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Ebogo-Belobo JT, Kenmoe S, Mbongue Mikangue CA, Tchatchouang S, Robertine LF, Takuissu GR, Ndzie Ondigui JL, Bowo-Ngandji A, Kenfack-Momo R, Kengne-Ndé C, Mbaga DS, Menkem EZ, Kame-Ngasse GI, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Kenfack-Zanguim J, Esemu SN, Tagnouokam-Ngoupo PA, Ndip L, Njouom R. Systematic review and meta-analysis of seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus serological markers among pregnant women in Africa, 1984-2020. World J Crit Care Med 2023; 12:264-285. [PMID: 38188451 PMCID: PMC10768416 DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v12.i5.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern, particularly in Africa where HIV rates remain substantial. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of acquiring HIV, which has a significant impact on both maternal and child health. AIM To review summarizes HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa. It also identifies regional and clinical characteristics that contribute to study-specific estimates variation. METHODS The study included pregnant women from any African country or region, irrespective of their symptoms, and any study design conducted in any setting. Using electronic literature searches, articles published until February 2023 were reviewed. The quality of the included studies was evaluated. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to determine HIV pooled seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics, and publication bias was assessed with Egger's test. RESULTS A total of 248 studies conducted between 1984 and 2020 were included in the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). Out of the total studies, 146 (58.9%) had a low risk of bias and 102 (41.1%) had a moderate risk of bias. No HIV-positive pregnant women died in the included studies. The overall HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women was estimated to be 9.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.3-10.3]. The subgroup analysis showed statistically significant heterogeneity across subgroups (P < 0.001), with the highest seroprevalence observed in Southern Africa (29.4%, 95%CI: 26.5-32.4) and the lowest seroprevalence observed in Northern Africa (0.7%, 95%CI: 0.3-1.3). CONCLUSION The review found that HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in African countries remains significant, particularly in Southern African countries. This review can inform the development of targeted public health interventions to address high HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women in African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo
- Center for Research in Health and Priority Pathologies, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Guy Roussel Takuissu
- Centre for Food, Food Security and Nutrition Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Arnol Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Raoul Kenfack-Momo
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Cyprien Kengne-Ndé
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Douala 00237, Cameroon
| | - Donatien Serge Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse
- Center for Research in Health and Priority Pathologies, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Seraphine Nkie Esemu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Lucy Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Department of Virology, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
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Knight L, Humphries H, Van der Pol N, Ncgobo N, Essack Z, Rochat T, van Rooyen H. 'A difficult conversation': community stakeholders' and key informants' perceptions of the barriers to talking about sex and HIV with adolescents and young people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1725-1740. [PMID: 36803644 PMCID: PMC10439967 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2178674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence and young adulthood are important periods of transition and therefore for action and intervention to ensure future sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Caregiver-adolescent communication about sex and sexuality is a protective factor for SRH, but there are often barriers to this. Adults' perspectives are limited within the literature but important as they should lead this process. This paper uses exploratory qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 40 purposively sampled community stakeholders and key informants to explore their insights into the perceived, experienced or expected challenges adults' experience when having these conversations within a high HIV prevalence, South African context. Findings suggest that respondents recognised the value of communication and were generally willing to try it. However, they identified barriers such as fear, discomfort and limited knowledge and perceived capacity to do so. They show that in high prevalence contexts adults grapple with their own personal risks, behaviours and fears that may affect their ability to have these conversations. This demonstrates the need to equip caregivers with the confidence and ability to communicate about sex and HIV, alongside managing their own complex risks and situations to overcome barriers. It is also necessary to shift the negative framing of adolescents and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Knight
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Belville, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Hilton Humphries
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Natasha Van der Pol
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Nkosinathi Ncgobo
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Zaynab Essack
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- South African Research Ethics Training Initiative (SARETI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Tamsen Rochat
- Faculty of Health Sciences, SAMRC/WITS Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- The Impact Centre, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Hendricks CL, Mellet J, Durandt C, Brittain D, Pepper MS. Haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in an HIV endemic area: time to consider donors exposed to or living with HIV. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e742-e749. [PMID: 37837978 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00198-4] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
South Africa has more than 8 million people living with HIV. However, the number of patients undergoing haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) in South Africa is far below the target number. Donor numbers are insufficient to meet demand. Both HSCT and solid organ transplantation have proved successful in people living with HIV. Solid organ transplantation also has good outcomes when both donors and recipients have HIV. This Personal View explores the possible inclusion of people living with HIV and umbilical cord blood from HIV-negative infants exposed to HIV as donor sources for HSCT. Beyond the risk of HIV transmission, additional complications must be considered, such as delayed or inadequate immune reconstitution and an increased risk of haematological abnormalities and malignancies. Interactions between antiretroviral drugs and drugs used in the conditioning regimen, as well as the need to maintain virological suppression when gastrointestinal absorption deteriorates, are additional complicating factors. The process also requires more stringent ethical processes to be in place to minimise physical and emotional harm. However, in an HIV endemic country, people living with HIV or donors exposed to HIV must be considered as part of a multidisciplinary collaborative effort to provide more patients with the opportunity to have a life-saving HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Laverne Hendricks
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Juanita Mellet
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Chrisna Durandt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - David Brittain
- Alberts Cellular Therapy, Netcare Pretoria East Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael Sean Pepper
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Hiliza J, Ndizeimana E, William H, Lebba J, Musanhu C, Nsubuga P, Zablon Y. Accelerating HIV and AIDS services delivery in Kigoma region, Tanzania. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 45:9. [PMID: 37538364 PMCID: PMC10395105 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2023.45.1.39597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tanzania Commission for AIDS and UNAIDS reports 1.7 million Tanzanians are HIV-positive. The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS set 95%, 95% 95% targets to be achieved by 2025. An assessment was done to understand the region's position, which found the underperformance of critical HIV and AIDS indicators. This prompted the region to accelerate HIV interventions by providing frontline healthcare providers with skills and knowledge, essential equipment, and other infrastructure, after which the assessment of the indicators was conducted to document the outcome of interventions. Methods we conducted a descriptive study in Kigoma region in June 2022 by comparing HIV and AIDS indicators performance in the pre-intervention and post interventions arms. High-volume CTCs were purposefully selected. We used a pre-tested checklist to assess new HIV-positive on antiretroviral (ARV), pregnant women living with HIV on ARV, and people living with HIV offered multi-month dispensing. We further assessed HIV viral load (HVL) specimen collection, HIV suppression status, and HVL test results turnaround time. We cleaned the information using an MS Excel sheet and tabulated results using STATA software version 13. Results we assessed 27 care and clinics. The proportion gain in the index client elicitation was 13%. Sexual partners mentioned during index client elicitation had an increase of 145 individuals. The yield among consented sexual partners gained by 14%. The ARV initiation among new HIV -positive and pregnant women living with HIV gained a proportion of 2%. Multi-month dispencing was found to have an 8% increase. The turnaround time for HVL test results decreased by 21 days, and the viral load suppression status increased by 4%. Conclusion the assessment demonstrated the accelerated HIV and AIDS service delivery due to implementing a comprehensive package of HIV and AIDS management. We recommend in-service capacity building regarding training, basic equipment, and infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jesca Lebba
- Kigoma Health Management Team, Kigoma, Tanzania
| | | | - Peter Nsubuga
- Global public health solutions, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Yoti Zablon
- World Health Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Nisa SU, Mahmood A, Ujager FS, Malik M. HIV/AIDS predictive model using random forest based on socio-demographical, biological and behavioral data. EGYPTIAN INFORMATICS JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eij.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Hoque AM, Hoque ME, Van Hal G. Progression of anaemia during antenatal period among South African pregnant women. Afr Health Sci 2022; 22:81-92. [PMID: 36910363 PMCID: PMC9993289 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i3.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaemia in pregnancy is a known public health problem in South Africa. Maternal, perinatal morbidity and mortality are known to be associated with anaemia in pregnancy. Very little is known from literature with regards to the progression of anaemia during the antenatal period of pregnancy. Objectives To estimate haemoglobin levels, the prevalence and determinants of anaemia at different gestational ages and to show the trend. Method A retrospective cohort (follow-up) study was conducted using the antenatal clinic register. Prevalence rates of anaemia (haemoglobin < 11 g/dl) at different gestational ages were measured. Factors associated with anaemia were assessed using chi-square test and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 801 pregnant women were enrolled at the booking visit and followed-up during their antenatal period. The prevalence of anaemia at the booking visit was 37%. The prevalence of anaemia at 20, 26, 32 and 36 weeks of gestation were 36.6%, 39.6%, 39.8% and 29.2% respectively. Binary logistic regression at the booking visit showed that teenage women were 2.5 times more likely to have anaemia (OR=2.5, p=0.005) than older women. Women who booked during the first trimester were 60% less likely to have anaemia (OR= 0.40, P=0.005) at the booking visit and 62% less likely to be anaemic at 36 weeks of gestation (OR=0.38, p=0.013) compared to those who booked late for antenatal care. Conclusion Prevalence of anaemia during pregnancy was high. Early booking for antenatal care was a predictor for lower rate of anaemia. Thus, health education strategy should be encouraged for early antenatal booking.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Hoque
