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Nattabi J, Bahar OS, Nabayinda J, Nabunya P, Kiyingi J, Kizito S, Namuwonge F, Nsubuga E, Witte SS, Ssewamala FM. Crossroads of Choice: A qualitative study of the factors influencing decisions to transition from sex work among women engaged in sex work in Southern Uganda. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4468785. [PMID: 38883774 PMCID: PMC11177997 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4468785/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Women Engaged in commercial Sex Work (WESW) are exposed to behavioral, biological, and structural factors that exacerbate their risk to HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections. While commercial sex work may appear voluntary, WESW are more likely to be constrained to selling sex due to limited viable alternatives. To effectively support this vulnerable group of women, it is critical to understand factors that facilitate and impede their decisions to transition from sex work into other careers or jobs. The current study explored women's decision to transition from sex work into other careers or jobs. Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 53 WESW aged 20-47 enrolled within a larger study-Kyaterekera study, a randomized clinical trial (N = 542) implemented in 19 HIV hotspots in the Southern region of Uganda. Participants were selected based on their intervention attendance (high/medium/low attendance). The interviews were conducted in Luganda the widely spoken language in the study area to explore the factors influencing women's decisions to from transition from sex work to other jobs or careers. The main interview question used for this study was, "What are some of the factors that may influence whether you would transition from sex work to other jobs or vocations?". All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Thematic analysis in Dedoose software was used to analyze the data. Results Participants reported three primary types of decisions, including considering leaving sex work, deciding to leave, and continuing sex work. The emerging themes from the interviews were categorized into individual and structural level facilitators and barriers to leave sex work. Individual level factors included issues of stigma, discrimination, and aging as factors that facilitated women's decision to leave sex work. At the structural level, factors which include interpersonal stigma and discrimination (from immediate family and community members), physical and sexual violence and income related factors were identified as facilitators and barriers to leaving sex work. Conclusion Our study highlights the complex decision-making processes among WESW as they navigate transitions to alternative jobs or careers. By advocating for multifaceted interventions and policies tailored to the diverse challenges faced by WESW, our study contributes to a more informed approach to supporting their transition out of sex work.
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Nabunya P, Byansi W, Muwanga J, Bahar OS, Namuwonge F, Ssentumbwe V, Ssewamala FM. Family Factors and Gender Norms as Protective Factors Against Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviors Among Adolescent Girls in Southern Uganda. GLOBAL SOCIAL WELFARE : RESEARCH, POLICY & PRACTICE 2024; 11:111-121. [PMID: 38859819 PMCID: PMC11164544 DOI: 10.1007/s40609-022-00237-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women are at a higher risk for HIV infection stemming from barriers to accessing comprehensive sexual health education, unequal cultural, social, and economic statuses, limited access to education and health care services, and gender-based violence. This makes adolescent girls susceptible to high-risk sexual behaviors. This study examines the protective role of family, social support factors and gender norms against sexual risk-taking behaviors among secondary school adolescent girls in Uganda. Baseline data from the National Institute of Mental Health-funded Suubi4Her study were analyzed. A total of 1260 girls aged 14-17 years and enrolled in the first or second year of secondary school were recruited across 47 secondary schools. Hierarchical linear regression models were conducted to determine the role of family, social support factors and gender norms on sexual risk-taking behaviors. Results indicate that traditional gender norms, family care and relationships, and social support were all associated with lower levels of sexual risk-taking intentions-a proxy for engaging in sexual risk behaviors. Findings point to the need to develop family level support interventions to equip adolescent girls with adequate sexual health-related knowledge and skills to facilitate safer sexual practices and reduce high-risk sexual-taking behaviors, as they develop and transition into young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - William Byansi
- Boston College School of Social Work, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
| | - Joelynn Muwanga
- Department of Health and Human Services, New Hampshire, Division of Public Health, Littleton, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Vicent Ssentumbwe
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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Tozan Y, Kiyingi J, Kim S, Nabayinda J, Namuwonge F, Nsubuga E, Nakabuye F, Sensoy OB, Nabunya P, Mayo-Wilson LJ, McKay MM, Witte SS, Ssewamala FM. Costing of a Combination Intervention (Kyaterekera) Addressing Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviors among Vulnerable Women in Southern Uganda. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:1046-1056. [PMID: 38579695 PMCID: PMC11066365 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In Uganda, women engaged in sex work (WESW) are a marginalized population at the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities. The Kyaterekera intervention is targeted at WESW in Rakai and the greater Masaka regions in Uganda and combines a traditional HIV risk-reduction approach with a savings-led economic empowerment intervention and financial literacy training. We estimated the economic costs of the Kyaterekera intervention from a program provider perspective using a prospective activity-based micro-costing method. All program activities and resource uses were measured and valued across the control arm receiving a traditional HIV risk-reduction intervention and the treatment arm receiving a matched individual development savings account and financial literacy training on top of HIV risk reduction. The total per-participant cost by arm was adjusted for inflation and discounted at an annual rate of 3% and presented in 2019 US dollars. The total per-participant costs of the control and intervention arms were estimated at $323 and $1,435, respectively, using the per-protocol sample. When calculated based on the intent-to-treat sample, the per-participant costs were reduced to $183 and $588, respectively. The key cost drivers were the capital invested in individual development accounts and personnel and transportation costs for program operations, linked to WESW's higher mobility and the dispersed pattern of hot spot locations. The findings provide evidence of the economic costs of implementing a targeted intervention for this marginalized population in resource-constrained settings and shed light on the scale of potential investment needed to better achieve the health equity goal of HIV prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Tozan
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Sooyoung Kim
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York
| | | | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Edward Nsubuga
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Fatuma Nakabuye
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Ozge Bahar Sensoy
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Larissa Jennings Mayo-Wilson
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Mary M. McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Susan S. Witte
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Rogers K, Le Kirkegaard R, Wamoyi J, Grooms K, Essajee S, Palermo T. Systematic review of cash plus or bundled interventions targeting adolescents in Africa to reduce HIV risk. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:239. [PMID: 38245689 PMCID: PMC10799364 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17565-9] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV remains a leading cause of death for adolescents and young people aged 10-24 years. HIV prevention requires multisectoral approaches that target adolescents and young people, addressing HIV risk pathways (e.g., transactional sex, gender-based violence, and school attendance) through bundled interventions that combine economic strengthening, health capabilities, and gender equality education. However, best practices are unknown because evidence on multisectoral programming targeted to adolescents and combining these components has not been systematically reviewed. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to summarize the evidence on bundled interventions combining health and economic strengthening components for adolescents and young people and their effects on HIV/STI incidence and risk factors. We included studies from Africa published between 2005 and 2023, combining at least one economic strengthening and one health component, directed toward adolescents and young people aged 10-24 years. Included studies measured programmatic impacts on primary outcomes: HIV and STI incidence/prevalence; and mediators as secondary outcomes: sexual behaviours, sexual and reproductive health, school attendance, health-seeking behaviours, and violence. We conducted key word searches in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, imported titles/abstracts from the initial search, and reviewed them using the inclusion criteria. Full texts of selected articles were reviewed and information was extracted for analysis. Findings from the full texts identified were summarized. RESULTS We reviewed 58 studies, including 43 quantitative studies and 15 qualitative studies, evaluating 26 unique interventions. A majority of studies reviewed were conducted in Eastern and Southern Africa. Interventions reviewed showed a greater number of significant results in improving economic outcomes; mental health and psychosocial outcomes; sexual and reproductive health knowledge and services utilization; and HIV prevention knowledge and testing. They showed fewer significant results in improving outcomes related to HIV incidence/prevalence; sexual risk behaviours; gender-based violence; gender attitudes; education; STI incidence, prevalence and testing; and sexual debut. CONCLUSIONS Our review demonstrated the potential for bundled, multisectoral interventions for preventing HIV and facilitating safe transitions to adulthood. Findings have implications for designing HIV sensitive programmes on a larger scale, including how interventions may need to address multiple strata of the social ecological model to achieve success in the prevention of HIV and related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Rogers
- Policy Research Solutions LLC and University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | | | - Joyce Wamoyi
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Kaley Grooms
- Policy Research Solutions LLC and University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Tia Palermo
- Policy Research Solutions LLC and University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Namuwonge F, Kizito S, Ssentumbwe V, Kabarambi A, Magorokosho NK, Nabunya P, Namuli F, Namirembe R, Ssewamala FM. Peer Pressure and Risk-Taking Behaviors Among Adolescent Girls in a Region Impacted by HIV/AIDS in Southwestern Uganda. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:130-139. [PMID: 37804302 PMCID: PMC10841615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper uses data from a 3-arm Cluster Randomized Control Trial, Suubi4Her (N = 1260; 14-17-year-old school-going girls) to (1) assess the relationship between peer pressure and adolescent risk-taking behaviors; and (2) test the mediating effect of peer pressure on an intervention on adolescent risk-taking behaviors. METHODS Students in the southwestern region of Uganda were assigned to three study arms: control (n = 16 schools, n = 408 students) receiving usual care comprising of sexual and reproductive health curriculum; and two active treatment arms: Treatment 1 (n = 16 schools, n = 471 students) received everything the control arm received plus a savings led intervention. Treatment 2 (n = 15 schools, n = 381 students) received everything the control and treatment arms received plus a family strengthening intervention. We used multilevel models to assess the relationship between peer pressure and risk-taking behaviors. We ran structural equation models for mediation analysis. RESULTS Using baseline data, we found that direct peer pressure was significantly associated with substance use risk behaviors, (β = 0.044, 95% CI = 0.008, 0.079). We also found a statistically significant effect of the intervention on acquiring STIs through the mediating effect of sexual risk-taking significant (β = -0.025, 95% CI: -0.049, -0.001, p = .045) and total indirect (β = -0.042, 95% CI: -0.081, -0.002, p = .037) effects. Also, there was a significant mediation effect of the intervention on substance use through peer pressure (β = -0.030, 95% CI: -0.057, -0.002, p = .033). DISCUSSION Overall, the study points to the role of peer pressure on adolescent girls' risk-taking behaviors; and a need to address peer pressure at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Vicent Ssentumbwe
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Anita Kabarambi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka Field, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Natasja K Magorokosho
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Florence Namuli
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka Field, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Rashida Namirembe
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka Field, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
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Kreniske P, Namuyaba OI, Kasumba R, Namatovu P, Ssewamala F, Wingood G, Wei Y, Ybarra ML, Oloya C, Tindyebwa C, Ntulo C, Mujune V, Chang LW, Mellins CA, Santelli JS. Mobile Phone Technology for Preventing HIV and Related Youth Health Problems, Sexual Health, Mental Health, and Substance Use Problems in Southwest Uganda (Youth Health SMS): Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e49352. [PMID: 38113102 PMCID: PMC10762611 DOI: 10.2196/49352] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND East and Southern Africa have the highest HIV incidence and prevalence in the world, with adolescents and young adults being at the greatest risk. Despite effective combination prevention tools, including the recently available pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV incidence among adolescents and young adults in Uganda remains high, and PrEP use remains low. Mental health and substance use (behavioral health) play a role in sexual behavior and decision-making, contributing to an increase in the risk for acquiring HIV. Interventions that target multiple HIV risk factors, including sexual and mental health and problematic substance use, are crucial to ending the HIV epidemic. Yet few interventions addressing HIV related health disparities and comorbidities among adolescents and young adults in East and Southern Africa currently exist. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of Kirabo, an SMS text message intervention informed by the information, motivation, and behavior model and to be disseminated through secondary schools. The study will gather preliminary estimates of Kirabo's effectiveness in increasing HIV testing and linking users to mental health counselors. METHODS We identified Mobile 4 Reproductive Health for adaptation using the assessment, decision, administration, production, topical experts, integration, training, testing (ADAPT-ITT) framework. Mobile 4 Reproductive Health is an evidence-based automated 2-way SMS text messaging and interactive voice response platform that offers sexual and reproductive health information and links users to HIV clinics in East Africa. Through ADAPT-ITT we refined our approach and created Kirabo, an SMS text message-based intervention for linking adolescents and young adults to health services, including HIV testing and mental health counseling. We will conduct a 2-arm randomized controlled trial in Masaka, Uganda. Adolescents (N=200) will be recruited from local schools. Baseline sociodemographic characteristics, HIV test history, and behavioral health symptoms will be assessed. We will evaluate acceptability and feasibility using surveys, interviews, and mobile phone data. The preliminary efficacy of Kirabo in increasing HIV testing and linking users to mental health counselors will be evaluated immediately after the intervention and at the 3-month follow-up. We will also assess the intervention's impact on self-efficacy in testing for HIV, adopting PrEP, and contacting a mental health counselor. RESULTS Intervention adaptation began in 2019. A pretest was conducted in 2021. The randomized controlled trial, including usability and feasibility assessments and effectiveness measurements, commenced in August 2023. CONCLUSIONS Kirabo is a tool that assists in the efforts to end the HIV epidemic by targeting the health disparities and comorbidities among adolescents in Uganda. The intervention includes local HIV clinic information, PrEP information, and behavioral health screening, with referrals as needed. Increasing access to prevention strategies and mitigating factors that make adolescents and young adults susceptible to HIV acquisition can contribute to global efforts to end the HIV epidemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05130151; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05130151. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/49352.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Kreniske
- Community Health and Social Sciences Department, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Robert Kasumba
- Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Development, Masaka, Uganda
- Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Fred Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Development, Masaka, Uganda
- Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Gina Wingood
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michele L Ybarra
