Intimate Partner Violence and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A Rapid Review of Current Evidence for Women's HIV Prevention

Preexposure Prophylaxis and Intimate Partner Violence Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Global Scoping Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT

Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and are at an elevated risk of HIV acquisition. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective preventative measure against HIV. However, its adoption and consistent use among MSM, especially those experiencing IPV, is low. This scoping review summarizes literature relevant to HIV PrEP, focusing on MSM who experience IPV. Of the 110 studies identified, eight eligible studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most of these were conducted in the United States, focusing exclusively on adult MSM. Most studies evaluated daily oral PrEP. The studies assessed the impact of IPV on respondent's knowledge, willingness, preference, and PrEP use and revealed varying levels of association between IPV and PrEP. Future research is essential to develop practice guidelines and policy to enhance PrEP uptake in this vulnerable population.

Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care Engagement Among Sexual Minority Men: A Systematic Review

Sexual minority men (SMM) who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) may also be at increased risk for HIV; however, little is known about the relationship between these experiences and the utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. This systematic review aimed to synthesize available literature to examine the complex interplay between IPV experiences and engagement in the PrEP care continuum among SMM. A comprehensive search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines in Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline, and CINAHL identified only 13 relevant articles, most of which were conducted in the United States (n = 9) and only two in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Nearly all studies (n = 12, 92.3%) were quantitative in design and used cross-sectional data. The findings of this review identified critical gaps in measuring IPV and PrEP outcomes and revealed mixed findings regarding the complex interplay between IPV and PrEP care engagement in the context of syndemics experienced by SMM. The results highlight the critical need for future research to understand the impact of IPV on PrEP uptake and adherence and its underlying mechanisms. This includes investigating the effects of different types of IPV (e.g., emotional, physical, sexual) on PrEP utilization and how these experiences influence PrEP preferences, such as daily PrEP versus on-demand PrEP or long-acting injectable PrEP. The implications of this review call for comprehensive public health policies and integrated health care practices that provide tailored interventions for IPV screening in PrEP care settings to deliver IPV services and promote engagement in the PrEP care continuum among SMM, as well as further investigation in LMICs.

The impact of intimate partner violence on PrEP adherence among U.S. Cisgender women at risk for HIV

BACKGROUND

Cisgender women account for 1 in 5 new HIV infections in the United States, yet remain under-engaged in HIV prevention. Women experiencing violence face risk for HIV due to biological and behavioral mechanisms, and barriers to prevention, such as challenges to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention (PrEP) adherence. In this analysis, we aim to characterize intimate partner violence (IPV) among cisgender heterosexual women enrolled in a PrEP demonstration project and assess the associations with PrEP adherence.

METHODS

Adherence Enhancement Guided by Individualized Texting and Drug Levels (AEGiS) was a 48-week single-arm open-label study of PrEP adherence in HIV-negative cisgender women in Southern California (N = 130) offered daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC). From 6/2016 to 10/2018, women completed a survey reporting HIV risk behavior and experiences of any IPV (past 90-days) and IPV sub-types (past-year, lifetime) and biological testing for HIV/STIs at baseline, and concentrations of tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots at weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48. Outcomes were TFV-DP concentrations consistent with ≥ 4 or ≥ 6 doses/week at one or multiple visits. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to examine associations.

RESULTS

Past-90-day IPV was reported by 34.4% of participants, and past-year and lifetime subtypes reported by 11.5-41.5%, and 21.5-52.3%, respectively. Women who engaged in sex work and Black women were significantly more likely to report IPV than others. Lifetime physical IPV was negatively associated with adherence at ≥ 4 doses/week at ≥ 3 of 5 visits, while other relationships with any IPV and IPV sub-types were variable.

CONCLUSION

IPV is an indication for PrEP and important indicator of HIV risk; our findings suggest that physical IPV may also negatively impact long-term PrEP adherence.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT02584140 (ClinicalTrials.gov), registered 15/10/2015.

Increasing Urban African American Women's Readiness for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: A Pilot Study of the Women Prepping for PrEp Plus Program (WP3+)

BACKGROUND

African American women are disproportionately at risk for HIV infection. To increase women's readiness to consider taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), we conducted a pilot study of Women Prepping for PrEP Plus (WP3+). Adapted from an evidence-based HIV risk reduction intervention for African American couples who are HIV-serodiscordant, WP3+ is a group-based culturally congruent program designed for African American women without HIV.

