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Causevic S, Ekström AM, Orsini N, Kagesten A, Strömdahl S, Salazar M. Prevalence and associated factors for poor mental health among young migrants in Sweden: a cross-sectional study. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2294592. [PMID: 38180014 PMCID: PMC10773640 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2294592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young migrants face multiple challenges that can affect their mental, sexual and reproductive health. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of self-reported poor mental health and its associated demographic, post-migration and sexual risk behaviour factors among young migrants (aged 15-25) in Sweden. METHODS Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey conducted with migrants aged 15-65 years old in Sweden between December 2018 and November 2019 (n = 6449). Among these, 990 participants aged 15-25 were eligible for the study. Mental health was measured using the Refugee Health Screener-13. Missing data indicator analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the association between mental health, sexual risk behaviour, demographic and migration-related variables. RESULTS Of the 990 participants, 59% reported poor mental health. Participants reporting poor mental health were more likely to be female (AOR:1.63, 95% CI:1.18-2.25), to have lived in Sweden more than three years (AOR:2.16, 95% CI:1.17-3.97), to engage in any sexual risk behaviour (AOR:1.99, 95% CI:1.25-3.17), and to live alone (AOR:1.95, 95% CI:1.25-3.03) or with friends they already knew (AOR:1.60, 95% CI:1.37-4.91). People arriving from the Americas (AOR:0.54, 95% CI:0.33-0.88), Asia (AOR:0.44, 95% CI:0.22-0.86), Europe (AOR:0.30, 95% CI:0.14-0.61) and Africa (AOR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23-0.60) had lower odds of poor mental health than those arriving from Syria. CONCLUSION The prevalence of poor mental health among young migrants in Sweden was high, with specific subgroups (women, asylum seekers, people arriving from Syria, and those residing longer in Sweden) being particularly vulnerable. Our results indicate the interconnectedness between poor mental health and sexual risk behaviour in this population. Thus, policies targeting young migrants should ensure that healthcare services screen for both poor sexual and mental health at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Causevic
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, South Central Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicola Orsini
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Kagesten
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Strömdahl
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Swedish Public Health Agency, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mariano Salazar
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska huset, Stockholm, Sweden
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Nikitin BM, Bromberg DJ, Ivasiy R, Madden L, Machavariani E, Dvoriak S, Poole DN, Otiashvilli D, Altice FL. Disruptions to HIV Prevention During Armed Conflict in Ukraine and Other Settings. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2024; 22:10. [PMID: 39672977 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-024-00716-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] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 12/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review evaluates recent literature to understand the ways in which war disrupts HIV prevention and creates conditions for HIV outbreaks, with a focus on Ukraine. We also examine potential responses that can be deployed to sustain HIV prevention services amid ongoing conflict. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies and frameworks suggest that disruptions caused during war are comparable to other emergencies, like natural disasters. The most important disruptions included health system/infrastructure destabilization, displacement, and psychological and financial challenges for individuals in key populations. Wars in most settings, as exemplified by the recent war in Ukraine, demonstrate that these disruptions can be tempered through a coordinated, rapid response. Lesson learned from Ukraine show that adequate preparation and a rapid, collaborative response by providers is needed to ensure HIV prevention during war. Future research should develop comprehensive frameworks outlining how to facilitate this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Nikitin
- School of Public Health, AIDS Program, Yale University, New Haven, USA
- School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, United States
| | - Daniel J Bromberg
- School of Public Health, AIDS Program, Yale University, New Haven, USA
- School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute for Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Campus Charité Mitte), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roman Ivasiy
- School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lynn Madden
- School of Public Health, AIDS Program, Yale University, New Haven, USA
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eteri Machavariani
- School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Danielle N Poole
- School of Public Health, AIDS Program, Yale University, New Haven, USA
- Institute for Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Otiashvilli
- School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Addiction Research Center- Alternative Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- School of Public Health, AIDS Program, Yale University, New Haven, USA.
