1
|
Beksinska A, Karlsen O, Gafos M, Beattie TS. Alcohol use and associated risk factors among female sex workers in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001216. [PMID: 37310993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to its widespread use in the sex work industry, female sex workers (FSWs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at high risk of harmful alcohol use and associated adverse health outcomes. Factors associated with harmful alcohol use include violence, mental health problems, drug use, sexual risk behaviors and HIV/STIs. To our knowledge, there has been no quantitative synthesis of FSW alcohol use data to date. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide an estimate of the prevalence of harmful alcohol use among FSWs in LMICs and to examine associations with common health and social concerns. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42021237438. We searched three electronic databases for peer-reviewed, quantitative studies from inception to 24th February 2021. Studies were selected for inclusion that reported any measure of prevalence or incidence of alcohol use among FSWs aged 18 or older from countries defined as LMIC in accordance with the World Bank income groups 2019. The following study designs were included: cross-sectional survey, case-control study, cohort study, case series analysis, or experimental study with baseline measures for alcohol use. Study quality was assessed with the Center for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa) Critical Appraisal Tool. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated for (i) any hazardous/harmful/dependent alcohol use, (ii) harmful/dependent alcohol use only, both overall and by region and (iii) daily alcohol use. Meta-analyses examined associations between harmful alcohol use and violence, condom use, HIV/STIs, mental health problems and other drug use. In total, 435 papers were identified. After screening, 99 papers reporting on 87 unique studies with 51,904 participants from 32 LMICs met the inclusion criteria. Study designs included cross-sectional (n = 89), cohort (n = 6) and experimental (n = 4). Overall, 5 scored as high quality, 79 studies scored as moderate and 15 scored as weak quality. Twenty-nine papers reporting on 22 unique studies used validated alcohol use tools including AUDIT, CAGE and WHO CIDI. The pooled prevalence of any hazardous/harmful/dependent alcohol use was 41% (95% CI: 31-51%), and of daily alcohol use was 26% (95% CI: 17-36%). There was variation in harmful alcohol use by global region (Sub-Saharan Africa: 38%; South Asia/Central Asia/ East Asia and Pacific: 47% and Latin America and the Caribbean:44%). Harmful alcohol use was significantly associated with inconsistent condom use (pooled unadjusted RR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.01-2.67), STIs (pooled unadjusted OR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.15-1.46); and other drug use (pooled unadjusted OR of 2.44; 95% CI 1.24-4.80), but not with HIV, violence or mental health problems. We found a high prevalence of problem alcohol use and daily alcohol use among FSWs in LMICs. Harmful drinking was associated with important HIV risk factors such as inconsistent condom use, STIs and other drug use. Major limitations included heterogeneity in tools and cut-off scores to measure alcohol use and other common risk factors, and a paucity of longitudinal studies. There is an urgent need for tailored interventions for FSWs in LMICs that address alcohol use as well as the associated sex work risk environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Beksinska
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oda Karlsen
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tara S Beattie
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Martyn E, Eisen S, Longley N, Harris P, Surey J, Norman J, Brown M, Sultan B, Maponga TG, Iwuji C, Flanagan S, Ghosh I, Story A, Matthews PC. The forgotten people: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as a priority for the inclusion health agenda. eLife 2023; 12:e81070. [PMID: 36757862 PMCID: PMC9910830 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a significant global health threat, accounting for 300 million chronic infections and up to 1 million deaths each year. HBV disproportionately affects people who are under-served by health systems due to social exclusion, and can further amplify inequities through its impact on physical and mental health, relationship with stigma and discrimination, and economic costs. The 'inclusion health' agenda focuses on excluded and vulnerable populations, who often experience barriers to accessing healthcare, and are under-represented by research, resources, interventions, advocacy, and policy. In this article, we assimilate evidence to establish HBV on the inclusion health agenda, and consider how this view can inform provision of better approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. We suggest approaches to redress the unmet need for HBV interventions among excluded populations as an imperative to progress the global goal for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Martyn
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Sarah Eisen
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicky Longley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Philippa Harris
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Julian Surey
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Global Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria de CantoblancoMadridSpain
| | - James Norman
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael Brown
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Binta Sultan
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Tongai G Maponga
- Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesTygerbergSouth Africa
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Department of Global Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of SussexBrightonUnited Kingdom
- Africa Health Research InstituteDurban, KwaZulu-NatalSouth Africa
| | - Stuart Flanagan
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Indrajit Ghosh
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Alistair Story
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Philippa C Matthews
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
HIV prevalence and associated factors among female sex workers in Iran: a bio-behavioral survey in 2020. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:909-918. [PMID: 36097087 PMCID: PMC9466307 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03827-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Despite the overall decline in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, it remains unacceptably high in key populations. This study aimed to estimate prevalence of HIV infection and high-risk behaviors among female sex workers (FSWs). This study was a cross-sectional survey of FSWs conducted between December 2019 and August 2020 in eight geographically diverse cities in Iran. After providing informed consent, participants completed a bio-behavioral questionnaire and after completion of the interview, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and dried blood spots (DBS) were collected to determine HIV and syphilis status as per national guidelines, if the women consented. All analyzes were based on RDS adjustment. Weighting was done according to Giles'SS estimator. Among the 1515 FSWs, the overall prevalence of HIV and syphilis were 1.6% (95% CI: 0.8-2.3) and zero, respectively. The highest HIV prevalence was observed in Shiraz (5.1%) and Khorramabad city (1.6%). In addition, HIV-positive FSWs had a higher mean age at first sexual contact than HIV-negative FSWs (21.4 ± 5.6 vs. 17.2 ± 4.2 years). Injection drug use and a history of arrest or incarceration were associated with an increased odds of HIV infection (OR = 6.25; 95% CI: 1.90-20.55 and OR = 4.57; 95% CI: 1.64-12.72, respectively). Based on the results, strategies to improve early HIV diagnosis, harm reduction, and use of testing and treatment strategies are needed to reduce and control HIV infections.
