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Lichtwarck HO, Massawe EP, Mmbaga EJ, Moen K. What can PrEP do for female sex workers? Unpacking the "effectosphere" of biomedical HIV prevention in Dar es Salaam. Soc Sci Med 2024; 358:117245. [PMID: 39197277 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a drug with the power to prevent HIV transmission. This study delved into the broader implications of PrEP use among female sex workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a group disproportionately affected by HIV and socio-structural challenges. Through 46 in-depth interviews with 40 women who were either former or current PrEP users or intended to start PrEP between January 2021 and February 2022, we sought to explore the nuanced effects of PrEP. Inspired by Whyte et al. and "Social Life of Medicines", we asked what PrEP could do in the lives of female sex workers and analyzed the data using reflexive thematic analysis and an interpretative phenomenological approach. We found that PrEP had multiple and diverse effects in many domains of women's lives and refer to these collectively as the "effectosphere" of PrEP. The study identifies four key themes that jointly describe this effectosphere: (1) PrEP could promote human flourishing and empowerment by facilitating a feeling of freedom and confidence which could promote health, social relations, and economic and work opportunities, (2) PrEP could inflict harm (and fears of such harms), partially reflecting medical mistrust rooted in an understanding that sex workers were undesired in society, (3) PrEP could expose sensitive information about its users that could lead to stigma, arguments and needs for elaborate explanations, and (4) PrEP could medicalize daily life, evidenced through daily pill taking, clinical appointments, side-effects, becoming reliant on the medication, and the challenges of integrating PrEP use with other life priorities. We argue that investigating the full effectosphere of any medicine in particular geographic and sociocultural contexts can lead to a better understanding of its use and non-use, highlighting that engaging with medication extends beyond just "taking a pill."
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Ochieng Lichtwarck
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Emmanuel Peter Massawe
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Elia John Mmbaga
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kåre Moen
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway
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Matthews LT, Jaggernath M, Kriel Y, Smith PM, Haberer JE, Baeten JM, Hendrix CW, Ware NC, Moodley P, Pillay M, Bennett K, Bassler J, Psaros C, Hurwitz KE, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA. Oral preexposure prophylaxis uptake, adherence, and persistence during periconception periods among women in South Africa. AIDS 2024; 38:1342-1354. [PMID: 38752557 PMCID: PMC11211057 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003925] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We developed the Healthy Families-PrEP intervention to support HIV-prevention during periconception and pregnancy. We evaluated preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use with three objective measures. DESIGN This single-arm intervention study enrolled women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, who were HIV-uninfected, not pregnant, in a relationship with a partner with HIV or unknown-serostatus, and with pregnancy plans. PrEP was offered as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention intervention. Participants were followed for 12 months. METHODS We evaluated periconception PrEP uptake and adherence using quarterly plasma tenofovir concentrations. We modeled factors associated with PrEP uptake and high plasma tenofovir (past day dosing). Patterns of use were analyzed using electronic pillcap data. Dried blood spots to measure intracellular tenofovir product (past 2 months dosing) were analyzed for a subset of women. RESULTS Three hundred thirty women with median age 24 (IQR: 22-27) years enrolled. Partner HIV-serostatus was unknown by 96% ( N = 316); 60% (195) initiated PrEP. High plasma tenofovir concentrations were seen in 35, 25, 22, and 20% of samples at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. Similar adherence was measured by pillcap and dried blood spots. In adjusted models, lower income, alcohol use, and higher HIV stigma were associated with high plasma tenofovir. Eleven HIV-seroconversions were observed (incidence rate: 4.04/100 person-years [95% confidence interval: 2.24-7.30]). None had detectable plasma tenofovir. CONCLUSION The Healthy Families-PrEP intervention supported women in PrEP use. We observed high interest in periconception PrEP and over one-third adhered to PrEP in the first quarter; one-fifth were adherent over a year. High HIV incidence highlights the importance of strategies to reduce HIV incidence among periconception women. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT03194308.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T. Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Manjeetha Jaggernath
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Yolandie Kriel
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Patricia M. Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Craig W. Hendrix
- Department of Medicine (Clinical Pharmacology), Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Norma C. Ware
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pravi Moodley
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service
| | - Melendhran Pillay
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - John Bassler
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioural Medicine Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer A. Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
