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Reed DM, Radin E, Kim E, Wadonda-Kabondo N, Payne D, Gillot M, Jahn A, Bello G, Kalua T, Justman JE. Age-disparate and intergenerational sex partnerships and HIV: the role of gender norms among adolescent girls and young women in Malawi. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:575. [PMID: 38389081 PMCID: PMC10885496 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17868-5] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-mixing (age-disparate [5-9 years difference] and intergenerational [≥ 10 years difference]) partnerships are hypothesized drivers of HIV in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW; 15-24 years). These partnerships are often associated with increased gender inequities which undermine women's agency and assertiveness. We assessed whether age-mixing partnerships were associated with HIV in Malawi and if endorsement of inequitable gender norms modifies this relationship. METHODS We analyzed data from the Malawi Population-based HIV Impact Assessment, a nationally representative household survey conducted in 2015-2016. Participants underwent HIV testing and completed questionnaires related to actively endorsed gender norms and sexual risk behavior. We used multivariate logistic regression and multiplicative interaction to assess associations among AGYW who reported the age of their primary sex partner from the last year. RESULTS The analysis included 1,958 AGYW (mean age = 19.9 years, SD = 0.1), 459 (23.4%) and 131 (6.7%) of whom reported age-disparate and intergenerational partnerships, respectively. AGYW in age-mixing partnerships accounted for 13% of all AGYW and were older, more likely to reside in urban areas, to be married or cohabitating with a partner, and to have engaged in riskier sexual behavior compared with AGYW in age-concordant partnerships (p < 0.05). HIV prevalence among AGYW in age-disparate and intergenerational partnerships was 6.1% and 11.9%, respectively, compared with 3.2% in age-concordant partnerships (p < 0.001). After adjusting for residence, age, education, employment, wealth quintile, and ever been married or cohabitated as married, AGYW in age-disparate and intergenerational partnerships had 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1-3.5) and 3.4 (95% CI: 1.6-7.2) greater odds of HIV, respectively, compared with AGYW in age-concordant partnerships. Among the 614 (31% of the study group) who endorsed inequitable gender norms, AGYW in age-disparate and intergenerational partnerships had 3.5 (95% CI: 1.1-11.8) and 6.4 (95% CI: 1.5-27.8) greater odds of HIV, respectively, compared with AGYW in age-concordant partnerships. CONCLUSIONS In this Malawi general population survey, age-mixing partnerships were associated with increased odds of HIV among AGYW. These findings highlight inequitable gender norms as a potential focus for HIV prevention and could inform interventions targeting structural, cultural, and social constraints of this key group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domonique M Reed
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, Floor 7, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Radin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, Floor 7, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evelyn Kim
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Danielle Payne
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Andreas Jahn
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Global Health, International Training and Education Center for Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George Bello
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Global Health, International Training and Education Center for Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thokozani Kalua
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jessica E Justman
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, Floor 7, New York, NY, USA
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Bose DL, Hundal A, Singh S, Singh S, Seth K, Hadi SU, Saran A, Joseph J, Goyal K, Salve S. Evidence and gap map report: Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) interventions for strengthening HIV prevention and research among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1297. [PMID: 36911864 PMCID: PMC9831290 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), aged 15-24 years, are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks due to varying social, cultural, and economic factors that affect their choices and shape their knowledge, understanding, and practices with regard to their health. Socio-Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) interventions targeted at strengthening the capabilities of individuals and their networks have supported the demand and uptake of prevention services and participation in biomedical research. However, despite growing global recognition of the domain, high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of SBCC remains scattered. This evidence and gap map (EGM) report characterizes the evidence base on SBCC interventions for strengthening HIV Prevention and Research among AGYW in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), identifying evidence gaps and outlining the scope of future research and program design. