1) value of PrEP and childbearing messaging in APN; (2) value of this messaging coming earlier in APN; (3) overall preference for gain-framed messages; (4) need to tailor timing of messaging; and (5) need for messaging outside of APN. Register data (109 index clients, 145 partners) indicated most index clients (95%) wanted their potential conception partners informed about PrEP. Preliminary trends suggest the intervention sites outperformed usual care in testing rates among potential conception partners. Messaging that highlights PrEP and safe childbearing may be a promising new communication strategy to promote HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Hurley
- Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Jimmy Mayatsa
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph K B Matovu
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Community and Public Health, Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Nik Schuetz
- Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Rhoda Wanyenze
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Kathy Goggin
- Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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Nicol E, Jama NA, Mehlomakulu V, Hlongwa M, Pass D, Basera W, Bradshaw D. Enhancing linkage to HIV care in the "Universal Test and Treat" era: Barriers and enablers to HIV care among adults in a high HIV burdened district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1756. [PMID: 37689667 PMCID: PMC10492313 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16576-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ending AIDS by 2030 would depend on how successful health systems are in linking people living with HIV (PLHIV) into care. The World Health Organization recommended the 'Universal Test and Treat' (UTT) strategy - initiating all individuals testing positive on antiretroviral therapy (ART) irrespective of their CD4 count and clinical staging. This study aimed to explore the enablers and barriers to linkage to HIV care among adults with a new HIV diagnosis in a high-HIV prevalent rural district in South Africa. A qualitative study was undertaken to explore patients' perceptions of enablers and barriers of linkage-to-care, using a life-story narration and dialogue approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 38 HIV-positive participants sampled from a cohort of 1194 HIV-positive patients recruited from December 2017 to June 2018. Participants were selected based on whether they had been linked to care or not within 3 months of positive HIV diagnosis. Interviews were thematically analysed using a general inductive approach. Of the 38 participants, 22 (58%) linked to care within three months of HIV-positive diagnosis. Factors that facilitated or inhibited linkage-to-care were found at individual, family, community, as well as health systems levels. Enablers included a positive HIV testing experience, and assistance from the fieldwork team. Support from family, and friends, as well as prior community-based education about HIV and ART were also noted. Individual factors such as acceptance of HIV status, previous exposure to PLHIV, and fear of HIV progressing, were identified. Barriers to linkage included, denial of HIV status, dislike of taking pills, and preference for alternative medicine. Negative experiences with counselling and health systems inefficiency were also noted as barriers. Perceived stigma and socio-economic factors, such as lack of food or money to visit the clinic were other barriers. Community-based and health system-level interventions would need to focus on clinic readiness in providing patients with necessary and effective health services such as proper and adequate counselling. This could increase the number of patients who link to care. Finally, interventions to improve linkage-to-care should consider a holistic approach, including training healthcare providers, community outreach and the provision of psychological, social, and financial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Nicol
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, TygerbergCape Town, 7505, South Africa.
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ngcwalisa Amanda Jama
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, TygerbergCape Town, 7505, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Vuyelwa Mehlomakulu
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, TygerbergCape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Mbuzeleni Hlongwa
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, TygerbergCape Town, 7505, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Public Health, Societies and Belonging, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Desiree Pass
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, TygerbergCape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Wisdom Basera
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, TygerbergCape Town, 7505, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Debbie Bradshaw
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, TygerbergCape Town, 7505, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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22
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Reis RK, Antonini M, Milanês Sousa LR, Rocha KADA, Naiff Ferreira GRO, Vettore MV, Gir E. Amplified HIV Transmission Risk Among People Living With HIV in Southeast Brazil. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2023; 34:469-480. [PMID: 37565984 PMCID: PMC10470434 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study investigated the factors associated with amplified HIV transmission risk among people living with HIV from a city in southeast Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 397 people living with HIV recruited in infectious diseases clinics. Data on risk of HIV transmission, sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, professional counseling, serological HIV status, HIV-related clinical data, and beliefs about risk of HIV transmission were collected through interviews and medical records. Hierarchical ordered multinomial regression analyses were performed. Amplified HIV risk transmission was associated with lower age, alcohol consumption before having sex, illicit drug use before sexual intercourse, and not receiving professional counseling about HIV transmission. The belief that HIV can be transmitted to a partner not living with HIV was associated with lower likelihood of amplified risk for HIV transmission. Our findings suggest the importance of minimizing substance use before having sex, professional counseling, and beliefs about HIV transmission on amplified HIV risk transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Karina Reis
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcela Antonini
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Laelson Rochelle Milanês Sousa
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mario Vianna Vettore
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Elucir Gir
- Renata Karina Reis, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Marcela Antonini, RN, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Laelson Rochelle Minanês Sousa, PhD, is a Post-Doctorate Candidate, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Karyanna Alves de Alencar Rocha, MSc, is a PhD Student, Graduate Program in Fundamental Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, PhD, is a Professor, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, University of Para, Para, Brazil. Mario Vianna Vettore, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway. Elucir Gir, PhD, is a Professor, Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Padilla M, Gutierrez M, Basu M, Fagan J. Attitudes and Beliefs About HIV Treatment as Prevention Among People Who are Not Engaged in HIV Care, 2018-2019. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3122-3132. [PMID: 36862279 PMCID: PMC10474239 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04032-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Treatment as prevention (TasP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy. Our objectives were to explore TasP attitudes and beliefs among people with HIV (PWH) who are not engaged in care and to examine attitudes and beliefs by selected characteristics. We sampled PWH who had participated in the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP), a structured interview survey, from June 2018-May 2019 to participate in 60-minute semi-structured telephone interviews. We obtained sociodemographic and behavioral quantitative data from the MMP structured interview. We used applied thematic analysis to analyze the qualitative data and integrated the qualitative and quantitative data during analysis. Negative attitudes and beliefs, especially skepticism and mistrust, about TasP were pervasive. Only one participant who identified as female, was not sexually active, and had not heard of TasP held positive attitudes and beliefs about TasP. TasP messages should use clear and unambiguous language, address mistrust, and reach people who are not engaged in medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Padilla
