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Mikomangwa WP, Moen K, Mmbaga EJ, Metta E, Kibusi SM, Leshabari MT, Kamuhabwa AAR, Kwesigabo G. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis use during periods of unprotected sex among female sex workers in Tanga city, Tanzania: a control arm analysis of the pragmatic quasi-experimental trial. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1405765. [PMID: 39081360 PMCID: PMC11286493 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1405765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevention-effective adherence is of critical importance but challenging particularly among key populations where periods of high HIV risk are frequent. We assessed the use of PrEP with reference to periods of unprotected sex among female sex workers in the city of Tanga. Methods This was part of the pragmatic quasi-experimental trial for HIV PrEP rollout in Tanzania involving a control cohort of 313 female sex workers aged ≥18 years recruited by respondent-driven sampling and followed for 12 months. PrEP use and periods of condomless or unprotected sex were assessed at the 6th and 12th month of follow-up. Prevention-effective adherence was defined as PrEP use of ≥2 pills/week and ≥6 pills/week for anal and vaginal condomless sex. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was conducted to determine factors influencing PrEP use (≥2 pills/week). Results Overall, 59.2 and 45.9% of participants had unprotected anal and vaginal sex with a client, respectively. The prevention-effective adherence for anal sex ranged from 8.0% (months 6) to 10.0% (months 12) while that of vaginal sex was from 10.1% (month 6) to 3.8% (month 12). Participants who lived with friends were 25.5 times more likely to use ≥2 PrEP doses per week than those who lived alone (aPR = 25.5; 95%CI: 2.55-255.42, p = 0.006). Compared to self-reporting poor health status, self-reporting good health status significantly increased the use of ≥2 PrEP doses per week (aPR = 17.4; 95%CI: 3.01-101.02, p = 0.001). Refusing condomless sex with a steady partner increased the likelihood of using ≥2 PrEP doses per week than accepting condomless sex with a steady partner (aPR = 11.2; 95%CI: 1.55-80.48, p = 0.017). The prevalence of using ≥2 PrEP doses per week was less among participants accepting condomless sex at high pay than those who refused (aPR = 0.1; 95%CI: 0.03-0.26, p = 0.000). Conclusion Use of PrEP during periods of unprotected sex was rare among female sex workers. Living with friends, self-reporting good health status, and refusing condomless sex with steady partners were associated with increased use of ≥2 PrEP doses per week. However, accepting condomless sex for increased payment was associated with reduced use of ≥2 PrEP doses per week. This calls for an in-depth study to understand the perspectives and circumstances shaping poor adherence during periods of unprotected sex among female sex workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wigilya P. Mikomangwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kåre Moen
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elia J. Mmbaga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Emmy Metta
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stephen M. Kibusi
- Department of Public Health, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Melkizedeck T. Leshabari
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Appolinary A. R. Kamuhabwa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gideon Kwesigabo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Gebru NM, Strickland JC, Reed DD, Kahler CW, Leeman RF. Use of preexposure prophylaxis and condom purchasing decisions. J Exp Anal Behav 2024; 121:233-245. [PMID: 38356347 PMCID: PMC10942754 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.905] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but not other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Men who have sex with men (MSM) who take PrEP tend to report reduced condom use, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. For this study, MSM who take PrEP (i.e., PrEP experienced; n = 88) and MSM who do not (i.e., PrEP naïve; n = 113) completed an online study, including the condom purchase task (CoPT). The CoPT assesses decisions to purchase condoms across escalating prices (range: free-$55) for sex with different types of hypothetical partners: those least likely to have an STD (least STD) and those that participants most want to have sex with (most want sex with). When condoms were free, PrEP-experienced MSM had a lower rate of condom purchasing than did PrEP-naïve MSM. For both partner types, PrEP-experienced MSM reached a price break point (i.e., would not buy condoms) at a lower price than did PrEP-naïve pariticipants. For the most-want-sex-with partner at the price at which participants elected not to buy condoms, only 23% of PrEP-experienced MSM chose to abstain from sex when not purchasing condoms versus 53% among PrEP-naïve MSM. Similar patterns were observed for the least-STD partner. The results support the potential utility of the CoPT in identifying behavioral mechanisms related to condom use and PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nioud Mulugeta Gebru
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek D Reed
- Institutes for Behavior Resources, Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher W Kahler
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Robert F Leeman
