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Bergh K, Toska E, Duby Z, Govindasamy D, Mathews C, Reddy T, Jonas K. Applying the HIV Prevention Cascade to an Evaluation of a Large-Scale Combination HIV Prevention Programme for Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1137-1151. [PMID: 37462890 PMCID: PMC10940416 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04130-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa are at a three times higher risk of acquiring HIV than their male counterparts. The HIV prevention cascade is a tool which can be used to measure coverage of HIV prevention services, although there is limited empirical evidence to demonstrate its application in low-resourced settings. The unifying framework is a conceptualisation of the HIV prevention cascade which theorises that both motivation and access are required for an individual to effectively use an HIV prevention method. We applied this framework to data from a random sample of 127,951 beneficiaries of a combination HIV prevention programme for AGYW aged 15-24 in South Africa to measure the steps to, and identify key barriers to, effective use of male condoms and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among this vulnerable population. Barriers to each step were analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Among self-reported HIV-negative AGYW who had sex in the past 6 months, effective use of condoms (15.2%), access to PrEP (39.1%) and use of PrEP (3.8%) were low. AGYW were: less likely to be motivated to use condoms if they believed that they had a faithful partner (aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22-0.90) or disliked condoms (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.57), less likely to access condoms if the place where AGYW accessed them was far away (aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.64), more likely to effectively use condoms if they received counselling on how to use them (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.05-4.76), less likely to be motivated to use PrEP if they did not believe PrEP was efficacious (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.17-0.72), more likely to be motivated if they felt confident that they could use PrEP, and more likely to have access to PrEP if they had ever been offered PrEP (aOR 2.94, 95% CI 1.19-7.22). This combination HIV prevention programme and similar programmes should focus on risk-reduction counselling interventions for AGYW and their male partners to improve effective use of condoms and ensure easy access to condoms and PrEP by making them available in youth-friendly spaces. Our findings demonstrate that the application of HIV prevention cascades can inform AGYW HIV prevention programming in low-resourced settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Bergh
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parrow Valley, Cape Town, 7501, South Africa.
- Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Elona Toska
- Department of Sociology, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Social Work and Social Development, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zoe Duby
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parrow Valley, Cape Town, 7501, South Africa
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Darshini Govindasamy
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parrow Valley, Cape Town, 7501, South Africa
| | - Catherine Mathews
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parrow Valley, Cape Town, 7501, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kim Jonas
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parrow Valley, Cape Town, 7501, South Africa
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Dayton RL, Fonner VA, Plourde KF, Sanyal A, Arney J, Orr T, Nhamo D, Schueller J, Limb AM, Torjesen K. A Scoping Review of Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for Cisgender and Transgender Adolescent Girls and Young Women: What Works and Where Do We Go from Here? AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3223-3238. [PMID: 37119401 PMCID: PMC10148005 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are disproportionately affected by HIV, and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce HIV acquisition. The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesize results from interventions along the PrEP continuum for AGYW to inform research and programs. We searched electronic databases for studies published between January 2012-July 2021 and conducted secondary reference searching. Studies were included if they assessed interventions to increase PrEP interest, uptake, or continuation among AGYW. Results were synthesized narratively. Of 2168 citations identified, 50 studies were eligible for inclusion, and 20 contained AGYW-specific data. Among cisgender and transgender AGYW, studies overall demonstrated a positive impact on PrEP interest and uptake but generally attained suboptimal continuation rates. Results demonstrate feasibility of deploying PrEP across diverse settings-particularly when interventions are layered, tailored to AGYW, and include differentiated delivery-but also highlight knowledge gaps and the need for more holistic metrics of success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ameya Sanyal
- FHI 360, Global Health and Population, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Arney
- FHI 360, Global Health and Population, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tracy Orr
- FHI 360, Global Health and Population, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jane Schueller
- United States Agency for International Development, Bureau of Global Health, Office of Population and Reproductive Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Annaliese M Limb
- United States Agency for International Development, Bureau of Global Health, Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC, USA
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Khadka N, Gorbach PM, Nyemba DC, Mvududu R, Mashele N, Javanbakht M, Nianogo RA, Aldrovandi GM, Bekker LG, Coates TJ, Myer L, Joseph Davey DL. Evaluating the use of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among pregnant and postpartum adolescent girls and young women in Cape Town, South Africa. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1224474. [PMID: 37795521 PMCID: PMC10546059 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1224474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa are at a higher risk of acquiring HIV. Despite the increasing availability of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, knowledge on PrEP use during pregnancy and postpartum periods at antenatal care (ANC) facilities remains inadequate. Methods Data from HIV-uninfected pregnant women in Cape Town, South Africa, were used in this study. These women aged 16-24 years were enrolled in the PrEP in pregnancy and postpartum (PrEP-PP) cohort study during their first ANC visit. Using the PrEP cascade framework, the outcomes of the study were PrEP initiation (prescribed tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine at baseline), continuation (returned for prescription), and persistence [quantifiable tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood samples]. The two primary exposures of this study were risk perception for HIV and baseline HIV risk score (0-5), which comprised condomless sex, more than one sexual partner, partner living with HIV or with unknown serostatus, laboratory-confirmed sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and hazardous alcohol use before pregnancy (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for Consumption score ≥ 3). Logistic regression was used to examine the association between HIV risk and PrEP, adjusting for a priori confounders. Results A total of 486 pregnant women were included in the study, of which 16% were "adolescents" (aged 16-18 years) and 84% were "young women" (aged 19-24 years). The adolescents initiated ANC later than the young women [median = 28 weeks (20-34) vs. 23 weeks (16-34), p = 0.04]. Approximately 41% of the AGYW were diagnosed with sexually transmitted infection at baseline. Overall, 83% of the AGYW initiated PrEP use during their first ANC. The percentage of PrEP continuation was 63% at 1 month, 54% at 3 months, and 39% at 6 months. Approximately 27% consistently continued PrEP use through 6 months, while 6% stopped and restarted on PrEP use at 6 months. With a higher risk score of HIV (≥2 vs. ≤1), the AGYW showed higher odds of PrEP continuation [adjusted odds ratio: 1.85 (95% CI: 1.12-3.03)] through 6 months, adjusting for potential confounders. Undergoing the postpartum period (vs. pregnant) and having lower sexual risk factors were found to be the barriers to PrEP continuation. TFV-DP concentration levels were detected among 49% of the AGYW, and 6% of these women had daily adherence to PrEP at 3 months. Conclusions AGYW were found to have high oral PrEP initiation, but just over one-third of these women continued PrEP use through 6 months. Pregnant AGYW who had a higher risk of acquiring HIV (due to condomless sex, frequent sex, and STIs) were more likely to continue on PrEP use through the postpartum period. Pregnant and postpartum AGYW require counseling and other types of support, such as community delivery and peer support to improve their effective PrEP use through the postpartum period. Clinical Trial Number ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03826199.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehaa Khadka
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Dorothy C. Nyemba
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rufaro Mvududu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nyiko Mashele
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marjan Javanbakht
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Roch A. Nianogo
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Grace M. Aldrovandi
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thomas J. Coates
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dvora L. Joseph Davey
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Kansiime S, Hansen CH, Hayes R, Ruzagira E. Developing HIV risk prediction tools in four African settings. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:720-730. [PMID: 37496465 PMCID: PMC10947046 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13916] [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] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV risk prediction tools are a critical component of efforts to end the HIV pandemic. We aimed to create and validate tools for identifying individuals at highest risk of prevalent and incident HIV in an African setting. METHODS We used Logistic regression and Poisson regression to determine risk factors for HIV prevalence and incidence in a multi-country HIV vaccine trial preparedness cohort study among individuals at high risk of HIV, and used the identified factors to create and validate tools that predict HIV risk. We also assessed the performance of the VOICE risk score in predicting HIV incidence among women in the cohort. RESULTS The prevalent HIV prediction tool created had good predictive ability [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.70, 95% CI 0.66-0.74]. It included the following participant variables: age, sex, recreational drug use, unprotected male-to-male anal sex, a sexual partner who had other partners, transactional sex and having a partner who was a long-distance truck driver/miner. It was not possible to create a valid HIV incidence prediction tool. Participants with high VOICE risk scores (≥7) had slightly higher HIV incidence but this tool performed poorly within our study (AUC = 0.58, 95% CI 0.51-0.64: Harrell's concordance index = 0.59). CONCLUSION We created a prevalent HIV prediction tool that could be used to increase efficiency in diagnosis of HIV and linkage to care in sub-Saharan Africa. Existing incident HIV prediction tools may need modification to include context-specific predictors such as calendar period, participant occupation, study site, before adoption in settings different from those in which they were developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Kansiime
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Council and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
- Medical Research Council International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Christian Holm Hansen
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Council and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
- Medical Research Council International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Richard Hayes
- Medical Research Council International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Eugene Ruzagira
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Council and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
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Sharkey T, Parker R, Wall KM, Malama K, Pappas-DeLuca K, Tichacek A, Peeling R, Kilembe W, Inambao M, Allen S. Use of "Strengthening Our Vows" Video Intervention to Encourage Negotiated Explicit Sexual Agreements in Zambian Heterosexual HIV Seroconcordant-Negative Couples. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2649-2667. [PMID: 37024634 PMCID: PMC10524092 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02590-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Negotiating sexual agreements in combination with couples' voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) may help further reduce HIV transmission in Zambian concordant HIV-negative couples (CNC). Though CVCT has been shown to reduce HIV transmission in CNC by 47%, approximately half of residual infections occur in this group. We developed a "Strengthening Our Vows" video session to foster communication and negotiation of explicit sexual agreements to reduce concurrent sexual exposures and prevent HIV transmission to the spouse due to unprotected, extramarital sex. CNC were recruited through CVCT services at five clinics in Lusaka and Ndola in 2016. Enrolled CNC attending the facilitated group video sessions were encouraged to discuss sexual agreements at home and return 1-2 weeks later for follow-up assessment. One-fourth of the 580 CNC returning reported a history of extramarital partners and/or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) prior to enrollment. More than 95% reported a friendly, supportive 15-60 min negotiation culminating in an agreement to remain monogamous or disclose sexual contacts and use condoms together until a repeat HIV test 30 days after an outside sexual exposure. Two-thirds of participants identified at least one threat to adherence of their agreements including alcohol use, financial pressures, travel, discord in the home, and post-partum or menstrual abstinence. CNC negotiated explicit sexual agreements to avoid exposure to HIV through concurrent partnerships and protect the spouse in the event of an outside sexual contact. Open communication was a consistent theme to facilitate mutual protective efforts. Long-term follow-up of HIV/STI incidence is ongoing to assess the impact of these agreements.Trial registration This sub-study is part of a trial retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02744586) on April 20, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyronza Sharkey
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Rachel Parker
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kalonde Malama
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Katina Pappas-DeLuca
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Rosanna Peeling
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - William Kilembe
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Mubiana Inambao
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Antabe R, Luginaah NA, Kangmennaang J, Mkandawire P. Determinants of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in Zimbabwe. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad073. [PMID: 37440254 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad073] [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: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive women being particularly vulnerable. Despite the benefits of early CC screening in reducing HIV-related CC deaths, CC screening uptake remains limited, with wide disparities in access across SSA. As part of a larger study, this paper examines the determinants of CC screening among HIV-seropositive women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Zimbabwe. Using the 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, we conducted multilevel analyses of CC screening among 1490 HIV-seropositive women, nested in 400 clusters. Our findings revealed that, even though 74% of HIV-seropositive women knew about CC, only 17.6% of them reported ever screening for it. Women who held misconceptions about HIV (OR = 0.47, p = 0.01) were less likely to screen for CC compared to those with accurate knowledge about HIV and CC. HIV-seropositive women with secondary or higher education were more likely to screen (OR = 1.39, p = 0.04) for CC compared to those with a primary or lower level of education. Age was positively associated with screening for CC. Furthermore, locational factors, including province and rural-urban residence, were associated with CC screening. Based on these findings, we call for integrated care and management of HIV and non-communicable diseases in Southern Africa, specifically, Zimbabwe due to the legacy of HIV in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Antabe
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Nasong A Luginaah
- Faculty of Science, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Joseph Kangmennaang
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, 28 Division St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Paul Mkandawire
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, 1315 Dunton Tower, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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Ndlovu SMS, Ross A, Ndirangu J. Knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS and HIV testing services among young men in South Africa. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2023; 15:e1-e10. [PMID: 37526557 PMCID: PMC10476458 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.3796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The youth is at a heightened risk of immunodeficiency virus and/or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV and/or AIDS) infection because of risk-taking behaviour. There remains a gap in understanding young men's knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS and HIV testing services (HTS) in hard-to-reach communities in South Africa. AIM This article aimed to explore young men's knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS, including HTS in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). SETTING Rural and peri-urban areas around the town of Ladysmith. METHODS Employing a qualitative descriptive research design, 17 young men aged between 18 and 30 years were purposively and conveniently sampled and interviewed using WhatsApp and landline audio calls to collect their data, which was thematically analysed. RESULTS Young men had good knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS but lacked knowledge about HTS and HIV self-testing (HIVST). They obtained their information about HIV and/or AIDS and HTS from various sources and were aware of where to access HTS. They were generally unaware and supportive of HIVST. CONCLUSION Male-targeted HIV and/or AIDS knowledge and testing interventions are needed to encourage and support young men to test for HIV. Human immunodeficiency virus self-testing should be explored as an alternative to clinic-based service to encourage young men to know their status, specifically those with limited access to or are reluctant to attend clinics. Strengthening HIV and/or AIDS education could facilitate better decision-making towards HIV testing among young men.Contribution: This study contributes to an understanding of young adult men's knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS and HTS in underserved settings in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sithembiso M S Ndlovu
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; and Office of the Dean of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.
