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Ramos SD, Woodward H, Kannout L, Du Bois S. Dimensional Reduction in Barriers and Facilitators to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake Willingness for Full-Service Sex Workers. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:799-810. [PMID: 37962828 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02742-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Full-Service Sex Workers (FSSWs) face heightened risk of acquiring HIV, yet exhibit relatively low adoption of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-an antiviral that substantially reduces HIV acquisition risk. Little work examines barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake willingness among FSSWs. This study aimed to identify the distinct components of barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake willingness for FSSWs. Here, we subjected 19 PrEP barriers and facilitators identified in the literature to a principal component analysis (PCA) among a sample of 83 FSSWs. Preliminary statistics supported factorability of data. PCA revealed three distinct components of barriers and facilitators that explained 62.80% of the total variance in survey responses. We labeled these components Behavioral and Social Concerns (α = 0.93), Access and Affordability (α = 0.67), and Biologically Based Health Concerns (α = 0.79). This study shows promise for future clinical and research utility of these factors and provides a basis for future psychometric studies of barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake willingness among FSSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Ramos
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- SDSU Research Foundation, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Honor Woodward
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Lynn Kannout
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steff Du Bois
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
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2
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Reichheld SJ, Pellowski JA, Wilson-Barthes M, Galárraga O. Barriers and facilitators to scaling up access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among key populations: A qualitative study of the incentive-based PrEP Seguro program in Mexico. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2023; 4:100357. [PMID: 38099208 PMCID: PMC10720609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly safe and effective for HIV prevention, yet barriers to PrEP access and adherence persist among key populations. In Mexico, incentive-based pilot programs have been effective in improving PrEP adherence among male sex workers. Understanding the experiences of providers and program implementers is critical to integrating PrEP adherence programs as part of standard care in Mexico and similar settings. Methods We conducted 17 in-depth informational interviews with care providers and staff responsible for administering PrEP to key populations (men who have sex with men, male sex workers, transgender women) in Mexico City. Interviews explored successes and challenges surrounding current PrEP implementation, as well as adaptations that could facilitate national scale-up of PrEP programs in Mexico. Informant transcripts were analyzed using a hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach utilizing CFIR constructs for the initial codebook while allowing for inductive findings. Results Three key themes emerged from informant interviews as important for promoting PrEP programs in Mexico: 1) increasing individual PrEP access, 2) strengthening quality of care, and 3) improving organizational and structural support. Conclusions PrEP in Mexico is currently only available in a few clinics with high patient populations, and siloed HIV services, stigma, and a lack of inter-organizational collaboration remain persistent barriers to PrEP uptake. Promoting government collaboration and increasing financial support for community-based organizations is needed to expand PrEP access. Tailored, destigmatizing information about PrEP services needs to be diffused among both staff and patients to strengthen care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Reichheld
- Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Pellowski
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Marta Wilson-Barthes
- International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Omar Galárraga
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
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3
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Ruiz-Burga E. Perceived risk and condomless sex practice with commercial and non-commercial sexual partners of male migrant sex workers in London, UK. F1000Res 2023; 10:1033. [PMID: 37928318 PMCID: PMC10622860 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73248.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the emergence of HIV and the AIDS pandemic, the majority of risk-reduction interventions have been centred on the use of condoms in sex workers. Methods: This qualitative study recruited 25 male migrant sex workers in London to understand their risk perception and condomless sex experiences within the context of sex work and private life. The data was collected using face-to-face interviews, analysed using thematic analysis, and the findings interpreted through the theory of planned behaviour. Results: The themes explain that condomless sex with clients occurred when participants consciously accepted to perform this service deploying a risk assessment of clients, faulty strategies, and sexual practices to reduce their risk; or when they lost control because of recreational drugs, feeling attraction to clients, were in precarious circumstances, or were victims of violence. Conversely, condomless sex with non-commercial partners occurred according to the type of relationship, with formal partners it was rationalised through emotional aspects attached to this kind of relationship, while with casual partners it was connected to sexual arousal and the use of alcohol and drugs. Conclusions: Reinforce educational interventions to deliver STI-HIV information, enhance the use of condoms, and to address specific contextual factors that facilitate condomless practice with commercial and non-commercial sexual partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ruiz-Burga