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the proposed EGM are to: (a) identify and map existing EGMs in the use of diverse SBCC strategies to strengthen the adoption of HIV prevention measures and participation in research among AGYW in LMICs and (b) identify areas where more interventions and evidence are needed to inform the design of future SBCC strategies and programs for AGYW engagement in HIV prevention and research. METHODS This EGM is based on a comprehensive search of systematic reviews and impact evaluations corresponding to a range of interventions and outcomes-aimed at engaging AGYW in HIV prevention and research - that were published in LMICs from January 2000 to April 2021. Based on guidance for producing a Campbell Collaboration EGM, the intervention and outcome framework was designed in consultation with a group of experts. These interventions were categorized across four broad intervention themes: mass-media, community-based, interpersonal, and Information Communication and Technology (ICT)/Digital Media-based interventions. They were further sub-categorized into 15 intervention categories. Included studies looked at 23 unique behavioral and health outcomes such as knowledge attitude and skills, relationship dynamics, household dynamics, health care services, and health outcomes and research engagement. The EGM is presented as a matrix in which the rows are intervention categories/sub-categories, and the columns are outcome domains/subdomains. Each cell is mapped to an intervention targeted at outcomes. Additional filters like region, country, study design, age group, funding agency, influencers, population group, publication status, study confidence, setting, and year of publication have been added. SELECTION CRITERIA To be eligible, studies must have tested the effectiveness of SBCC interventions at engaging AGYW in LMICs in HIV prevention and research. The study sample must have consisted of AGYW between the ages of 15-24, as defined by UNAIDS. Both experimental (random assignment) and quasi-experimental studies that included a comparison group were eligible. Relevant outcomes included those at the individual, influencer, and institutional levels, along with those targeting research engagement and prevention-related outcomes. RESULTS This EGM comprises 415 impact evaluations and 43 systematic reviews. Interventions like peer-led interactions, counseling, and community dialogues were the most dominant intervention sub-types. Despite increased digital penetration use of media and technology-driven interventions are relatively less studied. Most of the interventions were delivered by peers, health care providers, and educators, largely in school-based settings, and in many cases are part of sex-education curricula. Evidence across geographies was mostly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa (70%). Most measured outcomes focused on disease-related knowledge dissemination and enhancing awareness of available prevention options/strategies. These included messaging around consistent condom use, limiting sexual partners, routine testing, and awareness. Very few studies were able to include psychographic, social, and contextual factors influencing AGYW health behaviors and decisions, especially those measuring the impact of social and gender norms, relationship dynamics, and household dynamics-related outcomes. Outcomes related to engagement in the research were least studied. CONCLUSION This EGM highlights that evidence is heavily concentrated within the awareness-intent spectrum of behavior change and gets lean for outcomes situated within the intent-action and the action-habit formation spectrum of the behavior change continuum. Most of the evidence was concentrated on increasing awareness, knowledge, and building risk perception around SRH domains, however, fewer studies focused on strengthening the agency and self-efficacy of individuals. Similarly, evidence on extrinsic factors-such as strengthening social and community norms, relationships, and household dynamics-that determine individual thought and action such as negotiation and life skills were also found to be less populated. Few studies explore the effectiveness of these interventions across diverse AGYW identities, like pregnant women and new mothers, sex workers, and people living with HIV, leading to limited understanding of the use of these interventions across multiple user segments including key influencers such as young men, partners, families, religious leaders, and community elders was relatively low. There is a need for better quality evidence that accounts for the diversity of experiences within these populations to understand what interventions work, for whom, and toward what outcome. Further, the evidence for use of digital and mass-media tools remains poorly populated. Given the increasing penetration of these tools and growing media literacy on one end, with widening gender-based gaps on the other, it is imperative to gather more high-quality evidence on their effectiveness. Timely evidence generation can help leverage these platforms appropriately and enable intervention designs that are responsive to changing communication ecologies of AGYW. SBCC can play a critical role in helping researchers meaningfully engage and collaborate with communities as equal stakeholders, however, this remains poorly evidenced and calls for investigation and investment. A full list of abbreviations and acronyms are available in Supporting Information: Appendix F.
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Mhungu A, Sixsmith J, Burnett E. Adolescent Girls and Young Women's Experiences of Living with HIV in the Context of Patriarchal Culture in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:1365-1379. [PMID: 36318422 PMCID: PMC10129999 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03872-6] [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: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to socio-cultural gender, power, and economic disparities. This scoping review examined the literature to explore what is known about AGYW's everyday personal, relational, and social experiences of HIV to help shape future protective HIV policy and practice. Six databases were searched: Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, ASSIA, Google Scholar, and ProQuest, resulting in a total of 12,581 articles. Of these, 40 articles were included in the review. Key themes generated from the thematic analysis were relational and psychosocial challenges, inhibiting sexual expression, poverty, stigma, and discrimination; managing health in everyday life; agency and resilience; and personal space and social support. In conclusion, the review found a lack of understanding of AGYW's everyday experiences of living with HIV from their own perspectives. There was also little consideration of the role of patriarchal culture and how this constrains AGYW's ability to negotiate their relationships. Further research is needed to reveal AGYW's perspectives on living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alington Mhungu
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, 11 Arlie Place, DD1 4HN, Dundee, Scotland.
