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Lindman J, Djalo MA, Biai A, Månsson F, Golparian D, Esbjörnsson J, Jansson M, Medstrand P, Unemo M, Norrgren H. Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated risk factors among female sex workers in Guinea-Bissau. Sex Transm Infect 2024; 100:411-417. [PMID: 39137971 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-056015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of the curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis and Treponema pallidum, to identify associated risk factors and to assess ciprofloxacin resistance in N. gonorrhoeae-positive specimens among female sex workers (FSWs) in Guinea-Bissau. METHODS For this cross-sectional study, FSWs were recruited from October 2014 to May 2019. A questionnaire on STI risk factors was completed by the study participants, and the women were asked to provide a vaginal swab for nucleic acid amplification tests for C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium, T. vaginalis (Aptima, Hologica), as well as a blood sample for T. pallidum serological testing and discriminatory HIV-testing. The prevalence of STIs was determined, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify STI risk factors. RESULTS The study included 467 women. The prevalence of current infection with any curable STI was 46.7%, and the most common pathogen was T. vaginalis (26.3%), followed by M. genitalium (21.9%), C. trachomatis (11.8%), N. gonorrhoeae (10.1%) and T. pallidum (2.8%). The proportion of asymptomatic infections among the diagnosed STIs was 61.8%, 61.5%, 55.3%, 55.3% and 52.2% for C. trachomatis, T. pallidum, N. gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis and M. genitalium, respectively. The prevalence of the gyrA S91F mutation conferring ciprofloxacin resistance in N. gonorrhoeae-positive specimens was 84.0%. Significant risk factors for having a curable STI were age and HIV-1 infection, while use of female condoms was a protective factor. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the prevalence of curable STIs was high among FSWs in Guinea-Bissau during the study period, indicating an unmet need for STI services. Moreover, the results indicated that symptomatic treatment might be insufficient, highlighting a need for periodic aetiological testing to facilitate detection of asymptomatic as well as symptomatic STIs to stop ongoing transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Lindman
- The Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mamadu Aliu Djalo
- Environmental Action in the Third World (ENDA), Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Ansu Biai
- The National Public Health Laboratory, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Fredrik Månsson
- The Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Daniel Golparian
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhea and Other STIs, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Joakim Esbjörnsson
- The Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Marianne Jansson
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Patrik Medstrand
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhea and Other STIs, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hans Norrgren
- The Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Namusisi P, Yeh PT, Ssekubugu R, Chang LW, Lutalo T, Zimmerman L, Grabowski MK. The intersection between migration, HIV, and contraceptive use in Uganda: a cross-sectional population-based study. Reprod Health 2024; 21:65. [PMID: 38760855 PMCID: PMC11100193 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01796-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low use of modern methods of contraception has been linked to HIV seropositivity and to migration, but few studies have evaluated the intersection of both risk factors with contraceptive use. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional data from sexually active female participants aged 15 to 49 years in the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) between 2011 and 2013. The RCCS is an open population-based census and individual survey in south-central Uganda. Recent in-migrants (arrival within approximately 1.5 years) into RCCS communities were identified at time of household census. The primary outcome was unsatisfied demand for a modern contraceptive method (injectable, oral pill, implant, or condom), which was defined as non-use of a modern contraceptive method among female participants who did not want to become pregnant in the next 12 months. Poisson regression models with robust variance estimators were used to identify associations and interactions between recent migration and HIV serostatus on unsatisfied contraceptive demand. RESULTS There were 3,417 sexually active participants with no intention of becoming pregnant in the next year. The mean age was 30 (± 8) years, and 17.3% (n = 591) were living with HIV. Overall, 43.9% (n = 1,500) were not using any modern contraceptive method. Recent in-migrants were somewhat more likely to have unsatisfied contraceptive demand as compared to long-term residents (adjusted prevalence risk ratio [adjPRR] = 1.14; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.02-1.27), whereas participants living with HIV were less likely to have unsatisfied contraceptive demand relative to HIV-seronegative participants (adjPRR = 0.80; 95%CI = 0.70-0.90). When stratifying on migration and HIV serostatus, we observed the highest levels of unsatisfied contraceptive demand among in-migrants living with HIV (48.7%); however, in regression analyses, interaction terms between migration and HIV serostatus were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Unsatisfied contraceptive demand was high in this rural Ugandan setting. Being an in-migrant, particularly among those living with HIV, was associated with higher unsatisfied contraceptive demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prossy Namusisi
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Larry William Chang
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tom Lutalo
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - Linnea Zimmerman
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Kathryn Grabowski
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Namusisi P, Yeh PT, Ssekubugu R, Chang LW, Lutalo T, Zimmerman LA, Grabowski MK. The intersection between migration, HIV, and family planning in Uganda: a cross-sectional population-based study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.08.05.23293691. [PMID: 37609347 PMCID: PMC10441507 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.05.23293691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Low use of modern methods of contraception has been linked to HIV seropositivity and to migration, but few studies have evaluated the intersection of both risk factors with contraceptive use. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data from sexually active female participants aged 15 to 49 years in the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) between 2011 and 2013. The RCCS is an open population-based census and individual survey in south-central Uganda. Recent in-migrants (arrival within approximately 1.5 years) into RCCS communities were identified at time of household census. The primary outcome was unsatisfied demand for a modern contraceptive method (injectable, oral pill, implant, or condom), which was defined as non-use of a modern contraceptive method among female participants who did not want to become pregnant in the next 12 months. Poisson regression models with robust variance estimators were used to identify associations and interactions between recent migration and HIV serostatus on unsatisfied contraceptive demand. Results There were 3,417 sexually active participants with no intention of becoming pregnant in the next year. The mean age was 30 (±8) years, and 17.3% (n=591) were living with HIV. Overall, 43.9% (n=1,500) were not using any modern contraceptive method. Recent in-migrants were somewhat more likely to have unsatisfied contraceptive demand as compared to long-term residents (adjusted prevalence risk ratio [adjPRR]=1.14; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.02-1.27), whereas participants living with HIV were less likely to have unsatisfied contraceptive demand relative to HIV-seronegative participants (adjPRR=0.80; 95%CI=0.70-0.90). When stratifying on migration and HIV serostatus, we observed the highest levels of unsatisfied contraceptive demand among in-migrants living with HIV (48.7%); however, in regression analyses, interaction terms between migration and HIV serostatus were not statistically significant. Conclusions Unsatisfied contraceptive demand was high in this rural Ugandan setting. Being an in-migrant, particularly among those living with HIV, was associated with higher unsatisfied contraceptive demand.
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Agathis NT, Annor FB, Xu L, Swedo E, Chiang L, Coomer R, Hegle J, Patel P, Forster N, O’Malley G, Ensminger AL, Kamuingona R, Andjamba H, Nshimyimana B, Manyando M, Massetti GM. Strong Father-Child Relationships and Other Positive Childhood Experiences, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Sexual Risk Factors for HIV among Young Adults Aged 19-24 Years, Namibia, 2019: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6376. [PMID: 37510608 PMCID: PMC10378761 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Using cross-sectional data from the 2019 Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey and sex-stratified multivariable models, we assessed the associations between four different positive childhood experiences (PCEs) and having ≥3 adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including ≥3 ACE-PCE interaction terms, and seven sexual risk factors for HIV acquisition among young adults aged 19-24 years. One PCE, having a strong father-child relationship, was inversely associated with two risk factors among women (lifetime transactional sex (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7) and recent age-disparate sexual relationships (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.5)), and significantly interacted with having ≥3 ACEs for three risk factors among women (not knowing a partner's HIV status, infrequently using condoms, and ever having an STI) and one among men (having multiple sexual partners in the past year). The other PCEs were significantly associated with ≤1 HIV risk factor and had no significant interaction terms. Strong father-child relationships may reduce HIV acquisition risk and mitigate the effect of childhood adversity on HIV risk among young adults in Namibia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickolas T. Agathis
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Francis B. Annor
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Likang Xu
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Elizabeth Swedo
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Laura Chiang
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Rachel Coomer
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Private Bag, Windhoek 12029, Namibia
| | - Jennifer Hegle
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Pragna Patel
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Norbert Forster
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Gabrielle O’Malley
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alison L. Ensminger
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rahimisa Kamuingona
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Private Bag, Windhoek 13359, Namibia
| | - Helena Andjamba
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Private Bag, Windhoek 13359, Namibia
| | - Brigitte Nshimyimana
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Private Bag, Windhoek 13359, Namibia
| | - Molisa Manyando
- US Agency for International Development, Washington, DC 20004, USA
| | - Greta M. Massetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
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Abdella S, Demissie M, Worku A, Dheresa M, Berhane Y. HIV prevalence and associated factors among female sex workers in Ethiopia, east Africa: A cross-sectional study using a respondent-driven sampling technique. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 51:101540. [PMID: 35813094 PMCID: PMC9256839 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV acquisition among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) is 30 times higher than the acquisition rate among females in the respective general population. A higher HIV burden in FSWs challenges the prevention and control of the virus in other population groups. However, there is inadequate evidence on the burden of HIV among FSWs in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess the extent of HIV and associated factors among FSWs in the country. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study that involved a total of 6,085 FSWs. The participants were selected using a respondent-driven sampling technique (RDS). FSWs who lived at the study sites for at least a month before the study time were considered eligible for recruitment. The study was conducted from January 01 to June 30, 2020 in 16 cities across Ethiopia. A mixed-effect logistic regression model was applied to determine factors associated with HIV positivity. FINDINGS The pooled HIV prevalence among FSWs in this study was 18·7% (95% CI: 17·8, 19·7) with considerable variation across cities. The highest HIV prevalence was observed in Bahir Dar city, 28·2% (95% CI: 23·9, 33.0) and the lowest was seen in Shashemene city, 14.0% (95% CI: 10·2, 18·9). The odds of HIV positivity in FSWs was associated with being older than 35 years of age (AOR = 8·1; 95% CI: 6·1, 10·3), reactive for Treponema Pallidum (AOR = 2·6; 95% CI: 1·0, 3·4), being widowed (OR = 2·2; 95% CI: 1·6, 2·9), not able to read and write (OR = 2·0; 95% CI: 1·5, 2·4), incidence of condom breakage (OR = 1·5; 95% CI: 1·2, 1·7) and having a history of STIs (OR = 1·3; 95% CI: 1·1, 1·6). INTERPRETATION One in five FSWs was HIV positive. HIV prevalence was higher in the older age groups and in those who were positive for Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis). The findings indicated the importance of strengthening HIV prevention and control in FSWs to achieve the national goal to eliminate HIV by 2030. FUNDING The study was supported by The Ethiopian Ministry of Health through the Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saro Abdella
- HIV and TB Research directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Swaziland Street, Ethiopia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Meaza Demissie
- Department of Global Health and Health Policy, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Worku
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Sefere Selam Campus, Ethiopia
| | - Merga Dheresa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Cegolon L, Bortolotto M, Bellizzi S, Cegolon A, Bubbico L, Pichierri G, Mastrangelo G, Xodo C. A Survey on Knowledge, Prevention, and Occurrence of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Freshmen from Four Italian Universities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020897. [PMID: 35055720 PMCID: PMC8776027 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background. The peak of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among adolescents/young adults suggests a low level of prevention. In order to assess whether the level of sexual health education (SHE), received by several channels, was effective at improving sexual behaviors, we conducted a survey among freshmen from four Italian universities. Methods. This observational cross-sectional study was carried out with an anonymous self-reported paper questionnaire, administered during teaching lectures to university freshmen of the northern (Padua, Bergamo, and Milan campuses) and southern (Palermo campus) parts of the country. Knowledge of STI (a linear numerical score), knowledge of STI prevention (dichotomous variable: yes vs. no) and previous STI occurrence (polytomous variable: "no"; "don't know"; "yes") were the outcomes in the statistical analysis. Results. The final number of freshmen surveyed was 4552 (97.9% response rate). The mean age of respondents was 21.4 ± 2.2 years and most of them (70.3%) were females. A total of 60% of students were in a stable romantic relationship. Only 28% respondents knew the most effective methods to prevent STI (i.e., condom and sexual abstinence), with a slightly higher prevalence of correct answers among females (31.3%) than males (25.8%). Students with history of STIs were 5.1%; they reported referring mostly to their general practitioner (GP) (38.1%) rather than discussing the problem with their partner (13.1%). At multivariable analysis, a significantly higher level of STI knowledge was observed in older students (25+ years of age), biomedical students, and those from a non-nuclear family; lower levels were found among students of the University of Palermo, and those who completed a vocational secondary school education. Those who had less knowledge about the most effective tools to prevent STIs included males, students from the University of Palermo, students registered with educational sciences, economics/political sciences, those of foreign nationality, and those whose fathers had lower educational levels. The risk of contracting a STI was significantly lower only in students not in a stable relationship (relative risk ratio, RRR = 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI = 0.48; 0.94), whereas such risk was significantly higher in students with higher STI knowledge (RRR = 1.15; 95%CI = 1.08; 1.22). Discussion and Conclusions. University freshmen investigated in this study had poor knowledge of STIs and their prevention. Unexpectedly, those with higher levels of knowledge had an increased risk of STIs. There have been no educational interventions-with good quality and long-term follow-ups-that increased the confidence that such SHE programs could have population level effects. A new high-quality study is therefore recommended to assess the effectiveness of an intervention generating behavioral changes; increasing only STI knowledge may not be sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cegolon
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
- Public Health Department, University Health Agency Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), 34128 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | | | | | - Andrea Cegolon
- Department of Political, Social & International Relationships Sciences, University of Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy;
| | - Luciano Bubbico
- Department of Sensorineural Disabilities, INAPP/Italian Institute of Social Medicine, 00198 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Pichierri
- Microbiology Department, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7QB, UK;
| | - Giuseppe Mastrangelo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences & Public Health, Padua University, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Carla Xodo
- FISPPA Department, Padua University, 35137 Padua, Italy; (M.B.); (C.X.)
