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Velloza J, Liu AY, Katz AWK, van der Straten A, Siegler AJ, Scott H, Wilde G, Lockard A, Christie RH, Buchbinder SP. Acceptability of an automated directly observed therapy (DOT) application for PrEP adherence support among young men who have sex with men: a qualitative exploration. AIDS Care 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39222964 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2397133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence remains a challenge among young men who have sex with men (MSM). We developed and tested a smartphone application ("app"), "DOT Diary", which combines automated directly observed therapy (DOT) with information about PrEP protection levels, pill-taking reminders, a sexual behavior diary, and a PrEP dosing calendar. To contextualize trial results, we qualitatively explored participants' app experiences. The trial enrolled 100 young MSM in San Francisco and Atlanta. Participants were randomized 2:1 to DOT Diary versus standard-of-care and followed for 24 weeks. Interviews were conducted with 24 intervention participants. Data were analyzed using a memo-writing approach. Most expressed overall satisfaction with the app ("it was good for its purpose"), despite concerns about technical glitches. The most popular app features were the monthly calendar showing days PrEP was taken and information about level of protection based on pills taken. The DOT component helped participants establish PrEP routines. The reminders were "annoying but effective" at motivating dosing. Opinions about the sexual behavior diary varied. Overall, DOT Diary was acceptable; participants were willing to use it daily to record pill-taking. Critical components included the information about PrEP protection levels and calendar, while others may be modified to improve future success.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03771638.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Velloza
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Albert Y Liu
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ariana W K Katz
- RTI International, Women's Global Health Imperative, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, CA, USA
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hyman Scott
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gretchen Wilde
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Annie Lockard
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Susan P Buchbinder
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Ngure K, Browne EN, Reddy K, Friedland BA, van der Straten A, Palanee-Phillips T, Nakalega R, Gati B, Kalule HN, Siziba B, Soto-Torres L, Nair G, Garcia M, Celum C, Roberts ST. Correlates of Adherence to Oral and Vaginal Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) Participating in the MTN-034/REACH Trial. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2990-3000. [PMID: 38852114 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04382-3] [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] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
We evaluated correlates of adherence to PrEP, including daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in combination emtricitabine (oral FTC/TDF) and the monthly dapivirine ring (ring)among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in the MTN-034/REACH study. We enrolled 247 AGYW aged 16-21 years in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03074786). Participants were randomized to the order of oral FTC/TDF or ring use for 6 months each in a crossover period, followed by a 6-month choice period. We assessed potential adherence correlates-individual, interpersonal, community, study, and product-related factors-quarterly via self-report. We measured biomarkers of adherence monthly; high adherence was defined as > 4 mg dapivirine released from returned rings or intracellular tenofovir diphosphate levels ≥ 700 fmol/punch from dried blood spots (DBS). We tested associations between correlates and objective measures of high adherence using generalized estimating equations. High adherence to oral FTC/TDF was significantly associated with having an older primary partner (p = 0.04), not having exchanged sex in the past 3 months (p = 0.02), and rating oral FTC/TDF as highly acceptable (p = 0.003). High ring adherence was significantly associated with unstable housing (p = 0.01), disclosing ring use to a male family member (p = 0.01), and noting a social benefit from study participation (p = 0.03). All associations were moderate, corresponding to about 6%-10% difference in the proportion with high adherence. In our multinational study, correlates of adherence among African AGYW differed for oral FTC/TDF and the ring, highlighting the benefit of offering multiple PrEP options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Box 19704-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Erica N Browne
- Women's Global Health Imperative (WGHI), RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Krishnaveni Reddy
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Ariane van der Straten
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, CA, USA
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rita Nakalega
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brenda Gati
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hadijah N Kalule
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bekezela Siziba
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lydia Soto-Torres
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah T Roberts
- Women's Global Health Imperative (WGHI), RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Garcia C, Rehman N, Matos-Silva J, Deng J, Ghandour S, Huang Z, Mbuagbaw L. Interventions to Improve Adherence to Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2534-2546. [PMID: 38814406 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04365-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
For people at risk of HIV infection, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce the risk of infection in anticipation of exposure to HIV. The effectiveness of PrEP relies upon a user's adherence to their PrEP regimen. We sought to assess the effect of PrEP adherence interventions compared to usual care or another intervention for people at risk of HIV. We searched electronic databases from 2010 onwards for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving persons at risk of HIV randomized to an adherence promoting intervention vs usual care or another intervention. We used network meta-analyses to compare PrEP adherence for all participant populations. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA). 21 trials (N = 4917) were included in qualitative analysis (19 in network meta-analyses (N = 4101)). HIV self-testing interventions with adherence feedback elements improved adherence compared to usual care (risk ratio (RR): 1.83, 95%CI 1.19, 2.82). In contrast, HIV self-testing alone was inferior to HIV self-testing with adherence feedback (RR: 0.58, 95%CI 0.37-0.92). Reminders alone also were inferior to HIV self-testing with adherence feedback on adherence (RR: 0.53, 95%CI 0.34-0.84) and had similar effects on adherence as usual care (RR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.86-1.11). Interventions with only one component were inferior for adherence than those with two components (RR: 0.74, 95%CI 0.62-0.88) and those with three components (RR: 0.78, 95%CI 0.65-0.93). The certainty of evidence was moderate for HIV self-testing plus adherence feedback and interventions with two or three components. When designing future PrEP adherence interventions, we recommend strategies with more than one but no more than three components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Garcia
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Nadia Rehman
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jéssyca Matos-Silva
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jiawen Deng
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sara Ghandour
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhongyu Huang
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Haines M, Vandyk A, Skidmore B, Orser L, O'Byrne P. A Systematic Review of Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis HIV Adherence Interventions. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2024; 35:309-324. [PMID: 38564213 PMCID: PMC11195928 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Clinical trials of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection have established its efficacy as upwards of 99%. Despite this, the effectiveness of this medication has been shown to be diminished by individual factors, such as medication adherence. We completed a systematic review to identify and describe interventions to improve oral PrEP adherence. Overall, 16 articles were located. Two of the articles reported on results from the same trial and were collapsed for analysis, bringing the total to 15 studies. Twelve unique PrEP adherence interventions were tested, with the most common intervention being the use of mobile phone technology, which was used in 7 (46%) of the studies. Ten (67%) studies found that medication adherence improved when participants received an intervention to support adherence. Adherence intervention strategies effectively improved PrEP adherence. Further research into PrEP adherence interventions is warranted, particularly among diverse groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Haines
- Marlene Haines, RN, BHSc, BScN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada ( )
- Amanda Vandyk, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Becky Skidmore, MLIS, is an Information Specialist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Lauren Orser, RN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Patrick O'Byrne, RN-EC, PhD, is a Full Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Amanda Vandyk
- Marlene Haines, RN, BHSc, BScN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada ( )
- Amanda Vandyk, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Becky Skidmore, MLIS, is an Information Specialist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Lauren Orser, RN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Patrick O'Byrne, RN-EC, PhD, is a Full Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Becky Skidmore
- Marlene Haines, RN, BHSc, BScN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada ( )
- Amanda Vandyk, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Becky Skidmore, MLIS, is an Information Specialist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Lauren Orser, RN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Patrick O'Byrne, RN-EC, PhD, is a Full Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lauren Orser
- Marlene Haines, RN, BHSc, BScN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada ( )
- Amanda Vandyk, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Becky Skidmore, MLIS, is an Information Specialist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Lauren Orser, RN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Patrick O'Byrne, RN-EC, PhD, is a Full Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Patrick O'Byrne
- Marlene Haines, RN, BHSc, BScN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada ( )
- Amanda Vandyk, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Becky Skidmore, MLIS, is an Information Specialist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Lauren Orser, RN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Patrick O'Byrne, RN-EC, PhD, is a Full Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Terefe B, Jembere MM, Asgedom DK, Lakew AM. Knowledge and attitude to HIV pre exposure prophylaxis among women in five sub-Saharan African countries: a multilevel model analysis of population-based survey 2021-2022. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1253. [PMID: 38714974 PMCID: PMC11075340 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18717-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PrEP) may help reduce the rate of HIV infection among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study aimed to assess women's knowledge and attitudes toward PrEP, a crucial component of HIV prevention, using nationwide data. It is the first study of its kind conducted in five SSA countries: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, and Tanzania. The primary objective was to examine women's knowledge and attitudes toward PrEP for the prevention of HIV infection, as well as to explore individual- and community-level factors associated with it. METHODS The current study utilized the 2021/22 demographic and health survey datasets from five African nations, namely Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. The analysis was performed using Stata 17. A weighted sample of 77,052 women of reproductive age participated in the survey. Univariate and multivariable multilevel logistic regressions were conducted to assess parameters related to knowledge and attitudes toward PrEP in these countries. In both the univariate regression and the final model, the significance of variables was determined using P values of ≤ 0.2 and < 0.05. RESULTS Overall, only about 13.88 (95% CI: 13.64,14.12) of women had knowledge and attitudes toward HIV PrEP. The highest (34.29%) and lowest (5.61%) values were observed for Kenya and Tanzania respectively. Higher rates of knowledge, and attitude toward HIV PrEP among women were independently associated with age 25-34 years old (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI:1.41,1.64), and 35-49 years old (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI:1.43,1.69), primary education level (AOR = 1.79,95% CI:1.65,1.95), and secondary/higher education level (AOR = 2.92, 95% CI: 2.67,3.20), richer (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI:1.02,1.27), and richest (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI:1.06,1.37), employed women (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI:1.65,1.99), had media exposure (AOR = 1.49,95% CI:1.40,1.59),knowledge of modern contraception (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.94,3.43), had at least one ANC visit (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI:1.47,2.69), gave birth at health institutions (AOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02,1.37), ever had given birth (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.41,1.66), female household heads (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI:1.17,1.31), rural women (AOR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76,0.89). Similarly, women from communities with high ANC coverage (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.61,2.11), high community mass media exposure (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.39,1.88), and high community wealth level (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.30,1.68), and women from the high illiteracy rate community (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.61,0.82) showed statistically significant associations with the outcome variable in the final model. CONCLUSIONS Less than one-seventh of women exhibited knowledge of and positive attitudes toward HIV PrEP. All stakeholders involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and control have recognized the significance of the factors mentioned above. Enhancing maternal health services, such as promoting institutional delivery, contraception, antenatal care (ANC), and women's empowerment, alongside harnessing the power of media and embracing these transformative changes, will contribute to a greater understanding of and more favorable attitudes toward HIV PrEP within the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bewuketu Terefe
