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Vimpere L, Sami J, Jeannot E. Cervical cancer screening programs for female sex workers: a scoping review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1226779. [PMID: 37841741 PMCID: PMC10570451 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1226779] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common neoplasia affecting women worldwide. Female sex workers (FSWs) are among those at highest risk of developing and succumbing to CC. Yet, they are often overlooked in CC screening programs and have limited access to CC healthcare globally. The development of CC screening programs for this high-risk target population is necessary to reduce the global burden of this disease and to reach the World Health Organization's objective of accelerating the elimination of CC. Objective This review summarizes findings on CC screening programs for FSWs that have been implemented worldwide, and assesses their effectiveness and sustainability. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A literature search was performed on PubMed, Swisscovery, and Google Scholar for studies describing and assessing CC screening programs for FSWs. In addition, targeted searching online Non-Governmental and International Organizations websites identified grey literature. A single reviewer screened titles and abstracts, and extracted data from the research findings. Results The search identified 13 articles published from 1989 to 2021. All implemented programs successfully reached FSWs and provided them with CC screening during the study period. The most effective and sustainable strategies were the Screen and Treat approach, introducing CC screening into existing STI services in drop-in or outreach clinics, HPV-DNA self-sampling, and integrating sex-workers-specific services in public health facilities. Follow-up was deemed the main challenge in providing and enhancing CC healthcare to FSWs with rates of loss to follow-up ranging from 35 to 60%. Conclusion FSWs are often omitted in national CC screening programs. The further development and improvement of CC healthcare, including follow-up systems, for this high-priority target population are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Vimpere
- Global Studies Institute, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jana Sami
- Gynecology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emilien Jeannot
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, Geneva, Switzerland
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Dean A, Rose F, Jones K, Scantlebury A, Adamson J, Knapp P. Why do people take part in vaccine trials? A mixed methods narrative synthesis. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 114:107861. [PMID: 37354732 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand why individuals do or do not take part in vaccine trials, exploring the motivators and barriers to identify effective strategies to optimise recruitment in vaccine research. METHODS Qualitative studies and quantitative surveys capturing data on reasons for trial participation/decline were included. Six databases were searched from 1996 to October 2021. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed risk of bias. Results were reported narratively and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS We included 32 studies (17 qualitative; 12 quantitative; 3 mixed-methods) that covered a wide range of populations, geographical areas and disease types. Eight themes were identified 1) altruism; 2) potential for personal benefit; 3) perceived risks; 4) trust or distrust; 5) social networks; 6) stigma; 7) practical implications; 8) research vanguard. CONCLUSION Our findings provide a detailed description of how potential participants weigh up their decisions to participate in vaccine trials, which could inform the planning and implementation of studies to enhance recruitment. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Clinical trial researchers should consider a patient-centered approach to recruitment, tailoring promoting material and attempt to understand fears, stigma and perceived risks. In addition, recognising the importance of trust and the key role friends, communities, family, and those in supervisory positions play in decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Dean
- MSc student, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK; York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Fi Rose
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Katherine Jones
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK; Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK
| | | | - Joy Adamson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Peter Knapp
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, and the Hull York Medical School, York, UK.
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Bungay V, Guta A, Slemon A, Varcoe C, Comber S. The Ethics of Financial Incentivization for Health Research Participation Among Sex Workers in a Canadian Context. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:942-955. [PMID: 35349393 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221089877] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Research incentivization with sex workers is common, yet limited guidance exists for ethical incentives practice. We undertook a critical qualitative inquiry into how researchers (n = 17), community services staff (n = 17), and sex workers participating in research (n = 53) perceive incentives in a Canadian context. We employed an interpretive thematic approach informed by critical perspectives of relational autonomy for analysis. Four themes illustrate how (un)ethical use of incentives is situated in transactional micro-economies among groups experiencing severe marginalization: i) transactional research economy, ii) incentive type: assumptions and effects, iii) incentive amount: too much too little?, and iv) resistance, trauma, and research-related harm. Paternalistic assumptions about capacities of sex workers to act in their own best interests conflicted with participants' rights and abilities for self-determination; with researchers maintaining ultimate decision-making authority. Power differentials create conditions of harm. Safe, equitable approaches concerning research incentive use must redress relations of power that perpetuate oppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Bungay
- School of Nursing, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Adrian Guta
