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Hofmeyr GJ, Singata-Madliki M, Batting J, Steyn P, Thomas KK, Issema R, Beesham I, Mbatsane E, Morrison C, Deese J, Smit J, Philip N, Palanee-Phillips T, Reddy K, Onono M, Mastro TD, Baeten JM. Sexual behaviour among women using intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, a copper intrauterine device, or a levonorgestrel implant for contraception: Data from the ECHO randomized trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299802. [PMID: 38722832 PMCID: PMC11081305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contraceptive use has complex effects on sexual behaviour and mood, including those related to reduced concerns about unintended pregnancy, direct hormonal effects and effects on endogenous sex hormones. We set out to obtain robust evidence on the relative effects of three contraceptive methods on sex behaviours, which is important for guiding contraceptive choice and future contraceptive developments. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of data from the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) randomized trial in which 7,829 HIV-uninfected women from 12 sites in Eswatini, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia seeking contraception were randomly assigned to intramuscular depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) or the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant. Data collected for 12 to 18 months using 3-monthly behavioural questionnaires that relied on recall from the preceding 3 months, were used to estimate relative risk of post-baseline sex behaviours, as well as sexual desire and menstrual bleeding between randomized groups using modified Poisson regression. RESULTS We observed small but generally consistent effects wherein DMPA-IM users reported lower prevalence of specified high risk sexual behaviours than implant users than Cu-IUD users (the '>' and '<' symbols indicate statistically significant differences): multiple sex partners 3.6% < 4.8% < 6.2% respectively; new sex partner 3.0% < 4.0% <5.3%; coital acts 16.45, 16.65, 17.12 (DMPA-IM < Cu-IUD); unprotected sex 65% < 68%, 70%; unprotected sex past 7 days 33% <36%, 37%; sex during vaginal bleeding 7.1%, 7.1% < 8.9%; no sex acts 4.1%, 3.8%, 3.4% (DMPA-IM > Cu-IUD); partner has sex with others 10% < 11%, 11%. The one exception was having any sex partner 96.5%, 96.9% < 97.4% (DMPA-IM < Cu-IUD). Decrease in sexual desire was reported by 1.6% > 1.1% >0.5%; amenorrhoea by 49% > 41% >12% and regular menstrual pattern by 26% <35% < 87% respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that women assigned to DMPA-IM may have a modest decrease in libido and sexual activity relative to the implant, and the implant relative to the Cu-IUD. We found more menstrual disturbance with DMPA-IM than with the implant (and as expected, both more than the Cu-IUD). These findings are important for informing the contraceptive choices of women and policymakers and highlight the need for robust comparison of the effects of other contraceptive methods as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Justus Hofmeyr
- University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Effective Care Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand/Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa
| | - Mandisa Singata-Madliki
- Effective Care Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Joanne Batting
- Effective Care Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Petrus Steyn
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Katherine K. Thomas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rodal Issema
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ivana Beesham
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MatCH Research Unit (MRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Jen Deese
- Pfizer Inc., Collegeville, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jenni Smit
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MatCH Research Unit (MRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Neena Philip
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Krishnaveni Reddy
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Maricianah Onono
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
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Abstract
It was in the 1990s, that the possibility of increased transmission of HIV with the use of injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera®, was first flagged in medical literature. This has posed a challenge for its use in countries, particularly in the African region, where the prevalence and transmission rate of HIV is high. In 2015, a randomised 'clinical' trial, the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) was launched in four African countries to resolve the question whether the increased risk was causal. Contrary to expectations, the ECHO trial successfully recruited and randomised the specified number of girls/women participants. This paper argues that this was made possible by exercising undue influence, by using incentives, coercive language, and by concealing the real nature of the clinical trial during recruitment. The ECHO trial is unique in subjecting a group of healthy girls/women knowingly to a contraceptive drug with an intention not of finding out whether it is efficacious as a contraceptive, but to find out how risky or life-threatening its use could be. Thus, the ECHO trial has violated one of the central tenets of the Helsinki Declaration by privileging pursuit of knowledge over the interests of the girl/women trial participants from Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sathyamala
- International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Stewart J, Bukusi E, Sesay FA, Oware K, Donnell D, Soge OO, Celum C, Odoyo J, Kwena ZA, Scoville CW, Violette LR, Morrison S, Simoni J, McClelland RS, Barnabas R, Gandhi M, Baeten JM. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for prevention of sexually transmitted infections among Kenyan women using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: study protocol for an open-label randomized trial. Trials 2022; 23:495. [PMID: 35710444 PMCID: PMC9201793 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06458-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women in Africa face disproportionate risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition, accounting for more than half of new infections in Africa and similarly face a disproportionate burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Very high STI prevalence is being observed globally, especially among people taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (dPEP) has been proposed as an STI prevention strategy to reduce chlamydia, syphilis, and possibly gonorrhea, and trials are ongoing among cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women who are taking PrEP in high-income settings. We designed and describe here the first open-label trial to determine the effectiveness of dPEP to reduce STI incidence among cisgender women. METHODS We are conducting an open-label 1:1 randomized trial of dPEP versus standard of care (STI screening and treatment and risk-reduction counseling without dPEP) among 446 Kenyan women aged ≥ 18 and ≤ 30 years old women taking PrEP. Women are followed for 12 months, with quarterly STI testing, treatment, and adherence counseling. The primary trial outcome will be the combined incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum, compared between the randomized groups. We will also assess dPEP acceptability, tolerability, safety, impact on sexual behavior, adherence, and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis isolates. Finally, we will estimate cost per incident STI case and complications averted accounting for nonadherence and benefits relative AMR or side effects. DISCUSSION The results of this trial may have immediate implications for the global epidemic of STIs and sexual health. If effective, dPEP could put STI prevention into women's hands. While dPEP may be able to prevent STIs, it carries important risks that could counter its benefits; global debate about the balance of these potential risks and benefits requires data to inform policy and implementation and our study aims to fill this gap. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04050540 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenell Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Fredericka A. Sesay
