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Eastment MC, Kinuthia J, Tapia K, Wanje G, Wilson K, Kaggiah A, Simoni JM, Mandaliya K, Poole DN, Richardson BA, Jaoko W, John-Stewart G, McClelland RS. Fertility Desire and Associations with Condomless Sex, Antiretroviral Adherence, and Transmission Potential in a Cohort of Kenyan Women Living with HIV in Sero-discordant Relationships: A Mixed Methods Study. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-04004-4. [PMID: 36759394 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04004-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
For women living with HIV (WLH) in serodiscordant partnerships, decisions about childbearing can challenge condom use and antiretroviral adherence. In a prospective cohort of 148 WLH in serodiscordant partnerships, 58 (39%) wanted more children in the future but were not currently trying to conceive (fertility desire), and 32 (22%) were currently trying to become pregnant (fertility intent). Detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in vaginal secretions, a marker for recent condomless sex, was lowest in women with fertility desire and highest in women with fertility intent. Detectable viral load followed a similar pattern. Risk of HIV transmission, when condomless sex and PSA detection occurred concurrently, was three to fourfold higher at visits with fertility intent compared to visits with fertility desire. Qualitative interviews underscored the importance women place on childbearing and suggested that they had limited information about the role of antiretroviral therapy in reducing sexual HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenna C Eastment
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Ave, Box 359909, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Tapia
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George Wanje
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Katherine Wilson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Jane M Simoni
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Barbra A Richardson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Ave, Box 359909, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - R Scott McClelland
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Ave, Box 359909, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Moore BE, Govaerts L, Kapadia F. Maternal health and maternal health service utilization among female sex workers: A scoping review. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231206303. [PMID: 37899632 PMCID: PMC10617279 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231206303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High proportions of female sex workers (FSWs) become pregnant and have children. Many FSWs are at increased risk of maternal health complications due to factors such as poverty, violence, and healthcare barriers. Despite this, FSWs' maternal health and use of maternal health services (MHS) receive limited attention. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this scoping review are to (1) synthesize existing data on FSWs' maternal health and MHS utilization and (2) assess the state of peer-reviewed literature on FSWs' maternal health in regard to methodological approaches and reported outcomes. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Included articles were peer-reviewed, published in English, and reported empirical data on FSWs for outcomes related to antenatal care, pregnancy, and labor complications, postnatal and delivery care, and/or barriers to MHS. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE Article searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Global Health, Sociological Abstracts, Sociological Index, PsychInfo, and CINAHL. CHARTING METHODS Information extracted from eligible articles included publication year, study design, location, sample size, outcome measures, and findings. The "Three Delays" model was used to synthesize findings on barriers to MHS as relevant to phase I, II, or III delays. RESULTS Eighteen publications met the eligibility criteria. Studies were conducted in 11 countries and primarily reported quantitative data from cross-sectional surveys. The most frequently reported outcome was antenatal care utilization (n = 14), whereas few studies reported findings related to postnatal care and breastfeeding counseling (n = 2). Across publications, there was a substantial range in the proportion of FSWs who reported accessing different types of MHS. CONCLUSION Literature on FSWs' maternal health is limited and heterogenous. More research is needed that specifically focuses on measuring outcomes related to FSWs' maternal health and examines associated factors. Such work can inform future research directions and public health interventions for FSWs-a population of marginalized women whose maternal health has been overlooked in existing efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandi E Moore
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Govaerts
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Farzana Kapadia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Macleod CI, Reynolds JH, Delate R. Women Who Sell Sex in Eastern and Southern Africa: A Scoping Review of Non-Barrier Contraception, Pregnancy and Abortion. Public Health Rev 2022; 43:1604376. [PMID: 35646420 PMCID: PMC9131513 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2022.1604376] [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: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: There is a need to hone reproductive health (RH) services for women who sell sex (WSS). The aim of this review was to collate findings on non-barrier contraception, pregnancies, and abortion amongst WSS in Eastern and Southern African (ESA). Methods: A scoping review methodology was employed. Inclusion criteria were: 1) empirical papers from 2) ESA, 3) published since 2010, and 4) addressing WSS in relation to 5) the identified RH issues. Results: Reports of rates of non-barrier contraceptive usage varied from 15% to 76%, of unintended pregnancy from 24% to 91%, and of abortion from 11% to 48%. Cross-cutting factors were alcohol use, violence, health systems problems, and socio-economic issues. Pregnancy desire was associated with having a non-paying partner. Barriers to accessing, and delaying, antenatal care were reported as common. Targeted programmes were reported as promoting RH amongst WSS. Conclusion: Programmes should be contextually relevant, based on local patterns, individual, interpersonal and systemic barriers. Targeted approaches should be implemented in conjunction with improvement of public health services. Linked HIV and RH services, and community empowerment approaches are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona Ida Macleod
- Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | | | - Richard Delate
- 2gether 4 SRHR, United Nations Population Fund, Johannesburg, South Africa
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A Prospective Study of Depressive Symptoms, Condomless Sex, and HIV Viral Load in HIV-Positive Female Sex Workers in Kenya. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3047-3056. [PMID: 33880670 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03258-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The relationships between depressive symptoms, viral suppression, and condomless sex were examined in a prospective cohort study of 369 HIV-positive Kenyan female sex workers. Participants were screened for depressive symptoms at baseline and every six months until completion of the study (up to 66 months). HIV viral load (VL) was measured every six months and prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing in vaginal secretions was performed quarterly. Mild or greater depressive symptoms were found in 100 (27.1%) women and were associated with increased risk of detectable VL (aRR 1.41, 95%CI 0.97-2.07, p-value = 0.07), but were not associated with detectable PSA. The co-occurrence of PSA detection and detectable VL at the same visit suggests the potential for HIV transmission but was uncommon (2.4% of visits). The prevalence of depressive symptoms and the association with detectable VL suggests the need for screening and treatment of depression for comprehensive HIV care in this population.
