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Moseholm E, Fetters MD, Aho I, Mellgren Å, Johansen IS, Katzenstein TL, Pedersen G, Storgaard M, Weis N. Perception and Emotional Experiences of Infant Feeding Among Women Living With HIV in a High-Income Setting: A Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:52-64. [PMID: 37797230 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003314] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recommendation of breastfeeding avoidance for women living with HIV in high-income settings may be influenced by cultural beliefs and come at an emotional cost. This multicenter, longitudinal, convergent mixed methods study aimed to compare differences in attitudes, concerns, and experiences surrounding breastfeeding in women living with HIV of Nordic and non-Nordic origin. SETTING High-income setting. METHODS Pregnant women living with HIV in the Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, and Sweden were recruited in 2019-2020. Quantitative data on attitudes surrounding infant feeding were assessed using the Positive Attitudes Concerning Infant Feeding questionnaire completed in the third trimester (T1), and 3 (T2) and 6 (T3) months postpartum. Women who completed the survey were also invited to participate in semistructured interviews at T1 and T3. The findings from the quantitative survey and qualitative interviews were brought together through merging to assess for concordance, complementarity, expansion, or discordance between the data sets and to draw metainferences. RESULTS In total, 44 women completed the survey, of whom 31 also participated in qualitative interviews. The merged analyses identified three overarching domains representing commonalities across the quantitative and qualitative data: emotional impact, justifying not breastfeeding, and coping strategies. Not being able to breastfeed was emotionally challenging. Cultural expectations influenced the women's experiences and the strategies they used to justify their infant feeding choice. CONCLUSIONS For women living with HIV in Nordic countries not breastfeeding was a complex, multilayered process substantially influenced by social and cultural expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Moseholm
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael D Fetters
- Mixed Methods Program and Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Inka Aho
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Åsa Mellgren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Isik S Johansen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Terese L Katzenstein
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte Pedersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Merete Storgaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Nkulu-Kalengayi FK, Hurtig AK, Linander I. "Discrimination is harder to live with than the disease": an interview study of the perceptions and experiences of sexual and reproductive health and rights among women living with HIV in Sweden. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2023; 31:2245197. [PMID: 37671828 PMCID: PMC10484027 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2023.2245197] [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: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 40% of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Sweden are women. However, little is known about their experiences, particularly those related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This study aims to explore perceptions and experiences of SRHR among women living with HIV (LWH). Twelve interviews were conducted with women LWH from September to October 2019 and analysed using thematic analysis. The central theme describing participants' experiences of social relationships, intimate encounters and reproductive life, "Discrimination is harder to live with than the disease itself", is based on three themes that contain subthemes. Theme 1 describes how participants reconsider and reorient their sexual and reproductive life after diagnosis. Theme 2 highlights how (mis)perceptions of HIV affect sexual and reproductive life and lead to abusive treatment and internalisation. Theme 3 describes a paradoxical shift of responsibilities where participants experience being compelled to take greater responsibility in some situations and stripped of the right to decide in others. This study suggests that despite notable progress in HIV treatment, stigma and discrimination stemming from outdated beliefs and (mis)conceptions, ambiguous policies and guidelines, and unequal access to information affect SRHR experiences of women LWH more than the virus itself. The results emphasise the need to: update knowledge within healthcare settings and among the public; clarify ambiguous legislations and guidelines; ensure equal access to information to enable all women LWH to take informed decisions, make fully informed choices and realise their SRHR; and consider the diversity of women LWH and enable shared decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna-Karin Hurtig
- Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, SE-901 87Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ida Linander
- Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, UmeåSE-901 87, Sweden
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Madham S, Visshishta J, Dasagari Vinod H, S OK, Cherukuri VP. A Review of Basic Knowledge of HIV Infection for Orthodontic Management of HIV Patients. Cureus 2023; 15:e37770. [PMID: 37214076 PMCID: PMC10194426 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that causes an infection affecting immunity-providing white blood cells. The HIV pandemic is far from over and is a major socio-economical burden. As there is no cure yet, prevention of new infections is the major path to control the infection. There is a low chance of orthodontic procedures carrying a risk of HIV infection transmission. It is important to have knowledge about the disease to effectively and safely treat known or unknown patients with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saritha Madham
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Malla Reddy Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, IND
| | - J Visshishta
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Malla Reddy Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, IND
| | - Haritha Dasagari Vinod
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, AH Dental and Orthodontic Centre, Hyderabad, IND
| | - Ojass Kumar S
