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Abu-Ba'are GR, Torpey K, Guure C, Nelson LE, Jeon S, McMahon J, Leblanc NM, Shamrock OW, Zigah EY, Apreku A, Dakpui HD, Agbemedu GRK, Boakye F, Adu P, Attisoe A, Adjaka G. Status-neutral community-based multilevel intervention to address intersectional stigma and discrimination, and increase HIV testing, PrEP, and ART uptake among YGBMSM in Ghanaian Slums: A clustered randomized control trial protocol. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4486078. [PMID: 38854081 PMCID: PMC11160908 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4486078/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background While GBMSM constitute less than 2% of Ghana's population, their HIV prevalence surpasses the national average by more than eightfold, emphasizing the critical need for targeted interventions to improve detection, care linkage, and reduce community transmission. This study seeks to increase HIV testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) uptake (HPART) among YGBMSM through the adaptation of an evidence-based intervention (LAFIYA). Methodology We will employ the ADAPTT-IT framework to adapt LAFIYA and evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness in addressing intersectional stigma and increasing HPART uptake among YGBMSM residing in Ghanaian slums. In aim 1, we will hold focus groups (n=5) and interviews (n=20) among YGBMSM and two FGDs among GBMSM-led organizations. At the HCF level, we will hold 6 FGDs and interviews (n=20) among nurses. In AIM 2, we will randomly assign 6 healthcare facilities (HCFs) to receive the LAFIYA (n=3) or wait-list control (n=3). Friend groups (cluster) of YGBMSM (N=240) will be assigned to receive LAFIYA (n=120) or a wait-list control (n=120). We will collect 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention data among YGBMSM(n=240) and HCWs(n=300) to measure HPART adherence (primary outcomes), ISD reduction, HIV and status-neutral knowledge (secondary outcomes), and intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility (implementation outcomes). Conclusion The intervention group will observe increased HPART adherence, reduced ISD, and enhanced HPART knowledge and efficacy relative to the wait-list control group. The findings will inform ISD reduction and HIV status-neutral implementation strategies - and place-based interventions that address access to HIV prevention and care among YGBMSM, slum and in different settings. Trail Registration This study was registered on clinicalTrail.gov, with identifier number NCT06312514 on 03/14/2023. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06312514.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba'are
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Kwasi Torpey
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Chris Guure
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sangchoon Jeon
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - James McMahon
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Natalie M Leblanc
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Osman Wumpini Shamrock
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Edem Yaw Zigah
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Amos Apreku
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Henry Delali Dakpui
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, New York, USA
| | - George Rudolph Kofi Agbemedu
- Behavioral, Sexual, and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | - Prince Adu
- Priorities on Rights and Sexual Health, Accra, Ghana
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Storholm ED, Klein DJ, Pedersen ER, D'Amico EJ, Rodriguez A, Garvey R, Tucker JS. Sociodemographic and Behavioral Risk Correlates of PrEP Interest and Use Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Los Angeles. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1216-1226. [PMID: 37698638 PMCID: PMC10927607 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04144-7] [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] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) are at elevated risk for HIV compared to their stably housed peers. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV infection, yet YAEH have been largely overlooked in PrEP efforts to date despite YAEH reporting high overall interest in PrEP. We assessed individual, social, and structural variables associated with PrEP interest and use among a sample of 195 YAEH (ages 18-25) recruited from drop-in centers across Los Angeles County who met criteria for HIV risk. In the current sample, though most had heard of PrEP (81.0%), the majority were not interested in taking PrEP (68.2%) and only a minority had used/were using PrEP (11.8%). YAEH who identified as sexual and/or gender minority, reported knowing someone who had used PrEP, or recently accessed sexual health services were more likely to have used and/or reported interest in using PrEP. Those who reported more episodes of heavy drinking were less likely to report having used PrEP. Suggestions are provided for better integrating PrEP-related services into existing behavioral and health service programs for YAEH, as well as leveraging peers and fostering positive social norms to reduce PrEP-related stigma and increase interest and use of PrEP among YAEH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik D Storholm
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States of America.
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, United States of America.