METHODS

Women were screened for eligibility; if eligible, they were invited to participate in the four-session WP3+ group. Participants completed surveys at baseline (n = 47) and post-implementation (n = 28); surveys assessed demographics, HIV and PrEP knowledge, depression and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, substance use, sexual risk behaviors, health care-related discrimination, and social support. In a process evaluation, a subset of women completed qualitative interviews at baseline (n = 35) and post-implementation (n = 18); the interviews were designed to converge with (e.g., on HIV and PrEP knowledge) and expand upon (e.g., unmeasured perceived impacts of WP3+) quantitative measures. To triangulate with the quantitative data, deductive qualitative analysis concentrated on women's knowledge and awareness of PrEP and HIV, their relationship dynamics and challenges, and their considerations (e.g., barriers, facilitators) related to taking PrEP; inductive analysis focused on women's experiences in the intervention.

RESULTS

Participants in the WP3+ intervention reported: improved proportion of condom use in the past 90 days (p < .01) and in a typical week (p < .05); reduced PTS symptoms (p < .05); increased HIV knowledge (p < .0001) and awareness of PrEP (p < .001); and greater consideration of using PrEP (p < .001). In interviews, participants expressed not only increased knowledge but also appreciation for learning how to protect themselves against HIV, communicate with their partners, and take charge of their health, and they expressed greater receptiveness to using PrEP as a result of the knowledge and skills they gained.

CONCLUSIONS

The WP3+ pilot study demonstrated preliminary efficacy and acceptability as an HIV-prevention program for African American women. A controlled trial is needed to confirm its efficacy for increasing PrEP use among African American women.

A secondary gendered analysis of interviews with Latina cisgender women indicated for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis

HIV infections disproportionately impact Latinx populations in the United States, yet oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake is low. This study was a secondary gendered analysis of interviews with Latina cisgender women (n = 20) recruited from an urban safety net hospital inNew York City between August 2019 and October 2022. All women were indicated for PrEP by the provider. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants in English and Spanish and asked about social determinants of health, sexual partnerships and behaviors, and PrEP-specific enablers and barriers. Secondary thematic content analysis was conducted to identify gender-related factors influencing PrEP uptake. The following themes emerged from the data:structural factors (e.g., employment), partner-related factors, low sexual health knowledge, and resilience and empowerment. Partner-related factors were the most salient; partner infidelity served as reasons for initiating PrEP. Despite being constrained by low power in relationships, women made empowered choices to initiate PrEP and protect themselves. Findings indicated that the impact of gender inequity was an important factor in Latina women's PrEP decision making, pointing to a need to address partner-driven HIV risk, imbalance of power in relationships, and gender norms.

The Moderating Effects of HIV Relevant Factors on the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence and Intention to Start HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Cisgender Women

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV are serious and related public health problems that detrimentally impact women's health. Because women who experience IPV are more likely to acquire HIV, it is critical to promote HIV prevention strategies, such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), that increase autonomy. This study of cisgender women eligible for HIV PrEP took place between 2017 and 2019 in Philadelphia and New York City. This study aimed to examine the relationship between four types of IPV (control, psychological, physical, sexual) and intention to start PrEP among PrEP-eligible cisgender women and assess the extent to which HIV relevant factors moderated the association between IPV experience and intention to start PrEP. In this sample of PrEP-eligible women (n = 214), 68.7% indicated intention to start PrEP in the next 3 months. Ethnicity was strongly associated with intention to start PrEP, with Hispanic women having the highest odds of intending to start PrEP in the next 3 months. Having a controlling partner significantly predicted intention to start PrEP. Women with more than one sex partner and a controlling partner had higher odds of intending to start PrEP as compared with those who had one or no partners and had no IPV control. These findings point to a need for patient-centered interventions that address the need for safety and autonomy among cisgender, PrEP-eligible women.

Improving Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Counseling at a Military Women's Health Care Clinic to Champion CDC and Defense Health Agency Recommendations

INTRODUCTION

The CDC updated their guidelines in 2021 to recommend all doctors speak about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against human immunodeficiency virus infection with all sexually active patients. In addition, there is a demonstrated need for physicians to counsel patients on PrEP to achieve military readiness. Results from the 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey indicate 21.8% of U.S. service members were at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus. This improvement project aimed to assess deficiencies in providers' knowledge before and after an educational intervention and describe policies clinics can adopt to adhere to CDC recommendations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pre-intervention survey was distributed to providers at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics clinic. Based on results, an educational lecture and standardized intake form were developed. Following the intervention, a post-survey was distributed to providers. A chart review was performed to determine whether PrEP counseling increased following the intervention.