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kevin Oware
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Olusegun O. Soge
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | - Caitlin W. Scoville
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
| | - Lauren R. Violette
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Susan Morrison
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
| | - Jane Simoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - R. Scott McClelland
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ruanne Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Department of Medicine, Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, 325 Ninth Ave, WA 98104 Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Palanee-Phillips T, Rees HV, Heller KB, Ahmed K, Batting J, Beesham I, Heffron R, Justman J, Makkan H, Mastro TD, Morrison SA, Mugo N, Nair G, Kiarie J, Philip NM, Pleaner M, Reddy K, Selepe P, Steyn PS, Scoville CW, Smit J, Thomas KK, Donnell D, Baeten JM. High HIV incidence among young women in South Africa: Data from a large prospective study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269317. [PMID: 35657948 PMCID: PMC9165791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Africa has the highest national burden of HIV globally. Understanding drivers of HIV acquisition in recently completed, prospective studies in which HIV was an endpoint may help inform the strategy and investments in national HIV prevention efforts and guide the design of future HIV prevention trials. We assessed HIV incidence and correlates of incidence among women enrolled in ECHO (Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes), a large, open-label randomized clinical trial that compared three highly effective. reversible methods of contraception and rates of HIV acquisition. Methods During December 2015 to October 2018, ECHO followed sexually active, HIV-seronegative women, aged 16–35 years, seeking contraceptive services and willing to be randomized to one of three contraceptive methods (intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, copper intrauterine device, or levonorgestrel implant) for 12–18 months at nine sites in South Africa. HIV incidence based on prospectively observed HIV seroconversion events. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to define baseline cofactors related to incident HIV infection. Results 5768 women were enrolled and contributed 7647 woman-years of follow-up. The median age was 23 years and 62.5% were ≤24 years. A total of 345 incident HIV infections occurred, an incidence of 4.51 per 100 woman-years (95%CI 4.05–5.01). Incidence was >3 per 100 woman-years at all sites. Age ≤24 years, baseline infection with sexually transmitted infections, BMI≤30, and having new or multiple partners in the three months prior to enrollment were associated with incident HIV. Conclusions HIV incidence was high among South African women seeking contraceptive services. Integration of diagnostic management of sexually transmitted infections alongside delivery of HIV prevention options in health facilities providing contraception services are needed to mitigate ongoing risks of HIV acquisition for this vulnerable population. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02550067 was the main Clinical Trial from which this secondary, non-randomized / observational analysis was derived with data limited to just South African sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Helen V. Rees
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kate B. Heller
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Joanne Batting
- Effective Care Research Unit (ECRU), University of the Witwatersrand/Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Ivana Beesham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Renee Heffron
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jessica Justman
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Heeran Makkan
- Klerksdorp Clinical Research Centre, The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Susan A. Morrison
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gonasagrie Nair
- Emavundleni Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - James Kiarie
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Neena M. Philip
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Melanie Pleaner
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Krishnaveni Reddy
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Pearl Selepe
- Klerksdorp Clinical Research Centre, The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Petrus S. Steyn
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Jenni Smit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Katherine K. Thomas
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
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Ryan R, Mussa A, Singtaa-Madliki M, Batting J, Balakrishna Y, Morroni C, Hofmeyr GJ. Effects of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Intramuscular Injection, Copper Intrauterine Device and Levonorgestrel Implant Contraception on Estradiol Levels: An Ancillary Study of the ECHO Randomized Trial. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:887541. [PMID: 35669313 PMCID: PMC9163398 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.887541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hormonal contraception affects endogenous sex steroid levels. Robust evidence from randomized trials of the relative effects of different contraceptive methods is scarce. We compared the effects of three contraceptive methods on serum estradiol levels using data from women (18–35 years) requesting contraception in the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) randomized trial. Methods Women were randomly allocated to the depot medroxyprogesterone acetate intramuscular (DMPA-IM) injection, copper intrauterine device (IUD) or levonorgestrel (LNG) implant. In this sub-study, stored baseline and 6-month serum samples were analyzed in 401 participants from East London, South Africa (DMPA-IM: 131, IUD: 135 and LNG: 135). Results Baseline median (interquartile range, IQR) estradiol levels were similar between the three groups [DMPA-IM 229 (152–455), IUD 235 (168–426) and LNG 216 (153–419 pmol/L)]. At 6-months, median estradiol in the IUD group was unchanged (298 (163–467) pmol/L), whilst levels in the DMPA-IM and implant groups were significantly reduced from baseline. The median estradiol level in the DMPA-IM group [139 (97–193) pmol/L] was significantly lower than in both IUD (p < 0.0001) and implant (p = 0.005) groups; and level in the implant group [156 (112–250) pmol/L] was significantly lower than in the IUD group (p = 0.004). Conclusions At 6-months (DMPA-IM nadir), median estradiol with DMPA-IM was 53% lower and with the LNG implant, 48% lower than with the IUD. The greater reduction in estradiol levels with the DMPA-IM injection compared to the LNG implant and IUD has implications for the relative psychological, sexual as well as physiological side-effects of these contraceptive methods. ECHO Study Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02550067.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ryan
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- *Correspondence: Rebecca Ryan
| | - Aamirah Mussa
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mandisa Singtaa-Madliki
- Effective Care Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Effective Care Research Unit, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - Joanne Batting
