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Sebastião CS, Abecasis AB, Jandondo D, Sebastião JMK, Vigário J, Comandante F, Pingarilho M, Pocongo B, Cassinela E, Gonçalves F, Gomes P, Giovanetti M, Francisco NM, Sacomboio E, Brito M, Neto de Vasconcelos J, Morais J, Pimentel V. HIV-1 diversity and pre-treatment drug resistance in the era of integrase inhibitor among newly diagnosed ART-naïve adult patients in Luanda, Angola. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15893. [PMID: 38987263 PMCID: PMC11237101 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66905-1] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The surveillance of drug resistance in the HIV-1 naïve population remains critical to optimizing the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART), mainly in the era of integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) regimens. Currently, there is no data regarding resistance to INSTI in Angola since Dolutegravir-DTG was included in the first-line ART regimen. Herein, we investigated the HIV-1 genetic diversity and pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) profile against nucleoside/tide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), and INSTIs, using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach with MinION, established to track and survey DRMs in Angola. This was a cross-sectional study comprising 48 newly HIV-diagnosed patients from Luanda, Angola, screened between March 2022 and May 2023. PR, RT, and IN fragments were sequenced for drug resistance and molecular transmission cluster analysis. A total of 45 out of the 48 plasma samples were successfully sequenced. Of these, 10/45 (22.2%) presented PDR to PIs/NRTIs/NNRTIs. Major mutations for NRTIs (2.2%), NNRTIs (20%), PIs (2.2%), and accessory mutations against INSTIs (13.3%) were detected. No major mutations against INSTIs were detected. M41L (2%) and I85V (2%) mutations were detected for NRTI and PI, respectively. K103N (7%), Y181C (7%), and K101E (7%) mutations were frequently observed in NNRTI. The L74M (9%) accessory mutation was frequently observed in the INSTI class. HIV-1 pure subtypes C (33%), F1 (17%), G (15%), A1 (10%), H (6%), and D (4%), CRF01_AG (4%) were observed, while about 10% were recombinant strains. About 31% of detected HIV-1C sequences were in clusters, suggesting small-scale local transmission chains. No major mutations against integrase inhibitors were detected, supporting the continued use of INSTI in the country. Further studies assessing the HIV-1 epidemiology in the era of INSTI-based ART regimens are needed in Angola.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cruz S Sebastião
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA), Caxito, Angola.
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS), Luanda, Angola.
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde (ICISA), Universidade Agostinho Neto (UAN), Luanda, Angola.
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ana B Abecasis
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | | | - João Vigário
- Instituto Nacional de Sangue (INS), Ministério da Saúde, Luanda, Angola
| | | | - Marta Pingarilho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Pocongo
- Instituto Nacional de Luta contra SIDA (INLS), Ministério da Saúde, Luanda, Angola
| | - Edson Cassinela
- Centro Nacional de Investigação Científica (CNIC), Luanda, Angola
| | - Fátima Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LMCBM, SPC, CHLO-HEM), 1349-019, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Perpétua Gomes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LMCBM, SPC, CHLO-HEM), 1349-019, Lisbon, Portugal
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Sicence, Caparica, Almada, Portugal
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, University of Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Euclides Sacomboio
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde (ICISA), Universidade Agostinho Neto (UAN), Luanda, Angola
| | - Miguel Brito
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA), Caxito, Angola
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Joana Morais
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS), Luanda, Angola
| | - Victor Pimentel
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Saraswati CM, Judge MA, Weeda LJZ, Bassat Q, Prata N, Le Souëf PN, Bradshaw CJA. Net benefit of smaller human populations to environmental integrity and individual health and wellbeing. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1339933. [PMID: 38504675 PMCID: PMC10949988 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1339933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The global human population is still growing such that our collective enterprise is driving environmental catastrophe. Despite a decline in average population growth rate, we are still experiencing the highest annual increase of global human population size in the history of our species-averaging an additional 84 million people per year since 1990. No review to date has accumulated the available evidence describing the associations between increasing population and environmental decline, nor solutions for mitigating the problems arising. Methods We summarize the available evidence of the relationships between human population size and growth and environmental integrity, human prosperity and wellbeing, and climate change. We used PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify all relevant peer-reviewed and gray-literature sources examining the consequences of human population size and growth on the biosphere. We reviewed papers describing and quantifying the risks associated with population growth, especially relating to climate change. Results These risks are global in scale, such as greenhouse-gas emissions, climate disruption, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and spread of disease-all potentially catastrophic for human standards of living, health, and general wellbeing. The trends increasing the risks of global population growth are country development, demographics, maternal education, access to family planning, and child and maternal health. Conclusion Support for nations still going through a demographic transition is required to ensure progress occurs within planetary boundaries and promotes equity and human rights. Ensuring the wellbeing for all under this aim itself will lower population growth and further promote environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melinda A. Judge
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Lewis J. Z. Weeda
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Paediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ndola Prata
- Bixby Center for Population Health and Sustainability, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Peter N. Le Souëf
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Corey J. A. Bradshaw
- Global Ecology | Partuyarta Ngadluku Wardli Kuu, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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McGee-Avila JK, Mbulaiteye SM. Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in people with HIV in South Africa: time to renew efforts for novel oncogenic virus discovery? J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:186-188. [PMID: 37603725 PMCID: PMC10852607 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K McGee-Avila
- Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sam M Mbulaiteye
- Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Mosisa G, Mulisa D, Oluma A, Bayisa L, Merdassa E, Bayisa D, Tamiru A, Tolossa T, Chala Diriba D, Fetensa G, Wakuma B. HIV sero-status disclosure and associated factors among HIV positive women in East Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Implications for prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. Front Public Health 2022; 10:919410. [PMID: 36483255 PMCID: PMC9723243 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.919410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women's HIV-positive disclosure plays a pivotal role to achieve the goal of preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) among pregnant women in particular. Although several primary studies were conducted in the different countries of East Africa, no study concluded the prevalence of women's HIV status disclosure and associated factors in East Africa. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of disclosure status and associated factors among women in East Africa. Objectives To assess the pooled prevalence of HIV sero-status disclosure and associated factors among women in East Africa. Methods HINARI, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and STATA v 14.1 was used for the analysis. The Funnel plots and Egger's statistical test was used to check publication bias. Heterogeneity was assessed by conducting sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Result The pooled prevalence of sero-status disclosure among women in East Africa was 73.77% (95%CI 67.76, 79.77). Knowing partner's sero-status (OR = 10.04(95%CI 3.36, 31.84), married (OR = 2.46 (95%CI 1.23, 4.89), smooth relationship (OR = 3.30 (95%CI 1.39, 7.84), and discussion on HIV before the test (OR = 6.96 (95%CI 3.21, 15.05) were identified determinants of HIV sero-status disclosure. Conclusion The current systematic and meta-analysis revealed that nearly one-fourth of women had not disclosed HIV sero-status to at least one individual. Knowing the partner's HIV sero-status, being married, having a smooth relationship, and discussing on HIV before the test were determinants of disclosure status. Therefore, disclosure of HIV-positive sero-status among women living with HIV needs to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getu Mosisa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia,*Correspondence: Getu Mosisa
| | - Diriba Mulisa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Adugna Oluma
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Lami Bayisa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Emiru Merdassa
- Department of Public Health, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Diriba Bayisa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Afework Tamiru
- Department of Public Health, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Tolossa
- Department of Public Health, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia,Deakin Health Economics, School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Dereje Chala Diriba
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Getahun Fetensa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Bizuneh Wakuma
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institutes of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
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HIV Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Men in South Africa 30 Years into the Epidemic: The Fifth Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:986-995. [PMID: 34460028 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03453-z] [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] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We investigated HIV prevalence and associated factors among men ≥ 15 years in South Africa using data from a 2017 nationwide cross-sectional survey. HIV prevalence was 10.5% among 6 646 participants. Prevalence increased from 4.1% in the younger men (15-24 years), 12.5% in young men (25-34 years) to 12.7% in older men (≥ 35 years). Odds of being infected with HIV were lower among younger men who had secondary level education and those who reported poor/fair self-rated health. Young and older men of other race groups had lower odds of HIV infection. Odds of infection were lower among young men who had moderate/high exposure to HIV communication programmes. Men not aware of their HIV status had higher odds of HIV infection, including older men who never married. Improved access to education, behavioral change programmes, and awareness of HIV status are necessary to reduce the risk of HIV infection among Black African men.