RESULTS

Forty-seven gynecologic providers were sent a pre- and post-intervention survey. Thirty-seven individuals completed the pre-intervention survey (response rate 78.72%), whereas 18 people completed the post-intervention survey (response rate 38.30%). Descriptive analysis suggested comfort counseling on PrEP, comfort with Defense Health Agency guidance on PrEP, and knowledge of PrEP all increased. In terms of the chart review, 81 charts were reviewed pre- and post-intervention. Although we failed to meet our target counseling rate of 70%, the number of patients who were counseled on or prescribed PrEP following our intervention was statistically significant (P = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

This improvement project increased provider knowledge and comfort with PrEP, but only marginally affected behavior changes among providers. This failure may be related to the specific clinic in which the study was implemented. Further research is needed to facilitate routine counseling of PrEP among military women's health care providers.

The impact of COVID-19 on sexual behavior, HIV prevention interest, general healthcare access, and other HIV risk factors among trial participants in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted HIV prevention and care globally. The pandemic also had disproportionate impacts on the financial, emotional, and physical wellbeing of women and girls in East and Southern Africa, who were already at increased HIV vulnerability. This study aimed to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic and its response efforts impacted the sexual behavior, HIV prevention interest, general healthcare access, and other HIV risk factors of women and girls in HIV prevention studies.

Methods

Using the socio-ecological model (SEM), an explanatory sequential mixed-methods analysis was performed with data from four Microbicide Trial Network (MTN) studies on different populations-adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), pregnant persons, breastfeeding persons, and couples-in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Descriptive statistics for outcomes of interest were calculated within each study separately and Chi-squared tests of independence were performed to evaluate associations between study population and outcomes. Excerpts from study qualitative interviews were stratified into code reports which were then summarized into memos with key themes and considerations of the SEM framework to provide context to quantitative findings.

Results

Few participants (8/731) had known or suspected COVID-19 infection. Sexual frequency and alcohol use decreased most often among AGYW compared to pregnant or breastfeeding women and couples (p-value < 0.001). The pandemic had little impact on changes in reported HIV prevention interest or access to HIV prevention study products. Healthcare access was impacted for everyone, with couples most likely to report decreases in access (p-value < 0.001). From qualitative interviews, economic instability, adverse mental health, and increased violence due to COVID-19 caused increased strain on other factors related to HIV vulnerability.

Conclusions

While interest in HIV prevention did not change and a few HIV risks decreased for most women and girls, other vulnerabilities to HIV increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of continued access to HIV prevention for women and girls. More research is needed to better understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on HIV prevention and vulnerability in community populations.

Changes in relationships, HIV risk, and feelings towards PrEP: findings from a qualitative explanatory study among participants in the CHARISMA intervention trial

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and other relationship-based challenges have been demonstrated to reduce women's ability to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively for HIV prevention. The Community Health Clinical Model for Agency in Relationships and Safer Microbicide Adherence (CHARISMA) intervention was designed to mitigate these challenges and increase South African women's agency to use PrEP. The CHARISMA randomized controlled trial did not identify statistically significant differences in PrEP adherence or relationship dynamics between the intervention and control arms. As such, the aim of this explanatory qualitative sub-study was to understand women's experiences with the CHARISMA trial and explore reasons for the null results.

METHODS

Twelve CHARISMA trial participants were purposively selected to participate in serial in-depth interviews, which took place at the trial end and 3 months later. Participants represented individuals who had received each of the three counselling modules, 1) healthy communication counselling, 2) PrEP disclosure counselling, or 3) IPV counselling, as well as those in the control arm who received IPV standard-of-care counselling.

RESULTS

A thematic case analysis revealed numerous positive relationship outcomes among intervention participants, including identifying and ending unhealthy relationships, gaining a sense of personal empowerment, and enacting more positive behaviors and HIV risk reduction strategies in subsequent relationships. These positive shifts were occasionally described as contributing to decisions to discontinue PrEP use, which may partly explain the limited impact of the intervention on PrEP adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Future investigations of counselling interventions addressing relationship-based barriers to PrEP use should account for changing risk dynamics and need for PrEP.