- Effective Care Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Effective Care Research Unit, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - Yusentha Balakrishna
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - G. Justus Hofmeyr
- Effective Care Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Eastern Cape Department of Health and Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
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6
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Smith JA, Beacroft L, Abdullah F, Buthelezi B, Makua M, Morroni C, Ramjee G, Velasquez C, Hallett TB. Responding to the ECHO trial results: modelling the potential impact of changing contraceptive method mix on HIV and reproductive health in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 23:e25620. [PMID: 33030312 PMCID: PMC7543057 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Some observational data suggest that the progestogen injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may increase a woman's risk of HIV acquisition but a randomized clinical trial did not find a statistically significant increase in HIV risk for women using DMPA compared to two other methods. However, it could not rule out up to 30% increased HIV risk for DMPA users. We evaluate changes to contraceptive method mix in South Africa under different assumptions about the existence and strength of a possible undetected relationship between DMPA use and HIV risk. METHODS A mathematical model was developed to simulate the ongoing HIV epidemic and contraceptive method mix in South Africa to estimate how changes in method mix could impact HIV- and reproductive health-related outcomes. We made different assumptions about the relationship between DMPA use and HIV risk, from no relationship to a 30% increase in HIV risk for women using DMPA. Scenario analyses were used to investigate the impact of switching away from DMPA predominance to new patterns of contraceptive use. RESULTS In South Africa, the HIV-related benefits of reduced DMPA use could be as great as the harms of increased adverse reproductive health outcomes over 20 years, if DMPA did increase the risk of HIV acquisition by a relative hazard of infection of 1.1 or greater. A reduction in DMPA use among HIV-positive women would have no benefit in terms of HIV infections, but would incur additional negative reproductive health outcomes. The most important driver of adverse reproductive health outcomes is the proportion of women who switch away from DMPA to no contraceptive method. CONCLUSIONS If there is any real increased HIV risk for DMPA users that has not been detected by the recent randomized trial, a reduction in DMPA use could reduce the ongoing number of new HIV infections. However, such a change would place more women at risk of adverse reproductive health effects. It is imperative that these effects are minimized by focusing on expanding access to safe, effective and acceptable alternative contraceptive methods for all women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Smith
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Beacroft
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fareed Abdullah
- Office of AIDS and TB Research, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Manala Makua
- National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute, Gaborone, Botswana.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Timothy B Hallett
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Deese J, Philip N, Lind M, Ahmed K, Batting J, Beksinska M, Edward VA, Louw CE, Onono M, Palanee-Phillips T, Smit JA, Baeten JM, Donnell D, Mastro TD, Mugo NR, Nanda K, Rees H, Morrison C. Sexually transmitted infections among women randomised to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, a copper intrauterine device or a levonorgestrel implant. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 97:249-255. [PMID: 33208512 PMCID: PMC8165154 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Reproductive aged women are at risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Understanding drivers of STI acquisition, including any association with widely used contraceptives, could help us to reduce STI prevalence and comorbidities. We compared the risk of STI among women randomised to three contraceptive methods. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis to assess the risk of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in a clinical trial evaluating HIV risk among 7829 women aged 16–35 randomised to intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), a copper intrauterine device (IUD) or a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant. We estimated chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences by contraceptive group and prevalence ratios (PR) using log-binomial regression. Results At baseline, chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences were 18% and 5%, respectively. Final visit chlamydia prevalence did not differ significantly between DMPA-IM and copper IUD groups or between copper IUD and LNG implant groups. The DMPA-IM group had significantly lower risk of chlamydia compared with the LNG implant group (PR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.95). Final visit gonorrhoea prevalence differed significantly only between the DMPA-IM and the copper IUD groups (PR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.87). Conclusions The findings suggest that chlamydia and gonorrhoea risk may vary with contraceptive method use. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the mechanisms of chlamydia and gonorrhoea susceptibility in the context of contraceptive use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Deese
- Global Public Health Impact Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA (formerly with FHI 360)
| | - Neena Philip
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margaret Lind
- Department of Global Health, International Clinical Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Joanne Batting
- Effective Care Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, East London, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Vinodh A Edward
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Cheryl E Louw
- Madibeng Centre for Research, Brits, South Africa.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Maricianah Onono
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- MatCH Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Global Health, Medicine, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Nelly R Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kavita Nanda
- Product Development and Introduction, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Helen Rees
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Charles Morrison
- Behavioral, Epidemiological and Clinical Sciences, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Quispe Calla NE, Vicetti Miguel RD, Fritts L, Miller CJ, Aceves KM, Cherpes TL. Exogenous sex steroids regulate genital epithelial barrier function in female rhesus macaques. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:310-317. [PMID: 32542371 PMCID: PMC7401374 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is concern that using depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) for pregnancy prevention heightens HIV susceptibility. While no clinical data establishes causal link between HIV acquisition and use of this injectable progestin, prior work from our laboratory showed that DMPA comparably lowers genital levels of the cell-cell adhesion molecule desmoglein-1 (DSG1) and weakens genital epithelial barrier function in female mice and women. We likewise saw DMPA increase mouse susceptibility to multiple genital pathogens including HIV. Herein, we sought to confirm and extend these findings by comparing genital epithelial barrier function in untreated rhesus macaques (RM) vs. RM treated with DMPA or DMPA and estrogen (E). Compared to controls, genital tissue from RM with pharmacologically relevant serum levels of medroxyprogesterone acetate displayed significantly lower DSG1 levels and greater permeability to low molecular mass molecules. Conversely, DMPA-mediated effects on genital epithelial integrity and function were obviated in RM administered DMPA and E. These data corroborate the diminished genital epithelial barrier function observed in women initiating DMPA and identify RM as a useful preclinical model for defining effects of exogenous sex steroids on genital pathogen susceptibility. As treatment with E averted DMPA-mediated loss of genital epithelial barrier function, our results also imply that contraceptives releasing progestin and E may be less likely to promote transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted pathogens than progestin-only compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirk E Quispe Calla