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Agathis NT, Annor FB, Coomer R, Hegle J, Patel P, Forster N, O'Malley G, Ensminger AL, Kamuingona R, Andjamba H, Manyando M, Massetti GM. HIV Prevention Program Eligibility Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women - Namibia, 2019. MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2021; 70:1570-1574. [PMID: 34758009 PMCID: PMC8580202 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7045a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) relies on comprehensive and reliable population data to implement interventions to reduce HIV transmission in high-incidence areas among populations disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. Adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa account for a disproportionate number of new HIV infections compared with their male peers (1). The DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) program includes multisectoral, layered interventions aimed at reducing factors that contribute to vulnerability to HIV infection among adolescent girls and young women in PEPFAR-supported sub-Saharan African countries (1). Namibia, a southern African country with a population of approximately 2.55 million among whom approximately 8% live with HIV infection, had their DREAMS program first implemented in 2017* (2,3). Data from the 2019 Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS), the most recent and comprehensive nationally representative data source available to study the epidemiology of violence and other HIV risk factors, were used to estimate the percentage of adolescent girls and young women aged 13-24 years who would be eligible for DREAMS program services. The prevalence of individual DREAMS eligibility criteria, which comprise known age-specific risk factors associated with HIV acquisition, were estimated by age group. Among all adolescent girls and young women in Namibia, 62% were eligible for DREAMS based on meeting at least one criterion. Common eligibility criteria included adverse childhood experiences, specifically exposure to physical, emotional, and sexual violence and being an orphan;† and high-risk behaviors, such as early alcohol use,§ recent heavy alcohol use,¶ and infrequent condom use.** Using VACS data to estimate the prevalence of HIV risk factors and identify adolescent girls and young women at elevated risk for HIV acquisition in countries like Namibia with high HIV-incidence can inform programs and policies aimed at improving the well-being of these adolescent girls and young women and help control the HIV epidemics in these countries.
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Wongsomboon V, Cox DJ. Sexual Arousal Discounting: Devaluing Condom-Protected Sex as a Function of Reduced Arousal. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2717-2728. [PMID: 33483850 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01907-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sexual discounting is a growing area of research aimed at identifying factors that reduce people's reported willingness to have safe sex. One commonly reported reason for condom non-use is that a condom reduces sexual arousal. However, researchers have yet to isolate the specific role of sexual arousal using a sexual discounting framework. We extended past research by measuring how sexual arousal reduced people's willingness to have condom-protected sex ("sexual arousal discounting": SAD). College students (n = 379; 67.5% females) selected partners they most wanted and least wanted to have sex with and were randomized to one of two groups. In one group, participants rated their willingness to have sex with a condom if their own arousal decreased (from 100 to 10%) from condom use. The other group completed the same task except their partner's arousal decreased from condom use instead of their own. We observed a three-way interaction between arousal levels, most versus least desirable partners, and self versus partner groups. Participants' willingness to have condom-protected sex systematically reduced as a function of sexual arousal. This was observed more with the most (vs. least) desirable partner and in the self-arousal (vs. partner-arousal) group but only when the partner was their least desirable. Men (vs. women) displayed more arousal discounting but only with the most desirable partner. Finally, higher arousal discounting was associated with lower safe-sex self-efficacy and higher reported frequency of unprotected sex in the past 3 months. This study demonstrates how reduced sexual arousal from condom use can be measured as a factor influencing sexual risk-taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Val Wongsomboon
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32603, USA.
| | - David J Cox
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Kenu E, Bandoh DA, Adu R, Akwa AO, Sam M, Lartey M. Sexual experiences of adolescents and young adults living with HIV attending a specialized clinic in Accra, Ghana. Ghana Med J 2021; 54:91-97. [PMID: 33536674 PMCID: PMC7837346 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v54i2s.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We assessed sexual experiences among adolescent and young adults living with HIV (AYALHIV) attending the adolescent HIV care clinic in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Design Cross-sectional study conducted in 2015. Setting HIV clinic at KBTH. Participants AYALHIV who attended the adolescent HIV care clinic. Interventions AYALHIV were interviewed with a structured questionnaire to obtain data on their socio-demographic characteristics and sexual experiences. The data was analyzed with STATA version 13. Main outcome measures sexual experiences of adolescents and young people living with HIV. Results Of 101 participants, 60.4% (61/101) were males. The mean age of respondents was (18±3.2) years with an average age at sexual debut (16.2±4.2) years. A third of the respondents (34/101) had had sex before and out of them 76.5% (26/34) were males. Seventeen percent (4/23) had multiple sexual partners and 38.1% (8/21) of sexually active use condom at last sexual intercourse. Eighty-six percent (87/101) of respondents knew their HIV status, 66.7% (58/87) of them were males. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between being male and knowledge of HIV positive status. Knowledge of a respondents' HIV positive status was found to be positively associated with ever using condom. Conclusion Sexual experience prevalence is high among AYALHIV. More males were sexually active, not using condom and had multiple sexual partners. Safer sexual practices such as consistent use of condoms, need to be intensified especially during counselling sessions. This could contribute to the reduction in prevalence of HIV among the adolescents in the country. Funding This work was funded by the authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Kenu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana.,Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Delia A Bandoh
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rita Adu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adwoa O Akwa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Miriam Sam
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Margaret Lartey
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
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Li M, Zu J, Shen M, Zhuang G, Chen S, Wang F, Zheng H, Zhang G. Evaluating the independent influence of sexual transmission on HBV infection in China: a modeling study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:388. [PMID: 33607996 PMCID: PMC7893752 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The long-term impact of sexual transmission on the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in China remains unclear. This study aims to estimate the independent influence of sexual transmission on HBV infection. Methods Based on the natural history of HBV infection and three national serosurvey data of hepatitis B in China, we developed an age- and sex-specific discrete model to describe the transmission dynamics of HBV. The initial conditions of the model were determined according to the age- and sex-specific national serosurvey data in 1992. Based on the national survey data of hepatitis B in 1992 and 2006, by using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, we estimated the age- and sex-specific seroclearance rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the horizontal transmission rates as well as their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Then we used the age- and sex-specific national serosurvey data of hepatitis B in 2014 to test the accuracy of our model-based estimation. Finally, we evaluated the independent impact of sexual transmission on HBV infection and discussed the long-term effect of promotion of condom use in China. Results We estimated that the annual rates of HBsAg seroclearance for males and females aged 1–59 years were respectively 1.04% (95% CI, 0.49–1.59%) and 1.92% (95% CI, 1.11–2.73%). Due to sexual transmission, in 2014, the total number of chronic HBV infections in people aged 0–100 years increased 292,581, of which males increased 189,200 and females increased 103,381. In 2006, the acute HBV infections due to sexual transmission accounted for 24.76% (male: 31.33%, female: 17.94%) and in 2014, which accounted for 34.59% (male: 42.93%, female: 25.73%). However, if the condom usage rate was increased by 10% annually starting in 2019, then compared with current practice, the total number of acute HBV infections from 2019 to 2035 would be reduced by 16.68% (male: 21.49%, female: 11.93%). The HBsAg prevalence in people aged 1–59 years in 2035 would be reduced to 2.01% (male: 2.40%, female: 1.58%). Conclusions Sexual transmission has become the predominant route of acute HBV infection in China, especially for men. The promotion of condom use plays a significant role in reducing the cases of acute HBV infection. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10408-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaolei Li
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zu
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China.
| | - Mingwang Shen
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P. R. China
| | - Guihua Zhuang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P. R. China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Simon Fraser University, V5A1S6, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fuzhen Wang
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China.
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Cowley G, Milne G, Teixeira da Silva E, Nakutum J, Rodrigues A, Vasileva H, Mabey D, Versteeg B, Last A. Prevalence of and risk factors for curable sexually transmitted infections on Bubaque Island, Guinea Bissau. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 97:51-55. [PMID: 32345631 PMCID: PMC7841470 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Complications from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can result in severe morbidity and mortality. To date, no STI population studies have been conducted on the Bijagos Islands, Guinea Bissau. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of and identify risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), Neisseria gonorrhoea (Ng), Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg), Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) and Treponema pallidum (Tp) on Bubaque, the most populated island. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the island of Bubaque among people aged 16-49 years. Participants were asked to answer a questionnaire on STI risk factors, to provide urine samples (men and women) and vaginal swabs (women) for PCR testing for Ct, Ng, Mg and Tv, and to provide dry blood spots for Tp particle agglutination assays. Data were analysed to estimate the prevalence of STIs and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors. RESULTS In total, 14.9% of participants were found to have a curable STI, with the highest prevalence being observed for Tv (5.9%) followed by Ct (3.8%), Ng (3.8%), Mg (1.9%) and Tp (0.8%). Significant risk factors for having any STI included being female, younger age and concurrent partnership. Having had a previous STI that was optimally treated was a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that there is a considerable burden of STI on the Bijagos Islands, stressing the need for diagnostic testing to facilitate early detection and treatment of these pathogens to stop ongoing transmission. Moreover, these results indicate the need to conduct further research into the STI burden on the Bijagos Islands to help inform and develop a national STI control strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory Milne
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - Jose Nakutum
- Hospital Regional de Bubaque Marcelino Banca, Bubaque, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Amabelia Rodrigues
- National Institute of Public Health, Guinea Bissau, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | | | - David Mabey
- Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Bart Versteeg
- Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anna Last
- Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Risk of HIV infection among adolescent girls and young women in age-disparate relationships in sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS 2020; 34:1539-1548. [PMID: 32443063 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association between age-disparate relationships and risk of HIV infection among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 years. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies until January 5, 2020 in sub Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS We searched several electronic databases, grey literature, and hand searched reference list of included studies to identify eligible studies for data abstraction. We assessed the quality of included studies using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for nonrandomized studies. The DerSimonian-Laird random effects model was used to pool the overall results using risk ratios (RR), presented in a forest plot with 95% confidence interval (CI) and predictive interval. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochrane's Q-test and quantified with I values. Publication bias was checked with funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS We included 24 studies with an overall sample size of 33 390. Data show that age-disparate relationships were significantly associated with unprotected sexual intercourse (pooled RR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.34-1.83; 95% predictive interval, 1.22-2.02), and higher risk for HIV infection (pooled RR, 1.39; 95 CI, 1.21-1.60; 95% predictive interval, 0.80-2.42). Studies included in pooling risk of unprotected sexual intercourse were largely homogeneous (I-value= 0.0, P = 0.79) whereas those for HIV infection were heterogeneous (I- value = 89.0%, P < 0.01). We found no publication bias and no study influenced the meta-analytic results. CONCLUSION Age-disparate relationships among AGYW are associated with increased risk of unprotected sexual intercourse and HIV infection in SSA. HIV prevention interventions should target this sub-population.