Barriers and facilitators to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for cisgender and transgender women in the UK

Uptake of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender and transgender women in the UK has been low. In this Review, we explore the barriers and facilitators to PrEP access for these groups, with a focus on health equity. We included 20 studies, including seven abstracts presented at conferences. The study samples were disparate, with minimal overlap between papers. We identified barriers at the individual, interpersonal, and structural levels, including poor awareness and acceptability; stigma, race, and ethnicity; restricted access to PrEP; and exclusion from clinical trials. We found hidden subpopulations of women who could potentially benefit from PrEP, of whom little is known about their PrEP knowledge, preferences, and access due to a lack of UK research. These subpopulations include non-Black African women, transgender women, sex workers, migrant women, women experiencing intimate partner violence, incarcerated women, and women who inject drugs. We highlight opportunities to address these obstacles. Research on the use of PrEP by women in the UK is scarce, and existing research has poor granularity. Without a better understanding of the needs and preferences of the full spectrum of women who could benefit from PrEP, the UK will not reach zero transmissions by 2030.

Association of sexual relationship power with PrEP persistence and other sexual health outcomes among adolescent and young women in Kenya and South Africa

Introduction

Gendered power inequalities impact adolescent girls' and young women's (AGYW) sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. We investigated the influence of sexual relationship power on AGYW's SRH outcomes, including HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) persistence.

Methods

The POWER study in Kisumu, Kenya, and Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa provided PrEP to 2,550 AGYW (aged 16-25). AGYW's perceived power in their primary sexual relationship was measured among the first 596 participants enrolled using the Sexual Relationship Power Scale's (SRPS) relationship control sub-scale. Multivariable regression was used to test for (1) key sociodemographic and relationship characteristics associated with relationship power; and (2) the association of relationship power with SRH outcomes including PrEP persistence.

Results

In this cohort, the mean SRPS score was 2.56 (0.49), 542 (90.9%) initiated PrEP; 192 (35.4%) persisted with PrEP at 1 month of which 46 (24.0% of 192) persisted at 6 months. SRPS were significantly lower among AGYW who cohabited with their sex partner (-0.14, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.04, p = 0.01), or had ≥1 sex partner (-0.10, 95% CI: -0.19 to -0.00, p = 0.05). AGYW with lower SRPS were more likely to not know their partner's HIV status (aOR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.27 to 3.33, p < 0.01), but SRPS was not associated with PrEP persistence, STI infection, condom, or hormonal contraception use.

Discussion

AGYW's reasons for initiating PrEP and reasons for continuously using PrEP may be different. While low relationship power was associated with perceived HIV vulnerability, AGYW's PrEP persistence may be influenced by more than relationship power.

The influence of social relationships on PrEP attitudes among women with incarceration experience in the Southeastern USA

Women who have experienced incarceration face a disproportionately high risk of acquiring HIV. Despite efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV, very few women with incarceration histories are using PrEP. Our objective was to learn how sexual, drug-use and social relationships shape decisions about PrEP among women who have experienced incarceration. We used an inductive approach to analyse data from four focus groups undertaken with women who had previously experienced incarceration recruited from three community-based organisations. We identified public policy (medical distrust, lack of prevention in prisons and jails, and cost and coverage of PrEP); community (incarceration stigma, gossip as prevention); social and sexual network (positive peer and parenting relationships, distrust of sexual partners, and networks as a source of risk); and individual-level (active addiction or recovery, change after incarceration, and medical concerns) factors influencing the use of PrEP. Actions and interventions to improve PrEP uptake among women who have experienced incarceration must take account of the multilevel context of HIV prevention decisions.

Examining Associations Between Mental Health, IPV Exposure, HIV Risk Behaviors, and PrEP Use in South African Women: An Analysis of Data from the Charisma Study

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been associated with poorer mental health outcomes and increased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors. We examine the relations between IPV, mental health symptomology (defined as psychological distress and alcohol misuse), and engagement in HIV risk behaviors among a sample of South African women who participated in a randomized controlled trial of CHARISMA, an intervention to increase women's agency to use oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) safely and consistently as well as mitigate relationship challenges. We also examined the impact of trial participation on women's mental health, as well as the impact of psychological distress on the effectiveness of the CHARISMA intervention. Mental health symptomology and IPV exposure were prevalent and associated with some HIV risk and protective behaviors. Trial participation reduced psychological distress. There was no evidence for mental health symptomology impacting the effectiveness of the CHARISMA intervention.

Barriers to accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis among women experiencing intimate partner violence in the United States: a systematic literature review

Women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) are at increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection but have limited uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We systematically reviewed the existing evidence for the association between IPV and PrEP use, and barriers to accessing PrEP among women with a history of IPV in the United States. A keyword search of PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science for relevant articles within the United States from 2012 to 2022 yielded 133 articles, of which 15 were ultimately included in the analysis. A qualitative synthesis of evidence suggests that the association between IPV and PrEP awareness, PrEP acceptability, PrEP use, and HIV risk perception was contingent on the mediating or moderating effects of women's relationship status, social network characteristics, and the timing and types of IPV. Controlling partners' reactions and a lack of independent decision-making in the abusive relationship were salient barriers. The methodological quality of qualitative studies was high; however, there were important risks of bias among quantitative and mixed-method studies. Additional studies are needed to understand barriers to PrEP use among women with IPV in more diverse settings and to provide rigorous evidence for developing targeted HIV prevention strategies for them.