Collapse
|
4
|
Risks and benefits of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for people with chronic hepatitis B. THE LANCET HIV 2022; 9:e585-e594. [PMID: 35817068 PMCID: PMC9339532 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who are at substantial risk of HIV acquisition benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir-based antiviral therapy. Considering that tenofovir potently inhibits HBV, providing PrEP to individuals with HBV effectively results in treatment of their HBV infection. However, some clinicians might be hesitant to initiate PrEP in people with chronic HBV due to unknown risks of HBV reactivation, hepatitis, and acute liver failure during periods of antiviral cessation. Unfortunately, these knowledge gaps affect scale up of PrEP among people with chronic HBV. Emerging data regarding the risks and benefits of antiviral cessation in people with chronic HBV suggest that PrEP can be safely initiated despite the risks of non-adherence or discontinuation. People with chronic HBV who stop PrEP should be closely monitored for HBV reactivation and hepatitis flares after antiviral cessation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Alemu GH, Gidebo DD, Ali MM. Magnitude of HIV Infection and Associated Factors among Female Sex Workers at Hawassa, Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci 2022; 32:261-268. [PMID: 35693584 PMCID: PMC9175215 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v32i2.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV is among one of the most serious public health problems. Low-income countries are highly affected by Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV). The burden of HIV varies across various segments of the population. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of HIV infection and associated factors among female sex workers (FSWs). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 381 FSWs at Integrated Service on Health and Development Organization (ISHDO) located in Hawassa city from July to November 2018. Socio-demographic and related data were collected using a structured questionnaire. About 5 ml of venous blood was collected from study participants; serum was prepared and tested for HIV using the 4th generation Microlisa HIV assay. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21; binary and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with HIV infection among FSWs. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of HIV among FSWs at ISHDO, Hawassa was 19.9% [95% CI: 16, 24.4]. Conclusion The prevalence of HIV among FSWs at ISHDO, Hawassa was relatively high compared to national and regional reports. In this study, none of the factors assessed were significantly associated with HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Deresse Daka Gidebo
- Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Musa Mohammed Ali
- Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Daka D, Hailemeskel G, Fenta DA. Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus infection and associated factors among female sex workers using respondent-driven sampling in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:37. [PMID: 35094675 PMCID: PMC8802412 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Female sex workers (FSWs) are a marginalized group notoriously having limited healthcare access and poor-quality care. Inevitably, they are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections including hepatitis B virus. However; Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the most serious infections and major public health problem considered to be at soaring risk for transmission and acquisition of the infection. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of HBV infections among FSWs in southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to February 2019 at Hawassa city in ISHDO confidential clinic among 383 FSWs. Respondent-driven consecutive sampling was used to select study participants using a standardized questionnaire. Blood sample was collected and viral surface antigen was detected using ELISA from separated serum. Data were entered to SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used. Result The overall prevalence of FSWs who were tested for HBV using ELISA was 35(9.2%) (95% CI: 6.3–12.1). Among 381 FSWs 249(65.4%) were stayed for 2–5 years in sexual work and 240(63%) of them were used condom consistently during sexual practice. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, FSWs who didn’t use condom were six and two times more risk full to acquire HBV than those who used condom commonly (AOR = 6.38, CI 2.04–18.51) and condom breakage (AOR = 2.10, CI 1.95–4.65), during sexual practice respectively. Similarly, use of stimulants (AOR = 3.25, CI 1.59–18.63), previous history of STI (AOR = 2.15, CI 1.02–6.93), genital ulcer (AOR = 4.64, CI 1.31–11.35), number of sexual partners (AOR = 3.25, CI 1.59–7.47), sex during menses (AOR = 5.85, CI (1.29–21.44), sexual assault (AOR = 2.93, CI 1.23–9.01), sharp material sharing, (AOR = 4.98, CI 1.34–10.95) and history of abortion, (AOR = 2.46, CI 1.18, 12.19), were statistically associated with HBV infection. Factors such as age, residence, and alcohol consumption were not associated with HBV infection. Conclusion The prevalence of HBV infection in this study was relatively high compared to the general population. Factors like sociodemographic, behavioral, and previous history-related information were associated with HBV infection shows the need for ongoing screening of high-risk population to inform planning for vaccination and preventive measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deresse Daka
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
| | - Getahun Hailemeskel
- Department of Laboratory Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Demissie Assegu Fenta
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Daka D, Hailemeskel G, Fenta DA. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and Associated Factors Among Female Sex Workers Using Respondent-Driven Sampling in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:4301-4311. [PMID: 34707375 PMCID: PMC8542596 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s332333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex workers (FSWs) are a marginalized group having limited healthcare access and poor-quality care. Inevitably, they are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections including hepatitis B virus. It is one of the most serious and major public health problems, with an increased risk of transmission and acquisition of the infection. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of HBV infection among FSWs in southern Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to February 2019 at Hawassa city among ISHDO confidential clinics among 383 FSWs using respondent-driven consecutive sampling techniques to select study participants using a standardized questionnaire. The blood samples were collected to detect viral surface antigen using ELISA. Data were entered into SPSS version 21. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was used. RESULTS The overall prevalence of HBV was 35 (9.2%) (95% CI=6.3-12.1). Among 381 FSWs, 249 (65.4%) of them had stayed for 2-5 years in sexual work. A total of 240 (63%) of them used condoms consistently during sexual practice. In multivariate analysis, FSWs who did not use a condom during sexual practice were 6-times more at risk than those who used a condom (AOR=6.38, CI=2.04-18.51). Condom breakage (AOR=2.10, CI=1.95-4.65), use of stimulants (AOR=3.25, CI=1.59-18.63), history of STI (AOR=2.15, CI=1.02-6.93), and genital ulcer (AOR=4.64, CI=1.31-11.35), number of sexual partners (AOR=3.25, CI=1.59-7.47), sex during menses (AOR=5.85, CI=1.29-21.44), sexual assault (AOR=2.93, CI=1.23-9.01), sharp material sharing (AOR=4.98, CI=1.34-10.95), and history of abortion (AOR=2.46, CI=1.18-12.19) were statistically associated with HBV infection. CONCLUSION The prevalence of HBV infection in this study was relatively high compared to the general population. Factors like sociodemographic, behavioral, and previous information were associated with HBV infection. There is a need for ongoing screening of this high-risk population to inform planning for vaccination and preventive measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deresse Daka
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, College of Medicine and Health Science Hawassa University, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia
| | - Getahun Hailemeskel
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, College of Medicine and Health Science Hawassa University, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia
| | - Demissie Assegu Fenta
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, College of Medicine and Health Science Hawassa University, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Miranda NTGP, de Souza RL, Monteiro JC, Costa IB, Siravenha LQ, da Luz ALB, de Almeida NCC, Oliveira-Filho AB, Laurentino RV, Machado LFA. Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV in female sex workers from four cities in the state of Pará, northern Brazil. J Med Virol 2021; 93:3730-3737. [PMID: 33368401 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Female sex workers (FSWs) represent a high vulnerability group for the acquisition of sexual and parenteral infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of serological markers and risk factors associated with exposure to HBV and HCV among FSWs in the state of Pará, Brazil. A cross-sectional study using principles of the time location sampling (TLS) method was conducted in four cities (Belém, Bragança, Barcarena, and Augusto Corrêa) of the state of Pará, from 2005 to 2006. In total, 365 FSWs were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and tested for serological markers of exposure to HBV and HCV using an enzyme immunoassay. The overall prevalence of exposure to HBV and HCV was 36.7% and 7.7%, respectively. The prevalence of surface antigen of HBV was 3.0%. The prevalence of anti-HBc and anti-HBc+ anti-HBs antibodies were 6.3% and 27.4%. Very few (4.7%) FSWs had vaccine immunity against HBV (anti-HBs antibodies only). The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 7.7%. Low monthly income, drug usage, and unprotected sex were some of the social characteristics associated with exposure to the viruses using different analysis. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections among FSWs in four cities of the state of Pará is high when compared to the general population of Brazil, but similar to those found in FSWs in other nondeveloped countries. The prevalence of HBV was higher in Belém, while the prevalence of HCV was higher in the other three cities, highlighting the importance of establishing control and prevention programs to reduce the risk of acquiring these viruses in Pará.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelba T G P Miranda
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo L de Souza
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline C Monteiro
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Iran B Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Q Siravenha
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Anderson L B da Luz
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Núbia C C de Almeida
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Aldemir B Oliveira-Filho
- Grupo de Estudo e Pesquisa em Populações Vulneráveis, Instituto de Estudos Costeiros, Universidade Federal do Pará, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Rogério V Laurentino
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Luiz F A Machado
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The Prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Viral Infections Among a Large Population of Afghans. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.101012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Viral infections are a public health problem. Objectives: We would like to evaluate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C, and human immunodeficiency virus infections (HIV) in a large sample of the Afghanistan population in Kabul. Methods: In total, 196516 Afghani citizens went to Fateme-al-Zahra clinic to perform obligatory checkup for traveling to Iran. The serum samples were primarily checked by rapid tests for HBV, HCV, and HIV, and in case of positive results, a commercial ELISA kit used as the confirmatory test. Results: Out of 196516 participants, 153763(78%) were men and 42753 (22%) were women. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections was 1.23% (2430), 0.13% (265) and 0.018% (16), respectively. The prevalence of HCV and HIV was significantly higher in males than females (m/f: 0.097%/0.037% vs. m/f: 0.008%/0%, respectively; P < 0.05). The simultaneous co-infection of HBV-HCV and HBV-HIV was 0.004% and 0.0005 %, respectively. Conclusions: This study showed a low prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV among the study group. Considering the selection bias, sensitivity, and specificity of rapid tests, the real prevalence expected to be quite higher. Proper strategies to improve the social awareness and implement preventive vaccination for HBV can decrease the incidence of these infections.