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- DHAP/NCHHSTP/CDC, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS E-46, 30333, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Mariana Gutierrez
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mohua Basu
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer Fagan
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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24
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Broady TR, Chan C, MacGibbon J, Mao L, Prestage G, Clifton B, Paynter H, Bavinton BR, Holt M. Changing Characteristics of HIV-Positive Gay and Bisexual Men's Relationships in the Era of Biomedical Prevention. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 94:10-17. [PMID: 37195893 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess changes in personal and relationship characteristics among HIV-positive Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) as rates of antiretroviral therapy and knowledge and confidence regarding the effectiveness of viral suppression in preventing HIV transmission have increased. DESIGN Repeated behavioral surveillance of GBM recruited from venues, events, and online in 7 Australian states and territories. METHODS HIV-positive participants were included. Trends in demographics, HIV treatment, and relationship characteristics were assessed with binary and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 3643 survey responses (2016-2020) were included. Over time, HIV-positive GBM became less likely to identify as gay or report an Anglo-Australian ethnicity. The average length of time since HIV diagnosis increased and the frequency of attending HIV-related clinical appointments decreased. There were no changes in the reported number of recent sex partners or proportion reporting regular male partners over time. Among HIV-positive GBM in relationships, the proportion reporting HIV-positive partners decreased and the proportion reporting HIV-negative partners increased. Levels of condomless sex with regular partners increased over time; however, this was concentrated among HIV-positive GBM in serodiscordant relationships. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that increased accessibility and trust in biomedical prevention strategies have contributed to broader relationship and sexual opportunities for HIV-positive GBM in Australia. Our findings suggest that future health promotion activities could highlight the social and relationship benefits of treatment as prevention to further increase trust in it as an HIV prevention strategy among GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Curtis Chan
- Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James MacGibbon
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Brent Clifton
- National Association of People With HIV Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia; and
| | | | | | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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25
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Bekker LG, Beyrer C, Mgodi N, Lewin SR, Delany-Moretlwe S, Taiwo B, Masters MC, Lazarus JV. HIV infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:42. [PMID: 37591865 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00452-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The AIDS epidemic has been a global public health issue for more than 40 years and has resulted in ~40 million deaths. AIDS is caused by the retrovirus, HIV-1, which is transmitted via body fluids and secretions. After infection, the virus invades host cells by attaching to CD4 receptors and thereafter one of two major chemokine coreceptors, CCR5 or CXCR4, destroying the host cell, most often a T lymphocyte, as it replicates. If unchecked this can lead to an immune-deficient state and demise over a period of ~2-10 years. The discovery and global roll-out of rapid diagnostics and effective antiretroviral therapy led to a large reduction in mortality and morbidity and to an expanding group of individuals requiring lifelong viral suppressive therapy. Viral suppression eliminates sexual transmission of the virus and greatly improves health outcomes. HIV infection, although still stigmatized, is now a chronic and manageable condition. Ultimate epidemic control will require prevention and treatment to be made available, affordable and accessible for all. Furthermore, the focus should be heavily oriented towards long-term well-being, care for multimorbidity and good quality of life. Intense research efforts continue for therapeutic and/or preventive vaccines, novel immunotherapies and a cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, RSA, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nyaradzo Mgodi
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Sharon R Lewin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Babafemi Taiwo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary Clare Masters
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Ossomba JPBE, Ngangue P, Ekani ASO, Kamgain ET. De-medicalized and decentralized HIV testing: a strategy to test hard-to-reach men who have sex with men in Cameroon. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1180813. [PMID: 37564422 PMCID: PMC10410143 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1180813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional HIV testing performed by a health professional has shown its limitations in targeting marginalized and vulnerable populations. Indeed, men who have sex with men (MSM) due to social discrimination are often uncomfortable using this service at the health facilities level. In this perspective, new differentiated approaches have been thought through de-medicalized and decentralized HIV testing (DDHT). This HIV testing strategy enables overcoming the structural, legal, and social barriers that prevent these populations from quickly accessing HIV services. This article discusses the prerequisites and added value of implementing this strategy for MSM living in a criminalized context and its implication in decentralizing health services toward the community level.
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27
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Pickles M, Gregson S, Moorhouse L, Dadirai T, Dzamatira F, Mandizvidza P, Maswera R, Museka T, Schaefer R, Skovdal M, Thomas R, Tsenesa B, Mugurungi O, Nyamukapa C, Hallett TB. Strengthening the HIV prevention cascade to maximise epidemiological impact in eastern Zimbabwe: a modelling study. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1105-e1113. [PMID: 37349036 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00206-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV prevention cascades provide a systematic understanding of barriers to prevention. In this study we used mathematical modelling to understand the consequences of these barriers and how the cascade could be strengthened to maximise epidemiological impact, providing potentially important insights for programmes. METHODS We used an individual-based model of HIV transmission (PopART-IBM), calibrated to data from the Manicaland cohort from eastern Zimbabwe. HIV prevention cascade estimates from this cohort were used as probabilities for indicators in the model representing an individual's motivation, access, and capacity to effectively use pre-exposure prophylaxis, voluntary male medical circumcision, and condoms. We examined how current barriers affect the number and distribution of HIV infections compared with a no-barrier scenario. Using assumptions about how interventions could strengthen the HIV prevention cascade, we estimated the reduction in HIV infections over a 10-year period through addressing different elements of the cascade. FINDINGS 21 200 new potentially avertable HIV infections will occur over the next 10 years due to existing HIV prevention cascade barriers, 74·2% of the 28 500 new infections that would occur with existing barriers in a population of approximately 1·2 million adults. Removing these barriers would reduce HIV incidence below the benchmarks for epidemic elimination. Addressing all cascade steps in one priority population is substantially more effective than addressing one step across all populations. INTERPRETATION Interventions exist in eastern Zimbabwe to reduce HIV towards elimination, but barriers of motivation, access, and effective use prevent their full effect being realised. Interventions need to be multilayered and address all steps along the HIV prevention cascade. Models incorporating the HIV prevention cascade can help to identify the main barriers to greater effectiveness. FUNDING National Institutes of Mental Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis funding from the UK Medical Research Council and UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pickles
