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Bose DL, Hundal A, Singh S, Singh S, Seth K, Hadi SU, Saran A, Joseph J, Goyal K, Salve S. Evidence and gap map report: Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) interventions for strengthening HIV prevention and research among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1297. [PMID: 36911864 PMCID: PMC9831290 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), aged 15-24 years, are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks due to varying social, cultural, and economic factors that affect their choices and shape their knowledge, understanding, and practices with regard to their health. Socio-Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) interventions targeted at strengthening the capabilities of individuals and their networks have supported the demand and uptake of prevention services and participation in biomedical research. However, despite growing global recognition of the domain, high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of SBCC remains scattered. This evidence and gap map (EGM) report characterizes the evidence base on SBCC interventions for strengthening HIV Prevention and Research among AGYW in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), identifying evidence gaps and outlining the scope of future research and program design. Objectives The objectives of the proposed EGM are to: (a) identify and map existing EGMs in the use of diverse SBCC strategies to strengthen the adoption of HIV prevention measures and participation in research among AGYW in LMICs and (b) identify areas where more interventions and evidence are needed to inform the design of future SBCC strategies and programs for AGYW engagement in HIV prevention and research. Methods This EGM is based on a comprehensive search of systematic reviews and impact evaluations corresponding to a range of interventions and outcomes-aimed at engaging AGYW in HIV prevention and research - that were published in LMICs from January 2000 to April 2021. Based on guidance for producing a Campbell Collaboration EGM, the intervention and outcome framework was designed in consultation with a group of experts. These interventions were categorized across four broad intervention themes: mass-media, community-based, interpersonal, and Information Communication and Technology (ICT)/Digital Media-based interventions. They were further sub-categorized into 15 intervention categories. Included studies looked at 23 unique behavioral and health outcomes such as knowledge attitude and skills, relationship dynamics, household dynamics, health care services, and health outcomes and research engagement. The EGM is presented as a matrix in which the rows are intervention categories/sub-categories, and the columns are outcome domains/subdomains. Each cell is mapped to an intervention targeted at outcomes. Additional filters like region, country, study design, age group, funding agency, influencers, population group, publication status, study confidence, setting, and year of publication have been added. Selection Criteria To be eligible, studies must have tested the effectiveness of SBCC interventions at engaging AGYW in LMICs in HIV prevention and research. The study sample must have consisted of AGYW between the ages of 15-24, as defined by UNAIDS. Both experimental (random assignment) and quasi-experimental studies that included a comparison group were eligible. Relevant outcomes included those at the individual, influencer, and institutional levels, along with those targeting research engagement and prevention-related outcomes. Results This EGM comprises 415 impact evaluations and 43 systematic reviews. Interventions like peer-led interactions, counseling, and community dialogues were the most dominant intervention sub-types. Despite increased digital penetration use of media and technology-driven interventions are relatively less studied. Most of the interventions were delivered by peers, health care providers, and educators, largely in school-based settings, and in many cases are part of sex-education curricula. Evidence across geographies was mostly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa (70%). Most measured outcomes focused on disease-related knowledge dissemination and enhancing awareness of available prevention options/strategies. These included messaging around consistent condom use, limiting sexual partners, routine testing, and awareness. Very few studies were able to include psychographic, social, and contextual factors influencing AGYW health behaviors and decisions, especially those measuring the impact of social and gender norms, relationship dynamics, and household dynamics-related outcomes. Outcomes related to engagement in the research were least studied. Conclusion This EGM highlights that evidence is heavily concentrated within the awareness-intent spectrum of behavior change and gets lean for outcomes situated within the intent-action and the action-habit formation spectrum of the behavior change continuum. Most of the evidence was concentrated on increasing awareness, knowledge, and building risk perception around SRH domains, however, fewer studies focused on strengthening the agency and self-efficacy of individuals. Similarly, evidence on extrinsic factors-such as strengthening social and community norms, relationships, and household dynamics-that determine individual thought and action such as negotiation and life skills were also found to be less populated. Few studies explore the effectiveness of these interventions across diverse AGYW identities, like pregnant women and new mothers, sex workers, and people living with HIV, leading to limited understanding of the use of these interventions across multiple user segments including key influencers such as young men, partners, families, religious leaders, and community elders was relatively low. There is a need for better quality evidence that accounts for the diversity of experiences within these populations to understand what interventions work, for whom, and toward what outcome. Further, the evidence for use of digital and mass-media tools remains poorly populated. Given the increasing penetration of these tools and growing media literacy on one end, with widening gender-based gaps on the other, it is imperative to gather more high-quality evidence on their effectiveness. Timely evidence generation can help leverage these platforms appropriately and enable intervention designs that are responsive to changing communication ecologies of AGYW. SBCC can play a critical role in helping researchers meaningfully engage and collaborate with communities as equal stakeholders, however, this remains poorly evidenced and calls for investigation and investment. A full list of abbreviations and acronyms are available in Supporting Information: Appendix F.