- Medical Manager, Kwadabeka Community Health Centre, 21 Pitlochry Road, Westville 3629, South Africa
| | - M E Hoque
- Senior Research Associate, Management College of Southern Africa Durban, South Africa
| | - Guido Van Hal
- Social Epidemiology and Health Policy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Achia T, Cervantes IF, Stupp P, Musingila P, Muthusi J, Waruru A, Schmitz M, Bronson M, Chang G, Bore J, Kingwara L, Mwalili S, Muttunga J, Gitonga J, De Cock KM, Young P. Methods for conducting trends analysis: roadmap for comparing outcomes from three national HIV Population-based household surveys in Kenya (2007, 2012, and 2018). BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1337. [PMID: 35831818 PMCID: PMC9281165 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13633-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For assessing the HIV epidemic in Kenya, a series of independent HIV indicator household-based surveys of similar design can be used to investigate the trends in key indicators relevant to HIV prevention and control and to describe geographic and sociodemographic disparities, assess the impact of interventions, and develop strategies. We developed methods and tools to facilitate a robust analysis of trends across three national household-based surveys conducted in Kenya in 2007, 2012, and 2018. METHODS We used data from the 2007 and 2012 Kenya AIDS Indicator surveys (KAIS 2007 and KAIS 2012) and the 2018 Kenya Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (KENPHIA 2018). To assess the design and other variables of interest from each study, variables were recoded to ensure that they had equivalent meanings across the three surveys. After assessing weighting procedures for comparability, we used the KAIS 2012 nonresponse weighting procedure to revise normalized KENPHIA weights. Analyses were restricted to geographic areas covered by all three surveys. The revised analysis files were then merged into a single file for pooled analysis. We assessed distributions of age, sex, household wealth, and urban/rural status to identify unexpected changes between surveys. To demonstrate how a trend analysis can be carried out, we used continuous, binary, and time-to-event variables as examples. Specifically, temporal trends in age at first sex and having received an HIV test in the last 12 months were used to demonstrate the proposed analytical approach. These were assessed with respondent-specific variables (age, sex, level of education, and marital status) and household variables (place of residence and wealth index). All analyses were conducted in SAS 9.4, but analysis files were created in Stata and R format to support additional analyses. RESULTS This study demonstrates trends in selected indicators to illustrate the approach that can be used in similar settings. The incidence of early sexual debut decreased from 11.63 (95% CI: 10.95-12.34) per 1,000 person-years at risk in 2007 to 10.45 (95% CI: 9.75-11.2) per 1,000 person-years at risk in 2012 and to 9.58 (95% CI: 9.08-10.1) per 1,000 person-years at risk in 2018. HIV-testing rates increased from 12.6% (95% CI: 11.6%-13.6%) in 2007 to 56.1% (95% CI: 54.6%-57.6%) in 2012 but decreased slightly to 55.6% [95% CI: 54.6%-56.6%) in 2018. The decrease in incidence of early sexual debut could be convincingly demonstrated between 2007 and 2012 but not between 2012 and 2018. Similarly, there was virtually no difference between HIV Testing rates in 2012 and 2018. CONCLUSIONS Our approach can be used to support trend comparisons for variables in HIV surveys in low-income settings. Independent national household surveys can be assessed for comparability, adjusted as appropriate, and used to estimate trends in key indicators. Analyzing trends over time can not only provide insights into Kenya's progress toward HIV epidemic control but also identify gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Achia
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | | | - Paul Stupp
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paul Musingila
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jacques Muthusi
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anthony Waruru
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mary Schmitz
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Megan Bronson
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory Chang
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John Bore
- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Samuel Mwalili
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Jomo Kenyatta University, Juja, Kenya
| | | | | | - Kevin M De Cock
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Young
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
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HIV-associated vaginal microbiome and inflammation predict spontaneous preterm birth in Zambia. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8573. [PMID: 35595739 PMCID: PMC9123167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12424-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A Lactobacillus-deficient, anaerobe-rich vaginal microbiome has been associated with local inflammation and spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), but few studies have assessed this association in the setting of HIV. We performed metagenomic sequencing and inflammatory marker assays on vaginal swabs collected in pregnancy. We grouped samples into 7 metagenomic clusters (mgClust) using the non-redundant VIRGO catalogue, and derived inflammatory scores by factor analysis. Of 221 participants, median Shannon diversity index (SDI) was highest in HIV+ with detectable viral load (1.31, IQR: 0.85–1.66; p < 0.001) and HIV+ with undetectable virus (1.17, IQR: 0.51–1.66; p = 0.01) compared to HIV− (0.74, IQR: 0.35–1.26). Inflammatory scores positively correlated with SDI (+ 0.66, 95%CI 0.28, 1.03; p = 0.001), highest among anaerobe-rich mgClust2–mgClust6. HIV was associated with predominance of anaerobe-rich mgClust5 (17% vs. 6%; p = 0.02) and mgClust6 (27% vs. 11%; p = 0.002). Relative abundance of a novel Gardnerella metagenomic subspecies > 50% predicted sPTB (RR 2.6; 95%CI: 1.1, 6.4) and was higher in HIV+ (23% vs. 10%; p = 0.001). A novel Gardnerella metagenomic subspecies more abundant in women with HIV predicted sPTB. The risk of sPTB among women with HIV may be mediated by the vaginal microbiome and inflammation, suggesting potential targets for prevention.
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Ntombela NP, Kharsany ABM, Soogun A, Yende-Zuma N, Baxter C, Kohler HP, McKinnon LR. Viral suppression among pregnant adolescents and women living with HIV in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a cross sectional study to assess progress towards UNAIDS indicators and Implications for HIV Epidemic Control. Reprod Health 2022; 19:116. [PMID: 35550580 PMCID: PMC9097174 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has made significant progress in scaling up antiretroviral therapy (ART) to achieve the aspirational goal of HIV epidemic control. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV, assess progress towards each of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) indicators and determine factors associated with achieving viral suppression among pregnant adolescents and women living with HIV in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS Pregnant adolescents and women, 12 years and older seeking antenatal care at six primary health care clinics were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Following written informed consent, structured questionnaires were administered, and finger-prick blood samples were collected for HIV antibody testing and viral load measurement. Viral suppression was defined as HIV viral load of < 400 copies per mL. RESULTS Between Dec 2016 and March 2017, among the 546 enrolled participants, data for 545 were analysed. The overall HIV prevalence was 40.2% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 36.1-44.3]. Age-stratified prevalence increased from 22.1% (95% CI, 15.9-30.0) in the 14-19 year age group to 63.9% (95% CI, 55.1-71.9) among women ≥ 30 years (Χ2 trend P < 0.0001). Of the HIV positive participants, 84.5% (95% CI, 79.0-88.8) knew their HIV positive status, 98.3% (95% CI 95.1-99.4) who knew their status were on ART, and of those on ART, 95.9% (95% CI 91.8-98.0) were virally suppressed. Among all HIV-positives 90.8% (95% CI, 86.3-94.0) had achieved viral suppression, whilst those in the 14-19 year age group were least likely to be virally suppressed at 82.8% (95% CI 65.5-92.4) compared to those in the older age groups. Married women compared to those unmarried were more likely to have achieved viral suppression (PRR) of 1.11 (95% CI 1.05-1.18), P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of HIV positive pregnant women achieving viral suppression was encouraging though far short of the target towards achieving epidemic control. Importantly, adolescent pregnant women were less likely to know their HIV status and to achieve viral suppression, underscoring the public health implications of sustained risk of HIV transmission. Thus, greater effort and strong social support are essential to improve HIV knowledge of status and care continuum towards the goal to achieving HIV epidemic control. To "fast-track" the response to achieve HIV epidemic control and end the AIDS epidemic, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) set ambitious HIV testing and treatment targets for people living with HIV. Meeting these targets through scaling up testing for HIV, initiating and sustaining antiretroviral therapy (ART) to maintain viral suppression provides both therapeutic and preventive benefits with the potential to reduce HIV transmission. Viral suppression among pregnant adolescents and women living with HIV is crucial for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV including onward transmission to sexual partners. As a public health approach, in South Africa all pregnant women are offered routine HIV testing and immediate initiation of lifelong ART irrespective of CD4 cell count. It is, therefore, important to ascertain progress towards reaching the targets. The proportion of HIV positive pregnant adolescents and women achieving viral suppression was encouraging though far short of the target towards achieving epidemic control. Importantly, pregnant adolescents were less likely to know their HIV status and to achieve viral suppression, underscoring the public health implications of sustained risk of HIV transmission. Thus, greater effort and strong social support are essential to improve HIV knowledge of status and care continuum towards the goal to achieving HIV epidemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonzwakazi P Ntombela
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Congella, South Africa
| | - Ayesha B M Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Congella, South Africa.