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Simon Gregson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Biomedical and Research Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Louisa Moorhouse
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tawanda Dadirai
- Biomedical and Research Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | | | - Tafadzwa Museka
- Biomedical and Research Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Robin Schaefer
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Morten Skovdal
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ranjeeta Thomas
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | | | | | - Constance Nyamukapa
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Biomedical and Research Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Timothy B Hallett
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Bernays S, Lariat J, Ameyan W, Willis N. Let's talk about U=U: seizing a valuable opportunity to better support adolescents living with HIV. Sex Health 2023; 20:266-270. [PMID: 37380170 DOI: 10.1071/sh23049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The clinical knowledge that people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load and therefore cannot transmit HIV sexually, known as Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U), has reached a critical mass of adults, but it is relatively silenced within adolescent HIV care and support. We argue that understanding the full range of opportunities enabled by viral suppression, including the elimination of transmission risk, could transform adolescents' understanding of living with HIV, incentivise optimal treatment engagement and support and sustain their positive mental health. However, the reluctance to discuss U=U with adolescents means that we are not providing them with adequate access to the information and tools that would help them to succeed. We need to recognise, value, and invest in the mediating role of building viral load literacy, illustrated by conveying U=U in ways that are meaningful for adolescents, to accelerate viral suppression. Rather than protect, rationing access to information on U=U only increases their vulnerability and risk to poor HIV and mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bernays
- School of Public Health, Edward Ford Building, Fisher Road, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; and Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H9H, UK
| | - Joni Lariat
- School of Public Health, Edward Ford Building, Fisher Road, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Wole Ameyan
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Willis
- Zvandiri, Zvandiri House Headquarters, 11-12 Stoneridge Way North, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Angotti N, Mojola SA, Wen Y, Ferdinando A. Biomedical bargains: Negotiating "safe sex" on antiretroviral treatment in rural South Africa. Soc Sci Med 2023; 330:116036. [PMID: 37390807 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Wide-scale availability of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has transformed the global landscape for HIV prevention, shifting emphasis away from a strictly behavioral focus on changing sexual practices towards a biomedical approach. Successful ART management is measured by an undetectable viral load, which helps maintain overall health and prevent onward viral transmission. The latter utility of ART, however, must be understood in the context of its implementation. In South Africa, ART has become easily accessible - yet ART knowledge spreads unevenly, while counseling advice and normative expectations and experiences of gender and aging interact to inform sexual practices. As ART enters the sexual lives of middle-aged and older people living with HIV (MOPLH), a population growing rapidly, how has it informed sexual decisions and negotiations? Drawing on in-depth interviews with MOPLH on ART, corroborated with focus group discussions and national ART-related policies and guidelines, we find that for MOPLH, sexual decisions increasingly feature compliance with biomedical directives and concern for ART efficacy. Seeking consensus regarding the biological risks of sex on ART becomes an important feature of sexual negotiations, and anticipated disagreements can pre-empt sexual relationships altogether. We introduce the concept of biomedical bargains to explain what happens when disagreements arise, and the terms of sex are negotiated using competing interpretations of biomedical information. For both men and women, ostensibly gender-neutral biomedical discourses provide new discursive resources and strategies for sexual decisions and negotiations, yet biomedical bargains are still embedded in gender dynamics-women invoke the dangers of jeopardizing treatment efficacy and longevity to insist on condoms or justify abstinence, while men utilize biomedical arguments in an effort to render condomless sex safe. While the full therapeutic benefits of ART are critical for the efficacy and equity of HIV programs, they will nonetheless always affect, and be affected by, social life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Angotti
- Department of Sociology, American University, USA; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Sanyu A Mojola
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Sociology, Princeton University, USA; School of Public and International Affairs, and Office of Population Research, Princeton University, USA
| | - Yunhan Wen
- Department of Sociology, Princeton University, USA
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Tegegne AS. Quality of Life and Associated Factors of HIV Patients Under Treatment with First Line Regimens in Public Hospitals in Amhara Region, North-West Ethiopia. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:1347-1359. [PMID: 37287512 PMCID: PMC10243354 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s413192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The availability of medication related to HIV treatment in the world is one of the substantial improvements for reaching USAID's 90-90 targets. Among the 90% of patients who have awareness about their disease, 90% are accessing their treatment and patients who received appropriate treatment have a suppressed viral load and improved CD4 cell count. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to investigate the quality of life and associated factors of people living with HIV receiving first-line regimens at public hospitals in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 700 adult HIV-infected patients under treatment with first-line regimens, who were followed-up in 17 public hospitals in the Amhara region. A multivariate linear regression analysis was used for the current study. Results Of the 700 patients included in the current analyses, 59.5% (n=358) reported no impairment in self-care, while 63.1% (n=380) were extremely anxious/depressed. The overall expected EQ-5D utility score and visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) scores were 0.388 0.41 and 66.20 17.22 respectively. The current study indicated that the covariates sex, age of patient, level of education, appointment frequency, disclosure status of the disease, and substance use significantly affected the quality of life of people living with HIV and under treatment with first-line regimens. Hence, higher CD4 cell count and less detectable viral load lead to good quality of life of people living with HIV. Conclusion This study indicates that certain covariates have been identified as statistically significant predictors of the study variable "quality of life" of HIV-positive people. The findings obtained in the current investigation can help policy-makers to revise the current directives. The result obtained in this study can also help health staff to conduct health-related education during the treatment of HIV patients.