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Qoza P, van Heerden A, Essack Z. The dynamics of sexual risk amongst South African youth in age-disparate relationships. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1125552. [PMID: 37533508 PMCID: PMC10390765 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1125552] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Africa has the highest burden of HIV in the world with over 8 million people living with HIV. Young women and girls account for a quarter of new HIV infections while making up only 10% of the population. A key driver of HIV incidence is transactional and survival sex between adolescent girls or young women and older men (the latter referred to as 'sugar-daddies' or 'blessers'). This paper expands on the existing literature on age-disparate and intergenerational relationships to provide social and behavioural interpretations of how young men, commonly omitted from studies on this topic, and women in concurrent relationships with both their peers and older partners perceive and navigate sexual risk. Method We conducted a qualitative study in a rural setting of uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal Province, with purposively selected male and female participants aged 18-24 years old in age-disparate relationships. Semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore existing information, motivations, and behavioural practices around relationships and sexual risk. Results The themes and related sub-themes found through IPA included the following: (1) navigating dating: narratives that show a strong preference for being in an age-disparate relationship; the challenges that young people face when choosing an older person as a side partner; and social media applications seen as creating opportunities to meet side partners; and (2) the distribution of love and trust in a multi-party sexual network: condom (mis)use differentiates between straights-those in a serious relationship-and sides; and the power of eye-test seroguessing, the praxis of testing people visually for HIV in nullifying existing knowledge about sexual and reproductive health risk. Discussion This research offers an understanding of how schemas of non-condom use are organised. We observed that while condom-less sex is often viewed as essential to building social capital in a serious relationship, it is not the only factor that determines sexual relationship power. Eye-test seroguessing not only develops consortium (trust, reciprocity, and solidarity), but it fulfils the psycho-social need to belong to a network of serious relationships. Moreover, it is critical to the enactment of masculinities because it consolidates femininity to keep men happy, i.e., by being passive in the sexual encounter, women constrain their self-efficacy to act contrary to the conventions of reputable women. Therefore, it is plausible that in the serosorting that occurs prior to unprotected sexual acts, the power of eye-test seroguessing limits the ability to engage in safe sexual practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phiwokazi Qoza
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- SAMRC/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zaynab Essack
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- School of Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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Chipukuma J, Lindsay B, Mwango L, Olowski P, Baumhart C, Tembo K, Olufunso A, Bwale C, Makasa P, Muchoka M, Tembo S, Mbokile W, Panda C, Malupande S, Lubinda R, Bwembelo B, Fundulu E, Munsongo C, Watala K, Musonda B, Chituwo O, Okuku J, Mwila A, Muleya C, Patel P, Claassen CW. Fostering Access to PrEP Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Aged 16 to 24 Years at High Risk of HIV Through the DREAMS Initiative in Four Districts in Zambia. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:52-66. [PMID: 37406141 PMCID: PMC10764235 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.suppa.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa remain at high risk for HIV, yet limited data exist on implementation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for this group. We examined PrEP uptake among AGYW using a retrospective cohort enrolled in the Determined Resilient Empowered AIDS-free Mentored Safe (DREAMS) initiative in Zambia between October 2020 and March 2022. Consent was obtained from eligible AGYW at substantial risk for HIV, and they voluntarily participated in PrEP. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with PrEP refills following initiation. Of 4,162 HIV-negative AGYW, 3,233 (77%) were at substantial risk and initiated on PrEP. Overall, 68% of AGYW had at least one refill, but this differed significantly by age group and district. DREAMS was successful at reaching AGYW with PrEP services. More evidence is needed to assess reasons for discontinuation and to improve persistence for those with sustained HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brianna Lindsay
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Pawel Olowski
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Caitlin Baumhart
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kalima Tembo
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Omega Chituwo
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jackson Okuku
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Annie Mwila
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Carlos Muleya
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Pragna Patel
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cassidy W. Claassen
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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10
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Rousseau E, Wu L, Heffron R, Baeten JM, Celum CL, Travill D, Delany-Moretlwe S, Bekker LG, Bukusi E, Omollo V, van der Straten A, O’Malley G, Haberer JE, Morton JF, Johnson RE, Roberts ST. Association of sexual relationship power with PrEP persistence and other sexual health outcomes among adolescent and young women in Kenya and South Africa. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1073103. [PMID: 37325240 PMCID: PMC10266091 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1073103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzette Rousseau
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linxuan Wu
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Renee Heffron
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Connie L. Celum
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Danielle Travill
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Ariane van der Straten
- Department of Medicine, Centre for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Astra Consulting, Kensington, CA, United States
| | - Gabrielle O’Malley
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- Centre for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer F. Morton
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rachel E. Johnson
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sarah T. Roberts
- RTI International, Women’s Global Health Imperative (WGHI), Berkeley, CA, United States
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11
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A peer group intervention implemented by community volunteers increased HIV prevention knowledge. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:301. [PMID: 36765344 PMCID: PMC9912512 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV prevention knowledge levels are low in sub-Saharan Africa. In our efficacy study, the Mzake ndi Mzake (Friend-to-Friend; hereafter Mzake) 6-session peer group intervention, delivered by health workers, improved HIV prevention knowledge and other outcomes in Malawi. To expand HIV prevention approaches, this implementation study tested whether the intervention remained effective when implemented by trained community volunteers. HIV prevention knowledge findings are presented. METHODS Using a stepped wedge design, three communities implemented the Mzake program sequentially in randomly assigned order. Repeated surveys assessed outcomes, and participants served as controls until they completed the program. At Time 2, Community 1 became the intervention group, and at Time 3, Communities 1 and 2 were the intervention group. HIV prevention knowledge, the primary outcome, was assessed through two indicators: UNAIDS comprehensive knowledge (UNAIDS Knowledge), defined as correctly answering five HIV prevention questions (Yes/No), and a 9-item HIV/PMTCT Knowledge Index (number correct). Multivariate generalized estimating equation logistic regression (UNAIDS Knowledge) and mixed-effects regression models (HIV/PMTCT Knowledge Index) were used to assess knowledge controlling for five sociodemographic factors. RESULTS In bivariate analyses of UNAIDS Knowledge, more persons answered correctly in the intervention group than the control group at Time 2 (56.8% vs. 47.9%, p < 0.01), but the difference was not significant at Time 3. In logistic regression, there was a significant linear increase in the proportion who correctly answered all questions in the control group, but the increase was significantly higher in the intervention group (log-odds estimate = 0.17, SE = 0.06, p-value < 0.01). The HIV/PMTCT Knowledge Index scores increased over time for both groups, but in the intervention group the increase was significantly higher than the control group (0.11 at Time 2; 0.21 at Time 3). In youth and adult subsamples analyses, the intervention was highly effective in increasing knowledge for youth, but not for adults. CONCLUSION This implementation study showed that Mzake was effective in increasing HIV prevention knowledge when delivered by community members. Community approaches offer an important strategy to increase HIV prevention in rural communities without burdening healthcare systems. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02765659. Registered 06/05/2016.
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12
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LoVette A, Sullivan A, Kuo C, Operario D, Harrison A, Mathews C. Examining Associations Between Resilience and Sexual Health Among South African Girls and Young Women Living With and Without HIV. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:1-13. [PMID: 36735229 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Resilience, or multilevel processes related to thriving, offers a strengths-based approach to reducing HIV and sexual risk behaviors among girls and young women. Processes of resilience may change based on the experience of living with HIV. However, little is known about how resilience and serologically verified HIV status influence sexual health. Using weighted cross-sectional data collected during 2017-2018 from South African girls and young women aged 15-24 (N = 7237), this article examines associations between resilience and three sexual risk behaviors among those living with and without HIV. Logistic regression models indicated greater resilience scores were associated with reduced odds of engaging in transactional sex and early sexual debut. Results also identified differing associations between resilience and sexual risk behaviors by HIV status. Findings provide implications for programming to prevent HIV and improve sexual health while underscoring the need for tailored resilience-promoting interventions for South African girls and young women living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh LoVette
- Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Adam Sullivan
- Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Caroline Kuo
- Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Don Operario
- Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Abigail Harrison
- Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Catherine Mathews
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Smith ER, Oakley E, Grandner GW, Rukundo G, Farooq F, Ferguson K, Baumann S, Adams Waldorf KM, Afshar Y, Ahlberg M, Ahmadzia H, Akelo V, Aldrovandi G, Bevilacqua E, Bracero N, Brandt JS, Broutet N, Carrillo J, Conry J, Cosmi E, Crispi F, Crovetto F, Del Mar Gil M, Delgado-López C, Divakar H, Driscoll AJ, Favre G, Fernandez Buhigas I, Flaherman V, Gale C, Godwin CL, Gottlieb S, Gratacós E, He S, Hernandez O, Jones S, Joshi S, Kalafat E, Khagayi S, Knight M, Kotloff KL, Lanzone A, Laurita Longo V, Le Doare K, Lees C, Litman E, Lokken EM, Madhi SA, Magee LA, Martinez-Portilla RJ, Metz TD, Miller ES, Money D, Moungmaithong S, Mullins E, Nachega JB, Nunes MC, Onyango D, Panchaud A, Poon LC, Raiten D, Regan L, Sahota D, Sakowicz A, Sanin-Blair J, Stephansson O, Temmerman M, Thorson A, Thwin SS, Tippett Barr BA, Tolosa JE, Tug N, Valencia-Prado M, Visentin S, von Dadelszen P, Whitehead C, Wood M, Yang H, Zavala R, Tielsch JM. Clinical risk factors of adverse outcomes among women with COVID-19 in the pregnancy and postpartum period: a sequential, prospective meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:161-177. [PMID: 36027953 PMCID: PMC9398561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This sequential, prospective meta-analysis sought to identify risk factors among pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 for adverse outcomes related to disease severity, maternal morbidities, neonatal mortality and morbidity, and adverse birth outcomes. DATA SOURCES We prospectively invited study investigators to join the sequential, prospective meta-analysis via professional research networks beginning in March 2020. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Eligible studies included those recruiting at least 25 consecutive cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy within a defined catchment area. METHODS We included individual patient data from 21 participating studies. Data quality was assessed, and harmonized variables for risk factors and outcomes were constructed. Duplicate cases were removed. Pooled estimates for the absolute and relative risk of adverse outcomes comparing those with and without each risk factor were generated using a 2-stage meta-analysis. RESULTS We collected data from 33 countries and territories, including 21,977 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy or postpartum. We found that women with comorbidities (preexisting diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease) vs those without were at higher risk for COVID-19 severity and adverse pregnancy outcomes (fetal death, preterm birth, low birthweight). Participants with COVID-19 and HIV were 1.74 times (95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.71) more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit. Pregnant women who were underweight before pregnancy were at higher risk of intensive care unit admission (relative risk, 5.53; 95% confidence interval, 2.27-13.44), ventilation (relative risk, 9.36; 95% confidence interval, 3.87-22.63), and pregnancy-related death (relative risk, 14.10; 95% confidence interval, 2.83-70.36). Prepregnancy obesity was also a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes including intensive care unit admission (relative risk, 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.60), ventilation (relative risk, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-3.51), any critical care (relative risk, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-2.77), and pneumonia (relative risk, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.33). Anemic pregnant women with COVID-19 also had increased risk of intensive care unit admission (relative risk, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-2.11) and death (relative risk, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-4.81). CONCLUSION We found that pregnant women with comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were at increased risk for severe COVID-19-related outcomes, maternal morbidities, and adverse birth outcomes. We also identified several less commonly known risk factors, including HIV infection, prepregnancy underweight, and anemia. Although pregnant women are already considered a high-risk population, special priority for prevention and treatment should be given to pregnant women with these additional risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Smith
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC.
