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Bogart LM, Musoke W, Mukama CS, Allupo S, Klein DJ, Sejjemba A, Mwima S, Kadama H, Mulebeke R, Pandey R, Wagner Z, Mukasa B, Wanyenze RK. Enhanced Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Implementation for Ugandan Fisherfolk: Pilot Intervention Outcomes. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04432-w. [PMID: 39028385 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04432-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Mobile populations such as fisherfolk show high HIV incidence and prevalence. We pilot-tested implementation strategies to enhance pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence in the context of healthcare outreach events in two mainland fisherfolk communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda from September 2021 to February 2022. The implementation strategies included PrEP adherence supporters (selected from PrEP users' social networks), community workshops (to address misconceptions and stigma, and empower PrEP advocacy), and check-in calls (including refill reminders). PrEP medical records data were collected from 6-months pre-intervention to 6-months post-intervention. Qualitative interviews with 20 PrEP users (10 who continued, 10 who discontinued), 9 adherence supporters, and 7 key partners (providers, community leaders) explored acceptability. Percentages of PrEP initiators (of those eligible) were significantly higher during the intervention (96.5%) than 6-months before the intervention (84.5%), p < 0.0001; percentages of PrEP users who persisted (i.e., possessed a refill) 6-months post-initiation (47.9% vs. 6.7%) and had at least 80% PrEP coverage (based on their medication possession ratio) from the initiation date to 6-months later (35.9% vs. 0%) were higher during versus pre-intervention, p < 0.0001. A comparison fisherfolk community with better healthcare access had lower uptake (78.3%; p < 0.0001) and persistence at 6-months (34.0%; p < 0.001), but higher coverage during the intervention period (70.4%; p < 0.0001). Qualitative data suggested the strategies promoted PrEP use through reduced stigma and misconceptions. The intervention bundle cost was $223.95, $172.98, and $94.66 for each additional person for PrEP initiation, persistence, and coverage, respectively. Enhanced community-based PrEP implementation that fosters a supportive community environment can improve PrEP use in mobile populations without easy access to healthcare. (NCT05084716).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Bogart
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - David J Klein
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
| | | | - Simon Mwima
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana Champagne, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Rakesh Pandey
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
| | - Zachary Wagner
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
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Lagat HK, Pintye J, Harrington E, Houck S, Kwena Z, Lenn M, Mogaka F, Momanyi V, Mugambi M, Nyerere B, Odoyo J, Omollo V, Ortblad KF, Rota G, Sharma M, Bukusi EA. Enhancing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis outcomes among Kenyan adolescent girls and young women with a novel pharmacy-based PrEP delivery platform: protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:394. [PMID: 38890744 PMCID: PMC11186170 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Kenya, 65% of sexually active unmarried women use modern contraceptives, a population at increased risk of HIV acquisition compared to other populations. Anchoring HIV prevention services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to trusted contraceptive delivery settings offers opportunities to efficiently reach this important population. In Kenya, almost half (40%) of women accessing contraception services do so outside traditional healthcare facilities, such as retail pharmacies. Thus, integrating PrEP services into retail pharmacies may increase options for reaching adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who could benefit from PrEP. Efforts are underway to define care pathways for pharmacy-delivered PrEP services in Kenya, including unsupported and supported models with nurse navigators. METHODS The AGYW Pharmacy PrEP study is an unblinded 2-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial in Kisumu, Kenya. The objective is to determine the effect that unsupported versus supported pharmacy-delivered PrEP services has on PrEP initiation, persistence, and adherence among AGYW seeking contraception. Twenty retail pharmacies offering pharmacy provider-led PrEP delivery will be randomized 1:1 to either receive or not receive a nurse navigator to support PrEP delivery. Eligible AGYW (n = 1900 total, n = 950/arm) will be ≥ 15 years old, purchasing a method of contraception at the pharmacy. Trained pharmacy provider will offer eligible AGYW either daily oral PrEP or the monthly DPV vaginal ring. The primary trial outcomes are PrEP initiation (use of PrEP at 1 month), persistence (use of PrEP at 10 months), and adherence (quantified by levels of TFV or DPV in hair samples). Additionally, several secondary (STI incidence, PrEP method selection, predictors of PrEP adherence) and exploratory outcomes (HIV incidence, quality of care, contraceptive method mix) will be explored. DISCUSSION We hypothesize pharmacy-delivered PrEP services supported with nurse navigator, versus delivered by pharmacy providers alone, will improve PrEP outcomes among AGYW seeking contraception. Our results will help policy makers better understand how to potentially implement this novel differentiated service model for PrEP and prime pharmacies for the delivery of new PrEP agents in the pipeline (e.g., long-acting injectables and multi-purpose technologies). The study was initiated on May 13, 2023, and is expected to be completed by February 2025. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05467306), with registration on July 20, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Meena Lenn
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Felix Mogaka
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Greshon Rota
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Ortblad KF, Kuo AP, Mogere P, Roche SD, Kiptinness C, Wairimu N, Gakuo S, Baeten JM, Ngure K. Low selection of HIV PrEP refills at private pharmacies among clients who initiated PrEP at public clinics: findings from a mixed-methods study in Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:618. [PMID: 38730398 PMCID: PMC11088131 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10995-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Africa, the delivery of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at public healthcare clinics is challenged by understaffing, overcrowding, and HIV-associated stigma, often resulting in low PrEP uptake and continuation among clients. Giving clients the option to refill PrEP at nearby private pharmacies, which are often more convenient and have shorter wait times, may address these challenges and improve PrEP continuation. METHODS This mixed methods study used an explanatory sequential design. At two public clinics in Kiambu County, Kenya, clients ≥ 18 years initiating PrEP were given the option to refill PrEP at the clinic where they initiated for free or at one of three nearby private pharmacies for 300 Kenyan Shillings (~ $3 US Dollars). The providers at these pharmacies (pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists) were trained in PrEP service delivery using a prescribing checklist and provider-assisted HIV self-testing, both with remote clinician oversight. Clients were followed up to seven months, with scheduled refill visits at one, four, and seven months. The primary outcomes were selection of pharmacy-based PrEP refills and PrEP continuation. Following pilot completion, 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with clients who refilled PrEP were completed. We used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to assess study outcomes. RESULTS From November 2020 to November 2021, 125 PrEP clients were screened and 106 enrolled. The majority (59%, 63/106) of clients were women and the median age was 31 years (IQR 26-38 years). Over 292 client-months of follow-up, 41 clients (39%) refilled PrEP; only three (3%) at a participating pharmacy. All clients who completed IDIs refilled PrEP at clinics. The reasons why clients did not refill PrEP at pharmacies included: a preference for clinic-delivered PrEP services (i.e., pre-existing relationships, access to other services), concerns about pharmacy-delivered PrEP services (i.e., mistrust, lower quality care, costs), and lack of knowledge of this refill location. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that clients who initiate PrEP at public clinics in Kenya may have already overcome barriers to clinic-delivered PrEP services and prefer PrEP access there. To reach new populations that could benefit from PrEP, a stand-alone model of pharmacy-delivered PrEP services may be needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04558554 [registered: June 5, 2020].
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina F Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
| | - Alexandra P Kuo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter Mogere
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephanie D Roche
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Njeri Wairimu
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephen Gakuo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
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Jin SL, Kolis J, Parker J, Proctor DA, Prybylski D, Wardle C, Abad N, Brookmeyer KA, Voegeli C, Chiou H. Social histories of public health misinformation and infodemics: case studies of four pandemics. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024:S1473-3099(24)00105-1. [PMID: 38648811 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00105-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Recognition of misinformation as a public health threat and interest in infodemics, defined as an inundation of information accompanying an epidemic or acute health event, have increased worldwide. However, scientists have no consensus on how to best define and identify misinformation and other essential characteristics of infodemics. We conducted a narrative review of secondary historical sources to examine previous infodemics in relation to four infectious diseases associated with pandemics (ie, smallpox, cholera, 1918 influenza, and HIV) and challenge the assumption that misinformation is a new phenomenon associated with increased use of social media or with the COVID-19 pandemic. On the contrary, we found that the spread of health misinformation has always been a public health challenge that has necessitated innovative solutions from medical and public health communities. We suggest expanding beyond the narrow scope of addressing misinformation to manage information ecosystems, defined as how people consume, produce, interact with, and behave around information, which include factors such as trust, stigma, and scientific literacy. Although misinformation can spread on a global scale, this holistic approach advocates for community-level interventions that improve relationships and trust between medical or public health entities and local populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L Jin
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica Kolis
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Jessica Parker
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Claire Wardle
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Neetu Abad
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Howard Chiou
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Commissioned Corps, US Public Health Service, Rockville, MD, USA
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Zewdie KB, Ngure K, Mwangi M, Mwangi D, Maina S, Etyang L, Maina G, Ogello V, Owidi E, Mugo NR, Baeten JM, Mugwanya KK. Effect of differentiated direct-to-pharmacy PrEP refill visits supported with client HIV self-testing on clinic visit time and early PrEP continuation. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26222. [PMID: 38446643 PMCID: PMC10935714 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delivery of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is being scaled up in Africa, but clinic-level barriers including lengthy clinic visits may threaten client continuation on PrEP. METHODS Between January 2020 and January 2022, we conducted a quasi-experimental evaluation of differentiated direct-to-pharmacy PrEP refill visits at four public health HIV clinics in Kenya. Two clinics implemented the intervention package, which included direct-to-pharmacy for PrEP refill, client HIV self-testing (HIVST), client navigator, and pharmacist-led rapid risk assessment and dispensing. Two other clinics with comparable size and client volume served as contemporaneous controls with the usual clinic flow. PrEP continuation was evaluated by visit attendance and pharmacy refill records, and time and motion studies were conducted to determine time spent in the clinics. Dried blood spots were collected to test for tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) at random visits. We used logistic regression to assess the intervention effect on PrEP continuation and the Wilcoxon rank sum test to assess the effect on clinic time. RESULTS Overall, 746 clients were enrolled, 366 at control clinics (76 during pre-implementation and 290 during implementation phase), and 380 at direct-to-pharmacy clinics (116 during pre-implementation and 264 during implementation phase). Prior to implementation, the intervention and control clinics were comparable on client characteristics (female: 51% vs. 47%; median age: 33 vs. 33 years) and PrEP continuation (35% vs. 37% at 1 month, and 37% vs. 39% at 3 months). The intervention reduced total time spent at the clinic by 35% (median of 51 minutes at control vs. 33 minutes at intervention clinics; p<0.001), while time spent on HIV testing (20 vs. 20 minutes; p = 0.50) and pharmacy (8 vs. 8 minutes; p = 0.8) was unchanged. PrEP continuation was higher at intervention versus the control clinics: 45% versus 33% at month 1, 34% versus 25% at month 3 and 23% versus 16% at month 6. TFV-DP was detected in 85% (61/72) of samples, similar by the study group (83% vs. 85%). CONCLUSIONS A client-centred PrEP delivery approach with direct-to-pharmacy PrEP refill visits plus client HIVST significantly reduced clinic visit time by more than one-third and improved PrEP continuation in public health HIV clinics in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kidist Belay Zewdie
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Community HealthJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
| | - Margaret Mwangi
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Dominic Mwangi
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Simon Maina
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Lydia Etyang
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Gakuo Maina
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Vallery Ogello
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Emmah Owidi
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Nelly R. Mugo
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth K. Mugwanya
