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Comins CA, Baral S, Mcingana M, Shipp L, Phetlhu DR, Young K, Guddera V, Hausler H, Schwartz S. ART coverage and viral suppression among female sex workers living with HIV in eThekwini, South Africa: Baseline findings from the Siyaphambili study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002783. [PMID: 38776334 PMCID: PMC11111033 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
In South Africa >60% of female sex workers (FSW) are living with HIV, the majority of whom are not virally suppressed. Identifying multi-level determinants of viral suppression is central to developing implementation strategies to promote retention in HIV care and viral suppression among FSW with unmet treatment needs. Adult cisgender FSW living with HIV for ≥6 months, conducting sex work as their primary source of income, and residing in Durban (South Africa) were enrolled into the Siyaphambili Study, a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial. Baseline viral load and CD4 were assessed, and an interviewer-administered survey was conducted, capturing socio-demographic, reproductive and sexual history and behaviors, vulnerabilities, substance use, mental health, and stigma. We assessed baseline determinants of viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) using bivariate and multivariable robust poisson regression, considering associations across the individual, network, environmental and macrostructural levels. From June 2018 -March 2020, 1,644 women were screened, with 1,391 eligible FSW living with HIV enrolled. The analyses were conducted among the 1,373 participants with baseline data. Overall, 65% (889/1,373) of participants were reported to be on antiretroviral therapy and 38% (520/1,373) were virally suppressed. In the multivariable model, FSW who experienced a lack of housing in the prior six months were less likely to be virally suppressed (aPR: 0.72, 95%CI 0.56-0.91), while older FSW (aPR: 1.46 95%CI: 1.16-1.83 for 30-39 years old vs. 18-29 years old; aPR: 2.15 95%CI: 1.64-2.80 for 40+ years vs. 18-29 years old) and FSW reporting hormonal or long-acting contraception use were more likely to be virally suppressed (aPR: 1.19 95% CI: 1.00-1.43). We found vulnerability to be high among FSW living with HIV in South Africa and identified individual and structural determinants associated with viral suppression. Taken together these results suggest optimizing HIV treatment outcomes necessitates supporting younger sex workers and addressing housing instability. Trial registration: NCT03500172.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly A. Comins
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Lily Shipp
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Deliwe Rene Phetlhu
- Department of Nursing, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | | | - Harry Hausler
- TB HIV Care, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Lujintanon S, Hausler H, Comins C, Mcingana M, Shipp L, Phetlhu DR, Makama S, Guddera V, Mishra S, Baral S, Schwartz S. Estimating the mortality risk correcting for high loss to follow-up among female sex workers with HIV in Durban, South Africa, 2018-2021. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 92:8-16. [PMID: 38382770 PMCID: PMC10981924 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.02.006] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assesses risk factors of loss to follow-up (LTFU) and estimates mortality risk among female sex workers (FSW) with HIV in Durban, South Africa, in 2018-2021. METHODS We used data from the Siyaphambili trial, which evaluated strategies for improved viral suppression. FSW with HIV aged ≥ 18 years with viral load ≥ 50 copies/mL were followed up for 18 months. LTFU was defined as absence from study or intervention visits for 6 months. We traced LTFU participants by calling/in-person visit attempts to ascertain their vital status. We used Cox regression to determine risk factors of LTFU and inverse probability of tracing weights to correct mortality risk. RESULTS Of 777 participants, 10 (1.3%) had died and 578 (74.4%) were initially LTFU. Among those LTFU, 36.3% (210/578) were traced successfully, with 6 additional deaths ascertained. Recent physical and sexual violence, and non-viral suppression were associated with increased LTFU. The unweighted and weighted 18-month mortality risks were 2.4% (95% CI: 0.8%-3.9%) and 3.7% (95% CI: 1.8%-5.9%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS LTFU is common among FSW with HIV in South Africa with additional investigation of vital status demonstrating under-ascertained mortality. These data suggest the need for comprehensively addressing risks for mortality among FSW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Lujintanon
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States.