- Center for Innovative Public Health Research, San Clemente, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Larry W Chang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Claude A Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - John S Santelli
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Kizito S, Namuwonge F, Nabayinda J, Nabunya P, Nattabi J, Sensoy Bahar O, Kiyingi J, Magorokosho N, Ssewamala FM. Using Hierarchical Regression to Examine the Predictors of Sexual Risk-Taking Attitudes among Adolescents Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Uganda. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:244-251. [PMID: 37074235 PMCID: PMC10523903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We explored the factors influencing sexual risk-taking attitudes-defined as beliefs and values regarding sexual activity-among adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (ALHIV) in Uganda. METHODS The study used baseline data from a five-year cluster-randomized control trial (2012-2018) among 702 ALHIV in Uganda. Participants were aged 10-16 years, HIV-positive, taking antiretroviral therapy, and living within a family. We fitted hierarchical regression models to assess the demographic, economic, psychological, and social predictors of sexual risk-taking attitudes. Using R2, the final model explained 11.4% of the total variance. RESULTS Under economic factors, caregiver being formally employed (β = -0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.10-0.06, p < .001), and the ALHIV working for pay (β = 1.78, 95% CI: 0.28-3.29, p = .022), were associated with sexual risk-taking attitudes. Among the psychological factors, more depressive symptoms (β = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11-0.32, p < .001) were associated with more approving attitudes toward sexual risk-taking. Family and social factors including communicating with the caregiver about HIV (β = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.56-2.08, p = .001), sex (β = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.20-1.97, p = .017), and experiencing peer pressure (β = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.85-4.89, p < .001) were also associated with more approving attitudes toward sexual risk-taking. The final model explained 11.54% of the total variance. DISCUSSION Economic, psychological, and social factors influence sexual risk-taking attitudes among ALHIV. There is a need for more research to understand why discussing sex with caregivers improves adolescents' positive attitudes toward sexual risk-taking. These findings have significant ramifications in preventing sexual transmission of HIV among adolescents in low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Josephine Nabayinda
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jennifer Nattabi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Natasja Magorokosho
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Brathwaite R, Mutumba M, Nanteza J, Filiatreau LM, Migadde H, Namatovu P, Nabisere B, Mugisha J, Mwebembezi A, Ssewamala FM. Assessing the Feasibility of Economic Approaches to Prevent Substance Abuse Among Adolescents: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e46486. [PMID: 37314844 PMCID: PMC10337321 DOI: 10.2196/46486] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent alcohol and drug use (ADU) is a significant public health challenge. Uganda, one of the poorest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), has the second-highest rate of per capita alcohol consumption in SSA, and over one-third of Ugandan adolescents have used alcohol in their lifetime (over 50% of them engage in heavy episodic drinking). These estimates further increase in fishing villages, a key HIV-vulnerable population, where ADU is normative. However, few studies have assessed ADU among adolescents and youths living with HIV despite their increased risk for ADU and its impact on engagement in HIV care. Moreover, data on risk and resilience factors for ADU are scarce as only few studies evaluating ADU interventions in SSA have reported positive outcomes. The majority have been implemented in school settings, potentially excluding adolescents in fishing communities with high school dropout rates, and none have targeted risk factors including poverty and mental health, which are rampant among adolescents and youths living with HIV and their families, undermine their coping skills and resources, and have been associated with increased risk for ADU among them. OBJECTIVE We propose a mixed methods study with a sample of 200 adolescents and youths living with HIV (aged 18-24 years) seen at 6 HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda's fishing communities to (1) examine the prevalence and consequences of ADU and identify the multilevel risk and resilience factors associated with ADU among them and (2) explore the feasibility and short-term effects of an economic empowerment intervention on ADU among them. METHODS This study comprises four components: (1) focus group discussions (FGDs) with adolescents and youths living with HIV (n=20) and in-depth qualitative interviews with health providers (n=10) from 2 randomly selected clinics; (2) a cross-sectional survey with 200 adolescents and youths living with HIV; (3) a randomized controlled trial with a subgroup of adolescents and youths living with HIV (n=100); and (4) 2 postintervention FGD with adolescents and youths living with HIV (n=10 per group). RESULTS Participant recruitment for the first qualitative phase has completed. As of May 4, 2023, ten health providers from 6 clinics have been recruited, provided written consent to participate, and participated in in-depth qualitative interviews. Two FGDs was conducted with 20 adolescents and youths living with HIV from 2 clinics. Data transcription, translation, and analysis of qualitative data has commenced. The cross-sectional survey will commence shortly after and dissemination of the main study findings is targeted for 2024. CONCLUSIONS Our findings will advance our understanding of ADU among adolescents and youths living with HIV and inform the design of future interventions to address ADU among them. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05597865; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05597865. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/46486.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Brathwaite
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Massy Mutumba
- Department of Health Behavior & Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Herbert Migadde
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Betina Nabisere
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | | | | | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
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Ssewamala FM, Sauceda JA, Brathwaite R, Neilands TB, Nabunya P, Brown D, Sensoy Bahar O, Namuwonge F, Nakasujja N, Mugarura A, Mwebembezi A, Nartey P, Mukasa B, Gwadz M. Suubi + Adherence4Youth: a study protocol to optimize the Suubi Intervention for Adherence to HIV treatment for youth living with HIV in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:717. [PMID: 37081534 PMCID: PMC10116736 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15564-4] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suubi is an evidenced based multi-component intervention that targets psychosocial and economic hardships to improve ART adherence, viral suppression, mental health, family financial stability, and family cohesion for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Uganda. Suubi was originally tested as a combined package of four components: 1) Financial Literacy Training; 2) incentivized matched Youth Savings Accounts with income-generating activities; 3) a manualized and visual-based intervention for ART adherence and stigma reduction; and 4) engagement with HIV treatment-experienced role models. However, it is unknown if each component in Suubi had a positive effect, how the components interacted, or if fewer components could have produced equivalent effects. Hence, the overall goal of this new study is to identify the most impactful and sustainable economic and psychosocial components across 48 health clinics in Uganda. METHODS A total of 576 ALHIV (aged 11-17 years at enrollment) will be recruited from 48 clinics and each clinic will be randomized to one of 16 study conditions. Each condition represents every possible combination of the 4 components noted above. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 12, 24, 36 and 48- months post-intervention initiation. Using the multi-phase optimization strategy (MOST), we will identify the optimal combination of components and associated costs for viral suppression, as well as test key mediators and moderators of the component-viral suppression relationship. DISCUSSION The study is a shift in the paradigm of research to use new thinking to build/un-pack highly efficacious interventions that lead to new scientific knowledge in terms of understanding what drives an intervention's success and how to iterate on them in ways that are more efficient, affordable and scalable. The study advances intervention science for HIV care outcomes globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION This project was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05600621) on October, 31, 2022. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05600621.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - John A Sauceda
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Derek Brown
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Allan Mugarura
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | | | - Portia Nartey
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | | | - Marya Gwadz
- Intervention Innovations Team Lab (IIT-Lab), New York University Silver School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Sensoy Bahar O, Nabunya P, Namuwonge F, Samtani S, Ssentumbwe V, Namuli F, Magorokosho N, Ssewamala FM. "It gives you a road map of what to do to solve your problems": acceptability of a combination HIV prevention intervention among adolescent girls in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:249. [PMID: 36747149 PMCID: PMC9901100 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15083-2] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HIV burden remains a critical public health concern and adolescent girls are at significantly higher risk compared to the general adult population. Similar to other sub-Saharan African countries, Uganda reports high HIV prevalence among adolescent girls and young women. Yet, both evidence-based HIV prevention interventions and their acceptability among adolescent girls have not been widely studied. In this study, we examined the acceptability of the Suubi4Her intervention, an evidence-based combination intervention aimed at reducing HIV risk among adolescent girls in Uganda. METHODS We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 25 adolescent girls upon intervention completion to explore their experiences with the Suubi4Her intervention that was tested in a clinical trial in Uganda (2017-2023). Specifically, we explored their decision-making process for participating in the intervention, experiences with program attendance, and their feedback on specific intervention characteristics. Informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The main motivation for participation was access to health-related information, including information on STIs, HIV, and pregnancy as well as information on banking, saving, and income-generating activities. Though many participants did not have any initial concerns, mistrust of programs, initial paperwork, caregiver's ability to commit time, concerns about ability to save, and HIV/STI and pregnancy testing were raised by some participants. Facilitators to session attendance included motivation to learn information, caregiver commitment, reminder calls, and incentives received for participation. The main challenges included household responsibilities and obligations, difficulty raising transport money, and weather challenges. Adolescent girls appreciated the group format and found the location and times of the sessions convenient. They also found the content relevant to their needs and noted positive changes in their families. CONCLUSIONS The results showed high intervention acceptability among adolescent girls. These findings have important programmatic and policy implications in Uganda, especially given the higher HIV prevalence among adolescent girls in the country. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03307226 (Registered: 10/11/17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Satabdi Samtani
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Vicent Ssentumbwe
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Florence Namuli
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Natasja Magorokosho
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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11
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Nabayinda J, Kiyingi J, Kizito S, Nsubuga E, Nabunya P, Bahar OS, Magorokosho N, Nattabi J, Witte S, Fred Melch S. Does asset ownership influence sexual risk-taking behaviors among women engaged in sex work in Southern Uganda? A mediation analysis. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:537. [PMID: 36550547 PMCID: PMC9773531 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Economic vulnerability influences women engaged in commercial sex work (WESW) to further engage in sexual risk behaviors, as they often have multiple customers and engage in unprotected sex for financial gains. This study examined asset ownership's direct and indirect impact on sexual risk-taking behaviors among WESW in Southern Uganda, a very vulnerable group of women at high risk for contracting HIV and other STIs. METHODOLOGY We used baseline data from the Kyaterekera study, an NIH-funded study among WESW aged 18-55 across 19 HIV hotspots in Southern Uganda. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the direct, indirect, and total effects of assets-defined as ownership of physical and financial resources-on sexual risk-taking behaviors among WESW. RESULTS Results showed that asset ownership was associated with a decrease in depression (β = - 0.096 [95% CI - 0.191, - 0.001], p = 0.050) and increased access to medical care (β = 0.174 [95% CI 0.072, 0.275], p = 0.001).We also found that an increase in access to medical care was associated with decreased sexual risk-taking behaviors (β = - 0.107 [95% CI - 0.210, - 0.004], p = 0.041). We observed a specific indirect effect between assets and sexual risk-taking behaviors through access to medical care (β = - 0.019 [95% CI - 0.040, - 0.002], p = 0.05). Mediation contributed 31% of the total effects of asset ownership on sexual risk-taking behaviors. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is among the few studies to examine the impact of asset ownership on sexual risk-taking behaviors among WESW in Southern Uganda. Findings from this study indicate that increasing access to economic resources may reduce the risk of WESW engaging in unprotected sex for higher income, which limits the spread of HIV among this population. The results also indicate that asset ownership may allow women to access healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Nabayinda
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Edward Nsubuga
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Natasja Magorokosho
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Jennifer Nattabi
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Susan Witte
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Ssewamala Fred Melch
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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Ssewamala FM, McKay MM, Sensoy Bahar O, Nabunya P, Neilands T, Kiyingi J, Namatovu P, Guo S, Nakasujja N, Mwebembezi A. Suubi4StrongerFamilies: A study protocol for a clustered randomized clinical trial addressing child behavioral health by strengthening financial stability and parenting among families in Uganda. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:949156. [PMID: 36506418 PMCID: PMC9726732 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children in Sub-Saharan Africa are burdened by significant unmet mental health needs. Across the region, high rates of poverty, HIV/AIDS, food insecurity, stigma, and an inadequate health safety net system exacerbate serious child behavioral health needs and impede an effective response. Disruptive behavioral disorders are particularly concerning as they persist through adolescence and adulthood. Hence, addressing the context-specific social influences on child behavioral health is critical given that children in the region comprise more than half of the total regional population. Against this backdrop, this study protocol describes a randomized clinical trial that will examine the mechanisms by which economic empowerment and family strengthening interventions targeting social, familial, and context-specific drivers affect the mental health of children in Uganda. Methods The study uses an experimental, longitudinal design across 30 cluster-randomized primary schools to compare single and combination intervention options; influences of economic empowerment and family strengthening on economic, perceptual, and functioning mediators; and context-specific moderators. The study will be conducted with 900 Ugandan children in mid-upper primary school (10-14 years). The three study conditions (n = 300 each) are: (1) economic empowerment only (EE only), (2) multiple family group-based family strengthening only (MFG-based FS only), and (3) combined EE + MFG-based FS. The interventions will be provided for 12 months; and assessments will occur at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 months. Conclusion Children in Sub-Saharan Africa are burdened by significant unmet mental health needs, including disruptive behavior disorders that persist through adolescence and adulthood if left untreated. The proposed study will examine the mechanisms by which economic empowerment and family strengthening interventions targeting social, familial and context-specific drivers affect the mental health of children in mid-upper primary schools in Uganda. Findings from this study can inform group, community, and population approaches that are needed for scalable solutions to address the social drivers negatively impacting child behavioral health in low-resource settings, including in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical trial registration [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT053 68714].
