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Bose DL, Hundal A, Singh S, Singh S, Seth K, Hadi SU, Saran A, Joseph J, Goyal K, Salve S. Evidence and gap map report: Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) interventions for strengthening HIV prevention and research among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1297. [PMID: 36911864 PMCID: PMC9831290 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), aged 15-24 years, are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks due to varying social, cultural, and economic factors that affect their choices and shape their knowledge, understanding, and practices with regard to their health. Socio-Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) interventions targeted at strengthening the capabilities of individuals and their networks have supported the demand and uptake of prevention services and participation in biomedical research. However, despite growing global recognition of the domain, high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of SBCC remains scattered. This evidence and gap map (EGM) report characterizes the evidence base on SBCC interventions for strengthening HIV Prevention and Research among AGYW in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), identifying evidence gaps and outlining the scope of future research and program design. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the proposed EGM are to: (a) identify and map existing EGMs in the use of diverse SBCC strategies to strengthen the adoption of HIV prevention measures and participation in research among AGYW in LMICs and (b) identify areas where more interventions and evidence are needed to inform the design of future SBCC strategies and programs for AGYW engagement in HIV prevention and research. METHODS This EGM is based on a comprehensive search of systematic reviews and impact evaluations corresponding to a range of interventions and outcomes-aimed at engaging AGYW in HIV prevention and research - that were published in LMICs from January 2000 to April 2021. Based on guidance for producing a Campbell Collaboration EGM, the intervention and outcome framework was designed in consultation with a group of experts. These interventions were categorized across four broad intervention themes: mass-media, community-based, interpersonal, and Information Communication and Technology (ICT)/Digital Media-based interventions. They were further sub-categorized into 15 intervention categories. Included studies looked at 23 unique behavioral and health outcomes such as knowledge attitude and skills, relationship dynamics, household dynamics, health care services, and health outcomes and research engagement. The EGM is presented as a matrix in which the rows are intervention categories/sub-categories, and the columns are outcome domains/subdomains. Each cell is mapped to an intervention targeted at outcomes. Additional filters like region, country, study design, age group, funding agency, influencers, population group, publication status, study confidence, setting, and year of publication have been added. SELECTION CRITERIA To be eligible, studies must have tested the effectiveness of SBCC interventions at engaging AGYW in LMICs in HIV prevention and research. The study sample must have consisted of AGYW between the ages of 15-24, as defined by UNAIDS. Both experimental (random assignment) and quasi-experimental studies that included a comparison group were eligible. Relevant outcomes included those at the individual, influencer, and institutional levels, along with those targeting research engagement and prevention-related outcomes. RESULTS This EGM comprises 415 impact evaluations and 43 systematic reviews. Interventions like peer-led interactions, counseling, and community dialogues were the most dominant intervention sub-types. Despite increased digital penetration use of media and technology-driven interventions are relatively less studied. Most of the interventions were delivered by peers, health care providers, and educators, largely in school-based settings, and in many cases are part of sex-education curricula. Evidence across geographies was mostly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa (70%). Most measured outcomes focused on disease-related knowledge dissemination and enhancing awareness of available prevention options/strategies. These included messaging around consistent condom use, limiting sexual partners, routine testing, and awareness. Very few studies were able to include psychographic, social, and contextual factors influencing AGYW health behaviors and decisions, especially those measuring the impact of social and gender norms, relationship dynamics, and household dynamics-related outcomes. Outcomes related to engagement in the research were least studied. CONCLUSION This EGM highlights that evidence is heavily concentrated within the awareness-intent spectrum of behavior change and gets lean for outcomes situated within the intent-action and the action-habit formation spectrum of the behavior change continuum. Most of the evidence was concentrated on increasing awareness, knowledge, and building risk perception around SRH domains, however, fewer studies focused on strengthening the agency and self-efficacy of individuals. Similarly, evidence on extrinsic factors-such as strengthening social and community norms, relationships, and household dynamics-that determine individual thought and action such as negotiation and life skills were also found to be less populated. Few studies explore the effectiveness of these interventions across diverse AGYW identities, like pregnant women and new mothers, sex workers, and people living with HIV, leading to limited understanding of the use of these interventions across multiple user segments including key influencers such as young men, partners, families, religious leaders, and community elders was relatively low. There is a need for better quality evidence that accounts for the diversity of experiences within these populations to understand what interventions work, for whom, and toward what outcome. Further, the evidence for use of digital and mass-media tools remains poorly populated. Given the increasing penetration of these tools and growing media literacy on one end, with widening gender-based gaps on the other, it is imperative to gather more high-quality evidence on their effectiveness. Timely evidence generation can help leverage these platforms appropriately and enable intervention designs that are responsive to changing communication ecologies of AGYW. SBCC can play a critical role in helping researchers meaningfully engage and collaborate with communities as equal stakeholders, however, this remains poorly evidenced and calls for investigation and investment. A full list of abbreviations and acronyms are available in Supporting Information: Appendix F.
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Papas RK, Gakinya BN, Mwaniki MM, Lee H, Keter AK, Martino S, Klein DA, Liu T, Loxley MP, Sidle JE, Schlaudt K, Nafula T, Omodi VM, Baliddawa JB, Kinyanjui DW, Maisto SA. A randomized clinical trial of a group cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce alcohol use among human immunodeficiency virus-infected outpatients in western Kenya. Addiction 2021; 116:305-318. [PMID: 32422685 PMCID: PMC7671944 DOI: 10.1111/add.15112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Culturally relevant and feasible interventions are needed to address limited professional resources in sub-Saharan Africa for behaviorally treating the dual epidemics of HIV and alcohol use disorder. This study tested the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention to reduce alcohol use among HIV-infected outpatients in Eldoret, Kenya. DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. SETTING A large HIV outpatient clinic in Eldoret, Kenya, affiliated with the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare collaboration. PARTICIPANTS A total of 614 HIV-infected outpatients [312 CBT; 302 healthy life-styles (HL); 48.5% male; mean age: 38.9 years; mean education 7.7 years] who reported a minimum of hazardous or binge drinking. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR A culturally adapted six-session gender-stratified group CBT intervention compared with HL education, each delivered by paraprofessionals over six weekly 90-minute sessions with a 9-month follow-up. MEASUREMENTS Primary outcome measures were percentage of drinking days (PDD) and mean drinks per drinking day (DDD) computed from retrospective daily number of drinks data obtained by use of the time-line follow-back from baseline to 9 months post-intervention. Exploratory analyses examined unprotected sex and number of partners. FINDINGS Median attendance was six sessions across condition. Retention at 9 months post-intervention was high and similar by condition: CBT 86% and HL 83%. PDD and DDD marginal means were significantly lower in CBT than HL at all three study phases. Maintenance period, PDD - CBT = 3.64 (0.696), HL = 5.72 (0.71), mean difference 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.13 - 4.04; DDD - CBT = 0.66 (0.96), HL = 0.98 (0.098), mean difference = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.05 - 0.58. Risky sex decreased over time in both conditions, with a temporary effect for CBT at the 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS A cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention was more efficacious than healthy lifestyles education in reducing alcohol use among HIV-infected Kenyan outpatient drinkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benson N. Gakinya
- Moi University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Hana Lee
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alfred K. Keter
- Academic Model providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Steve Martino
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Tao Liu
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - John E. Sidle
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Tobista Nafula
- Academic Model providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Victor M. Omodi
- Academic Model providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Joyce B. Baliddawa
- Moi University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Daniel W. Kinyanjui
- Moi University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
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Implementing Couple's Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing and Counseling in the Antenatal Care Setting. Obstet Gynecol 2020; 136:582-590. [PMID: 32769640 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000003932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a pilot implementation of couple's human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counseling in an antenatal care clinic in the United States. METHODS We used a cross-sectional study design. Couples were recruited from an antenatal care clinic of a large, urban, tertiary medical center, and were eligible if both partners agreed to receive HIV test results together and reported no coercion to participate in testing and counseling and no intimate partner violence. We assessed relationship characteristics, HIV risk-related behaviors and concordance of couples' sexual agreement (ie, mutual agreement about sexual risk behaviors that are permissible within or outside of their relationship). Acceptability of couple's HIV testing and counseling (ie, format, quality of the sessions, ability to meet their needs) was assessed after completing the session. Barriers and facilitators to couple's HIV testing and counseling were assessed at the individual-level among decliners and participants and at the clinic-level among members of the care team. RESULTS Dyadic data were collected from 82 individuals (41 couples). Most partners (n=56, 68%) did not have a sexual agreement or had differing expectations about their sexual agreement. Partners with a concordant sexual agreement (n=26) felt more confident working with their partners on condom use when having sex outside of their relationship (P=.008) and were more likely to agree with their partner to get tested regularly for HIV or sexually transmitted infections (P=.015). Acceptability was high, with a rating of 93 or more (out of 100) among all items. Individual-level barriers to couple's HIV testing and counseling included difficulty bringing the male partner for counseling and a perception by either member of the couple that they were at low-risk for HIV. At the clinic level, need for training, staff turnover, and integration of couple's HIV testing and counseling in the clinic flow presented as barriers, whereas commitment by the clinic leadership facilitated the couple's HIV testing and counseling program. CONCLUSION Despite barriers, couple's HIV testing and counseling can be implemented in antenatal clinics and is a highly acceptable method of HIV testing.
