201
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Asanati K, Majeed A, Shemtob L, Cresswell F. Healthcare workers potentially exposed to HIV: an update. J R Soc Med 2022; 115:286-288. [PMID: 35722995 PMCID: PMC9340101 DOI: 10.1177/01410768221107122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Asanati
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK
| | - Lara Shemtob
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK
| | - Fiona Cresswell
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, BN1 9PX, UK.,MRC-UVRI-London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, PO Box 49, Uganda
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202
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Cafaro A, Ensoli B. HIV-1 therapeutic vaccines in clinical development to intensify or replace antiretroviral therapy: the promising results of the Tat vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1243-1253. [PMID: 35695268 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2089119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Upon the introduction of the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV infection has become a chronic disease. However, cART is unable to eradicate the virus and fails to restore the CD4 counts in about 30% of the treated individuals. Furthermore, treatment is life-long, and it does not protect from morbidities typically observed in the elderly. Therapeutic vaccines represent the most cost-effective intervention to intensify or replace cART. AREAS COVERED Here, we briefly discuss the obstacles to the development and evaluation of the efficacy of therapeutic vaccines and review recent approaches evaluated in clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Although vaccines were generally safe and immunogenic, evidence of efficacy was negligible or marginal in most trials. A notable exception is the therapeutic Tat vaccine approach showing promising results of cART intensification, with CD4 T-cell increase and proviral load reduction beyond those afforded by cART alone. Rationale and evidence in support of choosing Tat as the vaccine target are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio Cafaro
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Ensoli
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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203
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Chen F, Tang H, Han J, Li D, Li P, Wang N, Han M, Wang L, Wang L. Association of HCV Prior Infection and Unprotected Sex on Subsequent HIV Acquisition Risk in the Era of Treatment as Prevention. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:902271. [PMID: 35685415 PMCID: PMC9171012 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.902271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Little was known about the impact of HCV prior infection on HIV transmission and acquisition. We aimed to explore whether HCV prior infection and its interactions with unprotected sex affected HIV acquisition. Methods This study was conducted among HIV heterosexual serodiscordant couples whose index cases were receiving treatment during 2008–2014 in Zhumadian. At baseline, we collected information on demographics and medical history of ART use, CD4 count, and HIV viral load for index partners, and also HIV and HCV status for non-index partners. For each year's visit, we followed up on sexual behaviors among couples in the recent year and HIV seroconversion of non-index partners. Analyses of the Cox model and synergistic interaction were performed. Results We identified 81 HIV seroconversions over 18,370.39 person-years, with the overall HIV seroconversion rate of 0.44 per 100 person-years. Couples, whose index cases were aged 50 years and above, had a baseline viral load >400 copies per ml and no AIDS-defining illness, and newly-initiated ART in the study period had a higher risk of HIV seroconversion. Unprotected sex and HCV prior infection showed a synergistic association with HIV acquisition risk (RERI = 3.65, SI = 0.48, AP = 2.24). Conclusion Unprotected sex and HCV infection were independent risk factors associated with HIV acquisition. The coexistence of them might have a synergistic effect on the risk which needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Chen
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Houlin Tang
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Han
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Zhumadian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhumadian, Henan, China
| | - Dongmin Li
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Peilong Li
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Wang
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Mengjie Han
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Editorial Department of Chinese Journal of Epidemiology, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wang
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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204
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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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205
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Subronto YW, Kusmayanti NA, Januraga PP, Dewa Wirawan LN, Wisaksana R, Sukmaningrum E, Kawi NH, Iskandar S, Mulyani T, Sulaiman N, Magnani R, Kaldor J, Law M. Simplified clinical algorithm for immediate antiretroviral therapy initiation: The HATI [HIV awal (early) Test & Treat in Indonesia] implementation research in Indonesia. Indian J Med Res 2022; 156:729-741. [PMID: 37056072 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_239_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives Although the World Health Organization recommends same day or rapid (< seven days) antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, delays in ART initiation remain common due to waiting for laboratory test results. This study employed a simplified clinical algorithm the HATI [HIV Awal (Early) Test & Treat Indonesia]-SAI (Simple ART Initiation) aimed to increase the proportion of ART uptake and decrease the time to ART initiation that can be used in various care settings. Methods This study compared the percentage of ART uptake and retention, viral load (VL) suppression and time to ART initiation between the observation and intervention phases among newly diagnosed HIV patients from key populations. As part of the intervention, the newly diagnosed patients underwent screening using a simple form [consisting of data on age, height and weight (for body mass index calculation), questions on the presence of symptoms of HIV stages 1 and 2, tuberculosis, history of diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease], to determine eligibility for immediate ART initiation. Those who met the pre-defined criteria immediately received a combination of tenofovir lamivudine and efavirenz for two weeks. The baseline laboratory examination due to this was moved up to two weeks post ART. Factors significantly associated with ART uptake were also determined and their odds ratios were measured using logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 2173 people newly diagnosed with HIV were recruited, with 1579 and 594 in the observation and intervention phases, respectively. In both phases, the majority were men who have sex with men, who were young (<30 yr old) and employed, with high levels of education. The intervention phase significantly increased the proportion of ART initiation [91%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 89-93% vs. 78%, 95% CI: 76-80%] but did not have any impact on the proportion of six months retention and VL suppression. The intervention also significantly decreased the time to ART initiation from median ± interquartile range: 9±20 days to 2±10 days. Interpretation & conclusions The findings of this study suggest that the HATI-SAI intervention increased the uptake and decreased the time for immediate ART initiation. The HATI-SAI provides a simple and safe clinical approach that can readily be adopted in different settings without a costly investment in technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanri Wijayanti Subronto
- Center for Tropical Medicine; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Tropical Medicine & Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, & Nursing, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Pande Putu Januraga
- Center for Public Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | | | - Rudi Wisaksana
- Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Padjajaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Evi Sukmaningrum
- Department of Psychology; Centre of Excellence Health Policy and HIV-AIDS, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Shelly Iskandar
- Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Padjajaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Tri Mulyani
- Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Padjajaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Nurjannah Sulaiman
- Indonesia Ministry of Health, Directorate Communicable Disease Control, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Magnani
- HIV-AIDS Research Centre, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - John Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Law
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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206
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Jennings L, Kellermann T, Spinelli M, Nkantsu Z, Cogill D, van Schalkwyk M, Decloedt E, van Zyl G, Orrell C, Gandhi M. Drug Resistance, Rather than Low Tenofovir Levels in Blood or Urine, Is Associated with Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, and Efavirenz Failure in Resource-Limited Settings. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022; 38:455-462. [PMID: 34779228 PMCID: PMC9225825 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2021.0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The high cost of viral load (VL) testing limits its use for antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence support. A low-cost lateral flow urine tenofovir (TFV) rapid assay predicts pre-exposure prophylaxis breakthroughs, but has not yet been investigated in HIV treatment. We therefore evaluated its utility in a pilot cross-sectional study of TFV-containing ART recipients at an increased risk of virologic failure (VF). Participants who had a treatment interruption ≥30 days or had ≥1 episode of viremia (VL ≥400 copies/mL) in the previous year were recruited from a public health setting in Cape Town, South Africa. Self-reported adherence data were collected, the urine TFV assay performed, and concurrent TFV-diphosphate analyzed in dried blood spots. VL testing was done concurrently and, if viremic, genotypic HIV drug resistance testing was performed. Of 48 participants, 18 (37.5%) had VL (>400 copies/mL) at the time of the study, including 16 of 39 receiving efavirenz (EFV), 2 of 6 receiving protease inhibitors, and 0 of 3 receiving dolutegravir. Resistance testing succeeded in 17/18, of which 14 had significant mutations compromising ≥2 agents of the current EFV-based regimen. Of these 14, all had detected urine TFV. Urine TFV was undetectable in two out of three without regimen-relevant resistance; p = .02. In participants on EFV-based regimens returning to care, VF was largely due to viral resistance, where detectable urine TFV had 100% sensitivity (14/14 participants) in predicting resistance. Conversely, when undetectable, the urine-based assay could be used to preclude participants with poor adherence from undergoing costly HIV drug resistance testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jennings
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tracy Kellermann
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthew Spinelli
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at UCSF/San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Zukiswa Nkantsu
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dolphina Cogill
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marije van Schalkwyk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eric Decloedt
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gert van Zyl
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Business Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at UCSF/San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
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207
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Johnson SD, Fox HS, Buch S, Byrareddy SN. Chronic Opioid Administration is Associated with Prevotella-dominated Dysbiosis in SIVmac251 Infected, cART-treated Macaques. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2022; 17:3-14. [PMID: 33788119 PMCID: PMC9969301 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-09993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an elevated risk of opioid misuse due to both prescriptions for HIV-associated chronic pain and because injection drug use remains a primary mode of HIV transmission. HIV pathogenesis is characterized by chronic immune activation and microbial dysbiosis, and translocation across the gut barrier exacerbating inflammation. Despite the high rate of co-occurrence, little is known about the microbiome during chronic opioid use in the context of HIV and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We recently demonstrated the reduction of the CD4 + T-cell reservoir in lymphoid tissues but increased in microglia/macrophage reservoirs in CNS by using morphine-treated, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques with viremia suppressed by cART. To understand whether morphine may perturb the gut-brain axis, fecal samples were collected at necropsy, DNA isolated, and 16S rRNA sequenced and changes of the microbiome analyzed. We found that morphine treatment led to dysbiosis, primarily characterized by expansion of Bacteroidetes, particularly Prevotellaceae, at the expense of Firmicutes and other members of healthy microbial communities resulting in a lower α-diversity. Of the many genera in Prevotellaceae, the differences between the saline and morphine group were primarily due to a higher relative abundance of Prevotella_9, the taxa most similar to Prevotella copri, an inflammatory pathobiont in the human microbiome. These findings reinforce previous research showing that opioid abuse is associated with dysbiosis, therefore, warranting additional future research to elucidate the complex interaction between the host and opioid abuse during HIV and SIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Howard S Fox
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Shilpa Buch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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208
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Wirden M, Palich R, Abdi B, Valantin MA, Tubiana R, Schneider L, Seang S, Faycal A, Sellem B, Katlama C, Calvez V, Marcelin AG. More HIV-1 RNA detected and quantified with the Cobas 6800 system in patients on antiretroviral therapy. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:2251-2256. [PMID: 35640662 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Target-detected (TD) results or low-level viraemia (LLV) can be observed in HIV-1 patients on ART, which regularly raises questions. OBJECTIVES We describe here the impact on HIV-1 RNA quantification of switching from the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan (CAP/CTM) to the Cobas 6800 system (C6800), based on analyses of viraemia close to the lower limit of quantification (LLoQ). PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively selected two groups of patients: 200 individuals whose viral loads (VLs) were consistently <50 copies/mL with CAP/CTM for at least 3 years before switching to C6800 (group 1), and 35 other patients with confirmed LLV when C6800 was in use (group 2). In both groups, we compared several consecutive VL results performed before and after the change of quantification assay. Analyses were performed with McNemar's paired tests or Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS In group 1, the frequency of TD results (below or above the LLoQ) increased significantly after the switch to C6800 for patients with <25% of results being TD for VLs performed with CAP/CTM (P < 0.0001). Significantly more patients had at least one VL ≥20 or ≥50 copies/mL with C6800, in both group 1 (37.0% versus 18.5%; P < 0.0001 and 6.5% versus 0%; P = 0.0009, respectively) and group 2 (100% versus 66%; P = 0.0015 and 97% versus 40%; P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS C6800 revealed residual or low-level HIV-1 RNA that was not detected with CAP/CTM, resulting in twice as many patients being found to have a VL ≥20 copies/mL. Physicians and patients should be aware of possible differences in results between assays, and it is crucial to specify the quantitative assay used in studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Wirden