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Mayanja Y, Kayesu I, Kamacooko O, Lunkuse JF, Muturi-Kioi V, Price M, Kosidou K, Ekström AM. Preference for novel biomedical HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis methods among adolescent girls and young women in Kampala, Uganda: a mixed methods study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1369256. [PMID: 38846614 PMCID: PMC11153736 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1369256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Novel HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) methods including a potential future HIV vaccine, will increase prevention options for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at high risk of HIV infection in Eastern and Southern Africa, yet data on AGYW's preferences for various PrEP methods is limited. We investigated preferences for five biomedical PrEP methods (oral, injectable, vaginal ring, implant, HIV vaccine) among 14-24-years-old AGYW in Kampala, Uganda. Methods From January to December 2019, we conducted a mixed methods study including 265 high-risk AGYW. After receiving two education sessions on the five PrEP methods, participants were asked about their "most preferred PrEP method." Multinomial logistic regression (oral PrEP as reference category) was used to determine participant characteristics associated with method preference. Results are presented as adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 selected participants to examine reasons influencing PrEP preferences and suggestions for method improvements. Transcripts were analyzed thematically. Results Participants preferred methods were: HIV vaccine (34.7%), oral PrEP (25.7%), injectable PrEP (24.9%), PrEP implant (13.6%), and vaginal ring (1.1%). Preference for injectable PrEP increased with every year of age (aRRR 1.22; 95% CI 1.04-1.44) and among participants with chlamydia or gonorrhoea (aRRR 2.53; 95% CI 1.08-5.90), while it was lower among participants having sexual partner(s) living with HIV or of unknown HIV status (aRRR 0.30; 95% CI 0.10-0.91). Preference for PrEP implants also increased with age (aRRR 1.42; 95% CI 1.14-1.77) and was strong among participants having ≥10 sexual partners in the past 3 months (aRRR 3.14; 95% CI 1.16-8.55), while it was lower among those with sexual partner(s) living with HIV or of unknown HIV status (aRRR 0.25; 95% CI 0.07-0.92). PrEP method preference was influenced by product attributes and prior experiences with similar product forms commonly used in health care. Conclusion AGYW have varied preferences for biomedical PrEP method and those with higher sexual behavioral risk prefer long-acting methods. As we anticipate more available PrEP options, oral PrEP use should be supported among AGYW, especially for those with sexual partners living with HIV or of unknown HIV status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunia Mayanja
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivy Kayesu
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Onesmus Kamacooko
- Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jane Frances Lunkuse
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Matt Price
- 4IAVI, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kyriaki Kosidou
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Venhälsan, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
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Olakunde BO, Ujam C, Ndukwe CD, Falola-Anoemuah Y, Olaifa Y, Oladele TT, Yahaya HB, Ogundipe A. Barriers to the uptake of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among young key populations in Nigeria. Int J STD AIDS 2024; 35:346-351. [PMID: 38105179 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231220099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young key populations (YKP) contribute to the burden of HIV in Nigeria and are a priority population for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, their uptake of PrEP remains low. We assessed the main barriers to PrEP uptake and the variation among YKP (15-24 years) in Nigeria. METHODS This study was a secondary data analysis of the 2020 Integrated Biological & Behavioural Surveillance Survey conducted among key populations (KP), including female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and transgender people (TG), in 12 states in Nigeria. A closed-ended question asking the main reason for not taking PrEP among KP who had never taken PrEP was included in the surveillance questionnaire. We collapsed the responses into six barrier themes. Using multinomial logistic regression analysis, we examined the association between the barriers (dependent variable) and KP group (independent variable), controlling for age, educational attainment, religion, marital status, employment status, and geopolitical zone. RESULTS A total of 1776 YKP were included in this study. The most cited barriers by KP group were: lack of access (28.3%) and fear of side effects (28.3%) by FSW; lack of interest (37.1%) by MSM; low risk perception (65.5%) by PWID; and lack of access (34.4%) by TG. The odds of reporting fear of side effects, lack of access, lack of interest, and nonspecific/others reasons were significantly different by KP group. CONCLUSIONS The barriers limiting the uptake of PrEP among YKP vary by KP group. Our results highlight the need for KP-specific interventions to improve the uptake of PrEP among YKP in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babayemi O Olakunde
- Department of Community Prevention and Care Services, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Chukwugozie Ujam
- Department of Community Prevention and Care Services, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Chinwedu D Ndukwe
- Department of Community Prevention and Care Services, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