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Wood OR, Schnall R, Kay ES, Jia H, Abua JA, Nichols TK, Olender SA, Mugavero MJ, Batey DS. A community health worker and mobile health app intervention to improve adherence to HIV medication among persons with HIV: the CHAMPS study protocol. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:942. [PMID: 37226141 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15616-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with HIV (PWH) can now achieve a near-normal life expectancy due to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite widespread availability of ART in the United States (US), many of the country's approximate 1.1 million PWH are not achieving viral suppression due to poor ART adherence. Viral suppression rates are particularly low in Alabama (AL, 62%) and New York City (NYC, 67%). There is mixed evidence on the efficacy of community health workers (CHW) and mHealth interventions for improving ART adherence and viral suppression in PWH thus, we sought to combine these interventions and test the efficacy for improving health outcomes in PWH. METHODS The CHAMPS study is a two-arm randomized controlled trial among 300 PWH with suboptimal primary care appointment adherence (n = 150 in AL and 150 in NYC) over the course of 12 months. Participants are randomly assigned to CHAMPS (intervention) or a standard-of-care (control) arm. Participants in the intervention arm are given a CleverCap pill bottle that syncs to the WiseApp to track medication adherence, reminds users to take their medication at a set time, and enables communication with CHW. All participants complete baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits where surveys are administered and, CD4 and HIV-1 viral load are obtained through blood draw. DISCUSSION Maintaining ART adherence has significant implications in HIV management and transmission. mHealth technologies have been shown to optimize the provision of health services, produce positive changes in health behavior, and significantly improve health outcomes. CHW interventions also provide personal support to PWH. The combination of these strategies may provide the necessary intensity to increase ART adherence and clinic attendance among PWH at highest risk for low engagement. Delivering care remotely enables CHW to contact, assess, and support numerous participants throughout the day, reducing burden on CHW and potentially improving intervention durability for PWH. The adoption of the WiseApp coupled with community health worker sessions in the CHAMPS study has the potential to improve HIV health outcomes, and will add to the growing knowledge of mHealth and CHW efforts to improve PWH medication adherence and viral suppression. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04562649) on 9/24/20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Wood
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, 560 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, 560 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Emma S Kay
- Magic City Research Institute, Birmingham AIDS Outreach, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Haomiao Jia
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, 560 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Tyler K Nichols
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, 560 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Susan A Olender
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Carroll JJ, Rossi SL, Vetrova MV, Blokhina E, Sereda Y, Lioznov D, Luoma J, Kiriazova T, Lunze K. The impacts of COVID-19 on structural inequities faced by people living with HIV who inject drugs: A qualitative study in St. Petersburg, Russia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 117:104060. [PMID: 37210965 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) living with HIV may be disproportionately impacted by pandemic restrictions. This study qualitatively explored the impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on PWID with HIV in St. Petersburg, Russia. METHODS In March and April 2021, we conducted remote, semi-structured interviews with PWID with HIV, health care providers, and harm reductionists. RESULTS We interviewed 25 PWID with HIV (aged 28-56 years, 46% female) and 11 providers. The pandemic exacerbated economic and psychological challenges experienced by PWID with HIV. Simultaneously, barriers to HIV care access, ART prescription refill and dispensing and police violence, which hindered the health and safety of PWID with HIV, were themselves hindered from normal operations by the pandemic, significantly reducing these burdens. CONCLUSION Pandemic responses should account for the unique vulnerabilities of PWID with HIV to avoid worsening the structural violence they already experience. Wherever the pandemic decreased structural barriers, such as institutional, administrative, and bureaucratic challenges and state violence enacted by police and other elements of the criminal justice system, such changes should be protected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Carroll
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Carolina State University, 10 Current Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA; Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI, 02903 USA.
| | - Sarah L Rossi
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Marina V Vetrova
- Pavlov University, 11 Komendantsky pr., office 45N, St. Petersburg, 197227, Russia
| | - Elena Blokhina
- Pavlov University, 11 Komendantsky pr., office 45N, St. Petersburg, 197227, Russia
| | - Yuliia Sereda
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, 10 B. Khmelnytskoho St., Apt. 60, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine; Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, 15/17 Popov St., St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia
| | - Dmitry Lioznov
- Pavlov University, 11 Komendantsky pr., office 45N, St. Petersburg, 197227, Russia
| | - Jason Luoma
- Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Training, and Research Center, 3700N Williams Ave, Portland, OR, 97227, USA
| | - Tetiana Kiriazova
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, 10 B. Khmelnytskoho St., Apt. 60, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Karsten Lunze
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA; School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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Borsa A, Siegel K. Barriers to Treatment as Prevention Adoption Among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals Who Have Sex with Men in the United States. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:268-277. [PMID: 37155966 PMCID: PMC10171941 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery that people with an undetectable HIV viral load are unable to transmit the virus to sex partners (U = U) has ushered in a new era in HIV care. As a result of this discovery, treatment as prevention (TasP) has become a powerful tool toward ending the epidemic. However, despite its sound scientific basis, many communities affected by HIV face barriers toward adopting TasP as a complete HIV prevention strategy. In addition, most research to date has only focused on TasP in the context of committed monogamous partnerships. To identify barriers to TasP adoption among some of those most affected by HIV, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 62 sexual and gender minority individuals of varying serostatuses. Participants were identified from the results of an online survey, where those who indicated at least some awareness of TasP were invited to partake in a follow-up interview. Interviews were thematically coded to identify emergent themes relating to TasP adoption. Seven primary barriers emerged from data analysis pertaining to TasP science, internalized beliefs about HIV safety, and interactional dynamics between partners: (1) unfamiliarity with TasP science, (2) perceived limitations of TasP science, (3) difficulty changing understanding of "safe sex," (4) unwillingness to rely on partners' reports of being undetectable, (5) persistent HIV stigma, (6) less difficulty finding serosimilar partners, and (7) difficulty incorporating TasP into casual encounters. Together, these barriers confirm the existing findings about TasP adoption, and extend the literature by identifying barriers beyond a lack of education and outside of monogamous contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Borsa
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karolynn Siegel
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Dowell-Day A, Dobbins T, Chan C, Fraser D, Holt M, Vaccher SJ, Clifton B, Zablotska I, Grulich A, Bavinton BR. Attitudes Towards Treatment as Prevention Among PrEP-Experienced Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-04019-x. [PMID: 36877254 PMCID: PMC10386911 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04019-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to impact the attitudes gay and bisexual men (GBM) who consequently choose to take PrEP have towards treatment as prevention (TasP), and the extent to which they are willing to have condomless anal intercourse (CLAI) with an HIV-positive sexual partner who has an undetectable viral load (UVL). Using a cross-sectional sample from an observational cohort study conducted from August 2018 to March 2020, we examined the extent to which PrEP-experienced GBM are willing to have CLAI with a partner who has a UVL. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify associated variables. Of the 1386 participants included in the analyses, 79.0% believed in the effectiveness of TasP, and 55.3% were willing to have CLAI with a partner who has a UVL. Wiling participants were less worried about getting HIV when taking PrEP and more likely to believe in TasP. Further research is needed to better understand the gap between belief in TasP and willingness to have CLAI with a partner who has a UVL among PrEP-experienced GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Dowell-Day
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy Dobbins
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Curtis Chan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Doug Fraser
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Brent Clifton
- National Association of People with HIV Australia, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Iryna Zablotska
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, Australia
| | - Andrew Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
In this Policy Forum, Anna Grimsrud and colleagues discuss the future of HIV testing in eastern and southern Africa, using insights gleaned from a 2021 expert consultation.