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France
| | - Romain Palich
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Basma Abdi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France
| | - Marc Antoine Valantin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Roland Tubiana
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Luminita Schneider
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Seang
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Faycal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Baptiste Sellem
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Christine Katlama
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Calvez
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Geneviève Marcelin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, (IPLESP), F75013, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, Paris, France
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209
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Matsuda EM, de Oliveira IP, Bao LB, Manzoni FM, Campos NC, Varejão BB, Leal MP, Nascimento VB, Brígido LFDM. Impact of covid-19 on people living with HIV-1: care and prevention indicators at a local and nationwide level, Santo André, Brazil. Rev Saude Publica 2022; 56:37. [PMID: 35649084 PMCID: PMC9126580 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2022056004314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The world has been dealing with Aids for forty years, covid-19 accentuated societal inequalities and promoted a rupture in care and prevention, including for people living with HIV. We compiled official HIV indicators, analyzed the impact of covid-19 in Brazil, at São Paulo State (SP), and compared it to the municipality of Santo André (in the state of São Paulo), which adopted linkage/retention strategies to mitigate the impact of covid-19. From 2019 to 2020, suppression/adhesion rates remained stable. The number of new treatments decreased both in Brazil (-19.75%) and São Paulo (-16.44%), but not in Santo André, where 80% of new patients started treatment within 30 days from their first TCD4 test (70% in São Paulo and 64% in Brazil). However, PrEP dispensing increased during this period. The distribution of 2,820 HIV self-tests in Santo André lead to only one documented new HIV diagnosis linked to care. Synergistic strategies to swiftly diagnose and connect new cases, ensuring retention as well as rescuing missing patients deserve priority in the fight against HIV, especially in times of covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Monteiro Matsuda
- Secretaria da Saúde de Santo AndréCentro Médico de Especialidades – InfectologiaSanto AndréSão PauloBrasilSecretaria da Saúde de Santo André. Centro Médico de Especialidades – Infectologia. Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Isabela Penteriche de Oliveira
- Secretaria da Saúde de Santo AndréCentro Médico de Especialidades – InfectologiaSanto AndréSão PauloBrasilSecretaria da Saúde de Santo André. Centro Médico de Especialidades – Infectologia. Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Laura Ballesteros Bao
- Secretaria da Saúde de Santo AndréCentro Médico de Especialidades – InfectologiaSanto AndréSão PauloBrasilSecretaria da Saúde de Santo André. Centro Médico de Especialidades – Infectologia. Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Matsuda Manzoni
- Secretaria da Saúde de Santo AndréCentro Médico de Especialidades – InfectologiaSanto AndréSão PauloBrasilSecretaria da Saúde de Santo André. Centro Médico de Especialidades – Infectologia. Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Norberto Camilo Campos
- Instituto Adolfo LutzCentro de VirologiaSão PauloSão PauloBrasilInstituto Adolfo Lutz. Centro de Virologia. São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Beatriz Brajal Varejão
- Secretaria da Saúde de Santo AndréCentro Médico de Especialidades – InfectologiaSanto AndréSão PauloBrasilSecretaria da Saúde de Santo André. Centro Médico de Especialidades – Infectologia. Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Maristelly Pereira Leal
- Instituto Adolfo LutzCentro de VirologiaSão PauloSão PauloBrasilInstituto Adolfo Lutz. Centro de Virologia. São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Vania Barbosa Nascimento
- Faculdade de Medicina do ABCPós-Graduação em Saúde ColetivaSanto AndréSão PauloBrasilFaculdade de Medicina do ABC. Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva. Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Luís Fernando de Macedo Brígido
- Instituto Adolfo LutzCentro de VirologiaSão PauloSão PauloBrasilInstituto Adolfo Lutz. Centro de Virologia. São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
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210
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Kaul R, Liu CM, Park DE, Galiwango RM, Tobian AAR, Prodger JL. The Penis, the Vagina and HIV Risk: Key Differences (Aside from the Obvious). Viruses 2022; 14:v14061164. [PMID: 35746636 PMCID: PMC9227947 DOI: 10.3390/v14061164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, most Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV) transmission occurs through vaginal–penile sex (heterosexual transmission). The local immune environment at the site of HIV exposure is an important determinant of whether exposure during sex will lead to productive infection, and the vaginal and penile immune milieus are each critically shaped by the local microbiome. However, there are key differences in the microbial drivers of inflammation and immune quiescence at these tissue sites. In both, a high abundance of anaerobic taxa (e.g., Prevotella) is associated with an increased local density of HIV target cells and an increased risk of acquiring HIV through sex. However, the taxa that have been associated to date with increased risk in the vagina and penis are not identical. Just as importantly, the microbiota associated with comparatively less inflammation and HIV risk—i.e., the optimal microbiota—are very different at the two sites. In the vagina, Lactobacillus spp. are immunoregulatory and may protect against HIV acquisition, whereas on the penis, “skin type” flora such as Corynebacterium are associated with reduced inflammation. Compared to its vaginal counterpart, much less is known about the dynamics of the penile microbiome, the ability of clinical interventions to alter the penile microbiome, or the impact of natural/induced microbiome alterations on penile immunology and HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert Kaul
- Departments of Medicine and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Cindy M. Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (C.M.L.); (D.E.P.)
| | - Daniel E. Park
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (C.M.L.); (D.E.P.)
| | | | - Aaron A. R. Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Jessica L. Prodger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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211
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Tattersall T, Tam C, Moore D, Wesseling T, Grieve S, Wang L, Bacani N, Montaner JSG, Hogg RS, Barrios R, Salters K. Healthcare and treatment experiences among people diagnosed with HIV before and after a province-wide treatment as prevention initiative in British Columbia, Canada. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1022. [PMID: 35597938 PMCID: PMC9123764 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13415-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In 2010, the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC) initiated the Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention of HIV/AIDS (STOP HIV/AIDS) program to improve HIV testing, linkage to care, and treatment uptake, thereby operationalizing the HIV Treatment as Prevention (TasP) framework at the population-level. In this analysis, we evaluated self-reported HIV care experiences and therapeutic outcomes among people diagnosed with HIV prior to and after implementation of this provincial program. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed on the baseline data of a cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH) (19 years and older) in the province of BC sampled from July 2016 to September 2018. All participants consented to linking their survey data to the provincial HIV treatment registry. Individuals diagnosed with HIV from January 1 2000—December 31 2009 were classified as pre-intervention and those diagnosed January 1 2010—December 31 2018 as post-intervention cohorts. Bivariate analyses were run using Chi-square and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. Cox proportional hazards regression model demonstrates time to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation (from HIV baseline) and virological suppression (2 consecutive plasma viral load measurements < 200 copies/ml). Results Of the 325 participants included in this analysis, 198 (61%) were diagnosed with HIV in the pre-intervention era and 127 (39%) in the post-intervention era. A higher proportion of participants in post-intervention era were diagnosed at walk-in clinics (45% vs. 39%) and hospitals (21% vs. 11%) (vs pre-intervention) (p = 0.042). Post-intervention participants had initiated ART with less advanced HIV disease (CD4 count 410 vs. 270 cells/ul; p = 0.001) and were less likely to experience treatment interruptions at any point in the 5 years after HIV diagnosis (17% vs. 48%; p < 0.001). The post-intervention cohort had significantly more timely ART initiation (aHR: 5.97, 95%CI 4.47, 7.97) and virologic suppression (aHR: 2.03, 95%CI 1.58, 2.60) following diagnosis, after controlling for confounders. Conclusions We found favourable treatment experiences and more timely ART initiation and virologic suppression after a targeted TasP provincial program. Our results illustrate the importance of accessible low-barrier HIV testing and treatment in tackling the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Tattersall
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada
| | - Clara Tam
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada
| | - David Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tim Wesseling
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada
| | - Sean Grieve
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada
| | - Nic Bacani
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada
| | - Julio S G Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Rolando Barrios
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate Salters
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z1Y6, Canada. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
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212
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Vieira VA, Herbert N, Cromhout G, Adland E, Goulder P. Role of Early Life Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte and Natural Killer Cell Immunity in Paediatric HIV Cure/Remission in the Anti-Retroviral Therapy Era. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886562. [PMID: 35634290 PMCID: PMC9130627 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Only three well-characterised cases of functional cure have been described in paediatric HIV infection over the past decade. This underlines the fact that early initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), whilst minimising the size of the viral reservoir, is insufficient to achieve cure, unless other factors contribute. In this review, we consider these additional factors that may facilitate functional cure in paediatric infection. Among the early life immune activity, these include HIV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cell responses. The former have less potent antiviral efficacy in paediatric compared with adult infection, and indeed, in early life, NK responses have greater impact in suppressing viral replication than CTL. This fact may contribute to a greater potential for functional cure to be achieved in paediatric versus adult infection, since post-treatment control in adults is associated less with highly potent CTL activity, and more with effective antiviral NK cell responses. Nonetheless, antiviral CTL responses can play an increasingly effective role through childhood, especially in individuals expressing then 'protective' HLA-I molecules HLA-B*27/57/58:01/8101. The role of the innate system on preventing infection, in shaping the particular viruses transmitted, and influencing outcome is discussed. The susceptibility of female fetuses to in utero mother-to-child transmission, especially in the setting of recent maternal infection, is a curiosity that also provides clues to mechanisms by which cure may be achieved, since initial findings are that viral rebound is less frequent among males who interrupt cART. The potential of broadly neutralising antibody therapy to facilitate cure in children who have received early cART is discussed. Finally, we draw attention to the impact of the changing face of the paediatric HIV epidemic on cure potential. The effect of cART is not limited to preventing AIDS and reducing the risk of transmission. cART also affects which mothers transmit. No longer are mothers who transmit those who carry genes associated with poor immune control of HIV. In the cART era, a high proportion (>70% in our South African study) of transmitting mothers are those who seroconvert in pregnancy or who for social reasons are diagnosed late in pregnancy. As a result, now, genes associated with poor immune control of HIV are not enriched in mothers who transmit HIV to their child. These changes will likely influence the effectiveness of HLA-associated immune responses and therefore cure potential among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius A. Vieira
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Herbert
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gabriela Cromhout
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Emily Adland
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Goulder
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa,HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,*Correspondence: Philip Goulder,
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213
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Howarth AR, Apea V, Michie S, Morris S, Sachikonye M, Mercer CH, Evans A, Delpech VC, Sabin C, Burns FM. Associations with sub-optimal clinic attendance and reasons for missed appointments among heterosexual women and men living with HIV in London. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3620-3629. [PMID: 35536520 PMCID: PMC9550732 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03681-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Poor engagement in HIV care is associated with poorer health outcomes and increased mortality. Our survey examined experiential and circumstantial factors associated with clinic attendance among women (n = 250) and men (n = 106) in London with heterosexually-acquired HIV. While no associations were found for women, among men, sub-optimal attendance was associated with insecure immigration status (25.6% vs. 1.8%), unstable housing (32.6% vs. 10.2%) and reported effect of HIV on daily activities (58.7% vs. 40.0%). Among women and men on ART, it was associated with missing doses of ART (OR = 2.96, 95% CI:1.74-5.02), less belief in the necessity of ART (OR = 0.56, 95% CI:0.35-0.90) and more concern about ART (OR = 3.63, 95% CI:1.45-9.09). Not wanting to think about being HIV positive was the top reason for ever missing clinic appointments. It is important to tackle stigma and the underlying social determinants of health to improve HIV prevention, and the health and well-being of people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Howarth
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
- UCL Institute for Global Health, Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, WC1E 6JB, London, UK.