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Lott BE, Trejo MJ, Baum C, McClelland DJ, Adsul P, Madhivanan P, Carvajal S, Ernst K, Ehiri J. Interventions to increase uptake of cervical screening in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review using the integrated behavioral model. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:654. [PMID: 32393218 PMCID: PMC7216595 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experiences disproportionate burden of cervical cancer incidence and mortality due in part to low uptake of cervical screening, a strategy for prevention and down-staging of cervical cancer. This scoping review identifies studies of interventions to increase uptake of cervical screening among women in the region and uses the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) to describe how interventions might work. METHODS A systematic search of literature was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL databases through May 2019. Screening and data charting were performed by two independent reviewers. Intervention studies measuring changes to uptake in screening among women in SSA were included, with no restriction to intervention type, study setting or date, or participant characteristics. Intervention type and implementation strategies were described using behavioral constructs from the IBM. RESULTS Of the 3704 citations the search produced, 19 studies were selected for inclusion. Most studies were published between 2014 and 2019 (78.9%) and were set in Nigeria (47.4%) and South Africa (26.3%). Studies most often assessed screening with Pap smears (31.6%) and measured uptake as ever screened (42.1%) or screened during the study period (36.8%). Education-based interventions were most common (57.9%) and the IBM construct of knowledge/skills to perform screening was targeted most frequently (68.4%). Willingness to screen was high, before and after intervention. Screening coverage ranged from 1.7 to 99.2% post-intervention, with six studies (31.6%) reporting a significant improvement in screening that achieved ≥60% coverage. CONCLUSIONS Educational interventions were largely ineffective, except those that utilized peer or community health educators and mHealth implementation strategies. Two economic incentivization interventions were moderately effective, by acting on participants' instrumental attitudes, but resulted in screening coverage less than 20%. Innovative service delivery, including community-based self-sampling, acted on environmental constraints, striving to make services more available, accessible, and appropriate to women, and were the most effective. This review demonstrates that intent to perform screening may not be the major determinant of screening behavior, suggesting other theoretical frameworks may be needed to more fully understand uptake of cervical screening in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly for health systems change interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne E Lott
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | - Mario J Trejo
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Christina Baum
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - D Jean McClelland
- Health Sciences Library, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave Ward 6, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Prajakta Adsul
- School of Medicine and Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, MSC08 4720, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
| | - Purnima Madhivanan
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.,Public Health Research Institute of India, 89/B, 2nd Cross, 2nd Main, Yadavgiri, Mysore, 560021, India
| | - Scott Carvajal
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Kacey Ernst
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - John Ehiri
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
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Cognitive behavioural therapy training in Tanzania: a qualitative study of clinicians’ experiences. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x19000084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in an effective technique used widely in Western countries. However, there is limited evidence as to the utility, perception and understanding of CBT in developing countries. This study describes and investigates the experience of CBT training and practice in a group of practitioners in Tanzania. A qualitative approach to the investigation was used, and seven participants from Tanzania’s only psychiatric hospital who had completed CBT training were interviewed. The resulting verbatim transcripts were analysed via interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: ‘the medical model’, ‘novelty’, ‘practicalities’, ‘process’ and ‘therapist effects’. The two themes ‘therapist effects’ and ‘process’ are discussed in detail as these may be particularly relevant to the clinical application of the therapy in a new culture and context. The implications for future development of CBT in Tanzania are considered. In developing CBT for dissemination in Tanzania, specific cultural and clinical issues highlighted by indigenous clinicians need consideration.Key learning aims(1)To identify what range of factors may influence clinicians’ perception of and learning about CBT when CBT training is delivered in a mental health setting in Tanzania, or to those with East African origins.(2)To consider the use of qualitative research approaches to inform the early stages of adapting CBT for use in new settings and applications.(3)To be able to apply knowledge about cultural differences to standard CBT in order to promote culturally sensitive practice.
