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Satinsky EN, Kakuhikire B, Baguma C, Cooper-Vince CE, Rasmussen JD, Ashaba S, Perkins JM, Ahereza P, Ayebare P, Kim AW, Puffer ES, Tsai AC. Caregiver preferences for physically harsh discipline of children in rural Uganda. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2024; 39:861-874. [PMID: 38962696 PMCID: PMC11218336 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Physically harsh discipline is associated with poor developmental outcomes among children. These practices are more prevalent in areas experiencing poverty and resource scarcity, including in low- and middle-income countries. Designed to limit social desirability bias, this cross-sectional study in rural Uganda estimated caregiver preferences for physically harsh discipline; differences by caregiver sex, child sex, and setting; and associations with indicators of household economic stress and insecurity. Method Three-hundred-fifty adult caregivers were shown six hypothetical pictographic scenarios depicting children whining, spilling a drink, and kicking a caregiver. Girls and boys were depicted engaging in each of the three behaviors. Approximately half of the participants were shown scenes from a market setting and half were shown scenes from a household setting. For each scenario, caregivers reported the discipline strategy they would use (time out, beating, discussing, yelling, ignoring, slapping). Results Two thirds of the participants selected a physically harsh discipline strategy (beating, slapping) at least once. Women selected more physically harsh discipline strategies than men (b = 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26 to 0.54). Participants shown scenes from the market selected fewer physically harsh discipline strategies than participants shown scenes from the household (b = -0.51; 95% CI, -0.69 to -0.33). Finally, caregivers selected more physically harsh discipline strategies in response to boys than girls. Indicators of economic insecurity were inconsistently associated with preferences for physically harsh discipline. Conclusions The high prevalence of physically harsh discipline preferences warrant interventions aimed at reframing caregivers' approaches to discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N. Satinsky
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Charles Baguma
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Phionah Ahereza
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Andrew W. Kim
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Eve S. Puffer
- Department of Psychology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Perkins JM, Nyakato V, Kakuhikire B, Sriken J, Schember CO, Baguma C, Namara EB, Ahereza P, Ninsiima I, Comfort AB, Audet CM, Tsai AC. Misperception of Norms About Intimate Partner Violence as a Driver of Personal IPV Attitudes and Perpetration: A Population-Based Study of Men in Rural Uganda. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241254143. [PMID: 38842209 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241254143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a global public health problem. Conceptual frameworks suggest misperceived norms around IPV might drive perpetration of violence against women in southern and eastern Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based survey of all men residing in a rural parish in southwest Uganda, eliciting their endorsement of IPV in five hypothetical scenarios and their reported frequency of perpetration of violence against their wife/main partner. They also reported their perceptions about the extent to which most other men in their villages endorsed and/or perpetrated IPV, which we compared against the population data to measure the primary explanatory variable of interest: whether individuals misperceived norms around IPV. We fitted multivariable Poisson regression models specifying personal IPV endorsement and IPV perpetration as the outcomes. Overall, 765 men participated in the study (90% response rate): 182 (24%) personally endorsed IPV, and 78 of 456 partnered men (17%) reported perpetrating one or more acts of IPV at least once per month. Although most men neither endorsed nor reported perpetrating IPV, 342 (45%) men mistakenly thought that most other men in their villages endorsed IPV and 365 (48%) men mistakenly thought that most other men perpetrate IPV at least monthly. In multivariable regression models, men who misperceived most men to endorse IPV were more likely to endorse IPV themselves (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 2.44; 95% CI [1.66, 3.59]; p < .001). Among partnered men, those who misperceived IPV perpetration to be normative were more likely to perpetrate IPV themselves (aRR = 4.38; [2.53, 7.59]; p < .001). Interventions to correct misperceived norms about IPV may be a promising method for reducing violence against women in rural Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Perkins
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Viola Nyakato
- Mbarara University of Science & Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Charles Baguma
- Mbarara University of Science & Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexander C Tsai
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Quach LT, Ritchie CS, Reynolds Z, Paul R, Seeley J, Tong Y, Hoeppner S, Okello S, Nakasujja N, Olivieri-Mui B, Saylor D, Greene M, Asiimwe S, Tindimwebwa E, Atwiine F, Sentongo R, Siedner MJ, Tsai AC. HIV, Social Networks, and Loneliness among Older Adults in Uganda. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:695-704. [PMID: 38281251 PMCID: PMC10947585 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04258-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness among older adults has been identified as a major public health problem. Yet little is known about loneliness, or the potential role of social networks in explaining loneliness, among older people with HIV (PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa, where 70% of PWH reside. To explore this issue, we analyzed data from 599 participants enrolled in the Quality of Life and Ageing with HIV in Rural Uganda study, including older adults with HIV in ambulatory care and a comparator group of people without HIV of similar age and gender. The 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale was used to measure loneliness, and HIV status was the primary explanatory variable. The study found no statistically significant correlation between loneliness and HIV status. However, individuals with HIV had smaller households, less physical and financial support, and were less socially integrated compared to those without HIV. In multivariable logistic regressions, loneliness was more likely among individuals who lived alone (aOR:3.38, 95% CI:1.47-7.76) and less likely among those who were married (aOR:0.34, 95% CI:0.22-0.53) and had a higher level of social integration (aOR:0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92). Despite having smaller social networks and less support, older adults with HIV had similar levels of loneliness as those without HIV, which may be attributed to resiliency and access to HIV-related health services among individuals with HIV. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien T Quach
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Centre for Aging and Serious Illness, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- The Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, USA.
