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Isehunwa OO, Jaggernath M, Kriel Y, Psaros C, Mathenjwa M, Hurwitz KE, Bennett K, Smith PM, Bangsberg DR, Marrazzo JM, Haberer JE, Smit JA, Matthews LT. Uptake and Persistence of Safer Conception Strategies Among South African Women Planning for Pregnancy. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04475-z. [PMID: 39240299 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Safer conception strategies can minimize HIV acquisition during periconception periods among women living in HIV-endemic areas. We examined uptake and predictors of persistent use of the same safer conception strategy among a cohort of HIV-uninfected South African women ages 18-35 years planning for pregnancy with a partner living with HIV or of unknown HIV-serostatus. The safer conception strategies we evaluated included oral PrEP, condomless sex limited to peak fertility, and waiting for a better time to have a child (until, for example, the risks of HIV acquisition are reduced and/or the individual is prepared to care for a child); persistence was defined as using the same safer conception strategy from the first visit through 9 months follow-up. Modified Poisson regression models were used to examine predictors of persistent use of the same strategy. The average age of 227 women in our cohort was 24.6 (range: 18.0, 35.7) years. In this cohort, 121 (74.2%) women reported persisting in the same strategy through 9 months. Employment and HIV knowledge were associated with the persistent use of any strategy. Our results highlight the need to provide safer conception services to women exposed to HIV during periconception periods. Findings also offer some insights into factors that might influence persistent use. Further research is needed to better understand how to involve male partners and how their involvement might influence women's consistent use of safer conception strategies during periconception periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseyi O Isehunwa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 703 19Th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Manjeetha Jaggernath
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Yolandie Kriel
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Mxolisi Mathenjwa
- Epidemiology and Prevention Department, Centre for the AIDS Programme of South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Patricia M Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 703 19Th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | | | - Jeanne M Marrazzo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 703 19Th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 703 19Th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
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Matthews LT, Atukunda EC, Owembabazi M, Kalyebera KP, Psaros C, Chitneni P, Hendrix CW, Marzinke MA, Anderson PL, Isehunwa OO, Hurwitz KE, Bennett K, Muyindike W, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE, Marrazzo JM, Bwana MB. High PrEP uptake and objective longitudinal adherence among HIV-exposed women with personal or partner plans for pregnancy in rural Uganda: A cohort study. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004088. [PMID: 36795763 PMCID: PMC9983833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Uganda, fertility rates and adult HIV prevalence are high, and many women conceive with partners living with HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces HIV acquisition for women and, therefore, infants. We developed the Healthy Families-PrEP intervention to support PrEP use as part of HIV prevention during periconception and pregnancy periods. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study to evaluate oral PrEP use among women participating in the intervention. METHODS AND FINDINGS We enrolled HIV-negative women with plans for pregnancy with a partner living, or thought to be living, with HIV (2017 to 2020) to evaluate PrEP use among women participating in the Healthy Families-PrEP intervention. Quarterly study visits through 9 months included HIV and pregnancy testing and HIV prevention counseling. PrEP was provided in electronic pillboxes, providing the primary adherence measure ("high" adherence when pillbox was opened ≥80% of days). Enrollment questionnaires assessed factors associated with PrEP use. Plasma tenofovir (TFV) and intraerythrocytic TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations were determined quarterly for women who acquired HIV and a randomly selected subset of those who did not; concentrations TFV ≥40 ng/mL and TFV-DP ≥600 fmol/punch were categorized as "high." Women who became pregnant were initially exited from the cohort by design; from March 2019, women with incident pregnancy remained in the study with quarterly follow-up until pregnancy outcome. Primary outcomes included (1) PrEP uptake (proportion who initiated PrEP); and (2) PrEP adherence (proportion of days with pillbox openings during the first 3 months following PrEP initiation). We used univariable and multivariable-adjusted linear regression to evaluate baseline predictors selected based on our conceptual framework of mean adherence over 3 months. We also assessed mean monthly adherence over 9 months of follow-up and during pregnancy. We enrolled 131 women with mean age 28.7 years (95% CI: 27.8 to 29.5). Ninety-seven (74%) reported a partner with HIV and 79 (60%) reported condomless sex. Most women (N = 118; 90%) initiated PrEP. Mean electronic adherence during the 3 months following initiation was 87% (95% CI: 83%, 90%). No covariates were associated with 3-month pill-taking behavior. Concentrations of plasma TFV and TFV-DP were high among 66% and 47%, 56% and 41%, and 45% and 45% at months 3, 6, and 9, respectively. We observed 53 pregnancies among 131 women (1-year cumulative incidence 53% [95% CI: 43%, 62%]) and 1 HIV-seroconversion in a non-pregnant woman. Mean pillcap adherence for PrEP users with pregnancy follow-up (N = 17) was 98% (95% CI: 97%, 99%). Study design limitations include lack of a control group. CONCLUSIONS Women in Uganda with PrEP indications and planning for pregnancy chose to use PrEP. By electronic pillcap, most were able to sustain high adherence to daily oral PrEP prior to and during pregnancy. Differences in adherence measures highlight challenges with adherence assessment; serial measures of TFV-DP in whole blood suggest 41% to 47% of women took sufficient periconception PrEP to prevent HIV. These data suggest that women planning for and with pregnancy should be prioritized for PrEP implementation, particularly in settings with high fertility rates and generalized HIV epidemics. Future iterations of this work should compare the outcomes to current standard of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03832530 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03832530?term=lynn+matthews&cond=hiv&cntry=UG&draw=2&rank=1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T. Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Kato Paul Kalyebera
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Christina Psaros
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pooja Chitneni
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Craig W. Hendrix
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Marzinke
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Peter L. Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Oluwaseyi O. Isehunwa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Kathleen E. Hurwitz
- NoviSci, Inc., a Target RWE company, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting Inc., Ballston Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Winnie Muyindike
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David R. Bangsberg
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health Sciences University–Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeanne M. Marrazzo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
