1
|
Doyisa N, Maharaj P, Dunn S. Older men, younger women: blesser-blessee relationships among university students in Durban, South Africa. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1530-1542. [PMID: 36633499 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2164065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, sexual relationships between younger women and older men have been shown to pose a risk of HIV transmission. In South Africa, there has been growing interest in blesser-blessee relationships. This study explores perceptions of these relationships among university students in Durban, South Africa. The study draws on 15 in-depth interviews with students. Participants suggest that older men engage in these relationships for sexual gratification and younger women do so for monetary or material gain. Interviews revealed that participants believed that these relationships are common with both men and women engaging in them and putting themselves at risk of HIV infection. It is imperative to explore the context and motivation for these relationships because of their broader social and health implications. In addition, greater effort should be geared towards addressing the underlying factors that facilitate blesser-blessee relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nompumelelo Doyisa
- School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Pranitha Maharaj
- School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Shanaaz Dunn
- School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kyegombe N, Zuma T, Hlongwane S, Nhlenyama M, Chimbindi N, Birdthistle I, Floyd S, Seeley J, Shahmanesh M. A qualitative exploration of the salience of MTV-Shuga, an edutainment programme, and adolescents' engagement with sexual and reproductive health information in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2022; 30:2083809. [PMID: 35929964 PMCID: PMC9448405 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2083809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women, represent a growing proportion of those living with HIV. Edutainment programmes have been widely used throughout the world to "educate" and "entertain" audiences and tackle serious social issues in bold and engaging ways. This paper examines the extent to which an edutainment programme, MTV-Shuga, was reported to influence young people's engagement with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In 2019 we conducted eight community-based screenings of MTV-Shuga episodes followed by 25 individual in-depth interviews and 13 focus group discussions with young people aged between 15 and 30. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was thematic and complemented by constant comparison and deviant case analysis techniques. In this rural and poor setting with a high burden of HIV, young people exhibited high levels of awareness of SRH and HIV but had constrained access to services, and limited ability to engage with parents or guardians on SRH matters. MTV Shuga provided an entertaining guide of ways to navigate the risks that they faced in a way that resonated with them. The findings highlight the importance of enabling young people in rural areas to watch MTV Shuga with peers in a safe space in which discussion of the content is facilitated. There is also value in encouraging parents to watch MTV Shuga as a means of enabling discussions between children and adults in their lives about SRH matters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nambusi Kyegombe
- Associate Professor, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. Correspondence:
| | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Senior Research Associate, Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Siphesihle Hlongwane
- Research Professional, Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Mxolisi Nhlenyama
- Research Assistant, Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Natsayi Chimbindi
- Junior Faculty, Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Isolde Birdthistle
- Associate Professor, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sian Floyd
- Associate Professor, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Professor, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Senior Faculty, Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Professor, Institute of Global Health, University College London.,Senior Faculty and Study PI, Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dvalishvili D, Ssewamala FM, Nabunya P, Sensoy Bahar O, Kizito S, Namuwonge F, Namatovu P. Impact of Family-Based Economic Empowerment Intervention, Suubi+Adherence (2012-2018) on Multidimensional Poverty for Adolescents Living with HIV (ALWHIV) in Uganda. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14326. [PMID: 36361203 PMCID: PMC9657112 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Children growing up in poverty are disproportionately affected by diseases, including HIV. In this study, we use data from Suubi+Adherence, a longitudinal randomized control trial (2012-2018) with 702 adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV), to examine the effectiveness of a family-based multifaceted economic empowerment (EE) intervention in addressing economic instability and multidimensional poverty among ALWHIV in Southern Uganda. We constructed a Multidimensional Poverty Index of individual and household indicators, including health, assets, housing and family dynamics. We computed the proportion of multidimensionally poor children (H), estimated poverty intensity (A) and adjusted headcount ratio (M0). Using repeated measures at five-time points (baseline, years 1, 2, 3 and 4-post baseline) across two study arms: treatment (receiving the EE intervention) vs. control arm (not receiving EE), we find that both the incidence and proportion of multidimensional poverty decreased in the treatment arm vs. the control arm. Given that there is a direct link between economic instability and poor health outcomes, these findings are informative. They point to the potential for family EE interventions to decrease multidimensional poverty among vulnerable children, including ALWHIV, impacting their overall wellbeing and ability to meet their treatment needs and improve HIV care continuum outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fred. M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Samuel Kizito
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Uganda Office, Masaka 961105, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Castor D, Burgess EK, Yende-Zuma N, Heck CJ, Abdool Karim Q. Age-Restriction of a Validated Risk Scoring Tool Better Predicts HIV Acquisition in South African Women: CAPRISA 004. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3300-3310. [PMID: 35419667 PMCID: PMC9474358 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03664-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We examined the predictive ability of the VOICE risk screening tool among adolescent girls and young women at heightened HIV risk in urban and peri-urban Kwa-Zulu-Natal, South Africa. Using participant data from CAPRISA 004’s control arm (N = 444), we applied the initial VOICE risk screening score (IRS), a modified risk score (MRS) based on predictive and non-predictive variables in our data, and age-restricted (AIRS and AMRS, respectively). We estimated incidence rates, 95% confidence bounds, sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values and area under the curve (AUC). The sample’s HIV incidence rate was 9.1/100 Person-Years [95% CI 6.9–11.7], resulting from 60 seroconversions (60/660.7 Person-Years). The IRS’ ≥ 8 cutpoint produced moderate discrimination [AUC = 0.66 (0.54–0.74), sensitivity = 63%, specificity = 57%]. Restricting to age < 25 years improved the score’s predictive ability (AIRS: AUC = 0.69, AMRS: AUC = 0.70), owing mainly to male partner having other partners and HSV-2. The risk tool predicted HIV acquisition at a higher cutpoint in this sample than in the initial VOICE analysis. After age-stratification, fewer variables were needed for maintaining score’s predictiveness. In this high incidence setting, risk screening may still improve the efficiency or effectiveness of prevention counseling services. However, PrEP should be offered to all prevention-seeking individuals, regardless of risk ascertainment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delivette Castor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa
| | - Craig J Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa.