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Linda Fritts
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Miller
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kristen M Aceves
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas L Cherpes
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Onono M, Nanda K, Heller KB, Taylor D, Yacobson I, Heffron R, Kasaro MP, Louw CE, Nhlabasti Z, Palanee-Phillips T, Smit J, Wakhungu I, Gichangi PB, Mugo NR, Morrison C, Baeten JM. Comparison of pregnancy incidence among African women in a randomized trial of intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), a copper intrauterine device (IUDs) or a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant for contraception. Contracept X 2020; 2:100026. [PMID: 32577615 PMCID: PMC7301167 DOI: 10.1016/j.conx.2020.100026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to address bias in contraception efficacy studies through a randomized study trial of intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), a copper intrauterine device (IUDs) and a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed data from the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes Trial, which assessed HIV incidence among 7829 women from 12 sites in eSwatini, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia seeking effective contraception and who consented to be randomized to DMPA-IM, copper IUD or LNG implant. We used Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for condom use to compare pregnancy incidence during both perfect and typical (i.e., allowing temporary interruptions) use. RESULTS A total of 7710 women contributed to this analysis. Seventy pregnancies occurred during perfect and 85 during typical use. There was no statistically significant difference in perfect use pregnancy incidence among the methods: 0.61 per 100 woman-years for DMPA-IM [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.96], 1.06 for copper IUD (95% CI 0.72-1.50) and 0.63 for LNG implants (95% CI 0.39-0.96). Typical use pregnancy rates were also largely similar: 0.87 per 100 woman-years for DMPA-IM (95% CI 0.58-1.25), 1.11 for copper IUD (95% CI 0.77-1.54) and 0.63 for LNG implants (95% CI 0.39-0.96). CONCLUSIONS In this randomized trial of highly effective contraceptive methods among African women, both perfect and typical use resulted in low pregnancy rates. Our findings provide strong justification for improving access to a broader range of longer-acting contraceptive options including LNG implants and copper IUD for African women. IMPLICATIONS STATEMENT Data from this study support recommendations to providers, policy makers and patients that all of these methods provide safe and highly effective contraception for African women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricianah Onono
- Kenya Medical Research Institute Center for Microbiology Research, P.O. Box 19464-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cheryl E. Louw
- Madibeng Centre for Research, Brits, South Africa
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Zelda Nhlabasti
- Family Life Association of eSwatini & ICAP at Columbia University, eSwatini
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, School of Clinical Medicine, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jenni Smit
- University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Imelda Wakhungu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute Center for Microbiology Research, P.O. Box 19464-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter B. Gichangi
- International Center for Reproductive Health, Kenya
- Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Nelly R. Mugo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute Center for Microbiology Research, P.O. Box 19464-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | - for the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial Consortium
- Kenya Medical Research Institute Center for Microbiology Research, P.O. Box 19464-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
- FHI 360, Durham, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- UNC Global Projects Zambia & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Zambia
- Madibeng Centre for Research, Brits, South Africa
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Family Life Association of eSwatini & ICAP at Columbia University, eSwatini
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, School of Clinical Medicine, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
- International Center for Reproductive Health, Kenya
- Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya
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Hapgood JP. Is the Injectable Contraceptive Depo-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA-IM) Associated with an Increased Risk for HIV Acquisition? The Jury Is Still Out. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:357-366. [PMID: 31797677 PMCID: PMC7232639 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2019.0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intramuscular depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) is the most widely used hormonal contraceptive in sub-Saharan Africa. Previous meta-analyses of observational studies found a significant 40%–50% increased risk associated with DMPA-IM use, relative to no contraception or infrequent condom use. This raised substantial concerns, although these studies had important limitations. Consequently, the open-label randomized Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes trial was conducted, designed primarily to detect a 50% or greater difference in HIV risk between DMPA-IM, the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant, and the copper-intrauterine device. The ECHO study, published in July 2019, concluded that there is no substantial difference in HIV risk among the methods evaluated, and that all three methods are safe and highly effective. In response, the WHO relaxed the Medical Eligibility Criteria for DMPA-IM use among women at high HIV risk in August 2019. However, two of the three comparisons in the ECHO trial could rule out neither a 50% increase nor no change in HIV risk for one contraceptive compared with another. The study had limitations and the results contained considerable uncertainty. They also did not inform on associated HIV risk for any one of the individual methods due to the absence of a control group such as no contraception or only infrequent condom use. The HIV risks associated with LNG implant and copper-IUD relative to no contraception or infrequent condom use are unknown and these cannot be seen as controls, nor did the authors claim them to be. The results will be discussed in the context of their limitations, what they add to the body of work to date on contraception and HIV acquisition, and the implications of the findings and reports thereof for future research and contraceptive choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet P. Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Beesham I, Welch JD, Heffron R, Pleaner M, Kidoguchi L, Palanee‐Phillips T, Ahmed K, Baron D, Bukusi EA, Louw C, Mastro TD, Smit J, Batting JR, Malahleha M, Bailey VC, Beksinska M, Donnell D, Baeten JM. Integrating oral PrEP delivery among African women in a large HIV endpoint-driven clinical trial. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25491. [PMID: 32396700 PMCID: PMC7217491 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Global guidelines emphasize the ethical obligation of investigators to help participants in HIV-endpoint trials reduce HIV risk by offering an optimal HIV prevention package. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has increasingly become part of state-of-the-art HIV prevention. Here we describe the process of integrating oral PrEP delivery into the HIV prevention package of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial. METHODS ECHO was an open-label randomized clinical trial that compared HIV incidence among women randomized to one of three effective contraceptives. In total, 7830 women aged 16 to 35 years from 12 sites in four African countries (Eswatini, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia) were enrolled and followed for 12 to 18 months, from 2015 to 2018. Part-way through the course of the trial, oral PrEP was provided to study participants either off-site via referral or on site via trained trial staff. PrEP uptake was compared between different contraceptive users using Chi-squared tests or t-tests. HIV seroincidence rates were compared between participants who never versus ever initiated PrEP using exact Poisson regression. RESULTS PrEP access in ECHO began through public availability in Kenya in May 2017 and was available at all sites by June 2018. When PrEP became available, 3626 (46.3%) eligible women were still in follow-up in the study, and of these, 622 (17.2%) initiated PrEP. Women initiating PrEP were slightly older; more likely to be unmarried, not living with their partner, having multiple partners; and less likely to be earning their own income and receiving financial support from partners (all p < 0.05). PrEP initiation did not differ across study randomized groups (p = 0.7). Two-thirds of PrEP users were continuing PrEP at study exit. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for improved HIV prevention services in clinical trials with HIV endpoints, especially trials among African women. PrEP as a component of a comprehensive HIV prevention package provided to women in a large clinical trial is practical and feasible. Provision of PrEP within clinical trials with HIV outcomes should be standard of prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Beesham
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU)Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandDurbanSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Melanie Pleaner
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | - Thesla Palanee‐Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | - Deborah Baron
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- University of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)NairobiKenya
| | - Cheryl Louw
- Madibeng Centre for ResearchBritsSouth Africa
- Department of Family MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | | | - Jennifer Smit
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU)Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Joanne R Batting
- Effective Care Research Unit (ECRU)Fort Hare and Eastern Cape Department of HealthUniversities of the WitwatersrandEast LondonSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU)Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandDurbanSouth Africa
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Fichorova RN, Morrison CS, Chen PL, Yamamoto HS, Govender Y, Junaid D, Ryan S, Kwok C, Chipato T, Salata RA, Doncel GF. Aberrant cervical innate immunity predicts onset of dysbiosis and sexually transmitted infections in women of reproductive age. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0224359. [PMID: 31914129 PMCID: PMC6948729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and vaginal dysbiosis (disturbed resident microbiota presenting with abnormal Nugent score or candidiasis) have been associated with mucosal inflammation and risk of HIV-1 infection, cancer and poor reproductive outcomes. To date, the temporal relationships between aberrant cervical innate immunity and the clinical onset of microbial disturbance have not been studied in a large population of reproductive age women. We examined data from a longitudinal cohort of 934 Ugandan and Zimbabwean women contributing 3,274 HIV-negative visits who had complete laboratory, clinical and demographic data. Among those, 207 women later acquired HIV, and 584 women were intermittently diagnosed with C. trachomatis (CT), N. gonorrhoeae (NG), genital herpes (HSV-2), T. vaginalis (TV), candidiasis, and abnormal intermediate (4–6) or high (7–10) Nugent score, i.e. bacterial vaginosis (BV). Immune biomarker concentrations in cervical swabs were analyzed by generalized linear and mixed effect models adjusting for site, age, hormonal contraceptive use (HC), pregnancy, breastfeeding, genital practices, unprotected sex and overlapping infections. High likelihood ratios (1.5–4.9) denoted the values of cervical immune biomarkers to predict onset of abnormal Nugent score and candidiasis at the next visits. When controlling for covariates, higher levels of β-defensin-2 were antecedent to BV, CT and HSV-2, lower anti-inflammatory ratio IL-1RA:IL-1β–to intermediate Nugent scores and candida, lower levels of the serine protease inhibitor SLPI–to candida, lower levels of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 –to TV, and lower levels of the oxidative stress mitigator and endothelial activation marker VEGF–to NG. Changes in innate immunity following onset of dysbiosis and infections were dependent on HC use when controlling for all other covariates. In conclusion, imminent female genital tract dysbiosis or infection can be predicted by distinct patterns of innate immunity. Future research should characterize biotic and abiotic determinants of this pre-existing innate immunity state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina N. Fichorova
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Charles S. Morrison
- Behavioral, Epidemiologic and Clinical Sciences, FHI, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Pai-Lien Chen
- Biostatistics, FHI, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Hidemi S. Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Yashini Govender
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Damilola Junaid
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Stanthia Ryan
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Kwok
- Biostatistics, FHI, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | | | - Robert A. Salata
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Gustavo F. Doncel
- CONRAD, Arlington, VA, United States of America
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