Understanding the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence Type and Timing on Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Knowledge, Acceptability, Sexual Behavior, and Gender Roles Among Women of Color

Knowledge and acceptability are key factors for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among women with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) and research suggests that different types of IPV affect PrEP uptake differently. Few studies have examined whether the type (i.e., physical, sexual, and psychological) and timing (i.e., lifetime, past year) of IPV experiences are related to PrEP knowledge and acceptability, or whether gender roles and sexual risk behaviors affect PrEP use. We aimed to examine the associations between lifetime and past-year physical, sexual, and psychological IPV experiences on PrEP-related outcomes (i.e., knowledge, acceptability, sexual behavior if on PrEP) and the association between gender roles and PrEP-related outcomes. A total of 186 women of color at risk for HIV participated in this study, of whom 54% had ever experienced partner violence. Results showed that lifetime psychological (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1-9.4) and lifetime physical IPV (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.2-18.9) were significantly associated with increased PrEP knowledge. lifetime psychological (OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.0-13.6) and lifetime physical IPV (OR 4.3, 95% CI 4.3-11.5) were significantly associated with increased sexual behavior if on PrEP. Past year physical IPV was significantly associated with interest in using PrEP (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.7-4.3) and with sexual behavior if on PrEP (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.1-13.1). Being subordinate to others was also significantly associated with interest in using PrEP (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.4) Self-silencing was significantly associated with increased sexual behavior if on PrEP (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.5). Gender norms and IPV type and timing can influence whether a person is interested in PrEP use. Both lifetime and past-year IPV experiences need to be examined in the context of gender norms when prescribing PrEP to encourage uptake and continuation among vulnerable women at risk for HIV.

Intimate Partner Violence and Preferences for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Modes of Delivery Among A Sample of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men

While there is strong evidence that the experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) shapes PrEP use among heterosexual women, evidence for similar relationships among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) is scant. In this paper we analyze baseline data from a large randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an HIV prevention intervention for GBMSM recruited from three cities (Atlanta, Detroit and New York City) to examine how the recent experience of IPV shapes their rankings of PrEP delivery options. Men were asked to rank from 1 to 8 PrEP taken by daily pill, event-based pill, injection, anal suppository (before sex), suppository (after sex), gel (penile or rectal) (before sex), and gel (after sex) and condoms. The analysis sample is 694 HIV-negative, sexually active GBMSM. Analysis considers an ordinal outcome measuring participant's ranked preferences for their future use of eight HIV prevention options. Men who experienced physical IPV preferred PrEP in pill form, while men who experienced partners monitoring their behaviors (monitoring IPV) preferred PrEP by injection. Men who experienced emotional IPV ranked PrEP by pill lower than other methods. Sexual and controlling IPV were not significantly associated with PrEP modality ranking. As more modes of PrEP delivery become available, providers should be encouraged to screen GBMSM seeking PrEP for IPV, and to provide men with the necessary information to facilitate an informed choice when deciding on a PrEP modality that will work for them and their relationship context.

'If the Partner Finds Out, then there's Trouble': Provider Perspectives on Safety Planning and Partner Interference When Offering HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is an effective women-controlled HIV prevention strategy but women experiencing intimate partner violencefear partners' interference and subsequent violence could limit its utility. This study explores provider perceptions of safety planning strategies to prevent escalating violence, mitigate partner interference, and promote daily oral PrEP adherence. We conducted interviews (N = 36) with healthcare providers (n = 18) and IPV service providers (n = 18) in Baltimore and New Haven. Using the Contextualized Assessment for Strategic Safety Planning model we organized data into two categories: the appraisal process and strategic safety planning. Themes revealed during the appraisal process, providers conduct routine IPV screening, facilitate HIV risk perception, and offer PrEP. Strategic safety planning utilizes concealment tactics, informal sources of support, role playing and cover stories. Future interventions to enhance PrEP services among women exposed to IPV should implement safety planning strategies, integrate PrEP care with IPV services, and employ novel PrEP modalities to maximize effectiveness.