| | - V Apea
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - S Michie
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - S Morris
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - C H Mercer
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Evans
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - C Sabin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - F M Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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214
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Geretti AM, Mardh O, de Vries HJC, Winter A, McSorley J, Seguy N, Vuylsteke B, Gokengin D. Sexual transmission of infections across Europe: appraising the present, scoping the future. Sex Transm Infect 2022; 98:sextrans-2022-055455. [PMID: 35537800 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Our journal partnered with the Europe section of the International Union against STI (IUSTI) at a workshop held at the 18th European AIDS Conference in London on 30 October 2021. The workshop reviewed epidemiological trends and discussed STI care provision within HIV services across Europe. Methods and Results: We started by highlighting trends in bacterial STIs reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control from countries in the European Union/European Economic Area. This showed that notifications of bacterial STIs reached an all-time high in 2019, but are expected to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. We then reviewed the evolving relationship between STIs and HIV and pointed out how antiretroviral treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis remain highly effective against HIV transmission despite the rising incidence of STIs. Within emerging concepts in STIs, we appraised the benefits and risks of asymptomatic screening for chlamydia, and also considered the potential perils of routinely testing for agents that lack a defined role in disease. Finally, we discussed standards of STI care for people living with HIV, informed by a brief survey of IUSTI Europe country representatives and members of the Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe network. Conclusions: The survey indicated substantial variability and identified key improvement targets: fighting barriers to effective service provision and access, increasing diagnostic capability and taking leadership in driving up the quality of care. We must not forget the STI-related needs of the many people who will be living with HIV for decades into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Geretti
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione PTV and University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Otilia Mardh
- HIV/STI & Hepatitis, European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Henry J C de Vries
- Dept. of Dermatology, University of Amsterdam and Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew Winter
- Sandyford Sexual Health, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - John McSorley
- The Patrick Clements Centre, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicole Seguy
- Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization (WHO), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Dept. of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Deniz Gokengin
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
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215
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Folayan MO, Aliyu S, Oginni A, Ezechi O, Kolawole G, Ezeama N, Dadem N, Anenih J, Alagi M, Ekanem E, Afiadigwe E, Aguolu R, Oyebode T, Babalola-Jacobs A, Sagay A, Nweneka C, Kamofu H, Idoko J. Effectiveness of three delivery models for promoting access to pre-exposure prophylaxis in HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in Nigeria. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268011. [PMID: 35511948 PMCID: PMC9070899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of three models for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service delivery to HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in Nigeria. METHODS 297 heterosexual HIV-1 serodiscordant couples were recruited into three PrEP delivery models and followed up for 18 months. The models were i) Outpatient clinic model providing PreP in routine outpatient care; ii) Antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic model providing PrEP in ART clinics; and iii) Decentralized care model providing PrEP through primary and secondary care centres linked to a tertiary care centre. The primary effectiveness endpoint was incident HIV-1 infection. The HIV incidence before and after the study was compared and the incidence rate ratio computed for each model. Survival analysis was conducted, Cox regression analysis was used to compare the factors that influenced couple retention in each of the models. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate the median retention time (in months) of the study participants in each of the study models, and log-rank test for equality of survival functions was conducted to test for significant differences among the three models. RESULTS There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the couple retention rates among the three models. At months 3, 6 and 9, adherence of the HIV-1-infected partners to ART was highest in the decentralized model, whereas at months 9 and 12, the outpatient model had the highest proportion of HIV-1- uninfected partners adhering to PrEP (p<0.001). The HIV incidence per 100 person-years was zero in the general outpatient clinic and ART clinic models and 1.6 (95% CI: 0.04-9.1) in the decentralized clinic model. The difference in the observed and expected incidence rate was 4.3 (95% CI: 0.44-39.57) for the decentralized clinic model. CONCLUSION Although incidence of HIV seroconversion was highest in the decentralized clinic model, this difference may be due to the higher sexual risk behavior among study participants in the decentralized model rather than the type of service delivery. The study findings imply that any of the models can effectively deliver PrEP services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sani Aliyu
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Oliver Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Grace Kolawole
- Jos University Teaching Hospital, AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Nkiru Ezeama
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Nancin Dadem
- Jos University Teaching Hospital, AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria, Jos, Nigeria
| | - James Anenih
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Etim Ekanem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Evaristus Afiadigwe
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Rose Aguolu
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Chidi Nweneka
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - John Idoko
- Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
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216
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Cao W, Li J, Sun S, Sturm C, Peng L, Gu J, Hao C, Hou F, Wei D, You X, Deng Y, Ekström AM. HIV Serostatus Disclosure Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China in the Era of U=U and PrEP. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1477-1488. [PMID: 34697704 PMCID: PMC9001537 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03502-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Given the recent evidence on "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the present study aimed to investigate HIV disclosure behaviors and their associations with sexual risk behaviors and U=U and PrEP awareness among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 689 MSM recruited through a gay-friendly non-governmental organization located in Chengdu, China in 2018-2019. Information was collected by a structured self-administrated questionnaire. The enrolled sample included 554 (80.4%) participants who were HIV-negative and 135 (19.6%) participants with an unknown HIV status. In terms of disclosure, 41.4% of participants informed all partners about their HIV status all the time (informing behavior), while 30.4% asked all partners about their HIV status all the time (asking behavior). Only one-fifth knew about U=U, but this was not statistically associated with either informing or asking behavior. Half (50.5%) had heard of PrEP but this was not statistically associated with either informing or asking behavior. Common barriers to informing and asking behaviors were lower risk perception of HIV infection, a history of sexually transmitted infections, engagement in receptive sex, and a history of sex with casual partners. We found that both U=U and PrEP awareness and HIV serostatus disclosure were infrequent and not associated in this study of Chinese MSM. These data indicate huge information gaps among MSM in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangnan Cao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jinghua Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, North Campus, 74# Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
- Sun Yat-Sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shengzhi Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carla Sturm
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Liping Peng
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, North Campus, 74# Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jing Gu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, North Campus, 74# Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Sun Yat-Sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun Hao
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, North Campus, 74# Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Sun Yat-Sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengsu Hou
- Sun Yat-Sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Public Mental Health, Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dannuo Wei
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, North Campus, 74# Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Xinyi You
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, North Campus, 74# Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yang Deng
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, North Campus, 74# Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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217
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Hulstein SH, Zimmermann HM, de la Court F, Matser AA, Schim van der Loeff MF, Hoornenborg E, Davidovich U, Prins M, de Vries HJ. Factors Associated With the Intention to Use HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis for Young and Older Men Who Have Sex With Men. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:343-352. [PMID: 35001016 PMCID: PMC8994038 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The uptake of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV is low among young men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Netherlands. Studying the intention to use PrEP among non-PrEP using young and older MSM can guide health authorities in developing new prevention campaigns to optimize PrEP uptake. METHODS We investigated the sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors associated with a high PrEP use intention in the coming 6 months among 93 young MSM (aged ≤25 years), participating in an online survey, and 290 older MSM (aged ≥26 years), participating in an open, prospective cohort in 2019 to 2020. RESULTS Perceiving PrEP as an important prevention tool was associated with a high PrEP use intention among young and older MSM. Among young MSM, a high level of PrEP knowledge and believing that PrEP users take good care of themselves and others were associated with a high PrEP use intention. Among older MSM, 2 or more anal sex partners, chemsex, high HIV risk perception, and believing PrEP increases sexual pleasure were associated with a high PrEP use intention. Believing PrEP leads to adverse effects was associated with a low intention to use PrEP among older MSM. CONCLUSIONS To conclude, we showed that both behavioral and psychosocial factors were associated with a high PrEP use intention among young and older MSM. In addition to focusing on sexual behavior and HIV risk, future prevention campaigns and counseling on PrEP could incorporate education, endorsing positive beliefs, and disarming negative beliefs to improve the uptake of PrEP in young and older MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Feline de la Court
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam
| | - Amy A. Matser
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
| | - Maarten F. Schim van der Loeff
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
| | - Elske Hoornenborg
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam
| | - Udi Davidovich
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam
| | - Maria Prins
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
| | - Henry J.C. de Vries
- Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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218
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Towards achieving the end of the HIV epidemic: advances, challenges and scaling up strategies. Clin Biochem 2022; 117:53-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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219
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Moore DM, Kremer H, Wang L, Lepik KJ, Li J, Salters K, Montaner JSG, Tam C, Kling R, Bharmal A, Goodison K, Pakhomova T, Barrios R. Evaluation of a Public Health Referral System to Re-Engage Individuals Living With HIV Who Have Interrupted Antiretroviral Therapy in British Columbia, Canada. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:33-40. [PMID: 35013088 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2016, the British Columbia HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program modified its prescriber alert system for antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruptions to include referrals to regional public health nursing teams for direct outreach support for those who remain off treatment for 4 months or longer. We evaluated clinically relevant outcomes of this Re-Engagement and Engagement in Treatment for Antiretroviral Interrupted and Naïve populations (RETAIN) initiative, in comparison to previous time-periods. METHODS We analyzed ART interruptions triggering alerts in pre-RETAIN (July 2013-April 2016) and post-RETAIN periods (May 2016-October 2017) with follow-up continuing until October 2018. We compared the proportions of those who restarted ART and achieved viral suppression in pre-RETAIN and post-RETAIN periods and the time to ART restart using generalized estimating equations. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to examine associations with time-to-ART-restart. RESULTS A total of 1805 individuals experienced ART interruptions triggering 3219 alerts; 2050 in pre-RETAIN and 1169 in post-RETAIN periods. Participants were predominantly men (74%) and had a median duration of ART of 5 years. Among persons who remained interrupted >4 months after an ART interruption alert was sent, the median time from interruption to ART re-initiation declined from 8.7 months to 7.4 months (P < 0.001) from pre-to post-RETAIN periods. Interruptions in the post-RETAIN era were associated with an increased hazard of restarting ART (adjusted hazard ratio 1.51; 95% CI: 1.34 to 1.69). CONCLUSIONS Public health referrals shortened the length of ART interruptions after alerts sent to prescribers had not resulted in re-engagement. Similar programs should be considered in other jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Hayden Kremer
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Katherine J Lepik
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jenny Li
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kate Salters
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia
| | - Julio S G Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Clara Tam
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rakel Kling
- Northern Health Authority, Prince George, British Columbia
| | - Aamir Bharmal
- Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, British Columbia; and
| | | | - Tatiana Pakhomova
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rolando Barrios
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Brennan DJ, Charest M, Turpin A, Griffiths D, Adam BD, Maxwell J, McCrady K, Ahmed R. "It's a win for the clinic, it's a win for the frontline, but, most importantly, it's a win for the client": Task Shifting HIV Prevention Services from Clinicians to Community Health Workers in Ontario, Canada. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2022; 20:780-792. [PMID: 35505827 PMCID: PMC9049009 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-022-00721-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Despite strong evidence from low- and middle-income countries supporting the use of task shifting to provide quality, cost-effective HIV-related health services, this strategy has been adopted less widely in high-income countries such as Canada. Methods In 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 clinicians (e.g., psychologists, nurses, physicians) and 14 community health workers (CHWs) in Ontario to examine their perspectives on the prospect of shifting HIV/STBBI testing services and PrEP in Ontario, Canada. Interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using content analysis. A community consultation with key stakeholders was also performed to assess the validity of the findings. Results There was substantial agreement between clinicians and CHWs with respect to shifting specific tasks related to HIV/STBBI testing and PrEP. In particular, most participants felt that rapid HIV testing could and should be provided by CHWs and that ASOs could be ideal sites for clients to obtain and use self-testing kits for STBBIs. Most respondents agreed that CHWs have the skills and expertise required to perform most non-clinical services related to PrEP (e.g., pre-counselling, follow-up, case management). The co-location of clinicians and CHWs could help support the development of task shifting initiatives. Conclusion Findings indicate that there is enthusiasm among both clinicians and CHWs with respect to shifting HIV prevention services. Creative solutions are required to have a meaningful impact on HIV incidence in this population. Policy Implications With adequate training and supervision, non-regulated CHWs should be allowed to provide certain HIV prevention services such as rapid HIV testing. A provincial, publicly funded program for PrEP is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4 Canada
| | - Maxime Charest
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4 Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Aaron Turpin
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4 Canada
| | | | - Barry D. Adam
- Departments of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON Canada
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Toronto, ON Canada
| | | | - Keith McCrady
- 2-Spirited Peoples of the 1st Nations, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Robbie Ahmed
- Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, Toronto, ON Canada
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221
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Salazar-Vizcaya L, Kusejko K, Günthard HF, Böni J, Metzner KJ, Braun DL, Nicca D, Bernasconi E, Calmy A, Darling KEA, Wandeler G, Kouyos RD, Rauch A. An Approach to Quantifying the Interaction between Behavioral and Transmission Clusters. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040784. [PMID: 35458514 PMCID: PMC9032082 DOI: 10.3390/v14040784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We hypothesize that patterns of sexual behavior play a role in the conformation of transmission networks, i.e., the way you behave might influence whom you have sex with. If that was the case, behavioral grouping might in turn correlate with, and potentially predict transmission networking, e.g., proximity in a viral phylogeny. We rigorously present an intuitive approach to address this hypothesis by quantifying mapped interactions between groups defined by similarities in sexual behavior along a virus phylogeny while discussing power and sample size considerations. Data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study on condom use and hepatitis C virus (HCV) sequences served as proof-of-concept. In this case, a strict inclusion criteria contrasting with low HCV prevalence hindered our possibilities to identify significant relationships. This manuscript serves as guide for studies aimed at characterizing interactions between behavioral patterns and transmission networks. Large transmission networks such as those of HIV or COVID-19 are prime candidates for applying this methodological approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Salazar-Vizcaya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (G.W.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Katharina Kusejko
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.K.); (H.F.G.); (K.J.M.); (D.L.B.); (R.D.K.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Huldrych F. Günthard
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.K.); (H.F.G.); (K.J.M.); (D.L.B.); (R.D.K.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Jürg Böni
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Karin J. Metzner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.K.); (H.F.G.); (K.J.M.); (D.L.B.); (R.D.K.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Dominique L. Braun
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.K.); (H.F.G.); (K.J.M.); (D.L.B.); (R.D.K.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Dunja Nicca
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Institute, University of Zurich, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
- University of Southern Switzerland, 6928 Manno, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Katharine E. A. Darling
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (G.W.); (A.R.)