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Robinson JL, Narasimhan M, Amin A, Morse S, Beres LK, Yeh PT, Kennedy CE. Interventions to address unequal gender and power relations and improve self-efficacy and empowerment for sexual and reproductive health decision-making for women living with HIV: A systematic review. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180699. [PMID: 28837562 PMCID: PMC5570301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many women living with HIV experience gendered power inequalities, particularly in their intimate relationships, that prevent them from achieving optimal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and exercising their rights. We assessed the effectiveness of interventions to improve self-efficacy and empowerment of women living with HIV to make SRH decisions through a systematic review. METHODS AND FINDINGS We included peer-reviewed articles indexed in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus published through January 3, 2017, presenting multi-arm or pre-post intervention evaluations measuring one of the following outcomes: (1) self-efficacy, empowerment, or measures of SRH decision-making ability, (2) SRH behaviors (e.g., condom use, contraceptive use), or (3) SRH outcomes (e.g., sexually transmitted infections [STIs]). Twenty-one studies evaluating 11 intervention approaches met the inclusion criteria. All were conducted in the United States or sub-Saharan Africa. Two high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed significant decreases in incident gonorrhea and chlamydia. Sixteen studies measuring condom use generally found moderate increases associated with the intervention, including in higher-quality RCTs. Findings on contraceptive use, condom self-efficacy, and other empowerment measures (e.g., sexual communication, equitable relationship power) were mixed. Studies were limited by small sample sizes, high loss to follow-up, and high reported baseline condom use. CONCLUSIONS While more research is needed, the limited existing evidence suggests that these interventions may help support the SRH and rights of women living with HIV. This review particularly highlights the importance of these interventions for preventing STIs, which present a significant health burden for women living with HIV that is rarely addressed holistically. Empowerment-based interventions should be considered as part of a comprehensive package of STI and other SRH services for women living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Robinson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Avni Amin
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Morse
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Laura K. Beres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Caitlin Elizabeth Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Galárraga O, Gao B, Gakinya BN, Klein DA, Wamai RG, Sidle JE, Papas RK. Task-shifting alcohol interventions for HIV+ persons in Kenya: a cost-benefit analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:239. [PMID: 28351364 PMCID: PMC5371255 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2169-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Among HIV+ patients, alcohol use is a highly prevalent risk factor for both HIV transmission and poor adherence to HIV treatment. The large-scale implementation of effective interventions for treating alcohol problems remains a challenge in low-income countries with generalized HIV epidemics. It is essential to consider an intervention’s cost-effectiveness in dollars-per-health-outcome, and the long-term economic impact —or “return on investment” in monetary terms. Methods We conducted a cost-benefit analysis, measuring economic return on investment, of a task-shifted cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by paraprofessionals to reduce alcohol use in a modeled cohort of 13,440 outpatients in Kenya. In our base-case, we estimated the costs and economic benefits from a societal perspective across a six-year time horizon, with a 3% annual discount rate. Costs included all costs associated with training and administering task-shifted CBT therapy. Benefits included the economic impact of lowered HIV incidence as well as the improvements in household and labor-force productivity. We conducted univariate and multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of our results. Results Under the base case, total costs for CBT rollout was $554,000, the value of benefits were $628,000, and the benefit-to-cost ratio was 1.13. Sensitivity analyses showed that under most assumptions, the benefit-to-cost ratio remained above unity indicating that the intervention was cost-saving (i.e., had positive return on investment). The duration of the treatment effect most effected the results in sensitivity analyses. Conclusions CBT can be effectively and economically task-shifted to paraprofessionals in Kenya. The intervention can generate not only reductions in morbidity and mortality, but also economic savings for the health system in the medium and long term. The findings have implications for other countries with generalized HIV epidemics, high prevalence of alcohol consumption, and shortages of mental health professionals. Trial registration This paper uses data derived from “Cognitive Behavioral Treatment to Reduce Alcohol Use Among HIV-Infected Kenyans (KHBS)” with ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT00792519 on 11/17/2008; and preliminary data from “A Stage 2 Cognitive-behavioral Trial: Reduce Alcohol First in Kenya Intervention” (NCT01503255, registered on 12/16/2011).
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Galárraga
- Brown University School of Public Health, G-S121-7, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Burke Gao
- Brown University School of Public Health, G-S121-7, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.,Brown University Alpert Medical School, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Benson N Gakinya
- Moi University & Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nandi Rd, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Richard G Wamai
- Northeastern University, Integrated Initiative for Global Health, 360 Huntington Avenue, 220G RP, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - John E Sidle
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Rebecca K Papas
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
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van der Heijden I, Abrahams N, Sinclair D. Psychosocial group interventions to improve psychological well-being in adults living with HIV. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 3:CD010806. [PMID: 28291302 PMCID: PMC5461871 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010806.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and labelled with a chronic, life-threatening, and often stigmatizing disease, can impact on a person's well-being. Psychosocial group interventions aim to improve life-functioning and coping as individuals adjust to the diagnosis. OBJECTIVES To examine the effectiveness of psychosocial group interventions for improving the psychological well-being of adults living with HIV/AIDS. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following electronic databases up to 14 March 2016: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) published in the Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2016), PubMed (MEDLINE) (1996 to 14 March 2016), Embase (1996 to 14 March 2016), and Clinical Trials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that compared psychosocial group interventions with versus control (standard care or brief educational interventions), with at least three months follow-up post-intervention. We included trials that reported measures of depression, anxiety, stress, or coping using standardized scales. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened abstracts, applied the inclusion criteria, and extracted data. We compared continuous outcomes using mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and pooled data using a random-effects model. When the included trials used different measurement scales, we pooled data using standardized mean difference (SMD) values. We reported trials that we could not include in the meta analysis narratively in the text. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 16 trials (19 articles) that enrolled 2520 adults living with HIV. All the interventions were multifaceted and included a mix of psychotherapy, relaxation, group support, and education. The included trials were conducted in the USA (12 trials), Canada (one trial), Switzerland (one trial), Uganda (one trial), and South Africa (one trial), and published between 1996 and 2016. Ten trials recruited men and women, four trials recruited homosexual men, and two trials recruited women only. Interventions were conducted with groups of four to 15 people, for 90 to 135 minutes, every week for up to 12 weeks. All interventions were conducted face-to-face except two, which were delivered by telephone. All were delivered by graduate or postgraduate trained health, psychology, or social care professionals except one that used a lay community health worker and two that used trained mindfulness practitioners.Group-based psychosocial interventions based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may have a small effect on measures of depression, and this effect may last for up to 15 months after participation in the group sessions (SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.10; 1139 participants, 10 trials, low certainty evidence). Most trials used the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which has a maximum score of 63, and the mean score in the intervention groups was around 1.4 points lower at the end of follow-up. This small benefit was consistent across five trials where participants had a mean depression score in the normal range at baseline, but trials where the mean score was in the depression range at baseline effects were less consistent. Fewer trials reported measures of anxiety, where there may be little or no effect (four trials, 471 participants, low certainty evidence), stress, where there may be little or no effect (five trials, 507 participants, low certainty evidence), and coping (five trials, 697 participants, low certainty evidence).Group-based interventions based on mindfulness have not demonstrated effects on measures of depression (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.49 to 0.03; 233 participants, 2 trials, very low certainty evidence), anxiety (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -0.47 to 0.15; 62 participants, 2 trials, very low certainty evidence), or stress (MD -2.02, 95% CI -4.23 to 0.19; 137 participants, 2 trials, very low certainty evidence). No mindfulness based interventions included in the studies had any valid measurements of coping. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Group-based psychosocial interventions may have a small effect on measures of depression, but the clinical importance of this is unclear. More high quality evidence is needed to assess whether group psychosocial intervention improve psychological well-being in HIV positive adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid van der Heijden
- Medical Research CouncilGender and Health UnitFrancie van Zijl DriveTygerbergWestern CapeSouth Africa7505
| | - Naeemah Abrahams
- Medical Research CouncilGender and Health UnitFrancie van Zijl DriveTygerbergWestern CapeSouth Africa7505
| | - David Sinclair
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineDepartment of Clinical SciencesPembroke PlaceLiverpoolUKL3 5QA