| | - Harry Hausler
- TB HIV Care, 7th Floor, 11 Adderley St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town 8001, South Africa; Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, 7th Floor, HW Snyman North building, Prinshof Campus, 31 Bophelo Rd, Gezina, Pretoria 0084, South Africa
| | - Carly Comins
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Mfezi Mcingana
- TB HIV Care, Suit No. 2, Sutton Square, 306/310 Mathews Meyiwa Rd, Morningside, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Lillian Shipp
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Deliwe Rene Phetlhu
- Department of Nursing, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi St, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, Gauteng 0208, South Africa
| | - Siyanda Makama
- TB HIV Care, Suit No. 2, Sutton Square, 306/310 Mathews Meyiwa Rd, Morningside, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Vijayanand Guddera
- TB HIV Care, Suit No. 2, Sutton Square, 306/310 Mathews Meyiwa Rd, Morningside, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- St. Michael's Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, University of Toronto, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
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Rosen JG, Knox JR, Rucinski KB, Mcingana M, Mulumba N, Comins CA, Shipp L, Makama S, Beckham SW, Hausler H, Baral SD, Schwartz SR. Polysubstance Use Profiles and HIV Viremia in a South African Cohort of Female Sex Workers: A Latent Class Analysis. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:222-230. [PMID: 38032752 PMCID: PMC10922222 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003356] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given intersecting social and structural factors, female sex workers (FSW) exhibit elevated risk of HIV and substance use. However, there is limited study of how distinct substance use typologies influence HIV treatment outcomes among FSW. SETTING A cross-sectional survey with objective viral load assessments of 1391 FSW enrolled into a treatment optimization-focused trial in Durban, South Africa (2018-2020). METHODS We used latent class analysis to uncover discrete patterns in past-month self-reported use of the following substances: heavy alcohol use, cannabis, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, methamphetamine, heroin, and Whoonga . We used Wald tests to identify multilevel predictors of latent class membership and multivariable mixture modeling to quantify associations of substance use classes with HIV viremia (≥50 RNA copies/mL). RESULTS Substance use (87%) and HIV viremia (62%) were highly prevalent. Latent class analysis uncovered 3 polysubstance use profiles: Heavy Alcohol Use Only (∼54%); Cannabis, Heavy Alcohol, & Crack Use (∼28%); and Whoonga & Crack Use (∼18%). Whoonga & Crack Use was associated with social and structural adversities, including homelessness, outdoor/public sex work, HIV stigma, and violence. Relative to Heavy Alcohol Use Only , HIV viremia was significantly higher in the Whoonga & Crack Use class (adjusted odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval: 1.13 to 3.43), but not in the Cannabis, Heavy Alcohol, & Crack Use class (adjusted odds ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 0.74 to 1.86). CONCLUSION HIV viremia differed significantly across identified polysubstance use profiles among South African FSW. Integrating drug treatment and harm reduction services into HIV treatment programs is key to improving virologic outcomes in marginalized communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Justin R. Knox
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Katherine B. Rucinski
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | | | - Ntambue Mulumba
- Key Populations Programme, TB HIV Care, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carly A. Comins
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Lillian Shipp
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Siyanda Makama
- Key Populations Programme, TB HIV Care, Durban, South Africa
| | - S. Wilson Beckham
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Harry Hausler
- Department of Psychiatry, Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Stefan D. Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Sheree R. Schwartz
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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Roddy MK, Pfammatter AF, Mayberry LS. Optimizing adaptive stepped-care interventions to change adults' health behaviors: A systematic review. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e190. [PMID: 37745938 PMCID: PMC10514691 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.618] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic diseases are ubiquitous and costly in American populations. Interventions targeting health behavior change to manage chronic diseases are needed, but previous efforts have fallen short of producing meaningful change on average. Adaptive stepped-care interventions, that tailor treatment based on the needs of the individual over time, are a promising new area in health behavior change. We therefore conducted a systematic review of tests of adaptive stepped-care interventions targeting health behavior changes for adults with chronic diseases. We identified 9 completed studies and 13 research protocols testing adaptive stepped-care interventions for health behavior change. The most common health behaviors targeted were substance use, weight management, and smoking cessation. All identified studies test intermediary tailoring for treatment non-responders via sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (SMARTs) or singly randomized trials (SRTs); none test baseline tailoring. From completed studies, there were few differences between embedded adaptive interventions and minimal differences between those classified as treatment responders and non-responders. In conclusion, updates to this work will be needed as protocols identified here publish results. Future research could explore baseline tailoring variables, apply methods to additional health behaviors and target populations, test tapering interventions for treatment responders, and consider adults' context when adapting interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenzie K. Roddy