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mary M. McKay
- Vice Provost Office, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Torsten Neilands
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, LA, United States
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Shenyang Guo
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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13
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Dvalishvili D, Ssewamala FM, Nabunya P, Sensoy Bahar O, Kizito S, Namuwonge F, Namatovu P. Impact of Family-Based Economic Empowerment Intervention, Suubi+Adherence (2012-2018) on Multidimensional Poverty for Adolescents Living with HIV (ALWHIV) in Uganda. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14326. [PMID: 36361203 PMCID: PMC9657112 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Children growing up in poverty are disproportionately affected by diseases, including HIV. In this study, we use data from Suubi+Adherence, a longitudinal randomized control trial (2012-2018) with 702 adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV), to examine the effectiveness of a family-based multifaceted economic empowerment (EE) intervention in addressing economic instability and multidimensional poverty among ALWHIV in Southern Uganda. We constructed a Multidimensional Poverty Index of individual and household indicators, including health, assets, housing and family dynamics. We computed the proportion of multidimensionally poor children (H), estimated poverty intensity (A) and adjusted headcount ratio (M0). Using repeated measures at five-time points (baseline, years 1, 2, 3 and 4-post baseline) across two study arms: treatment (receiving the EE intervention) vs. control arm (not receiving EE), we find that both the incidence and proportion of multidimensional poverty decreased in the treatment arm vs. the control arm. Given that there is a direct link between economic instability and poor health outcomes, these findings are informative. They point to the potential for family EE interventions to decrease multidimensional poverty among vulnerable children, including ALWHIV, impacting their overall wellbeing and ability to meet their treatment needs and improve HIV care continuum outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fred. M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Samuel Kizito
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Uganda Office, Masaka 961105, Uganda
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14
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Mutumba M, Ssewamala F, Namirembe R, Sensoy Bahar O, Nabunya P, Neilands T, Tozan Y, Namuwonge F, Nattabi J, Acayo Laker P, Mukasa B, Mwebembezi A. A Multilevel Integrated Intervention to Reduce the Impact of HIV Stigma on HIV Treatment Outcomes Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Uganda: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e40101. [PMID: 36197706 PMCID: PMC9582915 DOI: 10.2196/40101] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV stigma remains a formidable barrier to HIV treatment adherence among school-attending adolescents living with HIV, owing to high levels of HIV stigma within schools, rigid school structures and routines, lack of adherence support, and food insecurity. Thus, this protocol paper presents an evidence-informed multilevel intervention that will simultaneously address family- and school-related barriers to HIV treatment adherence and care engagement among adolescents living with HIV attending boarding schools in Uganda. OBJECTIVE The proposed intervention-Multilevel Suubi (MSuubi)-has the following objectives: examine the impact of M-Suubi on HIV viral suppression (primary outcome) and adherence to HIV treatment, including keeping appointments, pharmacy refills, pill counts, and retention in care; examine the effect of M-Suubi on HIV stigma (internalized, anticipated, and enacted), with secondary analyses to explore hypothesized mechanisms of change (eg, depression) and intervention mediation; assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of each intervention condition; and qualitatively examine participants' experiences with HIV stigma, HIV treatment adherence, and intervention and educators' attitudes toward adolescents living with HIV and experiences with group-based HIV stigma reduction for educators, and program or policy implementation after training. METHODS MSuubi is a 5-year multilevel mixed methods randomized controlled trial targeting adolescents living with HIV aged 10 to 17 years enrolled in a primary or secondary school with a boarding section. This longitudinal study will use a 3-arm cluster randomized design across 42 HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda. Participants will be randomized at the clinic level to 1 of the 3 study conditions (n=14 schools; n=280 students per study arm). These include the bolstered usual care (consisting of the literature on antiretroviral therapy adherence promotion and stigma reduction), multiple family groups for HIV stigma reduction plus family economic empowerment (MFG-HIVSR plus FEE), and Group-based HIV stigma reduction for educators (GED-HIVSR). Adolescents randomized to the GED-HIVSR treatment arm will also receive the MFG-HIVSR plus FEE treatment. MSuubi will be provided for 20 months, with assessments at baseline and 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS This study was funded in September 2021. Participant screening and recruitment began in April 2022, with 158 dyads enrolled as of May 2022. Dissemination of the main study findings is anticipated in 2025. CONCLUSIONS MSuubi will assess the effects of a combined intervention (family-based economic empowerment, financial literacy education, and school-based HIV stigma) on HIV stigma among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. The results will expand our understanding of effective intervention strategies for reducing stigma among HIV-infected and noninfected populations in Uganda and improving HIV treatment outcomes among adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05307250; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05307250. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/40101.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massy Mutumba
- Department of Health Behavior & Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Fred Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Rashida Namirembe
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Torsten Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yesim Tozan
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Nattabi
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Penina Acayo Laker
- Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
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Andrawis A, Tapa J, Vlaev I, Read D, Schmidtke KA, Chow EPF, Lee D, Fairley CK, Ong JJ. Applying Behavioural Insights to HIV Prevention and Management: a Scoping Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:358-374. [PMID: 35930186 PMCID: PMC9508055 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00615-z] [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: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This scoping review summarises the literature on HIV prevention and management interventions utilizing behavioural economic principles encapsulated in the MINDSPACE framework. RECENT FINDINGS MINDSPACE is an acronym developed by the UK's behavioural insights team to summarise nine key influences on human behaviour: Messenger, Incentives, Norms, Default, Salience, Priming, Affect, Commitment, and Ego. These effects have been used in various settings to design interventions that encourage positive behaviours. Currently, over 200 institutionalised behavioural insight teams exist internationally, which may draw upon the MINDSPACE framework to inform policy and improve public services. To date, it is not clear how behavioural insights have been applied to HIV prevention and management interventions. After screening 899 studies for eligibility, 124 were included in the final review. We identified examples of interventions that utilised all the MINDSPACE effects in a variety of settings and among various populations. Studies from high-income countries were most common (n = 54) and incentives were the most frequently applied effect (n = 100). The MINDSPACE framework is a useful tool to consider how behavioural science principles can be applied in future HIV prevention and management interventions. Creating nudges to enhance the design of HIV prevention and management interventions can help people make better choices as we strive to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexsandra Andrawis
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Tapa
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ivo Vlaev
- Warwick Business School, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | - Eric P F Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Lee
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jason J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- , Carlton, Australia
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16
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Relationship Between Mental Health and HIV Transmission Knowledge and Prevention Attitudes Among Adolescents Living with HIV: Lessons from Suubi + Adherence Cluster Randomized Study in Southern Uganda. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3721-3733. [PMID: 33797667 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03243-7] [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] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the effect of depression, hopelessness, and self-concept on HIV prevention attitudes and knowledge about infection, transmission and sexual risk behavior among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. Utilizing longitudinal data from 635 adolescents living with HIV, multiple ordinary least square regression was used to evaluate associations between the three indicators of mental health functioning at baseline and HIV knowledge and prevention attitudes at 12-months follow-up. We found that depression (β = - 0.17; 95% CI - 0.31, - 0.04) and hopelessness (β = - 0.16; 95% CI - 0.28, - 0.04) scores at baseline were associated with a 0.17 and 0.16 average reduction in HIV prevention attitudes and HIV knowledge scores, respectively at 12-months follow-up. However, self-concept was not significantly associated with HIV knowledge or prevention attitudes. Adolescents living with HIV with greater levels of hopelessness are at increased risk of having limited HIV knowledge while those with greater symptoms of depression had less favorable HIV prevention attitudes.
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Thomas T, Tan M, Ahmed Y, Grigorenko EL. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Affected by HIV/AIDS Worldwide. Ann Behav Med 2021; 54:853-866. [PMID: 32525205 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaaa022] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, there are more than 13.3 million orphans and vulnerable children affected by Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) (HIV OVC), defined as individuals below the age of 18 who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS or have been made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS; they are at risk for negative psychosocial and cognitive outcomes. PURPOSE This meta-analysis aimed to examine the scientific literature on available interventions for HIV OVC, with a focus on community-based interventions (CBI). METHODS Systematic electronic searches were conducted from four databases between October 2016 and April 2017 to identify articles investigating the effectiveness of interventions for HIV OVC. Effect sizes were calculated for each article which provided enough information and data points for analyses. RESULTS Seventy-four articles were reviewed, including psychosocial interventions (d = 0.30), cognitive interventions (d = 0.14), social protection interventions (d = 0.36), and community-based interventions (CBI; d = 0.36). Study-specific effect sizes varied widely, ranging from -1.09 to 2.26, that is, from a negative effect to an impressively large positive one, but the majority of studies registered small to medium effects (the overall effect size for all studies was 0.32, SE = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.26-0.37). Social protection interventions had the highest positive outcomes whereas CBI tended to have the fewest significant positive outcomes, with some outcomes worsening instead of improving. CONCLUSIONS Overall, interventions provided to OVC have potential for improving cognitive, psychosocial, and risk-behavior outcomes. Social protection interventions and CBI had the highest effect sizes, but CBI had positive effects on fewer outcomes and demonstrated some negative effects. CBI warrant scrutiny for improvement, as they represent an important form of culturally embedded services with potentially long-term benefits to OVC, yet appear to be differentially effective. Successful components of other types of intervention were identified, including cash grants, mentorship, and family therapy. In addition, more research is needed that attends to which interventions may be more effective for specific populations, or that studies cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Thomas
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Mei Tan
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Yusra Ahmed
- Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Elena L Grigorenko
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX.,Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, TX.,Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Moscow State University for Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Family Economic Empowerment, Family Social Support, and Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviors Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Uganda: The Suubi+Adherence Study. J Adolesc Health 2021; 69:406-413. [PMID: 33812750 PMCID: PMC8403623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the effect of a family economic empowerment (EE) intervention and family support on sexual risk-taking behaviors among adolescents living with HIV in rural Uganda. METHODS We used data from the Suubi + Adherence study, a longitudinal cluster randomized clinical trial of 702 adolescents living with HIV aged 10-16 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control arm (n = 358) receiving bolstered standard of care or a treatment arm (n = 344) receiving bolstered standard of care plus the family EE intervention. We used mixed-effects models to examine the effect of the EE intervention and family support on sexual risk-taking behaviors at the baseline, 12 months, and 24 months after intervention initiation. RESULTS Adolescents in both the intervention and control groups did not differ significantly in their sexual risk-taking attitudes at the baseline and over the 24-month follow-up period. Higher levels of caregiver social support were significantly associated with a decrease in attitudes toward sexual risk-taking (ß = -.40, 95%CI = -.51, -.29). More frequent parent-child communication was significantly associated with increased negative sexual risk-taking attitudes (ß = .21, 95%CI = .16, .26). CONCLUSIONS Although we find no direct relationship between family EE and attitudes related to sexual risk-taking behaviors, we find that a supportive family environment can promote positive attitudes related to sexual risk-taking behaviors. The effectiveness of sexual risk reduction interventions would be enhanced by engaging families and strengthening supportive relationships between adolescents and their caregivers.
