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Hampanda KM, Pelowich K, Freeborn K, Graybill LA, Mutale W, Jones KR, Saidi F, Kumwenda A, Kasaro M, Rosenberg NE, Chi BH. Strategies to increase couples HIV testing and counselling in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26075. [PMID: 36929284 PMCID: PMC10020817 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Couple HIV testing and counselling (CHTC) is associated with measurable benefits for HIV prevention and treatment. However, the uptake remains limited in much of sub-Saharan Africa, despite an expanded range of strategies designed to promote access. METHODS Following PRIMSA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to characterize CHTC uptake strategies. Five databases were searched. Full-text articles were included if they were: conducted in sub-Saharan Africa during the study period (1980-2019), targeted heterosexual couples, reported at least one strategy to promote CHTC and provided a quantifiable measure of CHTC uptake. After the initial and full-text screening, key features of the studies were abstracted and synthesized. RESULTS Of the 6188 unique records found in our search, 365 underwent full-text review with 29 distinct studies included and synthesized. Most studies recruited couples through antenatal care (n = 11) or community venues (n = 8) and used provider-based HIV testing (n = 25). The primary demand creation strategies included home-based CHTC (n = 7); integration of CHTC into clinical settings (n = 4); distribution of HIV self-testing kits (n = 4); verbal or written invitations (n = 4); community recruiters (n = 3); partner tracing (n = 2); relationship counselling (n = 2); financial incentives (n = 1); group education with CHTC coupons (n = 1); and HIV testing at other community venues (n = 1). CHTC uptake ranged from negligible to nearly universal. DISCUSSION We thematically categorized a diverse range of strategies with varying levels of intensity and resources used across sub-Saharan Africa to promote CHTC. Offering CHTC within couples' homes was the most common approach, followed by the integration of CHTC into clinical settings. Due to heterogeneity in study characteristics, we were unable to compare the effectiveness across studies, but several trends were observed, including the high prevalence of CHTC promotion strategies in antenatal settings and the promising effects of home-based CHTC, distribution of HIV self-tests and integration of CHTC into routine health services. Since 2019, an updated literature search found that combining partner notification and secondary distribution of HIV self-test kits may be an additionally effective CHTC strategy. CONCLUSIONS There are many effective, feasible and scalable approaches to promote CHTC that should be considered by national programmes according to local needs, cultural context and available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Hampanda
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
- Center for Global HealthUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Krysta Pelowich
- Center for Global HealthUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Kellie Freeborn
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Lauren A. Graybill
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Wilbroad Mutale
- Department of Health PolicySchool of Public HealthUniversity of ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Katelyn R. Jones
- Department of Health BehaviorGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Andrew Kumwenda
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Margaret Kasaro
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- UNC Global Projects ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Nora E. Rosenberg
- Department of Health BehaviorGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Benjamin H. Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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Johnson MJ, Darbes LA, Hosegood V, Johnson MO, Fritz K, Ngubane T, van Rooyen H, McGrath N. Social Influence and Uptake of Couples HIV Testing and Counselling in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:764-774. [PMID: 34417920 PMCID: PMC8840905 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Social influences may create a barrier to couples HIV testing and counselling (CHTC) uptake in sub-Saharan Africa. This secondary analysis of data collected in the 'Uthando Lwethu' randomised controlled trial used discrete-time survival models to evaluate the association between within-couple average 'peer support' score and uptake of CHTC by the end of nine months' follow-up. Peer support was conceptualised by self-rated strength of agreement with two statements describing friendships outside of the primary partnership. Eighty-eight couples (26.9%) took up CHTC. Results tended towards a dichotomous trend in models adjusted only for trial arm, with uptake significantly less likely amongst couples in the higher of four peer support score categories (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.18, 0.68 [7-10 points]; OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.28, 0.99 [≥ 11 points]). A similar trend remained in the final multivariable model, but was no longer significant (AOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.25, 1.42 [7-10 points]; AOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.36, 2.10 [≥ 11 points]). Accounting for social influences in the design of couples-focused interventions may increase their success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Johnson
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Mailpoint 95, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD UK
- NIHR ARC Wessex Data Science Hub, Faculty of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lynae A. Darbes
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Victoria Hosegood
- Department of Social Statistics and Demography, Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Mallory O. Johnson
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Katherine Fritz
- International Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC USA
| | | | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Department of Social Statistics and Demography, Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Audet CM, Graves E, Emílio AM, Matino A, Paulo P, Aboobacar AM, Fonseca CL, Van Rompaey S, De Schacht C. Effect of a storytelling intervention on the retention of serodiscordant couples in ART/PrEP services at antenatal clinic in Namacurra province in Zambézia, Mozambique. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2021; 22:100782. [PMID: 34095604 PMCID: PMC8167234 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100782] [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: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa reported 550,000 new HIV infections among women in 2018. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition (adjusted risk ratio [RR]: 2.8 during pregnancy and 4.0 in postpartum period vs. non-pregnant or postpartum women, respectively). Acquisition of HIV during pregnancy and breastfeeding increases risk of mother to child transmission. We propose to test the impact of a peer-delivered oral storytelling intervention to increase retention in, and adherence to, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)/combination antiretroviral treatment (ART) among expectant couples. Design We propose a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (35 intervention and 35 control couples) at a health facility where 11% of expectant couples were in serodiscordant relationships in 2018. Couples randomized to the storytelling arm will be visited by a two community volunteers and who successfully adhered to PrEP/ART during a recent pregnancy. This expert couple will orate to participating couples three stories (at 1, 3 and 5 weeks after study enrollment) designed to empower, educate, and establish “ideal” interpersonal communication strategies within couples/families, and support adherence practices among participants. The primary outcome among HIV-uninfected women will be adherence to PrEP at 3 months. Conclusions PrEP among at-risk pregnant women must be implemented so that high levels of adherence and retention are achievable for them and their partners. We will test our storytelling intervention to identify an optimal strategy for PrEP education and family engagement in a region with high HIV prevalence. Our results will have an impact by effectively engaging serodiscordant couples in prevention/treatment during pregnancy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Audet
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.,Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Health Policy, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 1200, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | - Erin Graves
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | - Almiro M Emílio
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida dos Trabalhadores, 424, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Ariano Matino
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida dos Trabalhadores, 424, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Paula Paulo
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida dos Trabalhadores, 424, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Arifo M Aboobacar
- Provincial Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Province of Zambézia, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Carlota L Fonseca
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida da Maguiguana, 32 R/C, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Sara Van Rompaey
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida da Maguiguana, 32 R/C, Maputo, Mozambique
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Zhang C, Qian HZ, Chen X, Bussell S, Shen Y, Wang H, Li X. HIV testing and seroprevalence among couples of people diagnosed with HIV in China: A meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247754. [PMID: 33739981 PMCID: PMC7978381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Partner notification and testing could expand HIV testing and link infections to care. We performed a meta-analysis on HIV testing rate and prevalence among couples of people diagnosed with HIV in China. Methods Six electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Internet, and WanFang) and abstracts of five HIV/sexually transmitted infections conferences were searched up to February 1, 2020. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to assess HIV testing rate and prevalence among couples of Chinese people diagnosed with HIV. Results Of 3,657 records retrieved, 42 studies were identified. Among them, three studies were conducted among pregnant women and 10 among men who have sex with men. The pooled uptake rate of couples HIV testing among Chinese people diagnosed with HIV was 65% (95% confidence interval, 57% -73%; 23 studies). The pooled HIV prevalence among couples who had an HIV test was 28% [24%-32%] (38 studies). Subgroup analyses showed that the pooled couples HIV testing uptake rates among pregnant women and men who have sex with men were 76% [66%-86%] (3 studies) and 49% [30%-68%] (8 studies), and the pooled HIV prevalence in two populations was 53% [27%-78%] (3 studies) and 14% [10%-17%] (10 studies), respectively. Conclusions Nearly two-thirds of couples of people diagnosed with HIV have had an HIV test, of whom 28% were positive. Couples of MSM with a positive HIV diagnosis had a lower testing rate, which indicates more effective strategies need to be carried out to improve couples HIV testing among Chinese MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ci Zhang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Xi Chen
- Hunan Provincial Central for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Scottie Bussell
- Department of Health and Human Services, Parker Indian Hospital, Parker, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Yan Shen
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Honghong Wang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- * E-mail: (XL); (HW)
| | - Xianhong Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- * E-mail: (XL); (HW)
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Simbar M, Rahmanian F, Nazarpour S, Ramezankhani A, Zayeri F. Needs for a gender-based perimarital couples' counselling services in Iran. Nurs Open 2021; 8:850-857. [PMID: 33570272 PMCID: PMC7877227 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess needs for a gender-sensitive perimarital counselling services in Iran. DESIGN A descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS This was a study on all 236 premarital counselling providers in 37 health centres in Shiraz-Iran. The tools for data collection included the following: (a) a demographic information questionnaire and; (b) a valid and reliable Needs Assessment questionnaire for Gender-Sensitive Perimarital Counseling Services (GSPCS) in 3 sections of needs for process, structure and policy making of the perimarital counselling services. Data were analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS All health providers with average working experience of 8.63 (SD 5.35) years participated in the study. Results demonstrated highest scores for needs related to facilities as the structure of the services (90.09 SD 13.70 per cent) and community empowerment (89.50 SD 16.67 per cent) as the necessary policy for the gender-sensitive services. We concluded that providing gender-sensitive perimarital counselling healthcare services needs to reform the process, structure and policies of the services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Simbar
- Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research CenterSchool of Nursing and MidwiferyShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Rahmanian
- Department of MidwiferySchool of Nursing and MidwiferyShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Soheila Nazarpour
- Department of MidwiferyChalous BranchIslamic Azad UniversityChalousIran
| | - Ali Ramezankhani
- Department of Public HealthFaculty of HealthShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Farid Zayeri
- Department of BiostatisticsFaculty of ParamedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Bannink Mbazzi F, Namukwaya Z, Amone A, Ojok F, Etima J, Byamugisha J, Katabira E, Fowler MG, Homsy J, King R. "[Repeat] testing and counseling is one of the key [services] that the government should continue providing": participants' perceptions on extended repeat HIV testing and enhanced counseling (ERHTEC) for primary HIV prevention in pregnant and lactating women in the PRIMAL study, Uganda. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:694. [PMID: 32414405 PMCID: PMC7227345 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08738-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 'Primary HIV Prevention among Pregnant and Lactating Ugandan Women' (PRIMAL) randomized controlled trial aimed to assess an enhanced counseling strategy linked to extended postpartum repeat HIV testing and enhanced counseling among 820 HIV-negative pregnant and lactating women aged 18-49 years and 410 of their male partners to address the first pillar of the WHO Global Strategy for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV transmission (PMTCT). This paper presents findings of qualitative studies aimed at evaluating participants' and service providers' perceptions on the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and at understanding the effects of the intervention on risk reduction, couple communication, and emotional support from women's partners. METHODS PRIMAL Study participants were enrolled from two antenatal care clinics and randomized 1:1 to an intervention or control arm. Both arms received repeat sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV testing at enrolment, labor and delivery, and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postpartum. The intervention consisted of enhanced quarterly counseling on HIV risk reduction, couple communication, family planning and nutrition delivered by study counselors through up to 24 months post-partum. Control participants received repeat standard post-test counseling. Qualitative data were collected from intervention women participants, counsellors and midwives at baseline, midline and end of the study through 18 focus group discussions and 44 key informant interviews. Data analysis followed a thematic approach using framework analysis and a matrix-based system for organizing, reducing, and synthesizing data. RESULTS At baseline, FGD participants mentioned multiple sexual partners and lack of condom use as the main risks for pregnant and lactating women to acquire HIV. The main reasons for having multiple sexual partners were 1) the cultural practice not to have sex in the late pre-natal and early post-natal period; 2) increased sexual desire during pregnancy; 3) alcohol abuse; 4) poverty; and 5) conflict in couples. Consistent condom use at baseline was limited due to lack of knowledge and low acceptance of condom use in couples. The majority of intervention participants enrolled as couples felt enhanced counselling improved understanding, faithfulness, mutual support and appreciation within their couple. Another benefit mentioned by participants was improvement of couple communication and negotiation, as well as daily decision-making around sexual needs, family planning and condom use. Participants stressed the importance of providing counselling services to all couples. CONCLUSION This study shows that enhanced individual and couple counselling linked to extended repeat HIV and STI testing and focusing on HIV prevention, couple communication, family planning and nutrition is a feasible and acceptable intervention that could enhance risk reduction programs among pregnant and lactating women. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT01882998, date of registration 21st June 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Bannink Mbazzi
- Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Zikulah Namukwaya
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alexander Amone
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Juliane Etima
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elly Katabira
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mary Glenn Fowler
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jaco Homsy
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rachel King
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 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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Mazzei A, Ingabire R, Mukamuyango J, Nyombayire J, Sinabamenye R, Bayingana R, Parker R, Tichacek A, Easter SR, Karita E, Allen S, Wall KM. Community health worker promotions increase uptake of long-acting reversible contraception in Rwanda. Reprod Health 2019; 16:75. [PMID: 31164155 PMCID: PMC6549304 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0739-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We coordinated community health worker (CHW) promotions with training and support of government clinic nurses to increase uptake of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), specifically the copper intrauterine device (IUD) and the hormonal implant, in Kigali, Rwanda. METHODS From August 2015 to September 2016, CHW provided fertility goal-based family planning counseling focused on LARC methods, engaged couples in family planning counseling, and provided written referrals to clients expressing interest in LARC methods. Simultaneously, we provided didactic and practical training to clinic nurses on LARC insertion and removal. We evaluated: 1) aggregate pre- versus post-implementation LARC uptake as a function of CHW promotions, and 2) demographic factors associated with LARC uptake among women responding to CHW referrals. RESULTS 7712 referrals were delivered by 184 CHW affiliated with eight government clinics resulting in 6072 family planning clinic visits (79% referral uptake). 95% of clinic visits resulted in LARC uptake (16% copper IUD, 79% hormonal implant). The monthly average for IUD insertions doubled from 29 prior to service implementation to 61 after (p < 0.0001), and the monthly average for implant insertions increased from 109 to 309 (p < 0.0001). In adjusted analyses, LARC uptake was associated (p < 0.05) with the CHW referral being issued to the couple (versus the woman alone, adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 2.6), having more children (aOR = 1.3), desiring more children (aOR = 0.8), and having a religious affiliation (aOR = 2.9 Protestant, aOR = 3.1 Catholic, aOR = 2.5 Muslim each versus none/other). Implant versus non-LARC uptake was associated with having little or no education; meanwhile, having higher education was associated with IUD versus implant uptake. CONCLUSIONS Fertility goal-based and couple-focused family planning counseling delivered by CHW, coupled with LARC training and support of nursing staff, substantially increased uptake of LARC methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Mazzei
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Rosine Ingabire
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jeannine Mukamuyango
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Julien Nyombayire
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Robertine Sinabamenye
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Roger Bayingana
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Rachel Parker
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Sarah Rae Easter
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Etienne Karita
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Kristin M. Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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Hailemariam TG, Nathan S, Seifu CN, Rawstorne P. Uptake of couples HIV testing and counselling among heterosexual couples in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. AIDS Care 2019; 32:137-147. [DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1619667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tewodros Getachew Hailemariam
- School of Public Health & Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Public Health, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Sally Nathan
- School of Public Health & Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Patrick Rawstorne
- School of Public Health & Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Homsy J, King R, Bannink F, Namukwaya Z, Vittinghof E, Amone A, Ojok F, Rukundo G, Amama S, Etima J, Matovu J, Weissglas F, Ojom L, Atim P, Darbes L, Byamugisha J, Rutherford G, Katabira E, Fowler MG. Primary HIV prevention in pregnant and lactating Ugandan women: A randomized trial. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212119. [PMID: 30802277 PMCID: PMC6388930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 'Primary HIV Prevention among Pregnant and Lactating Ugandan Women' (PRIMAL) study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an enhanced HIV counseling intervention for preventing HIV acquisition among HIV-uninfected mothers during pregnancy and throughout the breastfeeding period. METHODS We conducted an unblinded randomized control trial between 22 February 2013 and 22 April 2016 to assess the effectiveness of an extended repeat HIV testing and enhanced counseling (ERHTEC) intervention aimed at preventing primary HIV infection among HIV-uninfected pregnant and lactating women in Uganda. HIV-uninfected pregnant women aged 15-49 were enrolled 1:1 individually or in couples together with their partner. Enrolled women and couples were randomized 1:1 to an intervention (ERHTEC) or control (extended repeat HIV testing and standard counseling) group and followed up to 24 months postpartum or six weeks past complete cessation of breastfeeding, whichever came first. Both groups were tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV at enrollment, delivery, 3 and 6 months postpartum and every 6 months thereafter until the end of follow-up. The intervention group received enhanced HIV prevention counseling every 3 months throughout follow-up. The control group received standard counseling at the time of HIV retesting. Both intervention and control couples were offered couple HIV testing and counseling at all study visits. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency of condom use and incidence of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis over follow-up. RESULTS Between February 2013 and April 2014, we enrolled 820 HIV-uninfected pregnant women presenting for antenatal care individually (n = 410) or in couples (n = 410 women and 410 partners) in one urban and one rural public Ugandan hospital. Women's median age was 24 years (IQR 20-28 years). At baseline, participants did not differ in any socio-demographic, reproductive health, HIV testing history, sexual behavior, medical history or STI status characteristics; 96% (386/402) of couples were tested and counseled for HIV together with their partners at enrolment, 2.1% (7/329) of whom were found to be HIV-infected. Six hundred twenty-five (76%) women completed follow-up as per protocol (S1 Protocol). Women were followed for an average of 1.76 years and cumulated 1,439 women-years of follow-up or 81% of the maximum 1,779 women-years of follow-up assuming no dropouts. Men were followed for an average of 1.72 years. The frequency of consistent condom use and the proportion of women who used condoms over the last 3 months or at last vaginal sex increased substantially over follow-up in both arms, but there were no statistically significant differences in increases between the intervention and control arms. During follow-up, on average 42% (range 36%-46%) of couple partners were counseled together. Between 3.8% and 7.6% of women tested positive at any follow-up visit for any STI including syphilis, gonorrhea, C. trachomatis or T. vaginalis. Four women (two in each arm) and no enrolled men became infected with HIV, representing an overall HIV incidence rate of 0.186 per 100 person-years. Three of the women seroconverters had enrolled individually, one as a couple. At or before seroconversion, all four women reported their partners had extramarital relationships and/or had not disclosed their suspected HIV-infected status. There were no statistically significant differences between study arms for STI or HIV incidences. CONCLUSIONS A sustained enhanced HIV prevention counseling intervention for up to 2 years postpartum among pregnant and breastfeeding women did not have a statistically significant effect on condom use or HIV incidence among these women. However, in both study arms, condom use increased over follow-up while STI and HIV incidence remained very low when compared to similar cohorts in and outside Uganda, suggesting that repeat HIV testing during breastfeeding, whether with enhanced or standard counseling, may have had an unintended HIV preventive effect among pregnant and lactating women in this setting. Further research is needed to verify this hypothesis. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01882998.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaco Homsy
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Rachel King
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Zikulah Namukwaya
- Makerere University—Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eric Vittinghof
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexander Amone
- Makerere University—Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Gordon Rukundo
- Makerere University—Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Juliane Etima
- Makerere University—Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joyce Matovu
- Makerere University—Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fitti Weissglas
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Lynae Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - George Rutherford
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Elly Katabira
- Department of Medicine & College of Health Sciences, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mary Glenn Fowler
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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11
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Gbadamosi SO, Itanyi IU, Menson WNA, Olawepo JO, Bruno T, Ogidi AG, Patel DV, Oko JO, Onoka CA, Ezeanolue EE. Targeted HIV testing for male partners of HIV-positive pregnant women in a high prevalence setting in Nigeria. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211022. [PMID: 30699160 PMCID: PMC6353157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Partner HIV testing during pregnancy has remained abysmally low in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria. Males rarely attend antenatal clinics with their female partners, limiting the few opportunities available to offer them HIV testing. In this study, we evaluated the scale-up of the Healthy Beginning Initiative (HBI), a community-driven evidenced-based intervention to increase HIV testing among pregnant women and their male partners. Our objectives were to determine the: (1) male partner participation rate; (2) prevalence of HIV among male partners of pregnant women; (3) factors associated with HIV positivity among male partners of HIV-positive pregnant women. METHODS We reviewed program data of expectant parents enrolled in HBI in Benue State, north-central Nigeria. During HBI, trained lay health workers provided educational and counseling sessions, and offered free onsite integrated testing for HIV, hepatitis B virus and sickle cell genotype to pregnant women and their male partners who participated in incentivized, church-organized baby showers. Each participant completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle habits, and HIV testing history. Chi-square test was used to compare the characteristics of HIV-positive and HIV-negative male partners. Simple and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between participants' characteristics and HIV positivity among male partners of HIV-positive women. RESULTS Male partner participation rate was 57% (5264/9231). Overall HIV prevalence was 6.1% (891/14495) with significantly higher rates in women (7.4%, 681/9231) compared to men (4.0%, 210/5264). Among the 681 HIV-positive women, 289 male partners received HIV testing; 37.7% (109/289) were found to be HIV-positive. In multivariate analysis, older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-4.72 for age 30-39 years vs. <30 years; aOR: 2.39, CI: 1.18-4.82 for age ≥40 years vs. <30 years) and self-reported daily alcohol intake (vs. never (aOR: 0.35, CI: 0.13-0.96)) were associated with HIV positivity in male partners of HIV-positive women. CONCLUSION The community-based congregational approach is a potential strategy to increase male partner HIV testing towards achieving the UNAIDS goal of 90% HIV screening. Targeting male partners of HIV-positive women for screening may provide a higher yield of HIV diagnosis and the opportunity to engage known positives in care in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semiu Olatunde Gbadamosi
- Florida International University Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Ijeoma Uchenna Itanyi
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | | | - John Olajide Olawepo
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
| | - Tamara Bruno
- Independent Researcher, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
| | - Amaka Grace Ogidi
- Research Resource Center, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Dina V. Patel
- HealthySunrise Foundation, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
| | | | - Chima Ariel Onoka
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Echezona Edozie Ezeanolue
- HealthySunrise Foundation, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
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12
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Audet CM, Graves E, Barreto E, De Schacht C, Gong W, Shepherd BE, Aboobacar A, Gonzalez-Calvo L, Alvim MF, Aliyu MH, Kipp AM, Jordan H, Amico KR, Diemer M, Ciaranello A, Dugdale C, Vermund SH, Van Rompaey S. Partners-based HIV treatment for seroconcordant couples attending antenatal and postnatal care in rural Mozambique: A cluster randomized trial protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2018; 71:63-69. [PMID: 29879469 PMCID: PMC6067957 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In resource-limited rural settings, scale-up of services to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV has not been as effective as in better resourced urban settings. In sub-Saharan Africa, women often require male partner approval to access and remain engaged in HIV care. Our study will evaluate a promising male engagement intervention ("Homens para Saúde Mais" (HoPS+) [Men for Health Plus]) targeting the elimination of mother-to-child transmission in rural Mozambique. DESIGN We will use a cluster randomized clinical trial design to engage 24 health facilities (12 intervention and 12 standard of care), with 45 HIV-infected seroconcordant couples per clinic. The planned intervention will engage male partners to address social-structural and cultural factors influencing eMTCT based on new couple-centered integrated HIV services. CONCLUSIONS The HoPS+ study will evaluate the effectiveness of engaging male partners in antenatal care to improve outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women, their HIV-infected male partners, and their newborn children. Our objectives are to: (1) Implement and evaluate the impact of male-engaged, couple-centered services on partners' retention in care, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, early infant diagnosis uptake, and mother-to-child transmission throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding; (2) Investigate the impact of HoPS+ intervention on hypothesized mechanisms of change; and (3) Use validated simulation models to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the HoPS+ intervention with the use of routine clinical data from our trial. We expect the intervention to lead to strategies that can improve outcomes related to partners' retention in care, uptake of services for HIV-exposed infants, and reduced MTCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Audet
