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Kassa RN, Shifti DM, Alemu K, Omigbodun AO. Integration of cervical cancer screening into healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003183. [PMID: 38743652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a prevalent disease among women, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where most deaths occur. Integrating cervical cancer screening services into healthcare facilities is essential in combating the disease. Thus, this review aims to map evidence related to integrating cervical cancer screening into existing primary care services and identify associated barriers and facilitators in LMICs. The scoping review employed a five-step framework as proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Five databases (MEDLINE, Maternity Infant Care, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science) were systematically searched. Data were extracted, charted, synthesized, and summarised. A total of 28 original articles conducted in LMICs from 2000 to 2023 were included. Thirty-nine percent of the reviewed studies showed that cervical cancer screening (CCS) was integrated into HIV clinics. The rest of the papers revealed that CCS was integrated into existing reproductive and sexual health clinics, maternal and child health, family planning, well-baby clinics, maternal health clinics, gynecology outpatient departments, and sexually transmitted infections clinics. The cost-effectiveness of integrated services, promotion, and international initiatives were identified as facilitators while resource scarcity, lack of skilled staff, high client loads, lack of preventive oncology policy, territorial disputes, and lack of national guidelines were identified as barriers to the services. The evidence suggests that CCS can be integrated into healthcare facilities in LMICs, in various primary care services, including HIV clinics, reproductive and sexual health clinics, well-baby clinics, maternal health clinics, and gynecology OPDs. However, barriers include limited health system capacity, workload, waiting times, and lack of coordination. Addressing these gaps could strengthen the successful integration of CCS into primary care services and improve cervical cancer prevention and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Nega Kassa
- Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (including Health and Agriculture), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- School of Nursing, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Kassahun Alemu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Akinyinka O Omigbodun
- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Revathy R, Chaurasia H, Shetty S, Joshi B. Health facility-based interventions and the uptake of contraception among people living with HIV: A systematic review & meta-analysis. Indian J Med Res 2023; 158:483-493. [PMID: 38143434 PMCID: PMC10878490 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_2471_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES The prong 2 of 4 prong strategy introduced by the World Health Organization aims at averting unintended pregnancies among people living with HIV (PLHIV). This systematic review aimed to generate evidence on the effectuality of facility-based interventions in improving uptake of modern and dual contraception, for reducing unmet family planning (FP) needs and unintended pregnancies among PLHIV. METHODS Articles evaluating facility-based interventions to integrate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and FP published in English language were included. Eligible studies were identified from electronic and lateral search from three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and grey literature. HIV care with no/minimal focus on FP was considered a comparator. Quality was assessed using design-appropriate tools. Descriptive analysis was presented in tables. Uptake of dual methods, unmet FP needs and unintended pregnancies were included in the meta-analysis to estimate pooled odds ratio (OR) with random effect model, P and I2 values. RESULTS The search yielded 2112 results. After excluding duplicates and unfit articles, 17 were found eligible for review and nine for meta-analysis. The pooled OR for uptake of dual contraception was 1.69 (1.14, 2.5) ( P =0.008; I2 =90%), for unmet FP needs was 0.58 (0487, 0.69) ( P <0.00001; I2 =0%) and for unintended pregnancies was 0.6 (0.32, 1.1) ( P =0.1, I2 =38%). INTERPRETATION CONCLUSIONS The results of this meta-analysis suggest that health facility-based interventions to integrate HIV and FP services do result in improved uptake of dual methods and reduce unmet need for contraception along with a protective trend on incidence of unintended pregnancies. Such facility-based integration would ensure universal access to effective contraception and facilitate in achieving Sustainable Development Goals that aim at ending epidemics like HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Revathy
- Department of Operational and Implementation Research, Regional Resource Hub-Health Technology Assessment, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Himanshu Chaurasia
- Department of Operational and Implementation Research, Regional Resource Hub-Health Technology Assessment, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Siddesh Shetty
- Department of Operational and Implementation Research, Regional Resource Hub-Health Technology Assessment, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Beena Joshi
- Department of Operational and Implementation Research, Regional Resource Hub-Health Technology Assessment, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Musuka G, Moyo E, Cuadros D, Herrera H, Dzinamarira T. Redefining HIV care: a path toward sustainability post-UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1273720. [PMID: 37927857 PMCID: PMC10620686 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1273720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Musuka
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Enos Moyo
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Diego Cuadros
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Helena Herrera
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Tang JH, Lee F, Chagomerana MB, Ghambi K, Mhango P, Msowoya L, Mkochi T, Magongwa I, Mhango E, Mbendera J, Mwandira E, Schouten E, Gardner L, Smith JS, Gadama L, Chinula L. Results from Two HPV-Based Cervical Cancer Screening-Family Planning Integration Models in Malawi: A Cluster Randomized Trial. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2797. [PMID: 37345135 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted a cluster randomized trial of two models for integrating HPV self-collection into family-planning (FP) services at 16 health facilities in Malawi between March 2020-December 2021. Model 1 involved providing only clinic-based HPV self-collection, whereas Model 2 included both clinic-based and community-based HPV self-collection. An endline household survey was performed in sampled villages and households between October-December 2021 in the catchment areas of the health facilities. We analyzed 7664 surveys from 400 villages. Participants from Model 2 areas were more likely to have ever undergone cervical cancer screening (CCS) than participants from Model 1 areas, after adjusting for district, facility location (urban versus rural), and facility size (hospital versus health center) (adjusted odds ratio = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.33). Among participants who had ever undergone CCS, participants from Model 2 were more likely to report having undergone HPV self-collection than participants from Model 1 (50.5% versus 22.8%, p = 0.023). Participants from Model 2 were more likely to be using modern FP (adjusted odds ratio = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.98) than Model 1 participants. The integration of FP and HPV self-collection in both the clinic and community increases CCS and modern FP uptake more than integration at the clinic-level alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Tang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4002 Old Clinic Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
| | - Fan Lee
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4002 Old Clinic Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
| | - Maganizo B Chagomerana
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 321 South Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kachengwa Ghambi
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
| | - Patani Mhango
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
| | - Lizzie Msowoya
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
| | - Tawonga Mkochi
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
| | - Irene Magongwa
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
| | - Eneli Mhango
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
| | - Jacqueline Mbendera
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
| | - Eunice Mwandira
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
| | - Erik Schouten
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
| | - Leah Gardner
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4002 Old Clinic Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jennifer S Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Luis Gadama
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 321 South Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lameck Chinula
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4002 Old Clinic Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Center, Kamuzu Central Hospital, 100 Mzimba Road, Lilongwe 207233, Malawi
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Ng'ambi W, Zyambo C. Cervical cancer care cascade among women living with human immunodeficiency virus in 13 sub-Saharan Africa countries between 2019 and 2021: An ecological analysis of PEPFAR Panorama cervical cancer program data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/jncd.jncd_14_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
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Baynes C, Steyn P, Soi C, Dinis A, Tembe S, Mehrtash H, Narasimhan M, Kiarie J, Sherr K. Use of implementation science to advance family planning programs in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:1038297. [PMID: 36561275 PMCID: PMC9763469 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.1038297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective As environmental and economic pressures converge with demands to achieve sustainability development goals, low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) increasingly require strategies to strengthen and scale-up evidence-based practices (EBP) related to family planning (FP). Implementation science (IS) can help these efforts. The purpose of this article is to elucidate patterns in the use of IS in FP research and identify ways to maximize the potential of IS to advance FP in LMIC. Design and methods We conducted a systematic review that describes how IS concepts and principles have been operationalized in LMIC FP research published from 2007-2021. We searched six databases for implementation studies of LMIC FP interventions. Our review synthesizes the characteristics of implementation strategies and research efforts used to enhance the performance of FP-related EBP in these settings, identifying gaps, strengths and lessons learned. Results Four-hundred and seventy-two studies were eligible for full-text review. Ninety-two percent of studies were carried out in one region only, whereas 8 percent were multi-country studies that took place across multiple regions. 37 percent of studies were conducted in East Africa, 21 percent in West and Central Africa, 19 percent in Southern Africa and South Asia, respectively, and fewer than 5 percent in other Asian countries, Latin America and Middle East and North Africa, respectively. Fifty-four percent were on strategies that promoted individuals' uptake of FP. Far fewer were on strategies to enhance the coverage, implementation, spread or sustainability of FP programs. Most studies used quantitative methods only and evaluated user-level outcomes over implementation outcomes. Thirty percent measured processes and outcomes of strategies, 15 percent measured changes in implementation outcomes, and 31 percent report on the effect of contextual factors. Eighteen percent reported that they were situated within decision-making processes to address locally identified implementation issues. Fourteen percent of studies described measures to involve stakeholders in the research process. Only 7 percent of studies reported that implementation was led by LMIC delivery systems or implementation partners. Conclusions IS has potential to further advance LMIC FP programs, although its impact will be limited unless its concepts and principles are incorporated more systematically. To support this, stakeholders must focus on strategies that address a wider range of implementation outcomes; adapt research designs and blend methods to evaluate outcomes and processes; and establish collaborative research efforts across implementation, policy, and research domains. Doing so will expand opportunities for learning and applying new knowledge in pragmatic research paradigms where research is embedded in usual implementation conditions and addresses critical issues such as scale up and sustainability of evidence-informed FP interventions.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42020199353.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Baynes