| | - Christine S Ritchie
- Centre for Aging and Serious Illness, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zahra Reynolds
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Paul
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri at St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yao Tong
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susanne Hoeppner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samson Okello
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brianne Olivieri-Mui
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deanna Saylor
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meredith Greene
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Regenstreif Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | | | - Flavia Atwiine
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Ruth Sentongo
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Perkins JM, Kakuhikire B, Baguma C, Evans CQ, Rasmussen JD, Satinsky EN, Kyokunda V, Juliet M, Ninsiima I, Bangsberg DR, Tsai AC. Cigarette smoking and misperceived norms among adults in rural Uganda: a population-based study. Tob Control 2023; 32:652-656. [PMID: 34930809 PMCID: PMC9207154 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about perceived norms about cigarette smoking in Uganda or the extent to which perceptions drive personal cigarette smoking behaviour. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2016-2018 that targeted all adults who resided within eight villages in Rwampara District, southwestern Uganda. Personal cigarette smoking frequency was elicited by self-report. We also asked participants what they believed to be the cigarette smoking frequency of most other adult men and women in their villages (i.e., perceived norms). Frequent cigarette smoking was defined as 4+ times/week. We compared perceived norms to cigarette smoking frequency reports aggregated at the village level. We used multivariable Poisson regression to estimate the association between perceived norms and personal cigarette smoking behaviour. RESULTS Among 1626 participants (91% response rate), 92 of 719 men (13%) and 6 of 907 women (0.7%) reported frequent smoking. However, 1030 (63%) incorrectly believed most men in their villages smoked cigarettes frequently. Additionally, 116 (7%) incorrectly believed that most women in their villages smoked cigarettes frequently. These misperceptions were pervasive across social strata. Men who misperceived frequent cigarette smoking as the norm among other men in their villages were more likely to smoke frequently themselves (adjusted relative risk=1.49; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.97). CONCLUSIONS Most adults overestimated cigarette smoking frequency among village peers. Men who incorrectly believed that frequent smoking was the norm were more likely to engage in frequent smoking themselves. Applying a 'social norms approach' intervention by promoting existing healthy norms may prevent smoking initiation or motivate reductions in smoking among men in rural Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Perkins
- Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bernard Kakuhikire
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Charles Baguma
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Claire Q Evans
- Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Emily N Satinsky
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Viola Kyokunda
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mercy Juliet
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Immaculate Ninsiima
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Oregon Health & Science University - Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Takada S, Krezanoski PJ, Nyakato V, Bátwala V, O'Malley AJ, Perkins JM, Tsai AC, Bangsberg DR, Christakis NA, Nishi A. Social network correlates of free and purchased insecticide-treated bed nets in rural Uganda. Malar J 2022; 21:350. [PMID: 36434632 PMCID: PMC9700953 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Uganda. Despite Uganda's efforts to distribute bed nets, only half of households have achieved the World Health Organization (WHO) Universal Coverage Criteria (one bed net for every two household members). The role of peer influence on bed net ownership remains underexplored. Data on the complete social network of households were collected in a rural parish in southwestern Uganda to estimate the association between household bed net ownership and peer household bed net ownership. METHODS Data on household sociodemographics, bed net ownership, and social networks were collected from all households across one parish in southwestern Uganda. Bed nets were categorized as either purchased or free. Purchased and free bed net ownership ratios were calculated based on the WHO Universal Coverage Criteria. Using network name generators and complete census of parish residents, the complete social network of households in the parish was generated. Linear regression models that account for network autocorrelation were fitted to estimate the association between households' bed net ownership ratios and bed net ownership ratios of network peer households, adjusting for sociodemographics and network centrality. RESULTS One thousand seven hundred forty-seven respondents were interviewed, accounting for 716 households. The median number of peer households to which a household was directly connected was 7. Eighty-six percent of households owned at least one bed net, and 41% of households met the WHO Universal Coverage Criterion. The median bed net ownership ratios were 0.67 for all bed nets, 0.33 for free bed nets, and 0.20 for purchased bed nets. In adjusted multivariable models, purchased bed net ownership ratio was associated with average household wealth among peer households (b = 0.06, 95% CI 0.03, 0.10), but not associated with average purchased bed net ownership ratio of peer households. Free bed net ownership ratio was associated with the number of children under 5 (b = 0.08, 95% CI 0.05, 0.10) and average free bed net ownership ratios of peer households (b = 0.66, 95% CI 0.46, 0.85). CONCLUSIONS Household bed net ownership was associated with bed net ownership of peer households for free bed nets, but not for purchased bed nets. The findings suggest that public health interventions may consider leveraging social networks as tools for dissemination, particularly for bed nets that are provided free of charge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Takada