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203, USA; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Health Policy, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 1200, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
| | - Erin Graves
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Ezequiel Barreto
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida Maguiguana, 32 R/C, Maputo, CP 604, Mozambique
| | - Caroline De Schacht
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida Maguiguana, 32 R/C, Maputo, CP 604, Mozambique
| | - Wu Gong
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 11000, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Bryan E Shepherd
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 11000, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | | | - Lazaro Gonzalez-Calvo
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida Maguiguana, 32 R/C, Maputo, CP 604, Mozambique; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Maria Fernanda Alvim
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida Maguiguana, 32 R/C, Maputo, CP 604, Mozambique
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203, USA; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Health Policy, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 1200, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Aaron M Kipp
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203, USA; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Division of Epidemiology, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Heather Jordan
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - K Rivet Amico
- University of Michigan, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - Matthew Diemer
- University of Michigan, Combined Program in Education and Psychology & Educational Studies, School of Education, Room 4120, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrea Ciaranello
- Division of Infectious Diseases, 100 Cambridge St, Room 1670, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, 25 Shattuck St, Boston 02115, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin Dugdale
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, 25 Shattuck St, Boston 02115, MA, USA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., Suite 212, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sara Van Rompaey
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida Maguiguana, 32 R/C, Maputo, CP 604, Mozambique
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13
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Mashaphu S, Burns JK, Wyatt GE, Vawda NB. Psychosocial and behavioural interventions towards HIV risk reduction for serodiscordant couples in Africa: A systematic review. S Afr J Psychiatr 2018; 24:1136. [PMID: 30263215 PMCID: PMC6138108 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v24i0.1136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual transmission of HIV frequently occurs in the context of a primary relationship between two partners; however, HIV prevention interventions generally focus on individuals at risk, rather than specifying couples as a unit of change and analysis, neglecting the crucial role that partners may play in sexual behaviour. This article reviews published scientific literature addressing couple-oriented HIV counselling and testing and other behavioural interventions using an online search for peer-reviewed papers. METHODS A systematic review was conducted to evaluate what has been published on psychosocial interventions in HIV serodiscordant couples in Africa. Electronic databases were searched from January 1990 to December 2015. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the Systematic Appraisal of Quality in Observational Research tool. RESULTS The electronic database searches initially retrieved 493 records; after cross-referencing, removing duplicates and applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, only eight papers were included in this review. All the studies under review showed that couples-focused counselling and educational programmes were associated with positive outcomes including reduced HIV transmission, reduced unprotected sex, increased rates of status disclosure and high levels of treatment adherence. CONCLUSIONS The literature on interventions for HIV serodiscordant couples is sparse. However, most interventions indicate that couples-focused interventions are effective in HIV risk reduction. In spite of the limited available data and repeated recommendations by different health authorities, couple-centred approaches to HIV prevention have not been implemented on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gail E. Wyatt
- Department of Psychiatry and Bio-behavioural Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, United States
| | - Naseema B. Vawda
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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14
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Kababu M, Sakwa E, Karuga R, Ikahu A, Njeri I, Kyongo J, Khamali C, Mukoma W. Use of a counsellor supported disclosure model to improve the uptake of couple HIV testing and counselling in Kenya: a quasi-experimental study. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:638. [PMID: 29776410 PMCID: PMC5960164 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5495-5] [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] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heterosexual couples account for 44% of new HIV infections in Kenya and there’s low awareness of self and partner HIV status. Different strategies have been employed to promote couple HIV testing and counselling (CHTC). Despite this, HIV incidence among couples continues to rise. This study sought to assess the use of a counsellor-supported disclosure (CSD) model in enhancing the uptake of CHTC and the factors that were associated with it. Methods A pre-post quasi experimental study design with an intervention and a comparison arm was utilized. The study was conducted in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Homa Bay counties in Kenya. A total of 276 participants were recruited; 149 and 127 in the comparison and intervention arms, respectively. Standard HIV testing & counselling (HTC) was offered in the comparison arm whereas the counsellor-supported disclosure model was administered in the intervention arm. The model empowered index clients to invite their sexual partner for CHTC. Telephone follow-up and subsequent community health volunteer (CHV) follow-up for non-responders were embedded in the model. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data at baseline and 3 months into the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 participants who took up the intervention and 7 of the HTC providers who offered CSD. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using STATA version 13 and NVIVO 10, respectively. Results Uptake of CHTC was 28% in the intervention arm of the study compared to 7% in the comparison arm (p < 0.001). Participants in the intervention arm of the study had eight times higher odds of taking up CHTC compared to their counterparts. The outcome of the qualitative interviews revealed that the CSD counselling, skills on partner invitation, and follow-up for partner invitation increased the uptake of CHTC. On the other hand, unwillingness to test together with partner, lack of availability to test together as a couple, and provision of the wrong contact information by the participants reduced the uptake of CHTC. Conclusion The CSD model improved the uptake of CHTC. This model can be integrated into the existing HTC structures to enhance the uptake of CHTC.
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15
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Difficult decisions: Evaluating individual and couple-level fertility intentions and HIV acquisition among HIV serodiscordant couples in Zambia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0189869. [PMID: 29364895 PMCID: PMC5783339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Attempts to conceive and pregnancy may increase HIV transmission to sex partners and infants. Our study evaluated the association between fertility intentions and HIV acquisition among Zambian HIV-serodiscordant couples. Methods We collected demographic, behavioral, clinical exposures, and data on fertility intentions in a cohort of HIV-serodiscordant couples in Lusaka, Zambia from 2005 to 2012. We evaluated factors associated with fertility intentions stratified by gender using multivariable logistic regression. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the associations between fertility intentions and HIV acquisition controlling for a priori confounders and covariates that substantially (>10%) changed the effect estimates in univariate analyses. Results Among 1,029 serodiscordant couples, 311 agreed that they wanted children in the future (30%), 368 agreed they did not want children (36%), and 344 couples disagreed about having children (34%), with men more likely than women to want children. Women wanting child(ren) was associated with increased odds of baseline pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.93, 7.85)), fewer previous pregnancies (aOR = 0.85 per additional pregnancy (95% CI = 0.78, 0.93)), and partner fertility intention (aOR = 2.89 (95% CI = 2.14, 3.91)) adjusting for woman’s age, literacy, years cohabiting and HIV status. Men wanting child(ren) was associated with younger age (aOR = 0.96 per year (95% CI = 0.93, 0.99)), fewer years cohabiting (aOR = 0.95 (95% CI = 0.92, 0.98)), number of previous partners’ pregnancies (aOR = 0.90 (95% CI = 0.82, 0.98)), and partner fertility intention (aOR = 3.00 (95% CI = 2.21, 4.07)) adjusting for partner’s age, literacy, HIV status and partner’s baseline pregnancy. In adjusted survival analyses, HIV-negative women were more likely to seroconvert if they themselves wanted children (aHR = 2.36 (95% CI = 1.41, 3.96)) vs. did not want children, or if their partner wanted children (aHR = 2.34 (95% CI = 1.33, 4.11)) vs. did not want children, or if the couple agreed that they wanted children (aHR = 2.08 (95% CI = 1.01, 4.30)), adjusting for women’s age, women’s literacy, previous pregnancies and time in study. HIV-negative men were more likely to seroconvert if their female partner wanted a child in the next 12-months (aHR = 1.94 (95% CI = 1.02, 3.68)) vs. did not want children, and when both partners wanted children (aHR = 2.02 (CI = 1.09, 3.73)) vs. they did not want children, adjusting for men’s age and literacy, couple income, number of live children, male circumcision status and time in study. Conclusion Women had increased risk of HIV acquisition if they and/or their partner wanted a child, while men had increased risk of HIV acquisition when their partner or if both partners agreed that they wanted children. Safer-conception interventions are needed to protect HIV uninfected women and men from HIV acquisition in HIV-serodiscordant couples who want children.
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16
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Ward-Peterson M, Fennie K, Mauck D, Shakir M, Cosner C, Bhoite P, Trepka MJ, Madhivanan P. Using multilevel models to evaluate the influence of contextual factors on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and risky sexual behavior in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Ann Epidemiol 2017; 28:119-134. [PMID: 29439782 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the use of multilevel models (MLMs) in evaluating the influence of contextual factors on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and risky sexual behavior (RSB) in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Ten databases were searched through May 29, 2016. Two reviewers completed screening and full-text review. Studies examining the influence of contextual factors on HIV/AIDS, STIs, and RSB and using MLMs for analysis were included. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was used to evaluate study quality. RESULTS A total of 118 studies met inclusion criteria. Seventy-four studies focused on HIV/AIDS-related topics; 46 focused on RSB. No studies related to STIs other than HIV/AIDS met the eligibility criteria. Of five studies examining HIV serostatus and community socioeconomic factors, three found an association between poverty and measures of inequality and increased HIV prevalence. Among studies examining RSB, associations were found with numerous contextual factors, including poverty, education, and gender norms. CONCLUSIONS Studies using MLMs indicate that several contextual factors, including community measures of socioeconomic status and educational attainment, are associated with a number of outcomes related to HIV/AIDS and RSB. Future studies using MLMs should focus on contextual-level interventions to strengthen the evidence base for causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Ward-Peterson
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL.
| | - Kristopher Fennie
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Daniel Mauck
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Maryam Shakir
- Office of Medical Education, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Chelsea Cosner
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Prasad Bhoite
- Department of Health, Humanities, and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Mary Jo Trepka
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Purnima Madhivanan
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL
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Tiendrebeogo T, Plazy M, Darak S, Miric M, Perez-Then E, Butsashvili M, Tchendjou P, Dabis F, Orne-Gliemann J. Couples HIV counselling and couple relationships in India, Georgia and the Dominican Republic. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:901. [PMID: 29178852 PMCID: PMC5702196 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4901-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Couples HIV counseling and testing is essential for combination HIV prevention, but its uptake remains very low. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with couples HIV counseling uptake in India, Georgia and the Dominican Republic, as part of the ANRS 12127 Prenahtest intervention trial. METHODS Pregnant women ≥15 years, attending their first antenatal care (ANC) session between March and September 2009, self-reporting a stable partner, and having received couple-oriented post-test HIV counseling (trial intervention) were included. Individuals and couple characteristics associated with the acceptability of couples HIV counseling were assessed using multivariable logistic regression for each study site. RESULTS Among 711 women included (232, 240 and 239 in the Dominican Republic, Georgia and India, respectively), the uptake of couples HIV counseling was 9.1% in the Dominican Republic, 13.8% in Georgia and 36.8% in India. The uptake of couples HIV counseling was associated with women having been accompanied by their partner to ANC, and never having used a condom with their partner in the Dominican Republic; with women having been accompanied by their partner to ANC in India; with women having a higher educational level than their partner and having ever discussed HIV with their partner in Georgia. CONCLUSION Couple HIV counseling uptake was overall low. Strategies adapted to local socio-cultural contexts, aiming at improving women's education level, or tackling gender norms to facilitate the presence of men in reproductive health services, should be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01494961 . Registered December 15, 2011. (Retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Tiendrebeogo
- INSERM UMR 1219 - Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France. .,Universite Bordeaux, Institut de Santé Publique, d'Epidémiologie et de Développement (ISPED), 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33 076, Bordeaux cedex, France.
