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Lépine A, Procureur F, Szawlowski S, Treibich C, Mbaye EH, Gueye K, Ndour CT. Optimising the public health benefits of sex work regulation in Senegal: Results from qualitative interviews with policy stakeholders. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306803. [PMID: 39146371 PMCID: PMC11326597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT There is compelling evidence that eliminating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) is a cost-effective approach to reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Although many countries recognise sex work as a public health issue, few have implemented public health policies specifically aimed at controlling the transmission of HIV/AIDS among FSWs. In particular, Senegal stands out as the only African country to regulate sex work through a specific public health policy that requires FSWs to register with a health centre. Despite the potential health and legal benefits associated with registration, a staggering 80% of FSWs in Senegal remain unregistered. This low registration rate hinders the realisation of the policy's full potential for public health benefits. The reluctance of FSWs to register is due to inherent flaws in the policy design, where the disadvantages of registration outweigh the benefits for FSWs. OBJECTIVE To identify which modifications to the current registration policy have the potential to increase uptake of registration by FSWs and to assess their feasibility in the context of Senegal. METHOD We conducted a qualitative policy research study using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 22 national stakeholders in this policy, including representatives from the police, government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Dakar, Senegal, as well as FSWs' leaders. The interview data were thematically coded using the interview topic guide and other recurring themes and analysed using thematic analysis on Nvivo 12. RESULTS A total of 20 relevant themes were selected, focusing primarily on assessing the feasibility of potential interventions and identifying potential barriers and associated risks. We found that, without changing current legislation, improving relationships between FSWs and police officers, providing accurate and accessible information about the rules and benefits of the policy, and offering psychosocial support have the potential to improve both the registration rate of FSWs and their wellbeing. Policy features designed to increase registration by improving FSWs' confidentiality, and thus their confidence in the services offered, were also discussed. CONCLUSIONS The study highlighted that several national public health policies could be changed to increase the registration rate of FSWs and improve their wellbeing without overturning constitutional law.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélia Lépine
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fanny Procureur
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandie Szawlowski
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carole Treibich
- CNRS, INRAE, Grenoble INP, GAEL, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - El Hadj Mbaye
- AIDS Division, Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Khady Gueye
- AIDS Division, Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar, Senegal
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Szawlowski S, Treibich C, Lagarde M, Mbaye EH, Gueye K, Ndour CT, Lépine A. Reforming the registration policy of female sex workers in Senegal? Evidence from a discrete choice experiment. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289882. [PMID: 37585455 PMCID: PMC10431633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst female sex workers (FSWs) is a cost-effective strategy to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. Senegal is the only African country where sex work is regulated by a public health policy which aims to monitor and routinely treat STIs. The law requires FSWs to be at least 21 years old, register with a health centre and the police, carry an up-to-date registration booklet, attend monthly health check-ups, and test negative for STIs. Despite health and legal benefits of registration, 80% of FSWs in Senegal are not registered. Hence, the potential health benefits of the policy have not materialised. To understand why FSWs do not want to register and to define policy changes that would increase the registration rate of FSWs in Senegal, we designed and implemented a discrete choice experiment (DCE) completed by 241 registered and 273 non-registered FSWs. Participants made choices between a series of hypothetical but realistic registration policy changes. Conditional logit models were used to analyse the DCE data. The results highlighted that confidentiality at the health facility was an important element, registered and non-registered FWs were respectively 26.0 percentage points (pp) and 22.1 pp more likely to prefer a policy that guaranteed confidentiality at the health centre. Similarly, both groups preferred a policy where their health record was only held at the health centre and not with the police. Several interventions to increase FSW registration rate and improve their wellbeing may be implemented without modifying the law. For example, the introduction of psychosocial support in the registration policy package, replacing the registration booklet by a QR code, the use of electronic medical files and the integration of FSWs routine visits with maternal health appointments to increase confidentiality have the potential to encourage registration of FSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandie Szawlowski
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carole Treibich
- CNRS, INRA, Grenoble INP, GAEL, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Mylene Lagarde
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - El Hadj Mbaye
- Gouvernement du Sénégal, Ministère de la Santé et de la Prévention Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Khady Gueye
- Gouvernement du Sénégal, Ministère de la Santé et de la Prévention Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Cheikh Tidiane Ndour
- Gouvernement du Sénégal, Ministère de la Santé et de la Prévention Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Aurélia Lépine
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Arimide DA, Amogne MD, Kebede Y, Balcha TT, Adugna F, Ramos A, DeVos J, Zeh C, Agardh A, Chang JCW, Björkman P, Medstrand P. High Level of HIV Drug Resistance and Virologic Nonsuppression Among Female Sex Workers in Ethiopia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:566-574. [PMID: 34966147 PMCID: PMC9058170 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine viral load (VL) nonsuppression (VLN) rates, HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) prevalence, and associated factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional biobehavioral survey was conducted among FSWs in 11 cities in Ethiopia in 2014. Whole blood was collected, and HIVDR genotyping was performed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with VLN and HIVDR. RESULTS Among 4900 participants, 1172 (23.9%) were HIV-positive and 1154 (98.5%) had a VL result. Participants were categorized into antiretroviral therapy (ART) (n = 239) and ART-naive (n = 915) groups based on self-report. From the 521 specimens (ART, 59; ART-naive, 462) with VL ≥1000 copies/mL, genotyping was successful for 420 (80.6%) and 92 (21.9%) had drug resistance mutations (DRMs). Pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) was detected in 16.5% (63/381) of the ART-naive participants. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), non-NRTIs (NNRTIs), and dual-class DRMs were detected in 40 (10.5%), 55 (14.4%), and 35 (9.2%) of the participants, respectively. Among 239 participants on ART, 59 (24.7%) had VLN. Genotyping was successfully performed for 39 (66.1%). DRMs were detected in 29 (74.4%). All 29 had NNRTI, 23 (79.3%) had NRTI or dual-class DRMs. VLN was associated with age 35 years or older, CD4+ T-cell count <350 cells/mm3, and being forced into selling sex. PDR and acquired drug resistance were associated with CD4+ T-cell count <350 cells/mm3 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The high VLN and HIVDR rates among FSWs underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve ART access and virologic monitoring to maximize the benefit of ART and limit the spread of HIV and HIVDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Assefa Arimide