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Chebet JJ, McMahon SA, Tarumbiswa T, Hlalele H, Maponga C, Mandara E, Ernst K, Alaofe H, Baernighausen T, Ehiri JE, Geldsetzer P, Nichter M. Motivations for pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake and decline in an HIV-hyperendemic setting: findings from a qualitative implementation study in Lesotho. AIDS Res Ther 2023; 20:43. [PMID: 37415180 PMCID: PMC10324220 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00535-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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated clinical efficacy in preventing HIV infection, yet its uptake remains low. This study, conducted in five PrEP implementing districts in Lesotho, examined factors motivating persons at risk of HIV infection to adopt or reject PrEP when offered freely. METHODS In-depth interviews were undertaken with stakeholders directly engaged with PrEP policy (n = 5), program implementation (n = 4), and use (current PrEP users = 55, former PrEP users = 36, and PrEP decliners (n = 6)). Focus group discussions (n = 11, 105 total participants) were conducted with health staff directly providing HIV and PrEP services. RESULTS Demand for PrEP was reported highest among those at greatest risk for HIV acquisition: those in serodiscordant relationships and/or engaged in sex work. Culturally sensitive PrEP counseling was described as an opportunity to transfer knowledge, build trust, and address user concerns. Conversely, top-down counseling resulted in PrEP distrust and confusion about HIV status. Key motivations for PrEP uptake revolved around sustaining core social relationships, desire for safer conception, and caring for ailing relatives. The decline of PrEP initiation was driven by a combination of individual-level factors (risk perception, perceived side effects, disbelief of the drug's efficacy and PrEP's daily pill regimen), societal factors (lack of social support and HIV-related stigma), and structural factors related to PrEP access. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest strategies for effective national PrEP rollout and implementation include: (1) demand creation campaigns which highlight positive aspects of PrEP, while simultaneously addressing apprehensions for uptake; (2) strengthening health provider counseling capacity; and (3) addressing societal and structural HIV-related stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy J. Chebet
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Shannon A. McMahon
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Social and Behavioral Interventions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kacey Ernst
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Halimatou Alaofe
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Till Baernighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - John E. Ehiri
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Mark Nichter
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
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Hamoonga TE, Mutale W, Hill LM, Igumbor J, Chi BH. " PrEP protects us": Behavioural, normative, and control beliefs influencing pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Zambia. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1084657. [PMID: 37152481 PMCID: PMC10154634 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1084657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women at elevated HIV risk, uptake has been low in Zambia. Methods In in-depth interviews, we explored beliefs about PrEP among 24 HIV-negative pregnant and breastfeeding Zambian women. Thematic analysis was used to identify behavioural, normative and control beliefs likely to influence PrEP uptake. Results Most women viewed PrEP as a good method of protecting themselves and their babies from HIV infection. Partners were cited as key referents in decision making about PrEP use. Many women felt that PrEP use was not entirely in their control. Most reported that they would not use PrEP if their partners did not approve. Health care providers with negative attitudes, long distance to clinics, and extended waiting times were cited as barriers to PrEP uptake. Conclusion HIV-negative pregnant and breastfeeding women had a positive attitude towards PrEP but barriers to uptake are multifaceted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Twaambo Euphemia Hamoonga
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wilbroad Mutale
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lauren M. Hill
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jude Igumbor
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Benjamin H. Chi
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Haribhai S, Khadka N, Mvududu R, Mashele N, Bekker LG, Gorbach P, Coates TJ, Myer L, Joseph Davey DL. Psychosocial determinants of pre-exposure prophylaxis use among pregnant adolescent girls and young women in Cape Town, South Africa: A qualitative study. Int J STD AIDS 2023:9564624231152776. [PMID: 36947792 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231152776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, at least 7.5 million people (age ≥15 years) are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In 2020, 220,000 new infections occurred, approximately one-third of which were among cisgender adolescent girls and women (age ≥15 years). The perspectives of pregnant adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) as key, targeted end-users of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in this setting are not well known. METHODS We purposively recruited participants enrolled in an ongoing cohort study at an urban antenatal clinic in Cape Town, South Africa for in-depth interviews between July-September 2020. We restricted our analysis to pregnant AGYW (age: 16-25 years) who initiated daily oral PrEP (Tenofovir/Emtricitabine) antenatally and self-reported either high PrEP persistence (≥25 days in the past 30 days and no missed PrEP collection), or low PrEP persistence and/or discontinuation (missing >5 days in the last 30 days or missed PrEP collection). The findings were organized thematically, per the adapted Health Behavior Model (2000), using Nvivo-v.1.5. RESULTS We interviewed 18 AGYW (mean age = 22 years), at a mean of 14 weeks