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Bhana A, Kreniske P, Pather A, Abas MA, Mellins CA. Interventions to address the mental health of adolescents and young adults living with or affected by HIV: state of the evidence. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24 Suppl 2:e25713. [PMID: 34164939 PMCID: PMC8222850 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents and young adults (AYA) remain vulnerable to HIV-infection and significant co-morbid mental health challenges that are barriers to treatment and prevention efforts. Globally millions of AYA are living with HIV (AYALH) and/or have been affected by HIV in their families (AYAAH), with studies highlighting the need for mental health programmes. With no current guidelines for delivering mental health interventions for AYALH or AYAAH, a scoping review was undertaken to explore current evidence-based mental health interventions for AYALH and AYAAH to inform future work. METHODS The review, targeting work between 2014 and 2020, initially included studies of evidence-based mental health interventions for AYALH and AYAAH, ages 10 to 24 years, that used traditional mental health treatments. Given the few studies identified, we expanded our search to include psychosocial interventions that had mental health study outcomes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We identified 13 studies, seven focused on AYALH, five on AYAAH, and one on both. Most studies took place in sub-Saharan Africa. Depression was targeted in eight studies with the remainder focused on a range of emotional and behavioural symptoms. Few studies used evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy; psychosocial approaches included mental health treatments, group-based and family strengthening interventions, economic empowerment combined with family strengthening, group-based mindfulness and community interventions. Eleven studies were randomized control trials with four pilot studies. There was variation in sample size, treatment delivery mode (individual focus, group-based, family focus), and measures of effectiveness across studies. Most used trained lay counsellors as facilitators, with few using trained mental health professionals. Eleven studies reported positive intervention effects on mental health. CONCLUSIONS Despite the need for mental health interventions for AYALH and AYAAH, we know surprisingly little about mental health treatment for this vulnerable population. There are some promising approaches, but more work is needed to identify evidence-based approaches and corresponding mechanisms of change. Given limited resources, integrating mental health treatment into healthcare settings and using digital health approaches may support more standardized and scalable treatments. Greater emphasis on implementation science frameworks is needed to create sustainable mental health treatment for AYALH and AYAAH globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvin Bhana
- Health Systems Research UnitSouth African Medical Research CouncilDurbanSouth Africa
- Centre for Rural HealthCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalSouth Africa
| | - Philip Kreniske
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral StudiesDepartment of PsychiatryNew York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ariana Pather
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral StudiesDepartment of PsychiatryNew York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Melanie Amna Abas
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing’s College LondonLondonUK
| | - Claude A Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral StudiesDepartment of PsychiatryNew York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
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20
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Ssewamala FM, Sensoy Bahar O, Nabunya P, Thames AD, Neilands TB, Damulira C, Mukasa B, Brathwaite R, Mellins C, Santelli J, Brown D, Guo S, Namatovu P, Kiyingi J, Namuwonge F, McKay MM. Suubi+Adherence-Round 2: A study protocol to examine the longitudinal HIV treatment adherence among youth living with HIV transitioning into young adulthood in Southern Uganda. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:179. [PMID: 33478469 PMCID: PMC7818782 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10202-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth living with HIV (YLHIV) in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) are less likely to adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other health-related regimens. As a consequence, YLHIV are not only at risk for health problems and mental health comorbidities, but are also at risk for cognitive deficits, including in areas of memory and executive functioning. The Suubi+Adherence study followed 702 adolescents (10-16 years of age) receiving bolstered standard of care and a family economic empowerment intervention comprising an incentivized youth financial savings account (YSA) augmented with financial literacy training (FLT) and peer mentorship. The study findings pointed to superior short-term viral suppression and positive adolescent health and mental health functioning among participants receiving the intervention. The original group of adolescents who received Suubi+Adherence are now transitioning into young adulthood. This paper presents a protocol for the follow-up phase titled Suubi+Adherence Round 2. METHODS The original cohort in Suubi+Adherence will be tracked for an additional five years (2020-2025). Specifically, the long term follow-up will allow to: 1) ascertain the extent to which the short term outcomes identified in the first 6 years of the intervention are maintained as the same group transitions through young adulthood; and 2) address new scientific questions regarding ART adherence; HIV care engagement; protective health behaviors; and the potential of FEE to mitigate the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders in YLHIV. Additionally, the team examines the potential mechanisms through which the observed long-term outcomes happen. Moreover, the Suubi+Adherence-Round 2 adds a qualitative component and extends the cost effectiveness component. DISCUSSION Guided by asset and human development theories, Suubi+Adherence-R2 will build on the recently concluded Suubi+Adherence study to conduct one of the largest and longest running studies of YLHIV in SSA as they transition into young adulthood. The study will address new scientific questions regarding long-term ART adherence, HIV care engagement, protective health behaviors, and the potential of FEE to mitigate the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders in YLHIV. The findings may inform efforts to improve HIV care among Uganda's YLHIV, with potential replicability in other low-resource countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , ID: NCT01790373.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - April D Thames
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, 3620 S. McClintock Avenue Rm 520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Christopher Damulira
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Barbara Mukasa
- Mildmay Uganda, 12 Km Entebbe Road, Naziba Hill, Lweza, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Claude Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical & Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - John Santelli
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Ave B-4 Suite 432, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Derek Brown
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Shenyang Guo
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Mary M McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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21
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Jennings Mayo-Wilson L, Coleman J, Timbo F, Latkin C, Torres Brown ER, Butler AI, Conserve DF, Glass NE. Acceptability of a feasibility randomized clinical trial of a microenterprise intervention to reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase employment and HIV preventive practices (EMERGE) in young adults: a mixed methods assessment. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1846. [PMID: 33267860 PMCID: PMC7709242 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09904-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acceptability is a critical requisite in establishing feasibility when planning a larger effectiveness trial. This study assessed the acceptability of conducting a feasibility randomized clinical trial of a 20-week microenterprise intervention for economically-vulnerable African-American young adults, aged 18 to 24, in Baltimore, Maryland. Engaging MicroenterprisE for Resource Generation and Health Empowerment (EMERGE) aimed to reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase employment and uptake of HIV preventive behaviors. METHODS Thirty-eight participants were randomized to experimental (n = 19) or comparison group (n = 19). The experimental group received text messages on job openings plus educational sessions, mentoring, a start-up grant, and business and HIV prevention text messages. The comparison group received text messages on job openings only. Qualitative and quantitative post-intervention, in-person interviews were used in addition to process documentation of study methods. RESULTS Our results found that the study design and interventions showed promise for being acceptable to economically-vulnerable African-American young adults. The largely positive endorsement suggested that factors contributing to acceptability included perceived economic potential, sexual health education, convenience, incentives, and encouraging, personalized feedback to participants. Barriers to acceptability for some participants included low cell phone connectivity, perceived payment delays, small cohort size, and disappointment with one's randomization assignment to comparison group. Use of peer referral, network, or wait-list designs, in addition to online options may enhance acceptability in a future definitive trial. Expanding administrative and mentoring support may improve overall experience. CONCLUSION Microenterprise interventions are acceptable ways of providing young adults with important financial and sexual health content to address HIV risks associated with economic vulnerability. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03766165 . Registered 04 December 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Jennings Mayo-Wilson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jessica Coleman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Fatmata Timbo
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Torres Brown
- HEBCAC Youth Opportunity (YO!) Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1212 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Anthony I. Butler
- AIRS, Inc., Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc., City Steps, 1800 N Charles Street, 7th Floor, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Donaldson F. Conserve
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Green Street, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - Nancy E. Glass
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
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22
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Jennings Mayo-Wilson L, Coleman J, Timbo F, Ssewamala FM, Linnemayr S, Yi GT, Kang BA, Johnson MW, Yenokyan G, Dodge B, Glass NE. Microenterprise Intervention to Reduce Sexual Risk Behaviors and Increase Employment and HIV Preventive Practices Among Economically-Vulnerable African-American Young Adults (EMERGE): A Feasibility Randomized Clinical Trial. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:3545-3561. [PMID: 32494942 PMCID: PMC7667139 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02931-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Economic vulnerability, such as homelessness and unemployment, contributes to HIV risk among U.S. racial minorities. Yet, few economic-strengthening interventions have been adapted for HIV prevention in this population. This study assessed the feasibility of conducting a randomized clinical trial of a 20-week microenterprise intervention for economically-vulnerable African-American young adults. Engaging MicroenterprisE for Resource Generation and Health Empowerment (EMERGE) aimed to reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase employment and uptake of HIV preventive behaviors. The experimental group received text messages on job openings plus educational sessions, mentoring, a start-up grant, and business and HIV prevention text messages. The comparison group received text messages on job openings only. Primary feasibility objectives assessed recruitment, randomization, participation, and retention. Secondary objectives examined employment, sexual risk behaviors, and HIV preventive behaviors. Outcome assessments used an in-person pre- and post-intervention interview and a weekly text message survey. Several progression criteria for a definitive trial were met. Thirty-eight participants were randomized to experimental (n = 19) or comparison group (n = 19) of which 95% were retained. The comparison intervention enhanced willingness to be randomized and reduced non-participation. Mean age of participants was 21.0 years; 35% were male; 81% were unemployed. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of experimental participants completed ≥ 70% of intervention activities, and 74% completed ≥ 50% of intervention activities. Participation in intervention activities and outcome assessments was highest in the first half (~ 10 weeks) of the study. Seventy-one percent (71%) of weekly text message surveys received a response through week 14, but responsiveness declined to 37% of participants responding to ≥ 70% of weekly text message surveys at the end of the study. The experimental group reported higher employment (from 32% at baseline to 83% at week 26) and lower unprotected sex (79% to 58%) over time compared to reported changes in employment (37% to 47%) and unprotected sex (63% to 53%) over time in the comparison group. Conducting this feasibility trial was a critical step in the process of designing and testing a behavioral intervention. Development of a fully-powered effectiveness trial should take into account lessons learned regarding intervention duration, screening, and measurement.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03766165. Registered 04 December 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03766165.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Jennings Mayo-Wilson
- Indiana University School of Public Health, Department of Applied Health Science, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jessica Coleman
- Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Fatmata Timbo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Goldfarb, One Brookings, Drive, St. Louis, MO USA
| | | | - Grace T. Yi
- Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Bee-Ah Kang
- Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Matthew W. Johnson
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Gayane Yenokyan
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Brian Dodge
- Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Nancy E. Glass
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
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Stoner MC, Kilburn K, Hill LM, MacPhail C, Selin A, Kimaru L, Khoza N, Hove J, Twine R, Kahn K, Pettifor A. The effects of a cash transfer intervention on sexual partnerships and HIV in the HPTN 068 study in South Africa. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2020; 22:1112-1127. [PMID: 31496383 PMCID: PMC7061081 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1655591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Evidence on cash transfer interventions for HIV prevention in adolescent girls and young women is unclear and indicates that they may not work uniformly in all settings. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 girls and young women post-intervention to determine how a cash transfer study (HPTN 068) in South Africa was perceived to influence sexual behaviours and to explore mechanisms for these changes. Participants described how the intervention motivated them to increase condom use, have fewer partners, end risky relationships and access HIV testing services at local primary health clinics. Changes were attributed to receipt of the cash transfer, in addition to HIV testing and sexual health information. Processes of change included improved communication with partners and increased negotiation power in sexual decision-making. Economic empowerment interventions increase confidence in negotiating behaviours with sexual partners and are complementary to sexual health information and health services that provide young women with a foundation on which to make informed decisions about how to protect themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C.D. Stoner
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kelly Kilburn
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Global Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lauren M Hill
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Catherine MacPhail
- MRC/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
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amanda Selin
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Linda Kimaru
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- MRC/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
| | - Nomhle Khoza
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Hove
- MRC/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
| | - Rhian Twine
- MRC/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
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/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
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- MRC/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
- Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Temin M, Heck CJ. Close to Home: Evidence on the Impact of Community-Based Girl Groups. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020; 8:300-324. [PMID: 32606096 PMCID: PMC7326521 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-20-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Community-based programming to promote gender equity, often delivered through community-based girl groups (CBGGs, sometimes called "safe spaces"), is increasing. However, evidence is weak on how CBGGs are implemented and their effect on adolescent girls' health and well-being. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify relevant CBGG programs. METHODS The review included programs with impact evaluations that used experimental or quasi-experimental design, data from 2 time points, control/comparison groups, and quantitative program effects and P values. RESULTS We analyzed evaluations of 30 programs (14 randomized controlled trials, 16 quasi-experimental). Although program designs varied, most programs targeted unmarried girls aged 13 to 18 years who were both in school and not in school, and who met weekly in groups of 15 to 25 girls. Nearly all programs used multisectoral approaches focusing on life skills and often economic and financial content, such as financial literacy and microsavings. Complementary activities with community members, boys, and health services were common. Across programs, evaluations reported statistically significant effects (P<.05) the majority (>50%) of times they measured outcomes related to gender and health attitudes and knowledge, education, psychosocial well-being, and economic and financial outcomes. Measures of outcomes related to girls' health behaviors and health status had majority null findings. CONCLUSIONS CBGG program evaluations found positive effects on girl-level outcomes that are independent of external factors, like gender norm attitudes, and suboptimal performance on health behavior and health status, which rely on other people and systems. This delivery model has promise for building girls' assets. Complementary actions to engage girls' social environments and structures are needed to change behaviors and health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Temin
- Poverty, Gender, and Youth Research Program, Population Council, New York.