Intimate partner violence and oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence among young African women

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the effect of intimate partner violence (IPV) on oral PrEP adherence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).

DESIGN

We conducted a secondary analysis of data from HIV Prevention Trials Network 082 (HPTN 082), a multisite prospective study designed to assess oral PrEP adherence among AGYW in southern Africa.

METHODS

We estimated the relative prevalence of high PrEP adherence 3 and 6 months after initiation among AGYW 16-25 years who reported a history of any IPV in the past year at enrollment versus AGYW who did not, both overall and by age. High adherence was defined as an intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate concentration at least 700 fmol/punch in dried blood spots.

RESULTS

Among 409 PrEP-initiating AGYW, half (49%) reported experiencing any IPV by a current/recent partner in the year prior to enrollment. Overall, a similar proportion of AGYW who reported IPV had high PrEP adherence at months 3 and 6 as AGYW who did not report IPV. There was, however, evidence of effect modification by age at month 3: among AGYW less than 21 years, those who reported IPV were less than half as likely to have high adherence [adjusted PR (aPR) = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-0.86]; among AGYW aged 21 years, those who reported IPV were more than twice as likely to have high adherence (aPR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.34-3.66). At month 6, effect estimates within each age stratum were consistent in direction to those at month 3.

CONCLUSION

IPV events may either impede or motivate PrEP adherence among African AGYW, with age appearing to be an important consideration for IPV-related adherence interventions.

Individual, social and structural factors influencing PrEP uptake among cisgender women: a theory-informed elicitation study

The underutilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender women in the U.S. limits this population's ability to reduce their risk for HIV infection, especially within the unique individual, social and structural systems they navigate. There is a need to identify the relevant multi-level barriers and facilitators to PrEP use among cisgender women to inform theory-guided efforts that address HIV disparities by race/ethnicity among cisgender women. Guided by the Integrated Behavioral Model and the Behavioral Model of Vulnerble Populations we conducted 41 interviews with PrEP eligible cisgender women in New York City and Philadelphia. Directed content analysis identified 11 modal behavioral beliefs crucial to PrEP uptake, including anticipated negative social consequences, 5 normative beliefs centered on available social supports, and 9 control beliefs such as anticipated barriers such as cost. Awareness and knowledge of PrEP as a biobehavioral HIV prevention method is limited for this sample. Through conventional content analysis we identified interpersonal and structural barriers to PrEP uptake including lack of partner support, transportation, mental health challenges, and challenges in accessing PrEP care. Potential solutions to structural barriers were enumerated along with implications for future intervention work and public health programming.

Strengthening health system's capacity for pre-exposure prophylaxis for adolescent girls and young women and adolescent boys and young men in South Africa (SHeS'Cap-PrEP): Protocol for a mixed methods study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

INTRODUCTION

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention intervention that can be used to control HIV incidence especially among people who are at increased risk for HIV such as adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and adolescent boys and young men (ABYM). In South Africa, various approaches of delivering PrEP have been adopted at different service delivery points (facility-based only, school-based only, community-based only and hybrid school-facility and community-facility models) to overcome challenges associated with individual, structural, and health systems related barriers that may hinder access to and uptake of PrEP among these populations. However, little is known about how to optimize PrEP implementation and operational strategies to achieve high sustained uptake of good quality services for AGYW and ABYM. This study aims to identify effective and feasible PrEP models of care for improving PrEP uptake, continuation, and adherence among AGYW and ABYM.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study will be conducted in 22 service delivery points (SDPs) in uMgungundlovu district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We will recruit 600 HIV negative, sexually active, high risk, AGYW (aged 15-24 years) and ABYM (aged 15-35 years). Enrolled participants will be followed up at 1-, 4- and 7-months to determine continuation and adherence to PrEP. We will conduct two focus group discussions (with 8 participants in each group) across four groups (i. Initiated PrEP within 1 month, ii. Did not initiate PrEP within 1 month, iii. Continued PrEP at 4/7 months and iv. Did not continue PrEP at 4/7 months) and 48 in-depth interviews from each of the four groups (12 per group). Twelve key informant interviews with stakeholders working in HIV programs will also be conducted. Associations between demographic characteristics stratified by PrEP initiation and by various service-delivery models will be assessed using Chi-square/Fishers exact tests or t-test/Mann Whitney test. A general inductive approach will be used to analyze the qualitative data.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol was approved by the South African Medical Research Council Health Research Ethics Committee (EC051-11/2020). Findings from the study will be communicated to the study population and results will be presented to stakeholders and at appropriate local and international conferences. Outputs will also include a policy brief, peer-reviewed journal articles and research capacity building through research degrees.