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
- TB/HIV Department, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Minilik Demissie Amogne
- TB/HIV Department, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Yenew Kebede
- Africa Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Africa Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Taye T. Balcha
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Fekadu Adugna
- NPO - HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Artur Ramos
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Joshua DeVos
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Clement Zeh
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Anette Agardh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Joy Chih-Wei Chang
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Per Björkman
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Patrik Medstrand
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
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Kakisingi C, Muteba M, Mukuku O, Kyabu V, Ngwej K, Kajimb P, Manika M, Situakibanza H, Mwamba C, Ngwej D. Prevalence and characteristics of HIV infection among female sex workers in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 36:280. [PMID: 33088409 PMCID: PMC7545968 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.36.280.21378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a high-risk group for acquiring HIV infection due to their HIV prevalence estimated to be 10-20 times higher than in woman in the general population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HIV among female sex workers (FSWs) in Lubumbashi. Methods a cross-sectional study was conducted among FSWs presenting for the first time at the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) clinic of Katuba, Lubumbashi, between April 2016 and December 2017. Information on the participants´ socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and HIV serology results were collated and analyzed using a multiple logistic regression to identify factors associated to HIV infection among FSWs. Results information on 1555 sex workers was analysed in this study, the prevalence of HIV was 8.2%. The median age of the participants was 26 years (IQR: 21-34). Of the 127 HIV positive sex workers, 74% have been in the business for two years or less, 97% sell sex as their main income, 74% have more than 5 sexual intercourses per week, 95% reported using condom, 73% reported having history of STIs, 70% reported using alcohol before sex and 97% reported having three or more sexual partners per week. After adjusting for potentials cofounders, Age, Sex work as main income, years of selling sex, condom use, and alcohol use before sex were found to have a significant effect on HIV infection among sex workers. Conclusion these findings highlight the vulnerability of FSWs to HIV infection and the necessity of immediate interventions to strengthen HIV prevention through behavioral change strategies and making available Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for FSWs in Lubumbashi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kakisingi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.,Medical District of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Michel Muteba
- Division of epidemiology and biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Olivier Mukuku
- Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales de Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, République démocratique du Congo
| | - Véronique Kyabu
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.,Sexually Transmitted Infectious Clinic of Katuba, Lubumbashi, Republic Democratic of the Congo
| | - Kevin Ngwej
- Sexually Transmitted Infectious Clinic of Katuba, Lubumbashi, Republic Democratic of the Congo
| | - Patricia Kajimb
- Medical District of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Michel Manika
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Hippolyte Situakibanza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Tropical Diseases and of Infectious and Parasitological Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Republic Democratic of the Congo
| | - Claude Mwamba
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Dieudonné Ngwej
- Department of Pediatric, School of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Lépine A, Treibich C. Risk aversion and HIV/AIDS: Evidence from Senegalese female sex workers. Soc Sci Med 2020; 256:113020. [PMID: 32454226 PMCID: PMC7306163 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS is the second cause of mortality globally and there are 5000 new infections each day. Globally, sex workers are 13 times more at risk of HIV than the general population and in Senegal they have an HIV prevalence 16.5 times greater. Therefore, it is urgent to encourage behaviour change, which requires a better understanding of the reasons why sex workers engage in risky behaviours. We provide new evidence of the role of risk preferences on sexual behaviours, health behaviours and health outcomes of 600 female sex workers in Senegal in July and August 2017. We measure risk aversion of sex workers using an incentivised Gneezy and Potters task in addition to specific risk-taking scales in four domains (in general, finance, health and sex). Understanding of the experimental task was high despite low literacy level of participants. Using ordinary least squares, we find that risk aversion is an important predictor of sex workers’ sexual behaviours. We find that sex workers with higher level of risk aversion have less sex acts with clients, have less clients at risk of HIV, are more likely to engage in protected sex acts and as a result earn less money per sex act. Furthermore, we find that sex workers exhibiting higher level of risk aversion are less likely to be infected with sexually transmitted infections. Results highlight that some associations between risk preferences and sexual and health behaviours are domain specific. To conclude, our results confirm the role of risk preferences in the spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic and suggest the importance of collecting information on self-reported risk aversion to identify individuals who are at a greater risk of HIV/AIDS. Finally, our results provide some rationale in using lottery-based financial incentives to prevent sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS among high-risk populations. We study the role of risk preferences on HIV/AIDS among sex workers in Senegal. Risk preferences were elicited in a lab-in- the-field experiment and self-reported. Risk aversion is a main predictor of sexual behaviours. The relationship between risk aversion and behaviours is domain-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélia Lépine
- University College London, Institute for Global Health, London, UK.