- University College London - Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
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4
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Kaul CM, Moore BE, Kaplan-Lewis E, Casey E, Pitts RA, Pagan Pirallo P, Lim S, Kapadia F, Cohen GM, Khan M, Mgbako O. EquiPrEP: An implementation science protocol for promoting equitable access and uptake of long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291657. [PMID: 37725628 PMCID: PMC10508596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2021. This initial phase of implementation represents a prime opportunity to ensure equitable LAI-PrEP provision to communities often underrepresented in PrEP care before disparities in access and uptake emerge. Herein, we describe the EquiPrEP Project which utilizes an equity-oriented implementation science framework to optimize LAI-PrEP rollout in an urban safety-net clinic in New York City. METHODS The primary objectives of this project are to: (1) increase LAI-PrEP initiation overall; (2) increase uptake among groups disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic; (3) preserve high PrEP retention while expanding use; and (4) identify barriers and facilitators to LAI-PrEP use. EquiPrEP will enroll 210 PrEP-eligible participants into LAI-PrEP care with planned follow-up for one year. We will recruit from the following priority populations: Black and/or Latine men who have sex with men, Black and/or Latine cisgender women, and transgender women and nonbinary individuals. To evaluate implementation of LAI-PrEP, we will utilize equity-focused iterations of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), in addition to longitudinal surveys and qualitative interviews. DISCUSSION Novel LAI-PrEP formulations carry tremendous potential to revolutionize the field of HIV prevention. Implementation strategies rooted in equity are needed to ensure that marginalized populations have access to LAI-PrEP and to address the structural factors that hinder initiation and retention in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Kaul
- Office of Ambulatory Care and Population Health, HIV Services, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Brandi E. Moore
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Emma Kaplan-Lewis
- Office of Ambulatory Care and Population Health, HIV Services, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Eunice Casey
- Office of Ambulatory Care and Population Health, HIV Services, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Pitts
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Patricia Pagan Pirallo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sahnah Lim
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Farzana Kapadia
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gabriel M. Cohen
- Office of Ambulatory Care and Population Health, HIV Services, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Maria Khan
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ofole Mgbako
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- NYU Langone Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Crabtree Ramírez B, González Hernández LA, Cabrera C, Del Río C, González Rodríguez A, Sierra Madero J. Mexican perspective on the Mosaico HIV vaccine trial. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e426-e427. [PMID: 37216956 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00114-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Crabtree Ramírez
- Departamento de Infectología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Carlos Cabrera
- Unidad de Atención Médica e Investigación en Salud, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Carlos Del Río
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Juan Sierra Madero
- Departamento de Infectología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Fonner VA, Ridgeway K, van der Straten A, Lorenzetti L, Dinh N, Rodolph M, Schaefer R, Schmidt HMA, Nguyen VTT, Radebe M, Peralta H, Baggaley R. Safety and efficacy of long-acting injectable cabotegravir as preexposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV acquisition. AIDS 2023; 37:957-966. [PMID: 36723489 PMCID: PMC10090368 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003494] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV remains a significant burden, despite expanding HIV prevention tools. Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) is a new preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) product. We reviewed existing evidence to determine the efficacy and safety of CAB-LA as PrEP to inform global guidelines. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We systematically reviewed electronic databases and conference abstracts for citations on CAB-LA from January 2010 to September 2021. Outcomes included HIV infection, adverse events, drug resistance, pregnancy-related adverse events, and sexual behavior. We calculated pooled effect estimates using random-effects meta-analysis and summarized other results narratively. RESULTS We identified 12 articles/abstracts representing four multisite randomized controlled trials. Study populations included cisgender men, cisgender women, and transgender women. The pooled relative risk of HIV acquisition comparing CAB-LA to oral PrEP within efficacy studies was 0.21 (95% confidence interval: 0.07-0.61), resulting in a 79% reduction in HIV risk. Rates of adverse events were similar across study groups. Of 19 HIV infections among those randomized to CAB-LA with results available, seven had integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) resistance. Data on pregnancy-related adverse events were sparse. No studies reported on sexual behavior. CONCLUSIONS CAB-LA is highly efficacious for HIV prevention with few safety concerns. CAB-LA may lead to an increased risk of INSTI resistance among those who have acute HIV infection at initiation or become infected while taking CAB-LA. However, results are limited to controlled studies; more research is needed on real-world implementation. Additional data are needed on the safety of CAB-LA during pregnancy (for mothers and infants) and among populations not included in the trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathleen Ridgeway
- FHI 360 Global Health and Population Research, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- ASTRA Consulting and Center for AIDS prevention Studies (CAPS), Department of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lara Lorenzetti
- FHI 360 Global Health and Population Research, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Nhi Dinh
- FHI 360 Global Health and Population Research, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michelle Rodolph
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robin Schaefer
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Heather-Marie A. Schmidt
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
- UNAIDS Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Mopo Radebe
- World Health Organization, Country Office, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Rachel Baggaley
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
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Rao A, Lesko C, Mhlophe H, Rucinski K, Mcingana M, Pretorius A, Mcloughlin J, Baral S, Beyrer C, Hausler H, Schwartz S. Longitudinal patterns of initiation, persistence, and cycling on preexposure prophylaxis among female sex workers and adolescent girls and young women in South Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:977-986. [PMID: 36723509 PMCID: PMC10079574 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Female sex workers (FSW) and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) face a disproportionately high risk of HIV in South Africa. Oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can avert new infections, but its effectiveness is linked to consistent use. Early discontinuation of PrEP in this population is high, but less is known about longitudinal patterns of PrEP use, including patterns of re-initiation and cycling. DESIGN Longitudinal descriptive analysis of routine program data. METHODS Between 2016 and 2021, 40 681 FSW and AGYW initiated PrEP at TB HIV Care, the largest PrEP provider to this population in South Africa and were included. Using survival analyses and group-based trajectory modeling, we described patterns of initiation, discontinuation, re-initiation, and cycling. RESULTS Total initiations increased over the life of the program for both FSW and AGYW. About 40% of FSW [0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.40-0.42]] and AGYW (0.38, 95% CI [0.37-0.38]) remained on PrEP at one month. FSW were more likely to restart PrEP, however <10% restarted PrEP within a year of initiation. Three latent trajectory groups of PrEP use were identified for FSW (low use, early cycling, and ongoing cycling) and two for AGYW (low use and ongoing cycling). Persistence was negatively associated with initiation among AGYW, but there was no clear relationship among FSW. Those initiating later in the program and older women had a reduced risk of discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS Persistence on PrEP was low, but cycling on and off PrEP was common, with early missed visits and inconsistent, but ongoing use. A push to increase PrEP initiations needs to factor in readiness and persistence support, to achieve public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Rao
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Catherine Lesko
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Katherine Rucinski
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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8
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Rosen AO, Wickersham JA, Altice FL, Khati A, Azwa I, Tee V, Jeri-Wahrhaftig A, Luces JR, Ni Z, Kamarulzaman A, Saifi R, Shrestha R. Barriers and Facilitators to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis by Men Who Have Sex with Men and Community Stakeholders in Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5669. [PMID: 37174187 PMCID: PMC10177799 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia are disproportionately affected by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an evidence-based HIV prevention strategy; yet, uptake remains low among Malaysian MSM, who have a limited understanding of barriers to PrEP. METHODS We employed the nominal group technique (NGT), a structured mixed-methods strategy to understand the barriers and facilitators to PrEP use among Malaysian MSM, combined with a qualitative focus group. Six virtual focus group sessions, three among MSM (n = 20) and three among stakeholders (n = 16), were conducted using a video-conferencing platform. Rank-ordering of barriers from NGT was recorded, and thematic analysis was conducted for content. RESULTS Similar barriers were reported by MSM and community stakeholders, with aggregated costs associated with PrEP care (e.g., consultation with a clinician, medication, laboratory testing) being the greatest barrier, followed by limited knowledge and awareness of PrEP. Additionally, the lack of access to PrEP providers, the complex clinical protocol for PrEP initiation and follow-up, and social stigma undermined PrEP delivery. Qualitative discussions identified potential new strategies to overcome these barriers, including expanded outreach efforts to reach hard-to-reach MSM, a 'one-stop' delivery model for PrEP services, a patient-centered decision aid to guide PrEP uptake, and easy access to LGBT-friendly PrEP providers. CONCLUSION Current barriers may be overcome through governmental subsidy for PrEP and evidence-informed shared decision aids to support both MSM and PrEP providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviana O. Rosen