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Chen JS, Pettifor AE, Nelson JAE, Phiri S, Pasquale DK, Kumwenda W, Kamanga G, Cottrell ML, Sykes C, Kashuba ADM, Tegha G, Krysiak R, Thengolose I, Cohen MS, Hoffman IF, Miller WC, Rutstein SE. Brief Report: Blood and Genital Fluid Viral Load Trajectories Among Treated and Untreated Persons With Acute HIV Infection in Malawi. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:56-61. [PMID: 35044991 PMCID: PMC8986564 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with acute HIV infection (AHI) are highly infectious and responsible for a disproportionate share of incident infections. Immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) rapidly reduces blood viral loads (VLs), but genital VLs after ART initiation during AHI are less well described. SETTING Lilongwe, Malawi, 2012-2014. METHODS HIV-seronegative and HIV-serodiscordant persons aged ≥18 years were screened for AHI (RNA positive) and randomized to standard of care, behavioral intervention, or behavioral intervention plus short-term ART (raltegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir) (1:2:2). Persons who were ART eligible under Malawi guidelines could receive first-line therapy. Blood and genital VLs were assessed at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12. Fisher's Exact test was used to compare viral suppression by ART status. RESULTS Overall, 46 persons with AHI were enrolled; of whom, 17 started ART within 12 weeks. Median blood VL at AHI diagnosis was 836,115 copies/mL. At week 12, 7% (1/14) of those who initiated ART had a blood VL of ≥400 copies/mL, compared with 100% (23/23; P < 0.0001) of those who did not initiate ART (median VL: 61,605 copies/mL). Median genital VL at week 1 was 772 copies/mL, with 13 of 22 (59%) having VL of ≥400 copies/mL. At week 12, 0 of 10 (0%) of those who initiated ART had genital VL of ≥400 copies/mL, compared with 7 of 15 (47%) of those who did not initiate ART (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Although highly correlated, VLs in blood and genital fluids occupy discrete biological compartments with distinct virologic dynamics. Our results corroborate the dramatic reduction in both compartments after ART initiation. Increasing AHI screening and rapidly initiating treatment is key to interrupting transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane S Chen
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Audrey E Pettifor
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Julie A E Nelson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Dana K Pasquale
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | | | - Gift Kamanga
- UNC Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
- FHI 360, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Mackenzie L Cottrell
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Craig Sykes
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Angela D M Kashuba
- Clinical Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry Core, UNC Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | | | - Myron S Cohen
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Irving F Hoffman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Division of Epidemiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | - Sarah E Rutstein
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Hakim AJ, Tippett Barr BA, Kinchen S, Musuka G, Manjengwa J, Munyati S, Gwanzura L, Mugurungi O, Ncube G, Saito S, Parekh BS, Patel H, Duong YT, Gonese E, Sleeman K, Ruangtragool L, Justman J, Herman-Roloff A, Radin E. Progress Toward the 90-90-90 HIV Targets in Zimbabwe and Identifying Those Left Behind. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:272-281. [PMID: 34321414 PMCID: PMC8526397 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We present findings from the nationally representative Zimbabwe Population-based HIV Impact Assessment that characterize Zimbabwe's progress toward the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 targets. DESIGN We conducted a cross-sectional household survey. METHODS Consenting adults and children in the household were eligible to participate in Zimbabwe Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (October 2015-August 2016). Participants completed face-to-face interviews and provided blood for HIV, CD4, viral load, and syphilis testing. Viral load suppression (VLS) was defined as HIV RNA <1000 copies/mL. HIV-positive specimens were tested for the presence of selected antiretroviral drugs. Data were weighted. Analysis was restricted to HIV-positive adults aged 15-64 years. RESULTS We enrolled 11,098 men and 14,033 women aged 15-64 years. HIV prevalence was 14.1%. Of those living with HIV, 76.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74.9 to 78.7) were aware of their HIV status or had detectable antiretroviral levels. Of these, 88.4% (95% CI: 87.1 to 89.7) were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and of these people, 85.3% (95% CI: 83.4 to 87.1) had VLS. Male sex age 15-34 years and having 1 or more sexual partners were associated with being unaware of one's HIV-positive status. Age <50 years and not taking cotrimoxazole were associated with being less likely to be being both aware and taking ART. Male sex, age <50 years, and taking cotrimoxazole were associated with being on ART but not having VLS. CONCLUSIONS Zimbabwe has made great strides toward epidemic control. Focusing resources on case finding, particularly among men, people aged <35 years, and sexually active individuals can help Zimbabwe attain 90-90-90 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi J Hakim
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Beth A Tippett Barr
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Steven Kinchen
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Godfrey Musuka
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Julius Manjengwa
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Shungu Munyati
- Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lovemore Gwanzura
- Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Owen Mugurungi
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe ; and
| | - Getrude Ncube
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe ; and
| | - Suzue Saito
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Bharat S Parekh
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Hetal Patel
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Yen T Duong
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Elizabeth Gonese
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Katrina Sleeman
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Leala Ruangtragool
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
