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Vazquez Guillamet LJ, Babey MM, Njah M, Blake H, Jasani A, Kyeng R, Hao J, Long D, Tih P, Turan JM, Khan EM, Dionne J. Acceptability, feasibility and potential of an intervention using secret Facebook groups to complement existing HIV prevention strategies among female sex workers in Cameroon, a randomized pilot study. AIDS Care 2024; 36:517-527. [PMID: 37921364 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2275048] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
This randomized pilot project evaluated an intervention promoting health care literacy around HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and stigma reduction using private social media groups that complemented existing HIV prevention services among female sex workers (FSWs) in Cameroon. The intervention was 12 HIV and sexual health videos tailored to FSWs that were released over 8 weeks through a secret Facebook group platform. In-person surveys were administered before, after the intervention, and three months later. No HIV seroconversions were detected; all participants completed follow-up and agreed to recommend the intervention to a coworker. Although the intervention was assessed to be acceptable and feasible to implement, poor internet connectivity was a key barrier. In time-series analysis, the intervention group participants reported improved PrEP interest, PrEP knowledge, and condom use along with reduced PrEP and HIV-related stigma, but no impact on sex-work related stigma or social cohesion. Similar results occurred in the control group. Cross-contamination and small pilot study size might have hindered the ability to detect the differential impact of this intervention. As communications technology increases in Cameroon, it is essential to learn more about FSWs preferences on the use of social media platforms for HIV prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia J Vazquez Guillamet
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mary Mah Babey
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Mercy Njah
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Hassanatu Blake
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Amy Jasani
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rahel Kyeng
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jiaying Hao
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dustin Long
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Pius Tih
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Janet M Turan
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Public Health, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Jodie Dionne
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Clayton-Jones D, Ong LZ, Bekhet AK, Jones W, Ontala E, Pena S, Griffin K, Griffin J, Peacock E, Haglund K. Sickle Cell Virtual Support Group Program for Adults: An Implementation Evaluation. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:758-766. [PMID: 37549311 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2227266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with medical and psychosocial challenges. SCD in adulthood is characterized by increased morbidity and mortality, vulnerability, inadequate self-management preparation, and limited social support. This study evaluated the implementation of a virtual support group during the COVID-19 pandemic using an intervention parameters framework evaluation. Participants included six adults living with SCD. Content analysis was conducted for each of the six intervention parameters, and satisfaction scores were summarized. Participants positively evaluated all intervention parameters of the virtual support group. Findings confirmed that a community-engaged intervention supports self-management and establishes key social networks for adult participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee Za Ong
- Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Abir K Bekhet
- Marquette University College of Nursing, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Weneaka Jones
- Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Sylvia Pena
- Marquette University College of Nursing, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kristin Haglund
- Marquette University College of Nursing, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Peer Group Focused eHealth Strategies to Promote HIV Prevention, Testing, and Care Engagement. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 17:557-576. [PMID: 32794071 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Electronic communication platforms are increasingly used to support all steps of the HIV care cascade (an approach defined as eHealth). Most studies have employed individual-level approaches in which participants are connected with information, reminders, or a healthcare worker. Recent growth in use of social media platforms, which create digital communities, has created an opportunity to leverage virtual peer-to-peer connection to improve HIV prevention and care. In this article, we describe the current landscape of peer group eHealth interventions in the HIV field, based on a review of published literature, an online survey of unpublished ongoing work, and discussions with practitioners in the field in an in-person workshop. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 45 published articles and 12 ongoing projects meeting our inclusion criteria. Most reports were formative or observational; only three randomized evaluations of two interventions were reported. Studies indicated that use of peer group eHealth interventions is acceptable and has unique potential to influence health behaviors, but participants reported privacy concerns. Evaluations of health outcomes of peer group eHealth interventions show promising data, but more rigorous evaluations are needed. Development of group eHealth interventions presents unique technological, practical, and ethical challenges. Intervention design must consider privacy and data sovereignty concerns, and respond to rapid changes in platform use. Innovative development of open-source tools with high privacy standards is needed.
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