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Karita E, Nsanzimana S, Ndagije F, Wall KM, Mukamuyango J, Mugwaneza P, Remera E, Raghunathan PL, Bayingana R, Kayitenkore K, Bekan-Homawoo B, Tichacek A, Allen S. Implementation and Operational Research: Evolution of Couples' Voluntary Counseling and Testing for HIV in Rwanda: From Research to Public Health Practice. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 73:e51-e58. [PMID: 27741033 PMCID: PMC5367509 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Couples' voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) is a WHO-recommended intervention for prevention of heterosexual HIV transmission which very few African couples have received. We report the successful nationwide implementation of CVCT in Rwanda. METHODS From 1988 to 1994 in Rwanda, pregnant and postpartum women were tested for HIV and requested testing for their husbands. Partner testing was associated with more condom use and lower HIV and sexually transmitted infection rates, particularly among HIV-discordant couples. After the 1994 genocide, the research team continued to refine CVCT procedures in Zambia. These were reintroduced to Rwanda in 2001 and continually tested and improved. In 2003, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) established targets for partner testing among pregnant women, with the proportion rising from 16% in 2003 to 84% in 2008 as the prevention of mother-to-child transmission program expanded to >400 clinics. In 2009, the GoR adopted joint posttest counseling procedures, and in 2010 a quarterly follow-up program for discordant couples was established in government clinics with training and technical assistance. An estimated 80%-90% of Rwandan couples have now been jointly counseled and tested resulting in prevention of >70% of new HIV infections. CONCLUSIONS Rwanda is the first African country to have established CVCT as standard of care in antenatal care. More than 20 countries have sent providers to Rwanda for CVCT training. To duplicate Rwanda's success, training and technical assistance must be part of a coordinated effort to set national targets, timelines, indicators, and budgets. Governments, bilateral, and multilateral funding agencies must jointly prioritize CVCT for prevention of new HIV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Karita
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Felix Ndagije
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Kristin M. Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jeannine Mukamuyango
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Eric Remera
- Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Pratima L. Raghunathan
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA; and
| | - Roger Bayingana
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kayitesi Kayitenkore
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Brigitte Bekan-Homawoo
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Susan Allen
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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10
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Zajac K, Kennedy CE, Fonner VA, Armstrong KS, O'Reilly KR, Sweat MD. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Behavioral Counseling on Sexual Risk Behaviors and HIV/STI Prevalence in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:1178-202. [PMID: 25213302 PMCID: PMC4362916 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0893-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of behavioral counseling interventions in reducing sexual risk behaviors and HIV/STI prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. A systematic review of papers published between 1990 and 2011 was conducted, identifying studies that utilized either a multi-arm or pre-post design and presented post-intervention data. Standardized methods of searching and data abstraction were used, and 30 studies met inclusion criteria. Results are summarized by intervention groups: (a) people living with HIV; (b) people who use drugs and alcohol; (c) serodiscordant couples; (d) key populations for HIV prevention; and (e) people at low to moderate HIV risk. Evidence for the effectiveness of behavioral counseling was mixed, with more rigorously designed studies often showing modest or no effects. Recommendations about the use of behavioral counseling in developing countries are made based on study results and in light of the field's movement towards combination prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyn Zajac
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA,
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11
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Medley A, Bachanas P, Grillo M, Hasen N, Amanyeiwe U. Integrating prevention interventions for people living with HIV into care and treatment programs: a systematic review of the evidence. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 68 Suppl 3:S286-96. [PMID: 25768868 PMCID: PMC4666299 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review assesses the impact of prevention interventions for people living with HIV on HIV-related mortality, morbidity, retention in care, quality of life, and prevention of ongoing HIV transmission in resource-limited settings (RLSs). METHODS We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting the results of prevention interventions for people living with HIV in RLS published between January 2000 and August 2014. Standardized methods of searching and data abstraction were used. RESULTS Ninety-two studies met the eligibility criteria: 24 articles related to adherence counseling and support, 13 on risk reduction education and condom provision, 19 on partner HIV testing and counseling, 14 on provision of family planning services, and 22 on assessment and treatment of other sexually transmitted infections. Findings indicate good evidence that adherence counseling and sexually transmitted infection treatment can have a high impact on morbidity, whereas risk reduction education, partner HIV testing and counseling, and family planning counseling can prevent transmission of HIV. More limited evidence was found to support the impact of these interventions on retention in care and quality of life. Most studies did not report cost information, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of these interventions. CONCLUSIONS This evidence suggests that these prevention interventions, if brought to sufficient scale and coverage, can help support and optimize the impact of core treatment and prevention interventions in RLS. Further operational research with more rigorous study designs, and ideally with biomarkers and costing information, is needed to determine the best model for providing these interventions in RLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Medley
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, GA
| | - Pamela Bachanas
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, GA
| | - Michael Grillo
- Naval Health Research Center, Department of Defense, HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, San Diego, CA
| | - Nina Hasen
- U.S. Department of State, Office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Washington, DC
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12
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Closson EF, Mimiaga MJ, Sherman SG, Tangmunkongvorakul A, Friedman RK, Limbada M, Moore AT, Srithanaviboonchai K, Alves CA, Roberts S, Oldenburg CE, Elharrar V, Mayer KH, Safren SA. Intimacy versus isolation: a qualitative study of sexual practices among sexually active HIV-infected patients in HIV care in Brazil, Thailand, and Zambia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120957. [PMID: 25793283 PMCID: PMC4368566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of global treatment as prevention (TasP) efforts for individuals living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is dependent on successful implementation, and therefore the appropriate contribution of social and behavioral science to these efforts. Understanding the psychosocial context of condomless sex among PLWHA could shed light on effective points of intervention. HPTN 063 was an observational mixed-methods study of sexually active, in-care PLWHA in Thailand, Zambia, and Brazil as a foundation for integrating secondary HIV prevention into HIV treatment. From 2010–2012, 80 qualitative interviews were conducted with PLWHA receiving HIV care and reported recent sexual risk. Thirty men who have sex with women (MSW) and 30 women who have sex with men (WSM) participated in equal numbers across the sites. Thailand and Brazil also enrolled 20 biologically-born men who have sex with men (MSM). Part of the interview focused on the impact of HIV on sexual practices and relationships. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated into English and examined using qualitative descriptive analysis. The mean age was 25 (SD = 3.2). There were numerous similarities in experiences and attitudes between MSM, MSW and WSM across the three settings. Participants had a high degree of HIV transmission risk awareness and practiced some protective sexual behaviors such as reduced sexual activity, increased use of condoms, and external ejaculation. Themes related to risk behavior can be categorized according to struggles for intimacy and fears of isolation, including: fear of infecting a sex partner, guilt about sex, sexual communication difficulty, HIV-stigma, and worry about sexual partnerships. Emphasizing sexual health, intimacy and protective practices as components of nonjudgmental sex-positive secondary HIV prevention interventions is recommended. For in-care PLWHA, this approach has the potential to support TasP. The overlap of themes across groups and countries indicates that similar intervention content may be effective for a range of settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth F. Closson
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Susan G. Sherman
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Ruth K. Friedman
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clinica Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mohammed Limbada
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ayana T. Moore
- FHI360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Carla A. Alves
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clinica Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sarah Roberts
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Catherine E. Oldenburg
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Vanessa Elharrar
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Steven A. Safren
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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13
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Jiwatram-Negrón T, El-Bassel N. Systematic review of couple-based HIV intervention and prevention studies: advantages, gaps, and future directions. AIDS Behav 2014; 18:1864-87. [PMID: 24980246 PMCID: PMC4507500 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0827-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of couple-based HIV biobehavioral (skills-building, VCT, and adherence) and biomedical (ART, circumcision) prevention and intervention studies designed to reduce sexual- and drug-risk behaviors and HIV transmission and acquisition. Of the 11,162 papers identified in the search, 93 peer-reviewed papers met the inclusion criteria and yielded a total of 33 studies conducted globally. Biobehavioral couple-based prevention and intervention studies have been efficacious in reducing sexual- and drug-risk behaviors, increasing access to HIV testing and care, and improving adherence. Biomedical couple-based studies were found to reduce HIV incidence among HIV-negative sex partners and viral load among HIV-positive partners. Despite much progress, couple-based HIV prevention and intervention studies remain limited; a number of methodological gaps exist and studies focusing on MSM, people who inject drugs, and sex workers are scarce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Jiwatram-Negrón
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, Room 825, New York City, NY, 10027, USA,
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14
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Abstract
The scale-up of HIV treatment programs in sub-Saharan Africa necessitates creative solutions that do not further burden the health system to meet global initiatives in prevention and care. This study assessed the work environment and impact of providing a behavioral risk reduction intervention in six community health centers (CHCs) in Lusaka, Zambia; opportunities and challenges to long-term program sustainability were identified. CHC staff participants (n = 82) were assessed on perceived clinic burden, job satisfaction, and burnout before and after implementation of the intervention. High levels of clinic burden were identified; however, no increase in perceived clinic burden or staff burnout was associated with providing the intervention. The intervention was sustained at the majority of CHCs and also adopted at additional clinics. Behavioral interventions can be successfully implemented and maintained in resource-poor settings. Creative strategies to overcome structural and economic challenges should be applied to enhance translation research.
