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Agot K, Onyango J, Perry B, Molokwu N, Taylor J, Ngoje D, Corneli A. How men influence young women taking PrEP: perspectives from young women, male partners, and male peers in Siaya county, Western Kenya. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:218. [PMID: 38570779 PMCID: PMC10993511 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03044-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention option for those who are most vulnerable to HIV infection, especially young women (YW). Objection by or lack of support from male sexual partners has been shown to impact YW's ability to take PrEP consistently. We explored the views of YW, and male partners and male peers of YW in Siaya County, Western Kenya, to illustrate how men influence, and can support, YW in using PrEP. METHODS We used Photovoice to capture the views of YW ages 18-24 who were currently or previously enrolled in the DREAMS program and with current or previous experience taking PrEP. We also captured the views of YW's sexual partners and male peers. The YW completed eight photo assignments that focused on identifying factors influencing their PrEP use, and male participants completed four photo assignments focused on identifying ways men support or hinder YW's PrEP use. Photographs were presented and discussed in same- and mixed-gender groups using the SHOWeD method. YW also participated in in-depth interviews. The analysis focused on identifying themes that described men's influence on YW's PrEP adherence and persistence. RESULTS Among YW, a restricting male influence on PrEP use emerged in the majority of photo assignments such that YW's photographs and discussions revealed that men were more often viewed as barriers than supporters. YW perceived that they had little autonomy over their sexual lives and choice to use PrEP. YW's PrEP use was perceived to be hindered by stigmatizing community narratives that influenced men's support of PrEP use among women. Male participants suggested that men would support YW's PrEP use if PrEP was better promoted in the community and if men were more knowledgeable about its benefits. CONCLUSIONS A lack of support from male partners and peers and stigmatizing community narratives influence YW's PrEP use. Community-based programs should include education about PrEP specifically for male partners and peers of YW to positively influence PrEP use among YW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawango Agot
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Mito Jura Road, off Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, Kisumu, 9171 - 40141, Kenya.
| | - Jacob Onyango
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Mito Jura Road, off Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, Kisumu, 9171 - 40141, Kenya
| | - Brian Perry
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nneka Molokwu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jamilah Taylor
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Duncan Ngoje
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Mito Jura Road, off Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, Kisumu, 9171 - 40141, Kenya
| | - Amy Corneli
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Nyagah W, Segal K, Feltham J, Ash A, Major J, Masani M. How might we motivate uptake of the Dual Prevention Pill? Findings from human-centered design research with potential end users, male partners, and healthcare providers. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1254953. [PMID: 38023531 PMCID: PMC10646541 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1254953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) combining contraception with HIV prevention offer a promising solution to uptake and adherence challenges faced with oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The Dual Prevention Pill (DPP), which combines oral PrEP with an oral contraceptive pill (OCP), could address unmet need for family planning (FP) and HIV prevention. This study aimed to identify barriers and motivators for DPP uptake to inform the development of a DPP demand generation strategy and broader introduction efforts for MPTs. Materials and methods Qualitative, ethnographic research employing human-centered design techniques was conducted in Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. A research consortium conducted 45 immersions, 34 key informant interviews, and 12 friendship circles with potential end users, male romantic partners, healthcare providers (HCPs), and cultural commentators. Creative concepts were subsequently co-created and validated in workshops with end users, male partners, and HCPs. Results Four major themes emerged. Women struggled to balance personal motivations with societal expectations. Relationship goals strongly influenced sexual and reproductive health decisions, particularly related to financial security and social status. Negative experiences, such as untrustworthy partners, were significant triggers for OCP and PrEP use. Lastly, male partners were concerned about the DPP upending gender norms but held more positive individual attitudes. Five initial audience segments for the DPP were identified: women seeking enjoyment outside of their primary relationship; new mothers adhering to social norms; women wanting to maintain romantic relationships; women at risk of unintended pregnancy; and women with unfaithful partners. Segments informed the development of three communication themes, with the preferred route highlighting the DPP as a tool to prepare for life's unpredictability. Discussion To effectively generate demand for the DPP, several strategies should be considered. Connecting with women's diverse identities and goals and celebrating their individuality is crucial. Linking the DPP to relationship goals reframes it as a means to protect relationships rather than a risk. Leveraging negative triggers through targeted media campaigns empowers women to take control of their sexual health during challenging moments. A balance in channel placement is necessary to raise public awareness while using more discrete channels for potentially controversial messages with male partners and wider communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wawira Nyagah
