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Xie Z, Duan Z. Evolving Challenges in the Implementation of China's "Four Frees and One Care" Policy for HIV/AIDS. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:1315-1321. [PMID: 38778921 PMCID: PMC11108755 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s459173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, China initiated the "Four Frees and One Care" policy in late 2003. This policy provided free counseling, testing, and antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV, while also offering support to affected families. While instrumental in advancing HIV/AIDS prevention, the policy faces evolving challenges. This study aims to analyze this challenge from multiple dimensions and, based on this analysis, provide effective recommendations for the Chinese government to address it, promoting the sustainable development of the "Four Frees and One Care" policy. The research found that reduced government funding has led to the decline of grassroots organizations, creating a disconnect between administrative and treatment systems. Additionally, advancements in medical technology introduce new antiretroviral drugs, complicating their integration into the healthcare system. In the current healthcare reform, updating the list of free antiretroviral drugs proves challenging. Adapting the policy to contemporary HIV/AIDS prevention should be a priority for the Chinese government. Balancing financial constraints, organizational sustainability, and evolving medical technologies will be pivotal for the ongoing transformation of the "Four Frees and One Care" initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Xie
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhizhuang Duan
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, People’s Republic of China
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Kennedy CE, Yeh PT, Fonner VA, Armstrong KA, Denison JA, O'Reilly KR, Sweat MD. The Evidence Project: Protocol for Systematic Reviews of Behavioral Interventions and Behavioral Aspects of Biomedical Interventions for HIV Prevention, Treatment, and Health Service Delivery in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2024; 36:87-102. [PMID: 38648175 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2024.36.2.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The Evidence Project conducts systematic reviews and meta-analyses of HIV behavioral interventions, behavioral aspects of biomedical interventions, combination prevention strategies, modes of service delivery, and integrated programs in low- and middle-income countries. Here, we present the overall protocol for our reviews. For each topic, we conduct a comprehensive search of five online databases, complemented by secondary reference searching. Articles are included if they are published in peer-reviewed journals and present pre/post or multi-arm data on outcomes of interest. Data are extracted from each included article by two trained coders working independently using standardized coding forms, with differences resolved by consensus. Risk of bias is assessed with the Evidence Project tool. Data are synthesized descriptively, and meta-analysis is conducted when there are similarly measured outcomes across studies. For over 20 years, this approach has allowed us to synthesize literature on the effectiveness of interventions and contribute to the global HIV response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Kennedy
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Virginia A Fonner
- Global Health and Population Research, FHI360, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Julie A Denison
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kevin R O'Reilly
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Michael D Sweat
- Global Health and Population Research, FHI360, Durham, North Carolina
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The paradox of HIV prevention: did biomedical prevention trials show how effective behavioral prevention can be? AIDS 2020; 34:2007-2011. [PMID: 32910064 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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The relationship between health policy and public health interventions: a case study of the DRIVE project to "end" the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in Haiphong, Vietnam. J Public Health Policy 2019. [PMID: 29531303 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-017-0115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We present a case study of the effects of health policies on the implementation and potential outcomes of a public health intervention, using the DRIVE project, that aims to 'end' the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in Haiphong, Vietnam. DRIVE's success depends on two policy transitions: (1) integration of donor-funded HIV outpatient clinics into public health clinics and expansion of social health insurance; (2) implementation of a "Renovation Plan" for substance use treatment. Interviews and focus group discussions with key informants and review of policy documents and clinic data reveal that both policy transitions are underway but face challenges. DRIVE promises to show how evolving policy affects health interventions and how advocacy based on project data can improve policy. Broad lessons include the importance of clear and consistent policies, vigorous enforcement, and adequate funding of promulgated policies.