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,Correspondence: Colin Baynes
| | - Petrus Steyn
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Soi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Aneth Dinis
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,The National Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health of Mozambique, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Stelio Tembe
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hedieh Mehrtash
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - James Kiarie
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth Sherr
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States,Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Mkwinda E, Thombozi E, Botha J, Chilinda I, Mandala E, Chipeta M. Exploring Challenges Faced by Nurses on Provision of Hormonal Contraceptives to Women on Antiretroviral Therapy in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Lilongwe District, Malawi. NURSING: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.2147/nrr.s363871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Hamon JK, Kambanje M, Pryor S, Kaponda AS, Mwale E, Mayhew SH, Webster J, Burchett HED. Integrated Delivery of Family Planning and Childhood Immunisation Services: A Qualitative Study of Factors Influencing Service Responsiveness in Malawi. Health Policy Plan 2022; 37:885-894. [PMID: 35713382 PMCID: PMC9347017 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czac048] [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: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from several countries in sub-Saharan Africa suggests that the integration of family planning (FP) with childhood immunization services can help reduce the unmet need for FP among postpartum women without undermining the uptake of immunizations. However, the quality and responsiveness of FP services that are integrated with childhood immunizations remain understudied. A qualitative study was conducted in two districts of Malawi, which examined the factors influencing the responsiveness of FP services that were integrated with childhood immunizations in monthly public outreach clinics. Semi-structured interviews with clients (n = 23) and FP providers (n = 10) and a clinic audit were carried out in six clinics. Hardware (material) and software (relational) factors influencing service responsiveness were identified through thematic and framework analyses of interview transcripts, and clinic characteristics were summarized from the audit data to contextualize the qualitative findings. Overall, 13 factors were found to influence service responsiveness in terms of the ease of access, choice of provider, environment, service continuity, confidentiality, communication, dignity and FP counselling afforded to clients. Among these factors, hardware deficiencies, including the absence of a dedicated building for the provision of FP services and the lack of FP commodities in clinics, were perceived to negatively affect service responsiveness. Crucially, the providers’ use of their agency to alter the delivery of services was found to mitigate the negative effects of some hardware deficits on the ease of access, choice of provider, environment and confidentiality experienced by clients. This study contributes to an emerging recognition that providers can offset the effect of hardware deficiencies when services are integrated if they are afforded sufficient flexibility to make independent decisions. Consideration of software elements in the design and delivery of FP services that are integrated with childhood immunizations is therefore critical to optimize the responsiveness of these services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Helen E D Burchett
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, LSHTM, London, UK
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Guillaume D, Troncoso E, Duroseau B, Bluestone J, Fullerton J. Mobile-Social Learning for Continuing Professional Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Integrative Review. JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 8:e32614. [PMID: 35671080 PMCID: PMC9214614 DOI: 10.2196/32614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to continuing professional development (CPD) for health care workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is severely limited. Digital technology serves as a promising platform for supporting CPD for health care workers by providing educational content virtually and enabling virtual peer-to-peer and mentor interaction for enhanced learning. Digital strategies for CPD that foster virtual interaction can increase workforce retention and bolster the health workforce in LMICs. OBJECTIVE The objective of this integrative review was to evaluate the evidence on which digital platforms were used to provide CPD to health care workers and clinical students in LMICs, which was complemented with virtual peer-to-peer or mentor interaction. We phrased this intersection of virtual learning and virtual interaction as mobile-social learning. METHODS A comprehensive database and gray literature search was conducted to identify qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies, along with empirical evidence, that used digital technology to provide CPD and virtual interaction with peers or mentors. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Eligible articles were written in English, conducted in an LMIC, and used a mobile device to provide CPD and facilitate virtual peer-to-peer or mentor interaction. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened, followed by an assessment of the quality of evidence and an appraisal of the articles. A content analysis was then used to deductively code the data into emerging themes. RESULTS A total of 750 articles were identified, and 31 (4.1%) were included in the review. SMS text messaging and mobile instant messaging were the most common methods used to provide continuing education and virtual interaction between peers and mentors (25/31, 81%). Across the included articles, participants had high acceptability for using digital platforms for learning and interaction. Virtual peer interaction and mentorship were found to contribute to positive learning outcomes in most studies (27/31, 87%) through increased knowledge sharing, knowledge gains, improved clinical skills, and improved service delivery. Peer-to-peer and mentor interaction were found to improve social support and reduce feelings of isolation (9/31, 29%). There were several challenges in the implementation and use of digital technology for mobile-social learning, including limited access to resources (eg, internet coverage and stable electricity), flexibility in scheduling to participate in CPD, and sociobehavioral challenges among students. CONCLUSIONS The summary suggests that mobile-social learning is a useful modality for curriculum dissemination and skill training and that the interface of mobile and social learning serves as a catalyst for improved learning outcomes coupled with increased social capital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Guillaume
- Jhpiego, Baltimore, MD, United States
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Brenice Duroseau
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Kirkpatrick L, Harrison E, Borrero S, Davis AR, Miller E, Sogawa Y, Stransky OM, Talabi MB, Urban A, Van Cott AC, Kazmerski TM. Preferences and experiences of women with epilepsy regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare provision. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 129:108631. [PMID: 35247834 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Women with epilepsy (WWE) have unique disease-specific considerations regarding their sexual and reproductive health (SRH), which impact decision-making around pregnancy and contraception. Understanding their perspectives, preferences, and experiences regarding SRH care contributes to optimizing patient-centered clinical practice. METHODS We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with WWE aged 18-45 years, exploring their SRH care experiences and preferences. We audio-recorded and transcribed all interviews. Two coders used both inductive and deductive strategies to perform thematic analysis and identify key themes and representative quotes. RESULTS Twenty WWE completed interviews (median age 23 years; range 18-43 years). Key themes included: 1) SRH counseling from neurologists often did not occur, was limited in scope, or contained misinformation, especially during adolescence and early adulthood. In particular, participants felt that they received poor counseling about contraception, fertility, folic acid, and teratogenic medications, which impacted their reproductive decision-making. 2) WWE report fragmented care between their neurologist and other SRH providers. 3) WWE prefer that their neurologists initiate routine comprehensive discussions about SRH. 4) Conversations about SRH should begin in adolescence and include private confidential discussions between neurologists and WWE. 5) Successful SRH conversations between neurologists and WWE involve detailed information, reassurance, and support for the patient's reproductive goals. CONCLUSION WWE desire comprehensive, coordinated counseling and care regarding SRH and epilepsy, and often experience suboptimal SRH care. Better understanding of the SRH needs, preferences, and experiences of WWE will help inform interventions to optimize patient-centered SRH counseling and care by healthcare professionals, especially during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kirkpatrick
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Harrison
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States.
| | - Sonya Borrero
- Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 1218 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
| | - Anne R Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, 5 Columbia Circle, New York, NY 10019, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States; Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Yoshimi Sogawa
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States.
| | - Olivia M Stransky
- Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Mehret Birru Talabi
- Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 1218 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
| | - Alexandra Urban
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 811 Kaufmann Medical Building, 3461 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Anne C Van Cott
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 811 Kaufmann Medical Building, 3461 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Department of Neurology, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 4100 Allequippa Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, United States.