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Analogbei T, Dear N, Reed D, Esber A, Akintunde A, Bahemana E, Adamu Y, Iroezindu M, Maganga L, Kiweewa F, Maswai J, Owuoth J, Ake JA, Polyak CS, Crowell TA, Falodun O, Song K, Milazzo M, Mankiewicz S, Schech S, Golway A, Mebrahtu T, Lee E, Bohince K, Hamm T, Parikh A, Hern J, Lombardi K, Imbach M, Eller L, Peel S, Malia J, Kroidl A, Kroidl I, Geldmacher C, Kafeero C, Nambuya A, Tegamanyi J, Birungi H, Mugagga O, Nassali G, Wangiri P, Nantabo M, Nambulondo P, Atwijuka B, Asiimwe A, Nabanoba C, Semwogerere M, Mwesigwa R, Jjuuko S, Namagembe R, Bagyendagye E, Tindikahwa A, Rwomushana I, Ssentongo F, Kibuuka H, Millard M, Kapkiai J, Wangare S, Mangesoi R, Chepkwony P, Bor L, Maera E, Kasembeli A, Rotich J, Kipkoech C, Chepkemoi W, Rono A, Kesi Z, Ngeno J, Langat E, Labosso K, Langat K, Kirui R, Rotich L, Mabwai M, Chelangat E, Agutu J, Tonui C, Changwony E, Bii M, Chumba E, Korir J, Sugut J, Gitonga D, Ngetich R, Kiprotich S, Rehema W, Ogari C, Ouma I, Adimo O, Ogai S, Okwaro C, Maranga E, Ochola J, Obambo K, Sing'oei V, Otieno L, Nyapiedho O, Sande N, Odemba E, Wanjiru F, Khamadi S, Chiweka E, Lwilla A, Mkondoo D, Somi N, Kiliba P, Mwaipopo M, Mwaisanga G, Muhumuza J, Mkingule N, Mwasulama O, Sanagare A, Kishimbo P, David G, Mbwayu F, Mwamwaja J, Likiliwike J, Muhumuza J, Mcharo R, Mkingule N, Mwasulama O, Mtafya B, Lueer C, Kisinda A, Mbena T, Mfumbulwa H, Mwandumbya L, Edwin P, Olomi W, Adamu Y, Akintunde A, Tiamiyu A, Afoke K, Mohammed S, Harrison N, Agbaim U, Adegbite O, Parker Z, Adelakun G, Oni F, Ndbuisi R, Elemere J, Azuakola N, Williams T, Ayogu M, Enas O, Enameguono O, Odo A, Ukaegbu I, Ugwuezumba O, Odeyemi S, Okeke N, Umeji L, Rose A, Daniel H, Nwando H, Nicholas E, Iyanda T, Okolo C, Mene V, Dogonyaro B, Olabulo O, Akinseli O, Onukun F, Knopp G. Predictors and Barriers to Condom Use in the African Cohort Study. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2020; 34:228-236. [PMID: 32396478 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2019.0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Consistent condom use is an inexpensive and efficacious HIV prevention strategy. Understanding factors associated with condom use and barriers to use can inform strategies to increase condom uptake. The ongoing African Cohort Study prospectively enrolls adults at 12 clinical sites in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. At enrollment, participants are asked about condom use at last sex with a regular partner. Robust Poisson regression models were used to evaluate predictors of self-reported condom use. Participants who reported not using condoms were asked to provide reasons. From January 2013 to September 2019, 2482 participants reported having at least one regular sexual partner in the preceding 6 months. Of those, 1577 (63.5%) reported using a condom at last sex. Condom use was more common among older participants, males, HIV-infected participants, and those with an HIV-infected partner. Married participants, those with a partner of unknown HIV status, and those reporting alcohol use were less likely to report condom use at last sex. Condom use at last sex also varied significantly by clinical site. Partner disapproval or refusal to use a condom was a consistent driver of disparities in condom use among participants who were HIV infected, female, and aged 18-24 years. Effective HIV prevention programs should integrate condom education with the tools necessary to negotiate condom use with regular partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tope Analogbei
- Health Implementation Program, Nigerian Ministry of Defense, Abuja, Nigeria
- US Army Medical Research Directorate—Africa, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nicole Dear
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Domonique Reed
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Allahna Esber
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Akindiran Akintunde
- US Army Medical Research Directorate—Africa, Abuja, Nigeria
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Henry Jackson Foundation MRI, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Bahemana
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Henry Jackson Foundation MRI, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Yakubu Adamu
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Henry Jackson Foundation MRI, Abuja, Nigeria
- US Army Medical Research Directorate—Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michael Iroezindu
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Henry Jackson Foundation MRI, Abuja, Nigeria
- US Army Medical Research Directorate—Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lucas Maganga
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- National Institute of Medical Research—Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | | | - Jonah Maswai
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Henry Jackson Foundation MRI, Kericho, Kenya
| | - John Owuoth
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Henry Jackson Foundation MRI, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Julie A. Ake
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Christina S. Polyak
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Trevor A. Crowell
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
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Chen YQ, Peng L, Wang Y, Appelmans E, Dasgupta S, Fleming TR. Trial designs for evaluating combination HIV prevention approaches. HIV Res Clin Pract 2020; 21:72-82. [PMID: 32698705 PMCID: PMC7608072 DOI: 10.1080/25787489.2020.1798083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combination HIV prevention approaches that include both biomedical and non-biomedical interventions often hold greater promise to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of HIV transmission. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the relative properties of four leading candidate trial designs - 'single-factor', 'multi-arm', 'all-in-one', and 'factorial' designs - for assessing individual and/or combination prevention intervention approaches. METHODS Monte-Carlo simulations are conducted, assuming a putative combination approach could choose its components from two candidate biomedical interventions, i.e. Treatment-as-Prevention (TasP) and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and three candidate behavioral interventions, i.e. linkage-to-care, counseling, and use of condoms. Various scenarios for individual components' effect sizes, their possible interaction, and the sample size based on real clinical studies are considered. RESULTS The all-in-one and factorial designs used to assess a combination approach and the multi-arm design used to assess multiple individual components are consistently more powerful than single-factor designs. The all-in-one design is powerful when the individual components are effective without negative interaction, while the factorial design is more consistently powerful across a broad array of settings. CONCLUSIONS The multi-arm design is useful for evaluating single factor regimens, while the all-in-one and factorial designs are sensitive in assessing the overall efficacy when there is interest in combining individual component regimens anticipated to have complementary mechanisms. The factorial design is a preferred approach when assessing combination regimens due to its favorable power properties and since it is the only design providing direct insights about the contribution of individual components to the combination approach's overall efficacy and about potential interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qing Chen
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lili Peng
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yixin Wang
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eline Appelmans
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sayan Dasgupta
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas R. Fleming
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Williams LD, Aber JL. Using a Multi-level Framework to Test Empirical Relationships Among HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma, Health Service Barriers, and HIV Outcomes in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:81-94. [PMID: 30798458 PMCID: PMC6707890 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02439-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS-related (HAR) stigma is an ongoing problem in Sub-Saharan Africa that is thought to impede HIV preventive and treatment interventions. This paper uses a systematic sample of households (Level 1) nested within near-neighbor clusters (Level 2) and communities (Level 3) to examine multilevel relationships of HAR stigma to health service barriers (HSBs) and HIV outcomes in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, thereby addressing methodological and conceptual gaps in the literature from this context. Findings suggest differential patterns of prediction at Level 1 when examining two different dimensions of stigma: more highly stigmatizing attitudes predicted more household health service barriers; and perceptions of greater levels of community normative HAR stigma predicted higher household HIV ratios. Level 2 findings were similarly dimension-differentiated. Cross-level analyses found that near-neighbor cluster-level (setting level) consensus about (standard deviation) and level of (mean) community normative HAR stigma significantly predicted household-level HSBs and HIV ratio, controlling for household-level community normative HAR stigma. These differential patterns of prediction suggest that HAR stigma is a multi-level construct with multiple dimensions that relate to important outcomes differently within and across multiple ecological levels. This has important implications for future research, and for developing interventions that address setting-level variation in stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie D Williams
- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, 246 Greene Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
- National Development and Research Institutes, New York, NY, USA.
| | - J Lawrence Aber
- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, 246 Greene Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10003, USA
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Butler SM, Mooney K, Janousek K. The Condom Fairy program: A novel mail-order service for condoms and sexual health supplies. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2019; 67:772-780. [PMID: 30365911 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1512500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: In recent years college health professionals have used a variety of innovative strategies to increase availability and accessibility of condoms and safer sex products. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of a mail-order delivery program titled the Condom Fairy. Participants: Seven hundred thirty-three students (63.4% women, 86.1% heterosexual, and 59.2% Caucasian) completed a questionnaire assessing their overall experience with the program. Methods: Participants completed a 60 item questionnaire 30 days after receiving condoms and safer sex products. Results: Overall, 46,980 condoms were distributed over a six semester period. Almost all of the participants (97.4%) reported they ordered male condoms while 58.0% ordered sexual lubricant, 11.1% female condoms, and 10.2% latex dams. Nearly than three-quarters (73.9%) of participants reported they used the condoms provided. Conclusions: Findings support the implementation of innovative mail-in condom and safer sex product programs on college campuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Butler
- School of Health and Human Performance, Professor of Public Health, Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA, USA
| | - Katharine Mooney
- Wellness and Prevention Services, Wellness and Prevention, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katy Janousek
- University Health Center, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Ajayi AI, Ismail KO, Akpan W. Factors associated with consistent condom use: a cross-sectional survey of two Nigerian universities. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1207. [PMID: 31477068 PMCID: PMC6719351 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Consistent condom use is central to the prevention of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially among young adults. This study drew from a cross-sectional survey of two Nigerian universities to determine the level of consistent condom use, explored the determinants of condom use consistency and reasons for inconsistent condom use. Methods We adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, which involves the recruitment of 800 male and female students using stratified random sampling. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models were used to examine the factors associated with consistent condom use among a final sample of 498 students who engaged in sex in the last year preceding the study. Results Only 38.6% of sexually active participants (n = 498) used condoms consistently in the previous year. High condom self-efficacy score (AOR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.58–3.64), discussion of HIV/STIs with sexual partner (AOR: 1.91; 95%CI: 1.29–2.83), knowing partner’s HIV status (AOR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.02–2.16), being students of university located in a high HIV prevalence area (AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.92–4.28) and engaging in sex with only steady partner (AOR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.17–2.60) were associated with a higher odds of consistent condom use. Trust, unavailability of condoms, dislike of condoms and a perception that condoms reduced sexual pleasure were the main reasons for inconsistent use of condoms. Conclusion The study found a low level of consistent condom use among study participants. Counselling young adults in Nigeria on condom self-efficacy, providing condoms on campuses and encouraging the discussion of sexually transmitted infections with sexual partners are central to improving the level of consistent condom use among Nigerian university students. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7543-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Idowu Ajayi
- Population Dynamics and Reproductive Health Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Off Kirawa Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Kafayat Olanike Ismail
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Wilson Akpan
- Research and Innovation, Walter Sisulu University, Nelson Mandela Drive, Mthatha, South Africa
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Abstract
Here we wanted to assess whether sexual risk behaviour differs dependent by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status by following 100 HIV− and 137 HIV+ women recruited at two university teaching hospitals in Rwanda. Women were tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs; trichomoniasis, syphilis, hepatitis B and C) and for reproductive tract infections (RTIs; candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis (BV)) and were interviewed at baseline and 9 months later. BV was the most prevalent infection, while syphilis was the most common STI with a 9-month incidence of 10.9% in HIV+ women. Only 24.5% of women positive for any RTI/STI contacted their health facility and got treatment. More HIV− women than HIV+ women had had more than one sexual partner and never used condoms during the follow-up period. The use of condoms was affected neither by marital status nor by concomitant STIs besides HIV. Our data highlight the importance of public education regarding condom use to protect against STIs in an era when HIV no longer is a death sentence.
