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Kunesh J, Hémono R, Gatare E, Kayitesi L, Packel L, Hope R, McCoy SI. Age-disparate relationships at first sex and reproductive autonomy, empowerment, and sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women in Rwanda. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101617. [PMID: 38426029 PMCID: PMC10901839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Age-disparate relationships (ADR) place adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at higher risk of unprotected sex and HIV infection; few studies have investigated ADR at first sex in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates ADR at first sex and its association with reproductive autonomy, reproductive empowerment, contraception coercion, and consent at first sex among female Rwandan youth. Methods Cross-sectional data from a randomized trial (n = 5768) of in-school youth ages 12-19 at enrollment were analyzed with focus on those who reported sexual activity (n = 1319). General estimating equation linear models and Poisson models were used to estimate linear coefficients and prevalence ratios (PR), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated using robust standard errors. Results Females reported a significantly higher average partner age gap than males by 2.43 years (2.90 years vs. 0.46 years, 95% CI: 2.01, 2.86). Overall, 23.4% (n = 102) of sexually active AGYW engaged in an ADR at first sex. The prevalence of non-consensual first sex was 60% higher among AGYW reporting ADR at first sex compared to AGYW reporting similar-aged partners (adjusted PR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.25, 2.02). No association was found between ADR at first sex and reproductive autonomy, reproductive empowerment, or contraception coercion. Conclusions Our results suggest a high prevalence of sexual violence among AGYW engaging in first sex with an age-disparate partner. However, we did not find evidence that ADR at first sex affects reproductive autonomy or empowerment within the first few years of sexual initiation. Further research is needed to explore the impact of ADR at first sex and longer-term trajectories of sexual behavior, empowerment and autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Kunesh
- University of California, Berkeley Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Rebecca Hémono
- University of California, Berkeley Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Emmyson Gatare
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Laetitia Kayitesi
- Youth Development Labs (YLabs), 3130 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94705, USA
| | - Laura Packel
- University of California, Berkeley Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Rebecca Hope
- Youth Development Labs (YLabs), 3130 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94705, USA
| | - Sandra I. McCoy
- University of California, Berkeley Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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Kanagasabai U, Aholou T, Chevalier MS, Tobias JL, Okuku J, Shiraishi RW, Sheneberger R, Pande YC, Chifuwe C, Mamane LE, Njika G, Obongo C, Thorsen VC. Reaching Youth Through Faith Leaders: Evaluation of the Faith Matters! Initiative. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:82-99. [PMID: 37406142 PMCID: PMC11075127 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.suppa.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Faith leaders can be uniquely positioned to guide and support young people on health issues, particularly HIV/AIDS and sexual violence. Faith Matters!, a 2-day training workshop for faith leaders, was delivered in September 2021 in Zambia. Sixty-six faith leaders completed a questionnaire at baseline, 64 at posttraining, and 59 at 3-month follow-up. Participants' knowledge, beliefs, and comfort communicating about HIV/AIDS and sexual violence were assessed. More faith leaders accurately identified common places where sexual violence occurs at the 3-month point compared to baseline: at church (2 vs. 22, p = .000), the fields (16 vs. 29, p = .004), parties (22 vs. 36, p = .001), and clubs (24 vs. 35, p = .034). More faith leaders stated that they engaged in conversations that supported people living with HIV (48 at baseline vs. 53, p = .049 at 3-month follow-up). These findings can inform future HIV/AIDS initiatives focusing on increasing the capacity among communities of faith.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udhayashankar Kanagasabai
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tiffiany Aholou
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michelle S Chevalier
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - James L Tobias
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jackson Okuku
- Division of Global HIV & TB, CGH, CDC, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ray W Shiraishi
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Clifton Chifuwe
- Executive Director and Global Master Trainer at the Centre for Peace Research and Advocacy, Zambia
| | - Lauren Erickson Mamane
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
- Office of the Director, CGH, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Chris Obongo
- Regional Measurement Specialist and Global Master Trainer at PATH, Kenya
| | - Viva C Thorsen
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
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Truong HHM, Guzé MA, Kadede K, Amboka S, Otieno B, Odhiambo H, Odeny D, Hewa M, Opiyo M, Opondo F, Fatch R, Ogolla D, Miller LE, Bushman D, Auerswald C, Bukusi EA, Cohen CR. HIV Infection Among Adolescents Residing in Urban Informal Settlements of Kenya. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:225-234. [PMID: 37410374 PMCID: PMC10624479 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.3.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents comprise approximately 15% of new HIV infections in Kenya. Impoverished living conditions in informal settlements place residents at high risk for HIV infection. We assessed factors associated with HIV infection among adolescents residing in urban informal settlements in Kisumu. We recruited 3,061 adolescent boys and girls aged 15-19. HIV prevalence was 2.5% overall, all newly identified cases were among girls and infection was positively associated with not completing a secondary education (p < .001). Girls who had ever been pregnant (p < .001) or out-of-school without completing a secondary education (p < .001) were more likely to be HIV-positive. Our findings of higher HIV prevalence among adolescent girls who had been pregnant or did not complete secondary school highlight the need to facilitate access to HIV testing, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, and sexual and reproductive health services as components of a comprehensive prevention strategy to decrease HIV infections in this priority population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sayo Amboka