| | - Traci M Kazmerski
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States; Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
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Hully A, Mallah R, Villa G, Gilleece Y. Integrating services to improve quality of care for women living with HIV: A global systematic review. HIV Med 2022; 23:310-318. [PMID: 35212105 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to review and analyse evidence on the impact of service integration on quality of care for women living with HIV. METHODS Evidence search in September 2020 using the PICO format yielded 60 potential papers. Inclusion required evidence of measurement of an outcome associated with service delivery within a system showing clear integration of services exclusively for women living with HIV. In all, 60 papers were screened, 27 were excluded at the abstract stage, and 17 were excluded after full text review, leaving 20 final papers included in this review. RESULTS Three papers measured the impact of integrating sexual health services and all showed some measure of improved quality of care. Outcome measures considered in this paper were impact on uptake, prevention, user satisfaction, user knowledge and cost-effectiveness. Ten papers studied the impact of integrating family planning, with eight papers suggesting positive outcomes. Eleven papers studied integrated cervical cytology services with 10 able to demonstrate positive impact. Two papers assessed integrating menopause services and two looked at integration of psychological and social services. The most described positive impact was improved user knowledge and satisfaction. There were two main methods of integration demonstrated, described as 'upskilling' of staff and 'guest services'. CONCLUSIONS Integrating services can create opportunities to improve the quality of patient-centred care whilst promoting the sexual, reproductive and human rights of women living with HIV, with an emphasis on designing services to suit local contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Hully
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Rana Mallah
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
- Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Giovanni Villa
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
- Department of Global Health & Infection, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Yvonne Gilleece
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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A Survey of Healthcare Providers About Reproductive Healthcare for Adolescent Women With Epilepsy. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2022; 35:39-47.e1. [PMID: 34547472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for adolescent and young adult (AYA) women with epilepsy among general pediatricians, adolescent medicine specialists, and pediatric gynecologists. DESIGN Survey comprising previously validated and novel items that underwent content validity testing and was distributed through specialty listservs. Categorical variables analyzed with χ2 or Fisher exact tests, and continuous variables with Kruskal-Wallis tests. SETTING Online. PARTICIPANTS Physicians and Advanced practice providers. INTERVENTIONS Online survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Questions testing SRH knowledge, assessing confidence in SRH counseling practices and frequency of intended SRH counseling, and identifying barriers and facilitators to SRH provision for AYA women with epilepsy. RESULTS Of 329 participants, 57% were general pediatricians, 27% were adolescent medicine specialists, and 16% were pediatric gynecologists. On 15 items assessing knowledge, general pediatricians scored significantly lower than respondents in the other specialties (P < .01). Among 11 items about confidence in SRH skills, general pediatricians were significantly less confident than respondents in the other specialties (P < .01). General pediatricians reported that they would perform annual counseling less often on 7 SRH counseling topics compared with respondents in the other specialties (P < .01). In all, 54% of the respondents reported that barriers to SRH provision include limited time during visits and lack of epilepsy knowledge. Respondents identified facilitators including guidelines/algorithms for managing SRH (83%), provider education (61%), and electronic health record alerts (60%). CONCLUSION Responses suggest suboptimal knowledge, confidence, and care provision regarding SRH for AYA women with epilepsy, particularly among general pediatricians. Identified barriers and facilitators may serve as targets for interventions to improve SRH provision.
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Roche SD, Odoyo J, Irungu E, Kwach B, Dollah A, Nyerere B, Peacock S, Morton JF, O'Malley G, Bukusi EA, Baeten JM, Mugwanya KK. A one-stop shop model for improved efficiency of pre-exposure prophylaxis delivery in public clinics in western Kenya: a mixed methods implementation science study. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25845. [PMID: 34898032 PMCID: PMC8666585 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In public clinics in Kenya, separate, sequential delivery of the component services of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (e.g. HIV testing, counselling, and dispensing) creates long wait times that hinder clients' ability and desire to access and continue PrEP. We conducted a mixed methods study in four public clinics in western Kenya to identify strategies for operationalizing a one-stop shop (OSS) model and evaluate whether this model could improve client wait time and care acceptability among clients and providers without negatively impacting uptake or continuation. METHODS From January 2020 through November 2020, we collected and analysed 47 time-and-motion observations using Mann-Whitney U tests, 29 provider and client interviews, 68 technical assistance reports, and clinic flow maps from intervention clinics. We used controlled interrupted time series (cITS) to compare trends in PrEP initiation and on-time returns from a 12-month pre-intervention period (January-December 2019) to an 8-month post-period (January-November 2020, excluding a 3-month COVID-19 wash-out period) at intervention and control clinics. RESULTS From the pre- to post-period, median client wait time at intervention clinics dropped significantly from 31 to 6 minutes (p = 0.02), while median provider contact time remained around 23 minutes (p = 0.4). Intervention clinics achieved efficiency gains by moving PrEP delivery to lower volume departments, moving steps closer together (e.g. relocating supplies; cross-training and task-shifting), and differentiating clients based on the subset of services needed. Clients and providers found the OSS model highly acceptable and additionally identified increased privacy, reduced stigma, and higher quality client-provider interactions as benefits of the model. From the pre- to post-period, average monthly initiations at intervention and control clinics increased by 6 and 2.3, respectively, and percent of expected follow-up visits occurring on time decreased by 18% and 26%, respectively; cITS analysis of PrEP initiations (n = 1227) and follow-up visits (n = 2696) revealed no significant difference between intervention and control clinics in terms of trends in PrEP initiation and on-time returns (all p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS An OSS model significantly improved client wait time and care acceptability without negatively impacting initiations or continuations, thus highlighting opportunities to improve the efficiency of PrEP delivery efficiency and client-centredness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | | | - Benn Kwach
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Annabell Dollah
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Bernard Nyerere
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Sue Peacock
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | | | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Medicine, University of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of WashingtonWashingtonSeattleUSA
- Gilead SciencesFoster CityCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kenneth K. Mugwanya
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of WashingtonWashingtonSeattleUSA
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Kirkpatrick L, Michel HK, Close A, Collins A, Miller E, Kazmerski TM. Pediatric Subspecialists' Practices and Attitudes Regarding Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare for Adolescent and Young Adult Women Prescribed Teratogenic Medications. J Pediatr 2021; 233:227-232.e2. [PMID: 33545192 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate pediatric subspecialists' practices and attitudes regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescent and young adult women for whom they prescribe teratogens. STUDY DESIGN We surveyed pediatric subspecialists at 1 tertiary care pediatric hospital. Items assessed attitudes and practices related to sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescent and young adult women prescribed teratogens, and barriers and facilitators to sexual and reproductive healthcare provision. We used descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, and logistic regression to analyze results. RESULTS There were 200 subspecialists from 17 subspecialties who completed the survey; 77% reported prescribing teratogens to adolescent and young adult women and 18% reported caring for a patient who became pregnant while taking a teratogen. Overall, 99% indicated that it is important to address sexual and reproductive healthcare. Respondents endorsed confidence in sexual and reproductive healthcare skills, including contraceptive counseling (71%), although 29% never or rarely discuss sexual and reproductive healthcare, and one-third never speak privately to this population. Of providers who discuss sexual and reproductive healthcare, 26% never assess reproductive intentions and 36% do so less often than annually. Nearly one-half never or rarely ask about sexual activity, and 68% never or rarely assess contraceptive knowledge. Barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare provision included available time (80%) and the presence of family or partners at clinic visits (61%). Facilitators included a quick referral process to sexual and reproductive healthcare providers (92%) and access to lists of local sexual and reproductive healthcare providers (90%). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric subspecialists from a single institution report suboptimal sexual and reproductive healthcare provision for adolescent and young adult women prescribed teratogens. Identified barriers and facilitators may guide intervention development to improve sexual and reproductive healthcare for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kirkpatrick
- Division of Child Neurology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
| | - Hilary K Michel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Allison Close
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Amy Collins
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Traci M Kazmerski
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Torode J, Kithaka B, Chowdhury R, Simelela N, Cruz JL, Tsu VD. National action towards a world free of cervical cancer for all women. Prev Med 2021; 144:106313. [PMID: 33678227 PMCID: PMC8201602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Torode
- Union for International Cancer Control, Avenue Giuseppe Motta 31-33, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Benda Kithaka
- Women 4 Cancer, Biblica House, Dennis Pritt Road, P.O. Box 13263-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Raveena Chowdhury
- Marie Stopes International, 1 Conway Street, Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6LP, UK
| | - Nothemba Simelela
- World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer L Cruz
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vivien D Tsu
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Harris Hydraulics Laboratory, 1510 San Juan Rd NE, Box 357965, Seattle, WA 98195-7965, USA