- School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- APT Foundation, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Harsono D, Atre S, Peterson H, Nyhan K, Garmroudi D, Davis JL, Ho W, Khoshnood K. A Scoping Review of Factors Associated with HIV Acquisition in the Context of Humanitarian Crises. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:4224-4273. [PMID: 39292318 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04504-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] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Humanitarian crises-natural or human-made events that can threaten communities' health, safety, security, and well-being-may affect the HIV epidemic dynamics. Common aspects of humanitarian crises such as poverty, powerlessness, disruptions to the health systems, and social instability can contribute to a person's vulnerability to HIV infection through increased risk behaviors and limited access to health services. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of literature published in English between January 1990 and March 2022 to characterize the global evidence of modifiable and non-modifiable factors for HIV acquisition in the context of humanitarian crises. We systematically searched, screened, and synthesized literature from MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health (all accessed via Ovid), and Scopus, and also grey literature through websites of humanitarian agencies and relevant non-government organizations, the International AIDS Society's abstract databases, and Google Scholar. We considered studies presenting empirical data on HIV prevalence, incidence, or risk factors in humanitarian crises-affected populations, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons. Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were quantitative (n = 43, 87.8%) and cross-sectional (n = 37, 75.5%) in design. Most were single-country studies (n = 43, 87.8%) and conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa (n = 31, 63.3%). We identified 5 non-modifiable factors for HIV acquisition (i.e., age, gender, location, place of birth or origin, and ethnicity) and 60 modifiable factors that we further classified into five categories, namely 18 policy and structural, 9 sociocultural, 11 health and mental health, 16 sexual practice, and 6 humanitarian crisis-related traumatic event factors. Within the modifiable categories, factors that were most often investigated were education level, marital status, sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, condom use, and experience of rape or sexual trauma, respectively. Informed by the findings, we applied the social-ecological model to map the identified multidimensional factors associated with HIV acquisition at the levels of individual, social and sexual networks, community, public policy, and the context of humanitarian crises. The current review provides a comprehensive, global analysis of the available evidence on HIV prevalence, incidence, and risk factors in humanitarian crises and implications for potential programs and research. Future research is warranted to further understand the directionality of the non-modifiable and modifiable factors affecting HIV acquisition, and the multilevel barriers and facilitators to the uptake of HIV prevention strategies in the context of humanitarian crises. Such research can generate actionable evidence to inform the development of ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate HIV prevention interventions in humanitarian settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Harsono
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, 135 College St, Suite 200, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Swarali Atre
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hanna Peterson
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Management Sciences for Health, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Kate Nyhan
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dina Garmroudi
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - J Lucian Davis
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, 135 College St, Suite 200, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Winnie Ho
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kaveh Khoshnood
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, 135 College St, Suite 200, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Tutlam NT, Kizito S, Nakasujja N, Nabunya P, Kabarambi A, Kwesiga I, Tumusiime C, Namatovu P, Sensoy Bahar O, Ssewamala FM. Low HIV Viral Load Suppression and Its Implications for Controlling HIV among Refugee Adolescents and Youth Living in Refugee Settlements in Uganda: A Cross-sectional Analysis. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04530-9. [PMID: 39465465 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04530-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Viral load suppression (VLS) is considered crucial in the global efforts to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic and young people lag behind adults in this important indicator. However, little is known about VLS among refugee adolescents and youth (RAY), a vulnerable group, often ignored by research, with multiple intersecting risk factors and unique challenges. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of VLS and examine associated risk and protective factors among RAY in refugee settlements in Uganda, a country severely affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and currently hosting the most refugees in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We analyzed cross-sectional data from a pilot cluster randomized trial with 180 participants (ages 13-30) recruited from 20 health centers in three refugee settlements between July and December 2023. We employed a hierarchical (mixed-effects) logistic regression model to examine the association between selected demographic, psychosocial, and economic factors and VLS. The prevalence of VLS among RAY was very low at just 52%. Factors associated with VLS included financial stability, adherence self-efficacy, and HIV status disclosure. Having financial savings was associated with VLS (adjusted odds ratio:2.68; 95% CI: 1.48-5.11; p = 0.003). Treatment support from others including teachers and health care providers had five-fold odds of VLS (5.0, 1.64-15.24; p = 0.005). Conversely, older age and interactions between stigma/self-efficacy and stigma/HIV status disclosure were associated with viral load non-suppression. This study highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions targeting economic and psychosocial hardships like poverty, stigma, and food insecurity to enhance HIV VLS and other treatment outcomes among RAY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhial T Tutlam
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Anita Kabarambi
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Isaac Kwesiga
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Christopher Tumusiime