| | - Carole Treibich
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, Grenoble INP, GAEL, 38000, Grenoble, France
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Mboup A, Béhanzin L, Guédou FA, Geraldo N, Goma‐Matsétsé E, Giguère K, Aza‐Gnandji M, Kessou L, Diallo M, Kêkê RK, Bachabi M, Dramane K, Geidelberg L, Cianci F, Lafrance C, Affolabi D, Diabaté S, Gagnon M, Zannou DM, Gangbo F, Boily M, Vickerman P, Alary M. Early antiretroviral therapy and daily pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among female sex workers in Cotonou, Benin: a prospective observational demonstration study. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25208. [PMID: 31291057 PMCID: PMC6287093 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV prevalence remains high, especially among key populations. In such situations, combination prevention including clinical, behavioural, structural and biological components, as well as adequate treatment are important. We conducted a demonstration project at the Dispensaire IST, a clinic dedicated to female sex workers (FSWs) in Cotonou, on early antiretroviral therapy (E-ART, or immediate "test-and-treat") and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We present key indicators such as uptake, retention and adherence. METHODS In this prospective observational study, we recruited FSWs from October 4th 2014 to December 31st 2015 and followed them until December 31st 2016. FSWs were provided with daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (Truvada® ) for PrEP or received a first-line antiretroviral regimen as per Benin guidelines. We used generalized estimating equations to assess trends in adherence and sexual behaviour. RESULTS Among FSWs in the catchment area, HIV testing coverage within the study framework was 95.5% (422/442). At baseline, HIV prevalence was 26.3% (111/422). Among eligible FSWs, 95.5% (105/110) were recruited for E-ART and 88.3% (256/290) for PrEP. Overall retention at the end of the study was 59.0% (62/105) for E-ART and 47.3% (121/256) for PrEP. Mean (±SD) duration of follow-up was 13.4 (±7.9) months for E-ART and 11.8 (±7.9) months for PrEP. Self-reported adherence was over 90% among most E-ART participants. For PrEP, adherence was lower and the proportion with 100% adherence decreased over time from 78.4% to 56.7% (p-trend < 0.0001). During the 250.1 person-years of follow-up among PrEP initiators, two seroconversions occurred (incidence 0.8/100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 0.3 to 1.9/100 person-years)). The two seroconverters had stopped using PrEP for at least six months before being found HIV-infected. In both groups, there was no evidence of reduced condom use. CONCLUSIONS This study provides data on key indicators for the integration of E-ART and PrEP into the HIV prevention combination package already offered to FSWs in Benin. PrEP may be more useful as an individual intervention for adherent FSWs rather than a specific public health intervention. E-ART was a more successful intervention in terms of retention and adherence and is now offered to all key populations in Benin. STUDY REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02237.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminata Mboup
- Département de médecine sociale et préventiveUniversité LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santéCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université LavalQuébecQCCanada
| | - Luc Béhanzin
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santéCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Dispensaire ISTCentre de santé communal de Cotonou 1CotonouBénin
- École Nationale de Formation des Techniciens Supérieurs en Santé Publique et en Surveillance ÉpidémiologiqueUniversité de ParakouParakouBénin
| | - Fernand A Guédou
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santéCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Dispensaire ISTCentre de santé communal de Cotonou 1CotonouBénin
| | - Nassirou Geraldo
- Dispensaire ISTCentre de santé communal de Cotonou 1CotonouBénin
| | | | - Katia Giguère
- Département de médecine sociale et préventiveUniversité LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santéCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université LavalQuébecQCCanada
| | | | - Léon Kessou
- Service de Consultance et Expertise Nouvelle en Afrique (SCEN AFRIK)CotonouBénin
| | - Mamadou Diallo
- Département de médecine sociale et préventiveUniversité LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santéCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université LavalQuébecQCCanada
| | - René K Kêkê
- Programme Santé de Lutte contre le Sida (PSLS)CotonouBénin
| | - Moussa Bachabi
- Programme Santé de Lutte contre le Sida (PSLS)CotonouBénin
| | - Kania Dramane
- Laboratoire de virologie du Centre MurazBobo‐DioulassoBurkina Faso
| | - Lily Geidelberg
- Department of infectious diseaseImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Fiona Cianci
- University of BristolBristolUK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Christian Lafrance
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santéCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université LavalQuébecQCCanada
| | - Dissou Affolabi
- Faculté des sciences de la santéUniversité d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBénin
- Centre national hospitalier universitaire HMK de CotonouCotonouBénin
| | - Souleymane Diabaté
- Département de médecine sociale et préventiveUniversité LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santéCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Université Alassane OuattaraBouakéCôte d'Ivoire
| | - Marie‐Pierre Gagnon
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santéCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Faculté des sciences infirmièresUniversité LavalQuébecQCCanada
| | - Djimon M Zannou
- Faculté des sciences de la santéUniversité d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBénin
- Centre national hospitalier universitaire HMK de CotonouCotonouBénin
| | - Flore Gangbo
- Programme Santé de Lutte contre le Sida (PSLS)CotonouBénin
- Faculté des sciences de la santéUniversité d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBénin
- Centre national hospitalier universitaire HMK de CotonouCotonouBénin
| | - Marie‐Claude Boily
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santéCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Department of infectious diseaseImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Michel Alary
- Département de médecine sociale et préventiveUniversité LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santéCentre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université LavalQuébecQCCanada
- Institut national de santé publique du QuébecQuébecQCCanada