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Cuadros DF, de Oliveira T, Gräf T, Junqueira DM, Wilkinson E, Lemey P, Bärnighausen T, Kim HY, Tanser F. The role of high-risk geographies in the perpetuation of the HIV epidemic in rural South Africa: A spatial molecular epidemiology study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000105. [PMID: 36962341 PMCID: PMC10021703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we hypothesize that HIV geographical clusters (geospatial areas with significantly higher numbers of HIV positive individuals) can behave as the highly connected nodes in the transmission network. Using data come from one of the most comprehensive demographic surveillance systems in Africa, we found that more than 70% of the HIV transmission links identified were directly connected to an HIV geographical cluster located in a peri-urban area. Moreover, we identified a single central large community of highly connected nodes located within the HIV cluster. This module was composed by nodes highly connected among them, forming a central structure of the network that was also connected with the small sparser modules located outside of the HIV geographical cluster. Our study supports the evidence of the high level of connectivity between HIV geographical high-risk populations and the entire community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F. Cuadros
- Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Health Geography and Disease Modeling Laboratory, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, Department of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tiago Gräf
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Dennis M. Junqueira
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, Department of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, Department of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Heidelberg Institute for Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Adeola AO, Forbes PBC. Antiretroviral Drugs in African Surface Waters: Prevalence, Analysis, and Potential Remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:247-262. [PMID: 34033688 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The sources, ecotoxicological impact, and potential remediation strategies of antiretroviral drugs (ARVDs) as emerging contaminants in surface waters are reviewed based on recent literature. The occurrence of ARVDs in water bodies raises concern because many communities in Africa depend on rivers for water resources. Southern Africa is a potential hotspot regarding ARVD contamination due to relatively high therapeutic application and detection thereof in water bodies. Efavirenz and nevirapine are the most persistent in effluents and are prevalent in surface water based on environmental concentrations. Whereas the highest concentration of efavirenz reported in Kenya was 12.4 µg L-1 , concentrations as high as 119 and 140 µg L-1 have been reported in Zambia and South Africa, respectively. Concentrations of ARVDs ranging from 670 to 34 000 ng L-1 (influents) and 540 to 34 000 ng L-1 (effluents) were determined in wastewater treatment plants in South Africa, compared with Europe, where reported concentrations range from less than limit of detection (LOD) to 32 ng L-1 (influents) and less than LOD to 22 ng L-1 (effluents). The present African-based review suggests the need for comprehensive toxicological and risk assessment of these emerging pollutants in Africa, with the intent of averting environmental hazards and the development of sustainable remediation strategies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:247-262. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adedapo O Adeola
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Patricia B C Forbes
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
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Oguya FO, Kenya PR, Ongecha F, Mureithi P, Musyoka H, Muraguri N, Mundia B, Angira C, Shose M, Basheeb TA, Mohamed AA, Oyore JP, Ochieng OG, Dida GO, Abdalla S, Abdool R. Rapid situational assessment of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Nairobi and coastal regions of Kenya: a respondent driven sampling survey. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1549. [PMID: 34391389 PMCID: PMC8364050 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11373-9] [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: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A Cross-sectional Rapid Situational Assessment of People Who Inject Drug (PWIDs) applying Respondent Driven sampling techniques (RDS) was used to recruit subjects/participants in a study aimed at assessing HIV prevalence and risk behaviors among injecting drug users in Nairobi and Coastal regions of Kenya. There is paucity of data and information on injecting drug use in sub-Saharan Africa and there is sufficient evidence of existence of the environment for development and growth of injecting drug use. Past studies on PWID and its association to HIV and AIDS that have been conducted in Kenya do not provide sufficient information to support effective planning and comprehensive national response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was adopted in which a set of initial subjects referred to as 'seeds' were first identified from which an expanding chain of referrals were obtained, with subjects from each wave referring subjects of subsequent waves. The seeds were drawn randomly from the population and interviewed to pick the one with the largest network and other unique characteristics. A maximum of twelve seeds were recruited. The second stage involved conducting assessment visits to the sites to identify potential collaborators that included non-governmental organizations (NGOs), drug treatment centres, health facilities, community based organizations (CBO's) among others. Three NGOs located in the coast region and one in Nairobi region were identified to assist in identifying drug injection locations and potential participants. Key informant interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted using interview guides. RESULTS A total of 646 individuals (344 in Nairobi and 302 at the coast) were recruited for the study between January and March 2010. Of these 590 (91%) were male and 56 (9%) were female. Findings showed that most PWIDs initiated injecting drug use between the ages of 20-29 years, with the youngest age of initiation being 11 years and oldest age being 53 years. Most commonly injected drug was heroin (98%), with a small (2%) percentage injecting cocaine. Other non-injecting methods such as smoking or combining these two drugs with other drugs such as cannabis or Rohypnol were also common. Most PWIDs used other substances (cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis) before initiating injecting drug use. The adjusted national HIV prevalence of PWIDs was 18.3% (19.62% unadjusted) with PWIDs in Nairobi region registering 18.33% (20.58% unadjusted) compared PWIDs for Coastal region indicating 18.27% (18.59% - unadjusted). The gender based HIV prevalence showed that women were more at risk of acquiring HIV (44.51%-adjusted) compared to men (15.97%-adjusted). The age specific HIV prevalence showed that PWIDs who initiated injecting at 11-19 years (44.7% adjusted) were most at risk in Nairobi compared to those who initiated injecting at age 20-24 years (23.2% - adjusted) in the coastal region. While all PWIDs continue to be at risk in the two regions, those from the Western parts of Nairobi, Kenya were at a relatively higher risk given their increased propensity for sharing injecting equipment and solutions. CONCLUSIONS Compared to the national HIV prevalence of (4.9%), the results show that People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) are at particularly high risk of infection in Kenya and there is urgent need for intervention (KenPHIA, 2018). This study also showed clear evidence that 70% of PWIDs are primary school educated, engage in high risk injecting and sexual behaviors comprising sharing of injecting equipment, unprotected heterosexual and homosexual sex. Given that initiation of injecting drug use begins early and peaks after formal school years (20-29 years), prevention programmes should be targeted at primary and secondary school students, college and out of school youth. Further, to protect People who inject drugs (PWIDs) from HIV infection, the country should introduce free Needle Syringe Programs (NSP) with provision of condoms and Methadone Assisted Therapy (MAT) as a substitute for drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis O Oguya
- Department of Health Systems Management and Public Health, Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Patrick R Kenya
- International Centre for Health Interventions Research in Africa (ICHIRA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francisca Ongecha
- International Centre for Health Interventions Research in Africa (ICHIRA), Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Kenyatta Univerity, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Helgar Musyoka
- National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ben Mundia
- National AIDS Control Council (NACC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Caleb Angira
- Nairobi Outreach Services Trust (NOSET), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - John P Oyore
- School of Public Health, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Gabriel O Dida
- Department of Health Systems Management and Public Health, Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Saade Abdalla
- United Nations Office Drugs Crime (UNODC-ROEA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Reychard Abdool
- United Nations Office Drugs Crime (UNODC-ROEA), Nairobi, Kenya
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Ponatshego PL, Youssouf NF, Mosepele M. Current co-morbidities burden in patients living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2021; 16:163-167. [PMID: 33833207 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review aims to decipher common co-morbidities faced by people living with HIV in low- to middle-income countries, and in particular the sub-Saharan region, which hosts the majority of the HIV burden worldwide. RECENT FINDINGS Well-controlled chronic HIV disease is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This is partly due to the natural aging process, however recent studies show that using antiretroviral therapy as well as the HIV disease itself may be predisposing factors to the development of cardiovascular diseases, creating a new burden for healthcare facilities in the region. Furthermore, newly completed studies assessing inflammation marker albuminuria and age-related syndrome frailty have been found in a higher prevalence than in non-HIV people, with increased morbidity and mortality. SUMMARY As antiretroviral medication continues to be well supplied in the region and well tolerated by patients living with HIV, this group is now reckoning with cardiovascular ailments faced by all ageing population therefore there is a need for cardiovascular care systems to be better integrated within the existing, well-performing HIV care cascade to address this burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mosepele Mosepele
- Associate Professor, Infectious Diseases; Head of Department, Internal Medicine, University of Botswana
- Principal Investigator, Botswana Harvard HIV/AIDS Partnership
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Gill K, Johnson L, Dietrich J, Myer L, Marcus R, Wallace M, Pidwell T, Mendel E, Fynn L, Jones K, Wiesner L, Slack C, Strode A, Spiegel H, Hosek S, Rooney J, Gray G, Bekker LG. Acceptability, safety, and patterns of use of oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in South African adolescents: an open-label single-arm phase 2 trial. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2020; 4:875-883. [PMID: 33222803 PMCID: PMC9832157 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(20)30248-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV incidence among adolescents in southern Africa remains unacceptably high. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention intervention but there are few data on its implementation among adolescents. We aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of PrEP with oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package in an adolescent population in South Africa. METHODS This open-label single-arm phase 2 study (PlusPills) was done in two research clinics in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. Adolescents aged 15-19 years were recruited into the study through recruitment events and outreach in the community. Potential participants were eligible for enrolment if they reported being sexually active. Exclusion criteria were a positive test for HIV or pregnancy at enrolment, breastfeeding, or any relevant co-morbidities. Participants were given oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine for PrEP to take daily for the first 12 weeks and were then given the choice to opt in or out of PrEP use at three monthly intervals during scheduled clinic visits. Participants were invited to monthly visits for adherence counselling and HIV testing during the study period. The primary outcomes were acceptability, use, and safety of PrEP. Acceptability was measured by the proportion of participants who reported willingness to take up PrEP and remain on PrEP at each study timepoint. Use was defined as the number of participants who continued to use PrEP after the initial 12-week period until the end of the study (week 48). Safety was measured by grade 2, 3, and 4 laboratory and clinical adverse events using the Division of AIDS table for grading the severity of adult and paediatric adverse events, version 1.0. Dried blood spot samples were collected at each study time-point to measure tenofovir diphosphate concentrations. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02213328. FINDINGS Between April 28, 2015, and Nov 11, 2016, 244 participants were screened, and 148 participants were enrolled (median age was 18 years; 99 participants [67%] were female) and initiated PrEP. PrEP was stopped by 26 of the 148 (18%) participants at 12 weeks. Cumulative PrEP opt-out, from the total cohort, was 41% (60 of 148 participants) at week 24 and 43% (63 of 148 participants) at week 36. PrEP was well tolerated with only minor adverse events (grade 2) thought to be related to study drug, which included headache (n=4, 3%), gastrointestinal upset (n=8, 5%), and skin rash (n=2, 1%). Two participants (1%) experienced grade 3 weight loss, which was deemed related to the study drug and resolved fully when PrEP was discontinued. Tenofovir diphosphate concentrations were detectable (>16 fmol/punch) in dried blood spot samples in 108 (92%) of 118 participants who reported PrEP use at week 12, in 74 (74%) of 100 participants at week 24, and in 22 (59%) of 37 participants by the study end at week 48. INTERPRETATION In this cohort of self-selected South African adolescents at risk of HIV acquisition, PrEP appears safe and tolerable in those who continued use. PrEP use decreased throughout the course of the study as the number of planned study visits declined. Adolescents in southern Africa needs access to PrEP with tailored adherence support and possibly the option for more frequent and flexible visit schedules. FUNDING National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the US National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gill
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - L Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - L Myer
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - R Marcus
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - M Wallace
- Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)
| | - T Pidwell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - E Mendel
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - L Fynn
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - K Jones
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - L Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C Slack
- HIV AIDS Vaccines Ethics Group, University of KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa
| | - A Strode
- School of Socio Legal Studies, School of Law, Pietermaritzburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville
| | - H Spiegel
- Kelly Government Solutions, Contractor to National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, USA
| | - S Hosek
- Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
| | - J Rooney
- Gilead Sciences, 333 Lakeside Drive, Building 300, Foster City, USA
| | - G Gray
- Office of the President, South African Medical Research Council, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - LG Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Murewanhema G. Adolescent girls, a forgotten population in resource-limited settings in the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 37:41. [PMID: 33552369 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.37.41.26970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health is an essential aspect that may be forgotten in the COVID-19 pandemic. Valuable insights gained from previous humanitarian crises indicate undesirable short and long-term adolescent maternal consequences in low resource settings. Young girls are at a higher risk of dropping out of school and being forced into early child marriages and high-risk jobs that predispose them to sexual exploitation and sexual and gender-based violence. Economic recessions, supply chain disruptions and reallocation of resources may limit access and utilisation of services and commodities. The COVID-19 pandemic thus indirectly exposes adolescent girls to multiplied risks of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections including HIV and Human Papilloma Virus. Sexual and gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation cases may increase as intervention programmes to avert these are disrupted, and the resultant psychosocial and socioeconomic consequences may be devastating. Thus, a pro-active approach is required to come up with frameworks to ensure the minimum initial service package for reproductive health. A multi-sectoral collaborative intersection of relevant stakeholders in adolescent sexual and reproductive health is therefore urgently desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Murewanhema
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, PO Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
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12
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Murewanhema G. Adolescent girls, a forgotten population in resource-limited settings in the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Pan Afr Med J 2020. [PMID: 33552369 PMCID: PMC7846263 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.37.1.26970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health is an essential aspect that may be forgotten in the COVID-19 pandemic. Valuable insights gained from previous humanitarian crises indicate undesirable short and long-term adolescent maternal consequences in low resource settings. Young girls are at a higher risk of dropping out of school and being forced into early child marriages and high-risk jobs that predispose them to sexual exploitation and sexual and gender-based violence. Economic recessions, supply chain disruptions and reallocation of resources may limit access and utilisation of services and commodities. The COVID-19 pandemic thus indirectly exposes adolescent girls to multiplied risks of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections including HIV and Human Papilloma Virus. Sexual and gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation cases may increase as intervention programmes to avert these are disrupted, and the resultant psychosocial and socioeconomic consequences may be devastating. Thus, a pro-active approach is required to come up with frameworks to ensure the minimum initial service package for reproductive health. A multi-sectoral collaborative intersection of relevant stakeholders in adolescent sexual and reproductive health is therefore urgently desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Murewanhema
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, PO Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
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13
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Sun S, Li Z, Zhang H, Jiang H, Hu X. Analysis of HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Socioeconomic Factors in Sub-Saharan Africa. ENTROPY 2020; 22:e22111230. [PMID: 33286998 PMCID: PMC7712028 DOI: 10.3390/e22111230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa has been the epicenter of the outbreak since the spread of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) began to be prevalent. This article proposes several regression models to investigate the relationships between the HIV/AIDS epidemic and socioeconomic factors (the gross domestic product per capita, and population density) in ten countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, for 2011–2016. The maximum likelihood method was used to estimate the unknown parameters of these models along with the Newton–Raphson procedure and Fisher scoring algorithm. Comparing these regression models, there exist significant spatiotemporal non-stationarity and auto-correlations between the HIV/AIDS epidemic and two socioeconomic factors. Based on the empirical results, we suggest that the geographically and temporally weighted Poisson autoregressive (GTWPAR) model is more suitable than other models, and has the better fitting results.