| | - Erin Oakley
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Gargi Wable Grandner
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Gordon Rukundo
- PeriCOVID (PREPARE)-Uganda Team, Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fouzia Farooq
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Kacey Ferguson
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Sasha Baumann
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Kristina Maria Adams Waldorf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Yalda Afshar
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Mia Ahlberg
- Division of Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Homa Ahmadzia
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Victor Akelo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Grace Aldrovandi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Elisa Bevilacqua
- Department of Women and Child Health, Women Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Nabal Bracero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR; Puerto Rico Obstetrics and Gynecology (PROGyn)
| | - Justin S Brandt
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Natalie Broutet
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jorge Carrillo
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecologia, Clinica Alemana de Santiago, Facultad de Medicina Clinica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jeanne Conry
- International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erich Cosmi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Fatima Crispi
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, and Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Crovetto
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, and Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Del Mar Gil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Madrid, Spain; School of Medicine, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Camille Delgado-López
- Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies, Puerto Rico Department of Health, San Juan, PR
| | - Hema Divakar
- Asian Research & Training Institute for Skill Transfer, Bengaluru, India
| | - Amanda J Driscoll
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Guillaume Favre
- Materno-fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Département Femme-Mère-Enfant, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Irene Fernandez Buhigas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Madrid, Spain; School of Medicine, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valerie Flaherman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Christopher Gale
- Neonatal Medicine, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christine L Godwin
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sami Gottlieb
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eduard Gratacós
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, and Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Siran He
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Olivia Hernandez
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Félix Bulnes Hospital and RedSalud Clinic, Santiago, Chile
| | - Stephanie Jones
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit and Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sheetal Joshi
- Asian Research & Training Institute for Skill Transfer, Bengaluru, India
| | - Erkan Kalafat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sammy Khagayi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Marian Knight
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Karen L Kotloff
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Antonio Lanzone
- Department of Women and Child Health, Women Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy; Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Laurita Longo
- Department of Women and Child Health, Women Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy; Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Kirsty Le Doare
- PeriCOVID (PREPARE)-Uganda Team, Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Medical Research Council /Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; Paediatric Infectious Disease Research Group, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Lees
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ethan Litman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Erica M Lokken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Shabir A Madhi
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit and Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Laura A Magee
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Women and Children's Health, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Torri D Metz
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Emily S Miller
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Deborah Money
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sakita Moungmaithong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Edward Mullins
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; George Institute for Global Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jean B Nachega
- Department of Epidemiology and Center for Global Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Departments of Epidemiology and International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Marta C Nunes
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit and Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Alice Panchaud
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Service of Pharmacy, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Liona C Poon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel Raiten
- Pediatric Growth and Nutrition Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Lesley Regan
- International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daljit Sahota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Allie Sakowicz
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Jose Sanin-Blair
- Maternal-Fetal Unit, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Olof Stephansson
- Division of Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anna Thorson
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Soe Soe Thwin
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Beth A Tippett Barr
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Nyanja Health Research Institute, Salima, Malawi
| | - Jorge E Tolosa
- Maternal-Fetal Unit, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA
| | - Niyazi Tug
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sancaktepe Sehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Miguel Valencia-Prado
- Division of Children with Special Medical Needs, Puerto Rico Department of Health, San Juan, PR
| | - Silvia Visentin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Global Health Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Whitehead
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mollie Wood
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rebecca Zavala
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - James M Tielsch
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
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14
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Lewis L, Kharsany ABM, Humphries H, Maughan-Brown B, Beckett S, Govender K, Cawood C, Khanyile D, George G. HIV incidence and associated risk factors in adolescent girls and young women in South Africa: A population-based cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279289. [PMID: 36542645 PMCID: PMC9770356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, high HIV incidence rates in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) persist despite extensive HIV prevention efforts. METHODS A prospective cohort of 2,710 HIV-negative AGYW (15-24 years) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were interviewed at baseline and followed-up approximately 18 months later (2014-2017). Associations between HIV seroconversion and socio-demographic and behavioural variables measured at baseline and follow-up were examined using Cox regression and a proximate determinants framework. Inter-relationships between determinants were measured using logistic regression. Separate models were built for 15-19 and 20-24-year-olds. RESULTS Weighted HIV incidence was 3.92 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 3.27-4.69; 163 seroconversions over 4,016 person-years). Among 15-19-year-olds, absence of family support (adjusted hazards ratio (aHR): 3.82 (1.89-7.72)), having a circumcised partner (aHR: 0.5 (0.27-0.94)) or one who was HIV-positive and not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (aHR: 6.21 (2.56-15.06)) were associated with HIV incidence. Those reporting an absence of family support were also more likely to report >1 partner during follow-up (odds ratio (OR): 2.7(1.11-6.57)). Among 20-24-year-olds, failure to complete secondary school (aHR: 1.89 (1.11-3.21)), inconsistent condom use (aHR: 3.01 (1.14-7.96)) and reporting partner(s) who were HIV-positive and not on ART (aHR: 7.75 (3.06-19.66)) were associated with HIV incidence. Failure to complete secondary school among 20-24-year-olds was associated with inconsistent condom use (OR: 1.82 (1.20-2.77)) and reporting an HIV-positive partner not on ART (OR: 3.53(1.59-7.82)) or an uncircumcised partner (OR: 1.39 (1.08-1.82). CONCLUSION Absence of family support and incomplete schooling are associated with risky sexual behaviours and HIV acquisition in AGYW. In addition, partner-level prevention-condom use, medical circumcision, and viral suppression-continue to play an important role in reducing HIV risk in AGYW. These findings support the use of combination HIV prevention programs that consider structural as well as biological and behavioural HIV risk factors in their design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Lewis
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu–Natal, Durban, South Africa,* E-mail:
| | - Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu–Natal, Durban, South Africa,School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hilton Humphries
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu–Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Brendan Maughan-Brown
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sean Beckett
- HIV Economics and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kaymarlin Govender
- HIV Economics and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Cherie Cawood
- Epicentre AIDs Risk Management, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Gavin George
- HIV Economics and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Division of Social Medicine and Global Health, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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15
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Barnabee G, O’Bryan G, Ndeikemona L, Billah I, Silas L, Morgan KL, Shulock K, Mawire S, MacLachlan E, Nghipangelwa J, Muremi E, Ensminger A, Forster N, O’Malley G. Improving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis persistence among adolescent girls and young women: Insights from a mixed-methods evaluation of community, hybrid, and facility service delivery models in Namibia. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:1048702. [PMID: 36545490 PMCID: PMC9760915 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.1048702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the potential for community-based approaches to increase access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), there is limited evidence of whether and how they improve PrEP persistence. We compared PrEP persistence among AGYW receiving services through community and hybrid models in Namibia to facility-based services. We subsequently identify potential mechanisms to explain how and why community and hybrid models achieved (or not) improved persistence to inform further service delivery innovation. Methods Data were collected from PrEP service delivery to AGYW over two-years in Namibia's Khomas Region. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to estimate survival curves for PrEP persistence beyond three-months after initiation and report the cumulative probability of persistence at one- and three-months. Persistence was defined as any PrEP use within three months after initiation followed by a PrEP refill or previously prescribed supply of at least 30 days at the three-month visit. Interviews were conducted with 28 AGYW and 19 providers and analyzed using a deductive-inductive thematic approach. Results From October 2017 through September 2019, 372 (18.7%) AGYW received services through a facility model, 302 (15.1%) through a community model, and 1,320 (66.2%) through a hybrid model. PrEP persistence at one- and three-months was 41.2% and 34.9% in the community model and 6.2% and 4.8% in the hybrid model compared to 36.8% and 26.7% in the facility model. Within the community and hybrid models, we identified three potential mechanisms related to PrEP persistence. Individualized service delivery offered convenience and simplicity which enabled AGYW to overcome barriers to obtaining refills but did not work as well for highly mobile AGYW. Consistent interactions and shared experiences fostered social connectedness with providers and with peers, building social networks and support systems for PrEP use. PrEP and HIV-related stigma, however, was widely experienced outside of these networks. Community-to-facility referral for PrEP refill triggered apprehension towards unfamiliar PrEP services and providers in AGYW, which discouraged persistence. Conclusion Service delivery approaches that offer convenience and simplicity and foster social connectedness may reduce access barriers and increase social support enabling AGYW to self-manage their PrEP use and achieve improved PrEP persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gena Barnabee
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Gillian O’Bryan
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lylie Ndeikemona
- Directorate of Special Programmes, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Idel Billah
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Lukas Silas
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Karie L. Morgan
- Center for Data Management and Translational Research, Michigan Public Health Institute, Okemos, MI, United States
| | - Katherine Shulock
- Disease Control and Health Statistics (DCHS), Washington State Department of Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Ellen MacLachlan
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Josua Nghipangelwa
- Oshikoto Regional Directorate, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Omuthiya, Namibia
| | - Elizabeth Muremi
- Khomas Regional Directorate, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Alison Ensminger
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Norbert Forster
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Gabrielle O’Malley
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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16
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Whitton A, Swahn MH, Culbreth R, Kasirye R. Attitudes and risky sexual behavior among youth in Kampala, Uganda: Empirical analyses of risk factors by gender. PEC INNOVATION 2022; 1:100090. [PMID: 36532298 PMCID: PMC9757820 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to examine gender differences and the influence of peer and parental perceptions on sexual risk behaviors among an at-risk sample of youth living in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS Using the cross-sectional Kampala Youth Survey (2014) based in Kampala, Uganda (n = 1134), bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to determine the odds of sexual risk behaviors based on peer and parental influence variables and gender. RESULTS The perceptions of peer, adult, and parental opinions on sexual activity were significantly associated with varying levels across all risky sexual behaviors explored. When indexed and adjusted for other variables, females compared to males were at increased odds of participating in 3-4 risky sexual behaviors (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.90) and 5-6 risky sexual behaviors (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.68) compared to zero risky sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent sexual risk behaviors are subject to peer and parental influence and vary between genders. INNOVATION This study emphasizes the importance of peer influences in adolescent sexual risk behaviors. Many of these youth are orphans, which may explain the lack of association between parental influences and sexual risk behavior. School-based and community-based interventions may be effective at preventing risky sexual behaviors for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina Whitton
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monica H. Swahn
- Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Rachel Culbreth
- Toxicology Investigators Consortium, American College of Medical Toxicology, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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17
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LoVette A, Kuo C, Giovenco D, Hoare J, Underhill K, Operario D. Pre-exposure prophylaxis as an opportunity for engagement in HIV prevention among South African adolescents. SAHARA J 2022; 19:1-7. [PMID: 35135437 PMCID: PMC8843204 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2021.2016479] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers a potential biomedical strategy to reduce HIV incidence among adolescent populations disproportionately affected by HIV. There is limited evidence on the social and clinical implications, including engagement in HIV prevention efforts, of PrEP for South African adolescents, who face high HIV risk. We conducted a mixed-methods study in Western Cape, South Africa from 2015 to 2016. Adolescents (N = 35) aged 16-17 and clinical service providers working with adolescents (N = 25) were recruited from community and clinic settings. Adolescents and service providers completed a survey about their overall perceptions of PrEP and completed interviews guided by semi-structured protocols. We performed descriptive analysis of quantitative data using SPSS and thematic analysis of qualitative data using NVivo. The majority of adolescents endorsed future PrEP use for themselves and partners, and all clinical service providers endorsed future PrEP use for sexually active adolescents. Both adolescents and service providers identified PrEP as an opportunity to engage youth as active participants in HIV prevention. Service providers also viewed PrEP as a potential mechanism for shifting life trajectories. Findings from this study enhance our understanding of the considerations needed to engage adolescents and clinical service providers in the roll-out of oral PrEP in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh LoVette
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA, Ashleigh LoVette Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121-F3, Providence, RI02903, USA
| | - Caroline Kuo
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, SA, USA
| | - Danielle Giovenco
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jacqueline Hoare
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, SA, USA
| | | | - Don Operario
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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18