| | - Craig J Heck
- Poverty, Gender, and Youth Research Program, Population Council, New York
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25
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Iwelunmor J, Nwaozuru U, Obiezu-Umeh C, Uzoaru F, Ehiri J, Curley J, Ezechi O, Airhihenbuwa C, Ssewamala F. Is it time to RE-AIM? A systematic review of economic empowerment as HIV prevention intervention for adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa using the RE-AIM framework. Implement Sci Commun 2020; 1:53. [PMID: 32885209 PMCID: PMC7427963 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-020-00042-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Economic empowerment (EE) HIV prevention programs for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa are gaining traction as effective strategies to reduce HIV risk and vulnerabilities among this population. While intervention effectiveness is critical, there are numerous factors beyond effectiveness that shape an intervention's impact. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the reporting of implementation outcomes of EE HIV prevention programs for AGYW in SSA, as conceptualized in the RE-AIM (reach, efficacy/effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework. METHODS We searched PubMed, Ovid/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Ebscohost, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science for EE HIV interventions for AGYW in SSA. Study selection and data extraction were conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. Two researchers coded each article using a validated RE-AIM data extraction tool and independently extracted information from each article. The reporting of RE-AIM dimensions were summarized and synthesized across included interventions. RESULTS A total of 25 unique interventions (reported in 45 articles) met the predefined eligibility criteria. Efficacy/effectiveness 19(74.4%) was the highest reported RE-AIM dimension, followed by adoption 17(67.2%), reach 16(64.0%), implementation 9(38.0%), and maintenance 7(26.4%). Most interventions reported on RE-AIM components such as sample size 25(100.0%), intervention location 24(96.0%), and measures and results for at least one follow-up 24(96.0%). Few reported on RE-AIM components such as characteristics of non-participants 8(32.0%), implementation costs 3(12.0%), and intervention fidelity 0(0.0%). CONCLUSIONS Results of the review emphasize the need for future economic empowerment HIV prevention interventions for AGYW in SSA to report multiple implementation strategies and highlight considerations for translating such programs into real-world settings. Researchers should pay close attention to reporting setting-level adoption, implementation cost, and intervention maintenance. These measures are needed for policy decisions related to the full merit and worth of EE HIV interventions and their long-term sustainability for AGYW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Iwelunmor
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Chisom Obiezu-Umeh
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Florida Uzoaru
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - John Ehiri
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N Martin Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA
| | - Jami Curley
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmund Crescent, Yaba, Lagos State Nigeria
| | - Collins Airhihenbuwa
- School of Public Health, Global Research Against Noncommunicable Diseases, Georgia State University, 140 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 USA
| | - Fred Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
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26
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Desrosiers A, Betancourt T, Kergoat Y, Servilli C, Say L, Kobeissi L. A systematic review of sexual and reproductive health interventions for young people in humanitarian and lower-and-middle-income country settings. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:666. [PMID: 32398129 PMCID: PMC7216726 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08818-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accessibility of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in many lower-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) and humanitarian settings remains limited, particularly for young people. Young people facing humanitarian crises are also at higher risk for mental health problems, which can further exacerbate poor SRH outcomes. This review aimed to explore, describe and evaluate SRH interventions for young people in LMIC and humanitarian settings to better understand both SRH and psychosocial components of interventions that demonstrate effectiveness for improving SRH outcomes. Methods We conducted a systematic review of studies examining interventions to improve SRH in young people in LMIC and humanitarian settings following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) standards for systematic reviews. Peer-reviewed journals and grey literature from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2018 were included. Two authors performed title, abstract and full-text screening independently. Data was extracted and analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach and the practice-wise clinical coding system. Results The search yielded 813 results, of which 55 met inclusion criteria for full-text screening and thematic analysis. Primary SRH outcomes of effective interventions included: contraception and condom use skills, HIV/STI prevention/education, SRH knowledge/education, gender-based violence education and sexual self-efficacy. Common psychosocial intervention components included: assertiveness training, communication skills, and problem-solving. Conclusions Findings suggest that several evidence-based SRH interventions may be effective for young people in humanitarian and LMIC settings. Studies that use double blind designs, include fidelity monitoring, and focus on implementation and sustainability are needed to further contribute to this evidence-base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alethea Desrosiers
- Boston College School of Social Work, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Theresa Betancourt
- Boston College School of Social Work, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Yasmine Kergoat
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Servilli
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Lale Say
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Loulou Kobeissi
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland.
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Lee N, Beeler Stücklin S, Lopez Rodriguez P, El Alaoui Faris M, Mukaka I. Financial education for HIV-vulnerable youth, orphans, and vulnerable children: A systematic review of outcome evidence. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2020; 16:e1071. [PMID: 37131976 PMCID: PMC8356319 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Problem According to Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization, HIV is the leading cause of youth mortality in Africa, and the second cause of death among young people worldwide. Global commitments to reverse the HIV epidemic will only be achieved if strategies prioritize children and youth. Relevant evidence reviews found mixed evidence that HIV prevention may be addressed through economic strengthening activities such as financial education for youth. There was some evidence related to the potential for plural interventions that include both financial and sexual, reproductive health education. However, there is limited quality evidence that focused on HIV vulnerable youth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Aims This systematic review assessed the scope and strength of evidence for financial education and plural interventions aimed at reducing HIV vulnerability for youth, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in LMICs. Methods Standard methodological procedures expected of systematic reviews were used. Six scientific and 24 grey literature sites were searched for relevant studies in English, French, Spanish and Arabic published between 1990 and 2016. Experimental and quasi-experimental research methods were considered where data was gathered at baseline and at least 6 months after the end of the intervention. Mixed-methods studies were considered provided they demonstrated validity in terms of randomization, appropriate sampling and controls, and minimization of bias errors and attrition. Evidence was then analysed and mapped to show types of financial and plural interventions by outcome type, direction and strength of evidence through qualitative assessments by the team. In addition, meta-analysis of odds ratios was conducted to validate the strength of evidence. This analysis illustrated the relative effect or weight of interventions on HIV-related outcomes based on confidence levels and sample sizes. Results Of 5,216 records, 16 moderate to higher quality studies representing 10 interventions were identified, mostly focusing on HIV-vulnerable girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. More than half of the interventions were plural and included access to finance and counselling or supports to improve confidence, negotiating ability and social conditions. Most studies used an experimental design. Only 11 of the 16 studies had comparable enough measures to be validated with meta-analysis of odds ratios. Findings The strongest evidence showed plural education interventions with self-efficacy supports, with and without savings to have positive effects on HIV-related outcomes. These outcomes included improved knowledge, attitudes and reduced sexual risk-taking behaviour. Evidence also showed improved self-efficacy from plural interventions, the changes in confidence, negotiating ability and social conditions that enable people to act on knowledge. Self-efficacy seems important as both a set of conditions to support reduced vulnerabilities and a way to measure them in terms of outcomes. While positive effects were also observed related to increased savings and improved attitudes toward saving, generally interventions showed mixed effects on financial and economic outcomes. Conclusions This systematic review supports emerging evidence that plural interventions are associated with positive health and economic outcomes for vulnerable youth and children in LMIC. Even so, as a body of evidence, it is not clear which components are effective at producing favourable outcomes. Therefore, asset theories linking financial education and asset building with favourable outcomes for vulnerable youth are not as clear as may be commonly assumed. Quality evidence is needed in more settings separating out economic, health and self-efficacy components to better understand pathways and effects on outcomes. Segmentation in quantitative studies will enhance our understanding of asset, capability and self-efficacy theories for greater impact. Mixed methods and qualitative studies will be important complements to enhance our understanding of contextual conditions and how to build assets and self-efficacy in HIV vulnerable youth and OVC.
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Sun S, Nabunya P, Byansi W, Bahar OS, Damulira C, Neilands TB, Guo S, Namuwonge F, Ssewamala FM. Access and utilization of financial services among poor HIV-impacted children and families in Uganda. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2020; 109:104730. [PMID: 32713987 PMCID: PMC7380492 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
With high prevalence of both poverty and HIV, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has one of the highest numbers of unbanked individuals and families. Although the use of savings products to promote financial inclusion among poor individuals and families has increasingly become more important to policy makers in SSA, limited research exists about the mechanisms and relative importance of institutional and individual-level factors associated with access and utilization of financial services. Using survey data and administrative bank records from a randomized controlled trial in southwestern Uganda, we find that given an opportunity, poor HIV-impacted families and individuals can engage with financial institutions and accumulate savings. Additionally, individual-level factors (e.g., household wealth, child poverty, child work, and attitudes towards savings) were significantly associated with three of the eight outcomes (i.e. saved any money, average monthly total savings, and total number of deposits). Furthermore, institutional-level factors (e.g., access and proximity to the bank, matching incentive rate, and financial education) were associated with all the eight outcomes included in the analysis. Our findings indicate that poor HIV-impacted families can engage with financial institutions and save for their children, if opportunities and institutional arrangements are in place. Findings have implications for financial inclusion policy and programming that target vulnerable youth and families to engage with financial institutions and accumulate savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicong Sun
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - William Byansi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shenyang Guo
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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Tozan Y, Sun S, Capasso A, Shu-Huah Wang J, Neilands TB, Bahar OS, Damulira C, Ssewamala FM. Evaluation of a savings-led family-based economic empowerment intervention for AIDS-affected adolescents in Uganda: A four-year follow-up on efficacy and cost-effectiveness. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226809. [PMID: 31891601 PMCID: PMC6938344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children who have lost a parent to HIV/AIDS, known as AIDS orphans, face multiple stressors affecting their health and development. Family economic empowerment (FEE) interventions have the potential to improve these outcomes and mitigate the risks they face. We present efficacy and cost-effectiveness analyses of the Bridges study, a savings-led FEE intervention among AIDS-orphaned adolescents in Uganda at four-year follow-up. METHODS Intent-to-treat analyses using multilevel models compared the effects of two savings-led treatment arms: Bridges (1:1 matched incentive) and BridgesPLUS (2:1 matched incentive) to a usual care control group on the following outcomes: self-rated health, sexual health, and mental health functioning. Total per-participant costs for each arm were calculated using the treatment-on-the-treated sample. Intervention effects and per-participant costs were used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). FINDINGS Among 1,383 participants, 55% were female, 20% were double orphans. Mean age was 12 years at baseline. At 48-months, BridgesPLUS significantly improved self-rated health, (0.25, 95% CI 0.06, 0.43), HIV knowledge (0.21, 95% CI 0.01, 0.41), self-concept (0.26, 95% CI 0.09, 0.44), and self-efficacy (0.26, 95% CI 0.09, 0.43) and lowered hopelessness (-0.28, 95% CI -0.43, -0.12); whereas Bridges improved self-rated health (0.26, 95% CI 0.08, 0.43) and HIV knowledge (0.22, 95% CI 0.05, 0.39). ICERs ranged from $224 for hopelessness to $298 for HIV knowledge per 0.2 standard deviation change. CONCLUSIONS Most intervention effects were sustained in both treatment arms at two years post-intervention. Higher matching incentives yielded a significant and lasting effect on a greater number of outcomes among adolescents compared to lower matching incentives at a similar incremental cost per unit effect. These findings contribute to the evidence supporting the incorporation of FEE interventions within national social protection frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Tozan
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sicong Sun
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Ariadna Capasso
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Julia Shu-Huah Wang
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Ssewamala FM, Byansi W, Bahar OS, Nabunya P, Neilands TB, Mellins C, McKay M, Namuwonge F, Mukasa M, Makumbi FE, Nakigozi G. Suubi+Adherence study protocol: A family economic empowerment intervention addressing HIV treatment adherence for perinatally infected adolescents. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2019; 16:100463. [PMID: 31872152 PMCID: PMC6915750 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 1.8 million children<15 years are living with HIV. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as a region, is heavily burdened by HIV, with 90% of new infections among children happening there. Within SSA, Uganda has an HIV prevalence of 7.2% among 15-49-year-olds, with high prevalence in Masaka region (12%). Uganda also reports unprecedented numbers of perinatally HIV-infected children, with close to 150,000 children (ages 0-14) living with HIV (CLHA). However adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among children and youth is poor, and has been attributed to economic insecurity, including lack of finances for transportation to clinic appointments, inadequate meals to support medication consumption, and resource prioritization towards school expenses. Yet, few programs aimed at addressing ART adherence have applied combination interventions to address economic stability and ART Adherence within the traditional framework of health education and HIV care. This paper describes a study protocol for a 5-year, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) funded, cluster randomized-controlled trial to evaluate a combination intervention, titled Suubi + Adherence, aimed at improving ART adherence among HIV perinatally infected adolescents (ages 10-16 at study enrollment) in Uganda. METHODS Suubi + Adherence was evaluated via a two-arm cluster randomized-controlled trial design in 39 health clinics, with a total enrollment of 702 HIV + adolescents (ages 10-16 at enrollment). The study addresses two primary outcomes: 1) adherence to HIV treatment regimen and 2) HIV knowledge and attitudes. Secondary outcomes include family functioning, sexual risk-taking behavior, and financial savings behavior. For potential scale-up, cost effectiveness analysis was employed to compare the relative costs and outcomes associated with each study arm: family economic strengthening comprising matched savings accounts, financial management training and small business development, all intended for family economic security versus bolstered usual care (SOC) comprising enhanced adherence sessions to ensure more standardized and sufficient adherence counseling. DISCUSSION This study aims to advance knowledge and inform the development of the next generation of programs aimed at increasing adherence to HIV treatment for HIV + adolescents in low-resource regions such as SSA. To our knowledge, the proposed study is the first to integrate and test family economic empowerment and stability-focused interventions for HIV + adolescents in Uganda (and much of SSA)-so families would have the necessary finances to manage HIV/AIDS as a chronic illness. The study would provide crucial evidence about the effects of an economic empowerment program on short and long-term impact, which is essential if such interventions are to be taken to scale. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number: NCT01790373) on 13 February 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M. Ssewamala