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Wickersham
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Frederick L. Altice
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Antoine Khati
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Vincent Tee
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Alma Jeri-Wahrhaftig
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Jeffrey Ralph Luces
- Master of Health Research Ethics (MOHRE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Zhao Ni
- Yale School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Rumana Saifi
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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Mbotwa CH, Kazaura MR, Moen K, Lichtwarck HO, Leshabari MT, Metta E, Mmbaga EJ. Effect of an mHealth intervention on retention in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis services among female sex workers: Preliminary evidence of the use of the Jichunge app in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231170507. [PMID: 37113256 PMCID: PMC10126669 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231170507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mHealth) applications have been reported to be effective in promoting access and adherence to health services. However, knowledge about their effect on retention in HIV preventive services among at-risk populations in sub-Saharan Africa is limited. Objective We aimed to evaluate the effect of the Jichunge mHealth application on retention in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services among female sex workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods We used respondent-driven sampling to recruit female sex workers eligible for PrEP and who owned a smartphone. All study participants were provided with a smartphone application (Jichunge app) aiming to promote PrEP use through medication reminders, easy access to PrEP information, online consultations with a doctor and/or peer educator, and online discussions between PrEP users. The effect of optimal use of the Jichunge app on retention in PrEP services at 1-month was modelled using log-binomial regression. Results A total of 470 female sex workers with a median age of 26 (interquartile range: 22-30) years were recruited. Overall, 27.7% of female sex workers were retained in PrEP services at 1 month. Retention was twice as high among optimal users of the app than among sub-optimal users (adjusted risk ratios = 2.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.41-2.83, p < 0.001). Conclusion The optimal use of the Jichunge mHealth application was significantly associated with higher retention in PrEP services among female sex workers in Dar es Salaam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H Mbotwa
- Department of Epidemiology and
Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied
Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied
Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tanzania
- Christopher H Mbotwa, Department of
Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied
Sciences, P.O.Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Method R Kazaura
- Department of Epidemiology and
Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied
Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kåre Moen
- Department of Community Medicine and
Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne O Lichtwarck
- Department of Community Medicine and
Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Melkizedeck T Leshabari
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied
Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emmy Metta
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied
Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Elia J Mmbaga
- Department of Epidemiology and
Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied
Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Community Medicine and
Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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10
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Kadiamada-Ibarra H, Hawley NL, Sosa-Rubí SG, Wilson-Barthes M, Franco RR, Galárraga O. Publisher Correction To: Barriers and facilitators to pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among male sex workers in Mexico: an application of the RE-AIM framework. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:184. [PMID: 35086514 PMCID: PMC8793163 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12415-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola L Hawley
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Sandra G Sosa-Rubí
- Division of Health Economics, National Institute of Public Health (INSP), 62100, Cuernavaca, CP, Mexico
| | - Marta Wilson-Barthes
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Roxana Rodríguez Franco
- Center for Demographic, Urban, and Environmental Studies (CEDUA), The College of Mexico, 14110, Mexico City, CP, Mexico.
| | - Omar Galárraga
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
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