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14
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Mantziari A, Salminen S, Szajewska H, Malagón-Rojas JN. Postbiotics against Pathogens Commonly Involved in Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1510. [PMID: 33008065 PMCID: PMC7601467 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sustainable Development goals for 2020 included reducing all causes associated with infant and perinatal mortality in their priorities. The use of compounds with bioactive properties has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy due to their stimulating effect on the host's immune system. Additionally, biotherapeutic products such as postbiotics, tentatively defined as compounds produced during a fermentation process that support health and well-being, promote intestinal barrier integrity without posing considerable risks to children's health. Although this is a concept in development, there are increasing studies in the field of nutrition, chemistry, and health that aim to understand how postbiotics can help prevent different types of infections in priority populations such as minors under the age of five. The present review aims to describe the main mechanisms of action of postbiotics. In addition, it presents the available current evidence regarding the effects of postbiotics against pathogens commonly involved in pediatric infections. Postbiotics may constitute a safe alternative capable of modulating the cellular response and stimulating the host's humoral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Mantziari
- Functional Foods Forum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland;
| | - Seppo Salminen
- Functional Foods Forum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland;
| | - Hania Szajewska
- Department of Paediatrics at the Medical University of Warsaw, 02091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Jeadran Nevardo Malagón-Rojas
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad El Bosque, 110121 Bogotá, Colombia;
- Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia, 111321 Bogotá, Colombia
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15
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Mbewe L, Govender E. Male partners' influence on women's acceptance and use of PrEP products across two high HIV-burdened districts in South Africa. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2020; 19:93-100. [PMID: 32320329 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2020.1727932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The demonstrated efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has brought hope of controlling the epidemic among women with limited HIV preventation options. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of male partner involvement in female sexual and reproductive health but there is limited research on male involvement in the adoption of HIV prevention methods among women. Using a culture-centred approach, this article discusses perceptions of female-initiated HIV prevention methods among men and women. The data were collected using eight sex-specific focus group discussions with a sample of men and women aged between 18 and 49 years from selected urban and rural settings in two provinces of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify four key themes: increased infidelity in relationships and risky behaviour; association of PrEP with casual relationships; a partner's right to know that women are reducing their risk of HIV infection; and that men need to engage in decision-making on HIV risk reduction. The article highlights the importance of partner engagement and knowledge sharing of female-initiated prevention methods as part of a combination HIV-prevention strategy, and the urgency of creating enabling environments to utilise female-initiated methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Londeka Mbewe
- Centre for Communication, Media and Society, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Eliza Govender
- Centre for Communication, Media and Society, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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16
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Woolfork MN, Fox A, Swartzendruber A, Rathbun S, Lee J, Mutanga JN, Ezeamama AE. Empowerment and HIV Risk Behaviors in Couples: Modeling the Theory of Gender and Power in an African Context. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS 2020; 1:89-101. [PMID: 33786478 PMCID: PMC7784798 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2019.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Young women and girls in Eastern and Southern Africa are at elevated risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compared with men, largely due to power dynamics within heterosexual relationships that contribute to HIV risk behaviors. Few studies employ a comprehensive framework to examine divisions between men and women and HIV risk behaviors in an African context. Thus, we examined associations between levels of women's empowerment and HIV risk behaviors applying the Theory of Gender and Power. Methods: We used logistic regression (adjusted odds ratios or AORs) to assess associations between women's empowerment indicators and HIV risk behaviors (multiple sexual partners) and self-efficacy (ability to negotiate sex/sex refusal) with couples data (n = 12,670) from Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Results: Specifically, key drivers of high levels of empowerment among women were household decision-making involvement, female economic independence, and rejecting all reasons for wife-beating. Furthermore, higher levels of women's empowerment in coupled relationships was associated with safer sex negotiation in Malawi (AOR = 1.57, p < 0.05) and Zambia (AOR = 1.60, p < 0.0001) and sex refusal in Malawi (AOR = 1.62, p < 0.0001) and Zimbabwe (AOR = 1.29, p < 0.05). However, empowerment was not associated with the likelihood of the male partner having multiple sexual partners across all countries studied. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that high levels of women's empowerment were associated with safer sex practices, although this varied by country. Policymakers should incorporate empowerment indicators to address women's empowerment and HIV prevention within African couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makhabele Nolana Woolfork
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Ashley Fox
- Department of Public Administration, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Swartzendruber
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephen Rathbun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Joel Lee
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Jane N Mutanga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Amara E Ezeamama
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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17
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Nakimuli-Mpungu E, Musisi S, Wamala K, Okello J, Ndyanabangi S, Birungi J, Nanfuka M, Etukoit M, Mayora C, Ssengooba F, Mojtabai R, Nachega JB, Harari O, Mills EJ. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of group support psychotherapy delivered by trained lay health workers for depression treatment among people with HIV in Uganda: a cluster-randomised trial. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 8:e387-e398. [PMID: 32035035 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30548-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WHO recommends the use of psychological interventions as first-line treatment for depression in low-income and middle-income countries. However, evaluations of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of such interventions among people with HIV are scarce. Our aim was to establish the effectiveness of group support psychotherapy (GSP) delivered by lay health workers for depression treatment among people living with HIV in a rural area of Uganda on a large scale. METHODS In this cluster-randomised trial, we included 30 health centres offering HIV care. These were randomly assigned to deliver either GSP or group HIV education (GHE). Randomisation, in a ratio of 1:1, was achieved by health centre managers separately picking a paper containing the intervention allocation from a basket. Participants were people living with HIV, aged 19 years and older, with mild to moderate major depression assessed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview depression module, taking antiretroviral therapy, and antidepressant-naive. Group sessions were led by trained lay health workers once a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes were the proportion of participants with major depression and function scores at 6 months post-treatment, analysed by intention to treat by means of multilevel random effect regression analyses adjusting for clustering in health centres. This trial is registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR201608001738234. FINDINGS Between Sept 13 and Dec 15, 2016, we assessed 1473 individuals, of whom 1140 were recruited from health centres offering GSP (n=578 [51%]) or GHE (n=562 [49%]). Two (<1%) participants in the GSP group were diagnosed with major depression 6 months post-treatment compared with 160 (28%) in the GHE group (adjusted odds ratio=0·01, 95% CI 0·003-0·012, p<0·0001). The mean function scores 6 months post-treatment were 9·85 (SD 0·76) in the GSP group and 6·83 (2·85) in the GHE group (β=4·12; 95% CI 3·75-4·49, p<0·0001). 36 individuals had 63 serious adverse events, which included 25 suicide attempts and 22 hospital admissions for medical complications. The outcomes of these serious adverse events included 16 deaths, 4 of which were completed suicides (GSP=2; GHE=2), and 12 of which were HIV-related medical complications (GSP=8; GHE=4). Cost-effectiveness estimates showed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of US$13·0 per disability-adjusted life-year averted, which can be considered very cost-effective in Uganda. INTERPRETATION Integration of cost-effective psychological treatments such as group support psychotherapy into existing HIV interventions might improve the mental health of people living with HIV. FUNDING MQ Transforming Mental Health and Grand Challenges Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seggane Musisi
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kizito Wamala
- Department of Psychology, Center for Victims of Torture, Gulu, Uganda
| | - James Okello
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Chrispus Mayora
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Freddie Ssengooba
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ramin Mojtabai
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jean B Nachega
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Edward J Mills
- MTEK Sciences, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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18
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Okonko IO, Okoli EM. Determination of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1&2&O and P24 - antigen in pregnant women in port harcourt Nigeria. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2019; 41:208-218. [PMID: 31885351 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2019.1708387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The need for a cure against HIV infection and a need to improve HIV screening amongst low risk population such as pregnant women have been an issue since the emergence of HIV. Therefore, a hospital-based cross-sectional study was adopted to determine the prevalence of antibodies to HIV-1/2/O and P24 antigen among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Estimating the HIV seropositivity in pregnant women will offer vital information for monitoring the trend of HIV infection in the general population and assist in prevention from mother-to-child transmission. The occurrence of antibodies to HIV type 1/2/O and P24 antigen among the pregnant women was investigated using fourth-generation ELISA. The influence of the women's age, marital status, occupation, educational status and gestation period on the prevalence of these antibodies against HIV type 1/2/O and P24 antigen was also considered. Of the 86 pregnant women, 14 were found to be HIV-positive with seropositivity rate of 32.6%. Majority of HIV seropositive women (41.2%) were in the age group of 31-42 years. Higher seropositivity was observed among singles (50.0%), those with secondary education (44.7%), unemployed (47.8%) and in those in their third trimester (40.0%). Additionally, this study observed high seropositivity of antibodies to HIV type 1, 2, O and P24 antigen among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and calls for urgent and concerted efforts aimed at promoting behavioral and socio-cultural practices that could change the current high rate of HIV seropositivity amongst pregnant women in Nigeria. A combination of preventive strategies such as the use of condoms, breaking the chain of transmission within sexual networks by prompt treatment and reducing the amount of unsafe sexual behavior, promoting sexual abstinence and behavioral change from high-risk behavior are advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iheanyi Omezuruike Okonko
- Virus Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Eberechukwu Maryann Okoli
- Virus Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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19