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Talama GC, Shaw M, Maloya J, Chihana T, Nazimera L, Wroe EB, Kachimanga C. Improving uptake of cervical cancer screening services for women living with HIV and attending chronic care services in rural Malawi. BMJ Open Qual 2020; 9:bmjoq-2019-000892. [PMID: 32928783 PMCID: PMC7490955 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2019-000892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malawi has the second highest age-standardised incidence rate and the highest mortality rate of cervical cancer in the world. Though the prevalence of HIV is currently 11.7% for Malawian women of reproductive age, cervical cancer screening rates remain low. To address this issue, we integrated cervical cancer screening into a dual HIV and non-communicable disease clinic at a rural district hospital in Neno, Malawi. The project was implemented between January 2017 and March 2018 using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model of quality improvement (QI). At baseline (January to December 2016), only 13 women living with HIV were screened for cervical cancer. One year after implementation of the QI project, 73% (n=547) of women aged 25 to 49 years living with HIV enrolled in HIV care were screened for cervical cancer, with 85.3% of these receiving the screening test for the first time. The number of women living with HIV accessing cervical cancer services increased almost 10 times (from four per month to 39 per month, p<0.001). Key enablers in our QI process included: strong mentorship, regular provision of cervical cancer health talks throughout the hospital, nationally accredited cervical cancer prevention training for all providers, consistent community engagement, continuous monitoring and evaluation, and direct provision of resources to strengthen gaps in the public system. This practical experience integrating cervical cancer screening into routine HIV care may provide valuable lessons for scale-up in rural Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mairead Shaw
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Moucheraud C, Kawale P, Kafwafwa S, Bastani R, Hoffman RM. Health care workers' experiences with implementation of "screen and treat" for cervical cancer prevention in Malawi: A qualitative study. Implement Sci Commun 2020; 1:112. [PMID: 33317633 PMCID: PMC7734769 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-020-00097-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries, despite the availability of effective prevention approaches. "Screen and treat" (a single-visit strategy to identify and remove abnormal cervical cells) is the recommended secondary prevention approach in low-resource settings, but there has been relatively scarce robust implementation science evidence on barriers and facilitators to providing "screen and treat" from the provider perspective, or about thermocoagulation as a lesion removal technique. METHODS Informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted interviews with ten experienced "screen and treat" providers in Malawi. We asked questions based on the CFIR Guide, used the CFIR Guide codebook for a descriptive analysis in NVivo, and added recommended modifications for studies in low-income settings. RESULTS Seven CFIR constructs were identified as positively influencing implementation, and six as negatively influencing implementation. The two strong positive influences were the relative advantage of thermocoagulation versus cryotherapy (Innovation Characteristics) and respondents' knowledge and beliefs about providing "screen and treat" (Individual Characteristics). The two strong negative influences were the availability of ongoing refresher trainings to stay up-to-date on skills (Inner Setting, Implementation Climate) and insufficient resources (staffing, infrastructure, supplies) to provide "screen and treat" to all women who need it (Inner Setting, Readiness for Implementation). Weak positive factors included perceived scalability and access to knowledge/information, as well as compatibility, leadership engagement, and team characteristics, but these latter three were mixed in valence. Weak negative influences were structural characteristics and donor priorities; and mixed but weakly negative influences were relative priority and engaging clients. Cross-cutting themes included the importance of broad buy-in (including different cadres of health workers and leadership at the facility and in the government) and the opportunities and challenges of offering integrated care (screening plus other services). CONCLUSIONS Although "screen and treat" is viewed as effective and important, many implementation barriers remain. Our findings suggest that implementation strategies will need to be multi-level, include a diverse set of stakeholders, and explicitly address both screening and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrina Moucheraud
- University of California Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Paul Kawale
- African Institute for Development Policy, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Roshan Bastani
- University of California Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Risa M. Hoffman
- University of California Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA USA
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Mayhew SH, Warren CE, Ndwiga C, Narasimhan M, Wilcher R, Mutemwa R, Abuya T, Colombini M. Health systems software factors and their effect on the integration of sexual and reproductive health and HIV services. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e711-e720. [PMID: 33010243 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30201-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite a large and growing body of literature on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV integration, the drivers of integration of SRH and HIV services, from a health systems perspective, are not well understood. These drivers include complex so-called hardware (structural and resource) and software (values and norms, and human relations and interactions) factors. Two groups of software factors emerge as essential enablers of effective integration of SRH and HIV services that often interact with systems hardware: (1) leadership, management, and governance processes and (2) provider motivation, agency, and relationships. Evidence suggests the potential for software elements that are essential enablers to overcome some of the obstacles posed by the non-integration of health system hardware elements (eg, financing, guidelines, and commodity supplies). These enabling factors include flexible decision making, inclusive management, and support in motivating frontline staff who can work with agency as a team. Improved software, even within constrained hardware (especially in low-income and middle-income countries), can directly contribute to improved SRH and HIV service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah H Mayhew
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | | | | | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rose Wilcher
- Knowledge Management and Structural Interventions, HIV Unit, FHI 360, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Richard Mutemwa
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Manuela Colombini
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Garver S, Trinitapoli J, Yeatman S. Changing Childbearing Norms During an Era of ART Expansion in Malawi, 2009 to 2015. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:1676-1686. [PMID: 31612333 PMCID: PMC7153966 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02685-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Community norms shape the childbearing goals and behaviors of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) but little is known about how norms around HIV-positive childbearing have changed with expanded access to antiretroviral treatment (ART). We analyze data collected in 2009 and 2015 by the Tsogolo la Thanzi (TLT) project-a longitudinal, population-based study of young adults in southern Malawi. Respondents were asked about the acceptability of childbearing using vignettes that varied a hypothetical couple's HIV status and number of children. We assess mean differences in support for childbearing over time and by respondent gender and serostatus. The acceptability of childbearing for PLWHA increased dramatically over the 6-year period; however, support levels varied based on a couple's current number of children and whether they were seropositive concordant or discordant. Differences in attitudes by gender and HIV status diminished over time, pointing to a population-level convergence in norms about acceptable childbearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Garver
- Sociology Department, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.
- Social Science Research Center, 1155 E 60th St, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States.
| | | | - Sara Yeatman
- Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, USA
- University of Colorado Population Center (CUPC), Boulder, USA
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Malama K, Kilembe W, Inambao M, Hoagland A, Sharkey T, Parker R, Wall KM, Tichacek A, Sarkar S, Vwalika B, Haddad L, Chomba E, Allen S. A couple-focused, integrated unplanned pregnancy and HIV prevention program in urban and rural Zambia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 222:S915.e1-S915.e10. [PMID: 31945337 PMCID: PMC8377731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zambia's total fertility rate (5 births per woman) and adult HIV prevalence (11.5%) are among the highest in the world, with heterosexual couples being the most affected group. Jointly counseling and testing couples for HIV has reduced up to 58% of new HIV infections in Zambian clinics. Married women using contraceptives in Zambia have a high (20%) unmet need for family planning and low (8.6%) uptake of cost-effective long-acting reversible contraceptives. We present an integrated counseling, testing, and family-planning program to prevent HIV and unplanned pregnancy in Zambia. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to integrate effective HIV prevention and family-planning services for Zambian couples. STUDY DESIGN A 3 year program (2013-2016) progressively integrated the promotion and provision of couples' voluntary HIV counseling and testing and long-acting reversible contraceptives. The program was based in 55 urban and 215 rural government clinics across 33 districts. In the first year, a couples' family-planning counseling training program was developed and combined with existing couples HIV counseling training materials. To avoid congestion during routine clinic hours, joint counseling services were initially provided on weekends, while nurses were trained in intrauterine device and hormonal implant insertion and removal during weekday family-planning services. Demand was created through mutual referral between weekend and weekday programs and by clinic staff, community health workers, and satisfied family-planning clients. When the bulk of integrated service training was completed, the program transitioned services to routine weekday clinic hours, ensuring access to same-day services. Performance indicators included number of staff trained, clients served, integrated service referrals, HIV infections averted, and unplanned pregnancies averted. RESULTS A stepwise approach trained high-performing service providers to be trainers and used high-volume clinics for practicum training of the next generation. In total, 1201 (391 urban, 810 rural) counselors were trained and served 120,535 urban and 87,676 rural couples. In urban clinics, 236 nurses inserted 65,619 long-acting reversible contraceptives, while in rural clinics, 243 nurses inserted 35,703 implants and intrauterine devices. The program prevented an estimated 12,869 urban and 8279 rural adult HIV infections, and 98,626 unintended urban pregnancies. In the final year, the proportion of clients receiving joint counseling services on weekdays rose from 11% to 89%, with many referred from within clinics including HIV testing and treatment services (32%), outpatient department (31%), family planning (16%), and infant vaccination (15%). The largest group of clients requesting long-acting reversible contraceptives (45%) did so after joint fertility goal-based counseling, confirming the high impact of this couple-focused demand creation approach. Remaining family-planning clients responded to referrals from clinic nurses (34%), satisfied implant/intrauterine device users (13%), or community health workers (8%). CONCLUSION Integrated HIV and unplanned pregnancy prevention can be implemented in low-resource public sector facilities. Combination services offered to couples mutually leverage HIV prevention and unplanned pregnancy prevention. The addition of long-acting reversible contraceptives is an important complement to the method mix available in government clinics. Demand creation in the clinic and in the community must be coordinated with a growing supply of well-trained providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalonde Malama
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azurr, Marseille, France.