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Health Behavior and Health Education, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Angela F. Pfammatter
- College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Lindsay S. Mayberry
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Health Behavior and Health Education, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Bhardwaj A, Comins CA, Guddera V, Mcingana M, Young K, Phetlhu R, Mulumba N, Mishra S, Hausler H, Baral S, Schwartz S. Prevalence of depression, syndemic factors and their impact on viral suppression among female sex workers living with HIV in eThekwini, South Africa. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:232. [PMID: 37147708 PMCID: PMC10161481 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02392-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over half of female sex workers (FSW) in South Africa are living with HIV and clinical depression has been frequently documented among FSW. Data characterizing structural determinants of depression and the role of syndemic theory, synergistically interacting disease states, on viral suppression among FSW in South Africa are limited. METHODS Between July 2018-March 2020, non-pregnant, cisgender women (≥ 18 years), reporting sex work as their primary income source, and diagnosed with HIV for ≥ 6 months were enrolled into the Siyaphambili trial in eThekwini, South Africa. Using baseline data, robust Poisson regression models were used to assess correlates of depression and associations between depression and syndemic factors on viral suppression. RESULTS Of 1,384 participants, 459 (33%) screened positive for depression, defined as a score of ≥ 10 on the PHQ-9. Physical and sexual violence, drug use, alcohol use, anticipated stigma and internalized stigma were univariately associated with depression (all p's < 0.05) and included the multivariate model. In the multivariate regression, prevalence of depression was higher among participants experiencing sexual violence (PR = 1.47 95% CI:1.24,1.73), physical violence 5 times or more in < 6 months (PR = 1.38 95% CI:1.07, 1.80), using illicit drugs in the last month (PR = 1.23 95%:CI 1.04, 1.48), and reporting higher levels of internalized stigma (PR = 1.11, 95% CI:1.04,1.18). Depression in the absence of the Substance Abuse, Violence and AIDS SAVA syndemic factors was associated with increased prevalence of unsuppressed viral load (aPR 1.24; 95% CI:1.08,1.43), and the SAVA substance use and violence syndemic was associated with an increase in unsuppressed viral load among non-depressed FSW (aPR 1.13; 95% CI:1.01, 1.26). Compared to those experiencing neither factors, those jointly experiencing depression and the SAVA syndemics were at increased risk for unsuppressed viral load (aPR 1.15; 95% CI:1.02,1.28). CONCLUSION Substance use, violence, and stigma were all associated with depression. Depression and syndemic factors (substance use + violence) were related to unsuppressed viral load; we did not observe higher unsuppressed viral load amongst those experiencing both depression and syndemic factors. Our findings point to the need to understand the unmet mental health needs of FSW living with HIV. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trial Number: NCT03500172.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anvita Bhardwaj
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Carly A Comins
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rene Phetlhu
- TB HIV Care, Café Town, South Africa
- University of Western Cape, Café Town, South Africa
| | | | - Sharmistha Mishra
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA
- Institute of Medical Science and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA
| | | | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Chen C, Baral S, Comins CA, Mcingana M, Wang L, Phetlhu DR, Mulumba N, Guddera V, Young K, Mishra S, Hausler H, Schwartz SR. HIV- and sex work-related stigmas and quality of life of female sex workers living with HIV in South Africa: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:910. [PMID: 36474210 PMCID: PMC9724359 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07892-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental quality of life (QoL) assesses individually perceived factors such as physical safety and security, accessibility, quality of healthcare, and physical environment. These factors are particularly relevant in the context of sex work and HIV, where stigma has been identified as an important barrier across several prevention and treatment domains. This study aims to examine the association between different types of HIV- and sex work-related stigmas and environmental QoL among female sex workers (FSW) living with HIV in Durban, South Africa. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional analyses using baseline data from the Siyaphambili randomized controlled trial. FSW who reported sex work as their primary source of income and had been diagnosed with HIV for ≥ 6 months were enrolled from June 2018-March 2020, in eThekwini, South Africa. We evaluated the association between environmental QoL, dichotomizing the environmental domain score collected by the WHO Quality of Life HIV Brief (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) questionnaire at the median, and stigma using modified robust Poisson regression models. Five stigma subscales were assessed: sex work-related (anticipated, enacted, or internalized stigma) and HIV-related (anticipated or enacted stigma). RESULTS Among 1373 FSW, the median environmental QoL was 10.5 out of 20 [IQR: 9.0-12.5; range 4.0-19.0], while the median overall QoL was 3 out of 5 [IQR: 2-4; range 1-5]. One-third of FSW (n = 456) fell above the median environmental QoL score, while 67% were above the median overall QoL (n = 917). Reporting anticipated sex work stigma was associated with lower environmental QoL (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.74 [95% CI 0.61, 0.90]), as was severe internalized sex work stigma (aPR: 0.64, 95% CI 0.48, 0.86). Reporting enacted HIV stigma versus none was similarly associated with lower environmental QoL (aPR: 0.65, 95% CI 0.49, 0.87). Enacted sex work stigma and anticipated HIV stigma were not statistically associated with environmental QoL. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the need to consider the impact of multiple stigmas on FSW's non-HIV related clinical outcomes, including safety and physical well-being. Moreover, these results suggest that addressing underlying structural risks may support the impact of more proximal HIV prevention and treatment interventions. Trial registration NCT03500172 (April 17, 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Chen
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, W3503, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, W3503, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Carly A. Comins
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, W3503, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Mfezi Mcingana
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linwei Wang
- grid.415502.7MAP-Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Deliwe Rene Phetlhu
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.8974.20000 0001 2156 8226University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ntambue Mulumba
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vijay Guddera
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Young
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- grid.415502.7MAP-Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Harry Hausler
- grid.438604.dTB HIV Care Association, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sheree R. Schwartz
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, W3503, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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Comins CA, Guddera V, Parmley LE, Young K, Mcingana M, Mulumba N, Mishra S, Phetlhu DR, Hausler H, Schwartz S, Baral S. Opportunities and considerations for the design of decentralized delivery of antiretroviral therapy for female sex workers living with HIV in South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1166. [PMID: 36114501 PMCID: PMC9482230 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08506-0] [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: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In South Africa, 60% of female sex workers (FSW) are living with HIV, many of whom experience structural and individual barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and adherence. Community-based decentralized treatment provision (DTP) may mitigate these barriers. To characterize optimal implementation strategies, we explored preferences for DTP among FSW living with HIV in Durban, South Africa.
Methods
Thirty-nine semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with FSW living with HIV (n = 24), and key informants (n = 15) including HIV program implementers, security personnel, and brothel managers. Participants were recruited using maximum variation and snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted in English or isiZulu between September–November 2017 and analyzed using grounded theory in Atlas.ti 8.
Results
DTP was described as an intervention that could address barriers to ART adherence and retention, minimizing transport costs, time and wage loss from clinic visits, and act as a safety net to address FSW mobility and clinic access challenges. Respondents highlighted contextual considerations for DTP and suggested that DTP should be venue-based, scheduled during less busy times and days, and integrate comprehensive health services including psychological, reproductive, and non-communicable disease services. ART packaging and storage were important for community-based delivery, and participants suggested DTP should be implemented by sex work sensitized staff with discrete uniform and vehicle branding.
Conclusions
Incorporating FSW preferences may support implementation optimization and requires balancing of tensions between preferences and feasibility. These data suggest the potential utility of DTP for FSW as a strategy to address those most marginalized from current ART programs in South Africa.
