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Weikum D, Kelly-Hanku A, Neo-Boli R, Aeno H, Badman SG, Vallely LM, Willie B, Kupul M, Hou P, Amos A, Narokobi R, Pekon S, Coy K, Wapling J, Gare J, Kaldor JM, Vallely AJ, Hakim AJ. Sexual and reproductive health needs and practices of female sex workers in Papua New Guinea: findings from a biobehavioral survey Kauntim mi tu (‘Count me too’). Arch Public Health 2022; 80:202. [PMID: 36064615 PMCID: PMC9442976 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-022-00926-y] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little research has explored the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) experience of female sex workers (FSW), including girls aged < 18 years who are commercially sexually exploited (CSE), in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This paper describes the SRH history of FSW and CSE girls and factors associated with their use of moderately or highly effective contraceptive methods in three settings in PNG. Methods From 2016 to 2017, respondent-driven sampling (RDS) surveys were conducted among FSW and CSE girls in Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt. Hagen. FSW and CSE girls who were born female, aged ≥12 years, sold or exchanged vaginal sex in the past 6 months, spoke English or Tok Pisin, and had a valid RDS study coupon were eligible to participate. Interviews were conducted face-to-face and participants were offered rapid routine HIV and syphilis testing. Survey logistic regression procedures were used to identify factors associated with the use of moderately or highly effective contraceptive methods. Weighted data analysis was conducted. Results A total of 2901 FSW and CSE girls (Port Moresby, 673; Lae, 709; and Mt. Hagen, 709) were enrolled. The proportion using moderately or highly effective contraceptive methods was 37.7% in Port Moresby, 30.9% in Lae, and 26.5% in Mt. Hagen. After adjusting for covariates, factors significantly associated with the use of moderately or highly effective contraceptive methods in Port Moresby were being age 20–24, being married, being divorced or separated, having one or more dependent children, being away from home for more than 1 month in the last 6 months, and having tested HIV negative. No factors were significantly associated in Lae or Mt. Hagen. ANC attendance amongst FSW and CSE girls who gave birth in last 3 years was highest in Port Moresby at 91.2%. HIV testing was inconsistently and inadequately offered at ANC across the three cities. Conclusions Kauntim mi tu provides much-needed insight into the SRH experiences of FSW and CSE girls in PNG, where their use of moderately or highly effective contraceptive methods is low. We hope to shed light on the complicated reality they face due to illegality of sex work and multitude of complex healthcare experiences.
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Owen BN, Baggaley RF, Elmes J, Harvey A, Shubber Z, Butler AR, Silhol R, Anton P, Shacklett B, van der Straten A, Boily MC. What Proportion of Female Sex Workers Practise anal Intercourse and How Frequently? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:697-713. [PMID: 30953304 PMCID: PMC6778486 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02477-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
HIV is more efficiently acquired during receptive anal intercourse (AI) compared to vaginal intercourse (VI) and may contribute substantially to female sex workers' (FSW) high HIV burden. We aim to determine how common and frequent AI is among FSW globally. We searched PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO for studies reporting the proportion of FSW practising AI (prevalence) and/or the number of AI acts (frequency) worldwide from 01/1980 to 10/2018. We assessed the influence of participant and study characteristics on AI prevalence (e.g. continent, study year and interview method) through sub-group analysis. Of 15,830 identified studies, 131 were included. Nearly all (N = 128) reported AI prevalence and few frequency (N = 13), over various recall periods. Most studies used face-to-face interviews (N = 111). Pooled prevalences varied little by recall period (lifetime: 15.7% 95%CI 12.2-19.3%, N = 30, I2 = 99%; past month: 16.2% 95%CI 10.8-21.6%, N = 18, I2 = 99%). The pooled proportion of FSW reporting < 100% condom use tended to be non-significantly higher during AI compared to during VI (e.g. any unprotected VI: 19.1% 95%CI 1.7-36.4, N = 5 and any unprotected AI: 46.4% 95%CI 9.1-83.6, N = 5 in the past week). Across all study participants, between 2.4 and 15.9% (N = 6) of all intercourse acts (AI and VI) were anal. Neither AI prevalence nor frequency varied substantially by any participant or study characteristics. Although varied, AI among FSW is generally common, inconsistently protected with condoms and practiced sufficiently frequently to contribute substantially to HIV acquisition in this risk group. Interventions to address barriers to condom use are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branwen Nia Owen
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK.