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Paul J Krezanoski
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Viola Nyakato
- Mbarara University of Science & Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - A James O'Malley
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy, Clinical Practice and the Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jessica M Perkins
- Department of Human and Organizational Development Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute of Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Mbarara University of Science & Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Akihiro Nishi
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Barugahare J, Kass NE. Managing community engagement in research in Uganda: insights from practices in HIV/AIDS research. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:59. [PMID: 35701777 PMCID: PMC9199168 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00797-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community engagement (CE) in research is valuable for instrumental and intrinsic reasons. Despite existing guidance on how to ensure meaningful CE, much of what it takes to achieve this goal differs across settings. Considering the emerging trend towards mandating CE in many research studies, this study aimed at documenting how CE is conceptualized and implemented, and then providing context-specific guidance on how researchers and research regulators in Uganda could think about and manage CE in research. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews and focus group discussions involving forty-one respondents who were experienced in HIV/AIDS biomedical research involving CE. Thirty-eight of these were directly or indirectly associated with Uganda’s leading research institution in the field of HIV/AIDS. They included Principal Investigators, Community Liaisons Officers, Research Ethics Committee members and Community Advisory Board Members. Three respondents were from Uganda National Council for Science and Technology. Data were collected between August 2019 and August 2020, using audio-taped focus group discussions and key informant interviews, transcribed and analyzed manually to generate themes and subthemes. Results Three major themes emerged: goals or value of CE; the means of CE, and, the evaluation of CE. Goals or value of CE generated four subthemes representing the overarching goals of CE: (1) Promote communities’ agency; (2) Generate and sustain trust; (3) Protect and promote communities’ rights and interests; and, (4) Help studies optimize participation in the form of enrolment and retention of participants. What usually comes under the nomenclatures of methods, strategies, and approaches of CE, such as town-hall meetings, sports events, drama, and the like, should simply be understood as the means of CE, and it is not desirable to hold pre-conceived and fixed ideas about the best means to conduct CE in research since a lot depend on the context. Finally, the study found that despite CE’s critical importance, which suggests the need to track and evaluate it, CE is currently intermittently evaluated, and for inadequate motivations. Conclusions Existing guidance on how to conduct robust CE in research is no substitute for creativity, flexibility, and reflexivity on the part of both researchers and research regulators. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12910-022-00797-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Barugahare
- Department of Philosophy, Makerere University, Kampala, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Nancy E Kass
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 1809 Ashland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Perceptions About Local ART Adherence Norms and Personal Adherence Behavior Among Adults Living with HIV in Rural Uganda. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1892-1904. [PMID: 35034237 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03540-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Although misperceived norms often drive personal health behaviors, we do not know about this phenomenon in the context of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We conducted a cross-sectional study including all persons living with HIV (PLWH) on ART across eight villages in one parish in a rural region of southwestern Uganda. We used surveys to measure personal reports of ART adherence (not missing any doses of ART in the past 7 days was considered optimal adherence whereas missing doses was considered suboptimal adherence) and perceived norms about the local ART adherence norm (whether or not each individual thought 'most other PLWH on ART in this parish' missed any doses in the past 7 days). Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association between perceived norms and personal adherence. Among 159 PLWH on ART (95% response rate), 142 (89%) reported no missed doses. However, 119 (75%) thought most individuals in this population of PLWH on ART were sub-optimally adherent. This misperception about the local ART adherence norm was prevalent in every subgroup of PLWH. Misperceiving the local ART adherence norm to be sub-optimal adherence was associated with a reduced likelihood of optimal adherence among married PLWH (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-0.97). The association was similar but imprecisely estimated for all PLWH (aRR = 0.91; 95% CI 0.82-1.01). Interventions to correct misperceived ART adherence norms as a stand-alone intervention or as a complement to other adherence promotion programs may influence ART adherence behavior and perhaps reduce HIV-related stigma.