| | - Roger D. Kouyos
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (K.K.); (H.F.G.); (K.J.M.); (D.L.B.); (R.D.K.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (G.W.); (A.R.)
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Koole JC, de la Court F, Welkers MR, Yap K, Stalenhoef JE, Jurriaans S, de Vries HJ, Op de Coul EL, Prins M, Hoornenborg E. HIV-1-infection in a man who has sex with men despite self-reported excellent adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis, the Netherlands, August 2021: be alert to emtricitabine/tenofovir-resistant strain transmission. EURO SURVEILLANCE : BULLETIN EUROPEEN SUR LES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES = EUROPEAN COMMUNICABLE DISEASE BULLETIN 2022; 27. [PMID: 35393931 PMCID: PMC8991733 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.14.2200275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In August 2021, a man who has sex with men was diagnosed with HIV-1 infection despite using event-driven pre-exposure prophylaxis for over 2 years with self-reported excellent adherence. Sequencing identified resistance-associated mutations (RAM) M184V and K65R, conferring resistance to emtricitabine and tenofovir, and RAM V108I and E138A. Background RAM prevalence was two of 164 (1.2%) new HIV diagnoses in Amsterdam (2017–19). We reiterate the need for frequent HIV testing among PrEP users and additional testing in case of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Cd Koole
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Feline de la Court
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Ra Welkers
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kenneth Yap
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Suzanne Jurriaans
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henry Jc de Vries
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AII), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, location Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eline Lm Op de Coul
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute (AII), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elske Hoornenborg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Pashaei Z, Oskouie F, Moradi-Lakeh M, Jahanfar S, Haghani S. HIV serostatus disclosure to sexual partner: a survey among women in Tehran, Iran. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:56. [PMID: 35395935 PMCID: PMC8994217 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00663-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disclosure of HIV-positive status in women is associated with many factors. Consequently, status disclosure remains a challenge for Iranian women living with HIV. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, related factors, and reflections of HIV-positive status disclosure to a sexual partner(s) among Iranian women living with HIV. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 HIV-seropositive women. Participants were selected from patients registered in the largest HIV clinic and HIV-positive club of Iran. The "HIV disclosure" questionnaire had 38-items and all the interviews were administered by the researcher. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 software. We used a logistic regression method to calculate the crude odds ratio (COR) and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for self-disclosure as the independent predictor variable and the dependent variable, respectively. RESULTS One hundred and seventy HIV-positive women were enrolled. Most of them had disclosed their HIV status to at least one person (94.1%) and their sexual partners (86.5%). In the univariate analysis, being married (COR = 18.66, 95% CI 5.63-61.87), living with a sexual partner (COR = 4.72, 95% CI 1.92-11.62), being aware of sexual partners' HIV status (COR = 6.20, 95% CI 1.79-21.49), and gaining the support of sexual partner (COR = 9.08, 95% CI 3.48-23.64) were associated with higher odds of HIV status disclosure. In the multivariate analysis, being aware of sexual partners' HIV status, and gaining the support of sexual partners remained associated with HIV status disclosure. Most women reported a positive reflection from their sexual partners after disclosure, however, negative reflections from society were more common compared to sexual partners and family members. CONCLUSION This study shows high overall HIV disclosure proportions. It should be noted that a large number of women were infected by their sexual partners, especially by their spouses. The high rate of transmission in married people indicates an urgent need for more emphasis on appropriate prevention behaviors by infected partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Pashaei
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS (IRCHA), Iran Nursing Care, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Oskouie
- Nursing Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maziar Moradi-Lakeh
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Jahanfar
- MPH Program, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Shima Haghani
- Nursing Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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224
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Jacobson EU, Hicks KA, Carrico J, Purcell DW, Green TA, Mermin JH, Farnham PG. Optimizing HIV Prevention Efforts to Achieve EHE Incidence Targets. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:374-380. [PMID: 35202046 PMCID: PMC8887784 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002885] [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: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A goal of the US Department of Health and Human Services' Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) in the United States initiative is to reduce the annual number of incident HIV infections in the United States by 75% within 5 years and by 90% within 10 years. We developed a resource allocation analysis to understand how these goals might be met. METHODS We estimated the current annual societal funding [$2.8 billion (B)/yr] for 14 interventions to prevent HIV and facilitate treatment of infected persons. These interventions included HIV testing for different transmission groups, HIV care continuum interventions, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and syringe services programs. We developed scenarios optimizing or reallocating this funding to minimize new infections, and we analyzed the impact of additional EHE funding over the period 2021-2030. RESULTS With constant current annual societal funding of $2.8 B/yr for 10 years starting in 2021, we estimated the annual incidence of 36,000 new cases in 2030. When we added annual EHE funding of $500 million (M)/yr for 2021-2022, $1.5 B/yr for 2023-2025, and $2.5 B/yr for 2026-2030, the annual incidence of infections decreased to 7600 cases (no optimization), 2900 cases (optimization beginning in 2026), and 2200 cases (optimization beginning in 2023) in 2030. CONCLUSIONS Even without optimization, significant increases in resources could lead to an 80% decrease in the annual HIV incidence in 10 years. However, to reach both EHE targets, optimization of prevention funding early in the EHE period is necessary. Implementing these efficient allocations would require flexibility of funding across agencies, which might be difficult to achieve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evin U. Jacobson
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | - David W. Purcell
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Timothy A Green
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jonathan H. Mermin
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Paul G. Farnham
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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225
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Ryan M, Mendelsohn JB, Daftary A, Yang M, Bullock S, Lebouché B, Calzavara L. Dual pharmaceutical citizenship: Exploring biomedicalization in the daily lives of mixed HIV-serostatus couples in Canada. Soc Sci Med 2022; 298:114863. [PMID: 35279477 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Positive Plus One is the first large-scale mixed methods study of mixed HIV serostatus couples in Canada. We aimed to understand how biomedicalization i.e., a social process of commodification and expansion of the jurisdiction of medicine over health, influenced the everyday relationships of these couples. We completed 51 semi-structured interviews among a purposive sample of HIV-positive (n = 27) and HIV-negative (n = 24) partners in current or past mixed-serostatus relationships. Participants were recruited after completing an online survey where they consented to be re-contacted for qualitative interviews. Participants represented a diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities, and other sociodemographic characteristics. Drawing on inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns within couples, across serostatus and sexual orientations, we argue that everyday lives of mixed-serostatus couples were shaped by biomedical knowledge and enacted through routine adherence to obtain and maintain viral load undetectability. Our findings illustrated the importance of learning biomedical knowledge for mixed-serostatus couples in this study, the empowering influence of undetectable = untransmittable (UU) discourse, and its role in rendering HIV mundane through routine ART adherence. We introduce the concept of 'dual pharmaceutical citizenship' to underscore a process by which particular biopolitical and biomedical expectations are fulfilled in mixed-serostatus relationships. These findings have implications for people who do not readily accept or have access to biomedical knowledge, particularly when treatment-as-prevention frames a "right" and "wrong" approach to HIV management. Future studies should focus on couples where at least one partner does not readily accept or have access to biomedical knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Ryan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Amrita Daftary
- Dahdaleh Institute of Global Health Research, York University, Canada; Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Minhui Yang
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Sandra Bullock
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Centre for Outcomes Research & Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University, Canada
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Carey JW, Courtenay-Quirk C, Carnes N, Wilkes AL, Schoua-Glusberg A, Tesfaye C, Betley V, Pedersen S, Randall LA, Frew PM. HIV Testing Program Activities and Challenges in Four U.S. Urban Areas. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2022; 34:99-115. [PMID: 35438537 PMCID: PMC10953676 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.2.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The national "Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America" supports expanded testing in jurisdictions and groups with disproportionate HIV burden. Public health planners benefit from learning HIV testing service (HTS) strengths, challenges, and innovations. We conducted semistructured interviews with 120 HTS staff from local health departments, community-based organizations, and community members in Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Washington, DC. We coded interview transcripts using qualitative methods to identify themes. Program strengths include HIV testing integration with other client services; prioritized testing and tailored incentives; multiple advertising methods; and partnerships among HTS providers. Challenges include stigma, fear, and disparities; funding requirements that create competition between providers; and service accessibility, unnecessary repeat testing, and insufficient innovation. The four jurisdictions addressed some, but not all, of these challenges. Cross-jurisdictional collaboration, together with state and federal partners plus program data may help identify additional strategies for strengthening HTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Carey
- Division of HIV Prevention, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Cari Courtenay-Quirk
- HIV Research Branch within the Division of HIV Prevention, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Neal Carnes
- HIV Prevention Capacity Development Branch within the Division of HIV Prevention, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Aisha L Wilkes
- Prevention Research Branch within the Division of HIV Prevention, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; currently she is with the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at CDC
| | | | - Casey Tesfaye
- Research Support Services Inc. in Evanston, Illinois
| | | | | | | | - Paula M Frew
- UNLV Population Health & Health Equity Initiative, Las Vegas, Nevada at the time of the study; currently she is with Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
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227
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Sauermilch D, Siegel K, Hoppe T, Roth G, Meunier É. Attitudes Toward HIV-Positive Status Disclosure Among U=U-Aware Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals in the USA: a Consensual Qualitative Research Approach. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2022; 20:692-704. [PMID: 35369684 PMCID: PMC8962277 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-022-00710-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The U=U (i.e., undetectable equals untransmittable) campaign is founded upon biomedical advancements that have positioned HIV as a manageable condition with effectively zero risk of transmission. In spite of these developments, attitudes of sexual and gender minority populations regarding the necessity of seropositive status disclosure remain unexamined. Methods The current study analyzed qualitative data regarding the necessity of seropositive status disclosure from 62 sexual minority men as well as transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who have sex with men from 2020 to 2021. Results The majority of participants believed disclosure to be necessary and invoked several social and structural factors that informed their attitudes. Participants cited HIV criminalization laws, the ethics of non-disclosure, and disclosure as a means of educating sex partners when appraising the necessity of disclosure. Participants also presented concerns regarding U=U efficacy and HIV stigma. Conclusions Findings indicate that the disclosure of seropositive status to sex partners is still important to U=U-aware sexual and gender minority individuals. The majority of the study sample, irrespective of HIV status, believed seropositive status disclosure was necessary in advance of sex. Policy Implications Findings suggest opportunities for public health messaging to remediate concerns about U=U efficacy, combat misinformation, and clarify out-of-date information on HIV criminalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sauermilch