- 2nd Floor, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, CAPRISA, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 7, Congella, 4013, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Adenike Soogun
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Congella, South Africa
| | - Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Congella, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Baxter
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Congella, South Africa
- Current Affiliation for Dr Cheryl Baxter, Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Hans-Peter Kohler
- Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, New York, USA
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Congella, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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Mosha NR, Todd J, Mukerebe C, Marston M, Colombe S, Clark B, Beard J, Mtenga B, Slaymaker E, Boerma T, Zaba B, Urassa M. The prevalence and incidence of HIV in the ART era (2006-2016) in North West Tanzania. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:337-346. [PMID: 35040735 PMCID: PMC7612632 DOI: 10.1177/09564624211065232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan countries bears a disproportionate percentage of HIV infections and HIV related deaths despite the efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and treatments services, including ART. It is important to demonstrate how these services have contributed to reducing the epidemic using available population data. Methods We estimated the prevalence and incidence rates from a cohort running over 23 years in Magu District, Mwanza Region-North West Tanzania. Adults 15 years and over who were residents of the Kisesa observational HIV cohort study between 2006 and 2016 were eligible for inclusion. Survival analysis was used to calculate person-time at risk, incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cox regression models were used for the risk factor analyses disaggregated by sex and age group. Results The HIV prevalence in the sero-surveys decreased from 7.2% in 2006/07 to 6.6% in 2016, with a notable decrease of over 50% for both men and women aged 15-24 years. The incidence rate for HIV was estimated to be 5.5 (95% CI 4.6 - 6.6) per 1000 person-years in women compared to 4.6 (95% CI 3.5 – 5.8) in men, with a decrease over time. Despite the availability of ART services, the uptake is still small. Conclusions New infections are still occurring, with high HIV incidence in individuals aged below 45 years. With new guidelines and the 95-95-95 UNAIDS target, prevalence and incidence must be adequately assessed. In addition, there is a need for additional efforts to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS prevention programmes and intervention services, especially in these areas where resources are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema R Mosha
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 121470Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, Tanzania.,119151National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Jim Todd
- 119151National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania.,Department of Population Health, 4906London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Crispin Mukerebe
- 119151National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Milly Marston
- Department of Population Health, 4906London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Benjamin Clark
- Department of Population Health, 4906London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - James Beard
- Department of Population Health, 4906London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Baltazar Mtenga
- 119151National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Emma Slaymaker
- Department of Population Health, 4906London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ties Boerma
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Basia Zaba
- Department of Population Health, 4906London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mark Urassa
- 119151National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
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11
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Humphries H, Upfold M, Mahlase G, Mdladla M, Gengiah TN, Abdool Karim Q. Implants for HIV prevention in young women: Provider perceptions and lessons learned from contraceptive implant provision. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262043. [PMID: 35025908 PMCID: PMC8758078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventing new HIV infections, especially amongst young women, is key to ending the HIV epidemic especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Potent antiretroviral (ARV) drugs used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are currently being formulated as long-acting implantable devices, or nanosuspension injectables that release drug at a sustained rate providing protection from acquiring HIV. PrEP as implants (PrEP Implants) offers an innovative and novel approach, expanding the HIV prevention toolbox. Feedback from providers and future users in the early clinical product development stages may identify modifiable characteristics which can improve acceptability and uptake of new technologies. Healthcare workers (HCWs) perspectives and lessons learned during the rollout of contraceptive implants will allow us to understand what factors may impact the roll-out of PrEP implants. We conducted eighteen interviews with HCWs (9 Nurses and 9 Community Healthcare Workers) in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. HCWs listed the long-acting nature of the contraceptive implant as a key benefit, helping to overcome healthcare system barriers like heavy workloads and understaffing. However, challenges like side effects, migration of the implant, stakeholder buy-in and inconsistent training on insertion and removal hampered the roll-out of the contraceptive implant. For PrEP implants, HCWs preferred long-acting products that were palpable and biodegradable. Our findings highlighted that the characteristics of PrEP implants that are perceived to be beneficial by HCWs may not align with that of potential users, potentially impacting the acceptability and uptake of PrEP implants. Further our data highlight the need for sustained and multi-pronged approaches to training HCWs and introducing new health technologies into communities. Finding a balance between the needs of HCWs that accommodate their heavy workloads, limited resources at points of delivery of care and the needs and preferences of potential users need to be carefully considered in the development of PrEP implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilton Humphries
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Michele Upfold
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gethwana Mahlase
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Makhosazana Mdladla
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tanuja N. Gengiah
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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12
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Prevalence and Risk Factors for HIV Infection Among Heterosexual Men Recruited from Socializing Venues in Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3528-3537. [PMID: 33575900 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03182-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Young heterosexual men have low uptake of HIV prevention and treatment services and represent an important key population that may require novel strategies. We recruited 1271 heterosexual men, 12 years and older from socializing venues such as "shebeens", transport hubs, "spaza" shops, and community centers in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants completed a questionnaire and were tested for HIV serostatus. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) with exchangeable covariance structure estimated factors independently associated with prevalent HIV infection. Median age was 25 years [Interquartile range (IQR) 21-29]. HIV prevalence was 15.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.0-21.9] and increased significantly by age. Factors associated with higher odds of HIV infection were being 25 years and older [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.82, 95% CI 3.47-6.69; p < 0.001), not completing high school (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.39-1.85; p < 0.001), not using condoms at first sex (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.20-1.70; p < 0.001), consuming alcohol (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.15-2.31; p = 0.006) or substances (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.31-1.44; p < 0.001), and absence of medical circumcision (aOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.71-2.44; p < 0.001). Risk was lower among those testing for HIV in last 12 months (aOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.36-0.80; p = 0.002). Greater effort is needed to implement innovative programs within settings that are easily accessible and where heterosexual men are likely to be.
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13
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Shangase N, Kharsany ABM, Ntombela NP, Pettifor A, McKinnon LR. A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of School Based Interventions on Sexual Risk Behaviors and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Young Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3669-3686. [PMID: 33772695 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03242-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Young adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are at high risk of involvement in sexual risk behaviors; and curable sexually transmitted infections (STI), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and unintended pregnancies remain persistently high in this population. Evidence based strategies are urgently needed to improve these outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) to determine whether school-based interventions promote safe sex behaviors, reduce sexual risk behaviors and risk of curable STIs, HSV-2, HIV and unintended pregnancies among young adolescents aged 9-19 years in SSA. Electronic databases were searched for published studies and manual searches were conducted through reviewing of references of cited literature in the English language up to December 2019. Two independent reviewers screened and abstracted the data. We identified 428 articles and data from nine RCTs (N = 14,426 secondary school students) that fulfilled the selection criteria were analysed. Two studies measured pregnancy as an outcome and showed significant declines in unintended pregnancies. Of the five studies that measured HIV/AIDS related-knowledge, condom-use outcomes (normative beliefs, knowledge, and self-efficacy) and attitudes to HIV testing, four showed significant improvements. Of the six studies that measured sexual debut, four reported moderate but non-significant declines and in two studies sexual debut information was either incomplete or unreliable. One study measured curable STIs and found no significant declines; whilst the second study that measured HSV-2 and HIV, no significant declines were observed. This review highlights the need to undertake well-designed research studies to provide evidence on the impact of interventions on curable STIs, HSV-2 and HIV, critical to improving the health of young adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nosipho Shangase
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2106 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB# 7435, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7435, USA
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), 2nd Floor, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa
| | - Ayesha B M Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), 2nd Floor, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa.
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Nonzwakazi P Ntombela
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), 2nd Floor, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), 2nd Floor, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), 2nd Floor, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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14
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Humphries H, Knight L, Mehou-Loko C, Mdladla M, Phakathi S, Mazibuko S, Abdool Karim Q. Exploring discrepant knowledge of partner sexual behaviour to inform self-risk assessment in a high HIV burdened district in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:2054-2069. [PMID: 34488554 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1969672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the sexual relationships of young women is critical for preventing HIV infections. This study aimed to describe the sexual behaviour of partners, comparing the accuracy of sexual health knowledge between partners. The study took place in 2017 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to select 18-27-year-old sexually active women. Consenting female participants completed a structured and semi-structured interview, while consenting male sexual partners identified through the female participant completed a structured questionnaire on sexual health information. Using a reflexive inductive approach and thematic analysis, we identified key discrepancies in the assumptions partners make about each other's sexual health information. Twenty-three sexual dyads were identified and four key discrepancies were identified: Age: partners either over or underestimated the age of their partners, HIV status: where partners were unaware of, or incorrectly assumed their partner's status, Lack of awareness of partner's concurrent relationships and more general knowledge of the partner's sexual health behaviours. Discussions about sexual health are mediated by relationship length, type of partner, power and perceived fidelity. While it is possible to undertake dyadic level research, ethical tensions remain. Sex-positive and egalitarian sexual health interventions that target the individual, as well as the sexual relationship, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilton Humphries
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lucia Knight
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Celia Mehou-Loko
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Makhosazana Mdladla
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sthembile Phakathi
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sindisiwe Mazibuko
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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15
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Mabunda SA, Sigovana K, Chitha W, Apalata T, Nomatshila S. Socio-demographic associations of HIV among women attending antenatal care in selected rural primary care facilities in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:61. [PMID: 33435863 PMCID: PMC7805084 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05744-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To effectively reduce vertical HIV transmission requires a reduction of HIV prevalence and incidence among pregnant women and a full understanding of its epidemiology. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV among women attending antenatal care and further determine spousal support during antenatal care attendance in rural areas in Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Methods A Cross-sectional study of women attending antenatal care in four Primary Care facilities was conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire which collected information on socio-demographic characteristics and medical history. Binomial logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with HIV and to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR). The 95% confidence interval (95%CI) is used for precision of estimates; p≤0.05 for statistical significance. Results A total of 343 participants were included in the final analysis. The antenatal HIV prevalence was 38.2% (95%CI: 33.2–43.9). For 75% of the women, the HIV diagnosis was made 141 days before the date of the interview (median=77 days, interquartile range=42–141 days). Participants between the age of 30 to 39 years were 50% more likely to be HIV positive compared to those who were between the age of 20 to 29, these differences were statistically significant (PR=1.5; p-value=0.001). Furthermore, self-employed women were 30% less likely to be HIV positive when compared to unemployed participants, this was also statistically significant (PR=0.7; p-value< 0.0001). Conclusion Despite a 100% antenatal HIV testing rate, the antenatal HIV prevalence remains high in this population, coupled with no spousal attendance in antenatal care. It is important to move beyond awareness about the HIV status to actionable strategies of reducing the HIV incident cases. It is therefore important to remain vigilant and monitor mother-to-child transmission that could be associated with this increased prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikhumbuzo A Mabunda
- The George Institute for Global Health and Research, University of New South Wales, Level 5 - 1 King Street, Sydney, Newtown NSW, 2042, Australia. .,Department of Public Health, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa.