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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Callands TA, Taylor EN, Sileo KM, Gilliam SM, Hansen NB. Understanding the Effects of Trauma Exposure, Life Stress, Intimate Partner Violence, and Depression on Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk in Post-Conflict Liberia. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1519-1530. [PMID: 38167991 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02765-6] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a public health concern. The impact of STIs are exacerbated in post-conflict low- and middle-income countries, such as Liberia, where exposure to traumatic events is prevalent and access to mental health services are limited. Following a syndemics framework, this study used regression analyses to explore the independent, additive, and multiplicative effects of four psychosocial conditions (exposure to war-related traumatic events, intimate partner violence [IPV], stressful life events, and depressive symptoms) on self-reported STIs. Data were collected from 379 youth aged 18-30 years (n = 170 women; n = 179 men) in Montserrado County, Liberia. Results revealed that psychosocial variables correlated with each other and STI risk. In multivariable analysis, stressful life events, depressive symptoms, and IPV were statistically significant predictors of STI risk. We found support for an additive effect between the number of psychosocial conditions reported and STI risk, as well as a multiplicative effect (interaction) between IPV and depressive symptoms on STI risk. Our results suggest a synergy between experiencing psychosocial conditions and STI risk and point to the potential benefit of multi-level sexual health approaches that simultaneously address mental health and IPV among youth in Liberia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamora A Callands
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Erica N Taylor
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Katelyn M Sileo
- Department of Public Health, College for Health, Community and Policy, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Nathan B Hansen
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Kerin T, Cortado R, Paiola SG, Ceballos J, Abdalian SE, Flynn R, Bolan R, Adebambo YV, Sim MS, Swendeman D, Ocasio MA, Fournier J, Ank B, Bryson Y, Nielsen-Saines K. Demographics of Youth With Newly Diagnosed Acute/Recent HIV Infection in Adolescent Trials Network 147: Early Treatment of Acute HIV Infection. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:573-581. [PMID: 38043041 PMCID: PMC10840998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men, and racial minority youth are at elevated risk of acquiring HIV infection. The Adolescent Trials Network 147 recruited youth with acute/recent HIV-infection for early antiretroviral treatment. The cohort make-up is described here. METHODS Treatment-naïve, recently identified HIV + youth, aged 12-24 years, from Los Angeles and New Orleans were recruited from community centers, clinics, social media, and a high-risk seronegative cohort (n = 1,727, the Adolescent Trials Network 149) using point-of-care assays. Acute HIV infection was determined by Fiebig staging. HIV RNA viral load (VL) and CD4 cell counts, along with demographic and behavioral data were assessed at enrollment. RESULTS Between July 2017 and July 2021, 103 newly diagnosed youth were enrolled, initiating antiretroviral treatment within a week. Mean age was 20.8 years (standard deviation: 2.4); 90.3% identified as cis male, 83.5% were single or in casual relationships, 71.8% were gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men; 60.2% were Black. One-fourth (24.3%) reported homelessness ever; 10.7% within last 4 months. At enrollment, median plasma VL was 37,313 HIV RNA copies/ml (interquartile range: 5,849-126,162) and median CD4 count 445.5 cells/mm3 (interquartile range: 357-613). 40% of youth reported acute retroviral symptoms before or at enrollment. Acutely infected, seroconverting youth had the highest VL. Sexually transmitted coinfections were present at enrollment in 56% of the cohort, with syphilis being most frequent (39%). DISCUSSION Early identification and treatment of HIV can increase positive HIV outcomes. A high sexually transmitted infection burden was present in recently HIV-infected youth. Acute retroviral symptoms were not reported by most participants, demonstrating that broad universal HIV screening is needed for identification of recent infection in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Kerin
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Ruth Cortado
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sophia G Paiola
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Justine Ceballos
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sue Ellen Abdalian
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Risa Flynn
- The Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Robert Bolan
- The Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yetunde V Adebambo
- UCLA Department of Medicine Statistics Core, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Myung Shin Sim
- UCLA Department of Medicine Statistics Core, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dallas Swendeman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Manuel A Ocasio
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Jasmine Fournier
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Bonnie Ank
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yvonne Bryson
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Karin Nielsen-Saines
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Muyinda H, Jongbloed K, Zamar DS, Malamba SS, Ogwang MD, Katamba A, Oneka A, Atim S, Odongpiny TO, Sewankambo NK, Schechter MT, Spittal PM. Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): HIV Prevalence and Vulnerabilities Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Postconflict Northern Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 94:95-106. [PMID: 37276188 PMCID: PMC10497204 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adolescent girls and young women younger than 25 years (AGYW) account for disproportionate HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Impacts of war in Northern Uganda continue to affect HIV-related health and wellbeing of young people postconflict. Prevalence and incidence of HIV infection were estimated, and factors associated with HIV prevalence among sexually active AGYW in Northern Uganda were investigated. METHODS Cango Lyec is a cohort involving conflict-affected populations in Northern Uganda. Nine randomly selected communities in Gulu, Nwoya, and Amuru districts were mapped. House-to-house census was conducted. Consenting participants aged 13-49 years were enrolled over 3 study rounds (2011-2015), of whom 533 were AGYW and had ever had sex. Data were collected on trauma, depression, and sociodemographic-behavioral characteristics. Venous blood was taken for HIV and syphilis serology. Multivariable logistic regression determined baseline factors associated with HIV prevalence. RESULTS HIV prevalence among AGYW was 9.7% (95% CI: 7.3 to 12.6). AGYW living in Gulu (adjusted risk ratio, aRR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.12 to 5.51) or Nwoya (aRR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.03 to 6.83) were more likely than in Amuru to be living with HIV. Having self-reported genital ulcers (aRR: 1.93; 95% CI: 0.97 to 3.85) or active syphilis (aRR: 3.79; 95% CI: 2.35 to 6.12) was associated with increased risk of HIV infection. The likelihood of HIV was higher for those who experienced sexual violence in the context of war (aRR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.21 to 4.62) and/or probable depression (aRR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.54). HIV incidence was 8.9 per 1000 person-years. CONCLUSION Ongoing legacies of war, especially gender violence and trauma, contribute to HIV vulnerability among sexually active AGYW. Wholistic approaches integrating HIV prevention with culturally safe initiatives promoting sexual and mental health in Northern Uganda are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Muyinda
- Child Health Development Center, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kate Jongbloed
- BC Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Victoria, Canada