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Isehunwa OO, Ntinga X, Msimango L, Smith PM, van Heerden A, Matthews LT. Opportunities to leverage reproductive goals and ideals among South African men to promote HIV testing, treatment and prevention: A qualitative study. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2173795. [PMID: 36803171 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2173795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant gains in HIV testing, treatment and prevention in sub-Saharan Africa, male engagement and retention in HIV care remains a challenge. We conducted in-depth interviews with 25 men with HIV (MWH) living in rural South Africa to explore how men's reproductive goals could inform approaches to engage men and their female partners in HIV care and prevention. Themes were organised into opportunities and barriers for HIV care, treatment and prevention that men articulated as important to their reproductive goals at the individual, couple and community levels. At the individual level, men are motivated to remain healthy so they can raise a healthy child. At the couple level, the importance of maintaining a healthy partner to raise children may promote serostatus-disclosure, testing and encourage men to support partners to access HIV prevention. At the community level, men described the need to be seen as fathers who provide for their families as important motivators to engage in care. Men also articulated barriers including low knowledge about antiretroviral-based HIV prevention, lack of trust within partnerships and community stigma. Addressing reproductive goals of MWH may be an untapped path for promoting male engagement in HIV care and prevention for their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseyi O Isehunwa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Xolani Ntinga
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Lindani Msimango
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Patricia M Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- MRC/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Mathenjwa M, Khidir H, Milford C, Mosery N, Rambally Greener L, Pratt MC, O'Neil K, Harrison A, Bangsberg DR, Safren SA, Smit JA, Psaros C, Matthews LT. Acceptability of an Intervention to Promote Viral Suppression and Serostatus Disclosure for Men Living with HIV in South Africa: Qualitative Findings. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1-12. [PMID: 34097209 PMCID: PMC8786780 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03278-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Men living with HIV (MLWH) often have reproductive goals that can increase HIV-transmission risks to their pregnancy partners. We developed a safer conception intervention for MLWH in South Africa employing cognitive behavioral skills to promote serostatus disclosure, ART uptake, and viral suppression. MLWH were recruited from an HIV clinic near Durban, South Africa, and encouraged to include partners in follow-up visits. Exit in-depth interviews were conducted with eleven men and one female partner. The emerging over-arching theme is that safer conception care mitigates internalized and community-level HIV-stigma among MLWH. Additional related sub-themes include: (1) safer conception care acceptability is high but structural barriers challenge participation; (2) communication skills trainings helped overcome barriers to disclose serostatus; (3) feasibility and perceived effectiveness of strategies informed safer conception method selection. Our findings suggest that offering safer conception care to MLWH is a novel stigma-reducing strategy for motivating HIV prevention and treatment and serostatus disclosure to partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mxolisi Mathenjwa
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Cecilia Milford
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nzwakie Mosery
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Letitia Rambally Greener
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
- Population Services International, South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Madeline C Pratt
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Division of Infectious Disease, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer A Smit
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Lynn T Matthews
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Division of Infectious Disease, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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Aynalem GL, Badi MB, Solomon AA. Consistent Condom Utilization and its Associated Factors among Sexually Active Female Anti-Retro Viral Treatment Users in Finoteselam District Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2022; 21:23259582221088430. [PMID: 35317701 PMCID: PMC8949742 DOI: 10.1177/23259582221088430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Consistent condom utilization is the key strategy to prevent new HIV strain transmissions among ART users. There are limited evidences on consistent condom utilization among women who are on ART in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among sexually active female ART users from June to August, 2018. Data were collected using a systematic random sampling data collection method. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the predictors for the outcome Results: study indicated that 137(34.2%) women reported that they were using condom for the last three months, of whom 81 (59.1% (n = 137)) used condoms consistently. Respondents` age group from 21-30 (AOR = 4.381, 95%CI = 1.05, 18.331), Counseling about condom utilization (ARO = 9.442, 95% CI = 4.387, 20.32) and husbands` educational status "diploma and above" (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.007, 13.227) were significantly associated with condom utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getie Lake Aynalem
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, University of Gondar, Gondar city, Ethiopia
| | - Marta Berta Badi
- Department of Clinical Midwifery, University of Gondar, Gondar city, Ethiopia
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Zaidi HA, Mathenjwa M, Mosery N, O'Neil K, Chitneni P, Psaros C, Khidir H, Safren SA, Bangsberg DR, Sayeed SA, Smit JA, Matthews LT. Overcoming Ethical Challenges to Engaging Men Who Have Sex with Women in HIV Research. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:4055-4060. [PMID: 33582889 PMCID: PMC10698834 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03185-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with women are understudied in HIV research despite the extent to which they experience HIV-related mortality and contribute to the epidemic among women. During our experience of developing and piloting an HIV prevention intervention for men living with HIV in South Africa, and planning to have a child with an HIV-negative woman, ethical questions were posed regarding implementation of a male-centered intervention that did not require female partner participation. Two overarching ethical issues were the potential for (1) compromising women's reproductive and sexual autonomy and (2) increasing HIV-acquisition risks for the woman because the intervention efficacy was unknown. We describe here how these concerns were addressed to facilitate development of a male-centered HIV-prevention intervention. We hope this process manuscript will support researchers, clinicians, and reviewers to engage men who have sex with women in HIV prevention and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain A Zaidi
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 212 Zeigler Research Building, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Lang Center for Social and Civic Responsibility, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, USA
| | - Mxolisi Mathenjwa
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nzwakie Mosery
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Kasey O'Neil