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Mahlet Moges Jembere
- Department of Emergency, and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dejen Kahsay Asgedom
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Ayenew Molla Lakew
- Department of Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Mureithi M, Ng’aari L, Wasunna B, Kiruthu-Kamamia C, Sande O, Chiwaya GD, Huwa J, Tweya H, Jafa K, Feldacker C. Centering healthcare workers in digital health design: Usability and acceptability of two-way texting to improve retention in antiretroviral therapy in a public HIV clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2024; 3:e0000480. [PMID: 38568904 PMCID: PMC10990210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
New initiates on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are at high risk of treatment discontinuation, putting their health at risk. In low- and middle-income countries, like Malawi, appropriate digital health applications (apps) must fit into local clinic, connectivity and resource constraints. We describe the human centered design (HCD) and development process of an open-source, hybrid, two-way texting (2wT) system to improve ART retention. We detail the critical role of diverse healthcare workers (HCWs) in the HCD process to inform app usability, create buy-in, and ensure appropriate optimization for the local context. We optimized 2wT usability and acceptability over three HCD phases: 1) informal feedback sessions with diverse 2wT stakeholders, 2) a small pilot, and 3) key informant interviews. Phase one included four sessions with diverse HCWs, including "expert ART clients", clinical, technical, supervisory, and evaluation teams to inform 2wT design. In phase 2, a small pilot with 50 participating ART clients aimed to inform implementation improvement. Phase three included interviews with ten HCWs to deepen understanding of 2wT acceptability and usability, documenting strengths and weaknesses to inform optimization. Multi-phase feedback sessions with HCWs helped refine 2wT language and message timing for both weekly and tailored client-specific visit reminders. The pilot led to improvements in educational materials to guide client responses and ease interaction with HCWs. In interviews, the HCWs appreciated the HCD co-creation process, suggested ways to increase access for low-literacy clients or those without consistent phone access, and felt integrating 2wT with other eHealth platforms would improve scalability. Inclusion of HCWs across phases of HCD design, adaption, and optimization increased 2wT usability and acceptability among HCWs in this setting. Engaging HCWs into 2wT co-ownership from inception appears successful in co-creation of an app that will meet HCW needs, and therefore, enhance support for 2wT clients to attend visits and remain in care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christine Kiruthu-Kamamia
- Lighthouse Trust, Lilongwe, Malawi
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | | | - Hannock Tweya
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Krishna Jafa
- Medic, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Caryl Feldacker
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Marrazzo J, Tao L, Becker M, Leech AA, Taylor AW, Ussery F, Kiragu M, Reza-Paul S, Myers J, Bekker LG, Yang J, Carter C, de Boer M, Das M, Baeten JM, Celum C. HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis With Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Among Cisgender Women. JAMA 2024; 331:930-937. [PMID: 38427359 PMCID: PMC10951736 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.0464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Importance Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF) for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) when adherence is high (>4 doses/week). Real-world effectiveness and adherence with F/TDF for PrEP in cisgender women is less well characterized. Objective To characterize the effectiveness of F/TDF for PrEP and its relationship with adherence in cisgender women. Design, Setting, and Participants Data were pooled from 11 F/TDF PrEP postapproval studies conducted in 6 countries that included 6296 cisgender women aged 15 to 69 years conducted from 2012 to 2020. HIV incidence was evaluated according to adherence level measured objectively (tenofovir diphosphate concentration in dried blood spots or tenofovir concentration in plasma; n = 288) and subjectively (electronic pill cap monitoring, pill counts, self-report, and study-reported adherence scale; n = 2954) using group-based trajectory modeling. Exposures F/TDF prescribed orally once a day. HIV incidence was analyzed in subgroups based on adherence trajectory. Main Outcomes and Measures HIV incidence. Results Of the 6296 participants, 46% were from Kenya, 28% were from South Africa, 21% were from India, 2.9% were from Uganda, 1.6% were from Botswana, and 0.8% were from the US. The mean (SD) age at PrEP initiation across all studies was 25 (7) years, with 61% of participants being younger than 25 years. The overall HIV incidence was 0.72 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 0.51-1.01; 32 incident HIV diagnoses among 6296 participants). Four distinct groups of adherence trajectories were identified: consistently daily (7 doses/week), consistently high (4-6 doses/week), high but declining (from a mean of 4-6 doses/week and then declining), and consistently low (less than 2 doses/week). None of the 498 women with consistently daily adherence acquired HIV. Only 1 of the 658 women with consistently high adherence acquired HIV (incidence rate, 0.13/100 person-years [95% CI, 0.02-0.92]). The incidence rate was 0.49 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 0.22-1.08) in the high but declining adherence group (n = 1166) and 1.27 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 0.53-3.04) in the consistently low adherence group (n = 632). Conclusions and Relevance In a pooled analysis of 11 postapproval studies of F/TDF for PrEP among cisgender women, overall HIV incidence was 0.72 per 100 person-years; individuals with consistently daily or consistently high adherence (4-6 doses/week) to PrEP experienced very low HIV incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Marrazzo
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham
- Now with National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Li Tao
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
| | | | - Ashley A. Leech
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Allan W. Taylor
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Faith Ussery
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael Kiragu
- LVCT Health, Nairobi, Kenya
- Now with Bell Consultants, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sushena Reza-Paul
- Centre for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada and Ashodaya Samithi, Mysuru, India
| | - Janet Myers
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Juan Yang
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
| | | | | | - Moupali Das
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
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Ogello VA, Rono BK, Ngure K, Sedah E, Thuo NB, Musinguzi N, Baeten JM, Bukusi EA, Mugo NR, Haberer JE. Acceptability and feasibility of long-term, real-time electronic adherence monitoring of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among young women in Kenya: A mixed methods study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299168. [PMID: 38451884 PMCID: PMC10919630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Real-time electronic adherence monitoring involves "smart" pill boxes that record and monitor openings as a proxy for pill taking and may be useful in understanding and supporting PrEP use; however, acceptability and/or feasibility for PrEP users is uncertain. We sought to understand the experiences of using a real-time electronic adherence monitor for PrEP delivery among young women in Kisumu and Thika, Kenya. We used the Wisepill device to monitor PrEP use among 18-24-year-old women for two years. Half of the participants were randomized to also receive SMS adherence reminders (daily or as needed for missed doses). We assessed acceptability quantitatively and qualitatively according to the four constructs of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT): performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. We assessed feasibility by monitor functionality during periods of PrEP use. We analyzed quantitative data descriptively and compared by site and over time; qualitative data were analyzed inductively and deductively. The median age was 21 years (IQR 19-22), median education was 12 years (IQR 10-13), 182 (53%) had disclosed PrEP use, and 55 (16%) reported recent intimate partner violence. Most participants reported high levels of usefulness and high interest in using the monitor with few problems or worries reported throughout follow-up. Feasibility was high overall with some differences by site (96% functional monitor days in Kisumu vs 88% in Thika). Few monitors were reported lost (N = 29; 8%) or dysfunctional (N = 11; 3%). In qualitative interviews, electronic monitoring was perceived as useful because it supported privacy, confidentiality, easy storage, and PrEP adherence. Effort was generally considered low. Participants expressed some concern for stigma from monitor and/or PrEP use. Facilitating conditions involved the monitor size, color, and battery life. Overall, real-time electronic adherence monitoring was a highly acceptable and feasible approach to understand PrEP adherence among young women in a sub-Saharan African setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vallery A. Ogello
- Center of Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Eric Sedah
- Center for microbiology research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Nicholas B. Thuo
- Center of Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Center for microbiology research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nelly R. Mugo
- Center of Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Chen S, Zhu YY, Chu ZX, Zhou H, Liu M, Jiang YJ, Hu QH. Trajectories of anxiety and depression among Chinese men who have sex with men on pre-exposure prophylaxis: a group-based trajectory model approach. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:365. [PMID: 38310254 PMCID: PMC10837939 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17854-x] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression can influence adherence to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). However, there is limited research on the temporal dynamics of anxiety and depression among men who have sex with men (MSM) using PrEP. METHODS From December 2018 to November 2020, we administered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to participants in the China Real-World Oral Intake of PrEP (CROPrEP) to measure their anxiety and depression levels. The group-based trajectory model (GBTM) depicted the dynamic changes of anxiety and depression scores over time. RESULTS A total of 1023 MSM were included, with 4523 follow-up assessments. The GBTM categorized the trajectories into three distinct patterns: consistently low (54.8% for anxiety, 60.7% for depression), consistently moderate (39.3% for anxiety, 31.4% for depression), and high but bell-shaped (5.9% for anxiety, 7.9% for depression). Higher anxiety levels were associated with being aged 18-30 years old, earning less than US$619 per month, female-identifying, adopting the bottom sexual role with men, and having two or more anal sex partners in the past three months; similarly, higher depression levels correlated with a monthly income under US$619, female-identifying, sexual behavior as bottom and a positive syphilis at baseline. PrEP adherence was notably lower in the high but bell-shaped anxiety and depression group compared to the other groups, particularly at the 12th-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Close monitoring of anxiety and depression levels in MSM on PrEP is crucial. Provision of targeted mental health support is essential to enhance PrEP effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miao Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Jun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Hai Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China.