- School of Social Work, 8637University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Allie Slemon
- School of Nursing, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Colleen Varcoe
- School of Nursing, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott Comber
- Rowe School of Business, 3688Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Abstract
Schim van der Loeff et al. weigh the pros and cons of offering HPV vaccines to female sex workers (FSWs). This is a pressing question in areas where the vaccine is not routinely available to all and vaccine resources are limited. In many countries, current FSWs would have missed the opportunity for vaccination as part of nationwide campaigns to reach school-age girls. Offering the HPV vaccine at the time of sex worker registration may protect them from acquiring high risk HPV types from future clients. A critical mistake in academic writing is excluding the population of interest from contributing to discussions about their health. Without the perspective of FSWs as authors, we are not engaging in good participatory practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Brown
- School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Alejandra Cabral
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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Abadie R, Goldenberg S, Welch-Lazoritz M, Fisher CB. Establishing trust in HIV/HCV research among people who inject drugs (PWID): Insights from empirical research. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208410. [PMID: 30517202 PMCID: PMC6281254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The establishment of trust between researchers and participants is critical to advance HIV and HCV prevention particularly among people who inject drugs (PWID) and other marginalized populations, yet empirical research on how to establish and maintain trust in the course of community health research is lacking. This paper documents ideas about trust between research participants and researchers amongst a sub-sample of PWID who were enrolled in a large, multi-year community health study of social networks and HIV/HCV risk that was recently conducted in rural Puerto Rico. METHODS Qualitative research was nested within a multi-year Social Network and HIV/HCV Risk study involving N = 360 PWID > 18 years of age living in four small, rural Puerto Rican communities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between March 2017 and April 2017 with a subset of 40 active PWID who had been enrolled in the parent study. Interview questions invited participants to draw upon their recent experience as research participants to better understand how PWID perceive and understand participant-researcher trust within the context of HIV/HCV-related epidemiological research. RESULTS Fear of police, stigma and concerns regarding confidentiality and anonymity were identified as structural factors that could compromise participation in HIV/HCV-related research for PWID. While monetary compensation was an important motivation, participants also valued the opportunity to learn about their HIV/HCV status. During their participation in the study, gaining knowledge of safe injection practices was perceived as a valuable benefit. Participant narratives suggested that PWID may adopt an incremental and ongoing approach in their assessment of the trustworthiness of researchers, continuously assessing the extent to which they trust the research staff throughout the course of the research. Trust was initially generated through peer Respondent Driven Sampling recruitment. Research staff who maintained a presence in the community for the entire duration of the prospective study reinforced trust between participants and the research team. CONCLUSION Although PWID face numerous structural barriers to research-related trust in HIV/HCV research, we found that using a peer-based recruitment method like RDS, and employing a research staff who are knowledgeable about the targeted population, culturally sensitive to their needs, and who maintain a long-term presence in the community may help mitigate many of these barriers. The reputation of the research is built incrementally as participants join the study. This contributes to a "street reputation" that grows as current or former participants vouch for the study. Establishing trust was identified as only the first step towards building a collaborative relationship with participants, and our findings suggest that steps to address criminalization and stigmatization also are necessary to support research trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Abadie
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States of America
| | - Shira Goldenberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Bumaby, BC, Canada
| | - Melissa Welch-Lazoritz
- Pharmaceutical and Nutrition Care, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - Celia B. Fisher
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, United States of America
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Overstreet NM, Okuyan M, Fisher CB. Perceived Risks and Benefits in IPV and HIV Research: Listening to the Voices of HIV-Positive African American Women. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2018; 13:511-524. [PMID: 30183457 DOI: 10.1177/1556264618797557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
African American women living with HIV were asked to reflect on the perceived risks and benefits of research participation after completing a study examining socially sensitive issues in their lives, including intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV. Administration of standardized quantitative instruments yielded positive responses to the research experience. However, qualitative assessments of perceived risks and benefits revealed more nuanced responses. For example, confidentiality concerns were more prominent in open-ended responses as was participants' positive attitudes toward monetary compensation. In addition, some women reported that study participation provided them with new insights about their experiences with IPV. Findings suggest that empirical studies on research protections involving potentially distressing and socially sensitive experiences with vulnerable populations require both quantitative and qualitative assessments of perceived risks and benefits. We discuss implications of our findings for ethics practices in trauma-related research among populations with multiple social vulnerabilities.