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Marra E, Lin C, Clifford GM. Type-Specific Anal Human Papillomavirus Prevalence Among Men, According to Sexual Preference and HIV Status: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. J Infect Dis 2019; 219:590-598. [PMID: 30239749 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, most notably HPV16, the central cause of anal cancer, is increased by anal sexual intercourse and worsened by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positivity. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of type-specific anal HPV prevalence in men, compared according to sexual preference, HIV status, and, when available, anal cytopathology. Results Seventy-nine eligible studies included: 1805 HIV-negative men who have sex with women (MSW), 924 HIV-positive MSW, 8213 HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM), and 12758 HIV-positive MSM. Irrespective of anal cytopathology, HPV16 prevalence was significantly higher in MSM than MSW, both among HIV-negative (14% vs 3%; prevalence ratio (PR) 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5-8.9) and HIV-positive men (30% vs 11%; PR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-4.1). Likewise, HPV16 was significantly higher in HIV-positive than HIV-negative men, both among MSW (PR = 3.5; 95% CI, 1.6-7.7) and MSM (PR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.8-2.5). Anal HPV16 prevalence was similar between HIV-positive MSW and HIV-negative MSM. For MSM, anal HPV16 prevalence was significantly higher from studies with anal cytopathology, suggesting population sampling effects. Conclusion Sexual preference and HIV infection are independent strong determinants of male anal HPV16 infection, confirming HIV-positive MSM as priorities for anal cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elske Marra
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Chunqing Lin
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
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20
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Nnko S, Kuringe E, Nyato D, Drake M, Casalini C, Shao A, Komba A, Baral S, Wambura M, Changalucha J. Determinants of access to HIV testing and counselling services among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:15. [PMID: 30611219 PMCID: PMC6321716 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6362-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV testing and counselling (HTC) is an essential component for HIV prevention and a critical entry point into the HIV continuum of care and treatment. Despite the importance of HTC for HIV control, access to HTC services among female sex workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains suboptimal and little is known about factors influencing FSWs' access to HTC. Guided by the client-centred conceptual framework, we conducted a systematic review to understand the facilitators and barriers influencing FSWs in SSA to access HTC services. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, POPLINE and Web of Science databases for literature published between January 2000 and July 2017. References of relevant articles were also searched. We included primary studies of any design, conducted in SSA and published in the English language. Studies conducted in multi-sites inclusive of SSA were included only if data from sites in SSA were separately analysed and reported. Similarly, studies that included other subpopulations were only eligible if a separate analysis was done for FSWs. This review excluded papers published as systematic reviews, editorial comments and mathematical modelling. The protocol for this review is registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42017062203. RESULTS This review shows that factors related to approachability, acceptability, availability, affordability and appropriateness of the services are crucial in influencing access to HTC services among FSWs in SSA. These factors were mediated by individual attributes such as HIV risk perceptions, awareness of the availability of HTC, and perceptions of the importance and quality of HTC services. The decision to utilise HTC was predominantly hampered by discriminatory social norms such as HIV stigma and criminalisation of sex work. CONCLUSIONS FSWs' access to HTC is facilitated by multiple factors, including individual awareness of the availability of HTC services, and perceived quality of HTC especially with regard to assured confidentiality. Concerns about HIV stigma and fear about discrimination due to community intolerance of sex work acted as major barriers for FSWs to seek HTC services from the facilities offering health services to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soori Nnko
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Isamilo Road, P.O Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Evodius Kuringe
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Isamilo Road, P.O Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Daniel Nyato
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Isamilo Road, P.O Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Mary Drake
- Sauti Program, Jhpiego Tanzania - an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, P.O Box 9170, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Caterina Casalini
- Sauti Program, Jhpiego Tanzania - an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, P.O Box 9170, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Amani Shao
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Isamilo Road, P.O Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Albert Komba
- Sauti Program, Jhpiego Tanzania - an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, P.O Box 9170, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stefan Baral
- Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, E7146, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Mwita Wambura
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Isamilo Road, P.O Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - John Changalucha
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Isamilo Road, P.O Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Nakimuli-Mpungu E, Musisi S, Wamala K, Okello J, Ndyanabangi S, Birungi J, Nanfuka M, Etukoit M, Mojtabai R, Nachega J, Harari O, Mills E. Recruitment and Baseline Characteristics of Participants in the Social, Emotional, and Economic Empowerment Through Knowledge of Group Support Psychotherapy Study (SEEK-GSP): Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e11560. [PMID: 30609989 PMCID: PMC6682267 DOI: 10.2196/11560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial characteristics, including self-esteem, perceived social support, coping skills, stigma, discrimination, and poverty, are strongly correlated with depression symptoms. However, data on the extent of these correlations among persons living with HIV and the associations between psychosocial characteristics and HIV treatment outcomes are limited in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to describe the recruitment process and baseline characteristics associated with depression in a sample of HIV-positive people in a cluster randomized trial of group support psychotherapy (GSP) for depression delivered by trained lay health workers (LHWs). METHODS Thirty eligible primary care health centers across three districts in Uganda were randomly allocated to have their LHWs trained to deliver GSP (intervention arm) or group HIV education and treatment as usual (control arm) to persons living with HIV comorbid with depression. Baseline demographic, socioeconomic, and psychosocial characteristics were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires. Among eligible participants, differences between those enrolled versus those who refused enrollment were assessed using chi square for categorical variables and t tests for continuous variables. Spearman rank order correlation analyses were conducted to determine associations between baseline depression symptoms and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), viral load suppression, and other psychosocial variables. RESULTS The study screened 1473 people and 1140 were found to be eligible and enrolled over 14 weeks. Participants recruited comprised 95% of the target sample size of 1200. The sample's mean age was 38.5 (SD 10.9) years and both genders were well represented (males: 46.32%, 528/1140). Most participants met the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (96.92%, 1105/1140), had significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (72.46%, 826/1140), reported moderate suicide risk (52.54%, 599/1140), had primary or no formal education (86.22%, 983/1140), and reported no income-generating activity (72.63%, 828/1140) and no food insecurity (81.67%, 931/1140). Among eligible participants, 48 of 1140 (4.21%) refused to participate in the interventions; these participants were more likely to be males (χ21=4.0, P=.045) and have significantly lower depression symptoms scores (t2=2.36, P=.01) than those who participated in the interventions. There was a significant positive correlation between viral load and number of traumatic experiences (ρ=.12, P=.05). Adherence to ART was positively correlated with perceived social support (ρ=.15, P<.001), but negatively correlated with depression symptoms (ρ=-.11, P=.05) and stigma (ρ=-.14, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Men and women with HIV and depression experience multiple social and economic vulnerabilities and disadvantages. Culturally tailored psychological interventions aimed at these individuals should address these socioeconomic disadvantages in addition to addressing their mental health care needs. TRIAL REGISTRATION Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201608001738234; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=1738 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74NtMphom).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seggane Musisi
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kizito Wamala
- Center for Victims of Torture, Department of Psychology, Gulu, Uganda
| | - James Okello
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Ramin Mojtabai
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg's School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jean Nachega
- Department of Epidemiology, Pittsburg Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburg, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Stellenbosch Center for Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg's School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of International Health, Bloomberg's School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Edward Mills
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Nacken A, Rehfuess EA, Paul I, Lupapula A, Pfadenhauer LM. Teachers' competence, school policy and social context-HIV prevention needs of primary schools in Kagera, Tanzania. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2018; 33:505-521. [PMID: 31222361 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyy036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa carries a high burden of the HIV epidemic, with young adults being particularly affected. Well-designed school-based HIV prevention interventions can contribute to establishing protective behaviour. The aim of this study was to explore the needs of primary school students and teachers in the region of Kagera, Tanzania, regarding an HIV prevention intervention in the primary school setting. The needs assessment was structured according to the PRECEDE component of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Qualitative data was collected in six focus group discussions with primary school students and teachers. Key informant interviews with seven experts were conducted. We employed qualitative content analysis to analyse data in MAXQDA. The findings suggest that teachers need to be adequately trained to provide HIV and sex education and to support HIV-positive students. Enabling structural factors, such as an appropriate syllabus, are required. Stigmatization has been reported a major barrier to HIV prevention in schools. Teachers and students identified a more trustful relationship between each other as well as to legal guardians of children as a basis for HIV prevention. These findings will inform the development of a tailored HIV prevention intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nacken
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich, Germany
| | - E A Rehfuess
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich, Germany
| | - I Paul
- Jambo Bukoba NGO Office Tanzania, Jambo Bukoba e.V., Aerodrome Road, Bukoba, Tanzania
| | - A Lupapula
- Department of Kiswahili, St. Augustine University of Tanzania, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - L M Pfadenhauer
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich, Germany
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Dias SS, Mbofana F, Cassy SR, Dias S, Augusto GF, Agadjanian V, Martins MRO. Estimating risk factors for HIV infection among women in Mozambique using population-based survey data. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2018; 17:62-71. [PMID: 29504505 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1405824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The use of population-based survey data together with sound statistical methods can enhance better estimation of HIV risk factors and explain variations across subgroups of the population. The distribution and determinants of HIV infection in populations must be taken into consideration. We analysed data from the HIV Prevalence and Behaviour Survey in Mozambique aiming to find risk factors associated with HIV infection among Mozambican women. The paper provides a complex survey logistic regression model to explain the variation in HIV seropositivity using demographic, socio-economic and behavioural factors. Results show that women aged 25-29 years, living in female-headed households, living in richer households and those widowed, divorced or not living with a partner have higher odds of being HIV-positive. Findings from our study provide a unique and integrated perspective on risk factors for being HIV-positive among Mozambican women and could support the implementation of programmes aiming to reduce HIV infection in Mozambique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Dias
- a EpiDoC Unit, Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas da NOVA Medical School , Universidade Nova de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal.,f Unidade de Investigação em Saúde, Escola Superior de Saúde de Leiria , Instituto Politécnico de Leiria , Leiria , Portugal