| | - Khuthala Sigovana
- Department of Public Health, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
| | - Wezile Chitha
- Health Systems Enablement & Innovation Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Teke Apalata
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
| | - Sibusiso Nomatshila
- Department of Public Health, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
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16
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Bengtson AM, Phillips TK, le Roux SM, Brittain K, Zerbe A, Madlala H, Malaba T, Petro G, Abrams EJ, Myer L. Does HIV infection modify the relationship between pre-pregnancy body mass index and adverse birth outcomes? Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2020; 34:713-723. [PMID: 32490582 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa faces dual epidemics of HIV and obesity; however, little research has explored whether HIV status influences associations between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and adverse birth outcomes. OBJECTIVES To examine associations between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and adverse birth outcomes, and if they differ by HIV status. METHODS We followed HIV-uninfected and -infected pregnant women initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) from first antenatal visit through delivery. HIV-infected women initiated ART (tenofovir-emtricitabine/lamivudine-efavirenz) in pregnancy. Estimated pre-pregnancy BMI (kg/m2 ) was categorised as underweight (<18.5), normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25.0-29.9), and obese (≥30.0). We used modified Poisson regression to estimate risk ratios (RR) for associations between pre-pregnancy BMI and adverse birth outcomes and explored modification by HIV status. RESULTS Among 1116 women (53% HIV-infected), 44% of HIV-uninfected women and 36% of HIV-infected women were classified as obese; 4% of women were underweight. Overall, 12% of infants were delivered preterm (<37 weeks), 10% small for gestational age (SGA, <10th percentile), and 9% large for gestational age (LGA, >90th percentile). Compared to HIV-uninfected women, HIV-infected women on ART had less LGA (5% vs 13%) but more SGA (12% vs 8%), and a similar proportion of preterm (13% vs 11%) infants. Pre-pregnancy BMI was not associated with preterm birth. Among HIV-uninfected women, obesity modestly increased the risk of LGA (RR 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82, 2.19), and underweight modestly elevated the risk of SGA (RR 1.66, 95% CI 0.79, 3.46). These associations were attenuated among HIV-infected women (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.44, 2.64 for LGA, and RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.49, 3.64 for SGA). CONCLUSIONS In this urban African setting of high HIV prevalence, pre-pregnancy obesity was common and did not vary by HIV status. In HIV-uninfected women, obesity increased the risk of LGA and being underweight the risk of SGA, compared with among HIV-uninfected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Bengtson
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Tamsin K Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stanzi M le Roux
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kirsty Brittain
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Allison Zerbe
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hlengiwe Madlala
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thokozile Malaba
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gregory Petro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town and New Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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17
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Bengtson AM, Phillips TK, le Roux SM, Brittain K, Buba A, Abrams EJ, Myer L. Postpartum obesity and weight gain among human immunodeficiency virus-infected and human immunodeficiency virus-uninfected women in South Africa. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2020; 16:e12949. [PMID: 31943774 PMCID: PMC7296802 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In South Africa, up to 40% of pregnant women are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and 30-45% are obese. However, little is known about the dual burden of HIV and obesity in the postpartum period. In a cohort of HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected pregnant women initiating antiretroviral therapy in Cape Town, South Africa, we examined maternal anthropometry (weight and body mass index [BMI]) from 6 weeks through 12 months postpartum. Using multinomial logistic regression, we estimated associations between baseline sociodemographic, clinical, behavioural, and HIV factors and being overweight-obese I (BMI 25 to <35), or obese II-III (BMI >35), compared with being underweight or normal weight (BMI <25), at 12 months postpartum. Among 877 women, we estimated that 43% of HIV-infected women and 51% of HIV-uninfected women were obese I-III at enrollment into antenatal care, and 51% of women were obese I-III by 12 months postpartum. On average, both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women gained, rather than lost, weight between 6 weeks and 12 months postpartum, but HIV-uninfected women gained more weight (3.3 kg vs. 1.7 kg). Women who were obese I-III pre-pregnancy were more likely to gain weight postpartum. In multivariable analyses, HIV-infection status, being married/cohabitating, higher gravidity, and high blood pressure were independently associated with being obese II-III at 12 months postpartum. Obesity during pregnancy is a growing public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa. Additional research to understand how obesity and HIV infection affect maternal and child health outcomes is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M. Bengtson
- Department of EpidemiologyBrown University School of Public HealthRhode Island
| | - Tamsin K. Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Stanzi M. le Roux
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Kirsty Brittain
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Allison Buba
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health and Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & SurgeonsColumbia UniversityNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Elaine J. Abrams
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health and Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & SurgeonsColumbia UniversityNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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18
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Sangany CM, Moodley J, Onyagunga OA, Naicker T. Role of basic fibroblast growth factor in human immunodeficiency virus associated pre-eclampsia. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:1292-1297. [PMID: 32500557 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Cell signaling is vital to ensure successful trophoblast invasion. This study assessed the level of serum basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated pre-eclampsia (PE). METHODS Using a Bio-plex Multiplex Immunoassay, FGF-2 (pg/mL) was analyzed in blood sera collected from 80 pregnant women attending a large regional hospital in Durban, South Africa. Study groups consisted of normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant women stratified according to their HIV status. Data analysis was performed using graphpad prism statistics software, version 5.00. RESULTS In this study, we report a significant decrease of FGF-2 serum level in pre-eclamptic compared to normotensive pregnant women groups (25.38 ± 6.69 pg/mL vs 61.79 ± 11.25 pg/mL), irrespective of their HIV status. Similarly, there was a significant decrease in FGF-2 serum level in HIV positive compared to HIV negative group (33.80 ± 9.62 pg/mL vs 52.15 ± 9.49 pg/mL), irrespective of their pregnancy type. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a downregulation of serum FGF-2 expression in pre-eclamptic compared to normotensive pregnant women. This decline may be responsible for the defective trophoblast invasion and/or to PE severity. The decline in FGF-2 expression in HIV infection is probably due to the effect of HIV Tat protein on angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charline M Sangany
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Women's Health and HIV Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Onankoy A Onyagunga
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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19
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Luwanda LB, Vyas S, Songo J, Chimukuche RS, McLean E, Hassan F, Schouten E, Todd J, Geubbels E, Wringe A, Renju J. Assessing the implementation of facility-based HIV testing policies in Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania from 2013–2018: Findings from SHAPE-UTT study. Glob Public Health 2020; 16:241-255. [DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1763420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Seema Vyas
- Department of Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - John Songo
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Karonga, Malawi
| | | | - Estelle McLean
- Department of Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Alison Wringe
- Department of Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jenny Renju
- Department of Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
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20
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Millar JR, Bengu N, Fillis R, Sprenger K, Ntlantsana V, Vieira VA, Khambati N, Archary M, Muenchhoff M, Groll A, Grayson N, Adamson J, Govender K, Dong K, Kiepiela P, Walker BD, Bonsall D, Connor T, Bull MJ, Nxele N, Roider J, Ismail N, Adland E, Puertas MC, Martinez-Picado J, Matthews PC, Ndung'u T, Goulder P. HIGH-FREQUENCY failure of combination antiretroviral therapy in paediatric HIV infection is associated with unmet maternal needs causing maternal NON-ADHERENCE. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 22:100344. [PMID: 32510047 PMCID: PMC7264978 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces the size of the viral reservoir in paediatric and adult HIV infection. Very early-treated children may have higher cure/remission potential. METHODS In an observational study of 151 in utero (IU)-infected infants in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, whose treatment adhered strictly to national guidelines, 76 infants diagnosed via point-of-care (PoC) testing initiated cART at a median of 26 h (IQR 18-38) and 75 infants diagnosed via standard-of-care (SoC) laboratory-based testing initiated cART at 10 days (IQR 8-13). We analysed mortality, time to suppression of viraemia, and maintenance of aviraemia over the first 2 years of life. FINDINGS Baseline plasma viral loads were low (median 8000 copies per mL), with 12% of infants having undetectable viraemia pre-cART initiation. However, barely one-third (37%) of children achieved suppression of viraemia by 6 months that was maintained to >12 months. 24% had died or were lost to follow up by 6 months. Infant mortality was 9.3%. The high-frequency virological failure in IU-infected infants was associated not with transmitted or acquired drug-resistant mutations but with cART non-adherence (plasma cART undetectable/subtherapeutic, p<0.0001) and with concurrent maternal cART failure (OR 15.0, 95%CI 5.6-39.6; p<0.0001). High-frequency virological failure was observed in PoC- and SoC-tested groups of children. INTERPRETATION The success of early infant testing and cART initiation strategies is severely limited by subsequent cART non-adherence in HIV-infected children. Although there are practical challenges to administering paediatric cART formulations, these are overcome by mothers who themselves are cART-adherent. These findings point to the ongoing obligation to address the unmet needs of the mothers. Eliminating the particular barriers preventing adequate treatment for these vulnerable women and infants need to be prioritised in order to achieve durable suppression of viraemia on cART, let alone HIV cure/remission, in HIV-infected children. FUNDING Wellcome Trust, National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane R Millar
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nomonde Bengu
- Umkhuseli Innovation and Research Management, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Rowena Fillis
- Umkhuseli Innovation and Research Management, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Ken Sprenger
- Umkhuseli Innovation and Research Management, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | | | - Vinicius A Vieira
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nisreen Khambati
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Moherndran Archary
- Department of Paediatrics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Maximilian Muenchhoff
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Groll
- TU Dortmund University, Department of Statistics, Vogelpothsweg 87, 44227 Dortmund
| | - Nicholas Grayson
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - John Adamson
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Katya Govender
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Krista Dong
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Photini Kiepiela
- South African Medical Research Council, Durban 4001, SC Africa
- Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg 2193, SC Africa
| | - Bruce D Walker
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA 02139, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase MD 20815, United States
| | - David Bonsall
- Oxford Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Connor
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Bull
- Pathogen Genomics Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Nelisiwe Nxele
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Julia Roider
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Munich, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich
| | - Nasreen Ismail
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Emily Adland
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Javier Martinez-Picado
- AIDS Research Institute IrsiCaixa, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philippa C Matthews
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford BRC, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thumbi Ndung'u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Goulder
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
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21
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Mashamba-Thompson TP, Drain PK, Kuupiel D, Sartorius B. Impact of Implementing Antenatal Syphilis Point-of-Care Testing on Maternal Mortality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9040218. [PMID: 31835603 PMCID: PMC6963181 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9040218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Syphilis infection has been associated with an increased risk of HIV infection during pregnancy which poses greater risk for maternal mortality, and antenatal syphilis point-of-care (POC) testing has been introduced to improve maternal and child health outcomes. There is limited evidence on the impact of syphilis POC testing on maternal outcomes in high HIV prevalent settings. We used syphilis POC testing as a model to evaluate the impact of POC diagnostics on the improvement of maternal mortality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: We extracted 132 monthly data points on the number of maternal deaths in facilities and number of live births in facilities for 12 tertiary healthcare facilities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa from 2004 to 2014 from District Health Information System (DHIS) health facility archived. We employed segmented Poisson regression analysis of interrupted time series to assess the impact of the exposure on maternal mortality ratio (MMR) before and after the implementation of antenatal syphilis POC testing. We processed and analyzed data using Stata Statistical Software: Release 13. (Stata, Corp LP, College Station, TX, USA). Results: The provincial average annual maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was estimated at 176.09 ± 43.92 ranging from a minimum of 68.48 to maximum of 225.49 per 100,000 live births. The data comprised 36 temporal points before the introduction of syphilis POC test exposure and 84 after the introduction in primary health care clinics in KZN. The average annual MMR for KZN from 2004 to 2014 was estimated at 176.09 ± 43.92. A decrease in MMR level was observed during 2008 after syphilis POC test implementation, followed by a rise during 2009. Analysis of the MMR trend estimates a significant 1.5% increase in MMR trends during the period before implementation and 1.3% increase after implementation of syphilis POC testing (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although our finding suggests a brief reduction in the MMR trend after the implementation of antenatal syphilis POC testing, a continued increase in syphilis rates is seen in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study used one of the most powerful quasi-experimental research methods, segmented Poisson regression analysis of interrupted time series to model the impact of syphilis POC on maternal outcome. The study finding requires confirmation by use of more rigorous primary study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tivani P. Mashamba-Thompson
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; (T.P.M.-T.); (B.S.)