| | - Melanie Plazy
- INSERM UMR 1219 - Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France.,Universite Bordeaux, Institut de Santé Publique, d'Epidémiologie et de Développement (ISPED), 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33 076, Bordeaux cedex, France
| | | | - Marija Miric
- Global Health and Biotechnology Research Center, O&M Medical School, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Eddy Perez-Then
- Global Health and Biotechnology Research Center, O&M Medical School, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | | | - Patrice Tchendjou
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Réseau International des Instituts Pasteurs, Paris, France
| | - François Dabis
- INSERM UMR 1219 - Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France.,Universite Bordeaux, Institut de Santé Publique, d'Epidémiologie et de Développement (ISPED), 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33 076, Bordeaux cedex, France
| | - Joanna Orne-Gliemann
- INSERM UMR 1219 - Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France.,Universite Bordeaux, Institut de Santé Publique, d'Epidémiologie et de Développement (ISPED), 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33 076, Bordeaux cedex, France
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18
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Inambao M, Kilembe W, Canary LA, Czaicki NL, Kakungu-Simpungwe M, Chavuma R, Wall KM, Tichacek A, Pulerwitz J, Thior I, Chomba E, Allen SA. Transitioning couple's voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) from stand-alone weekend services into routine antenatal and VCT services in government clinics in Zambia's two largest cities. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185142. [PMID: 29036208 PMCID: PMC5642897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most HIV infections in Africa are acquired by married/cohabiting adults and WHO recommends couple's voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) for prevention. The handover from NGO-sponsored weekend CVCT to government-sponsored services in routine weekday antenatal care (ANC) and individual voluntary testing and counseling (VCT) services in Zambia's two largest cities from 2009-2015 is described. METHODS Government clinic counselors were trained to provide CVCT, and along with community health workers they promoted CVCT services in their clinic and surrounding areas. When client volume exceeded the capacity of on-duty staff in ANC and VCT, non-governmental organization (NGO) subsidies were offered for overtime pay. RESULTS Implementation of routine CVCT services varied greatly by clinic and city. The 12 highest volume clinics were examined further, while 13 clinics had CVCT numbers that were too low to warrant further investigation. In Lusaka, the proportion of pregnant women whose partners were tested rose from 2.6% in 2009 to a peak of 26.2% in 2012 and 24.8% in 2015. Corresponding reports in Ndola were 2.0% in 2009, 17.0% in 2012 and 14.5% in 2015. Obstacles to CVCT included: limited space and staffing, competing priorities, record keeping not adapted for couples, and few resources for promotion and increasing male involvement. Conflicting training models for 'partner testing' with men and women separately vs. CVCT with joint post-test counseling led to confusion in reporting to district health authorities. DISCUSSION A focused and sustained effort will be required to reach a meaningful number of couples with CVCT to prevent heterosexual and perinatal HIV transmission. Establishing targets and timelines, funding for dedicated and appropriately trained staff, adoption of standardized data recording instruments with couple-level indicators, and expansion of community and clinic-based promotions using proven models are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubiana Inambao
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Zambia Emory HIV Research Project (ZEHRP), Ndola, Zambia
| | - William Kilembe
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Zambia Emory HIV Research Project (ZEHRP), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lauren A. Canary
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Nancy L. Czaicki
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Matilda Kakungu-Simpungwe
- District Health Management team (DHMT), Ministry of Community Development, Maternal and Child Health (MCDMCH), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Roy Chavuma
- District Health Management team (DHMT), Ministry of Community Development, Maternal and Child Health (MCDMCH), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kristin M. Wall
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | | | - Ibou Thior
- PATH, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Elwyn Chomba
- Ministry of Community Development, Maternal and Child Health (MCDMCH), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Susan A. Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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19
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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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20
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Karita E, Nsanzimana S, Ndagije F, Wall KM, Mukamuyango J, Mugwaneza P, Remera E, Raghunathan PL, Bayingana R, Kayitenkore K, Bekan-Homawoo B, Tichacek A, Allen S. Implementation and Operational Research: Evolution of Couples' Voluntary Counseling and Testing for HIV in Rwanda: From Research to Public Health Practice. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 73:e51-e58. [PMID: 27741033 PMCID: PMC5367509 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Couples' voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) is a WHO-recommended intervention for prevention of heterosexual HIV transmission which very few African couples have received. We report the successful nationwide implementation of CVCT in Rwanda. METHODS From 1988 to 1994 in Rwanda, pregnant and postpartum women were tested for HIV and requested testing for their husbands. Partner testing was associated with more condom use and lower HIV and sexually transmitted infection rates, particularly among HIV-discordant couples. After the 1994 genocide, the research team continued to refine CVCT procedures in Zambia. These were reintroduced to Rwanda in 2001 and continually tested and improved. In 2003, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) established targets for partner testing among pregnant women, with the proportion rising from 16% in 2003 to 84% in 2008 as the prevention of mother-to-child transmission program expanded to >400 clinics. In 2009, the GoR adopted joint posttest counseling procedures, and in 2010 a quarterly follow-up program for discordant couples was established in government clinics with training and technical assistance. An estimated 80%-90% of Rwandan couples have now been jointly counseled and tested resulting in prevention of >70% of new HIV infections. CONCLUSIONS Rwanda is the first African country to have established CVCT as standard of care in antenatal care. More than 20 countries have sent providers to Rwanda for CVCT training. To duplicate Rwanda's success, training and technical assistance must be part of a coordinated effort to set national targets, timelines, indicators, and budgets. Governments, bilateral, and multilateral funding agencies must jointly prioritize CVCT for prevention of new HIV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Karita
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Felix Ndagije
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Kristin M. Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jeannine Mukamuyango
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Eric Remera
- Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Pratima L. Raghunathan
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA; and
| | - Roger Bayingana
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kayitesi Kayitenkore
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Brigitte Bekan-Homawoo
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Susan Allen
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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21
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Wall KM, Kilembe W, Vwalika B, Ravindhran P, Khu NH, Brill I, Chomba E, Johnson BA, Haddad LB, Tichacek A, Allen S. Hormonal Contraceptive Use Among HIV-Positive Women and HIV Transmission Risk to Male Partners, Zambia, 1994-2012. J Infect Dis 2016; 214:1063-71. [PMID: 27462093 PMCID: PMC5021237 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence on the association between female-to-male human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission risk and hormonal contraception is sparse and conflicting. METHODS Heterosexual HIV-discordant couples from Lusaka, Zambia, were followed longitudinally at 3 month-intervals from 1994 to 2012. The impact of hormonal contraception on time to HIV transmission from HIV-positive women to their HIV-negative male partners (M-F+) was evaluated. RESULTS Among 1601 M-F+ couples, 171 genetically linked HIV transmissions occurred in men over 3216 couple-years (5.3 transmissions/100 couple-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5-6.2). In multivariable Cox models, neither injectable (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.6; 95% CI, .4-1.2), oral contraceptive pill (aHR, 0.8; 95% CI, .3-2.1), nor implant (aHR, 0.8; 95% CI, .5-1.4) use was associated with HIV transmission, relative to nonhormonal methods, after controlling for the man's age at baseline and time-varying measures of pregnancy, self-reported unprotected sex with the study partner, sperm present on a vaginal swab wet mount, genital inflammation of either partner, genital ulceration of the man, and first follow-up interval. Sensitivity analyses, including marginal structural modeling and controlling for viral load and fertility intentions available in a subset of couples, led to similar conclusions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest null associations between hormonal contraception and risk of female-to-male HIV transmission. We support efforts to increase the contraceptive method mix for all women, regardless of HIV serostatus, along with reinforced condom counseling for HIV-serodiscordant couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Wall
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health and Laney Graduate School
| | - William Kilembe
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health
| | - Bellington Vwalika
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, University of Zambia
| | - Preeti Ravindhran
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health and Laney Graduate School
| | - Naw Htee Khu
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health
| | - Ilene Brill
- Department of Epidemiology, Ryals School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Elwyn Chomba
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brent A Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York
| | - Lisa B Haddad
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health
| | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health
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Audet CM, Blevins M, Chire YM, Aliyu MH, Vaz LME, Antonio E, Alvim F, Bechtel R, Wester CW, Vermund SH. Engagement of Men in Antenatal Care Services: Increased HIV Testing and Treatment Uptake in a Community Participatory Action Program in Mozambique. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:2090-100. [PMID: 26906021 PMCID: PMC4995150 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1341-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Uptake of HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) services during antenatal care (ANC) in rural Mozambique is disappointing. To nurture supportive male engagement in ANC services, we partnered with traditional birth attendants and trained a new type of male-to-male community health agent, "Male Champions", who focused on counseling male partners to create new, male-friendly community norms around engagement in spousal/partner pregnancies. We assessed ANC service uptake using a pre-post intervention design. The intervention was associated with increases in: (1) uptake of provider-initiated counseling and testing among pregnant woman (81 vs. 92 %; p < 0.001); (2) male engagement in ANC (5 vs. 34 %; p < 0.001); and (3) uptake of ART (8 vs. 19 %; p < 0.001). When men accepted HIV testing, rates of testing rose markedly among pregnant women. With the challenges in scale-up of Option B+ in sub-Saharan Africa, similar interventions may increase testing and treatment acceptability during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Audet
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA.