| | - Judith Sixsmith
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, 11 Arlie Place, DD1 4HN, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Emma Burnett
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, 11 Arlie Place, DD1 4HN, Dundee, Scotland
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Govender K, Beckett S, Reddy T, Cowden RG, Cawood C, Khanyile D, Kharsany ABM, George G, Puren A. Association of HIV Intervention Uptake With HIV Prevalence in Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e228640. [PMID: 35452103 PMCID: PMC9034400 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.8640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In South Africa, adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 years are among the most high-risk groups for acquiring HIV. Progress in reducing HIV incidence in this population has been slow. OBJECTIVE To describe HIV prevalence and HIV risk behaviors among a sample of adolescent girls and young women and to model the association between exposure to multiple or layered interventions and key HIV biological and behavioral outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional survey was conducted between March 13, 2017, and June 22, 2018, in 2 districts in Gauteng province and in 2 districts in KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. A stratified cluster random sampling method was used. Participants included adolescent girls and young women aged 12 to 24 years who lived in each sampled household. Overall, 10 384 participants were enrolled in Gauteng province and 7912 in KwaZulu-Natal province. One parent or caregiver was interviewed in each household. Data analysis was performed from March 12, 2021, to March 1, 2022. EXPOSURES DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe)-like interventions. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was HIV prevalence. HIV status was obtained from laboratory-based testing of peripheral blood samples. Secondary outcomes included HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy uptake as well as numerous HIV risk variables that the DREAMS program sought to improve, such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection, intimate partner violence, and age-disparate sex. RESULTS The final sample included 18 296 adolescent girls and young women (median [IQR] age, 19 [15-21] years) in 10 642 households. Approximately half of participants (49.9%; n = 8414) reported engaging in sexual activity, and 48.1% (n = 3946) reported condom use at the most recent sexual encounter. KwaZulu-Natal province had a higher HIV prevalence than Gauteng province (15.1% vs 7.8%; P < .001). Approximately one-fifth of participants (17.6%; n = 3291) were not exposed to any interventions, whereas 43.7% (n = 8144) were exposed to 3 or more interventions. There was no association between exposure to DREAMS-like interventions and HIV status. Adolescent girls and young women who accessed 3 or more interventions were more likely to have undergone HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio, 2.39; 95% CI, 2.11-2.71; P < .001) and to have used condoms consistently in the previous 12 months (adjusted odds ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.33-2.12; P < .001) than those who were not exposed to any interventions. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this study suggest that self-reported exposures to multiple or layered DREAMS-like interventions were associated with favorable behavioral outcomes. The beneficial aspects of layering HIV interventions warrant further research to support the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls and young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaymarlin Govender
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sean Beckett
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Richard G. Cowden
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Cherie Cawood
- Epicentre AIDS Risk Management Limited, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Khanyile
- Epicentre AIDS Risk Management Limited, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gavin George
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Adrian Puren
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Priority Programmes, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Stoner MCD, Kilburn K, Godfrey-Faussett P, Ghys P, Pettifor AE. Cash transfers for HIV prevention: A systematic review. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003866. [PMID: 34843468 PMCID: PMC8668130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the success of cash programs in improving health outcomes and addressing upstream drivers of HIV risk such as poverty and education, there has been an increasing interest in their potential to improve HIV prevention and care outcomes. Recent reviews have documented the impacts of structural interventions on HIV prevention, but evidence about the effects of cash transfer programs on HIV prevention has not been systematically reviewed for several years. METHODS AND FINDINGS We did a systematic review of published and unpublished literature to update and summarize the evidence around cash programs for HIV prevention from January 2000 to December 17, 2020. We included studies with either a cash transfer intervention, savings program, or program to reduce school