Collapse
|
10
|
Farghaly AG, Alkassabany YM, El-Ghitany EM. HBV, HCV and HIV among female sex workers; is it a health problem? SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2020.1778165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Azza Galal Farghaly
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Engy Mohamed El-Ghitany
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rashti R, Sharafi H, Alavian SM, Moradi Y, Mohamadi Bolbanabad A, Moradi G. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Prevalence of HBsAg and HIV and HCV Antibodies among People Who Inject Drugs and Female Sex Workers. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060432. [PMID: 32486342 PMCID: PMC7350380 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and their co-infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) and female sex workers (FSWs). Data sources were searched from January 2008 to October 2018 in different databases. Data were analyzed in Stata 16 software using the Metaprop command. The results showed that the prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among PWID was 15%, 60% and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among FSWs was 5%, 1% and 3%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV, HIV/HBV, HCV/HBV and HIV/HCV/HBV co-infections among PWID was 13%, 2%, 3% and 2%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV co-infections among FSWs was 3% and 1%, respectively. The results show that the prevalence of HCV and HIV infections in PWID and the prevalence of HIV in FSWs is higher than their prevalence in the general population. Interventions for the prevention of HIV and HCV in PWID appear to be poor, and may not be sufficient to effectively prevent HIV and HCV transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roya Rashti
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Heidar Sharafi
- Middle East Liver Diseases Center, Tehran 1598976513, Iran;
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Middle East Liver Disease Center, Tehran 1598976513, Iran;
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran;
| | - Amjad Mohamadi Bolbanabad
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Ghobad Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Owen BN, Baggaley RF, Elmes J, Harvey A, Shubber Z, Butler AR, Silhol R, Anton P, Shacklett B, van der Straten A, Boily MC. What Proportion of Female Sex Workers Practise anal Intercourse and How Frequently? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:697-713. [PMID: 30953304 PMCID: PMC6778486 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02477-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
HIV is more efficiently acquired during receptive anal intercourse (AI) compared to vaginal intercourse (VI) and may contribute substantially to female sex workers' (FSW) high HIV burden. We aim to determine how common and frequent AI is among FSW globally. We searched PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO for studies reporting the proportion of FSW practising AI (prevalence) and/or the number of AI acts (frequency) worldwide from 01/1980 to 10/2018. We assessed the influence of participant and study characteristics on AI prevalence (e.g. continent, study year and interview method) through sub-group analysis. Of 15,830 identified studies, 131 were included. Nearly all (N = 128) reported AI prevalence and few frequency (N = 13), over various recall periods. Most studies used face-to-face interviews (N = 111). Pooled prevalences varied little by recall period (lifetime: 15.7% 95%CI 12.2-19.3%, N = 30, I2 = 99%; past month: 16.2% 95%CI 10.8-21.6%, N = 18, I2 = 99%). The pooled proportion of FSW reporting < 100% condom use tended to be non-significantly higher during AI compared to during VI (e.g. any unprotected VI: 19.1% 95%CI 1.7-36.4, N = 5 and any unprotected AI: 46.4% 95%CI 9.1-83.6, N = 5 in the past week). Across all study participants, between 2.4 and 15.9% (N = 6) of all intercourse acts (AI and VI) were anal. Neither AI prevalence nor frequency varied substantially by any participant or study characteristics. Although varied, AI among FSW is generally common, inconsistently protected with condoms and practiced sufficiently frequently to contribute substantially to HIV acquisition in this risk group. Interventions to address barriers to condom use are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Branwen Nia Owen
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK.
| | - Rebecca F Baggaley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jocelyn Elmes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Amy Harvey
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Zara Shubber
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Ailsa R Butler
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Romain Silhol
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Peter Anton
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Barbara Shacklett
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- Women's Global Health Imperative Program, RTI International, San Francisco, USA
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, UCSF, San Francisco, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Boily
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary's Campus, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kumar GS, Pezzi C, Wien S, Mamo B, Scott K, Payton C, Urban K, Hughes S, Kennedy L, Cabanting N, Montour J, Titus M, Aguirre J, Kawasaki B, Ford R, Jentes ES. Health of Special Immigrant Visa holders from Iraq and Afghanistan after arrival into the United States using Domestic Medical Examination data, 2014-2016: A cross-sectional analysis. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003083. [PMID: 32231361 PMCID: PMC7108690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2008, the United States has issued between 2,000 and 19,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) annually, with the majority issued to applicants from Iraq and Afghanistan. SIV holders (SIVH) are applicants who were employed by, or on behalf of, the US government or the US military. There is limited information about health conditions in SIV populations to help guide US clinicians caring for SIVH. Thus, we sought to describe health characteristics of recently arrived SIVH from Iraq and Afghanistan who were seen for domestic medical examinations. METHODS AND FINDINGS This cross-sectional analysis included data from Iraqi and Afghan SIVH who received a domestic medical examination from January 2014 to December 2016. Data were gathered from state refugee health programs in seven states (California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, and Texas), one county, and one academic medical center and included 6,124 adults and 4,814 children. Data were collected for communicable diseases commonly screened for during the exam, including tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, malaria, strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis, other intestinal parasites, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human immunodeficiency virus, as well as elevated blood lead levels (EBLL). We investigated the frequency and proportion of diseases and whether there were any differences in selected disease prevalence in SIVH from Iraq compared to SIVH from Afghanistan. A majority of SIV adults were male (Iraqi 54.0%, Afghan 58.6%) and aged 18-44 (Iraqi 86.0%, Afghan 97.7%). More SIV children were male (Iraqi 56.2%, Afghan 52.2%) and aged 6-17 (Iraqi 50.2%, Afghan 40.7%). The average age of adults was 29.7 years, and the average age for children was 5.6 years. Among SIV adults, 14.4% were diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), 63.5% were susceptible to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and 31.0% had at least one intestinal parasite. Afghan adults were more likely to have LTBI (prevalence ratio [PR]: 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-2.7) and to be infected with HBV (PR: 4.6; 95% CI 3.6-6.0) than Iraqi adults. Among SIV children, 26.7% were susceptible to HBV infection, 22.1% had at least one intestinal parasite, and 50.1% had EBLL (≥5 mcg/dL). Afghan children were more likely to have a pathogenic intestinal parasite (PR: 2.7; 95% CI 2.4-3.2) and EBLL (PR: 2.0; 95% CI 1.5-2.5) than Iraqi children. Limitations of the analysis included lack of uniform health screening data collection across all nine sites and possible misclassification by clinicians of Iraqi and Afghan SIVH as Iraqi and Afghan refugees, respectively. CONCLUSION In this analysis, we observed that 14% of SIV adults had LTBI, 27% of SIVH had at least one intestinal parasite, and about half of SIV children had EBLL. Most adults were susceptible to HBV. In general, prevalence of infection was higher for most conditions among Afghan SIVH compared to Iraqi SIVH. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines for the US Domestic Medical Examination for Newly Arriving Refugees can assist state public health departments and clinicians in the care of SIVH during the domestic medical examination. Future analyses can explore other aspects of health among resettled SIV populations, including noncommunicable diseases and vaccination coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri S. Kumar
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Immigrant, Refugee, and Migrant Health Branch, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Clelia Pezzi
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Immigrant, Refugee, and Migrant Health Branch, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Simone Wien
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Immigrant, Refugee, and Migrant Health Branch, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Blain Mamo
- Minnesota Department of Health, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Kevin Scott
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Colleen Payton
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kailey Urban
- Minnesota Department of Health, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Stephen Hughes
- Bureau of Tuberculosis Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Lori Kennedy
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division, Refugee Health Program, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Nuny Cabanting
- Office of Refugee Health, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Jessica Montour
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Melissa Titus
- Marion County Public Health Department, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jenny Aguirre
- Illinois Department of Public Health, Refugee Health Program, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Breanna Kawasaki