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Meridith Blevins
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yazalde Manuel Chire
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lara M E Vaz
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA
| | - Elisio Antonio
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Fernanda Alvim
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Ruth Bechtel
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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23
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Mónaco DC, Dilernia DA, Fiore-Gartland A, Yu T, Prince JL, Dennis KK, Qin K, Schaefer M, Claiborne DT, Kilembe W, Tang J, Price MA, Farmer P, Gilmour J, Bansal A, Allen S, Goepfert P, Hunter E. Balance between transmitted HLA preadapted and nonassociated polymorphisms is a major determinant of HIV-1 disease progression. J Exp Med 2016; 213:2049-63. [PMID: 27551154 PMCID: PMC5030801 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20151984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In a cohort of Zambian heterosexual transmission pairs, the authors show that HIV-1–transmitted variants already exhibit a significant degree of preadaptation to the new host's HLA alleles, which, modulated by polymorphisms that decrease viral fitness, determines early set-point VL and the rate of disease progression in the newly infected individual. HIV-1 adapts to a new host through mutations that facilitate immune escape. Here, we evaluate the impact on viral control and disease progression of transmitted polymorphisms that were either preadapted to or nonassociated with the new host’s HLA. In a cohort of 169 Zambian heterosexual transmission pairs, we found that almost one-third of possible HLA-linked target sites in the transmitted virus Gag protein are already adapted, and that this transmitted preadaptation significantly reduced early immune recognition of epitopes. Transmitted preadapted and nonassociated polymorphisms showed opposing effects on set-point VL and the balance between the two was significantly associated with higher set-point VLs in a multivariable model including other risk factors. Transmitted preadaptation was also significantly associated with faster CD4 decline (<350 cells/µl) and this association was stronger after accounting for nonassociated polymorphisms, which were linked with slower CD4 decline. Overall, the relative ratio of the two classes of polymorphisms was found to be the major determinant of CD4 decline in a multivariable model including other risk factors. This study reveals that, even before an immune response is mounted in the new host, the balance of these opposing factors can significantly influence the outcome of HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew Fiore-Gartland
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Tianwei Yu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | | | | | - Kai Qin
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233
| | | | | | | | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - Matt A Price
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), San Francisco, CA 94105 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94105
| | - Paul Farmer
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | | | - Anju Bansal
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - Susan Allen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Paul Goepfert
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233
| | - Eric Hunter
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
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Kelley AL, Hagaman AK, Wall KM, Karita E, Kilembe W, Bayingana R, Tichacek A, Kautzman M, Allen SA. Promotion of couples' voluntary HIV counseling and testing: a comparison of influence networks in Rwanda and Zambia. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:744. [PMID: 27502690 PMCID: PMC4977827 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3424-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many African adults do not know that partners in steady or cohabiting relationships can have different HIV test results. Despite WHO recommendations for couples' voluntary counseling and testing (CVCT), fewer than 10 % of couples have been jointly tested and counseled. We examine the roles and interactions of influential network leaders (INLs) and influential network agents (INAs) in promoting CVCT in Kigali, Rwanda and Lusaka, Zambia. METHODS INLs were identified in the faith-based, non-governmental, private, and health sectors. Each INL recruited and mentored several INAs who promoted CVCT. INLs and INAs were interviewed about demographic characteristics, promotional efforts, and working relationships. We also surveyed CVCT clients about sources of CVCT information. RESULTS In Zambia, 53 INAs and 31 INLs were surveyed. In Rwanda, 33 INAs and 27 INLs were surveyed. Most (75 %-90 %) INAs believed that INL support was necessary for their promotional work. Zambian INLs reported being more engaged with their INAs than Rwandan INLs, with 58 % of Zambian INLs reporting that they gave a lot of support to their INAs versus 39 % in Rwanda. INAs in both Rwanda and Zambia reported promoting CVCT via group forums (77 %-97 %) and speaking to a community leader about CVCT (79 %-88 %) in the past month. More Rwandan INAs and INLs reported previous joint or individual HIV testing compared with their Zambian counterparts, of which more than half had not been tested. In Zambia and Rwanda, 1271 and 3895 CVCT clients were surveyed, respectively. Hearing about CVCT from INAs during one-on-one promotions was the most frequent source of information reported by clients in Zambia (71 %). In contrast, Rwandan couples who tested were more likely to have heard about CVCT from a previously tested couple (59 %). CONCLUSIONS CVCT has long been endorsed for HIV prevention but few couples have been reached. Influential social networks can successfully promote evidence-based HIV prevention in Africa. Support from more senior INLs and group presentations leveraged INAs' one-on-one promotions. The INL/INA model was effective in promoting couples to seek joint HIV testing and counseling and may have broader application to other sub-Saharan African countries to sustainably increase CVCT uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- April L. Kelley
- Zambia Emory HIV Research Project (ZEHRP), Lusaka and Ndola, Zambia
| | - Ashley K. Hagaman
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group (RZHRG), Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Kristin M. Wall
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group (RZHRG), Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, GCR 458, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | | | - William Kilembe
- Zambia Emory HIV Research Project (ZEHRP), Lusaka and Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group (RZHRG), Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | | | - Susan A. Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group (RZHRG), Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
- Project San Francisco (PSF), Kigali, Rwanda
- Zambia Emory HIV Research Project (ZEHRP), Lusaka and Ndola, Zambia
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Matovu JKB, Todd J, Wanyenze RK, Kairania R, Serwadda D, Wabwire-Mangen F. Evaluation of a demand-creation intervention for couples' HIV testing services among married or cohabiting individuals in Rakai, Uganda: a cluster-randomized intervention trial. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:379. [PMID: 27502776 PMCID: PMC4977664 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1720-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uptake of couples' HIV counseling and testing (couples' HCT) services remains largely low in most settings. We report the effect of a demand-creation intervention trial on couples' HCT uptake among married or cohabiting individuals who had never received couples' HCT. METHODS This was a cluster-randomized intervention trial implemented in three study regions with differing HIV prevalence levels (range: 9-43 %) in Rakai district, southwestern Uganda, between February and September 2014. We randomly assigned six clusters (1:1) to receive the intervention or serve as the comparison arm using computer-generated random numbers. In the intervention clusters, individuals attended small group, couple and male-focused interactive sessions, reinforced with testimonies from 'expert couples', and received invitation coupons to test together with their partners at designated health facilities. In the comparison clusters, participants attended general adult health education sessions but received no invitation coupons. The primary outcome was couples' HCT uptake, measured 12 months post-baseline. Baseline data were collected between November 2013 and February 2014 while follow-up data were collected between March and April 2015. We conducted intention-to-treat analysis using a mixed effects Poisson regression model to assess for differences in couples' HCT uptake between the intervention and comparison clusters. Data analysis was conducted using STATA statistical software, version 14.1. RESULTS Of 2135 married or cohabiting individuals interviewed at baseline, 42 % (n = 846) had ever received couples' HCT. Of those who had never received couples' HCT (n = 1,174), 697 were interviewed in the intervention clusters while 477 were interviewed in the comparison clusters. 73.6 % (n = 513) of those interviewed in the intervention and 82.6 % (n = 394) of those interviewed in the comparison cluster were interviewed at follow-up. Of those interviewed, 72.3 % (n = 371) in the intervention and 65.2 % (n = 257) in the comparison clusters received HCT. Couples' HCT uptake was higher in the intervention than in the comparison clusters (20.3 % versus 13.7 %; adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.43, 95 % CI: 1.02, 2.01, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Our findings show that a small group, couple and male-focused, demand-creation intervention reinforced with testimonies from 'expert couples', improved uptake of couples' HCT in this rural setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02492061 . Date of registration: June 14, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K B Matovu
- Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Kairania
- Rakai Health Sciences Program/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - David Serwadda
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Wabwire-Mangen
- Regional Center for Quality of Health Care, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Hormonal Contraception, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Risk of HIV Disease Progression Among Zambian Women. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 71:345-52. [PMID: 26379070 PMCID: PMC4752415 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Some studies suggest that hormonal contraception, pregnancy, and/or breastfeeding may influence rates of HIV disease progression. Methods: From 1994 to 2012, HIV discordant couples recruited at couples' voluntary HIV counseling and testing centers in Lusaka were followed 3-monthly. Multivariate survival analyses explored associations between time-varying contraception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding and 2 outcomes among HIV-positive women: (1) time to death and (2) time to antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation. Results: Among 1656 female seropositive, male seronegative couples followed for 3359 person-years (PY), 224 women died [6.7/100 PY; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.8 to 7.6]. After 2003, 290 women initiated ART (14.5/100 PY; 95% CI: 12.9 to 16.2). In a multivariate model of time to death, hormonal implant [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.98] and injectable (aHR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.97) were significantly protective relative to nonhormonal method use, whereas oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use was not (aHR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.57) controlling for baseline HIV disease stage, time-varying pregnancy, time-varying breastfeeding, and year of enrollment. In a multivariate model of time-to-ART initiation, implant was significantly protective (aHR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.95), whereas OCP (aHR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.44 to 1.10) and injectable (aHR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.55 to 1.32) were not relative to nonhormonal method use controlling for variables above, woman's age, and literacy. Pregnancy was not significantly associated with death (aHR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.66) or ART initiation (aHR = 1.24; 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.86), whereas breastfeeding was protective for death (aHR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.62) and ART initiation (aHR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.85). Conclusions: Hormonal implants and injectables significantly predicted lower mortality; implants were protective for ART initiation. OCPs and pregnancy were not associated with death or ART initiation, whereas breastfeeding was protective for both. Findings from this 18-year cohort study suggest that (1) HIV-positive women desiring pregnancy can be counseled to do so and breastfeed and (2) all effective contraceptive methods, including injectables and implants, should be promoted to prevent unintended pregnancy.
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Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA)-restricted CD8(+) T lymphocyte (CTL) responses are crucial to HIV-1 control. Although HIV can evade these responses, the longer-term impact of viral escape mutants remains unclear, as these variants can also reduce intrinsic viral fitness. To address this, we here developed a metric to determine the degree of HIV adaptation to an HLA profile. We demonstrate that transmission of viruses that are pre-adapted to the HLA molecules expressed in the recipient is associated with impaired immunogenicity, elevated viral load and accelerated CD4(+) T cell decline. Furthermore, the extent of pre-adaptation among circulating viruses explains much of the variation in outcomes attributed to the expression of certain HLA alleles. Thus, viral pre-adaptation exploits 'holes' in the immune response. Accounting for these holes may be key for vaccine strategies seeking to elicit functional responses from viral variants, and to HIV cure strategies that require broad CTL responses to achieve successful eradication of HIV reservoirs.