| | - William Kilembe
- Zambia Emory HIV Research Project, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Emory University, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mubiana Inambao
- Zambia Emory HIV Research Project, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Emory University, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ndola Central Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Alexandra Hoagland
- Zambia Emory HIV Research Project, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Emory University
| | - Tyronza Sharkey
- Zambia Emory HIV Research Project, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Emory University, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Rachel Parker
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Supriya Sarkar
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Bellington Vwalika
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lisa Haddad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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N'guessan E, Gbeli F, Dia JM, Guie P. [Contraceptive practices of HIV-infected women followed up on an ambulatory basis at the Treichville University Hospital (Abidjan, Ivory Coast)]. Pan Afr Med J 2019; 33:79. [PMID: 31448041 PMCID: PMC6689841 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2019.33.79.16435] [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: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Family planning is a high impact strategy to reduce maternal mortality and to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This study aims to describe contraceptive practices of HIV-infected women followed upon an ambulatory basis at the Treichville University Hospital. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive multicenter survey of people living with HIV in the ambulatory care units of the Treichville University Hospital from 1 April to 30 June 2016. During this period, all HIV positive patients of childbearing age attending the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Pneumophtisiology Department, the Department of Dermatovenereology and the Department of internal medicine were invited to complete a standardized questionnaire on the sociodemographic, medical characteristics and the contraceptive practices. Results In total, 283 women agreed to participate in the study, their median age was 36 years with an average parity of 1.7. Patients were nulliparous in only 22.3% of cases and lived with a partner in 54.8% of cases. They had no child with the current partner in 68.2% of cases. The partner was informed about their HIV status in 51.6% of cases. They were under antiretroviral treatment in 92.9% of cases with a median mean CD4 of 382 cells/mL. The majority of patients (62.9%) declared that they were using a modern contraceptive method. They mainly used progestin injectable (45.5%) and contraceptive implant (32.6%). The practice of dual protection was reported by only 17.4% of them. Secondary and higher education (OR=2.23 [1,35-3,69], p=0.01), multiparity (OR=1.84 [1,11-3,06], p=0.002) and revelation of HIV positive status to the partner (OR=1.86 [1,14-3,03], p<0.01) were factors significantly associated with the use of contraception. Conclusion Based on our experience, contraceptive practices in women infected with HIV are generally discouraging. It is essential to develop strategies to improve the integration of family planning into the management of HIV-infected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard N'guessan
- Service de Gynéco-obstétrique, CHU de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Franck Gbeli
- Service de Gynéco-obstétrique, CHU de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jean Marc Dia
- Service de Gynéco-obstétrique, CHU de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Privat Guie
- Service de Gynéco-obstétrique, CHU de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
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Kanyangarara M, Sakyi K, Laar A. Availability of integrated family planning services in HIV care and support sites in sub-Saharan Africa: a secondary analysis of national health facility surveys. Reprod Health 2019; 16:60. [PMID: 31138242 PMCID: PMC6538552 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0713-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrating family planning (FP) with HIV care and treatment programs is a strategy to expand FP service delivery and prevent unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV. However, little is known about the extent to which FP services are available in health facilities providing HIV services across sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we assessed the availability of integrated FP services and the associated factors in HIV care and support sites across sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of nationally representative facility-level data from Service Availability and Readiness Assessments (SARA) and Service Provision Assessments (SPA) conducted in 10 sub-Saharan African countries between 2012 and 2015. We used six indicators that reflect the structure and process of care essential for FP service delivery in HIV care and support facilities to define the outcome of interest - onsite availability of integrated FP services. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore facility-level characteristics associated with the outcome. RESULTS Among the 3161 health facilities offering HIV care and support services, most reported also offering FP services at the same location. The availability of three FP methods was higher than the availability of FP guidelines and trained staff. Onsite availability of integrated FP services ranged from 10 to 61%. Results of multivariate logistic regression indicated that the odds of having onsite integrated FP services available was higher in HIV care and support sites that were operated by the government, classified as a tertiary level care facility, and provided services for PMTCT, antenatal care and basic surgery. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate critical shortcomings in the preparedness of HIV care and support sites to deliver onsite integrated FP services. Renewed efforts are needed to address these supply-side barriers and ensure that integrated FP and HIV services meet the unique needs of HIV clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mufaro Kanyangarara
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Kwame Sakyi
- Department of Public and Environmental Wellness, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI USA
| | - Amos Laar
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Milford C, Greener LR, Beksinska M, Greener R, Mabude Z, Smit J. Provider understandings of and attitudes towards integration: Implementing an HIV and sexual and reproductive health service integration model, South Africa. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2019; 17:183-192. [PMID: 30003849 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2018.1478314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In South Africa, a lack of integration between sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV services has led to lost opportunities in the treatment cascade. In a context of high HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and unplanned pregnancies, a model for integrating SRH and HIV services was implemented in a hospital and six feeder clinics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Changes in healthcare provider knowledge, attitudes and understandings were explored following model implementation. Baseline data were collected via focus group discussions (FGDs) and a cross-sectional survey, and were used to inform the development of a model for integrating SRH and HIV services. Following the implementation of the model, an endline survey was conducted to explore any changes. Four FGDs were conducted with healthcare providers at study facilities. A total of 46 providers participated in the baseline survey, and 44 in the endline survey. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using NVivo 11, and quantitative data were descriptively analysed using SPSS 24. The understanding of integration improved by endline. Integration of services was considered important for reducing stigma and increasing access to and improving quality of care. Concerns raised were that integration would increase workload and time per client. Physical structure of facilities was not always conducive to referral or integration. Perceived benefits of integration and actual integration of services improved between baseline and endline. Enhanced understanding of integration and increased levels of reported integration over time imply that providers are more aware, suggesting that the model was effective. Provider perspectives and understandings are important for the successful integration of services. This integration model is relevant and useful to inform training and mentoring of providers, as well as to provide recommendations for policy implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Milford
- a MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
| | - Letitia Rambally Greener
- a MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- a MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
| | - Ross Greener
- a MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
| | - Zonke Mabude
- a MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
| | - Jenni Smit
- a MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
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Thindwa D, Landes M, van Lettow M, Kanyemba A, Nkhoma E, Phiri H, Kalua T, van Oosterhout JJ, Kim EJ, Barr BAT. Pregnancy intention and contraceptive use among HIV-positive Malawian women at 4-26 weeks post-partum: A nested cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215947. [PMID: 31013338 PMCID: PMC6478345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avoiding unintended pregnancies through family planning is a WHO strategy for preventing mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and maternal morbidity/mortality. We investigated factors associated with unintended index pregnancy, unmet contraceptive need, future pregnancy intention and current contraceptive use among Malawian women living with HIV in the Option B+ era. METHODS Women who tested HIV positive at 4-26 weeks postpartum were enrolled into a cross-sectional study at high-volume Under-5 clinics. Structured baseline interviews included questions on socio-demographics, HIV knowledge, partner's HIV status/disclosure, ART use, pregnancy intention and contraceptive use. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with outcomes. RESULTS We enrolled 578 HIV-positive women between May 2015-May 2016; median maternal age was 28 years (y) (interquartile-range [IQR]: 23-32), median parity was 3 deliveries (IQR: 2-4) and median infant age was 7 weeks (IQR: 6-12). Overall, 41.8% women reported unintended index pregnancy, of whom 35.0% reported unmet contraceptive need and 65.0% contraceptive failure. In multivariable analysis, unintended index pregnancy was higher in ≥35y vs. 14-24y (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 2.1, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI]: 1.0-4.2) and in women with parity ≥3 vs. primiparous (aOR: 2.9, 95%CI: 1.5-5.6). Unmet contraceptive need at conception was higher in 14-24y vs. ≥35y (aOR: 4.2, 95%CI: 1.8-9.9), primiparous vs. ≥3 (aOR: 8.3, 95%CI: 1.8-39.5), and women with a partner of unknown HIV-status (aOR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.2-4.0). Current contraceptive use was associated with being on ART in previous pregnancy (aOR: 2.5, 95%CI: 1.5-3.9). CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of unintended index pregnancy and unmet contraceptive need among HIV-positive women highlight the need for improved access to contraceptives. To help achieve reproductive goals and elimination of MTCT of HIV, integration of family planning into HIV care should be strengthened to ensure women have timely access to a wide range of family planning methods with low failure risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deus Thindwa
- Management Sciences for Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Megan Landes
- Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monique van Lettow
- Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Happy Phiri
- Management Sciences for Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Joep J. van Oosterhout
- Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Evelyn J. Kim
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Bernard C, Pekny C, Omukagah CO, Bernard CO, Manji I, Pastakia SD, Christoffersen-Deb A. Integration of contraceptive services into anticoagulation management services improves access to long-acting reversible contraception. Contraception 2018; 98:486-491. [PMID: 30076833 PMCID: PMC6941485 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.07.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Integration of services is a promising way to improve access to contraception in sub-Saharan Africa, but few studies have evaluated this strategy to increase access to contraception among women requiring anticoagulation. Our objective was to evaluate a model of care integrating contraceptive counseling and provision within an anticoagulation management clinic in Eldoret, Kenya, to determine the impact on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use. STUDY DESIGN We performed a prospective observational study of reproductive-age women referred for integrated services from the anticoagulation management clinic at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital from March 2015 to March 2016. All participants received disease-specific contraceptive counseling and provision, free reversible methods (excluding hormonal intrauterine devices [IUDs]) and follow-up care. We compared LARC use 3 months postintervention to preintervention using the proportions test. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors related to use of contraceptive implants and copper IUDs. RESULTS Of 190 participants, 171 (90%) completed 3-month follow-up. There was a significant increase in contraceptive implant use from 10% to 19%, p=.02, and injectable contraceptive use from 14% to 24%, p=.013. There was a concomitant decrease in the use of no method/abstinence from 57% to 39% (33% decrease, p<.001). Younger age, having at least one child and discussing family planning with a partner were predictive of LARC use. CONCLUSION Integrating contraceptive services into an anticoagulation management clinic increases the use of highly effective contraception for women with cardiovascular disease. Implementation of similar models of care should be evaluated within other sites for chronic disease management. IMPLICATIONS A model of care integrating contraceptive counseling and provision into anticoagulation management services is an effective strategy to improve LARC and overall highly effective contraceptive use among women with cardiovascular disease requiring anticoagulation. This model of care may be utilized to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality among this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Bernard
- AMPATH/Indiana University, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya, 30100.
| | - Chelsea Pekny
- AMPATH/Purdue University, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya, 30100.
| | | | | | - Imran Manji
- AMPATH/Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret, Kenya, 30100.