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division, Refugee Health Program, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Ford
- University of Louisville Division of Infectious Diseases, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Emily S. Jentes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Immigrant, Refugee, and Migrant Health Branch, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chemaitelly H, Weiss HA, Smolak A, Majed E, Abu-Raddad LJ. Epidemiology of Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and herpes simplex virus type 2 among female sex workers in the Middle East and North Africa: systematic review and meta-analytics. J Glob Health 2019; 9:020408. [PMID: 31360448 PMCID: PMC6642815 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.09.020408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the role of commercial heterosexual sex networks in driving STI transmission in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To characterize the epidemiology of Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) among female sex workers (FSWs) in MENA using an in-depth quantitative assessment. METHODS A systematic review on ten international, regional, and country-level databases was conducted, and reported following PRISMA guidelines. Pooled prevalences of current and/or ever infection for each STI were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses. Sources of between-study heterogeneity were investigated through random-effects meta-regressions. RESULTS One T. pallidum incidence study and 144 STI prevalence studies were identified for 45 812 FSWs in 13 MENA countries. The pooled prevalence of current infection was 12.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.5%-17.7%) for T. pallidum, 14.4% (95% CI = 8.2%-22.0%) for C. trachomatis, 5.7% (95% CI = 3.5%-8.4%) for N. gonorrhoeae, and 7.1% (95% CI = 4.3%-10.5%) for T. vaginalis. The pooled prevalence of ever infection (seropositivity using antibody testing) was 12.8% (95% CI = 9.4%-16.6%) for T. pallidum, 80.3% (95% CI = 53.2%-97.6%) for C. trachomatis, and 23.7% (95% CI = 10.2%-40.4%) for HSV-2. The multivariable meta-regression for T. pallidum infection demonstrated strong subregional differences, with the Horn of Africa and North Africa showing, respectively 6-fold (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.4; 95% CI = 2.5-16.7) and 5-fold (AOR = 5.0; 95% CI = 2.5-10.6) higher odds of infection than Eastern MENA. There was also strong evidence for declining T. pallidum odds of infection at 7% per year (AOR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.88-0.98). Study-specific factors including diagnostic method, sample size, sampling methodology, and response rate, were not associated with syphilis infection. The multivariable model explained 48.5% of the variation in T. pallidum prevalence. CONCLUSIONS STI infection levels among FSWs in MENA are considerable, supporting a key role for commercial heterosexual sex networks in transmission dynamics, and highlighting the health needs of this neglected and vulnerable population. Syphilis prevalence in FSWs appears to have been declining for at least three decades. Gaps in evidence persist for multiple countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen A Weiss
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Smolak
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Elzahraa Majed
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chemaitelly H, Weiss HA, Calvert C, Harfouche M, Abu-Raddad LJ. HIV epidemiology among female sex workers and their clients in the Middle East and North Africa: systematic review, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions. BMC Med 2019; 17:119. [PMID: 31230594 PMCID: PMC6589882 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV epidemiology among female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is poorly understood. We addressed this gap through a comprehensive epidemiological assessment. METHODS A systematic review of population size estimation and HIV prevalence studies was conducted and reported following PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias (ROB) assessments were conducted for all included studies using various quality domains, as informed by Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The pooled mean HIV prevalence was estimated using random-effects meta-analyses. Sources of heterogeneity and temporal trends were identified through meta-regressions. RESULTS We identified 270 size estimation studies in FSWs and 42 in clients, and 485 HIV prevalence studies in 287,719 FSWs and 69 in 29,531 clients/proxy populations. Most studies had low ROB in multiple quality domains. The median proportion of reproductive-age women reporting current/recent sex work was 0.6% (range = 0.2-2.4%) and of men reporting currently/recently buying sex was 5.7% (range = 0.3-13.8%). HIV prevalence ranged from 0 to 70% in FSWs (median = 0.1%) and 0-34.6% in clients (median = 0.4%). The regional pooled mean HIV prevalence was 1.4% (95% CI = 1.1-1.8%) in FSWs and 0.4% (95% CI = 0.1-0.7%) in clients. Country-specific pooled prevalence was < 1% in most countries, 1-5% in North Africa and Somalia, 17.3% in South Sudan, and 17.9% in Djibouti. Meta-regressions identified strong subregional variations in prevalence. Compared to Eastern MENA, the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) ranged from 0.2 (95% CI = 0.1-0.4) in the Fertile Crescent to 45.4 (95% CI = 24.7-83.7) in the Horn of Africa. There was strong evidence for increasing prevalence post-2003; the odds increased by 15% per year (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09-1.21). There was also a large variability in sexual and injecting risk behaviors among FSWs within and across countries. Levels of HIV testing among FSWs were generally low. The median fraction of FSWs that tested for HIV in the past 12 months was 12.1% (range = 0.9-38.0%). CONCLUSIONS HIV epidemics among FSWs are emerging in MENA, and some have reached stable endemic levels, although still some countries have limited epidemic dynamics. The epidemic has been growing for over a decade, with strong regionalization and heterogeneity. HIV testing levels were far below the service coverage target of "UNAIDS 2016-2021 Strategy."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Helen A Weiss
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Clara Calvert
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Manale Harfouche
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Eilami O, Nazari A, Dousti M, Sayehmiri F, Ghasemi M. Investigation of HIV/AIDS prevalence and associated risk factors among female sex workers from 2010 to 2017: a meta-analysis study. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2019; 11:105-117. [PMID: 31191036 PMCID: PMC6529623 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s196085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Female sex workers (FSW) are highly at risk of HIV, and can potentially transmit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in different societies. Study design: The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and associated risk factors among FSW between 2010 and 2017 using a systematic literature review and meta-analysis approach. Methods: International databases were searched, including ISI Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. Using the appropriate keywords, relevant studies published on the HIV/AIDS prevalence among FSW between 2010 and 2017 were identified. Afterwards, the information was extracted and analyzed by STATA version 14. Results: Thirty-seven studies were found eligible for inclusion in this research, encompassing a total of 46,657 subjects. The results revealed that the global prevalence of HIV/AIDS among FSW was 2.17 (95% CI=1.37-3.14). Conclusion: These findings demonstrated the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among FSWs worldwide. Accordingly, strict educational and interventional programs should be implemented globally to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence among this group, as well as to prevent probable HIV transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Owrang Eilami
- Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Ali Nazari
- Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Majid Dousti
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Fars, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sayehmiri
- Student Research Committee, Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghasemi
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Magalhães RDLB, Teles SA, Reis RK, Galvão MTG, Gir E. Low completion rate of hepatitis B vaccination in female sex workers. Rev Bras Enferm 2018; 70:489-494. [PMID: 28562795 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2016-0567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: to assess predictive factors for noncompletion of the hepatitis B vaccination schedule in female sex workers in the city of Teresina, Northeastern Brazil. Method: 402 women were interviewed and, for those who did not wish to visit specialized sites, or did not know their hepatitis B vaccination status, the vaccine was offered at their workplaces. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify potential predictors for noncompletion of the vaccination schedule. Results: of the 284 women eligible for vaccination, 258 (90.8%) received the second dose, 157/258 (60.8%) and 68/258 (26.3%) received the second and third doses, respectively. Working at clubs and consuming illicit drugs were predictors for noncompletion of the vaccination schedule. Conclusion: the high acceptability of the vaccine's first dose, associated with low completion rates of the vaccination schedule in sex workers, shows the need for more persuasive strategies that go beyond offering the vaccine at their workplaces. Objetivo: avaliar fatores preditores de não completude do esquema vacinal contra hepatite B em mulheres que se prostituem em Teresina, Nordeste do Brasil. Método: Um total de 402 mulheres foi entrevistado e, para as que se negaram a irem a lugares especializados, ou desconheciam sua situação vacinal contra hepatite B, a vacina foi oferecida no local do trabalho. Análises bi e multivariadas foram realizadas para identificar potenciais preditores de não completude do esquema vacinal. Resultados: Das 284 mulheres elegíveis para vacinação, 258 (90,8%) receberam a primeira dose, 157/258 (60,8%) e 68/258 (26,3%) receberam a segunda e terceira doses. Trabalhar em boates e consumir drogas ilícitas foram preditores de não completude do esquema vacinal (p<0,05). Conclusão: A elevada aceitabilidade da primeira dose da vacina, associada à baixa completude do esquema vacinal em profissionais do sexo, evidencia a necessidade de estratégia mais persuasiva que vá além da oferta da vacina no local de trabalho.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheila Araújo Teles