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Anderson S, Garnett GP, Enstone J, Hallett TB. The importance of local epidemic conditions in monitoring progress towards HIV epidemic control in Kenya: a modelling study. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25203. [PMID: 30485720 PMCID: PMC6260921 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Setting and monitoring progress towards targets for HIV control is critical in ensuring responsive programmes. Here, we explore how to apply targets for reduction in HIV incidence to local settings and which indicators give the strongest signal of a change in incidence in the population and are therefore most important to monitor. METHODS We use location-specific HIV transmission models, tailored to the epidemics in the counties and major cities in Kenya, to project a wide range of plausible future epidemic trajectories through varying behaviours, treatment coverage and prevention interventions. We look at the change in incidence across modelled scenarios in each location between 2015 and 2030 to inform local target setting. We also simulate the measurement of a library of potential indicators and assess which are most strongly associated with a change in incidence. RESULTS Considerable variation was observed in the trajectory of the local epidemics under the plausible scenarios defined (only 10 of 48 locations saw a median reduction in incidence of greater than or equal to an 80% target by 2030). Indicators that provide strong signals in certain epidemic types may not perform consistently well in settings with different epidemiological features. Predicting changes in incidence is more challenging in advanced generalized epidemics compared to concentrated epidemics where changes in high-risk sub-populations track more closely to the population as a whole. Many indicators demonstrate only limited association with incidence (such as "condom use" or "pre-exposure prophylaxis coverage"). This is because many other factors (low effectiveness, impact of other interventions, countervailing changes in risk behaviours, etc.) can confound the relationship between interventions and their ultimate long-term impact, especially for an intervention with low expected coverage. The population prevalence of viral suppression shows the most consistent associations with long-term changes in incidence even in the largest generalized epidemics. CONCLUSIONS Target setting should be appropriate for the local epidemic and what can feasibly be achieved. There is no one universally reliable indicator to predict future HIV incidence across settings. Thus, the signature of epidemic control must contain indications of success across a wide range of interventions and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah‐Jane Anderson
- Department of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Joanne Enstone
- Division of Public Health and EpidemiologyThe University of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Timothy B Hallett
- Department of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial College LondonLondonUK
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Odimegwu CO, Mutanda N. Covariates of high-risk sexual behaviour of men aged 50 years and above in sub-Saharan Africa. SAHARA J 2018; 14:162-170. [PMID: 29073828 PMCID: PMC5678224 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2017.1392340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the advent of HIV/AIDS, sexuality studies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have focused mainly on the sexual behaviour of the younger generation (15-49 years) and little has been done to understand the sexual behaviour of those a 50 years and above. The objective of this study is therefore to examine the covariates of high-risk sexual behaviour among men aged 50 years plus within the SSA region. Data from Demographic and Health Surveys of 10 SSA countries were pooled together and a sample of 5394 men aged 50 years plus who have ever had sex was analysed. Findings show that in SSA, a large proportion of men aged 50 years plus (74%) were sexually active and a substantial proportion of these men engaged in unsafe sexual behaviours, such as having multiple sexual partners and unprotected sex. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that involvement with multiple sexual partners was significantly associated with older age, urban residence, religion, having primary or secondary education, and ever taken an HIV test. Condom use at last sex was significantly associated with age at first sex, multiple sexual partners, level of education and ever been tested for HIV. These results suggest that HIV prevention and intervention programmes should also target older men as they are also sexually active and at risk of being infected because of unsafe sexual practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford O Odimegwu
- a Demography and Population Studies Programme , Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa , *
| | - Nyasha Mutanda
- a Demography and Population Studies Programme , Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa , *
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Blakney AK, Jiang Y, Woodrow KA. Application of electrospun fibers for female reproductive health. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2018; 7:796-804. [PMID: 28497376 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-017-0386-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Here, we present the current challenges in women's reproductive health and the current state-of-the-art treatment and prevention options for STI prevention, contraception, and treatment of infections. We discuss how the versatile platform of electrospun fibers can be applied to each challenge, and postulate at how these technologies could be improved. The void of approved electrospun fiber-based products yields the potential to apply this useful technology to a number of medical applications, many of which are relevant to women's reproductive health. Given the ability to tune drug delivery characteristics and three-dimensional geometry, there are many opportunities to pursue new product designs and routes of administration for electrospun fibers. For each application, we provide an overview of the versatility of electrospun fibers as a novel dosage form and summarize their advantages in clinical applications. We also provide a perspective on why electrospun fibers are well-suited for a variety of applications within women's reproductive health and identify areas that could greatly benefit from innovations with electrospun fiber-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Blakney
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yonghou Jiang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kim A Woodrow
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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22
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Luo ZZ, Li W, Wu QH, Zhang L, Tian LS, Liu LL, Ding Y, Yuan J, Chen ZW, Lan LN, Wu XB, Cai YM, Hong FC, Feng TJ, Zhang M, Chen XS. Population-based study of chlamydial and gonococcal infections among women in Shenzhen, China: Implications for programme planning. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196516. [PMID: 29715319 PMCID: PMC5929501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to estimate the prevalences of chlamydia (CT) and gonococcal (NG) infections and explore risk factors associated with the CT infection among women in Shenzhen, China. We collected socio-demographic and clinical data from women (aged 20–60) and determined positivity of CT or NG by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) with self-collected urine specimens. We estimated prevalence of CT and NG and determined risk factors associated with CT infection. Among 9,207 participants, 4.12% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.71%-4.53%) tested positive for CT and 0.17% (95% CIs, 0.09%-0.25%) for NG. Factors significantly associated with CT infection included being an ethnic minority (ethnicity other than Han China) (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–3.0), using methods other than condom for contraception (AOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2–1.8), having a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes (AOR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1–1.8), and experiencing reproductive tract symptoms in the past three months (AOR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.7). we found that CT infection is prevalent among women in Shenzhen, China and associated with both demographic and behavioral factors. A comprehensive CT screening, surveillance and treatment programme targeting this population is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhou Luo
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wu Li
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Wu
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li-Shan Tian
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan-Lan Liu
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Chen
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li-Na Lan
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Wu
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-Mao Cai
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fu-Chang Hong
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tie-Jian Feng
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail: (MZ); (XSC)
| | - Xiang-Sheng Chen
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China
- National Center for STD Control, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (MZ); (XSC)
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Prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among young women engaged in sex work aboard foreign fishing vessels in Kiribati. Western Pac Surveill Response J 2018; 9:8-15. [PMID: 29666749 PMCID: PMC5897604 DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2017.8.4.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women who board foreign fishing vessels for sex work in Kiribati. Methods A cross-sectional study was designed to collect data on behavioural risk factors for STIs and knowledge of and attitudes towards HIV and STIs during 2007. Urine and blood samples were collected to test for HIV and select STIs. Descriptive statistics were performed for sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics, and χ2 tests were used to assess associations between potential key determinants and the presence of genital Chlamydia infection. Results Women who boarded foreign fishing vessels for transactional sex were younger, had less education, were less likely to live with a partner and were less likely to be otherwise employed. Although no HIV infections were detected, more than half (57.5%) of the women were diagnosed with an STI. One quarter of the women tested positive for chlamydia, and 40% tested positive for mycoplasma. The presence of chlamydia was strongly associated with age at first sexual intercourse (P = 0.02) and number of sexual partners during the prior seven days (P = 0.02). Conclusion The high rate of STIs in this population of sex workers is concerning given the potential of severe pregnancy-related and chronic health problems and the increased risk of transmission within the general population of Kiribati. We identified a specific sex worker population as a priority group for targeted public health efforts to prevent and control the spread of STIs in Kiribati.
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Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis and Its Association with Risk Factors among Nonpregnant Women: A Hospital Based Study. Int J Microbiol 2018; 2018:8349601. [PMID: 29692813 PMCID: PMC5859802 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8349601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an ecological imbalance of the vaginal microbiota affecting mostly women of reproductive age group. This study was carried out among 160 nonpregnant women registered at the Outpatient Department of Gynaecology/Obstetrics of KIST Medical College Teaching Hospital, Imadol, Lalitpur, Nepal, from November 2014 to May 2015. The aim of the study was to assess the association of the risk factors with BV and analyze the type of bacteria associated with BV. Nugent's scoring method was used for diagnosis of BV in this study. The overall prevalence of BV was 24.4% among symptomatic patients. Douching was statistically related to BV (P = 0.015). Also, BV was significantly associated with consistency (P = 0.0001), odor (P = 0.02), and amount of abnormal vaginal discharge (P = 0.09). Contraceptives users on anatomical sites were found more prone to BV than those who did not use contraceptives on anatomical sites. Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter spp., Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (CoNS), and Streptococcus agalactiae were associated with BV and out of those Lactobacillus spp. was the predominant organism. The higher prevalence of BV among symptomatic patients indicates interventions should be applied to reduce the incidence of stillbirth, abortion, and sterility.
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Heck CJ, Grilo SA, Song X, Lutalo T, Nakyanjo N, Santelli JS. "It is my business": A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Covert Contraceptive Use among Women in Rakai, Uganda. Contraception 2018. [PMID: 29514043 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Covert contraceptive use (CCU) is the use of family planning without a partner's knowledge. This study sought to examine CCU prevalence among women living in Rakai, Uganda, predictors of CCU, and why women resort to CCU. STUDY DESIGN We used data from women (15-49years) currently using contraceptives (oral contraceptives, Depo Provera, implants, intrauterine devices, and periodic abstinence) during Round 15 (2011-2013) of the Rakai Community Cohort Survey (n=2206). We utilized logistic regressions to analyze the association between self-reported CCU and current contraceptive method, sexual activity, experience of violence, and demographic data. We also used data from in-depth interviews (IDI) on HIV and reproductive health conducted in 2013-2016. RESULTS CCU prevalence was 26%. In the multivariable model, being previously married (aOR=2.2 [1.7-2.9]), having no formal education (aOR=2.1 [1.1-3.9]), and experiencing physical violence (aOR=1.7 [1.3-2.2]) or having more than 1 sex partner (aOR=1.6 [1.2-2.2]) in the past 12months were CCU predictors. Advancing past primary school decreased the odds of CCU (aOR=0.7 [0.6-0.9]). HIV was positively associated with CCU in the unadjusted model, but not the adjusted. In the IDIs, women primarily resorted to CCU because of discordant fertility desires-coupled with financial insecurity, negative stereotypes towards contraceptives use, deteriorating health, and familial pressure to reproduce. One woman employed CCU because she feared being ostracized from her community. CONCLUSIONS CCU is common amongst users of contraception and is used to hide family planning from partners and communities. Women that diverge from Uganda's cultural norms had higher odds of CCU. IMPLICATIONS Clinicians and practitioners should be aware of CCU among their patients and should educate women on the wide variety of contraceptive methods to help them decide if their current covert method is best for their health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig J Heck
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Avenue, Suite, B-2, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Stephanie A Grilo
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Avenue, Suite, B-2, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Xiaoyu Song
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy & Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
| | - Tom Lutalo
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda.
| | | | - John S Santelli
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Avenue, Suite, B-2, New York, NY, USA.