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10
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Haberer JE, Oware K, Juma L, Nyerere B, Momanyi V, Odoyo J, Garrison L, Bhagat J, Musinguzi N, Baeten JM, Siegler A, Bukusi EA. My Way: development and preliminary evaluation of a novel delivery system for PrEP and other sexual health needs of young women in Western Kenya. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26217. [PMID: 38379132 PMCID: PMC10879470 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26217] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young women in sub-Saharan Africa are a priority population for HIV prevention, yet challenges with adherence and persistence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are common. This study involved the development and pilot testing of My Way-a novel delivery system for PrEP and co-packaged sexual health services. METHODS My Way was developed in Kisumu, Kenya through a user-centred design process (2020). The intervention involves peer-delivery and support for HIV testing and PrEP use, self-collected vaginal swabs for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, pregnancy testing, oral contraceptive pills, self-injectable medroxyprogesterone and/or condoms. My Way was assessed among 16- to 24-year-old sexually active women in a randomized controlled trial versus standard of care (SoC; 2021-2022). Use of PrEP and other sexual health services were tracked at 1, 3 and 6 months for feasibility. Acceptability was determined by questionnaire. The effect of the intervention on tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels was assessed by chi-square test (primary outcome); other predictors were explored with regression analysis. RESULTS Among 150 women, the median age was 22 years and the median number of sexual partners was 2. Moderate/severe depression was common (60%). In the intervention arm, peers made 88% (198/225) of possible kit deliveries (177 with PrEP) and 49 STIs were diagnosed. In the SoC arm, 24% (55/225) of expected clinic visits occurred (53 with PrEP); no STI testing was performed. TVF-DP was detected in 16 participants at 6 months: 16% (12/75) in the intervention arm versus 5% (4/75) in the SoC arm (p = 0.03). Persistence among those with ongoing HIV prevention needs (i.e. prevention-effective persistence) was 18% (12/67) versus 7% (4/56; p = 0.08). No women acquired HIV. The intervention was significantly associated with detectable TFV-DP (OR 3.5, 1.1-11.4; p = 0.04); moderate/severe depression trended towards an association with TFV-DP (OR 0.2, 0.03-1.6; p = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS My Way is a promising delivery system for PrEP and other sexual health services among young women in Western Kenya. We found high feasibility and acceptability. PrEP use was modest, but higher with My Way compared to SoC. Long-acting PrEP formulations may overcome important barriers to PrEP use and should be explored in combination with the My Way delivery model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E. Haberer
- Massachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Kenya Medical Research InstituteKisumuKenya
- University of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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11
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Musinguzi N, Ngure K, Bukusi EA, Mugo NR, Baeten JM, Anderson PL, Haberer JE. Performance of Multiple Adherence Measures for pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Young Women in Kenya. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3961-3969. [PMID: 37351684 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04111-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Understanding PrEP adherence is key in the formulation of HIV prevention strategies; however, measurement of adherence can be challenging. We compared multiple adherence measures in a two-year study of young Kenyan women at high risk of HIV acquisition. Among 289 participants, concordance between electronic adherence monitoring (EAM) and tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots ranged from 57 to 72% depending on selected thresholds. Using area under the receiver operating curve, discrimination of quantifiable TFV-DP was high at 0.85 with EAM and low at 0.49-0.54 for multiple self-reported measures. Correlation between EAM and self-reported measures was low (r < 0.11) although correlation within self-reported measures was moderate (r > 0.69). These findings indicate that both TFV-DP and EAM are useful PrEP adherence tools. Adherence would benefit from better availability of less expensive versions of both measurement tools. Additionally, further research on TFV-DP thresholds is needed to inform interpretation and use in understanding PrEP adherence in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Musinguzi
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Center for Clinical Research (CCR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Center for Microbiology Research (CMR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nelly R Mugo
- Center for Clinical Research (CCR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Peter L Anderson
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Roberts ST, Hartmann M, Minnis AM, Otticha SO, Browne EN, Montgomery ET, Agot K. Breaking down relationship barriers to increase PrEP uptake and adherence among adolescent girls and young women in Kenya: safety and preliminary effectiveness results from a pilot cluster-randomized trial. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26198. [PMID: 38123866 PMCID: PMC10733161 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26198] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to reduce HIV acquisition among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa, a priority population for epidemic control. However, intimate partner violence (IPV) and low relationship power can create significant challenges to PrEP use. The Tu'Washindi intervention aimed to increase PrEP use by addressing relationship- and violence-related barriers among AGYW enrolled in the DREAMS Initiative in Siaya County, Kenya. METHODS Our multi-level, community-based intervention was piloted in a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted at six DREAMS sites from April to December 2019 (NCT03938818). Three intervention components were delivered over 6 months: an eight-session empowerment-based support club, community sensitization targeted towards male partners and a couples' PrEP education event. Participants were ages 17-24, HIV negative and either eligible for, or already taking, PrEP. Over 6 months of follow-up, we assessed IPV (months 3 and 6) and PrEP uptake and continuation (month 6) through interviewer-administered questionnaires; PrEP adherence was assessed with Wisepill electronic monitoring devices. These outcomes were compared using adjusted Poisson and negative binomial regression models. RESULTS We enrolled 103 AGYW with median age of 22 years (IQR 20-23); one-third were currently taking PrEP and 45% reported IPV in the past 3 months. Retention was 97% at month 6. Compared to the control arm, intervention arm participants were more likely to initiate PrEP, if not already using it at enrolment (52% vs. 24%, aRR 2.28, 95% CI 1.19-4.38, p = 0.01), and those taking PrEP had more days with device openings (25% of days vs. 13%, aRR 1.94, 95% CI 1.16-3.25, p = 0.01). Twenty percent of participants reported IPV during follow-up. There were trends towards fewer IPV events (aIRR 0.66, 95% CI 0.27-1.62, p = 0.37) and fewer events resulting in injury (aIRR 0.21, 95% CI 0.04-1.02, p = 0.05) in the intervention versus control arm. CONCLUSIONS Tu'Washindi shows promise in promoting PrEP uptake and adherence among AGYW without concomitant increases in IPV; however, adherence was still suboptimal. Further research is needed to determine whether these gains translate to increases in the proportion of AGYW with protective levels of PrEP adherence and to evaluate the potential for the intervention to reduce IPV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T. Roberts
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Miriam Hartmann
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - Erica N. Browne
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Kawango Agot
- Impact Research and Development OrganizationKisumuKenya
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13
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Rao A, Mhlophe H, Pretorius A, Mcingana M, Mcloughlin J, Shipp L, Baral S, Hausler H, Schwartz S, Lesko C. Effect of implementation strategies on pre-exposure prophylaxis persistence among female sex workers in South Africa: an interrupted time series study. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e807-e815. [PMID: 38040479 PMCID: PMC10771038 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00262-x] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A disproportionate number of new HIV infections in South Africa are among female sex workers; pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is freely available to female sex workers in the country, but unique barriers challenge PrEP persistence. TB HIV Care, a large South African non-profit organisation that provides daily oral PrEP (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine), has implemented multiple strategies to improve PrEP persistence. We aimed to evaluate the effect of different implementation strategies on PrEP persistence in a large-scale real-world setting. METHODS In this interrupted time series study, we estimated level changes in 1-month oral PrEP persistence associated with roll-out of various implementation strategies among female sex workers across nine districts in South Africa. We used routinely collected data from TB HIV Care programme files from June 7, 2016, to April 30, 2021. Poisson regression of 1-month persistence was used to assess the effect of these strategies. In secondary analyses, we tested the association between each of the strategies and 4-month persistence. FINDINGS The median 1-month PrEP persistence for female sex workers was 33% (IQR 27-40). SMS support and refill reminders were associated with an 11% relative increase in 1-month persistence (risk ratio [RR] 1·11, 95% CI 1·02-1·26) and clinical mentoring for PrEP providers was associated with a 127% relative increase (RR 2·27, 95% CI 1·94-2·66) among female sex workers. The loyalty rewards programme was negatively associated with 1-month persistence (RR 0·71, 95% CI 0·67-0·83). Although clinical mentoring improved 4-month persistence, SMS support text messages had no significant effect. INTERPRETATION Identification and subsequent use of clinical mentoring for PrEP providers and SMS support and refill reminders might improve the usefulness of PrEP overall to prevent new HIV infections among female sex workers. PrEP persistence remains an important issue, and strategies to build on our findings are needed. FUNDING National Institute of Mental Health and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Rao
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Lillian Shipp
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Catherine Lesko
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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14
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Reddy K, Palanee-Phillips T, Heffron R. Awareness of Heightened Sexual and Behavioral Vulnerability as a Trigger for PrEP Resumption Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in East and Southern Africa. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2023; 20:333-344. [PMID: 38051383 PMCID: PMC10719120 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00680-y] [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] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW East and Southern Africa are the epicenter of the HIV epidemic. High HIV incidence rates among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) remain stable over the last decade despite access to daily oral PrEP. Some settings have experienced high PrEP uptake among AGYW; however, discontinuation has been high. This review sought to understand drivers of PrEP discontinuation in this population in order to identify potential mechanisms to facilitate PrEP restart and optimize PrEP use. RECENT FINDINGS Drivers of PrEP discontinuation included low perceived HIV acquisition risk, PrEP-associated side effects, pill burden, family/sexual partner disapproval, lack of/intermittent sexual activity, PrEP use stigma, fear of intimate partner violence, misinformation about long-term PrEP use, and limited/inconsistent access to PrEP. The most frequently reported driver of PrEP discontinuation was low perceived HIV acquisition risk. This indicates that innovative interventions to help AGYW recognize their HIV risk and make informed decisions about PrEP use are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnaveni Reddy
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Renee Heffron
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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15
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Wairimu N, Malen RC, Reedy AM, Mogere P, Njeru I, Culquichicón C, McGowan M, Gao F, Baeten JM, Ngure K, Ortblad KF. Peer PrEP referral + HIV self-test delivery for PrEP initiation among young Kenyan women: study protocol for a hybrid cluster-randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:705. [PMID: 37925450 PMCID: PMC10625301 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07734-x] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is highly effective, but uptake remains low in Africa, especially among young women who are a priority population for HIV prevention services. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been proven to increase HIV testing in diverse populations but has been underutilized to support linkage to HIV prevention services. Most young women who initiate PrEP in Africa do so through informal peer referral. We wanted to test a model of formalized peer referral enhanced with HIVST delivery among young Kenyan women. METHODS The Peer PrEP Trial is a two-arm hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomized controlled trial being conducted in central Kenya. Eligible participants (i.e., peer providers, n = 80) are women (≥ 16-24 years) refilling or initiating PrEP at public healthcare clinics who can identify at least four peers who could benefit from PrEP and not enrolled in another HIV study. Peer providers will be 1:1 randomized to (1) formal peer PrEP referral + HIVST delivery, where they will be encouraged to refer four peers (i.e., peer clients, ≥ 16-24 years) using educational materials and HIVST kits (two per peer client), or (2) informal peer PrEP referral, where they are encouraged to refer four peer clients using informal word-of-mouth referral. In both arms, peer providers will deliver a standard PrEP referral card with information on nearby public clinics delivering PrEP services. Peer providers will complete surveys at baseline and 3 months; peer clients will complete surveys at 3 months. Our primary outcome is PrEP initiation among peer clients, as reported by peer providers at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include PrEP continuation (any refilling), HIV testing (past 3 months), sexual behaviors (past month), and PrEP adherence (past month) among peer clients, as reported by both peer providers and clients at 3 months. Implementation outcomes will include participants' perceived acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the intervention as well assessments of the intervention's fidelity and cost. DISCUSSION Evidence from this trial will help us understand how HIVST could support health systems by facilitating linkage to PrEP services among young women who could benefit in Kenya and similar settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04982250. Registered on July 29, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Njeri Wairimu
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rachel C Malen
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Adriana M Reedy
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Peter Mogere
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Njeru
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Carlos Culquichicón
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Maureen McGowan
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fei Gao
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Katrina F Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA.