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Tweya H, Feldacker C, Haddad LB, Munthali C, Bwanali M, Speight C, Kachere LG, Tembo P, Phiri S. Integrating family planning services into HIV care: use of a point-of-care electronic medical record system in Lilongwe, Malawi. Glob Health Action 2018; 10:1383724. [PMID: 29039263 PMCID: PMC5678434 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1383724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrating family planning (FP) services into human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinical care helps improve access to contraceptives for women living with HIV. However, high patient volumes may limit providers' ability to counsel women about pregnancy risks and contraceptive options. OBJECTIVES To assess trends in the use of contraceptive methods after implementing an electronic medical record (EMR) system with FP questions and determine the reasons for non-use of contraceptives among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Martin Preuss Center clinic in Malawi. METHODS In February 2012, two FP questions were incorporated into the ART EMR system (initial FP EMR module) to prompt providers to offer contraceptives to women. In July 2013, additional questions were added to the FP EMR module (enhanced FP EMR) to prompt providers to assess risks of unintended pregnancies, solicit reasons for non-use of contraceptives and offer contraceptives to non-pregnant women . We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study using the EMR routinely collected data. The primary outcome was the use of any modern contraceptive method. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population and report trends in contraceptive use during the initial and enhanced study periods. RESULTS Between February 2012 and December 2016, in HIV clinics, 20,253 women of reproductive age received ART, resulting in 163,325 clinic visits observations. The proportion of women using contraceptives increased significantly from 18% to 39% between February 2012 and June 2013, and from 39% to 67% between July 2013 and December 2016 (chi-square for trend p < 0.001). Common reasons reported for the non-use of contraceptives among those at risk of unintended pregnancy were: pregnancy ambivalence (n = 234, 51%) and never thought about it (n = 133, 29%). CONCLUSION Incorporating the FP EMR module into HIV clinical care prompted healthcare workers to encourage the use of contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannock Tweya
- a Center for Operational Research, The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease , Paris , France.,b Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Lighthouse Trust , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Caryl Feldacker
- c International Training and Education Center for Health , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA
| | - Lisa B Haddad
- d Department of and Obstetrics , Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Chimango Munthali
- e Department of Informatics, Baobab Health Trust , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Mwatha Bwanali
- e Department of Informatics, Baobab Health Trust , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Colin Speight
- b Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Lighthouse Trust , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Layout G Kachere
- b Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Lighthouse Trust , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Petros Tembo
- b Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Lighthouse Trust , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Sam Phiri
- b Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Lighthouse Trust , Lilongwe , Malawi.,f Department of Medicine , University of North Carolina School of Medicine , Chapel Hill , NC , USA.,g Lilongwe, Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine , University of Malawi , Malawi
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Caplan MR, Phiri K, Parent J, Phoya A, Schooley A, Hoffman RM. Provider perspectives on barriers to reproductive health services for HIV-infected clients in Central Malawi. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 4. [PMID: 30828465 DOI: 10.15761/cogrm.1000208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite widespread availability of Depo-Provera in HIV clinics in Malawi, coverage of family planning (FP) remains low. We sought to understand provider perspectives about the challenges of providing reproductive health services to HIV-infected clients in antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in Central Malawi by conducting surveys and semi structured in-depth interviews with 31 ART providers across 16 clinical sites. Additionally, site surveys were performed to assess contraceptive resources. Major barriers to the provision of FP in ART clinics were inadequate staff in the facility, shortage of trained providers, limited time to counsel on FP, and lack of private space for the provision of FP services. These barriers limit the direct delivery of FP in ART clinics. Strategies to integrate FP with HIV/ART services and task shifting FP service provision to non-ART providers should be explored in Malawi as a means to improve coverage of services to HIV-infected clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret R Caplan
- Division of HIV Medicine, Los Angeles Biomedical Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | | | | | - Ann Phoya
- UNC Maternal and Safe Motherhood Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Alan Schooley
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Risa M Hoffman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Mwalabu G, Evans C, Redsell S. Factors influencing the experience of sexual and reproductive healthcare for female adolescents with perinatally-acquired HIV: a qualitative case study. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2017; 17:125. [PMID: 29216874 PMCID: PMC5721479 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-017-0485-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people living with perinatally-acquired HIV require age-appropriate support regarding sex and relationships as they progress towards adulthood. HIV affects both genders but evidence suggests that young women are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse and more prone to engaging in sexual behaviours to meet their daily survival needs. This can result in poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. HIV services in Malawi provide support for young women's HIV-related clinical needs, but it is unclear whether there is sufficient provision for their SRH needs as they become adults. This paper explores the sex and relationship experiences of young women growing up with perinatally-acquired HIV in order to understand how to improve SRH care and associated outcomes. METHODS A qualitative case study approach was adopted in which each 'case' comprised a young woman (15-19 years) with perinatally acquired HIV, a nominated caregiver and service provider. Participants were purposively selected from three multidisciplinary centres providing specialised paediatric/adolescent HIV care in Malawi. Data was collected for 14 cases through in-depth interviews (i.e. a total of 42 participants) and analysed using within-case and cross-case approaches. The interviews with adolescents were based on an innovative visual method known as 'my story book' which encouraged open discussion on sensitive topics. RESULTS Young women reported becoming sexually active at an early age for different reasons. Some sought a sense of intimacy, love, acceptance and belonging in these relationships, noting that they lacked this at home and/or within their peer groups. For others, their sexual activity was more functional - related to meeting survival needs. Young women reported having little control over negotiating safer sex or contraception. Their priority was preventing unwanted pregnancies yet several of the sample already had babies, and transfer to antenatal services created major disruptions in their HIV care. In contrast, caregivers and nurses regarded sexual activity from a clinical perspective, fearing onward transmission of HIV and advocating abstinence or condoms where possible. In addition, a cultural silence rooted in dominant religious and traditional norms closed down possibilities for discussion about sexual matters and prevented young women from accessing contraception. CONCLUSION The study has shown how young women, caregivers and service providers have contrasting perspectives and priorities around SRH care. Illumination of these differences highlights a need for service improvement. It is suggested that young women themselves are involved in future service improvement initiatives to encourage the development of culturally and socially acceptable pathways of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrude Mwalabu
- University Lecturer, Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Catrin Evans
- Associate Professor, School of Health Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sarah Redsell
- Professor, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
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Siapka M, Obure CD, Mayhew SH, Sweeney S, Fenty J, Initiative I, Vassall A. Impact of integration of sexual and reproductive health services on consultation duration times: results from the Integra Initiative. Health Policy Plan 2017; 32:iv82-iv90. [PMID: 29194545 PMCID: PMC5886289 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czx141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of human resources is a key challenge in scaling up of HIV services in Africa's health care system. Integrating HIV services could potentially increase their effectiveness and optimize the use of limited resources and clinical staff time. We examined the impact of integration of provider initiated HIV counselling and testing (PITC) and family planning (FP counselling and FP provision) services on duration of consultation to assess the impact of PITC and FP integration on staff workload. This study was conducted in 24 health facilities in Kenya under the Integra Initiative, a non-randomized, pre/post intervention trial to evaluate the impact of integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services on health and service outcomes. We compared the time spent providing PITC-only services, FP-only services and integrated PITC/FP services. We used log-linear regression to assess the impact of plausible determinants on the duration of clients' consultation times. Median consultation duration times were highest for PITC-only services (30 min), followed by integrated services (10 min) and FP-only services (8 min). Times for PITC-only and FP-only services were 69.7% higher (95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) 35.8-112.0) and 43.9% lower (95% CIs -55.4 to - 29.6) than times spent on these services when delivered as an integrated service, respectively. The reduction in consultation times with integration suggests a potential reduction in workload. The higher consultation time for PITC-only could be because more pre- and post-counselling is provided at these stand-alone services. In integrated PITC/FP services, the duration of the visit fell below that required by HIV testing guidelines, and service mix between counselling and testing substantially changed. Integration of HIV with FP services may compromise the quality of services delivered and care must be taken to clearly specify and monitor appropriate consultation duration times and procedures during the process of integrating HIV and FP services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Siapka