costs. Included studies measured the program's impact on HIV infection, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or sexual behaviors. We screened 1,565 studies and examined 78 in full-text review to identify a total of 45 peer-reviewed publications and reports from 27 different interventions or populations. We did not do a meta-analysis given the range of outcomes and types of cash transfer interventions assessed. Most studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa (N = 23; South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, Lesotho, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and eSwatini) followed by Mexico (N = 2), the United States (N = 1), and Mongolia (N = 1)). Of the 27 studies, 20 (72%) were randomized trials, 5 (20%) were observational studies, 1 (4%) was a case-control study, and 1 (4%) was quasi-experimental. Most studies did not identify a strong association between the program and sexual behaviors, except sexual debut (10/18 finding an association; 56%). Eight of the 27 studies included HIV biomarkers, but only 3 found a large reduction in HIV incidence or prevalence, and the rest found no statistically significant association. Of the studies that identified a statistically significant association with other STIs (N = 4/8), 2 involved incentives for staying free of the STI, and the other 2 were cash transfer programs for adolescent girls that had conditionalities related to secondary schooling. Study limitations include the small number of studies in key populations and examining interventions to reduce school costs and matched saving programs. CONCLUSIONS The evidence base for large-scale impacts of cash transfers reducing HIV risk is limited; however, government social protection cash transfer programs and programs that incentivize school attendance among adolescent girls and young women show the greatest promise for HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C. D. Stoner
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Women’s Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kelly Kilburn
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Audrey E. Pettifor
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) ages (15-24 years old) in Southern and Eastern Africa account for nearly 30% of all new HIV infections. We conducted a systematic review of studies examining the effectiveness of behavioral, structural, and combined (behavioral + structural) interventions on HIV incidence and risky sexual behaviors among AGYW. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Global Health. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria conducted in Eastern and Southern Africa and comprised behavioral, structural, or combined (behavioral and structural) interventions. All findings are based on 22 studies. HIV incidence was significantly reduced by one structural intervention. All three types of interventions improved condom use among AGYW. Evidence suggests that structural interventions can reduce HIV incidence, while behavioral and combined interventions require further investigation.
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Schaefer R, Thomas R, Robertson L, Eaton JW, Mushati P, Nyamukapa C, Hauck K, Gregson S. Spillover HIV prevention effects of a cash transfer trial in East Zimbabwe: evidence from a cluster-randomised trial and general-population survey. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1599. [PMID: 33097016 PMCID: PMC7584095 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09667-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benefits of cash transfers (CTs) for HIV prevention have been demonstrated largely in purposively designed trials, commonly focusing on young women. It is less clear if CT interventions not designed for HIV prevention can have HIV-specific effects, including adverse effects. The cluster-randomised Manicaland Cash Transfer Trial (2010-11) evaluated effects of CTs on children's (2-17 years) development in eastern Zimbabwe. We evaluated whether this CT intervention with no HIV-specific objectives had unintended HIV prevention spillover effects (externalities). METHODS Data on 2909 individuals (15-54 years) living in trial households were taken from a general-population survey, conducted simultaneously in the same communities as the Manicaland Trial. Average treatment effects (ATEs) of CTs on sexual behaviour (any recent sex, condom use, multiple partners) and secondary outcomes (mental distress, school enrolment, and alcohol/cigarette/drug consumption) were estimated using mixed-effects logistic regressions (random effects for study site and intervention cluster), by sex and age group (15-29; 30-54 years). Outcomes were also evaluated with a larger synthetic comparison group created through propensity score matching. RESULTS CTs did not affect sexual debut but reduced having any recent sex (past 30 days) among young males (ATE: - 11.7 percentage points [PP] [95% confidence interval: -26.0PP, 2.61PP]) and females (- 5.68PP [- 15.7PP, 4.34PP]), with similar but less uncertain estimates when compared against the synthetic comparison group (males: -9.68PP [- 13.1PP, - 6.30PP]; females: -8.77PP [- 16.3PP, - 1.23PP]). There were no effects among older individuals. Young (but not older) males receiving CTs reported increased multiple partnerships (8.49PP [- 5.40PP, 22.4PP]; synthetic