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Roberts ST, Mancuso N, Williams K, Nabunya HK, Mposula H, Mugocha C, Mvinjelwa P, Garcia M, Szydlo DW, Soto‐Torres L, Ngure K, Hosek S. How a menu of adherence support strategies facilitated high adherence to HIV prevention products among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa: a mixed methods analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26189. [PMID: 37936551 PMCID: PMC10630658 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Effective use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been low among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. The MTN-034/REACH trial offered AGYW a menu of adherence support strategies and achieved high adherence to both daily oral PrEP and the monthly dapivirine vaginal ring. Understanding how these strategies promoted product use could inform the design of adherence support systems in programmatic settings. METHODS REACH was a randomized crossover trial evaluating the safety of and adherence to the ring and oral PrEP among 247 HIV-negative AGYW (ages 16-21) in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe from January 2019 to September 2021 (NCT03593655). Adherence support included monthly counselling sessions with drug-level feedback (DLF) plus optional daily short message service (SMS) reminders, weekly phone or SMS check-ins, peer support clubs, "peer buddies" and additional counselling. Counsellors documented adherence support choices and counselling content on standardized forms. Through focus groups, serial in-depth interviews (IDIs) and single IDIs (n = 119 total), we explored participants' experiences with adherence support and how it encouraged product use. RESULTS Participants received counselling at nearly all visits. DLF was provided at 54.3% of sessions and, across sites, 49%-68% received results showing high adherence for oral PrEP, and 73%-89% for the ring. The most popular support strategies were in-person clubs and weekly calls, followed by online clubs, additional counselling and SMS. Preferences differed across sites but were similar for both products. Qualitative results demonstrated that the REACH strategies supported adherence by providing information about HIV and PrEP, continually motivating participants, and supporting the development of behavioural skills and self-efficacy, aligning with the Information, Motivation, and Behavioural Skills (IMB) model. Effectiveness was supported by three foundational pillars: strong interpersonal relationships with counsellors; ongoing, easily accessible support and resources; and establishing trust in the counsellors and study products through counsellor relationships, peer-to-peer exchange and DLF. CONCLUSIONS Implementation programmes could support effective PrEP use by offering a small menu of counsellor- and peer-based support options that are youth-friendly and developmentally appropriate. The same menu options can support both ring and oral PrEP users, though content should be tailored to the individual products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T. Roberts
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Noah Mancuso
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI InternationalAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Kristin Williams
- Applied Public Health Research CenterRTI InternationalResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Hlengiwe Mposula
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Caroline Mugocha
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research CentreHarareZimbabwe
| | | | | | - Daniel W. Szydlo
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and PreventionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Lydia Soto‐Torres
- Division of AIDSNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public HealthJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Sybil Hosek
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation ScienceUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Dayton RL, Fonner VA, Plourde KF, Sanyal A, Arney J, Orr T, Nhamo D, Schueller J, Limb AM, Torjesen K. A Scoping Review of Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for Cisgender and Transgender Adolescent Girls and Young Women: What Works and Where Do We Go from Here? AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3223-3238. [PMID: 37119401 PMCID: PMC10148005 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are disproportionately affected by HIV, and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce HIV acquisition. The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesize results from interventions along the PrEP continuum for AGYW to inform research and programs. We searched electronic databases for studies published between January 2012-July 2021 and conducted secondary reference searching. Studies were included if they assessed interventions to increase PrEP interest, uptake, or continuation among AGYW. Results were synthesized narratively. Of 2168 citations identified, 50 studies were eligible for inclusion, and 20 contained AGYW-specific data. Among cisgender and transgender AGYW, studies overall demonstrated a positive impact on PrEP interest and uptake but generally attained suboptimal continuation rates. Results demonstrate feasibility of deploying PrEP across diverse settings-particularly when interventions are layered, tailored to AGYW, and include differentiated delivery-but also highlight knowledge gaps and the need for more holistic metrics of success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ameya Sanyal
- FHI 360, Global Health and Population, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Arney
- FHI 360, Global Health and Population, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tracy Orr
- FHI 360, Global Health and Population, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jane Schueller
- United States Agency for International Development, Bureau of Global Health, Office of Population and Reproductive Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Annaliese M Limb
- United States Agency for International Development, Bureau of Global Health, Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC, USA
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Wang B, Janamnuaysook R, MacDonell K, Rongkavilit C, Schieber E, Naar S, Phanuphak N. Adapting Effective mHealth Interventions to Improve Uptake and Adherence to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Thai Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e46435. [PMID: 37665622 PMCID: PMC10507518 DOI: 10.2196/46435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are the fastest-growing HIV-positive population worldwide. Thailand has the highest adult HIV seroprevalence in Asia; over 25% of men having sex with men in Bangkok are HIV positive. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an efficacious HIV prevention strategy recommended for all at-risk individuals. PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed, but PrEP utilization rate has been low, and adherence is often inadequate. OBJECTIVE We propose to develop and pilot a multicomponent, technology-based intervention to promote motivation to begin PrEP ("uptake") and sustained adherence to PrEP among HIV-negative Thai YMSM. We will adapt an existing 2-session technology-delivered, motivational interviewing-based intervention to focus on PrEP use in YMSM in Thailand. The resulting intervention is called the Motivational Enhancement System for PrEP Uptake and Adherence (MES-PrEP). We will also develop motivational text messaging (MTM) to send two-way motivational messages to promote PrEP use. METHODS The proposed study includes 3 phases. Phase 1 includes in-depth interviews with HIV-negative Thai YMSM and providers to explore barriers and facilitators of PrEP initiation and adherence, aiming to inform intervention content. Phase 2 consists of adapting and beta-testing MES-PrEP and MTM for functionality and feasibility using a youth advisory board of Thai YMSM. In Phase 3, we will conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of MES-PrEP and MTM to increase PrEP uptake and adherence among Thai YMSM. A total of 60 HIV-negative Thai YMSM who have not started PrEP and 60 YMSM who are on PrEP but not adherent to it will be randomized 2:1 to receive MES-PrEP and MTM (n=40) or standard PrEP counseling (n=20). The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention will be assessed through usage patterns and the System Usability Scale. The preliminary impact will be assessed by evaluating the proportion of PrEP initiation and level of adherence to PrEP. Participants will complete the assessments at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postintervention. Biomarkers of adherence to PrEP and biomarkers of HIV and sexually transmitted infections will be collected. RESULTS Recruitment for this study began in January 2022 for phase 1. Qualitative interviews were completed with 30 YMSM and 5 clinical providers in May 2022. Phase 3, the pilot feasibility and acceptability trial, began in July 2023. Upon project completion, we shall have developed a highly innovative mobile health intervention to support YMSM using PrEP, which will be ready for testing in a larger efficacy trial. CONCLUSIONS This study addresses a critical problem (ie, high HIV incidence and low PrEP use) among Thai YMSM. We are developing 2 potentially synergistic technology-based, theory-driven interventions aimed at maximizing PrEP use. The proposed project has the potential to make significant contributions to advancing HIV prevention research and implementation science. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05243030; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05243030. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/46435.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Rena Janamnuaysook
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Karen MacDonell
- Center for Translational Behavioral Research, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Chokechai Rongkavilit
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco Fresno Branch Campus, Fresno, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Schieber
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Sylvie Naar
- Center for Translational Behavioral Research, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Nittaya Phanuphak
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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van den Elshout MA, Hoornenborg E, Coyer L, Anderson PL, Davidovich U, de Vries HJ, Prins M, Schim van der Loeff MF. Determinants of adherence to daily PrEP measured as intracellular tenofovir diphosphate concentrations over 24 months of follow-up among men who have sex with men. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:303-310. [PMID: 37258273 PMCID: PMC10359585 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055499] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adherence is key to the effectiveness of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV. Therefore, we aimed to explore factors associated with adherence to daily PrEP (dPrEP). METHODS Men who have sex with men (MSM) using dPrEP (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil) within the Amsterdam PrEP demonstration project at the Public Health Service of Amsterdam, provided dried blood spots (DBS) 12 and 24 months after PrEP initiation. From DBS, we determined intracellular tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations to assess adherence; TFV-DP ≥700 fmol/punch was considered adequate. We assessed associations of sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics with TFV-DP concentrations using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS Of 263 participants who attended 12-month or 24-month study visits while on dPrEP, 257 (97.7%) provided DBS at one or both visits (492 DBS in total). Median TFV-DP concentration was 1299 (IQR 1021-1627) fmol/punch (12 months: 1332 (1087-1687); 24 months: 1248 (929-1590]). Higher TFV-DP concentrations were associated with: older age (p=0.0008), condomless anal sex with a casual partner in 6 months preceding PrEP initiation (+166 fmol/punch; 95% CI 36.5 to 296) and using a mobile application providing visualised feedback on PrEP use and sexual behaviour (+146 fmol/punch; 95% CI 28.1 to 263). Lower TFV-DP concentrations were associated with longer duration of PrEP use (24 vs 12 months; -91.5 fmol/punch; 95% CI -155 to -28.1). Time-updated number of sex partners, diagnosed STIs and chemsex were not associated with TFV-DP concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Overall, TFV-DP concentrations were high among MSM using dPrEP, indicating excellent adherence. Especially older participants, those who reported condomless anal sex with a casual partner prior to PrEP initiation and those who used an app with visualised feedback showed higher levels of adherence. As TFV-DP concentrations had decreased slightly at 2 years of PrEP use when compared with 1 year, we emphasise the importance of adherence counselling to those who continue using PrEP. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL5413.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Am van den Elshout
- Department of Infectious Diseases Research, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elske Hoornenborg
- Department of Infectious Diseases Research, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liza Coyer
- Department of Infectious Diseases Research, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Udi Davidovich
- Department of Infectious Diseases Research, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry Jc de Vries
- Department of Infectious Diseases Research, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection & Immunity (AII), Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases Research, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection & Immunity (AII), Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ngure K, Friedland BA, Szydlo DW, Roberts ST, Garcia M, Levy L, Akello CA, Reddy K, Palanee-Phillips T, Macdonald P, Siziba B, Soto-Torres L, Hosek S, Hillier SL, Nair G, Celum C, van der Straten A. Baseline preferences for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or dapivirine intravaginal ring for HIV prevention among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe (MTN-034/IPM-045 study). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287525. [PMID: 37352296 PMCID: PMC10289422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic and face an array of challenges using proven behavioral and biomedical prevention methods. To address the urgent need for expanding prevention options, we evaluated the baseline preferences of HIV prevention methods among participants enrolled in the MTN-034/REACH crossover trial along with their stated product preference prior to product initiation. METHODS AGYW aged 16-21 years were enrolled at 4 study sites: Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa; Kampala, Uganda; and Harare, Zimbabwe and randomly assigned to the sequence of using oral PrEP and the dapivirine ring for 6 months each, followed by a choice period in which they could choose either product (or neither) for an additional six months. Eligible AGYW were HIV-negative, not pregnant and using effective contraception for at least two months prior to enrollment. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and behavioral data while multinomial analysis was used to determine predictors of stated product preference (ring or oral PrEP). RESULTS Of the 247 AGYW enrolled in REACH, 34% were aged 16-17 and 89% had a primary partner.The median age of sexual debut was 16 years and 40% had ever been pregnant. At screening, 35% of participants were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), 39% had an AUDIT-C score associated with harmful drinking and 11% reported intimate partner violence in the past 6 months. Overall, 28% of participants, had CESD-10 scores suggestive of depressive symptoms (≥12) in the past week. At baseline, similar proportions stated a preference for the ring and oral PrEP (38.1% and 40.5% respectively), with 19% of participants stating they preferred both products equally. Only study site was significantly associated with product preference (P<0.05) with AGYW from Johannesburg having higher odds of preferring the ring and those from Kampala having higher odds of preferring both options equally. CONCLUSIONS We successfully enrolled African AGYW with a clear unmet need for HIV prevention. The balanced preference between the two products suggests that multiple biomedical prevention options may be appealing to this age group and could address their prevention needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Barbara A. Friedland
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Daniel W. Szydlo
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Sarah T. Roberts
- Women’s Global Health Imperative (WGHI), RTI International, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Morgan Garcia
