1
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Makuza JD, Soe P, Jeong D, Nisingizwe MP, Dushimiyimana D, Umutesi J, Nshimiyimana L, Maliza C, Serumondo J, Remera E, Rwibasira GN, Tuyishime A, Riedel DJ. Epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections: trends among patients screened for sexually transmitted infections in rwandan health facilities 2014–2020. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:701. [PMID: 35987614 PMCID: PMC9392439 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07685-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are of great global health concern. Currently, there are limited epidemiological data characterizing STIs in the general population in Rwanda. We assessed the national and regional epidemiology of STIs in Rwanda from 2014–2020 among patients syndromically screened for STIs in all health facilities in Rwanda. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of the trend of STIs epidemiology among screened patients at all health facilities in Rwanda using data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) reporting. Adult patients (15 years and over) screened for STIs between July 2014 and June 2020 were included in the analysis. Outcomes of interest were the number of individuals screened for STIs and individuals diagnosed with at least one STI with a syndromic approach only or plus a test together. Results Overall, the number of individuals screened for STIs over the study period was 5.3 million (M) in 2014–2015, 6.6 M in 2015–2016, 6.3 M in 2016–2017, 6.7 M in 2017–2018, 6.2 M in 2018–2019, and 4.9 M in 2019–2020. There was a modest increase in the number of individuals diagnosed and treated for STIs from 139,357 in 2014–15 to 202,294 (45% increase) in 2019–2020. At the national level, the prevalence of STI syndromes amongst individuals screened at health facilities in Rwanda varied between 2.37% to 4.16% during the study period. Among the provinces, Kigali city had the highest prevalence for the whole 6 years ranging from 3.46% (95%CI: 3.41, 3.51) in 2014–2015 to 8.23% (95%CI: 8.15, 8.31) in 2019–2020. Conclusion From 2014 to 2020, the number of patients screened for STI syndromes in Rwanda varied between 4.9 M and 6.7 M. However, the prevalence of STIs among screened patients increased considerably over time, which could be associated with public awareness and improved data recording. The highest prevalence of all STIs was observed in urban areas and near borders, and private clinics reported more cases, suggesting the need to improve awareness in these settings and increase confidentiality and trust in public health clinics.
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Hakim AJ, Bolo A, Coy KC, Achut V, Katoro J, Caesar G, Lako R, Taban AI, Sleeman K, Wesson J, Okiria AG. Progress toward the UNAIDS 90–90-90 targets among female sex workers and sexually exploited female adolescents in Juba and Nimule, South Sudan. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:132. [PMID: 35045854 PMCID: PMC8767749 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12533-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Little is known about HIV in South Sudan and even less about HIV among female sex workers (FSW). We characterized progress towards UNAIDS 90–90-90 targets among female sex workers (FSW) and sexually exploited female adolescents in Juba and Nimule, South Sudan.
Methods
We conducted a biobehavioral survey of FSW and sexually exploited female adolescents using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in Juba (November 2015–March 2016) and in Nimule (January–March 2017) to estimate achievements toward the UNAIDS 90–90-90 targets (90% of HIV-positive individuals know their status; of these, 90% are receiving antiretroviral therapy [ART]; and of these, 90% are virally suppressed). Eligibility criteria were girls and women who were aged ≥15 years; spoke English, Juba Arabic, or Kiswahili; received money, goods, or services in exchange for sex in the past 6 months; and resided, worked, or socialized in the survey city for ≥1 month. Data were weighted for RDS methods.
Results
We sampled 838 FSW and sexually exploited female adolescents in Juba (HIV-positive, 333) and 409 in Nimule (HIV-positive, 108). Among HIV-positive FSW and sexually exploited female adolescents living in Juba, 74.8% self-reported being aware of their HIV status; of these, 73.3% self-reported being on ART; and of these, 62.2% were virally suppressed. In Nimule, 79.5% of FSW and sexually exploited female adolescents living with HIV self-reported being aware of their HIV status; of these, 62.9% self-reported being on ART; and of these, 75.7% were virally suppressed.
Conclusions
Although awareness of HIV status is the lowest of the 90–90-90 indicators in many countries, treatment uptake and viral suppression were lowest among FSW and sexually exploited female adolescents in South Sudan. Differentiated service delivery facilitate linkage to and retention on treatment in support of attainment of viral suppression.