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Rhead R, Elmes J, Otobo E, Nhongo K, Takaruza A, White PJ, Nyamukapa CA, Gregson S. Do female sex workers have lower uptake of HIV treatment services than non-sex workers? A cross-sectional study from east Zimbabwe. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e018751. [PMID: 29490957 PMCID: PMC5855339 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Globally, HIV disproportionately affects female sex workers (FSWs) yet HIV treatment coverage is suboptimal. To improve uptake of HIV services by FSWs, it is important to identify potential inequalities in access and use of care and their determinants. Our aim is to investigate HIV treatment cascades for FSWs and non-sex workers (NSWs) in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe, and to examine the socio-demographic characteristics and intermediate determinants that might explain differences in service uptake. METHODS Data from a household survey conducted in 2009-2011 and a parallel snowball sample survey of FSWs were matched using probability methods to reduce under-reporting of FSWs. HIV treatment cascades were constructed and compared for FSWs (n=174) and NSWs (n=2555). Determinants of service uptake were identified a priori in a theoretical framework and tested using logistic regression. RESULTS HIV prevalence was higher in FSWs than in NSWs (52.6% vs 19.8%; age-adjusted OR (AOR) 4.0; 95% CI 2.9 to 5.5). In HIV-positive women, FSWs were more likely to have been diagnosed (58.2% vs 42.6%; AOR 1.62; 1.02-2.59) and HIV-diagnosed FSWs were more likely to initiate ART (84.9% vs 64.0%; AOR 2.33; 1.03-5.28). No difference was found for antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence (91.1% vs 90.5%; P=0.9). FSWs' greater uptake of HIV treatment services became non-significant after adjusting for intermediate factors including HIV knowledge and risk perception, travel time to services, physical and mental health, and recent pregnancy. CONCLUSION FSWs are more likely to take up testing and treatment services and were closer to achieving optimal outcomes along the cascade compared with NSWs. However, ART coverage was low in all women at the time of the survey. FSWs' need for, knowledge of and proximity to HIV testing and treatment facilities appear to increase uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rhead
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Jocelyn Elmes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Eloghene Otobo
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Kundai Nhongo
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Albert Takaruza
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Peter J White
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling and NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling Methodology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Constance Anesu Nyamukapa
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Simon Gregson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
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Ferguson A, Shannon K, Butler J, Goldenberg SM. A comprehensive review of HIV/STI prevention and sexual and reproductive health services among sex Workers in Conflict-Affected Settings: call for an evidence- and rights-based approach in the humanitarian response. Confl Health 2017; 11:25. [PMID: 29213302 PMCID: PMC5713057 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-017-0124-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While the conditions in emergency humanitarian and conflict-affected settings often result in significant sex work economies, there is limited information on the social and structural conditions of sex work in these settings, and the impacts on HIV/STI prevention and access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for sex workers. Our objective was to comprehensively review existing evidence on HIV/STI prevention and access to SRH services for sex workers in conflict-affected settings globally. Methods We conducted a comprehensive review of all peer review (both epidemiological and qualitative) and grey literature published in the last 15 years (2000–2015), focusing on 1) HIV/STI vulnerability or prevention, and/or 2) access to SRH services for sex workers in conflict-affected settings. Five databases were searched, using combinations of sex work, conflict/mobility, HIV/STI, and SRH service terms. Relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature were also hand-searched, and key papers were cross-referenced for additional material. Results Five hundred fifty one records were screened and 416 records reviewed. Of 33 records describing HIV/STI prevention and/or access to SRH services among sex workers in conflict-affected settings, 24 were from sub-Saharan Africa; 18 studies described the results of primary research (13 quantitative, 3 qualitative, 2 mixed-methods) and 15 were non-primary research (e.g., commentaries, policy reports, programmatic manuals). Available evidence indicated that within conflict-affected settings, SWs’ capacity to engage in HIV/STI prevention and access SRH services is severely undermined by social and structural determinants including widespread violence and human rights violations, the collapse of livelihoods and traditional social structures, high levels of displacement, and difficulties accessing already scant health services due to stigma, discrimination and criminalization. Discussion/Conclusions This review identified significant gaps in HIV/STI and SRH research, policy, and programming for conflict-affected sex workers, highlighting a critical gap in the humanitarian response. Sex worker-informed policies and interventions to promote HIV/STI prevention and access to HIV and SRH services using a rights-based approach are recommended, and further research on the degree to which conflict-affected sex workers are accessing HIV/STI and SRH services is recommended. A paradigm shift from the behavioural and biomedical approach to a human rights-based approach to HIV/STI prevention and SRH is strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Ferguson
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
| | - Kate Shannon
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
| | - Jennifer Butler
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region (EECAR), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Shira M Goldenberg
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6 Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
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War-Related Abduction and History of Incarceration Linked to High Burden of HIV Among Female Sex Workers in Conflict-Affected Northern Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 73:109-16. [PMID: 27096234 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sex workers (SWs) in sub-Saharan Africa face a disproportionate HIV burden and growing concerns of severe human rights violations. Given the dearth of evidence on the burden and correlates of HIV among SWs in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly within conflict-affected settings, we examined the relationship between structural determinants (eg, war-related abduction, incarceration) and HIV infection among conflict-affected SWs in Northern Uganda. DESIGN Cross-sectional community-based research study among female SWs in conflict-affected Gulu, Northern Uganda. METHODS Interview questionnaires and voluntary HIV testing were conducted with participants recruited through SW/peer-led outreach and time-location sampling from 2011 to 2012. HIV prevalence was calculated, and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent associations with HIV seroprevalence. RESULTS Of 400 SWs, 135 (33.75%) were HIV seropositive; of whom one-third were new/previously undiagnosed HIV infections. In multivariable analysis, after adjusting for age of sex work entry and education, lifetime incarceration (adjusted odds ratio: 1.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.17 to -3.20) was independently associated with HIV seroprevalence, and history of wartime abduction (adjusted odds ratio: 1.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.00 to 2.63) was marginally associated (P = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS This study documented a high rate of undiagnosed HIV infections and associations between war-related human rights violations, incarceration, and a heavy HIV burden among SWs in conflict-affected Northern Uganda. These findings highlight the serious harms of conflict and criminalization of marginalized women in sub-Saharan African contexts. SW-led interventions that address conflict experiences and policy shifts to promote a rights-based approach to HIV prevention and care remain critically needed.