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Roche SD, Ekwunife OI, Mendonca R, Kwach B, Omollo V, Zhang S, Ongwen P, Hattery D, Smedinghoff S, Morris S, Were D, Rech D, Bukusi EA, Ortblad KF. Measuring the performance of computer vision artificial intelligence to interpret images of HIV self-testing results. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1334881. [PMID: 38384878 PMCID: PMC10880864 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1334881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction HIV self-testing (HIVST) is highly sensitive and specific, addresses known barriers to HIV testing (such as stigma), and is recommended by the World Health Organization as a testing option for the delivery of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Nevertheless, HIVST remains underutilized as a diagnostic tool in community-based, differentiated HIV service delivery models, possibly due to concerns about result misinterpretation, which could lead to inadvertent onward transmission of HIV, delays in antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, and incorrect initiation on PrEP. Ensuring that HIVST results are accurately interpreted for correct clinical decisions will be critical to maximizing HIVST's potential. Early evidence from a few small pilot studies suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) computer vision and machine learning could potentially assist with this task. As part of a broader study that task-shifted HIV testing to a new setting and cadre of healthcare provider (pharmaceutical technologists at private pharmacies) in Kenya, we sought to understand how well AI technology performed at interpreting HIVST results. Methods At 20 private pharmacies in Kisumu, Kenya, we offered free blood-based HIVST to clients ≥18 years purchasing products indicative of sexual activity (e.g., condoms). Trained pharmacy providers assisted clients with HIVST (as needed), photographed the completed HIVST, and uploaded the photo to a web-based platform. In real time, each self-test was interpreted independently by the (1) client and (2) pharmacy provider, with the HIVST images subsequently interpreted by (3) an AI algorithm (trained on lab-captured images of HIVST results) and (4) an expert panel of three HIVST readers. Using the expert panel's determination as the ground truth, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for HIVST result interpretation for the AI algorithm as well as for pharmacy clients and providers, for comparison. Results From March to June 2022, we screened 1,691 pharmacy clients and enrolled 1,500 in the study. All clients completed HIVST. Among 854 clients whose HIVST images were of sufficient quality to be interpretable by the AI algorithm, 63% (540/854) were female, median age was 26 years (interquartile range: 22-31), and 39% (335/855) reported casual sexual partners. The expert panel identified 94.9% (808/854) of HIVST images as HIV-negative, 5.1% (44/854) as HIV-positive, and 0.2% (2/854) as indeterminant. The AI algorithm demonstrated perfect sensitivity (100%), perfect NPV (100%), and 98.8% specificity, and 81.5% PPV (81.5%) due to seven false-positive results. By comparison, pharmacy clients and providers demonstrated lower sensitivity (93.2% and 97.7% respectively) and NPV (99.6% and 99.9% respectively) but perfect specificity (100%) and perfect PPV (100%). Conclusions AI computer vision technology shows promise as a tool for providing additional quality assurance of HIV testing, particularly for catching Type II error (false-negative test interpretations) committed by human end-users. We discuss possible use cases for this technology to support differentiated HIV service delivery and identify areas for future research that is needed to assess the potential impacts-both positive and negative-of deploying this technology in real-world HIV service delivery settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D. Roche
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Obinna I. Ekwunife
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Benn Kwach
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Victor Omollo
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Shengruo Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Katrina F. Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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Hartmann M, Nyblade L, Otticha S, Marton T, Agot K, Roberts ST. The development of a conceptual framework on PrEP stigma among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26213. [PMID: 38379129 PMCID: PMC10879468 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stigma is a well-known barrier to HIV testing and treatment and is an emerging barrier to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. To guide future research, measurement and interventions, we developed a conceptual framework for PrEP stigma among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa, a priority population for PrEP. METHODS A literature review, expert consultations and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to adapt the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework, describing the stigmatization process nested within the socio-ecological framework. We reviewed all articles on PrEP stigma and on HIV, contraceptive or sexuality stigma among AGYW from 2009 to 2019. Expert consultations were conducted with 10 stigma or PrEP researchers and two Kenyan youth advisory boards to revise the framework. Finally, FGDs were conducted with AGYW PrEP users (4 FGDs; n = 20) and key influencers (14 FGDs; n = 72) in Kenya with the help of a Youth Research Team who aided in FGD conduct and results interpretation. Results from each phase were reviewed and the framework was updated to incorporate new and divergent findings. This was validated against an updated literature search from 2020 to 2023. RESULTS The conceptual framework identifies potential drivers, facilitators and manifestations of PrEP stigma, its outcomes and health impacts, and relevant intersecting stigmas. The main findings include: (1) PrEP stigma is driven by HIV, gender and sexuality stigmas, and low PrEP community awareness. (2) Stigma is facilitated by factors at multiple levels: policy (e.g. targeting of PrEP to high-risk populations), health systems (e.g. youth-friendly service availability), community (e.g. social capital) and individual (e.g. empowerment). (3) Similar to other stigmas, manifestations include labelling, violence and shame. (4) PrEP stigma results in decreased access to and acceptability of PrEP, limited social support and community resistance, which can impact mental health and decrease PrEP uptake and adherence. (5) Stigma may engender resilience by motivating AGYW to think of PrEP as an exercise in personal agency. CONCLUSIONS Our PrEP stigma conceptual framework highlights potential intervention targets at multiple levels in the stigmatization process. Its adoption would enable researchers to develop standardized measures and compare stigma across timepoints and populations as well as design and evaluate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Hartmann
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Laura Nyblade
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Tozoe Marton
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kawango Agot
- Impact Research Development OrganizationKisumuKenya
| | - Sarah T. Roberts
- Women's Global Health ImperativeRTI InternationalBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
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Ortblad KF, Kwach B, Zhang S, Asewe M, Ongwen PA, Malen RC, Harkey K, Odoyo J, Gathii P, Rota G, Sharma M, Were DK, Ngure K, Omollo V, Bukusi EA. Measuring the performance of HIV self-testing at private pharmacies in Kenya: a cross-sectional study. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26177. [PMID: 37848405 PMCID: PMC10581952 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV self-testing (HIVST) has the potential to support daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery in private pharmacies, but many national guidelines have not approved HIVST for PrEP dispensing. In Kenya, pharmacy providers are permitted to deliver HIVST, but often do not have the required certification to deliver rapid diagnostic testing (RDT). We estimated the performance of provider-delivered HIVST compared to RDT, the standard of care for PrEP delivery, at private pharmacies in Kenya to inform decisions on the use of HIVST for PrEP scale-up. METHODS At 20 pharmacies in Kisumu County, we trained pharmacy providers (pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists) on blood-based HIVST use and client assistance (if requested). We recruited pharmacy clients purchasing sexual and reproductive health-related products (e.g. condoms) and enrolled those ≥18 years with self-reported behaviours associated with HIV risk. Enrolled clients received HIVST with associated provider counselling, followed by RDT by a certified HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Pharmacy providers and clients independently interpreted HIVST results prior to RDT (results interpreted only by the HTS counsellor). We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of pharmacy provider-delivered HIVST compared to HTS counsellor-administered RDT. RESULTS Between March and June 2022, we screened 1691 clients and enrolled 1500; 64% (954/1500) were female and the median age was 26 years (IQR 22-31). We additionally enrolled 40 providers; 42% (17/40) were pharmacy owners and their median years of experience was 6 (IQR 4-10). The majority (79%, 1190/1500) of clients requested provider assistance with HIVST and providers spent a median of 20 minutes (IQR 15-43) with each HIVST client. The sensitivity of provider-delivered HIVST at the pharmacy was high when interpreted by providers (98.5%, 95% CI 97.8%, 99.1%) and clients (98.8%, 95% CI 98.0%, 99.3%), as was the specificity of HIVST in this setting (provider-interpretation: 96.9%, 95% CI 89.2%, 99.6%; client-interpretation: 93.8%, 95% CI 84.8%, 98.3%). CONCLUSIONS When compared to the national HIV testing algorithm, provider-delivered blood-based HIVST at private pharmacies in Kenya performed well. These findings suggest that blood-based HIVST may be a useful tool to support PrEP initiation and continuation at private pharmacies and potentially other community-based delivery settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina F. Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Benn Kwach
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Shengruo Zhang
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Magdalene Asewe
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | | | - Rachel C. Malen
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kendall Harkey
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | | | - Greshon Rota
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public HealthJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
| | - Victor Omollo
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Elizabeth Anne Bukusi
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Chebet JJ, McMahon SA, Chase RP, Tarumbiswa T, Maponga C, Mandara E, Bärnighausen T, Geldsetzer P. Stakeholder perspectives on interventions to improve HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake and continuation in Lesotho: A participant-ranked preferences study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001423. [PMID: 37756319 PMCID: PMC10529554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Low uptake and high discontinuation remain major obstacles to realizing the potential of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in changing the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. We conducted a card sorting and ranking exercise with 155 local stakeholders to determine their views on the most important barriers and most promising interventions to achieving high PrEP coverage. Stakeholders were a purposive sample of PrEP policymakers and implementing partners (n = 7), healthcare providers (n = 51), and end-users (n = 97). End-users included adults who were currently using PrEP (n = 55), formerly using PrEP (n = 36), and those who were offered PrEP but declined (n = 6). Participants sorted pre-selected interventions and barriers to PrEP coverage into three piles-most, somewhat, and least important. Participants then ranked interventions and barriers in the "most important" piles in ascending order of significance. Ranked preferences were analyzed as voting data to identify the smallest set of candidates for which each candidate in the set would win in a two-candidate election against any candidate outside the set. Participants viewed a lack of PrEP awareness as the most important barrier to PrEP uptake for women, and a fear of HIV testing for men. Community-based HIV testing was ranked as the most promising intervention to improve PrEP uptake for both men and women. Perceived or experienced stigma was seen as an important barrier for PrEP continuation for both men and women, with an additional important barrier for men being daily activities that compete with the time needed to take a daily pill. Adherence counseling and multi-month PrEP prescriptions were seen as the most promising interventions to improve PrEP continuation. Our findings suggest community-based activities that generate PrEP demand (community-based HIV testing and mass media campaigns), reinforced with facility-based follow-up (counseling and multi-month prescription) could be promising interventions for PrEP programs that are aimed at the general adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy J. Chebet
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Shannon A. McMahon
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Germany
- Social and Behavioral Interventions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Rachel P. Chase
- Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Tapiwa Tarumbiswa
- Disease Control Department, Ministry of Health Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Chivimbiso Maponga
- Clinton Health Access Initiative–Lesotho Country Office, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Esther Mandara
- Clinton Health Access Initiative–Lesotho Country Office, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Germany
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, CA, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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10
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Zhang L, Song Y, Zheng X, Liu Y, Chen H. The experience of healthcare workers to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1224461. [PMID: 37693715 PMCID: PMC10484594 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1224461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis has been extensively documented. However, there are substantial gaps between the actual implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis and the ideal goal, especially in low-and middle-income countries. Healthcare workers play critical roles in the pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation, and they have more multi-level experiences about the barriers of pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation and how to facilitate it. However, the evidence aiming to synthesize their experiences is limited. Objective This study aims to aggregate the healthcare workers' experiences of providing pre-exposure prophylaxis in low-and middle-income countries, and find the barriers, facilitators, and recommendations of pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation. Methods The ENTREQ (Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research) statement was used to guide the design and reporting of this qualitative meta-synthesis. A comprehensive search was conducted from inception of databases to 16th March 2023 in four databases: PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Embase, Web of Science. The quality appraisal was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. JBI's meta-aggregation approach was used to guide the data extraction and synthesis, and the JBI ConQual approach was used to evaluate the evidence level of the synthesized findings. Results Fourteen articles with good methodological quality were included in this review. A total of 122 findings were extracted and 117 findings with credibility ratings of "unequivocal" or "equivocal" were included in this meta-synthesis. The eligible findings were aggregated into 13 new categories and subsequently developed into 3 synthesized findings: the barriers, facilitators, and recommendations of pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation in low-and middle-income countries. The overall ConQual score of all three synthesized findings was rated as "low." Conclusion This review aggregated the experience of health care workers implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis in low-and middle-income countries and we could focus on the following key points to promote the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis: improve knowledge about pre-exposure prophylaxis, create a supportive environment, address medication-related barriers, increase the human resources and financial investments, and diversify the providing models. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/. The protocol of this review has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42023411604).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liao Zhang
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Song
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xutong Zheng