- ASPPH/CDC Allan Rosenfield Global Health Fellow, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jessica Justman
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Amy Herman-Roloff
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Elizabeth Radin
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Muchimba M, Zyambo C. Characteristics and Sexual Risk Behavior of Men Who Never Tested for HIV in Zambia. Am J Mens Health 2021; 15:15579883211063343. [PMID: 34859712 PMCID: PMC8646204 DOI: 10.1177/15579883211063343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with women and girls, proportionately fewer men and boys in sub-Saharan Africa receive HIV testing, treatment, and other services. This study determined factors associated with never testing for HIV and examined never testing as a predictor of sexual risk behavior among men in Zambia. The sample included 2,609 men aged 15 to 24 from the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey. Logistic regression results revealed that compared with men who ever tested for HIV, men who never tested were more likely to be younger, have less education, have no children, be unemployed, and belong to the low wealth bracket. They also had a higher likelihood of not using a condom at last sex but were less likely to have more than five lifetime sexual partners. HIV prevention programs can use sociodemographic characteristics to identify those who have a lower likelihood of testing for HIV. Prevention programs can use sociodemographic characteristics to develop profiles of those who may especially need to be targeted by initiatives to promote HIV testing. Awareness does not always engender behavior change; therefore, in addition to knowledge of HIV status, risk reduction should also be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Muchimba
- Department of Health Science, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
| | - Cosmas Zyambo
- School of Public Health, Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Hogben M, Dittus PJ, Leichliter JS, Aral SO. Social and behavioural research prospects for sexually transmissible infection prevention in the era of advances in biomedical approaches. Sex Health 2021; 17:103-113. [PMID: 32119815 DOI: 10.1071/sh19105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the past two decades, major advances in biomedical intervention approaches to prevent HIV and many sexually transmissible infections (STIs) have shown great promise. However, challenges to prevention remain in the area of achieving population-level impact for biomedical prevention approaches. In this paper we address what social and behavioural research approaches can contribute beyond well-known behaviour change and counselling interventions. We organise work into five areas. Adherence and disinhibition research is primarily into individual-level constructs pertaining to maximising intervention effectiveness. Coverage research represents a population-level construct germane to maximising efficient prioritisation for prevention. Research covering social determinants, a second population-level construct, contributes to both prioritisation and effectiveness. Finally, disparities and social inequities need to be incorporated into prevention, given the pervasive and persistent disparities found in rates of HIV and STIs and in their antecedents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hogben
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mail Stop US12-2, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; and Corresponding author.
| | - Patricia J Dittus
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mail Stop US12-2, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jami S Leichliter
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mail Stop US12-2, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Sevgi O Aral
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mail Stop US12-2, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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Ejima K, Koizumi Y, Yamamoto N, Rosenberg M, Ludema C, Bento AI, Yoneoka D, Ichikawa S, Mizushima D, Iwami S. HIV Testing by Public Health Centers and Municipalities and New HIV Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:e182-e187. [PMID: 33625066 PMCID: PMC8126475 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 outbreak, facility capacity for HIV testing has been limited. Furthermore, people may have opted against HIV testing during this period to avoid COVID-19 exposure. We investigated the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV testing and the number of reported HIV cases in Japan. METHODS We analyzed quarterly HIV/AIDS-related data from 2015 to the second quarter of 2020 using an anomaly detection approach. The data included the number of consultations, the number of HIV tests performed by public health centers or municipalities, and the number of newly reported HIV cases with and without an AIDS diagnosis. We further performed the same analysis for 2 subgroups: men who have sex with men (MSM) and non-Japanese persons. RESULTS The number of HIV tests (9,584 vs. 35,908 in the year-before period) and consultations (11,689 vs. 32,565) performed by public health centers significantly declined in the second quarter of 2020, whereas the proportion of new HIV cases with an AIDS diagnosis (36.2% vs. 26.4%) significantly increased after removing the trend and seasonality effects. HIV cases without an AIDS diagnosis decreased (166 vs. 217), but the reduction was not significant. We confirmed similar trends for the men who have sex with men and non-Japanese subgroups. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, the current HIV testing system in Japan seems to have missed more cases of HIV before developing AIDS. Continuously monitoring the situation and securing sufficient test resources by use of self-testing is essential to understand the clear epidemiological picture of HIV incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ejima
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Koizumi
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nao Yamamoto
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, AZ
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
| | - Christina Ludema
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
| | - Ana I. Bento
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
| | - Daisuke Yoneoka
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiichi Ichikawa
- Institute for Consumer Sciences and Human Life, Kinjo Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mizushima
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Iwami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- MIRAI, JST, Saitama, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan; and