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15
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Chitalu N, Mumbi M, Cook R, Weiss SM, Jones D. The Impact of Key HIV Intervention Components as Predictors of Sexual Barrier Use: The Zambia Partner Project. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2014; 15:51-8. [PMID: 24482105 DOI: 10.1177/2325957414520980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral interventions have utilized a variety of strategies and components to reduce HIV risk. This article describes the partner intervention, a couple-based group HIV risk reduction intervention implemented in 6 urban community health clinics in Lusaka, Zambia, and examines the components of the intervention and their relationship with condom use. Couple members completed assessments on condom use, acceptability, willingness to use condoms, communication, intimate partner violence (IPV), self-efficacy, and HIV information at baseline and 6 months' follow-up. This study examined the relative impact of elements of the intervention as predictors of condom use. Changes in acceptability had the greatest overall influence on condom use, followed by social support, relationship consensus, and willingness to use condoms. Changes in self-efficacy, IPV, negotiation, and information had no influence. Results support the use of multidimensional approaches in behavioral interventions and highlight the importance of identifying critical elements of interventions to maximize risk reduction outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndashi Chitalu
- Department of Pediatrics, University Teaching Hospital, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mirriam Mumbi
- Department of Pediatrics, University Teaching Hospital, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ryan Cook
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stephen M Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Deborah Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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16
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Villar-Loubet OM, Cook R, Chakhtoura N, Peltzer K, Weiss SM, Shikwane ME, Jones DL. HIV knowledge and sexual risk behavior among pregnant couples in South Africa: the PartnerPlus project. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:479-87. [PMID: 23161209 PMCID: PMC4724214 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-012-0360-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, 60 % of people living with HIV are women and most are of childbearing age. Alarmingly, seroconversion rates during pregnancy are high and increase as pregnancy progresses, highlighting the importance of increasing HIV-knowledge among pregnant women and their partners. This study compared sexual risk behavior, HIV knowledge and condom use pre- to post-partum among South African couples (n = 239 couples) randomly assigned to an intervention or an enhanced standard of care with the PMTCT protocol at rural community health antenatal clinics. Consistent condom use and HIV-related knowledge increased baseline to post-intervention and was maintained at long term follow up post-partum among participants in the intervention condition. HIV knowledge mediated the relationship between the intervention and consistent condom use. Results from this pilot study provide support for the integration of HIV risk reduction interventions for both women and men into existing PMTCT services during and following pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M Villar-Loubet
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA.
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17
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Predictors of late presentation for HIV diagnosis: a literature review and suggested way forward. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:5-30. [PMID: 22218723 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-011-0097-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Early commencement of antiretroviral treatment can be beneficial and economical in the long run. Despite global advances in access to care, a significant proportion of adults presenting at HIV/AIDS care facilities present with advanced HIV disease. Understanding factors associated with late presentation for HIV/AIDS services is critical to the development of effective programs and treatment strategies. Literature on factors associated with late presentation for an HIV diagnosis is reviewed. Highlighted is the current emphasis on socio-demographic factors, the limited exploration of psychosocial correlates, and inconsistencies in the definition of late presentation that make it difficult to compare findings across different studies. Perspectives based on experiences from resource limited settings are underreported. Greater exploration of psychosocial predictors of late HIV diagnosis is advocated for, to guide future intervention research and to inform public policy and practice targeted at 'difficult to reach' populations.
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18
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HIV incidence rates and risk factors for urban women in Zambia: preparing for a microbicide clinical trial. Sex Transm Dis 2012; 36:129-33. [PMID: 19174729 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e318190191d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A preparedness study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of sites and populations following the same study procedures intended for a larger scale microbicide efficacy trial. In the process the study evaluated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence, prevalence, and risk profiles for HIV-acquisition among young women in urban Zambia. METHODS Women aged 16 to 49 years were screened for participation in the study that involved HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing and the assessment of sexual behavioral characteristics. Two hundred thirty-nine eligible women were enrolled and followed up for 12 months. RESULTS Baseline HIV prevalence at screening was 38.7% (95% CI: 34.2%-43.3%). The highest age-specific prevalence of HIV was 54.1% (95% CI: 46.3%-61.8%) seen in women aged 26 to 34 years. HIV incidence was 2.6% per 100 woman years. Pregnancy rates were high at 17.4 per 100 woman years (95% CI: 12.2-24.1). CONCLUSION It was concluded that our general population sample, characterized by high HIV prevalence and ongoing incidence rates despite receiving regular risk reduction counseling and free condoms qualifies for future microbicide studies.A microbicide preparedness study conducted in Lusaka, Zambia found high HIV prevalence and appreciable HIV incidence in a population of women in an urban setting.
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19
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Papas RK, Sidle JE, Gakinya BN, Baliddawa JB, Martino S, Mwaniki MM, Songole R, Omolo OE, Kamanda AM, Ayuku DO, Ojwang C, Owino-Ong'or WD, Harrington M, Bryant KJ, Carroll KM, Justice AC, Hogan JW, Maisto SA. Treatment outcomes of a stage 1 cognitive-behavioral trial to reduce alcohol use among human immunodeficiency virus-infected out-patients in western Kenya. Addiction 2011; 106:2156-66. [PMID: 21631622 PMCID: PMC3208780 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03518.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Dual epidemics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and alcohol use disorders, and a dearth of professional resources for behavioral treatment in sub-Saharan Africa, suggest the need for development of culturally relevant and feasible interventions. The purpose of this study was to test the preliminary efficacy of a culturally adapted six-session gender-stratified group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by paraprofessionals to reduce alcohol use among HIV-infected out-patients in Eldoret, Kenya. DESIGN Randomized clinical trial comparing CBT against a usual care assessment-only control. SETTING A large HIV out-patient clinic in Eldoret, Kenya, part of the Academic Model for Providing Access to Healthcare collaboration. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-five HIV-infected out-patients who were antiretroviral (ARV)-initiated or ARV-eligible and who reported hazardous or binge drinking. MEASUREMENTS Percentage of drinking days (PDD) and mean drinks per drinking days (DDD) measured continuously using the Time line Follow back method. FINDINGS There were 299 ineligible and 102 eligible out-patients with 12 refusals. Effect sizes of the change in alcohol use since baseline between the two conditions at the 30-day follow-up were large [d=0.95, P=0.0002, mean difference=24.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.43, 37.43 PDD; d=0.76, P=0.002, mean difference=2.88, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.70 DDD]. Randomized participants attended 93% of the six CBT sessions offered. Reported alcohol abstinence at the 90-day follow-up was 69% (CBT) and 38% (usual care). Paraprofessional counselors achieved independent ratings of adherence and competence equivalent to college-educated therapists in the United States. Treatment effect sizes were comparable to alcohol intervention studies conducted in the United States. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be adapted successfully to group paraprofessional delivery in Kenya and may be effective in reducing alcohol use among HIV-infected Kenyan out-patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Papas
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Providence, RI 02906,USA.