- African Institute of Health Policy and Health Systems, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Yinka Falola-Anoemuah
- Department of Community Prevention and Care Services, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Yewande Olaifa
- Department of Community Prevention and Care Services, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Tolulope T Oladele
- Department of Community Prevention and Care Services, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Hidayat B Yahaya
- Department of Community Prevention and Care Services, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Alex Ogundipe
- Department of Community Prevention and Care Services, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
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Little KM, Hanif H, Anderson SM, Clark MR, Gustafson K, Doncel GF. Preferences for Long-Acting PrEP Products Among Women and Girls: A Quantitative Survey and Discrete Choice Experiment in Eswatini, Kenya, and South Africa. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:936-950. [PMID: 37971614 PMCID: PMC10896879 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04202-0] [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] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
While oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can substantially reduce HIV risk, there are important barriers to uptake and adherence. We explored preferences for long-acting injectable and implantable PrEP among women and girls in Eswatini, Kenya, and South Africa. We conducted an online quantitative survey and discrete choice experiment (DCE) among adolescent girls (15-17), young women (18-29), and adult women (30-49). Participants completed a survey about their demographics and behavior and a DCE with 5 attributes (format, insertion location, number of insertions, dual-protection, and palpability). We recruited 1236 respondents (Eswatini = 420; Kenya = 350; South Africa = 493) in May 2022. Most participants were sexually active (72%), nearly 29% of whom reported recently engaging in transactional sex. 46% had heard of oral PrEP, but of those, only 16% reported having ever used it. Product format and dual-protection were significant predictors of product choice. Relative to a 2-month injection, participants had 1.76 times the odds (95% CI 1.08-2.04) of choosing a 6-month injectable, and 1.70 the odds (95% CI 1.06-1.92) of choosing a 12-month removable implant. Compared to a single-indication product, respondents had 2.46 times the odds (95% CI 1.04-2.68) of preferring a product also protecting against pregnancy, and 2.81 the odds (95% CI 1.04-3.05) of choosing a product that also protected against STIs. Adolescent girls and women in these countries showed strong preferences for longer-acting PrEP product formats, as well as those offering dual-protection. Introduction of long-acting options could improve PrEP uptake and reduce HIV burdens in east and southern African settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Little
- Population Services International, 1120 19th Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC, 20036, USA.
| | - Homaira Hanif
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, Norfolk, VA, USA
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Tegomoh B, Titanji BK. Close the gender gap in Africa's HIV epidemic. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:8-10. [PMID: 38082148 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01535-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Tegomoh
- University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Boghuma K Titanji
- Division of Infectious Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Schaefer R, Peralta H, Radebe M, Baggaley R. Young People Need More HIV Prevention Options, Delivered in an Acceptable Way. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S8-S10. [PMID: 37953013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Schaefer
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Mopo Radebe
- World Health Organization, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Wairimu N, Malen RC, Reedy AM, Mogere P, Njeru I, Culquichicón C, McGowan M, Gao F, Baeten JM, Ngure K, Ortblad KF. Peer PrEP referral + HIV self-test delivery for PrEP initiation among young Kenyan women: study protocol for a hybrid cluster-randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:705. [PMID: 37925450 PMCID: PMC10625301 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07734-x] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is highly effective, but uptake remains low in Africa, especially among young women who are a priority population for HIV prevention services. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been proven to increase HIV testing in diverse populations but has been underutilized to support linkage to HIV prevention services. Most young women who initiate PrEP in Africa do so through informal peer referral. We wanted to test a model of formalized peer referral enhanced with HIVST delivery among young Kenyan women. METHODS The Peer PrEP Trial is a two-arm hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomized controlled trial being conducted in central Kenya. Eligible participants (i.e., peer providers, n = 80) are women (≥ 16-24 years) refilling or initiating PrEP at public healthcare clinics who can identify at least four peers who could benefit from PrEP and not enrolled in another HIV study. Peer providers will be 1:1 randomized to (1) formal peer PrEP referral + HIVST delivery, where they will be encouraged to refer four peers (i.e., peer clients, ≥ 16-24 years) using educational materials and HIVST kits (two per peer client), or (2) informal peer PrEP referral, where they are encouraged to refer four peer clients using informal word-of-mouth referral. In both