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Salazar AS, Nogueira NF, Rodriguez VJ, Mantero A, Cherenack EM, Raccamarich P, Maddalon M, Brophy T, Montgomerie E, Klatt NR, Jones DL, Alcaide ML. A Syndemic Approach to Explore Factors Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3110-3118. [PMID: 35362906 PMCID: PMC9378611 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03634-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common genital infection in women and is associated with an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV. This study uses a syndemic approach to evaluate factors associated with BV. Non-pregnant, HIV-negative, sexually active, cis-gender women aged 18-45 years living in Miami, Florida were recruited from Nov.2018- Jun.2021. Participants completed a sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaire along with gynecological examinations. BV was diagnosed by Amsel criteria and confirmed by a Nugent score ≥ 4. A syndemic score was calculated as the sum of factors associated with BV. The association between syndemic score and BV was assessed using logistic regression. Of 166 women included, 60.2% had BV. Race, ethnicity, education, vaginal sex, recent cannabis use, and reasons for intravaginal practices were included in the syndemic score. Higher odds of BV were found in women with a score of ≥ 3 compared to women with a score of 0/1. A higher syndemic score was associated with increased odds of having BV. Multilevel interventions to decrease BV are needed to decrease women's risk of acquiring HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Salazar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Nicholas F Nogueira
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Violeta J Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Alejandro Mantero
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Emily M Cherenack
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Patricia Raccamarich
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Marissa Maddalon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Theodora Brophy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Emily Montgomerie
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Nichole R Klatt
- Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Deborah L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Maria L Alcaide
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Fl, United States.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States.
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Exploring the Vaginal Microbiome and Intravaginal Practices in Postmenopausal Women. Nurs Res 2021; 70:405-411. [PMID: 34262008 PMCID: PMC8462522 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that intravaginal practices (IVPs) women use to cleanse their vagina or enhance sexual pleasure may be associated with unhealthy changes in the vaginal microbiome (VM). However, the effects of these practices in postmenopausal women are unknown. OBJECTIVES The objective of this pilot study was to characterize the VM communities of postmenopausal women, identify types and frequency of IVPs, and explore associations between the VM and IVPs in postmenopausal women. METHODS We analyzed the VM data of 21 postmenopausal women in Atlanta, Georgia, from vaginal swabs collected at a routine gynecological visit. 16S rRNA gene sequencing in the V3-V4 region was used to characterize the VM. In addition, we described the IVPs of these women, identified by using our newly developed instrument: the Vaginal Cleansing Practices Questionnaire. The associations between the VM and IVPs were explored by comparing the alpha diversities, beta diversities, and the relative abundances at both the community level and individual genus level. RESULTS The most abundant known bacterial genus found in the VM samples was Lactobacillus (35.7%), followed by Prevotella (21.4%). Eleven women (52%) reported using at least one type of IVP since menopause. The most common type of IVP was soap and water to clean inside the vagina. The use of IVPs was not associated with any alpha diversity metric, including Shannon index, inverse Simpson index, and Chao1 index; beta diversity metric, including Bray-Curtis and Jaccard distances; nor relative abundances at the community and individual genus level. Sociodemographic factors were also not associated with any alpha diversity metric. DISCUSSION Clinicians must assess IVPs and other vaginal and sexual hygiene practices of women of all ages to educate and promote healthy behaviors. More than half of the postmenopausal women in this pilot study use IVPs. Understanding the reasoning behind participants' use of IVPs and their perceptions of the possible effects of these practices will require further research. Although the small sample did not show associations with the VM, more extensive studies are warranted.