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Garrett N, Mtshali A, Osman F, Masson L, McKinnon LR, Singh R, Mitchev N, Ngobese H, Kharsany ABM, Abdool Karim S, Mlisana K, Passmore JA, Rompalo A, Mindel A, Liebenberg L. Impact of point-of-care testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis on genital tract inflammatory cytokines in a cohort of young South African women. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 97:555-565. [PMID: 33608480 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES STIs cause inflammation that is detrimental for both HIV risk and reproductive health. We assessed the impact of point-of-care (POC) STI testing, immediate treatment and expedited partner therapy (EPT) on genital tract cytokines among a cohort of young South African women. METHODS HIV-negative women underwent POC testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) by Xpert CT/NG and OSOM TV, and for bacterial vaginosis (BV) by microscopy. Women with STIs and/or BV received immediate treatment, EPT for STIs and retested after 6 and 12 weeks. Concentrations of 48 cytokines were measured in cervicovaginal fluid at each visit using multiplex ELISA technology. The impact of STI treatment on cytokine concentrations was assessed by multivariable linear mixed models and principal component analysis. RESULTS The study enrolled 251 women with median age of 23 years (IQR 21-27). The prevalence of CT, NG and TV were 14.3%, 4.4% and 4.0%, and 34.3% had BV. Women with STIs or BV at baseline (n=94) had significantly higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF-β, IL-18 and macrophage inflammatory factor (MIF)) and chemokines (IL-8, IL-16, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, IFN-α2, monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-3, regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted and eotaxin) compared with women without (n=157). STI treatment was strongly associated with reduced concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (p=0.004), IL-1β (p=0.013), TNF-α (p=0.018) and chemokines MIG (p=0.008) and growth-related oncogene (GRO)-α (p=0.025). A lower Nugent score was associated with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α (p=0.003), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (p=0.004), MIF (p=0.010) and IL-18 (p<0.001), but an increase in chemokines MIG (p=0.020), GRO-α (p<0.001), IP-10 (p<0.001), MIP-1β (p=0.008) and MCP-1 (p=0.005). Principal component analysis showed differences in STI and BV-related inflammatory profiles, but that resolution restored a profile consistent with vaginal health. CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive STI intervention effectively reduced genital inflammation among young women, thereby improving vaginal health and potentially reducing HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa .,School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Mtshali
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Lindi Masson
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nireshni Mitchev
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hope Ngobese
- Prince Cyril Zulu Communicable Disease Centre, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ayesha B M Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Koleka Mlisana
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jo-Ann Passmore
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anne Rompalo
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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4
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Hogben M, Leichliter J, Aral SO. An Overview of Social and Behavioral Determinants of STI. Sex Transm Infect 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-02200-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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5
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Dong W, Zhou C, Rou KM, Wu ZY, Chen J, Scott SR, Jia MH, Zhou YJ, Chen X. A community-based comprehensive intervention to reduce syphilis infection among low-fee female sex workers in China: a matched-pair, community-based randomized study. Infect Dis Poverty 2019; 8:97. [PMID: 31791415 PMCID: PMC6889532 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-019-0611-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low-fee female sex workers (FSWs) are at high risk of acquiring and spreading human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in China. There is an urgent need to develop comprehensive intervention measures targeted towards low-fee FSWs to reduce HIV/STD infections. Thus, this study aimed to reduce HIV/STD infections among low-fee FSW through a matched-pair, community-based randomized intervention trial carried out in 12 cities in three provinces in China. Methods Four cities from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, four from Yunnan Province, and four from Hunan Province were paired and participants received either the intervention package (including condom promotion, HIV and syphilis testing, reimbursement for syphilis treatment costs, and free anti-retroviral therapy or the current standard of care. Venue-based, convenience sampling was used to recruit FSWs. A face-to-face interview and HIV and syphilis blood testing was conducted at baseline and follow-up intervals of 24 months. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to evaluate the effect of the intervention package on reducing HIV/STD infection in the FSWs. Results A total of 1024 eligible FSWs were enrolled in the baseline survey and 843 in the follow-up. GLMM results showed that syphilis infection was reduced by 49% in the intervention group compared to the current standard of care group (P = 0.0378, OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27–0.96). FSWs aged 35 years or older were 2.38 times more likely to get syphilis infection compared to those younger than 35 years old (P < 0.0001, OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.55–3.65). The risk of syphilis infection among more educated FSWs was 0.43 times less than those with lower levels of education (P < 0.05, OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.63–0.93). Conclusions This study demonstrates that comprehensive interventions can lead to significant declines in syphilis infection amongst low-tier FSWs. Integrating both behavioral and biomedical intervention measures should be considered when developing programs for low-fee FSWs. Trial registration CHiCTR-TRC-12002655.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Chu Zhou
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Ke-Ming Rou
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Zun-You Wu
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Beijing, 102206, China. .,Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Jun Chen
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Beijing, 102206, China.,Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sarah Robbins Scott
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Man-Hong Jia
- Institute of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Yunnan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, China
| | - Yue-Jiao Zhou
- Institute of AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Division of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