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 212 Zeigler Research Building, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Pooja Chitneni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Sadath A Sayeed
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 212 Zeigler Research Building, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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Matthews LT, Psaros C, Mathenjwa M, Mosery N, Greener LR, Khidir H, Hovey JR, Pratt MC, Harrison A, Bennett K, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA, Safren SA. Demonstration and acceptability of a safer conception intervention for men with HIV in South Africa (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2021; 6:e34262. [PMID: 35507406 PMCID: PMC9118009 DOI: 10.2196/34262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many men with HIV (MWH) want to have children. HIV viral suppression minimizes sexual HIV transmission risks while allowing for conception and optimization of the health of men, their partners, and their infants. Objective This study developed and evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention to promote serostatus disclosure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and adherence, and viral suppression among MWH who want to have children in South Africa. Methods We developed a safer conception intervention (Sinikithemba Kwabesilisa or We give hope to men) to promote viral suppression via ART uptake and adherence, HIV serostatus disclosure, and other safer conception strategies for MWH in South Africa. Through 3 counseling and 2 booster sessions over 12 weeks, we offered education on safer conception strategies and aided participants in developing a safer conception plan. We recruited MWH (HIV diagnosis known for >1 month), not yet accessing ART or accessing ART for <3 months, in a stable partnership with an HIV-negative or unknown-serostatus woman, and wanting to have a child in the following year. We conducted an open pilot study to evaluate acceptability based on patient participation and exit interviews and feasibility based on recruitment and retention. In-depth exit interviews were conducted with men to explore intervention acceptability. Questionnaires collected at baseline and exit assessed disclosure outcomes; CD4 and HIV-RNA data were used to evaluate preliminary impacts on clinical outcomes of interest. Results Among 31 eligible men, 16 (52%) enrolled in the study with a median age of 29 (range 27-44) years and a median time-since-diagnosis of 7 months (range 1 month to 9 years). All identified as Black South African, with 56% (9/16) reporting secondary school completion and 44% (7/16) reporting full-time employment. Approximately 44% (7/16) of participants reported an HIV-negative (vs unknown-serostatus) partner. Approximately 88% (14/16) of men completed the 3 primary counseling sessions. In 11 exit interviews, men reported personal satisfaction with session content and structure while also suggesting that they would refer their peers to the program. They also described the perceived effectiveness of the intervention and self-efficacy to benefit. Although significance testing was not conducted, 81% (13/16) of men were taking ART at the exit, and 100% (13/13) of those on ART were virally suppressed at 12 weeks. Of the 16 men, 12 (75%) reported disclosure to pregnancy partners. Conclusions These preliminary data suggest that safer conception care is acceptable to men and has the potential to reduce HIV incidence among women and their children while supporting men’s health. Approximately half of the men who met the screening eligibility criteria were enrolled. Accordingly, refinement to optimize uptake is needed. Providing safer conception care and peer support at the community level may help reach men. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03818984; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03818984 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-017-1719-4
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Christina Psaros
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mxolisi Mathenjwa
- MatCH Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nzwakie Mosery
- MatCH Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Letitia Rambally Greener
- MatCH Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
- Population Services International, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hazar Khidir
- Harvard Combined Residency Program in Emergency Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jacquelyn R Hovey
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Madeline C Pratt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Abigail Harrison
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting, Ballston Lake, NY, United States
| | - David R Bangsberg
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health Sciences University - Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- MatCH Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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Zia Y, Velloza J, Oluoch L, Momanyi R, Mbugua S, Njoroge J, Gakuo S, Mugo E, Thuo N, Kiptinness C, Njuguna N, Ngure K, R Mugo N, Heffron R. Use of fertility awareness methods as a component of safer conception for women in HIV-serodifferent relationships in Kenya. Reprod Health 2021; 18:73. [PMID: 33794936 PMCID: PMC8017620 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01128-5] [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: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For couples affected by HIV, and serodifferent couples in particular, pregnancy desire is often juxtaposed against the risk of HIV transmission between the couple and the potential neonate leading to thinking about measures to minimize risk of HIV transmission. We assess the use of fertility awareness methods [FAM] and evaluate the drivers of alignment between indicators of fertility and sexual behavior among HIV-serodifferent couples desiring pregnancy. Methods HIV-serodifferent couples from Thika, Kenya were enrolled into an open-label pilot evaluation of safer conception strategies. Women responded to daily 7-item short message service [SMS] surveys on FAM and sexual activity. Menstrual cycles were categorized as having condomless sex aligned, not aligned, or partially aligned to the predicted peak fertility. We used binomial logit models with generalized estimating equations to assess alignment between condomless sex during peak fertility days and FAM results. We used Cox proportional hazards to compare pregnancy incidence among months with sex and peak fertility aligned and mis-aligned. Results A total of 6929 SMS surveys across 252 menstrual cycles of 65 women were included. Reporting “sticky” cervical mucus (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.25, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.30, 3.90) and positive ovulation prediction kit [OPK] result (aOR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.86) were associated with increased likelihood of alignment of condomless sex during peak fertility. Pregnancy incidence was statistically similar among periods with sex aligned and not aligned with peak fertility. Conclusions Among women engaged in a comprehensive safer conception program, a moderate percentage of women aligned condomless sex and predicted peak fertility days at least once. While FAM, particularly cervical mucus and OPK, are an inexpensive option for couples to consider using as a component of their safer conception strategies, antiretroviral-based strategies remain important to minimize risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Zia
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer Velloza
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Lynda Oluoch
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Sarah Mbugua
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Njoroge
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Edwin Mugo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Njambi Njuguna