comparison: 10.3PP (1.27PP, 19.2PP). No impact on alcohol, cigarette, or drug consumption was found. There are indications that CTs reduced psychological distress among young people, although impacts were small. CTs increased school enrolment in males (11.5PP [3.05PP, 19.9PP]). Analyses with the synthetic comparison group (but not the original control group) further indicated increased school enrolment among females (5.50PP [1.62PP, 9.37PP]) and condom use among younger and older women receiving CTs (9.38PP [5.90PP, 12.9PP]; 5.95PP [1.46PP, 10.4PP]). CONCLUSIONS Non-HIV-prevention CT interventions can have HIV prevention outcomes, including reduced sexual activity among young people and increased multiple partnerships among young men. No effects on sexual debut or alcohol, cigarette, or drug consumption were observed. A broad approach is necessary to evaluate CT interventions to capture unintended outcomes, particularly in economic evaluations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT00966849 . Registered August 27, 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Schaefer
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Ranjeeta Thomas
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | | | - Jeffrey W Eaton
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Constance Nyamukapa
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Katharina Hauck
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Gregson
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
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McCloskey LA, Eloff I, Doran K. Determinants of intergenerational sexual relationships and HIV risk among South African women outpatients in Gauteng. AIDS Care 2020; 33:654-662. [PMID: 32964726 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1823311] [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] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Age-discrepant sexual relationships may place women at risk for HIV infection in South Africa. Results are based on medical records and case-control interview data of 889 sexually experienced women outpatients aged 15-29 in a Gauteng township. Women with partners at least ten years older (intergenerational) show an elevated chance of having an early sexual debut, concurrent and transactional partners, and intimate partner violence. Hardship during childhood including parental loss, food insecurity and abuse are related to age asymmetric relationships. HIV is two times more likely (aOR=1.96) with an intergenerational partner. Transactional sex increases the odds of HIV independently (aOR=1.76) as does intimate partner violence (aOR=1.6). To the extent that transactional and intergenerational sex overlap the chance of contracting HIV increases more than two-fold (uOR=4.57). Girls (15-19) with intergenerational partners face the highest chance of HIV (uOR=8.55) compared to other age groups. They are also five times more likely than controls to have lived with a cross-age partner. Our findings indicate there are multiple pathways emanating from childhood leading to women's choice of intergenerational partners, and the link to HIV is strongest among the youngest women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ann McCloskey
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Irma Eloff
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria School of Education, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Kelly Doran
- UNH Institute on Disability, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
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Variations in HIV Risk by Young Women's Age and Partner Age Disparity in Rural South Africa (HPTN 068). J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 83:350-356. [PMID: 31904708 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly all population-level research showing positive associations between age-disparate partnerships and HIV acquisition among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) has classified age disparity as ≥5 or ≥10 years. We describe variations in 1-year risk of HIV infection after exposure to sexual partner(s) of continuous age disparities. METHODS Longitudinal data from the HPTN 068 randomized trial in South Africa were used to estimate 1-year risk of HIV infection at various age pairings. The parametric g-formula was used to estimate risk at up to 5 annual time points, stratified by maximum partner age difference, maximum partner age, and AGYW age. RESULTS AGYW reported an older partner in 86% of 5351 age pairings. The 1-year risk of HIV infection rapidly increased with maximum partner age difference among girls ages 13-14 years, from 0·01 with a same-age partner, to 0·21 with a partner 10 years older, and 0·24 with a partner 15 years older. A gradual increase occurred among AGYW ages 15-16 years, up to 0·13 with a partner 15 years older, and 0·09 among AGYW 17-18 years with partners 8-11 years older. Risk of HIV infection among AGYW ages 19-21 years remained relatively constant across maximum partner age differences. CONCLUSIONS Age differences between AGYW and their sexual partners have a greater effect on HIV-risk infection in younger compared with older AGYW. Considering both the age of an AGYW and her sexual partners provides granular insight into identifying key groups for HIV transmission prevention efforts.