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lisa Levy
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carolyne A. Akello
- Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Krishnaveni Reddy
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Pippa Macdonald
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bekezela Siziba
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lydia Soto-Torres
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sybil Hosek
- Department of Psychiatry, John Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sharon L. Hillier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gonasagrie Nair
- Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Dept of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, CA, United States of America
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Haberer JE, Mujugira A, Mayer KH. The future of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence: reducing barriers and increasing opportunities. Lancet HIV 2023:S2352-3018(23)00079-6. [PMID: 37178710 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) hinges on adherence, which has been restricted by multifaceted barriers. Uptake of PrEP has been impeded by poor access resulting from high costs, provider uncertainty, discrimination, stigma, and poor understanding within the health-care community and the public of who can benefit from PrEP. Other important barriers to adherence and persistence over time relate to individuals (eg, depression) and their community, partners, and family (eg, poor support), and their effects vary substantially with each person, population, and setting. Despite these challenges, key opportunities for improving PrEP adherence exist, including novel delivery systems, tailored individual interventions, mobile health and digital health interventions, and long-acting formulations. Objective monitoring strategies will help to improve adherence interventions and alignment of PrEP use with the need for HIV prevention (ie, prevention-effective adherence). The future of PrEP adherence lies in person-centred approaches to service delivery that meet the needs of individuals while creating supportive environments and facilitating health-care access and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Matthews LT, Atukunda EC, Owembabazi M, Kalyebera KP, Psaros C, Chitneni P, Hendrix CW, Marzinke MA, Anderson PL, Isehunwa OO, Hurwitz KE, Bennett K, Muyindike W, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE, Marrazzo JM, Bwana MB. High PrEP uptake and objective longitudinal adherence among HIV-exposed women with personal or partner plans for pregnancy in rural Uganda: A cohort study. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004088. [PMID: 36795763 PMCID: PMC9983833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Uganda, fertility rates and adult HIV prevalence are high, and many women conceive with partners living with HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces HIV acquisition for women and, therefore, infants. We developed the Healthy Families-PrEP intervention to support PrEP use as part of HIV prevention during periconception and pregnancy periods. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study to evaluate oral PrEP use among women participating in the intervention. METHODS AND FINDINGS We enrolled HIV-negative women with plans for pregnancy with a partner living, or thought to be living, with HIV (2017 to 2020) to evaluate PrEP use among women participating in the Healthy Families-PrEP intervention. Quarterly study visits through 9 months included HIV and pregnancy testing and HIV prevention counseling. PrEP was provided in electronic pillboxes, providing the primary adherence measure ("high" adherence when pillbox was opened ≥80% of days). Enrollment questionnaires assessed factors associated with PrEP use. Plasma tenofovir (TFV) and intraerythrocytic TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations were determined quarterly for women who acquired HIV and a randomly selected subset of those who did not; concentrations TFV ≥40 ng/mL and TFV-DP ≥600 fmol/punch were categorized as "high." Women who became pregnant were initially exited from the cohort by design; from March 2019, women with incident pregnancy remained in the study with quarterly follow-up until pregnancy outcome. Primary outcomes included (1) PrEP uptake (proportion who initiated PrEP); and (2) PrEP adherence (proportion of days with pillbox openings during the first 3 months following PrEP initiation). We used univariable and multivariable-adjusted linear regression to evaluate baseline predictors selected based on our conceptual framework of mean adherence over 3 months. We also assessed mean monthly adherence over 9 months of follow-up and during pregnancy. We enrolled 131 women with mean age 28.7 years (95% CI: 27.8 to 29.5). Ninety-seven (74%) reported a partner with HIV and 79 (60%) reported condomless sex. Most women (N = 118; 90%) initiated PrEP. Mean electronic adherence during the 3 months following initiation was 87% (95% CI: 83%, 90%). No covariates were associated with 3-month pill-taking behavior. Concentrations of plasma TFV and TFV-DP were high among 66% and 47%, 56% and 41%, and 45% and 45% at months 3, 6, and 9, respectively. We observed 53 pregnancies among 131 women (1-year cumulative incidence 53% [95% CI: 43%, 62%]) and 1 HIV-seroconversion in a non-pregnant woman. Mean pillcap adherence for PrEP users with pregnancy follow-up (N = 17) was 98% (95% CI: 97%, 99%). Study design limitations include lack of a control group. CONCLUSIONS Women in Uganda with PrEP indications and planning for pregnancy chose to use PrEP. By electronic pillcap, most were able to sustain high adherence to daily oral PrEP prior to and during pregnancy. Differences in adherence measures highlight challenges with adherence assessment; serial measures of TFV-DP in whole blood suggest 41% to 47% of women took sufficient periconception PrEP to prevent HIV. These data suggest that women planning for and with pregnancy should be prioritized for PrEP implementation, particularly in settings with high fertility rates and generalized HIV epidemics. Future iterations of this work should compare the outcomes to current standard of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03832530 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03832530?term=lynn+matthews&cond=hiv&cntry=UG&draw=2&rank=1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T. Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Kato Paul Kalyebera
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Christina Psaros
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pooja Chitneni
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Craig W. Hendrix
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Marzinke
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Peter L. Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Oluwaseyi O. Isehunwa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Kathleen E. Hurwitz
- NoviSci, Inc., a Target RWE company, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting Inc., Ballston Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Winnie Muyindike
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David R. Bangsberg
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health Sciences University–Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeanne M. Marrazzo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
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Chai P, De D, Albrechta H, Goodman GR, Takabatake K, Ben-Arieh A, Lee JS, Glynn TR, Mayer K, O'Cleirigh C, Fisher C. Attitudes towards participating in research involving digital pill systems to measure oral HIV pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis: a cross-sectional study among men who have sex with men with substance use in the USA. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067549. [PMID: 36717151 PMCID: PMC9887701 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This quantitative survey sought to understand, among men who have sex with men (MSM) with potentially problematic substance use, the attitudes towards participation in research involving digital pill systems (DPS) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence measurement, and the barriers and facilitators to research participation. DESIGN One-time, cross-sectional, online sampling-based survey. SETTING US social networking app predominantly focused on MSM. PARTICIPANTS MSM without HIV who reported current use of oral PrEP, potentially problematic substance use and sexual activity in the past 3 months. A total of 157 participants were eligible, passed validity checks and enrolled. OUTCOME MEASURES Perceptions of DPS usefulness, accuracy and usability (System Usability Scale (SUS)); willingness and motivations to participate in DPS research; preferences for access to and feedback on DPS adherence data; data sharing considerations; and medical mistrust (Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS)). RESULTS Most of the sample (N=157) was white (n=119, 75.8%), gay (n=124, 79.0%) and cisgender (n=150, 95.5%). The median age was 33 years (IQR: 14). The mean GBMMS score was 13.5 (SD=5.2), and the median SUS score was 70 (IQR: 27.5). In the past 3 months, 36.3% (n=57) reported frequent use of substances before or during sex, and 62.4% (n=98) engaged in condomless sex. While most were adherent to PrEP, approximately 34.4% (n=54) expressed significant worry about daily adherence. Participants wished to monitor their PrEP adherence daily (n=66, 42.0%) and 52% (n=82) were very willing to participate in DPS-based research. The majority were minimally concerned about sharing DPS-detected adherence data with research teams (n=126, 80.3%), and were extremely willing to share these data with healthcare providers (n=109, 69.4%). CONCLUSIONS In this sample, MSM without HIV who use substances reported willingness to use DPS to measure PrEP adherence in a research context, and identified benefits to accessing real-time, DPS-detected adherence data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Chai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- The Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dikha De
- Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Georgia R Goodman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Koki Takabatake
- Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jasper S Lee
- Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tiffany R Glynn
- Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kenneth Mayer
- Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Celia Fisher
- Center for Ethics Education, Fordham University, New York, New York, USA
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Mureithi M, Ng'aari L, Wasunna B, Kiruthu-Kamamia C, Sande O, Chiwaya GD, Huwa J, Tweya H, Jafa K, Feldacker C. Centering healthcare workers in developing digital health interventions: usability and acceptability of a two-way texting retention intervention in a public HIV clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.01.09.23284326. [PMID: 36711633 PMCID: PMC9882492 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.09.23284326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background New initiates on antiretroviral therapy (ART) are at high risk of treatment discontinuation, putting their health at risk. In low-resource settings, like Malawi, appropriate digital health applications must fit into local connectivity and resource constraints. Target users' perspectives are critical for app usability, buy-in and optimization. We describe the formative stages of the design of a two-way text-based (2wT) system of tailored reminders and adherence messages for new ART initiates and share results from key informant interviews with HCWs focused on app usability and acceptability. Methods Using a co-creation approach with clients, clinical, technical and evaluation teams and over app development, we held four informal user feedback sessions, a small pilot with 50 clients, and ten key informant (KIIs) to deepen our understanding of healthcare workers (HCWs) needs, acceptability and usability. Results Formative research informed the design of interactive client-to-HCW communication, refining of the language and timing of weekly text blast motivational messages and tailored client-specific visit reminders. Informal feedback from HCW stakeholders also informed educational materials to enhance 2wT client understanding of how to report transfers, request visit date changes and ask questions related to their visits. In KII, HCWs noted their appreciation for the co-creation process, believing that the participatory HCD process and responsive design team enabled the development of a highly acceptable and usable 2wT digital tool. HCWs also suggested future improvements to promote inclusion of clients of varying literacy levels and economic backgrounds as well as integrating with other health platforms to improve uptake of 2wT. Conclusions Inclusion of HCWs increased perceptions of app usability and acceptability among HCWs. HCWs believe that 2wT will improve on-time ART visit attendance and provide valuable early retention in care support. The co-creation approach appears successful in designing an app that will meet HCW needs and, therefore, support client adherence to visits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hannock Tweya
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Caryl Feldacker
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Musinguzi N, Pyra M, Bukusi EA, Mugo NR, Baeten JM, Haberer JE. Trajectories of Oral PrEP Adherence Among Young Kenyan Women: Implications for Promoting Effective PrEP Use. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:171-181. [PMID: 35841463 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03753-y] [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] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Using data from a 2-year study of young women at high HIV risk in Thika and Kisumu, Kenya, we identified group-based trajectories of PrEP adherence based on electronic pillcap-monitoring and assessed potentially associated demographic and socio-behavioral factors. Among 348 women, we selected a three-trajectory adherence model: low and declining (N = 211, 61%), moderate but declining (N = 119, 34%) and steady high adherers (N = 18, 5%). We also identified a two-trajectory HIV risk model based on self-perceived risk in the past week: high and increasing (N = 28, 8%) and steady low (N = 320, 92%) risk. The Kisumu site was associated with the moderate but declining and steady high adherence trajectories, while increasing VOICE risk score was associated with the low and declining adherence trajectory. We found no association between the adherence and risk trajectories. Our findings suggest adherence support may need tailoring by setting. Early, sustained support may also help those at highest risk of non-adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Musinguzi
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Plot 10/24, Lower Circular Road, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Maria Pyra
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Nelly R Mugo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Center for Clinical Research (CCR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Buchbinder SP, Siegler AJ, Coleman K, Vittinghoff E, Wilde G, Lockard A, Scott H, Anderson PL, Laborde N, van der Straten A, Christie RH, Marlborough M, Liu AY. Randomized Controlled Trial of Automated Directly Observed Therapy for Measurement and Support of PrEP Adherence Among Young Men Who have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:719-732. [PMID: 35984607 PMCID: PMC9908647 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Measurement of adherence to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in real-time has been challenging. We developed DOT Diary, a smartphone application that combines automated directly observed therapy with a PrEP adherence visualization toolkit, and tested its ability to measure PrEP adherence and to increase adherence among a diverse cohort of young men who have sex with men (MSM). We enrolled 100 MSM in San Francisco and Atlanta and randomly assigned them 2:1 to DOT Diary versus standard of care. Concordance between DOT Diary measurement and drug levels in dried blood spots was substantial, with 91.0% and 85.3% concordance between DOT Diary and emtricitabine-triphosphate and tenofovir-diphosphate, respectively. There was no significant difference in the proportion of participants with detectable PrEP drug levels at 24 weeks between study arms. These results suggest DOT Diary is substantially better than self-reported measures of adherence, but additional interventions are needed to improve PrEP adherence over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P Buchbinder
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA, 94102, USA.