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,KAVI Institute of Clinical Research, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.,Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nelly R Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.,Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Mandell LN, Rodriguez VJ, Peltzer K, Weiss SM, Jones DL. Fertility intentions of women living with HIV and their male partners during the perinatal period in rural South Africa. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:740-750. [PMID: 33769899 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420987447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the fertility intentions of people living with HIV can guide safer conception planning and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Most research has addressed fertility intentions among women, rather than couples, at a single time point. This clinical trial of a PMTCT intervention in rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa, examined longitudinal fertility intentions among perinatal women living with HIV and their male partners. Study assessments and intervention and control sessions were conducted prenatally and postpartum. Longitudinal predictors of participants' (n = 360 men, n = 917 women) fertility intentions were similar between sexes. Younger age and male involvement in perinatal care were associated with reporting fertility intentions at both baseline and 12 months postpartum. Having an HIV-positive infant and discussing pregnancy plans with a healthcare provider by 12 months postpartum were associated with incident fertility intentions after reporting no plans for further children at baseline. Results highlight the important role of healthcare providers to educate men and women on issues surrounding conception, as well as the potential for incorporating PMTCT and safer conception education into HIV clinical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissa N Mandell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 5452University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Violeta J Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 5452University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Karl Peltzer
- HIV/AIDS/STIs and TB (HAST) Research Programme, 56867Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Research & Innovation, 37714University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Stephen M Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 5452University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Deborah L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 5452University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Matthews LT, Greener L, Khidir H, Psaros C, Harrison A, Mosery FN, Mathenjwa M, O’Neil K, Milford C, Safren SA, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA. "It really proves to us that we are still valuable": Qualitative research to inform a safer conception intervention for men living with HIV in South Africa. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0240990. [PMID: 33765001 PMCID: PMC7993862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Many men living with HIV want to have children. Opportunities to reduce periconception HIV transmission include antiretroviral therapy as prevention, pre-exposure prophylaxis, limiting condomless sex to peak fertility, and sperm processing. Whether men have knowledge of or want to adopt these strategies remains unknown. Methods We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with men accessing HIV care in South Africa in 2014 to inform a safer conception intervention for men. Eligible men were 25–45 years old, living with HIV, not yet accessing treatment, and wanting to have a child with an HIV-negative or unknown serostatus female partner (referred to as the “desired pregnancy partner”). FGDs explored motivations for having a healthy baby, feasibility of a clinic-based safer conception intervention, and acceptability of safer conception strategies. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Twelve participants from three FGDs had a median age of 37 (range 23–45) years, reported a median of 2 (range 1–4) sexual partners, and 1 (range 1–3) desired pregnancy partner(s). A third (N = 4) had disclosed HIV-serostatus to the pregnancy partner. Emergent themes included opportunities for and challenges to engaging men in safer conception services. Opportunities included enthusiasm for a clinic-based safer conception intervention and acceptance of some safer conception strategies. Challenges included poor understanding of safer conception strategies, unfamiliarity with risk reduction [versus “safe” (condoms) and “unsafe” (condomless) sex], mixed acceptability of safer conception strategies, and concerns about disclosing HIV-serostatus to a partner. Conclusions Men living with HIV expressed interest in safer conception and willingness to attend clinic programs. Imprecise prevention counseling messages make it difficult for men to conceptualize risk reduction. Effective safer conception programs should embrace clear language, e.g. undetectable = untransmittable (U = U), and support multiple approaches to serostatus disclosure to pregnancy partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T. Matthews
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
- Center for Global Health and Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Letitia Greener
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MRU (MatCH), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hazar Khidir
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Combined Residency Program in Emergency Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Abigail Harrison
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - F. Nzwakie Mosery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MRU (MatCH), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mxolisi Mathenjwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MRU (MatCH), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kasey O’Neil
- Center for Global Health and Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Cecilia Milford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MRU (MatCH), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Steven A. Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America
| | - David R. Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A. Smit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MRU (MatCH), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
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11
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Mandell LN, Rodriguez VJ, Jones DL. Safer Conception and Family Planning Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Postpartum Women with HIV in Rural South Africa. Open Access J Contracept 2021; 12:17-25. [PMID: 33603508 PMCID: PMC7882456 DOI: 10.2147/oajc.s288569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction With the help of safer conception strategies (SCS), women with HIV (WHIV) can achieve their reproductive goals while minimizing the risk of transmission to their partners or infants. However, interpregnancy intervals of at least 24 months are recommended to optimize maternal and infant health outcomes, so postpartum WHIV need to use contraception to delay subsequent pregnancies. Understanding safer conception and family planning knowledge, attitudes, and practices among WHIV is key to tailoring family planning policy and intervention development in regions with high HIV prevalence. Methods This study described the safer conception and family planning knowledge, attitudes, and practices of postpartum WHIV (N = 956) in rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa, 12 months after delivery. Results Almost all women understood the importance of condom use, but most overestimated the risk of sexual transmission. A majority of women reported that their partner’s desires (53%) and the risk of perinatal transmission (58%) were very important factors when making childbearing decisions. Most women (81%) used condoms for HIV prevention and most (83%) used contraception for pregnancy prevention. Many women (33% of contraceptive users) used condoms for both HIV prevention and contraception without using another contraceptive method as well. Only 43% of contraceptive users endorsed dual method use of condoms with hormones, intrauterine devices, or sterilization. Discussion Results highlight the prominence of condom-based pregnancy and HIV transmission prevention, the influence of male partners in fertility decision-making, and the opportunity for further education and promotion of long acting methods in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissa N Mandell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Violeta J Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Deborah L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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12
