1
|
Meek CJ, Munkhondya TEM, Mphande M, Tembo TA, Chitani M, Jean-Baptiste M, Vansia D, Kumbuyo C, Wang J, Simon KR, Rutstein SE, Barrington C, Kim MH, Go VF, Rosenberg NE. Examining the feasibility of assisted index case testing for HIV case-finding: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators to implementation in Malawi. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:606. [PMID: 38720312 PMCID: PMC11080127 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted index case testing (ICT), in which health care workers take an active role in referring at-risk contacts of people living with HIV for HIV testing services, has been widely recognized as an evidence-based intervention with high potential to increase status awareness in people living with HIV. While the available evidence from eastern and southern Africa suggests that assisted ICT can be an effective, efficient, cost-effective, acceptable, and low-risk strategy to implement in the region, it reveals that feasibility barriers to implementation exist. This study aims to inform the design of implementation strategies to mitigate these feasibility barriers by examining "assisting" health care workers' experiences of how barriers manifest throughout the assisted ICT process, as well as their perceptions of potential opportunities to facilitate feasibility. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 lay health care workers delivering assisted ICT in Malawian health facilities. Interviews explored health care workers' experiences counseling index clients and tracing these clients' contacts, aiming to inform development of a blended learning implementation package. Transcripts were inductively analyzed using Dedoose coding software to identify and describe key factors influencing feasibility of assisted ICT. Analysis included multiple rounds of coding and iteration with the data collection team. RESULTS Participants reported a variety of barriers to feasibility of assisted index case testing implementation, including sensitivities around discussing ICT with clients, privacy concerns, limited time for assisted index case testing amid high workloads, poor quality contact information, and logistical obstacles to tracing. Participants also reported several health care worker characteristics that facilitate feasibility (knowledge, interpersonal skills, non-stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors, and a sense of purpose), as well as identified process improvements with the potential to mitigate barriers. CONCLUSIONS Maximizing assisted ICT's potential to increase status awareness in people living with HIV requires equipping health care workers with effective training and support to address and overcome the many feasibility barriers that they face in implementation. Findings demonstrate the need for, as well as inform the development of, implementation strategies to mitigate barriers and promote facilitators to feasibility of assisted ICT. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05343390. Date of registration: April 25, 2022.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J Meek
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | | | - Mtisunge Mphande
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Tapiwa A Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mike Chitani
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Milenka Jean-Baptiste
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dhrutika Vansia
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Caroline Kumbuyo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Sarah E Rutstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Clare Barrington
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Maria H Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Vivian F Go
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McGowan M, Bärnighausen K, Berner-Rodoreda A, McMahon SA, Mtaita C, Mauti J, Neuhann F. "The targets…are driving the agenda and that probably needs to change": stakeholder perspectives on HIV partner notification in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:521. [PMID: 38373972 PMCID: PMC10877856 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17422-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voluntary assisted partner notification (VAPN) in HIV contact tracing is a globally recommended strategy to identify persons who have been exposed to HIV and link them to HIV testing and follow-up. However, there is little understanding about how VAPN is experienced by stakeholders in sub-Saharan African (SSA) contexts. We conducted a multi-level and multi-national qualitative analysis evaluating stakeholder perspectives surrounding VAPN implementation to inform the development of future VAPN policies. METHOD We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with VAPN stakeholders at global (n = 5), national (n = 6), and community level (n = 4) across a total of seven SSA countries. Eligible participants were ≥ 18 years old and had experience developing, implementing, or overseeing VAPN policies in SSA. We sought to understand stakeholder's perspectives on policy development, implementation, and perceived outcomes (barriers and facilitators). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches. RESULTS Between December 2019 and October 2020 we conducted 15 IDIs. While participants agreed that VAPN resulted in a high yield of people newly diagnosed with HIV; they noted numerous barriers surrounding VAPN implementation across global, national, and community levels, the majority of which were identified at community level. Barriers at global and national level included high target setting, contradictory laws, and limited independent research disenfranchising the experiences of implementing partners. The barriers identified at community level included client-level challenges (e.g., access to healthcare facilities and fear of adverse events); healthcare worker challenges (e.g., high workloads); limited data infrastructure; and cultural/gender norms that hindered women from engaging in HIV testing and VAPN services. In response to these barriers, participants shared implementation facilitators to sustain ethical implementation of VAPN services (e.g., contact tracing methods) and increase its yield (e.g., HIV self-testing integrated with VAPN services). CONCLUSION Overall, stakeholders perceived VAPN implementation to encounter barriers across all implementation levels (global to community). Future VAPN policies should be designed around the barriers and facilitators identified by SSA stakeholders to maximize the implementation of (ethical) HIV VAPN services and increase its impact in sub-Saharan African settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen McGowan