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary McKay
- Washington University in St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Miriam Mukasa
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
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Ssewamala FM, Sensoy Bahar O, Johnson KJ, Katumba RG. Suubi4Cancer: A protocol for an innovative combination intervention to improve access to pediatric cancer services and treatment adherence among children living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2019; 16:100459. [PMID: 31650077 PMCID: PMC6804585 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100459] [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: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Youth Living with HIV (YLWHIV) are at high risk for cancer. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has some of the worst pediatric cancer survival rates due to barriers to accessing cancer services and treatment adherence. This protocol describes a study that aims at: 1) Identifying confirmed and suspected cancer cases in a cohort of >3000 HIV positive youth; 2) Examining the short-term preliminary outcomes of an evidence-based Economic Empowerment (EE) intervention, Suubi ("hope" in a local Ugandan language), on access to pediatric cancer diagnosis and care, and treatment adherence among YLWHIV with suspected cancers in Uganda; and 3) Exploring multi-level factors impacting intervention participation and experiences. The proposed Suubi4Cancer intervention combines savings-led EE through family development accounts (FDA) with financial literacy and management (FLM) and cancer education (CE). The study will review medical charts in 39 clinics in Southwest Uganda to identify confirmed and suspected cancer cases. Subsequently, Suubi4Cancer will be evaluated via a randomized-controlled trial design (FDA + FLM + CE versus Usual Care) targeting a total of 78 youth ages 10-to-24 and their caregivers. Assessments at baseline and 9 months will examine change in cancer treatment access; cancer treatment adherence; and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cancer and cancer treatment. Semi-structured interviews with the intervention group will explore their intervention experiences. To our knowledge, Suubi4Cancer will be the first study to test the preliminary impact and acceptability of a combination intervention to increase access to cancer diagnosis and treatment services for YLWHIV. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials NCT03916783 (Registered: 04/16/19).
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Ssewamala FM, Sensoy Bahar O, Tozan Y, Nabunya P, Mayo-Wilson LJ, Kiyingi J, Kagaayi J, Bellamy S, McKay MM, Witte SS. A combination intervention addressing sexual risk-taking behaviors among vulnerable women in Uganda: study protocol for a cluster randomized clinical trial. BMC Womens Health 2019; 19:111. [PMID: 31419968 PMCID: PMC6697981 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-019-0807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS, with Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda accounting for 48% of new infections. A systematic review of the HIV burden among women engaged in sex work (WESW) in 50 low- and middle-income countries found that they had increased odds of HIV infection relative to the general female population. Social structural factors, such as the sex work environment, violence, stigma, cultural issues, and criminalization of sex work are critical in shaping sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV risks among WESW and their clients in Uganda. Poverty is the most commonly cited reason for involvement in sex work in SSA. Against this backdrop, this study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that tests the impact of adding economic empowerment to traditional HIV risk reduction (HIVRR) to reduce new incidence of STIs and HIV among WESW in Rakai and the greater Masaka regions in Uganda. METHODS This three-arm RCT will evaluate the efficacy of adding savings, financial literacy and vocational training/mentorship to traditional HIVRR on reducing new incidence of STI infections among 990 WESW across 33 hotspots. The three arms (n = 330 each) are: 1) Control group: only HIVRR versus 2) Treatment group 1: HIVRR plus Savings plus Financial Literacy (HIVRR + S + FL); and 3) Treatment group 2: HIVRR plus S plus FL plus Vocational Skills Training and Mentorship (V) (HIVRR + S + FL + V). Data will be collected at baseline (pre-test), 6, 12, 18 and 24-months post-intervention initiation. This study will use an embedded experimental mixed methods design where qualitative data will be collected post-intervention across all conditions to explore participant experiences. DISCUSSION When WESW have access to more capital and/or alternative forms of employment and start earning formal income outside of sex work, they may be better able to improve their skills and employability for professional advancement, thereby reducing their STI/HIV risk. The study findings may advance our understanding of how best to implement gender-specific HIV prevention globally, engaging women across the HIV treatment cascade. Further, results will provide evidence for the intervention's efficacy to reduce STIs and inform implementation sustainability, including costs and cost-effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , ID: NCT03583541 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Yesim Tozan
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | | | - Joshua Kiyingi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | | | | | - Mary M McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Susan S Witte
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York City, NY, USA
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Mayo-Wilson LJ, Glass NE, Ssewamala FM, Linnemayr S, Coleman J, Timbo F, Johnson MW, Davoust M, Labrique A, Yenokyan G, Dodge B, Latkin C. Microenterprise intervention to reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase employment and HIV preventive practices in economically-vulnerable African-American young adults (EMERGE): protocol for a feasibility randomized clinical trial. Trials 2019; 20:439. [PMID: 31315685 PMCID: PMC6637550 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Economic vulnerability, such as homelessness and unemployment, contributes to the HIV risk among racial minorities in the U.S., who are disproportionately infected. Yet, few economic-strengthening interventions have been adapted for HIV prevention in economically-vulnerable African-American young adults. Engaging Microenterprise for Resource Generation and Health Empowerment (EMERGE) is a feasibility randomized clinical trial of an HIV prevention microenterprise intervention with integrated text messages (“nudges”) that are informed by behavioral economic principles. The trial aims to reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase employment and uptake of HIV preventive behaviors. Methods/design In total, 40 young adults who are African-American, aged 18–24, live in Baltimore City, have experienced at least one episode of homelessness in the last 12 months, are unemployed or underemployed (fewer than 10 h per week), are not enrolled in school, own a cell phone with text messaging, and report at least one episode of unprotected or unsafe sex in the prior 12 months will be recruited from two community-based organizations providing residential supportive services to urban youth. Participants will undergo a 3-week run-in period and thereafter be randomly assigned to one of two groups with active interventions for 20 weeks. The first group (“comparison”) will receive text messages with information on job openings. The second group (“experimental”) will receive text messages with information on job openings plus information on HIV prevention and business educational sessions, a mentored apprenticeship, and a start-up grant, and business and HIV prevention text messages based on principles from behavioral economics. The two primary outcomes relate to the feasibility of conducting a larger trial. Secondary outcomes relate to employment, sexual risk behaviors, and HIV preventive practices. All participants will be assessed using an in-person questionnaire at pre-intervention (prior to randomization) and at 3 weeks post-intervention. To obtain repeated, longitudinal measures, participants will be assessed weekly using text message surveys from pre-intervention up to 3 weeks post-intervention. Discussion This study will be one of the first U.S.-based feasibility randomized clinical trials of an HIV prevention microenterprise intervention for economically-vulnerable African-American young adults. The findings will inform whether and how to conduct a larger efficacy trial for HIV risk reduction in this population. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03766165. Registered on 4 December 2018. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3529-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Jennings Mayo-Wilson
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E5038, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Nancy E Glass
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Washington University in St. Louis, The Brown School, Goldfarb, One Brookings, Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Jessica Coleman
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E5038, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Fatmata Timbo
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E5038, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Matthew W Johnson
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Melissa Davoust
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E5038, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alain Labrique
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E5038, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Gayane Yenokyan
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian Dodge
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Hampton House 737, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Kilburn K, Hughes JP, MacPhail C, Wagner RG, Gómez-Olivé FX, Kahn K, Pettifor A. Cash Transfers, Young Women's Economic Well-Being, and HIV Risk: Evidence from HPTN 068. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1178-1194. [PMID: 30415429 PMCID: PMC6510655 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite the large interest in economic interventions to reduce HIV risk, little research has been done to show whether there are economic gains of these interventions for younger women and what intermediary role economic resources play in changing participants' sexual behavior. This paper contributes to this gap by examining the impacts of a conditional cash transfer (CCT) for young women in South Africa on young women's economic resources and the extent to which they play a role in young women's health and behavior. We used data from HIV Prevention Trials Network 068 study, which provided transfers to young women (in addition to their parents) conditional on the young woman attending at least 80% of school days in the previous month. We found that the CCT increased young women's economic wellbeing in terms of having savings, spending money, being unindebted, and food secure. We also investigated heterogeneous effects of the program by household economic status at baseline because the program was not specifically poverty targeted and found that the results were driven by young women from the poorest families. From these results, we examined heterogeneity by baseline poverty for other outcomes related to HIV risk including sexual behavior and psychosocial well-being. We found psychosocial well-being benefits in young women from the poorest families and that economic wellbeing gains explained much these impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Kilburn
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - James P Hughes
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention (SCHARP), Seattle, USA
| | - Catherine MacPhail
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC/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
| | - Ryan G Wagner
- MRC/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
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - F Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC/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 Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Kivumbi A, Byansi W, Ssewamala FM, Proscovia N, Damulira C, Namatovu P. Utilizing a family-based economic strengthening intervention to improve mental health wellbeing among female adolescent orphans in Uganda. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2019; 13:14. [PMID: 30899327 PMCID: PMC6410516 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-019-0273-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is estimated that almost 20% of the world's adolescents have experienced or are experiencing a mental health problem. Several factors have been associated with the onset of adolescent mental health disorders, including poverty, child abuse and violence, particularly among adolescent girls. This paper examines the effect of participating in a family-based economic strengthening intervention on the mental health well-being of female adolescent orphans impacted by HIV/AIDS in rural Uganda. METHODS Data utilized in this study was from the Bridges to the Future Study (2011-2016), an economic empowerment intervention aimed at improving health outcomes of orphaned children. Adolescents were randomly assigned to either the control condition receiving bolstered standard of care services for orphaned adolescents; or one of two treatment conditions receiving bolstered standard of care as well as an economic empowerment intervention comprising of a child development account, a mentorship program and workshops on financial management and microenterprise development. Data was collected at baseline, 12- and 24-months post intervention initiation. Multilinear regression analyses were conducted to examine the impact of an economic empowerment intervention on mental health functioning of female participants over time. Mental health functioning was measured by: (1) the Child Depression Inventory; (2) Beck Hopelessness Scale; and (3) Tennessee Self Concept Scale. RESULTS Analysis results show an improvement in mental health functioning over time among female participants receiving the intervention compared to their control counterparts. Specifically, compared to participants in the control condition, participants receiving the intervention reported a reduction in depressive symptoms from baseline to 12-months follow-up (b = - 1.262, 95% CI - 2.476, - 0.047), and an additional 0.645-point reduction between baseline and 24-months follow-up (b = - 1.907, 95% CI - 3.192, - 0.622). Participants receiving the intervention reported significant improvement in their reported self-concept from baseline to 24 months follow-up (b = 3.503 (95% CI 1.469, 5.538) compared to participants in the control condition. CONCLUSIONS Empowerment of young girls, either in the form of peer mentorship and/or economic strengthening seems to significantly improve the overall mental health functioning of adolescent girls impacted by HIV and AIDS in low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apollo Kivumbi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, P.O. Box 1988, Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - William Byansi
- 0000 0001 2355 7002grid.4367.6Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, P.O. Box 1988, Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda ,0000 0001 2355 7002grid.4367.6Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Nabunya Proscovia
- 0000 0004 1936 8753grid.137628.9New York University Silver School of Social Work, New York, USA
| | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and Development, P.O. Box 1988, Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development, P.O. Box 1988, Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