| | - David S. Zamar
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | - Achilles Katamba
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; and
| | | | | | | | | | - Martin T. Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Patricia M. Spittal
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
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Tobin K, Heidari O, Volpi C, Sodder S, Duncan D. Use of geofencing interventions in population health research: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069374. [PMID: 37536963 PMCID: PMC10401224 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Technological advancements that use global positioning system (GPS), such as geofencing, provide the opportunity to examine place-based context in population health research. This review aimed to systematically identify, assess and synthesise the existing evidence on geofencing intervention design, acceptability, feasibility and/or impact. DESIGN Scoping review, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidance for reporting. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane and PsycINFO for articles in English published up to 31 December 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Articles were included if geofencing was used as a mechanism for intervention delivery. EXCLUSION CRITERIA (1) a component or combination of GPS, geographical information system or ecological momentary assessment was used without delivery of an intervention; (2) did not include a health or health-related outcome from the geofencing intervention; or (3) was not a peer-reviewed study. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Several researchers independently reviewed all abstracts and full-text articles for final inclusion. RESULTS A total of 2171 articles were found; after exclusions, nine studies were included in the review. The majority were published in 5 years preceding the search (89%). Geofences in most studies (n=5) were fixed and programmed in the mobile application carried by participants without their input. Mechanisms of geofencing interventions were classified as direct or indirect, with five studies (56%) using direct interventions. There were several different health outcomes (from smoking to problematic alcohol use) across the five studies that used a direct geofencing intervention. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review found geofencing to be an emerging technology that is an acceptable and feasible intervention applied to several different populations and health outcomes. Future studies should specify the rationale for the locations that are geofenced and user input. Moreover, attention to mechanisms of actions will enable scientists to understand not only whether geofencing is an appropriate and effective intervention but why it works to achieve the outcomes observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Tobin
- Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Omeid Heidari
- Child, Family and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Connor Volpi
- Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shereen Sodder
- Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dustin Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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9
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Causevic S, Salazar M, Ekström AM, Berglund T, Ingemarsdotter Persson K, Jonsson M, Jonsson J, Strömdahl S. Prevalence and risk factors for transactional sex among Swedish-born and foreign-born MSM in Sweden. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2412. [PMID: 36550432 PMCID: PMC9774071 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14764-8] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about transactional sex (TS) (selling and buying sex) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sweden, especially among foreign-born MSM. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of TS (ever and in the previous five years) among MSM living in Sweden and to determine if there is a difference between Swedish-born MSM and foreign-born MSM. METHODS Swedish data from a multicountry online banner survey (EMIS-2017) was used (n = 4443). Multivariable regression analysis was applied to analyse the data. RESULTS The prevalence of ever-selling sex among all MSM participants was 13.2% and 5.9% in the previous five years. Selling sex ever and in the previous five years was higher among foreign-born MSM (16% and 8.4%, respectively) than Swedish-born MSM (12.7% and 5.4%, respectively). Among all participants, younger age (aOR:3.19, 95% CI:1.57-6.45) and really struggling to live on current income (aOR:3.37, 95% CI:2.29-4.96) increased the odds of selling sex. Being foreign-born MSM (aOR:1.33, 95% CI:1.02-1.73) and having had sex with a woman in the previous 12 months increased the odds of selling sex (aOR:1.44, 95% CI:1.00-2.07). The prevalence of ever buying sex among MSM participants in Sweden was 10.8% and 6.7% in the previous five years, with the same trend among foreign-born MSM (11.6% and 6.9%, respectively) and Swedish-born MSM (10.7% and 6.6%, respectively). Higher education and not having a current partner increased the odds of buying sex. Younger age was protective for buying sex (aOR:0.05, 95% CI:0.02-0.14). Among the foreign-born MSM, the length of stay in Sweden decreased the odds of buying sex (aOR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96-0.99). CONCLUSIONS The comparatively high prevalence of TS among MSM participants in Sweden, where buying sex is illegal, with a higher prevalence among foreign-born MSM participants, calls for sexual and reproductive health and rights interventions in this population. Increased attention, including HIV prevention programming and education, should be aimed at younger MSM, MSM struggling with their current income, and foreign-born MSM, as they are more likely to report selling sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Causevic
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mariano Salazar
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, South Central Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torsten Berglund
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Ingemarsdotter Persson
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Jonsson
- The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Rights (Riksförbundet För Homosexuellas, Bisexuellas, Transpersoners, Queeras Och Intersexpersoners Rättigheter, RFSL), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Jonsson
- The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Rights (Riksförbundet För Homosexuellas, Bisexuellas, Transpersoners, Queeras Och Intersexpersoners Rättigheter, RFSL), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Strömdahl