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Kate Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Astrid Berner-Rodoreda
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Caroline Mtaita
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joy Mauti
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Neuhann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Medicine and Clinical Sciences, Lewy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Meek CJ, Munkhondya TEM, Mphande M, Tembo TA, Chitani M, Jean-Baptiste M, Vansia D, Kumbuyo C, Simon KR, Rutstein SE, Barrington C, Kim MH, Go VF, Rosenberg NE. Examining the feasibility of assisted index case testing for HIV case-finding: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators to implementation in Malawi. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3314925. [PMID: 37720011 PMCID: PMC10503858 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3314925/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Assisted index case testing, in which health care workers take an active role in referring at-risk contacts of people living with HIV for HIV testing services, has been widely recognized as an evidence-based intervention with high potential to increase PLHIV status awareness. Promising evidence for the approach has led to several attempts to scale assisted index case testing throughout eastern and southern Africa in recent years. However, despite effective implementation being at the heart of any assisted index case testing strategy, there is limited implementation science research from the perspective of the HCWs who are doing the "assisting". This study examines the feasibility of assisted index case testing from the perspective of health care workers implementing the approach in Malawi. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 lay health care workers delivering assisted index case testing in Malawian health facilities. Interviews explored health care workers' experiences counselling index clients and tracing these clients' contacts, aiming to inform development of a blended learning implementation package. Transcripts were inductively analyzed using Dedoose coding software to identify and describe key factors influencing feasibility of assisted index case testing. Analysis included multiple rounds of coding and iteration with the data collection team. Results Participants reported a variety of barriers to feasibility of assisted index case testing implementation, including privacy concerns, limited time for assisted index case testing amid high workloads, poor quality contact information, logistical obstacles to tracing, and challenges of discussing sexual behavior with clients. Participants also reported several health care worker characteristics that facilitate feasibility: robust understanding of assisted index case testing's rationale and knowledge of procedures, strong interpersonal skills, positive attitudes towards clients, and sense of purpose in their work. Conclusions Findings demonstrate that maximizing assisted index case testing's potential to increase HIV status awareness requires adequately equipping health care workers with appropriate knowledge, skills, and support to address and overcome the many feasibility challenges that they face in implementation. Trial Registration Number NCT05343390 Date of registration: April 25, 2022.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J Meek
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | | | | | - Mike Chitani
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation
| | - Milenka Jean-Baptiste
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | | | | | - Sarah E Rutstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Clare Barrington
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Maria H Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation
| | - Vivian F Go
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Naughton B, Owuor M, Wamuti B, Katz DA, Sharma M, Liu W, Lagat H, Kariithi E, Mugambi M, Bosire R, Masyuko S, Farquhar C, Weiner BJ. "I feel good because I have saved their lives": Acceptability of assisted partner services among female index clients and male sexual partners in Kenya. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001842. [PMID: 37224122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Assisted partner services (APS), or notification for sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV, is an efficient, effective, and high yield strategy to identify people living with HIV and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there remains a need to further understand the acceptability of APS qualitatively from a client lens, particularly when APS is integrated into the national health system. We investigated acceptability of APS when integrated into HIV services in Kenya. METHODS Starting in May 2018, APS was implemented in 31 health facilities in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties in western Kenya. From January to December 2019, we conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with female index clients (n = 16) and male sexual partners (n = 17) in 10 facilities participating in an APS scale up study. Interviews assessed APS satisfaction, perceived benefits of the intervention, and challenges that may affect delivery or uptake. We applied the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability by Sekhon et al. (2017) as a guide to organize our findings. RESULTS We find that views of APS are often guided by an individual's trust in the intervention's design and implementation, and an interest to preserve one's health and that of one's family and children. There were strong and consistent acceptable views of APS as "doing good" and "saving a life" and as a means of showing love towards one's partner(s). The initial acceptability framing of individuals engaging with APS was