- School of Nursing, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Chen
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Omollo V, Asewe M, Mogere P, Maina G, Kuo AP, Odoyo J, Oware K, Baeten JM, Kohler P, Owens T, Bukusi EA, Ngure K, Ortblad KF. The Fidelity of a Pharmacy-Based Oral HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Delivery Model in Kenya. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:379-386. [PMID: 37079900 PMCID: PMC10337311 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery at private pharmacies is a promising new differentiated service delivery model that may address barriers to PrEP delivery at public health care facilities. We measured the fidelity of this model (ie, delivery as intended) in a pilot study in Kenya. SETTING Five private, retail pharmacies in Kisumu and Thika Counties. METHODS Trained pharmacy providers delivered PrEP services, including identifying eligible clients, counseling on HIV risk, assessing PrEP safety, testing for HIV, and dispensing PrEP. Pharmacy clients completed surveys that assessed the fidelity of the services received after each visit. Standardized client actors (ie, mystery shoppers) were trained on 4 different case scripts, then made unannounced pharmacy visits, and then completed a 40-item checklist that assessed the fidelity and quality of service delivery components. RESULTS From November 2020 to December 2021, 287 clients initiated and 159 (55%) refilled PrEP. At initiation, most clients were counseled on PrEP adherence (99%, 284 of 287) and potential side effects (97%, 279 of 287) and all received provider-assisted HIV self-testing before PrEP dispensing (findings consistent across refill visits). Nine standardized client actors completed 15 pharmacy visits. At each visit, most actors were asked about their behaviors associated with HIV risk (80%, 12/15) and all were counseled on PrEP safety and side effects. All actors reported that pharmacy providers treated them with respect. CONCLUSIONS In this first pilot study of pharmacy-delivered PrEP services in Africa, the fidelity of service delivery was high, suggesting that trained providers at private pharmacies can deliver quality PrEP services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Omollo
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Magdaline Asewe
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Mogere
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Thika, Kenya
| | - Gakuo Maina
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Thika, Kenya
| | | | - Josephine Odoyo
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kevin Oware
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Global Health
- Epidemiology
- Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Currently, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA
| | - Pamela Kohler
- Global Health
- Department of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Epidemiology
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya; and
| | - Katrina F. Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
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Ortblad KF, Bardon AR, Mogere P, Kiptinness C, Gakuo S, Mbaire S, Thomas KK, Mugo NR, Baeten JM, Ngure K. Effect of 6-Month HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Dispensing With Interim Self-testing on Preexposure Prophylaxis Continuation at 12 Months: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2318590. [PMID: 37318803 PMCID: PMC10273023 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.18590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Daily oral HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery requires quarterly clinic visits for HIV testing and drug refilling that are costly to health systems and clients. Objective To evaluate whether 6-month PrEP dispensing supported with interim HIV self-testing (HIVST) results in noninferior PrEP continuation outcomes at 12 months compared with standard quarterly clinic visits. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized noninferiority trial was conducted from May 2018 to May 2021 with 12 months of follow-up among PrEP clients aged 18 years or older who were returning for their first refill at a research clinic in Kiambu County, Kenya. Intervention Participants were randomized 2:1 to (1) 6-month PrEP dispensing with semiannual clinic visits and interim HIVST at 3 months or (2) standard-of-care (SOC) PrEP delivery with 3-month dispensing, quarterly clinic visits, and clinic-based HIV testing. Main Outcomes and Measures Prespecified 12-month outcomes included recent HIV testing (any in past 6 months), PrEP refilling, and PrEP adherence (detectable tenofovir-diphosphate concentrations in dried blood spots). Binomial regression models were used to estimate risk differences (RDs), and a 1-sided 95% CI lower bound (LB) of -10% or greater was interpreted as noninferior. Results A total of 495 participants were enrolled, with 329 enrolled in the intervention group and 166 enrolled in the SOC group; 330 (66.7%) were women, 295 (59.6%) were in serodifferent relationships, and the median (IQR) age was 33 (27-40) years. At 12 months, 241 individuals in the intervention group (73.3%) and 120 in the SOC group (72.3%) returned to clinic. In the intervention group, recent HIV testing was noninferior (230 individuals [69.9%]) compared with the SOC group (116 [69.9%]; RD, -0.33%, 95% CI LB, -7.44%). PrEP refilling in the intervention group (196 [59.6%]) was inconclusive compared with the SOC group (104 [62.7%]; RD, -3.25%; 95% CI LB, -10.84%), and PrEP adherence was noninferior in the intervention group (151 [45.9%]) compared with the SOC group (70 [42.2%]; RD, 4.96%; 95% CI LB, -2.46%). No HIV seroconversions were observed over the follow-up period. Conclusions and Relevance In this analysis of secondary trial end points at 1 year, semiannual PrEP dispensing with interim HIVST resulted in noninferior recent HIV testing and PrEP adherence compared with SOC quarterly PrEP dispensing. This novel model has the potential to optimize PrEP delivery. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03593629.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina F. Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ashley R. Bardon
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Peter Mogere
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Stephen Gakuo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Mbaire
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Nelly R. Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
- now with Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
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13
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Ortblad KF, Mogere P, Omollo V, Kuo AP, Asewe M, Gakuo S, Roche S, Mugambi M, Mugambi ML, Stergachis A, Odoyo J, Bukusi EA, Ngure K, Baeten JM. Stand-alone model for delivery of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Kenya: a single-arm, prospective pilot evaluation. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26131. [PMID: 37306128 PMCID: PMC10258863 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26131] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The delivery of daily, oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at private pharmacies may overcome barriers to PrEP delivery at public healthcare facilities, including HIV-associated stigma, long wait times and overcrowding. METHODS At five private, community-based pharmacies in Kenya, a care pathway for PrEP delivery (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04558554) was piloted-the first of its kind in Africa. Pharmacy providers screened clients interested in PrEP for HIV risk, then used a prescribing checklist to identify clients without medical conditions that might contraindicate PrEP safety, counsel them on PrEP use and safety, conduct provider-assisted HIV self-testing and dispense PrEP. For complex clinical cases, a remote clinician was available for consultation. Clients who did not meet the checklist criteria were referred to public facilities for free services delivered by clinicians. Pharmacy providers dispensed a 1-month PrEP supply at initiation and a 3-month supply thereafter at a client fee of 300 KES (∼$3 USD) per visit. RESULTS From November 2020 to October 2021, pharmacy providers screened 575 clients, identified 476 who met the prescribing checklist criteria and initiated 287 (60%) on PrEP. Among pharmacy PrEP clients, the median age was 26 years (IQR 22-33) and 57% (163/287) were male. The prevalence of behaviours associated with HIV risk among clients was high; 84% (240/287) reported sexual partners with unknown HIV status and 53% (151/287) reported multiple sexual partners (past 6 months). PrEP continuation among clients was 53% (153/287) at 1 month, 36% (103/287) at 4 months and 21% (51/242) at 7 months. During the pilot observation period, 21% (61/287) of clients stopped and restarted PrEP and overall pill coverage was 40% (IQR 10%-70%). Nearly, all pharmacy PrEP clients (≥96%) agreed or strongly agreed with statements regarding the acceptability and appropriateness of pharmacy-delivered PrEP services. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this pilot suggest that populations at HIV risk frequently visit private pharmacies and PrEP initiation and continuation at pharmacies is similar to or exceeds that at public healthcare facilities. Private pharmacy-based PrEP delivery, conducted entirely by private-sector pharmacy staff, is a promising new delivery model that has the potential to expand PrEP reach in Kenya and similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina F. Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Peter Mogere
- Centre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InsitituteNairobiKenya
| | - Victor Omollo
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InsitituteNairobiKenya
| | - Alexandra P. Kuo
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Magdaline Asewe
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InsitituteNairobiKenya
| | - Stephen Gakuo
- Centre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InsitituteNairobiKenya
| | - Stephanie Roche
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Mary Mugambi
- National AIDS and STI Control ProgrammeKenya Ministry of HealthNairobiKenya
| | | | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InsitituteNairobiKenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- School of Public HealthJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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14
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Chen Y, Saldarriaga EM, Montano MA, Ngure K, Thuo N, Kiptinness C, Rafferty M, Terris-Prestholt F, Stergachis A, Mugambi ML, Ortblad KF, Sharma M. Assessing preferences for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery services via online pharmacies in Kenya: protocol for a discrete choice experiment. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069195. [PMID: 37012008 PMCID: PMC10083853 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition, but coverage remains low in high prevalence settings. Initiating and continuing PrEP via online pharmacies is a promising strategy to expand PrEP uptake but little is known about user preferences for this strategy. We describe methods for a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to assess preferences for PrEP delivery from an online pharmacy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This cross-sectional study is conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, in partnership with MYDAWA, a private online pharmacy retailer with a planned sample size of >400 participants. Eligibility criteria are: ≥18 years, not known HIV-positive and interested in PrEP. Initial DCE attributes and levels were developed via literature review and stakeholder meetings. We conducted cognitive interviews to assess participant understanding of the DCE survey and refined the design. The final DCE used a D-efficient design and contained four attributes: PrEP eligibility assessment, HIV test type, clinical consultation type and user support options. Participants are presented with eight scenarios consisting of two hypothetical PrEP delivery services. The survey was piloted among 20 participants before being advertised on the MYDAWA website on pages displaying products indicating HIV risk (eg, HIV self-test kits). Interested participants call a study number and those screened eligible meet a research assistant in a convenient location to complete the survey. The DCE will be analysed using a conditional logit model to assess average preferences and mixed logit and latent class models to evaluate preference heterogeneity among subgroups. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the University of Washington Human Research Ethics Committee (STUDY00014011), the Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi County (EOP/NMS/HS/128) and the Scientific and Ethics Review Unit in Kenya (KEMRI/RES/7/3/1). Participation in the DCE is voluntary and subject to completion of an electronic informed consent. Findings will be shared at international conferences and peer-reviewed publications, and via engagement meetings with stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Chen
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Enrique M Saldarriaga
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michalina A Montano
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division (VIDD), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nicholas Thuo
- Partners in Health Research and Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Catherine Kiptinness
- Partners in Health Research and Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London, UK
| | - Andy Stergachis
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Katrina F Ortblad
- Public Health Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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15
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Pintye J, Odoyo J, Nyerere B, Achieng P, Araka E, Omondi C, Ortblad KF, Mugambi ML, Baeten JM, Bukusi EA. Nurse-facilitated preexposure prophylaxis delivery for adolescent girls and young women seeking contraception at retail pharmacies in Kisumu, Kenya. AIDS 2023; 37:617-623. [PMID: 36653342 PMCID: PMC9974532 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, initiation, and continuation within a nurse-facilitated pharmacy-based delivery model for Kenyan adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) seeking contraception at retail pharmacies. METHODS From October 2020 to March 2021, PrEP-trained nurses were stationed at three retail pharmacies in Kisumu, Kenya. AGYW (aged 15-24 years) purchasing contraception (emergency contraception, oral contraceptive pills, injectables, implants, condoms) were counseled on PrEP, completed HIV testing, and offered a free 1-month supply of PrEP pills per national guidelines by nurses under supervision of a remote physician. We evaluated uptake among all AGYW offered PrEP. At 30 days after uptake, we evaluated PrEP use initiation and plans for continuation. RESULTS We enrolled 235 AGYW clients who were HIV-negative and purchasing contraception at pharmacies. Emergency contraception was the most frequently purchased contraceptive (35%). Median age was 22 years (IQR 19-23), 44% were currently in school, and 33% currently had multiple sexual partners. One-fourth (24%) exchanged sex for money or favors and 14% had sex while intoxicated in the prior 6 months. Overall, PrEP uptake was 85%; at 1 month, 82% had initiated PrEP use and 68% planned to continue use. Among those initiating PrEP, 69% were willing to pay for PrEP at retail pharmacies (median KES 150, IQR 100-200) even if available for free at public sector facilities. CONCLUSION In this evaluation of nurse-facilitated PrEP delivery at pharmacies in Kenya, a substantial proportion of AGYW who purchased contraception subsequently initiated PrEP, planned to continue use, and were willing to pay for PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jared M. Baeten
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
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16