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Msukwa MT, MacLachlan EW, Gugsa ST, Theu J, Namakhoma I, Bangara F, Blair CL, Payne D, Curran KG, Arons M, Namachapa K, Wadonda N, Kabaghe AN, Dobbs T, Shanmugam V, Kim E, Auld A, Babaye Y, O'Malley G, Nyirenda R, Bello G. Characterising persons diagnosed with HIV as either recent or long-term using a cross-sectional analysis of recent infection surveillance data collected in Malawi from September 2019 to March 2020. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064707. [PMID: 36153024 PMCID: PMC9511604 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In Malawi, a recent infection testing algorithm (RITA) is used to characterise infections of persons newly diagnosed with HIV as recent or long term. This paper shares results from recent HIV infection surveillance and describes distribution and predictors. SETTING Data from 155 health facilities in 11 districts in Malawi were pooled from September 2019 to March 2020. PARTICIPANTS Eligible participants were ≥13 years, and newly diagnosed with HIV. Clients had RITA recent infections if the rapid test for recent infection (RTRI) test result was recent and viral load (VL) ≥1000 copies/mL; if VL was <1000 copies/mL the RTRI result was reclassified as long-term. Results were stratified by age, sex, pregnancy/breastfeeding status and district. RESULTS 13 838 persons consented to RTRI testing and 12 703 had valid RTRI test results and VL results after excluding clients not newly HIV-positive, RTRI negative or missing data (n=1135). A total of 12 365 of the 12 703 were included in the analysis after excluding those whose RTRI results were reclassified as long term (n=338/784 or 43.1%). The remainder, 446/12 703 or 3.5%, met the definition of RITA recent infection. The highest percentage of recent infections was among breastfeeding women (crude OR (COR) 3.2; 95% CI 2.0 to 5.0), young people aged 15-24 years (COR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3 to 1.9) and persons who reported a negative HIV test within the past 12 months (COR 3.3; 95% CI 2.6 to 4.2). Factors associated with recent infection in multivariable analysis included being a non-pregnant female (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.8), a breastfeeding female (AOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.4 to 3.5), aged 15-24 years (AOR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3 to 1.9) and residents of Machinga (AOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.5) and Mzimba (AOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3 to 4.5) districts. CONCLUSIONS Malawi's recent HIV infection surveillance system demonstrated high uptake and identified sub-populations of new HIV diagnoses with a higher percentage of recent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malango T Msukwa
- Department of Global Health, I-TECH, University of Washington, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ellen W MacLachlan
- Department of Global Health, I-TECH, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Salem T Gugsa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joe Theu
- Department of Global Health, I-TECH, University of Washington, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ireen Namakhoma
- Department of Global Health, I-TECH, University of Washington, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Fred Bangara
- Department of Global Health, I-TECH, University of Washington, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Christopher L Blair
- Department of Global Health, I-TECH, University of Washington, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Danielle Payne
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kathryn G Curran
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Melissa Arons
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Khumbo Namachapa
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi
| | - Nellie Wadonda
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Trudy Dobbs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Evelyn Kim
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Andrew Auld
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Yusuf Babaye
- Department of Global Health, I-TECH, University of Washington, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Gabrielle O'Malley
- Department of Global Health, I-TECH, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rose Nyirenda
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi
| | - George Bello
- Department of Global Health, I-TECH, University of Washington, Lilongwe, Malawi
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19
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Kamire V, Magut F, Khagayi S, Kambona C, Muttai H, Nganga L, Kwaro D, Joseph RH. HIV Risk Factors and Risk Perception Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women: Results From a Population-Based Survey in Western Kenya, 2018. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 91:17-25. [PMID: 35972852 PMCID: PMC9387564 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003021] [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: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV prevalence in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is 2-fold to 3-fold higher than that in adolescent boys and young men. Understanding AGYW's perception of HIV risk is essential for HIV prevention efforts. METHODS We analyzed data from a HIV biobehavioral survey conducted in western Kenya in 2018. Data from AGYW aged 15-24 years who had a documented HIV status were included. We calculated weighted prevalence and evaluated factors associated with outcomes of interest (HIV infection and high risk perception) using generalized linear models to calculate prevalence ratios. RESULTS A total of 3828 AGYW were included; 63% were aged 15-19 years. HIV prevalence was 4.5% and 14.5% of sexually active AGYW had high risk perception. Over 70% of participants had accessed HIV testing and counseling in the past 12 months. Factors associated with both HIV infection and high risk perception included having an HIV-positive partner or partner with unknown status and having a sexually transmitted infection in the past 12 months. Having an older (by ≥10 years) partner was associated with HIV infection, but not high risk perception. Less than 30% of sexually active AGYW with 3 or more HIV risk factors had high perception of HIV risk. CONCLUSION Gaps in perceived HIV risk persist among AGYW in Kenya. High access to HIV testing and prevention services in this population highlights platforms through which AGYW may be reached with improved risk counseling, and to increase uptake of HIV prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivienne Kamire
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Centre for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kenya
| | - Faith Magut
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Centre for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kenya
| | - Sammy Khagayi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Centre for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kenya
| | - Caroline Kambona
- Division of Global HIV & TB (DGHT), Center for Global Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Kenya
| | - Hellen Muttai
- Division of Global HIV & TB (DGHT), Center for Global Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Kenya
| | - Lucy Nganga
- Division of Global HIV & TB (DGHT), Center for Global Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Kenya
| | - Daniel Kwaro
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Centre for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kenya
| | - Rachael H. Joseph
- Division of Global HIV & TB (DGHT), Center for Global Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Kenya
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20
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Papageorgiou V, Crittendon E, Coukan F, Davies B, Ward H. Impact of daily, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis on the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections among cisgender women: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:108. [PMID: 36051893 PMCID: PMC9391742 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17457.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There are concerns that the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may result in an increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Evidence for this is mixed and has mostly been based on reviews focussed on gay and bisexual men and transgender women, while none have summarised evidence in cisgender women. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to explore whether daily, oral PrEP use is associated with changes in bacterial STI occurrence (diagnoses or self-reported) and/or risk among HIV seronegative cisgender women (ciswomen). The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Results: We included 11 full text articles in a narrative synthesis, with the studies published between 2012 and 2021. The studies were mostly based in Africa (n=7, 63.6%) and reported on 3168 ciswomen using PrEP aged 16-56 years. Studies had marked differences in variables, including measurements and definitions (e.g., STI type) and limited data available looking specifically at ciswomen, principally in studies with both male and female participants. The limited evidence suggests that PrEP use is not associated with increased STI rates in ciswomen generally; however, adolescent girls and young women in Sub Saharan Africa have a higher prevalence of bacterial STIs prior to PrEP initiation, compared to adult ciswomen and female sex workers. Conclusions: We suggest future PrEP research make efforts to include ciswomen as study participants and report stratified results by gender identity to provide adequate data to inform guidelines for PrEP implementation. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019130438.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Papageorgiou
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Erica Crittendon
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Flavien Coukan
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Bethan Davies
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Helen Ward
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, W2 1NY, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
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21
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Manguro G, Temmerman M. A critical review of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in Kenya. MED 2022; 3:364-368. [PMID: 35690057 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent efforts from governments and international organizations to promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) rights, some of the current policies fall short of achieving the desired outcomes because of a failure to understand adolescent emerging needs and capacity, the diversity of adolescent populations, and the recognition that deliberate and intense actions are required to make this a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griffins Manguro
- The International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya, Mombasa, Kenya; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- The International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya, Mombasa, Kenya; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; The Aga Khan University Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Nairobi, Kenya.
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22
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Palanee-Phillips T, Rees HV, Heller KB, Ahmed K, Batting J, Beesham I, Heffron R, Justman J, Makkan H, Mastro TD, Morrison SA, Mugo N, Nair G, Kiarie J, Philip NM, Pleaner M, Reddy K, Selepe P, Steyn PS, Scoville CW, Smit J, Thomas KK, Donnell D, Baeten JM. High HIV incidence among young women in South Africa: Data from a large prospective study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269317. [PMID: 35657948 PMCID: PMC9165791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Africa has the highest national burden of HIV globally. Understanding drivers of HIV acquisition in recently completed, prospective studies in which HIV was an endpoint may help inform the strategy and investments in national HIV prevention efforts and guide the design of future HIV prevention trials. We assessed HIV incidence and correlates of incidence among women enrolled in ECHO (Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes), a large, open-label randomized clinical trial that compared three highly effective. reversible methods of contraception and rates of HIV acquisition. Methods During December 2015 to October 2018, ECHO followed sexually active, HIV-seronegative women, aged 16–35 years, seeking contraceptive services and willing to be randomized to one of three contraceptive methods (intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, copper intrauterine device, or levonorgestrel implant) for 12–18 months at nine sites in South Africa. HIV incidence based on prospectively observed HIV seroconversion events. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to define baseline cofactors related to incident HIV infection. Results 5768 women were enrolled and contributed 7647 woman-years of follow-up. The median age was 23 years and 62.5% were ≤24 years. A total of 345 incident HIV infections occurred, an incidence of 4.51 per 100 woman-years (95%CI 4.05–5.01). Incidence was >3 per 100 woman-years at all sites. Age ≤24 years, baseline infection with sexually transmitted infections, BMI≤30, and having new or multiple partners in the three months prior to enrollment were associated with incident HIV. Conclusions HIV incidence was high among South African women seeking contraceptive services. Integration of diagnostic management of sexually transmitted infections alongside delivery of HIV prevention options in health facilities providing contraception services are needed to mitigate ongoing risks of HIV acquisition for this vulnerable population. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02550067 was the main Clinical Trial from which this secondary, non-randomized / observational analysis was derived with data limited to just South African sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Helen V. Rees
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kate B. Heller
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Joanne Batting
- Effective Care Research Unit (ECRU), University of the Witwatersrand/Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Ivana Beesham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Renee Heffron
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jessica Justman
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Heeran Makkan
- Klerksdorp Clinical Research Centre, The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Susan A. Morrison
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gonasagrie Nair
- Emavundleni Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - James Kiarie
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Neena M. Philip
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Melanie Pleaner
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Krishnaveni Reddy
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Pearl Selepe
- Klerksdorp Clinical Research Centre, The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Petrus S. Steyn
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Jenni Smit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Katherine K. Thomas
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
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23
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Roomaney AA, Womersley JS, Swart PC, Spies G, Seedat S, Hemmings SMJ. Childhood trauma and genetic variation in the DAT 40-bp VNTR contribute to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 12:45-54. [PMID: 35746967 PMCID: PMC9210473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV/AIDS is a major public health burden in South Africa, currently affecting an estimated 13.5% of the population. Despite improved access to antiretroviral therapies, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), characterised by a spectrum of neurocognitive impairment, emotional disturbances and motor abnormalities, continue to persist. Gene-environment interactions contribute to HAND pathophysiology and previous research has identified childhood trauma as an environmental risk factor. Dopaminergic signalling in the prefrontal cortex plays a key role in cognitive function. Thus, variants in genes encoding the dopamine transporter (DAT) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which are responsible for dopamine transport and metabolism, could represent genetic risk factors for HAND. This study investigated whether the DAT variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphisms are associated with longitudinal change in cognitive function in the context of childhood trauma and HIV. Participants (n = 49 HIV-negative and n = 64 HIV-positive women) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ-SF) and provided blood for genetic analyses. Global cognitive scores were generated from baseline and one-year follow-up assessments. Following polymerase chain reaction, genotypes were determined using gel electrophoresis and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Baseline global cognitive scores, genotype, HIV status and CTQ-SF scores were regressed on one-year global cognitive scores in regression models. Analysis of variance was used to examine the effect of including predictor variable interactions on model fit. HIV seropositivity was associated with poorer cognitive performance at one-year follow-up (p = 2.46 ×10-4). The combination of HIV and DAT 10-repeat homozygosity (DAT 10/10) was associated with reduced global cognitive scores in longitudinal models (p = 0.010). Including the interaction between DAT 10/10, childhood trauma, and HIV explained significantly more of the variance in longitudinal cognitive scores (p = 0.008). There were no significant associations with the COMT genotype. Our research indicates that childhood trauma and genetic variation in DAT contribute toward the aetiology of HAND. Future studies in larger cohorts are warranted to verify these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqeedah Abbas Roomaney
- Division of Molecular and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council / Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Samantha Womersley
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council / Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Patricia Cathryn Swart
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council / Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Georgina Spies
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council / Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council / Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Research Chair in PTSD, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council / Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Castor D, Burgess EK, Yende-Zuma N, Heck CJ, Abdool Karim Q. Age-Restriction of a Validated Risk Scoring Tool Better Predicts HIV Acquisition in South African Women: CAPRISA 004. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3300-3310. [PMID: 35419667 PMCID: PMC9474358 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03664-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We examined the predictive ability of the VOICE risk screening tool among adolescent girls and young women at heightened HIV risk in urban and peri-urban Kwa-Zulu-Natal, South Africa. Using participant data from CAPRISA 004’s control arm (N = 444), we applied the initial VOICE risk screening score (IRS), a modified risk score (MRS) based on predictive and non-predictive variables in our data, and age-restricted (AIRS and AMRS, respectively). We estimated incidence rates, 95% confidence bounds, sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values and area under the curve (AUC). The sample’s HIV incidence rate was 9.1/100 Person-Years [95% CI 6.9–11.7], resulting from 60 seroconversions (60/660.7 Person-Years). The IRS’ ≥ 8 cutpoint produced moderate discrimination [AUC = 0.66 (0.54–0.74), sensitivity = 63%, specificity = 57%]. Restricting to age < 25 years improved the score’s predictive ability (AIRS: AUC = 0.69, AMRS: AUC = 0.70), owing mainly to male partner having other partners and HSV-2. The risk tool predicted HIV acquisition at a higher cutpoint in this sample than in the initial VOICE analysis. After age-stratification, fewer variables were needed for maintaining score’s predictiveness. In this high incidence setting, risk screening may still improve the efficiency or effectiveness of prevention counseling services. However, PrEP should be offered to all prevention-seeking individuals, regardless of risk ascertainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delivette Castor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa
| | - Craig J Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa.