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, College of Nursing and Nutrition, Nursing Department. Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Renata Karina Reis
- Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing. Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Elucir Gir
- Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing. Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Muldoon KA, Akello M, Muzaaya G, Simo A, Shoveller J, Shannon K. Policing the epidemic: High burden of workplace violence among female sex workers in conflict-affected northern Uganda. Glob Public Health 2015; 12:84-97. [PMID: 26508315 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2015.1091489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa experience a high burden of HIV with a paucity of data on violence and links to HIV risk among sex workers, and even less within conflict-affected environments. Data are from a cross-sectional survey of female sex workers in Gulu, northern Uganda (n = 400). Logistic regression was used to determine the specific association between policing and recent physical/sexual violence from clients. A total of 196 (49.0%) sex workers experienced physical/sexual violence by a client. From those who experienced client violence the most common forms included physical assault (58.7%), rape (38.3%), and gang rape (15.8%) Police harassment was very common, a total of 149 (37.3%) reported rushing negotiations with clients because of police presence, a practice that was significantly associated with increased odds of client violence (adjusted odds ratio: 1.61, 95% confidence intervals: 1.03-2.52). Inconsistent condom use with clients, servicing clients in a bar, and working for a manager/pimp were also independently associated with recent client violence. Structural and community-led responses, including decriminalisation, and engagement with police and policy stakeholders, remain critical to addressing violence, both a human rights and public health imperative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Muldoon
- a School of Population and Public Health , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.,b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital , Vancouver , Canada
| | | | | | - Annick Simo
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital , Vancouver , Canada
| | - Jean Shoveller
- a School of Population and Public Health , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada
| | - Kate Shannon
- a School of Population and Public Health , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.,b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital , Vancouver , Canada.,d Department of Medicine , University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital , Vancouver , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sepanlou SG, Malekzadeh F, Delavari F, Naghavi M, Forouzanfar MH, Moradi-Lakeh M, Malekzadeh R, Poustchi H, Pourshams A. Burden of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases in Middle East and North Africa: Results of Global Burden of Diseases Study from 1990 to 2010. Middle East J Dig Dis 2015; 7:201-15. [PMID: 26609348 PMCID: PMC4655840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal and liver diseases (GILDs) are major causes of death and disability in Middle East and North Africa (MENA). However, they have different patterns in countries with various geographical, cultural, and socio-economic status. We aimed to compare the burden of GILDs in Iran with its neighboring countries using the results of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study in 2010. METHODS Classic metrics of GBD have been used including: age-standardized rates (ASRs) of death, years of life lost due to premature death (YLL), years of life lost due to disability (YLD), and disability adjusted life years (DALY). All countries neighboring Iran have been selected. In addition, all other countries classified in the MENA region were included. Five major groups of gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases were studied including: infections of gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal and pancreatobilliary cancers, acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other digestive diseases. RESULTS The overall burden of GILDs is highest in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Egypt. Diarrheal diseases have been replaced by gastrointestinal cancers and cirrhosis in most countries in the region. However, in a number of countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Egypt, and Yemen, communicable GILDs are still among top causes of mortality and morbidity in addition to non-communicable GILDs and cancers. These countries are experiencing the double burden. In Iran, burden caused by cancers of stomach and esophagus are considerably higher than other countries. Diseases that are mainly diagnosed in outpatient settings have not been captured by GBD. CONCLUSION Improving the infrastructure of health care system including cancer registries and electronic recording of outpatient care is a necessity for better surveillance of GILDs in MENA. In contrast to expensive treatment, prevention of most GILDs is feasible and inexpensive. The health care systems in the region can be strengthened for prevention and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Ghajarieh Sepanlou
- 1 Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,2 Liver and Pancreatobilliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
, These two authors contributed equally to this paper
| | - Fatemeh Malekzadeh
- 1 Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,3 Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Endocrine and Metabolism Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
, These two authors contributed equally to this paper
| | - Farnaz Delavari
- 1 Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Naghavi
- 4 Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Maziar Moradi-Lakeh
- 4 Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
,5 Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Research Center (GILDRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- 1 Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,2 Liver and Pancreatobilliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,6 Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- 1 Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,2 Liver and Pancreatobilliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,6 Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Akram Pourshams
- 1 Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,2 Liver and Pancreatobilliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,6 Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
,Corresponding Author: Akram Pourshams, MD Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, N. Kargar St. Tehran, Iran Tel: + 98 21 82415104 Fax: + 98 21 82415400
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Afghanistan: systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Infect Dis 2015; 40:54-63. [PMID: 26417880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology and inform public health research, policy, and programming priorities in Afghanistan. METHODS Records of HCV incidence and prevalence were reviewed systematically and synthesized following PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses were implemented using a DerSimonian-Laird random effects model with inverse variance weighting to estimate HCV prevalence among various at risk populations. A risk of bias assessment was incorporated. RESULTS The search identified one HCV incidence and 76 HCV prevalence measures. HCV incidence was only assessed among people who inject drugs (PWID), and was reported at 66.7 per 100 person-years. Meta-analyses estimated HCV prevalence at 0.7% among the general population (range 0-9.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5-0.9%), 32.6% among PWID (range 9.5-70.0%, 95% CI 24.5-41.3%), and 2.3% among populations at intermediate risk (range 0.0-8.3%, 95% CI 1.3-3.7%). No data were available for other high risk populations such as hemodialysis, thalassemia, and hemophilia patients. CONCLUSIONS HCV prevalence among the general population in Afghanistan is comparable to global levels. Data are needed for the level of infection among key clinical populations at high risk of infection. There is also an immediate need for expansion of harm reduction programs among PWID and prisoners.
Collapse
|
21
|
Sardashti S, Samaei M, Firouzeh MM, Mirshahvalad SA, Pahlaviani FG, SeyedAlinaghi S. Early initiation of antiretroviral treatment: Challenges in the Middle East and North Africa. World J Virol 2015; 4:134-141. [PMID: 25964878 PMCID: PMC4419117 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v4.i2.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
New World Health Organization guidelines recommend the initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for asymptomatic patients with CD4+ T-cell counts of ≤ 500 cells/mm3. Substantial reduction of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission is addressed as a major public health outcome of this new approach. Middle East and North Africa (MENA), known as the area of controversies in terms of availability of comprehensive data, has shown concentrated epidemics among most of it’s at risk population groups. Serious challenges impede the applicability of new guidelines in the MENA Region. Insufficient resources restrict ART coverage to less than 14%, while only one fourth of the countries had reportable data on patients’ CD4 counts at the time of diagnosis. Clinical guidelines need to be significantly modified to reach practical utility, and surveillance systems have not yet been developed in many countries of MENA. Based on available evidence in several countries people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men are increasingly vulnerable to HIV and viral hepatitis, while their sexual partners - either female sex workers or women in monogamous relationships with high-risk men - are potential bridging populations that are not appropriately addressed by regional programs. Research to monitor the response to ART among the mentioned groups are seriously lacking, while drug resistant HIV strains and limited information on adherence patterns to treatment regimens require urgent recognition by health policymakers. Commitment to defined goals in the fight against HIV, development of innovative methods to improve registration and reporting systems, monitoring and evaluation of current programs followed by cost-effective modifications are proposed as effective steps to be acknowledged by National AIDS Programs of the countries of MENA Region.