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Malla Reddy Dental College for Women, Hyderabad, IND
| | - Vishnu Priya Cherukuri
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, MNR Dental College & Hospital, Hyderabad, IND
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Scovino AM, Dahab EC, Vieira GF, Freire-de-Lima L, Freire-de-Lima CG, Morrot A. SARS-CoV-2’s Variants of Concern: A Brief Characterization. Front Immunol 2022; 13:834098. [PMID: 35958548 PMCID: PMC9361785 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.834098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disclose the variants of concern (VOC) including Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529). Its spike protein (S) present on the surface of the virus is recognized by the host cell receptor, the angiotensin-2 converting enzyme (ACE2) which promotes their entry into the cell. The mutations presented by VOCs are found in RBD and the N-terminal region of S protein. Therefore, mutations occurring in RBD can modify the biological and immunogenic characteristics of the virus, such as modifying the spike affinity for ACE2, increasing the virus transmissibility, or conferring the ability to escape the immune responses. The raise of a potential new SARS-CoV-2 variant capable of evading the host defenses at the same time maintaining its fitness justifies the importance of continued genetic monitoring of the pandemic coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Miranda Scovino
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Chen Dahab
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Freire-de-Lima
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Morrot
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Alexandre Morrot,
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Moseholm E, Aho I, Mellgren Å, Johansen IS, Storgaard M, Pedersen G, Scofield D, Katzenstein TL, Weis N. The experience of pregnancy among women living with HIV in Nordic countries: A qualitative narrative enquiry. WOMEN'S HEALTH 2022; 18:17455065211068688. [PMID: 34983258 PMCID: PMC8744157 DOI: 10.1177/17455065211068688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The success of antiretroviral therapy has resulted in the normalization of
pregnancy among women living with HIV and a very low risk of perinatal
transmission of HIV. Despite these advances, women living with HIV still
face complex medical and psychosocial issues during pregnancy. The purpose
of this study is to describe experiences of pregnancy and the relevance of
social support among women living with HIV in Nordic countries. Methods: This qualitative study examined data from pregnant women living with HIV from
sites in Denmark, Sweden and Finland from 2019 to 2020. Data were collected
in the third trimester via individual interviews using a hybrid,
narrative/semistructured format. The transcribed interviews were analyzed
using narrative thematic analysis. Results: In total, 31 women living with HIV were enrolled, of whom 61% originated from
an African country and 29% from a Nordic country. The analysis generated
four primary narrative themes: just a normal pregnancy, unique
considerations and concerns, interactions with healthcare, and social
support. Women living with HIV have a strong desire to have normal
pregnancies and to be treated like any other pregnant woman. However, this
normality is fragile, and being pregnant and living with HIV does come with
unique considerations and concerns, such as fear of transmission,
antiretroviral therapy, and the need for specialized care, which are
fundamental to the women’s experiences. Interactions with healthcare
providers and social support influence their experiences in both positive
and negative ways. Conclusion: The findings emphasize a sense of normality in pregnancy among women living
with HIV. However, pregnancy does come with unique considerations and
concerns, which highly influence the women’s experience of pregnancy.
Healthcare providers should focus on person-centered care, ensuring
continuity and that women living with HIV do not feel discriminated against
throughout their pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Moseholm
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inka Aho
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Åsa Mellgren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Isik S Johansen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Merete Storgaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gitte Pedersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ditte Scofield
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Terese L Katzenstein
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Ota MOC, Badur S, Romano-Mazzotti L, Friedland LR. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization. Ann Med 2021; 53:2286-2297. [PMID: 34854789 PMCID: PMC8648038 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.2009128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 global pandemic continues to impact healthcare services beyond those directly related to the management of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and disease. We reviewed the published literature to assess the pandemic impact on existing global immunization activities and how the impact may be addressed. Widespread global disruption in routine childhood immunization has impacted a majority of regions and countries, especially in the initial pandemic phases. While data indicate subsequent recovery in immunization rates, a substantial number of vulnerable people remain unvaccinated. The downstream impact may be even greater in resource-limited settings and economically poorer populations, and consequently there are growing concerns around the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly measles. Guidance on how to address immunization deficits are available and continue to evolve, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and restoring routine immunization and necessary mass vaccination campaigns during and after pandemics. In this, collaboration between a broad range of stakeholders (governments, industry, healthcare decision-makers and frontline healthcare professionals) and clear communication and engagement with the public can help achieve these goals.Key messagesThe COVID-19 pandemic has a substantial impact on essential immunization activities.Disruption to mass vaccination campaigns increase risk of VPD resurgence.Catch-up campaigns are necessary to limit existing shortfalls in vaccine uptake.Guidance to mitigate these effects continues to evolve.
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