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Beckham SW, Stockton M, Galai N, Davis W, Mwambo J, Likindikoki S, Kerrigan D. Family planning use and correlates among female sex workers in a community empowerment HIV prevention intervention in Iringa, Tanzania: a case for tailored programming. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1377. [PMID: 34247614 PMCID: PMC8274018 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11426-z] [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] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa face high unmet need for family planning and higher risk for unintended pregnancy. Community empowerment HIV prevention approaches have the potential to increase family planning uptake and present an opportunity to integrate HIV, reproductive health, and contraception. This article describes family planning use and pregnancy among female sex workers in Iringa, Tanzania and evaluates whether engagement in a community empowerment HIV prevention program is associated with contraceptive use. METHODS This study consists of secondary analysis from a two-community randomized controlled trial following a longitudinal cohort over 18 months. We implemented a year-long community empowerment intervention consisting of 1) a community-led drop-in-center; 2) venue-based peer education, condom distribution, and HIV testing; 3) peer service navigation; 4) sensitivity trainings for providers and police; and 5) text messages to promote engagement. Additionally, monthly seminars were held at the drop-in-center, one of which focused on family planning. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association between program exposure and family planning use in the intervention arm. (Trials Registration NCT02281578, Nov 2, 2014.) RESULTS: Among the 339 participants with follow-up data on family planning, 60% reported current family planning use; 6% reported dual use of modern contraception and condoms; over 90% had living children; and 85% sought antenatal care at their most recent pregnancy. Among the 185 participants in the intervention arm, the adjusted relative risk (aRR) of family planning use among female sex workers who reported ever attending the Shikamana drop-in-center and among female sex workers who reported attending a family planning-related workshop was respectively 26% (aRR 1.26 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.02-1.56]) and 36% (aRR 1.36 [95%CI: 1.13-1.64) higher than among those who had not attended. CONCLUSION There is a clear need for family planning among this population. General program exposure and exposure to a family planning workshop were associated with higher family planning use, which suggests that community empowerment models have potential to increase family planning uptake for this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Wilson Beckham
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Johns Hopkins School of Public Health; Department of Health, Behavior and Society, 624 N Broadway HH 757, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Melissa Stockton
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 135 Dauer Dr., University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Noya Galai
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Wendy Davis
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Jessie Mwambo
- grid.25867.3e0000 0001 1481 7466Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, PO Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Samuel Likindikoki
- grid.25867.3e0000 0001 1481 7466Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, PO Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Deanna Kerrigan
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Johns Hopkins School of Public Health; Department of Health, Behavior and Society, 624 N Broadway HH 757, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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Zimmerman RS, Mehrotra P, Madden T, Paul R. The Value of Assessing Self-Reported and Biological Indicators of Outcomes in Evaluating HIV Programs. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:365-376. [PMID: 33993397 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00560-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this manuscript, we present recent findings concerning concordance and discrepancy between biological measures and self-reports of these three outcomes of HIV programs: HIV status, adherence to antiretroviral medications (ARVs) and use of and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis medication (PrEP), and condom use/unprotected sex. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies suggest that three successive rapid HIV tests (for those whose first test in positive) might be reasonably inexpensive and valid biological data to collect to combine with self-reports of HIV status, dried blood spots sufficiently affordable to combine with self-reports of adherence to ARVs and use of or adherence to PrEP, and that the discrepancy between self-reports of condom use and biomarkers of unprotected sex may be relatively small in high-income countries. Additional work on assessment of incorrect condom usage and breakage, standardized self-report measures of condom use, and more private data collection methodologies in low-income settings might reduce the recent observed discrepancies even further. Concordance between self-reports of HIV and biomarkers indicating HIV positive status has varied considerably, with much lower rates in low-income countries, where the stigma of HIV is still very high. Recommendation is for combining self-report data with the results of three successive rapid tests for those testing positive. For adherence, again agreement between self-reports and a variety of more objective and/or biological measures is only moderate. Dried blood spots (DBS) may be sufficiently inexpensive in low-resource settings that this may be the best biological method to combine with self-reports. In publications over the last 8 years, the discrepancy between self-reports of condom use and biomarkers for unprotected sex may be even lower than 20% after controlling for other features of the study, particularly in high-income countries. Our results suggest that more careful assessment of incorrect condom use and breakage as reasons other than intentional misreporting should be investigated more carefully and that more private data collection methods such as audio, computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) might be employed more often in low-resource settings to reduce this discrepancy in those settings further. In addition, further analysis of the discrepancy between self-reports of condom use and biomarkers should be conducted of published studies using the correct calculation methods to be more certain of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick S Zimmerman