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Lafort Y, Jocitala O, Candrinho B, Greener L, Beksinska M, Smit JA, Chersich M, Delva W. Are HIV and reproductive health services adapted to the needs of female sex workers? Results of a policy and situational analysis in Tete, Mozambique. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:301. [PMID: 27456516 PMCID: PMC4960856 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1551-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of an implementation research project aiming at improving use of HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for female sex workers (FSWs), a broad situational analysis was conducted in Tete, Mozambique, assessing if services are adapted to the needs of FSWs. METHODS Methods comprised (1) a policy analysis including a review of national guidelines and interviews with policy makers, and (2) health facility assessments at 6 public and 1 private health facilities, and 1 clinic specifically targeting FSWs, consisting of an audit checklist, interviews with 18 HIV/SRH care providers and interviews of 99 HIV/SRH care users. RESULTS There exist national guidelines for most HIV/SRH care services, but none provides guidance for care adapted to the needs of high-risk women such as FSWs. The Ministry of Health recently initiated the process of establishing guidelines for attendance of key populations, including FSWs, at public health facilities. Policy makers have different views on the best approach for providing services to FSWs-integrated in the general health services or through parallel services for key populations-and there exists no national strategy. The most important provider of HIV/SRH services in the study area is the government. Most basic services are widely available, with the exception of certain family planning methods, cervical cancer screening, services for victims of sexual and gender-based violence, and termination of pregnancy (TOP). The public facilities face serious limitations in term of space, staff, equipment, regular supplies and adequate provider practices. A stand-alone clinic targeting key populations offers a limited range of services to the FSW population in part of the area. Private clinics offer only a few services, at commercial prices. CONCLUSION There is a need to improve the availability of quality HIV/SRH services in general and to FSWs specifically, and to develop guidelines for care adapted to the needs of FSWs. Access for FSWs can be improved by either expanding the range of services and the coverage of the targeted clinic and/or by improving access to adapted care at the public health services and ensure a minimum standard of quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Lafort
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Jocitala
- International Centre for Reproductive Health-Mozambique, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Letitia Greener
- MatCH Research Unit (Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit), University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit (Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit), University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jenni A. Smit
- MatCH Research Unit (Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit), University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Matthew Chersich
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wim Delva
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- The South African DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Strategies for reducing police arrest in the context of an HIV prevention programme for female sex workers: evidence from structural interventions in Karnataka, South India. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:20856. [PMID: 27435708 PMCID: PMC4951536 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.4.20856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Female sex workers (FSWs) frequently experience violence in their work environments, violating their basic rights and increasing their vulnerability to HIV infection. Structural interventions addressing such violence are critical components of comprehensive HIV prevention programmes. We describe structural interventions developed to address violence against FSWs in the form of police arrest, in the context of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's India AIDS Initiative (Avahan) in Karnataka, South India. We examine changes in FSW arrest between two consecutive time points during the intervention and identify characteristics that may increase FSW vulnerability to arrest in Karnataka. Methods Structural interventions with police involved advocacy work with senior police officials, sensitization workshops, and integration of HIV and human rights topics in pre-service curricula. Programmes for FSWs aimed to enhance collectivization, empowerment and awareness about human rights and to introduce crisis response mechanisms. Three rounds of integrated behavioural and biological assessment surveys were conducted among FSWs from 2004 to 2011. We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses using data from the second (R2) and third (R3) survey rounds to examine changes in arrests among FSWs over time and to assess associations between police arrest, and the sociodemographic and sex work-related characteristics of FSWs. Results Among 4110 FSWs surveyed, rates of ever being arrested by the police significantly decreased over time, from 9.9% in R2 to 6.1% in R3 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) [95% CI]=0.63 [0.48 to 0.83]). Arrests in the preceding year significantly decreased, from 5.5% in R2 to 2.8% in R3 (AOR [95% CI]=0.59 [0.41 to 0.86]). FSWs arrested as part of arbitrary police raids also decreased from 49.6 to 19.5% (AOR [95% CI]=0.21 [0.11 to 0.42]). Certain characteristics, including financial dependency on sex work, street- or brothel-based solicitation and high client volumes, were found to significantly increase the odds of arrest for participants. Conclusion Structural interventions addressing police arrest of FSWs are feasible to implement. Based on our findings, the design of violence prevention and response interventions in Karnataka can be tailored to focus on FSWs, who are disproportionately vulnerable to arrest by police. Context-specific structural interventions can reduce police arrests, create a safer work environment for FSWs and protect fundamental human rights.