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Reed E, Fisher CB, Blankenship KM, West BS, Khoshnood K. Why female sex workers participate in HIV research: the illusion of voluntariness. AIDS Care 2016; 29:914-918. [PMID: 28030960 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1271935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing the motivation for and perceived voluntariness of participation in non-intervention HIV research among female sex workers (FSW) in India. FSW (n = 30) who participated in non-intervention HIV studies in the previous three years were recruited from a local community-based organization. Semi-structured qualitative interviews focused on women's personal and economic motivations for participation and their perceptions of the informed consent process. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed, and reviewed for common themes. Content analysis indicated that while many women reported willing participation, reports of obligatory participation were also a common theme. Obligations included money-related pressures and coercion by other FSW, social pressures, not wanting to disappoint the researchers, and perceiving that they had a contractual agreement to complete participation as a result of signing the consent form. Findings suggest a need for additional efforts during and following informed consent to prevent obligatory participation in HIV research studies among FSW. Findings emphasize the importance of integrating ongoing participant feedback into research ethics practices to identify issues not well addressed via standard ethics protocols when conducting HIV research among vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Reed
- a Graduate School of Public Health, Health Promotion & Behavioral Science , San Diego State University , San Diego , CA , USA.,b Division of Global Public Health, School of Medicine , University of California , La Jolla , CA , USA
| | - Celia B Fisher
- c Department of Psychology , Fordham University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Kim M Blankenship
- d Department of Sociology , American University , Washington , DC , USA
| | - Brooke S West
- b Division of Global Public Health, School of Medicine , University of California , La Jolla , CA , USA
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Goldenberg SM, Brouwer KC, Jimenez TR, Miranda SM, Mindt MR. Enhancing the Ethical Conduct of HIV Research with Migrant Sex Workers: Human Rights, Policy, and Social Contextual Influences. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155048. [PMID: 27159157 PMCID: PMC4861265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrant sex workers are often highly marginalized and disproportionately experience health and social inequities, including high prevalence of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and human rights violations. In recent years, research involving migrant sex workers has increased, yet many knowledge gaps remain regarding how best to protect research participant rights and welfare. Our objective was to identify key challenges and opportunities related to the responsible conduct of HIV research with migrant sex workers. METHODS Focus groups and interviews conducted with 33 female sex workers ≥18 years old at the Guatemala-Mexico border from June 2013-February 2014 were analyzed. Participants were recruited through community outreach by a local HIV prevention organization to sex work establishments such as bars, hotels, street corners, and truck stops. RESULTS Key themes influencing research engagement for migrant sex workers included researcher mistrust and fear related to research participation, rooted in the social isolation frequently faced by recent migrants; intersecting concerns related to immigration status, fear of criminalization, and compliance with sex work regulations; and perceived benefits and risks of HIV/STI testing for migrants (e.g., immigration implications, stigma) represent potential barriers and opportunities for the responsible conduct of research involving migrant sex workers. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the intersection between the human rights vulnerabilities of migrant sex workers and barriers to research participation, including social isolation of migrants and policy/legal barriers related to immigration and sex work. Findings illustrate the need for researchers to develop population-tailored procedures to address fears related to immigration and criminalization, and to reinforce positive and non-stigmatizing relationships with migrant sex workers. Community-led efforts to reduce stigma and foster community organization and supports for migrant sex workers are recommended, as are broader policy shifts that move away from punitive legal approaches towards approaches that safeguard and prioritize the human rights of migrant sex workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira M. Goldenberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 608–1081 Burrard Street (St. Paul's Hospital), Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- HIV Prevention Research Ethics Institute, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States of America
| | - Kimberly C. Brouwer
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093–0507, United States of America
| | - Teresita Rocha Jimenez
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093–0507, United States of America
| | | | - Monica Rivera Mindt
- HIV Prevention Research Ethics Institute, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States of America
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Fisher CB. Enhancing the Responsible Conduct of Sexual Health Prevention Research Across Global and Local Contexts: Training for Evidence-Based Research Ethics. ETHICS & BEHAVIOR 2014; 25:87-96. [PMID: 29479165 PMCID: PMC5823532 DOI: 10.1080/10508422.2014.948956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has brought global attention to the ethical challenges of conducting research involving socially vulnerable participants. Such challenges require not only ethical deliberation but also an empirical evidentiary basis for research ethics policies and practices. This need has been addressed through the Fordham University HIV and Drug Abuse Prevention Research Ethics Institute, a National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded program that trains and funds early career scientists in conducting research on HIV/drug abuse research ethics. This article describes the ethical framework guiding Institute training and introduces readers to six empirical articles in this special issue that illuminate and help foster the responsible conduct of research.
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Goldenberg SM, Mindt MR, Jimenez TR, Brouwer KC, Miranda SM, Fisher. CB. Structural and Interpersonal Benefits and Risks of Participation in HIV Research: Perspectives of Female Sex Workers in Guatemala. ETHICS & BEHAVIOR 2014; 25:97-114. [PMID: 27840564 PMCID: PMC5104274 DOI: 10.1080/10508422.2014.950270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study explored perceived benefits and risks of participation in HIV research among 33 female sex workers in Tecun Uman, Guatemala. Stigma associated with sex work and HIV was a critical barrier to research participation. Key benefits of participation included access to HIV/STI prevention and testing, as well as positive and trusting relationships between sex workers and research teams. Control exerted by managers had mixed influences on perceived research risks and benefits. Results underscore the critical need for HIV investigators to develop population-tailored procedures to reduce stigma, engage managers, and reinforce trusting, reciprocal relationships between sex work communities and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira M. Goldenberg
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia [608 -1081 Burrard Street (St. Paul's Hospital), Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6]
- HIV Prevention Ethics Institute, Fordham University [441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, USA, 10458]
| | - Monica Rivera Mindt
- HIV Prevention Ethics Institute, Fordham University [441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, USA, 10458]
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University [441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, USA, 10458]
| | - Teresita Rocha Jimenez
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego [9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA, 92093-0507]
| | - Kimberly C. Brouwer
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego [9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA, 92093-0507]
| | - Sonia Morales Miranda
- Centro de Estudios en Salud, Unidad de VIH, Universidad del Valle de Guatemal [Vista Hermosa III, Guatamala City, GUATEMALA]
| | - Celia B. Fisher.
- HIV Prevention Ethics Institute, Fordham University [441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, USA, 10458]
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University [441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, USA, 10458]
- Center for Ethics Education, Fordham University [441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, USA, 10458]
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