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Rucinski K, Masankha Banda L, Olawore O, Akolo C, Zakaliya A, Chilongozi D, Schwartz S, Wilcher R, Persaud N, Ruberintwari M, Baral S. HIV Testing Approaches to Optimize Prevention and Treatment for Key and Priority Populations in Malawi. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac038. [PMID: 35265725 PMCID: PMC8900928 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac038] [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: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite progress in improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people with HIV in Malawi, the burden of HIV infections and HIV treatment outcomes among key populations is suboptimal. Client-centered differentiated service delivery approaches may facilitate addressing HIV prevention and treatment needs of key populations in Malawi. Methods De-identified program data routinely collected as part of the LINKAGES project–Malawi were assembled from October 2017 to September 2019. HIV case finding was compared across different testing modalities for each population. Poisson regression was used to estimate the association between testing modalities and ART initiation. Results Of the 18 397 people included in analyses, 10 627 (58%) were female sex workers (FSWs), 2219 (12%) were men who have sex with men (MSM), and 4970 (27%) were clients of FSWs. HIV case finding varied by modality and population, with index testing and enhanced peer outreach demonstrating high yield despite reaching relatively few individuals. FSWs who tested positive through risk network referral testing were more likely to initiate ART within 30 days compared with those who tested positive through clinic-based testing (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.23–1.82). For MSM, index testing (aRR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.06–2.00) and testing through a drop-in center (aRR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.19–2.78) were associated with 30-day ART initiation. Conclusions These data suggest that differentiated HIV testing and outreach approaches tailored to the needs of different key populations may facilitate improved ART initiation in Malawi. Achieving 0 new infections by 2030 suggests the need to adapt treatment strategies given individual and structural barriers to treatment for key populations with HIV in high-prevalence settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Rucinski
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Oluwasolape Olawore
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Wang L, Dowdy DW, Comins CA, Young K, Mcingana M, Mulumba N, Mhlophe H, Chen C, Hausler H, Schwartz SR, Baral S, Mishra S. Health-related quality of life of female sex workers living with HIV in South Africa: a cross-sectional study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25884. [PMID: 35212470 PMCID: PMC8874880 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25884] [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: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important HIV outcome beyond viral suppression. However, there are limited data characterizing HRQoL of key populations, including female sex workers (FSW) living with HIV. Methods We used baseline data (22 June 2018–23 March 2020) of FSW who were diagnosed with HIV and enrolled into a randomized trial in Durban, South Africa. HRQoL information was collected by a generic preference‐accompanied tool with five domains (EQ‐5D), and summarized into a single score (range 0–1), which represents health utility. We employed multivariable beta regression models to identify determinants of HRQoL and to estimate subgroup‐specific HRQoL score. Using external estimates of life expectancy and population size, we estimated the number of quality adjusted life years reduced among FSW living with HIV in South Africa associated with violence and drug use. Results Of 1,363 individuals (mean age: 32.4 years; mean HRQoL score: 0.857) in our analysis, 62.6% used drugs, 61.3% experienced physical or sexual violence and 64.6% self‐reported taking antiretroviral treatment (ART). The following were associated with a reduction in the average marginal HRQoL score: older age (per decade: 0.018 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.008, 0.027]), drug use (0.022 [0.007, 0.036]), experience of violence (0.024 [0.010, 0.038]) and moderate (vs. no) level of internalized stigma (0.023 [0.004, 0.041]). Current ART use was associated with a 0.015‐point (–0.001, 0.031) increase in the HRQoL score. The estimated mean (95% CI) HRQoL scores ranged from 0.838 (0.816, 0.860) for FSW who used drugs, experienced violence and were not on ART; to 0.899 (0.883, 0.916) for FSW who did not use drugs nor experience violence and were on ART. Our results can be translated into a reduction in 37,184 and 39,722 quality adjusted life years related to drug use and experience of violence, respectively, in South Africa. Conclusions These results demonstrate the association of ART with higher HRQoL among FSW and the need to further address structural risks, including drug use, violence and stigma. Population‐specific estimates of HRQoL score can be further used to calculate quality‐adjusted life years in economic evaluations of individual and structural interventions addressing the needs of FSW living with HIV. Clinical Trial Registration NCT03500172 (April 17, 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Linwei Wang
- MAP-Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David W Dowdy
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carly A Comins
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Claire Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sheree R Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- MAP-Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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- MAP-Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,TB HIV Care, Cape Town, South Africa
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10