| | | | - Sheyla R Cassy
- c Departamento de Matemática e Informática, Faculdade de Ciências , Universidade Eduardo Mondlane , Maputo , Mozambique.,g Departamento de Matemática, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia , Universidade Nova de Lisboa , Caparica , Portugal
| | - Sónia Dias
- d Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical , Universidade Nova de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Gonçalo F Augusto
- d Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical , Universidade Nova de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Victor Agadjanian
- e Center of Population Dynamics , Arizona State University , Tempe , USA
| | - Maria R O Martins
- d Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical , Universidade Nova de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
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24
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Mir D, Gräf T, Esteves de Matos Almeida S, Pinto AR, Delatorre E, Bello G. Inferring population dynamics of HIV-1 subtype C epidemics in Eastern Africa and Southern Brazil applying different Bayesian phylodynamics approaches. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8778. [PMID: 29884822 PMCID: PMC5993807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26824-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The subtype C Eastern Africa clade (CEA), a particularly successful HIV-1 subtype C lineage, has seeded several sub-epidemics in Eastern African countries and Southern Brazil during the 1960s and 1970s. Here, we characterized the past population dynamics of the major CEA sub-epidemics in Eastern Africa and Brazil by using Bayesian phylodynamic approaches based on coalescent and birth-death models. All phylodynamic models support similar epidemic dynamics and exponential growth rates until roughly the mid-1980s for all the CEA sub-epidemics. Divergent growth patterns, however, were supported afterwards. The Bayesian skygrid coalescent model (BSKG) and the birth-death skyline model (BDSKY) supported longer exponential growth phases than the Bayesian skyline coalescent model (BSKL). The BDSKY model uncovers patterns of a recent decline for the CEA sub-epidemics in Burundi/Rwanda and Tanzania (Re < 1) and a recent growth for Southern Brazil (Re > 1); whereas coalescent models infer an epidemic stabilization. To the contrary, the BSKG model captured a decline of Ethiopian CEA sub-epidemic between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s that was not uncovered by the BDSKY model. These results underscore that the joint use of different phylodynamic approaches may yield complementary insights into the past HIV population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana Mir
- Laboratório de AIDS e Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Tiago Gräf
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sabrina Esteves de Matos Almeida
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Fundação Estadual de Produção e Pesquisa em Saúde, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
| | - Aguinaldo Roberto Pinto
- Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Edson Delatorre
- Laboratório de AIDS e Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Bello
- Laboratório de AIDS e Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Chaudhry MR, Husain F, Armstrong EG, Ferguson JA. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Grenada: A cross-sectional approach used to measure response variation regarding sexual behavior and health depending on the method of data collection. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e10869. [PMID: 29851801 PMCID: PMC6393020 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000010869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the association between high-risk sexual behavior in relation to HIV transmission and prevalence among different groups of people in Grenada. In addition, this study intends to increase the involvement and improved services by Grenadian chapter of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Partnership (GrenCHAP).A cross-sectional study was conducted over a 2-month period in Grenada, West Indies, to measure the responsive nature of different populations to an inquiry about HIV and sexual behavior. The 2 methods used to collect the data were online (via social media) and through an in-person interaction with local NGO GrenCHAP personnel. Survey responses were recorded via SurveyMonkey ending on April 11, 2014.The findings of the study were that there was an increased degree of frankness and demographic diversity in participants who responded online as opposed to in-person.People who responded online were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behavior. GrenCHAP has the opportunity to contribute in the collection of invaluable data concerning HIV and other STIs because of its NGO status and anonymity.
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26
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Miller JC, Slim AC. Saturation effects and the concurrency hypothesis: Insights from an analytic model. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187938. [PMID: 29136021 PMCID: PMC5685581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual partnerships that overlap in time (concurrent relationships) may play a significant role in the HIV epidemic, but the precise effect is unclear. We derive edge-based compartmental models of disease spread in idealized dynamic populations with and without concurrency to allow for an investigation of its effects. Our models assume that partnerships change in time and individuals enter and leave the at-risk population. Infected individuals transmit at a constant per-partnership rate to their susceptible partners. In our idealized populations we find regions of parameter space where the existence of concurrent partnerships leads to substantially faster growth and higher equilibrium levels, but also regions in which the existence of concurrent partnerships has very little impact on the growth or the equilibrium. Additionally we find mixed regimes in which concurrency significantly increases the early growth, but has little effect on the ultimate equilibrium level. Guided by model predictions, we discuss general conditions under which concurrent relationships would be expected to have large or small effects in real-world settings. Our observation that the impact of concurrency saturates suggests that concurrency-reducing interventions may be most effective in populations with low to moderate concurrency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel C. Miller
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Anja C. Slim
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- School of Earth, Atmosphere, and the Environment, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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27
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Gallo MF, Legardy-Williams J, Steiner MJ, Macaluso M, Carter M, Hobbs MM, Hylton-Kong T, Anderson C, Costenbader E, Warner L. Sexual Relationship Power and Semen Exposure Among Female Patients at a Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic in Kingston, Jamaica. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:2157-2164. [PMID: 27305908 PMCID: PMC5500443 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0771-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Women's power in sexual relationships is thought to be an important predictor of condom use. However, research on correlates of condom use often relies on participant reporting of behavior, which has questionable validity. We evaluated the association between scores from the modified Sexual Relationship Power Scale (SRPS-M) and biological detection of semen exposure in a prospective study of adult women attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Kingston, Jamaica with cervicitis or abnormal vaginal discharge in 2010-2011. At enrollment, women were counseled to avoid sex while on treatment and were asked to return in 6 days for a follow-up visit. At both study visits, women were administered a questionnaire and had vaginal swabs collected to test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biological marker of recent semen exposure. We found no significant association at enrollment or follow-up between SRPS-M scores and semen exposure, as measured with either self-reported data or PSA positivity. Semen biomarkers could be used to develop and validate new scales on relationship power and self-efficacy related to condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Gallo
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 324 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210-1351, USA.
| | - Jennifer Legardy-Williams
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Mail Stop K-34, Atlanta, GA, 30341-3724, USA
| | - Markus J Steiner
- Clinical Sciences Division, FHI 360, 2224 E NC Hwy 54, Durham, NC, 27713, USA
| | - Maurizio Macaluso
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, MLC 5041, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA
| | - Marion Carter
- Health Services Research and Evaluation Branch, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marcia M Hobbs
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7031, 8317 MBRB, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Tina Hylton-Kong
- Comprehensive Health Centre/Epidemiology Research and Training Unit, Jamaica Ministry of Health, 55 Slipe Pen Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Clive Anderson
- Comprehensive Health Centre/Epidemiology Research and Training Unit, Jamaica Ministry of Health, 55 Slipe Pen Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
| | | | - Lee Warner
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Mail Stop K-34, Atlanta, GA, 30341-3724, USA
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28
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Erickson M, Goldenberg SM, Master A, Muzaaya G, Akello M, Braschel M, Birungi J, Shannon K. Interpersonal and structural contexts of intimate partner violence among female sex workers in conflict-affected northern Uganda. Women Health 2017; 58:759-773. [PMID: 28682194 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2017.1342742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most prevalent form of violence against women, yet remains under-researched among sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa. We explored the interpersonal and structural determinants of recent IPV among female sex workers in northern Uganda. This analysis drew on data from a community-based cross-sectional study (conducted May 2011-January 2012), involving 379 female sex workers in Gulu, northern Uganda. Using logistic regression and multivariable modeling, we examined the correlates of recent male-perpetrated physical or sexual IPV. Of 379 women with noncommercial partners, 59 percent reported having experienced recent moderate/severe physical or sexual IPV. Reporting recent client violence (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.67; 95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 2.31-5.83), doing what their partner wanted (AOR: 2.46; 95 percent CI: 1.46-4.13), and forced sexual debut (AOR: 1.92; 95 percent CI: 1.20-3.05) were independently associated with moderate/severe IPV; recent police arrest and/or incarceration were/was marginally significantly associated with IPV (AOR: 2.25; 95 percent CI: 0.86-5.88, p = 0.097). Greater odds of IPV among sex workers were associated with recent workplace violence, forced sexual debut, and gendered power dynamics favoring male partner control. Programs and policies promoting the safety and health of marginalized women and addressing gender dynamics and violence are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Erickson
- a Gender and Sexual Health Initiative , British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Shira M Goldenberg
- a Gender and Sexual Health Initiative , British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada.,b Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University , Burnaby , British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aditi Master
- a Gender and Sexual Health Initiative , British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | | | | | - Melissa Braschel
- a Gender and Sexual Health Initiative , British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | | | - Kate Shannon
- a Gender and Sexual Health Initiative , British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada.,c Faculty of Medicine , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
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李 锦, 宋 亚, 寻 添, 谭 穗, 刘 叔. [Lactic acid inhibits the formation of semen-derived amyloid fibrils]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2017; 37:907-913. [PMID: 28736366 PMCID: PMC6765509 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-4254.2017.07.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effect of lactic acid on semen-derived amyloid (SEVI) fibril formation. METHODS PAP248-286 (2 mg/mL) was incubated with 4.0, 2.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 mg/mL of lactic acid. After incubation for different times, aliquots were drawn from each sample for Thioflavin T (ThT) and Congo red staining to monitor semen-derived amyloid fibril formation. The β sheet structure formation of PAP248-286 was measured by circular dichroism spectrum, and the morphology of amyloid fibrils incubated with or without lactic acid was observed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The enhancing effect of amyloid fibril incubated with lactic acid at different time points was determined using virus infection assay. PAP248-286 (2 mg/mL) was incubated with dilutions of vaginal secretion from healthy women, and amyloid fibril formation was detected with ThT and Congo red staining. RESULTS Lactic acid inhibited SEVI fibril formation in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Lactic acid at 0.5 mg/mL completely inhibited 2 mg/mL SEVI fibril formation within 48 h. After incubation for 48 h, lactic acid at 1 mg/mL inhibited the formation of β-sheet structure of SEVI (2 mg/mL) and completely inhibited 2 mg/mL PAP248-286 aggregation as observed with TEM. In the presence of lactic acid, PAP248-286 lost the ability to enhance virus infection. Vaginal secretion inhibited SEVI fibril formation in a dose-dependent manner, and virtually no SEVI fibril occurred after incubation of 2 mg/mL PAP248-286 with 67% vaginal secretion. CONCLUSION Lactic acid inhibits SEVI fibril formation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- 锦清 李