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Beacroft L, Smith JA, Hallett TB. What impact could DMPA use have had in South Africa and how might its continued use affect the future of the HIV epidemic? J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25414. [PMID: 31729195 PMCID: PMC6856612 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Some studies suggest that use of the injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may increase susceptibility to HIV infection. We aim to determine the influence that such an association could have had on the HIV epidemic in South Africa. METHODS We simulate the heterosexual adult HIV epidemic in South Africa using a compartmental model stratified by age, behavioural risk group, sex, male circumcision status and contraceptive use. We model two possible scenarios: (1) The "With Effect" scenario assumes that DMPA increases susceptibility to HIV infection by 1.20-fold (95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.36) based on a combination of the results of a recent randomised controlled trial (ECHO trial) and a number of observational studies. (2) The "No Effect" scenario assumes that DMPA has no effect on HIV acquisition risk. We calculate the difference in HIV-related outcomes between the With Effect and No Effect scenarios to determine the potential impact that DMPA use could have had on the HIV epidemic. RESULTS A causal association between DMPA and HIV acquisition could have caused 430,000 (90% of model runs 160,000 to 960,000) excess HIV infections and 230,000 (90,000 to 470,000) AIDS deaths in South Africa from 1980 to 2017. These figures represent 4.3% (1.6% to 9.6%) and 6.9% (2.6% to 15.2%) of the total modelled estimates of HIV infections and AIDS deaths respectively in South Africa in that period. Of the additional infections, 36% (25% to 48%) would have occurred among men. If DMPA use continues at current levels, a potential causal association could cause an additional 130,000 (50,000 to 270,000) infections between 2018 and 2037. The excess infections would have required an additional 640,000 (190,000 to 1,660,000) years of ART from 1980 to 2017, and a further 2,870,000 (890,000 to 7,270,000) years of ART from 2018 to 2037. CONCLUSIONS If there is a causal association between DMPA use and HIV risk, it could have substantially increased the scale of the HIV epidemic in South Africa, affecting not only the users of DMPA, but also their partners and the wider population. The magnitude of this potential effect demands careful data collection and a careful consideration of policy choices for contraception in settings with large HIV epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Beacroft
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease AnalysisDepartment of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jennifer A Smith
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease AnalysisDepartment of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Timothy B Hallett
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease AnalysisDepartment of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sathyamala
- International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
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15
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Risk of HIV-1 acquisition among South African women using a variety of contraceptive methods in a prospective study. AIDS 2019; 33:1619-1622. [PMID: 31306167 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Observational studies have associated use of intramuscular injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) with increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition, but limited data are available to assess HIV-1 risk for alternate contraceptive methods. METHODS Within a randomized trial of the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV-1 prevention, we assessed HIV-1 incidence by contraceptive method. We limited analyses to participants from South African sites and to women who used DMPA-IM, the alternative injectable norethisterone enanthate, implants, or copper intrauterine devices (IUDs). Contraceptive method was assessed as a time-dependent exposure and multivariate models adjusted for trial randomization arm, age, sexual behaviour, and incident sexually transmitted infections. RESULTS A total of 95 incident HIV-1 infections were observed: incidence 5.8 (DMPA-IM, n = 52), 6.2 (norethisterone enanthate, n = 28), 1.9 (implant, n = 3), and 4.5 (IUD, n = 12) cases per 100 woman-years. In multivariable models, there were no statistically significant differences between contraceptive methods in the risk of HIV-1 acquisition. However, compared with the IUD, the three hormonal methods each had point estimates near 1 while the implant had risk that was approximately half that of the IUD. When the three hormonal methods were combined, their relative risk compared with IUD was 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.45-1.76). CONCLUSION Among women at risk of HIV-1 infections in South Africa, we found no statistically significant differences in HIV-1 incidence by contraceptive method. Implants had the lowest point estimate for HIV-1 incidence, and IUDs had risk comparable with injectable methods in multivariate models. Large, prospective studies are needed to define better the relative HIV-1 risks across different contraceptive methods.
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HIV incidence among women using intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, a copper intrauterine device, or a levonorgestrel implant for contraception: a randomised, multicentre, open-label trial. Lancet 2019; 394:303-313. [PMID: 31204114 PMCID: PMC6675739 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)31288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational and laboratory studies suggest that some hormonal contraceptive methods, particularly intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), might increase women's susceptibility to HIV acquisition. We aimed to compare DMPA-IM, a copper intrauterine device (IUD), and a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant among African women seeking effective contraception and living in areas of high HIV incidence. METHODS We did a randomised, multicentre, open-label trial across 12 research sites in eSwatini, Kenya, South Africa, and Zambia. We included HIV-seronegative women aged 16-35 years who were seeking effective contraception, had no medical contraindications to the trial contraceptive methods, agreed to use the assigned method for 18 months, and reported not using injectable, intrauterine, or implantable contraception for the previous 6 months. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive an injection of 150 mg/mL DMPA-IM every 3 months, a copper IUD, or a LNG implant with random block sizes between 15 and 30, stratified by site. Participants were assigned using an online randomisation system, which was accessed for each randomisation by study staff at each site. The primary endpoint was incident HIV infection in the modified intention-to-treat population, including all randomised participants who were HIV negative at enrolment and who contributed at least one HIV test. The primary safety endpoint was any serious adverse event or any adverse event resulting in method discontinuation, until the trial exit visit at 18 months and was assessed in all enrolled and randomly assigned women. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02550067. FINDINGS Between Dec 14, 2015, and Sept 12, 2017, 7830 women were enrolled and 7829 were randomly assigned to the DMPA-IM group (n=2609), the copper IUD group (n=2607), or the LNG implant group (n=2613). 7715 (99%) participants were included in the modified intention-to-treat population (2556 in the DMPA-IM group, 2571 in the copper IUD group, and 2588 in the LNG implant group), and women used their assigned method for 9567 (92%) of 10 409 woman-years of follow-up time. 397 HIV infections occurred (incidence 3·81 per 100 woman-years [95% CI 3·45-4·21]): 143 (36%; 4·19 per 100 woman-years [3·54-4·94]) in the DMPA-IM group, 138 (35%: 3·94 per 100 woman-years [3·31-4·66]) in the copper IUD group, and 116 (29%; 3·31 per 100 woman-years [2·74-3·98]) in the LNG implant group. In the modified intention-to-treat analysis, the hazard ratios for HIV acquisition were 1·04 (96% CI 0·82-1·33, p=0·72) for DMPA-IM compared with copper IUD, 1·23 (0·95-1·59, p=0·097) for DMPA-IM compared with LNG implant, and 1·18 (0·91-1·53, p=0·19) for copper IUD compared with LNG implant. 12 women died during the study: six in the DMPA-IM group, five in the copper IUD group, and one in the LNG implant group. Serious adverse events occurred in 49 (2%) of 2609 participants in the DMPA-IM group, 92 (4%) of 2607 participants in the copper IUD group, and 78 (3%) of 2613 participants in the LNG implant group. Adverse events resulting in discontinuation of the randomly assigned method occurred in 109 (4%) women in the DMPA-IM group, 218 (8%) women in the copper IUD group, and 226 (9%) women in the LNG implant group (p<0·0001 for DMPA-IM vs copper IUD and for DMPA-IM vs LNG implant). 255 pregnancies occurred: 61 (24%) in the DMPA-IM group, 116 (45%) in the copper IUD group, and 78 (31%) in the LNG implant group. 181 (71%) pregnancies occurred after discontinuation of randomly assigned method. INTERPRETATION We did not find a substantial difference in HIV risk among the methods evaluated, and all methods were safe and highly effective. HIV incidence was high in this population of women seeking pregnancy prevention, emphasising the need for integration of HIV prevention within contraceptive services for African women. These results support continued and increased access to these three contraceptive methods. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, US Agency for International Development and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, South African Medical Research Council, and UN Population Fund. Contraceptive supplies were donated by the Government of South Africa and US Agency for International Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Miyako Noguchi