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Rock A, Comins C, Mulumba N, Young K, Mcingana M, Guddera V, Hausler H, Phetlhu R, Baral S, Schwartz S. Antiretroviral Treatment Sharing among Female sex Workers Living with HIV in eThekwini (Durban), South Africa: Drivers and Implications for Treatment Success. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2022; 21:23259582221110820. [PMID: 35786210 PMCID: PMC9263844 DOI: 10.1177/23259582221110820] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In South Africa, 62% of female sex workers (FSW) are estimated to be living with HIV. Qualitative research indicates that FSW share antiretroviral therapy (ART) with peers to surmount treatment barriers. We quantitatively described ART sharing, its correlates, and its relationship with viral suppression (VS) among FSW living with HIV in eThekwini, South Africa. Among FSW on ART (n = 890), 30% ever shared (gave and/or received) ART. Sharing ART was more likely among those with higher levels of alcohol use, illicit drug use, depression severity, and physical/sexual violence in the adjusted model. There was a positive, dose-response relationship between number of pills given to peers in the last 30 days and VS likelihood (aPR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.08; p < 0.01). Giving pills may strengthen peer relationships, which may facilitate ART adherence. ART distribution through peer networks holds promise as a context-appropriate intervention for improving ART adherence among FSW in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Rock
- Department of Epidemiology, 25802Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carly Comins
- Department of Epidemiology, 25802Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ntambue Mulumba
- Key Populations Programme, TB HIV Care, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Rene Phetlhu
- TB HIV Care, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Nursing, 108325University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, 25802Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, 25802Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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11
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Bigirumurame T, Uwimpuhwe G, Wason J. Sequential multiple assignment randomized trial studies should report all key components: a systematic review. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 142:152-160. [PMID: 34763037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomised Trial (SMART) designs allow multiple randomisations of participants; this allows assessment of stage-specific questions (individual randomisations) and adaptive interventions (i.e. treatment strategies). We assessed the quality of reporting of the information required to design SMART studies. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We systematically searched four databases (PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science and Scopus) for all trial reports, protocols, reviews, and methodological papers which mentioned SMART designs up to June 15, 2020. RESULTS Of the 157 selected records, 12 (7.64%) were trial reports, 24 (15.29%) were study protocols, 91 (58%) were methodological papers, and 30 (19.1%) were review papers. All these trials were powered using stage-specific aims. Only four (33.33%) of these trials reported parameters required for sample size calculations. A small number of the trials (16.67 %) were interested in determining the best embedded adaptive interventions. Most of the trials did not report information about multiple testing adjustment. Furthermore, most of records reported designs that were mainly focused on stage-specific aims. CONCLUSIONS Some features of SMART designs are seldomly reported and/or used. Furthermore, studies using this design tend to not adequately report information about all the design parameters, limiting their transparency and interpretability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theophile Bigirumurame
- Biostatistics Research Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | | | - James Wason
- Biostatistics Research Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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12
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High HIV Prevalence and Low HIV-Service Engagement Among Young Women Who Sell Sex: A Pooled Analysis Across 9 Sub-Saharan African Countries. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 85:148-155. [PMID: 32639275 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological data are needed to characterize the age-specific HIV burden and engagement in HIV services among young, marginalized women in sub-Saharan Africa. SETTING Women aged ≥18 years who reported selling sex were recruited across 9 countries in Southern, Central, and West Africa through respondent driven sampling (N = 6592). METHODS Individual-level data were pooled and age-specific HIV prevalence and antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage were estimated for each region using generalized linear mixed models. HIV-service engagement outcomes (prior HIV testing, HIV status awareness, and ART use) were compared among women living with HIV across age strata (18-19, 20-24, and ≥25 years) using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS By age 18%-19%, 45.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 37.9 to 53.0], 5.8% (95% CI: 4.3 to 7.8), and 4.0% (95% CI: 2.9 to 5.4) of young women who sell sex were living with HIV in Southern, Central, and West Africa respectively. Prevalence sharply increased during early adulthood in all regions, but ART coverage was suboptimal across age groups. Compared with adult women ≥25, young women aged 18-19 were less likely to have previously tested for HIV [prevalence ratio (PR) 0.76; 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.80], less likely to already be aware of their HIV status (PR 0.48; 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.64), and less likely to be taking ART (PR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.75). CONCLUSIONS HIV prevalence was already high by age 18-19 in this pooled analysis, demonstrating the need for prevention efforts that reach women who sell sex early in their adolescence. ART coverage remained low, with women in the youngest age group the least engaged in HIV-related services. Addressing barriers to HIV service delivery among young women who sell sex is central to a comprehensive HIV response.