- Department of Psychology, Long Island University, 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201 USA
| | - Karolynn Siegel
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 722 West 168th Street, New York, 10032 USA
| | - Trevor Hoppe
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 337 Frank Porter Graham Building, PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170 USA
| | - Grant Roth
- Whitman-Walker Institute, Washington, DC USA
| | - Étienne Meunier
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 722 West 168th Street, New York, 10032 USA
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Huang YF, Huang YC, Lo YC, Latkin C, Huang HY, Lee CC, Pan LC, Kuo HS. Towards the first 90: impact of the national HIV self-test program on case finding and factors associated with linkage to confirmatory diagnosis in Taiwan. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25897. [PMID: 35324087 PMCID: PMC8944217 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Being aware of one's HIV‐positive status can help reduce unprotected sex and promote early treatment seeking. Therefore, HIV self‐test (HIVST) programs may help control the HIV epidemic by case finding. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of HIVST programs on HIV case finding, time to confirmatory diagnosis and factors associated with linkage to confirmatory diagnosis in Taiwan. Methods The Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan initiated HIVST programs and imported 78,000 self‐test kits in 2017 and 2019. Clients paid 7 US dollars for a self‐test kit at facilities, vending machines or online. The programs set up an HIVST logistics management system; each kit had a unique barcode for monitoring the programs because purchases were anonymous. When clients provided their test results with photo barcodes online or at HIV/AIDS‐designated hospitals, they received full monetary reimbursement. We conducted a quasi‐experimental interrupted time‐series (ITS) analysis that covered a period of 60 months from 2015 to 2019. We enrolled a retrospective cohort of reported HIV cases with initial positive results from HIVST programs between March 2017 and July 2020. Results The ITS analysis included data from 10,976 reported HIV cases from 2015 to 2019. The HIVST‐positive cohort included 386 reported HIV cases, of whom 99.7% were males and 97% were men who have sex with men (MSM); the median age was 28 years. The ITS analysis showed a positive slope change in the number of reported HIV cases immediately in the beginning implementation month (coefficient: 51.09 in 2017 and 3.62 in 2019), but there was a significant decrease over time. It was a negative slope change by 9.52 cases per month in 2017 and 5.56 cases per month in 2019. In the HIVST‐positive cohort, three of five individuals linked to HIV confirmatory diagnosis within 1 month after a positive self‐test result, and an early linkage to confirmatory diagnosis was associated with HIVST disclosure (adjusted OR = 6.5; 95% CI: 3.9–10.6). Conclusions HIVST programs were associated with an increase in HIV case finding. Our findings suggest that countries with a high incidence of HIV among MSM populations should offer multichannel HIVST services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Fang Huang
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.,Research Center for Epidemic Prevention and One Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Huang
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Lo
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hsun-Yin Huang
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Lee
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chern Pan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Optomechatronics, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Sung Kuo
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
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Conan N, Simons E, Chihana ML, Ohler L, FordKamara E, Mbatha M, vanCutsem G, Huerga H. Increase in HIV viral suppression in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Community-based cross sectional surveys 2018 and 2013. What remains to be done? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265488. [PMID: 35324923 PMCID: PMC8946728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) increases viral suppression at population level and may reduce incidence. Médecins sans Frontières, in collaboration with the South African Department of Health, has been working in Eshowe/Mbongolwane (KwaZulu Natal) since 2011 to increase access to quality HIV services. Five years after an initial survey, we conducted a second survey to measure progress in HIV diagnosis and viral suppression and to identify remaining gaps. METHODS A cross-sectional, population-based, stratified two-stage cluster survey was implemented in 2018, using the same design as in 2013. Consenting participants aged 15-59 years were interviewed and tested for HIV at home. Those HIV-positive were tested for HIV viral load (viral suppression defined as <1000 copies/mL). RESULTS Overall, 3,278 individuals were included. The proportion of HIV-positive participants virally suppressed was 83.8% in 2018 compared to 57.1% in 2013 (p<0.001), with increases in all subpopulations. The largest gap remained in men aged 15-29 years, among whom viral suppression was 51.5%. Nevertheless, of the total unsuppressed participants, 60.3% were women, and 57.4% were individuals aged 30-59 years. Between 2013 and 2018, HIV-positive status awareness progressed from 75.2% to 89.9% and ART coverage among those aware from 70.4% to 93.8%, respectively. Among those on ART, 94.5% were virally suppressed in 2018. CONCLUSIONS Viral suppression improved significantly from 2013 to 2018, in all age and gender groups of PLHIV. However, almost half of HIV-positive young men remained unsuppressed, while the majority of virally unsuppressed PLHIV were women and older adults. To continue lowering HIV transmission, specific strategies are needed to increase viral suppression in those groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gilles vanCutsem
- Médecins sans Frontières, Southern Africa Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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230
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Etowa J, Omorodion F, Mmbagwu I, Etowa E, Ghose B. Understanding the factors associated with HIV and STIs diagnosis among Black heterosexual men in Ottawa and Windsor, Ontario. J Public Health Res 2022; 11. [PMID: 35318834 PMCID: PMC8991025 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2022.2048] [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: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) men living in Canada share a heightened risk of infection by Human Immunodeficiency Virus and other sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) and the associated risky behaviours such as suboptimal use of family planning services such as condom use. The African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) heterosexual men living in Canada are disproportionately exposed to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The present paper aims to assess the relationship between knowledge, attitude and use of condom with diagnosis of HIV and STIs among ACB heterosexual men in Ontario. Design and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 430 participants consisting of black heterosexual men living two communities, Ottawa and Windsor in Ontario. The outcome variables were ever being diagnosed with HIV (Yes/No) and other STIs (Yes/No). Data were analysed using descriptive, and logistic regression techniques. Results: Findings indicated that 70.20% did not have good knowledge of HIV, 68.10% had positive attitude towards condom use, and 62.82% were not regular condom user. Men who reported experiencing difficulty in accessing healthcare services had significantly higher odds of reporting HIV and STI diagnosis. Men with positive attitude towards condom use had lower odds of both HIV (odds ratio= 0.48, 95%CI=0.30,0.76) and STI diagnosis (odds ratio= 0.27, 95%CI=0.08,0.90). Similarly, condom users also had lower odds of both HIV and (odds ratio= 0.21, 95%CI=0.09,0.49) STI diagnosis (odds ratio= 0.62, 95%CI=0.39,0.99). Conclusions: A large proportion of the sample with positive attitude to condom use was not a reflection of the large sample who did not have correct knowledge of HIV. Several factors were also found to be associated with heightened odds of being diagnosed with HIV and other STIs. The most notable of these factors were experiences of difficulty in accessing healthcare and utilisation of condoms. Significance for public health In Canada, the African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) men are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs). Addressing this situation requires research evidence on the barriers to protective behaviours such as use of condom. This study is the first to assess the relationship between knowledge, attitude and use of condom with diagnosis of HIV and STIs among ACB heterosexual men in Ontario. The findings provide evidence regarding significant racial disparities in diagnosis with HIV and STIs and recommends undertaking tailored strategies for prevention and intervention of the STIs in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Etowa
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa.
| | - Francisca Omorodion
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, University of Windsor.
| | - Ikenna Mmbagwu
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa.
| | - Egbe Etowa
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, University of Windsor.
| | - Bishwajit Ghose
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa.
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231
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Jaspal R. Stigma and HIV Concealment Motivation among Gay Men Living with HIV in Finland. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2022; 69:699-715. [PMID: 33320069 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2020.1851958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study explored experiences of HIV stigma among gay men in Finland and the impact of these experiences on decision-making concerning HIV status disclosure. Seventeen gay men living with HIV in Finland participated in a qualitative interview study and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results focus on the following themes: (1) "Social support impedes social stigma;" (2) "Social support and the risk of HIV stigma," which describes how the pursuit of social support can expose some individuals to stigma; and (3) "HIV concealment motivation as a coping strategy," focusing on the motivation to conceal one's HIV status from others to avoid stigma. It is necessary to promote awareness and understanding of HIV in Finnish society, to challenge HIV stigma and, crucially, to facilitate access to social support among those diagnosed with HIV. This is likely to have favorable implications for both psychological and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rusi Jaspal
- School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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232
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Byrne M, Akselrod H, Monroe AK, Horberg M, Lucar J, Castel AD, Denyer R, Doshi R, Secco A, Squires L, Schroeter S, Benator D. Identifying geographic areas of Washington DC with increased potential for sexual HIV transmission among People with HIV with STIs and concurrent elevated HIV RNA: Data from the DC Cohort. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac139. [PMID: 35450084 PMCID: PMC9017371 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac139] [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: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The U=U (Undetectable=Untransmittable) campaign advances the goal of ending the HIV epidemic by promoting durable viral suppression and therefore reducing sexual transmission. We used geospatial analysis to assess the potential for sexual HIV transmission by ZIP code of residence in the District of Columbia (DC) using data from DC Cohort Longitudinal HIV Study (DC Cohort), a city-wide cohort of persons with HIV (PWH).
Methods
DC Cohort participants ages ≥13 were included in the study period between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2018. Potential for sexual HIV transmission was defined as the proportion of participants with incident sexually transmitted infection (STI - gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis) and with HIV RNA ≥200 copies/mL from 9 months prior to 3 months after STI diagnosis. We performed geographic information system (GIS) analysis to determine the ZIP codes with the highest potential for sexual HIV transmission.
Results
Of 3,467 participants, 367 (10.6%) had at least one incident STI, with 89.4% residing in 11 of the 20 residential ZIP codes in DC. Of the 367 participants with an incident STI, at least one HIV RNA was available for 348 (94.8%). 97 (27.9%) of individuals with an incident STI had HIV RNA ≥200 copies/ml in the defined time window. Of these 97, 66 (68.0%) resided in 5 of the 20 DC ZIP codes.