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20
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What works to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of women living with HIV/AIDS. J Int AIDS Soc 2011; 14:56. [PMID: 22098625 PMCID: PMC3248834 DOI: 10.1186/1758-2652-14-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is critical to include a sexual and reproductive health lens in HIV programming as most HIV transmission occurs through sexual intercourse. As global attention is focusing on the sexual and reproductive health needs of women living with HIV, identifying which interventions work becomes vitally important. What evidence exists to support sexual and reproductive health programming related to HIV programmes? This article reviews the evidence of what works to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of women living with HIV in developing countries and includes 35 studies and evaluations of eight general interventions using various methods of implementation science from 15 countries. Data are primarily from 2000-2009. Searches to identify effective evaluations used SCOPUS, Popline, Medline, websites and consultations with experts. Evidence was ranked using the Gray Scale. A range of successful and promising interventions to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women living with HIV include: providing contraceptives and family planning counselling as part of HIV services; ensuring early postpartum visits providing family planning and HIV information and services; providing youth-friendly services; supporting information and skills building; supporting disclosure; providing cervical cancer screening; and promoting condom use for dual protection against pregnancy and HIV. Provision of antiretrovirals can also increase protective behaviours, including condom use. While many gaps in programming and research remain, much can be done now to operationalize evidence-based effective interventions to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of women living with HIV.
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21
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Wu E, El-Bassel N, McVinney LD, Hess L, Remien RH, Charania M, Mansergh G. Feasibility and promise of a couple-based HIV/STI preventive intervention for methamphetamine-using, black men who have sex with men. AIDS Behav 2011; 15:1745-54. [PMID: 21766193 PMCID: PMC6292195 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-011-9997-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports couple-based approaches for HIV/STI preventive interventions. Yet, to date, no studies have examined couple-based sexual risk reductions intervention specifically for men who have sex with men (MSM) from populations with elevated rates of HIV/STI transmission, such as black MSM and methamphetamine-involved MSM. We pilot tested-using a pre-/post-test design-a seven-session couple-based intervention for black, methamphetamine-using, black MSM couples engaging in sexual risk. Feasibility was assessed via recruitment and retention rates; potential efficacy relied on self-reported sexual risk and drug use prior to and two months following intervention delivery. We enrolled 34 couples (N = 68 men). Over 80% attended all seven intervention sessions, and retention exceeded 95% at two-month follow-up. At follow-up, participants reported significantly fewer sexual partners, fewer episodes of unprotected anal sex, and greater condom use with their main partner; participants also reported significantly less methamphetamine use, any illicit drug use, and number of illicit drugs used. These findings indicate that couple-based HIV/STI intervention is feasible and promising for at-risk black MSM couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elwin Wu
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA.
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22
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Peltzer K, Jones D, Weiss SM, Shikwane E. Promoting male involvement to improve PMTCT uptake and reduce antenatal HIV infection: a cluster randomized controlled trial protocol. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:778. [PMID: 21985332 PMCID: PMC3196716 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [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: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the availability of a dual therapy treatment protocol and infant feeding guidelines designed to prevent mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, of the over 1 million babies born in South Africa each year, only 70% of those born to HIV positive mothers receive dual therapy. Similar to other resource-poor nations facing the integration of PMTCT into routine pregnancy and infant care, efforts in South Africa to scale up PMTCT and reduce transmission to < 5% have fallen far short of the United Nation's goal of 50% reductions in paediatric HIV by 80% coverage of mothers. METHODS/DESIGN This study proposes to evaluate the impact of combining two evidence-based interventions: a couple's risk reduction intervention with an evidence based medication adherence intervention to enhance male participation in combination with improving medication and PMTCT adherence in antenatal clinics to increase PMTCT overall reach and effectiveness. The study will use a group-randomized design, recruiting 240 couples from 12 clinics. Clinics will be randomly assigned to experimental and control conditions and effectiveness of the combined intervention to enhance PMTCT as well as reduce antenatal seroconversion by both individuals and clinics will be examined. DISCUSSION Shared intervention elements may decrease sexual risk and enhance PMTCT uptake, e.g., increased male participation, enhanced communication, HIV counselling and testing, adherence, serostatus disclosure, suggest that a combined sexual risk reduction and adherence intervention plus PMTCT can increase male participation, increase couples' communication and encourage adherence to the PMTCT process. The findings will impact public health and will enable the health ministry to formulate policy related to male involvement in PMTCT, which will result in PMTCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION PACTR201109000318329.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Peltzer
- HIV/AIDS/STI and TB (HAST) Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontain, South Africa
| | - Deborah Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Stephen M Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Elisa Shikwane
- HIV/AIDS/STI and TB (HAST) Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
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Carvalho FT, Gonçalves TR, Faria ER, Shoveller JA, Piccinini CA, Ramos MC, Medeiros LR. Behavioral interventions to promote condom use among women living with HIV. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011:CD007844. [PMID: 21901711 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007844.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High rates of HIV infection among women of reproductive age have dramatic consequences for personal and public health. Prophylaxis during sexual intercourse in the form of condoms has been the most effective way to prevent both STI and HIV transmission among people living with HIV. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in promoting condom use among women living with HIV. SEARCH STRATEGY We conducted a comprehensive literature search in several scientific databases, clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and conference websites to identify studies produced between 1980 and May 2010 that met our selection criteria. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies were included in the analysis if they conducted a randomized controlled trial that examined the effects of behavioral interventions on condom use among HIV-positive women; considered at least one HIV-related behavioral outcome (e.g., reported protected anal, vaginal, or oral sex) or biological outcome (e.g., acquisition of STIs); and one follow-up assessment three months or more after the intervention. Studies were assessed irregardless of langauge or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used random effects models to summarize odds ratios (ORs) that compared intervention and control groups with respect to a dichotomous outcome (consistent versus inconsistent condom use). We used funnel plots to examine publication bias and a χ(2) statistic to test for heterogeneity. The methodological and evidence quality was evaluated through risk of bias criteria and the GRADE system, respectively. MAIN RESULTS Five primary studies that collectively researched a total of 725 women living with HIV were analysed. When compared to standard care or minimal HIV support intervention, meta-analysis showed that behavioral interventions had no effect on increasing condom use among HIV-positive women. This finding was consistent at various follow-up meetings (3, 6, and 12-months) as well as over the entire 12-month follow-up period (OR= 0.82; 95% CI 0.65-1.04; p=0.11). Only one study presented adequate data to analyze the relationship between behavioral interventions and STI incidence. Studies included in this analysis demonstrated low risk of bias based on the risk of bias criteria. However, sample size was considered inadequate across all studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Meta-analysis shows that behavioral interventions have little effect on increasing condom use among HIV-positive women. However, these findings should be used with caution since results were based on a few small trials that were targeted specifically towards HIV-positive women. To decrease sexual transmission of HIV among this population, we recommend interventions that combine condom promotion, family planning provision and counselling, and efforts to reduce viral loads among HIV-positive women and their partners (e.g., HAART treatment provision). New research is needed to address the needs of HIV-positive women, including an assessment of the impact of interventions that combine safer sexual behavior and harm reduction approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda T Carvalho
- Centro de Estudos de Aids / DST do Rio Grande do Sul (CEARGS), Rua Demétrio Ribeiro, 55/04, Centro, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, CEP 90.010-312