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6
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Lasater ME, Grosso A, Ketende S, Lyons C, Pitche VP, Tchalla J, Anato S, Sodji D, Nadedjo F, Baral S. Characterising the relationship between migration and stigma affecting healthcare engagement among female sex workers in Lomé, Togo. Glob Public Health 2019; 14:1428-1441. [PMID: 31057037 PMCID: PMC6702054 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1611896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Migration in West Africa is common and complicates the sustained delivery of comprehensive HIV care programmes for those with specific vulnerabilities to HIV, including female sex workers (FSW). This study evaluated whether migration potentiates the burden of stigma affecting FSW in Lomé, Togo. Respondent driven sampling identified 354 FSW who completed HIV testing and a questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with stigma among FSW. Among study participants, 76.3% (270/354) were migrants, with 30.2% (107/354) reporting stigma. Migrant FSW were less likely to report stigma (aOR 0.40; 95% CI:0.22-0.73). FSW who had an abortion (aOR 3.40; 95% CI:1.79-6.30) and were tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or HIV (aOR 2.03; 95% CI:1.16-3.55) were more likely to report stigma. Among FSW, 59.8% (211/353) disclosed selling sex to a health worker. Disclosure was more common among FSW who had been tested for an STI or HIV (36.7%; 77/210), or both (55.7%; 117/210), and resulted in an attenuated but significant association between STI or HIV testing and stigma, indicating that disclosure partially mediated the relationship. These results highlight the need to mitigate healthcare-related stigma affecting FSW, while also considering decentralised HIV testing approaches, including HIV self-testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E Lasater
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Ashley Grosso
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Sosthenes Ketende
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Carrie Lyons
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Vincent Palokinam Pitche
- Conseil National de Lutte contre le SIDA du Togo (National AIDS Council), Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Lomé , Lomé , Togo
| | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
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7
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Ingabire R, Parker R, Nyombayire J, Ko JE, Mukamuyango J, Bizimana J, Price MA, Laufer D, Tichacek A, Wall K, Allen S, Karita E. Female sex workers in Kigali, Rwanda: a key population at risk of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and unplanned pregnancy. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:557-568. [PMID: 30727831 PMCID: PMC6512058 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418817050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Female sex workers (FSWs) were recruited from known hotspots in Kigali, Rwanda, and offered free, anonymous human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). From September 2012 to March 2015, 1168 FSWs sought services, including 587 (50%) who were HIV-positive. More than 90% had previously tested for HIV, and 26% who reported previously testing negative had seroconverted. Of the 349 who already knew their HIV-positive status, 74% were on antiretroviral treatment. The prevalence of serologic syphilis was 43% in HIV-positive and 19% in HIV-negative FSWs (p < 0.0001), and Trichomonas vaginalis was found in vaginal wet mounts in 21% of HIV-positive and 13% of HIV-negative FSWs (p < 0.0001). Signs and symptoms of STIs were found in 35% of HIV-positive compared with 21% of HIV-negative FSWs (p < 0.0001). Only one-third reported consistent condom use in the last month. Modern contraceptive use was reported by 43% of HIV-positive and 56% of HIV-negative FSWs (p < 0.0001). Current pregnancy was reported by 4% of HIV-positive and 6% of HIV-negative FSWs (p = 0.0409). Despite Rwanda's successes with preventing 70% of new infections in the general population through nationwide couples' testing in antenatal clinics, prevention and timely treatment in key populations including FSWs are lacking. The prevalence of HIV - including many new cases - and STIs among FSWs in Kigali is high and condom and contraceptive use are low. Tailored and integrated HIV/STIs and family planning programs are urgently needed for FSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosine Ingabire
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Kigali,
Rwanda
| | - Rachel Parker
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology &
Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA,
USA
| | - Julien Nyombayire
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Kigali,
Rwanda
| | - Jasmine E Ko
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology &
Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA,
USA
| | | | - Jean Bizimana
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Kigali,
Rwanda
| | - Matt A Price
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of
California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dagna Laufer
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology &
Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA,
USA
| | - Kristin Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health,
Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology &
Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA,
USA
| | - Etienne Karita
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Kigali,
Rwanda
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8
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Taleghani S, Joseph-Davey D, West SB, Klausner HJ, Wynn A, Klausner JD. Acceptability and efficacy of partner notification for curable sexually transmitted infections in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 30:292-303. [PMID: 30396318 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418803983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive case management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) includes partner notification. We reviewed the recent literature evaluating the acceptability and efficacy of partner notification strategies (i.e. direct patient referral, provider referral, or expedited partner treatment) for curable STIs in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a systematic search following PRISMA guidelines: published January 2008 to June 2017 in the English language, study in sub-Saharan Africa, and discussion of any curable STI with an outcome on partner notification. We searched six electronic databases, conference abstracts, online clinical trial registries, and article bibliographies. The results showed that out of the 74 identified articles, 55 did not meet inclusion criteria. Of the 11 studies evaluating direct patient referral, the proportion of index cases ( n = 4163) who successfully notified sex partner(s) was 53% (range 23-95%). Among those who notified ( n = 1727), 25% (range 0-77%) had partner(s) that sought evaluation (95% CI 0.51-0.54; 95% CI 0.23-0.27). Both provider referral and expedited partner treatment had higher proportions of partner(s) who sought treatment ( n = 208, 69% and n = 44, 84%, respectively). Direct patient referral is the most commonly used and evaluated partner notification strategy for STIs in sub-Saharan Africa with mixed success. We recommend future research to investigate other strategies such as expedited partner treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Taleghani