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Hutahaean BSH, Stutterheim SE, Jonas KJ. Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Treatment Adherence in Indonesia: Perspectives of People Living with HIV and HIV Service Providers. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030138. [PMID: 36977140 PMCID: PMC10056901 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV treatment adherence in Indonesia is a major challenge. Although previous studies have demonstrated several barriers and facilitators to adherence, studies providing a comprehensive analysis from both PLHIV and HIV service providers’ perspectives are limited, especially in Indonesia. In this qualitative study with 30 people living with HIV on treatment (PLHIV-OT) and 20 HIV service providers (HSPs), we explored, via online interviews, the barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence using a socioecological approach. Both PLHIV-OT and HSPs reported stigma as a major barrier at each socioecological level, including public stigma at the societal level, stigma in healthcare settings, and self-stigma at the intrapersonal level. Stigma reduction must therefore be prioritized. PLHIV-OT and HSPs also reported support from significant others and HSPs as the foremost facilitators to ART adherence. The enablement of support networks is thus an important key to improved ART adherence. Overall, the societal level and health system barriers to ART adherence should be addressed in order to remove barriers and enhance the facilitators at the subordinate socioecological levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bona S. H. Hutahaean
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
| | - Sarah E. Stutterheim
- Department of Health Promotion & Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6220 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kai J. Jonas
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Pratt MC, Isehunwa OO, Bassett IV, Kempf MC, Gordon B, Matthews LT. Rapid qualitative analysis approach to stakeholder and client interviews to inform mobile-based HIV testing in the U.S. Deep South. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:24. [PMID: 36793139 PMCID: PMC9930722 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01039-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severity of the HIV epidemic in the United States' rural South highlights geographic, socioeconomic, and racial disparities that disproportionately affect poor Black Americans. Approximately 16% of Alabamians living with HIV remain undiagnosed and just 37% of rural Alabamians have ever been tested for HIV. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 22 key stakeholders involved in HIV prevention, testing, treatment, or community health initiatives, and 10 adults living in rural communities across Alabama to explore HIV testing challenges and opportunities. We utilized a rapid qualitative analysis approach and engaged community partners for feedback and discussion. This analysis will inform the implementation of a mobile HIV testing service in rural Alabama. RESULTS The following themes were identified: (1) Cultural norms, racism, poverty, and rurality impair access to healthcare. (2) Lack of sex education, low knowledge of HIV and perception of risk reinforce stigmas. (3) Messaging about "Undetectable = Untransmissible" (U = U) is not well understood in communities. (4) Community involvement may promote communication and trust between communities and testing advocates. (5) Novel testing strategies are acceptable and may diminish barriers. CONCLUSIONS Working with community "gatekeepers" may be a key strategy to understand and promote acceptability of interventions new to rural Alabama and ameliorate stigma within communities. The implementation of new HIV testing strategies requires building and maintaining relationships with advocates, especially faith-based leaders, who engage people across many demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline C. Pratt
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ziegler Research Building 210, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Oluwaseyi O. Isehunwa
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ziegler Research Building 210, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Division of Infectious Disease and Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Mirjam-Colette Kempf
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ziegler Research Building 210, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Family, Community, and Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Departments of Epidemiology and Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | | | - Lynn T. Matthews
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ziegler Research Building 210, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
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Nunes NN, Vasconcelos R, Cortez AL, Ferreira-Filho E, Kobayasi R, Willets C, Cocuzza M, Avelino-Silva VI. Is U=U consistently known and implemented? A survey among different medical specialists in Brazil. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:395-401. [PMID: 36693243 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231153202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite solid scientific evidence, the concepts of treatment as prevention (TASP) and Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) remain unfamiliar and underutilized for some healthcare providers. We conducted a self-completion survey to evaluate the knowledge of TASP/U = U in different medical specialties. Wilcoxon Rank-Sum, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for group comparisons and a logistic regression model was used to assess factors independently associated with U = U-non-supportive attitudes. 197 physicians were included; 74% agreed/strongly agreed that people living with HIV (PLHIV) under regular treatment with undetectable viral do not transmit HIV sexually. However, only 66% agree/strongly agree that PLHIV should be informed about that. The knowledge about these concepts was poorer among gynecologists, urologists and internal medicine specialists when compared to infectious diseases specialists after adjustment for age, race/skin color, gender, and sexual orientation. Our study found that knowledge of crucial concepts of HIV prevention may be lacking for some medical specialties. This highlights the need of improvement in medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Neves Nunes
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR
| | - Ricardo Vasconcelos
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR
| | - Andre Lazzeri Cortez
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR
| | - Edson Ferreira-Filho
- Discipline of Ginecology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR
| | - Renata Kobayasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR
| | - Clarissa Willets
- Family Medicine Residency Program, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR
| | - Marcelo Cocuzza
- Department of Urology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR
| | - Vivian I Avelino-Silva
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR
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Logie CH. What can we learn from HIV, COVID-19 and mpox stigma to guide stigma-informed pandemic preparedness? J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26042. [PMID: 36468931 PMCID: PMC9721204 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H. Logie
- Factor‐Inwentash Faculty of Social WorkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada,Women's College Research InstituteWomen's College HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada,Centre for Gender & Sexual Health EquityVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada,United Nations University Institute for WaterEnvironment, & HealthHamiltonOntarioCanada