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Carol Dayo Obure
- Human Capital Youth and Skills Development Department, African Development Bank, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Susannah H Mayhew
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Sedona Sweeney
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Justin Fenty
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Integra Initiative
- Full list of Integra Initiative team members is provided in the Acknowledgements
| | - Anna Vassall
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
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Matthews LT, Burns BF, Bajunirwe F, Kabakyenga J, Bwana M, Ng C, Kastner J, Kembabazi A, Sanyu N, Kusasira A, Haberer JE, Bangsberg DR, Kaida A. Beyond HIV-serodiscordance: Partnership communication dynamics that affect engagement in safer conception care. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183131. [PMID: 28880892 PMCID: PMC5589112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We explored acceptability and feasibility of safer conception methods among HIV-affected couples in Uganda. METHODS We recruited HIV-positive men and women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) ('index') from the Uganda Antiretroviral Rural Treatment Outcomes cohort who reported an HIV-negative or unknown-serostatus partner ('partner'), HIV-serostatus disclosure to partner, and personal or partner desire for a child within two years. We conducted in-depth interviews with 40 individuals from 20 couples, using a narrative approach with tailored images to assess acceptability of five safer conception strategies: ART for the infected partner, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the uninfected partner, condomless sex timed to peak fertility, manual insemination, and male circumcision. Translated and transcribed data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS 11/20 index participants were women, median age of 32.5 years, median of 2 living children, and 80% had HIV-RNA <400 copies/mL. Awareness of HIV prevention strategies beyond condoms and abstinence was limited and precluded opportunity to explore or validly assess acceptability or feasibility of safer conception methods. Four key partnership communication challenges emerged as primary barriers to engagement in safer conception care, including: (1) HIV-serostatus disclosure: Although disclosure was an inclusion criterion, partners commonly reported not knowing the index partner's HIV status. Similarly, the partner's HIV-serostatus, as reported by the index, was frequently inaccurate. (2) Childbearing intention: Many couples had divergent childbearing intentions and made incorrect assumptions about their partner's desires. (3) HIV risk perception: Participants had disparate understandings of HIV transmission and disagreed on the acceptable level of HIV risk to meet reproductive goals. (4) Partnership commitment: Participants revealed significant discord in perceptions of partnership commitment. All four types of partnership miscommunication introduced constraints to autonomous reproductive decision-making, particularly for women. Such miscommunication was common, as only 2 of 20 partnerships in our sample were mutually-disclosed with agreement across all four communication themes. CONCLUSIONS Enthusiasm for safer conception programming is growing. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing gendered partnership communication regarding HIV disclosure, reproductive goals, acceptable HIV risk, and commitment, alongside technical safer conception advice. Failing to consider partnership dynamics across these domains risks limiting reach, uptake, adherence to, and retention in safer conception programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T. Matthews
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Bridget F. Burns
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Mwebesa Bwana
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Courtney Ng
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jasmine Kastner
- Research Institute McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Annet Kembabazi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Naomi Sanyu
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Adrine Kusasira
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - David R. Bangsberg
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Haberlen SA, Narasimhan M, Beres LK, Kennedy CE. Integration of Family Planning Services into HIV Care and Treatment Services: A Systematic Review. Stud Fam Plann 2017; 48:153-177. [PMID: 28337766 PMCID: PMC5516228 DOI: 10.1111/sifp.12018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence on the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost‐effectiveness of integrating family planning (FP) and HIV services has grown significantly since the 2004 Glion Call to Action. This systematic review adds to the knowledge base by characterizing the range of models used to integrate FP into HIV care and treatment, and synthesizing the evidence on integration outcomes among women living with HIV. Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria, eight of which were published after the last systematic review on the topic in 2013. Overall, integration was associated with higher modern method contraceptive prevalence and knowledge, although there was insufficient evidence to evaluate its effects on unintended pregnancy or achieving safe and healthy pregnancy. Evidence for change in unmet need for FP was limited, although two of the three evaluations that measured unmet need suggested possible improvements associated with integrated services. However, improving access to FP services through integration was not always sufficient to increase the use of more effective (noncondom) modern methods among women who wanted to prevent pregnancy. Integration efforts, particularly in contexts where contraceptive use is low, must address community‐wide and HIV‐specific barriers to using effective FP methods alongside improving access to information, commodities, and services within routine HIV care.
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Mantell JE, Cooper D, Exner TM, Moodley J, Hoffman S, Myer L, Leu CS, Bai D, Kelvin EA, Jennings K, Stein ZA, Constant D, Zweigenthal V, Cishe N, Nywagi N. Emtonjeni-A Structural Intervention to Integrate Sexual and Reproductive Health into Public Sector HIV Care in Cape Town, South Africa: Results of a Phase II Study. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:905-922. [PMID: 27807792 PMCID: PMC5552040 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Integration of sexual and reproductive health within HIV care services is a promising strategy for increasing access to family planning and STI services and reducing unwanted pregnancies, perinatal HIV transmission and maternal and infant mortality among people living with HIV and their partners. We conducted a Phase II randomized futility trial of a multi-level intervention to increase adherence to safer sex guidelines among those wishing to avoid pregnancy and adherence to safer conception guidelines among those seeking conception in newly-diagnosed HIV-positive persons in four public-sector HIV clinics in Cape Town. Clinics were pair-matched and the two clinics within each pair were randomized to either a three-session provider-delivered enhanced intervention (EI) (onsite contraceptive services and brief milieu intervention for staff) or standard-of-care (SOC) provider-delivered intervention. The futility analysis showed that we cannot rule out the possibility that the EI intervention has a 10 % point or greater success rate in improving adherence to safer sex/safer conception guidelines than does SOC (p = 0.573), indicating that the intervention holds merit, and a larger-scale confirmatory study showing whether the EI is superior to SOC has merit.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Mantell
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - D Cooper
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - T M Exner
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Moodley
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Hoffman
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C-S Leu
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Bai
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - E A Kelvin
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - K Jennings
- City of Cape Town Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Z A Stein
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Constant
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - V Zweigenthal
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N Cishe
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - N Nywagi
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
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Factors Associated with Hormonal and Intrauterine Contraceptive Use among HIV-Infected Men and Women in Lilongwe, Malawi: A Cross-Sectional Study. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2016; 2016:5429316. [PMID: 27642245 PMCID: PMC5013202 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5429316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Understanding the factors associated with the use of hormonal and intrauterine contraception among HIV-infected men and women may lead to interventions that can help reduce high unintended pregnancy rates. Materials and Methods. This study is a subanalysis of a cross-sectional survey of 289 women and 241 men who were sexually active and HIV-infected and were attending HIV care visits in Lilongwe, Malawi. We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) to evaluate factors associated with hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive use for men and women in separate models. Results and Discussion. 39.8% of women and 33.2% of men (p = 0.117) reported that they were using hormonal or intrauterine contraception at last intercourse. Having greater than 3 children was the only factor associated with hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive use among men. Among women, younger age, not wanting a pregnancy in 2 years, being with their partner for more than 4 years, and being able to make family planning decisions by themselves were associated with hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive use. Conclusions. The men and women in our study population differed in the factors associated with hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive use. Understanding these differences may help decrease unmet FP needs among HIV-infected men and women.