Conclusions
In DC, 5 ZIP codes of residence accounted for the majority of the estimated potential for HIV transmission among participants in the DC Cohort. These results support focused neighborhood-level interventions to help end the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Byrne
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hana Akselrod
- Division of Infectious Diseases, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anne K Monroe
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Horberg
- Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jose Lucar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Amanda D Castel
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rachel Denyer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- Infectious Diseases Section, DC Veterans Administration Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rupali Doshi
- DC Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration, Washington, DC ,USA
| | | | - Leah Squires
- Department of Psychology, DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stefanie Schroeter
- Infectious Diseases Section, DC Veterans Administration Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Debra Benator
- Division of Infectious Diseases, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- Infectious Diseases Section, DC Veterans Administration Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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233
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The impact of regional socioeconomic deprivation on the timing of HIV diagnosis: a cross-sectional study in Germany. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:258. [PMID: 35296239 PMCID: PMC8928640 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07168-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV infections which are diagnosed at advanced stages are associated with significantly poorer health outcomes. In Germany, the proportion of persons living with HIV who are diagnosed at later stages has remained continuously high. This study examined the impact of regional socioeconomic deprivation on the timing of HIV diagnosis. Methods We used data from the national statutory notification of newly diagnosed HIV infections between 2011 and 2018 with further information on the timing of diagnosis determined by the BED-Capture-ELISA test (BED-CEIA) and diagnosing physicians. Data on regional socioeconomic deprivation were derived from the German Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation (GISD). Outcome measures were a non-recent infection based on the BED-CEIA result or an infection at the stage of AIDS. The effect of socioeconomic deprivation on the timing of diagnosis was analysed using multivariable Poisson regression models with cluster-robust error variance. Results Overall, 67.5% (n = 10,810) of the persons were diagnosed with a non-recent infection and 15.2% (n = 2746) with AIDS. The proportions were higher among persons with heterosexual contact compared to men who have sex with men (MSM) (76.8% non-recent and 14.9% AIDS vs. 61.7% non-recent and 11.4% AIDS). MSM living in highly deprived regions in the countryside (< 100 k residents) were more likely to have a non-recent infection (aPR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05–1.28) as well as AIDS (aPR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.08–1.85) at the time of diagnosis compared to MSM in less deprived regions in the countryside. No differences were observed among MSM from towns (100 k ≤ 1 million residents) or major cities (≥ 1 million residents), and no differences overall in the heterosexual transmission group. Conclusions An effect of socioeconomic deprivation on the timing of HIV diagnosis was found only in MSM from countryside regions. We suggest that efforts in promoting HIV awareness and regular HIV testing are increased for heterosexual persons irrespective of socioeconomic background, and for MSM with a focus on those living in deprived regions in the countryside. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07168-x.
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Chidumwa G, Chimbindi N, Herbst C, Okeselo N, Dreyer J, Zuma T, Smith T, Molina JM, Khoza T, McGrath N, Seeley J, Pillay D, Tanser F, Harling G, Sherr L, Copas A, Baisley K, Shahmanesh M. Isisekelo Sempilo study protocol for the effectiveness of HIV prevention embedded in sexual health with or without peer navigator support (Thetha Nami) to reduce prevalence of transmissible HIV amongst adolescents and young adults in rural KwaZulu-Natal: a 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:454. [PMID: 35255859 PMCID: PMC8900304 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12796-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) through universal test and treat (UTT) and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) substantially reduces HIV-related mortality, morbidity and incidence. Effective individual-level prevention modalities have not translated into population-level impact in southern Africa due to sub-optimal coverage among adolescents and youth who are hard to engage. We aim to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary population level effectiveness of HIV prevention services with or without peer support to reduce prevalence of transmissible HIV amongst adolescents and young adults in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods We are conducting a 2 × 2 factorial trial among young men and women aged 16–29 years, randomly selected from the Africa Health Research Institute demographic surveillance area. Participants are randomly allocated to one of four intervention combinations: 1) Standard of Care (SOC): nurse-led services for HIV testing plus ART if positive or PrEP for those eligible and negative; 2) Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH): Baseline self-collected vaginal and urine samples with study-organized clinic appointments for results, treatment and delivery of HIV testing, ART and PrEP integrated with SRH services; 3) Peer-support: Study referral of participants to a peer navigator to assess their health, social and educational needs and provide risk-informed HIV prevention, including facilitating clinic attendance; or 4) SRH + peer-support. The primary outcomes for effectiveness are: (1) the proportion of individuals with infectious HIV at 12 months and (2) uptake of risk-informed comprehensive HIV prevention services within 60 days of enrolment. At 12 months, all participants will be contacted at home and the study team will collect a dried blood spot for HIV ELISA and HIV viral load testing. Discussion This trial will enable us to understand the relative importance of SRH and peer support in creating demand for effective and risk informed biomedical HIV prevention and preliminary data on their effectiveness on reducing the prevalence of transmissible HIV amongst all adolescents and youth. Trial registration Trial Registry: clincialtrials.gov. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04532307. Registered: March 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glory Chidumwa
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Natsayi Chimbindi
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK.,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carina Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nonhlanhla Okeselo
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Jaco Dreyer
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK.,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Theresa Smith
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Jean-Michel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospitals Saint-Louis and Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - Thandeka Khoza
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Deenan Pillay
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Lincoln University, London,, UK
| | - Guy Harling
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK.,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK
| | - Andrew Copas
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK
| | - Kathy Baisley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. .,UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK. .,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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235
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Stanton AM, Wirtz MR, Perlson JE, Batchelder AW. "It's how we get to know each other": Substance use, connectedness, and sexual activity among men who have sex with men who are living with HIV. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:425. [PMID: 35241029 PMCID: PMC8895830 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12778-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among MSM, substance use increases risk for acquiring HIV and is associated with sub-optimal engagement in HIV-related care. Most research related to substance use and sexual activity among MSM focuses on identifying and reducing risk of HIV acquisition and transmission rather than pleasure and agency. However, substance use may also facilitate sexual pleasure and build community, which could be particularly meaningful for individuals who cope with intersecting stigmas related to the disease, sexual identity, and drug use. METHODS To explore the ways in which substance use both promotes and hinders positive sexual expression and healthy sexual relationships, we conducted a secondary analysis of 33 semi-structured qualitative interviews with MSM living with HIV who were poorly engaged in care and reported recent substance use. RESULTS Thematic analysis revealed that substance use was perceived as: (1) a potential pathway to intimacy and enhanced sexual experiences; (2) a tool to help access partners and gain entry to a community; and (3) a source of empowerment, though some noted that it sometimes came at the cost of sexual disempowerment and unbalanced relationships. CONCLUSIONS Clinically, our results suggest that the complex motivations for substance use during sexual activity need to be carefully considered and discussed with patients, especially when attempting to decrease problematic use as a pathway to improved HIV self-care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia M Stanton
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, One Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,The Fenway Health Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan R Wirtz
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, One Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jacob E Perlson
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Abigail W Batchelder
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, One Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,The Fenway Health Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Ford OG, Rufurwadzo TG, Richman B, Green I, Alesi J. Adopting U = U to end stigma and discrimination. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25891. [PMID: 35229483 PMCID: PMC8886179 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Stirrup O, Tostevin A, Ragonnet-Cronin M, Volz E, Burns F, Delpech V, Dunn D. Diagnosis delays in the UK according to pre or postmigration acquisition of HIV. AIDS 2022; 36:415-422. [PMID: 35084383 PMCID: PMC7612284 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003110] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate whether infection occurred pre or postmigration and the associated diagnosis delay in migrants diagnosed with HIV in the UK. DESIGN We analyzed a cohort of individuals diagnosed with HIV in the UK in 2014-2016 born in Africa or elsewhere in Europe. Inclusion criteria were arrival within 15 years before diagnosis, availability of HIV pol sequence, and viral subtype shared by at least 10 individuals. METHODS We examined phylogenies for evidence of infection after entry into the UK and incorporated this information into a Bayesian analysis of timing of infection using biomarkers of CD4+ cell count, avidity assays, proportion of ambiguous nucleotides in viral sequences, and last negative test dates where available. RESULTS One thousand, two hundred and fifty-six individuals were included. The final model indicated that HIV was acquired postmigration for most MSM born in Europe (posterior expectation 65%, 95% credibility interval 64-67%) or Africa (65%, 62-69%), whereas a minority (20-30%) of men and women with heterosexual transmission acquired HIV postmigration. Estimated diagnosis delays were lower for MSM than for those with heterosexual transmission, and were lower for those with postmigration infection across all subgroups. For MSM acquiring HIV postmigration, the estimated mean time to diagnosis was less than one year, but for those who acquired HIV premigration, the mean time from infection to diagnosis was more than five years for all subgroups. CONCLUSION Acquisition of HIV postmigration is common, particularly among MSM, calling for prevention efforts aimed at migrant communities. Delays in diagnosis reinforce the need for targeted testing initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Stirrup
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anna Tostevin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manon Ragonnet-Cronin
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Erik Volz
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Valerie Delpech
- HIV and STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Dunn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
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Steinbock CM, Chung R, Lee JE, Leung SYJ, Kolesar C, Tesoriero J. Reducing Disparities: A Virtual Quality Improvement Collaborative Resulted in Better Health Outcomes for 4 Target Populations Disproportionately Affected by HIV. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2022; 28:162-169. [PMID: 33938485 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although viral suppression rates have recently increased among people with HIV, specific populations still experience disparities in health outcomes, a priority in the national response to end the HIV epidemic. PURPOSE The end+disparities ECHO Collaborative, a quality improvement initiative among HIV providers in the United States from June 2018 to December 2019, created virtual communities of practice to measurably increase viral suppression rates in populations disproportionately affected by HIV: men who have sex with men of color, Black/African American and Latina women, youth aged 13 to 24 years, and transgender people. METHODS Participating Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program-funded providers prioritized their improvement efforts to focus on one target population and joined virtual affinity sessions with other providers focused on that population for guidance by subject matter experts and exchanges with peer providers. During 9 submission cycles, providers reported their viral suppression data for the preceding 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The principal outcome measures were changes in viral suppression rates among 4 target populations and changes in viral suppression gaps compared with the rest of HIV-infected patients served by the same agency. RESULTS A total of 90 providers were included in the data analyses with an average of 110 775 reported patients, out of which 19 442 represented the targeted populations. The average viral suppression rates for agency-selected populations increased from 79.2% to 82.3% (a 3.9% increase), while the remaining caseload increased at a lower rate from 84.9% to 86.1% (a 1.4% increase). The viral suppression gap was reduced from 5.7% to 3.8%, a 33.5% reduction. Improvements were found across all target populations. CONCLUSIONS The collaborative demonstrated improved health outcomes and reductions in HIV-related health disparities, moving toward ending the HIV epidemic. The model of utilizing low-cost videoconferencing technologies to create virtual communities of learning is well suited to mitigate other disease-related disparities, nationally and abroad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens M Steinbock
- Center for Quality Improvement & Innovation (CQII) (Messrs Steinbock and Kolesar and Dr Lee), Office of Program Evaluation and Research (OPER) (Dr Chung and Mr Leung), and Center for Program, Development, Implementation, Research and Evaluation (CPDIRE) (Dr Tesoriero), New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, Albany, New York