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Raymond JM, Zolnikov TR. AIDS-Affected Orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review on Outcome Differences in Rural and Urban Environments. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:3429-3441. [PMID: 29721717 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2134-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there are more than 11 million AIDS-affected orphans that suffer from various adverse effects, most of whom reside in sub-Saharan Africa. The difference between whether a child resides in a rural or urban environment can have a significant role in a child's education, health status and access to healthcare, and social or family relationships. A scoping review was conducted in order to understand any possible environment-based differences on orphans directly affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. There were 233 sources used for this review; however, 164 manuscripts focused more so on a general review of orphans within a rural or urban environment. Thus, after eliminating for various factors, 69 manuscripts were removed, which focused primarily on the social aspect of orphans due to HIV/AIDS. Rural environments provided more family support, while urban environments generally had more resources available to orphans (e.g. school fees). Unfortunately, both rural and urban environments were found to be fairly non-supportive of orphans and their development. This scoping review found, in general, that orphans in both urban and rural environments continue to suffer from the consequential effects of low parental support due to AIDS mortality. These conclusions suggest that specific support to orphans through school and social relationships encourage better development outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Ssewamala FM, Sensoy Bahar O, McKay MM, Hoagwood K, Huang KY, Pringle B. Strengthening mental health and research training in Sub-Saharan Africa (SMART Africa): Uganda study protocol. Trials 2018; 19:423. [PMID: 30081967 PMCID: PMC6080393 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) comprise half of the total regional population, yet existing mental health services are severely under-equipped to meet their needs. Although effective interventions for the treatment of disruptive behavioral disorders (DBDs) in youth have been tested in high-poverty and high-stress communities in developed countries, and are relevant for widespread dissemination in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), most of these evidence-based practices (EBPs) have not been utilized in SSA, a region heavily impacted by poverty, diseases including HIV/AIDS, and violence. Thus, this paper presents a protocol for a scale-up longitudinal experimental study that uses a mixed-methods, hybrid type II, effectiveness implementation design to test the effectiveness of an EBP, called Multiple Family Group (MFG) aimed at improving child behavioral challenges in Uganda while concurrently examining the multi-level factors that influence uptake, implementation, sustainment, and youth outcomes. METHODS The MFG intervention will be implemented and tested via a longitudinal experimental study conducted across 30 public primary schools located in both semi-urban and rural communities. The schools will be randomly assigned to three study conditions (n = 10 per study condition): (1) MFG delivered by trained family peers; (2) MFG delivered by community health workers; or; (3) comparison: usual care comprising mental health care support materials, bolstered with school support materials. A total of 3000 children (ages 8 to 13 years; grades 2 to 7) and their caregivers (N = 3000 dyads); 60 parent peers, and 60 community health workers will be recruited. Each study condition will comprise of 1000 child-caregiver dyads. Data will be collected at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks, and 6-month follow-up. DISCUSSION This project is the first to test the effectiveness of the MFG intervention while concurrently examining multi-level factors that influence overall implementation of a family-based intervention provided in schools and aimed at reaching the large child population with mental health service needs in Uganda. Moreover, the study draws upon an EBP that has already been tested for delivery by parent peers and community facilitators, and hence will take advantage of the advancing science behind task-shifting. If successful, the project has great potential to address global child mental health needs. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03081195 . Registered on 16 March 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Mary M. McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Kimberly Hoagwood
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, New York University, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016 USA
| | - Keng-Yen Huang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, New York University, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016 USA
| | - Beverly Pringle
- National Institute of Mental Health, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
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Ssewamala FM, Bermudez LG, Neilands TB, Mellins CA, McKay MM, Garfinkel I, Sensoy Bahar O, Nakigozi G, Mukasa M, Stark L, Damulira C, Nattabi J, Kivumbi A. Suubi4Her: a study protocol to examine the impact and cost associated with a combination intervention to prevent HIV risk behavior and improve mental health functioning among adolescent girls in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:693. [PMID: 29871619 PMCID: PMC5989412 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5604-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asset-based economic empowerment interventions, which take an integrated approach to building human, social, and economic capital, have shown promise in their ability to reduce HIV risk for young people, including adolescent girls, in sub-Saharan Africa. Similarly, community and family strengthening interventions have proven beneficial in addressing mental health and behavioral challenges of adolescents transitioning to adulthood. Yet, few programs aimed at addressing sexual risk have applied combination interventions to address economic stability and mental health within the traditional framework of health education and HIV counseling/testing. This paper describes a study protocol for a 5-year, NIMH-funded, cluster randomized-controlled trial to evaluate a combination intervention aimed at reducing HIV risk among adolescent girls in Uganda. The intervention, titled Suubi4Her, combines savings-led economic empowerment through youth development accounts (YDA) with an innovative family strengthening component delivered via Multiple Family Groups (MFG). METHODS Suubi4Her will be evaluated via a three-arm cluster randomized-controlled trial design (YDA only, YDA + MFG, Usual Care) in 42 secondary schools in the Central region of Uganda, targeting a total of 1260 girls (ages 15-17 at enrollment). Assessments will occur at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 months. This study addresses two primary outcomes: 1) change in HIV risk behavior and 2) change in mental health functioning. Secondary exploratory outcomes include HIV and STI incidence, pregnancy, educational attainment, financial savings behavior, gender attitudes, and self-esteem. For potential scale-up, cost effectiveness analysis will be employed to compare the relative costs and outcomes associated with each study arm. CONCLUSIONS Suubi4Her will be one of the first prospective studies to examine the impact and cost of a combination intervention integrating economic and social components to reduce known HIV risk factors and improve mental health functioning among adolescent girls, while concurrently exploring mental health as a mediator in HIV risk reduction. The findings will illuminate the pathways that connect economic needs, mental health, family support, and HIV risk. If successful, the results will promote holistic HIV prevention strategies to reduce risk among adolescent girls in Uganda and potentially the broader sub-Saharan Africa region. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials NCT03307226 (Registered: 10/11/17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Laura Gauer Bermudez
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Claude A. Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical & Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Mary M. McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Irv Garfinkel
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Gertrude Nakigozi
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Old Bukoba Road, 279 Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - Miriam Mukasa
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Lindsay Stark
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Ave B-4 Suite 432, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Nattabi
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Apollo Kivumbi
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
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Iwelunmor J, Blackstone S, Jennings L, Converse D, Ehiri J, Curley J. Determinants of HIV testing and receipt of test results among adolescent girls in Nigeria: the role of assets and decision-making. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2018; 32:ijamh-2017-0152. [PMID: 29630514 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2017-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Many adolescent girls in Nigeria do not test for HIV despite being at high risk. While the influence of psychosocial factors on HIV testing has been examined, there is less evidence regarding the impact of assets and control of assets on HIV testing. This study investigated the protective effects of specific adolescent girls' assets on decision-making regarding HIV testing. Methods Cross-sectional data from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey was analyzed. The main outcome variables were self-reports of having been tested for HIV and knowledge of a place that offers HIV testing. Binary logistic regression was used with employment, education, wealth index, home ownership, land ownership and decision making as potential predictors. Demographic characteristics were controlled in the analysis. Results Age [odds ratio (OR = 1.49)], employment (OR = 3.38), education (OR = 3.16), wealth index (OR = 1.33) and decision making (OR = 3.16) were positively associated with HIV testing. Age (OR = 1.20), employment (OR = 1.33), education (OR = 1.38), wealth (OR = 1.64), land ownership (OR = 1.42), and decision making (OR = 1.26) were positively associated with knowledge of an HIV testing location. Conclusion Our findings suggest that assets play an important role with HIV testing decisions for adolescent girls. Further research to elucidate the specific asset-based needs of adolescent girls will be needed to enhance decisions surrounding uptake of HIV testing and receipt of test results in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Iwelunmor
- Saint Louis University, College for Public Health and Social Justice, St. Louis, MI, USA
| | - Sarah Blackstone
- Department of Health Sciences, James Madison University, 235 Martin Luther King Way MSC 4301, Harrisonburg, VA, USA
| | - Larissa Jennings
- John's Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donaldson Converse
- University of North Caroline Chapel Hill, School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John Ehiri
- University of Arizona, Health Promotion Sciences Department, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jami Curley
- Saint Louis University, College for Public Health and Social Justice, St. Louis, MI, USA
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Evaluations of Structural Interventions for HIV Prevention: A Review of Approaches and Methods. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:1253-1264. [PMID: 29273945 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Structural interventions alter the social, economic, legal, political, and built environments that underlie processes affecting population health. We conducted a systematic review of evaluations of structural interventions for HIV prevention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to better understand methodological and other challenges and identify effective evaluation strategies. We included 27 peer-reviewed articles on interventions related to economic empowerment, education, and substance abuse in LMICs. Twenty-one evaluations included clearly articulated theories of change (TOCs); 14 of these assessed the TOC by measuring intermediary variables in the causal pathway between the intervention and HIV outcomes. Although structural interventions address complex interactions, no evaluation included methods designed to evaluate complex systems. To strengthen evaluations of structural interventions, we recommend clearly articulating a TOC and measuring intermediate variables between the predictor and outcome. We additionally recommend adapting study designs and analytic methods outside traditional epidemiology to better capture complex results, influences external to the intervention, and unintended consequences.
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Ssewamala FM, Wang JSH, Neilands TB, Bermudez LG, Garfinkel I, Waldfogel J, Brooks-Gunn J, Kirkbride G. Cost-Effectiveness of a Savings-Led Economic Empowerment Intervention for AIDS-Affected Adolescents in Uganda: Implications for Scale-up in Low-Resource Communities. J Adolesc Health 2018; 62:S29-S36. [PMID: 29273115 PMCID: PMC5744872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nearly 12 million children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Within sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda has been greatly impacted, with an estimated 1.2 million orphaned children, nearly half of which have experienced parental loss due to the epidemic. Cost-effective and scalable interventions are needed to improve developmental outcomes for these children, most of whom are growing up in poverty. This article examines the direct impacts and cost-effectiveness of a savings-led family economic empowerment intervention, Bridges to the Future, that employed varying matched savings incentives to encourage investment in Ugandan children orphaned by AIDS. METHODS Using data from 48 primary schools in southwestern Uganda, we calculate per-person costs in each of the two treatment arms-Bridges (1:1 match savings) versus Bridges PLUS (1:2 match savings); estimate program effectiveness across outcomes of interest; and provide the ratios of per-person costs to their corresponding effectiveness. RESULTS At the 24-month postintervention initiation, children in the two treatment arms showed better results in health, mental health, and education when compared to the usual care condition; however, no statistically significant differences were found between treatment arms with the exception of school attendance rates which were higher for those in Bridges PLUS. Owing to the minimal cost difference between the Bridges and Bridges PLUS arms, we did not find substantial cost-effectiveness differences across the two treatment arms. CONCLUSION After 24 months, an economic intervention that incorporated matched savings yielded positive results on critical development outcomes for adolescents orphaned by AIDS in Uganda. The 1:1 and 1:2 match rates did not demonstrate variable levels of cost-effectiveness at 24-month follow-up, suggesting that governments intending to incorporate savings-led interventions within their social protection frameworks may not need to select a higher match rate to see positive developmental outcomes in the short term. Further research is required to understand intervention impacts and cost-effectiveness after a longer follow-up period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M Ssewamala
- George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Julia Shu-Huah Wang
- Department of Social Work & Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Irwin Garfinkel
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jane Waldfogel
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jeanne Brooks-Gunn
- Teachers College and the College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Economic Resources and HIV Preventive Behaviors Among School-Enrolled Young Women in Rural South Africa (HPTN 068). AIDS Behav 2017; 21:665-677. [PMID: 27260180 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1435-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Individual economic resources may have greater influence on school-enrolled young women's sexual decision-making than household wealth measures. However, few studies have investigated the effects of personal income, employment, and other financial assets on young women's sexual behaviors. Using baseline data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 068 study, we examined the association of ever having sex and adopting sexually-protective practices with individual-level economic resources among school-enrolled women, aged 13-20 years (n = 2533). Age-adjusted results showed that among all women employment was associated with ever having sex (OR 1.56, 95 % CI 1.28-1.90). Among sexually-experienced women, paid work was associated with changes in partner selection practices (OR 2.38, 95 % CI 1.58-3.58) and periodic sexual abstinence to avoid HIV (OR 1.71, 95 % CI 1.07-2.75). Having money to spend on oneself was associated with reducing the number of sexual partners (OR 1.94, 95 % CI 1.08-3.46), discussing HIV testing (OR 2.15, 95 % CI 1.13-4.06), and discussing condom use (OR 1.99, 95 % CI 1.04-3.80). Having a bank account was associated with condom use (OR 1.49, 95 % CI 1.01-2.19). Economic hardship was positively associated with ever having sex, but not with sexually-protective behaviors. Maximizing women's individual economic resources may complement future prevention initiatives.