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Davis SM, Green Montaque HD, Jackson CAB. Talking with My Sistahs: Examining Discussions About HIV Risk and Prevention Outcomes Within Black Women Sistah Circles. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022:1-14. [PMID: 36112946 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2050006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Black women's health is in a state of crisis. Though Black women make up roughly 12% of the US population, they account for 66% of new HIV cases. One understudied barrier to Black women's sexual health is their communication about the topic of HIV with others and proclivity to dismiss HIV-related information based on self-exemption. Using a group-centered approach called the "sistah circle," this study examines group gatherings of Black women to assess their communication about HIV and determine potential gaps in their understanding of information and HIV-related behavior. Data were derived from five focus groups, with four Black women in each group engaging in a facilitated discussion. Findings from the project extend knowledge about how socializing agents such as school, parents, church, and interventionists have the potential to delay or deter Black women from engaging in communication that supports risk-reducing behaviors and prevention efforts.
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Amone-P'Olak K. Prevalence, distribution and attributable risks of adverse childhood experiences in different family types: A survey of young adults in Botswana. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 126:105513. [PMID: 35144077 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are often associated with poor outcomes in adulthood, little is known about its distribution in various family types, especially in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVE We assessed the prevalence, distribution, and attributable risks of ACEs in different family types in early adults. METHODS Using data from 483 young adults (18-25 years of age), we assessed the prevalence and distribution of ACEs and employed binary logistic regressions to quantify the attributable risk of ACEs in different family types: nuclear (reference), single-mother, separated/divorced, and extended family types. We compared respondents without reports of ACEs (reference) to those reporting different numbers of ACEs (1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more and 5 or more) to assess attributable risks of ACEs in different family types. RESULTS Out of the 483 participants, (female = 262 [53.3%]), 26.7% reported no ACEs, 21.1% reported 1 ACE, 13.3% reported 2 ACEs, and 38.9% reported 3 or more ACEs. Two hundred thirty-two (48%) and 153 (31.7%) students reported that they were from a nuclear and single-mother family types, respectively. Overall, there were higher densities of ACEs in single-mother and separated/divorced compared to nuclear family type. Compared to nuclear family type, the attributable risks of ACEs for single-mother family type ranged from 2.85 (95% Confidence Intervals (CI) 1.65) to 4.13 (95% CI: 1.92-8.91) and for separate/divorced family type ranging from 3.69 (95% CI: 1.72) to 6.32 (95% CI: 2.40-16.64). CONCLUSIONS The odds of ACEs differ with family types and were markedly pronounced in single-mother and separated/divorced compared to nuclear family types. Interventions to mitigate the effects of ACEs should be targeted at family types with a high density of ACEs. Professionals should design programmes targeting single-mother, separated/divorced and extended family types to alleviate the negative effects of childhood adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Amone-P'Olak
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Kyambogo University, Uganda.
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Govender K, Beckett S, Reddy T, Cowden RG, Cawood C, Khanyile D, Kharsany ABM, George G, Puren A. Association of HIV Intervention Uptake With HIV Prevalence in Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e228640. [PMID: 35452103 PMCID: PMC9034400 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.8640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In South Africa, adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 years are among the most high-risk groups for acquiring HIV. Progress in reducing HIV incidence in this population has been slow. OBJECTIVE To describe HIV prevalence and HIV risk behaviors among a sample of adolescent girls and young women and to model the association between exposure to multiple or layered interventions and key HIV biological and behavioral outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional survey was conducted between March 13, 2017, and June 22, 2018, in 2 districts in Gauteng province and in 2 districts in KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. A stratified cluster random sampling method was used. Participants included adolescent girls and young women aged 12 to 24 years who lived in each sampled household. Overall, 10 384 participants were enrolled in Gauteng province and 7912 in KwaZulu-Natal province. One parent or caregiver was interviewed in each household. Data analysis was performed from March 12, 2021, to March 1, 2022. EXPOSURES DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe)-like interventions. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was HIV prevalence. HIV status was obtained from laboratory-based testing of peripheral blood samples. Secondary outcomes included HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy uptake as well as numerous HIV risk variables that the DREAMS program sought to improve, such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection, intimate partner violence, and age-disparate sex. RESULTS The final sample included 18 296 adolescent girls and young women (median [IQR] age, 19 [15-21] years) in 10 642 households. Approximately half of participants (49.9%; n = 8414) reported engaging in sexual activity, and 48.1% (n = 3946) reported condom use at the most recent sexual encounter. KwaZulu-Natal province had a higher HIV prevalence than Gauteng province (15.1% vs 7.8%; P < .001). Approximately one-fifth of participants (17.6%; n = 3291) were not exposed to any interventions, whereas 43.7% (n = 8144) were exposed to 3 or more interventions. There was no association between exposure to DREAMS-like interventions and HIV status. Adolescent girls and young women who accessed 3 or more interventions were more likely to have undergone HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio, 2.39; 95% CI, 2.11-2.71; P < .001) and to have used condoms consistently in the previous 12 months (adjusted odds ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.33-2.12; P < .001) than those who were not exposed to any interventions. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this study suggest that self-reported exposures to multiple or layered DREAMS-like interventions were associated with favorable behavioral outcomes. The beneficial aspects of layering HIV interventions warrant further research to support the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls and young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaymarlin Govender
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sean Beckett
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Richard G. Cowden
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Cherie Cawood
- Epicentre AIDS Risk Management Limited, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Khanyile
- Epicentre AIDS Risk Management Limited, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gavin George
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Adrian Puren
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Priority Programmes, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Papageorgiou V, Crittendon E, Coukan F, Davies B, Ward H. Impact of daily, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis on the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections among cisgender women: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:108. [PMID: 36051893 PMCID: PMC9391742 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17457.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There are concerns that the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may result in an increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Evidence for this is mixed and has mostly been based on reviews focussed on gay and bisexual men and transgender women, while none have summarised evidence in cisgender women. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to explore whether daily, oral PrEP use is associated with changes in bacterial STI occurrence (diagnoses or self-reported) and/or risk among HIV seronegative cisgender women (ciswomen). The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Results: We included 11 full text articles in a narrative synthesis, with the studies published between 2012 and 2021. The studies were mostly based in Africa (n=7, 63.6%) and reported on 3168 ciswomen using PrEP aged 16-56 years. Studies had marked differences in variables, including measurements and definitions (e.g., STI type) and limited data available looking specifically at ciswomen, principally in studies with both male and female participants. The limited evidence suggests that PrEP use is not associated with increased STI rates in ciswomen generally; however, adolescent girls and young women in Sub Saharan Africa have a higher prevalence of bacterial STIs prior to PrEP initiation, compared to adult ciswomen and female sex workers. Conclusions: We suggest future PrEP research make efforts to include ciswomen as study participants and report stratified results by gender identity to provide adequate data to inform guidelines for PrEP implementation. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019130438.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Papageorgiou
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Erica Crittendon
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Flavien Coukan
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Bethan Davies
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Helen Ward
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, W2 1NY, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
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DiClemente-Bosco K, Weber AZ, Harrison A, Tsawe N, Rini Z, Brittain K, Colvin CJ, Myer L, Pellowski JA. Empowerment in pregnancy: ART adherence among women living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa. Soc Sci Med 2022; 296:114738. [PMID: 35078104 PMCID: PMC8882130 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a global concern among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV (WLHIV). Research focusing on peripartum WLHIV and how they balance adherence, engaging in HIV care, and other forms of self-care is limited. Women's empowerment theories have been applied to myriad health behaviors to understand patterns, establish mechanisms, and develop interventions; yet empowerment theory as applied to ART is under-researched. OBJECTIVE Seeking deeper insight into peripartum health behaviors, we examine these factors using Naila Kabeer's (1999) women's empowerment theory, which denotes resources, agency, and achievements as three primary and interrelated components of empowerment. METHODS Data were collected in Gugulethu, South Africa, between March and July 2018. Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with WLHIV at 32-35 weeks of pregnancy, with topics including experiences related to ART adherence and meanings of empowerment in motherhood. Analyses had two phases: (1) inductive open-coding for emergent themes; and (2) classifying themes into Kabeer's empowerment theory. RESULTS Participants expressed that resources play a critical role in adherence, ranging from practical support to motivational support provided by both family and partners. Agency is experienced as a desire to be an independent mother in the often-expected event that partners withdraw support. Participants described achievements as time-oriented goals, ranging from having a baby born without HIV to living a long and productive life. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that a promising and innovative approach to improving ART adherence across the peripartum transition would focus on understanding resources as an enabling environment, build on existing feelings of agency, and highlight the lifelong goals achievable with high levels of adherence. A better understanding of how women's empowerment evolves over the course of pregnancy and into the postpartum period will support intervention development aimed at improving ART adherence and potentially additional peripartum health behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira DiClemente-Bosco
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Alison Z. Weber
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St., Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Abigail Harrison
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Nokwazi Tsawe
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Falmouth 3.46, UCT Health Sciences Campus, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
| | - Zanele Rini
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Falmouth 3.46, UCT Health Sciences Campus, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
| | - Kirsty Brittain
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Falmouth 3.46, UCT Health Sciences Campus, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
| | - Christopher J Colvin
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Falmouth 3.46, UCT Health Sciences Campus, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa; Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, 200 Jeanette Lancaster Way, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Falmouth 3.46, UCT Health Sciences Campus, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
| | - Jennifer A. Pellowski
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St., Box G-S121-3, Providence, RI 02912, USA,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Falmouth 3.46, UCT Health Sciences Campus, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
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30
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Capitine IPU, Macicame IB, Uanela AM, Bhatt NB, Yates A, Milazzo M, Nwoga C, Crowell TA, Michael NL, Robb ML, Jani IV, Kroidl A, Polyak CS, De Schacht C. Young at risk-people in Maputo City, Mozambique, present a high willingness to participate in HIV trials: Results from an HIV vaccine preparedness cohort study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260126. [PMID: 34855790 PMCID: PMC8638929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccine efficacy testing requires engagement of willing volunteers with high disease incidence. We evaluated factors associated with willingness to participate in potential future HIV vaccine trials in Maputo, Mozambique. METHODS Adults aged 18-35 years without HIV and who reported at least two sexual partners in the 3 months prior to screening were enrolled into a 24-month observational study. They were asked at screening and exit if they would be willing to participate in a theoretical HIV vaccine study. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done between willingness to participate, demographic, sexual behavior, and motivational factors for screening visit data. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors potentially associated with willingness to participate for data from both visits. RESULTS A total of 577 participants without HIV were eligible, including 275 (48%) women. The mean age was 22.2 (SD ± 3.9) years. At screening 529 (92%) expressed willingness to participate and the proportion remained stable at 378 (88%) of the 430 participants retained through the exit visit (p = 0.209). Helping the country (n = 556) and fear of needles (n = 26) were the top motive and barrier for willingness to participate, respectively. Results from the GEE binary logistic regression (screening visit and exit visit) showed that wanting to learn how to avoid risk behaviors (aOR 3.33, 95% CI: 1.61-6.86) and feeling protected against HIV infection (aOR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.07-4.7) were associated with willingness to participate in HIV vaccine studies. CONCLUSION The majority of our study population in Mozambique expressed willingness to participate in a theoretical HIV vaccine trial. Participation in a HIV vaccine trial was seen as a way to contribute to the fight against HIV but was associated with some unrealistic expectations such as protection against HIV. This reinforces the need for continuous mobilization and awareness of potential participants to HIV vaccine trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor P. U. Capitine