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Kiptinness C, Naik P, Thuo N, Malen RC, Dettinger JC, Pintye J, Rafferty M, Jomo E, Nyamasyo N, Wood T, Isabelli P, Morris S, Hattery D, Stergachis A, Were D, Sharma M, Ngure K, Mugambi ML, Ortblad KF. Online HIV prophylaxis delivery: Protocol for the ePrEP Kenya pilot study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1054559. [PMID: 36908449 PMCID: PMC9998902 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1054559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Online pharmacies in Kenya provide sexual and reproductive health products (e.g., HIV self-testing, contraception) and could be leveraged to increase the reach of HIV pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) to populations who do not frequently attend health facilities. To date, evidence is limited for operationalizing online PrEP/PEP delivery and the type of populations reached with this differential service delivery model. Methods The ePrEP Kenya Pilot will deliver daily oral PrEP and PEP via MYDAWA, a private online pharmacy retailer, to clients in Nairobi for 18 months. Potential clients will obtain information about PrEP/PEP on MYDAWA's sexual wellness page and self-screen for HIV risk. Individuals ≥18 years, identified as at HIV risk, and willing to pay for a blood-based HIV self-test and PrEP/PEP delivery will be eligible for enrollment. To continue with online PrEP/PEP initiation, eligible clients will purchase a blood-based HIV self-test for 250 KES (~USD 2) [delivered to their setting of choice for 99 KES (~USD 1)], upload an image of their self-test result, and attend a telemedicine visit with a MYDAWA provider. During the telemedicine visit, providers will screen clients for PrEP/PEP eligibility, including clinical concerns (e.g., kidney disease), discuss self-test results, and complete counseling on PrEP/PEP use and safety. Providers will refer clients who self-test HIV positive or report any existing medical conditions to the appropriate services at healthcare facilities that meet their preferences. Eligible clients will be prescribed PrEP (30-day PrEP supply at initiation; 90-day PrEP supply at follow-up visits) or PEP (28-day supply) for free and have it delivered for 99 KES (~USD 1). We will measure PrEP and PEP initiation among eligible clients, PEP-to-PrEP transition, PrEP continuation, and implementation outcomes (e.g., feasibility, acceptability, and costs). Discussion Establishing pathways to increase PrEP and PEP access is crucial to help curb new HIV infections in settings with high HIV prevalence. The findings from this study will provide evidence on the implementation of online pharmacy PrEP and PEP service delivery that can help inform guidelines in Kenya and similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kiptinness
- Partners in Health Research and Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paulami Naik
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicholas Thuo
- Partners in Health Research and Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rachel C. Malen
- Public Health Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Julia C. Dettinger
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jillian Pintye
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Katrina F. Ortblad
- Public Health Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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Nabunya R, Karis VMS, Nakanwagi LJ, Mukisa P, Muwanguzi PA. Barriers and facilitators to oral PrEP uptake among high-risk men after HIV testing at workplaces in Uganda: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:365. [PMID: 36805698 PMCID: PMC9940677 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15260-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men in Uganda contribute significantly to new HIV infections annually yet PrEP uptake among them is low and those initiated are likely to discontinue usage. We explored the barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake among high-risk men employed in private security services with negative HIV results after testing at workplaces in Uganda. METHODS An explorative qualitative study comprising in-depth participant interviews. Data were collected via telephone calls and manually analyzed by inductive content analysis. RESULTS Fifty-six (56) men participated, 27(48.21%) had heard about PrEP, and 29(51.79%) were willing to initiate it. Four categories emerged for the facilitators of PrEP uptake including the perceived need for HIV prevention, awareness creation, availability, and sexual freedom. Six categories emerged for the barriers to PrEP uptake. These were: Inaccessibility of PrEP services, Misinformation, Knowledge deficit, Medication-related barriers, Potential for increased risky sexual behavior, and Perceptions about PrEP use. CONCLUSION The findings suggest the need for healthcare providers to offer information regarding PrEP and HIV prevention services and mass sensitization campaigns to facilitate uptake. Participants recommend mass roll-out of PrEP to lower-level facilities and accessible pick-up points for men such as workplaces. The men also suggested the use of longer-acting PrEP modalities such as an injectable option or an option that is utilized specifically by the female partner. Finally, the stigma surrounding PrEP use could be reduced by the separation of PrEP and ART services at health facilities, or special pick-up days to reduce waiting times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Nabunya
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Victoria M. S. Karis
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lydia Joslyline Nakanwagi
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pius Mukisa
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patience A. Muwanguzi
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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Kuo AP, Roche SD, Mugambi ML, Pintye J, Baeten JM, Bukusi E, Ngure K, Stergachis A, Ortblad KF. The effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of HIV service delivery at private pharmacies in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26027. [PMID: 36285619 PMCID: PMC9597376 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Private pharmacies are an understudied setting for differentiated delivery of HIV services that may address barriers to clinic-delivered services, such as stigma and long wait times. To understand the potential for pharmacy-delivered HIV services in sub-Saharan Africa, we conducted a scoping review of the published and grey literature. METHODS Using a modified Cochrane approach, we searched electronic databases through March 2022 and HIV conference abstracts in the past 5 years for studies that: (1) focused on the delivery of HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and/or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at private pharmacies in sub-Saharan Africa; (2) reported on effectiveness outcomes (e.g. HIV incidence) or implementation outcomes, specifically feasibility and/or acceptability; and (3) were published in English. Two authors identified studies and extracted data on study setting, population, design, outcomes and findings by HIV service type. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Our search identified 1646 studies. After screening and review, we included 28 studies: seven on HIV testing, nine on ART delivery and 12 on PrEP delivery. Most studies (n = 16) were conducted in East Africa, primarily in Kenya. Only two studies evaluated effectiveness outcomes; the majority (n = 26) reported on feasibility and/or acceptability outcomes. The limited effectiveness data (n = 2 randomized trials) suggest that pharmacy-delivered HIV services can increase demand and result in comparable clinical outcomes (e.g. viral load suppression) to standard-of-care clinic-based models. Studies assessing implementation outcomes found actual and hypothetical models of pharmacy-delivered HIV services to be largely feasible (e.g. high initiation and continuation) and acceptable (e.g. preferable to facility-based models and high willingness to pay/provide) among stakeholders, providers and clients. Potential barriers to implementation included a lack of pharmacy provider training on HIV service delivery, costs to clients and providers, and perceived low quality of care. CONCLUSIONS The current evidence suggests that pharmacy-delivered HIV services may be feasible to implement and acceptable to clients and providers in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. However, limited evidence outside East Africa exists, as does limited evidence on the effectiveness of and costs associated with pharmacy-delivered HIV services. More research of this nature is needed to inform the scale-up of this new differentiated service delivery model throughout the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P. Kuo
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Stephanie D. Roche
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Jillian Pintye
- School of NursingUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- School of NursingUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Gilead SciencesFoster CityCaliforniaUSA
| | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Community HealthJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
| | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Katrina F. Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Kiptinness C, Kuo AP, Reedy AM, Johnson CC, Ngure K, Wagner AD, Ortblad KF. Examining the Use of HIV Self-Testing to Support PrEP Delivery: a Systematic Literature Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:394-408. [PMID: 35904695 PMCID: PMC9334974 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00617-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review HIV self-testing (HIVST) has the potential to expand access to and uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery. We conducted a systematic literature review to understand the evidence on HIVST use for PrEP delivery. Recent Findings After screening 1055 records, we included eight: three randomized trials and five values and preferences studies. None measured PrEP initiation. Most studies occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa (7/8) and included different populations. One trial found that HIVST use between quarterly clinic visits as part of an adherence package with biofeedback slightly increased adherence; the other two trials found that HIVST use between or in lieu of quarterly clinic visits had no significant or non-inferior effects on adherence. HIVST to support PrEP delivery was acceptable, feasible, and preferred. Summary HIVST use for PrEP continuation largely resulted in similar outcomes to standard-of-care delivery and was perceived acceptable and feasible. Further research is needed to optimize HIVST use within PrEP programming. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11904-022-00617-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kiptinness
- Department of Public and Global Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Alexandra P Kuo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Adriana M Reedy
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Cheryl C Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Anjuli D Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Katrina F Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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20
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Ngure K, Ortblad KF, Mogere P, Bardon AR, Thomas KK, Mangale D, Kiptinness C, Gakuo S, Mbaire S, Nyokabi J, Mugo NR, Baeten JM. Efficiency of 6-month PrEP dispensing with HIV self-testing in Kenya: an open-label, randomised, non-inferiority, implementation trial. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e464-e473. [PMID: 35777410 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00126-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is highly effective and is being implemented at scale at health clinics throughout sub-Saharan Africa. However, barriers to clinic-based PrEP delivery remain. We aimed to establish the efficiency of semiannual PrEP clinic visits supplemented with interim home-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) versus standard of care for HIV testing, drug refilling, and adherence among PrEP users. METHODS This was a randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial done at the Partners in Health and Research Development clinic in Thika, Kenya. Eligible participants were HIV-negative adults (≥18 years) at risk of acquiring HIV who had started PrEP at least 1 month before enrolment. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to 6-month PrEP dispensing plus interim blood-based HIVST (with biannual clinic visits), 6-month PrEP dispensing plus interim oral fluid-based HIVST (with biannual clinic visits), or standard of care PrEP delivery (3-month PrEP dispensing with quarterly clinic visits). The three coprimary outcomes, measured at 6 months, were HIV testing (any testing between enrolment and the 6-month visit), PrEP refilling, and PrEP adherence (detectable tenofovir diphosphate concentration in dried blood spots). All analyses were done according to the intention-to-treat principle. We used binomial regression models to estimate risk differences and one-sided 95% CIs. 6-month PrEP dispensing was considered non-inferior to standard of care if the lower limit bound of the one-sided 95% CI was greater than or equal to -10%. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03593629. FINDINGS Between May 28, 2018, and Feb 24, 2020, 495 participants were enrolled: 165 men and 130 women in HIV serodifferent couples and 200 singly enrolled women. 166 participants were randomly assigned to the standard of care group, 163 to the 6-month PrEP dispensing plus oral-fluid HIVST group, and 166 to the 6-month PrEP dispensing plus blood-based HIVST group. At 6 months, 274 (83%) of 329 participants in the combined 6-month PrEP dispensing group had tested for HIV compared with 140 (84%) of 166 participants in the standard of care group (risk difference -1·15%, 95% CI lower bound -6·89). Among participants in the combined 6-month PrEP dispensing group, 257 (78%) participants refilled PrEP compared with 134 (81%) participants in the standard of care group (-2·60%, -8·88), and 200 (61%) participants were adherent to PrEP compared with 95 (57%) participants in the standard of care group (2·37%, -5·05). No participants acquired HIV during the study. INTERPRETATION 6-month PrEP dispensing with HIVST for interim testing reduced the number of PrEP clinic visits in half without compromising HIV testing, retention, or adherence. FUNDING US National Institute of Mental Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Katrina F Ortblad
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter Mogere
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ashley R Bardon
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Dorothy Mangale
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Stephen Gakuo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Mbaire
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jacinta Nyokabi
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nelly R Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
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21
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Untapped Potential for Safer Conception Messaging to Transform PrEP Rollout and Promote Service Engagement Among Serodiscordant Couples. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2397-2408. [PMID: 35064850 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03584-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) fell short of targets for Sub-Saharan Africa's initial rollout, revealing the need for more effective promotion strategies. In Uganda, we explored potential benefits and challenges of integrating safer conception messaging to promote PrEP among serodiscordant couples. In-depth interviews were conducted with clients and personnel at three clinics and analyzed thematically. Participants (n = 58) valued PrEP as a safer conception method (SCM) but described lack of integration of safer conception and PrEP services as well as inconsistent practices in prescribing PrEP to couples pursuing conception. Participants reported that the wider population remains largely unaware of PrEP and SCM or harbors misconceptions that PrEP is primarily for highly stigmatized groups like sex workers. Participants further described how heterosexual couples can still be reluctant to test for HIV, unaware of tools like PrEP and SCM that would allow them to continue their relationship and/or pursuit of childbearing. Overall, findings suggest that integrating PrEP and SCM in messaging and services targeting serodiscordant couples holds untapped benefits throughout the HIV prevention cascade.