- AVAC, Product Introduction and Access, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kate Segal
- AVAC, Product Introduction and Access, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jess Feltham
- M&C Saatchi World Services, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Ash
- M&C Saatchi World Services, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Moowa Masani
- REACH Consumer Insights, Cape Town, South Africa
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Chipukuma J, Lindsay B, Mwango L, Olowski P, Baumhart C, Tembo K, Olufunso A, Bwale C, Makasa P, Muchoka M, Tembo S, Mbokile W, Panda C, Malupande S, Lubinda R, Bwembelo B, Fundulu E, Munsongo C, Watala K, Musonda B, Chituwo O, Okuku J, Mwila A, Muleya C, Patel P, Claassen CW. Fostering Access to PrEP Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Aged 16 to 24 Years at High Risk of HIV Through the DREAMS Initiative in Four Districts in Zambia. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:52-66. [PMID: 37406141 PMCID: PMC10764235 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.suppa.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa remain at high risk for HIV, yet limited data exist on implementation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for this group. We examined PrEP uptake among AGYW using a retrospective cohort enrolled in the Determined Resilient Empowered AIDS-free Mentored Safe (DREAMS) initiative in Zambia between October 2020 and March 2022. Consent was obtained from eligible AGYW at substantial risk for HIV, and they voluntarily participated in PrEP. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with PrEP refills following initiation. Of 4,162 HIV-negative AGYW, 3,233 (77%) were at substantial risk and initiated on PrEP. Overall, 68% of AGYW had at least one refill, but this differed significantly by age group and district. DREAMS was successful at reaching AGYW with PrEP services. More evidence is needed to assess reasons for discontinuation and to improve persistence for those with sustained HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brianna Lindsay
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Pawel Olowski
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Caitlin Baumhart
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kalima Tembo
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Omega Chituwo
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jackson Okuku
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Annie Mwila
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Carlos Muleya
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Pragna Patel
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cassidy W. Claassen
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Bergam S, Harrison AD, Benghu N, Khumalo S, Tesfay N, Exner T, Miller L, Dolezal C, Hanass-Hancock J, Hoffman S. Women's Perceptions of HIV- and Sexuality-Related Stigma in Relation to PrEP: Qualitative Findings from the Masibambane Study, Durban, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2881-2890. [PMID: 35218452 PMCID: PMC9378426 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03632-6] [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] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers effective HIV prevention. In South Africa, PrEP is publicly available, but use among young women remains low. We explored young women's perceptions of PrEP to inform a gender-focused intervention to promote PrEP uptake. Six focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews exploring perceptions of PrEP were conducted with forty-six women not using PrEP, ages 18-25, from central Durban. Data were thematically analyzed using a team-based consensus approach. The study was conducted among likely PrEP users: women were highly-educated, with 84.8% enrolled in post-secondary education. Qualitative data revealed intersecting social stigmas related to HIV and women's sexuality. Women feared that daily PrEP pills would be confused with anti-retroviral treatment, creating vulnerability to misplaced HIV stigma. Women also anticipated that taking PrEP could expose them to assumptions of promiscuity from the community. To address these anticipated community-level reactions, women suggested community-facing interventions to reduce the burden on young women considering PrEP. Concerns around PrEP use in this group of urban, educated women reflects layered stigmas that may inhibit future PrEP use. Stigma-reducing strategies, such as media campaigns and educational interventions directed at communities who could benefit from PrEP, should re-frame PrEP as an empowering and responsible choice for young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bergam
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Umbilo, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.