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kenneth Coleman
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Vittinghoff
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gretchen Wilde
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Annie Lockard
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hyman Scott
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ariane van der Straten
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Albert Y Liu
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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27
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Katz IT, Ngure K, Kamolloh K, Ogello V, Okombo M, Thuo NB, Owino E, Garrison LE, Lee YS, Nardell MF, Anyacheblu C, Bukusi E, Mugo N, Baeten JM, Haberer JE. Multi-level Factors Driving Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Non-initiation Among Young Women at High Risk for HIV in Kenya. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:106-118. [PMID: 35930203 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03748-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have focused on understanding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) non-initiation among young, high-risk women in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to qualitatively explore why young women in Kenya at high-risk for HIV chose not to enroll in a PrEP adherence trial. We performed 40 semi-structured interviews with young high-risk women assessing concerns about PrEP and/or study participation. We also assessed community-level factors influencing decision-making around PrEP through 10 focus groups involving peers, young men, caregivers, and community leaders. Our qualitative data reflect the complexity of navigating barriers preventing PrEP initiation in settings where taking PrEP may be perceived as immoral behavior. Framed within the context of risk perception, the decision to start PrEP may run counter to the potential risk of losing support from one's community. Our findings suggest that approaches addressing social norms, while de-medicalizing HIV prevention services, are needed to further increase PrEP uptake among young Kenyan women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid T Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 1620 Tremont St. - 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02120, USA.
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Moses Okombo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Esther Owino
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lindsey E Garrison
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yeonsoo S Lee
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Maria F Nardell
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chiemelie Anyacheblu
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, Medicine, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, Medicine, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
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28
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Ogello V, Ngure K, Thuo N, Burns B, Rono B, Oware K, Kiptiness C, Mugo N, Bukusi E, Garrison L, Baeten JM, Haberer JE. "Yes, I'm reminded, but it doesn't mean I'm taking them": Experiences with Short Message Service Reminder Use in Real-time Monitoring of HIV PrEP among Young Women in Kenya. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:65-74. [PMID: 35907142 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03744-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adherence to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is challenging, and cellular technology offers a promising opportunity for support. However, a recent randomized controlled trial found that SMS reminders did not improve PrEP adherence. We used qualitative methods to explore the trial participants' experiences with the SMS intervention. We conducted serial in-depth interviews with 54 young Kenyan women, using inductive and deductive content analysis . Initially, SMS reminders were highly acceptable. Participants expressed enthusiasm with receiving the reminders because of the coded nature of the SMS reminders; they also helped in 'habit forming' with daily adherence. However, overtime, participants reported growing concerns about privacy, self-efficacy, and responsibility and SMS fatigue. Participants also reported other challenges, including phone loss, poor telephone network, and lack of electricity. Further research to explore if SMS reminders in alternative formats or with different frequency is needed, in addition to identification of alternate adherence support strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vallery Ogello
- Center of Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicholas Thuo
- Center of Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bridget Burns
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Bernard Rono
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kevin Oware
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Catherine Kiptiness
- Center of Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Center of Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lindsey Garrison
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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29
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Velloza J, Roche S, Concepcion T, Ortblad KF. Advancing considerations of context in the evaluation and implementation of evidence-based biomedical HIV prevention interventions: a review of recent research. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2023; 18:1-11. [PMID: 36503876 PMCID: PMC9757852 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A paradigm shift is needed in how we think about biomedical HIV prevention product effectiveness. Often, we expect randomized trial findings to be generalizable across populations and settings where products will be delivered, without consideration of key contextual drivers that could impact effectiveness. Moreover, researchers and policy-makers generally discount products with varied effect sizes across contexts, rather than explicating the drivers of these differences and using them to inform equitable product choice and delivery. We conducted a review of the recent HIV prevention research to advance considerations of context in choices of when, why, and how to implement biomedical HIV prevention products, with a particular focus on daily oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dapivirine vaginal ring (DPV). RECENT FINDINGS Findings across recent studies of PrEP and DPV emphasize that products that do not work well in one context might be highly desirable in another. Key contextual drivers of PrEP and DPV effectiveness, use, and implementation include population, health system, cultural, and historical factors. We recommend conceptualization, measurement, and analysis approaches to fully understand the potential impact of context on prevention product delivery. Execution of these approaches has real-world implications for HIV prevention product choice and could prevent the field from dismissing biomedical HIV prevention products based on trial findings alone. SUMMARY Ending the HIV epidemic will require tailored, person-centered, and equitable approaches to design, implement, and evaluate HIV prevention products which necessitates considerations of context in ongoing research and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Velloza
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Stephanie Roche
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Public Health Sciences Division
| | - Tessa Concepcion
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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30
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Wirtz AL, Logie CH, Mbuagbaw L. Addressing Health Inequities in Digital Clinical Trials: A Review of Challenges and Solutions From the Field of HIV Research. Epidemiol Rev 2022; 44:87-109. [PMID: 36124659 PMCID: PMC10362940 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials are considered the gold standard for establishing efficacy of health interventions, thus determining which interventions are brought to scale in health care and public health programs. Digital clinical trials, broadly defined as trials that have partial to full integration of technology across implementation, interventions, and/or data collection, are valued for increased efficiencies as well as testing of digitally delivered interventions. Although recent reviews have described the advantages and disadvantages of and provided recommendations for improving scientific rigor in the conduct of digital clinical trials, few to none have investigated how digital clinical trials address the digital divide, whether they are equitably accessible, and if trial outcomes are potentially beneficial only to those with optimal and consistent access to technology. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), among other health conditions, disproportionately affects socially and economically marginalized populations, raising questions of whether interventions found to be efficacious in digital clinical trials and subsequently brought to scale will sufficiently and consistently reach and provide benefit to these populations. We reviewed examples from HIV research from across geographic settings to describe how digital clinical trials can either reproduce or mitigate health inequities via the design and implementation of the digital clinical trials and, ultimately, the programs that result. We discuss how digital clinical trials can be intentionally designed to prevent inequities, monitor ongoing access and utilization, and assess for differential impacts among subgroups with diverse technology access and use. These findings can be generalized to many other health fields and are practical considerations for donors, investigators, reviewers, and ethics committees engaged in digital clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Wirtz
- Correspondence to Dr. Andrea L. Wirtz, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205 (e-mail: )
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31
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Triplett NS, Roberts ST, Hartmann M, Wagner D, Reddy KR, Mathebula F, Tolley EE, Baeten JM, Palanee-Phillips T, Montgomery ET. Examining Associations Between Mental Health, IPV Exposure, HIV Risk Behaviors, and PrEP Use in South African Women: An Analysis of Data from the Charisma Study. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:2030-2040. [PMID: 36459264 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03936-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been associated with poorer mental health outcomes and increased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors. We examine the relations between IPV, mental health symptomology (defined as psychological distress and alcohol misuse), and engagement in HIV risk behaviors among a sample of South African women who participated in a randomized controlled trial of CHARISMA, an intervention to increase women's agency to use oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) safely and consistently as well as mitigate relationship challenges. We also examined the impact of trial participation on women's mental health, as well as the impact of psychological distress on the effectiveness of the CHARISMA intervention. Mental health symptomology and IPV exposure were prevalent and associated with some HIV risk and protective behaviors. Trial participation reduced psychological distress. There was no evidence for mental health symptomology impacting the effectiveness of the CHARISMA intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah S Triplett
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Sarah T Roberts
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Miriam Hartmann
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Danielle Wagner
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Krishnaveni R Reddy
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Florence Mathebula
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth E Tolley
- Behavioral, Epidemiological & Clinical Sciences Unit, FHI 360, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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32
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Ekwunife OI, Ejie IL, Okelu V, Mita C, Durosinmi-Eti O, Powell A, Franke MF. Interventions to increase the uptake and continuation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by adolescent girls and young women at high risk of HIV in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:e009474. [PMID: 36593640 PMCID: PMC9743293 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Effective strategies to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and continuation among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who engage in sex work or transactional sex are sparsely reported. We aimed to describe the available evidence on strategies for improving the uptake and continuation of PrEP among AGYW who engage in sex work or transactional sex, or otherwise are at high risk of acquiring HIV, and report their implementation outcomes. METHOD PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Global Health were searched for studies describing strategies to increase uptake and continuation of PrEP for HIV prevention among AGYW at high risk of acquiring HIV in low-income and middle-income countries. Two independent reviewers screened citations for inclusion and performed data abstraction. Proctor's framework was used to report the implementation outcomes of the interventions. RESULT We identified 1046 citations, and reviewed 69 full-text documents, of which we included 11 in the scoping review. A social marketing campaign was used in one study to create demand for PrEP. A decision support tool was used in one study to improve PrEP initiation. SMS reminders (two studies), drug-level feedback (two studies), peer group support (one study) and conditional economic incentives (one study) were used to improve PrEP continuation. Five studies reported adoption outcomes, two of which were high. Four studies reported sustainability outcomes; these were low or moderate. One study found private youth-friendly clinics a better fit for AGYW PrEP delivery compared with public hospitals, and prescription of PrEP by non-study staff in the hospital facility was low. CONCLUSION Multiple promising interventions have been used to deliver PrEP to AGYW at high risk of acquiring HIV; however, more information is needed to understand how these interventions would likely perform at scale outside of a research context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obinna Ikechukwu Ekwunife