- Global and Sexual Health (GloSH) Research Group, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Widerströmska Huset, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Vasylyeva TI, Horyniak D, Bojorquez I, Pham MD. Left behind on the path to 90-90-90: understanding and responding to HIV among displaced people. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26031. [PMID: 36352546 PMCID: PMC9646984 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2021, the number of people affected by displacement worldwide reached the highest on record, with an estimated 30.5 million refugees and 4.6 million asylum seekers seeking safety across international borders and further 53.2 million people displaced within their countries of origin. Most forcibly displaced persons come from or relocate to lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and many of those countries have large HIV epidemics. In this commentary, we describe some of the challenges at the intersection of HIV and displacement vulnerabilities that cannot be easily addressed in resource-limited environments. DISCUSSION HIV transmission and prevention and treatment efforts in the context of displacement are affected by myriad behavioural, social and structural factors across different stages of the displacement journey. For example, structural barriers faced by people experiencing displacement in relation to HIV prevention and care include funding constraints and legal framework deficiencies. Such barriers prevent all forced migrants, and particularly those whose sexual identities or practices are stigmatized against, access to prevention and care equal to local residents. Xenophobia, racism and other social factors, as well as individual risky behaviours facilitated by experiences of forced migration, also affect the progress towards 90-90-90 targets in displaced populations. Current evidence suggests increased HIV vulnerability in the period before displacement due to the effect of displacement drivers on medical supplies and infrastructure. During and after displacement, substantial barriers to HIV testing exist, though following resettlement in stable displacement context, HIV incidence and viral suppression are reported to be similar to those of local populations. CONCLUSIONS Experiences of often-marginalized displaced populations are diverse and depend on the context of displacement, countries of origin and resettlement, and the nature of the crises that forced these populations to move. To address current gaps in responses to HIV in displacement contexts, research in LMIC, particularly in less stable resettlement settings, needs to be scaled up. Furthermore, displaced populations need to be specifically addressed in national AIDS strategies and HIV surveillance systems. Finally, innovative technologies, such as point-of-care viral load and CD4 testing, need to be developed and introduced in settings facing displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana I. Vasylyeva
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Danielle's Horyniak
- Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ietza Bojorquez
- Department of Population StudiesEl Colegio de la Frontera NorteTijuanaMexico
| | - Minh Duc Pham
- Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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11
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Wilson NL, Hoffman TJ, Heath SL, Saag MS, Miaskowski C. HIV Symptom Clusters are Similar Using the Dimensions of Symptom Occurrence and Distress. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:943-952. [PMID: 35235857 PMCID: PMC10408902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.02.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT People living with HIV infection (PLWH) in the United States continue to experience a high symptom burden despite improvements in antiretroviral therapy. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine if the number and types of symptom clusters differed based on whether symptom occurrence rates or distress ratings were used to create the clusters. METHODS Data from 2,000 patients with complete symptom occurrence rates and distress scores on the 20-item HIV Symptom Index from their first ambulatory clinic visit at one of six national HIV centers of excellence in the Center for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems were used in these analyses. Exploratory factor analysis was used to create the symptom clusters. RESULTS The same four symptom clusters (i.e., gastrointestinal, psychological, pain, body image) were identified using occurrence rates and distress ratings. For both dimensions of the symptom experience, the psychological, pain, and body image clusters each had the same symptoms. For the gastrointestinal cluster, four symptoms loaded on the occurrence dimension and six symptoms loaded on the distress dimension. CONCLUSION The number and types of symptom clusters were relatively similar across the occurrence and distress dimensions of the symptom experience. Symptom clusters in PLWH may provide insights into the development of targeted interventions for multiple co-occurring symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie L Wilson
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
| | - Thomas J Hoffman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sonya L Heath
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael S Saag
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Christine Miaskowski
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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12
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Luo J, Zamar DS, Ogwang MD, Muyinda H, Malamba SS, Katamba A, Jongbloed K, Schechter MT, Sewankambo NK, Spittal PM. Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): Probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in Northern Uganda five years after a violent conflict. J Migr Health 2022; 6:100125. [PMID: 35832466 PMCID: PMC9272377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background From 1986 to 2006, Northern Uganda experienced an atrocious civil war between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government. Acholi people living in the region continue to be impacted by trauma sequelae of the war and a wide range of daily stressors including poverty, hunger, and high rates of HIV infection. To date, there is a dearth of gender-differentiated mental health research in this post-conflict setting. The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in three districts most affected by the Northern Ugandan conflict and examine socio-structural, war-related, and sexual vulnerability factors associated with mental health. Methods Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) is an open cohort study involving participants from eight randomly selected communities in Amuru, Gulu, and Nwoya districts of Northern Uganda. Between November 2011 and July 2012, the baseline cohort (N = 2,458) completed the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) for screening PTSD and depression, in addition to a detailed questionnaire assessing socio-demographic-behavioral characteristics. Baseline categorical variables were compared between males and females using Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model correlates of probable PTSD and depression. All analyses were stratified by gender. Results The overall prevalence of probable PTSD and depression was 11.7% and 15.2% respectively. Among former abductees, the prevalence was 23.2% for probable PTSD and 26.6% for probable depression. Women were significantly more likely to experience mental distress than men. Factors associated with mental distress included wartime trauma (adjusted odds ratios ranging from 2.80 to 7.19), experiences of abduction (adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.97 to 3.03), and lack of housing stability and safety (adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.95 to 4.59). Additional risk factors for women included HIV infection (AOR=1.90; 95% CI: 1.29–2.80), sexual abuse in the context of war (AOR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.02–2.45), and intimate partner violence (AOR=2.45; 95% CI: 1.07–5.63). Conclusion Cango Lyec participants displayed lower than previously reported yet significant levels of probable PTSD and depression. Based on findings from this study, providing trauma-informed care, ensuring food and housing security, eliminating gender-based violence, and reintegrating former abductees remain important tasks to facilitate post-conflict rehabilitation in Northern Uganda.