| | - Rebecca F Baggaley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jocelyn Elmes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Amy Harvey
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Zara Shubber
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Ailsa R Butler
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Romain Silhol
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Peter Anton
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Barbara Shacklett
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- Women's Global Health Imperative Program, RTI International, San Francisco, USA
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Boily
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
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Prevalence and correlates of anal intercourse among female sex workers in eSwatini. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228849. [PMID: 32045444 PMCID: PMC7012411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As HIV is very effectively acquired during condomless receptive anal intercourse (AI) with serodiscordant and viremic partners, the practice could contribute to the high prevalence among female sex workers (FSW) in eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland). We aim to estimate the proportion reporting AI (AI prevalence) among Swazi FSW and to identify the correlates of AI practice in order to better inform HIV prevention interventions among this population. METHODS Using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), 325 Swazi FSW were recruited in 2011. We estimated the prevalence of AI and AI with inconsistent condom use in the past month with any partner type, and inconsistent condom use during AI and vaginal intercourse (VI) by partner type. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify behavioural and structural correlates associated with AI and AI with inconsistent condom use. RESULTS RDS-adjusted prevalence of AI and AI with inconsistent condom use was high, at 44%[95% confidence interval (95%CI):35-53%]) and 34%[95%CI:26-42%], respectively and did not vary by partner type. HIV prevalence was high in this sample of FSW (70%), but knowledge that AI increases HIV acquisition risk low, with only 10% identifying AI as the riskiest sex act. Those who reported AI were more likely to be better educated (adjusted odds ratio(aOR) = 1.92[95%CI:1.03-3.57]), to have grown up in rural areas (aOR = 1.90[95%CI:1.09-3.32]), have fewer new clients in the past month (aOR = 0.33[95%CI:0.16-0.68]), and for last sex with clients to be condomless (aOR = 2.09[95%CI:1.07-4.08]). Although FSW reporting AI in past month were more likely to have been raped (aOR = 1.95[95%CI:1.05-3.65]) and harassed because of being a sex worker (aOR = 2.09[95%CI:1.16-3.74]), they were also less likely to have ever been blackmailed (aOR = 0.50[95%CI:0.25-0.98]) or been afraid to walk in public places (aOR = 0.46[95%CI:0.25-0.87]). Correlates of AI with inconsistent condom use were similar to those of AI. CONCLUSIONS AI is commonly practised and condom use is inconsistent among Swazi FSW. Sex act data are needed to determine how frequently AI is practiced. Interventions to address barriers to condom use are needed, as are biomedical interventions that reduce acquisition risk during AI.
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Hong X, Fang S, Huang K, Yin J, Chen J, Xuan Y, Zhu J, Ma J, Qin P, Peng D, Wang N, Wang B. Characteristics of the vaginal microbiome in cross-border female sex workers in China: a case-control study. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8131. [PMID: 31803537 PMCID: PMC6886492 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Female sex workers (FSWs) are key groups in the transmission of sexual transmitted infections (STI), and vaginal microbiome variations play an important role in transmission. We aimed to explore the characteristics of vaginal microbiome among FSWs. Materials and Methods A total of 24 cross-border FSWs were randomly selected from a cross-sectional survey for female sex workers in southwest China. Thirty-seven female non-sex workers (FNSWs) were randomly selected from the gynecology clinic and health examination center. Vaginal swabs were collected, bacterial DNA extracted and 16S rRNA genes were sequenced. Differences in the vaginal microbiome between both groups were compared using bioinformatics analysis. Results One DNA sample was excluded due to unqualified concentration, therefore 60 samples were sequenced. FSWs had significantly different vaginal microbiota β diversity, but undifferentiated α diversity when compared with non-sex workers. The average relative abundance of Sneathia, Shigella, Neisseria, Chlamydia, Prevotella, Enterococcus and Ureaplasma among FSWs was higher than FNSWs, and relative abundance of Atopobium in FSWs was lower than FNSWs. The Lactobacillus genus was the major genus in both groups. At the species level, Lactobacllus crispatus, Lactobacllus gasseri and Lactobacllus jensenii, in female sex workers, were lower when compared to FNSWs. Conclusion There were distinct differences in vaginal bacteria variety between FSWs and FNSWs. Some disease-related genus were also more abundant in FSWs. Based on these observations, further research is required to identify microbiome communities related to high STI risks and other diseases in these cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Hong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Kaiping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiechen Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianshuang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Xuan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengfei Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhong Da Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Danhong Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhong Da Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Wang
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Mehlotra RK. Human Genetic Variation and HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea: Time to Connect the Dots. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 15:431-440. [PMID: 30218255 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0417-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Human genetic polymorphisms known to influence HIV acquisition and disease progression occur in Papua New Guinea (PNG). However, no genetic association study has been reported so far. In this article, we review research findings, with a view to stimulate genotype-to-phenotype research. RECENT FINDINGS PNG, a country in Oceania, has a high prevalence of HIV and many sexually transmitted infections. While limited data is available from this country regarding the distribution of human genetic polymorphisms known to influence clinical outcomes of HIV/AIDS, genetic association studies are lacking. Our studies, in the past decade, have revealed that polymorphisms in chemokine receptor-ligand (CCR2-CCR5, CXCL12), innate immune (Toll-like receptor, β-defensin), and antiretroviral drug-metabolism enzyme (CYP2B6, UGT2B7) genes are prevalent in PNG. Although our results need to be validated in further studies, it is urgent to pursue large-scale, comprehensive genetic association studies that include these as well as additional genetic polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev K Mehlotra