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Montgomery ET, van der Straten A, Chidanyika A, Chipato T, Jaffar S, Padian N. The importance of male partner involvement for women's acceptability and adherence to female-initiated HIV prevention methods in Zimbabwe. AIDS Behav 2011; 15:959-69. [PMID: 20844946 PMCID: PMC3111667 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-010-9806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Enlisting male partner involvement is perceived as an important component of women's successful uptake of female-initiated HIV prevention methods. We conducted a longitudinal study among a cohort of 955 Zimbabwean women participating in a clinical trial of the effectiveness of a female-initiated HIV prevention method (the diaphragm and lubricant gel) to: (a) describe the extent to which women involved their male partners in the decision to use the study products, and (b) measure the effect perceived male partner support had on their acceptability and consistent use of these methods. Reported levels of male partner involvement in discussions and decisions regarding: joining the study, study activities, the outcome of HIV/STI test results, and product use were very high. In multivariate analyses, regular disclosure of study product use and partner approval for the diaphragm and gel were significantly associated with women's acceptability and consistent use of the products; an essential component for determining efficacy of investigational prevention methods. These results support the need for more sophisticated measurement of how couples interact to make decisions that impact study participation and investigational product use as well as more rigorous adaptations and evaluations of existing strategies to involve male partners in female-initiated HIV prevention trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Montgomery
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Francisco Project Office, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Weiss SM, Jones DL, Lopez M, Villar-Loubet O, Chitalu N. The many faces of translational research: a tale of two studies. Transl Behav Med 2011; 1:327-330. [PMID: 21765882 PMCID: PMC3135386 DOI: 10.1007/s13142-011-0044-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational research can take many forms: bench to bedside, across cultural groups, across geographical boundaries, among others. This case study will share how we addressed all three "translational" issues using two evidence-based studies (USA, Zambia) to illustrate these "roads less traveled." Our implementation and dissemination efforts were anchored by the "train the trainer" strategy, and the Glasgow RE-AIM model provided programmatic guideposts and direction. Keeping all stakeholders (scientific, community, political) involved in the implementation and dissemination process was an essential, perhaps determining factor in the success of the translation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Weiss
- />Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1400 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Deborah L Jones
- />Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1400 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Maria Lopez
- />Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1400 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Olga Villar-Loubet
- />Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1400 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Ndashi Chitalu
- />University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
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Villar-Loubet O, Jones D, Waldrop-Valverde D, Bruscantini L, Weiss S. Sexual barrier acceptability among multiethnic HIV-positive and at-risk women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2011; 20:365-73. [PMID: 21526524 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2009.1822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual behavior interventions have been found to reduce sexual risk among HIV-seropositive and high-risk HIV-seronegative women. METHODS This study examined the influence of ethnicity and HIV serostatus on sexual barrier acceptability and use at short-term and long-term follow-up among African American and Hispanic (n=457) women participating in a gender and culturally tailored sexual risk reduction intervention. We hypothesized that sexual barrier acceptability and use would differ between ethnic groups but that this difference would dissipate after intervention participation. We further postulated that HIV-seropositive women would report greater acceptability and use of sexual barriers than seronegative women at baseline and that after participation in the intervention, acceptability and use would increase for both serostatus groups. RESULTS We enrolled 317 African American and 140 Hispanic women, 273 (60%) seropositive and 184 (40%)seronegative. Ethnic differences in the frequency of male and female condom use existed at baseline but were not found at 12-month follow-up. Male condom acceptability was higher among African American women than Hispanic women at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Seropositive women reported higher levels of consistent male condom use, but both ethnic and serostatus groups reported high levels (positive, 40%; negative, 52%) of inconsistent condom use. Most women had little experience with female condoms or lubricating gels and suppositories at baseline. No differences between ethnicities were identified in lubricant use. CONCLUSIONS Results support the use of a culturally tailored intervention among these populations to increase sexual barrier use and reduce sexual risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Villar-Loubet
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1400 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
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Papas RK, Sidle JE, Martino S, Baliddawa JB, Songole R, Omolo OE, Gakinya BN, Mwaniki MM, Adina JO, Nafula T, Owino-Ong'or WD, Bryant KJ, Carroll KM, Goulet JL, Justice AC, Maisto SA. Systematic cultural adaptation of cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce alcohol use among HIV-infected outpatients in western Kenya. AIDS Behav 2010; 14:669-78. [PMID: 19967441 PMCID: PMC2949418 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-009-9647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Two-thirds of those with HIV worldwide live in sub-Saharan Africa. Alcohol use is associated with the HIV epidemic through risky sex and suboptimal ARV adherence. In western Kenya, hazardous drinking was reported by HIV (53%) and general medicine (68%) outpatients. Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) has demonstrated strong efficacy to reduce alcohol use. This article reports on a systematic cultural adaptation and pilot feasibility study of group paraprofessional-delivered CBT to reduce alcohol use among HIV-infected outpatients in Eldoret, Kenya. Following adaptation and counselor training, five pilot groups were run (n = 27). Overall attendance was 77%. Percent days abstinent from alcohol (PDA) before session 1 was 52-100% (women) and 21-36% (men), and by session 6 was 96-100% (women) and 89-100% (men). PDA effect sizes (Cohen's d) between first and last CBT session were 2.32 (women) and 2.64 (men). Participants reported treatment satisfaction. Results indicate feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy for CBT in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Papas
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Couples-focused behavioral interventions for prevention of HIV: systematic review of the state of evidence. AIDS Behav 2010; 14:1-10. [PMID: 18843530 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-008-9471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
HIV is frequently transmitted in the context of partners in a committed relationship, thus couples-focused HIV prevention interventions are a potentially promising modality for reducing infection. We conducted a systematic review of studies testing whether couples-focused behavioral prevention interventions reduce HIV transmission and risk behavior. We included studies using randomized controlled trial designs, quasi-randomized controlled trials, and nonrandomized controlled studies. We searched five electronic databases and screened 7,628 records. Six studies enrolling 1,084 index couples met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Results across studies consistently indicated that couples-focused programs reduced unprotected sexual intercourse and increased condom use compared with control groups. However, studies were heterogeneous in population, type of intervention, comparison groups, and outcomes measures, and so meta-analysis to calculate pooled effects was inappropriate. Although couples-focused approaches to HIV prevention appear initially promising, additional research is necessary to build a stronger theoretical and methodological basis for couples-focused HIV prevention, and future interventions must pay closer attention to same-sex couples, adolescents, and young people in relationships.
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Jones DJ, Chitalu N, Ndubani P, Mumbi M, Weiss SM, Villar-Loubet O, Vamos S, Waldrop-Valverde D. Sexual risk reduction among Zambian couples. SAHARA J 2009; 6:69-75. [PMID: 19936408 PMCID: PMC3731986 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2009.9724932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Zambia has over 1 million HIV infections nationwide and an urban prevalence rate of 23%. This study compared the impact of male involvement in multiple and single session risk reduction interventions among inconsistent condom users in Zambia and the role of serostatus among HIV-seropositive and serodiscordant couples. Couples (N=392) were randomised into intervention arms. Among inconsistent condom users at baseline (N=83), condom use increased in both conditions and this increase was maintained over a 12- month period. At 12 months, seronegative men in the multiple session condition increased sexual barrier (male and female condoms) use in comparison with those in the single session condition (F=16.13, =0.001) while seropositive individuals increased sexual barrier use regardless of condition. Results illustrate the importance of both single and multiple session risk reduction counseling among seronegative men in serodiscordant couples in Zambia, and highlight the differing perception of risk between seropositive and serodiscordant persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J Jones
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA.