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13
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Newman PA, Prabhu SM, Akkakanjanasupar P, Tepjan S. HIV and mental health among young people in low-resource contexts in Southeast Asia: A qualitative investigation. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1200-1214. [PMID: 33977867 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1924822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Young people aged 15-24 years comprise one-fourth of incident HIV infections in Southeast Asia. Given the high prevalence and impact of mental health issues among young people, we explored intersections of HIV and mental health, with a focus on adolescent and young key populations (AYKP) in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Sixteen focus group discussions (4/country) with young people (n = 132; 16-24 years) and 41 key informant interviews with multisectoral HIV experts explored young people's lived experiences and unmet needs, existing programmes, and strategic directions for local and regional HIV responses. Cross-cutting challenges emerged in healthcare, family, school, and peer domains amid fragmented and under-resourced HIV and mental health services in socio-politically fraught environments. We identified strategic opportunities and initiatives in development and integration of youth-friendly HIV and mental health services; programmes to promote parent-adolescent communication about sex and HIV; and teacher training and resources to advance HIV and mental health awareness, serve as first-responders, and provide community referrals. Youth-led peer education programmes and LGBT-networks were central to the HIV response-promoting HIV prevention, sexual health, and mental health awareness for young people, and resilience and socioeconomic empowerment of peer educators themselves-thereby transforming sociocultural and political contexts of vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,VOICES-Thailand Foundation, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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14
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Callands TA, Gilliam SM, Sileo KM, Taylor EN, Hunter-Jones JJ, Hansen NB. Examining the Influence of Trauma Exposure on HIV Sexual Risk Between Men and Women in Post-Conflict Liberia. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1159-1170. [PMID: 33180254 PMCID: PMC7979480 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03088-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The adverse impact of exposure to war-related traumatic events on mental health is well documented. Few studies, however, have focused on the impact of exposure to war-related traumatic events on HIV sexual risk behavior in post-conflict countries such as Liberia. We investigated whether exposure to war-related traumatic events was linked to HIV sexual risk behavior, and identified potential mediators of this relationship, including stressful life events, problematic alcohol use, and intimate partner violence (IPV) among women and men in Liberia. Data were collected from a sample of 395 participants in Monrovia, Liberia. Results from the serial multiple mediator model did not support direct or indirect effects between war-related traumatic events and HIV sexual risk behavior among women. For men, we found both direct and indirect effects between war-related traumatic events and HIV sexual risk behavior. Findings from this research highlight the need for trauma-informed HIV prevention strategies in Liberia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamora A Callands
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, 100 Foster Rd, Wright Hall, Athens, GA, 321D30602-6522, USA.
| | - Shantesica M Gilliam
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, 100 Foster Rd, Wright Hall, Athens, GA, 321D30602-6522, USA
| | - Katelyn M Sileo
- Department of Public Health, College of Health, Community and Policy, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Research at Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Erica N Taylor
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, 100 Foster Rd, Wright Hall, Athens, GA, 321D30602-6522, USA
| | - Josalin J Hunter-Jones
- School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Nathan B Hansen
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, 100 Foster Rd, Wright Hall, Athens, GA, 321D30602-6522, USA
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Katamba A, Ogwang MD, Zamar DS, Muyinda H, Oneka A, Atim S, Jongbloed K, Malamba SS, Odongping T, Friedman AJ, Spittal PM, Sewankambo NK, Schechter MT. Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): HIV incidence in post-conflict Northern Uganda. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 23:100408. [PMID: 32577610 PMCID: PMC7305337 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Civil war in Northern Uganda resulted in widespread atrocities, human rights violations, and death, and caused millions to flee to internally displaced persons camps. War-related traumas combined with difficulties accessing HIV prevention and health services has led to extreme HIV-related vulnerability among conflict-affected people who survived the war. Objectives were to (1) determine HIV incidence among conflict-affected people in Northern Uganda and (2) identify vulnerabilities associated with HIV infection. METHODS The Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) Project is a prospective cohort involving conflict-affected populations in three districts in Northern Uganda. In 2011, eight randomly selected communities were mapped, and a census was conducted. Consenting participants aged 13-49 years were followed over three rounds of follow-up. Longitudinal data collected included war-related experiences, sexual vulnerabilities, and sociodemographics. Blood samples were tested for HIV-1 at baseline and each 12-month follow-up. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models determined factors associated with HIV incidence. FINDINGS Overall, 1920 baseline HIV-negative participants with at least one follow-up contributed 3877 person-years (py) for analysis. Thirty-nine (23 female, 16 male) participants contracted HIV during follow-up. Age- and gender-standardised HIV incidence rate was 10•2 per 1000py (95%CI: 7•2-14•0). Stratified by sex, the age-adjusted HIV incidence was 11•0 per 1000py (95%CI: 6•9-16•6) among women and 9•4 per 1000py (95%CI: 5•3-15•3) among men. Adjusting for confounders, factors associated with risk of HIV included: having been abducted (HR: 3•70; 95%CI: 1•87-7•34), experiencing ≥12 war-related traumatic events (HR: 2•91 95%CI: 1•28-6•60), suicide ideation (HR: 2•83; 95%CI: 1•00-8•03), having ≥2 sexual partners (HR: 4•68; 95%CI: 1•36-16•05), inconsistent condom use (HR: 6•75; 95%CI: 2•49-18•29), and self-reported genital ulcers (HR: 4•39; 95%CI: 2•04-9•45). INTERPRETATION Conflict-affected participants who had experienced abduction and multiple traumas during the war were at greater risk of HIV infection. Trauma-informed HIV prevention and treatment services, and culturally-safe mental health initiatives, are urgent for Northern Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achilles Katamba
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Uganda
| | - Martin D. Ogwang
- St Mary's Hospital - Lacor, Northern Uganda Program on Health Sciences
| | - David S. Zamar
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Canada
| | - Herbert Muyinda
- Makerere University, Child Health Development Center, Uganda
| | - Alex Oneka
- Cango Lyec Project, Makerere University, Child Health Development Center, Uganda
| | - Stella Atim
- Cango Lyec Project, Makerere University, Child Health Development Center, Uganda
| | - Kate Jongbloed
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Canada
| | - Samuel S. Malamba
- Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) - HIV Reference Laboratory Program, Uganda
| | - Tonny Odongping
- Cango Lyec Project, Makerere University, Child Health Development Center, Uganda
| | - Anton J. Friedman
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Canada
| | - Patricia M. Spittal
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada
- Corresponding author: Patricia M. Spittal, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, V3-323 Clinical Support Building, 950 W 28th Ave Vancouver, BC V5Z4H4, Canada, +1-604-875-2345, ext. 5944.