predicated either on a feeling of comfort with the intervention, or a wariness of divulging sex partner personal information. Health care workers (HCWs) were seen to play an important role in mitigating participant fears linked with the intervention, particularly around the sensitive nature of HIV disclosure and sexual partners. Clients noted considerable challenges that affected acceptability, including the risk to the relationship of disclosing one's HIV status, and the risk of intimate partner violence. DISCUSSION We found that APS is acceptable as a strategy to reach male sexual partners of females diagnosed with HIV, and these findings provide opportunities to inform recommendations for further scale-up. Opportunities such as focusing on intervention confidentiality and appropriate counseling, excluding female clients at risk of IPV from this intervention, and highlighting the altruistic benefits of APS to potential clients. Understanding the perspectives of clients receiving APS in a real-world setting may be valuable to policy-makers and stakeholders interested in scaling up or enhancing APS within health systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brienna Naughton
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Beatrice Wamuti
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David A Katz
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Wenjia Liu
- Department of Child, Family & Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Rose Bosire
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Masyuko
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Bryan J Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Levy JA, Earnshaw VA, Milanti A, Waluyo A, Culbert GJ. A qualitative study of healthcare providers' attitudes toward assisted partner notification for people with HIV in Indonesia. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:71. [PMID: 36690986 PMCID: PMC9872286 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08943-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted partner notification (APN) is recommended as a public health strategy to increase HIV testing in people exposed to HIV. Yet its adoption in many countries remains at an early stage. This qualitative study sought the opinions of HIV health service providers regarding the appropriateness and feasibility of implementing APN in Indonesia where such services are on the cusp of adoption. METHODS Four focus group discussions totaling 40 health service providers were held in Jakarta, Indonesia to consider APN as an innovative concept and to share their reactions regarding its potential implementation in Indonesia. Voice-recorded discussions were conducted in Bahasa, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed. RESULTS Participants recognized APN's potential in contacting and informing the partners of HIV-positive clients of possible viral exposure. They also perceived APN's value as a client-driven service permitting clients to select which of three partner notification methods would work best for them across differing partner relationships and settings. Nonetheless, participants also identified personal and health system challenges that could impede successful APN adoption including medical and human resource limitations, the need for specialized APN training, ethical and equity considerations, and lack of sufficient clarity concerning laws and government policies regulating 3rd party disclosures. They also pointed to the job-overload, stress, personal discomfort, and the ethical uncertainty that providers might experience in delivering APN. CONCLUSION Overall, providers of HIV services embraced the concept of APN but forecast practical difficulties in key service areas where investments in resources and system change appeared necessary to ensure effective and equitable implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith A. Levy
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Health Policy & Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Valerie A. Earnshaw
- grid.33489.350000 0001 0454 4791Human Development and Family Sciences, College of Education and Human Development, University of Delaware, Newark, DE USA
| | - Ariesta Milanti
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Agung Waluyo
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat Indonesia
| | - Gabriel J. Culbert
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu W, Wamuti BM, Owuor M, Lagat H, Kariithi E, Obong'o C, Mugambi M, Sharma M, Bosire R, Masyuko S, Katz DA, Farquhar C, Weiner BJ. "It is a process" - a qualitative evaluation of provider acceptability of HIV assisted partner services in western Kenya: experiences, challenges, and facilitators. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:616. [PMID: 35525931 PMCID: PMC9078086 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08024-z] [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: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Assisted partner service (APS) is effective for increasing HIV testing services (HTS) uptake among sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV with rare social harm. The acceptability of APS to HTS providers is important for the quality and effectiveness of APS delivery. Within a larger ongoing implementation science study of APS in western Kenya, we qualitatively evaluated the provider acceptability of APS. Methods From May–June 2020, we conducted virtual, semi-structured in-depth interviews with 14 HTS providers recruited from 8 of 31 study health facilities in Homa Bay and Kisumu counties. Participants were selected using criteria-based purposive sampling to maximize variation on patient volume (assessed by the number of index clients tested for HIV) and APS performance (assessed by sexual partners elicitation and enrollment). Interviews inquired providers’ experiences providing APS including challenges and facilitators and the impact of contextual factors. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach. Results Overall, HTS providers found APS acceptable. It was consistently reported that doing APS was a continuous process rather than a one-day job, which required building rapport and persistent efforts. Benefits of APS including efficiency in HIV case finding, expanded testing coverage in men, and increased HIV status awareness and linkage to care motivated the providers. Provider referral was perceived advantageous in terms of independent contact with partners on behalf of index clients and efficiency in partner tracing. Challenges of providing APS included protecting clients’ confidentiality, difficulty obtaining partners’ accurate contact information, logistic barriers of tracing, and clients’ refusal due to fear of being judged for multiple sexual partners, fear of breach of confidentiality, and HIV stigma. Building rapport with clients, communicating with patience and nonjudgmental attitude and assuring confidentiality were examples of facilitators. Working in rural areas and bigger facilities, training, supportive supervision, and community awareness of APS promoted APS delivery while low salaries, lack of equipment, and high workload undermined it. Conclusions HTS providers found APS acceptable. Delivering APS as a process was the key to success. Future scale-up of APS could consider encouraging provider referral instead of the other APS methods to improve efficiency and reduce potential harm to clients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary Mugambi
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Kenya Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Rose Bosire
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Masyuko
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Kenya Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David A Katz
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Bryan J Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rahmalia A, Wisaksana R, Laga M, van Crevel R, Peeters Grietens K. Facilitators and barriers to status disclosure and partner testing of women living with HIV in Indonesia: a mixed methods study. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2022; 30:2028971. [PMID: 35167424 PMCID: PMC8856062 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2028971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This mixed-methods study investigated HIV status disclosure and partner testing of women living with HIV (WLWH) in a concentrated epidemic setting in Bandung, Indonesia. The qualitative exploratory strand used theoretical sampling to carry out semi-structured interviews with 47 HIV-infected women with varying anti-retroviral therapy status. The quantitative strand included 122 female patients receiving HIV care at a referral clinic. HIV diagnosis made women reassess their sexual partnerships. Some lost their partner due to death or divorce. Women with a longstanding HIV infection often formed new partnerships. They disclosed their status to new partners without assistance from health providers; the type and stability of the partnership influenced decision to disclose. Fear of rejection prevented initial disclosure prior to bringing the new partners to a health provider. Disclosure did not always result in partner testing because of low risk-awareness or denial of the partner. Despite a similar proportion of status disclosure to partner (92.8%), only 53.7% of new partners of WLWH were tested in contrast to 89.7% of partners tested among WLWH who stayed with the same partner. In antenatal care, where same-day testing was often done for pregnant couples, more partners were tested. Overall, consistent condom use was low and HIV status forced WLWH who continued sex work to work at settings where condom use was not enforced. WLWH face barriers to HIV status disclosure and partner testing and would benefit from partnership counselling. Guidelines for partner notification and testing should include specific strategies for women with longstanding HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annisa Rahmalia
- Researcher, Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia; Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Correspondence:
| | - Rudi Wisaksana
- Head of HIV Research Group, Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia; Department of Internal Medicine, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Marie Laga
- Professor, Sexual Health and HIV, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Reinout van Crevel
- Professor, Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Koen Peeters Grietens
- Professor, Head of Socio-Ecological Health Research (SEHR) Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Puleni PC, Nyondo-Mipando AL. Strategies for Optimising Uptake of Assisted Partner Notification Services Among Newly Diagnosed HIV Positive Adults at Ndirande Health Centre, Malawi. Health Syst Reform 2022; 8:2151697. [PMID: 36534137 DOI: 10.1080/23288604.2022.2151697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
UNAIDS Fast-Track goals for 2025 include ensuring that 95% of the people with HIV know their HIV status. In 2019, the Malawi Ministry of Health introduced its approach for achieving this: an active index testing (AIT) policy with assisted partner notification services (APNS). Under this policy, health centers can actively reach out to a contact of newly-diagnosed HIV positive client (the index) to offer voluntary HIV testing services. However, APNS uptake has been sub-optimal at many health facilities. This qualitative study considers strategies to optimize the uptake of APNS among newly-diagnosed HIV positive clients at Ndirande Health Center in Blantyre, Malawi. We conducted in-depth interviews, between February and April 2020, with 24 participants, including new HIV positive index clients, their sexual partners, and key health workers. We employ a maximum variation purposive sampling technique. Thematic inductive and deductive data analysis was done manually according to the social-ecological model. Interviewees discussed various strategies for optimizing APNS uptake among newly diagnosed HIV-infected clients. Interpersonal strategies included maximizing the use of client profiling techniques and sensitization on APNS to create demand. Institutional-level strategies were also suggested, such as providing transportation for home visits, strengthening referral notification approaches, and additional training for health workers. Policy-level recommendations included introducing home-based partner testing and intensifying use of partner notification slips. APNS is a key strategy to maximize HIV case identification. However, achieving optimal APNS in Malawi requires strengthening existing strategies and conducting additional research to identify other APNS strategies tailored to the local context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Chiwa Puleni