- Takemi Program in International Health, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, Nigeria
| | - Izuchukwu Loveth Ejie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, Nigeria
| | - Valentine Okelu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, Nigeria
| | - Carol Mita
- Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Antonia Powell
- Center for HIV and Infectious Diseases, John Snow Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Molly F Franke
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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33
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Goldstein M, Archary M, Adong J, Haberer JE, Kuhns LM, Kurth A, Ronen K, Lightfoot M, Inwani I, John-Stewart G, Garofalo R, Zanoni BC. Systematic Review of mHealth Interventions for Adolescent and Young Adult HIV Prevention and the Adolescent HIV Continuum of Care in Low to Middle Income Countries. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:94-115. [PMID: 36322217 PMCID: PMC9629200 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03840-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults (AYA) in low to middle income countries (LMIC) have poorer outcomes along each step in the HIV continuum of prevention and care compared to younger children or older adults. The use of mHealth technology provides a potentially promising implementation strategy for interventions to remedy these disparities. We therefore conducted a systematic review of the English literature and conference proceedings from January 1, 2000 to April 1, 2021 evaluating mHealth interventions targeting AYA along each step of the HIV continuum of care in LMIC. We identified 27 mHealth interventions across the HIV continuum, with no interventions addressing transition from pediatric to adult care. The majority of studies were single arm, uncontrolled or underpowered, with few randomized trials resulting in mixed and inconclusive outcomes. mHealth interventions have potential to remedy disparities along the HIV continuum of care for AYA in LMIC but larger, powered randomized trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Goldstein
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Moherndran Archary
- University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
- King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Julian Adong
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Keshet Ronen
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Marguerita Lightfoot
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies and UCSF Prevention Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Robert Garofalo
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian C Zanoni
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
- Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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34
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Sha Y, Li C, Xiong Y, Hazra A, Lio J, Jiang I, Huang H, Kerman J, Molina J, Li L, Liang K, Gong D, Li Q, Wu S, Sherer R, Tucker JD, Tang W. Co-creation using crowdsourcing to promote PrEP adherence in China: study protocol for a stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1697. [PMID: 36071401 PMCID: PMC9449927 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adherent pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake can prevent HIV infections. Despite the high HIV incidence, Chinese key populations have low PrEP uptake and adherence. New interventions are needed to increase PrEP adherence among key populations in China. Co-creation methods are helpful to solicit ideas from the community to solve public health problems. The study protocol aims to describe the design of a stepped-wedge trial and to evaluate the efficacy of co-created interventions to facilitate PrEP adherence among key populations in China. Methods The study will develop intervention packages to facilitate PrEP adherence among Chinese key populations using co-creation methods. The study will then evaluate the efficacy of the co-created intervention packages using a stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial. This four-phased closed cohort stepped-wedge design will have four clusters. Each cluster will start intervention at three-month intervals. Seven hundred participants who initiated PrEP will be recruited. Participants will be randomized to the clusters using block randomization. The intervention condition includes receiving co-created interventions in addition to standard of care. The control condition is the standard of care that includes routine clinical assessment every 3 months. All participants will also receive an online follow-up survey every 3 months to record medication adherence and will be encouraged to use a WeChat mini-app for sexual and mental health education throughout the study. The primary outcomes are PrEP adherence and retention in PrEP care throughout the study period. We will examine a hypothesis that a co-created intervention can facilitate PrEP adherence. Generalized linear mixed models will be used for the primary outcome analysis. Discussion Developing PrEP adherence interventions in China faces barriers including suboptimal PrEP uptake among key populations, the lack of effective PrEP service delivery models, and insufficient community engagement in PrEP initiatives. Our study design addresses these obstacles by using co-creation to generate social media-based intervention materials and embedding the study design in the local healthcare system. The study outcomes may have implications for policy and intervention practices among CBOs and the medical system to facilitate PrEP adherence among key populations. Trial registration The study is registered in Clinical Trial databases in China (ChiCTR2100048981, July 19, 2021) and the US (NCT04754139, February 11, 2021). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14117-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Sha
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, 7 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510091, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yuan Xiong
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, 7 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510091, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Aniruddha Hazra
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jonathan Lio
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Ivy Jiang
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Jared Kerman
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Linghua Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Number Eight People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dandan Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Number Eight People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanmin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Number Eight People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songjie Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Renslow Sherer
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, 7 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510091, Guangdong Province, China. .,Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. .,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Weiming Tang
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, 7 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510091, Guangdong Province, China. .,Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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Adong J, Fatch R, Emenyonu N, Muyindike W, Ngabirano C, Cheng D, Hahn J. Cell Phone Availability and Usage for mHealth and Intervention Delivery to Persons Living With HIV in a Low-Resource Setting: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e35631. [PMID: 35998023 PMCID: PMC9449822 DOI: 10.2196/35631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV/AIDS is now a manageable chronic illness owing to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves routine follow-up care, including regular physical visits to the clinic. In the recent past, and in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increased need for virtual care and intervention delivery, a modality known as mobile health (mHealth), which includes cell phone-delivered services for medical and public health practice. OBJECTIVE Here we describe cell phone use and its relationship with alcohol use in a cohort of persons living with HIV and latent tuberculosis (TB). METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a cohort of persons living with HIV and latent TB in HIV care in southwestern Uganda. We estimated proportions of cell phone and text message use and evaluated their associations with alcohol use-a common modifiable behavior among persons living with HIV. Cell phone use (primary outcome) was defined as owning a cell phone that is turned on at least half of the day. Any alcohol use was defined as any self-reported alcohol use in the prior 3 months or a phosphatidylethanol (an alcohol biomarker) level of ≥8 ng/mL. RESULTS A total of 300 participants (median age 40 years; n=146, 48.7% male) were included in the analysis. Most (n=267, 89.0%) participants had access to a phone and of them, 26 (9.7%) shared the phone with someone else. In total, 262/300 (87.3%) of participants owned a cell phone that is turned on at least half of the time; the majority (n=269, 89.7%) rarely or never sent text messages, and over two-thirds (n=200, 66.9%) rarely or never received text messages. Most (n=214, 71.3%) had any alcohol use in the prior 3 months. In adjusted analyses, any alcohol use was not significantly associated with cell phone use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.48, 95% CI 0.18-1.25; P=.13) or sending (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.28-2.37; P=.71) or receiving (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 0.70-2.47; P=.40) text messages. CONCLUSIONS There is hope that mHealth interventions in this population can be carried out using cell phones owing to their popularity; however, the interventions may need to employ methods that do not rely on the sending and receiving of text messages only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Adong
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Robin Fatch
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nneka Emenyonu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Winnie Muyindike
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Christine Ngabirano
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Debbie Cheng
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Judith Hahn
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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The CHARISMA randomized controlled trial: a relationship-focused counseling intervention integrated within oral PrEP delivery for HIV prevention among women in Johannesburg, South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:425-433. [PMID: 35416797 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consistent use of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been a challenge among women, particularly when in relationships with lack of partner support or intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an empowerment counseling intervention called "CHARISMA" delivered to women within a PrEP demonstration project in Johannesburg, South Africa. The trial tested the effectiveness of CHARISMA to increase PrEP adherence; decrease social harms (SHs) and IPV; and improve partnership dynamics (e.g. communication, disclosure and support) as compared to those who received the standard of care (SOC) counselling support and referrals. 407 HIV-seronegative, non-pregnant women aged 18-45 years were enrolled for 6 months of PrEP use, with 203 randomized (1:1) to the intervention. All participants reporting IPV received counseling and referrals that followed the WHO five-step Listen, Inquire, Validate, Enhance Safety, and Support approach. Results. This RCT did not identify statistically significant differences between study arms for PrEP adherence or relationship dynamics, with the exception of an increase in PrEP disclosure among intervention arm women. In our study, we cannot determine whether the lack of detectable findings may have been due to lack of intervention effect, strength of SOC services, low risk in the study population or other factors. Conclusions: Addressing IPV and relationship dynamics remain important factors influencing HIV risk, and addressing these within the context of PrEP delivery is an important synergistic opportunity. CHARISMA was highly acceptable to participants, and further adaptation and testing of the intervention to other populations and settings will augment the evidence base.