| | - Paul K. Drain
- International Clinical Research Center, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7965, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7965, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7965, USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Desmond Kuupiel
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; (T.P.M.-T.); (B.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; (T.P.M.-T.); (B.S.)
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
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22
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Kharsany ABM, Cawood C, Lewis L, Yende-Zuma N, Khanyile D, Puren A, Madurai S, Baxter C, George G, Govender K, Beckett S, Samsunder N, Toledo C, Ayalew KA, Diallo K, Glenshaw M, Herman-Roloff A, Wilkinson E, de Oliveira T, Abdool Karim SS, Abdool Karim Q. Trends in HIV Prevention, Treatment, and Incidence in a Hyperendemic Area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. JAMA Netw Open 2019; 2:e1914378. [PMID: 31675082 PMCID: PMC6826647 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.14378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In Africa, the persistently high HIV incidence rate among young women is the major obstacle to achieving the goal of epidemic control. OBJECTIVE To determine trends in coverage of HIV prevention and treatment programs and HIV incidence. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study consisted of 2 sequential, community-based longitudinal studies performed in the Vulindlela and Greater Edendale area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants enrolled from June 11, 2014, to June 22, 2015 (2014 survey), with a single follow-up visit from June 24, 2016, to April 3, 2017 (2016 cohort), or enrolled from July 8, 2015, to June 7, 2016 (2015 survey), with a single follow-up visit from November 7, 2016, to August 30, 2017 (2017 cohort). Men and women aged 15 to 49 years were enrolled in the 2014 and 2015 surveys, and HIV-seronegative participants aged 15 to 35 years were followed up in the 2016 and 2017 cohorts. Analysis was conducted from January 1 through December 31, 2018. EXPOSURES HIV prevention and treatment programs in a real-world, nontrial setting. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Trends in sex- and age-specific HIV incidence rates, condom use, voluntary medical male circumcision, knowledge of HIV-seropositive status, uptake of antiretroviral therapy, and viral suppression. RESULTS A total of 9812 participants (6265 women [63.9%]; median age, 27 years [interquartile range, 20-36 years]) from 11 289 households were enrolled in the 2014 survey, and 10 236 participants (6341 women [61.9%]; median age, 27 years [interquartile range, 20-36 years]) from 12 247 households were enrolled in the 2015 survey. Of these, 3536 of 4539 (annual retention rate of 86.7%) completed follow-up in the 2016 cohort, and 3907 of 5307 (annual retention rate of 81.4%) completed follow-up in the 2017 cohort. From 2014 to 2015, condom use with last sex partner decreased by 10% from 24.0% (n = 644 of 3547) to 21.6% (n = 728 of 3895; P = .12) in men and by 17% from 19.6% (n = 1039 of 6265) to 16.2% (n = 871 of 6341; P = .002) in women. Voluntary medical male circumcision increased by 13% from 31.9% (1102 of 3547) to 36.1% (n = 1472 of 3895); P = .007) in men, and the proportion of women reporting that their partner was circumcised increased by 35% from 35.7% (n = 1695 of 4766) to 48.2% (n = 2519 of 5207; P < .001). Knowledge of HIV-seropositive status increased by 21% from 51.8% (n = 504 of 3547) to 62.9% (n = 570 of 3895; P < .001) in men and by 14% from 64.6% (n = 1833 of 6265) to 73.4% (n = 2182 of 6341; P < .001) in women. Use of antiretroviral therapy increased by 32% from 36.7% (n = 341 of 3547) to 48.6% (n = 432 of 3895; P < .001) in men and by 29% from 45.6% (n = 1251 of 6265) to 58.8% (n = 1743 of 6341; P < .001) in women; HIV viral suppression increased by 20% from 41.9% (n = 401 of 3547) to 50.3% (n = 456 of 3895; P = .005) in men and by 13% from 54.8% (n = 1547 of 6265) to 61.9% (n = 1828 of 6341; P < .001) in women. Incidence of HIV declined in women aged 15 to 19 years from 4.63 (95% CI, 3.29-6.52) to 2.74 (95% CI, 1.84-4.09) per 100 person-years (P = .04) but declined marginally or remained unchanged among men and women in other age groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study showed a significant decline in HIV incidence in young women; however, to further reduce HIV incidence, HIV prevention and treatment program coverage must be intensified and scaled up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Cherie Cawood
- Epicentre AIDs Risk Management, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lara Lewis
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Adrian Puren
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Cheryl Baxter
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gavin George
- Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kaymarlin Govender
- Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sean Beckett
- Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Natasha Samsunder
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carlos Toledo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Karidia Diallo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mary Glenshaw
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Eduan Wilkinson
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S. Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Price JT, Vwalika B, Hobbs M, Nelson JAE, Stringer EM, Zou F, Rittenhouse KJ, Azcarate-Peril A, Kasaro MP, Stringer JSA. Highly diverse anaerobe-predominant vaginal microbiota among HIV-infected pregnant women in Zambia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223128. [PMID: 31577818 PMCID: PMC6774526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaginal dysbiosis has been shown to increase the risk of some adverse birth outcomes. HIV infection may be associated with shifts in the vaginal microbiome. We characterized microbial communities in vaginal swabs collected between 16–20 gestational weeks in the Zambian Preterm Birth Prevention Study to investigate whether HIV and its treatment alter the microbiome in pregnancy. We quantified relative abundance and diversity of bacterial taxa by whole-genome shotgun sequencing and identified community state types (CST) by hierarchical clustering. Associations between exposures—HIV serostatus (HIV+ vs HIV-) and preconceptional ART (ART+ vs ART-)—and microbiome characteristics were tested with rank-sum, and by linear and logistic regression, accounting for sampling by inverse-probability weighting. Of 261 vaginal swabs, 256 (98%) had evaluable sequences; 98 (38%) were from HIV+ participants, 55 (56%) of whom had preconceptional ART exposure. Major CSTs were dominated by: L. crispatus (CST 1; 17%), L.] iners (CST 3; 32%), Gardnerella vaginalis (CST 4-I; 37%), G. vaginalis & Atopobium vaginae (CST 4-II; 5%), and other mixed anaerobes (CST 4-III; 9%). G. vaginalis was present in 95%; mean relative abundance was higher in HIV+ (0.46±0.29) compared to HIV- participants (0.35±0.33; rank-sum p = .01). Shannon diversity was higher in HIV+/ART+ (coeff 0.17; 95%CI (0.01,0.33), p = .04) and HIV+/ART- (coeff 0.37; 95%CI (0.19,0.55), p < .001) participants compared to HIV-. Anaerobe-dominant CSTs were more prevalent in HIV+/ART+ (63%, AOR 3.11; 95%CI: 1.48,6.55, p = .003) and HIV+/ART- (85%, AOR 7.59; 95%CI (2.80,20.6), p < .001) compared to HIV- (45%). Restricting the comparison to 111 women in either CST 3 (L. iners dominance) or CST 1 (L. crispatus dominance), CST 3 frequency was similar in HIV- (63%) and HIV+/ART- participants (67%, AOR 1.31; 95%CI: (0.25,6.90), p = .7), but higher in HIV+/ART+ (89%, AOR 6.44; 95%CI: (1.12,37.0), p = .04). Pregnant women in Zambia, particularly those with HIV, had diverse anaerobe-dominant vaginal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan T. Price
- Division of Global Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- UNC Global Projects Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- * E-mail:
| | - Bellington Vwalika
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Marcia Hobbs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Julie A. E. Nelson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth M. Stringer
- Division of Global Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Fei Zou
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Katelyn J. Rittenhouse
- Division of Global Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Andrea Azcarate-Peril
- Microbiome Core Facility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Jeffrey S. A. Stringer
- Division of Global Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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24
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Hodges-Mameletzis I, Fonner VA, Dalal S, Mugo N, Msimanga-Radebe B, Baggaley R. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Women: Current Status and Future Directions. Drugs 2019; 79:1263-1276. [PMID: 31309457 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-019-01143-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising intervention to prevent HIV acquisition, with benefits both to the individual and to population-level health. PrEP is an opportunity to complement ongoing public health efforts to eliminate HIV. For women, PrEP can also serve as a gateway to access sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Clinical efficacy of PrEP was initially reported in women using a 1% tenofovir vaginal gel in 2010, followed by an efficacy trial of oral PrEP using TDF/FTC in men who have sex with men (MSM). Since then, further trials have reported efficacy in oral PrEP containing tenofovir in women and heterosexual men, while the subsequent trials for women using tenofovir gel reported no efficacy, stemming from difficulties in achieving adequate adherence. In an effort to offer women additional choices to oral PrEP, alternative modalities are being tested in clinical research, including long-acting injectable formulations and intra-vaginal rings. In 2015, a meta-analysis of clinic trials and open-label extension studies led to the World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommending the provision of oral PrEP containing tenofovir for any person at substantial risk of HIV infection, irrespective of gender or population group. Currently, PrEP services for women around the world, including those who are either pregnant or breastfeeding, remain limited. Outside sub-Saharan Africa, most PrEP programmes are focused on MSM. South Africa, Kenya, and the USA have the greatest utilization of oral PrEP by women. Yet, since 2012, of the estimated > 300,000 people globally who have initiated PrEP, a minority are women. In this narrative review, we examine the most recent literature on clinical and implementation PrEP research among women. We highlight the high burden of disease related to common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women, and the opportunity to integrate PrEP and other HIV prevention services, STI case management, and family planning services, as part of a more robust package of SRH services. Raising awareness on PrEP amongst women and their healthcare providers, minimizing gaps in access, and ensuring adherence and persistence of PrEP during periods of risk are critical issues if PrEP can have a meaningful impact on reducing HIV incidence in women globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shona Dalal
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nelly Mugo
- University of Washington/Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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25
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Houle B, Rochat TJ, Newell ML, Stein A, Bland RM. Breastfeeding, HIV exposure, childhood obesity, and prehypertension: A South African cohort study. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002889. [PMID: 31454346 PMCID: PMC6711496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence on the association between breastfeeding and later childhood obesity and blood pressure (BP) is inconsistent, especially in HIV-prevalent areas where, until recently, HIV-infected women were discouraged from breastfeeding, but obesity is increasingly prevalent. METHODS AND FINDINGS The Siyakhula cohort (2012-2014), a population-based prospective cohort study, collected data over 3 visits on HIV-negative children ages 7 to 11 years in rural South Africa. We used weight (body mass index [BMI]), fat, and BP as outcome variables and incorporated early life (including mother's age at delivery and HIV status) and current life factors (including maternal education and current BMI). Our primary exposure was breastfeeding duration. We dichotomized 3 outcome measures using pre-established thresholds for clinical interpretability: (1) overfat: ≥85th percentile of body fat; (2) overweight: >1 SD BMI z score; and (3) prehypertension: ≥90th percentile for systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP). We modelled each outcome using multivariable logistic regression, including stopping breastfeeding, then early life, and finally current life factors. Of 1,536 children (mean age = 9.3 years; 872 girls; 664 boys), 7% were overfat, 13.2% overweight, and 9.1% prehypertensive. Over half (60%) of the mothers reported continued breastfeeding for 12+ months. In multivariable analyses, continued breastfeeding between 6 and 11 months was associated with approximately halved odds of both being overfat (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.91, P = 0.027) and overweight (aOR = 0.46, CI 0.26-0.82, P = 0.0083), but the association with prehypertension did not reach statistical significance (aOR = 0.72, CI 0.38-1.37, P = 0.32). Children with a mother who was currently obese were 5 times more likely (aOR = 5.02, CI 2.47-10.20, P < 0.001) to be overfat and over 4 times more likely to be overweight (aOR = 4.33, CI 2.65-7.09, P < 0.001) than children with normal weight mothers. Differences between HIV-exposed and unexposed children on any of the outcomes were minimal and not significant. The main study limitation was that duration of breastfeeding was based on maternal recall. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study examining and quantifying the association between breastfeeding and childhood obesity in an African setting with high HIV prevalence. We observed that breastfeeding was independently associated with reduced childhood obesity for both HIV-exposed and unexposed children, suggesting that promoting optimal nutrition throughout the life course, starting with continued breastfeeding, may be critical to tackling the growing obesity epidemic. In the era of widespread effective antiretroviral treatment for HIV-infected women for life, these data further support the recommendation of breastfeeding for all women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Houle