| | - David J Klein
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, United States of America
| | - Eric R Pedersen
- Department of Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Rick Garvey
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, United States of America
| | - Joan S Tucker
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, United States of America
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Hartmann M, Nyblade L, Otticha S, Marton T, Agot K, Roberts ST. The development of a conceptual framework on PrEP stigma among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26213. [PMID: 38379129 PMCID: PMC10879468 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26213] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stigma is a well-known barrier to HIV testing and treatment and is an emerging barrier to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. To guide future research, measurement and interventions, we developed a conceptual framework for PrEP stigma among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa, a priority population for PrEP. METHODS A literature review, expert consultations and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to adapt the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework, describing the stigmatization process nested within the socio-ecological framework. We reviewed all articles on PrEP stigma and on HIV, contraceptive or sexuality stigma among AGYW from 2009 to 2019. Expert consultations were conducted with 10 stigma or PrEP researchers and two Kenyan youth advisory boards to revise the framework. Finally, FGDs were conducted with AGYW PrEP users (4 FGDs; n = 20) and key influencers (14 FGDs; n = 72) in Kenya with the help of a Youth Research Team who aided in FGD conduct and results interpretation. Results from each phase were reviewed and the framework was updated to incorporate new and divergent findings. This was validated against an updated literature search from 2020 to 2023. RESULTS The conceptual framework identifies potential drivers, facilitators and manifestations of PrEP stigma, its outcomes and health impacts, and relevant intersecting stigmas. The main findings include: (1) PrEP stigma is driven by HIV, gender and sexuality stigmas, and low PrEP community awareness. (2) Stigma is facilitated by factors at multiple levels: policy (e.g. targeting of PrEP to high-risk populations), health systems (e.g. youth-friendly service availability), community (e.g. social capital) and individual (e.g. empowerment). (3) Similar to other stigmas, manifestations include labelling, violence and shame. (4) PrEP stigma results in decreased access to and acceptability of PrEP, limited social support and community resistance, which can impact mental health and decrease PrEP uptake and adherence. (5) Stigma may engender resilience by motivating AGYW to think of PrEP as an exercise in personal agency. CONCLUSIONS Our PrEP stigma conceptual framework highlights potential intervention targets at multiple levels in the stigmatization process. Its adoption would enable researchers to develop standardized measures and compare stigma across timepoints and populations as well as design and evaluate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Hartmann
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Laura Nyblade
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Tozoe Marton
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kawango Agot
- Impact Research Development OrganizationKisumuKenya
| | - Sarah T. Roberts
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
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D’Avanzo P, Shourya S, Brin M, Kaw S, Kay E, Batey DS, Radix A, Belkind U, Tanner M, Galindo C, Ferrara S, Ott C, Ramirez SO, Schnall R. Identifying Key Factors to PrEP Initiation and Persistence Among YMSM Through Focus Groups and Surveys in Two High-Priority Settings. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2024; 36:33-47. [PMID: 38349352 PMCID: PMC11034730 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2024.36.1.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Cisgender men are diagnosed with HIV at a rate four times greater than cisgender women, with 71% of infections attributed to male-male sexual contact. Despite expanding accessibility, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is initiated by only 30% of people with PrEP indications. Five focus groups with 42 young men who have sex with men from New York and Alabama were conducted to identify key factors to PrEP initiation and persistence. Thirty focus group participants completed a survey on demographics, PrEP choices and health care attitudes. Findings suggest provider competency significantly influences PrEP use due to stigmatization in medical settings. Participants noted benefits of PrEP including HIV protection and sexual empowerment, yet barriers like cost and side effects were prevalent. Our findings outline barriers and facilitators to PrEP use among young men who have sex with men in two high priority settings that will inform PrEP care updates in participating clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D’Avanzo
- Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Shivesh Shourya
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 516 W. 168 Street, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Maeve Brin
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 516 W. 168 Street, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Shivani Kaw
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 516 W. 168 Street, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Emma Kay
- Magic City Wellness Center, 3220 5 Avenue South, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL, 35222
| | - D. Scott Batey
- Tulane University School of Social Work, 127 Elk Place, New Orleans, LA, 70112
| | - Asa Radix
- Callen-Lorde, 356 W. 18 Street, New York, NY, 10011
| | - Uri Belkind
- Callen-Lorde, 356 W. 18 Street, New York, NY, 10011
| | - Mary Tanner
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30329
| | - Carla Galindo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30329
| | - Stephen Ferrara
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 516 W. 168 Street, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Corilyn Ott
- University of Birmingham at Alabama, School of Nursing and School of Medicine, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | | | - Rebecca Schnall
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 516 W. 168 Street, New York, NY, 10032
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Clarke-Steffen L, Chulani V, Dobbs M, Piatt J. Barriers Encountered By Youth Aged 13-24 While Accessing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to HIV: Phoenix Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Access Project. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:432-435. [PMID: 37713287 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Clarke-Steffen
- Bill Holt Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinic, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Veenod Chulani
- Department of Adolescent Medicine, Valleywise Health, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Michael Dobbs
- Department of Pediatrics, Valleywise Health, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Janice Piatt
- Bill Holt Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinic, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Owens C, Gray SJ, Carter K, Hoffman M, Mullen C, Hubach RD. Implementation Facilitators and Barriers for Primary Care Providers Prescribing Daily Oral PrEP to Adolescents in the United States. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:379-393. [PMID: 37566536 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary care providers (PCPs) are critical in prescribing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to adolescents at risk of HIV. More research is needed to identify facilitators and barriers PCPs encounter in prescribing PrEP to eligible adolescents post-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. This online cross-sectional survey examined the PrEP implementation facilitators and barriers among a national sample of PCPs in the United States. PCPs (n = 502) specializing in family medicine or pediatrics were recruited from a Qualtrics panel from July 15 to August 9, 2022. We analyzed the collected data using content analysis and applied the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) to codebook creation and data analysis. We conducted a Fisher's exact chi-square test of independence to compare facilitator and barrier prevalence differences between participants who had and had not prescribed PrEP to an adolescent patient. Results demonstrate that (1) distributing prescriber-focused educational materials, (2) involving parents, (3) changing liability laws, (4) enhancing adolescent PrEP uptake and adherence, (5) changing clinical resources, and (6) using mass/social media to change community norms might be strategies that influence PCPs prescribing PrEP to eligible adolescent patients. Results from this study could facilitate the planning of hybrid implementation-effectiveness trials designed to determine the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of implementation strategies in improving the practices of PCPs prescribing PrEP to at-risk adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Owens
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Samuel J Gray
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Kaileigh Carter
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Matt Hoffman
- School of Nursing, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Cody Mullen
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Randolph D Hubach
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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