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Tanju IA, Levent F, Sezer RG, Cekmez F. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity among children in kabul, afghanistan: a cross-sectional study. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2014; 14:e16154. [PMID: 24693318 PMCID: PMC3955263 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.16154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are significant causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world, especially in underdeveloped countries like Afghanistan. Limited data are available concerning the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV in the pediatric age group in Afghanistan . OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess HBV, HCV and HIV serology among children at an outpatient clinic in Kabul. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total number of 330 children were included to the study from outpatient clinics of Ataturk Kabul ISAF Role II Military Hospital from May to November 2012. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus antibody (anti-HIV) were measured. RESULTS The mean age of children was 6.5 ± 4.2 years. The frequency of positive results for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV in all age groups were 12 (3.6%), 47 (14.2%) and 2 (0.6%), respectively. Anti-HIV was not detected in any of the children's serum samples. The frequency of positive results for HBsAg was significantly higher in children older than six years than in other age groups. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination program including HBV has begun during the last five years in Afghanistan. The continuation of the vaccination program is of great importance. Vaccination program and implementation steps should be revised and the deficiencies, if any, should be overcome without delay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilhan Asya Tanju
- Department of Pediatrics, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Corresponding Author: Ilhan Asya Tanju, Department of Pediatrics, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Tel: +90-2163028836, Fax: +90-2165423651, E-mail:
| | - Fatma Levent
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, USA
| | - Rabia Gonul Sezer
- Department of Pediatrics, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children’s Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Cekmez
- Department of Pediatrics, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, School of Medicine, Etlik, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Baral S, Todd CS, Aumakhan B, Lloyd J, Delegchoimbol A, Sabin K. HIV among female sex workers in the Central Asian Republics, Afghanistan, and Mongolia: contexts and convergence with drug use. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 132 Suppl 1:S13-6. [PMID: 23954072 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2013] [Revised: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central Asia is culturally and demographically diverse, both between and within its respective countries. That diversity is represented in the range of individual, network, community, and structural risks for female sex workers (FSWs) regionally. FSWs have several risk factors for HIV acquisition and transmission including behavioral, biological, and structural risk factors. Across Central Asia, sexual risks have become conflated with risks associated with injection and non-injection illicit drug use. METHODS Peer-reviewed literature databases and gray literature were searched for articles on sex work in Central Asia. The medial subject heading (MeSH) of "sex work" was cross-referenced with terms associated with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Afghanistan. RESULTS HIV prevalence data for FSWs suggest sustained or increasing prevalence in the region. There are increasing data directly linking HIV among FSWs to injection drug use; odds of HIV are up to 20 times higher among FSWs reporting injecting drug use. Though injecting drug use among FSWs is rare in some settings, recreational drugs and alcohol use limits other risk reduction behaviors, such as condom use. CONCLUSIONS The Central Asian HIV epidemic has traditionally been assumed to be driven nearly exclusively by drug use, resulting in surveillance systems focused on parenteral transmission. The reviewed data highlight limited attention to characterizing the burden of HIV and risk factors for HIV acquisition and transmission among FSWs who use drugs. Moving forward will require enhanced HIV surveillance and research to inform HIV prevention approaches to address all levels of HIV risks affecting FSWs in Central Asia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Baral
- Key Populations Program, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Suite E7146, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kazerooni PA, Motazedian N, Motamedifar M, Sayadi M, Sabet M, Lari MA, Kamali K. The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Shiraz, South of Iran: by respondent-driven sampling. Int J STD AIDS 2013; 25:155-61. [PMID: 23970644 DOI: 10.1177/0956462413496227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
As a concentrated epidemic, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spreading rapidly in one or more groups in Iran, but in the general population its prevalence is relatively low. Female sex workers (FSWs) and their partners are at greater risk for HIV infection. To determine the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, herpes simplex type 2 and syphilis among FSWs. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 278 FSWs in Shiraz, by using respondent-driven sampling, from June to March 2010. The recruitment chain started with 14 seeds, and FSWs were tested for HIV, syphilis, herpes simplex type 2, gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. HIV prevalence was 4.7% (13/278); the most prevalent STI was herpes simplex type 2, 9.7% (27/278), followed by Chlamydia 9% (25/278), gonorrhoea 1.4% (4/278) and syphilis (0/278). The FSWs reported drug use (69.9%) of which 16.4% had history of injecting drug use. Unprotected sex in the past month was reported by 24.4% of FSWs. Urgent education and risk reduction programmes are needed in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parvin Afsar Kazerooni
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fazito E, Cuchi P, Mahy M, Brown T. Analysis of duration of risk behaviour for key populations: a literature review. Sex Transm Infect 2013; 88 Suppl 2:i24-32. [PMID: 23172343 PMCID: PMC3512397 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2012-050647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of this paper is to review literature in order to calculate regional estimates of the average duration of time individuals maintain a specific high-risk behaviour. Methods The review targeted the key populations of female sex workers (FSW), male clients of female sex workers (MCFSW), people who inject drugs (injecting drug users (IDU)) and high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM). To be included in the review the study had to provide information on (1) the time a person spent at risk until death or cessation of the risk behaviour, (2) the percentage of the sample who initiated the risk behaviour in less than a year or (3) the mean or median duration of the behaviour from a representative sample. Results 49 papers were found for the FSW population describing the period of time FSW stay in sex work to be between 2.9 years (Asia) and 12 years (Latin America). Eight papers were found for MCFSW showing the duration of the risk behaviour in this category varying from 4.6 years in Africa to 32 years in Asia. 86 papers were reviewed for the population of IDU showing that the average time a person injects illegal drugs varies from 5.6 years (Africa) to 21 years (South America). No information was found for duration of high-risk behaviour among MSM; instead, the definitions found in the literature for high- and low-risk behaviour among MSM were described. Conclusions There is high variability of estimates of duration of high-risk behaviours at regional level. More research is needed to inform models and prevention programmes on the average duration of time individuals maintain a specific high-risk behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Fazito
- University of Brasília, 26 Chemin Colladon, 1209 Genève, Suisse, Brasília, Brazil.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Holley AD, Weber DJ, Reade MC. A battlefield occupational risk not to be ignored. Med J Aust 2012; 197:331. [DOI: 10.5694/mja12.10694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
28
|
Todd CS, Nasir A, Mansoor GF, Sahibzada SM, Jagodzinski LL, Salimi F, Khateri MN, Hale BR, Barthel RV, Scott PT. Cross-sectional assessment of prevalence and correlates of blood-borne and sexually-transmitted infections among Afghan National Army recruits. BMC Infect Dis 2012; 12:196. [PMID: 22909128 PMCID: PMC3482585 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-12-196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data are available in Afghanistan to shape national military force health practices, particularly with regard to sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). We measured prevalence and correlates of HIV, syphilis, herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among Afghan National Army (ANA) recruits. METHODS A cross-sectional sample of male ANA recruits aged 18-35 years were randomly selected at the Kabul Military Training Center between February 2010 and January 2011. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire and serum-based rapid testing for syphilis and hepatitis C virus antibody on-site; HIV and HSV-2 screening, and confirmatory testing were performed off-site. Prevalence of each infection was calculated and logistic regression analysis performed to identify correlates. RESULTS Of 5313 recruits approached, 4750 consented to participation. Participants had a mean age of 21.8 years (SD±3.8), 65.5% had lived outside Afghanistan, and 44.3% had no formal education. Few reported prior marijuana (16.3%), alcohol (5.3%), or opiate (3.4%) use. Of sexually active recruits (58.7%, N = 2786), 21.3% reported paying women for sex and 21.3% reported sex with males. Prevalence of HIV (0.063%, 95% CI: 0.013- 0.19), syphilis (0.65%, 95% CI: 0.44 - 0.93), and HCV (0.82%, 95% CI: 0.58 - 1.12) were quite low. Prevalence of HSV-2 was 3.03% (95% CI: 2.56 - 3.57), which was independently associated with age (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00 - 1.09) and having a television (socioeconomic marker) (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.03 - 2.05). CONCLUSION Though prevalence of HIV, HCV, syphilis, and HSV-2 was low, sexual risk behaviors and intoxicant use were present among a substantial minority, indicating need for prevention programming. Formative work is needed to determine a culturally appropriate approach for prevention programming to reduce STI risk among Afghan National Army troops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Todd