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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18
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Lebetkin E, Gao X, Taylor D, Maldonado LY, Saad A, Steiner MJ, Dorflinger LJ, Nanda K, Mastro TD. Planning for Outcomes (P 4O) Modeling Tool: Estimating the Impact of Changing the Proportion of Injectable Progestins in the Contraceptive Method Mix. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019; 7:317-328. [PMID: 31189699 PMCID: PMC6641814 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-19-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The interactive deterministic online modeling tool P4O allows users to estimate how changing the proportion of injectable progestins in the contraceptive method mix might affect HIV and maternal and child health outcomes. With careful consideration for women's individual choices, policy makers and program planners may use country-specific results to help inform programming and policy decisions. Background: Observational studies raise concern about a potential link between injectable progestin contraceptive use and HIV acquisition risk. This possible link is particularly relevant in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV risk is high and the method mix is skewed toward injectables. We developed the Planning for Outcomes (P4O) model (https://planning4outcomes.ctiexchange.org/) to predict changes in maternal and child health (MCH) and HIV outcomes that could occur if the proportion of injectables in the method mix is changed. Methods: P4O incorporates evidence-based assumptions to predict yearly changes in unintended pregnancies, morbidity/mortality, HIV infections (women and infants), and anticipated health care costs associated with changing the proportions of injectable users in 22 selected countries. Users of this model designate all countries or a subset and adjust inputs including percentage of injectable users who discontinue, percentage of discontinuers who begin use of an alternative method, hazard ratio for HIV infection with injectable use, method mix used by injectable discontinuers, annual probabilities of method-specific pregnancy and mother-to-child transmission of HIV, condom effectiveness against HIV, risk of HIV during pregnancy, and HIV incidence among women of reproductive age. Results: Illustrative results from all sub-Saharan African countries combined and from selected countries demonstrate the potential of P4O to inform program planning and procurement decisions. In countries with high use of long-acting reversible contraception, the removal of injectables from the method mix is associated with improvement in MCH and HIV indicators if most injectable users switch to more effective methods (e.g., implants). In countries with high use of short-acting methods (e.g., condoms), the model predicts mostly negative MCH outcomes. Conclusions: Policy makers and program planners may use P4O to inform programming and policy decisions. In all scenarios, programmatic preparation to accommodate changes to the contraceptive method mix, considerations of how the individual desires of women will be addressed, and potential burden of anticipated MCH-related costs warrant advanced consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Abdulmumin Saad
- United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
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19
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Kennedy CE, Yeh PT, Gaffield ML, Brady M, Narasimhan M. Self-administration of injectable contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001350. [PMID: 31179026 PMCID: PMC6528768 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate subcutaneous injectable contraception (DMPA-SC) may facilitate self-administration and expand contraceptive access. To inform WHO guidelines on self-care interventions, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing self-administration versus provider administration of injectable contraception on outcomes of pregnancy, side effects/adverse events, contraceptive uptake, contraceptive continuation, self-efficacy/empowerment and social harms. Methods We searched PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, LILACS and EMBASE in September 2018 for peer-reviewed studies comparing women who received injectable contraception with the option of self-administration with women who received provider-administered injectable contraception on at least one outcome of interest. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and the Evidence Project tool for non-randomised studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models to generate pooled estimates of relative risk (RR). Results Six studies with 3851 total participants met the inclusion criteria: three RCTs and three controlled cohort studies. All studies examined self-injection of DMPA-SC; comparison groups were either provider-administered DMPA-SC or provider-administered intramuscular DMPA. All studies followed women through 12 months of contraceptive coverage and measured (dis)continuation of injectable contraception. Meta-analysis found higher rates of continuation with self-administration compared with provider administration in three RCTs (RR: 1.27, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.39) and three controlled cohort studies (RR: 1.18, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.26). Four studies reported pregnancies; all showed no difference across study arms. Four studies reported side effects/adverse events; while two controlled cohort studies showed increased injection site reactions with self-administration, no other side effects increased with self-administration. One study found no difference in social harms. No studies reported measuring uptake or self-efficacy/empowerment. Conclusion A growing evidence base suggests that self-administration of DMPA-SC can equal or improve contraceptive continuation rates compared with provider administration. This benefit comes without notable increases in pregnancy or safety concerns. Self-injection of DMPA-SC is a promising approach to increasing contraceptive use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Kennedy
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Lyn Gaffield
- Human Reproduction Programme (HRP), Organisation mondiale de la Sante, Geneve, Switzerland
| | | | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Human Reproduction Programme (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Fleming TR, DeGruttola V, Donnell D. Designing & Conducting Trials To Reliably Evaluate HIV Prevention Interventions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 11. [PMID: 33777327 DOI: 10.1515/scid-2019-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