| | | | - Martin T. Schechter
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Canada
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Tang C, Goldsamt L, Meng J, Xiao X, Zhang L, Williams AB, Wang H. Global estimate of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among adults living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e032435. [PMID: 32345695 PMCID: PMC7213849 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although people living with HIV (PLWH) have been disproportionately affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the global prevalence of PTSD among PLWH is unknown. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence of PTSD among PLWH worldwide and explore variation in prevalence across sociodemographic and methodological factors. DESIGN A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted to pool the prevalence estimated from individual studies, and subgroup analyses were used to analyse heterogeneities. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASURES Observational studies providing PTSD prevalence data in an adult HIV population were searched from January 2000 to November 2019. Measurements were not restricted, although the definition of PTSD had to align with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the International Classification of Diseases diagnostic criteria. RESULTS A total of 38 articles were included among 2406 records identified initially. The estimated global prevalence of PTSD in PLWH was 28% (95% CI 24% to 33%). Significant heterogeneity was detected in the proportion of PLWH who reported PTSD across studies, which was partially explained by geographic area, population group, measurement and sampling method (p<0.05). CONCLUSION PTSD among PLWH is common worldwide. This review highlights that PTSD should be routinely screened for and that more effective prevention strategies and treatment packages targeting PTSD are needed in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulei Tang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lloyd Goldsamt
- New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jingjing Meng
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xueling Xiao
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Honghong Wang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Amodu OC, Richter MS, Salami BO. A Scoping Review of the Health of Conflict-Induced Internally Displaced Women in Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E1280. [PMID: 32079235 PMCID: PMC7068277 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Armed conflict and internal displacement of persons create new health challenges for women in Africa. To outline the research literature on this population, we conducted a review of studies exploring the health of internally displaced persons (IDP) women in Africa. In collaboration with a health research librarian and a review team, a search strategy was designed that identified 31 primary research studies with relevant evidence. Studies on the health of displaced women have been conducted in South- Central Africa, including Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); and in Eastern, East central Africa, and Western Africa, including Eritrea, Uganda, and Sudan, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria. We identified violence, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and malaria and as key health areas to explore, and observed that socioeconomic power shifts play a crucial role in predisposing women to challenges in all four categories. Access to reproductive health services was influenced by knowledge, geographical proximity to health services, spousal consent, and affordability of care. As well, numerous factors affect the mental health of internally displaced women in Africa: excessive care-giving responsibilities, lack of financial and family support to help them cope, sustained experiences of violence, psychological distress, family dysfunction, and men's chronic alcoholism. National and regional governments must recommit to institutional restructuring and improved funding allocation to culturally appropriate health interventions for displaced women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwakemi C. Amodu
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Level 3—Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada;
| | - Magdalena S. Richter
- Faculty of Nursing and Global Nursing Office, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 1C9, Canada;
| | - Bukola O. Salami
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Level 3—Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada;
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Cai S, Liu L, Wu X, Pan Y, Yu T, Ou H. Depression, Anxiety, Psychological Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in People Living with HIV. Patient Prefer Adherence 2020; 14:1533-1540. [PMID: 32904595 PMCID: PMC7457589 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s263007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the levels of depression, anxiety, psychological symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to assess the risk factors. METHODS A total of 121 people living with HIV (PLWHIV) were included, and 61 health individuals were selected as healthy controls. Their sociodemographic information was collected. The Self-Rating Depression Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Symptom Checklist 90 and Short-Form Health Survey-36 were used. RESULTS The depression score was higher in PLWHIV (47.83 ± 10.58 vs 36.52 ± 9.69 P<0.001). Similar results were observed in anxiety score (41.06 ± 11.24 vs 32.31 ± 7.99, P<0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that younger age (OR=0.929, P=0.004) and smoking (OR=4.297, P=0.001) were identified as independent factors of depression while young age (OR=0.890, P=0.008) and alcohol consumption (OR=4.801, P=0.002) were independent factors of anxiety. Results of SCL-90 questionnaire showed that hostility, paranoia ideation were significantly more pronounced when PLWHIV had depression. Results of HRQOL showed that physical functioning (82.88 ± 14.73 vs 93.41 ± 9.22, P<0.001) and mental health (57.46 ± 17.64 vs 65.68 ± 17.44, P=0.012) were lower in PLWHIV with depression. For PLWHIV with anxiety, vitality (56.96 ± 14.61 vs 67.58 ± 17.57, P=0.004), social functioning (64.52 ± 23.97 vs 74.64 ± 21.47, P=0.036) and mental health (52.57 ± 14.21 vs 65.03 ± 17.98, P=0.001) were lower. High depression level was showed the independent risk factor associated with poor HRQOL (OR=0.370, P=0.001). CONCLUSION Depression and anxiety were very common in PLWHIV. Physicians should not only focus on the antiviral treatment of these patients but also monitor their mental status, especially that of younger patients. For PLWHIV with depression and anxiety, psychological intervention should be provided, and social role rebuilding may be good for depression and anxiety alleviation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohang Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Liu