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Odiachi A, Sam-Agudu NA, Erekaha S, Isah C, Ramadhani HO, Swomen HE, Charurat M, Cornelius LJ. A mixed-methods assessment of disclosure of HIV status among expert mothers living with HIV in rural Nigeria. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232423. [PMID: 32353036 PMCID: PMC7192376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peer support provided by experienced and/or trained "expert" women living with HIV has been adopted by prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs across sub-Saharan Africa. While there is ample data on HIV status disclosure among non-expert women, there is little data on disclosure among such expert women, who support other women living with HIV. OBJECTIVE This study compared HIV disclosure rates between expert and non-expert mothers living with HIV, and contextualized quantitative findings with qualitative data from expert women. METHODS We compared survey data on HIV disclosure to male partners and family/friends from 37 expert and 100 non-expert mothers living with HIV in rural North-Central Nigeria. Four focus group discussions with expert mothers provided further context on disclosure to male partners, extended family and peers. Chi square and Fisher's exact tests were applied to quantitative data. Qualitative data were manually analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach. RESULTS Two-thirds of the 137 participants were 21-30 years old; 89.8% were married, and 52.3% had secondary-level education. Disclosure to male partners was higher among expert (100.0%) versus non-expert mothers (85.0%), p = 0.035. Disclosure to anyone (93.1% vs 80.8%, p = 0.156), and knowledge of male partners' HIV status were similar (75.7% versus 66.7%, p = 0.324) between expert and non-expert mothers, respectively. With respect to male partners, HIV serodiscordance rates were also similar (46.4% vs 55.6%, p = 0.433). Group discussions indicated that expert mothers did not consistently disclose to their mentored clients, with community-level stigma and discrimination stated as major reasons for this non-disclosure. CONCLUSIONS Expert mothers experience similar disclosure barriers as their non-expert peers, especially regarding disclosure outside of intimate relationships. Thus, attention to expert mothers' coping skills and disclosure status, particularly to mentored clients is important to maximize the impact of peer support in PMTCT. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT01936753 (retrospective), September 3, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia A. Sam-Agudu
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Salome Erekaha
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Christopher Isah
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Habib O. Ramadhani
- Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Homsuk E. Swomen
- Sexual, Reproductive Health and Gender Unit, United Nations Population Fund, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Manhattan Charurat
- Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Llewellyn J. Cornelius
- School of Social Work and College of Public Health, University of Georgia Athens, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
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13
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Khidir H, Mosery N, Greener R, Milford C, Bennett K, Kaida A, Psaros C, Safren SA, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA, Matthews LT. Sexual Relationship Power and Periconception HIV-Risk Behavior Among HIV-Infected Men in Serodifferent Relationships. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:881-890. [PMID: 31165395 PMCID: PMC6891132 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02536-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gender norms affect HIV risk within serodifferent partnerships. We assessed how the sexual relationship power described by men living with HIV (MLWH) associates with periconception HIV-transmission risk behavior. Quantitative surveys were conducted with 82 MLWH reporting a recent pregnancy with an HIV-negative or unknown-serostatus partner in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Surveys assessed decision-making dominance (DMD) using the Pulerwitz et al. sexual relationship power scale; partnership characteristics; and HIV-risk behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated associations between DMD score and HIV-risk behaviors. Higher male decision-making dominance was associated with non-disclosure of HIV-serostatus to pregnancy partner (aRR 2.00, 95% CI 1.52, 2.64), not knowing partner's HIV-serostatus (aRR 1.64, 95% CI 1.27, 2.13), condomless sex since pregnancy (aRR 1.92, 95% CI 1.08, 3.43), and concurrent relationships (aRR 1.50, 95% CI 1.20, 1.88). Efforts to minimize periconception HIV-risk behavior must address gender norms and power inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nzwakie Mosery
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN, South Africa
| | - Ross Greener
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, GT, South Africa
| | - Cecilia Milford
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN, South Africa
| | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting Inc., Ballston Lake, NY, USA
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Psaros
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steve A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN, South Africa
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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14
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Khidir H, Psaros C, Greener L, O’Neil K, Mathenjwa M, Mosery FN, Moore L, Harrison A, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA, Safren SA, Matthews LT. Developing a Safer Conception Intervention for Men Living with HIV in South Africa. AIDS Behav 2019; 22:1725-1735. [PMID: 28194587 PMCID: PMC5554741 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Within sexual partnerships, men make many decisions about sexual behavior, reproductive goals, and HIV prevention. There are increasing calls to involve men in reproductive health and HIV prevention. This paper describes the process of creating and evaluating the acceptability of a safer conception intervention for men living with HIV who want to have children with partners at risk for acquiring HIV in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Based on formative work conducted with men and women living with HIV, their partners, and providers, we developed an intervention based on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy to support men in the adoption of HIV risk-reduction behaviors such as HIV-serostatus disclosure and uptake of and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Structured group discussions were used to explore intervention acceptability and feasibility. Our work demonstrates that men are eager for reproductive health services, but face unique barriers to accessing them.