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Parkes-Ratanshi R, Mbazira Kimeze J, Nakku-Joloba E, Hamill MM, Namawejje M, Kiragga A, Kayogoza Byamugisha J, Rompalo A, Gaydos C, Manabe YC. Low male partner attendance after syphilis screening in pregnant women leads to worse birth outcomes: the Syphilis Treatment of Partners (STOP) randomised control trial. Sex Health 2021; 17:214-222. [PMID: 32527365 DOI: 10.1071/sh19092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Maternal syphilis causes poor birth outcomes, including congenital syphilis. Testing and treatment of partners prevents reinfection, but strategies to improve partner attendance are failing. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of three partner notification strategies. METHODS Pregnant women with a positive point-of-care treponemal test at three antenatal clinics (ANCs) in Kampala, Uganda, were randomised 1:1:1 to receive either notification slips (NS; standard of care), NS and a text messages (SMS) or NS and telephone calls. The primary outcome was the proportion of partners who attended the ANC and were treated for syphilis. RESULTS Between 2015 and 2016, 17130 pregnant women were screened; 601 (3.5%) had a positive treponemal result, and 442 were enrolled in the study. Only 81 of 442 partners (18.3%; 23/152 (15.1%), 31/144 (21.5%) and 27/146 (18.5%) in the NS only, NS + SMS and NS + telephone call groups respectively) attended an ANC for follow-up; there were no significant differences between the groups. Twelve per cent of women attended the ANC with their male partner, and this proportion increased over time. Partner non-treatment was independently associated with adverse birth outcomes (odds ratio 2.75; 95% confidence interval 2.36-3.21; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Only 18.3% of partners of pregnant women who tested positive for syphilis received treatment. Female partners of non-attendant men had worse birth outcomes. Encouraging men to accompany women to the ANC and testing both may address the urgent need to treat partners of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce poor fetal outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Parkes-Ratanshi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda; and Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK; and Corresponding author.
| | - Joshua Mbazira Kimeze
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edith Nakku-Joloba
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Matthew M Hamill
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8031, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Mariam Namawejje
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Kiragga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Anne Rompalo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8031, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Charlotte Gaydos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8031, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yukari C Manabe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Room 8031, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Monroe-Wise A, Mbogo L, Guthrie B, Bukusi D, Sambai B, Chohan B, Scott J, Cherutich P, Musyoki H, Bosire R, Dunbar M, Macharia P, Masyuko S, Wilkinson E, De Oliveira T, Ludwig-Barron N, Sinkele B, Herbeck J, Farquhar C. Peer-mediated HIV assisted partner services to identify and link to care HIV-positive and HCV-positive people who inject drugs: a cohort study protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041083. [PMID: 33895711 PMCID: PMC8074565 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeted, tailored interventions to test high-risk individuals for HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are vital to achieving HIV control and HCV microelimination in Africa. Compared with the general population, people who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of HIV and HCV and are less likely to be tested or successfully treated. Assisted partner services (APS) increases HIV testing among partners of people living with HIV and improves case finding and linkage to care. We describe a study in Kenya examining whether APS can be adapted to find, test and link to HIV care the partners of HIV-positive PWID using a network of community-embedded peer educators (PEs). Our study also identifies HCV-positive partners and uses phylogenetic analysis to determine risk factors for onward transmission of both viruses. METHODS This prospective cohort study leverages a network of PEs to identify 1000 HIV-positive PWID for enrolment as index participants. Each index completes a questionnaire and provides names and contact information of all sexual and injecting partners during the previous 3 years. PEs then use a stepwise locator protocol to engage partners in the community and bring them to study sites for enrolment, questionnaire completion and rapid HIV and HCV testing. Outcomes include number and type of partners per index who are mentioned, enrolled, tested, diagnosed with HIV and HCV and linked to care. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Potential index participants are screened for intimate partner violence (IPV) and those at high risk are not eligible to enrol. Those at medium risk are monitored for IPV following enrolment. A community advisory board engages in feedback and discussion between the community and the research team. A safety monitoring board discusses study progress and reviews data, including IPV monitoring data. Dissemination plans include presentations at quarterly Ministry of Health meetings, local and international conferences and publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03447210, Pre-results stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliza Monroe-Wise
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Loice Mbogo
- HIV Testing and Counseling and HIV Prevention, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brandon Guthrie
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David Bukusi
- HIV Testing and Counseling and HIV Prevention, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Betsy Sambai