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Jones DL, Weiss SM, Chitalu N, Mumbi M, Shine A, Vamos S, Villar O. Acceptability and use of sexual barrier products and lubricants among HIV-seropositive Zambian men. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2008; 22:1015-20. [PMID: 19072108 PMCID: PMC2929379 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2007.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the acceptability and preference for sexual barrier and lubricant products among men in Zambia following trial and long-term use. It also examined the role of men's preferences as facilitators or impediments to product use for HIV transmission reduction within the Zambian context. HIV-seropositive and -serodiscordant couples were recruited from HIV voluntary counseling and testing centers in Lusaka between 2003 and 2006; 66% of those approached agreed to participate. HIV seropositive male participants participated in a product exposure group intervention (n = 155). Participants were provided with male and female condoms and vaginal lubricants (Astroglide [BioFilm, Inc., Vista, CA] & KY gels [Johnson & Johnson, Langhorne, PA], Lubrin suppositories [Kendwood Therapuetics, Fairfield, NJ]) over three sessions; assessments were conducted at baseline, monthly over 6 months and at 12 months. At baseline, the majority of men reported no previous exposure to lubricant products or female condoms and high (79%) levels of consistent male condom use in the last 7 days. Female condom use increased during the intervention, and male condom use increased at 6 months and was maintained over 12 months. The basis for decisions regarding lubricant use following product exposure was most influenced by a preference for communicating with partners; participant preference for lubricant products was distributed between all three products. Results illustrate the importance of development of a variety of products for prevention of HIV transmission and of inclusion of male partners in interventions to increase sexual barrier product use to facilitate barrier acceptability and use in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
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Sexual behavior and reproductive health among HIV-infected patients in urban and rural South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2008; 47:484-93. [PMID: 18209685 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e3181648de8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the rollout of antiretroviral therapy in South Africa and its potential to prolong the lives of HIV-infected individuals, understanding the sexual behavior of HIV-positive people is essential to curbing secondary HIV transmission. METHODS We surveyed 3,819 HIV-positive patients during their first visit to an urban wellness clinic and a rural wellness clinic. RESULTS Urban residents were more likely than rural residents to have current regular sex partners (75.1% vs. 46.0%; chi2 odds ratio [OR] = 3.531; P < 0.001), to have any current sexual partners (75.3% vs. 51.2%; chi2 OR = 2.908; P < 0.001), and to report consistent condom use with regular partners (78.4% vs. 48.3%; chi2 OR = 3.886; P < 0.001) and with casual partners (68.6% vs. 48.3%; chi2 OR = 2.337; P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of consistent condom use with regular partners included across gender, urban residence, and higher education levels; for women, disclosure and younger age; and for men only, no history of alcohol consumption. Male and female participants with a casual sexual partner were less likely to use a condom consistently with regular partners. Additionally, urban residence and a CD4 count greater than 200 cells/mm as well as (for women only) a higher household income and a history of alcohol consumption were predictors of having a regular sexual partner. CONCLUSIONS HIV prevention programs in South Africa that emphasize the importance of condom use and disclosure and are tailored to the needs of their attending populations are critical given the potential for HIV-infected individuals to resume risky sexual behavior with improving health.
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Jones DL, Weiss SM, Chitalu N, Bwalya V, Villar O. Acceptability of microbicidal surrogates among Zambian women. Sex Transm Dis 2008; 35:147-53. [PMID: 18032997 PMCID: PMC2497436 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e3181574dbf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES AND GOAL This study assessed the acceptability after the use of vaginal lubricants as surrogates for microbicides among women in Zambia and the role of cultural factors as facilitators or impediments to their potential use for HIV risk reduction within the Zambian context. STUDY DESIGN HIV seronegative women (N = 301) recruited from the University Teaching Hospital HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center were randomized into group, individual, or enhanced usual care arms. Participants attended pre- and post-HIV test counseling, followed by a 3-session, 2-hour once-a-month intervention introducing them to vaginal lubricants (2 types of gels, suppositories) in addition to male and female condoms. Supplies were offered at months 4 and 5; assessments were at baseline, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS At baseline, the majority of women reported minimal previous exposure to vaginal products and low levels of condom use. Participants' use of products was influenced by product characteristics and perceived partner acceptability; the majority of participants preferred drier products and suppository delivery systems. The basis for decisions regarding vaginal product acceptability changed over time and followed product exposure, and was greatly influenced by perceptions of partner acceptability. CONCLUSION Results illustrate the influence of male partners on Zambian seronegative women's preferences for microbicidal products, and the change in preferred characteristics over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
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Jones DL, Weiss SM, Chitalu N, Villar O, Kumar M, Bwalya V, Mumbi M. Sexual Risk Intervention In Multiethnic Drug And Alcohol Users. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 3:169-176. [PMID: 18629378 DOI: 10.3844/ajidsp.2007.169.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 38.6 million persons globally are living with HIV, of whom over 1.1 million reside in Zambia. Of the 2 million cases in the US, 64% of new cases among women are among African Americans. Alcohol and drug use represents a significant risk factor for HIV transmission among both Zambians and African Americans. In addition, gender dynamics in both the US and Zambia promote transmission. This study examines two interventions targeting HIV risk behavior among HIV positive substance users, women in Miami, USA (the New Opportunities for Women (NOW) Project) and men in Lusaka, Zambia (the Partner Project). The study compares the efficacy of these two culturally tailored sexual behavior interventions provided in group and individual session formats. US and Zambian participants increased sexual barrier use and reduced substance-related sexual risk. Comparatively greater gains were made by higher risk Zambian males than US females in both group and individual conditions. Among lower risk participants, women in the group condition achieved and sustained the greatest comparative risk reductions. Results suggest that cost effective group HIV transmission risk reduction interventions for multiethnic individuals can be successfully implemented among both female and male drug and alcohol users in multinational settings.
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Kalichman SC, Simbayi LC, Kaufman M, Cain D, Jooste S. Alcohol use and sexual risks for HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review of empirical findings. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2007; 8:141-51. [PMID: 17265194 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-006-0061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 369] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2006] [Accepted: 11/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is associated with risks for sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV/AIDS. In this paper, we systematically review the literature on alcohol use and sexual risk behavior in southern Africa, the region of the world with the greatest HIV/AIDS burden. Studies show a consistent association between alcohol use and sexual risks for HIV infection. Among people who drink, greater quantities of alcohol consumption predict greater sexual risks than does frequency of drinking. In addition, there are clear gender differences in alcohol use and sexual risks; men are more likely to drink and engage in higher risk behavior whereas women's risks are often associated with their male sex partners' drinking. Factors that are most closely related to alcohol and sexual risks include drinking venues and alcohol serving establishments, sexual coercion, and poverty. Research conducted in southern Africa therefore confirms an association between alcohol use and sexual risks for HIV. Sexual risk reduction interventions are needed for men and women who drink and interventions should be targeted to alcohol serving establishments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth C Kalichman
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
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