- School of Demography, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- CU Population Center, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Tamsen J. Rochat
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- MRC/Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Marie-Louise Newell
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alan Stein
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth M. Bland
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing and Royal Hospital for Children, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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De Wet N, Alex-Ojei C, Akinyemi J. 'I'm in love with an older man': reasons for intergenerational sexual relationships among young women in South Africa. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2019; 21:717-726. [PMID: 30345897 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1503330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The literature on intergenerational sexual relationships in Africa focuses predominantly on economic motivations. This paper aims to identify the common reasons for older male sexual partners among young women in South Africa. Data for the study came from the Fourth South African National HIV, Behaviour and Health Survey 2012. A representative sample of 620 young women (15-24 years old) with older male sexual partners was extracted. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to adjust for potential confounders. The authors found that more than a quarter of sexually active young women engaged in age-disparate relationships. The majority of the respondents did not see age as an important factor, while financial support ranked fourth in the list of reasons for having older partners. Women who were 20-24 years old (AOR 1.16, CI: 0.59287-1.87493), divorced, separated or widowed (AOR 1.38, CI: 0.65360-1.92105) and who were students or learners (AOR 1.85, CI: 0.41943-1.29402) were more likely to have an older partner for financial reasons. Thus, financial motivations are not the predominant reason for age-disparate relationships; instead, other reasons including age not being important and feeling secure were more cited. Not all young women in South Africa are seeking financial assistance from older sexual partners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joshua Akinyemi
- a Demography and Population Studies , Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
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Adeniyi OV, Ajayi AI, Issah M, Owolabi EO, Goon DT, Avramovic G, Lambert J. Beyond health care providers' recommendations: understanding influences on infant feeding choices of women with HIV in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Int Breastfeed J 2019; 14:7. [PMID: 30733819 PMCID: PMC6357465 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-019-0201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the array of studies on infant feeding practices of HIV-infected women, gaps still exist in the understanding of the underlying reasons for their infant feeding choices. Potential for behavioural change exists, especially in the light of the 2016 updated World Health Organization guideline on HIV and infant feeding. The aim of this paper is to determine the rate of adoption of exclusive breastfeeding in this cohort, examine the determinants of infant feeding choices of HIV-infected women and assess the underlying reasons for these choices. Methods This was a mixed methods study conducted between September 2015 and May 2016. It analyses the quantitative and qualitative data of 1662 peripartum women enrolled in the East London Prospective Cohort Study across three large maternity services in the Eastern Cape. Women with HIV reported their preferred choices of infant feeding. In addition, participants explained the underlying reasons for their choices. Descriptive and inferential statistics summarised the quantitative data, while thematic content analysis was performed on qualitative data. Results Of the 1662 women with complete responses, 80.3% opted to exclusively breastfeed their babies. In the adjusted model, up to grade 12 education level (AOR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.86), rural/peri-urban residence (AOR:1.44; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.96), alcohol use (AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.25, 2.18), negative or unknown HIV status at booking (AOR:1.85; 95% CI:1.27, 2.70), currently married (AOR:1.43; 95% CI:1.01, 2.02) and WHO Clinical Stage 2-4 (AOR:1.77; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.72) were significantly associated with the decision to exclusively breastfeed. Health care providers' recommendations, perceived benefits of breastfeeding, unaffordability of formula feeding, and coercion were the underlying reasons for wanting to breastfeed; while work/school-related demands, breast-related issues, and fear of infecting the baby influenced their decision to formula feed. Conclusion The majority of HIV-infected women chose to breastfeed their babies in the Eastern Cape. Following up on these women to ensure they breastfeed exclusively, while also addressing their possible concerns, could be an important policy intervention. Future studies should focus on how early infant feeding decisions change over time, as well as the health outcomes for mother and child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele Vincent Adeniyi
- Department of Family Medicine & Rural Health, Faculty of Health Science, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha/East London Hospital Complex, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, East London, South Africa
| | - Anthony Idowu Ajayi
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Moshood Issah
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Eyitayo Omolara Owolabi
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Daniel Ter Goon
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Gordana Avramovic
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medicine and Sexual Health, Mater, Rotunda and University College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Lambert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medicine and Sexual Health, Mater, Rotunda and University College, Dublin, Ireland
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Galárraga O, Harries J, Maughan-Brown B, Cooper D, Short SE, Lurie MN, Harrison A. The Empower Nudge lottery to increase dual protection use: a proof-of-concept randomised pilot trial in South Africa. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS 2018; 26:1510701. [PMID: 30212281 PMCID: PMC6242330 DOI: 10.1080/09688080.2018.1510701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study is to measure the preliminary efficacy of a pilot intervention, grounded in behavioural economics, increasing adherence of dual protection (simultaneous use of effective modern contraception and a barrier method, such as a condom) to protect against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancy. Between 2015 and 2016, 100 women aged 18-40 years, seeking post-abortion care in Cape Town, South Africa were recruited to Empower Nudge, a randomised controlled trial to test a lottery incentive intervention designed to increase dual protection. At baseline, the mean age of participants was 27 years; 82% of them were from South Africa; 58% self-identified as Black African; average education completed was 11.7 years. At three months, assignment to the lottery intervention was associated with higher odds of returning for study visits (OR: 6.0; 95%CI: 2.45 to 14.7, p < 0.01), higher condom use (OR: 4.5; 95%CI: 1.43 to 14.1; p < 0.05), and higher use of dual protection (OR: 3.16; 95%CI: 1.01 to 9.9; p < 0.05). Only 60% of the study population returned after three months and only 38% returned after six months. Women who receive post-abortion care represent a neglected population with an urgent need for HIV and pregnancy prevention. Dual protection is a critically important strategy for this population. Lottery-based behavioural economics strategies may offer possible ways to increase dual protection use in this population. Further research with larger samples, longer exposure time, and more sites is needed to establish fully powered efficacy of lottery incentives for dual protection; using objective verification for monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Galárraga
- a Associate Professor, Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Faculty Associate, Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC), Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Jane Harries
- b Director, Women's Health Research Unit; and Associate Professor, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Brendan Maughan-Brown
- c Senior Research Officer, Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Diane Cooper
- d Professor, School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Adjunct Faculty Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Susan E Short
- e Director, Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC); and Professor, Department of Sociology, Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Mark N Lurie
- f Faculty Associate, Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC) , Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
- g Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology , Brown University School of Public Health , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Abigail Harrison
- f Faculty Associate, Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC) , Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
- h Associate Professor, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences , Brown University School of Public Health , Providence , RI , USA
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Gounden S, Perumal R, Magula NP. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in the setting of HIV hyperendemicity at a tertiary hospital in Durban, South Africa. S Afr J Infect Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/23120053.2017.1403207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Gounden
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban, South Africa
| | - R Perumal
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban, South Africa
| | - NP Magula
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban, South Africa
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Mashamba-Thompson TP, Sartorius B, Drain PK. Operational assessment of point-of-care diagnostics in rural primary healthcare clinics of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:380. [PMID: 29843711 PMCID: PMC5975682 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3207-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) called for new clinical diagnostic for settings with limited access to laboratory services. Access to diagnostic testing may not be uniform in rural settings, which may result in poor access to essential healthcare services. The aim of this study is to determine the availability, current usage, and need for point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests among rural primary healthcare (PHC) clinics in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. METHODS We used the KZN's Department of Health (DoH) clinic classification to identify the 232 rural PHC clinics in KZN, South Africa. We then randomly sampled 100 of 232 rural PHC clinics. Selected health clinics were surveyed between April to August 2015 to obtain clinic-level data for health-worker volume and to determine the accessibility, availability, usage and need for POC tests. Professional healthcare workers responsible for POC testing at each clinic were interviewed to assess the awareness of POC testing. Data were survey weighted and analysed using Stata 13. RESULTS Among 100 rural clinics, the average number of patients seen per week was 2865 ± 2231 (range 374-11,731). The average number of POC tests available and in use was 6.3 (CI: 6.2-6.5) out of a potential of 51 tests. The following POC tests were universally available in all rural clinics: urine total protein, urine leukocytes, urine nitrate, urine pregnancy, HIV antibody and blood glucose test. The average number of desired POC diagnostic tests reported by the clinical staff was estimated at 15 (CI: 13-17) per clinic. The most requested POC tests reported were serum creatinine (37%), CD4 count (37%), cholesterol (32%), tuberculosis (31%), and HIV viral load (23%). CONCLUSION Several POC tests are widely available and in use at rural PHC clinics in South Africa's KZN province. However, healthcare workers have requested additional POC tests to improve detection and management of priority disease conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT02692274.