arms, peer providers will deliver a standard PrEP referral card with information on nearby public clinics delivering PrEP services. Peer providers will complete surveys at baseline and 3 months; peer clients will complete surveys at 3 months. Our primary outcome is PrEP initiation among peer clients, as reported by peer providers at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include PrEP continuation (any refilling), HIV testing (past 3 months), sexual behaviors (past month), and PrEP adherence (past month) among peer clients, as reported by both peer providers and clients at 3 months. Implementation outcomes will include participants' perceived acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the intervention as well assessments of the intervention's fidelity and cost. DISCUSSION Evidence from this trial will help us understand how HIVST could support health systems by facilitating linkage to PrEP services among young women who could benefit in Kenya and similar settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04982250. Registered on July 29, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Njeri Wairimu
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rachel C Malen
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Adriana M Reedy
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Peter Mogere
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Njeru
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Carlos Culquichicón
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Maureen McGowan
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fei Gao
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Katrina F Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ending the HIV epidemic will require the development of additional effective immune-mediated and nonimmune-mediated means of HIV prevention. Evaluating novel interventions requires large, controlled trials demonstrating efficacy. Recent advances in the field of HIV prevention necessitate new approaches to efficacy trial design. RECENT FINDINGS Three classes of efficacy trial designs are possible: standard of prevention-controlled trials, active-controlled trials, and active-controlled trials augmented with external control data. Recent experience with these approaches provides lessons on considerations around and success of the designs. Additional experience and development is needed for the augmented active-controlled trial design. SUMMARY Efficacy trials of new HIV prevention interventions are feasible but require careful consideration, given the complexity and dynamic state of the prevention field. While standard of prevention-controlled efficacy trials are reasonable approaches for HIV vaccine and monoclonal antibody efficacy trials, trials of new antiretroviral agents may require active-controlled designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Janes
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- University of Washington
| | - Susan Buchbinder
- San Francisco Department of Public Health
- University of California, San Francisco
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Zhang L, Iannuzzi S, Chaturvedula A, Irungu E, Haberer JE, Hendrix CW, von Kleist M. Model-based predictions of protective HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence levels in cisgender women. Nat Med 2023; 29:2753-2762. [PMID: 37957377 PMCID: PMC10667095 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02615-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Most human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occur in cisgender women in resource-limited settings. In women, self-protection with emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate pre-exposure prophylaxis (FTC/TDF-PrEP) constitutes a major pillar of HIV prevention. However, clinical trials in women had inconsistent outcomes, sparking uncertainty about adherence requirements and reluctance in evaluating on-demand regimens. We analyzed data from published FTC/TDF-PrEP trials to establish efficacy ranges in cisgender women. In a 'bottom-up' approach, we modeled hypotheses in the context of risk-group-specific, adherence-efficacy profiles and challenged those hypotheses with clinical data. We found that different clinical outcomes were related to the proportion of women taking the product, allowing coherent interpretation of the data. Our analysis showed that 90% protection was achieved when women took some product. We found that hypotheses of putative male/female differences were either not impactful or statistically inconsistent with clinical data. We propose that differing clinical outcomes could arise from pill-taking behavior rather than biological factors driving specific adherence requirements in cisgender women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxin Zhang
- Project group 5 'Systems Medicine of Infectious Diseases', Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sara Iannuzzi
- Project group 5 'Systems Medicine of Infectious Diseases', Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- International Max-Planck Research School 'Biology and Computation', Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ayyappa Chaturvedula
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | | | - Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Craig W Hendrix
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Max von Kleist