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Humphrey JM, Naanyu V, MacDonald KR, Wools-Kaloustian K, Zimet GD. Stated-preference research in HIV: A scoping review. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224566. [PMID: 31665153 PMCID: PMC6821403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Discrete choice experiments (DCE), conjoint analysis (CA), and best-worst scaling (BWS) are quantitative techniques for estimating consumer preferences for products or services. These methods are increasingly used in healthcare research, but their applications within the field of HIV research have not yet been described. The objective of this scoping review was to systematically map the extent and nature of published DCE, CA, and BWS studies in the field of HIV and identify priority areas where these methods can be used in the future. Online databases were searched to identify published HIV-related DCE, CA and BWS studies in any country and year as the primary outcome. After screening 1,496 citations, 57 studies were identified that were conducted in 26 countries from 2000-2017. The frequency of published studies increased over time and covered HIV themes relating to prevention (n = 25), counselling and testing (n = 10), service delivery (n = 10), and antiretroviral therapy (n = 12). Most studies were DCEs (63%) followed by CA (37%) and BWS (4%). The median [IQR] sample size was 288 [138-496] participants, and 74% of studies used primary qualitative data to develop attributes. Only 30% of studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of HIV is highest. Moreover, few studies surveyed key populations including men who have sex with men, transgender people, pregnant and postpartum women, adolescents, and people who inject drugs. These populations represent priorities for future stated-preference research. This scoping review can help researchers, policy makers, program implementers, and health economists to better understand the various applications of stated-preference research methods in the field of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Humphrey
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Violet Naanyu
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
- AMPATH Program, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
| | - Katherine R. MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kara Wools-Kaloustian
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Gregory D. Zimet
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Wall KM, Kilembe W, Vwalika B, Haddad LB, Hunter E, Lakhi S, Chavuma R, Htee Khu N, Brill I, Vwalika C, Mwananyanda L, Chomba E, Mulenga J, Tichacek A, Allen S. Risk of heterosexual HIV transmission attributable to sexually transmitted infections and non-specific genital inflammation in Zambian discordant couples, 1994-2012. Int J Epidemiol 2017; 46:1593-1606. [PMID: 28402442 PMCID: PMC5837621 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyx045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have demonstrated the role of ulcerative and non-ulcerative sexually transmitted infections (STI) in HIV transmission/acquisition risk; less is understood about the role of non-specific inflammatory genital abnormalities. Methods HIV-discordant heterosexual Zambian couples were enrolled into longitudinal follow-up (1994-2012). Multivariable models estimated the effect of genital ulcers and inflammation in both partners on time-to-HIV transmission within the couple. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated. Results A total of 207 linked infections in women occurred over 2756 couple-years (7.5/100 CY) and 171 in men over 3216 CY (5.3/100 CY). Incident HIV among women was associated with a woman's non-STI genital inflammation (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.55; PAF = 8%), bilateral inguinal adenopathy (BIA; aHR = 2.33; PAF = 8%), genital ulceration (aHR = 2.08; PAF = 7%) and the man's STI genital inflammation (aHR = 3.33; PAF = 5%), BIA (aHR = 3.35; PAF = 33%) and genital ulceration (aHR = 1.49; PAF = 9%). Infection among men was associated with a man's BIA (aHR = 4.11; PAF = 22%) and genital ulceration (aHR = 3.44; PAF = 15%) as well as with the woman's non-STI genital inflammation (aHR = 1.92; PAF = 13%) and BIA (aHR = 2.76; PAF = 14%). In HIV-M+F- couples, the man being uncircumcised. with foreskin smegma. was associated with the woman's seroconversion (aHR = 3.16) relative to being circumcised. In F+M- couples, uncircumcised men with BIA had an increased hazard of seroconversion (aHR = 13.03 with smegma and 4.95 without) relative to being circumcised. Self-reporting of symptoms was low for ulcerative and non-ulcerative STIs. Conclusions Our findings confirm the role of STIs and highlight the contribution of non-specific genital inflammation to both male-to-female and female-to-male HIV transmission/acquisition risk. Studies are needed to characterize pathogenesis of non-specific inflammation including inguinal adenopathy. A better understanding of genital practices could inform interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Wall
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William Kilembe
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bellington Vwalika
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics (B.V.), Internal Medicine (S.L.) and Surgery (R.C.), School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lisa B Haddad
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric Hunter
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shabir Lakhi
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics (B.V.), Internal Medicine (S.L.) and Surgery (R.C.), School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Roy Chavuma
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics (B.V.), Internal Medicine (S.L.) and Surgery (R.C.), School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Naw Htee Khu
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ilene Brill