- 南方医科大学 药学院,广东 广州 510515School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 亚丽 宋
- 南方医科大学 南方医院妇产科生殖医学中心,广东 广州 510515Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 添荣 寻
- 南方医科大学 药学院,广东 广州 510515School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 穗懿 谭
- 南方医科大学 药学院,广东 广州 510515School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 叔文 刘
- 南方医科大学 药学院,广东 广州 510515School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Okoro ON, Whitson SO. HIV risk and barriers to care for African-born immigrant women: a sociocultural outlook. Int J Womens Health 2017; 9:421-429. [PMID: 28652821 PMCID: PMC5476631 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s129355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report 2015 show that African-born (AB) women continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. In 2015, these women accounted for more than half (54%) of all new cases of HIV reported among females in Minnesota and 34% of all known female cases in the state. This study was a needs assessment for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in vulnerable subgroups within the AB population and adequacy of HIV care for AB persons. The primary objective of this study was to gain an insight into the strategies that will limit the spread of HIV infection and enhance HIV care among AB immigrants. Methods Community advocates, community-based organizations (CBOs), clinicians, and other HIV-related service providers were invited to participate in a focus group, structured interview or complete an assessment tool using the same questionnaire about HIV and PrEP among AB persons. A thematic analysis was then conducted on the open-ended questions addressing perceived barriers. Results Findings suggest the following gender-specific sociocultural factors that drive HIV transmission and constitute barriers to HIV treatment for AB women: domestic/intimate partner violence, gender-biased stigma, discriminatory cultural beliefs and normative values/expectations, unprotected sex with husbands who have sex with other men, gender discordance in health care (preference for female provider), and sexual/reproductive health illiteracy. Recommendation Based on recommendations, a community-based sexual and reproductive health education is being initiated with a curriculum that will be 1) broad (inclusive but not limited to HIV), 2) culturally sensitive/responsive, and 3) at appropriate literacy level for all women, including those who have little or no formal education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olihe N Okoro
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Duluth
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Fagbamigbe AF, Ojebuyi BR. Influence of Spousal Communication about Family Planning and HIV/AIDS-related Issues on Modern Contraceptive Use in Nigeria. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0972063417699693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Contraceptive use in Nigeria at 15 per cent is low, despite a high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence of 3.4 per cent and fertility rate of 5.7 per cent. We assessed the levels of spousal communication on family planning and contraception (FPC) and HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), influence of demographic characteristics on this communication and association between this communication and the respondents’ health behaviours. We used a cross-sectional and nationally representative data on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS-related issues from randomly selected 30,752 men and women of reproductive age. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square (c2) and logistic regression were used to analyze the data at 5 per cent significance level. About 61 per cent of the respondents were 25–49 years old and mostly from rural areas (65 per cent). Only 20 per cent of the respondents discussed HIV/AIDS with their spouses within 12 months preceding the survey while 15 per cent discussed FPC. A discussion of both HIV/AIDS and FPC among spouses was reported among 9 per cent compared to 26 per cent who reported discussing either. Respondents aged 35–39 years had higher odds of discussing HIV/AIDS (Odds Ratios [OR] = 7.06:6.16–8.09) than those aged 15–19 years. Urban dwellers also had higher odds (OR = 1.24:1.16–1.31) of HIV/AIDS discussions than rural respondents. Modern contraceptive use was 35 per cent and 23 per cent among respondents who discussed FPC and HIV/AIDS compared to 8 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively, among those who did not. Spousal communication on FP and HIV/AIDS was low and has influenced contraceptive use and HIV positivity in Nigeria. There is a need to encourage spousal discussion on FP and HIV/AIDS, especially among the rural dwellers and the poor and uneducated as a strategy for improving modern contraceptive use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- School of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, North West University, MC, South Africa
| | - Babatunde Raphael Ojebuyi
- Department of Communication and Language Arts, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- School of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, North West University, MC, South Africa
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Structural and Behavioral Correlates of HIV Infection among Pregnant Women in a Country with a Highly Generalized HIV Epidemic: A Cross-Sectional Study with a Probability Sample of Antenatal Care Facilities in Swaziland. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168140. [PMID: 27942014 PMCID: PMC5152904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV disproportionately affects women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Swaziland bears the highest HIV prevalence of 41% among pregnant women in this region. This heightened HIV-epidemic reflects the importance of context-specific interventions. Apart from routine HIV surveillance, studies that examine structural and behavioral factors associated with HIV infection among women may facilitate the revitalization of existing programs and provide insights to inform context-specific HIV prevention interventions. METHODS AND FINDINGS This cross-sectional study employed a two-stage random cluster sampling in ten antenatal health care facilities in the Hhohho region of Swaziland in August and September 2015. Participants were eligible for the study if they were 18 years or older and had tested for HIV. Self-administered tablet-based questionnaires were used to assess HIV risk factors. Of all eligible pregnant women, 827 (92.4%) participated, out of which 297 (35.9%) were self-reportedly HIV positive. Among structural factors, family function was not significantly associated with self-reported HIV positive status, while lower than high school educational attainment (AOR, 1.65; CI, 1.14-3.38; P = 0.008), and income below minimum wage (AOR, 1.81; CI, 1.09-3.01; P = 0.021) were significantly associated with self-reported HIV positive status. Behavioral factors significantly associated with reporting a positive HIV status included; ≥2 lifetime sexual partners (AOR, 3.16; CI, 2.00-5.00; P<0.001), and ever cohabited (AOR, 2.39; CI, 1.66-3.43; P = 0.00). The most cited reason for having multiple sexual partners was financial gain. HIV/AIDS-related knowledge level was high but not associated to self-reported HIV status (P = 0.319). CONCLUSIONS Structural and behavioral factors showed significant association with self-reported HIV infection among pregnant women in Swaziland while HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and family function did not. This suggests that HIV interventions should be reinforced taking into consideration these findings. The findings also suggest the importance of future research sensitive to the Swazi and African sociocultural contexts, especially research for family function.
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Ganle JK. Hegemonic Masculinity, HIV/AIDS Risk Perception, and Sexual Behavior Change Among Young People in Ghana. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2016; 26:763-781. [PMID: 25721715 DOI: 10.1177/1049732315573204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Among the youth in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa, a paradoxical mix of adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS and high-risk behavior characterizes their daily lives. Based on original qualitative research in Ghana, I explore in this article the ways in which the social construction of masculinity influences youth's responses to behavior change HIV/AIDS prevention interventions. Findings show that although awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the risks of infection is very high among the youth, a combination of hegemonic masculinity and perceptions of personal invulnerability acts to undermine the processes of young people's HIV/AIDS risk construction and appropriate behavioral change. I argue that if HIV/AIDS prevention is to be effective and sustained, school- and community-based initiatives should be developed to provide supportive social spaces in which the construction of masculinity, the identity of young men and women as gendered persons, and perceptions of their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS infection are challenged.
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Carrel M, Janko M, Mwandagalirwa MK, Morgan C, Fwamba F, Muwonga J, Tshefu AK, Meshnick S, Emch M. Changing spatial patterns and increasing rurality of HIV prevalence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 2007 and 2013. Health Place 2016; 39:79-85. [PMID: 26974234 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has one of the lowest HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, estimated at 1.1% [0.9-1.3] of adults aged 15-49 in 2013 (UNAIDS). Within the 2 million km(2) country, however, there exists spatial variation in HIV prevalence, with the highest HIV prevalence observed in the large cities of Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Globally, HIV is an increasingly rural disease, diffusing outwards from urban centers of high HIV prevalence to places where HIV was previously absent or present at very low levels. Utilizing data collected during Demographic and Health Surveillance (DHS) in 2007 and 2013 in the DRC, we sought to update the map of HIV prevalence in the DRC as well as to explore whether HIV in the DRC is an increasingly rural disease or remains confined to urban areas. Bayesian kriging and regression indicate that HIV prevalence in rural areas of the DRC is higher in 2013 than in 2007 and that increased distance to an urban area is no longer protective against HIV as it was in 2007. These findings suggest that HIV education, testing and prevention efforts need to diffuse from urban to rural areas just as HIV is doing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Carrel
- Department of Geographical & Sustainability Sciences, 303 Jessup Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Mark Janko
- Department of Geography, CB3220, Carolina Hall, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Biostatistics, CB7420, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Camille Morgan
- Department of Biostatistics, CB7420, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Franck Fwamba
- National AIDS Control Program (PNLS), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jérémie Muwonga
- National AIDS Control Program (PNLS), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Antoinette K Tshefu
- Ecole de Sante Publique, Faculte de Medecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Steven Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, CB7435, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Emch
- Department of Geography, CB3220, Carolina Hall, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Epidemiology, CB7435, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Unveiling Spatial Epidemiology of HIV with Mobile Phone Data. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19342. [PMID: 26758042 PMCID: PMC4725841 DOI: 10.1038/srep19342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing amount of geo-referenced mobile phone data enables the identification of behavioral patterns, habits and movements of people. With this data, we can extract the knowledge potentially useful for many applications including the one tackled in this study - understanding spatial variation of epidemics. We explored the datasets collected by a cell phone service provider and linked them to spatial HIV prevalence rates estimated from publicly available surveys. For that purpose, 224 features were extracted from mobility and connectivity traces and related to the level of HIV epidemic in 50 Ivory Coast departments. By means of regression models, we evaluated predictive ability of extracted features. Several models predicted HIV prevalence that are highly correlated (>0.7) with actual values. Through contribution analysis we identified key elements that correlate with the rate of infections and could serve as a proxy for epidemic monitoring. Our findings indicate that night connectivity and activity, spatial area covered by users and overall migrations are strongly linked to HIV. By visualizing the communication and mobility flows, we strived to explain the spatial structure of epidemics. We discovered that strong ties and hubs in communication and mobility align with HIV hot spots.