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22
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Ssempijja V, Nakigozi G, Ssekubugu R, Kagaayi J, Kigozi G, Nalugoda F, Nantume B, Batte J, Kigozi G, Yeh PT, Nakawooya H, Serwadda D, Quinn TC, Gray RH, Wawer MJ, Grabowski KM, Chang LW, van't Hoog A, Cobelens F, Reynolds SJ. High Rates of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Eligibility and Associated HIV Incidence in a Population With a Generalized HIV Epidemic in Rakai, Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:291-299. [PMID: 35259129 PMCID: PMC9177156 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utility of using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) eligibility assessments to identify eligibility in general populations has not been well studied in sub-Saharan Africa. We used the Rakai Community Cohort Study to conduct a cross-sectional analysis to estimate PrEP eligibility and a cohort analysis to estimate HIV incidence associated with PrEP eligibility. METHODS Based on Uganda's national PrEP eligibility tool, we defined eligibility as reporting at least one of the following HIV risks in the past 12 months: sexual intercourse with more than one partner of unknown HIV status; nonmarital sex act without a condom; sex engagement in exchange for money, goods, or services; or experiencing genital ulcers. We used log-binomial and modified Poisson models to estimate prevalence ratios for PrEP eligibility and HIV incidence, respectively. FINDINGS We identified 12,764 participants among whom to estimate PrEP eligibility prevalence and 11,363 participants with 17,381 follow-up visits and 30,721 person-years (pys) of observation to estimate HIV incidence. Overall, 29% met at least one of the eligibility criteria. HIV incidence was significantly higher in PrEP-eligible versus non-PrEP-eligible participants (0.91/100 pys versus 0.41/100 pys; P < 0.001) and independently higher in PrEP-eligible versus non-PrEP-eligible female participants (1.18/100 pys versus 0.50/100 pys; P < 0.001). Among uncircumcised male participants, HIV incidence was significantly higher in PrEP-eligible versus non-PrEP-eligible participants (1.07/100 pys versus 0.27/100 pys; P = 0.001), but there was no significant difference for circumcised male participants. INTERPRETATION Implementing PrEP as a standard HIV prevention tool in generalized HIV epidemics beyond currently recognized high-risk key populations could further reduce HIV acquisition and aid epidemic control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ssempijja
- Clinical Monitoring Research Program Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda;
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - James Batte
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda;
| | | | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - David Serwadda
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda;
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda;
| | - Thomas C. Quinn
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ronald H. Gray
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda;
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Maria J. Wawer
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda;
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kate M. Grabowski
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda;
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; and
| | - Larry W. Chang
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda;
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Anja van't Hoog
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Frank Cobelens
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Steven J. Reynolds
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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23
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Makhakhe NF, Sliep Y, Meyer-Weitz A. “Whatever is in the ARVs, is Also in the PrEP” Challenges Associated With Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Female Sex Workers in South Africa. Front Public Health 2022; 10:691729. [PMID: 35784260 PMCID: PMC9247347 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.691729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The national policy on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for female sex workers (FSWs) was instituted in South Africa in 2016. FSWs were targeted for PrEP due to a Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence of 57.7%, which is higher than the prevalence of 19.07% among the general population. Research from demonstration studies has shown that uptake of PrEP has been slower than anticipated, and the purpose of this study was to explore barriers to the uptake of PrEP among FSWs. Methods An in-depth qualitative study was conducted with 39 participants, 30 individual participants, and nine focus group participants. Eleven participants consisted of peer educators and two health workers from a sex work and PrEP distribution organization, the rest of the participants (1) were FSWs. Results The majority of participants mentioned that little distinction was made between PrEP and antiretrovirals (ARVs) taken by FSWs living with HIV. PrEP was not distributed through public health care facilities, and health workers unknowingly labeled PrEP as ARVs. Consequently, health workers seen as experts created suspicion and contributed to the mistrust of PrEP among FSWs due to mixed messages, and equating PrEP to ARVs reduced uptake. Furthermore, failure to make a clear distinction between oral PrEP and ARVs resulted in accusations of lying, denialism, and deception leveled at users of PrEP by FSWs using ARVs, and sometimes by clients and intimate partners. FSWs using PrEP reported feeling stigmatized and thrust into interpersonal conflict with their peers after choosing PrEP, leading to broken relationships, and some resorting to taking PrEP privately or discontinuing PrEP altogether. Conclusion Pre-exposure prophylaxis as an ARV targeted for the prevention of HIV among high-risk groups was found to be stigmatizing. The distinctive use of PrEP and ARVs should be correctly explained to users to minimize confusion, enable differentiation and reduce interpersonal conflict. Cohesion among sex work organizations and public health care facilities is needed to disseminate the correct knowledge on PrEP. A non-stigmatizing approach to the distribution of PrEP may serve to increase uptake and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nosipho Faith Makhakhe
- Faculty of Arts and Design, Center for General Education, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
- Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Nosipho Faith Makhakhe ;
| | - Yvonne Sliep
- Department of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anna Meyer-Weitz
- Department of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Persistence on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among female sex workers in eThekwini, South Africa, 2016–2020. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265434. [PMID: 35290421 PMCID: PMC8923438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the established efficacy of PrEP to prevent HIV and the advantages of a user-controlled method, PrEP uptake and persistence by women in both trials and demonstration projects has been suboptimal. We utilized real-world data from an HIV service provider to describe persistence on oral PrEP among female sex workers (FSW) in eThekwini, South Africa. Methods We examined time from PrEP initiation to discontinuation among all FSW initiating PrEP at TB HIV Care in eThekwini between 2016–2020. We used a discrete time-to-event data setup and stacked cumulative incidence function plots, displaying the competing risks of 1) not returning for PrEP, 2) client discontinuation, and 3) provider discontinuation. We calculated hazard ratios using complementary log-log regression and sub-hazard ratios using competing risks regression. Results The number of initiations increased each year from 155 (9.3%, n = 155/1659) in 2016 to 1224 (27.5%, n = 1224/4446) in 2020. Persistence 1-month after initiation was 53% (95% CI: 51%-55%). Younger women were more likely to discontinue PrEP by not returning compared with those 25 years and older. Risk of discontinuation through non-return declined for those initiating in later years. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, a greater number of initiations and sustained persistence were observed in 2020. Conclusions Low levels of PrEP persistence were observed, consistent with data among underserved women elsewhere. Encouragingly, the proportion of women persisting increased over time, even as the number of women newly initiating PrEP and staff workload increased. Further research is needed to understand which implementation strategies the program may have enacted to facilitate these improvements and what further changes may be necessary.
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25
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Ssuna B, Katahoire A, Armstrong-Hough M, Kalibbala D, Kalyango JN, Kiweewa FM. Factors associated with willingness to use oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a fisher-folk community in peri-urban Kampala, Uganda. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:468. [PMID: 35264123 PMCID: PMC8905810 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12859-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in key populations at elevated risk for exposure to HIV. If used effectively, PrEP can reduce annual HIV incidence to below 0.05%. However, PrEP is not acceptable among all communities that might benefit from it. There is, therefore, a need to understand perceptions of PrEP and factors associated with willingness to use PrEP among key populations at risk of HIV, such as members of communities with exceptionally high HIV prevalence. OBJECTIVE To examine the perceptions and factors associated with willingness to use oral PrEP among members of fishing communities in Uganda, a key population at risk of HIV. METHODS We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study at Ggaba fishing community from February to June 2019. Survey data were collected from a systematic random sample of 283 community members in which PrEP had not been rolled out yet by the time of we conducted the study. We carried out bivariate tests of association of willingness to use PrEP with demographic characteristics, HIV risk perception, HIV testing history. We estimated prevalence ratios for willingness to use PrEP. We used backward elimination to build a multivariable modified Poisson regression model to describe factors associated with willingness to use PrEP. We purposively selected 16 participants for focus group discussions to contextualize survey findings, analysing data inductively and identifying emergent themes related to perceptions of PrEP. KEY RESULTS We enrolled 283 participants with a mean age of 31 ± 8 years. Most (80.9%) were male. The majority of participants had tested for HIV in their lifetime, but 64% had not tested in the past 6 months. Self-reported HIV prevalence was 6.4%. Most (80.6, 95%CI 75.5-85.0) were willing in principle to use PrEP. Willingness to use PrEP was associated with perceiving oneself to be at high risk of HIV (aPR 1.99, 95%CI 1.31-3.02, P = 0.001), having tested for HIV in the past 6-months (aPR 1.13, 95%CI 1.03-1.24, P = 0.007), and completion of tertiary education (aPR 1.97, 95%CI 1.39-2.81, P < 0.001). In focus group discussions, participants described pill burden, side-effects and drug safety as potential barriers to PrEP use. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Oral PrEP was widely acceptable among members of fishing communities in peri-urban Kampala. Programs for scaling-up PrEP for fisherfolk should merge HIV testing services with sensitization about PrEP and also increase means of awareness of PrEP as an HIV preventive strategy .
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashir Ssuna
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 21696, Kampala, Uganda. .,Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Collaboration (U-TIRC), P.O. Box 21696, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Anne Katahoire
- Makerere College of Health Sciences, Child Health and Development Centre, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mari Armstrong-Hough
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Collaboration (U-TIRC), P.O. Box 21696, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Dennis Kalibbala
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 21696, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University-John Hopkins University Research Collaboration (MU-JHU), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joan N Kalyango
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 21696, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Flavia Matovu Kiweewa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 21696, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University-John Hopkins University Research Collaboration (MU-JHU), Kampala, Uganda
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Roche SD, Wairimu N, Mogere P, Kamolloh K, Odoyo J, Kwena ZA, Bukusi EA, Ngure K, Baeten JM, Ortblad KF. Acceptability and Feasibility of Pharmacy-Based Delivery of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Kenya: A Qualitative Study of Client and Provider Perspectives. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3871-3882. [PMID: 33826022 PMCID: PMC8602157 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
As countries scale up pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, diverse PrEP delivery models are needed to expand access to populations at HIV risk that are unwilling or unable to access clinic-based PrEP care. To identify factors that may influence implementation of retail pharmacy-based PrEP delivery in Kenya, we conducted in-depth interviews with 40 pharmacy clients, 16 pharmacy providers, 16 PrEP clients, and 10 PrEP providers from two provinces. Most participants expressed strong support for expanding PrEP to retail pharmacies, though conditioned their acceptance on assurances that care would be private, respectful, safe, and affordable. Participant-reported determinants of feasibility centered primarily on ensuring that the intervention is compatible with retail pharmacy operations (e.g., staffing levels, documentation requirements). Future research is needed to develop and test tailored packages of implementation strategies that are most effective at integrating PrEP delivery into routine pharmacy practice in Kenya and other high HIV prevalence settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Roche
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, Washington, 98104, USA.
| | - Njeri Wairimu
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Mogere
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kevin Kamolloh
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Zachary A Kwena
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, Washington, 98104, USA
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, Washington, 98104, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Katrina F Ortblad
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, Washington, 98104, USA
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Muhumuza R, Ssemata AS, Kakande A, Ahmed N, Atujuna M, Nomvuyo M, Bekker LG, Dietrich JJ, Tshabalala G, Hornschuh S, Maluadzi M, Chibanda-Stranix L, Nematadzira T, Weiss HA, Nash S, Fox J, Seeley J. Exploring Perceived Barriers and Facilitators of PrEP Uptake among Young People in Uganda, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:1729-1742. [PMID: 33954824 PMCID: PMC8213546 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01880-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy. Few studies have explored adolescents and young people's perspectives toward PrEP. We conducted 24 group discussions and 60 in-depth interviews with males and females aged 13-24 years in Uganda, Zimbabwe, and South Africa between September 2018 and February 2019. We used the framework approach to generate themes and key concepts for analysis following the social ecological model. Young people expressed a willingness to use PrEP and identified potential barriers and facilitators of PrEP uptake. Barriers included factors at individual (fear of HIV, fear of side effects, and PrEP characteristics), interpersonal (parental influence, absence of a sexual partner), community (peer influence, social stigma), institutional (long waiting times at clinics, attitudes of health workers), and structural (cost of PrEP and mode of administration, accessibility concerns) levels. Facilitators included factors at individual (high HIV risk perception and preventing HIV/desire to remain HIV negative), interpersonal (peer influence, social support and care for PrEP uptake), community (adequate PrEP information and sensitization, evidence of PrEP efficacy and safety), institutional (convenient and responsive services, provision of appropriate and sufficiently resourced services), and structural (access and availability of PrEP, cost of PrEP) levels. The findings indicated that PrEP is an acceptable HIV prevention method. PrEP uptake is linked to personal and environmental factors that need to be considered for successful PrEP roll-out. Multi-level interventions needed to promote PrEP uptake should consider the social and structural drivers and focus on ways that can inspire PrEP uptake and limit the barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Muhumuza
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Andrew Sentoogo Ssemata
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Ayoub Kakande
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Nadia Ahmed
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Millicent Atujuna
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mangxilana Nomvuyo
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janan Janine Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mamakiri Maluadzi
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Helen Anne Weiss
- MRC International Statistics & Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Stephen Nash
- MRC International Statistics & Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Julie Fox
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Stankevitz K, Nhamo D, Murungu J, Ridgeway K, Mamvuto T, Lenzi R, Lydon M, Katsande N, Mahaka I, Hoke T. Test and Prevent: Evaluation of a Pilot Program Linking Clients With Negative HIV Test Results to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in Zimbabwe. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021; 9:40-54. [PMID: 33795361 PMCID: PMC8087428 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-20-00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As HIV testing increases worldwide, programs are reaching individuals without HIV infection who are at risk of exposure and may be candidates for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Although linkage of individuals with HIV infection to treatment is a global priority (referred to as "test and treat"), less attention is given to individuals with negative HIV test results. We developed the "Test and Prevent" pilot program to intentionally link at-risk clients with negative HIV test results to PrEP services. The intervention included risk assessment of all clients with a negative result from HIV testing (with national risk assessment tool), accompanied referral, fast-tracking, and targeting follow-up. METHODS The intervention was conducted in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, at 6 public sector sites from October 2019 to February 2020. We collected routine monitoring data from all study sites and tracked referral completion and PrEP initiation among clients who enrolled. We conducted in-depth interviews with providers (n=12), facility managers (n=5), and female clients (n=17) to explore acceptability. RESULTS Among clients referred for PrEP (n=206), 98% completed their referrals and started PrEP. However, only 3% of clients who received a negative test result during the study period were referred. Low referrals stemmed from lack of screening (39% of clients with negative HIV test results were not screened) and lack of eligibility among clients who were screened (only 6% of those screened qualified as candidates for PrEP per the national screening tool). Qualitative results indicate that some providers purposefully did not complete screening with clients they felt were not at risk and that workload could have contributed to low screening uptake.Qualitative interviews showed that Test and Prevent was acceptable among both providers and clients. Clients were happy to learn about PrEP following HIV testing, and the additional support of accompanied referrals and fast-tracking encouraged them to access PrEP and made them feel valued. Providers were burdened by workload constraints but felt that Test and Prevent was important and should be scaled to other sites. CONCLUSION Intentionally linking clients with negative results to PrEP immediately following HIV testing was found to be acceptable from both provider and client perspectives, yet screening procedures need closer examination and reinforcement for the program to realize a larger impact.