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jia KM, Eilerts H, Edun O, Lam K, Howes A, Thomas ML, Eaton JW. Risk scores for predicting HIV incidence among adult heterosexual populations in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25861. [PMID: 35001515 PMCID: PMC8743366 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several HIV risk scores have been developed to identify individuals for prioritized HIV prevention in sub‐Saharan Africa. We systematically reviewed HIV risk scores to: (1) identify factors that consistently predicted incident HIV infection, (2) review inclusion of community‐level HIV risk in predictive models and (3) examine predictive performance. Methods We searched nine databases from inception until 15 February 2021 for studies developing and/or validating HIV risk scores among the heterosexual adult population in sub‐Saharan Africa. Studies not prospectively observing seroconversion or recruiting only key populations were excluded. Record screening, data extraction and critical appraisal were conducted in duplicate. We used random‐effects meta‐analysis to summarize hazard ratios and the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC‐ROC). Results From 1563 initial search records, we identified 14 risk scores in 13 studies. Seven studies were among sexually active women using contraceptives enrolled in randomized‐controlled trials, three among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and three among cohorts enrolling both men and women. Consistently identified HIV prognostic factors among women were younger age (pooled adjusted hazard ratio: 1.62 [95% confidence interval: 1.17, 2.23], compared to above 25), single/not cohabiting with primary partners (2.33 [1.73, 3.13]) and having sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at baseline (HSV‐2: 1.67 [1.34, 2.09]; curable STIs: 1.45 [1.17; 1.79]). Among AGYW, only STIs were consistently associated with higher incidence, but studies were limited (n = 3). Community‐level HIV prevalence or unsuppressed viral load strongly predicted incidence but was only considered in 3 of 11 multi‐site studies. The AUC‐ROC ranged from 0.56 to 0.79 on the model development sets. Only the VOICE score was externally validated by multiple studies, with pooled AUC‐ROC 0.626 [0.588, 0.663] (I2: 64.02%). Conclusions Younger age, non‐cohabiting and recent STIs were consistently identified as predicting future HIV infection. Both community HIV burden and individual factors should be considered to quantify HIV risk. However, HIV risk scores had only low‐to‐moderate discriminatory ability and uncertain generalizability, limiting their programmatic utility. Further evidence on the relative value of specific risk factors, studies populations not restricted to “at‐risk” individuals and data outside South Africa will improve the evidence base for risk differentiation in HIV prevention programmes. PROSPERO Number CRD42021236367
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Jia
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hallie Eilerts
- Department of Population Health, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Olanrewaju Edun
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kevin Lam
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Adam Howes
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew L Thomas
- Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence, University of Exeter & Met Office, Exeter, UK
| | - Jeffrey W Eaton
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ferguson J, Mathur S, Armstrong A. Assessing the Vulnerability and Risks of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in East and Southern Africa: A Preliminary Review of the Tools in Use. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6030133. [PMID: 34287365 PMCID: PMC8293427 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030133] [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: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10–24 years remain a cause for concern in the countries of East and Southern Africa (ESA). High rates of adolescent pregnancy and HIV prevalence prevail, and prevention programmes are challenged to identify those at greatest risk. This review aimed to identify tools being used in ESA countries that support the recording of factors that make AGYW vulnerable to SRH risks and document their use. A mixed-methods approach was used to find available English language tools that had been designed to assess the vulnerability of AGYW SRH risks including literature reviews and key informant interviews with thirty-five stakeholders. Twenty-two tools were identified, and experiences of their use obtained through the interviews. All but one tool focused on HIV prevention, and most aimed at establishing eligibility for programmes, though not aligned with programme type. Analyses of the content of seventeen tools showed information collection related to behavioral, biological, and structural risk factors of HIV and other aspects of AGYWs’ lives. There was considerable diversity in the ways in which these questions were framed. Aspects of the processes involved in undertaking the risk and vulnerability assessments are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Ferguson
- Independent Consultant, 1295 Tannay, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Sanyukta Mathur
- HIV and AIDS Program, Population Council, Washington, DC 20008, USA;
| | - Alice Armstrong
- Adolescent and HIV/AIDS Specialist, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| |
Collapse
|