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15
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Martins A, Alves S, Chaves C, Canavarro MC, Pereira M. Prevalence and factors associated with fertility desires/intentions among individuals in HIV-serodiscordant relationships: a systematic review of empirical studies. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25241. [PMID: 31099170 PMCID: PMC6523008 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Better knowledge about fertility desires/intentions among HIV-serodiscordant partners who face unique challenges when considering childbearing may be helpful in the development of targeted reproductive interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the published literature regarding the prevalence of fertility desires/intentions and its associated factors among individuals in HIV-serodiscordant relationships while distinguishing low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) from high-income countries (HIC). METHODS A systematic search of all papers published prior to February 2017 was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Cochrane Library). Empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals with individuals in HIV-serodiscordant relationships assessing the prevalence of fertility desires/intentions and/or the associated factors were included in this systematic review. This review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION After screening 1852 references, 29 studies were included, of which 21 were conducted in LMIC and eight in HIC. A great variability in the prevalence of fertility desires/intentions was observed in LMIC (8% to 84% (one member of the dyad included)). In HIC, the results showed a smaller discrepancy between in the prevalence (32% to 58% (one member of the dyad included)); the prevalence was higher when the couple was the unit of analysis (64% to 73%), which may be related to the fact that all these studies were conducted in the context of assisted reproduction. Few studies examined the factors associated with fertility desires/intentions, and all except one were conducted in LMIC. Individuals (e.g. number of children), couple-level (e.g. belief that the partner wanted children) and structural factors (e.g. discussions with health workers) were found to be associated. CONCLUSIONS The results of this systematic review suggest that many individuals in HIV-serodiscordant relationships have fertility desires/intentions, although the prevalence is particularly heterogeneous in LMIC in comparison to HIC. Well-known factors such as younger age and a fewer number of living children were consistently associated with increased fertility desires/intentions. Different couple-level factors emerged, reflecting the importance of considering both the individual and the couple. However, further studies that specifically focus on the dyad as the unit of analysis are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Martins
- Faculty of Psychology and Education SciencesUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
| | - Stephanie Alves
- Faculty of Psychology and Education SciencesUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
| | - Catarina Chaves
- Faculty of Psychology and Education SciencesUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
| | - Maria C Canavarro
- Faculty of Psychology and Education SciencesUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
| | - Marco Pereira
- Faculty of Psychology and Education SciencesUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
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16
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A Systematic Review of the Current Status of Safer Conception Strategies for HIV Affected Heterosexual Couples in Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2916-2946. [PMID: 29869184 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2170-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of safer conception strategies (SCS) for HIV-affected couples in sub-Saharan Africa to inform evidence-based safer conception interventions. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched fifteen electronic databases using the following inclusion criteria: SCS research in HIV-affected couples; published after 2007; in sub-Saharan Africa; primary research; peer-reviewed; and addressed a primary topic of interest (SCS availability, feasibility, and acceptability, and/or education and promotion). Researchers independently reviewed each study for eligibility using a standardized tool. We categorize studies by their topic area. We identified 41 studies (26 qualitative and 15 quantitative) that met inclusion criteria. Reviewed SCSs included: antiretroviral therapy (ART), pre-exposure prophylaxis, timed unprotected intercourse, manual/self-insemination, sperm washing, and voluntary male medical circumcision (VMMC). SCS were largely unavailable outside of research settings, except for general availability (i.e., not specifically for safer conception) of ART and VMMC. SCS acceptability was impacted by low client and provider knowledge about safer conception services, stigma around HIV-affected couples wanting children, and difficulty with HIV disclosure in HIV-affected couples. Couples expressed desire to learn more about SCS; however, provider training, patient education, SCS promotions, and integration of reproductive health and HIV services remain limited. Studies of provider training and couple-based education showed improvements in communication around fertility intentions and SCS knowledge. SCS are not yet widely available to HIV-affected African couples. Successful implementation of SCS requires that providers receive training on effective SCS and provide couple-based safer conception counseling to improve disclosure and communication around fertility intentions and reproductive health.
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Krashin JW, Haddad LB, Tweya H, Chiwoko J, Ng’ambi W, Samala B, Chaweza T, Tang JH, Hosseinipour MC, Phiri S. Factors associated with desired fertility among HIV-positive women and men attending two urban clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198798. [PMID: 29897961 PMCID: PMC5999219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As access to antiretroviral therapy increases, more HIV-infected patients in sub-Saharan Africa may desire fertility. We conducted a cross-sectional study of reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices to identify factors associated with desired fertility among women and men receiving care at two large public HIV clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. Research assistants administered questionnaires to participants. We performed descriptive, bivariable and multivariable analysis of factors related to desired fertility and of factors related to contraceptive non-use among participants who did not desire fertility. One-third of participants desired future children. Having a partner who desired fertility and having lower parity were associated with desiring children among both genders. For women, believing that pregnancy was unhealthy was associated with decreased fertility desire. Fifty-five percent of women and 69% of men who did not want children in the future reported using contraception at last intercourse. Increasing age, lower parity, and making the decision to use contraception herself were associated with contraceptive non-use among women who did not desire fertility. Having discussed family planning with his partner was associated with contraceptive use among men who did not desire fertility. Knowledge of these factors can guide reproductive health counseling and service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie W. Krashin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Lisa B. Haddad
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Hannock Tweya
- The Lighthouse Trust, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jane Chiwoko
- The Lighthouse Trust, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | - Thomas Chaweza
- The Lighthouse Trust, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jennifer H. Tang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- UNC Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- UNC Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sam Phiri
- The Lighthouse Trust, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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18