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Meanley S, Egan JE, Ware D, Brennan-Ing M, Haberlen SA, Detels R, Palella F, Friedman MR, Plankey MW. Self-Reported Combination HIV Prevention Strategies Enacted by a Prospective Cohort of Midlife and Older Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States: A Latent Class Analysis. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:462-473. [PMID: 36394465 PMCID: PMC9839341 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2022.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insights into combination HIV prevention (CHP) strategies to reduce HIV incidence among midlife and older adult men who have sex with men (MSM) are limited. The current study is a secondary data analysis evaluating CHP in a sample of sexually active midlife and older adult MSM (N = 566) from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study Healthy Aging Substudy. Stratified by HIV serostatus, we used latent class analyses to identify CHP classes based on self-reported sociobehavioral and biobehavioral prevention strategies that participants and their male partners used in the prior 6 months. We identified three CHP classes among men living without HIV (MLWOH), including the following: high CHP overall (43.0%), high anal sex abstention (15.0%), and low prevention overall (42.0%). Among men living with HIV (MLWH), we identified four CHP classes, including the following: high CHP overall (20.9%), high CHP/low condom use (27.1%), high condom reliance (22.3%), and low prevention overall (29.7%). There were small differences by sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behavior practices between the classes; however, poppers use was often linked to being in high CHP groups. Our findings support that CHP is not one-size-fits-all for midlife and older adult MSM. There remains a need to scale up clinical providers' sexual health communication practices to assist midlife and older MSM incorporate prevention strategies, particularly biobehavioral prevention strategies that align with their patients' lived experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Meanley
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James E. Egan
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Deanna Ware
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Mark Brennan-Ing
- Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Sabina A. Haberlen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Roger Detels
- Department of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Frank Palella
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mackey R. Friedman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael W. Plankey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Kolstee J, MacGibbon J, Prestage G, Clackett S, Paynter H, Bavinton BR, Broady TR, Ellard J, Murphy DA, de Wit J, Power C, Holt M. Changing Attitudes Towards Condoms Among Australian Gay and Bisexual Men in the PrEP Era: An Analysis of Repeated National Online Surveys 2011-2019. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2022; 34:453-466. [PMID: 36454135 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.6.453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Condoms have been the primary form of HIV prevention for gay and bisexual men (GBM) for most of the HIV epidemic. The introduction of biomedical HIV prevention may have changed attitudes towards condoms. Data from repeated national online surveys of GBM in Australia were used to examine how attitudes towards condoms and confidence discussing condoms with partners changed in the period 2011-2019. The proportion of all participants who reported a positive experience in using condoms remained low and unchanged (9.6% in 2011 to 6.0% in 2019). Confidence in discussing condoms with partners decreased over time (from 72.2% in 2011 to 56.6% in 2019). Confidence in discussing condoms was associated with concern about sexually transmitted infections, and more consistent condom use. Sustaining confidence in using condoms may be more challenging as biomedical prevention methods become more commonly used.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James MacGibbon
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Heath Paynter
- Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Jeanne Ellard
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | | | - John de Wit
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia
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MEREU ALESSANDRA, LIORI ARIANNA, FADDA LUCA, PUDDU MASSIMILIANO, CHESSA LUCHINO, CONTU PAOLO, SARDU CLAUDIA. What do young people know about HIV? Results of a cross sectional study on 18-24-year-old students. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2022; 63:E541-E548. [PMID: 36891004 PMCID: PMC9986992 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.4.2555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Increasing people's knowledge of transmission, prevention, early diagnosis, and available treatments is a key step toward HIV control; it means setting the conditions for empowerment and enabling individuals to make aware choices about the prevention strategy best suited to their needs. This study aims to identify unmet needs on HIV knowledge among freshman students. Methods A cross sectional study was carried out at the University of Cagliari, which is an Italian public state university. Data were collected by means of an anonymous questionnaire; the final sample included 801 students. Results Results offer a detailed picture of students' knowledge and perceptions of HIV. Several topics deserve to be better understood by students, but the main gaps relate to the pre-exposure prophylaxis and the decreased likelihood of sexually transmitting HIV due to early treatments. Students' vision of the quality of life of people living with HIV was negatively affected by perceiving as relevant the effects of HIV on physical health or on sexual/affective domains, while conversely, it seemed positively affected by knowing that current treatments are useful for counteracting physical symptoms and decreasing the possibility of transmitting HIV. Conclusion Being aware of the potential benefits of current therapies could favour a less negative view, in line with the current state of the beneficial effects of HIV treatment. Universities are a valuable setting to bridge the HIV knowledge gap and thus also contribute to tackling stigma and actively promoting HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- ALESSANDRA MEREU
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - ARIANNA LIORI
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - LUCHINO CHESSA
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - PAOLO CONTU
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - CLAUDIA SARDU
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: Claudia Sardu, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy. Tel.: +390706753106 - E-mail:
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McKay T, Akré ER, Henne J, Kari N, Conway A, Gothelf I. LGBTQ+ Affirming Care May Increase Awareness and Understanding of Undetectable = Untransmittable among Midlife and Older Gay and Bisexual Men in the US South. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10534. [PMID: 36078248 PMCID: PMC9518313 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
One of the most significant innovations in HIV prevention is the use of HIV treatment to prevent HIV transmission. This information has been disseminated as the "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U = U) message. Despite evidence of effectiveness, U = U awareness, belief, and understanding remains limited in some communities. In this study, we examine whether having an LGBTQ affirming healthcare provider increases U = U awareness, belief, and understanding among midlife and older gay and bisexual men in the US south, an understudied and underserved population and region where new HIV infections are increasing. We used data from the Vanderbilt University Social Networks Aging and Policy Study (VUSNAPS) on sexual minority men aged 50 to 76 from four southern US states collected in 2020-2021. We found that only one in four men reported prior awareness of U = U, but awareness was higher among men who have an LGBTQ affirming provider. Among HIV negative men, those with an affirming provider were more likely to believe and understand U = U, have more accurate risk perception, and have ever tested for HIV. Improving access to LGBTQ affirming healthcare may improve U = U awareness, belief, and understanding, which could help to curb HIV transmission in the US south.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara McKay
- Department of Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | | | | | - Nitya Kari
- Department of Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Adam Conway
- Department of Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Isabel Gothelf