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Maputo Province, Mozambique
- Centre for International Health (CIH), University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Artur M. Uanela
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Maputo Province, Mozambique
| | - Nilesh B. Bhatt
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Maputo Province, Mozambique
| | - Adam Yates
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mark Milazzo
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Chiaka Nwoga
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Trevor A. Crowell
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nelson L. Michael
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Merlin L. Robb
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ilesh V. Jani
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Maputo Province, Mozambique
| | - Arne Kroidl
- Centre for International Health (CIH), University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - Christina S. Polyak
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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Jeremiah RD, Patel DR, Chirwa E, Kapito E, Mei X, McCreary LL, Norr KF, Liu L, Patil CL. A randomized group antenatal care pilot showed increased partner communication and partner HIV testing during pregnancy in Malawi and Tanzania. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:790. [PMID: 34819018 PMCID: PMC8611988 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04267-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV testing at antenatal care (ANC) is critical to achieving zero new infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Although most women are tested at ANC, they remain at risk for HIV exposure and transmission to their infant when their partners are not tested. This study evaluates how an HIV-enhanced and Centering-based group ANC model-Group ANC+ that uses interactive learning to practice partner communication is associated with improvements in partner HIV testing during pregnancy. METHODS A randomized pilot study conducted in Malawi and Tanzania found multiple positive outcomes for pregnant women (n = 218) assigned to Group ANC+ versus individual ANC. This analysis adds previously unpublished results for two late pregnancy outcomes: communication with partner about three reproductive health topics (safer sex, HIV testing, and family planning) and partner HIV testing since the first antenatal care visit. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of type of ANC on partner communication and partner testing. We also conducted a mediation analysis to assess whether partner communication mediated the effect of type of care on partner HIV testing. RESULTS Nearly 70% of women in Group ANC+ reported communicating about reproductive health with their partner, compared to 45% of women in individual ANC. After controlling for significant covariates, women in group ANC were twice as likely as those in individual ANC to report that their partner got an HIV test (OR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.66). The positive effect of the Group ANC + model on partner HIV testing was fully mediated by increased partner communication. CONCLUSIONS HIV prevention was included in group ANC health promotion without compromising services and coverage of standard ANC topics, demonstrating that local high-priority health promotion needs can be integrated into ANC using a Group ANC+. These findings provide evidence that greater partner communication can promote healthy reproductive behaviors, including HIV prevention. Additional research is needed to understand the processes by which group ANC allowed women to discuss sensitive topics with partners and how these communications led to partner HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan D Jeremiah
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA.
| | - Dhruvi R Patel
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Ellen Chirwa
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Esnath Kapito
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Xiaohan Mei
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Linda L McCreary
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Kathleen F Norr
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Li Liu
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Crystal L Patil
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
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Ndakuya-Fitzgerald F, Kako PM, Dressel AE. The built environment and perceived HIV risk among young women living in the peri-urban slum of Kibra, Nairobi, Kenya. Health Place 2021; 72:102709. [PMID: 34749284 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study reports on the lived experiences of young women living in a peri-urban slum in Kenya and its impact on perceived HIV risk and prevention needs. Guided by the theory of gender and power and postcolonial theory, 73 women 15-24 years of age participated in individual and focus group interviews. Results revealed that the built environment inside and outside the home such as inadequate physical space and lack of security impacted perceived HIV risk. To have meaningful and sustainable change, HIV prevention efforts must address social structures that impact daily lived experiences of young women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peninnah M Kako
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, 1921 E Hartford Ave, Milwaukee WI 53211, USA
| | - Anne E Dressel
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, 1921 E Hartford Ave, Milwaukee WI 53211, USA
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Lofton S, Norr KF, Jere D, Patil C, Banda C. "Youth Photovoice": Promoting Youth-Driven Community Changes for HIV Prevention in Rural Malawi. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2021; 32:e77-e90. [PMID: 35137705 PMCID: PMC8829052 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000262] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT To meet the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS global goal of no new HIV infections by 2030, it is imperative to reduce new infections among youth. Youth Photovoice was a 10-month, participatory, community-action research project developed to engage rural Malawi youth in an HIV prevention project focused on community-level outcomes. In this study, we describe how participants in Youth Photovoice engaged adults and community leaders to implement action plans, as well as the community and individual changes that occurred as a result of these collaborative efforts. Youth Photovoice participants, their parents, and local leaders in the community participated in focus groups and individual interviews. Community-level changes, such as moving initiation ceremonies to churches and changes to local business practices, were observed, along with increased community and parental involvement in youth monitoring for local events and activities. This youth-led project led to changes in the community environment that reduced exposure to situations supporting unsafe sex, uncovered ways that youth can lead collaborations with adults, and informed the implementation of plans for community action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saria Lofton
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kathleen F. Norr
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Diana Jere
- Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Crystal Patil
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Chimwemwe Banda
- Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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34
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Stoner MCD, Westreich D, Ahern J, Edwards J, Gómez-Olivé FX, Tollman SM, Lippman S, Kahn K, Pettifor A. Modeling Combination Interventions to Prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa (HIV Prevention Trials Network 068). Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e1911-e1918. [PMID: 33325509 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combination interventions may be an effective way to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in adolescent girls and young women. However, current studies are not designed to understand which specific interventions and combinations will be most effective. We estimate the possible impacts of interventions on a combination of factors associated with HIV. METHODS We used the g-formula to model interventions on combinations of HIV risk factors to identify those that would prevent the most incident HIV infections, including low school attendance, intimate partner violence, depression, transactional sex, and age-disparate partnerships. We used data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 068 study in rural South Africa from 2011 to 2017. We estimated HIV incidence under a potential intervention that reduced each risk factor and compared this to HIV incidence under the current distribution of these risk factors. RESULTS Although many factors had strong associations with HIV, potential intervention estimates did not always suggest large reductions in HIV incidence because the prevalence of risk factors was low. When modeling combination effects, an intervention to increase schooling, decrease depression, and decease transactional sex showed the largest reduction in incident infection (risk difference, -1.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.7% to -.2%), but an intervention on only transactional sex and depression still reduced HIV incidence by -1.3% (95% CI, -2.6% to -.2%). CONCLUSIONS To achieve the largest reductions in HIV, both prevalence of the risk factor and strength of association with HIV must be considered. Additionally, intervening on more risk factors may not necessarily result in larger reductions in HIV incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C D Stoner
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Daniel Westreich
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer Ahern
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jessie Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - F Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephen M Tollman
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sheri Lippman
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana.,Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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35
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Ossa-Giraldo AC, Correa JS, Moreno CL, Blanquiceth Y, Flórez-Álvarez L, Contreras-Ramírez K, Higuita-Gutérrez LF, Hernández JC, Zapata W. Sexual Behaviors and Factors Associated with Condomless Sexual Practice in Colombian Men Who Have Sex with Men at High Risk of HIV Transmission. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:3175-3190. [PMID: 33829332 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01856-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) have a disproportionate burden of HIV infection worldwide. In Colombia, the prevalence of HIV in MSM is ~ 43 times higher than in the general population (17% vs. 0.4%). This study determined the sexual behaviors, HIV serostatus, and associated factors with condomless sexual practice with both regular and casual partners in 92 MSM from Medellín, Colombia. The subjects were recruited through a community-based approach, and the data were collected by a structured survey and in-depth interviews. Participants were classified into three groups according to the number of sexual partners in the last three months, to compare the sociodemographic conditions and sexual behaviors. Univariate analysis was described by absolute and relative frequencies; bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to compare the groups and to explore the associated factors with condomless sexual practice. The overall HIV estimated prevalence was 4.3%, while the estimated prevalence for MSM with > 10 sexual partners in the last three months was 14.8%. This last group showed higher average age, higher percentage of subjects who have had sex with people living with HIV, and increased frequency of previous sexually transmitted infections. Having condomless sex with casual partners was associated with the number of sexual partners in the last three months. This study demonstrates that Colombian MSM continue to have a high risk of HIV infection/transmission and reinforce the need to implement adequate prevention programs, PrEP and guarantee access to treatment for people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Ossa-Giraldo
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 50 No. 40-74, 050012, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - John Sebastián Correa
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 50 No. 40-74, 050012, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Cristhian Leonardo Moreno
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 50 No. 40-74, 050012, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Yurany Blanquiceth
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 50 No. 40-74, 050012, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lizdany Flórez-Álvarez
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 50 No. 40-74, 050012, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Katherin Contreras-Ramírez
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 50 No. 40-74, 050012, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Luis Felipe Higuita-Gutérrez
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 50 No. 40-74, 050012, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Hernández
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 50 No. 40-74, 050012, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Wildeman Zapata
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Calle 50 No. 40-74, 050012, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
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36
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Gillespie B, Allen H, Pritchard M, Soma-Pillay P, Balen J, Anumba D. Agency under constraint: Adolescent accounts of pregnancy and motherhood in informal settlements in South Africa. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:2125-2138. [PMID: 34569422 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1981974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractProgress in adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) remains unequal: adolescent pregnancies are more likely to occur in marginalised communities, or in very poor households. This study aimed to comprehend from adolescents' own perspectives, the circumstances of falling pregnant and coping with motherhood in informal settlements in South Africa, to better understand the SRH challenges adolescents in these settings may face. A qualitative study was carried out over a two-month period in 2019 to analyse the perceptions held by adolescents in informal settlements served by four community-level clinics in the adjacent township. We found that adolescents face overlapping barriers in seeking to avoid unintended pregnancy in informal settlements. Once they become mothers, their trajectory is limited by the resources and support available from their own parents, particularly their mothers, and to a lesser extent, their partners. We draw on the concept of agency to examine their accounts and to highlight the importance of addressing broader contextual constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwen Gillespie
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine-Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Haddijatou Allen
- School of Health and Related Research, Regent Court (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Matthew Pritchard
- School of Health and Related Research, Regent Court (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Priya Soma-Pillay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Julie Balen
- School of Health and Related Research, Regent Court (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Dilly Anumba
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine-Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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37