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Kennedy CE, Fonner VA, Armstrong KA, Denison JA, Yeh PT, O’Reilly KR, Sweat MD. The Evidence Project risk of bias tool: assessing study rigor for both randomized and non-randomized intervention studies. Syst Rev 2019; 8:3. [PMID: 30606262 PMCID: PMC6317181 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-018-0925-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different tools exist for assessing risk of bias of intervention studies for systematic reviews. We present a tool for assessing risk of bias across both randomized and non-randomized study designs. The tool was developed by the Evidence Project, which conducts systematic reviews and meta-analyses of behavioral interventions for HIV in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS We present the eight items of the tool and describe considerations for each and for the tool as a whole. We then evaluate reliability of the tool by presenting inter-rater reliability for 125 selected studies from seven published reviews, calculating a kappa for each individual item and a weighted kappa for the total count of items. RESULTS The tool includes eight items, each of which is rated as being present (yes) or not present (no) and, for some items, not applicable or not reported. The items include (1) cohort, (2) control or comparison group, (3) pre-post intervention data, (4) random assignment of participants to the intervention, (5) random selection of participants for assessment, (6) follow-up rate of 80% or more, (7) comparison groups equivalent on sociodemographics, and (8) comparison groups equivalent at baseline on outcome measures. Together, items (1)-(3) summarize the study design, while the remaining items consider other common elements of study rigor. Inter-rater reliability was moderate to substantial for all items, ranging from 0.41 to 0.80 (median κ = 0.66). Agreement between raters on the total count of items endorsed was also substantial (κw = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS Strengths of the tool include its applicability to a range of study designs, from randomized trials to various types of observational and quasi-experimental studies. It is relatively easy to use and interpret and can be applied to a range of review topics without adaptation, facilitating comparability across reviews. Limitations include the lack of potentially relevant items measured in other tools and potential threats to validity of some items. To date, the tool has been applied in over 30 reviews. We believe it is a practical option for assessing risk of bias in systematic reviews of interventions that include a range of study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Kennedy
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Room E5547, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Virginia A. Fonner
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 176 Croghan Spur Road, Suite 104, Charleston, SC 29407 USA
| | - Kevin A. Armstrong
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 176 Croghan Spur Road, Suite 104, Charleston, SC 29407 USA
| | - Julie A. Denison
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Room E5547, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Room E5547, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Kevin R. O’Reilly
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 176 Croghan Spur Road, Suite 104, Charleston, SC 29407 USA
| | - Michael D. Sweat
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 176 Croghan Spur Road, Suite 104, Charleston, SC 29407 USA
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Robinson JL, Narasimhan M, Amin A, Morse S, Beres LK, Yeh PT, Kennedy CE. Interventions to address unequal gender and power relations and improve self-efficacy and empowerment for sexual and reproductive health decision-making for women living with HIV: A systematic review. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180699. [PMID: 28837562 PMCID: PMC5570301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many women living with HIV experience gendered power inequalities, particularly in their intimate relationships, that prevent them from achieving optimal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and exercising their rights. We assessed the effectiveness of interventions to improve self-efficacy and empowerment of women living with HIV to make SRH decisions through a systematic review. METHODS AND FINDINGS We included peer-reviewed articles indexed in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus published through January 3, 2017, presenting multi-arm or pre-post intervention evaluations measuring one of the following outcomes: (1) self-efficacy, empowerment, or measures of SRH decision-making ability, (2) SRH behaviors (e.g., condom use, contraceptive use), or (3) SRH outcomes (e.g., sexually transmitted infections [STIs]). Twenty-one studies evaluating 11 intervention approaches met the inclusion criteria. All were conducted in the United States or sub-Saharan Africa. Two high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed significant decreases in incident gonorrhea and chlamydia. Sixteen studies measuring condom use generally found moderate increases associated with the intervention, including in higher-quality RCTs. Findings on contraceptive use, condom self-efficacy, and other empowerment measures (e.g., sexual communication, equitable relationship power) were mixed. Studies were limited by small sample sizes, high loss to follow-up, and high reported baseline condom use. CONCLUSIONS While more research is needed, the limited existing evidence suggests that these interventions may help support the SRH and rights of women living with HIV. This review particularly highlights the importance of these interventions for preventing STIs, which present a significant health burden for women living with HIV that is rarely addressed holistically. Empowerment-based interventions should be considered as part of a comprehensive package of STI and other SRH services for women living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Robinson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Avni Amin
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Morse
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Laura K. Beres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Caitlin Elizabeth Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Conn C, Nayar S, Lubis D, Maibvisira C, Modderman K. Vulnerable Youth as Prosumers in HIV Prevention: Studies Using Participatory Action Research. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2017; 3:e53. [PMID: 28807890 PMCID: PMC5575422 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.7812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stigma, voicelessness, and legislative and rights barriers, coupled with top-down decision making, are the common experiences of vulnerable youth populations that limit their opportunities to participate in vital health promotion efforts such as HIV prevention. Objective To consider new opportunities arising from a digital society for youth to creatively shape HIV prevention. Methods Drawing on research with vulnerable youth in Busoga, Uganda; Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Bangkok, Thailand; and Bali, Indonesia, we explore current youth participation, in theory and practice, while considering new opportunities arising from a digital society for youth to creatively shape HIV prevention. Results Collaborative commons and prosumer models are defined as people employing new technology to codesign toward a common goal. Within the context of a diminishing role of the traditional institution and the rise of digitized networks, such models offer exciting new directions for youth as electronic health promotion prosumers to participate in difficult challenges such as HIV prevention in the 21st century. Conclusions It is time for institutions to embrace such opportunities, especially in areas where access to technology is widening, while continuing to champion youth and advocate for supportive social environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cath Conn
- School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shoba Nayar
- School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Dinar Lubis
- School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Carol Maibvisira
- School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kristel Modderman
- School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand
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