1
|
Tusabe J, Nangendo J, Muhoozi M, Muyinda H. Use and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among Refugee HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18-49 years in Kyangwali refugee camp, Western Uganda. AIDS Res Ther 2024; 21:54. [PMID: 39175044 PMCID: PMC11340033 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-024-00645-0] [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] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Refugee HIV positive mothers experience significant obstacles in accessing, utilizing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Identifying ART non-adherence can help in the development of interventions aimed at improving adherence and subsequently effectiveness of ART among the refugee mothers. We describe the use and the factors associated with non-adherence to ART among Refugee HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18-49 years in Kyangwali Refugee Camp, Uganda. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18-49 years in Kyangwali refugee camp between May and June 2023. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected data on use, and factors associated with non-adherence to ART. We used modified Poisson regression analysis to determine factors associated with non-adherence to ART. RESULTS Of the 380 participants enrolled, 192 (50.5%) were married, mean age 32.1 years. Overall, 98.7; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [97.5-99.8%] were using ART and 27.4; 95% CI [22.9-31.9%] were non-adherent. Non-adherence was associated with: Initiating Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) care in the third trimester of pregnancy (adjusted Prevalence ration(aPR): 2.06; 95% CI: 1.27-3.35), no need to get permission to seek PMTCT services aPR 1.61; 95% CI [1.07-2.42] and poor attitude of PMTCT providers aPR 1.90; 95% CI [1.20-3.01]. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Non-adherence to ART was generally high; therefore limiting the effectiveness of the PMTCT program in this setting. Refugee context specific education interventional programs aimed at early initiation into HIV care, strong social and psychological support from families, communities and health care providers are vital to improve adherence in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Tusabe
- College of Health Sciences School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Makerere University Center for Health and Population Research, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Joanita Nangendo
- College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael Muhoozi
- Makerere University Center for Health and Population Research, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Herbert Muyinda
- College of Health Sciences, Child Health and Development Center, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Logie CH, MacKenzie F, Malama K, Lorimer N, Lad A, Zhao M, Narasimhan M, Fahme S, Turan B, Kagunda J, Konda K, Hasham A, Perez-Brumer A. Sexual and reproductive health among forcibly displaced persons in urban environments in low and middle-income countries: scoping review findings. Reprod Health 2024; 21:51. [PMID: 38609975 PMCID: PMC11010352 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most forcibly displaced persons are hosted in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). There is a growing urbanization of forcibly displaced persons, whereby most refugees and nearly half of internally displaced persons live in urban areas. This scoping review assesses the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, outcomes, and priorities among forcibly displaced persons living in urban LMIC. METHODS Following The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology we searched eight databases for literature published between 1998 and 2023 on SRH needs among urban refugees in LMIC. SHR was operationalized as any dimension of sexual health (comprehensive sexuality education [CSE]; sexual and gender based violence [GBV]; HIV and STI prevention and control; sexual function and psychosexual counseling) and/or reproductive health (antental, intrapartum, and postnatal care; contraception; fertility care; safe abortion care). Searches included peer-reviewed and grey literature studies across quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods designs. FINDINGS The review included 92 studies spanning 100 countries: 55 peer-reviewed publications and 37 grey literature reports. Most peer-reviewed articles (n = 38) discussed sexual health domains including: GBV (n = 23); HIV/STI (n = 19); and CSE (n = 12). Over one-third (n = 20) discussed reproductive health, including: antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care (n = 13); contraception (n = 13); fertility (n = 1); and safe abortion (n = 1). Eight included both reproductive and sexual health. Most grey literature (n = 29) examined GBV vulnerabilities. Themes across studies revealed social-ecological barriers to realizing optimal SRH and accessing SRH services, including factors spanning structural (e.g., livelihood loss), health institution (e.g., lack of health insurance), community (e.g., reduced social support), interpersonal (e.g., gender inequitable relationships), and intrapersonal (e.g., low literacy) levels. CONCLUSIONS This review identified displacement processes, resource insecurities, and multiple forms of stigma as factors contributing to poor SRH outcomes, as well as producing SRH access barriers for forcibly displaced individuals in urban LMIC. Findings have implications for mobilizing innovative approaches such as self-care strategies for SRH (e.g., HIV self-testing) to address these gaps. Regions such as Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean are underrepresented in research in this review. Our findings can guide SRH providers, policymakers, and researchers to develop programming to address the diverse SRH needs of urban forcibly displaced persons in LMIC. Most forcibly displaced individuals live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a significant number residing in urban areas. This scoping review examines the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes of forcibly displaced individuals in urban LMICs. We searched eight databases for relevant literature published between 1998 and 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. SRH