- HIV Testing and Counseling and HIV Prevention, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bhavna Chohan
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Scott
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Rose Bosire
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Matthew Dunbar
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washinigton, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Sarah Masyuko
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Kenya's Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tulio De Oliveira
- KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Bill Sinkele
- Support for Addiction Prevention and Treatment in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Herbeck
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nguyen VTT, Phan HTT, Kato M, Nguyen Q, Le Ai KA, Vo SH, Thanh DC, Baggaley RC, Johnson CC. Community-led HIV testing services including HIV self-testing and assisted partner notification services in Vietnam: lessons from a pilot study in a concentrated epidemic setting. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 3:e25301. [PMID: 31321903 PMCID: PMC6639698 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV epidemic in Vietnam is concentrated in key populations and their partners - people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers and partners of people living with HIV. These groups have poor access to and uptake of conventional HIV testing services (HTS). To address this gap, lay provider- and self-testing and assisted partner notification (aPN) were introduced and delivered by the community. We explored the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing aPN as part of community testing services for key populations. METHODS Lay provider testing and self-testing was started in January 2017, and targeted key populations and their partners. Since July 2017, aPN was introduced. HTS was offered at drop-in houses or coffee shops in Thai Nguyen and Can Tho provinces. All self-testing was assisted and observed by peer educators. Both in-person and social network methods were used to mobilize key populations to test for HIV and offer HTS to partners of people living with HIV. Client-level data, including demographic information and self-reported risk behaviour, were collected on site by peer educators. RESULTS Between January 2017 and May 2018, 3978 persons from key populations were tested through community-led HTS; 66.7% were first-time testers. Of the 3978 clients, 3086 received HTS from a lay provider and 892 self-tested in the presence of a lay provider. Overall, 245 (6.2% of tested clients) had reactive results, 231 (94.3%) were confirmed to be HIV positive; 215/231 (93.1%) initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART). Of 231 adult HIV-positive clients, 186 (80.5%) were provided voluntary aPN, and 105 of their partners were contacted and received HTS. The ratio of partners who tested for HIV per index client was 0.56. Forty-four (41.9%) partners of index clients receiving HTS were diagnosed with HIV, 97.7% initiated ART during the study period. No social harm was identified or reported. CONCLUSIONS Including aPN as part of community-led HTS for key populations and their partners is feasible and effective, particularly for reaching first-time testers and undiagnosed HIV clients. Scale-up of aPN within community-led HTS for key populations is essential for achieving the United Nations 90-90-90 targets in Vietnam.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Masaya Kato
- World Health Organization, Country OfficeHanoiVietnam
| | | | - Kim A Le Ai
- Thai Nguyen Provincial AIDS CentreThai Nguyen CityVietnam
| | - Son H Vo
- Viet Nam Authority for HIV/AIDS ControlHanoiVietnam
| | - Duong C Thanh
- National Institute for Hygiene and EpidemiologyHanoiVietnam
| | | | - Cheryl C Johnson
- HIV DepartmentWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
- Clinical Research DepartmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nakyanjo N, Piccinini D, Kisakye A, Yeh PT, Ddaaki W, Kigozi G, Gray RH, Kennedy CE. Women's role in male circumcision promotion in Rakai, Uganda. AIDS Care 2018; 31:443-450. [PMID: 30010413 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1500009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Medical male circumcision (MMC) has expanded in sub-Saharan Africa, yet uptake remains sub-optimal. We sought to understand women's perceptions of and influence on MMC in Rakai, Uganda. We conducted in-depth interviews with 27 women in fishing and trading communities, including women married to circumcised and uncircumcised men, single women, and sex workers. Data analysis followed a team-based framework approach. All female participants preferred circumcised men because of perceived reduced HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk, improved penile hygiene, and increased sexual pleasure. Perceived negative aspects included abstinence during wound healing, potentially increased male sexual risk behaviors, fear of being blamed for HIV acquisition, and economic insecurity due to time off work. Participants felt women could persuade their partners to be circumcised, accompany them to the clinic, refuse sex with uncircumcised men, and participate in community MMC activities. Findings support women's important role in MMC acceptance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neema Nakyanjo
- a Social and Behavioral Sciences Department , Rakai Health Sciences Program, Research Directorate , Kalisizo , Uganda
| | - Danielle Piccinini
- b Center for Communications Programs , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Alice Kisakye
- c Rakai Health Sciences Program, Programs Directorate , Kalisizo , Uganda
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- d Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - William Ddaaki
- a Social and Behavioral Sciences Department , Rakai Health Sciences Program, Research Directorate , Kalisizo , Uganda
| | - Godfrey Kigozi
- e Rakai Health Sciences Program, Research Directorate , Kalisizo , Uganda
| | - Ronald H Gray
- f Department of Epidemiology , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Caitlin E Kennedy
- d Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| |
Collapse
|