Considerations for Increasing Racial, Ethnic, Gender, and Sexual Diversity in HIV Cure-Related Research with Analytical Treatment Interruptions: A Qualitative Inquiry

Despite disproportionate incidence and prevalence of HIV among transgender individuals, cisgender women, and racial and ethnic minority groups, all remain underrepresented in HIV cure research. As HIV cure trials are scaled up, there is emerging research on ways to mitigate risks of HIV acquisition for sexual partners of analytical treatment interruption (ATI) trial participants. As such, it is imperative that HIV cure researchers consider the implications of implementing ATIs in populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV, but largely underrepresented in trials to date. In this qualitative study, we sought to derive triangulated perspectives on the social and ethical implications regarding ATIs and partner protection strategies during ATIs among under-represented populations. We conducted 21 in-depth interviews with 5 types of informants: bioethicists, community members [people living with HIV (PLWH) and their advocates], biomedical HIV cure researchers, sociobehavioral scientists, and HIV care providers. We analyzed the data using conventional content analysis and reduced the data to important considerations for implementing ATI trials in diverse communities and settings. Our study revealed the following key themes: (1) attention must be paid to gender and power dynamics in ATI trials; (2) ATI trials should be designed and implemented through the lenses of intersectionality and equity frameworks; (3) ATI trials may have both positive and negative effects on stigma for PLWH and their partners; and (4) partnership dynamics should be considered when designing ATI protocols. Our study generated actionable considerations that could be implemented in ATI trials to promote their acceptability to communities that have been underrepresented in HIV cure research to date. Research teams must invest in robust community and stakeholder engagement to define best practices. Paying attention to representation and equity will also promote better and more equitable implementation of HIV cure strategies once these become ready for rollout.

Adolescent girls and young women's PrEP-user journey during an implementation science study in South Africa and Kenya

Successful scale-up of PrEP for HIV prevention in African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) requires integration of PrEP into young women's everyday lives. We conducted interviews and focus group discussions with 137 AGYW PrEP users aged 16-25 from South Africa and Kenya. Individual and relational enablers and disablers were explored at key moments during their PrEP-user journey from awareness, initiation and early use through persistence, including PrEP pauses, restarts, and discontinuation. PrEP uptake was facilitated when offered as part of an integrated sexual reproductive health service, but hampered by low awareness, stigma and misconceptions about PrEP in the community. Daily pill-taking was challenging for AGYW due to individual, relational and structural factors and PrEP interruptions (intended or unintended) were described as part of AGYW's PrEP-user journey. Disclosure, social support, adolescent-friendly health counseling, and convenient access to PrEP were reported as key enablers for PrEP persistence.

How Has HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Changed Sex? A Review of Research in a New Era of Bio-behavioral HIV Prevention

In 2012, the U.S. FDA approved the first drug for use as HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which is nearly 99% effective when taken as prescribed. Although the manifest function of PrEP is to prevent HIV infection in the event of exposure, the drug has also had a significant impact on various facets of sexuality. In this review, we focus on research that emerged in the near decade since PrEP's approval, with a specific focus on the ways in which different elements of sex and sexuality have been impacted by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), cisgender women, and transgender individuals. We highlight evidence showing how PrEP has enhanced sexual self-esteem, improved sexual pleasure, reduced sexual anxiety, and has increased sexual agency for those taking it. For many, PrEP also serves as a gateway to improve routine health and increase sexual health-care utilization. Additionally, we review the question of whether PrEP is associated with increased sexual risk taking (i.e. risk compensation), and note that, although some data are mixed, PrEP is not intended as an intervention to reduce condomless anal sex or STIs: it aims to prevent HIV. Finally, our review highlights that, although the volume of research on PrEP among GBMSM is robust, it is underdeveloped for cisgender women and transgender populations and insufficient for inclusion in such a review for cisgender heterosexual men was. PrEP research with these populations is an important direction for future research. Finally, from 2012 to 2019, a single PrEP formulation and delivery method was FDA approved (oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). As additional drug formulations (ie.g., emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) and delivery methods (e.g., microbiocides, vaginal ring, injectable) come to market, it will be important to examine how these, too, impact the spectrum of sexuality.

Increase in HIV incidence in women exposed to rape

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of HIV acquisition in women postrape compared with a cohort of women who had not been raped.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

METHODS

The Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation study based in Durban, South Africa, enrolled women aged 16-40 years from postrape care services, and a control group of women from Primary Healthcare services. Women who were HIV negative at baseline (441 in the rape-exposed group and 578 in the control group) were followed for 12-36 months with assessments every 3 months in the first year and every 6 months thereafter. Multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for baseline and time varying covariates were used to investigate the effect of rape exposure on HIV incidence over follow-up.