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13
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Comins CA, Schwartz SR, Young K, Mishra S, Guddera V, Mcingana M, Phetlhu DR, Hausler H, Baral S. Contextualising the lived experience of sex workers living with HIV in South Africa: a call for a human-centred response to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2020; 27:1686200. [PMID: 31749416 PMCID: PMC6980753 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2019.1686200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carly A Comins
- Senior Research Program Coordinator/Data Analyst, Department of Epidemiology - Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sheree R Schwartz
- Assistant Scientist, Department of Epidemiology - Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katherine Young
- Strategic Information and Research Advisor. TB HIV Care, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- Scientist, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Mfezi Mcingana
- Key Populations Program Manager, TB HIV Care, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Deliwe R Phetlhu
- Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Harry Hausler
- Chief Executive Officer, TB HIV Care, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan Baral
- Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology - Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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14
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HIV-Related Implementation Research for Key Populations: Designing for Individuals, Evaluating Across Populations, and Integrating Context. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 82 Suppl 3:S206-S216. [PMID: 31764256 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Key populations, including men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, people who inject drugs, and incarcerated populations, experience high burdens of HIV and urgently need effective interventions. Yet the evidence base for implementation research (IR) with key populations remains weak and poses specific challenges to epidemiologic inference. We apply the Consolidated Framework for IR to consider specific challenges and recommendations for IR with key populations. DISCUSSION Individuals within key populations exist within inner and outer settings-including organizational structures, legal (eg, criminalization), and funding environments-which influence the design, adoption and fidelity of interventions, and the potential sustainability of intervention scale-up. Underlying vulnerabilities and external stressors experienced at the individual level (eg, homelessness, violence) further impact participation and retention in IR. Thus, researchers should account for representation in the research process, beginning with community engagement in IR design and consideration of enumeration/sampling methods for key populations who lack probabilistic sampling frames. Interventions for key populations require substantial adaptation and complexity (eg, individually tailored, multicomponent) to ensure appropriateness; however, there is tension between the need for complexity and challenges to internal validity (fidelity) and external validity (generalizable scale-up). Finally, integrating contextual, sampling, and implementation elements into analytic approaches is critical for effectiveness evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Translation of efficacious findings at the individual level to effectiveness at the population level requires recognition of risk heterogeneity. Recognizing the nuances of working with key populations is essential to ensure that individuals are represented by design and therefore gains in population health can be achieved.