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Tang JH, Kopp DM, Stuart GS, O’Shea M, Stanley CC, Hosseinipour MC, Miller WC, Mwale M, Kaliti S, Bonongwe P, Rosenberg NE. Association between contraceptive implant knowledge and intent with implant uptake among postpartum Malawian women: a prospective cohort study. Contracept Reprod Med 2016; 1:13. [PMID: 29201402 PMCID: PMC5693581 DOI: 10.1186/s40834-016-0026-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) can assist women with birth spacing and reduce unintended pregnancies. Sub-Saharan Africa has low uptake of the two available methods of LARC, the subdermal implant and intrauterine contraception (IUC). Our primary objectives were to: 1) calculate the incidence of LARC use among postpartum Malawian women, and 2) assess if LARC knowledge and intent to use LARC were associated with LARC uptake. METHODS This study was a prospective cohort study of 634 postpartum women who were recruited from the postpartum ward of Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Study participants completed a baseline survey in the postpartum ward. Follow-up telephone surveys about contraceptive use were conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to evaluate if implant knowledge and intent to use implant were associated with implant uptake. RESULTS One hundred thirty-seven implant and 10 IUC placements were reported over 12 months of follow-up; given the low rate of IUC uptake, further analysis was only done for implant uptake. The incidence rate for implant uptake was 35.6 per 100 person-years (95 % CI 30.0, 42.2). Correct implant knowledge (adjusted HR = 1.69; 95 % CI 1.06, 2.68) and intent to use implant (adjusted HR 1.95; 95 % CI 1.28, 2.98) were both associated with implant uptake. CONCLUSIONS More women reported implant use than IUC use in our study. Correct implant knowledge and intent to use implant were both associated with implant uptake, with a stronger association for intent. Interventions to increase LARC uptake should focus on improving LARC knowledge and removing barriers to LARC. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trial Registration #: NCT01893021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H. Tang
- UNC Project-Malawi, 100 Mzimba Road, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB #7570, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7570 USA
| | - Dawn M. Kopp
- UNC Project-Malawi, 100 Mzimba Road, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Gretchen S. Stuart
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB #7570, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7570 USA
| | - Michele O’Shea
- UNC Project-Malawi, 100 Mzimba Road, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Northwestern University, 250 East Superior Street, Suite 03-2303, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | | | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- UNC Project-Malawi, 100 Mzimba Road, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, 130 Mason Farm Road, CB #7030, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030 USA
| | - William C. Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, 130 Mason Farm Road, CB #7030, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030 USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Drive, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435 USA
| | - Mwawi Mwale
- Bwaila Hospital, Old Malangalanga Road, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Stephen Kaliti
- Bwaila Hospital, Old Malangalanga Road, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Phylos Bonongwe
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Malawi College of Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Nora E. Rosenberg
- UNC Project-Malawi, 100 Mzimba Road, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
- UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, 130 Mason Farm Road, CB #7030, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030 USA
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Lopez LM, Grey TW, Chen M, Denison J, Stuart G. Behavioral interventions for improving contraceptive use among women living with HIV. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 2016:CD010243. [PMID: 27505053 PMCID: PMC7092487 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010243.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contraception services can help meet the family planning goals of women living with HIV as well as prevent mother-to-child transmission. Due to antiretroviral therapy, survival has improved for people living with HIV, and more HIV-positive women may desire to have a child or another child. Behavioral interventions, involving counseling or education, can help women choose and use an appropriate contraceptive method. OBJECTIVES We systematically reviewed studies of behavioral interventions for HIV-positive women intended to inform contraceptive choice, encourage contraceptive use, or promote adherence to a contraceptive regimen. SEARCH METHODS Until 2 August 2016, we searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, POPLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP. For the initial review, we examined reference lists and unpublished project reports, and we contacted investigators in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies evaluated a behavioral intervention for improving contraceptive use for family planning (FP). The comparison could have been another behavioral intervention, usual care, or no intervention. We also considered studies that compared HIV-positive versus HIV-negative women. We included non-randomized studies as well as randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Primary outcomes were pregnancy and contraception use, e.g. uptake of a new method or improved use or continuation of current method. Secondary outcomes were knowledge of contraceptive effectiveness and attitude about contraception or a specific contraceptive method. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently extracted the data. One entered the data into RevMan and a second verified accuracy. We evaluated RCTs according to recommended principles. For non-randomized studies, we examined the quality of evidence using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Given the need to control for confounding factors in non-randomized studies, we used adjusted estimates from the models when available. Where we did not have adjusted analyses, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Due to varied study designs and interventions, we did not conduct meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS With three new reports, 10 studies from seven African countries met our eligibility criteria. Eight non-randomized studies included 8980 participants. Two cluster RCTs had 7136 participants across 36 sites. Three studies compared a special FP intervention versus usual care, three examined FP services integrated with HIV services, and four compared outcomes for HIV-positive and HIV-negative women.In four studies with high or moderate quality evidence, the special intervention was associated with contraceptive use or pregnancy. A study from Nigeria compared enhanced versus basic FP services. All sites had integrated FP and HIV services. Women with enhanced services were more likely to use a modern contraceptive method versus women with basic services (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.72). A cluster RCT conducted in Kenya compared integrated FP and HIV services versus standard referral to a separate FP clinic. Women with integrated services were more likely to use more effective contraception (adjusted OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.63). Another cluster RCT compared an HIV prevention and FP intervention versus usual care in Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania. Women at the special intervention sites in Tanzania were more likely to use highly effective contraception (adjusted OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.24 to 4.10). They were less likely to report unprotected sex (no condom use) at last intercourse (adjusted OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.40). Across the three countries, women at the special intervention sites were less likely to report any unprotected sex in the past two weeks (adjusted OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.99). A study in Côte d'Ivoire integrated HIV and FP services. HIV-positive women had a lower incidence of undesired pregnancy, but not overall pregnancy, compared with HIV-negative women (1.07 versus 2.38; reported P = 0.023). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The studies since 2009 focused on using modern or more effective methods of contraception. In those later reports, training on FP methods and counseling was more common, which may strengthen the intervention and improve the ability to meet clients' needs. The quality of evidence was moderate from the more recent studies and low for those from the 1990s.Comparative research involving contraceptive counseling for HIV-positive women is limited. The FP field needs better ways to help women choose an appropriate contraceptive and continue using that method. Improved counseling methods are especially needed for limited resource settings, such as clinics focusing on people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laureen M Lopez
- FHI 360Clinical and Epidemiological Sciences359 Blackwell St, Suite 200DurhamNorth CarolinaUSA27701
| | - Thomas W Grey
- FHI 360Social and Behavioral Health Sciences359 Blackwell St, Suite 200DurhamNorth CarolinaUSA27701
| | - Mario Chen
- FHI 360Biostatistics359 Blackwell St, Suite 200DurhamNorth CarolinaUSA27701
| | - Julie Denison
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthInternational HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Gretchen Stuart
- University of North Carolina School of MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology3031 Old Clinic Building CB#7570Chapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA27599‐7570
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Black V, Davies N, Williams BG, Rees HV, Schwartz SR. Establishing conception intentions and safer conception services for eliminating the vertical, and reducing the horizontal, transmission of HIV. BJOG 2016; 123:1585-8. [PMID: 27305868 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V Black
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - N Davies
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - B G Williams
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - H V Rees
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - S R Schwartz
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Campbell C, Kafwafwa S, Brown H, Walker G, Madetsa B, Deeny M, Kabota B, Morton D, Ter Haar R, Grant L, Cubie HA. Use of thermo-coagulation as an alternative treatment modality in a 'screen-and-treat' programme of cervical screening in rural Malawi. Int J Cancer 2016; 139:908-15. [PMID: 27006131 PMCID: PMC5084797 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of cervical cancer in Malawi is the highest in the world and projected to increase in the absence of interventions. Although government policy supports screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), screening provision is limited due to lack of infrastructure, trained personnel, and the cost and availability of gas for cryotherapy. Recently, thermo‐coagulation has been acknowledged as a safe and acceptable procedure suitable for low‐resource settings. We introduced thermo‐coagulation for treatment of VIA‐positive lesions as an alternative to cryotherapy within a cervical screening service based on VIA, coupled with appropriate, sustainable pathways of care for women with high‐grade lesions and cancers. Detailed planning was undertaken for VIA clinics, and approvals were obtained from the Ministry of Health, Regional and Village Chiefs. Educational resources were developed. Thermo‐coagulators were introduced into hospital and health centre settings, with theoretical and practical training in safe use and maintenance of equipment. A total of 7,088 previously unscreened women attended VIA clinics between October 2013 and March 2015. Screening clinics were held daily in the hospital and weekly in the health centres. Overall, VIA positivity was 6.1%. Almost 90% received same day treatment in the hospital setting, and 3‐ to 6‐month cure rates of more than 90% are observed. Thermo‐coagulation proved feasible and acceptable in this setting. Effective implementation requires comprehensive training and provider support, ongoing competency assessment, quality assurance and improvement audit. Thermo‐coagulation offers an effective alternative to cryotherapy and encouraged VIA screening of many more women. What's new? Malawi has the highest incidence rates for cervical cancer worldwide, and a “screen‐and‐treat” program is in place to identify and treat precancerous lesions. Conventional cryotherapy is challenging as gas supply is inconsistent, cylinders are difficult to transport and running costs are high. Here, the authors introduce thermo‐coagulation as a treatment alternative, which proved feasible and acceptable in this resource‐poor setting and could increase the number of women receiving timely treatment for precancerous lesions in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Campbell
- Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, Teviot Place, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hilary Brown
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Walker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, United Kingdom
| | | | - Miriam Deeny
- Department of Gynaecology, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow, G21 3UW, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Liz Grant
- Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Heather A Cubie
- Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, United Kingdom
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