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Madeen EP, Maldarelli F, Groopman JD. Environmental Pollutants, Mucosal Barriers, and Pathogen Susceptibility; The Case for Aflatoxin B 1 as a Risk Factor for HIV Transmission and Pathogenesis. Pathogens 2021; 10:1229. [PMID: 34684180 PMCID: PMC8537633 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV transmission risk is dependent on the infectivity of the HIV+ partner and personal susceptibility risk factors of the HIV- partner. The mucosal barrier, as the internal gatekeeper between environment and self, concentrates and modulates the internalization of ingested pathogens and pollutants. In this review, we summarize the localized effects of HIV and dietary toxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a common pollutant in high HIV burden regions, e.g., at the mucosal barrier, and evidence for pollutant-viral interactions. We compiled literature on HIV and AFB1 geographic occurrences, mechanisms of action, related co-exposures, personal risk factors, and HIV key determinants of health. AFB1 exposure and HIV sexual transmission hotspots geographically co-localize in many low-income countries. AFB1 distributes to sexual mucosal tissues generating inflammation, microbiome changes and a reduction of mucosal barrier integrity, effects that are risk factors for increasing HIV susceptibility. AFB1 exposure has a positive correlation to HIV viral load, a risk factor for increasing the infectivity of the HIV+ partner. The AFB1 exposure and metabolism generates inflammation that recruits HIV susceptible cells and generates chemokine/cytokine activation in tissues exposed to HIV. Although circumstantial, the available evidence makes a compelling case for studies of AFB1 exposure as a risk factor for HIV transmission, and a modifiable new component for combination HIV prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin P. Madeen
- Department of Cancer Prevention, National Institute of Health, Shady Grove, MD 21773, USA
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21703, USA;
| | - Frank Maldarelli
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21703, USA;
| | - John D. Groopman
- Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
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38
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Pai N, Esmail A, Saha Chaudhuri P, Oelofse S, Pretorius M, Marathe G, Daher J, Smallwood M, Karatzas N, Fadul M, de Waal A, Engel N, Zwerling AA, Dheda K. Impact of a personalised, digital, HIV self-testing app-based program on linkages and new infections in the township populations of South Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-006032. [PMID: 34475026 PMCID: PMC8413877 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Implementation data for digital unsupervised HIV self-testing (HIVST) are sparse. We evaluated the impact of an app-based, personalised, oral HIVST program offered by healthcare workers in Western Cape, South Africa. Methods In a quasirandomised study (n=3095), we recruited consenting adults with undiagnosed HIV infection from township clinics. To the HIVST arm participants (n=1535), we offered a choice of an offsite (home, office or kiosk based), unsupervised digital HIVST program (n=962), or an onsite, clinic-based, supervised digital HIVST program (n=573) with 24/7 linkages services. With propensity score analyses, we compared outcomes (ie, linkages, new HIV infections and test referrals) with conventional HIV testing (ConvHT) arm participants (n=1560), recruited randomly from geographically separated clinics. Results In both arms, participants were young (HIVST vs ConvHT) (mean age: 28.2 years vs 29.2 years), female (65.0% vs 76.0%) and had monthly income <3000 rand (80.8% vs 75%). Participants chose unsupervised HIVST (62.7%) versus supervised HIVST and reported multiple sex partners (10.88% vs 8.7%), exposure to sex workers (1.4% vs 0.2%) and fewer comorbidities (0.9% vs 1.9%). Almost all HIVST participants were linked (unsupervised HIVST (99.7%), supervised HIVST (99.8%) vs ConvHT (98.5%)) (adj RR 1.012; 95% CI 1.005 to 1.018) with new HIV infections: overall HIVST (9%); supervised HIVST (10.9%) and unsupervised HIVST (7.6%) versus ConvHT (6.79%) (adj RR 1.305; 95% CI 1.023 to 1.665); test referrals: 16.7% HIVST versus 3.1% ConvHT (adj RR 5.435; 95% CI 4.024 to 7.340). Conclusions Our flexible, personalised, app-based HIVST program, offered by healthcare workers, successfully linked almost all HIV self-testers, detected new infections and increased referrals to self-test. Data are relevant for digital HIVST initiatives worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitika Pai
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada .,Research Institute of McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Aliasgar Esmail
- South African MRC Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paramita Saha Chaudhuri
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Suzette Oelofse
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marietjie Pretorius
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gayatri Marathe
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jana Daher
- Research Institute of McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Megan Smallwood
- Research Institute of McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolaos Karatzas
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mohammed Fadul
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna de Waal
- Research Institute of McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nora Engel
- Department of Health, Ethics & Society/CAPHRI, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alice Anne Zwerling
- School of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keertan Dheda
- South African MRC Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine and UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Bärnighausen K, Geldsetzer P, Matse S, Hettema A, Hughey AB, Dlamini P, Mavuso M, Fakudze D, Kahn K, Bärnighausen T, McMahon SA. Qualitative accounts of PrEP discontinuation from the general population in Eswatini. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2021; 23:1198-1214. [PMID: 32633617 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1770333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
People in receipt of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa often discontinue taking the medication. We conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with men and women who had started PrEP but did not return to the clinic for a refill after a 1, 2 or 3-month period. These 'discontinuation' clients were enrolled in a PrEP demonstration project for the general population in nurse-led, public-sector, primary-care clinics in Eswatini. Reasons for discontinuation included changes to self-perceived HIV risk such as the end of pregnancy and absent partners. Others described PrEP as inaccessible when working away from home and many described difficulties relating to a daily pill regimen and managing side effects. Female clients described being prohibited from using PrEP by their partners and co-wives. From these results, we recommend that client-centred counselling stresses the prevention-effective adherence paradigm, which promotes PrEP use in risk periods that are identifiable and PrEP discontinuation when the risk period has finished. A national scale up of PrEP may mitigate problems accessing PrEP. Extended counselling and support could assist with adherence and the management of side effects. Education and support for partners and families of PrEP clients may also contribute to better PrEP continuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Bärnighausen
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sindy Matse
- Eswatini Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Anita Hettema
- Clinton Health Access Initiative Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | - Phiwa Dlamini
- Clinton Health Access Initiative Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Mxolisi Mavuso
- Clinton Health Access Initiative Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - David Fakudze
- Clinton Health Access Initiative Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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40
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Wand H, Morris N, Reddy T. Characteristics of women who use hormonal contraceptives and their population-level impacts on HIV infection in a cohort of South African women (2002-2016). EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2021; 25:449-455. [PMID: 33140988 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2020.1831469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Women's choice of contraceptive can have broader implications and may play a significant role in shaping their sexual practices. We aim to identify the characteristics of women who use hormonal injectables and those at high-risk of HIV infection. We also quantify the population-level impact of their shared characteristics on HIV incidence rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 9948 women who enrolled in six-HIV prevention trials conducted in South Africa (2002-2016) were included. We used logistic and Cox regression models and estimated the population-level impact of the use of injectables on HIV incidence in the multifactorial-model setting. RESULTS Using hormonal injectables were associated with increased risk of HIV infection (adjusted Hazard ratio (aHR):1.51, 95% CI:1.22, 1.86). At the population level less than 20% of the infections were associated with injectable contraceptives among younger women (i.e., less than 35 years of age). Factors including being single/not-cohabiting, using condoms at last sex, partner-related factors, and STI diagnosis were all identified as shared characteristics of women who preferred using hormonal injectables and those at high-risk of HIV infection. At the population level, these factors were associated with more than 50% of the infections among women younger than 35 years of age. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis presented evidence for the overlapping characteristics of the women who used hormonal injectables and those at high-risk of HIV infection. These findings reinforce the importance of comprehensive contraceptive counselling to women about the importance of dual protection, such as male condoms and hormonal contraceptives use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Natashia Morris
- Biostatistics Unit: GIS, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
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What's in a Name? A Mixed Method Study on How Young Women Who Sell Sex Characterize Male Partners and Their Use of Condoms. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:652-662. [PMID: 33507013 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young women who sell sex (YWSS) are at disproportionate risk of HIV. Reducing YWSS' vulnerability requires engaging their male sexual partners. To achieve this, we need to understand the characteristics and dynamics of their sexual partnerships to inform effective interventions. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods study to compare YWSS' qualitative descriptions of male partners with categories reported in a behavioral survey. Data were drawn from enrollment into an evaluation of the DREAMS initiative in Zimbabwe in 2017. As part of a respondent-driven sampling survey, we recruited 40 seed participants from 2 intervention and 4 comparison sites. We conducted semistructured interviews with 19 "seeds," followed by a behavioral survey with 2387 YWSS. We interpreted quantitative and qualitative data together to understand how YWSS perceived male sexual partners, assess how well survey variables related to narrative descriptions, and describe patterns of risk behavior within partnerships. RESULTS Qualitative data suggest survey categories "husband" and "client" reflect YWSS' perceptions but "regular partner/boyfriend" and "casual partner" do not. In interviews, use of the term "boyfriend" was common, describing diverse relationships with mixed emotional and financial benefits. More than 85% of male partners provided money to YWSS, but women were less likely to report condomless sex with clients than regular partners (11% vs 37%) and more likely to report condomless sex with partners who ever forced them to have sex (37% vs 21%). CONCLUSIONS Reducing HIV risk among YWSS requires prevention messages and tools that recognize diverse and changing vulnerability within and between sexual relationships with different male partners.
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Bermudez LG, Mulenga D, Musheke M, Mathur S. Intersections of financial agency, gender dynamics, and HIV risk: A qualitative study with adolescent girls and young women in Zambia. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1638-1651. [PMID: 34255608 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1951800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Recent research demonstrates that economic interventions may positively effect HIV risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. Some evidence reveals potential associations between financial decision-making and bargaining power in sexual relationships. However, this evidence is mixed, nuanced, and limited. This paper explores how AGYW in Zambia understand financial agency and its effect on intimate relationships. Methods: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 females aged 15-24 years residing in Kalingalinga, a low income, high-density residential area in Lusaka. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Participants spoke of the ability to earn and spend money as reality for some and aspirational for many others, intrinsic to cultural and religious caveats influencing perceptions of agency for women. The transfer of financial independence to sexual agency within relationships was viewed as a mechanism for HIV risk reduction; however, male sexual privilege was an obstacle irrespective of financial decision-making. Conclusions: Programmes aiming to enhance financial agency for AGYW have the potential to reduce HIV sexual risk. Yet, to be most effective, integration with gender-transformative programmes is needed to address norms of male dominance that keep AGYW in positions of vulnerability.
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Abstract
HIV incidence has recently been in decline across some of the most intense epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa due to the scale-up of prevention and transmission-blocking treatments. Understanding whether declines in incidence are being felt equally across age and gender can help prioritize demographic groups where more effort is needed to lower transmission. We found that HIV incidence has declined disproportionately in the youngest men and women in a population with the highest HIV prevalence in the world. Shifts in the age distribution of risk may be the consequence of aging prevalence, prioritized prevention to younger individuals, and delays in age at infection from reduced overall force of infection. Our results highlight the need to expand age targets for HIV prevention. Recent declines in adult HIV-1 incidence have followed the large-scale expansion of antiretroviral therapy and primary HIV prevention across high-burden communities of sub-Saharan Africa. Mathematical modeling suggests that HIV risk will decline disproportionately in younger adult age-groups as interventions scale, concentrating new HIV infections in those >age 25 over time. Yet, no empirical data exist to support these projections. We conducted a population-based cohort study over a 16-y period (2004 to 2019), spanning the early scale-up of antiretroviral therapy and voluntary medical male circumcision, to estimate changes in the age distribution of HIV incidence in a hyperepidemic region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where adult HIV incidence has recently declined. Median age of HIV seroconversion increased by 5.5 y in men and 3.0 y in women, and the age of peak HIV incidence increased by 5.0 y in men and 2.0 y in women. Incidence declined disproportionately among young men (64% in men 15 to 19, 68% in men 20 to 24, and 46% in men 25 to 29) and young women (44% in women 15 to 19, 24% in women 20 to 24) comparing periods pre- versus post-universal test and treat. Incidence was stable (<20% change) in women aged 30 to 39 and men aged 30 to 34. Age shifts in incidence occurred after 2012 and were observed earlier in men than in women. These results provide direct epidemiological evidence of the changing demographics of HIV risk in sub-Saharan Africa in the era of large-scale treatment and prevention. More attention is needed to address lagging incidence decline among older individuals.