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Sweileh WM, Al-Jabi SW, Sawalha AF, AbuTaha AS, Zyoud SH. Bibliometric analysis of medicine-related publications on poverty (2005-2015). SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:1888. [PMID: 27843745 PMCID: PMC5084147 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-3593-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poverty is a global problem. The war against poverty requires not only financial support, but also poverty-related research to pinpoint areas of high need of intervention. In line with international efforts to fight poverty and negative consequences, we carried out this study to give a bibliometric overview of medicine-related literature on poverty. Such a s study is an indicator of the extent of interaction of various international key players on the war against poverty-related health problems. METHODS Scopus was used to achieve the objective of this study. The time span set for this study was 2005-2015. Poverty-related articles under the subject area "Medicine" were used to give bibliometric indicators such as annual growth of publications, international collaboration, highly cited articles, active countries, institutions, journals, and authors. RESULTS The total number of retrieved articles was 1583. The Hirsh-index of retrieved articles was 56. A modest and fluctuating increase was seen over the study period. Visualization map of retrieved articles showed that "HIV", infectious diseases, mental health, India, and Africa were most commonly encountered terms. No significant dominance of any particular author or journal was observed in retrieved articles. The United States of America had the largest share in the number of published articles. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Prevention and Control were among top active institutions/organizations. International collaboration was observed in less than one third of publications. Top cited articles focused on three poverty-related health issues, mainly, infectious diseases, malnutrition, and child development/psychology. Most of top articles were published in high impact journals. CONCLUSIONS Data indicated that articles on poverty were published in high influential medical journals indicative of the importance of poverty as a global health problem. However, the number publications and the extent of international collaborations was lower than expected given the huge burden of poverty-related health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed M. Sweileh
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Samah W. Al-Jabi
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ansam F. Sawalha
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Adham S. AbuTaha
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Sa’ed H. Zyoud
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Weitzman A. Do Fathers' Sexual Behaviors Vary with the Sex of Firstborns? Evidence from 37 Countries. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 56:495-513. [PMID: 26646743 DOI: 10.1177/0022146515611732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This article investigates whether men's sexual behavior is influenced by the sex of their firstborn children and, if so, at what stage of firstborns' development this occurs. Using standardized data from 37 Demographic and Health Surveys (N = 61,801), I compare the sexual activities, sexually transmitted infection symptoms, and sexual ideologies of fathers with firstborn sons and fathers with firstborn daughters. I also explore whether fathers' attitudes mediate the effects of firstborn sex. The findings indicate that fathers with firstborn sons are less likely to report using condoms and more likely to report paying for sex and having genital ulcers than fathers with firstborn daughters. These differences are limited to the firstborn's adolescent years and are slightly mediated by attitudinal differences. Together, these results raise new questions about the underlying mechanisms linking men's sexual behavior to their children's gendered development.
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Role of Semen on Vaginal HIV-1 Transmission and Maraviroc Protection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:7847-51. [PMID: 26392489 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01496-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We used bone marrow/liver/thymus (BLT) humanized mice to establish the effect of semen on vaginal HIV infection and on the efficacy of topically applied maraviroc. Our results demonstrate that vaginal transmission of cell-free HIV occurs efficiently in the presence of semen and that topically applied maraviroc efficiently prevents HIV transmission in the presence of semen. We also show that semen has no significant effect on the transmission of transmitted/founder viruses or cell-associated viruses.
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Bulled NL. Social models of HIV risk among young adults in Lesotho. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2015; 14:239-54. [PMID: 26284999 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2015.1054295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research over the past 30 years has revealed that individual and social determinants impact HIV risk. Even so, prevention efforts focus primarily on individual behaviour change, with little recognition of the dynamic interplay of individual and social environment factors that further exacerbate risk engagement. Drawing on long-term research with young adults in Lesotho, I examine how social environment factors contribute to HIV risk. During preliminary ethnographic analysis, I developed novel scales to measure social control, adoption of modernity, and HIV knowledge. In survey research, I examined the effects of individual characteristics (i.e., socioeconomic status, HIV knowledge, adoption of modernity) and social environment (i.e., social control) on HIV risk behaviours. In addition, I measured the impact of altered environments by taking advantage of an existing situation whereby young adults attending a national college are assigned to either a main campus in a metropolitan setting or a satellite campus in a remote setting, irrespective of the environment in which they were socialised as youth. This arbitrary assignment process generates four distinct groups of young adults with altered or constant environments. Regression models show that lower levels of perceived social control and greater adoption of modernity are associated with HIV risk, controlling for other factors. The impact of social control and modernity varies with environment dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola L Bulled
- a Center for Global Health , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia , USA
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Structural determinants of dual contraceptive use among female sex workers in Gulu, northern Uganda. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2015; 131:91-5. [PMID: 26118326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the characteristics of female sex workers (FSWs) who do and do not use dual contraceptives (i.e. male condoms plus a non-barrier method) in Gulu, northern Uganda. METHODS The present analysis was based on data gathered as part of a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study conducted between May 2011 and January 2012. FSWs aged 14 years or older were recruited through peer-led or sex worker-led outreach and community-based services. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of dual contraceptive use. RESULTS Among the 400 FSWs who participated, 180 (45.0%) had ever used dual contraceptives. In the multivariate model, dual contraceptive use was positively associated with older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.15; P=0.001), prior unintended pregnancy (AOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.01-2.34; P=0.046), and HIV testing (AOR 5.22, 95% CI 1.75-15.57; P=0.003). Having to rush sexual negotiations owing to police presence was negatively associated with dual contraceptive use (AOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.42-1.00; P=0.050). CONCLUSION Although a history of unintended pregnancy and accessing HIV testing might promote contraceptive use, criminalized work environments continue to pose barriers to uptake of sexual and reproductive health services among FSWs in post-conflict northern Uganda. Integrated links between HIV and sexual health programs could support contraceptive uptake among FSWs.
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Nattrass N, Maughan-Brown B, Seekings J, Whiteside A. Poverty, sexual behaviour, gender and HIV infection among young black men and women in Cape Town, South Africa. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2015; 11:307-17. [PMID: 25860189 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2012.754830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This article contributes methodologically and substantively to the debate over the importance of poverty, sexual behaviour and circumcision in relation to HIV infection, using panel data on young black men and women in Cape Town, South Africa. Methodological challenges included problems of endogeneity and blunt indicator variables, especially for the measurement of sexual behaviour. Noting these difficulties, we found that the importance of socioeconomic and sexual-behavioural factors differed between men and women. While we found a clear association between the number of years of sexual activity and HIV status among both men and women, we found that past participation in a concurrent sexual partnership increased the odds of HIV infection for men but not women. Women, but not men, who made the transition from school to tertiary education (our key indicator of socioeconomic status) were less likely to be HIV-positive than those who made the transition from school to unemployment. Both poverty and sexual behaviour matter to individuals' HIV risk, but in gendered ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoli Nattrass
- a Centre for Social Science Research (CSSR) , University of Cape Town , Private Bag , Rondebosch 7701 , Cape Town , South Africa
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Delatorre E, Mir D, Bello G. Spatiotemporal dynamics of the HIV-1 subtype G epidemic in West and Central Africa. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98908. [PMID: 24918930 PMCID: PMC4053352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype G is the second most prevalent HIV-1 clade in West Africa, accounting for nearly 30% of infections in the region. There is no information about the spatiotemporal dynamics of dissemination of this HIV-1 clade in Africa. To this end, we analyzed a total of 305 HIV-1 subtype G pol sequences isolated from 11 different countries from West and Central Africa over a period of 20 years (1992 to 2011). Evolutionary, phylogeographic and demographic parameters were jointly estimated from sequence data using a Bayesian coalescent-based method. Our analyses indicate that subtype G most probably emerged in Central Africa in 1968 (1956–1976). From Central Africa, the virus was disseminated to West and West Central Africa at multiple times from the middle 1970s onwards. Two subtype G strains probably introduced into Nigeria and Togo between the middle and the late 1970s were disseminated locally and to neighboring countries, leading to the origin of two major western African clades (GWA-I and GWA-II). Subtype G clades circulating in western and central African regions displayed an initial phase of exponential growth followed by a decline in growth rate since the early/middle 1990s; but the mean epidemic growth rate of GWA-I (0.75 year−1) and GWA-II (0.95 year−1) clades was about two times higher than that estimated for central African lineages (0.47 year−1). Notably, the overall evolutionary and demographic history of GWA-I and GWA-II clades was very similar to that estimated for the CRF06_cpx clade circulating in the same region. These results support the notion that the spatiotemporal dissemination dynamics of major HIV-1 clades circulating in western Africa have probably been shaped by the same ecological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Delatorre
- Laboratório de AIDS & Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daiana Mir
- Laboratório de AIDS & Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Bello
- Laboratório de AIDS & Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Muchomba FM, Wang JSH, Agosta LM. Women's land ownership and risk of HIV infection in Kenya. Soc Sci Med 2014; 114:97-102. [PMID: 24922606 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Revised: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Theory predicts that land ownership empowers women to avoid HIV acquisition by reducing their reliance on risky survival sex and enhancing their ability to negotiate safer sex. However, this prediction has not been tested empirically. Using a sample of 5511 women working in the agricultural sector from the 1998, 2003 and 2008-09 Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys, we examined the relationship between women's land ownership and participation in transactional sex, multiple sexual partnerships and unprotected sex, and HIV infection status. We controlled for demographic characteristics and household wealth, using negative binomial and logistic regression models. Women's land ownership was associated with fewer sexual partners in the past year (incidence rate ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-1.00) and lower likelihood of engaging in transactional sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.67; 95% CI: 0.46-0.99), indicators of reduced survival sex, but was not associated with unprotected sex with casual partners (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.35-1.18) or with unprotected sex with any partner among women with high self-perceived HIV risk (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.57-1.84), indicating no difference in safer sex negotiation. Land ownership was also associated with reduced HIV infection among women most likely to engage in survival sex, i.e., women not under the household headship of a husband (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.18-0.89), but not among women living in husband-headed households, for whom increased negotiation for safer sex would be more relevant (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 0.92-3.29). These findings suggest that reinforcing women's land rights may reduce reliance on survival sex and serve as a viable structural approach to HIV prevention, particularly for women not in a husband's household, including unmarried women and female household heads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix M Muchomba
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Julia Shu-Huah Wang
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Maria Agosta
- Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, 420 West 118th St, New York, NY, USA
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Ramjee G, Daniels B. Women and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS Res Ther 2013; 10:30. [PMID: 24330537 PMCID: PMC3874682 DOI: 10.1186/1742-6405-10-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty years since the discovery of HIV, the HIV pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa accounts for more than two thirds of the world's HIV infections. Southern Africa remains the region most severely affected by the epidemic. Women continue to bear the brunt of the epidemic with young women infected almost ten years earlier compared to their male counterparts. Epidemiological evidence suggests unacceptably high HIV prevalence and incidence rates among women. A multitude of factors increase women's vulnerability to HIV acquisition, including, biological, behavioral, socioeconomic, cultural and structural risks. There is no magic bullet and behavior alone is unlikely to change the course of the epidemic. Considerable progress has been made in biomedical, behavioral and structural strategies for HIV prevention with attendant challenges of developing appropriate HIV prevention packages which take into consideration the socioeconomic and cultural context of women in society at large.