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Ware KB, Ajonina MU. Awareness of and willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among community residents. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:1957-1961. [PMID: 33658158 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) helps to decrease HIV acquisition and transmission rates. The purpose of this study was to assess awareness of HIV PrEP and willingness to use it, if available, among individuals residing in Buea, Cameroon. METHODS Residents in different communities throughout Buea, Cameroon participated in the study through survey completion with their responses assessed by age, marital status, highest level of education completed, profession, and health area (urban or rural). RESULTS 421 participants completed the survey with the majority being 20-29 years of age, single, having secondary or tertiary education, residing in rural Cameroonian areas. Eighty percent of respondents had not previously heard of HIV PrEP. Ninety-five percent of the study sample expressed willingness to use HIV PrEP, if available. Participants ages 40 years old and above were less aware of HIV PrEP than those 39 years old and younger. Primary education, serving in the role of a nurse, doctor, or scientist, along with hospital affiliations were characteristics closely associated with HIV PrEP awareness. Participants younger than 20 years old were less likely to report willingness to use HIV PrEP whereas married participants found HIV PrEP to be a more favorable option. CONCLUSIONS Awareness of HIV PrEP was minimal with healthcare personnel having more familiarity. Willingness to use HIV PrEP decreased by age but higher among married participants. Further promotion of HIV PrEP and facilitating its accessibility can lead to less transmissions of HIV worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenric B Ware
- South University School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, 10 Science Court, Columbia, SC, 29203, USA.
| | - Marcelus U Ajonina
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Bamenda, Cameroon; School of Health Sciences, Meridian Global University, Southwest Region, Buea, Cameroon.
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Hobbs M, Moltchanova E, Wicks C, Pringle A, Griffiths C, Radley D, Zwolinsky S. Investigating the environmental, behavioural, and sociodemographic determinants of attendance at a city-wide public health physical activity intervention: Longitudinal evidence over one year from 185,245 visits. Prev Med 2021; 143:106334. [PMID: 33227345 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the determinants of attendance at public health interventions is critical for effective policy development. Most research focuses on individual-level determinants of attendance, while less is known about environmental-level determinants. Data were obtained from the Leeds Let's Get Active public health intervention in Leeds, England. Longitudinal data (April 2015-March 2016) on attendance were obtained for n = 25,745 individuals (n = 185,245 total visits) with baseline data on sociodemographic determinants and lifestyle practices obtained for n = 3621 individuals. This resulted in a total of n = 744,468 days of attendance and non-attendance. Random forests were used to explore the relative importance of the determinants on attendance, while generalised linear models were applied to examine specific associations (n = 3621). The probability that a person will attend more than once, the number of return visits, and the probability that a person will attend on a particular day were investigated. When considering if a person returned to the same leisure centre after one visit, the most influential determinant was the distance from their home. When considering number of return visits overall however, age group was the most influential. While distance to a leisure centre was less important for predicting the number of return visits, the difference between estimates for 300 m and 15,000 m was 7-10 visits per year. Finally, calendar month was the most important determinant of daily attendance. This longitudinal study highlights the importance of both individual and environmental determinants in predicting various aspects of attendance. It has implications for strategies aiming to increase attendance at public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hobbs
- GeoHealth Laboratory, Geospatial Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand; Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
| | - E Moltchanova
- School of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - C Wicks
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - A Pringle
- Sport, Outdoor & Exercise Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - C Griffiths
- Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - D Radley
- Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - S Zwolinsky
- West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance, Wakefield, United Kingdom
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Patterns and Predictors of HIV Status Disclosure in the 12 Months After Diagnosis in Mozambique. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 84:242-252. [PMID: 32084049 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disclosure benefits people living with HIV, their partners, and HIV programs. However, data on the prevalence of disclosure and associated correlates have come largely from patients already in HIV care, potentially overestimating disclosure rates and precluding examination of the impact of disclosure on HIV care outcomes. SETTING We used data from an implementation study conducted in Maputo City and Inhambane Province, Mozambique. Adults were enrolled at HIV testing clinics after diagnosis and traced in the community 1 and 12 months later when they reported on disclosure and other outcomes. METHODS We examined patterns of participants' disclosure to their social networks (N = 1573) and sexual partners (N = 1024) at both follow-up assessments and used relative risk regression to identify correlates of nondisclosure. RESULTS Disclosure to one's social network and sexual partners was reported by 77.8% and 57.7% of participants, respectively, at 1 month and 92.9% and 72.4% of participants, respectively, at 12 months. At both time points, living in Inhambane Province, being single or not living with a partner, having high levels of anticipated stigma, and not initiating HIV treatment were associated with increased risks of nondisclosure to social networks. Nondisclosure to sexual partners at both follow-up assessments was associated with being women, living in Inhambane Province and in a household without other people living with HIV, and reporting that posttest counseling addressed disclosure. CONCLUSIONS Although reported disclosure to social networks was high, disclosure to sexual partners was suboptimal. Effective and acceptable approaches to support partner disclosure, particularly for women, are needed.
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Community Perceptions About Use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Kenya. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2020; 31:669-677. [PMID: 32675642 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ortblad KF, Mogere P, Roche S, Kamolloh K, Odoyo J, Irungu E, Mugo NR, Pintye J, Baeten JM, Bukusi E, Ngure K. Design of a care pathway for pharmacy-based PrEP delivery in Kenya: results from a collaborative stakeholder consultation. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:1034. [PMID: 33176785 PMCID: PMC7661206 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Kenya, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is almost exclusively delivered at HIV clinics. Developing novel PrEP delivery models is important for increasing the reach of PrEP. Delivery of PrEP through pharmacies is one approach utilized in the US to improve accessibility. Retail pharmacies are commonly used as a first-line access point for medical care in Kenya, but have not been utilized for PrEP delivery. We conducted a collaborative consultative meeting of stakeholders to develop a care pathway for pharmacy-based PrEP delivery in Kenya. METHODS In January 2020, we held a one-day meeting in Nairobi with 36 stakeholders from PrEP regulatory, professional, healthcare service delivery, civil society, and research organizations. Attendees reviewed a theory of change model, results from formative qualitative research with pharmacy providers and clients, and anticipated core components of pharmacy-based PrEP delivery: counseling, HIV testing, prescribing, and dispensing. Stakeholders participated in small and large group discussions to identify potential challenges and solutions. We synthesized the key findings from these discussions. RESULTS Stakeholders were enthusiastic about a model for pharmacy-based PrEP delivery. Potential challenges identified included insufficient pharmacy provider knowledge and skills, regulatory hurdles to providing affordable HIV testing at pharmacies, and undefined pathways for PrEP procurement. Potential solutions identified included having pharmacy providers complete the Kenya Ministry of Health-approved PrEP training, use of a PrEP prescribing checklist with remote clinician oversight and provider-assisted HIV self-testing, and having the government provide PrEP and HIV self-testing kits to pharmacies during a pilot test. A care pathway was developed over the course of the meeting. CONCLUSIONS PrEP delivery stakeholders in Kenya were strongly supportive of developing and testing a model for pharmacy-based PrEP delivery to increase PrEP access. We collaboratively developed a care pathway for pilot testing that has the potential to expand PrEP delivery options in Kenya and other similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina F Ortblad
- Department of Global Health, International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, 908 Jefferson St, 12th floor, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | - Peter Mogere
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Thika, Kenya
| | - Stephanie Roche
- Department of Global Health, International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, 908 Jefferson St, 12th floor, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Kevin Kamolloh
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Irungu
- Department of Global Health, International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, 908 Jefferson St, 12th floor, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Thika, Kenya
| | - Nelly R Mugo
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Thika, Kenya
- Sexual Reproductive and Adolescent Child Health Research Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jillian Pintye
- Department of Global Health, International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, 908 Jefferson St, 12th floor, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, 908 Jefferson St, 12th floor, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, 908 Jefferson St, 12th floor, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Thika, Kenya
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
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Toms K, Potter H, Balaba M, Parkes-Ratanshi R. Efficacy of HIV interventions in African fishing communities: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 101:326-333. [PMID: 33017696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.1476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review aims to qualitatively synthesize existing evidence on the efficacy of HIV interventions in African fishing communities. METHODS Five databases (NCBI PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, The Cochrane Library, and CABI Global Health Database) were searched in March 2019 for eligible studies. All peer-reviewed papers with a defined HIV intervention explicitly mentioning African fishing communities were included. Outcomes included any measure of the efficacy of HIV interventions. RESULTS Of 22,289 search results, data was extracted from 25 eligible studies that passed critical appraisal; seven involved HIV prevention, six HIV testing and counseling, three treatment, and nine combinations of more than one intervention. Findings include a high coverage of safe male circumcision (SMC) but low condom use among fisher folk, and a preference for PrEP over other HIV prevention services. Uptake of HIV testing and ART coverage are below levels required to reach UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, and there is a high demand for ART and HIV self-testing kits. CONCLUSIONS Greater provision of services to combat HIV, specifically amongst fishing communities, is required; there is limited information on retaining fisher folk in care and achieving an undetectable viral load. Interventions tailored to individual fishing populations, offered in parallel to education or counseling services are likely to be most effective. Use of innovations, including mobile health and medical drones, could assist these hard-to-reach populations. Our findings will inform future HIV service provision in fishing communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Toms
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 111 Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK.
| | - Harriet Potter
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 111 Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK.
| | - Martin Balaba
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Rosalind Parkes-Ratanshi
- Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Cambridge, CB2 0SR, UK.