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Kutner BA, Perry NS, Stout C, Norcini Pala A, Paredes CD, Nelson KM. The Inventory of Anal Sex Knowledge (iASK): A New Measure of Sexual Health Knowledge Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males. J Sex Med 2022; 19:521-528. [PMID: 35090838 PMCID: PMC9115869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Knowledge about sexual health is a key determinant of sexual behavior among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). No measures exist to assess anal sex knowledge, even though anal sex is the primary route by which ASMM acquire sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including a disproportionate burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIM We developed a new measure as a first step toward assessing the prevalence and correlates of anal sex knowledge and potential effects of interventions to improve knowledge. METHODS Two coders independently outlined domains of knowledge within 2 sex education videos designed to address anal sex knowledge among ASMM. An initial set of 56 items, some duplicative, encompassed all domains. A larger team, including a psychometrician, then iteratively revised and reduced the set of items, and assessed construct validity via cognitive testing among ASMM (N = 4, aged 16-17 years old, 75% identifying as racial/ethnic minorities). For the final set of 10 items, factor structure and convergent and divergent validity were assessed using baseline responses to an online survey within a randomized controlled pilot trial among 154 ASMM. Open-ended questions assessed their comprehension and the acceptability of items. OUTCOMES We examined correlates that we anticipated would be theoretically related (ie, the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire [HIV-KQ-18] and the STD-Knowledge Questionnaire [STD-KQ]) and theoretically distinct (ie, the Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-2], Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-2], and employment status). RESULTS The one-factor model explained 42% of the items' common variance and demonstrated acceptable internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.72). The measure withstood tests of convergent and divergent validity when compared to current measures (HIV knowledge, r = 0.35 and STI knowledge, r = 0.24, both P < .05; internalizing mental health symptoms, r = -0.07 and employment status, r = 0.13, both P > .05). Few respondents found words unfamiliar or uncomfortable. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS A method for assessing anal sex knowledge may offer opportunities to intervene to lessen harmful sequelae of a lack of knowledge. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS We developed a brief, psychometrically valid measure of anal sex knowledge. The measure may neither generalize to all anal health knowledge nor to more sexually experienced, older SMM. CONCLUSION The resulting 10-item, single-factor measure, the Inventory of Anal Sex Knowledge (iASK), is psychometrically sound and addresses the lack of anal sex knowledge measures among ASMM. The iASK can function to assess the prevalence and sequelae of anal sex knowledge among ASMM as well as the impact of interventions targeting anal sex knowledge. Kutner BA, Perry N, Stout C, et al. The Inventory of Anal Sex Knowledge (iASK): A New Measure of Sexual Health Knowledge Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males. J Sex Med 2022;19:521-528.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Kutner
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Claire Stout
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Norcini Pala
- Social Intervention Group (SIG), Columbia School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian D Paredes
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly M Nelson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Oka S. AIDS at 40 th: The progress of HIV treatment in Japan. Glob Health Med 2022; 4:1-8. [PMID: 35291198 PMCID: PMC8884036 DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2021.01120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Forty years have passed since the first five AIDS cases in Los Angeles were reported in 1981. Looking back at the history, these 40 years could be divided into 3 phases. During the first 15 years, when there was little efficacious therapy against HIV, clinical research was directed to develop diagnosis and treatment for opportunistic infections, mainly Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. When combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) became available in 1996, taking cART had been troublesome to most patients following 10 years because some of them had severe side effects, diet restrictions, high pill burdens, drug interactions, etc. It was not easy for patients to keep high adherence and, therefore, the virus easily obtained drug resistance. Although the prognosis has been dramatically improved, patients had been still living with hard times during the second phase. Along with advancement of anti-retroviral drugs that have allowed simple treatment possible, their life expectancy has further improved and is reaching almost nearly the general population in the following 15 years. However, some patients have recently faced an additional load to treat life-related comorbidities and non-AIDS defining malignancies. The problem is that these diseases start to occur in the 40s- or 50s-year-old generations and that means HIV-infected persons are suffering from pre-mature aging. AIDS no longer signifies death. However, we still have a lot to improve for their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Oka
- Address correspondence to:Shinichi Oka, AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan. E-mail:
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Yamamoto N, Koizumi Y, Tsuzuki S, Ejima K, Takano M, Iwami S, Mizushima D, Oka S. Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of a pre-exposure prophylaxis program for HIV prevention for men who have sex with men in Japan. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3088. [PMID: 35197543 PMCID: PMC8866502 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07116-4] [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: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been disproportionally affected by the HIV epidemic in many countries, including Japan. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a strong prevention tool, it is not yet approved in Japan. A Markov model was developed to describe HIV infection and disease progression in an MSM cohort (N = 1000) in Japan receiving a PrEP program. The model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a PrEP program. HIV/AIDS treatment, screening, hospitalization due to AIDS, and PrEP were considered as costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained as utilities. Cost-effectiveness was assessed by comparing the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) over a 30-year period against the willingness to pay (WTP) threshold. One-way sensitivity and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. With 50% PrEP coverage, the PrEP program became dominant against the program without PrEP, using a threshold of 5.0 million JPY/QALY (45,455 USD). The probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that the PrEP program was dominant or at least cost-effective in most cases of 10,000 simulations. Therefore, preparing cheaper PrEP pills, which results in PrEP being dominant or ICER being lower than the WTP threshold, is important to make the program cost-effective. Introduction of PrEP to an MSM cohort in Japan would be cost-effective over a 30-year time horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Yamamoto
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
| | - Yoshiki Koizumi
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine AIDS Clinical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Tsuzuki
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine AMR Clinical Reference Center, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Keisuke Ejima
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, USA
| | - Misao Takano
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine AIDS Clinical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Iwami
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan. .,MIRAI, JST, Saitama, Japan. .,Nstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. .,NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan. .,Science Groove Inc., Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Mizushima
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine AIDS Clinical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Shinichi Oka
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine AIDS Clinical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
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242
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Haag K, Tariq S, Dhairyawan R, Sabin C, Okhai H, Gilson R, Burns F, Sherr L. Patterns of mental health symptoms among women living with HIV ages 45-60 in England: associations with demographic and clinical factors. Menopause 2022; 29:421-429. [PMID: 35131964 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001931] [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: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the prevalence of various mental health symptoms according to menopausal status (pre, peri, post) among women living with HIV ages 45-60 in England, and to identify groups of women with similar general and menopause-related mental health symptoms. We then investigated demographic predictors of group-membership and group differences in HIV-related care outcomes (antiretroviral therapy adherence, HIV clinic attendance, CD4-count, and last HIV viral load). METHODS An analysis of cross-sectional data from the Positive Transitions through Menopause study, an observational study of the health and well-being impacts of menopause on 869 women with HIV aged 45-60 years. Self-reported data on eight mental health indicators were collected from women in pre-, peri- and post-menopausal state using validated measures. Groups (termed "classes") of women with similar mental health symptoms were derived via latent class analysis. Class membership was linked to demographic factors using nominal logistic regression, and to clinical outcomes using Wald tests. RESULTS We identified five classes: 1) few mental health symptoms (n = 501, 57.8%); 2) high current anxiety/depression (n = 120, 13.8%); 3) history of depression, with elevated current substance use (n = 40, 4.6%); 4) history of depression with current psychological menopause symptoms (n = 81, 9.3%); and 5) high previous and concurrent mental health problems (n = 125, 14.4%). University attendance, ethnicity, and longer time since HIV diagnosis predicted class membership. Antiretroviral therapy adherence was lower in classes 3 (11%), 4 (19%) and 5 (24%) compared to class 1 (4%; all P<0.001). Members of class 5 were more likely to have missed ≥1 HIV clinic appointment in the past year than those in class 1 (34% vs 17%, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Women with a history of depression, current anxiety/depression, and current menopause-related mental health symptoms were more likely to have poorer clinical outcomes. Although we cannot comment on causality, our findings highlight the importance of assessing and managing menopausal symptoms and mental health to improve well-being and engagement in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Haag
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Shema Tariq
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- The Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University College London, London, UK; and
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rageshri Dhairyawan
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- The Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University College London, London, UK; and
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Caroline Sabin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- The Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University College London, London, UK; and
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Hajra Okhai
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- The Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University College London, London, UK; and
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Richard Gilson
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- The Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University College London, London, UK; and
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Fiona Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- The Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University College London, London, UK; and
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Becasen JS, Morris JD, Denard CL, Mullins MM, Kota KK, Higa DH. HIV care outcomes among transgender persons with HIV infection in the United States, 2006-2021. AIDS 2022; 36:305-315. [PMID: 34690282 PMCID: PMC10680039 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HIV prevalence is an estimated 14% among transgender women (TW) and 3% among transgender men (TM). HIV care is vital for viral suppression but is hindered by transphobia and HIV stigma. We assessed HIV care outcomes among transgender persons (TG) with HIV in the United States. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed journal articles. METHODS We searched multiple electronic databases and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's HIV Prevention Research Synthesis database for 2006-September 2020. Eligible reports were US-based studies that included TG and reported HIV care outcomes. Random-effects models were used to calculate HIV care outcome rates. The protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018079564). RESULTS Few studies reported outcomes for TM; therefore, only TW meta-analysis results are reported. Fifty studies were identified having low-to-medium risk-of-bias scores. Among TW with HIV, 82% had ever received HIV care; 72% were receiving care, and 83% of those were retained in HIV care. Sixty-two percent were currently virally suppressed. Among those receiving HIV care or antiretroviral therapy (ART), 67% were virally suppressed at last test. Sixty-five percent were linked to HIV care 3 months or less after diagnosis. Seventy-one percent had ever been prescribed ART. Approximately 66% were taking ART, and 66% were ART-adherent. Only 56% were currently adherent the previous year. CONCLUSIONS HIV care outcomes for TW were not ideal, and research gaps exists for TM. High heterogeneity was observed; therefore, caution should be taken interpreting the findings. Integrating transgender-specific health needs are needed to improve outcomes of transgender persons across the HIV care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S. Becasen
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | | | | | - Mary M. Mullins
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Krishna Kiran Kota
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Darrel H. Higa
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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De Clercq J, Rutsaert S, De Scheerder MA, Verhofstede C, Callens S, Vandekerckhove L. Benefits of antiretroviral therapy initiation during acute HIV infection. Acta Clin Belg 2022; 77:168-176. [PMID: 32468932 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2020.1770413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: In the last decade, there has been increasing scientific and legislative focus on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for all people living with HIV. Especially early ART initiation, preferably during acute HIV infection, has been named as a promising strategy, both for the individual and for the society. This article will review the benefits and possible future applications of immediate ART initiation during acute HIV infection and explore the remaining hurdles towards this strategy.Results: On an individual level, initiation of ART during acute HIV infection limits the viral reservoir, preserves immune function, and decreases systemic inflammation. In addition, obtaining viral suppression soon after infection can be beneficial for the society by decreasing the chance of onward HIV transmission. Reducing the transmission will reduce HIV incidence and can curtail HIV-related health expenditure. Furthermore, the favorable immunological and virological profile obtained by treating during acute HIV infection will form an ideal starting point for several HIV cure strategies.Conclusions: Initiation of ART during acute HIV infection has shown distinct benefits for the individual, for the society, and for future research on HIV cure. In order to implement this strategy, equal focus should be placed on early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozefien De Clercq
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Rutsaert
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Chris Verhofstede
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Callens
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Linos Vandekerckhove
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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245