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Ryals School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA and
| | - Cheswa Vwalika
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lawrence Mwananyanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elwyn Chomba
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joseph Mulenga
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Susan Allen
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Brown L, Lee TH, De Allegri M, Rao K, Bridges JF. Applying stated-preference methods to improve health systems in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2017; 17:441-458. [PMID: 28875767 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2017.1375854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sub-Saharan African health systems must balance shifting disease burdens with desires for robust institutions. Stated-preference methods have been applied extensively to elicit health care workers' preferences and priorities for rural practice. This systematic review characterizes the range of their applications to African health systems problems. Areas covered: A PRISMA protocol was submitted to PROSPERO. Six databases were queried for peer-reviewed articles using quantitative stated-preference methods to evaluate a health systems-related trade-off. Quality was assessed using the PREFS checklist. Seventy-seven articles published between 1996 and 2017 met review criteria. Methods were primarily choice-based: discrete-choice experiments (n = 46), ranking/allocation techniques (n = 21), conjoint analyses (n = 7), and best-worst scaling (n = 3). Trade-offs fell into six 'building blocks': service features (n = 27), workforce incentives (n = 17), product features (n = 14), system priorities (n = 14), insurance features (n = 4), and research priorities (n = 1). Five countries dominated: South Africa (n = 11), Ghana (n = 9), Malawi (n = 9), Uganda (n = 9), and Tanzania (n = 8). Discrete-choice experiments were of highest quality (mean score: 3.36/5). Expert commentary: Stated-preference methods have been applied to many health systems contexts throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Studies examined established strategic areas, especially primary health care for women, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, and workforce development. Studies have neglected the emerging areas of non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Brown
- a Department of International Health , The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Ting-Hsuan Lee
- b Department of International Health/Department of Health Policy and Management , The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Manuela De Allegri
- c Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine , Heidelberg University , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Krishna Rao
- a Department of International Health , The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - John Fp Bridges
- b Department of International Health/Department of Health Policy and Management , The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
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Rodriguez VJ, Chisembele M, Jones DL, Cook R, Weiss SM, Alcaide ML. Influencing the importance of health, partners, and hygiene among Zambian women. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 29:259-265. [PMID: 28764612 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417723546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intravaginal practices (IVPs) are common in Zambia and are usually practiced for hygiene, partner pleasure, and health. IVPs are associated with HIV acquisition, changes in the vaginal flora, and bacterial vaginosis (BV), making it important to understand the decision-making process behind IVP engagement. The Women's and Sexual Health (WASH) intervention decreased IVP engagement among HIV-infected Zambian women, though change in reasons for engagement has not been assessed. We used conjoint analysis (CA) to quantify the decision-making process of IVP engagement and evaluated how the WASH intervention impacted these factors. Participants were N = 84 women (37 ± 8 years old) randomized to WASH (n = 46) or standard of care plus (SOC+; n = 38) who completed demographic measures and a CA questionnaire at baseline, six months, and 12 months to quantify the importance placed on hygiene, partner pleasure, and health. The importance placed on health increased from baseline to six months (15.5 versus 25.1; p < 0.001) and from baseline to 12 months (15.5 versus 50.5; p < 0.001), and was higher in SOC+ at six months (19.9 versus 30.3; p = 0.003). Hygiene importance decreased from baseline (63.6) to six months (50.3), and from baseline to 12 months (26.1), and was higher in the experimental arm at six months (56.1) compared to SOC+ (44.6; p = 0.029). Importance placed on partner pleasure did not change over time in either group. Findings suggest that both groups exhibited an increase in the importance placed on health and a decrease on hygiene importance for IVP engagement, suggesting that SOC+ may be sufficient to promote attitude changes that may facilitate IVP discontinuation and may prove to be more cost effective by using fewer monetary resources. Findings highlight the potential of interventions to influence attitudes toward IVPs and provide novel avenues for research to improve the design and conduct of interventions aimed at reducing IVPs among Zambian women and contribute to HIV prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta J Rodriguez
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Maureen Chisembele
- 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Deborah L Jones
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ryan Cook
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,3 Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephen M Weiss
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Maria L Alcaide
- 4 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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