- 1 Department of Infectious Disease, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dvora Joseph-Davey
- 1 Department of Infectious Disease, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,2 Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.,3 Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Scott B West
- 4 Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Adriane Wynn
- 6 University of California Global Health Institute (GloCal), San Francisco, CA, USA.,7 Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- 1 Department of Infectious Disease, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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9
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Dubbink JH, Verweij SP, Struthers HE, Ouburg S, McIntyre JA, Morré SA, Peters RP. Genital Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among women in sub-Saharan Africa: A structured review. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 29:806-824. [PMID: 29486628 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418758224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae constitute major public health problems among women, but the burden of infection in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly documented. We conducted a structured review of the prevalence and incidence of genital, oral and anal C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection in women in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science over a 10-year period for studies on epidemiology of genital, oral and anal chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea in women in all countries of sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed geographic and demographic differences in prevalence and incidence of infection; weighted mean prevalence estimates were calculated with a random-effect model. A total of 102 study results were included, with data available for 24/49 of sub-Saharan countries. The weighted prevalence of chlamydial infection was lower among women in community-based studies (3.9%; 95% CI: 2.9-5.1%) than for women recruited at primary healthcare facilities (6.0%; 95% CI: 4.2-8.4%, p < 0.001); the same was observed for gonorrhoea (2.2%; 95% CI: 1.2-4.0% vs. 4.2%; 95% CI: 3.2-5.6%, p < 0.001). Prevalence of Chlamydia among sex workers was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.2-7.3%) and gonorrhoea 7.6% (95% CI: 5.4-11%). Seven studies reported on incidence which varied between 0.75-28 and 2.8-17 per 100 person-years-at-risk for chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea, respectively. Only two studies reported on anal infections and one on oral infection. This overview underscores the considerable incidence and prevalence of genital C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in women in different settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Better control strategies are warranted to reduce the burden of infection and to prevent long-term complications of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Henk Dubbink
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,3 Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Research School GROW (School for Oncology & Developmental Biology), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan P Verweij
- 2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Helen E Struthers
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,4 Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sander Ouburg
- 2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - James A McIntyre
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,5 School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Servaas A Morré
- 2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,3 Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Research School GROW (School for Oncology & Developmental Biology), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Remco Ph Peters
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,6 Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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10
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Wahed T, Alam A, Sultana S, Rahman M, Alam N, Martens M, Somrongthong R. Barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare services as experienced by female sex workers and service providers in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182249. [PMID: 28759575 PMCID: PMC5536311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify the barriers female sex workers (FSWs) in Bangladesh face with regard to accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care, and assess the satisfaction with the healthcare received. METHODS Data were collected from coverage areas of four community-based drop-in-centers (DICs) in Dhaka where sexually transmitted infection (STI) and human immunovirus (HIV) prevention interventions have been implemented for FSWs. A total of 731 FSWs aged 15-49 years were surveyed. In addition, in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 14 FSWs and 9 service providers. Respondent satisfaction was measured based on recorded scores on dignity, privacy, autonomy, confidentiality, prompt attention, access to social support networks during care, basic amenities, and choice of institution/care provider. RESULTS Of 731 FSWs, 353 (51%) reported facing barriers when seeking sexual and reproductive healthcare. Financial problems (72%), shame about receiving care (52.3%), unwillingness of service providers to provide care (39.9%), unfriendly behavior of the provider (24.4%), and distance to care (16.9%) were mentioned as barriers. Only one-third of the respondents reported an overall satisfaction score of more than fifty percent (a score of between 9 and16) with formal healthcare. Inadequacy or lack of SRH services and referral problems (e.g., financial charge at referral centers, unsustainable referral provision, or unknown location of referral) were reported by the qualitative FSWs as the major barriers to accessing and utilizing SRH care. CONCLUSIONS These findings are useful for program implementers and policy makers to take the necessary steps to reduce or remove the barriers in the health system that are preventing FSWs from accessing SRH care, and ultimately meet the unmet healthcare needs of FSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnuva Wahed
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Research to Policy Limited, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- * E-mail: (RS); (TW)
| | - Anadil Alam
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Salima Sultana
- HIV/AIDS Sector, Save the Children, Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Monjur Rahman
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nazmul Alam
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Monika Martens
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ratana Somrongthong
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (RS); (TW)
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