- Science Groove Inc., Fukuoka, Japan
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Gregson S, Nyamukapa C. Did sexual behaviour differences between HIV infection and treatment groups offset the preventative biological effects of ART roll-out in Zimbabwe? Population Studies 2021; 75:457-476. [PMID: 33559537 DOI: 10.1080/00324728.2021.1874043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Declines in HIV incidence have been slower than expected during the roll-out of antiretroviral treatment (ART) services in sub-Saharan African populations suffering generalized epidemics. Using data from a population-based, open cohort HIV sero-survey (2004-13), we found evidence for initial reductions in sexual activity and multiple sexual partnerships, followed by increases during the period of ART scale-up in areas of high HIV prevalence in Manicaland, east Zimbabwe. Recent population-level increases in condom use were also recorded, but largely reflected high use by the rapidly growing proportion of HIV-infected individuals on treatment. Sexual risk behaviour increased in susceptible uninfected individuals and in untreated (and therefore more infectious) HIV-infected men, which may have slowed the decline in HIV incidence in this area. Intensified primary HIV prevention programmes, together with strengthened risk screening, referral, and support services following HIV testing, could help to maximize the impact of 'test-and-treat' programmes in reducing new infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Gregson
- Imperial College London.,Biomedical Research and Training Institute
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Dennis AM, Cohen MS, Rucinski KB, Rutstein SE, Powers KA, Pasquale DK, Phiri S, Hosseinipour MC, Kamanga G, Nsona D, Massa C, Hoffman IF, Pettifor AE, Miller WC. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 Transmission Among Persons With Acute HIV-1 Infection in Malawi: Demographic, Behavioral, and Phylogenetic Relationships. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:853-860. [PMID: 30476007 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy1006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding sexual networks involving acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infections (AHI) may lead to prevention opportunities to mitigate high rates of onward transmission. We evaluated HIV-1 phylogenetic and behavioral characteristics among persons with AHI and their referred partners. METHODS Between 2012 and 2014, 46 persons with AHI in Malawi participated in a combined behavioral and biomedical intervention. Participants referred sexual partners by passive referral. Demographics and sexual behaviors were collected through interviews and HIV-1 genetic relationships were assessed with phylogenetics. RESULTS Among 45 AHI participants with HIV-1 sequences, none was phylogenetically-linked with another AHI index. There were 19 (42%) AHI participants who referred a single partner that returned for testing. Most partners (n = 17) were HIV-infected, with 15 (88%) presenting with an established infection. There were 14 index-partner pairs that had sequences available; 13 (93%) pairs were phylogenetically-linked dyads. The AHI index was female in 7/13 (54%) dyads. Age-disparate relationships among dyads were common (≥5-year age difference in 67% of dyads), including 3/6 dyads involving a male index and a younger woman. Index participants with a referred partner were more likely to report no casual partners and to be living with their current partner than participants not in dyads. CONCLUSIONS Passive-partner referral successfully identified partners with genetically-similar HIV infections-the likely source of infection-but only 40% of index cases referred partners who presented for HIV-1 testing. Future work evaluating assisted partner notification may help reach susceptible partners or more people with untreated HIV-1 infections connected to acute transmission. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT01450189.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Dennis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Myron S Cohen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Katherine B Rucinski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah E Rutstein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Kimberly A Powers
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Dana K Pasquale
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Sam Phiri
- Lighthouse Trust, University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.,University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Gift Kamanga
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Dominic Nsona
- Lighthouse Trust, University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Cecilia Massa
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Irving F Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Audrey E Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Rutstein SE, Chen JS, Nelson JAE, Phiri S, Miller WC, Hosseinipour MC. High rates of transmitted NNRTI resistance among persons with acute HIV infection in Malawi: implications for first-line dolutegravir scale-up. AIDS Res Ther 2019; 16:5. [PMID: 30795780 PMCID: PMC6385432 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-019-0220-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
High rates of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) resistance was a key consideration in the WHO policies transitioning first-line regimens to include integrase inhibitors (dolutegravir [DTG]). However, recent data suggests a relationship between DTG and neural tube defects among women exposed during conception, giving providers and policymakers pause regarding the planned regimen changes. We examined HIV drug resistance among a cohort of 46 acutely infected persons in Malawi. Our data demonstrates high levels of transmitted resistance, 11% using standard resistance surveillance mutations and 20% when additional NNRTI polymorphisms that may affect treatment response are included. High resistance rates in this treatment-naïve patient population reinforces the critical nature of DTG-based options in the context of public-health driven treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Rutstein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Jane S. Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Julie A. E. Nelson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | | | | | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- UNC Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
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