was defined to include various dimensions of sexual health (comprehensive sexuality education; sexual and gender-based violence; HIV/ STI prevention; sexual function, and psychosexual counseling) and reproductive health (antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care; contraception; fertility care; and safe abortion care). We included 90 documents (53 peer-reviewed articles, 37 grey literature reports) spanning 100 countries. Most peer-reviewed articles addressed sexual health and approximately one-third centered reproductive health. The grey literature primarily explored sexual and gender-based violence vulnerabilities. Identified SRH barriers encompassed challenges across structural (livelihood loss), health institution (lack of insurance), community (reduced social support), interpersonal (gender inequities), and individual (low literacy) levels. Findings underscore gaps in addressing SRH needs among urban refugees in LMICs specifically regarding sexual function, fertility care, and safe abortion, as well as regional knowledge gaps regarding urban refugees in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Self-care strategies for SRH (e.g., HIV self-testing, long-acting self-injectable contraception, abortion self-management) hold significant promise to address SRH barriers experienced by urban refugees and warrant further exploration with this population. Urgent research efforts are necessary to bridge these knowledge gaps and develop tailored interventions aimed at supporting urban refugees in LMICs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada.
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada.
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
- United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, Hamilton, Canada.
| | - Frannie MacKenzie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Kalonde Malama
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Nicole Lorimer
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Anoushka Lad
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Michelle Zhao
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, including the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sasha Fahme
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bülent Turan
- Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Julia Kagunda
- Elim Trust, Nairobi, Kenya
- Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kelika Konda
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Aryssa Hasham
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ghasemi E, Bahrami T, Majdzadeh R, Negarandeh R, Rajabi F. Peer interventions to improve HIV testing uptake among immigrants: A realist review. Health Promot Perspect 2024; 14:19-31. [PMID: 38623348 PMCID: PMC11016139 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.42639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background As a vulnerable group in HIV control programs, immigrants face various obstacles to HIV testing. Despite the effectiveness of peer interventions on health promotion in HIV testing, relatively little is known about how these interventions work. This realist review aims to understand why, how, and under what conditions peer interventions can improve immigrants' HIV testing uptake. Methods We followed the steps suggested by Pawson and colleagues for conducting the realist review. To test a initial program theory, we first systematically searched databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane, as well as the websites of UNAIDS, World Bank, Global Fund, WHO, and IOM. After data extraction and quality appraisal, data synthesis was conducted to explain the intervention pathways corresponding to context-mechanism-outcome configurations. Results Seventeen studies were included in the review. Peer interventions for improving immigrants' HIV testing uptake worked through four pathways: Following the improvement of communications (as a proximal mechanism): 1) increasing awareness, 2) reduced stigma, 3) improved support, and 4) increased access to services could lead to improved HIV testing uptake among immigrants. The identified mechanisms were influenced by three groups of individual/ interpersonal, service delivery, and structural factors. Conclusion Peer interventions with multiple strategies to be designed and implemented considering the barriers to HIV testing and also moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches can successfully improve the immigrants' HIV testing uptake. The refined program theory in this study can help the healthcare providers and policy-makers promote the immigrants' HIV testing uptake and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Ghasemi
- Community Based Participatory Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Bahrami
- Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Majdzadeh
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Negarandeh
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rajabi
- Community Based Participatory Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Academic and Health Policy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tusabe J, Nangendo J, Muhoozi M, Muyinda H. Use and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among Refugee HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18-49 years in Kyangwali Refugee Camp, Western Uganda. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3961640. [PMID: 38464056 PMCID: PMC10925420 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3961640/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: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Refugee HIV positive mothers experience significant obstacles in accessing, utilizing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Identifying ART non-adherence can help enforce interventions aimed at improving adherence and subsequently effectiveness of ART among the refugee mothers. We describe the use and the factors associated with non-adherence to ART among Refugee HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18-49 years in Kyangwali Refugee Camp, Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18-49 years in Kyangwali refugee camp between May and June 2023. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected data on use, and factors associated with non-adherence to ART. We used modified Poisson regression analysis to determine factors associated with non-adherence to ART. Results Of the 380 participants enrolled, 192 (50.5%) were married, mean age 32.1 years. Overall, 98.7; 95% CI [97.5-99.8%] were using ART and 27.4; 95% CI [22.9-31.9%] were non-adherent. Non-adherence was associated with; Initiating PMTCT care in the third trimester of pregnancy (aPR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.27-3.35), no need to get permission to seek PMTCT services aPR 1.61; 95% CI [1.07-2.42] and poor attitude of PMTCT providers aPR 1.90; 95% CI [1.20-3.01]. Conclusion and recommendations Non-adherence to ART was generally high; therefore limiting the effectiveness of the PMTCT program in this setting. Refugee context specific education interventional programs aimed at early initiation into HIV care, strong social and psychological support from families, communities and health care providers are vital to improve adherence this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Tusabe
- Makerere University, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joanita Nangendo
- Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael Muhoozi
- Makerere University Center for Health and Population Research
| | - Herbert Muyinda
- Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Child Health and Development Center
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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: 1.5] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bhattarai N, Bam K, Acharya K, Thapa R, Shrestha B. Factors associated with HIV testing and counselling services among women and men in Nepal: a cross-sectional study using data from a nationally representative survey. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049415. [PMID: 34862281 PMCID: PMC8647541 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study is set up to explore the factors associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing among women and men in Nepal. STUDY DESIGN Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, 2016 adopts a cross-sectional design. SETTING Nepal. PARTICIPANTS Women and men of age 15-49 years. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Our primary outcome was ever tested for HIV. We used multivariable analysis at a 95% level of significance to measure the effect in outcome variables. RESULTS About one in 10 women (10.8%) and one in five men (20.5%) ever tested for HIV. Women who had media exposure at least once a week ((adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.8; 95% CI: 1.4 to 5.3) were more likely to get tested for HIV compared with those who had no media exposure at all. Similarly, those who had their recent delivery in the health facility (aOR=3.9; 95% CI: 2.4 to 6.3) were more likely to get tests for HIV compared with those delivered elsewhere. Likewise, among men, compared with adolescents (15-19 years), those from older age groups were more likely to get tested for HIV. Compared with no education, secondary (aOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.6) and higher education (aOR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.0 to 2.8) had higher odds of getting tested for HIV. Similarly, wealth quintiles in richer and richest groups were more likely to get tested for HIV compared with the poorest quintile. Other characteristics like media exposure, paid sex and 2+ sexual partners were positively associated with being tested for HIV. CONCLUSIONS HIV testing is not widespread and more men than women are accessing HIV services. More than two-thirds of women who delivered at health facilities never tested for HIV. It is imperative to reach out to people engaging in risky sexual behaviour, people with lower educational attainment, and those in the lower wealth quintile for achieving 95-95-95 targets by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navaraj Bhattarai
- Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Kiran Bam
- Public Health Professional, Kathmandhu, Nepal
| | | | - Rajshree Thapa
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Logie CH, Okumu M, Kibuuka Musoke D, Hakiza R, Mwima S, Kacholia V, Kyambadde P, Kiera UM, Mbuagbaw L. The role of context in shaping HIV testing and prevention engagement among urban refugee and displaced adolescents and youth in Kampala, Uganda: findings from a qualitative study. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:572-581. [PMID: 33560587 PMCID: PMC8248412 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore experiences, preferences and engagement with HIV testing and prevention among urban refugee and displaced adolescents and youth in Kampala, Uganda, with a focus on the role of contextual factors in shaping access and uptake. Methods This qualitative community‐based study with urban refugee and displaced youth aged 16–24 living in Kampala’s informal settlements involved five focus groups (FG), including two with young women, two with young men, and one with sex workers from March to May 2019. We also conducted five in‐depth key informant interviews. We conducted thematic analysis informed by Campbell and Cornish’s conceptualisation of material and symbolic contexts. Results Refugee/displaced youth participants (n = 44; mean age: 20.25, SD: 2.19; men: n = 17; women: n = 27) were from the Democratic Republic of Congo (n = 29), Rwanda (n = 11), Burundi (n = 3) and Sudan (n = 1). Participant narratives reflected material and symbolic contexts that shaped HIV testing awareness, preferences and uptake. Material contextual factors that presented barriers to HIV testing and prevention engagement included transportation costs to clinics, overcrowded living conditions that limited access to private spaces, low literacy and language barriers. Symbolic contexts that constrained HIV testing engagement included medical mistrust of HIV testing and inequitable gender norms. Religion emerged as an opportunity to connect with refugee communities and to address conservative religious positions on HIV and sexual health. Conclusion Efforts to increase access and uptake along the HIV testing and prevention cascade can meaningfully engage urban refugee and displaced youth to develop culturally and contextually relevant services to optimise HIV and sexual health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Moses Okumu
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Robert Hakiza
- Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon Mwima
- National AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda.,Bukedi Prevention Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Vibhuti Kacholia
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Kyambadde
- National AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda.,Most At Risk Population Initiative (MARPI), Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Uwase Mimy Kiera
- Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Acharya K, Thapa R, Bhattarai N, Bam K, Shrestha B. Availability and readiness to provide sexually transmitted infections and HIV testing and counselling services in Nepal: evidence from comprehensive health facility survey. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040918. [PMID: 33323441 PMCID: PMC7745329 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We assessed the availability and readiness of health facilities to provide sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV testing and counselling (HTC) services in Nepal. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. SETTING We used data from the most recent nationally representative Nepal Health Facility Survey (NHFS) 2015. A total of 963 health facilities were surveyed with 97% response rate. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome of this study was to assess the availability and readiness of health facilities to provide STI and HTC services using the WHO Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) manual. RESULTS Nearly three-fourths (73.8%) and less than one-tenth (5.9%) of health facilities reported providing STI and HTC services, respectively. The mean readiness score of STI and HTC services was 26.2% and 68.9%, respectively. The readiness scores varied significantly according to the managing authority (private vs public) for both STI and HTC services. Interestingly, health facilities with external supervision had better service readiness scores for STI services that were almost four points higher than compared with those facilities with no external supervision. Regarding HTC services, service readiness was lower at private hospitals (32.9 points lower) compared to government hospitals. Unlike STI services, the readiness of facilities to provide HTC services was higher (4.8 point higher) at facilities which performed quality assurance. CONCLUSION The facility readiness for HTC service is higher than that for STI services. There are persistent gaps in staff, guidelines and medicine and commodities across both services. Government of Nepal should focus on ensuring constant supervision and quality assurance, as these were among the determining factors for facility readiness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajshree Thapa
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Navaraj Bhattarai
- Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Kiran Bam
- Public Health Professional, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Logie CH, Okumu M, Mwima SP, Kyambadde P, Hakiza R, Kibathi IP, Kironde E, Musinguzi J, Kipenda CU. Exploring associations between adolescent sexual and reproductive health stigma and HIV testing awareness and uptake among urban refugee and displaced youth in Kampala, Uganda. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2020; 27:86-106. [PMID: 31880507 PMCID: PMC7888033 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2019.1695380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Uganda, hosting over 1.3 million refugees, is a salient context for exploring HIV testing with urban refugee and displaced youth. We examined associations between stigma (HIV-related and adolescent sexual and reproductive health [SRH]-related) and HIV testing services awareness and HIV testing uptake among urban refugee and displaced youth in Kampala, Uganda. We implemented a cross-sectional survey with refugee and displaced adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) aged 16-24. We conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of an adolescent SRH stigma scale and identified a two-factor structure (“Sexual activity & pregnancy stigma”,”Modern family planning & abortion stigma”). We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the adjusted risk ratio for HIV testing services awareness and testing uptake. Among participants (n=445; mean age=19.59, SD=2.60; AGYW: n=333; 74.7%), two-thirds were aware of HIV testing services in their community and over half (56.0%) had received a lifetime HIV test. In adjusted multivariable regression analysis findings with AGYW: (a) higher sexual activity & pregnancy stigma and modern family planning & abortion stigma were associated with reduced odds of HIV testing services awareness, and (b) modern family planning & abortion stigma was associated with reduced lifetime HIV testing odds. Stigma was not associated with HIV testing awareness/uptake among ABYM. HIV testing services awareness among AGYW was lower than among ABYM, yet AGYW were more likely to have been tested and to experience adolescent SRH stigma as a testing barrier. Addressing adolescent SRH stigma may optimise AGYW's HIV testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Associate Professor, Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Moses Okumu
- Kuralt Postdoctoral Fellow for Quantitative Intervention Research, School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Research Scientist, National STI Control Unit, Mulago Hospital, Uganda
| | - Simon P Mwima
- Medical Social Worker, AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Research Associate, Most At Risk Population Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Kyambadde
- National Coordinator for Key Populations, National STI Control Unit, Mulago Hospital, Uganda; National Coordinator Key Populations, AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Executive Director, Most At Risk Population Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Hakiza
- Executive Director, Young African Refugees For Integral Development (YARID), Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Emmanuel Kironde
- Programs Development and Management Specialist, InterAid Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Musinguzi
- Program Manager, AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | |
Collapse
|