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Walsh AR, Sullivan S, Stephenson R. Inter-partner Agreement of Condom Use and Sexual Positioning in Male Couples. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:212-223. [PMID: 33983091 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1924606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Accurate, reliable self-reports of sexual behavior are a crucial component of valid HIV risk-estimation and behavioral intervention evaluation, yet this data's reliability remains understudied. The goal of this study was to describe interpartner agreement on recent receptive anal intercourse (AI) and condomless receptive AI frequencies, among a sample of male couples. We quantified interpartner agreement on self-reported receptive AI and condomless receptive AI (absolute and relative to AI frequency), and position and condom use during a couple's most recent AI, using cross-sectional data from male partners (US, 2016-2017; N = 718 individuals). Proportional and statistical agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), kappa (k)) were assessed. Observed agreement for receptive AI frequency was 49.44% (ICC (95% CI): 0.82(0.79, 0.84)) and for relative receptive frequency, 59.05% (ICC: 0.96 (0.85, 0.96). Agreement on condomless receptive AI was 90.21% (ICC: 0.78 (0.75, 0.82), and for relative condomless receptive AI, 91.15% (ICC: 0.80 (0.77, 0.83). Most recent AI position agreement was 89.42% (k (95% CI): 0.84 (0.80, 0.88)), and condom use, 98.89% (k: 0.82 (0.87, 0.98)). Observed agreement was higher among those who reported consistent positioning and condom use. Further research on self-reported sexual behavior data is needed to improve research validity and intervention effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison R Walsh
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing
| | - Stephen Sullivan
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing
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De Vito A, Botta A, Berruti M, Castelli V, Lai V, Cassol C, Lanari A, Stella G, Shallvari A, Bezenchek A, Di Biagio A. Could Long-Acting Cabotegravir-Rilpivirine Be the Future for All People Living with HIV? Response Based on Genotype Resistance Test from a Multicenter Italian Cohort. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020188. [PMID: 35207677 PMCID: PMC8877047 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-acting (LA) formulations have been designed to improve the quality of life of people with HIV (PWH) by maintaining virologic suppression. However, clinical trials have shown that patient selection is crucial. In fact, the HIV-1 resistance genotype test and the Body Mass Index of individual patients assume a predominant role in guiding the choice. Our work aimed to estimate the patients eligible for the new LA therapy with cabotegravir (CAB) + rilpivirine (RPV). We selected, from the Antiviral Response Cohort Analysis (ARCA) database, all PWH who had at least one follow-up in the last 24 months. We excluded patients with HBsAg positivity, evidence of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (except K103N) and integrase inhibitor mutations, and with a detectable HIV-RNA (>50 copies/mL). Overall, 4103 patients are currently on follow-up in the ARCA, but the eligible patients totaled 1641 (39.9%). Among them, 1163 (70.9%) were males and 1399 were Caucasian (85.3%), of which 1291 (92%) were Italian born. The median length of HIV infection was 10.2 years (IQR 6.3–16.3) with a median nadir of CD4 cells/count of 238 (106–366) cells/mm3 and a median last available CD4 cells/count of 706 (509–944) cells/mm3. The majority of PWH were treated with a three-drug regimen (n = 1116, 68%). Among the 525 (30.3%) patients treated with two-drug regimens, 325 (18.1%) were treated with lamivudine (3TC) and dolutegravir (DTG) and only 84 (5.1%) with RPV and DTG. In conclusion, according to our snapshot, roughly 39.9% of virologically suppressed patients may be suitable candidates for long-acting CAB+RPV therapy. Therefore, based on our findings, many different variables should be taken into consideration to tailor the antiretroviral treatment according to different individual characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Vito
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Annarita Botta
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Hospital Careggi, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Marco Berruti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IRCCS, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Valeria Castelli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, 20126 Milano, Italy;
- Infectious Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Lai
- Struttura Complessa di Microbiologia e Virologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Chiara Cassol
- Dipartimento Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.C.); (A.L.); (G.S.)
- UOC Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, AOU Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lanari
- Dipartimento Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.C.); (A.L.); (G.S.)
- UOC Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, AOU Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Stella
- Dipartimento Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.C.); (A.L.); (G.S.)
- UOC Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, AOU Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Adrian Shallvari
- InformaPRO S.r.l., 00152 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (A.B.)
- EuResist Network GEIE, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Bezenchek
- InformaPRO S.r.l., 00152 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (A.B.)
- EuResist Network GEIE, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Biagio
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IRCCS, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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Carroll K, Pottinger AM, Pinkney J, Christie LR, Hamilton PI, Thompson MS. Fertility care expectations: what do PLHIV and health care providers in Jamaica know about assisted reproduction services for safe conception? AIDS Care 2022; 35:1045-1054. [PMID: 34986729 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.2023729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Increased life expectancy among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) has increased the desire for parenthood. It is therefore important that PLHIV and health care providers (HCPs) are aware of the available assisted reproduction services (ARS) for PLHIV facing infertility or unsuppressed viremia. Through secondary data analysis we identified PLHIV who were actively trying to conceive and their knowledge of ARS. As specialized fertility care for PLHIV is managed by Obstetrician/Gynecologists (Ob/Gyns), they were surveyed regarding their attitudes towards working with PLHIV and their awareness and knowledge of ARS with a self-administered questionnaire. In this cross-sectional study, 251 PLHIV and 102 Ob/Gyns were recruited and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Although most Ob/Gyns (81%) reported being supportive of PLHIV having children, 85% counseled against pregnancy, particularly persons in HIV serodifferent relationships. Significantly more PLHIV under 40 years compared to those over 40 years had heard about ARS (59% vs. 43%, p = .007). Ob/Gyns were more knowledgeable of expensive ARS, while PLHIV's knowledge was more restricted to cheaper more accessible ones. In conclusion Ob/Gyns knowledge gaps and underlying stereotypes may present barriers to PLHIV's uptake of ARS. Additionally, virologically unsuppresed persons in HIV serodifferent relationships may be vulnerable as Ob/Gyns were less supportive of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamali Carroll
- The Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Audrey M Pottinger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Jodian Pinkney
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Loxley R Christie
- The Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Pansy I Hamilton
- The Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Monique S Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
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OUP accepted manuscript. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:1741-1747. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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249
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Geldsetzer P, Chebet JJ, Tarumbiswa T, Phate-Lesihla R, Maponga C, Mandara E, Bärnighausen T, McMahon SA. Knowledge and attitudes about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: Evidence from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with policy makers, healthcare providers, and end-users in Lesotho. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000762. [PMID: 36962565 PMCID: PMC10021845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Studies on knowledge and attitudes about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have mostly focused on key populations in North America and Europe. To inform Lesotho's national rollout of PrEP to the general population, this study aimed to characterize knowledge and attitudes about PrEP among policy makers, implementing partners, healthcare providers, and PrEP end-users in Lesotho. Respondents were purposively selected to participate based on personal experience in the development and implementation of Lesotho's PrEP program, or the personal use of PrEP. We conducted 106 in-depth interviews with policy makers (n = 5), implementing partners (n = 4), and end-users (current PrEP users = 55; former PrEP users = 36; and PrEP "decliners" = 6). In addition, we held 11 focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 105 healthcare providers. Interview and FGD transcripts were analyzed following the tenets of Grounded Theory. Respondents expressed positive attitudes toward PrEP, owing to experienced and perceived personal, familial, and societal benefits. PrEP was viewed as i) an opportunity for serodiscordant couples to remain together, ii) a means of conceiving children with minimized risk of HIV infection, iii) providing a sense of agency and control, and iv) an avenue for addressing the HIV epidemic in Lesotho. Respondents demonstrated understanding of PrEP's intended use, eligibility requirements, and modality of use. However, respondents also reported that several important misconceptions of PrEP were common among adults in Lesotho, including a belief that PrEP protects against sexually transmitted infections other than HIV, promotes promiscuity, prevents pregnancy, causes seroconversion, and provides lifelong protection from taking the pill just once. In addition to building on the perceived advantages of PrEP to shape a positive message, Lesotho's national rollout of PrEP will likely benefit from a communication strategy that specifically addresses the common misconceptions of PrEP identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Geldsetzer
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Joy J Chebet
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Tapiwa Tarumbiswa
- Disease Control Department, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Chivimbiso Maponga
- Clinton Health Access Initiative-Lesotho Country Office, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Esther Mandara
- Clinton Health Access Initiative-Lesotho Country Office, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Social and Behavioral Interventions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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250
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Kaida A, Cameron B, Conway T, Cotnam J, Danforth J, de Pokomandy A, Gagnier B, Godoy S, Gormley R, Greene S, Habanyama M, Kazemi M, Logie CH, Loutfy M, MacGillivray J, Masching R, Money D, Nicholson V, Osborne Z, Pick N, Sanchez M, Tharao W, Watt S, Narasimhan M. Key recommendations for developing a national action plan to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women living with HIV in Canada. WOMEN'S HEALTH 2022; 18:17455057221090829. [PMID: 35435062 PMCID: PMC9019372 DOI: 10.1177/17455057221090829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Action on the World Health Organization Consolidated guideline on sexual and reproductive health and rights of women living with HIV requires evidence-based, equity-oriented, and regionally specific strategies centred on priorities of women living with HIV. Through community–academic partnership, we identified recommendations for developing a national action plan focused on enabling environments that shape sexual and reproductive health and rights by, with, and for women living with HIV in Canada. Between 2017 and 2019, leading Canadian women’s HIV community, research, and clinical organizations partnered with the World Health Organization to convene a webinar series to describe the World Health Organization Consolidated guideline, define sexual and reproductive health and rights priorities in Canada, disseminate Canadian research and best practices in sexual and reproductive health and rights, and demonstrate the importance of community–academic partnerships and meaningful engagement of women living with HIV. Four webinar topics were pursued: (1) Trauma and Violence-Aware Care/Practice; (2) Supporting Safer HIV Disclosure; (3) Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice; and (4) Resilience, Self-efficacy, and Peer Support. Subsequent in-person (2018) and online (2018–2021) consultation with > 130 key stakeholders further clarified priorities. Consultations yielded five cross-cutting key recommendations: 1. Meaningfully engage women living with HIV across research, policy, and practice aimed at advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights by, with, and for all women. 2. Centre Indigenous women’s priorities, voices, and perspectives. 3. Use language that is actively de-stigmatizing, inclusive, and reflective of women’s strengths and experiences. 4. Strengthen Knowledge Translation efforts to support access to and uptake of contemporary sexual and reproductive health and rights information for all stakeholders. 5. Catalyse reciprocal relationships between evidence and action such that action is guided by research evidence, and research is guided by what is needed for effective action. Topic-specific sexual and reproductive health and rights recommendations were also identified. Guided by community engagement, recommendations for a national action plan on sexual and reproductive health and rights encourage Canada to enact global leadership by creating enabling environments for the health and healthcare of women living with HIV. Implementation is being pursued through consultations with provincial and national government representatives and policy-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brittany Cameron
- PARN-Community Based HIV/STBBI Programs, Peterborough, ON, Canada
- International Community of Women Living with HV–North America (ICW-NA), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tracey Conway
- Canadian Positive People Network (CPPN)/Réseau canadien de personnes séropositives (RCPS), Dunrobin, ON, Canada
| | - Jasmine Cotnam
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Alexandra de Pokomandy
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brenda Gagnier
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra Godoy
- Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Gormley
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Saara Greene
- School of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Muluba Habanyama
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mina Kazemi
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carmen H. Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mona Loutfy
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jay MacGillivray
- Positive Pregnancy Program (P3), St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Renee Masching
- Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN), Dartmouth, NS, Canada
| | - Deborah Money
- Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Oak Tree Clinic, British Columbia Women’s Hospital and Healthcare Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Valerie Nicholson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zoë Osborne
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Neora Pick
- Oak Tree Clinic, British Columbia Women’s Hospital and Healthcare Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Margarite Sanchez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- ViVA women, a network by and for women living with HIV, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wangari Tharao
- Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Watt
- BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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