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Marion Hewa
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
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Masiano SP, Tembo TA, Yu X, Wetzel E, Mphande M, Chitani M, Mkandawire A, Khama I, Mazenga A, Abrams E, Ahmed S, Kim MH. The prevalence, incidence, and recurrence of intimate partner violence and its association with adverse childhood experiences among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV in Malawi. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2023; 10:20499361221148875. [PMID: 36654873 PMCID: PMC9841851 DOI: 10.1177/20499361221148875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with suboptimal HIV treatment outcomes, but its distribution and risk factors among certain subpopulations of people living with HIV in resource-limited settings are not well known. We examined the prevalence, incidence, and recurrence of IPV and its association with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among pregnant/breastfeeding women living with HIV in Malawi. Methods This study used longitudinal data for 455 pregnant women living with HIV continuously enrolled in the VITAL Start trial. IPV was assessed at baseline and months 1, 6, and 12 using the widely validated WHO IPV survey. Forms of IPV assessed were physical IPV, emotional IPV, and sexual IPV measured as prevalence, incidence, and recurrence. ACE histories were assessed using WHO's ACE International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) tool. Logistic and log-binomial regressions were used in multivariable analyses that controlled for factors such as depression and alcohol use. Results Participants' mean age was 27.6 ± 5.7 years. Forty-three percent (43%) reported IPV prevalence, 13% reported IPV incidence, and another 13% reported IPV recurrence, with emotional IPV being the most commonly reported IPV type. Over 96% reported experiencing ⩾1 ACE. In regression analysis, cumulative ACE scores were significantly associated with IPV prevalence and IPV recurrence and in both cases, the magnitude of association was greatest for sexual IPV compared with physical IPV and emotional IPV. ACE scores were not significantly associated with IPV incidence. Conclusions IPV is highly prevalent among pregnant women living with HIV and continues to occur throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period; its graded relationship with ACEs is a concern in resource-limited settings where HIV/AIDS remains a public health concern. Strategies aimed to address the needs of pregnant/breastfeeding women living with HIV may benefit from the regular screening of this population for IPV and ACE, including in antenatal care clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P. Masiano
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Healthcare Delivery and Implementation Science Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tapiwa A. Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBag B397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Xiaoying Yu
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, School of Public and Population Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wetzel
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mtisunge Mphande
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mike Chitani
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Angella Mkandawire
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Innocent Khama
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Alick Mazenga
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Elaine Abrams
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria H. Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Nace A, Maternowska C, Fernandez B, Cravero K. The Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS): Using VACS data to drive programmes and policies. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:2807-2825. [PMID: 34905473 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.2010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) are nationally representative surveys of males and females aged 13-24 years, designed to measure the burden of sexual, physical, and emotional violence experienced in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. As of 2020, 22 countries implemented or are implementing a VACS. Since the first article using VACS data was published in 2009, several peer-reviewed articles have been published on the VACS. However, no publications have analysed the breadth of the work and how the data are represented in the literature. We conducted a review of the peer-reviewed research which used VACS data or mentioned the VACS. Between 2009 and July 2020, 50 peer-reviewed articles with data from 11 countries were published. Two studies (2/50; 4.0%) focused on boys, while 14 studies (14/50; 28.0%) focused on violence against girls. Fourteen articles focused on sexual violence (14/50; 28.0%), compared to three on emotional violence (3/50; 6.0%), and two on physical violence (2/50; 4.0%). Lastly, 52% of the articles (26 of the 50) were first authored by someone at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We identified the need to support local authors, and additional research on violence against boys, and physical and emotional violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Nace
- University Research Co., Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Kathleen Cravero
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
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Agathis NT, Annor FB, Mercy J, Chiang L, de Barros RB, Massetti GM. How the Global Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys Help Improve Pediatric Global Health. Pediatrics 2022; 150:e2022057124. [PMID: 36263716 PMCID: PMC10683777 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nickolas T. Agathis
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
| | - Francis B. Annor
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
| | - James Mercy
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
| | - Laura Chiang
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
| | - Regina Benevides de Barros
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Greta M. Massetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
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