- Project group 5 'Systems Medicine of Infectious Diseases', Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Young AM, Saidi F, Phanga T, Tseka J, Bula A, Mmodzi P, Pearce LD, Maman S, Golin CE, Mutale W, Chi BH, Hill LM. Male partners' support and influence on pregnant women's oral PrEP use and adherence in Malawi. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1206075. [PMID: 37614700 PMCID: PMC10442580 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1206075] [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] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe and effective HIV prevention method for pregnant and postpartum women, but adherence barriers exist. Understanding the role of male partners in supporting PrEP use may inform strategies to support PrEP adherence among pregnant and breastfeeding women. Methods To understand male partners' involvement in women's use of PrEP, we conducted in-depth interviews with pregnant women in Lilongwe, Malawi who had recently decided to use PrEP (n = 30) and their male partners (n = 20) in the context of a PrEP adherence trial. Women were purposively recruited to ensure variation in their partners' HIV status. Interviews were conducted in Chichewa using a semistructured guide. We followed a thematic approach to analyze the interview data. Results Most male partners were receptive to women using PrEP during pregnancy because it eased their fears of the woman and baby acquiring HIV. Men often played a key role in women's PrEP adherence by providing daily reminders and encouragement to adhere to their medication. The majority of women appreciated this support from the men as it lessened the burden of remembering to take their medications daily on their own and aided their adherence. However, several women who lacked male partner support spoke of wanting their partners to be more involved. Many men living with HIV found the mutual support beneficial for their antiretroviral therapy adherence, while men without HIV or with status unknown appreciated knowing that the family was protected. While most men were open to women continuing PrEP beyond the current study, some would only support it if women were still at risk for acquiring HIV. Conclusion In this study, male partners were strongly motivated to support the PrEP adherence of their female partners as a way of ensuring that the pregnant women and unborn babies were protected against HIV. Promoting disclosure and tangible support that arises organically among men may be helpful, but programs to enhance this support and identify ways to support women who do not receive support from their partners or do not wish to disclose their PrEP use to partners may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alinda M Young
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Women's Global Health Imperative at RTI International, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Friday Saidi
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Lisa D Pearce
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Suzanne Maman
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Carol E Golin
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Wilbroad Mutale
- Department of Health Policy, University of Zambia School of Public Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Benjamin H Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lauren M Hill
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Mayanja Y, Rida W, Kimani J, Ssetala A, Mpendo J, Nanvubya A, Mutua G, Anzala O, Price MA. Hepatitis B status and associated factors among participants screened for simulated HIV vaccine efficacy trials in Kenya and Uganda. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288604. [PMID: 37459311 PMCID: PMC10351693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B (HBV) prevalence remains high in Sub Saharan Africa and among some key populations such as those with continued exposure through sexual contact. We assessed the HBV status among potential participants who were screened for simulated HIV vaccine efficacy trials in Kenya and Uganda. METHODS We conducted a cross sectional analysis of data collected from individuals who were screened in Kenya (Nairobi) and Uganda (Entebbe and Kampala). The studies followed hypothetical procedures of an HIV vaccine efficacy trial and aimed to enroll HIV negative key and vulnerable populations at elevated risk of HIV acquisition. HBV status was the main outcome categorized using Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and total Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb). Baseline characteristics potentially associated with never being infected were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS We screened 1,366 participants with mean age (SD) 28.7 (7.3) years. Overall, 46.6% were from Entebbe, 50.7% had secondary or higher level of education, 76.4% had informal high-risk jobs and 56.3% were male. Kampala had only female participants contributing 60.6% of females screened. Of the screened participants, 94.7% and 3.4% were negative and positive for HBsAg respectively. The prevalence on HBV infection was 3.9% among males and 2.8% among females while prevalence by site was: Entebbe (4.9%); Kampala (4.1%) and Nairobi (0.3%). The highest HBV prevalence was found among participants aged 25-29-years (5.2%), those with primary level education (4.5%), and those in informal low risk jobs (6.5%). Considering 1265 participants with complete data on HBsAg and HBcAb-Total, HBV status was never infected (67.9%), past infection (28.5%), chronic infection (3.2%) and acute infection (0.5%). Of 859 who were never infected, 685 (79.7%) were tested for anti-HBs titers of whom 60 (8.8%) had titers >10IU/L (immune due to vaccination). The odds of never being HBV infected were lower among older individuals 25-29 years (AOR 0.51; 95%CI 0.36-0.71) and ≥30 years (AOR 0.35; 95% CI 0.25-0.49). The odds were higher among participants with informal high-risk jobs from Kampala (AOR 2.21; 95% CI 1.41-3.47) and Nairobi (AOR 2.61; 95% CI 1.72-4.00) compared to those from Entebbe. CONCLUSION HBV prevalence and immunity due to vaccination were low among HIV negative individuals who are eligible for HIV vaccine trials and prevalence varies by age, education level and main occupation. Younger individuals and those recruited from existing cohorts/ clinics have a higher likelihood of having no prior HBV infection. HIV prevention intervention trials are a platform to identify individuals that need HBV vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunia Mayanja
- Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Wasima Rida
- Biostatistics Consultant, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Joshua Kimani
- SWOP-PHDA, University of Nairobi/University of Manitoba, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ali Ssetala
- Uganda Virus Research Institute/ International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (UVRI-IAVI) HIV Vaccine Programme, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Juliet Mpendo
- Uganda Virus Research Institute/ International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (UVRI-IAVI) HIV Vaccine Programme, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Annet Nanvubya
- Uganda Virus Research Institute/ International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (UVRI-IAVI) HIV Vaccine Programme, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Omu Anzala
- KAVI- Institute for Clinical Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Matt A. Price
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- IAVI, New York, New York, United States of America
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Segal K, Harris DM, Carmone A, Haddad LB, Hadigal S, Hatzold K, Jones C, Lathrop E, Mason J, Mikulich M. Equipping providers to offer novel MPTs: Developing counseling messages for the Dual Prevention Pill in clinical studies and beyond. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1155948. [PMID: 37284490 PMCID: PMC10239831 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1155948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pipeline for multi-purpose prevention technologies includes products that simultaneously prevent HIV, pregnancy and/or other sexually transmitted infections. Among these, the Dual Prevention Pill (DPP) is a daily pill co-formulating oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and combined oral contraception (COC). Clinical cross-over acceptability studies for the DPP require training providers to counsel on a combined product. From February 2021-April 2022, a working group of eight HIV and FP experts with clinical and implementation expertise developed counseling recommendations for the DPP based on existing PrEP/COC guidance. Assessment of policy/guidelines options and implications The working group conducted a mapping of counseling messages from COC and oral PrEP guidance and provider training materials. Six topics were prioritized: uptake, missed pills, side effects, discontinuation and switching, drug interactions and monitoring. Additional evidence and experts were consulted to answer outstanding questions and counseling recommendations for the DPP were developed. Missed pills was the topic with the most complexity, raising questions about whether women could "double up" on missed pills or skip the last week of the pack to recover protection faster. Uptake required aligning the time to reach protective levels for both DPP components and explaining the need to take DPP pills during week 4 of the pack. The potential intensity of DPP side effects, given the combination of oral PrEP with COC, was an important consideration. Discontinuation and switching looked at managing risk of HIV and unintended pregnancy when stopping or switching from the DPP. Guidance on drug interactions contended with differing contraindications for COC and PrEP. Monitoring required balancing clinical requirements with potential user burden. Actionable recommendations The working group developed counseling recommendations for the DPP to be tested in clinical acceptability studies. Uptake: Take one pill every day for the DPP until the pack is empty. Days 1-21 contain COC and oral PrEP. Days 22-28 do not contain COC to allow for monthly bleeding, but do contain oral PrEP and pills should be taken to maintain HIV protection. Take the DPP for 7 consecutive days to reach protective levels against pregnancy and HIV. Missed pills: If you miss 1 pill multiple times in a month or 2+ consecutive pills, take the DPP as soon as you remember. Do not take more than 2 pills in a day. If 2+ consecutive pills are missed, only take the last missed pill and discard the other missed pills. Side effects: You may experience side effects when you start using the DPP, including changes to monthly bleeding. Side effects are typically mild and go away without treatment. Discontinuation/switching: If you decide to discontinue use of the DPP, but want to be protected from HIV and/or unintended pregnancy, in most cases, you can begin using PrEP or another contraceptive method right away. Drug interactions: There are no drug-drug interactions from combining oral PrEP and COC in the DPP. Certain medications are not recommended due to their contraindication with oral PrEP or COC. Monitoring: You will need to get an HIV test prior to initiating or restarting the DPP, and every 3 months during DPP use. Your provider may recommend other screening or testing. Discussion Developing recommendations for the DPP as a novel MPT posed unique challenges, with implications for efficacy, cost, and user and provider comprehension and burden. Incorporating counseling recommendations into clinical cross-over acceptability studies allows for real-time feedback from providers and users. Supporting women with information to use the DPP correctly and confidently is critically important for eventual scale and commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Segal
- AVAC, Product Introduction and Access, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Andy Carmone
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lisa B. Haddad
- Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sanjay Hadigal