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolu Wu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Pan
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongjie Ou
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Hongjie Ou Email
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Sileo KM, Kershaw TS, Callands TA. A syndemic of psychosocial and mental health problems in Liberia: Examining the link to transactional sex among young pregnant women. Glob Public Health 2019; 14:1442-1453. [PMID: 31010396 PMCID: PMC6938027 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1607523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Transactional sex may be a driver of the rising HIV epidemic in Liberia, especially among young women. The goal of this study was to explore the independent and additive effects of psychosocial conditions on engagement in transactional sex among 191 pregnant women in Monrovia, Liberia. Between March and August 2016, women receiving prenatal services completed a cross-sectional structured questionnaire. These data were used to examine the independent and additive effects of exposure to trauma, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and intimate partner violence on transactional sex. Overall, the results are in support of our hypothesis that these psychosocial conditions cluster together and are independently associated with transactional sex. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated an additive effect of the number of psychosocial conditions experienced on transactional sex. Women experiencing 2 psychosocial conditions had 5.96 greater odds of engaging in transactional sex compared to women reporting 0 conditions (AOR: 5.96, 95% CI: 2.22-15.99), and women experiencing 3 or 4 psychosocial conditions had 11.91 greater odds of engaging in transactional sex compared to women report 0 conditions (AOR: 11.91, 95% CI: 4.12-34.45). Our results demonstrate the need for comprehensive HIV prevention programming inclusive of mental health support and IPV prevention for Liberian women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M. Sileo
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Trace S. Kershaw
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tamora A. Callands
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Niu L, Luo D, Chen X, Wang M, Zhou W, Zhang D, Xiao S. Longitudinal trajectories of emotional problems and unmet mental health needs among people newly diagnosed with HIV in China. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25332. [PMID: 31424617 PMCID: PMC6699581 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Concern over mental health morbidity affecting people living with HIV is increasing worldwide. The objective of this study was to describe the longitudinal trajectories of depression and anxiety, and mental health service utilization among people newly diagnosed with HIV. METHODS This was an observational cohort study that enrolled people newly diagnosed with HIV consecutively and followed them for one year in Changsha, China. Socio-demographic, clinical and psychological data were collected at the baseline and at one-year follow-up. Participants were recruited between March 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014. The final follow-up was in September 30, 2015. RESULTS Among 557 people newly diagnosed with HIV enrolled at the baseline, 410 (73.6%) completed the one-year follow-up survey (median (interquartile range) age at follow-up: 29 (25, 39) years; 376 men (91.7%)), and were included in the analysis. 39.3% and 30.2% of the 410 participants were screened with significant symptoms of depression and anxiety at baseline respectively. An overall drop in the prevalence of each condition was found at follow-up, however, 10.5% and 6.1% of participants were found to have persistent depression and anxiety. The results of mixed-effect models showed that bisexuality, homosexual transmission, other clinical symptoms (for example, not on antiretroviral therapy (ART)), non-disclosure, higher levels of HIV/AIDS-related stress, and lack of social support were associated with significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. One year after diagnosis, 8.3% had visited healthcare providers for emotional or psychological problems. CONCLUSIONS Despite the obvious need people newly diagnosed with HIV in China rarely seek professional help. Integrating depression and anxiety screening and referral into HIV care settings is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Niu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health ManagementXiangya School of Public HealthCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital)GuangzhouChina
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Social Medicine and Health ManagementXiangya School of Public HealthCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Xi Chen
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and ControlChangshaChina
| | - Min Wang
- HIV/AIDS Research InstituteThe First Hospital of ChangshaChangshaChina
| | - Wei Zhou
- Hospital Administration InstituteXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Dexing Zhang
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary CareFaculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Shuiyuan Xiao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health ManagementXiangya School of Public HealthCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
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