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Police, Law Enforcement and HIV. J Int AIDS Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.4.21260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Mukandavire Z, Mitchell KM, Vickerman P. Comparing the impact of increasing condom use or HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among female sex workers. Epidemics 2015; 14:62-70. [PMID: 26972515 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In many settings, interventions targeting female sex workers (FSWs) could significantly reduce the overall transmission of HIV. To understand the role HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could play in controlling HIV transmission amongst FSWs, it is important to understand how its impact compares with scaling-up condom use-one of the proven HIV prevention strategies for FSWs. It is important to remember that condoms also have other benefits such as reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted infections and preventing pregnancy. A dynamic deterministic model of HIV transmission amongst FSWs, their clients and other male partners (termed 'pimps') was used to compare the protection provided by PrEP for HIV-negative FSWs with FSWs increasing their condom use with clients and/or pimps. For different HIV prevalence scenarios, levels of pimp interaction, and baseline condom use, we estimated the coverage of PrEP that gives the same reduction in endemic FSW HIV prevalence or HIV infections averted as different increases in condom use. To achieve the same impact on FSW HIV prevalence as increasing condom use by 1%, the coverage of PrEP has to increase by >2%. The relative impact of PrEP increases for scenarios where pimps contribute to HIV transmission, but not greatly, and decreases with higher baseline condom use. In terms of HIV infections averted over 10 years, the relative impact of PrEP compared to condoms was reduced, with a >3% increase in PrEP coverage achieving the same impact as a 1% increase in condom use. Condom promotion interventions should remain the mainstay HIV prevention strategy for FSWs, with PrEP only being implemented once condom interventions have been maximised or to fill prevention gaps where condoms cannot be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zindoga Mukandavire
- Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Kate M Mitchell
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Peter Vickerman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Traore IT, Meda N, Hema NM, Ouedraogo D, Some F, Some R, Niessougou J, Sanon A, Konate I, Van De Perre P, Mayaud P, Nagot N. HIV prevention and care services for female sex workers: efficacy of a targeted community-based intervention in Burkina Faso. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:20088. [PMID: 26374604 PMCID: PMC4571618 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.20088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although interventions to control HIV among high-risk groups such as female sex workers (FSW) are highly recommended in Africa, the contents and efficacy of these interventions are unclear. We therefore designed a comprehensive dedicated intervention targeting young FSW and assessed its impact on HIV incidence in Burkina Faso. METHODS Between September 2009 and September 2011 we conducted a prospective, interventional cohort study of FSW aged 18 to 25 years in Ouagadougou, with quarterly follow-up for a maximum of 21 months. The intervention combined prevention and care within the same setting, consisting of peer-led education sessions, psychological support, sexually transmitted infections and HIV care, general routine health care and reproductive health services. At each visit, behavioural characteristics were collected and HIV, HSV-2 and pregnancy were tested. We compared the cohort HIV incidence with a modelled expected incidence in the study population in the absence of intervention, using data collected at the same time from FSW clients. RESULTS The 321 HIV-uninfected FSW enrolled in the cohort completed 409 person-years of follow-up. No participant seroconverted for HIV during the study (0/409 person-years), whereas the expected modelled number of HIV infections were 5.05/409 person-years (95% CI, 5.01-5.08) or 1.23 infections per 100 person-years (p=0.005). This null incidence was related to a reduction in the number of regular partners and regular clients, and by an increase in consistent condom use with casual clients (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.19; 95% CI, 1.16-4.14, p=0.01) and with regular clients (aOR=2.18; 95% CI, 1.26-3.76, p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS Combining peer-based prevention and care within the same setting markedly reduced the HIV incidence among young FSW in Burkina Faso, through reduced risky behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidore T Traore
- Department of Clinical Research, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, West Africa;
| | - Nicolas Meda
- Department of Clinical Research, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, West Africa
- Department of Public Health, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, West Africa
| | - Noelie M Hema
- Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa
| | - Djeneba Ouedraogo
- Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa
| | - Felicien Some
- Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa
| | - Roselyne Some
- Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa
| | - Josiane Niessougou
- Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa
| | - Anselme Sanon
- Department of Clinical Research, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, West Africa
| | - Issouf Konate
- Department of Clinical Research, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, West Africa
| | - Philippe Van De Perre
- UMR 1058, INSERM/University of Montpellier/EFS, Montpellier, France
- CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Mayaud
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nicolas Nagot
- UMR 1058, INSERM/University of Montpellier/EFS, Montpellier, France
- CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Dugas M, Bédard E, Batona G, Kpatchavi AC, Guédou FA, Dubé E, Alary M. Outreach strategies for the promotion of HIV testing and care: closing the gap between health services and female sex workers in Benin. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 68 Suppl 2:S198-205. [PMID: 25723985 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular voluntary counseling and testing is a key component of the fight against HIV/AIDS. In Benin, the project SIDA-1/2/3 established to decrease HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs), implemented a multifaceted intervention, including outreach activities. The objective of this article was to present potential advantages and limitations of 3 categories of outreach interventions designed to increase the use of testing services among FSWs in Benin. METHODS This analysis is based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Benin from June to December 2012. RESULTS Sixty-six FSWs and 24 health care workers were interviewed. Their narratives revealed 3 main factors impeding the development of appropriate HIV testing behavior. These negative elements can be positioned along a continuum of health care behaviors, with each stage of this continuum presenting its own challenges: fear or lack of motivation to use testing services, inaccessibility of care when the decision to go has been made, and a perceived lack of quality in the care offered at the health care center. Many of these needs seem to be addressed in the outreach strategies tested. However, the study also exposed some potential barriers or limitations to the success of these strategies when applied in this specific context, due to social disruption, mobility, access to care, and hard to reach population. CONCLUSIONS To increase the use of testing services, an outreach strategy based on community workers or peer educators, along with improved access to testing services, would be well adapted to this context and appreciated by both FSWs and health care workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylène Dugas
- *Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada; †Département des sciences infirmières, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Campus Lévis, Lévis, Québec, Canada; ‡Département des sciences infirmières, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; §Faculté des lettres, arts et sciences humaines, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Bénin; ‖Dispensaire IST, Cotonou, Bénin; ¶Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; #Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; and **Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite decades of HIV responses in pockets of West and Central Africa (WCA), the HIV response with key populations remains an understudied area. Recently, there has been a proliferation of studies highlighting epidemiologic and behavioral data that challenge attitudes of complacency among donors and country governments uncomfortable in addressing key populations. METHODS The articles in this series highlight new studies that provide a better understanding of the epidemiologic and structural burden facing key populations in the WCA region and how to improve responses through more effective targeting. RESULTS Key populations face pervasive structural barriers including institutional and sexual violence and an intersection of stigma, criminalization, and marginalization as sexual minorities. Despite decades of smaller interventions that have shown the importance of integrated services for key populations, there remains incongruent provision of outreach or testing or family planning pointing to sustained risk. There remains an incongruent resource provision for key populations where they shoulder the burden of HIV and their access to services alone could turn around HIV epidemics within the region. CONCLUSIONS These proximal and distal determinants must be addressed in regional efforts, led by the community, and resourced for scale, targeting those most at risk for the acquisition and transmission of HIV. This special issue builds the knowledge base for the region focusing on interventions that remove barriers to service access including treatment uptake for those living with HIV. Better analysis and use of data for strategic planning are shown to lead to more effective targeting of prevention, care, and HIV treatment programs with key populations. These articles further demonstrate the immediate need for comprehensive action to address HIV among key populations throughout the WCA region.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Globally, HIV infection remains a significant issue for key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers. A review of recent articles was conducted for west African countries to assess the burden of disease among female sex workers and MSM, access to services and identify barriers to implementation of services for key populations. RECENT FINDINGS In west Africa, key populations engage in high-risk practices for the acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Available HIV prevalence data fluctuate across and within countries for both MSM and female sex workers and may be five to ten times as high as that of the general population. HIV prevalence varied from 15.9% in The Gambia to 68% in Benin among female sex workers, whereas it ranged from 9.8% in The Gambia to 34.9% in Nigeria for MSM. Yet, important data gaps exist, including key populations size estimations in several countries as well as HIV prevalence, incidence and other biomarkers of HIV risk. Because of sociocultural, legal, political and economic challenges, exacerbated by a poor health system infrastructure, the HIV response is not strategically directed toward programs for key populations in countries with concentrated epidemics. Noteworthy is the low coverage of prevention care and treatment interventions offered to key populations. SUMMARY Sufficient planning and political will with legal and structural frameworks that reconcile public health and human rights are needed to prioritize HIV prevention, care and treatment programming for key populations programs in west Africa.