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Affiliation(s)
- T P Mashamba-Thompson
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor, George Campbell Building, Science Drive, Howard College Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
| | - B Sartorius
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor, George Campbell Building, Science Drive, Howard College Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - P K Drain
- International Clinical Research Center, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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31
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Humphries H, Osman F, Knight L, Abdool Karim Q. Exploratory analysis of the ecological variables associated with sexual health profiles in high-risk, sexually-active female learners in rural KwaZulu-Natal. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195107. [PMID: 29621283 PMCID: PMC5886415 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Young women are at high risk for negative sexual health outcomes. Despite their high risk, many sexually-active women never experience negative sexual health outcomes. This study explored the ecological risk factors associated with the risk profiles of sexually-active female high school-learners in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS Using baseline data from N = 596 sexually-active school-going women, we explored the ecological factors associated with being sexually-active and managing risk successfully [SARS] or unsuccessfully [SARU]. Generalised estimated equations (GEE) were applied to data collected at multiple levels while adjusting for school and other included variables. GEE were used to calculate probability of being SARU. RESULTS Amongst SARU learners, 21.9% had HIV, 38.6% had HSV-2, 12.5% were pregnant, 28.7% self-reported STI symptoms and 51.9% reported a previous pregnancy. Individual-level factors had the greatest impact on being SARU. Univariate and multivariate analysis highlighted several important partner factors associated with SARU. Age was significantly associated with the risk profiles (p<0.0001), a greater proportion of SARU learners were 18 or older compared to the SARS learners. The odds of being SARU decreased when ≥18 years (aOR = 0.2577, 95% CI 0.1462-0.4542) or if not falling pregnant was important (aOR = 0.6343, 95% CI 0.4218-0.9538). Having >1 HIV test (aOR = 2.2161, 95% CI 1.3964-3.5169) increased the odds a SARU profile. CONCLUSION Individual and partner level factors are important for the sexual health profile of an adolescent female. While the exploratory findings require further research; managing multiple sexual health outcomes, tailoring responses around a risk profile and including partners is essential for successful interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilton Humphries
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lucia Knight
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, United States of America
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Abstract
The HIV pandemic has disproportionately impacted sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Africa in particular. The concurrent presence of overlapping epidemic drivers likely underpins how and why the HIV epidemic is so explosive in this region, with implications for understanding approaches to reduce transmission. In this review, we discuss the relative contribution and interaction between epidemic drivers in the Southern African context, including factors both distally and proximally associated with the likelihood and degree of exposure to HIV and factors that increase the probability of transmission when exposure occurs. In particular, we focus on young women as a key population in need of HIV prevention and highlight factors that increase their risk on several levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyle R McKinnon
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, 719 Umbilo Road, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa. .,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, 719 Umbilo Road, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban, 4013, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, USA
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Conroy A, Leddy A, Johnson M, Ngubane T, van Rooyen H, Darbes L. 'I told her this is your life': relationship dynamics, partner support and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among South African couples. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2017; 19:1239-1253. [PMID: 28398134 PMCID: PMC5626574 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2017.1309460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the important role of social relationships for health and wellbeing, little is known about how primary partners affect adherence to HIV care and treatment. We qualitatively explored how relationship dynamics and partner support influence adherence among couples from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Twenty-four heterosexual couples with at least one HIV-positive partner completed semi-structured interviews on topics including relationship dynamics (intimacy or emotional closeness, communication, violence), experiences with HIV care and treatment and HIV-related social support. The majority of couples were seroconcordant HIV-positive (92%) and both on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (63%). Participants described how primary partners both interfered with and supported adherence. Negative forms of influence included relationship conflict, which resulted in forgetfulness to take pills, and men's attempt to control use of ART. However, participants were more likely to highlight positive forms of influence on adherence, which included social support (instrumental, informational and emotional), intimacy and commitment. The findings also suggest a reciprocal relationship between ART and relationships such that couple ART use may enhance relationship quality. Primary partners are important pillars of support for ART adherence, especially in contexts of high unemployment and poverty. Future interventions that encourage and leverage these supportive relationships could improve ART adherence among heterosexual couples in similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Conroy
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anna Leddy
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mallory Johnson
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thulani Ngubane
- Human and Social Development Program, Human Sciences Research Council, Msunduzi, South Africa
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human and Social Development, Human Sciences Research Council, Overport, South Africa
| | - Lynae Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, MI, USA
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Naidoo P, Naidoo RN, Ramkaran P, Asharam K, Chuturgoon AA. The Tyr113His T/C rs1051740 and 'very slow' phenotype of the EPHX1 gene alters miR-26b-5p and miR-1207-5p expression in pregnancy. Gene 2017; 633:71-81. [PMID: 28789952 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.07.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental insults and microsomal epoxide hydrolase 1 (EPHX1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), Tyr113His T/C rs1051740 and His139Arg A/G rs2234922, aberrantly alters microRNA (miR) expression and are linked to low birthweights (LBW). OBJECTIVES To investigate the interplay between pollution, EPHX1 SNPs and miRs during pregnancy and associated LBW outcomes. METHODS South African pregnant women (n=241) were recruited in the MACE birth cohort study in Durban, a city with high levels of industry and traffic related pollutants. EPHX1 SNPs were genotyped using PCR-RFLP and grouped into their respective phenotypes, i.e. normal (N), slow (S), very slow (VS) and fast (F). EPHX1, miR-26b-5p, miR-193b-3p and miR-1207-5p expression were determined using quantitative PCR. RESULTS Mothers with the Tyr113His SNP had low iron levels [TT vs. TC+CC: mean difference (MD)=0.67g/dl; p=0.0167], LBW [TT vs. TC+CC: MD=189.30g; p=0.0067], and low EPHX1 expression; p<0.0001. miR-26b-5p and miR-1207-5p expression were significantly higher in the CC genotypes compared to TT+TC groups; p<0.0001. The opposite trend occurred for miR-193b-3p; p=0.0045. Mothers with the VS phenotype had low iron levels [N vs. VS and VS vs. F: MD=2.03 and -1.96g/dl; p=0.0021, respectively], decreased gestational age [VS vs. F: MD=-2.14weeks; p=0.0051, respectively], and LBW [N vs. VS, VS vs. F and S vs. VS: MD=1000, -940.30 and 968.80g; p<0.0001, respectively]; F phenotype had the highest EPHX1 expression [N vs. F, VS vs. F and S vs. F: MD=-1.067, -1.854 and -1.379; p=0.0002, respectively]; and N phenotype had low miR-26b-5p [N vs. VS: MD=-0.6100; p=0.0159] and miR-1207-5p [N vs. VS and VS vs. F: MD=-0.834 and 1.103; p=0.0007, respectively] expression. miR-193b-3p expression between phenotypes remained unchanged. CONCLUSION The Tyr113His T/C variant of rs1051740 and VS phenotype alters EPHX1, miR-26b-5p and miR-1207-5p expression, and contributes towards low blood iron levels and LBW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragalathan Naidoo
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Chemical Pathology, Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajen N Naidoo
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Prithiksha Ramkaran
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Chemical Pathology, Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kareshma Asharam
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anil A Chuturgoon
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Chemical Pathology, Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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Conroy AA, McKenna SA, Leddy A, Johnson MO, Ngubane T, Darbes LA, van Rooyen H. "If She is Drunk, I Don't Want Her to Take it": Partner Beliefs and Influence on Use of Alcohol and Antiretroviral Therapy in South African Couples. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1885-1891. [PMID: 28150121 PMCID: PMC5493498 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1697-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption and beliefs about mixing alcohol and ART are associated with decreased adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this study, we examined how romantic partners influence alcohol and ART use. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 HIV-positive individuals and their primary partners (48 individuals) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Almost 17% of participants spontaneously expressed beliefs that alcohol and ART should not be mixed. Participants who held these beliefs influenced their partners' behaviors by either discouraging the mixing of alcohol and ART, which sometimes resulted in missed pills when drinking, or by helping partners manage their medications when drinking. Other participants encouraged partners to take ART no matter what. Messages on alcohol and ART may need to be refined for ART patients who cannot abstain from alcohol. Primary partners should be included in these education efforts and their influence could be leveraged to help reduce alcohol consumption and maintain adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Conroy
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | | - Anna Leddy
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MI, USA
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thulani Ngubane
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Development Programme, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, and Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Development Programme, Durban, South Africa
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Prevention of HIV in Adolescent Girls and Young Women: Key to an AIDS-Free Generation. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 75 Suppl 1:S17-S26. [PMID: 28398993 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive (Global Plan) has ensured that more infants in high-HIV burden countries survive childhood HIV-free. Although equal numbers of boy and girl children have survived to age 10, a gender divergence starts to emerge as they enter adolescence. Up to 3 times as many young women aged 15-24 years in eastern and southern Africa are living with HIV compared with their male peers. Further, more adolescent girls and young women are sick and/or dying from AIDS-related or HIV-related complications during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, underscoring the importance of strengthening HIV treatment and prevention services for this group. Failure to prevent HIV in adolescent girls and young women and keep them alive will reverse the infant HIV prevention and survival gains made under the Global Plan. The promising global declines in HIV infection in young women need to be strengthened to realize the goals of an AIDS-free generation. The DREAMS initiative of the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which specifically addresses adolescent girls and young women at highest risk of HIV acquisition, brings new hope for meeting the prevention and care needs of this important and vulnerable population through political commitment, leadership, financial and human resource investments, advocacy efforts, and a focus on the highest priority settings. Importantly, to achieve the goal of keeping mothers alive, we have to place more emphasis on access to sexual and reproductive health services that (1) include HIV prevention and treatment services for adolescent girls and young women; (2) increase male/paternal responsibility in mother and infant health; and (3) ensure a supportive social environment that enables young women to grow up into young adults who are free to graduate from high school and plan their pregnancies, ultimately entering adulthood safe, healthy, and free from HIV.