- College of Nursing, Wayne State University, 5557 Cass Ave., 319 Cohn Bldg, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
| | - Purnima Mehrotra
- Centre for Social and Behaviour Change, Ashoka University, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana, India
| | - Tessa Madden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rachel Paul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Long JE, Waruguru G, Yuhas K, Wilson KS, Masese LN, Wanje G, Kinuthia J, Jaoko W, Mandaliya KN, McClelland RS. Prevalence and predictors of unmet contraceptive need in HIV-positive female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218291. [PMID: 31216298 PMCID: PMC6583985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Female sex workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa are a key population for HIV prevention and treatment interventions, but less attention is given to their family planning needs. We evaluated the prevalence and predictors of unmet contraceptive need in HIV-positive FSWs. STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional analysis used data from an existing longitudinal study of FSWs in Mombasa, Kenya. This analysis included women who were HIV positive, age ≥18 years, pre-menopausal, not currently pregnant or desiring pregnancy, and reported exchanging sex for cash or in-kind payment at the time of enrollment. Unmet contraceptive need was defined as non-use of modern non-barrier contraceptives and not currently trying to become pregnant. Poisson regression was used to identify factors independently associated with unmet contraceptive need. RESULTS Among 346 HIV-positive FSWs, 125 (36.1%) reported modern non-barrier contraceptive use, leaving 221 (63.9%, 95%CI 58.8-68.9%) with unmet contraceptive need. Condom use was the only form of contraception for 129 (37.3%) participants. In unadjusted analyses, unmet contraceptive need was associated with physical abuse in the past year by someone other than a regular partner (PR 1.2, 95%CI 1.0-1.5), desire for (more) children (PR 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.5), and having 2-3 previous pregnancies compared to 0-1 prior pregnancies (PR 0.8, 95%CI 0.6-0.9). In adjusted analyses, lower number of previous pregnancies and having desire for future children remained significantly associated with a higher prevalence of unmet contraceptive need. CONCLUSIONS Unmet need for modern non-barrier contraception was found in two-thirds of HIV-positive FSWs who reported that they were not currently trying to become pregnant, and was higher in women with the lowest number of prior pregnancies (0-1 prior pregnancies) and in those reporting desire for (more) children in the future. These findings highlight the need for concerted efforts to identify and eliminate barriers to contraceptive use in FSWs living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E. Long
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | | | - Krista Yuhas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Kate S. Wilson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Linnet N. Masese
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - George Wanje
- University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID), University of Nairobi, Nairobi, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - R. Scott McClelland
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID), University of Nairobi, Nairobi, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
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Longitudinal patterns of unmet need for contraception among women living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in South Africa. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209114. [PMID: 30571702 PMCID: PMC6301780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fertility intentions and contraceptive use are often not assessed in the context of clinical HIV care, representing a possible programming gap if women's family planning needs change over time. We aimed to identify longitudinal patterns of unmet need for contraception over a 12-month period among women living with HIV taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). STUDY DESIGN 850 non-pregnant, HIV-positive women aged 18-35 on or initiating ART in Johannesburg, South Africa, were enrolled into a prospective cohort study in 2009-2010. Fertility intentions and contraceptive use were assessed during routine HIV care visits via an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and women were referred for on-site contraceptive counseling. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify patterns of unmet need for contraception over 12 months, first in the entire population and then in a subset of recent ART initiators. RESULTS In the full population we identified four patterns of unmet need for contraception over one year. Half of the enrolled women were predicted to have a consistently high probability of unmet need, 22.9% a consistently low probability, 16.7% a decreasing probability, and 10.4% an increasing probability over time. Contraceptive method discontinuation and rapidly changing fertility intentions were the primary drivers of changing (increasing or decreasing) unmet need over follow-up. Results were similar in recent ART initiators. CONCLUSIONS Half of women were estimated to have a high probability of unmet need that persisted over time, and more than a quarter were estimated to experience patterns of changing unmet need over 12 months. Family planning needs should be assessed more regularly in HIV-positive women to prevent unintended pregnancies and support safer conception among women trying to conceive.
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