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Building, #409A, 2109 Adelbert Rd., Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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Developing a culturally appropriate illustrated tool for the self-collection of anorectal specimens for the testing of sexually transmitted infections: lessons from Papua New Guinea. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:214. [PMID: 30786882 PMCID: PMC6383287 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6506-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There is increasing evidence that anorectal STIs are important in terms of the dual epidemics of HIV and STIs in this setting. At the time of this study, anorectal STI testing was not possible, and there was no mechanism for self-collection of anorectal specimen among at risk 'key populations'. This paper documents the development of a culturally appropriate tool that has been used to facilitate self-collection of anorectal specimens with key populations in PNG. METHODS This qualitative study involved four focus groups conducted with a purposive sample of 35 participants, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender women in Port Moresby and Goroka in 2015. During focus groups, participants reviewed and provided critical feedback for the adaption of a previously piloted and published pictorial anorectal specimen collection tool for use with key populations in PNG. RESULTS The final instruction tools are presented in English language and Tok Pisin. To develop these, participants feedback resulted in six key areas of the existing instruction document being modified to ensure it was appropriate for use in PNG. These included translating complex words for sexual health issues (i.e. 'STIs', 'anorectal STIs', 'anus', 'anal sex'), biomedical instruments (i.e. 'specimen bottle', 'specimen packet' and 'swab'), and aspects of the clinical procedure (i.e. inserting the swab 3-4 cm into the anus to collect a specimen). The visual identity of the graphics was redesigned to localise the images for use in PNG. CONCLUSIONS This paper describes the development of a culturally and linguistically appropriate tool for a biomedical and clinical intervention with key populations in PNG based around self-collection of anorectal specimens for molecular STI testing. The final tools have been used to facilitate the self-collection of anorectal specimens following a clear clinical protocol during a large bio-behavioural survey in PNG.
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Mazeingia YT, Olijjira L, Dessie Y. Anal sexual experience and HIV risk awareness among female sex workers in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia. Glob Health Res Policy 2017; 2:27. [PMID: 29202095 PMCID: PMC5683548 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-017-0047-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Female sex workers have been disproportionately affected with HIV and anal sexual experience elevate their vulnerability. Anal intercourse has more risk of HIV transmission than vaginal intercourse for receptors that coupled with low condom and proper lubricant use behavior during anal sex. Besides majority of them did not understand HIV transmission risk of anal intercourse. In Ethiopia, studies on anal sexual experience is almost none existent, so the purpose of this study is to explored anal sexual experience and HIV transmission risk awareness among female sex worker in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia. Method Qualitative study with thematic analysis approach was conducted among 18 female sex workers and recruitment of study participants performed until saturation of information. The principal investigator conducted in-depth interviews using local language (Amharic) and it was recorded on audio recorder. Tape recorded data was transcribed and translated to English and entered into open code version 3.4 for coding and theme identification. Data collection conducted simultaneously with data analysis. Result Female sex workers practiced anal sex for different themes like financial influence, coercion, intentionally, peer pressure and as a sign of intimacy and love. Coercion, negative attitudes, poor awareness about HIV transmission risks of anal sex and protection capacity of condom and proper lubricants are the identified themes for not using condom and proper lubricants during anal sex by female sex workers. Inaccessibility and unavailability of health services for issues related to anal sex was the core reason for female sex workers’ misperception and risk anal sexual experience. Conclusion Female sex workers practiced anal sex without risk reduction approaches and they did not understand exacerbated risk of anal sex to HIV transmission. Stakeholders including ministry of health need to incorporate potential awareness raising tasks and programs about risk of anal sex and methods of risk reduction for female sex workers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s41256-017-0047-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Situating Serodiscordance: Living in Relationships with Mixed HIV Status in Different Local, Historical and Biomedical Realities. SOCIAL ASPECTS OF HIV 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-42725-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Factors Influencing Antiretroviral Adherence and Virological Outcomes in People Living with HIV in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134918. [PMID: 26244516 PMCID: PMC4526685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is paramount for virological suppression and positive treatment outcomes. ART has been rapidly scaled up in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in recent years, however clinical monitoring of HIV+ individuals on ART is limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted at two major sexual health clinics in high HIV prevalence provinces in the Highlands Region of PNG to assess ART adherence, factors affecting adherence and the relationship between ART adherence and virological outcomes. Ninety-five HIV+ individuals were recruited and administered a questionnaire to gather demographic and ART adherence information whilst clinical data and pill counts were extracted from patient charts and blood was collected for viral load testing. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of ART adherence. Fourteen percent (n = 12) of participants showed evidence of virological failure. Although the majority of participants self-reported excellent ART adherence in the last seven days (78.9%, 75/91), pill count measurements indicated only 40% (34/84) with >95% adherence in the last month. Taking other medications while on ART (p = 0.01) and taking ART for ≥1 year (p = 0.037) were positively associated with adherence by self-report and pill count, respectively. Participants who had never heard of drug resistance were more likely to show virological failure (p = 0.033). Misconception on routes of HIV transmission still persists in the studied population. These findings indicate that non-adherence to ART is high in this region of PNG and continued education and strategies to improve adherence are required to ensure the efficacy of ART and prevent HIV drug resistance.
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