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Odiachi A, Erekaha S, Cornelius LJ, Isah C, Ramadhani HO, Rapoport L, Sam-Agudu NA. HIV status disclosure to male partners among rural Nigerian women along the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV cascade: a mixed methods study. Reprod Health 2018; 15:36. [PMID: 29499704 PMCID: PMC5833030 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-018-0474-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV status disclosure to male partners is important for optimal outcomes in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Depending on timing of HIV diagnosis or pregnancy status, readiness to disclose and disclosure rates may differ among HIV-positive women. We sought to determine rates, patterns, and experiences of disclosure among Nigerian women along the PMTCT cascade. Methods HIV-positive women in rural North-Central Nigeria were purposively recruited according to their PMTCT cascade status: pregnant-newly HIV-diagnosed, pregnant-in care, postpartum, and lost-to-follow-up (LTFU). Participants were surveyed to determine rates of disclosure to male partners and others; in-depth interviews evaluated disclosure patterns and experiences. Tests of association were applied to quantitative data. Qualitative data were manually analysed by theme and content using the constant comparative method in a Grounded Theory approach. Results We interviewed 100 women; 69% were 21–30 years old, and 86% were married. There were 25, 26, 28 and 21 women in the newly-diagnosed, in-care, postpartum, and LTFU groups, respectively. Approximately 81% of all participants reported disclosing to anyone; however, family members were typically disclosed to first. Ultimately, more women had disclosed to male partners (85%) than to family members (55%). Rates of disclosure to anyone varied between groups: newly-diagnosed and LTFU women had the lowest (56%) and highest (100%) rates, respectively (p = 0.001). However, family (p = 0.402) and male partner (p = 0.218) disclosure rates were similar between cascade groups. Across all cascade groups, fear of divorce and intimate partner violence deterred women from disclosing to male partners. However, participants reported that with assistance from healthcare workers, disclosure and post-disclosure experiences were mostly positive. Conclusion In our study cohort, although disclosure to male partners was overall higher, family members appeared more approachable for initial disclosure. Across cascade groups, male partners were ultimately disclosed to at rates > 75%, with no significant inter-group differences. Fear appears to be a major reason for non-disclosure or delayed disclosure by women to male partners. Augmentation of healthcare workers’ skills and involvement can mediate gender power differentials, minimize fear and shorten time to male partner disclosure among women living with HIV, regardless of their PMTCT cascade status. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT 01936753, September 3, 2013 (retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salome Erekaha
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Llewellyn J Cornelius
- School of Social Work and College of Public Health, University of Georgia Athens, Athens, USA
| | - Christopher Isah
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Habib O Ramadhani
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Nadia A Sam-Agudu
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria. .,Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
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Grund JM, Bryant TS, Jackson I, Curran K, Bock N, Toledo C, Taliano J, Zhou S, Del Campo JM, Yang L, Kivumbi A, Li P, Pals S, Davis SM. Association between male circumcision and women's biomedical health outcomes: a systematic review. Lancet Glob Health 2017; 5:e1113-e1122. [PMID: 29025633 PMCID: PMC5728090 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30369-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male circumcision reduces men's risk of acquiring HIV and some sexually transmitted infections from heterosexual exposure, and is essential for HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies have also investigated associations between male circumcision and risk of acquisition of HIV and sexually transmitted infections in women. We aimed to review all evidence on associations between male circumcision and women's health outcomes to benefit women's health programmes. METHODS In this systematic review we searched for peer-reviewed and grey literature publications reporting associations between male circumcision and women's health outcomes up to April 11, 2016. All biomedical (not psychological or social) outcomes in all study types were included. Searches were not restricted by year of publication, or to sub-Saharan Africa. Publications without primary data and not in English were excluded. We extracted data and assessed evidence on each outcome as high, medium, or low consistency on the basis of agreement between publications; outcomes found in fewer than three publications were indeterminate consistency. FINDINGS 60 publications were included in our assessment. High-consistency evidence was found for five outcomes, with male circumcision protecting against cervical cancer, cervical dysplasia, herpes simplex virus type 2, chlamydia, and syphilis. Medium-consistency evidence was found for male circumcision protecting against human papillomavirus and low-risk human papillomavirus. Although the evidence shows a protective association with HIV, it was categorised as low consistency, because one trial showed an increased risk to female partners of HIV-infected men resuming sex early after male circumcision. Seven outcomes including HIV had low-consistency evidence and six were indeterminate. INTERPRETATION Scale-up of male circumcision in sub-Saharan Africa has public health implications for several outcomes in women. Evidence that female partners are at decreased risk of several diseases is highly consistent. Synergies between male circumcision and women's health programmes should be explored. FUNDING US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Jhpiego.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Grund
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tyler S Bryant
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Inimfon Jackson
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Naomi Bock
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carlos Toledo
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joanna Taliano
- LAC Group, Contractor to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Library Science Branch, Division of Public Health Information Dissemination, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Ling Yang
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Apollo Kivumbi
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peizi Li
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sherri Pals
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Davis
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Client uptake of safer conception strategies: implementation outcomes from the Sakh'umndeni Safer Conception Clinic in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21291. [PMID: 28361507 PMCID: PMC5577727 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.2.21291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Implementation of safer conception services for HIV-affected couples within primary healthcare clinics in resource-limited settings remains limited. We review service utilization and safer conception strategy uptake during the first three years of Sakh’umndeni, which is a safer conception clinic in South Africa. Methods:Sakh’umndeni is located at Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, a high-volume primary healthcare clinic in northern Johannesburg. Men and women desiring to conceive in less than or equal to six months and in relationships in which one or both partners are living with HIV are eligible for safer conception services. Clients receive a baseline health assessment and counselling around periconception HIV risk reduction strategies and choose which strategies they plan to use. Clients are followed-up monthly. We describe client service utilization and uptake and continuation of safer conception methods. Factors associated with male partner attendance are assessed using robust Poisson regression. Results: Overall 440 individuals utilized the service including 157 couples in which both partners attended (55%) and 126 unaccompanied female partners. Over half of the couples (55%) represented were in serodiscordant/unknown status relationships. Higher economic status and HIV-negative status of the women increased male partner involvement, while HIV-negative status of the men decreased male involvement. Regarding safer conception strategies, uptake of antiretroviral therapy initiation (90%), vaginal self-insemination among partnerships with HIV-negative men (75%) and timed condomless intercourse strategies (48%) were variable, but generally high. Overall uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was 23% and was lower among HIV-negative men than women (7% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). Male medical circumcision (MMC) was used by 28% of HIV-negative men. Over 80% of clients took up at least one recommended safer conception strategy. Continuation of selected strategies over attempted conception attempts was >60%. Conclusions: Safer conception strategies are generally used by clients per recommendations. High uptake of strategies suggests that the proposed combination prevention methods are acceptable to clients and appropriate for scale-up; however, low uptake of PrEP and MMC among HIV-negative men needs improvement. Targeted community-based efforts to reach men unlinked to safer conception services are needed, alongside streamlined approaches for service scale-up within existing HIV and non-HIV service delivery platforms.