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Kumi Smith M, Jewell BL, Hallett TB, Cohen MS. Treatment of HIV for the Prevention of Transmission in Discordant Couples and at the Population Level. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1075:125-162. [PMID: 30030792 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0484-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The scientific breakthrough proving that antiretroviral therapy (ART) can halt heterosexual HIV transmission came in the form of a landmark clinical trial conducted among serodiscordant couples. Study findings immediately informed global recommendations for the use of treatment as prevention in serodiscordant couples. The extent to which these findings are generalizable to other key populations or to groups exposed to HIV through nonsexual transmission routes (i.e., anal intercourse or unsafe injection of drugs) has since driven a large body of research. This review explores the history of HIV research in serodiscordant couples, the implications for management of couples, subsequent research on treatment as prevention in other key populations, and challenges in community implementation of these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kumi Smith
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | | | | | - Myron S Cohen
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Lam CR, Holtz TH, Leelawiwat W, Mock PA, Chonwattana W, Wimonsate W, Varangrat A, Thienkrua W, Rose C, Chitwarakorn A, Curlin ME. Subtypes and Risk Behaviors Among Incident HIV Cases in the Bangkok Men Who Have Sex with Men Cohort Study, Thailand, 2006-2014. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2017; 33:1004-1012. [PMID: 28019101 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2016.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 incidence and prevalence remain high among men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women (TGW), in Thailand. To examine the link between epidemiologic factors and HIV-1 subtype transmission among Thai MSM, we compared covariates of infection with HIV CRF01_AE and other HIV strains among participants in the Bangkok MSM Cohort Study (BMCS). The BMCS was an observational cohort study of Thai MSM and TGW with up to 60 months of follow-up at 4 monthly intervals. Participants underwent HIV/sexually transmitted infections testing and provided behavioral data at each visit. Infecting viral strain was characterized by gene sequencing and/or multiregion hybridization assay. We correlated behavioral/clinical variables with infecting strain using Cox proportional hazards. Among a total of 1372 HIV seronegative enrolled participants with 4,192 person-years of follow-up, we identified 215 seroconverters between April 2006 and December 2014, with 177 infected with CRF01_AE and 38 with non-CRF01_AE subtype. Age 18-21 years (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-3.5), age 22-29 (AHR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3), living alone (AHR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1), drug use (AHR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.4-3.5), intermittent condom use (AHR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.3), any receptive anal intercourse (AHR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.4), group sex (AHR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.2), anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (AHR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1), and Treponema pallidum antibody positivity (AHR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.4) were associated with CRF01_AE infection. Age 18-21 years (AHR 5.1, 95% CI: 1.6-16.5), age 22-29 (AHR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3-10.4), drug use (AHR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3-7.5), group sex (AHR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.0), and hepatitis B virus surface antigen (AHR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3-10.2) were associated with non-CRF01_AE infection. We observed several significant biological and behavioral correlates of infection with CRF01_AE and other HIV strains among Thai MSM. Divergence in correlates by strain may indicate differences in HIV transmission epidemiology between CRF01_AE and other strains. These differences could reflect founder effects, transmission within networks distinguished by specific risk factors, and possibly biological differences between HIV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R. Lam
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Timothy H. Holtz
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health–U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Wanna Leelawiwat
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health–U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Philip A. Mock
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health–U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Wannee Chonwattana
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health–U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Wipas Wimonsate
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health–U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Varangrat
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health–U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Warunee Thienkrua
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health–U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Charles Rose
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anupong Chitwarakorn
- Department of Disease Control, Thailand Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Marcel E. Curlin
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health–U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Abdallah I, Armstrong-Mensah E, Alema-Mensah E, Jones C. Demographic and behavioural risk factors associated with Trichomonas vaginalis among South African HIV-positive men with genital ulcer disease: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e013486. [PMID: 28765124 PMCID: PMC5577890 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Demographic and risky sexual behaviours may increase the risk for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection and, thus, enhance HIV transmission to uninfected partners. We assessed the demographic and behavioural risk factors associated with TV among South African HIV-positive men with genital ulcer disease. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study with data from a randomised controlled trial conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The data were obtained from three primary healthcare clinics in South Africa. At baseline (n=387), participants reported on demographics, sexual behaviour, history of sexually transmitted infections and clinical ulcers. The outcome TV was measured using real-time multiplex PCR assays and a Rotor-gene 3000 platform from the first and past urine samples of all participants. Logistic regression model estimated ORs and 95% CIs adjusted for demographics, sexual risk behaviours and ulcer conditions. RESULTS An estimated 11.4% of TV was detected among the men. The odds of TV infection were significantly associated with high blister counts (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.6 to 28, p=0.01), ulcer pain (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.7, p=0.003), number of days with ulcers (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.8, p=0.006), sought treatment before coming into clinics (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.7, p=0.005) and being unqualified worker (OR 2.5, 95% CI 0.9 to 6.7 p=0.05). Multivariate analyses revealed that increased days with ulcers (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.5, p=0.002) and ulcer pain intensity (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.007 to 1.1, p=0.05) remained significantly associated with decreased odds of TV infection. Men from the Sotho ethnic group were eight times more likely to have TV infection (OR 8.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 55.7, p<0.02) than men from the other ethnic groups. CONCLUSION HIV-positive men with severe ulceration should be screened and treated for TV to minimise HIV transmission to uninfected partners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ernest Alema-Mensah
- Graduate Education in Public Health, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cheryl Jones
- Graduate Education in Public Health, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Zoboli F, Martinelli D, Di Stefano M, Fasano M, Prato R, Santantonio TA, Fiore JR. Correlation between knowledge on transmission and prevention of HIV/STI and proficiency in condom use among male migrants from Africa and Middle East evaluated by a Condom Use Skills score using a wooden penile model. BMC Res Notes 2017. [PMID: 28629409 PMCID: PMC5477424 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrants in Italy are prevalently young adults, with a higher risk of sexual transmitted infections (STI) and HIV infection. Promoting consistent as well as correct use of condoms could reduce failure rate due to their improper use. The aim of our study was to evaluate Condom Use Skills among a migrant population recently landed in Italy, hosted in a government center for asylum seekers. METHODS The study sample was composed of 80 male migrants. Sanitary trained interviewers submitted a questionnaire to participants to investigate age, provenience, marital status, educational level and knowledge about transmission and prevention of HIV/STI. Then, we assessed participants' level of condom use skill with the Condom Use Skills (CUS) measure by using a wooden penile model. The interviewer filled in a checklist and assigned 1 point for correct demonstration of each behavior that may prevent condom failure during sex. RESULTS Participants' median age was 26 years and the sample was composed of 54 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and 26 from Middle East. Most of them were married, with a lower middle level of education, up to 8 or 5 years. Half of the sample achieved the highest score in the questionnaire and our CUS showed a large number of people with middle high score classes. The Spearman's rho was 0.30, therefore answers to the questionnaire and CUS score appeared correlated (p < 0.05). In the multivariate model, to have a higher CUS score resulted to be associated to be older than 26 years (p < 0.05), with a higher level of education (p = 0.001), and a higher score in the questionnaire (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the level of CUS between single or married men and between African and Middle Asian migrants of the sample. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that educational level influences the quality of knowledge and awareness about STI/AIDS and contribute to correct condom use. Since the half of participants had a low educational level and linguistic problems, the risk of missing campaigns messages or misunderstanding informative materials increases. Direct observation of condom-application on penile model may offer realistic assessment of application skills in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Zoboli
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto 5, 71100, Foggia, Italy
| | - Domenico Martinelli
- Sector of Hygiene, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Di Stefano
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto 5, 71100, Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Fasano
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto 5, 71100, Foggia, Italy
| | - Rosa Prato
- Sector of Hygiene, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Teresa Antonia Santantonio
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto 5, 71100, Foggia, Italy
| | - Jose' Ramòn Fiore
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto 5, 71100, Foggia, Italy.
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Ginindza TG, Stefan CD, Tsoka-Gwegweni JM, Dlamini X, Jolly PE, Weiderpass E, Broutet N, Sartorius B. Prevalence and risk factors associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women of reproductive age in Swaziland. Infect Agent Cancer 2017; 12:29. [PMID: 28559923 PMCID: PMC5445272 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0140-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain an important public health problem with approximately half a billion new cases annually among persons aged 15-49 years. Epidemiological data on STIs among women of reproductive age in Swaziland are limited. The availability of epidemiological data on STIs and associated risk factors in this population is essential for the development of successful prevention, diagnosis and management strategies in the country. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with STIs. METHODS A total of 655 women aged 15-49 years were systematically enrolled from five health facilities using a cross-sectional study design. Cervical specimen were tested using GeneXpert CT/NG Assays for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), GeneXpertTV Assay for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and GeneXpert HPV Assays for hr-HPV. Blood samples were tested using Alere Determine HIV-1/2Ag/Ab Combo and Trinity Biotech Uni-Gold Recombigen HIV test for confirmation for HIV, and Rapid Plasma Reagin and TPHA test for confirmation for Treponema pallidum (syphilis). Genital warts were assessed prior to specimen collection. Survey weighted analyses were done to estimate the population burden of STIs. RESULTS The four most common curable STIs: CT, NG, TV, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), as well as genital warts were considered in this study. The overall weighted prevalence of any of these five STIs was 19.4% (95% CI: 14.9-24.8), corresponding to 72 990 women with STIs in Swaziland. The estimated prevalences were 7.0% (95% CI: 4.1-11.2) for CT, 6.0% (95% CI: 3.8-8.8) for NG, 8.4% (95% CI: 5.4-12.8) for TV, 1.4% (95% CI: 1.1-10.2) for syphilis and 2.0% (95% CI: 1.0-11.4) for genital warts. The overall weighted HIV prevalence was 42.7% (95%CI: 35.7-46.2). Among hr-HPV positive women, 18.8% (95% CI: 13.1-26.3) had one STI, while 6.3% (95% CI: 3.3-11.7) had multiple STIs. Risk factors associated with STIs were being employed (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.0-4.7), self-employed (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5-5.5) and being hr-HPV positive (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3-3.1). Age (0.9, 95% CI: 0.8-0.9), being married (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7) and not using condoms with regular partners (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9) were inversely associated with STIs. CONCLUSION STIs are highly prevalent among women of reproductive age in Swaziland. Thus, a comprehensive STIs screening, surveillance and treatment programme would be justified and could potentially lower the burden of STIs in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Themba G. Ginindza
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor George Campbell Building, Mazisi Kunene Road, 4041 Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Joyce M. Tsoka-Gwegweni
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor George Campbell Building, Mazisi Kunene Road, 4041 Durban, South Africa
| | - Xolisile Dlamini
- Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Pauline E. Jolly
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA
| | - Elisabete Weiderpass
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Institute of Population-Based Cancer Research, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nathalie Broutet
- World Health Organization; Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor George Campbell Building, Mazisi Kunene Road, 4041 Durban, South Africa
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Cipres D, Rodriguez A, Alvarez J, Stern L, Steinauer J, Seidman D. Racial/Ethnic Differences in Young Women's Health-Promoting Strategies to Reduce Vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Infections. J Adolesc Health 2017; 60:556-562. [PMID: 28161525 PMCID: PMC5401799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Young women of color in the United States are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We characterize the protective behaviors used by young women to reduce their vulnerability to STI acquisition and examine how STI prevention strategies differ by race/ethnicity. METHODS From 2015 to 2016, women aged 13-24 years presenting to five Northern California family planning clinics were surveyed about their STI prevention strategies. The chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression identified associations between race/ethnicity and use of sexual health-promoting strategies. RESULTS Among 790 women, the most common strategies included condom use (67%), asking partners about STIs (47%), limiting sexual partners (35%), frequent STI screening (35%), and asking partners about other sexual partners (33%). Black, Hispanic, and Asian women had decreased odds of utilizing strategies before intercourse compared with white women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]black: .25, confidence interval [.14-.47]; aORHispanic: .36, CI [.20-.65]; aORAsian: .44, CI [.23-.84]). Black women had decreased odds of using strategies requiring partner involvement (aORblack: .35, CI [.13-.92]). White women were more likely to report that providers discussed condoms (aOR: 2.53, CI [1.04-6.15]) and talked to partners about STIs (aOR: 2.56, CI [1.52-4.32]) compared with nonwhite women. Black and Hispanic women were more likely to feel very uncomfortable discussing lifetime sexual partners (aORblack: 4.26, CI [1.36-13.30] and aORHispanic: 5.35, CI [1.79-15.99]) and condom use (aORblack: 3.05, CI [1.14-8.15] and aORHispanic: 2.86, CI [1.11-7.35]) with providers. CONCLUSIONS Young women use diverse strategies to prevent STIs that vary by race/ethnicity. Providers can use these findings to improve sexual health counseling and promote equitable education and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Cipres
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California.
| | - Amanda Rodriguez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Janette Alvarez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Lisa Stern
- Planned Parenthood Northern California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jody Steinauer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, San Francisco, California
| | - Dominika Seidman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, San Francisco, California
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Assessing the Potential Impact of Hormonal-Based Contraceptives on HIV Transmission Dynamics Among Heterosexuals. Bull Math Biol 2017; 79:738-771. [PMID: 28258539 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-017-0252-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
HIV susceptibility linked to hormonal contraception (HC) has been studied before, but with mixed results. Reports from some of the recent findings have prompted the World Health Organisation to encourage women who use HC to concurrently use condoms in order to prevent HIV infection in the light of possible increased HIV risk of infection associated with hormone-based contraceptives. A two-sex HIV model classifying women into three risk groups consisting of individuals who use condoms, natural methods, and hormone-based contraceptives is formulated and analysed to assess the possible effects of various birth control strategies on the transmission dynamics of the disease. Our model results showed that women who use HC could be key drivers of the epidemic and that their increased infectivity may be critical in driving the epidemic. Women who use hormone-based contraceptives potentially act as a core group from which men get infected and in turn transmit the disease to other population groups. We fitted the model to HIV prevalence data for Zimbabwe reported by UNAIDS and Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care and used the model fit to project HIV prevalence. Predictions using HIV data for Zimbabwe suggest that a hypothesised increase in susceptibility and infectivity of two-, three-, and fourfold would result in a 25, 50, and 100% increase in baseline HIV prevalence projection, respectively, thus suggesting possible increased disease burden even in countries reporting plausible HIV prevalence declines. Although a possible causal relationship between HIV susceptibility and HC use remains subject of continuing scientific probe, its inclusion as part of birth control strategy has been shown in this study, to possibly increase HIV transmission. If proven, HC use may potentially explain the inordinate spread of HIV within the sub-Saharan Africa region and therefore compel for urgent assessment with a view to reorienting birth control methods in use in settings with generalised epidemics.