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Leblanc NM, Flores DD, Barroso J. Facilitators and Barriers to HIV Screening: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2016; 26:294-306. [PMID: 26631679 DOI: 10.1177/1049732315616624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Accomplishments in biomedical research and technology, combined with innovative community and clinically based interventions, have expanded HIV testing globally. However, HIV screening and receipt of results remains a challenge in some areas. To optimize the benefits of HIV screening, it is imperative that there is a better understanding of the barriers to and motivators of testing for HIV infection. This study is a meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature on HIV screening and receipt of results; 128 unique publications had implications for HIV screening and receipt of results. A socioecological perspective provided an appropriate approach for synthesizing the literature. Three levels of influence emerged: individual attributes, interpersonal attributes, and broader patterns of influence. Findings were reviewed and found to have implications for continued engagement in the HIV treatment cascade. Recommendations to enhance HIV screening and to ensure receipt of results are proposed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julie Barroso
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Ngilangwa DP, Ochako R, Mboya BA, Noronha RH, Mgomella GS. Prevalence and predictors of HIV sero-discordance among cohabiting couples tested in northern Tanzania. Pan Afr Med J 2015; 22:275. [PMID: 26958138 PMCID: PMC4765341 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2015.22.275.5961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In sub-Saharan Africa where HIV/AIDS epidemic is predominantly generalized, majority of HIV infections occur among heterosexual couples. The majority of people do not know their sero-status. Thus, utilisation of Couples’ HIV Counselling and Testing (CHCT) services remain to be critical in preventing new infections. The objective was to establish prevalence and predictors of HIV sero-discordance among cohabiting couples presenting for CHCT services in northern Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study inteveviewed 1,333 couples aged 18-49 years tested from 2005 to 2007 in Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions. A CHCT checklist was used to collect data from couples. Data were analyzed using STATA 10. Results Generally, 220(16%) out of 1,333 couples were HIV sero-discordant. In sero-discordance unions, women were likely to be HIV positive than men (71% versus 29% respectively p<0.001). HIV sero-discordant relationship was associated with age (35-45 years) for both men and women (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.3, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.7-3.2) and (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI 1.9-3.7) respectively. Women with older men partners were less likely to be in HIV sero-discordance relationships (AOR: 0.5 95% CI 0.3-09). Arusha couples were likely to be HIV sero-discordant than those of Kilimanjaro (AOR: 2.3 95% CI 1.7-3.2). Couples living far away from CHCT centres were less likely to be sero-discordant than those live nearby (AOR: 0.4 95% CI 0.2-0.9). Conclusion HIV sero-discordance prevalence is high among our participants. Thus, we recommend CHCT utilization should widely be promoted as entry point in treatment as prevention strategy in order to protect uninfected partners in HIV sero-discordance relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Paul Ngilangwa
- Amref Health Africa, P.O Box 2773 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Reproductive Health Program, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - George Suleman Mgomella
- Kilimanjaro Reproductive Health Program, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Medicine, Strangeways Research Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Worts' Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN, UK
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Dilernia DA, Chien JT, Monaco DC, Brown MPS, Ende Z, Deymier MJ, Yue L, Paxinos EE, Allen S, Tirado-Ramos A, Hunter E. Multiplexed highly-accurate DNA sequencing of closely-related HIV-1 variants using continuous long reads from single molecule, real-time sequencing. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:e129. [PMID: 26101252 PMCID: PMC4787755 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) Sequencing (Pacific Biosciences, Menlo Park, CA, USA) provides the longest continuous DNA sequencing reads currently available. However, the relatively high error rate in the raw read data requires novel analysis methods to deconvolute sequences derived from complex samples. Here, we present a workflow of novel computer algorithms able to reconstruct viral variant genomes present in mixtures with an accuracy of >QV50. This approach relies exclusively on Continuous Long Reads (CLR), which are the raw reads generated during SMRT Sequencing. We successfully implement this workflow for simultaneous sequencing of mixtures containing up to forty different >9 kb HIV-1 full genomes. This was achieved using a single SMRT Cell for each mixture and desktop computing power. This novel approach opens the possibility of solving complex sequencing tasks that currently lack a solution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jung-Ting Chien
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | | | | | - Zachary Ende
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | | | - Ling Yue
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | | | - Susan Allen
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, 30322, GA
| | | | - Eric Hunter
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, 30322, GA
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Jefferys LF, Nchimbi P, Mbezi P, Sewangi J, Theuring S. Official invitation letters to promote male partner attendance and couple voluntary HIV counselling and testing in antenatal care: an implementation study in Mbeya Region, Tanzania. Reprod Health 2015; 12:95. [PMID: 26472575 PMCID: PMC4608286 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-015-0084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The benefits of male partner involvement in antenatal care (ANC) and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) for maternal and infant health outcomes have been well recognised. However, in many sub-Saharan African settings, male involvement in these services remains low. Previous research has suggested written invitation letters as a way to promote male partner involvement. Methods In this implementation study conducted at three study sites in southwest Tanzania, acceptability of written invitation letters for male partners was assessed. Pre-study CVCT rates of 2–19 % had been recorded at the study sites. Pregnant women approaching ANC without a male partner were given an official letter, inviting the partner to attend a joint ANC and couple voluntary counselling and testing (CVCT) session. Partner attendance was recorded at subsequent antenatal visits, and the invitation was repeated if the partner did not attend. Analysis of socio-demographic indices associated with male partner attendance at ANC was also performed. Results Out of 318 women who received an invitation letter for their partner, 53.5 % returned with their partners for a joint ANC session; of these, 81 % proceeded to CVCT. Self-reported HIV-positive status at baseline was negatively associated with partner return (p = 0.033). Male attendance varied significantly between the rural and urban study sites (p < 0.001) with rates as high as 76 % at the rural site compared to 31 % at the urban health centre. The majority of women assessed the joint ANC session as a favourable experience, however 7 (75 %) of women in HIV-positive discordant or concordant relationships reported problems during mutual disclosure. Beneficial outcomes reported one month after the session included improved client- provider relationship, improved intra-couple communication and enhanced sexual and reproductive health decision-making. Conclusion Official invitation letters are a feasible intervention in a resource limited sub-Saharan African context, they are highly accepted by couple members, and are an effective way to encourage men to attend ANC and CVCT. Pre-intervention CVCT rates were improved in all sites. However, urban settings might require extra emphasis to reach high rates of partner attendance compared to smaller rural health centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura F Jefferys
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Philo Nchimbi
- PMTCT Program Mbeya Region, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mbeya, Tanzania.
| | - Paulina Mbezi
- PMTCT Program Mbeya Region, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mbeya, Tanzania.
| | - Julius Sewangi
- Regional AIDS Control Program Mbeya, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mbeya, Tanzania.
| | - Stefanie Theuring
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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High Transmitter CD4+ T-Cell Count Shortly after the Time of Transmission in a Study of African Serodiscordant Couples. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134438. [PMID: 26291456 PMCID: PMC4546189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 2013 WHO guidelines recommend starting ART at CD4+ T-cell counts ≤500 cells/μL. We present the T-cell counts from adult Africans with HIV shortly following transmission to their sexual partners. METHODS HIV-discordant couples in Zambia, Uganda and Rwanda were followed prospectively and received couples counseling and condoms. HIV uninfected partners were tested for HIV at least quarterly and HIV-infected partners received HIV care and referral for ART per national guidelines. Upon diagnosis of incident HIV infection in the previously HIV-uninfected partner, a blood sample was collected from both partners to measure CD4+ T-cells and perform viral linkage. The estimated date of infection (EDI) of the incident case was calculated based on testing history. EDI was unknown for suspected transmitting partners. RESULTS From 2006-2011, 4,705 HIV-discordant couples were enrolled in this cohort, and 443 cases of incident HIV infection were documented. Virus linkage analysis was performed in 374 transmission pairs, and 273 (73%) transmissions were linked genetically. CD4 counts in the transmitting partner were measured a median of 56 days after EDI (mean:90.5, min:10, max:396). The median CD4 count was 339 cells/μl (mean:386.4, min:15, max:1,434), and the proportion of partners with a CD4+ T-cell count above 500/μl was 25% (95% CI:21, 31). CONCLUSIONS In our cohort of discordant couples, 73% of HIV transmissions occurred within the relationship, and the transmitter CD4+ T cell count shortly after the transmission event was frequently higher than the WHO 2013 ART-initiation guidelines.
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Implementation of couples' voluntary HIV counseling and testing services in Durban, South Africa. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:601. [PMID: 26136116 PMCID: PMC4489128 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1959-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Couples’ voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) is an evidence-based intervention that significantly reduces HIV incidence in couples. Despite the high prevalence of HIV and HIV couple serodiscordance in South Africa, there are few CVCT services. Methods From February-June 2013, The Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group provided support, training, and technical assistance for local counselors and promoters to pilot CVCT services in five hospital-based clinics in Durban, South Africa. Client-level data (age, gender, years cohabiting, pregnancy status, previous testing, antiretroviral treatment (ART) status, neighborhood, and test site) collected as a component of routine CVCT service operation is presented stratified by couple serostatus. Results Twenty counselors and 28 promoters completed training. Of 907 couples (1,814 individuals) that underwent CVCT, prevalence of HIV was 41.8 % and prevalence of HIV serodiscordance was 29.5 % (19.3 % M-F+, 10.3 % M + F-). Most participants were 25–34 years of age, and this group had the highest prevalence. Previous individual HIV testing was low (50 % for men, 63 % for women). Only 4 % of couples reported previous CVCT. Most (75 %) HIV+ partners were not on ART, and HIV+ individuals in discordant couples were more likely to be on ART than those in concordant positive couples. Pregnancy among HIV+ women was not associated with previous HIV testing or ART use. Conclusions Implementation of standard CVCT services was found to be feasible in Durban. The burden of HIV and couple serodiscordance in Durban was extremely high. CVCT would greatly benefit couples in Durban as an HIV prevention strategy.
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Matovu JKB, Todd J, Wanyenze RK, Wabwire-Mangen F, Serwadda D. Correlates of previous couples' HIV counseling and testing uptake among married individuals in three HIV prevalence strata in Rakai, Uganda. Glob Health Action 2015; 8:27935. [PMID: 26058858 PMCID: PMC4461755 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v8.27935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies show that uptake of couples’ HIV counseling and testing (couples’ HCT) can be affected by individual, relationship, and socioeconomic factors. However, while couples’ HCT uptake can also be affected by background HIV prevalence and awareness of the existence of couples’ HCT services, this is yet to be documented. We explored the correlates of previous couples’ HCT uptake among married individuals in a rural Ugandan district with differing HIV prevalence levels. Design This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 2,135 married individuals resident in the three HIV prevalence strata (low HIV prevalence: 9.7–11.2%; middle HIV prevalence: 11.4–16.4%; and high HIV prevalence: 20.5–43%) in Rakai district, southwestern Uganda, between November 2013 and February 2014. Data were collected on sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, including previous receipt of couples’ HCT. HIV testing data were obtained from the Rakai Community Cohort Study. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify correlates that are independently associated with previous receipt of couples’ HCT. Data analysis was conducted using STATA (statistical software, version 11.2). Results Of the 2,135 married individuals enrolled, the majority (n=1,783, 83.5%) had been married for five or more years while (n=1,460, 66%) were in the first-order of marriage. Ever receipt of HCT was almost universal (n=2,020, 95%); of those ever tested, (n=846, 41.9%) reported that they had ever received couples’ HCT. There was no significant difference in previous receipt of couples’ HCT between low (n=309, 43.9%), middle (n=295, 41.7%), and high (n=242, 39.7%) HIV prevalence settings (p=0.61). Marital order was not significantly associated with previous receipt of couples’ HCT. However, marital duration [five or more years vis-à-vis 1–2 years: adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.06; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.04–1.08] and awareness about the existence of couples’ HCT services within the Rakai community cohort (aOR: 7.58; 95% CI: 5.63–10.20) were significantly associated with previous receipt of couples’ HCT. Conclusions Previous couples’ HCT uptake did not significantly differ by HIV prevalence setting. Longer marital duration and awareness of the existence of couples’ HCT services in the community were significantly correlated with previous receipt of couples’ HCT. These findings suggest a need for innovative demand–creation interventions to raise awareness about couples’ HCT service availability to improve couples’ HCT uptake among married individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K B Matovu
- Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda;
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Wabwire-Mangen
- Regional Center for Quality of Health Care, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Serwadda
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Kilembe W, Wall KM, Mokgoro M, Mwaanga A, Dissen E, Kamusoko M, Phiri H, Sakulanda J, Davitte J, Reddy T, Brockman M, Ndung’u T, Allen S. Knowledge of HIV serodiscordance, transmission, and prevention among couples in Durban, South Africa. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124548. [PMID: 25894583 PMCID: PMC4403857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Couples’ voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) significantly decreases HIV transmission within couples, the largest risk group in sub-Saharan Africa, but it is not currently offered in most HIV testing facilities. To roll out such an intervention, understanding locale-specific knowledge barriers is critical. In this study, we measured knowledge of HIV serodiscordance, transmission, and prevention before and after receipt of CVCT services in Durban. Design Pre- and post-CVCT knowledge surveys were administered to a selection of individuals seeking CVCT services. Methods Changes in knowledge scores were assessed with McNemar Chi-square tests for balanced data and generalized estimating equation methods for unbalanced data. Results The survey included 317 heterosexual black couples (634 individuals) who were primarily Zulu (87%), unemployed (47%), and had at least a secondary level education (78%). 28% of couples proved to be discordant. Only 30% of individuals thought serodiscordance between couples was possible pre‐CVCT compared to 95% post-CVCT. One-third thought there was at least one benefit of CVCT pre‐CVCT, increasing to 96% post‐CVCT. Overall, there were positive changes in knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention. However, many respondents thought all HIV positive mothers give birth to babies with AIDS (64% pre-CVCT, 59% post-CVCT) and that male circumcision does not protect negative men against HIV (70% pre-CVCT, 67% post-CVCT). Conclusions CVCT was well received and was followed by improvements in understanding of discordance, the benefits of joint testing, and HIV transmission. Country-level health messaging would benefit from targeting gaps in knowledge about serodiscordance, vertical transmission, and male circumcision.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kilembe
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kristin M. Wall