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Coudray MS, Degarege A, Khan A, Ravi K, Srinivas V, Klausner JD, Madhivanan P, Placek CD. Partner age difference and sociodemographic correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositivity: A community-based study in South India. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2020; 41:219-221. [PMID: 33817604 PMCID: PMC8000660 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_90_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Makella S Coudray
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Abraham Degarege
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anisa Khan
- Public Health Research Institute of India, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Kavitha Ravi
- Public Health Research Institute of India, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vijaya Srinivas
- Public Health Research Institute of India, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jeffery D Klausner
- David Geffen School of Medicine and Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Purnima Madhivanan
- Public Health Research Institute of India, Mysore, Karnataka, India.,Department of Health Promotion Sciences Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona
| | - Caitlyn D Placek
- Department of Anthropology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
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Maughan-Brown B, Venkataramani A, Kharsany ABM, Beckett S, Govender K, Lewis L, Cawood C, Khanyile D, George G. Recently formed age-disparate partnerships are associated with elevated HIV-incidence among young women in South Africa. AIDS 2020; 34:149-154. [PMID: 31483373 PMCID: PMC7473385 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cross-sectional and cohort studies draw different conclusions on whether age-disparate partnerships increase HIV-acquisition risk for young women. We investigated whether age-disparities were associated with HIV-infection risk early in relationships. This could result in the exclusion of women who seroconverted during high-risk age-disparate partnerships from cohort studies of HIV incidence - which exclude HIV-positive women - and explain null findings in these studies. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS We used data on 15-24-year-old, HIV-negative women in heterosexual partnerships (N = 830) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The association between age-disparate partnering (i.e., male partner ≥5 years older) and subsequent HIV seroconversion was assessed using Cox hazard models. We examined heterogeneity in HIV-acquisition risk by duration of partnership (defined by quartiles) at cohort enrolment. RESULTS During 1139 person-years (mean: 1.4 years) of follow-up, 54 (6.5%) women seroconverted, a weighted HIV-incidence estimate of 4.41/100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.30-6.06]. HIV-acquisition risk did not differ significantly between women in age-disparate vs. age-similar partnerships (adjusted hazard ratios: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.55-2.21). However, for women in the shortest partnership quartile (<1.09 years) at baseline, risk of HIV seroconversion was higher for women in age-disparate partnerships (adjusted hazard ratios: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.02-9.65, P = 0.047). HIV acquisition was not statistically different by partnership type among women in longer partnerships. CONCLUSION The association between age-disparate partnerships and HIV-acquisition risk is evident early in young women's relationships. Results provide a potential explanation for null findings in cohort studies, whose research designs may exclude women in such partnerships, and affirms the elevated risk of HIV acquisition for young women in age-disparate relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Maughan-Brown
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU), School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Middle Campus, Cape Town, South Africa Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban Epicentre AIDS Risk Management (Pty) Limited, Sandton, South Africa
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Pregnancy Incidence and Fertility Desires Among Couples by HIV Status in Rakai, Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 80:494-502. [PMID: 30664614 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The desire for more children and pregnancy rates are influenced by many relationship dynamics and HIV serostatus of couples. SETTING Rakai Community Cohort Study in Uganda. METHODS Couple data were retrospectively linked from survey rounds between 2007 and 2015 to assess drivers of fertility desire and pregnancy incidence by HIV status (M-F-; M+F+; M-F+; and M+F-). Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios of fertility desire, whereas multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios of pregnancy associated with couple characteristics. RESULTS Six thousand six hundred forty-seven couples contributed to 7656 person-years. Approximately 40% of couples (where at least 1 HIV+) desired more children. Unmet need for family planning was evident; couples of medium or low Socioeconomic status and with coresident children had lower fertility desires but higher pregnancy rates. Older age, being in a polygamous union, and having a HIV+ spouse in care were associated with lower fertility desire while having an older male partner was associated with higher fertility desire. Pregnancy incidence was lower with older age, among women using hormonal contraception and condoms, HIV+ concordant couples and couples where the HIV+ spouse was in care while pregnancy incidence were higher among women who desired more children, and serodiscordant couples (M-F+). CONCLUSIONS There are many drivers of fertility desires and pregnancy rates, and HIV does not diminish the desire for more children. Unmet need for family planning was evident and highlighted the need to understand and meet the contraceptive needs of couples.