RESULTS

Eighty-six women acquired HIV during 1605.5 total person-years of follow-up, with an incident rate of 6.6 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.8-9.1] among the rape exposed group and 4.7 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 3.5-6.2) among control group. After controlling for confounders (age, previous trauma, social support, perceived stress, multiple partners and transactional sex with a casual partner), women exposed to rape had a 60% increased risk of acquiring HIV [adjusted hazard ratio: 1.59 (95% CI: 1.01-2.48)] compared with those not exposed. Survival analysis showed difference in HIV incident occurred after month 9.

CONCLUSION

Rape is a long-term risk factor for HIV acquisition. Rape survivors need both immediate and long-term HIV prevention and care.

Exploring the feasibility and acceptability of integrating screening for gender-based violence into HIV counselling and testing for adolescent girls and young women in Tanzania and South Africa

BACKGROUND

Gender-based violence (GBV) undermines HIV prevention and treatment cascades, particularly among women who report partner violence. Screening for violence during HIV testing, and prior to offering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to HIV uninfected women, provides an opportunity to identify those at heightened HIV risk and greater potential for non-adherence or early discontinuation of PrEP. The paper describes our experience with offering integrated GBV screening and referral as part of HIV counselling and testing. This component was implemented within EMPOWER, a demonstration project offering combination HIV prevention, including daily oral PrEP, to young women in South Africa and Tanzania.

METHODS

Between February 2017 and March 2018, a process evaluation was conducted to explore views, experiences and practices of stakeholders (study participants and study clinical staff) during implementation of the GBV screening component. This article assesses the feasibility and acceptability of the approach from multiple stakeholder perspectives, drawing on counselling session observations (n = 10), in-depth interviews with participants aged 16-24 (n = 39) and clinical staff (n = 13), and notes from debriefings with counsellors. Study process data were also collected (e.g. number of women screened and referred). Following a thematic inductive approach, qualitative data were analysed using qualitative software (NVivo 11).

RESULTS

Findings show that 31% of young women screened positive for GBV and only 10% requested referrals. Overall, study participants accessing PrEP were amenable to being asked about violence during HIV risk assessment, as this offered the opportunity to find emotional relief and seek help, although a few found this traumatic. In both sites, the sensitive and empathetic approach of the staff helped mitigate distress of GBV disclosure. In general, the delivery of GBV screening in HCT proved to be feasible, provided that the basic principles of confidentiality, staff empathy, and absence of judgment were observed. However, uptake of linkage to further care remained low in both sites.

CONCLUSION

Most stakeholders found GBV screening acceptable and feasible. Key principles that should be in place for young women to be asked safely about GBV during HIV counselling and testing included respect for confidentiality, a youth-friendly and non-judgmental environment, and a functioning referral network.

Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, September 2020

An extensive review of new resources to support the provision of evidence-based care for women and infants. The current column includes a discussion of “spin” in scientific reporting and its effect on summaries and syntheses of the literature and commentaries on reviews about early versus late amniotomy as part of labor induction protocols and the economic burden associated with maternal morbidity.

Typologies of violence against women in Brazil: A latent class analysis of how violence and HIV intersect

We address the limited understanding around the overlap between violence and HIV in Brazil. Data was from two clinic-based samples of HIV-positive (n = 1534) and HIV-negative women (n = 1589) in São Paulo and Porto Alegre. We conducted latent class analysis and identified violence typologies by type of violence, life course timing, frequency, and perpetrator, stratified by city and HIV-status. Overall, HIV-positive women experienced more lifetime physical and sexual violence than HIV-negative women. Twelve unique violence latent classes were identified. In São Paulo, HIV-positive women were likely to have endured physical violence several times (Conditional Probability [CP]: 0.80) by an intimate partner (CP: 0.85), and sexual violence several times (CP: 0.46) by an intimate partner (CP: 0.62). In Porto Alegre, HIV-positive women endured physical violence several times (CP: 0.80) by an intimate partner (CP: 0.70) during childhood/adolescence (CP: 0.48), and sexual violence several times (CP: 0.54) by an intimate partner (CP: 0.60). Findings inform interventions to educate around gender equity, violence, and the health effects of violence including HIV, integrate HIV and violence services, and improve the provision of bio-medical HIV prevention among HIV-negative women who experience violence.