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Wagner GJ, Linnemayr S, Goggin K, Mindry D, Beyeza-Kashesya J, Finocchario-Kessler S, Robinson E, Birungi J, Wanyenze RK. Prevalence and Correlates of Use of Safer Conception Methods in a Prospective Cohort of Ugandan HIV-Affected Couples with Fertility Intentions. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:2479-2487. [PMID: 28229244 PMCID: PMC5536997 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1732-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We examined the prevalence and correlates of safer conception methods (SCM) use in HIV-affected couples with fertility intentions. A prospective cohort of 400 HIV clients in Uganda who had fertility intentions with their partner was surveyed every 6 months for 24 months. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine individual, relationship and provider level predictors of SCM use. Over one-third (35%) reported any use of timed unprotected intercourse (TUI) during the study; use of other SCM was rare. Baseline predictors of any TUI use included lower social support, greater perceived provider stigma of childbearing, greater SCM awareness, greater control over sexual decision making in the relationship, inconsistent condom use, and the belief that a desire for childbearing impedes condom use. These findings highlight the need for policy and provider training regarding integration of safer conception counselling into family planning and reproductive health services for people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn J Wagner
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA, 90407, USA.
| | | | - Kathy Goggin
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, USA
- Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Missouri, Kansas City, USA
| | - Deborah Mindry
- University of California, Los Angeles Center for Culture and Health, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya
- Mulago Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Eric Robinson
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA, 90407, USA
| | | | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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22
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Low Receipt and Uptake of Safer Conception Messages in Routine HIV Care: Findings From a Prospective Cohort of Women Living With HIV in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 72:105-13. [PMID: 26855247 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Safer conception strategies may be used by people living with HIV to reduce HIV transmission to partners resulting from condomless sex for conception. The extent to which people living with HIV receive safer conception messages and use risk reduction strategies is largely unknown. METHODS We use prospective data from a clinic-based cohort study in Johannesburg, South Africa. Women living with HIV (WLWH) aged 18-35 on antiretroviral therapy (n = 831) completed a baseline survey and ≥1 follow-up visits assessing fertility intentions and pregnancy incidence; an endline survey was administered 1 year postenrollment. Multivariate negative binomial regression models examined differences in the number of condomless sex acts by fertility intentions. Chi-squared statistics compared receipt of safer conception messages by fertility intentions and indicators of safer conception method use by partner HIV status. RESULTS The median baseline age of participants was 30.4 years and 25.3% were in serodiscordant partnerships. WLWH trying to conceive were over 3 times more likely to have condomless sex compared with those not trying to conceive (adjusted incidence rate ratio: 3.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.95 to 5.16). Receipt of specific safer conception messages was low, although women with positive fertility intentions were more likely to have received any fertility-related advice compared with those with unplanned pregnancies (76.3% vs. 49.1%, P < 0.001). Among WLWH trying to conceive (n = 111), use of timed unprotected intercourse was infrequent (17.1%) and lower in serodiscordant vs. concordant partnerships (8.5% vs. 26.9%, P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that clinic and patient-level interventions are needed to ensure that WLWH receive and use safer conception strategies.
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Matthews LT, Moore L, Crankshaw TL, Milford C, Mosery FN, Greener R, Psaros C, Safren SA, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA. South Africans with recent pregnancy rarely know partner's HIV serostatus: implications for serodiscordant couples interventions. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:843. [PMID: 25124267 PMCID: PMC4246447 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation of safer conception strategies requires knowledge of partner HIV-serostatus. We recruited women and men in a high HIV-prevalence setting for a study to assess periconception risk behavior among individuals reporting HIV-serodiscordant partnerships. We report screening data from that study with the objective of estimating the proportion of individuals who are aware that they are in an HIV-serodiscordant relationship at the time of conception. METHODS We screened women and men attending antenatal and antiretroviral clinics in Durban, South Africa for enrollment in a study of periconception risk behavior among individuals with serodiscordant partners. Screening questionnaires assessed for study eligibility including age 18-45 years (for women) or at least 18 years of age (for men), pregnancy in past year (women) or partner pregnancy in the past 3 years (men), HIV status of partner for recent pregnancy, participant's HIV status, and infected partner's HIV status having been known before the referent pregnancy. RESULTS Among 2620 women screened, 2344 (90%) met age and pregnancy criteria and knew who fathered the referent pregnancy. Among those women, 963 (41%) did not know the pregnancy partner's HIV serostatus at time of screening. Only 92 (4%) reported knowing of a serodiscordant partnership prior to pregnancy. Among 1166 men screened, 225 (19%) met age and pregnancy criteria. Among those men, 71 (32%) did not know the pregnancy partner's HIV status and only 30 (13%) reported knowing of a serodiscordant partnership prior to pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS In an HIV-endemic setting, awareness of partner HIV serostatus is rare. Innovative strategies to increase HIV testing and disclosure are required to facilitate HIV prevention interventions for serodiscordant couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T Matthews
- />Division of Infectious Disease and Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge Street, 15th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 USA
- />Division of Infectious Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - Lizzie Moore
- />Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tamaryn L Crankshaw
- />Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Cecilia Milford
- />Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Fortunate N Mosery
- />Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ross Greener
- />Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christina Psaros
- />Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Steven A Safren
- />Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- />Division of Infectious Disease and Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge Street, 15th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- />Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
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