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Makola L, Mlangeni L, Mabaso M, Chibi B, Sokhela Z, Silimfe Z, Seutlwadi L, Naidoo D, Khumalo S, Mncadi A, Zuma K. Predictors of contraceptive use among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa: results from the 2012 national population-based household survey. BMC Womens Health 2019; 19:158. [PMID: 31830982 PMCID: PMC6909538 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-019-0861-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a variety of contraceptives being available for women in South Africa, a considerable number of adolescent girls and young women still face challenges in using them. This paper examines socio-demographic and behavioral predictors of using contraceptives among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years. METHODS A secondary data analysis was conducted based on the 2012 population-based nationally representative multi-stage stratified cluster randomised household survey. Multivariate backward stepwise logistic regression model was used to examine socio-demographic and behavioural factors independently associated with contraceptive use amongst AGYW aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa. RESULTS Out of 1460 AGYW, 78% (CI: 73.9-81.7) reported using some form of contraceptives. In the model, contraceptive use was significantly associated with secondary education [OR = 1.8 (1.2-2.7), p = 0.005], having a sexual partner within 5 years of their age [OR = 1.8 (1.2-2.5), p = 0.002], and sexual debut at age 15 years and older [OR = 2.5 (1.3-4.6), p = 0.006]. The likelihood of association decreased with other race groups-White, Coloured, and Indians/Asians [OR = 0.5 (0.3-0.7), p = 0.001], being married [OR = 0.4 (0.2-0.7), p = 0.001], never given birth [OR = 0.7 (0.5-0.9), p = 0.045], coming from rural informal [OR = 0.5 (0.3-0.9), p = 0.010] and rural formal settlements [OR = 0.5 (0.3-0.9), p = 0.020]. CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggest that interventions should be tailor-made to meet the needs of AGYW in order to, promote use and access to contraceptives. The results also suggest that family planning interventions should target those who had not given birth in order to reduce unplanned and or unintended pregnancies and associated risk factors. These findings contribute to public health discourse and reproductive health planning for these age groups in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Makola
- Social Aspects of Public Health Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - L. Mlangeni
- Department of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - M. Mabaso
- Social Aspects of Public Health Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - B. Chibi
- Social Aspects of Public Health Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Z. Sokhela
- Social Aspects of Public Health Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Z. Silimfe
- Social Aspects of Public Health Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - L. Seutlwadi
- Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - D. Naidoo
- Social Aspects of Public Health Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - S. Khumalo
- Human and Social Development, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - A. Mncadi
- Human and Social Development, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - K. Zuma
- Social Aspects of Public Health Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
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George G, Maughan-Brown B, Beckett S, Evans M, Cawood C, Khanyile D, Govender K, Kharsany ABM. Coital frequency and condom use in age-disparate partnerships involving women aged 15 to 24: evidence from a cross-sectional study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024362. [PMID: 30852536 PMCID: PMC6429968 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines the role of age-disparate partnerships on young women's HIV risk by investigating coital frequency and condom use within age-disparate partnerships involving women aged 15 to 24. DESIGN A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted. SETTING Participants were randomly selected using a two-stage random sampling method in uMgungundlovu district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, between June 2014 and June 2015. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1306 15-24-year-old women in an ongoing heterosexual partnership were included in the analysis. Participants had to be a resident in the area for 12 months, and able to provide informed consent and speak one of the local languages (Zulu or English). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Sexual frequency was assessed by asking participants how many times they had sex with each partner in the past 12 months. The degree of condomless sex within partnerships was assessed in the survey by asking participants how often they used a condom with their partners. RESULTS Age-disparate partnerships were associated with a higher order category (once, 2-5, 6-10, 11-20, >20) of coital frequency (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.32, p<0.05, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.71) and with sex on more than 10 occasions (aOR 1.48, p<0.01, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.96) compared with age-similar partnerships. Age-disparate partnerships were also more likely to involve sex on more than 10 occasions with inconsistent condom use (aOR 1.43, p<0.05, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.96) in the previous 12 months. CONCLUSION The finding that increased sexual activity is positively associated with age-disparate partnerships adds to the evidence that age-disparate partnerships pose greater HIV risk for young women. Our study results indicate that interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviour within age-disparate partnerships remain relevant to reducing the high HIV incidence rates among adolescent girls and young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin George
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Brendan Maughan-Brown
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sean Beckett
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Meredith Evans
- Department of Anthropology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cherie Cawood
- AIDS Risk Management (Pty) Limited, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - David Khanyile
- AIDS Risk Management (Pty) Limited, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Kaymarlin Govender
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Ayesha BM Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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