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Martins A, Canavarro MC, Pereira M. The relationship between dyadic coping and dyadic adjustment among HIV-serodiscordant couples. AIDS Care 2020; 33:413-422. [PMID: 32545995 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1781760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Living within an HIV-serodiscordant relationship has been recognized as a stressful experience for both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected partners. However, no study has examined the association between dyadic coping (DC) and dyadic adjustment of such couples. In this study, we analysed the association between DC (positive, negative, and common DC) and dyadic adjustment (consensus, satisfaction, cohesion) among HIV-serodiscordant couples, considering individual and cross-partner effects. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 44 HIV-serodiscordant different-sex couples, in a relationship for an average of 16.46 years. The self-reported measures included the Dyadic Coping Inventory and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. For HIV-infected partners, their own common DC was significantly associated with cohesion, and a cross-partner effect of common DC on satisfaction was found. For HIV-uninfected partners, individual effects of common DC on all dyadic adjustment subscales and a cross-partner effect of common DC on cohesion were found. Additionally, their own and their HIV-infected partners' negative DC were significantly associated with cohesion and satisfaction, respectively. These findings suggest that the perception of common DC has a particularly important role in explaining the different components of dyadic adjustment of both partners facing HIV-serodiscordancy, whereas negative DC is linked to the adjustment of HIV-uninfected partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Martins
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Canavarro
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marco Pereira
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
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Were D, Musau A, Mutegi J, Ongwen P, Manguro G, Kamau M, Marwa T, Gwaro H, Mukui I, Plotkin M, Reed J. Using a HIV prevention cascade for identifying missed opportunities in PrEP delivery in Kenya: results from a programmatic surveillance study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 3:e25537. [PMID: 32602658 PMCID: PMC7325512 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV prevention cascades have been systematically evaluated in high-income countries, but steps in the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service delivery cascade have not been systematically quantified in sub-Saharan Africa. We analysed missed opportunities in the PrEP cascade in a large-scale project serving female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Kenya. METHODS Programmatic surveillance was conducted using routine programme data from 89 project-supported sites from February 2017 to December 2019, and complemented by qualitative data. Healthcare providers used nationally approved tools to document service statistics. The analyses examined proportions of people moving onto the next step in the PrEP continuum, and identified missed opportunities. Missed opportunities were defined as implementation gaps exemplified by the proportion of individuals who could have potentially accessed each step of the PrEP cascade and did not. We also assessed trends in the cascade indicators at monthly intervals. Qualitative data were collected through 28 focus group discussions with 241 FSW, MSM, AGYW and healthcare providers, and analysed thematically to identify reasons underpinning the missed opportunities. RESULTS During the study period, 299,798 individuals tested HIV negative (211,927 FSW, 47,533 MSM and 40,338 AGYW). Missed opportunities in screening for PrEP eligibility was 58% for FSW, 45% for MSM and 78% for AGYW. Of those screened, 28% FSW, 25% MSM and 65% AGYW were ineligible. Missed opportunities for PrEP initiation were lower among AGYW (8%) compared to FSW (72%) and MSM (75%). Continuation rates were low across all populations at Month-1 (ranging from 29% to 32%) and Month-3 (6% to 8%). Improvements in average annual Month-1 (from 26% to 41%) and Month-3 (from 4% to 15%) continuation rates were observed between 2017 and 2019. While initiation rates were better among younger FSW, MSM and AGYW (<30 years), the reverse was true for continuation. CONCLUSIONS The application of a PrEP cascade framework facilitated this large-scale oral PrEP programme to conduct granular programmatic analysis, detecting "leaks" in the cascade. These informed programme adjustments to mitigate identified gaps resulting in improvement of selected programmatic outcomes. PrEP programmes are encouraged to introduce the cascade analysis framework into new and existing programming to optimize HIV prevention outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Irene Mukui
- National AIDS and STI Control ProgramNairobiKenya
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Allen ST, O'Rourke A, White RH, Smith KC, Weir B, Lucas GM, Sherman SG, Grieb SM. Barriers and Facilitators to PrEP Use Among People Who Inject Drugs in Rural Appalachia: A Qualitative Study. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:1942-1950. [PMID: 31853771 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02767-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The opioid crisis has increased risks for injection drug use-associated HIV outbreaks in rural communities throughout the United States. Existing research has examined pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization among people who inject drugs (PWID); however, no studies have been conducted to explore barriers and facilitators of PrEP use among rural PWID in Appalachia. We conducted qualitative interviews with PWID (n = 48) in two rural counties in West Virginia to explore barriers and facilitators of PrEP use. Among our participants, the majority (68.8%) had never heard of PrEP. Upon learning about PrEP, most participants expressed willingness to use it. Rural PWID described several factors that may impede PrEP utilization (e.g., housing instability, forgetting to take PrEP). Participants also identified practical strategies to support sustained PrEP utilization, such as integrating PrEP services into venues PWID access. This research provides important insights into the barriers and facilitators of PrEP utilization among rural PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Allison O'Rourke
- DC Center for AIDS Research, Department of Psychology, George Washington University, 2125 G St. NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Rebecca Hamilton White
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Katherine C Smith
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Brian Weir
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Gregory M Lucas
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Suzanne M Grieb
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
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Mudzviti T, Dhliwayo A, Chingombe B, Ngara B, Monera-Penduka TG, Maponga CC, Morse GD. Perspectives on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis use amongst female sex workers in Harare, Zimbabwe. South Afr J HIV Med 2020; 21:1039. [PMID: 32158559 PMCID: PMC7059237 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v21i1.1039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could provide protection from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in sexually active persons at risk. Limited data are available in Zimbabwe with regard to the perceptions about PrEP amongst female sex workers (FSWs). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge levels of oral PrEP and the likelihood of its use amongst FSWs. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study in the peri-urban areas of Harare, Zimbabwe. Human immunodeficiency virus-negative FSWs were interviewed to assess their awareness of and likelihood to use PrEP. The relative importance index was used to evaluate the levels of knowledge and the likelihood of, and barriers to, PrEP use. A set of 10 questions was designed and validated that evaluated participants' understanding of PrEP. A bivariate logistic regression model was utilised to identify predictors of PrEP use. RESULTS A total of 131 FSWs with a median age of 25 years (interquartile range: 21-31) participated in this study. Of the 71 (54%) FSWs who had heard about PrEP, 46 (35%) participants had adequate knowledge of its use. A total of 102 (78%) participants revealed that they would be willing to continuously use PrEP if it was provided free of cost. Increasing age of the participants was associated with an increase in the likelihood of using PrEP (r = 0.0033, p = 0.038). More knowledge about PrEP increased the likelihood of its use (r = 0.21, p = 0.0153). This likelihood increased amongst participants with an unprotected sexual intercourse encounter in the preceding 3 months (r = 0.0448, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION Knowledge of PrEP amongst FSWs was low. To increase the uptake of PrEP, there is a need to further sensitise FSWs about this intervention. Programmes should also promote awareness training in FSW subgroups that are less likely to use PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinashe Mudzviti
- School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Newlands Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Anesu Dhliwayo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Bernard Ngara
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Charles C. Maponga
- School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Population Services International, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Gene D. Morse
- Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, New York, United States
- Translational Pharmacology Research Core, University at Buffalo, New York, United States
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Clinical trials have found that PrEP is highly effective in reducing risk of HIV acquisition across types of exposure, gender, PrEP regimens, and dosing schemes. Evidence is urgently needed to inform scale-up of PrEP to meet the ambitious WHO/UNAIDS prevention target of 3,000,000 individuals on PrEP by 2020. Recent Findings Successful models of delivering HIV services at scale evolved from years of formal research and programmatic evidence. These efforts produced lessons-learned relevant for scaling-up PrEP delivery, including the importance of streamlining laboratory tests, expanding prescription and management authority, differentiating medication access points, and reducing stigma and barriers of parental consent for PrEP uptake. Further research is especially needed in areas differentiating PrEP from ART delivery, including repeat HIV testing to ensure HIV negative status and defining and measuring prevention-effective adherence. Summary Evidence from 15 years of ART scale-up could immediately inform a public health approach to PrEP delivery.
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Key barriers and enablers associated with uptake and continuation of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the public sector in Zimbabwe: Qualitative perspectives of general population clients at high risk for HIV. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227632. [PMID: 31931514 PMCID: PMC6957335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the perspectives and preferences of clients eligible for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is essential to designing programs that meet clients’ needs. To date, most PrEP programs in limited-resource settings have been implemented by partner organizations for specific target populations, but the government of Zimbabwe aims to make PrEP available to the broader population at substantial risk in public sector clinics. However, there is limited information on general population perspectives about PrEP in Zimbabwe. Methods A qualitative study was conducted to explore clients’ motivation to take or decline PrEP and continue or discontinue PrEP. Through a PrEP pilot in one urban family planning clinic and one rural youth center in Zimbabwe, 150 HIV-negative clients screened as being at high risk of HIV and were offered PrEP between January and June 2018. Sixty semi-structured interviews were conducted with clients who agreed to follow-up (including 5 decliners, all from the rural youth center, and 55 accepters, with 42 from the rural youth center and 13 from the urban family planning clinic). Interviews were conducted after either the first or second PrEP follow-up appointment or after the client declined PrEP. Interviews were audio recorded, de-identified, transcribed, and coded thematically. Results PrEP uptake was driven by risk perception for HIV, and in many cases, that risk was introduced by the unsafe behavior or HIV-positive status of a partner. Among sero-discordant couples (SDCs), the desire to safely conceive a child was also cited as a factor in taking PrEP. Clients who opted for PrEP preferred it to other forms of HIV prevention. SDCs reported decreased condom use after PrEP initiation and in some cases were using PrEP while trying to conceive a child. After initiating PrEP, clients had more confidence in their sexual relationships and less stress associated with negotiating condom use. Family and partner support was critical to starting and continuing PrEP, but some clients stopped PrEP or missed appointments due to side effects or logistical challenges such as transportation. Conclusions Results of this study can be used to provide operational guidance for national public sector roll-out of PrEP as part of combination HIV prevention in Zimbabwe. Based on feedback and experiences of clients, the training materials for health workers can be refined to ensure that health workers are prepared to counsel clients on the decision to start and/or continue PrEP and answer common client questions. Program advertisements should also be targeted with key messages that speak to client experiences. Trial registration Clinical Trial Registry Number: PACTR201710002651160.
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Whitfield THF, Parsons JT, Rendina HJ. Rates of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use and Discontinuation Among a Large U.S. National Sample of Sexual Minority Men and Adolescents. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:103-112. [PMID: 31845148 PMCID: PMC7028359 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01602-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in the prevention of HIV acquisition and was recently approved for those under 18 years of age. The primary goal of the present study was to understand the prevalence of and factors associated with PrEP use among a large sample of young and adult sexual minority men (Y/SMM). Participants came from a larger national sample of SMM. Data collected included demographics, substance use, PrEP use, and sexual risk. Participants were recruited via sexual networking/dating applications and resided in the U.S. including Puerto Rico, were at least 13 years old, self-reported being HIV-negative, and identified as male. The sample was divided into two groups: YSMM (13-24 years of age) and adult SMM (25 years of age and up). Multinomial logistic regressions examining associations with never, current, and former PrEP use were run with all variables of interest simultaneously entered into the models. Age was positively associated with both former and current PrEP use among YSMM. Additionally, YSMM who identified as gay (vs. bisexual), lived in the Northeast, Midwest, and West (vs. South), had their own health insurance (vs. those on their parent's), had recently been diagnosed with an STI, and had recently used a drug all had higher odds of being a current PrEP user compared to those that had never used PrEP. Among adult SMM, those who were older did not have higher odds of current PrEP use compared to those that had never used PrEP. Those who identified as queer (vs. gay), single, had their own or were on their partner's insurance (vs. parent's), recent condomless anal sex, recent STI diagnosis, recent drug use, and recent substance use all had higher odds of being a current PrEP user compared to those that had never used PrEP. Research is needed to address the disparities in PrEP uptake among YSMM. Interventions for PrEP access among those on their parents' insurance may also be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H F Whitfield
- Center for HIV/AIDS Educational Studies and Training, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Health Psychology and Clinical Sciences Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - H Jonathon Rendina
- Center for HIV/AIDS Educational Studies and Training, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Health Psychology and Clinical Sciences Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, 695 Park Ave., New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Promoting 'Equitable Access' to PrEP in Australia: Taking Account of Stakeholder Perspectives. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1846-1857. [PMID: 30306435 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2311-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
As evidence of the safety and effectiveness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has grown, so has attention to the views of prospective users and providers. However, far less attention has been paid to understanding the perspectives of other stakeholders in the rollout of PrEP access programs. We conducted 21 semi-structured qualitative interviews in 2017 with key stakeholders working across the policy, advocacy, research and/or clinical dimensions of the Australian HIV response, before federal support for a subsidised access scheme was achieved. Our analysis explored three areas of shared concern: who is a suitable candidate for PrEP; why are disparities in PrEP access important; and how can disparities be addressed? In examining how this diverse group of professionals grappled with the challenges of promoting 'equitable access' to PrEP in an increasingly resource rationed health system, we can see how the principles believed to underpin the Australian response to HIV were both reaffirmed and challenged through this period of significant change.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite its promise as an HIV prevention strategy, PrEP uptake remains slow, especially among highest priority populations. One factor that may be impeding implementation and driving disparities is PrEP-related stigma. This paper reviews the role of PrEP-related stigma in PrEP access, adherence, and persistence and examines its antecedents and consequences. RECENT FINDINGS Although PrEP stigma is often experienced at the community level (i.e., by potential and current users), it can be reinforced and even amplified by public health programs, policy, and research. PrEP stigma disproportionately impacts disadvantaged groups and impedes scalability by influencing behavior of both patients and providers. Reducing PrEP stigma and its negative impact on the epidemic requires a significant shift in perspective, language, and programs. Such a shift is necessary to ensure broader reach of PrEP as a prevention strategy and improve its utilization by the individuals who need it most.