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15
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Tokar A, Naniche D. Occupational barriers to HIV care in female sex workers living with HIV: structural or community solutions? Occup Environ Med 2020; 77:353-354. [PMID: 32393575 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-106396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tokar
- ISGlobal (Barcelona Institute for Global Health) Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Denise Naniche
- ISGlobal (Barcelona Institute for Global Health) Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Parmley LE, Comins CA, Young K, Mcingana M, Phetlhu DR, Guddera V, Mkhize H, Hausler H, Baral S, Schwartz S. Occupational barriers to accessing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy for female sex workers living with HIV in South Africa. Occup Environ Med 2020; 77:100-106. [PMID: 31911541 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-105947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While female sex workers (FSW) are nearly 14 times more likely to be living with HIV than non-FSW, less than 40% of FSW living with HIV are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). We sought to understand how the work environment influences ART access and adherence for FSW in preparation for the Siyaphambili trial. METHODS FSW living with HIV (n=24) and key informants (n=15) were recruited to participate in semistructured in-depth interviews using maximum variation and snowball sampling, respectively. FSW were recruited on key variants including type of sex work venue, primary work time and history of ART use. Data were collected between September and November 2017 in Durban, South Africa. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated. Data were then coded applying grounded theory in Atlas.ti. RESULTS FSW experienced occupational barriers to adherence including work-related migration, substance use and theft of ART on the job. Fear of wage loss due to HIV disclosure to clients and brothel managers prevented some FSW from accessing ART at their clinic and taking medications while working. FSW employed coping strategies to overcome barriers including sharing ART with colleagues, carrying small supplies of ART and visiting the clinic prior to appointments for ART refills. Further, some FSW received adherence support from colleagues who were also living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS Considering these occupational pressures on FSW and supporting positive coping strategies are important when designing and implementing HIV treatment programmes. Findings suggest strengthening social cohesion and supporting differentiated care efforts to improve HIV outcomes among FSW living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Parmley
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA .,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carly A Comins
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Vijay Guddera
- Key Populations Programme, TB HIV Care, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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17
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You WX, Comins CA, Jarrett BA, Young K, Guddera V, Phetlhu DR, Mulumba N, Mcingana M, Hausler H, Baral S, Schwartz S. Facilitators and barriers to incorporating digital technologies into HIV care among cisgender female sex workers living with HIV in South Africa. Mhealth 2020; 6:15. [PMID: 32270007 PMCID: PMC7136657 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth.2019.12.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 44-69% of female sex workers (FSW) in South Africa are living with HIV, among whom 39% are virally suppressed. Digital technologies-increasingly advanced and accessible to marginalized populations-present new opportunities to improve the HIV care continuum. The objective of this study was to explore potential facilitators and barriers to incorporating mobile phones and advanced technologies (e.g., biometric identification methods, mobile phone applications for social media and other uses, and chatbots) to deliver HIV-related interventions to cisgender FSW living with HIV in Durban, South Africa. METHODS Four semi-structured, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 22 cisgender FSWs in December 2018. Participants were recruited from the ongoing Siyaphambili trial using maximum variation sampling to optimize diversity in participant age and sex work venue. FGDs were audio recorded in isiZulu, and translated and transcribed into English. Transcripts were inductively coded using thematic analysis and sub-themes were iteratively refined to connect and evaluate the saliency of codes. RESULTS Phone ownership was motivated by a desire to remain safe and to connect with family, peers, and clients. When FSW did not have access to a mobile phone, they reported sharing phones with their peers, though sharing only occurred under specific conditions. Still, to integrate mobile phones into HIV care, FSW identified consistent access to mobile phones as a key barrier. Mobile phone turnover due to frequent selling of phones to meet other financial priorities, substance use, and theft were common. To integrate advanced technologies into HIV care, FSW identified convenience, security, and additional opportunities for social support as the main facilitators. For example, FSW described how biometric identification at clinics could eliminate the need to retain a clinic card. FSW also described how chatbots could easily set medication alarms or be available to assist in emergencies. Barriers for advanced technologies included maintaining privacy, potential threats to security, and cost. CONCLUSIONS FSWs were receptive to digital technologies for HIV care and beyond, but they also described many barriers such as inconsistent phone ownership and threats to privacy. As phone ownership grows and HIV programs increasingly leverage digital tools, strong considerations are needed to ensure the most vulnerable are not systematically excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- William X. You
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, USA
| | - Carly A. Comins
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, USA
| | - Brooke A. Jarrett
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, USA
| | | | | | - Deliwe R. Phetlhu
- University of Western Cape, School of Nursing, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Baral
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, USA
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, USA
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