| | - A D Harrison
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - N Benghu
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | - S Khumalo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | - N Tesfay
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | - T Exner
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NYS Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Miller
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Dolezal
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NYS Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Hanass-Hancock
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | - S Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NYS Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Heck CJ, Mathur S, Alwang’a H, Daniel OM, Obanda R, Owiti M, Okal J. Oral PrEP Consultations Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Kisumu County, Kenya: Insights from the DREAMS Program. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2516-2530. [PMID: 35099640 PMCID: PMC9252953 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03590-z] [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: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although Kenya nationally scaled up oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in May 2017, adolescent girls' (AG, aged 15-19 years) and young women's (YW, aged 20-24 years) PrEP use remains suboptimal. Thus, we analyzed PrEP consultations-interactions with a healthcare provider about PrEP-among Kenyan AGYW. In April-June 2018, AGYW enrolled in DREAMS in Kisumu County, Kenya self-reported their HIV-related knowledge, behaviors, and service use. Among HIV negative, sexually active AG (n = 154) and YW (n = 289), we examined associations between PrEP eligibility and PrEP consultations using prevalence ratios (PR, adjusted: aPR). Most AG (90.26%) and YW (94.12%) were PrEP-eligible due to inconsistent/no condom use, violence survivorship, or recent sexually transmitted infection symptoms. Between PrEP-eligible AG and YW, more YW were ever-orphaned (58.09%), ever-married (54.41%), ever-pregnant (80.88%), and out of school (78.31%); more PrEP-eligible YW reported PrEP consultations (41.18% vs. 24.46%, aPR = 1.51 [1.01-2.27]). AG who used PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) reported more consultations (aPR = 5.63 [3.53-8.97]). Among YW, transactional sex engagers reported more consultations (58.62% vs. 39.09%, PR = 1.50 [1.06-2.12]), but only PEP use (aPR = 2.81 [2.30-3.43]) and multiple partnerships (aPR = 1.39 [1.06-1.82]) were independently associated with consultations. Consultations were lowest among those with 1 eligibility criterion (AG = 11.11%/YW = 27.18%). Comparatively, consultations were higher among AG and YW with 2 (aPR = 3.71 [1.64-8.39], PR = 1.60 [1.07-2.38], respectively) or ≥ 3 (aPR = 2.51 [1.09-5.78], PR = 2.05 [1.42-2.97], respectively) eligibility criteria. Though most AGYW were PrEP-eligible, PrEP consultations were rare and differed by age and vulnerability. In high-incidence settings, PrEP consultations should be conducted with all AGYW. PrEP provision guidelines must be re-assessed to accelerate AGYW's PrEP access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig J. Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032 USA
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Hill LM, Saidi F, Freeborn K, Amico KR, Rosenberg NE, Maman S, Phanga T, Tsidya M, Chirwa S, Zimba C, Mutale W, Chi BH. Tonse Pamodzi: Developing a combination strategy to support adherence to antiretroviral therapy and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis during pregnancy and breastfeeding. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253280. [PMID: 34170913 PMCID: PMC8232532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV (EMTCT), scalable strategies to enhance antiretroviral adherence for both antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are needed as part of integrated HIV and maternal-child health services. We developed Tonse Pamodzi ("all of us together"), an adaptable intervention integrating biomedical and behavioral components to support HIV treatment and prevention. We describe our intervention development process, which comprised formative qualitative research, a review of the literature, and technical input from stakeholders representing the community, health systems, and policymakers. The resulting intervention, described herein, integrates patient-centered counseling and engagement of a patient-selected adherence supporter for pregnant and breastfeeding women initiating ART or PrEP. Patients receiving the intervention engage in Integrated Next Step Counseling (iNSC) sessions delivered by trained counselors to build and maintain adherence skills. Each patient also has the option of selecting an adherence supporter (partner, family member, or friend) who may participate in iNSC sessions and provide adherence support outside of these sessions. This flexible intervention is adaptable not only to ART or PrEP use, but also to the needs and preferences of each woman and the clinical context. If shown to be acceptable and feasible, the Tonse Pamodzi intervention may be an important tool in continuing efforts for EMTCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Hill
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Kellie Freeborn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - K. Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Nora E. Rosenberg
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Suzanne Maman
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Wilbroad Mutale
- Department of Health Policy, University of Zambia School of Public Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Benjamin H. Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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Hargreaves JR, Auerbach JD, Hensen B, Johnson S, Gregson S. Strengthening primary HIV prevention: better use of data to improve programmes, develop strategies and evaluate progress. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 3:e25538. [PMID: 32602656 PMCID: PMC7325501 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James R Hargreaves
- Faculty of Public Health and PolicyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Judith D Auerbach
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Bernadette Hensen
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Saul Johnson
- Health PracticeGenesis AnalyticsJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Simon Gregson
- Faculty of MedicineImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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