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Edin K, Nilsson B, Ivarsson A, Kinsman J, Norris SA, Kahn K. Perspectives on intimate relationships among young people in rural South Africa: the logic of risk. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2016; 18:1010-1024. [PMID: 26986221 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2016.1155749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper explores how young people in rural South Africa understand gender, dating, sexuality and risk-taking in adolescence. The empirical material drawn upon consists of 20 interviews with young men and women (aged 18-19) and reflects normative gender patterns characterised by compulsory heterosexuality and dating as obligatory, and representing key symbols of normality. However, different meanings of heterosexual relationships are articulated in the interviews, for example in the recurring concept of 'passing time', and these meanings show that a relationship can be something arbitrary: a way to reduce boredom and have casual sex. Such a rationale for engaging in a relationship reflects one of several other normative gender patterns, which relate to the trivialisation of dating and sexual risk-taking, and which entail making compromises and legitimising deviations from the 'ideal' life-script and the hope of a better future. However, risks do not exclusively represent something bad, dangerous or immoral, because they are also used as excuses to avoid sex, HIV acquisition and early pregnancy. In conclusion, various interrelated issues can both undermine and/or reinforce risk awareness and subsequent risk behaviour. Recognition of this tension is essential when framing policies to support young people to reduce sexual risk-taking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Edin
- a Department of Nursing, Midwifery , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
- b Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health Unit , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
- e MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Bo Nilsson
- c Department of Culture and Media Studies , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
| | - Anneli Ivarsson
- b Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health Unit , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
- e MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - John Kinsman
- b Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health Unit , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
| | - Shane A Norris
- d MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- b Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health Unit , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
- e MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
- f INDEPTH Network , Accra , Ghana
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Schriver B, Mandal M, Muralidharan A, Nwosu A, Dayal R, Das M, Fehringer J. Gender counts: A systematic review of evaluations of gender-integrated health interventions in low- and middle-income countries. Glob Public Health 2016; 12:1335-1350. [DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2016.1149596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Schriver
- MEASURE Evaluation, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mahua Mandal
- MEASURE Evaluation, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Anthony Nwosu
- MEASURE Evaluation, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Radhika Dayal
- Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), New Delhi, India
| | - Madhumita Das
- International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), New Delhi, India
| | - Jessica Fehringer
- MEASURE Evaluation, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Bermudez LG, Jennings L, Ssewamala FM, Nabunya P, Mellins C, McKay M. Equity in adherence to antiretroviral therapy among economically vulnerable adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. AIDS Care 2016; 28 Suppl 2:83-91. [PMID: 27392003 PMCID: PMC4940111 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1176681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Studies from sub-Saharan Africa indicate that children made vulnerable by poverty have been disproportionately affected by HIV with many exposed via mother-to-child transmission. For youth living with HIV, adherence to life-saving treatment regimens are likely to be affected by the complex set of economic and social circumstances that challenge their families and also exacerbate health problems. Using baseline data from the National Institute of Child and Human Development (NICHD) funded Suubi+Adherence study, we examined the extent to which individual and composite measures of equity predict self-reported adherence among Ugandan adolescents aged 10-16 (n = 702) living with HIV. Results showed that greater asset ownership, specifically familial possession of seven or more tangible assets, was associated with greater odds of self-reported adherence (OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.00-2.85). Our analyses also indicated that distance to the nearest health clinic impacts youth's adherence to an ARV regimen. Youth who reported living nearest to a clinic were significantly more likely to report optimal adherence (OR 1.49, 95% CI: 0.92-2.40). Moreover, applying the composite equity scores, we found that adolescents with greater economic advantage in ownership of household assets, financial savings, and caregiver employment had higher odds of adherence by a factor of 1.70 (95% CI: 1.07-2.70). These findings suggest that interventions addressing economic and social inequities may be beneficial to increase antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake among economically vulnerable youth, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This is one of the first studies to address the question of equity in adherence to ART among economically vulnerable youth with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gauer Bermudez
- Columbia University School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Asset Development, New York, NY, USA
| | - Larissa Jennings
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- Columbia University School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Asset Development, New York, NY, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Claude Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary McKay
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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46
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Thurman TR, Kidman R, Carton TW, Chiroro P. Psychological and behavioral interventions to reduce HIV risk: evidence from a randomized control trial among orphaned and vulnerable adolescents in South Africa. AIDS Care 2016; 28 Suppl 1:8-15. [PMID: 26886261 PMCID: PMC4828594 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1146213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-based approaches are needed to address the high levels of sexual risk behavior and associated HIV infection among orphaned and vulnerable adolescents. This study recruited adolescents from a support program for HIV-affected families and randomly assigned them by cluster to receive one of the following: (1) a structured group-based behavioral health intervention; (2) interpersonal psychotherapy group sessions; (3) both interventions; or (4) no new interventions. With 95% retention, 1014 adolescents were interviewed three times over a 22-month period. Intent-to-treat analyses, applying multivariate difference-in-difference probit regressions, were performed separately for boys and girls to assess intervention impacts on sexual risk behaviors. Exposure to a single intervention did not impact behaviors. Exposure to both interventions was associated with risk-reduction behaviors, but the outcomes varied by gender: boys reported fewer risky sexual partnerships (β = -.48, p = .05) and girls reported more consistent condom (β = 1.37, p = .02). There was no difference in the likelihood of sexual debut for either gender. Providing both psychological and behavioral interventions resulted in long-term changes in sexual behavior that were not present when either intervention was provided in isolation. Multifaceted approaches for reducing sexual risk behaviors among vulnerable adolescents hold significant promise for mitigating the HIV epidemic among this priority population.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. R. Thurman
- Tulane University School of Social Work, Highly Vulnerable Children Research Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane International LLC South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R. Kidman
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - T. W. Carton
- Health Services Research, Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - P. Chiroro
- Impact Research International, Pretoria, South Africa
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Ssewamala FM, Karimli L, Torsten N, Wang JSH, Han CK, Ilic V, Nabunya P. Applying a Family-Level Economic Strengthening Intervention to Improve Education and Health-Related Outcomes of School-Going AIDS-Orphaned Children: Lessons from a Randomized Experiment in Southern Uganda. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2016; 17:134-43. [PMID: 26228480 PMCID: PMC4697878 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-015-0580-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Children comprise the largest proportion of the population in sub-Saharan Africa. Of these, millions are orphaned. Orphanhood increases the likelihood of growing up in poverty, dropping out of school, and becoming infected with HIV. Therefore, programs aimed at securing a healthy developmental trajectory for these orphaned children are desperately needed. We conducted a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a family-level economic strengthening intervention with regard to school attendance, school grades, and self-esteem in AIDS-orphaned adolescents aged 12-16 years from 10 public rural primary schools in southern Uganda. Children were randomly assigned to receive usual care (counseling, school uniforms, school lunch, notebooks, and textbooks), "bolstered" with mentorship from a near-peer (control condition, n = 167), or to receive bolstered usual care plus a family-level economic strengthening intervention in the form of a matched Child Savings Account (Suubi-Maka treatment arm, n = 179). The two groups did not differ at baseline, but 24 months later, children in the Suubi-Maka treatment arm reported significantly better educational outcomes, lower levels of hopelessness, and higher levels of self-concept compared to participants in the control condition. Our study contributes to the ongoing debate on how to address the developmental impacts of the increasing numbers of orphaned and vulnerable children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS. Our findings indicate that innovative family-level economic strengthening programs, over and above bolstered usual care that includes psychosocial interventions for young people, may have positive developmental impacts related to education, health, and psychosocial functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M Ssewamala
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- International Center for Child Health and Asset Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Leyla Karimli
- International Center for Child Health and Asset Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Neilands Torsten
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julia Shu-Huah Wang
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- International Center for Child Health and Asset Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chang-Keun Han
- Department of Social Welfare, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Vilma Ilic
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- International Center for Child Health and Asset Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, Chicago, IL, USA
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Curley J, Ssewamala FM, Nabunya P, Ilic V, Keun HC. Child development accounts (CDAs): An asset-building strategy to empower girls in Uganda. INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK 2016; 59:18-31. [PMID: 26900173 PMCID: PMC4758992 DOI: 10.1177/0020872813508569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study explores an innovative intervention for orphaned children in Uganda. It combines standard health care with an economic empowerment component. We refer to this combination as a family asset-based intervention, which provides each child with a child development account (CDA), a matched savings account for secondary schooling; financial education; and a mentor. This article examines the educational outcomes of the girls in this study. The results from the first two waves of the study indicate that CDAs have the potential to begin to help negate the effects of past gender inequalities and to help provide a path for young girls to move forward.
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Sharp C, Jardin C, Marais L, Boivin M. Orphanhood by AIDS-Related Causes and Child Mental Health: A Developmental Psychopathology Approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1. [PMID: 27668289 DOI: 10.16966/2380-5536.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
While the number of new HIV infections has declined, the number of orphans as a result of AIDS-related deaths continues to increase. The aim of this paper was to systematically review empirical research on the mental health of children affected by HIV/AIDS in the developing world, specifically with an eye on developing a theoretical framework to guide intervention and research. Articles for review were gathered by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA standards), reviewed and then organized and synthesized with a Developmental Psychopathology framework. Results showed that the immediate and longterm effects of AIDS orphanhood are moderated by a number of important risk and protective factors that may serve as strategic targets for intervention. Research and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Sharp
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77024, USA
| | - Charles Jardin
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77024, USA
| | - Lochner Marais
- Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, South Africa
| | - Michael Boivin
- Department of Neurology & Ophthalmology, Michigan State University, USA
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50
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Jennings L, Ssewamala FM, Nabunya P. Effect of savings-led economic empowerment on HIV preventive practices among orphaned adolescents in rural Uganda: results from the Suubi-Maka randomized experiment. AIDS Care 2015; 28:273-82. [PMID: 26548549 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1109585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Improving economic resources of impoverished youth may alter intentions to engage in sexual risk behaviors by motivating positive future planning to avoid HIV risk and by altering economic contexts contributing to HIV risk. Yet, few studies have examined the effect of economic-strengthening on economic and sexual behaviors of orphaned youth, despite high poverty and high HIV infection in this population. Hierarchal longitudinal regressions were used to examine the effect of a savings-led economic empowerment intervention, the Suubi-Maka Project, on changes in orphaned adolescents' cash savings and attitudes toward savings and HIV-preventive practices over time. We randomized 346 Ugandan adolescents, aged 10-17 years, to either the control group receiving usual orphan care plus mentoring (n = 167) or the intervention group receiving usual orphan care plus mentoring, financial education, and matched savings accounts (n = 179). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Results indicated that intervention adolescents significantly increased their cash savings over time (b = $US12.32, ±1.12, p < .001) compared to adolescents in the control group. At 24 months post-baseline, 92% of intervention adolescents had accumulated savings compared to 43% in the control group (p < .001). The largest changes in savings goals were the proportion of intervention adolescents valuing saving for money to buy a home (ΔT1-T0 = +14.9, p < .001), pursue vocational training (ΔT1-T0 = +8.8, p < .01), and start a business (T1-T0 = +6.7, p < .01). Intervention adolescents also had a significant relative increase over time in HIV-preventive attitudinal scores (b = +0.19, ±0.09, p < .05), most commonly toward perceived risk of HIV (95.8%, n = 159), sexual abstinence or postponement (91.6%, n = 152), and consistent condom use (93.4%, n = 144). In addition, intervention adolescents had 2.017 significantly greater odds of a maximum HIV-prevention score (OR = 2.017, 95%CI: 1.43-2.84). To minimize HIV risk throughout the adolescent and young adult periods, long-term strategies are needed to integrate youth economic development, including savings and income generation, with age-appropriate combination prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Jennings
- a Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- b International Center for Child Health and Asset Development , Columbia University School of Social Work , New York , NY , USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- c School of Social Service Administration , University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
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