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Panovska-Griffiths J, Vassall A, Prudden HJ, Lépine A, Boily MC, Chandrashekar S, Mitchell KM, Beattie TS, Alary M, Martin NK, Vickerman P. Optimal allocation of resources in female sex worker targeted HIV prevention interventions: model insights from Avahan in South India. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107066. [PMID: 25271808 PMCID: PMC4182672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Avahan programme has provided HIV prevention activities, including condom promotion, to female sex workers (FSWs) in southern India since 2004. Evidence suggests Avahan averted 202,000 HIV infections over 4 years. For replicating this intervention elsewhere, it is essential to understand how the intervention’s impact could have been optimised for different budget levels. Methods Behavioural data were used to determine how condom use varied for FSWs with different levels of intervention intensity. Cost data from 64 Avahan districts quantified how district-level costs related to intervention scale and intensity. A deterministic model for HIV transmission amongst FSWs and clients projected the impact and cost of intervention strategies for different scale and intensity, and identified the optimal strategies that maximise impact for different budget levels. Results As budget levels increase, the optimal intervention strategy is to first increase intervention intensity which achieves little impact, then scale-up coverage to high levels for large increases in impact, and lastly increase intensity further for small additional gains. The cost-effectiveness of these optimal strategies generally improves with increasing resources, while straying from these strategies can triple costs for the same impact. Projections suggest Avahan was close to being optimal, and moderate budget reductions (≥20%) would have reduced impact considerably (>40%). Discussion Our analysis suggests that tailoring the design of HIV prevention programmes for FSWs can improve impact, and that a certain level of resources are required to achieve demonstrable impact. These insights are critical for optimising the use of limited resources for preventing HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths
- Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Mathematics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Vassall
- Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Holly J Prudden
- Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aurélia Lépine
- Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Claude Boily
- School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Sudha Chandrashekar
- Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Kate M Mitchell
- Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tara S Beattie
- Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Alary
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, Canada; Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Natasha K Martin
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Antiretroviral therapy uptake, attrition, adherence and outcomes among HIV-infected female sex workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105645. [PMID: 25265158 PMCID: PMC4179256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We aimed to characterize the antiretroviral therapy (ART) cascade among female sex workers (FSWs) globally. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and MEDLINE in March 2014 to identify studies reporting on ART uptake, attrition, adherence, and outcomes (viral suppression or CD4 count improvements) among HIV-infected FSWs globally. When possible, available estimates were pooled using random effects meta-analyses (with heterogeneity assessed using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic). Results 39 studies, reporting on 21 different FSW study populations in Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Central America and the Caribbean, were included. Current ART use among HIV-infected FSWs was 38% (95% CI: 29%–48%, I2 = 96%, 15 studies), and estimates were similar between high-, and low- and middle-income countries. Ever ART use among HIV-infected FSWs was greater in high-income countries (80%; 95% CI: 48%–94%, I2 = 70%, 2 studies) compared to low- and middle-income countries (36%; 95% CI: 7%–81%, I2 = 99%, 3 studies). Loss to follow-up after ART initiation was 6% (95% CI: 3%–11%, I2 = 0%, 3 studies) and death after ART initiation was 6% (95% CI: 3%–11%, I2 = 0%, 3 studies). The fraction adherent to ≥95% of prescribed pills was 76% (95% CI: 68%–83%, I2 = 36%, 4 studies), and 57% (95% CI: 46%–68%, I2 = 82%, 4 studies) of FSWs on ART were virally suppressed. Median gains in CD4 count after 6 to 36 months on ART, ranged between 103 and 241 cells/mm3 (4 studies). Conclusions Despite global increases in ART coverage, there is a concerning lack of published data on HIV treatment for FSWs. Available data suggest that FSWs can achieve levels of ART uptake, retention, adherence, and treatment response comparable to that seen among women in the general population, but these data are from only a few research settings. More routine programme data on HIV treatment among FSWs across settings should be collected and disseminated.
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Mountain E, Pickles M, Mishra S, Vickerman P, Alary M, Boily MC. The HIV care cascade and antiretroviral therapy in female sex workers: implications for HIV prevention. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 12:1203-19. [PMID: 25174997 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.948422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
To achieve viral suppression and fully benefit from antiretroviral therapy (ART), it is important that individuals with HIV know that they are HIV infected, link to and remain in HIV care, start and remain on ART and adhere to treatment. In HIV epidemics where female sex workers (FSWs) are key drivers of HIV transmission, the extent to which FSWs use ART and engage in the HIV care cascade could have a considerable impact on HIV transmission from FSWs to the wider population. In this article we review the spectrum of FSW engagement in the HIV care cascade, look at the impact of the HIV care cascade and ART use among FSWs on population-level HIV transmission and discuss HIV prevention for FSWs in the context of ART and the HIV care cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mountain
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Exploring the population-level impact of antiretroviral treatment: the influence of baseline intervention context. AIDS 2014; 28 Suppl 1:S61-72. [PMID: 24468948 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the potential population-level impact of expanding antiretroviral treatment (ART) in HIV epidemics concentrated among female sex workers (FSWs) and clients, with and without existing condom-based FSW interventions. DESIGN Mathematical model of heterosexual HIV transmission in south India. METHODS We simulated HIV epidemics in three districts to assess the 10-year impact of existing ART programs (ART eligibility at CD4 cell count ≤350) beyond that achieved with high condom use, and the incremental benefit of expanding ART by either increasing ART eligibility, improving access to care, or prioritizing ART expansion to FSWs/clients. Impact was estimated in the total population (including FSWs and clients). RESULTS In the presence of existing condom-based interventions, existing ART programs (medium-to-good coverage) were predicted to avert 11-28% of remaining HIV infections between 2014 and 2024. Increasing eligibility to all risk groups prevented an incremental 1-15% over existing ART programs, compared with 29-53% when maximizing access to all risk groups. If there was no condom-based intervention, and only poor ART coverage, then expanding ART prevented a larger absolute number but a smaller relative fraction of HIV infections for every additional person-year of ART. Across districts and baseline interventions, for every additional person-year of treatment, prioritizing access to FSWs was most efficient (and resource saving), followed by prioritizing access to FSWs and clients. CONCLUSION The relative and absolute benefit of ART expansion depends on baseline condom use, ART coverage, and epidemic size. In south India, maximizing FSWs' access to care, followed by maximizing clients' access are the most efficient ways to expand ART for HIV prevention, across baseline intervention context.
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