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Mujugira A, Nakyanzi A, Nabaggala MS, Muwonge TR, Ssebuliba T, Bagaya M, Nampewo O, Sapiri O, Nyanzi KR, Bambia F, Nsubuga R, Serwadda DM, Ware NC, Baeten JM, Haberer JE. Effect of HIV Self-Testing on PrEP Adherence Among Gender-Diverse Sex Workers in Uganda: A Randomized Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:381-389. [PMID: 34954718 PMCID: PMC8860206 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV self-testing (HIVST) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are complementary tools that could empower sex workers to control their HIV protection, but few studies have jointly evaluated PrEP and HIVST in any setting. METHODS The Empower Study was an open-label randomized trial in Uganda. Sex workers were offered F/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and randomized 1:1 to monthly HIVST and quarterly in-clinic testing (intervention) or quarterly in-clinic HIV testing alone (standard of care) and followed up for 12 months. PrEP adherence was measured using electronic adherence monitoring and tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels in dried blood spots. Adherence outcomes and sexual behaviors were compared by arm using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS We enrolled 110 sex workers: 84 cisgender women, 14 transgender women, 10 men who have sex with men, and 2 transgender men. The median age was 23 years. The 12-month retention was 75%. Nearly all (99.4%) used ≥1 HIVST kit. The proportion with TFV-DP levels ≥700 fmol/punch in the HIVST and standard of care arms at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month visits was 2.4%, 2.3%, 0%, and 0% and 7.9%, 0%, 0%, and 0%, respectively, with no differences by randomization arm (P > 0.2). Self-reported condomless sex acts with paying partners was similar by arm [adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42 to 1.17; P = 0.18]. One seroconversion occurred (HIV incidence, 0.9/100 person-years); TFV-DP was not detected at any visit. CONCLUSIONS A gender-diverse sample of sex workers in Uganda used HIVST but not daily oral PrEP for HIV protection. Alternate approaches to promote PrEP use, including long-acting formulations, should be considered in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Agnes Nakyanzi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria S. Nabaggala
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Timothy R. Muwonge
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Timothy Ssebuliba
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Monica Bagaya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Olivia Nampewo
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Oliver Sapiri
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kikulwe R. Nyanzi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Bambia
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rogers Nsubuga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David M. Serwadda
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Norma C Ware
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Lin B, Liu J, He W, Pan H, Ma Y, Zhong X. Effect of Reminder System on Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence in Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on WeChat Intervention (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e37936. [PMID: 35969436 PMCID: PMC9412721 DOI: 10.2196/37936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusions Trial Registration
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Lin
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaxiu Liu
- School of Medical Informatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei He
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiying Pan
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingjie Ma
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoni Zhong
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing, China
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Haberer JE, Mugo N, Bukusi EA, Ngure K, Kiptinness C, Oware K, Garrison LE, Musinguzi N, Pyra M, Valenzuela S, Thomas KK, Anderson PL, Thirumurthy H, Baeten JM. Understanding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Adherence in Young Women in Kenya. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:251-260. [PMID: 35147580 PMCID: PMC8826617 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present detailed analyses of long-term pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use and associated behaviors and perceptions among young Kenyan women. DESIGN Prospective, observational cohort. METHODS The Monitoring PrEP among Young Adult women Study involved 18 to 24-year-old women at high HIV risk initiating PrEP in Kisumu and Thika, Kenya. Visits for PrEP counseling and dispensing, HIV testing, and socio-behavioral data collection occurred at Month 1 and quarterly for 2 years. PrEP adherence was measured with pharmacy refill and real-time electronic monitoring, plus tenofovir diphosphate levels in 15% of participants. HIV risk behavior and perception were assessed by self-report in weekly short message service surveys from Months 6-24. Predictors of adherence were assessed with multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Three hundred forty-eight women (median age 21, VOICE risk score 7) were followed for 617 person-years. Pharmacy refills steadily declined from 100% (Month 0-1) to 54% (Months 22-24). Average electronically monitored adherence similarly declined from 65% (Month 0-1) to 15% (Months 22-24). Electronically monitored adherence had moderately high concordance with tenofovir diphosphate levels (67%). High average adherence (5+ doses/week) was seen at 385/1898 (20%) participant-visits and associated with low baseline VOICE risk score, >1 current sexual partner, ≤1-hour travel time to clinic, and the Kisumu site. short message service-reported behavior and risk perception were not associated with adherence. Four women acquired HIV (incidence 0.7/100 person-years). CONCLUSIONS PrEP adherence was modest and declined over time. HIV risk was inconsistently associated with adherence; clinic access and site-level factors were also relevant. Relatively low HIV incidence suggests participants may have achieved protection through multiple strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Thika, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Elizabeth Ann Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Thika, Kenya
- Department of Community Heath, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Kevin Oware
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | | | - Maria Pyra
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Susie Valenzuela
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Peter L Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
| | - Harsha Thirumurthy
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine and Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- HIV Clinical Development, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA
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Atukunda EC, Owembabazi M, Pratt MC, Psaros C, Muyindike W, Chitneni P, Bwana MB, Bangsberg D, Haberer JE, Marrazzo J, Matthews LT. A qualitative exploration to understand barriers and facilitators to daily oral PrEP uptake and sustained adherence among HIV-negative women planning for or with pregnancy in rural Southwestern Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25894. [PMID: 35324081 PMCID: PMC8944216 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may reduce periconception and pregnancy HIV incidence among women in settings, where gender power imbalances limit HIV testing, engagement in care and HIV viral suppression. We conducted qualitative interviews to understand factors influencing periconception and pregnancy PrEP uptake and use in a cohort of women (Trial registration: NCT03832530) offered safer conception counselling in rural Southwestern Uganda, where PrEP uptake was high. METHODS Between March 2018 and January 2019, in-depth interviews informed by conceptual frameworks for periconception risk reduction and PrEP adherence were conducted with 37 women including those with ≥80% and <80% adherence to PrEP doses measured by electronic pill cap, those who never initiated PrEP, and seven of their male partners. Content and dyadic analyses were conducted to identify emergent challenges and facilitators of PrEP use within individual and couple narratives. RESULTS The median age for women was 33 years (IQR 28, 35), 97% felt likely to acquire HIV and 89% initiated PrEP. Individual-level barriers included unwillingness to take daily pills while healthy, side effects and alcohol use. Women overcame these barriers through personal desires to have control over their HIV serostatus, produce HIV-negative children and prevent HIV transmission within partnerships. Couple-level barriers included nondisclosure, mistrust and gender-based violence; facilitators included shared goals and perceived HIV protection, which improved communication, sexual intimacy and emotional support within partnerships through a self-controlled method. Community-level barriers included multi-level stigma related to HIV, ARVs/PrEP and serodifference; facilitators included active peer, family or healthcare provider support as women aspired to safely meet socio-cultural expectations to conceive and preserve serodifferent relationships. Confidence in PrEP effectiveness was promoted by positive peer experiences with PrEP and ongoing HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS Multi-level forms of HIV-, serodifference- and disclosure-related stigma, side effects, pill burden, alcohol use, relationship dynamics, social, professional and partnership support towards adaptation and HIV risk reduction influence PrEP uptake and adherence among HIV-negative women with plans for pregnancy in rural Southwestern Uganda. Confidence in PrEP, individually controlled HIV prevention and improved partnership communication and intimacy promoted PrEP adherence. Supporting individuals to overcome context-specific barriers to PrEP use may be an important approach to improving uptake and prolonged use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Madeline Claire Pratt
- Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Christina Psaros
- Behavioral Medicine ProgramDepartment of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Pooja Chitneni
- Division of Infectious Diseases and General Internal MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - David Bangsberg
- School of Public HealthOregon Health Sciences University – Portland State UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Jessica Elizabeth Haberer
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jeanne Marrazzo
- Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Lynn Turner Matthews
- Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
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Irungu E, Khoza N, Velloza J. Multi-level Interventions to Promote Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women: a Review of Recent Research. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:490-499. [PMID: 34719745 PMCID: PMC8557703 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00576-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes interventions to promote HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in HIV endemic settings, while also highlighting gaps in our current measures of PrEP intervention success. RECENT FINDINGS AGYW report challenges with PrEP use, although the field is currently grappling with defining metrics of optimal PrEP use applicable for AGYW with dynamic HIV prevention needs. Ongoing studies are exploring multilevel interventions to address barriers to PrEP use for AGYW. At the individual and interpersonal levels, mHealth, drug-level feedback, adherence counseling, peer groups, and PrEP decision-support interventions are acceptable and feasible for AGYW although limited effectiveness data are available. At the health facility and community levels, PrEP demand creation, modified PrEP refill schedules, and integrated PrEP and reproductive health services are also promising options to support PrEP use for AGYW. As PrEP delivery continues to expand, improved metrics of success and evidence on the effectiveness of multi-level adherence support interventions are needed to maximize the impact of PrEP for AGYW in HIV endemic settings. We present case studies of these intervention approaches but limited data are currently available on the effectiveness of these approaches. We will look toward forthcoming study results on the impact of PrEP interventions, including mHealth, drug-level feedback and other enhanced counseling, peer support, decision-support tools, PrEP demand creation, modified refills, and integrated service delivery, to determine the ideal package of PrEP support approaches for AGYW.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nomhle Khoza
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Velloza
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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Ngure K, Mugo NR, Bukusi EA, Kiptinness C, Oware K, Gakuo S, Musinguzi N, Pyra M, Garrison L, Baeten JM, Haberer JE. Pills, Injections, Rings, or Implants? PrEP Formulation Preferences of PrEP-Experienced African Women for HIV Prevention. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:e30-e32. [PMID: 34446676 PMCID: PMC8556312 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Nelly R. Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Kevin Oware
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephen Gakuo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Lindsey Garrison
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Gilead, Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Ngure K, Thuo N, Ogello V, Kiptinness C, Kamolloh K, Burns BFO, Mugo NR, Bukusi EA, Garrison L, Baeten JM, Haberer JE. Dynamic Perceived HIV Risk and Sexual Behaviors Among Young Women Enrolled in a PrEP Trial in Kenya: A Qualitative Study. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:637869. [PMID: 36304002 PMCID: PMC9580724 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.637869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In Kenya and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, young women are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic compared to young men. The extent to which young women's self-perceptions about risk of HIV acquisition influence their sexual behaviors and use of HIV prevention methods remains unclear. We therefore conducted a qualitative study to explore these issues among young women enrolled in a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trial.Methods: From January 2017 to January 2020, we conducted serial semi-structured in-depth interviews 50 purposively selected young women (18–24 years old) who were participating in the MPYA (Monitoring PrEP for Young Adult women) study—a randomized controlled trial in Thika and Kisumu, Kenya, assessing the impact of SMS reminders on PrEP adherence. Interviews were conducted at three time points (~1 week, 3, and 12 months after initiating PrEP). We used an inductive, content analytic approach to identify key themes related to risk perceptions, sexual behavior, and use of HIV prevention tools.Results: Around the time of enrollment, most of the 50 women interviewed reported being at high risk of HIV because of their own sexual behaviors, such as inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners, and transactional sex. Additionally, high risk perception was based on the behavior of their partners, such as refusing to use condoms and being unsure of their partner's HIV status. Young women's perceived risk of HIV acquisition was a key motivator for PrEP initiation and continuation. During PrEP use, participants reported feeling protected and at less risk compared to peers who were not taking PrEP. Some reported no longer using condoms because they were confident that PrEP provided enough protection. Over time, many young women reported reducing risky sexual behaviors because of the regular counseling and HIV testing they received as part of their PrEP services. This lowered risk perception was in most cases accompanied by discontinuation of PrEP.Conclusions: HIV risk perception among young women in Kenya was dynamic and influenced their use of PrEP and condoms over time, suggesting an often-deliberate approach to HIV prevention and sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kenneth Ngure
| | - Nicholas Thuo
- Center of Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Vallery Ogello
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Kevin Kamolloh
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bridget Frances O'Rourke Burns
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nelly R. Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Center of Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lindsey Garrison
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Gilead, Foster City, CA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Maharaj B, Karim QA. Engaging young women in Africa for PrEP use and adherence. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e122-e123. [PMID: 33662262 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30335-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna Maharaj
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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