While much has been achieved, much remains to be accomplished in the science of preventing the spread of HIV infection. Clinical trials that are properly designed, conducted and analyzed are of integral importance in the pursuit of reliable insights about HIV prevention. As we build on previous scientific breakthroughs, there will be an increasing need for clinical trials to be designed to efficiently achieve insights without compromising their reliability and generalizability. Key design features should continue to include: 1) the use of randomization and evidence-based controls, 2) specifying the use of intention-to-treat analyses to preserve the integrity of randomization and to increase interpretability of results, 3) obtaining direct assessments of effects on clinical endpoints such as the risk of HIV infection, 4) using either superiority designs or non-inferiority designs with rigorous non-inferiority margins, and 5) enhancing generalizability through the choice of a relative risk rather than risk difference metric. When interventions have complementary and potentially synergistic effects, factorial designs should be considered to increase efficiency as well as to obtain clinically important insights about interaction and the contribution of component interventions to the efficacy and safety of combination regimens. Key trial conduct issues include timely enrollment of participants at high HIV risk recruited from populations with high viral burden, obtaining 'best real-world achievable' levels of adherence to the interventions being assessed and ensuring high levels of retention. High quality of trial conduct occurs through active rather than passive monitoring, using pre-specified targeted levels of performance with defined methods to achieve those targets. During trial conduct, active monitoring of the performance standards not only holds the trial leaders accountable but also can assist in the development and implementation of creative alternative approaches to increase the quality of trial conduct. Designing, conducting and analyzing HIV prevention trials with the quality needed to obtain reliable insights is an ethical as well as scientific imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Fleming
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Deborah Donnell
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Sharma P, Shahabi K, Spitzer R, Farrugia M, Kaul R, Yudin M. Cervico-vaginal inflammatory cytokine alterations after intrauterine contraceptive device insertion: A pilot study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207266. [PMID: 30513080 PMCID: PMC6279219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In a prospective study of twenty sexually transmitted infection (STI)-free women, we examined the impact of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion on cervico-vaginal cytokine levels. Nine women chose the levonorgestrel-containing IUCD and eight chose a copper IUCD. A cervico-vaginal swab was collected for cytokine analysis pre-insertion and four weeks post-insertion. Significant increases were noted in levels of IL-1α (median 483.4 versus 316.6 pg/mL, p = 0.046), IL-1β (median 605.7 versus 147.3 pg/mL, p = 0.018), IL-6 (median 570.1 versus 157.3 pg/mL, p = 0.046), TNFα (median 1.19 versus 0.6 pg/mL, p = 0.029) and the chemokine MCP-1 (median 340.2 versus 135.2 pg/mL, p = 0.003). No significant changes were noted in the levels of GM-CSF, IL-8, MIG, MIP-3α, RANTES, IL-10, IL-17, IP-10, MIP-1β. Whether this increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels decreases epithelial barrier integrity and enhances susceptibility to STIs, including HIV, merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Kamnoosh Shahabi
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Spitzer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele Farrugia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Yudin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Baron D, Essien T, Pato S, Magongo M, Mbandazayo N, Scorgie F, Rees H, Delany‐Moretlwe S. Collateral benefits: how the practical application of Good Participatory Practice can strengthen HIV research in sub-Saharan Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21 Suppl 7:e25175. [PMID: 30334610 PMCID: PMC6193316 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Good Participatory Practice (GPP): Guidelines for Biomedical HIV Prevention Trials, second edition (2011) were developed to provide clinical trial sponsors and implementers with a formal stakeholder engagement framework. As one of the largest African research institutes, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) became an early adopter of GPP by implementing its principles within large-scale national and regional clinical trials. This article examines Wits RHI's lessons learned from implementing GPP, its ongoing efforts to institutionalize GPP, and the yet to be realized potential in creating fully sustainable structures for meaningful stakeholder engagement in HIV prevention research, implementation science and beyond. DISCUSSION For the past seven years, Wits RHI has undertaken both centralized leadership roles in implementing GPP across multi-party regional research consortia as well as overseeing GPP for smaller investigator-driven trials. Through this iterative roll-out of GPP, key lessons have emerged. Obtaining upfront funding to support GPP activities throughout and between the research life cycle, and a trained multi-disciplinary team of GPP practitioners have helped facilitate an enabling environment for GPP implementation. We further recommend formally integrating stakeholder engagement into study documents, including monitoring and evaluation plans with indicators and performance metrics, to assist teams to track and refine their GPP strategies. Finally, institutionalizing resources and supporting organization-wide GPP along with ongoing support can help build efficiencies and maximize economies of scale toward a pragmatic and innovative application of the GPP Guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Thanks to a growing global network of GPP practitioners and a burgeoning GPP Community of Practice, there has been substantive progress in making GPP an integral component of clinical HIV prevention research. The Wits RHI experience highlights the possibilities and the challenges to translating the GPP principles into concrete practices within specific clinical trials and across a research institute. Realizing the full potential of GPP, including direct and indirect - 'collateral benefits' will require the collective buy-in and support from sponsors, implementers and community stakeholders across the research field. As the HIV prevention research field expands, however, a more conscious and systematic implementation of GPP is timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Baron
- Wits RHIUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Health Behavior at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public HealthJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | - Sinazo Pato
- International Partnership for MicrobicidesJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Miliswa Magongo
- Wits RHIUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | - Fiona Scorgie
- Wits RHIUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Helen Rees
- Wits RHIUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
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Cole K, Saad A. The Coming-of-Age of Subcutaneous Injectable Contraception. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2018; 6:1-5. [PMID: 29602863 PMCID: PMC5878064 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-18-00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Cole
- United States Agency for International Development, Global Health Support Initiative-III, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Abdulmumin Saad
- United States Agency for International Development, Global Health Fellows Program II, Washington, DC, USA
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