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mammekwa Mokgoro
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Annie Mwaanga
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth Dissen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Miriam Kamusoko
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hilda Phiri
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jean Sakulanda
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Davitte
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Medical Research Council, Biostatistics Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mark Brockman
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Thumbi Ndung’u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Jiwatram-Negrón T, El-Bassel N. Systematic review of couple-based HIV intervention and prevention studies: advantages, gaps, and future directions. AIDS Behav 2014; 18:1864-87. [PMID: 24980246 PMCID: PMC4507500 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0827-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of couple-based HIV biobehavioral (skills-building, VCT, and adherence) and biomedical (ART, circumcision) prevention and intervention studies designed to reduce sexual- and drug-risk behaviors and HIV transmission and acquisition. Of the 11,162 papers identified in the search, 93 peer-reviewed papers met the inclusion criteria and yielded a total of 33 studies conducted globally. Biobehavioral couple-based prevention and intervention studies have been efficacious in reducing sexual- and drug-risk behaviors, increasing access to HIV testing and care, and improving adherence. Biomedical couple-based studies were found to reduce HIV incidence among HIV-negative sex partners and viral load among HIV-positive partners. Despite much progress, couple-based HIV prevention and intervention studies remain limited; a number of methodological gaps exist and studies focusing on MSM, people who inject drugs, and sex workers are scarce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Jiwatram-Negrón
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, Room 825, New York City, NY, 10027, USA,
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Matovu JKB, Wanyenze RK, Wabwire-Mangen F, Nakubulwa R, Sekamwa R, Masika A, Todd J, Serwadda D. "Men are always scared to test with their partners … it is like taking them to the Police": Motivations for and barriers to couples' HIV counselling and testing in Rakai, Uganda: a qualitative study. J Int AIDS Soc 2014; 17:19160. [PMID: 25239379 PMCID: PMC4169647 DOI: 10.7448/ias.17.1.19160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uptake of couples' HIV counselling and testing (couples' HCT) can positively influence sexual risk behaviours and improve linkage to HIV care among HIV-positive couples. However, less than 30% of married couples have ever tested for HIV together with their partners. We explored the motivations for and barriers to couples' HCT among married couples in Rakai, Uganda. METHODS This was a qualitative study conducted among married individuals and selected key informants between August and October 2013. Married individuals were categorized by prior HCT status as: 1) both partners never tested; 2) only one or both partners ever tested separately; and 3) both partners ever tested together. Data were collected on the motivations for and barriers to couples' HCT, decision-making processes from tested couples and suggestions for improving couples' HCT uptake. Eighteen focus group discussions with married individuals, nine key informant interviews with selected key informants and six in-depth interviews with married individuals that had ever tested together were conducted. All interviews were audio-recorded, translated and transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Nvivo (version 9), following a thematic framework approach. RESULTS Motivations for couples' HCT included the need to know each other's HIV status, to get a treatment companion or seek HIV treatment together - if one or both partners were HIV-positive - and to reduce mistrust between partners. Barriers to couples' HCT included fears of the negative consequences associated with couples' HCT (e.g. fear of marital dissolution), mistrust between partners and conflicting work schedules. Couples' HCT was negotiated through a process that started off with one of the partners testing alone initially and then convincing the other partner to test together. Suggestions for improving couples' HCT uptake included the need for couple- and male-partner-specific sensitization, and the use of testimonies from tested couples. CONCLUSIONS Couples' HCT is largely driven by individual and relationship-based factors while fear of the negative consequences associated with couples' HCT appears to be the main barrier to couples' HCT uptake in this setting. Interventions to increase the uptake of couples' HCT should build on the motivations for couples' HCT while dealing with the negative consequences associated with couples' HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K B Matovu
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda;
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Wabwire-Mangen
- Regional Center for Quality of Health Care, School of Public Health, Kampala, Makerere University, Uganda
| | - Rosette Nakubulwa
- Department of Qualitative Research, Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - Richard Sekamwa
- Department of Qualitative Research, Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - Annet Masika
- Department of Qualitative Research, Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Serwadda
- Department of Disease Control & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Zabrocki C, Polutnik C, Jonbekov J, Shoakova F, Bahromov M, Weine S. Condom use and intimacy among Tajik male migrants and their regular female partners in Moscow. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2014; 17:17-33. [PMID: 25033817 PMCID: PMC4227949 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2014.937748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study examined condom use and intimacy among Tajik male migrants and their regular female partners in Moscow, Russia. This study included a survey of 400 Tajik male labour migrants and longitudinal ethnographic interviews with 30 of the surveyed male migrants and 30 of their regular female partners. of the surveyed male migrants, 351 (88%) reported having a regular female partner in Moscow. Findings demonstrated that the migrants' and regular partners' intentions to use condoms diminished with increased intimacy, yet each party perceived intimacy differently. Migrants' intimacy with regular partners was determined by their familiarity and the perceived sexual cleanliness of their partner. Migrants believed that Muslim women were cleaner than Orthodox Christian women and reported using condoms more frequently with Orthodox Christian regular partners. Regular partners reported determining intimacy based on the perceived commitment of the male migrant. When perceived commitment faced a crisis, intimacy declined and regular partners renegotiated condom use. The association between intimacy and condom use suggests that HIV-prevention programmes should aim to help male migrants and female regular partners to dissociate their approaches to condom use from their perceptions of intimacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Zabrocki
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Chloe Polutnik
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | - Stevan Weine
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Carlson JM, Schaefer M, Monaco DC, Batorsky R, Claiborne DT, Prince J, Deymier MJ, Ende ZS, Klatt NR, DeZiel CE, Lin TH, Peng J, Seese AM, Shapiro R, Frater J, Ndung'u T, Tang J, Goepfert P, Gilmour J, Price MA, Kilembe W, Heckerman D, Goulder PJR, Allen TM, Allen S, Hunter E. HIV transmission. Selection bias at the heterosexual HIV-1 transmission bottleneck. Science 2014; 345:1254031. [PMID: 25013080 DOI: 10.1126/science.1254031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Heterosexual transmission of HIV-1 typically results in one genetic variant establishing systemic infection. We compared, for 137 linked transmission pairs, the amino acid sequences encoded by non-envelope genes of viruses in both partners and demonstrate a selection bias for transmission of residues that are predicted to confer increased in vivo fitness on viruses in the newly infected, immunologically naïve recipient. Although tempered by transmission risk factors, such as donor viral load, genital inflammation, and recipient gender, this selection bias provides an overall transmission advantage for viral quasispecies that are dominated by viruses with high in vivo fitness. Thus, preventative or therapeutic approaches that even marginally reduce viral fitness may lower the overall transmission rates and offer long-term benefits even upon successful transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malinda Schaefer
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Daniela C Monaco
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Rebecca Batorsky
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02114, USA
| | - Daniel T Claiborne
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Jessica Prince
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Martin J Deymier
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Zachary S Ende
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Nichole R Klatt
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | | | | | - Jian Peng
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, WA 98052, USA
| | - Aaron M Seese
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02114, USA
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - John Frater
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 7BN, UK. National Institute of Health Research, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK. Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3BD, UK
| | - Thumbi Ndung'u
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02114, USA. HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4013, South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH), Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa. Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Paul Goepfert
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jill Gilmour
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, London SW10 9NH, UK. Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, London SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Matt A Price
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
| | - William Kilembe
- Rwanda-Zambia HIV Research Group: Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Philip J R Goulder
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4013, South Africa. Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Todd M Allen
- Rwanda-Zambia HIV Research Group: Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project, Lusaka, Zambia. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Susan Allen
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA. Microsoft Research, Los Angeles, CA 98117, USA. Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Eric Hunter
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. Rwanda-Zambia HIV Research Group: Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project, Lusaka, Zambia. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Lépine A, Terris-Prestholt F, Vickerman P. Determinants of HIV testing among Nigerian couples: a multilevel modelling approach. Health Policy Plan 2014; 30:579-92. [PMID: 24906362 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czu036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article we analyse the determinants of HIV testing among Nigerian couples using Demographic and Health Survey data set (2008). This study is motivated by the fact that although there is a strong willingness from the Nigerian Government to examine new HIV preventions approaches such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) and Treatment as Prevention (TasP) for HIV serodiscordant couples, the implementation of such policies would require the HIV status of each partner in the couple to be known. This is far to be achieved in the Nigerian context since in Nigeria only 6% of couples know their HIV status. In order to identify potential policies that are needed to increase HIV testing uptake, we use a three-level random intercept logistic model to separately explore the determinants of knowing HIV status among female and male partners. The use of the multilevel modelling allows including the unobserved heterogeneity at the village and state level that may affect HIV testing behaviours. Our results indicate that education, wealth, stigma, HIV knowledge and perceived risk are predictors of HIV testing among both partners while routine provider initiated testing appears to be very effective to increase HIV testing among women. The introduction of financial incentives as well as an increase in routine testing and home-based testing may be needed for large scale increase in HIV testing prior to the implementation of new HIV prevention technologies among discordant couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélia Lépine
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Global Health and Development Department, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Global Health and Development Department, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Global Health and Development Department, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
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Czaicki NL, Davitte J, Siangonya B, Kastner R, Ahmed N, Khu NH, Kuo WH, Abdallah J, Wall KM, Tichacek A, Inambao M, Simpungwe K, Thior I, Allen S. Predictors of first follow-up HIV testing for couples' voluntary HIV counseling and testing in Ndola, Zambia. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 66:e1-7. [PMID: 24326600 PMCID: PMC3981940 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We describe predictors of first follow-up testing for concordant negative and discordant couples seeking joint voluntary HIV counseling and testing in Ndola, Zambia, where cohabiting couples account for an estimated two-thirds of incident HIV infections. METHODS Demographic and serostatus data were collected from couples' voluntary HIV testing and counseling and follow-up testing services implemented in government clinics. We calculated follow-up testing rates by serostatus and compared rates before and after the introduction of a Good Health Package (GHP). RESULTS The follow-up testing rate from May 2011 to December 2012 was 12.2% for concordant negative (M-F-) couples and 24.5% for discordant (M+F- or M-F+) couples. Significant predictors of follow-up testing in multivariate analyses included increasing age of the man [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.02 per year] and the woman (aOR = 1.02 per year), and either partner being HIV+ (aOR = 2.57 for HIV+ man, aOR = 1.89 for HIV+ woman). The man (aOR = 1.29) and the couple (aOR = 1.22) having been previously tested for HIV were predictive of follow-up testing among concordant negative couples. Introduction of a GHP increased follow-up testing among discordant (aOR = 2.93) and concordant negative (aOR = 2.06) couples. CONCLUSIONS A low-cost GHP, including prevention, screening, and treatment for common causes of morbidity and mortality resulted in increased follow-up testing rates among HIV discordant and concordant negative couples. Overall follow-up testing rates remain low, and efforts to increase these rates are necessary to ensure linkage to combination prevention, reduce HIV transmission within couples, and identify seroconversions promptly. Further investigation of low-cost sustainable incentives and other factors influencing follow-up HIV testing for couples is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public
Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ibou Thior
- Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH),
Washington, DC, USA
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Abstract
New approaches to expanding HIV testing and effective treatment and the wider availability of rapid testing technology have created new opportunities for achieving national and global HIV testing goals. In spite of HIV testing expansion in many settings, growing evidence of the prevention benefits of HIV testing, and the development of new, cost-effective approaches to HIV testing service provision, formidable obstacles to HIV testing expansion persist. Inequitable testing coverage exists within and across countries. While the proportion of people with HIV aware of their status is about 80% in the U.S., the majority of HIV-infected persons in Africa are unaware of their status. Testing of most-at-risk populations, couples, children, and adolescents pose still unresolved policy and programmatic challenges. Future directions for HIV testing include rapid testing technology and detection of acute HIV infection, self-testing expansion, and partner notification. Expanded routine HIV screening and widespread testing is a public health imperative to reach national and international HIV prevention and treatment goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Cherutich
- National AIDS/STI Control Program, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Ahmed S, Kim MH, Sugandhi N, Phelps BR, Sabelli R, Diallo MO, Young P, Duncan D, Kellerman SE. Beyond early infant diagnosis: case finding strategies for identification of HIV-infected infants and children. AIDS 2013; 27 Suppl 2:S235-45. [PMID: 24361633 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There are 3.4 million children infected with HIV worldwide, with up to 2.6 million eligible for treatment under current guidelines. However, roughly 70% of infected children are not receiving live-saving HIV care and treatment. Strengthening case finding through improved diagnosis strategies, and actively linking identified HIV-infected children to care and treatment is essential to ensuring that these children benefit from the care and treatment available to them. Without attention or advocacy, the majority of these children will remain undiagnosed and die from complications of HIV. In this article, we summarize the challenges of identifying HIV-infected infants and children, review currently available evidence and guidance, describe promising new strategies for case finding, and make recommendations for future research and interventions to improve identification of HIV-infected infants and children.