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Verkuyl DAA. Recent developments have made female permanent contraception an increasingly attractive option, and pregnant women in particular ought to be counselled about it. Contracept Reprod Med 2016; 1:23. [PMID: 29201412 PMCID: PMC5693528 DOI: 10.1186/s40834-016-0034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increased prevalence of reversible contraception, global unintended pregnancy rates are stable. Mistakes, method failures, side effects, alcohol, stock-outs, fears, costs, delays, myths, religious interference, doctors with other priorities, traditions and lack of health professionals may all factor in. Yet these unintended pregnancies - nearly a hundred million annually - cause much individual suffering, and in the long run, can aggravate conflicts, poverty, forced emigration and climate change. Presently, non-poor women postpone childbearing because of longer educational trajectories and careers. Sterilisations are therefore less often regretted or coerced. For poor-resourced women with a completed family, an unwanted pregnancy often has serious consequences, including crossing the (extreme) poverty line in the wrong direction, choosing an unsafe abortion, or even death. Caesarean sections (CSs), which currently stand at around 23 million annually, are increasing. On an "intention-never-to-become-pregnant-again" analysis, choosing a partial, and even more so a total bilateral tubectomy to be implemented during an - anyway performed - CS is by far the most reliable and safe contraceptive choice compared to meaning to start female or male sterilisation or any other contraceptive method later, and it reduces the chance of a future ovarian carcinoma substantially. CSs make subsequent pregnancies more dangerous. Simultaneously, they provide convenient, potentially cost-free opportunities for voluntary permanent contraception (PC): particularly important if there is no guaranteed future access to reliable contraception, safe abortion and well-supervised labour. PARTIAL SOLUTION Millions of women are within reach of attaining freedom from the "tyranny of excessive fertility" when they have a CS. Therefore, any woman who might conceivably be of the firm opinion that her family will be (over) completed after delivery should antenatally have "what if you have a CS" counselling to assess whether she would like a tubectomy/ligation. Yet many are not provided with this option: leading to frequent regret, more often than having been giving that choice would. CONCLUSION Withholding antenatal counselling about the option of PC for in case the delivery might become a CS is very prevalent, yet often more medically risky, and morally questionable than when, even in labour, a doctor sometimes decides in the absence of earlier counselling, considering numerous factors, to provide the choice to undergo a concurrent sterilisation if s/he is convinced that would be in the patient's best interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douwe A. A. Verkuyl
- Leinweberlaan 16, 3971 KZ Driebergen, The Netherlands
- CASAklinieken, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Dauby N, Chamekh M, Melin P, Slogrove AL, Goetghebuer T. Increased Risk of Group B Streptococcus Invasive Infection in HIV-Exposed but Uninfected Infants: A Review of the Evidence and Possible Mechanisms. Front Immunol 2016; 7:505. [PMID: 27899925 PMCID: PMC5110531 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of neonatal sepsis and mortality worldwide. Studies from both developed and developing countries have shown that HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) infants are at increased risk of infectious morbidity, as compared to HIV-unexposed uninfected infants (HUU). A higher susceptibility to GBS infections has been reported in HEU infants, particularly late-onset diseases and more severe manifestations of GBS diseases. We review here the possible explanations for increased susceptibility to GBS infection. Maternal GBS colonization during pregnancy is a major risk factor for early-onset GBS invasive disease, but colonization rates are not higher in HIV-infected compared to HIV-uninfected pregnant women, while selective colonization with more virulent strains in HIV-infected women is suggested in some studies. Lower serotype-specific GBS maternal antibody transfer and quantitative and qualitative defects of innate immune responses in HEU infants may play a role in the increased risk of GBS invasive disease. The impact of maternal antiretroviral treatment and its consequences on immune activation in HEU newborns are important to study. Maternal immunization presents a promising intervention to reduce GBS burden in the growing HEU population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dauby
- Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium; Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Mustapha Chamekh
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Gosselies , Belgium
| | - Pierrette Melin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, National Reference Centre for Group B Streptococci, CHU Sart-Tilman, Université de Liège (ULg) , Liège , Belgium
| | - Amy L Slogrove
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Centre for Infectious Disease and Epidemiologic Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tessa Goetghebuer
- Department of Paediatrics, CHU Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium; Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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Mathews C, Eggers SM, Townsend L, Aarø LE, de Vries PJ, Mason-Jones AJ, De Koker P, McClinton Appollis T, Mtshizana Y, Koech J, Wubs A, De Vries H. Effects of PREPARE, a Multi-component, School-Based HIV and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Prevention Programme on Adolescent Sexual Risk Behaviour and IPV: Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:1821-40. [PMID: 27142057 PMCID: PMC4995229 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1410-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Young South Africans, especially women, are at high risk of HIV. We evaluated the effects of PREPARE, a multi-component, school-based HIV prevention intervention to delay sexual debut, increase condom use and decrease intimate partner violence (IPV) among young adolescents. We conducted a cluster RCT among Grade eights in 42 high schools. The intervention comprised education sessions, a school health service and a school sexual violence prevention programme. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Regression was undertaken to provide ORs or coefficients adjusted for clustering. Of 6244 sampled adolescents, 55.3 % participated. At 12 months there were no differences between intervention and control arms in sexual risk behaviours. Participants in the intervention arm were less likely to report IPV victimisation (35.1 vs. 40.9 %; OR 0.77, 95 % CI 0.61–0.99; t(40) = 2.14) suggesting the intervention shaped intimate partnerships into safer ones, potentially lowering the risk for HIV.
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Mashamba-Thompson TP, Sartorius B, Drain PK. Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Improving Maternal Health in South Africa. Diagnostics (Basel) 2016; 6:E31. [PMID: 27589808 PMCID: PMC5039565 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics6030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving maternal health is a global priority, particularly in high HIV-endemic, resource-limited settings. Failure to use health care facilities due to poor access is one of the main causes of maternal deaths in South Africa. "Point-of-care" (POC) diagnostics are an innovative healthcare approach to improve healthcare access and health outcomes in remote and resource-limited settings. In this review, POC testing is defined as a diagnostic test that is carried out near patients and leads to rapid clinical decisions. We review the current and emerging POC diagnostics for maternal health, with a specific focus on the World Health Organization (WHO) quality-ASSURED (Affordability, Sensitivity, Specificity, User friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment free and Delivered) criteria for an ideal point-of-care test in resource-limited settings. The performance of POC diagnostics, barriers and challenges related to implementing POC diagnostics for maternal health in rural and resource-limited settings are reviewed. Innovative strategies for overcoming these barriers are recommended to achieve substantial progress on improving maternal health outcomes in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tivani P Mashamba-Thompson
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa.
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa.
| | - Paul K Drain
- International Clinical Research Center, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Wojcicki JM. Antiretroviral exposure in utero and infancy: what do we know about African children in the age of option B+? AIDS 2016; 30:2003-4. [PMID: 27428580 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bruce J. The difficulties of 'living while girl'. J Virus Erad 2016; 2:177-82. [PMID: 27482459 PMCID: PMC4967971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In this Viewpoint, Judith Bruce answers questions from Journal of Virus Eradication Editor, Sabine Kinloch-de Loës, on the importance of fulfilling the basic human rights of adolescent girls and their relationship with viral epidemics such as HIV. Judith Bruce is a graduate of Harvard University and a Senior Associate and Policy Analyst at the Population Council, New York, USA, whose work is aimed at building the health, social and cognitive assets of girls in the poorest communities in the developing world.
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