- Department of Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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Tibebu NS, Kassie BA, Kebede AA, Anteneh TA, Temesgan WZ, Aklil MB, Wondie KY, Abegaz MY, Ayalew HG, Rade BK. Consistent condom use and its associated factors among human immunodeficiency virus-positive pregnant women in Ethiopia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:907879. [PMID: 35991634 PMCID: PMC9386488 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.907879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Consistent condom use plays a significant role in the successful protection of the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in couples with sero-discordant HIV status, mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT), and acquiring other strains in HIV-positive concordant pairs. Limited data and information about this issue are available in low-resource setting countries, including the study setting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of consistent condom use and its associated factors among HIV-positive pregnant women. Materials and methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was done from 17 October 2020 to 1 March 2021. A total of 423 HIV-positive pregnant women were involved in this study and selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire and then entered into EPI INFO version 7 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Logistic regressions were performed to identify factors. P-Value ≤ 0.05 denotes statistical significance. Results The prevalence of consistent condom use among HIV-positive pregnant women was 14.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.9%, 17.5%]. Women having a higher educational status [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.33, 95% CI 1.96, 20.42], women having a CD4 count > 600 cells/mm (AOR = 4.78, 95% CI 2.08, 10.97), women testing positive for HIV during the non-pregnant state (AOR = 5.99, 95% CI 3.01, 11.94), and women disclosing their HIV status to sexual partners (AOR = 4.85, 95% CI 1.71, 13.71) were found to be statically significant with women’s consistent condom use. Conclusion In this study, consistent condom use among HIV-positive pregnant women was low. Women having educational status of college and above studies, women testing positive for HIV during the non-pregnant state, women disclosing their HIV status to a sexual partner, and women having a CD4 count > 600 cells/mm had better consistent condom use. Hence, giving more emphasis on health education and counseling service about HIV testing before pregnancy, and disclosing their HIV status to their sexual partners and about the need for consistent condom use during pregnancy would be important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebiyu Solomon Tibebu
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Belayneh Ayanaw Kassie
- Department of Women's and Family Health, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Azmeraw Ambachew Kebede
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tazeb Alemu Anteneh
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wubedle Zelalem Temesgan
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mastewal Belayneh Aklil
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kindu Yinges Wondie
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Marta Yimam Abegaz
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwotie Getaneh Ayalew
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Bayew Kelkay Rade
- Department of General Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Schroeder SE, Bourne A, Doyle JS, Hellard ME, Stoové M, Pedrana A. Constructing a 'target population': A critical analysis of public health discourse on substance use among gay and bisexual men, 2000-2020. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 108:103808. [PMID: 35914477 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay and bisexual men (GBM) have higher substance use prevalences than general population samples - often attributed to stigmatisation of sexual minority identities. We examined how influential public health research on substance use among GBM interprets this behaviour and what GBM-specific identities emerge through the discourses employed. METHODS We searched Web of Science for publications on substance use among GBM, selecting 60 of the most cited papers published during 2000-2020. We studied the language used to describe and interpret drug-using behaviour using critical discourse analysis, focusing on interpretive repertoires and subject positions. RESULTS Three distinct discursive tendencies were identified. First, in constructing a target population, GBM who use illicit drugs are positioned as deficient, socially irresponsible, and maladapted to dealing with stigmatisation and HIV risks. Second, in shifting the focus beyond the individual, the gay community is conceptualised as offering a safe space for socialisation. Nonetheless, gay community spaces are problematised as promoting substance use among vulnerable GBM through aggravating loneliness and normalising drug use as a form of maladaptive (avoidance) coping. Third, counterdiscursive movements add nuance, context, and comparisons that relativise rather than generalise substance use and focus on pleasure and self-determination. Such discourses centre the need for interventions that disrupt homophobic socio-structures instead of individualising approaches to limit non-conformity. CONCLUSION 'Expert' assessments of substance use among GBM perpetuate pathologising understandings of this behaviour and promote abject subject positions, contributing to perpetuations of intergroup stigma and social exclusion based on drug and sexual practices. Our findings highlight the need for deliberate and critical engagement with prior research and a conscious effort to disrupt dominant discourses on GBM's substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Schroeder
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia.
| | - A Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - J S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M E Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia
| | - A Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia
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Challenges to communicating the Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U) HIV prevention message: Healthcare provider perspectives. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271607. [PMID: 35862361 PMCID: PMC9302742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
“Undetectable equals Untransmittable”, or U=U, is a public health message designed to reduce HIV stigma and help communicate the scientific consensus that HIV cannot be sexually transmitted when a person living with HIV has an undetectable viral load. Between October 2020-February 2021 we conducted 11 in-depth interviews and 3 focus groups with diverse HIV/STI service providers (nurses, public health workers, physicians, frontline providers, and sexual health educators) in Ontario, Canada (n = 18). Our objective was to understand how U=U was communicated to sexual health service users in healthcare interactions. Interview questions were embedded in a larger study focused on improving access to HIV/STI testing. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analysed following grounded theory. Most providers emphasized the significance of U=U as a biomedical advancement in HIV prevention but had some challenges communicating U=U in everyday practice. We discovered four interrelated barriers when communicating the U=U message: (1) provider-perceived challenges with “zero risk” messaging (e.g., wanting to “leave a margin” of HIV risk); (2) service users not interested in receiving sexual health information (e.g., in order to provide “client centered care” some providers do not share U=U messages if service users are only interested in HIV/STI testing or if other discussions must be prioritized); (3) skepticism and HIV stigma from service users (e.g., providers explained how the hesitancy of some service users accepting the U=U message was shaped by a legacy of HIV prevention messages and persistent HIV stigma); and (4) need for more culturally appropriate resources (e.g., communities other than sexual and gender minority men; non-English speaking service users; that account for broader legal context). We discuss ways to overcome barriers to communicating the U=U message as well as the limitations and potential unintended consequences of U=U framings in the context of unequal access to HIV prevention and treatment.