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44
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Aventin Á, Gordon S, Laurenzi C, Rabie S, Tomlinson M, Lohan M, Stewart J, Thurston A, Lohfeld L, Melendez-Torres GJ, Makhetha M, Chideya Y, Skeen S. Adolescent condom use in Southern Africa: narrative systematic review and conceptual model of multilevel barriers and facilitators. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1228. [PMID: 34172027 PMCID: PMC8234649 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11306-6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent HIV and pregnancy rates in Southern Africa are amongst the highest in the world. Despite decades of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programming targeting adolescents, recent trends suggest there is a continued need for interventions targeting condom use for this age group. METHODS This review synthesises evidence from qualitative studies that describe the determinants of condom use among adolescents in Southern Africa. We conducted systematic searches in four databases. Data were extracted, appraised for quality and analysed using a 'best-fit' framework synthesis approach. RESULTS We coded deductively findings from 23 original studies using an a priori framework and subsequently conducted thematic analysis. Synthesised findings produced six key themes relating to: 1) pervasive unequal gender norms and restrictive masculinities favouring male sexual decision-making and stigmatising condom use in committed relationships; 2) other social norms reflecting negative constructions of adolescent sexuality and non-traditional family planning; 3) economic and political barriers including poverty and a lack of policy support for condom use; 4) service-level barriers including a lack of youth-friendly SRH services and comprehensive sex education in schools; 5) interpersonal barriers and facilitators including unequal power dynamics in sexual partnerships, peer influences and encouraging condoning condom use, and inadequate communication about SRH from parents/caregivers; and 6) negative attitudes and beliefs about condoms and condom use among adolescents. A conceptual model was generated to describe determinants of condom use, illustrating individual-, interpersonal- and structural-level barriers and facilitating factors. CONCLUSION SRH programming targeting barriers and facilitators of condom use at multiple levels is recommended in Southern Africa. We present a multilevel integrated model of barriers and facilitators to guide adolescent SRH decision-making, programme planning and evaluation. Given the existence of multilevel barriers and facilitators, interventions should, likewise, take a multilevel approach that incorporates locally relevant understanding of the individual-, interpersonal- and structural-level barriers and facilitators to condom use among adolescents in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áine Aventin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Sarah Gordon
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Christina Laurenzi
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Stephan Rabie
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Maria Lohan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jackie Stewart
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Allen Thurston
- School of Education, Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Lynne Lohfeld
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | | | - Moroesi Makhetha
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- World Vision, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Yeukai Chideya
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Sarah Skeen
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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45
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Mbokazi N, Madzima R, Leon N, Lurie MN, Cornell M, Schmidt BM, Colvin CJ. Health Worker Experiences of and Perspectives on Engaging Men in HIV Care: A Qualitative Study in Cape Town, South Africa. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2021; 19:2325958220935691. [PMID: 32597712 PMCID: PMC7325454 DOI: 10.1177/2325958220935691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Men generally fare worse than women across the HIV cascade. While we know much about how men perceive the health services, we know little about how health workers (HWs) themselves have experienced engaging with men and what strategies they have used to improve this engagement. We interviewed 12 HWs in public health care services in Cape Town to better understand their experiences and perspectives. Health workers felt there were significant gaps in men’s engagement with HIV care and identified masculine gender norms, the persistent impact of HIV stigma, and the competing priorities of employment as key barriers. They also highlighted a number of health service-related challenges, including a poor perception of the patient–provider relationship, frustration at low service quality, and unrealistic expectations of the health services. Health workers also described several strategies for more effectively engaging men and for making the health services both more male friendly and more people friendly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonzuzo Mbokazi
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rutendo Madzima
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Natalie Leon
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mark N Lurie
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bey-Marrie Schmidt
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Christopher J Colvin
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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46
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HIV Incidence Among Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Time Trend Analysis of the 2000-2017 Period. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2021; 32:662. [PMID: 33989245 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to use data from the United Nations Global Indicators Database to analyze the trends in the HIV incidence rate among women in sub-Saharan African countries between 2000 and 2017. The HIV incidence rate is defined as the number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, aged 15 to 49 years old. Joinpoint regression analysis was applied to identify periods when there were significant changes in the HIV incidence rate. The results show that there was a global decrease trend in the HIV incidence rates among women in sub-Saharan Africa, decreasing in all sub-Saharan African countries, except in Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan, which have remained the same, and Madagascar, where the overall trend is increasing. The joinpoint regression statistical method offers an in-depth analysis of the incidence of HIV among women in sub-Saharan Africa.
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47
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Rowe K, Duta M, Demeyere N, Wagner RG, Pettifor A, Kahn K, Tollman S, Scerif G, Stein A. Validation of Oxford Cognitive Screen: Executive Function (OCS-EF), a tablet-based executive function assessment tool amongst adolescent females in rural South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 56:895-907. [PMID: 33951197 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Short, reliable, easily administered executive function (EF) assessment tools are needed to measure EF in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa given the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorder. We administered Oxford Cognitive Screen-Executive Function (OCS-EF) to 932 rural South African females (mean age 19.7 years). OCS-EF includes seven tasks: two hot inhibition tasks (a modified Iowa Gambling Task, emotional go/no-go) and five cool EF tasks, two switching tasks (visuospatial rule-finding, geometric trails) and three working memory tasks (digit recall, selection and figure drawing). We performed confirmatory factor analysis testing whether a three-factor, two-factor hot-cool, two-factor working memory and inhibition/switching, or one-factor EF model fitted the data better. The three-factor (switching, inhibition and working memory) model had the best local and global fit (χ2 (11) 24.21, p = 0.012; RMSEA 0.036; CFI 0.920; CD 0.617). We demonstrated the feasibility of OCS-EF administration by trained laypeople, the tripartite structure of EF amongst adolescent females and the factorial validity of OCS-EF in this population and context. OCS-EF tablet-based cognitive assessment tool can be administered by trained laypeople and is a valid tool for assessing cognition at scale amongst adolescents in rural South Africa and similar environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Rowe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mihaela Duta
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nele Demeyere
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ryan G Wagner
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå, University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Carolina Population Centre, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå, University, Umeå, Sweden.,INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephen Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå, University, Umeå, Sweden.,INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gaia Scerif
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alan Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Jacobs T, George A. Democratic South Africa at 25 - a conceptual framework and narrative review of the social and structural determinants of adolescent health. Global Health 2021; 17:35. [PMID: 33781302 PMCID: PMC8006635 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00679-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty-five years into South Africa's constitutional democracy provides an opportunity to take stock of the social and structural determinants of adolescent health. Those born in democratic South Africa, commonly known as the 'Born Frees', are perceived to be able to realise equal rights and opportunities, yet many factors constrain their lives. In bringing together approaches to understanding context in health policy and systems research and the social determinants of health, the paper develops a conceptual framework to guide the narrative review examining the key contextual social and structural determinants of adolescent health in South Africa. Illustrative examples drawing from 65 papers from public health and the social sciences describe and link these determinants across micro, meso and macro levels of society, their global determinants, and their intersections with compounding axes of power and inequality.At a micro level individual adolescent sexual and gender identities are expressed through multiple and evolving forms, while they experience growing autonomy and agency, they do so within a broader context characterised by regressive social norms, gender inequality and other intersecting power relationships. At the meso level, organisational and sectoral determinants shape adolescents health and rights, both in being supportive, but they also replicate the biases and inequalities that characterise South African society. In addition, the macro level national and global determinants, such as the structural colonial and apartheid legacies, shape adolescents' health. Despite constitutional and other legislative rights, these determinants and compound economic, geographic, gender and other intersecting inequalities.A key finding is that current experiences and health of adolescents is shaped by past social and structural determinants and power relations, with apartheid inequalities still echoing in the lives of the adolescents, 25 years into democracy. More research and work is needed to provide insights into determinants of adolescent health beyond just the micro level, but also at the interrelated and dynamic meso and macro levels, nested in global determinants. The findings raise critical considerations and implications for understanding the social and structural determinants in the South African context and what this means for adolescent health in the SDG era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Jacobs
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
| | - Asha George
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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49
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High HIV Prevalence and Low HIV-Service Engagement Among Young Women Who Sell Sex: A Pooled Analysis Across 9 Sub-Saharan African Countries. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 85:148-155. [PMID: 32639275 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological data are needed to characterize the age-specific HIV burden and engagement in HIV services among young, marginalized women in sub-Saharan Africa. SETTING Women aged ≥18 years who reported selling sex were recruited across 9 countries in Southern, Central, and West Africa through respondent driven sampling (N = 6592). METHODS Individual-level data were pooled and age-specific HIV prevalence and antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage were estimated for each region using generalized linear mixed models. HIV-service engagement outcomes (prior HIV testing, HIV status awareness, and ART use) were compared among women living with HIV across age strata (18-19, 20-24, and ≥25 years) using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS By age 18%-19%, 45.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 37.9 to 53.0], 5.8% (95% CI: 4.3 to 7.8), and 4.0% (95% CI: 2.9 to 5.4) of young women who sell sex were living with HIV in Southern, Central, and West Africa respectively. Prevalence sharply increased during early adulthood in all regions, but ART coverage was suboptimal across age groups. Compared with adult women ≥25, young women aged 18-19 were less likely to have previously tested for HIV [prevalence ratio (PR) 0.76; 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.80], less likely to already be aware of their HIV status (PR 0.48; 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.64), and less likely to be taking ART (PR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.75). CONCLUSIONS HIV prevalence was already high by age 18-19 in this pooled analysis, demonstrating the need for prevention efforts that reach women who sell sex early in their adolescence. ART coverage remained low, with women in the youngest age group the least engaged in HIV-related services. Addressing barriers to HIV service delivery among young women who sell sex is central to a comprehensive HIV response.
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50
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Brennan C, Laubscher M, Maqungo S, Graham SM. Bibliometric analysis of research on the effects of human immunodeficiency virus in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. World J Orthop 2021; 12:169-177. [PMID: 33816143 PMCID: PMC7995343 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v12.i3.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little research investigating how human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects outcomes in orthopaedic surgery. With advances in treatment, HIV has become a chronic health problem and the chance of orthopaedic surgeons encountering it in clinical practice is increasing.
AIM To ascertain the quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications in orthopaedic journals about HIV.
METHODS A search of the Web of Science database was carried out, identifying any articles relating to HIV published in orthopaedic journals. These were assessed for geographic origin and level of evidence.
RESULTS Of 48.7% of orthopaedic journals listed on the Web of Science database had published articles relating to HIV. There were 168 articles about HIV in orthopaedic journals with only 40.5% (n = 68) published in the time frame we analysed (January 2007 to September 2017). Very few articles came from low-income countries and any articles published from that setting were collaborations. All of the articles were low level of evidence.
CONCLUSION There is a need for more high level orthopaedic and trauma research investigating the effects of HIV, particularly research from low-income countries, where higher level research will help to guide improvements in their treatment of its musculoskeletal manifestations and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciaran Brennan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR13LQ, United Kingdom
- Orthopaedic Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Maritz Laubscher
- Orthopaedic Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Sithombo Maqungo
- Orthopaedic Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Simon Matthew Graham
- Orthopaedic Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L97AL, United Kingdom
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Liverpool University Teaching Hospitals Trust, Liverpool L97AL, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L97AL, United Kingdom
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