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University, 622 West 168th Street PH 16-69, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dunford L, Carr MJ, Dean J, Waters A, Nguyen LT, Ta Thi TH, Thi LAB, Do HD, Thi TTD, Nguyen HT, Diem Do TT, Luu QP, Connell J, Coughlan S, Nguyen HT, Hall WW, Nguyen Thi LA. Hepatitis C virus in Vietnam: high prevalence of infection in dialysis and multi-transfused patients involving diverse and novel virus variants. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41266. [PMID: 22916104 PMCID: PMC3419252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a genetically diverse pathogen infecting approximately 2–3% of the world's population. Herein, we describe results of a large, multicentre serological and molecular epidemiological study cataloguing the prevalence and genetic diversity of HCV in five regions of Vietnam; Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa and Can Tho. Individuals (n = 8654) with varying risk factors for infection were analysed for the presence of HCV Ab/Ag and, in a subset of positive specimens, for HCV RNA levels (n = 475) and genotype (n = 282). In lower risk individuals, including voluntary blood donors, military recruits and pregnant women, the prevalence of infection was 0.5% (n = 26/5250). Prevalence rates were significantly higher (p<0.001) in intravenous drug users (IDUs; 55.6%, n = 556/1000), dialysis patients (26.6%, n = 153/575) commercial sex workers (CSWs; 8.7%, n = 87/1000), and recipients of multiple blood transfusions (6.0%, n = 32/529). The prevalence of HCV in dialysis patients varied but remained high in all regions (11–43%) and was associated with the receipt of blood transfusions [OR: 2.08 (1.85–2.34), p = 0.001], time from first transfusion [OR: 1.07 (1.01–1.13), p = 0.023], duration of dialysis [OR: 1.31 (1.19–1.43), p<0.001] and male gender [OR: 1.60 (1.06–2.41), p = 0.026]. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high genetic diversity, particularly amongst dialysis and multi-transfused patients, identifying subtypes 1a (33%), 1b (27%), 2a (0.4%), 3a (0.7%), 3b (1.1%), 6a (18.8%), 6e (6.0%), 6h (4.6%), 6l (6.4%) and 2 clusters of novel genotype 6 variants (2.1%). HCV genotype 1 predominated in Vietnam (60%, n = 169/282) but the proportion of infections attributable to genotype 1 varied between regions and risk groups and, in the Southern part of Vietnam, genotype 6 viruses dominated in dialysis and multi-transfused patients (73.9%). This study confirms a high prevalence of HCV infection in Vietnamese IDUs and, notably, reveals high levels of HCV infection associated with dialysis and blood transfusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Dunford
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael J. Carr
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jonathan Dean
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Allison Waters
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Linh Thuy Nguyen
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Thu Hong Ta Thi
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Lan Anh Bui Thi
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Huy Duong Do
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Thu Thuy Duong Thi
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Ha Thu Nguyen
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Trinh Thi Diem Do
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Quynh Phuong Luu
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Jeff Connell
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Suzie Coughlan
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hien Tran Nguyen
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - William W. Hall
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail: (WWH); (LANT)
| | - Lan Anh Nguyen Thi
- Ireland Vietnam Blood-Borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), Dublin, Ireland and Ha Noi Vietnam
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
- * E-mail: (WWH); (LANT)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Baral S, Beyrer C, Muessig K, Poteat T, Wirtz AL, Decker MR, Sherman SG, Kerrigan D. Burden of HIV among female sex workers in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2012; 12:538-49. [PMID: 22424777 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(12)70066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 861] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex workers are a population who are at heightened risk of HIV infection secondary to biological, behavioural, and structural risk factors. However, three decades into the HIV pandemic, understanding of the burden of HIV among these women remains limited. We aimed to assess the burden of HIV in this population compared with that of other women of reproductive age. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Global Health, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science, and POPLine for studies of female sex workers in low-income and middle-income countries published between Jan 1, 2007, and June 25, 2011. Studies of any design that measured the prevalence or incidence of HIV among female sex workers, even if sex workers were not the main focus of the study, were included. Meta-analyses were done with the Mantel-Haenszel method with a random-effects model characterising an odds ratio for the prevalence of HIV among female sex workers compared with that for all women of reproductive age. FINDINGS Of 434 selected articles and surveillance reports, 102 were included in the analyses, representing 99,878 female sex workers in 50 countries. The overall HIV prevalence was 11·8% (95% CI 11·6-12·0) with a pooled odds ratio for HIV infection of 13·5 (95% CI 10·0-18·1) with wide intraregional ranges in the pooled HIV prevalence and odds ratios for HIV infection. In 26 countries with medium and high background HIV prevalence, 30·7% (95% CI 30·2-31·3; 8627 of 28,075) of sex workers were HIV-positive and the odds ratio for infection was 11·6 (95% CI 9·1-14·8). INTERPRETATION Although data characterising HIV risk among female sex workers is scarce, the burden of disease is disproportionately high. These data suggest an urgent need to scale up access to quality HIV prevention programmes. Considerations of the legal and policy environments in which sex workers operate and actions to address the important role of stigma, discrimination, and violence targeting female sex workers is needed. FUNDING The World Bank, UN Population Fund.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Baral
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sotelo Ortiz BE, Barrios Aguilar M, Meléndez González JDJ, Meléndez González CA. Factores de riesgo y seroprevalencia de marcadores virales de hepatitis B (HVB) y hepatitis C (HVC) en grupos de alto riesgo en Chiapas. Medwave 2011. [DOI: 10.5867/medwave.2011.10.5188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
|
32
|
Attaullah S, Rehman SU, Khan S, Ali I, Ali S, Khan SN. Prevalence of hepatitis B virus genotypes in HBsAg positive individuals of Afghanistan. Virol J 2011; 8:281. [PMID: 21649888 PMCID: PMC3118365 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The structural and functional differences between hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes are the mainstay to severity, complications, treatment and possibly vaccination against the virus. This study was conducted to determine the HBV genotypes in HBsAg positive patients of Afghanistan as no such large scale data available previously. Methods Two hundred and fourteen HBsAg-positive patients were included in this study. All patients were anti-HCV and anti-HIV negative. All the samples were confirmed for HBV DNA with nested PCR while HBV DNA positive samples were subjected to type specific PCR for HBV genotyping (A-F). Results Of the total samples, 168 (78.5%) were males and 46 (21.49%) females, aged ranged between 18 to 71 years. This study demonstrated that genotype D (35.67%) is the predominant genotype circulating in Afghani's population. Genotype C was observed in 32.16% followed by genotype A (19.30%), and genotype B (7.02%) while 6.07% of the individuals were not typed. Conclusion This study has shown a heterogeneous distribution of HBV genotypes. Further more, extensive studies are required to investigate genetic and geographical divergence and characteristics of the virus in the country, as no such large sample sized study has been carried out so far in this country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Attaullah
- Department of Zoology, Islamia College Peshawar (A Public SectorUniversity), University Campus Peshawar 25120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Khan S, Attaullah S. Share of Afghanistan populace in hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection's pool: is it worthwhile? Virol J 2011; 8:216. [PMID: 21569317 PMCID: PMC3125356 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a notable dearth of data about Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) prevalence in Afghanistan. Awareness program and research capacity in the field of hepatitis are very limited in Afghanistan. Number of vulnerabilities and patterns of risk behaviors signal the need to take action now. Thirty one studies dating from October 2003 to 2011 were included, consisting the data of 132,981 individuals for HBV and 132,500 individuals for HCV. Percentage prevalence was 1.9% for HBV and 1.1% for HCV in all available Afghanistan population. Most at risk population to hepatitis include injecting drug users who share needles and female sex workers, while truck drivers, prisoners and homosexual men needs attention, as their statistical figure are missing. Data suggests that high incidence of intravenous drug use, sexual activities, unsafe blood transfusion procedures and mobility are major risk factors for hepatitis transmission. This review is based on analysis of the limited available data in Afghanistan. Although there are many underlying vulnerability factors, it appears that Afghanistan remains at an early epidemic phase. Further research is required to determine the seroprevalence and prevalent genotype(s) of HBV and HCV in all provinces in Afghanistan. This article provides some key insights into the potential and likely future transmission dynamics of hepatitis which will serve as a guide in the identification of priority areas in term of high risk groups and risk behaviours in the country and will assist to develop urgent strategic plans to combat the future burden of hepatitis in Afghanistan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanaullah Khan