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Kiwanuka N, Ssetaala A, Ssekandi I, Nalutaaya A, Kitandwe PK, Ssempiira J, Bagaya BS, Balyegisawa A, Kaleebu P, Hahn J, Lindan C, Sewankambo NK. Population attributable fraction of incident HIV infections associated with alcohol consumption in fishing communities around Lake Victoria, Uganda. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171200. [PMID: 28207844 PMCID: PMC5313154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although the association between alcohol consumption and HIV risk is well documented, few studies have examined the magnitude of new HIV infections that could be prevented by controlling alcohol use. We report the population attributable fraction (PAF) of incident HIV infections due to alcohol consumption among the HIV high-risk population of fishing communities along Lake Victoria, Uganda. Methods In a community-based cohort study, 1607 HIV sero-negative participants aged 18–49 years were enrolled from eight fishing communities along Lake Victoria, Uganda. At follow up 12 months later, 1288 (80.1%) were seen and interviewed. At baseline and follow-up visits, participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires on alcohol consumption, demographics, and sexual risk behavior, and were tested for HIV infection. HIV incidence and adjusted incident rate ratios (adjusted IRRs) were estimated using Poisson regression models; the crude and adjusted PAFs of incident HIV infections associated with alcohol consumption were calculated using the Greenland and Drescher method for cohort studies. Results Among the 1288 participants seen at follow up, 53.5% reported drinking alcohol of whom 24.4% drank occasionally (2 days a week or less) and 29.1% drank regularly (3–7 days a week). Forty eight incident HIV infections occurred giving an incidence rate of 3.39/100 person years at-risk (pyar) (95% CI, 2.55–4.49). Compared to non-drinkers, the adjusted IRR of HIV was 3.09 (1.13–8.46) among occasional drinkers and 5.34 (2.04–13.97) among regular drinkers. The overall adjusted PAF of incident HIV infections due alcohol was 64.1 (95% CI; 23.5–83.1); ranging from 52.3 (11.9–74.2) among Muslims to 71.2 (32.6–87.7) for participants who reported ≥ 2 sexual partners in the past 12 months. Conclusion In fishing communities along Lake Victoria, Uganda, 64% of new HIV infections can be attributed to drinking alcohol. Interventions to reduce alcohol consumption should be integrated in HIV/AIDS prevention activities for populations in whom both HIV and alcohol consumption are highly prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Kiwanuka
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda Virus Research Institute-International AIDS Vaccine Initiative HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - Ali Ssetaala
- Uganda Virus Research Institute-International AIDS Vaccine Initiative HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Ismail Ssekandi
- Uganda Virus Research Institute-International AIDS Vaccine Initiative HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Annet Nalutaaya
- Uganda Virus Research Institute-International AIDS Vaccine Initiative HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Paul Kato Kitandwe
- Uganda Virus Research Institute-International AIDS Vaccine Initiative HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Julius Ssempiira
- Uganda Virus Research Institute-International AIDS Vaccine Initiative HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Bernard Ssentalo Bagaya
- Uganda Virus Research Institute-International AIDS Vaccine Initiative HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Apolo Balyegisawa
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Insitute, Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Hahn
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Christina Lindan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Nelson Kaulukusi Sewankambo
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Kampala, Uganda
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Structural and Behavioral Correlates of HIV Infection among Pregnant Women in a Country with a Highly Generalized HIV Epidemic: A Cross-Sectional Study with a Probability Sample of Antenatal Care Facilities in Swaziland. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168140. [PMID: 27942014 PMCID: PMC5152904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV disproportionately affects women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Swaziland bears the highest HIV prevalence of 41% among pregnant women in this region. This heightened HIV-epidemic reflects the importance of context-specific interventions. Apart from routine HIV surveillance, studies that examine structural and behavioral factors associated with HIV infection among women may facilitate the revitalization of existing programs and provide insights to inform context-specific HIV prevention interventions. METHODS AND FINDINGS This cross-sectional study employed a two-stage random cluster sampling in ten antenatal health care facilities in the Hhohho region of Swaziland in August and September 2015. Participants were eligible for the study if they were 18 years or older and had tested for HIV. Self-administered tablet-based questionnaires were used to assess HIV risk factors. Of all eligible pregnant women, 827 (92.4%) participated, out of which 297 (35.9%) were self-reportedly HIV positive. Among structural factors, family function was not significantly associated with self-reported HIV positive status, while lower than high school educational attainment (AOR, 1.65; CI, 1.14-3.38; P = 0.008), and income below minimum wage (AOR, 1.81; CI, 1.09-3.01; P = 0.021) were significantly associated with self-reported HIV positive status. Behavioral factors significantly associated with reporting a positive HIV status included; ≥2 lifetime sexual partners (AOR, 3.16; CI, 2.00-5.00; P<0.001), and ever cohabited (AOR, 2.39; CI, 1.66-3.43; P = 0.00). The most cited reason for having multiple sexual partners was financial gain. HIV/AIDS-related knowledge level was high but not associated to self-reported HIV status (P = 0.319). CONCLUSIONS Structural and behavioral factors showed significant association with self-reported HIV infection among pregnant women in Swaziland while HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and family function did not. This suggests that HIV interventions should be reinforced taking into consideration these findings. The findings also suggest the importance of future research sensitive to the Swazi and African sociocultural contexts, especially research for family function.
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Malamba SS, Muyinda H, Spittal PM, Ekwaru JP, Kiwanuka N, Ogwang MD, Odong P, Kitandwe PK, Katamba A, Jongbloed K, Sewankambo NK, Kinyanda E, Blair A, Schechter MT. "The Cango Lyec Project - Healing the Elephant": HIV related vulnerabilities of post-conflict affected populations aged 13-49 years living in three Mid-Northern Uganda districts. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:690. [PMID: 27871229 PMCID: PMC5117608 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-2030-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protracted war between the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army in Northern Uganda (1996-2006) resulted in widespread atrocities, destruction of health infrastructure and services, weakening the social and economic fabric of the affected populations, internal displacement and death. Despite grave concerns that increased spread of HIV/AIDS may be devastating to post conflict Northern Uganda, empirical epidemiological data describing the legacy of the war on HIV infection are scarce. METHODS The 'Cango Lyec' Project is an open cohort study involving conflict-affected populations living in three districts of Gulu, Nwoya and Amuru in mid-northern Uganda. Between November 2011 and July 2012, 8 study communities randomly selected out of 32, were mapped and house-to-house census conducted to enumerate the entire community population. Consenting participants aged 13-49 years were enrolled and interviewer-administered data were collected on trauma, depression and socio-demographic-behavioural characteristics, in the local Luo language. Venous blood was taken for HIV and syphilis serology. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with HIV prevalence at baseline. RESULTS A total of 2954 participants were eligible, of whom 2449 were enrolled. Among 2388 participants with known HIV status, HIV prevalence was 12.2% (95%CI: 10.8-13.8), higher in females (14.6%) than males (8.5%, p < 0.001), higher in Gulu (15.2%) than Nwoya (11.6%, p < 0.001) and Amuru (7.5%, p = 0.006) districts. In this post-conflict period, HIV infection was significantly associated with war trauma experiences (Adj. OR = 2.50; 95%CI: 1.31-4.79), the psychiatric problems of PTSD (Adj. OR = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.06-1.96), Major Depressive Disorder (Adj. OR = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.28-2.80) and suicidal ideation (Adj. OR = 1.87; 95%CI: 1.34-2.61). Other HIV related vulnerabilities included older age, being married, separated, divorced or widowed, residing in an urban district, ulcerative sexually transmitted infections, and staying in a female headed household. There was no evidence in this study to suggest that people with a history of abduction were more likely to be HIV positive. CONCLUSIONS HIV prevalence in this post conflict-affected population is high and is significantly associated with age, trauma, depression, history of ulcerative STIs, and residing in more urban districts. Evidence-based HIV/STI prevention programs and culturally safe, gender and trauma-informed are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Malamba
- Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) - HIV Reference Laboratory Program, Entebbe, Uganda. .,Northern Uganda Program on Health Sciences, c/o Uganda Virus Research Institute, HIV Reference Laboratory, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Herbert Muyinda
- Makerere University, Child Health Development Center, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patricia M Spittal
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - John P Ekwaru
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Noah Kiwanuka
- Uganda Virus Research Institute - International HIV/AIDS Vaccine Initiative (UVRI-IAVI) HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda.,Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martin D Ogwang
- St. Mary's Hospital-Lacor, Gulu, Uganda.,Northern Uganda Program on Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Odong
- Northern Uganda Program on Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul K Kitandwe
- Uganda Virus Research Institute - International HIV/AIDS Vaccine Initiative (UVRI-IAVI) HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Kate Jongbloed
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Eugene Kinyanda
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda.,Butabika National Psychiatric Referral Hospital, Nakawa, Uganda
| | - Alden Blair
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Martin T Schechter
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Vancouver, Canada
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Carlos S, Lopez-Del Burgo C, Burgueño E, Martinez-Gonzalez MA, Osorio A, Ndarabu A, Passabosc C, de Irala J. Male condom use, multiple sexual partners and HIV: a prospective case-control study in Kinshasa (DRC). AIDS Care 2016; 29:772-781. [PMID: 27852108 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1258450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In the Democratic Republic of Congo no previous studies have assessed the factors associated with different patterns of condom use and with multiple sexual partners, and the association between condom use simultaneously taking into account multiple sexual partnerships, and HIV infection. We carried out a prospective case-control study. From December 2010 until June 2012, 1630 participants aged 15-49 getting HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing in a hospital in Kinshasa were selected. Cases were new HIV diagnosis and controls were HIV-negative participants detected along the study period. We recruited 274 cases and 1340 controls that were interviewed about HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Among cases there was a high prevalence of multiple lifetime and concurrent sexual partnerships (89.8% and 20.4%, respectively) and most cases never used condoms with only 1.5% using them consistently. Condom use and multiple partnerships were associated with male, single and high-educated participants. An association was found between multiple lifetime partners and 'any condom use' (OR = 2.99; 95%CI: 2.14-4.19) but not with consistent use. Both having two or more multiple concurrent sexual partners or not using condoms were variables similarly and highly associated to HIV risk. The association found between having two or more concurrent sexual partners and HIV was slightly higher (OR = 3.58, 95%CI:2.31-5.56) than the association found between never condom use and HIV (OR = 3.38, 95%CI:1.15-9.93). We found a high prevalence of multiple lifetime sexual partners and an extremely high prevalence of inconsistent condom use, both strongly associated with HIV seropositivity. Local programmes would benefit from comprehensive interventions targeting all behavioural and sociocultural determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Carlos