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47
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Logie CH, Sokolovic N, Kazemi M, Islam S, Frank P, Gormley R, Kaida A, de Pokomandy A, Loutfy M. Does resource insecurity drive HIV-related stigma? Associations between food and housing insecurity with HIV-related stigma in cohort of women living with HIV in Canada. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 1:e25913. [PMID: 35818863 PMCID: PMC9274209 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women living with HIV across global contexts are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and housing insecurity. Food and housing insecurity are resource insecurities associated with poorer health outcomes among people living with HIV. Poverty, a deeply stigmatized phenomenon, is a contributing factor towards food and housing insecurity. HIV-related stigma-the devaluation, mistreatment and constrained access to power and opportunities experienced by people living with HIV-intersects with structural inequities. Few studies, however, have examined food and housing insecurity as drivers of HIV-related stigma. This study aimed to estimate the associations between food and housing insecurity with HIV-related stigma among women living with HIV in Canada. METHODS This prospective cohort study of women living with HIV (≥16 years old) in three provinces in Canada involved three waves of surveys collected at 18-month intervals between 2013 and 2018. To understand associations between food and housing security and HIV-related stigma, we conducted linear mixed effects regression models. We adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics associated with HIV-related stigma. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Among participants (n = 1422), more than one-third (n = 509; 36%) reported baseline food insecurity and approximately one-tenth (n = 152, 11%) housing insecurity. Mean HIV-related stigma scores were consistent across waves 1 (mean [M] = 57.2, standard deviation [SD] = 20.0, N = 1401) and 2 (M = 57.4, SD = 19.0, N = 1227) but lower at wave 3 (M = 52.8, SD = 18.7, N = 918). On average, across time, food insecure participants reported HIV-related stigma scores that were 8.6 points higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.4, 10.8) compared with food secure individuals. Similarly, participants reporting insecure housing at wave 1 tended to experience greater HIV-related stigma (6.2 points, 95% CI: 2.7, 9.6) over time compared to stably housed participants. There was an interaction between time and housing insecurity, whereby baseline housing insecurity was no longer associated with higher HIV-related stigma at the third wave. CONCLUSIONS Among women living with HIV in Canada, experiencing food and housing insecurity was associated with consistently higher levels of HIV-related stigma. In addition to the urgent need to tackle food and housing insecurity among people living with HIV to optimize wellbeing, getting to the heart of HIV-related stigma requires identifying and dismantling resource insecurity-related stigma drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nina Sokolovic
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mina Kazemi
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shaz Islam
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peggy Frank
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rebecca Gormley
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alexandra de Pokomandy
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mona Loutfy
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Coyne R, Walsh JC, Noone C. Awareness, Understanding and HIV Stigma in Response to Undetectable = Untransmittable Messages: Findings from a Nationally Representative Sample in the United Kingdom. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3818-3826. [PMID: 35687191 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03710-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
'Undetectable = Untransmittable', or 'U = U', is a message which communicates the scientific consensus that people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV to others. This research aimed to empirically test whether a protection-framed U = U message is more effective at decreasing HIV stigma and increasing perceived accuracy of U = U than a risk-framed message. A nationally representative UK sample (N = 707) completed an online experiment. Participants viewed one of two U = U messages (protection-framed or risk-framed) and completed an online questionnaire. No evidence of a difference in HIV stigma at post-test or in perceived accuracy of U = U was found between the two message frame conditions. A minority of participants were aware of U = U prior to participation. Post-intervention, the majority of participants rated U = U as at least somewhat accurate. Higher understanding of U = U was associated with lower post-test stigma following a protection-framed message. Following a brief intervention, among a sample predominantly unaware of U = U previously, there was an overall favourable rating of U = U. No evidence was found for an effect of message framing on HIV stigma or perceived accuracy of U = U, but participants who completed a pre-test measure of stigma rated U = U as less accurate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Coyne
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Jane C Walsh
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Chris Noone
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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How Little Do We Know about HIV and STIs Prevention? Results from a Web-Based Survey among the General Population. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061059. [PMID: 35742110 PMCID: PMC9222353 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Prevention campaigns have led to a significant decrease in new HIV diagnoses in Western Europe, while other sexual transmitted infections (STIs) have shown an opposite trend. Several educational programs are promoted among young students, whereas informational campaigns addressing the general population are scarce. We aimed to investigate the level of awareness regarding STIs among the general population. Methods: We proposed a questionnaire regarding STIs and HIV to the general population in Italy. We assigned 1 point to correct, 0.5 point to partially correct, and 0 point to wrong answers. We collected data about age, sex, region of origin, level of education and whether they were health workers. Results: Overall, 2183 people answered the questionnaire, of which 555 aged over 50 years old. Being male, older than 50 years old, retired or unemployed, not educated, and no regular use of condoms were associated with lower scores. Only 16% of participants knew the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) campaign. Overall, 2131 (97.6%) people think more educational campaigns should be offered. Of interest, 80% said the questionnaire led them to learn more about HIV and STIs. Conclusion: Our study reveals several gaps in general population awareness about HIV and STIs, especially among people aged over 50 years old. Most participants stated that the questionnaire was a learning opportunity. These data suggest that improvement of knowledge could start from easy-to-dispose medium, such as surveys and questionnaires delivered through social media. Furthermore, particular attention should be paid to population segmentation and campaign tailoring to enhance interventions effectiveness. Our data reinforce the need for more informational and educational campaigns tailored to the specific segments of the population.
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50
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Lawhorn C, Stirratt MJ, Rausch DM. Turning the tide in HIV through health communication research. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25955. [PMID: 35739624 PMCID: PMC9226360 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Collene Lawhorn
- Division of AIDS Research, National Institute of Mental Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael J Stirratt
- Division of AIDS Research, National Institute of Mental Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Dianne M Rausch
- Division of AIDS Research, National Institute of Mental Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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