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Matovu JKB, Denison J, Wanyenze RK, Ssekasanvu J, Makumbi F, Ovuga E, McGrath N, Serwadda D. Trends in HIV counseling and testing uptake among married individuals in Rakai, Uganda. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:618. [PMID: 23816253 PMCID: PMC3702530 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite efforts to promote HIV counseling and testing (HCT) among couples, few couples know their own or their partners’ HIV status. We assessed trends in HCT uptake among married individuals in Rakai district, southwestern Uganda. Methods We analysed data for 21,798 married individuals aged 15-49 years who were enrolled into the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) between 2003 and 2009. Married individuals were interviewed separately but were retrospectively linked to their partners at analysis. All participants had serologic samples obtained for HIV testing, and had the option of receiving HCT together (couples’ HCT) or separately (individual HCT). Individuals were categorized as concordant HIV-positive if both partners had HIV; concordant HIV-negative if both did not have HIV; or HIV-discordant if only one of the partners had HIV. We used χ2 tests to assess linear trends in individual and couples’ HCT uptake in the entire sample and conducted multinomial logistic regression on a sub-sample of 10,712 individuals to assess relative risk ratios (RRR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) associated with individual and couples’ HCT uptake. Analysis was done using STATA version 11.0. Results Uptake of couples’ HCT was 27.2% in 2003/04, 25.1% in 2005/06, 28.5% in 2006/08 and 27.8% in 2008/09 (χ2 for trend = 2.38; P = 0.12). Uptake of individual HCT was 57.9% in 2003/04, 60.2% in 2005/06, 54.0% in 2006/08 and 54.4% in 2008/09 (χ2 for trend = 8.72; P = 0.003). The proportion of couples who had never tested increased from 14.9% in 2003/04 to 17.8% in 2008/09 (χ2 for trend = 18.16; P < 0.0001). Uptake of couples’ HCT was significantly associated with prior HCT (Adjusted [Adj.] RRR = 6.80; 95% CI: 5.44, 8.51) and being 25-34 years of age (Adj. RRR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.32, 2.50). Uptake of individual HCT was significantly associated with prior HCT (Adj. RRR = 6.26; 95% CI: 4.24, 9.24) and the female partner being HIV-positive (Adj. RRR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.26, 4.80). Conclusion Uptake of couples’ HCT remained consistently low (below 30%) over the years, while uptake of individual HCT declined over time. These findings call for innovative strategies to increase demand for couples’ HCT, particularly among younger couples and those with no prior HCT.
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Bott S, Obermeyer CM. The social and gender context of HIV disclosure in sub-Saharan Africa: a review of policies and practices. SAHARA J 2013; 10 Suppl 1:S5-16. [PMID: 23808487 DOI: 10.1080/02664763.2012.755319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the legal and policy context of HIV disclosure in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as what is known about rates, consequences and social context of disclosure, with special attention to gender issues and the role of health services. Persistent rates of nondisclosure by those diagnosed with HIV raise difficult ethical, public health and human rights questions about how to protect the medical confidentiality, health and well-being of people living with HIV on the one hand, and how to protect partners and children from HIV transmission on the other. Both globally and within the sub-Saharan African region, a spate of recent laws, policies and programmes have tried to encourage or - in some cases - mandate HIV disclosure. These policies have generated ethical and policy debates. While there is consensus that the criminalization of transmission and nondisclosure undermines rights while serving little public health benefit, there is less clarity about the ethics of third party notification, especially in resource-constrained settings. Despite initiatives to encourage voluntary HIV disclosure and to increase partner testing in sub-Saharan Africa, health workers continue to grapple with difficult challenges in the face of nondisclosure, and often express a need for more guidance and support in this area. A large body of research indicates that gender issues are key to HIV disclosure in the region, and must be considered within policies and programmes. Taken as a whole, this evidence suggests a need for more attention to the challenges and dilemmas faced by both clients and providers in relation to HIV disclosure in this region and for continued efforts to consider the perspectives and rights of all those affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bott
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences of American University of Beirut
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Hardon A, Gomez GB, Vernooij E, Desclaux A, Wanyenze RK, Ky-Zerbo O, Kageha E, Namakhoma I, Kinsman J, Spronk C, Meij E, Neuman M, Obermeyer CM. Do support groups members disclose less to their partners? The dynamics of HIV disclosure in four African countries. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:589. [PMID: 23773542 PMCID: PMC3698057 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent efforts to curtail the HIV epidemic in Africa have emphasised preventing sexual transmission to partners through antiretroviral therapy. A component of current strategies is disclosure to partners, thus understanding its motivations will help maximise results. This study examines the rates, dynamics and consequences of partner disclosure in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi and Uganda, with special attention to the role of support groups and stigma in disclosure. METHODS The study employs mixed methods, including a cross-sectional client survey of counselling and testing services, focus groups, and in-depth interviews with HIV-positive individuals in stable partnerships in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi and Uganda, recruited at healthcare facilities offering HIV testing. RESULTS Rates of disclosure to partners varied between countries (32.7% - 92.7%). The lowest rate was reported in Malawi. Reasons for disclosure included preventing the transmission of HIV, the need for care, and upholding the integrity of the relationship. Fear of stigma was an important reason for non-disclosure. Women reported experiencing more negative reactions when disclosing to partners. Disclosure was positively associated with living in urban areas, higher education levels, and being male, while being negatively associated with membership to support groups. CONCLUSIONS Understanding of reasons for disclosure and recognition of the role of support groups in the process can help improve current prevention efforts, that increasingly focus on treatment as prevention as a way to halt new infections. Support groups can help spread secondary prevention messages, by explaining to their members that antiretroviral treatment has benefits for HIV positive individuals and their partners. Home-based testing can further facilitate partner disclosure, as couples can test together and be counselled jointly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Hardon
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Kloveniersburgwal 48, 1012 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Simbaya J, Moyer E. The emergence and evolution of HIV counselling in Zambia: a 25-year history. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2013; 15 Suppl 4:S453-S466. [PMID: 23713492 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2013.794477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
HIV-related counselling practices have evolved since emerging in Zambia in 1987. Whereas, initially, the goal of HIV counselling was to provide psychological support to the dying and their families, as knowledge about HIV grew, counselling objectives expanded to include behavioural change, encouraging safer sexual practices, encouraging disclosure, convincing people to test, treatment adherence and shaping HIV-positive people's sexual and reproductive choices. This paper highlights a number of key shifts in counselling practices in Zambia over the last 25 years, demonstrating the relationship between those shifts, changes in medical technology, (inter)national political will and the epidemiological maturity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Simbaya
- a Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
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Siu GE, Seeley J, Wight D. Dividuality, masculine respectability and reputation: how masculinity affects men's uptake of HIV treatment in rural eastern Uganda. Soc Sci Med 2013; 89:45-52. [PMID: 23726215 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence in SSA that once infected with HIV men are disadvantaged compared to women in terms of uptake of treatment. In Uganda fewer men are on treatment, they tend to initiate treatment later, are difficult to retain on treatment and have a higher mortality while on treatment. This article discusses how men's response to HIV infection relates to their masculinity. We conducted participant observation and in-depth interviews with 26 men from a rural setting in eastern Uganda, in 2009-2010. They comprised men receiving HIV treatment, who had dropped treatment or did not seek it despite testing HIV positive, who had not tested but suspected infection, and those with other symptoms unrelated to HIV. Thematic analysis identified recurrent themes and variations across the data. Men drew from a range of norms to fulfil the social and individual expectations of being sufficiently masculine. The study argues that there are essentially two forms of masculinity in Mam-Kiror, one based on reputation and the other on respectability, with some ideals shared by both. Respectability was endorsed by 'the wider society', while reputation was endorsed almost entirely by men. Men's treatment seeking behaviours corresponded with different masculine ideologies. Family and societal expectations to be a family provider and respectable role model encouraged treatment, to regain and maintain health. However, reputational concern with strength and the capacity for hard physical work, income generation and sexual achievement discouraged uptake of HIV testing and treatment since it meant acknowledging weakness and an 'HIV patient' identity. Men's 'dividuality' allowed them to express different masculinities in different social contexts. We conclude that characteristics associated with respectable masculinity tend to encourage men's uptake of HIV treatment while those associated with reputational masculinity tend to undermine it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey E Siu
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda.
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Dionne-Odom J, Karita E, Kilembe W, Henderson F, Vwalika B, Bayingana R, Li Z, Mulenga J, Chomba E, Del Rio C, Khu NH, Tichacek A, Allen S. Syphilis treatment response among HIV-discordant couples in Zambia and Rwanda. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 56:1829-37. [PMID: 23487377 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis continues to be a common sexually transmitted infection, despite the availability of inexpensive and effective treatment. Infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-discordant couples is important because syphilis increases the risk of HIV acquisition. Current US treatment guidelines recommend 1 dose of benzathine penicillin for early syphilis, irrespective of HIV status, but data from coinfected patients are limited. METHODS Retrospective analysis of 1321 individuals in 2 African HIV-discordant couple cohorts was performed. Cox proportional hazards analysis and multivariable modeling were used to assess predictors of serologic response to treatment at 180 days and 400 days. Modeling was performed for all episodes of positive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test results and on a subset with higher RPR titers (≥1:4). RESULTS A total of 1810 episodes of syphilis among 1321 individuals were treated with penicillin between 2002 and 2008. Although a positive RPR was more common in the HIV-infected partners, HIV infection did not impact the likelihood of serologic response to therapy (odds ratio [OR], 1.001; P = .995). By 400 days, 67% had responded to therapy, 27% were serofast, and 6.5% had documented reinfection. Prevalent infections were more likely to remain serofast than incident infections (33% vs 20% at 400 days). CONCLUSIONS In 2 HIV-serodiscordant couple cohorts in Africa, incident syphilis had a very good likelihood of response to penicillin therapy, irrespective of HIV infection. This supports current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention treatment guidelines. A high proportion of prevalent RPR-positive infections remain serofast despite treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Dionne-Odom
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
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Home-Based HIV Testing and Counseling in Rural and Urban Kenyan Communities. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2013; 62:e47-54. [DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e318276bea0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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