- a Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department , University of Navarra , Pamplona , Spain.,b IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research , Pamplona , Spain.,c Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), Education of Affectivity and Human Sexuality , University of Navarra , Pamplona Spain
| | - Cristina Lopez-Del Burgo
- a Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department , University of Navarra , Pamplona , Spain.,b IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research , Pamplona , Spain.,c Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), Education of Affectivity and Human Sexuality , University of Navarra , Pamplona Spain
| | - Eduardo Burgueño
- d CEFA-Monkole , Kinshasa , Democratic Republic of the Congo.,e Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care , UPC - Protestant University in Congo, Kinshasa , Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez
- a Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department , University of Navarra , Pamplona , Spain.,b IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research , Pamplona , Spain.,f CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBER obn), Spanish Government (ISCIII) , Madrid , Spain
| | - Alfonso Osorio
- b IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research , Pamplona , Spain.,c Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), Education of Affectivity and Human Sexuality , University of Navarra , Pamplona Spain.,g School of Education and Psychology , University of Navarra , Pamplona , Spain
| | - Adolphe Ndarabu
- h Monkole Hospital , Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Clément Passabosc
- i Department of Ophthalmology , Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Jokin de Irala
- a Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department , University of Navarra , Pamplona , Spain.,b IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research , Pamplona , Spain.,c Institute for Culture and Society (ICS), Education of Affectivity and Human Sexuality , University of Navarra , Pamplona Spain
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Kim J, Nanfuka M, Moore D, Shafic M, Nyonyitono M, Birungi J, Galenda F, King R. 'People say that we are already dead much as we can still walk': a qualitative investigation of community and couples' understanding of HIV serodiscordance in rural Uganda. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:665. [PMID: 27832759 PMCID: PMC5103364 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1998-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stable, co-habiting HIV serodiscordant couples are a key population in terms of heterosexual transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the wide availability of antiretroviral treatment and HIV educational programs, heterosexual transmission continues to drive the HIV epidemic in Africa. To investigate some of the factors involved in transmission or maintenance of serodiscordant status, we designed a study to examine participants’ understanding of HIV serodiscordance and the implications this posed for their HIV prevention practices. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 serodiscordant couples enrolled in a treatment-as-prevention study in Jinja, Uganda. Participants were asked questions regarding sexual behaviour, beliefs in treatment and prevention, participants’ and communities’ understanding and context around HIV serodiscordance. Qualitative framework analysis capturing several main themes was carried out by a team of four members, and was cross-checked for consistency. Results It was found that most couples had difficulty explaining the phenomenon of serodiscordance and tended to be confused regarding prevention. Many individuals still held beliefs in pseudoscientific explanations for HIV susceptibility such as blood type and blood “strength”. The participants’ trust of treatment and medical services were well established. However, the communities’ views of both serodiscordance and treatment were more pessimistic and wrought with mistrust. Stigmatization of serodiscordance and HIV-positive status were reported frequently. Conclusions The results indicate that despite years of treatment and prevention methods being available, stigmatization and mistrust persist in the communities of HIV-affected individuals and may directly contribute to new cases and seroconversion. We suggest that to optimize the effects of HIV treatment and prevention, clear education and support of such methods are sorely needed in sub-Saharan African communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiho Kim
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - David Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Rachel King
- Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
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Blanquart F, Grabowski MK, Herbeck J, Nalugoda F, Serwadda D, Eller MA, Robb ML, Gray R, Kigozi G, Laeyendecker O, Lythgoe KA, Nakigozi G, Quinn TC, Reynolds SJ, Wawer MJ, Fraser C. A transmission-virulence evolutionary trade-off explains attenuation of HIV-1 in Uganda. eLife 2016; 5:e20492. [PMID: 27815945 PMCID: PMC5115872 DOI: 10.7554/elife.20492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary theory hypothesizes that intermediate virulence maximizes pathogen fitness as a result of a trade-off between virulence and transmission, but empirical evidence remains scarce. We bridge this gap using data from a large and long-standing HIV-1 prospective cohort, in Uganda. We use an epidemiological-evolutionary model parameterised with this data to derive evolutionary predictions based on analysis and detailed individual-based simulations. We robustly predict stabilising selection towards a low level of virulence, and rapid attenuation of the virus. Accordingly, set-point viral load, the most common measure of virulence, has declined in the last 20 years. Our model also predicts that subtype A is slowly outcompeting subtype D, with both subtypes becoming less virulent, as observed in the data. Reduction of set-point viral loads should have resulted in a 20% reduction in incidence, and a three years extension of untreated asymptomatic infection, increasing opportunities for timely treatment of infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Blanquart
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Kate Grabowski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Joshua Herbeck
- International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | | | - David Serwadda
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael A Eller
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, United States
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, United States
| | - Merlin L Robb
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, United States
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, United States
| | - Ronald Gray
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Katrina A Lythgoe
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Thomas C Quinn
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Steven J Reynolds
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Maria J Wawer
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Christophe Fraser
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Walker ARP, Walker BF, Wadee AA. A catastrophe in the 21st century: the public health situation in South Africa following HIV/AIDS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 125:168-71. [PMID: 16094927 DOI: 10.1177/146642400512500409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
During the early 1900s, African populations in South Africa were subject to very widespread infections which especially affected the young. This resulted in high mortality rates and a low life expectancy of 20-25 years. By the mid-century, mortality rates from infections had decreased considerably. Moreover, the occurrences of non-communicable diseases, even in urban areas, remained very low. In the 1970s, the proportion of Africans aged 50 or over that reached 70 years was 38.5%, higher than that in the juxtaposed white population, which was 35.5%. And by 1985, the life expectancy of Africans reached 61 years for males and 63 years for females, probably the highest in sub-Saharan African populations. Since then, however, the African continent has been devastated by the AIDS epidemic. In 2001, HIV was responsible for the death of a third of the African population in South Africa, but even higher proportions prevailed in Botswana and in Tanzania. The calamitous advent of the HIV infection has caused major falls in life expectancy, in the case of Africans in South Africa reducing this to just 43 years. With little hope of meaningful changes occurring in sexual habits or of an early vaccine becoming available, the infectionís high morbidity/mortality burden is likely to continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R P Walker
- Human Biochemistry Research Unit, School of Pathology of the University of the Witwatersrand, and National Health Laboratory Service, P.O. Box 1038, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Peasant C, Sullivan TP, Weiss NH, Martinez I, Meyer JP. Beyond the syndemic: condom negotiation and use among women experiencing partner violence. AIDS Care 2016; 29:516-523. [PMID: 27590004 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1224296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV). OBJECTIVE The current study (1) applied a syndemic framework to study the collective effects of problematic drug use, hazardous drinking, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on fear of condom negotiation, condom negotiation, and condom use and (2) evaluated condom negotiation (controlling for fear of condom negotiation) as a mediator of the association between syndemic severity and condom use among low-income IPV-exposed women. METHODS Participants were 158 women living in the community and experiencing ongoing IPV who completed face-to-face, computer-assisted interviews. RESULTS Almost three-fourths of the participants reported problematic drug use, hazardous drinking, depression, and/or PTSD; many of these factors were correlated, indicating a syndemic. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses revealed associations between syndemic severity and fear of condom negotiation (OR = 1.57, p = .02), condom negotiation (β = -8.51, p = .001), and condom use (β = -8.26, p = .01). Meditation analyses identified condom negotiation as a mediator of the association between syndemic severity and condom use (effect = -6.57, SE = 2.01, [95% CI: -10.66, -2.77]). CONCLUSIONS Results fill a critical gap in previous research by identifying condom negotiation as a mechanism through which this syndemic affects condom use. Prevention and intervention programs should consider addressing condom negotiation to reduce sexual risk among this high-risk population. Further, because IPV-exposed women may experience fear related to condom negotiation, it is critical that prevention and intervention efforts for this population offer skills to safely negotiate condom use, increase condom use, and reduce STI and HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Peasant
- a Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS , Yale School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Tami P Sullivan
- b Division of Prevention and Community Research, Department of Psychiatry , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- b Division of Prevention and Community Research, Department of Psychiatry , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Isabel Martinez
- a Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS , Yale School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA
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Shelton JD, Fuchs N. Opportunities and Pitfalls in Integration of Family Planning and HIV Prevention Efforts in Developing Countries. Public Health Rep 2016; 119:12-5. [PMID: 15147642 PMCID: PMC1502257 DOI: 10.1177/003335490411900104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James D Shelton
- Bureau for Global Health, U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC 20523, USA.