postpartum. Higher self-esteem and high-quality study provider-client relationships, including empathic psychosocial support, facilitated PrEP continuation. Reported barriers included unstable social structure characteristics (i.e., financial hardship) and individual factors (i.e., unintended pregnancy, parental rejection, and inadequate peer- and [non-cohabiting] partner support). Participants self-perceived a need for PrEP, feeling susceptible to non-consensual, forced sex, or considering partners' (presumed) sexual risk-taking. Limited community awareness regarding PrEP availability and/or perceived complexity in navigating health system access to PrEP, impede continuation. CONCLUSIONS PrEP-focused healthcare access pathways for pregnant and postpartum AGYW need to be simplified. Further research is needed on health system determinants (i.e., structural barriers, provider-client interactions, and related outcomes) of oral PrEP utilization. In 2022, South Africa announced regulatory approval of long-acting PrEP options (i.e., the dapivirine ring for non-pregnant women and injectable cabotegravir, respectively); these may mitigate implementation barriers reported in this study. However, the safety and efficacy of long-acting PrEP (e.g., injectables, implants) among pregnant or breastfeeding women, specifically, remains to be confirmed in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Haribhai
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation/International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Fellowship, 108181Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nehaa Khadka
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, 8783University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rufaro Mvududu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, 37716University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nyiko Mashele
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, 37716University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, 37716University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pamina Gorbach
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, 8783University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas J Coates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, 8783University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, 37716University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dvora Leah Joseph Davey
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, 8783University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, 37716University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, 8783University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Gaskins M, Sammons MK, Kutscha F, Nast A, Werner RN. Factors that motivate men who have sex with men in Berlin, Germany, to use or consider using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis-A multi-methods analysis of data from a multicentre survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260168. [PMID: 34793575 PMCID: PMC8601504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While our knowledge of what motivates men who have sex with men (MSM) to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has grown in recent years, quantitative survey-based studies have not asked MSM explicitly to name their motivations. We did so using a qualitative open-ended question and aimed to categorise the responses and explore whether these were related to where MSM were located along a conceptual continuum of PrEP care. METHODS In a multicentre survey examining knowledge and use of PrEP among MSM in Berlin, Germany, we additionally asked an open-ended question about motivations for using or considering PrEP. Data were collected from 10/2017-04/2018. One researcher developed a thematic framework deductively from the literature and another did so inductively from the free-text data, and a merged framework was used to code responses independently. We used Fisher's exact test to assess whether the frequency of motivations differed significantly between respondents using or considering PrEP. RESULTS Of 875 questionnaires, 473 were returned and 228 contained a free-text response. Motivations in the following categories were reported: (1) Safety/protection against HIV (80.2% of participants, including general safety; additional protection to condoms), (2) Mental well-being and quality of life (23.5%, including reduced anxiety; better quality of life), (3) Condom attitudes (18.9% intent not to use condoms), (4) Expectations about sexuality (14.4%, including worry-free sex or more pleasurable sex, with explicit mention of sex or sexuality), (5) Norms/social perspectives (0.8%). The difference in frequencies of motivations between those using or considering PrEP was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Safety and protection against HIV, particularly having additional protection if condoms fail, were the most common motivations for using or considering PrEP, followed by mental well-being and quality of life. Many respondents reported several motivations, and responses overall were heterogeneous. This suggests that approaches to increase PrEP uptake that focus exclusively on its effectiveness in preventing HIV are unlikely to be as successful as a holistic approach that emphasises multiple motivations and how these fit into the broader sexual and psychological health of MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Gaskins
- Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mary Katherine Sammons
- Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Kutscha
- Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Nast
- Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ricardo Niklas Werner
- Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Antonini M, Pontes PS, Melo ES, de Souza Alves R, Gir E, Sorensen W, Reis RK. Serodiscordance predictors among couples in the HIV context: implications for health care. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1849. [PMID: 34645401 PMCID: PMC8513240 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background After HIV diagnosis, people maintain, reestablish their sexual lives, or build new relationships, often with HIV seronegative partners. Therefore, understanding the factors concerning couple-vulnerability is essential in order to design effective HIV preventive strategies. We examined HIV serodiscordant couples prevalence and their associated factors from a Brazilian city. Methods This is a cross-sectional analytical study carried out with people living with HIV (PLHIV) who had an active sex life and were engagement in HIV health care follow-up. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire during individual interviews. We analyzed data using bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results There was 72.0% of HIV serodiscordant partnerships. Those who inconsistently used condoms (aOR: 0.3[0.13–0.7]) and/or had HIV detectable viral load (aOR: 0.29 [0.12–0.7]) were less likely to have an HIV serodiscordant sexual partner. On other hand, the lack of HIV transmission counseling by the health service (aOR: 5.08 [2.02–12.76]), or those who had a casual partner (aOR: 8.12 [1.7–38.8]) or a steady and casual one concomitantly (aOR: 24.82 [1.46–420.83]), were more likely to indicate an HIV serodiscordant partnership. Conclusion The findings showed a high prevalence of serodiscordant partnerships in PLHIV. Greater visibility among couples in the health services is needed as well as a reassessment in order to provide PLHIV and their sexual partners with care strategies, by the health professionals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11835-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Antonini
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Bandeirantes Ave, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre SP, CEP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, Brazil.
| | - Priscila Silva Pontes
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Bandeirantes Ave, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre SP, CEP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Elizabete Santos Melo
- Paulista University at São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Regina de Souza Alves
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Bandeirantes Ave, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre SP, CEP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Elucir Gir
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Bandeirantes Ave, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre SP, CEP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, Brazil
| | - William Sorensen
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Renata Karina Reis
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Bandeirantes Ave, 3900, Vila Monte Alegre SP, CEP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, Brazil
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Ongolly FK, Dolla A, Ngure K, Irungu EM, Odoyo J, Wamoni E, Peebles K, Mugwanya K, Mugo NR, Bukusi EA, Morton J, Baeten JM, O’Malley G. "I Just Decided to Stop:" Understanding PrEP Discontinuation Among Individuals Initiating PrEP in HIV Care Centers in Kenya. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:e150-e158. [PMID: 33492024 PMCID: PMC8026512 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) discontinuation rates in clinical trials and demonstration projects have been well characterized; however, little is known about discontinuation in routine public health settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding discontinuation in nonstudy settings is important for establishing expectations for PrEP continuation in national programs and for facilitating effective PrEP scale-up. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 46 individuals who had initiated PrEP at 25 HIV comprehensive care clinics (CCCs) in central and western Kenya and whose clinic records indicated they had discontinued. RESULTS Many of our study participants discontinued PrEP when their perceived risk decreased (eg, hiatus or end of a sexual relationship or partner known to be living with HIV became virally suppressed). Others reported discontinuation due to side effects, daily pill burden, preference for condoms, or their partner's insistence. Participant narratives frequently described facility level factors such as stigma-related discomforts with accessing PrEP at CCCs, inconvenient clinic location or operating hours, long wait times, and short refill dates as discouraging factors, suggesting actionable areas for improving PrEP access and continuation. CONCLUSION Clients frequently make intentional decisions to discontinue PrEP as they weigh different prevention options within the context of complex lives. Many clients will decide to discontinue PrEP when perceiving themselves to be at reduced risk and PrEP counseling must include provisions for addressing seasons of risk. PrEP will not be the right prevention method for everyone, or forever. Expanding PrEP access points and increasing sex-positive messaging may facilitate PrEP being a better option for many.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annabel Dolla
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth M. Irungu
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Wamoni
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kathryn Peebles
- Department of Epidemiology, Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kenneth Mugwanya
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nelly R. Mugo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jennifer Morton
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gabrielle O’Malley
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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