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Sileo KM, Wanyenze RK, Kizito W, Reed E, Brodine SK, Chemusto H, Musoke W, Mukasa B, Kiene SM. Multi-level Determinants of Clinic Attendance and Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence Among Fishermen Living with HIV/AIDS in Communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:406-417. [PMID: 29959718 PMCID: PMC6492274 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2207-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study assessed determinants of HIV clinic appointment attendance and antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence among 300 male fisherfolk on ART in Wakiso District, Uganda. Multi-level factors associated with missed HIV clinic visits included those at the individual (age, AOR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99), interpersonal (being single/separated from partner, AOR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.54), normative (anticipated HIV stigma, AOR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.05-2.29) and physical/built environment-level (travel time to the HIV clinic, AOR: 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.20; structural-barriers to ART adherence, AOR: 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.56; accessing care on a landing site vs. an island, AOR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.08-1.67). Factors associated with ART non-adherence included those at the individual (age, β: - 0.01, η2 = 0.03; monthly income, β: - 0.01, η2 = 0.02) and normative levels (anticipated HIV stigma, β: 0.10, η2 = 0.02; enacted HIV stigma, β: 0.11, η2 = 0.02). Differentiated models of HIV care that integrate stigma reduction and social support, and reduce the number of clinic visits needed, should be explored in this setting to reduce multi-level barriers to accessing HIV care and ART adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Sileo
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS at Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - R K Wanyenze
- Makerere School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - E Reed
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - S K Brodine
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - S M Kiene
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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Effects of gel volume on pharmacokinetics for vaginal and rectal applications of combination DuoGel-IQB4012, a dual chamber-dual drug HIV microbicide gel, in pigtailed macaques. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2018; 8:1180-1190. [PMID: 29761350 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0538-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated effects of differing gel volumes on pharmacokinetics (PK). IQB4012, a gel containing the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor IQP-0528 and tenofovir (TFV), was applied to the pigtailed macaque vagina and rectum. Vaginal gel volumes (1% loading of both drugs) were 0.5 or 1.5 ml; following wash-out, 1 or 4 ml of gel were then applied rectally. Blood, vaginal, and rectal fluids were collected at 0, 2, 4, and 24 h. Vaginal and rectal tissue biopsies were collected at 4 and 24 h. There were no statistically significant differences in concentrations for either drug between gel volumes within compartments at matched time points. After vaginal gel application, median IQP-0528 concentrations were ~ 104-105 ng/g, 105-106 ng/ml, and 103-105 ng/ml in vaginal tissues, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids, respectively (over 24 h). Median vaginal TFV concentrations were 1-2 logs lower than IQP-0528 levels at matched time points. After rectal gel application, median IQP-0528 and TFV concentrations in rectal fluids were ~ 103-105 ng/ml and ~ 102-103 ng/ml, respectively. Concentrations of both drugs sampled in rectal tissues were low (~ 101-103 ng/g). For 1 ml gel, half of sampled rectal tissues had undetectable concentrations of either drug, and over half of sampled rectal fluids had undetectable TFV concentrations. These results indicate differences in drug delivery between the vaginal and rectal compartments, and that smaller vaginal gel volumes may not significantly compromise microbicide PK and prophylactic potential. However, effects of rectal gel volume on PK for both drugs were less definitive.
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Pintye J, Beima-Sofie KM, Makabong'O PA, Njoroge A, Trinidad SB, Heffron RA, Baeten JM, Celum C, Matemo D, Kinuthia J, Kelley MC, John-Stewart GC. HIV-Uninfected Kenyan Adolescent and Young Women Share Perspectives on Using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis During Pregnancy. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2018; 32:538-544. [PMID: 30036072 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2018.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To optimize scale-up of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for pregnant women at risk of HIV in high HIV burden settings, implementation strategies must be developed that account for perceptions of PrEP in this unique population. Semistructured focus group discussions were conducted with 68 HIV-uninfected Kenyan pregnant and postpartum women without prior PrEP knowledge or experience. A qualitative descriptive analysis was performed, using a constant comparison approach, to identify key themes related to the values and rationale impacting potential PrEP use in pregnancy. Median age was 19.5 years and participants were either pregnant or had 1-2 children. Almost all (96%) were married or had a steady partner. Women felt pregnancy was a time of high HIV risk because they desired sex less frequently, which may lead their partners to have outside partnerships. This made PrEP an attractive HIV prevention option for themselves and their infants. Although women believed male partner behaviors influenced their HIV risk, many women perceived that male partners would react negatively, including becoming physically violent, if they discovered that women used PrEP. Clinicians were identified as potential facilitators of PrEP use who could explain PrEP to male partners on behalf of pregnant women. Women said that community-level stigma against HIV and potential for conflating PrEP with antiretroviral therapy (ART) would necessitate that PrEP use be discreet. Our results indicate the importance of addressing risk perception of women, concerns of male partners, HIV stigma, and benefits of PrEP for HIV prevention as programs are developed for pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Pintye
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Anne Njoroge
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Susan Brown Trinidad
- Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Renee A. Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maureen C. Kelley
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, The Ethox Center and Wellcome Center for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Grace C. John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Kambutse I, Igiraneza G, Ogbuagu O. Perceptions of HIV transmission and pre-exposure prophylaxis among health care workers and community members in Rwanda. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207650. [PMID: 30475841 PMCID: PMC6261021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There are too many new HIV infections globally with 1.8 million persons infected in 2016 alone. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) holds potential to decrease new infections and is synergistic with efforts currently in place to achieve an end to the AIDS epidemic in Sub-Saharan African, but uptake is limited. Given its novelty, assessing the beliefs and attitudes of healthcare professionals and members of the community towards HIV transmission and PrEP will be helpful to inform implementation efforts. Study was a random survey of 201 community members and 51 healthcare providers, carried out at multiple community sites in Huye district, Southern Province, Rwanda and at Kigali University Teaching Hospital (KUTH). The study findings are that there are still misconceptions about HIV in the community with some respondents believing that HIV is due to punishment from God (5.4%), poverty (3.0%), smoking cigarettes (1.0%), drinking alcohol (2.0%), punishment from ancestors (1.0%) and witchcraft (1.5%), and that its transmission is by mosquito bites (10.9%), sharing food or drinks with a HIV infected person (6.5%) or as a result of carelessness (47.8%). More than 50% of respondents from both groups had insufficient knowledge regarding PrEP, but expressed some interest in PrEP (82.6% of the respondents from the community and 86.5% of the health workers). However, some healthcare workers felt that promotion of safe sex practices (74.5%), HIV testing and treating HIV infected patients (60.8%) would work better than PrEP to decrease new HIV infections. Barriers to PrEP implementation included perceived stigma, delayed access to prevention services at the health facilities while personal-level concerns included lack of family support, reluctance to take a medication daily and fear of being perceived as having HIV. This study showed that health care workers and community members are willing to utilize PrEP in Rwanda, but many challenges exist including limited knowledge about PrEP, stigma, provider and system level service delivery barriers at health facilities among others. More studies are needed to assess ways of addressing and /or eliminating these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Immaculate Kambutse
- Department of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- * E-mail:
| | - Grace Igiraneza
- Department of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Onyema Ogbuagu
- Department of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- Yale AIDS Program, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Ortblad KF, Chanda MM, Musoke DK, Ngabirano T, Mwale M, Nakitende A, Chongo S, Kamungoma N, Kanchele C, Bärnighausen T, Oldenburg CE. Acceptability of HIV self-testing to support pre-exposure prophylaxis among female sex workers in Uganda and Zambia: results from two randomized controlled trials. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:503. [PMID: 30286737 PMCID: PMC6172754 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3415-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for prevention of HIV acquisition, but requires HIV testing at regular intervals. Female sex workers (FSWs) are a priority population for HIV prevention interventions in many settings, but face barriers to accessing healthcare. Here, we assessed the acceptability of HIV self-testing for regular HIV testing during PrEP implementation among FSWs participating in a randomized controlled trial of HIV self-testing delivery models. METHODS We used data from two HIV self-testing randomized controlled trials with identical protocols in Zambia and in Uganda. From September-October 2016, participants were randomized in groups to: (1) direct delivery of an HIV self-test, (2) delivery of a coupon, exchangeable for an HIV self-test at nearby health clinics, or (3) standard HIV testing services. Participants completed assessments at baseline and 4 weeks. Participants reporting their last HIV test was negative were asked about their interest in various PrEP modalities and their HIV testing preferences. We used mixed effects logistic regression models to measure differences in outcomes across randomization arms at four weeks. RESULTS At 4 weeks, 633 participants in Zambia and 749 participants in Uganda reported testing negative at their last HIV test. The majority of participants in both studies were "very interested" in daily oral PrEP (91% Zambia; 66% Uganda) and preferred HIV self-testing to standard testing services while on PrEP (87% Zambia; 82% Uganda). Participants in the HIV self-testing intervention arms more often reported preference for HIV self-testing compared to standard testing services to support PrEP in both Zambia (P = 0.002) and Uganda (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION PrEP implementation programs for FSW could consider inclusion of HIV self-testing to reduce the clinic-based HIV testing burden. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02827240 and NCT02846402 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina F Ortblad
- International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Till Bärnighausen
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Heidelberg Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Catherine E Oldenburg
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, Room S334J, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
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Shrestha R, Copenhaver M. Exploring the Use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention Among High-Risk People Who Use Drugs in Treatment. Front Public Health 2018; 6:195. [PMID: 30062091 PMCID: PMC6054971 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Despite unequivocal evidence supporting the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), its scale-up has been gradual overall, and nearly absent among people who use drugs (PWUD). In the present study, we implemented the use of PrEP, as a part of an integrated HIV prevention approach, and explored the experiences and attitudes related to PrEP use among PWUD. Methods: Between September 2016 and July 2017, we recruited 40 HIV-uninfected, methadone-maintained people, who reported HIV-risk behaviors, and were currently taking PrEP. We conducted both quantitative and in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews that primarily focused on experiences, attitudes, acceptability, disclosure status, risk compensation-related attitudes, and barriers related to PrEP adherence. Results: Results showed that participants were highly satisfied and perceived PrEP as valuable and acceptable for HIV prevention. Participants reported high adherence to PrEP. The most highly endorsed facilitators to PrEP adherence were use of memory aids, no out-of-pocket cost, perceived benefit, and support from social network. The barriers to adherence included side-effects, stigmatization, requirement of daily dosing, and accessibility of PrEP services. Additionally, participants expressed disagreement with the overall risk compensation-related attitudes (i.e., decreased personal concern about engaging in HIV risk behavior due to their perception that PrEP is now fully protecting them from contracting HIV) and indicated no increased engagement in risk behaviors while on PrEP. Conclusions: The results from the current study provide preliminary evidence supporting the successful integration of PrEP within the substance abuse treatment setting, where high risk PWUD are concentrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States.,Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, & Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Michael Copenhaver
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States.,Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, & Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Mullens AB, Kelly J, Debattista J, Phillips TM, Gu Z, Siggins F. Exploring HIV risks, testing and prevention among sub-Saharan African community members in Australia. Int J Equity Health 2018; 17:62. [PMID: 29784050 PMCID: PMC5963033 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-018-0772-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Significant health disparities persist regarding new and late Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) diagnoses among sub-Saharan African (SSA) communities in Australia. Personal/cultural beliefs and practices influence HIV (risk, prevention, testing) within Australia and during visits to home countries. Method A community forum was conducted involving 23 male and female adult African community workers, members and leaders, and health workers; facilitated by cultural workers and an experienced clinician/researcher. The forum comprised small/large group discussions regarding HIV risk/prevention (responses transcribed verbatim; utilising thematic analysis). Results Stigma, denial, social norms, tradition and culture permeated perceptions/beliefs regarding HIV testing, prevention and transmission among African Australians, particularly regarding return travel to home countries. Conclusions International travel as a risk factor for HIV acquisition requires further examination, as does the role of the doctor in HIV testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Further assessment of PrEP as an appropriate/feasible intervention is needed, with careful attention regarding negative community perceptions and potential impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy B Mullens
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich Campus, 11 Salisbury Road, Ipswich, Qld 4305, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Kelly
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich Campus, 11 Salisbury Road, Ipswich, Qld 4305, Australia
| | - Joseph Debattista
- Queensland Health, Metro North Public Health Unit, Bryden Street, Windsor, Qld 4030, Australia
| | - Tania M Phillips
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich Campus, 11 Salisbury Road, Ipswich, Qld 4305, Australia
| | - Zhihong Gu
- Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, PO Box 5916, West End, Qld 4101, Australia
| | - Fungisai Siggins
- Kalpa purru Wirranjarlki, Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation, 1 Irvine Street, PO Box 40, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861, Australia
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