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Esra RT, Olivier AJ, Passmore JAS, Jaspan HB, Harryparsad R, Gray CM. Does HIV Exploit the Inflammatory Milieu of the Male Genital Tract for Successful Infection? Front Immunol 2016; 7:245. [PMID: 27446076 PMCID: PMC4919362 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In many parts of the World, medical male circumcision (MMC) is used as standard prevention of care against HIV infection. This is based on seminal reports made over 10 years ago that removal of the foreskin provides up to 60% protection against HIV infection in males and seems currently the best antiretroviral-free prevention strategy yet against the global epidemic. We explore the potential mechanisms by which MMC protects against HIV-1 acquisition and that one of the oldest, albeit re-invented, rituals of removing a foreskin underscores the exploitative nature of HIV on the anatomy and tissue of the uncircumcised penis. Furthermore, foreskin removal also reveals how males acquire HIV, and in reality, the underlying mechanisms of MMC are not known. We argue that the normal sequelae of inflammation in the male genital tract (MGT) for protection from sexually transmitted infections (STI)-induced pathology represents a perfect immune and microbial ecosystem for HIV acquisition. The accumulation of HIV-1 target cells in foreskin tissue and within the urethra in response to STIs, both during and after resolution of infection, suggests that acquisition of HIV-1, through sexual contact, makes use of the natural immune milieu of the MGT. Understanding immunity in the MGT, the movement of HIV-1 target cells to the urethra and foreskin tissue upon encounter with microbial signals would provide more insight into viral acquisition and lay the foundation for further prevention strategies in males that would be critical to curb the epidemic in all sexual partners at risk of infection. The global female-centric focus of HIV-1 transmission and acquisition research has tended to leave gaps in our knowledge of what determines HIV-1 acquisition in men and such understanding would provide a more balanced and complete view of viral acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel T. Esra
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abraham J. Olivier
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jo-Ann S. Passmore
- Department of Pathology, Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather B. Jaspan
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rushil Harryparsad
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Clive M. Gray
- Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Cape Town, South Africa
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Nankinga O, Misinde C, Kwagala B. Gender relations, sexual behaviour, and risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections among women in union in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:440. [PMID: 27229928 PMCID: PMC4881206 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major reproductive and public health concern, especially in the era of HIV/AIDS. This study examined the relationship between sexual empowerment and STI status of women in union (married or cohabiting) in Uganda, controlling for sexual behaviour, partner factors, and women's background characteristics. METHODS The study, based on data from the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), analysed 1307 weighted cases of women age 15-49 in union and selected for the domestic violence module. Chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the predicators of STI status. The main explanatory variables included sexual empowerment, involvement in decision making on own health, experience of any sexual violence, condom use during last sex with most recent partner, number of lifetime partners and partner control behaviours. Sexual empowerment was measured with three indicators: a woman's reported ability to refuse sex, ability to ask her partner to use a condom, and opinion regarding whether a woman is justified to refuse sex with her husband if he is unfaithful. RESULTS Results show that 28 % of women in union reported STIs in the last 12 months. Sexual violence and number of lifetime partners were the strongest predictors of reporting STIs. Women's sexual empowerment was a significant predictor of their STI status, but, surprisingly, the odds of reporting STIs were greater among women who were sexually empowered. Reporting of STIs was negatively associated with a woman's participation in decision-making with respect to her own health, and was positively associated with experience of sexual violence, partner's controlling behaviour, and having more than one life partner. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that, with respect to STIs, sexual empowerment as measured in the study does not protect women who have sexually violent and controlling partners. Interventions promoting sexual health must effectively address negative masculine attitudes and roles that perpetuate unhealthy sexual behaviours and gender relations within marriage. It is also important to promote marital fidelity and better communication within union and to encourage women to take charge of their health jointly with their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Nankinga
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics and Planning, College of Business and Management, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Cyprian Misinde
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics and Planning, College of Business and Management, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Betty Kwagala
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics and Planning, College of Business and Management, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
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Kim M, McKenney J, Khosropour CM, Prater AB, Rosenberg ES, Siegler AJ, Sullivan PS. Factors Associated With Condom Breakage During Anal Intercourse: A Cross-Sectional Study of Men Who Have Sex With Men Recruited in an Online Survey. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2016; 2:e7. [PMID: 27227161 PMCID: PMC4869233 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.5298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Within the United States, HIV affects men who have sex with men (MSM) disproportionally compared to the general population. In 2011, MSM represented nearly two-thirds of all new HIV infections while representing less than 2% of the US male population. Condoms continue to be the foundation of many HIV prevention programs; however, the failure rate of condoms during anal intercourse among MSM is estimated to be 0.5% to 8%, and condom breakages leave those affected at high risk for HIV transmission. Objective Estimate the frequency of condom breakage and associated demographic and behavioral factors during last act of anal intercourse using data from a national online HIV prevention survey of MSM. Methods From March 19 to April 16, 2009, data were collected on 9005 MSM through an online survey of US MSM recruited through a social networking site. Using multivariable logistic regression and controlling for several demographic and sexual risk behaviors, we estimated odds ratios of the association between condom breakage and several risk factors. Results In the study, 8063 participants reported having at least one male sexual partner in the last 12 months. The median age of participants was 21 years (range 18-65). More than two-thirds (68.2%, 5498/8063) reported anal intercourse during last sex and 16.90% (927/5498) reported using a condom during last anal intercourse act. Condom breakage was reported by 4.4% (28/635) participants who engaged in receptive anal intercourse and 3.5% (16/459) participants who engaged in insertive anal intercourse, with an overall failure rate of 4.0% (95% CI 3.2%-6.0%). Age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per 5 years: 0.53 (95% CI 0.30-0.94), number of male sex partners (aOR per 5 sex partners: 1.03 (95% CI 1.00-1.08), and being high or buzzed during sex with a casual sex partner (aOR: 3.14, 95% CI 1.02-9.60) were associated with condom breakage. Conclusions Our results indicate condom breakage is an important problem for MSM that may be more common for younger men, for men with more partners, and during sex with casual partners after alcohol consumption or drug use. A better understanding of why condom breakage occurs more often in these groups is needed to improve educational efforts. Further, during this time of expanded interest in new condom designs, consideration should be given to how condom design might minimize breakage during anal sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kim
- Rollins School of Public HealthDepartment of EpidemiologyEmory UniversityAtlanta, GAUnited States
| | - Jennie McKenney
- Rollins School of Public HealthDepartment of EpidemiologyEmory UniversityAtlanta, GAUnited States
| | - Christine M Khosropour
- University of WashingtonDepartment of MedicineUniversity of WashintonSeattle, WAUnited States
| | - Adam B Prater
- Emory UniversityDepartment of Radiology and Imaging SciencesUniversity of EmoryAtlanta, GAUnited States
| | - Eli S Rosenberg
- Rollins School of Public HealthDepartment of EpidemiologyEmory UniversityAtlanta, GAUnited States
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Rollins School of Public HealthDepartment of EpidemiologyEmory UniversityAtlanta, GAUnited States
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Rollins School of Public HealthDepartment of EpidemiologyEmory UniversityAtlanta, GAUnited States
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High HIV Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Female Sexual Partners of Male Injection Drug Users (MWID) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:395-404. [PMID: 26271814 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Injection drug use is a major factor in acquiring and transmitting HIV in Vietnam. This analysis aims to present estimates of HIV infection and factors associated with HIV infection among female sex partners (FSP) of MWID in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2011 and 2013 among males who inject drugs (MWID) who then referred their FSP for a behavioral and biologic survey. In total, 445 MWID and FSPs were enrolled. HIV prevalence among MWID was 50 and 35 % among FSPs. Among FSPs, 60.3 % reported ever using illegal drugs and among those, 72.7 % reported ever injecting illicit drugs. Among FSP, injection drug for >1 year [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), 95 % CI 2.94, 1.19-7.26), p value = <0.001] and having a male partner infected with HIV [(aOR 3.35: 1.97-5.69), p value = <0.001] were associated with HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV infection is high among FSP of MWID in HCMC and is highly associated with the injection drug use behavior of the FSP. Harm-reduction intervention programs that focus on the MWID-FSP couple or directly on the FSPs are required.
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Rugigana E, Birungi F, Nzayirambaho M. HIV knowledge and risky sexual behavior among men in Rwanda. Pan Afr Med J 2015; 22:380. [PMID: 27047620 PMCID: PMC4796779 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2015.22.380.6661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction New infections of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain a big problem in many countries. Different interventions have been implemented to improve the general knowledge of HIV, with the hypothesis that increasing HIV knowledge will reduce risky sexual behavior (RSB). However, HIV knowledge may not necessarily reduce RSB. This study explores HIV knowledge and its effect on RSB. Methods The study used data from the 2005 and 2010 Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys to analyze the association between HIV risk factors and two types of RSB (having two or more partners in the past 12 months; and among those with two or more partners, not using a condom at last sex) and the association between HIV knowledge and those RSB. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of RSB. Results Among 2,773 men in 2005 and 3,772 men in 2010, 5% and 7% respectively reported having two or more sexual partners. Among them, 93% in 2005 and 74% in 2010 did not use a condom at the last sex. Between 2005 and 2010, knowledge of the protective effect of having just one uninfected faithful partner, and basic knowledge of HIV decreased. Knowledge of the protective effect of using condoms increased from 90% to 94%. However, HIV knowledge was not associated with either type of RSB. Conclusion In setting up policies and strategies related to HIV prevention, policymakers should consider that focusing on HIV knowledge is not sufficient in itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Rugigana
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda
| | - Francine Birungi
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda
| | - Manassé Nzayirambaho
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda
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Identifying Recent HIV Infections: From Serological Assays to Genomics. Viruses 2015; 7:5508-24. [PMID: 26512688 PMCID: PMC4632395 DOI: 10.3390/v7102887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we review serological and molecular based methods to identify HIV infection recency. The accurate identification of recent HIV infection continues to be an important research area and has implications for HIV prevention and treatment interventions. Longitudinal cohorts that follow HIV negative individuals over time are the current gold standard approach, but they are logistically challenging, time consuming and an expensive enterprise. Methods that utilize cross-sectional testing and biomarker information have become an affordable alternative to the longitudinal approach. These methods use well-characterized biological makers to differentiate between recent and established HIV infections. However, recent results have identified a number of limitations in serological based assays that are sensitive to the variability in immune responses modulated by HIV subtypes, viral load and antiretroviral therapy. Molecular methods that explore the dynamics between the timing of infection and viral evolution are now emerging as a promising approach. The combination of serological and molecular methods may provide a good solution to identify recent HIV infection in cross-sectional data. As part of this review, we present the advantages and limitations of serological and molecular based methods and their potential complementary role for the identification of HIV infection recency.
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Sahay S, Deshpande S, Bembalkar S, Kharat M, Parkhe A, Brahme RG, Paranjape R, Bollinger RC, Mehendale SM. Failure to Use and Sustain Male Condom Usage: Lessons Learned from a Prospective Study among Men Attending STI Clinic in Pune, India. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135071. [PMID: 26270464 PMCID: PMC4535957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sustained or consistent use of condoms by men remains a challenge. A study was carried out to identify factors associated with failure to use condoms consistently by men attending STD clinics in Pune, India. Method Among 14137 STI clinic attendees, 8360 HIV sero-negative men were enrolled in a cohort study. The changes in condom usage behavior were studied among 1284 men who returned for first scheduled quarterly follow up, 309 reported consistent condom use at the time of enrollment in the cohort. Data pertaining to heterosexual men practicing high risk behavior were analyzed to identify factors associated with change in condom use behavior using logistic regression model. Demographic, behavioral and biological factors observed to be associated with condom use were fitted in five Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals to identify independent predictors of failure to sustain condom use behavior. Results The univariate analysis showed that men who were 30 years or older in age (p = 0.002) and those who did not have contact female sex worker (FSW) were more likely to fail to sustain consistent condom use. However both these factors did not show significant association in multivariable analysis. Marital status and contact with Hijra (eunuch) in lifetime were associated with failure to change in their condom use behavior [AOR 0.33 (CI 0.13–0.82; p = 0.017)]. During the follow up of 2 years, 61 events (15.5 per 100 person years, 95% CI 12.3–19.5 years) of ‘failure of condom use’ were recorded despite counseling. Older age, contact with non CSW partner and presence of genital ulcer disease / discharge syndrome were significant predictors of failure to sustain condom use. Discussion Married monogamous older men, who report contact with sex worker and present with genital ulcer disease are at risk of failure to use condom after first exposure to voluntary HIV counseling and testing. This is a scenario of primary prevention program. Condom promotion and counseling needs to be reinforced through follow up counseling among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Sahay
- National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
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Mulwo AK, Tomaselli KG, Dalrymple L. Condom brands, perceptions of condom efficacy and HIV prevention among university students in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2015; 8:311-20. [PMID: 25864546 DOI: 10.2989/ajar.2009.8.3.7.928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
University students form an important constituency in interventions against HIV and AIDS. The majority of university students are between ages 18 and 30 years, which, according to recent surveys, is the age category at the highest risk of HIV infection. Even though there is currently no comprehensive statistical data on the HIV prevalence at South African institutions of higher learning, a number of studies have noted increasing AIDS-related deaths and sicknesses among students. This highlights the need for effective intervention against HIV infections within this community. Condom use remains the most effective intervention against HIV infection within sexually active populations. This paper examines perceptions of public-sector condoms and their impact on condom use among university students, based on the findings of research conducted at three universities in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Study findings indicate that public-sector condoms are perceived as ineffective, smelly and even 'infectious' and are widely seen to be of lower status as compared to the commercial brands. These perceptions were found to influence condom use as some students preferred to engage in unprotected sex rather than use public-sector condoms. The paper highlights the need for communication programmes to demystify the misconceptions surrounding public-sector condoms and to provide reassurance of the quality of such condoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Kiprop Mulwo
- a Culture, Communication and Media Studies (CCMS), Howard College Campus , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , 4041 , South Africa
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Condom effectiveness for HIV prevention by consistency of use among men who have sex with men in the United States. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 68:337-44. [PMID: 25469526 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We derived an estimate of male condom effectiveness during anal sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) because the most widely used estimate of condom effectiveness (80%) was based on studies of persons during heterosexual sex with an HIV-positive partner. DESIGN Assessed male condom effectiveness during anal sex between MSM in 2 prospective cohort studies of HIV incidence by self-reported consistency of use. METHODS Analyzed data combined from US participants in the EXPLORE trial (1999-2001) public use data set and in the VAX 004 trial (1998-1999) data set. Initially, HIV-uninfected MSM enrolled in these trials completed baseline and semiannual interviews about their sexual behaviors with male partners and underwent HIV testing. Using a time-to-event model, effectiveness of consistent condom use in preventing HIV infection was estimated among men reporting receptive and/or insertive anal sex with an HIV-positive partner and consistency of condom use. RESULTS Among MSM reporting any anal sex with an HIV-positive male partner, we found 70% effectiveness with reported consistent condom use (compared with never use) and no significant protection when comparing sometimes use to never use. This point estimate for MSM was less than the 80% effectiveness estimate reported for heterosexuals in HIV-discordant couples reporting consistent condom use. However, the point estimates in the 2 populations are not statistically different. Only 16% of MSM reported consistent condom use during anal sex with male partners of any HIV status over the entire observation period. CONCLUSIONS These estimates are useful for counseling efforts and for modeling the impact and comparative effectiveness of condoms and other prevention methods used by MSM.
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