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Fonjungo PN, Kebede Y, Arneson W, Tefera D, Yimer K, Kinde S, Alem M, Cheneke W, Mitiku H, Tadesse E, Tsegaye A, Kenyon T. Preservice laboratory education strengthening enhances sustainable laboratory workforce in Ethiopia. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2013; 11:56. [PMID: 24164781 PMCID: PMC3815253 DOI: 10.1186/1478-4491-11-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a severe healthcare workforce shortage in sub Saharan Africa, which threatens achieving the Millennium Development Goals and attaining an AIDS-free generation. The strength of a healthcare system depends on the skills, competencies, values and availability of its workforce. A well-trained and competent laboratory technologist ensures accurate and reliable results for use in prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment of diseases. METHODS An assessment of existing preservice education of five medical laboratory schools, followed by remedial intervention and monitoring was conducted. The remedial interventions included 1) standardizing curriculum and implementation; 2) training faculty staff on pedagogical methods and quality management systems; 3) providing teaching materials; and 4) procuring equipment for teaching laboratories to provide practical skills to complement didactic education. RESULTS A total of 2,230 undergraduate students from the five universities benefitted from the standardized curriculum. University of Gondar accounted for 252 of 2,230 (11.3%) of the students, Addis Ababa University for 663 (29.7%), Jimma University for 649 (29.1%), Haramaya University for 429 (19.2%) and Hawassa University for 237 (10.6%) of the students. Together the universities graduated 388 and 312 laboratory technologists in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 academic year, respectively. Practical hands-on training and experience with well-equipped laboratories enhanced and ensured skilled, confident and competent laboratory technologists upon graduation. CONCLUSIONS Strengthening preservice laboratory education is feasible in resource-limited settings, and emphasizing its merits (ample local capacity, country ownership and sustainability) provides a valuable source of competent laboratory technologists to relieve an overstretched healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N Fonjungo
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Yenew Kebede
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wendy Arneson
- American Society for Clinical Pathology, Chicago, USA
| | - Derese Tefera
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kedir Yimer
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Kinde
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Meseret Alem
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Waqtola Cheneke
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Mitiku
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Endale Tadesse
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Aster Tsegaye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Thomas Kenyon
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Akhigbe RE, Bamidele JO. Prevalence and pattern of utilization of voluntary counseling and testing services and HIV infection in Ogbomoso, southwestern Nigeria. J Nat Sci Biol Med 2013; 4:163-6. [PMID: 23633855 PMCID: PMC3633270 DOI: 10.4103/0976-9668.107283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, infection has been a major problem across the globe with a high socioeconomic burden. Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is a measure put in place to encourage people to know their HIV status with essential counseling support to help them cope with a positive or a negative test result. This study was carried out to determine the utilization of VCT services, prevalence of HIV among VCT attendees, and the distribution of the viral infection based on gender and age in Ogbomoso, an urban community, southwestern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS The health records of patients in Adebayo Alata Primary Health Centre, Ogbomoso South, Nigeria, between 2008 and 2011, were used. RESULTS A total of 1,490 patients used the VCT services during the period of study, out of which 271 (18.19%) were males and 1,219 (81.81%) were females. A consistent number of people used the VCT service throughout the period of study. HIV infection was higher in females (2.15%) than males (0.54%). The viral infection was more prevalent in people above 14 years of age (2.62%). However, none of these differences observed in gender and age were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION It was concluded that HIV infection has neither gender nor age bias. Efforts should be made to increase the provision of VCT services and ensure its continued utilization in an attempt to maintain a healthy social and reproductive health culture, improve maternal and child health in the context of HIV transmission, and improve global child survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland E Akhigbe
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria
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Paraskevis D, Touloumi G, Bakoyannis G, Paparizos V, Lazanas M, Gargalianos P, Chryssos G, Antoniadou A, Psichogiou M, Panos G, Katsarou O, Sambatakou H, Kordossis T, Hatzakis, on behalf of AMACS A. Effect of HIV type 1 subtype on virological and immunological response to combination antiretroviral therapy: evidence for a more rapid viral suppression for subtype A than subtype B-infected Greek individuals. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2013; 29:461-9. [PMID: 23034083 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2012.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether response to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) differs between those infected with HIV-1 subtype A or B remains unclear. We compared virological and immunological response to cART in individuals infected with subtype A or B in an ethnically homogeneous population. Data derived from the Athens Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (AMACS) and analysis were restricted to those of Greek origin. Time to virological response (confirmed HIV-RNA <500 copies/ml) and time to failure (>500 copies/ml at any time or no response by month 6) were analyzed using survival models and CD4 changes after cART initiation using piecewise linear mixed effects models. Of the 571 subjects included in the analysis, 412 (72.2%) were infected with subtype B and 159 (27.8%) with subtype A. After adjusting for various prognostic factors, the rate of virological response was higher for those infected with subtype A versus B (adjusted HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.08-1.68; p=0.009). Subtype A was also marginally associated with a lower hazard of virological failure compared to subtype B (HR=0.73; 95% CI: 0.53-1.02; p=0.062). Further adjustment for treatment adherence did not substantially changed the main results. No significant differences were observed in the rates of CD4 increases by subtype. The overall median (95% CI) CD4 increase at 2 years of cART was 193 (175, 212) cells/μl. Our study, based on one of the largest homogeneous groups of subtype A and B infections in Europe, showed that individuals infected with subtype A had an improved virological but similar immunological response to cART compared to those infected with subtype B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimirios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Giota Touloumi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Giorgos Bakoyannis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilios Paparizos
- AIDS Unit, Clinic of Venereologic and Dermatologic Diseases, Athens Medical School, Syngros Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Marios Lazanas
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Red Cross General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Gargalianos
- First Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, The General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas,” Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Chryssos
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tzaneion General Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Anastasia Antoniadou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Athens Medical School, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Mina Psichogiou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, “Laikon” General Hospital, Athens Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Panos
- HIV Unit, Second Internal Medicine Clinic, First IKA, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Katsarou
- Haemophilia Centre, Second Blood Transfusion Centre, “Laikon” General Hospital, Athens University, Athens, Greece
| | - Helen Sambatakou
- HIV Unit, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Athens University Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Kordossis
- Department of Pathophysiology, “Laikon” General Hospital, Athens University, Athens, Greece
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de Soysa I, Gizelis TI. The natural resource curse and the spread of HIV/AIDS, 1990–2008. Soc Sci Med 2013; 77:90-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Chege W, Pals SL, McLellan-Lemal E, Shinde S, Nyambura M, Otieno FO, Gust DA, Chen RT, Thomas T. Baseline findings of an HIV incidence cohort study to prepare for future HIV prevention clinical trials in Kisumu, Kenya. J Infect Dev Ctries 2012; 6:870-80. [PMID: 23276741 PMCID: PMC6066670 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.2636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In an analysis of baseline findings of an HIV incidence cohort study, an assessment was made of HIV prevalence among persons presenting for enrollment and any differences in demographic characteristics between persons not enrolled compared to those enrolled. We also described and compared HIV risk behaviors in males and females enrolled in the study. Methodology A computer-assisted survey was administered to collect baseline demographic and HIV risk data from 1,277 men and women aged 18–34 years. Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) was conducted. Out of 1,277 persons prescreened for eligibility, 625 were enrolled. Results HIV prevalence of all persons who completed screening was 14.8% (females: 21.1%; males: 8.1%). The odds of being enrolled in the study were higher for persons 18–24 years compared to those 30–34 years of age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.18, CI=1.13, 4.21] and males compared to females [AOR=2.07, CI=1.43, 2.99]. Among those enrolled in the study, the most prevalent HIV risk behaviors were unprotected sex (49%), alcohol use (45%), and transactional sex (30%) in the last three months. Compared to females, a significantly greater proportion of males reported using any alcohol or recreational drug in the last three months, a history of oral sex, sex with partner other than a spouse or main partner, ever having a blood transfusion, ever being treated for an STI, and having knowledge of their last HIV test result. Conclusion The Kisumu Field Station successfully recruited individuals with HIV risk characteristics for the HIV incidence cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wairimu Chege
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, USA.
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Zhao K, Ishida Y, Oleksyk TK, Winkler CA, Roca AL. Evidence for selection at HIV host susceptibility genes in a West Central African human population. BMC Evol Biol 2012; 12:237. [PMID: 23217182 PMCID: PMC3537702 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-12-237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV-1 derives from multiple independent transfers of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strains from chimpanzees to human populations. We hypothesized that human populations in west central Africa may have been exposed to SIV prior to the pandemic, and that previous outbreaks may have selected for genetic resistance to immunodeficiency viruses. To test this hypothesis, we examined the genomes of Biaka Western Pygmies, who historically resided in communities within the geographic range of the central African chimpanzee subspecies (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) that carries strains of SIV ancestral to HIV-1. Results SNP genotypes of the Biaka were compared to those of African human populations who historically resided outside the range of P. t. troglodytes, including the Mbuti Eastern Pygmies. Genomic regions showing signatures of selection were compared to the genomic locations of genes reported to be associated with HIV infection or pathogenesis. In the Biaka, a strong signal of selection was detected at CUL5, which codes for a component of the vif-mediated APOBEC3 degradation pathway. A CUL5 allele protective against AIDS progression was fixed in the Biaka. A signal of selection was detected at TRIM5, which codes for an HIV post-entry restriction factor. A protective mis-sense mutation in TRIM5 had the highest frequency in Biaka compared to other African populations, as did a protective allele for APOBEC3G, which codes for an anti-HIV-1 restriction factor. Alleles protective against HIV-1 for APOBEC3H, CXCR6 and HLA-C were at higher frequencies in the Biaka than in the Mbuti. Biaka genomes showed a strong signal of selection at TSG101, an inhibitor of HIV-1 viral budding. Conclusions We found protective alleles or evidence for selection in the Biaka at a number of genes associated with HIV-1 infection or progression. Pygmies have also been reported to carry genotypes protective against HIV-1 for the genes CCR5 and CCL3L1. Our hypothesis that HIV-1 may have shaped the genomes of some human populations in West Central Africa appears to merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Il 61801, USA
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