- Viatris, Department of Global Medical Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International (PSI), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Chris Jones
- Mann Global Health, Columbus, NC, United States
| | - Eva Lathrop
- Population Services International (PSI), Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jennifer Mason
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Office of Population and Reproductive Health, Bureau of Global Health, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Meridith Mikulich
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Office of Population and Reproductive Health, Bureau of Global Health, Washington, DC, United States
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Zhang L, Iannuzzi S, Chaturvedula A, Haberer JE, Hendrix CW, von Kleist M. Synthesis of protective oral PrEP adherence levels in cisgender women using convergent clinical- and bottom-up modeling. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2772765. [PMID: 37131701 PMCID: PMC10153398 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2772765/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, most HIV infections occur in heterosexual women in resource-limited settings. In these settings, female self-protection with generic emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate pre-exposure prophylaxis (FTC/TDF-PrEP) may constitute a major pillar of the HIV prevention portfolio. However, clinical trials in women had inconsistent outcomes, sparking uncertainty regarding risk-group specific adherence requirements and causing reluctance in testing and recommending on-demand regimen in women. We analyzed all FTC/TDF-PrEP trials to establish PrEP efficacy ranges in women. In a 'bottom-up' approach, we modeled hypotheses corroborating risk-group specific adherence-efficacy profiles. Finally, we used the clinical efficacy ranges to (in-)validate hypotheses. We found that different clinical outcomes could solely be explained by the proportion of enrolled participants not taking the product, allowing, for the first time, to unify clinical observations. This analysis showed that 90% protection was achieved, when women took some of the product. Using 'bottom-up' modelling, we found that hypotheses of putative male/female differences were either irrelevant, or statistically inconsistent with clinical data. Furthermore, our multiscale modelling indicated that 90% protection was achieved if oral FTC/TDF was taken at least twice weekly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxin Zhang
- Project group 5 “Systems Medicine of Infectious Disease”, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sara Iannuzzi
- Project group 5 “Systems Medicine of Infectious Disease”, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- International Max-Planck Research School “Biology and Computation” (IMPRS-BAC), Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ayyappa Chaturvedula
- The University of North Texas; Health Science Center, Fort Worth, United States
- Pumas-AI Inc
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Craig W. Hendrix
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns-Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Max von Kleist
- Project group 5 “Systems Medicine of Infectious Disease”, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Thorp M, Ayieko J, Hoffman RM, Balakasi K, Camlin CS, Dovel K. Mobility and HIV care engagement: a research agenda. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26058. [PMID: 36943731 PMCID: PMC10029995 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26058] [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] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mobility is common and an essential livelihood strategy in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Mobile people suffer worse outcomes at every stage of the HIV care cascade compared to non-mobile populations. Definitions of mobility vary widely, and research on the role of temporary mobility (as opposed to permanent migration) in HIV treatment outcomes is often lacking. In this article, we review the current landscape of mobility and HIV care research to identify what is already known, gaps in the literature, and recommendations for future research. DISCUSSION Mobility in SSA is closely linked to income generation, though caregiving, climate change and violence also contribute to the need to move. Mobility is likely to increase in the coming decades, both due to permanent migration and increased temporary mobility, which is likely much more common. We outline three central questions regarding mobility and HIV treatment outcomes in SSA. First, it is unclear what aspects of mobility matter most for HIV care outcomes and if high-risk mobility can be identified or predicted, which is necessary to facilitate targeted interventions for mobile populations. Second, it is unclear what groups are most vulnerable to mobility-associated treatment interruption and other adverse outcomes. And third, it is unclear what interventions can improve HIV treatment outcomes for mobile populations. CONCLUSIONS Mobility is essential for people living with HIV in SSA. HIV treatment programmes and broader health systems must understand and adapt to human mobility, both to promote the rights and welfare of mobile people and to end the HIV pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite Thorp
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - James Ayieko
- Center for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteKisumuKenya
| | - Risa M. Hoffman
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Carol S. Camlin
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology & Reproductive SciencesUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Partners in HopeLilongweMalawi
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