- Molecular Parasitology and Virology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat 26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
| | - Sobia Attaullah
- Department of Zoology, Islamia College Peshawar (A Public Sector University), University Campus, Jamrod Road, Peshawar 25120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Prevalence and correlates of syphilis and condom use among male injection drug users in four Afghan cities. Sex Transm Dis 2011; 37:719-25. [PMID: 20585276 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e3181e2c76a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Injecting drug use is increasing in Afghanistan but little is known about sexual risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence among injection drug users (IDU). The purpose of this study is to assess prevalence and correlates of syphilis and condom use with female sex workers (FSWs) among male IDUs in Hirat, Jalalabad, Kabul, and Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. METHODS : Participants in this cross-sectional study completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire and serologic testing for syphilis between June 2005 and January 2008. Factors associated with syphilis condom use with FSWs were assessed with site-controlled logistic regression analysis. RESULTS : Of 1078 male IDUs, most (90.3%) reported prior sexual experience, of whom 27.6% reported any condom use. Sexual experiences with FSWs (58.1%) and men or boys (25.7%) were common, although prior condom use with FSWs (32.6%) or male partners (10.8%) was relatively rare. Few reported having a lifetime STI diagnosis (6.3%, n = 68) or symptoms (10.4%, n = 110) in the last 6 months. Prevalence of syphilis was 3.72% (95% CI: 2.66%-5.06%) and varied significantly between sites ranging from 0% (Jalalabad) to 13.9% (Mazar-i-Sharif) (P < 0.001)). Syphilis was significantly associated with STI diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.84) or sex with FSWs (AOR = 3.82) in the last 6 months, and with lower (≤6 years) educational level (AOR = 2.20). Prior condom use with FSWs was independently associated with living outside Afghanistan in the last decade (AOR = 5.52, 95% CI: 1.83-16.71), higher income (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.17-3.51), greater number of lifetime partners (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.32-2.45), and younger age (AOR = 0.985, 95% CI: 0.973-0.998). CONCLUSIONS : Although prevalence of syphilis and condom use varied significantly by site, high levels of risky sexual behavior were common, and consistent condom use was rare among IDUs in Afghanistan. Harm reduction programming should incorporate sexual risk reduction and condom promotion and distribution in Afghan cities.
Collapse
|
35
|
Implications of hepatitis C viremia vs. antibody alone on transmission among male injecting drug users in three Afghan cities. Int J Infect Dis 2010; 15:e201-5. [PMID: 21190883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2010.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Revised: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess differences between injecting drug users (IDUs) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia and IDUs with HCV antibody (Ab) or no evidence of prior infection in three Afghan cities. METHODS IDUs in Hirat, Jalalabad, and Mazar-i-Sharif completed questionnaires and rapid testing for blood-borne infections including HCV Ab. HCV Ab was confirmed with a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA); RIBA-positive specimens underwent reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for HCV. Risk behaviors associated with viremia were assessed with site-controlled ordinal regression analysis. RESULTS Of 609 participants, 223 (36.6%) had confirmed HCV Ab. Of 221 with serum available for PCR evaluation, 127 (57.5%) were viremic. HCV viremia prevalence did not differ by site (range 41.7-59.1%; p=0.52). Among all IDUs, in age and site-controlled ordinal regression analysis, HCV was independently associated with HIV co-infection (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 7.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.41-11.64), prior addiction treatment (AOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.57-2.42), ever aspirating and re-injecting blood (AOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.18-2.23), prior incarceration (AOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.04-2.45), and sharing injecting equipment in the last 6 months (AOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02-1.80). CONCLUSION HCV viremia was present in many participants with prior HCV infection and was associated with some injecting risk behaviors, indicating a substantial risk for transmission. Current harm reduction programs should aim to improve HCV awareness and prevention among IDUs in Afghanistan as a matter of urgency.
Collapse
|
36
|
Nasir A, Todd CS, Stanekzai MR, Bautista CT, Botros BA, Scott PT, Strathdee SA, Tjaden J. Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and associated risk behaviours amongst injecting drug users in three Afghan cities. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2010; 22:145-52. [PMID: 21146392 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2010.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Revised: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV amongst injecting drug users (IDUs) has been described in Kabul but little data exists for other Afghan cities. We assessed HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and C virus (HCV) prevalence and associated risk behaviours amongst IDUs in Hirat, Jalalabad, and Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. METHODS Consented participants reporting injecting drugs within the previous 6 months completed interviewer-administered questionnaires and testing for HIV, hepatitis C antibody (HCV Ab), and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Logistic regression was used to determine characteristics associated with each infection. RESULTS Of 623 participants, most (98.7%) were male. Prevalence of HIV, HCV, and HBV was 1.8% (95% CI: 0.88-3.2), 36.0% (95% CI: 33-41), and 5.8% (95% CI: 3.9-7.6), respectively. All HIV cases and highest HCV prevalence were detected in Hirat; HBV prevalence was highest in Jalalabad. Amongst male IDUs, 62.9% had been imprisoned, of whom 17.2% (n=66) injected in prison. High risk behaviours were common; 30.2% reported needle sharing in the last 6 months, 23.1% reported sex with another male, and 50.4% reported paying females for sex. Behaviours varied significantly by site; generally, Hirat participants reported fewer sexual risk behaviours. Sex with other males was negatively associated with both HBV and HCV in multivariate logistic regression analysis; no injecting behaviours were associated with both HBV and HCV. CONCLUSIONS Whilst HIV prevalence is low, HCV prevalence and high risk behaviours were common in these populations. Regional variations should be considered in programming to prevent transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis amongst IDUs in Afghanistan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Nasir
- International Rescue Committee, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Todd CS, Nasir A, Raza Stanekzai M, Scott PT, Strathdee SA, Botros BA, Tjaden J. Contraceptive utilization and pregnancy termination among female sex workers in Afghanistan. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2010; 19:2057-62. [PMID: 20879869 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2010.1947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the prevalence and correlates of prior pregnancy termination and unmet need for contraception among female sex workers (FSWs) in Afghanistan. METHODS FSWs in Jalalabad, Kabul, and Mazar-i-Sharif were recruited between June 2006 and December 2007 through outreach programs. Participants completed an interviewer-administered survey describing demographics, behaviors associated with risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy, and medical history. Correlates of prior pregnancy termination and current unmet need for contraception were assessed with logistic regression analysis, controlling for site. RESULTS Of 520 FSWs, most (82.3%) had been pregnant at least once (mean 4.9 ± 2.7, range 1-17), among whom unplanned pregnancy (36.9%) and termination (33.2%) were common. Jalalabad participants were more likely to report both prior unplanned pregnancy (60.6% vs. 48.3% in Kabul or 20.7% in Mazar, p < 0.001) and prior termination (54.9% vs. 31.8% in Kabul or 26.8% in Mazar, p < 0.001). Most FSWs (90.0%) stated pregnancy was not currently desirable, and 85.2% were using contraception. Unmet need for contraception (14.7% of participants) was positively associated with having sold sex outside their city of residence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-2.77) and inversely associated with illicit drug use (AOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.31-0.53). CONCLUSIONS Although FSWs in Afghanistan report high rates of contraceptive use, unplanned pregnancy is common. Reproductive health services should be included in programming for FSWs to reduce unplanned pregnancies and to reduce HIV/STI risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Todd
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Khanani MR, Ansari AS, Khan S, Somani M, Kazmi SU, Ali SH. Concentrated epidemics of HIV, HCV, and HBV among Afghan refugees. J Infect 2010; 61:434-7. [PMID: 20831883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2010.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
39
|
HIV/AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa: new study methods, results, and implications for prevention and care. AIDS 2010; 24 Suppl 2:S1-4. [PMID: 20610944 DOI: 10.1097/01.aids.0000386728.49059.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|