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Perkins JM, Kakuhikire B, Baguma C, Meadows M, Evans CQ, Jurinsky J, Rasmussen JD, Satinsky EN, Ayebare P, Kyokunda V, Juliet M, Bangsberg DR, Tsai AC. Perceived and misperceived norms about khat and/or cannabis use among adults in southwest Uganda. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 101:103527. [PMID: 34890907 PMCID: PMC9272912 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies from high-income contexts have found evidence that norms about substance use are misperceived. The accuracy of perceived norms about khat and cannabis use in Uganda have not previously been described. METHODS We conducted a population-based study targeting all resident adults across eight villages in southwestern Uganda. Personal khat and/or cannabis use frequency was based on self-report. We measured perceived norms about substance use by eliciting individuals' perceptions about how often most other adult men and most other adult women in their villages used these substances. We compared perceived norms to aggregated village rates of use to assess the extent to which norms were misperceived. We used multivariable Poisson regression to estimate correlates of misperceived norms. RESULTS Among 1626 participants (91% response rate), only 29 men (4%) and 9 women (1%) reported any lifetime use of khat and/or cannabis. However, 695 participants (43%) did not think lifetime abstinence was the norm among men in their villages, and 256 participants (16%) did not think lifetime abstinence was the norm among women. Moreover, 219 participants (13%) incorrectly believed most men in their village regularly used khat and/or cannabis (≥4 times per week). Misperceived norms were present across subgroups and were correlated with larger social networks, symptoms of depression, loneliness, and younger age. CONCLUSION In this study of all adults across 8 villages in rural Uganda, many participants misperceived norms about khat and/or cannabis use. Providing accurate information about prevailing norms in the local population may help prevent initiation of khat and/or cannabis use among adults in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Perkins
- Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
| | - Bernard Kakuhikire
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Charles Baguma
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Meredith Meadows
- Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Claire Q Evans
- Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Jordan Jurinsky
- Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | | | - Emily N Satinsky
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Patience Ayebare
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Viola Kyokunda
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mercy Juliet
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda; Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, 1880 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda; Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua St, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St Suite 1600, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Joseph NT, Namuli A, Kakuhikire B, Baguma C, Juliet M, Ayebare P, Ahereza P, Tsai AC, Siedner MJ, Randall TR, Ngonzi J, Boatin AA. Implementing community-based human papillomavirus self-sampling with SMS text follow-up for cervical cancer screening in rural, southwestern Uganda. J Glob Health 2021; 11:04036. [PMID: 35003710 PMCID: PMC8709902 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.04036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-collected HPV screening may improve cervical cancer screening coverage in low resource countries, yet data guiding implementation and follow-up of abnormal results are sparse. METHODS This is a prospective cohort implementation study of HPV self-testing program in Mbarara, Uganda with mobile phones to facilitate result notification and referral for treatment at a regional hospital. The effectiveness of the interventions was analyzed using Proctor's model of implementation. Women were interviewed following screening and at 6 months to assess acceptability and barriers to follow-up. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS 159 of 194 (82%) of eligible women underwent HPV self-sampling; of these, 27 (17%) returned positive for high-risk HPV subtypes. We sent SMS messages providing test results and follow-up instructions to all participants. Seventeen (63%) hrHPV-positive participants reported receiving SMS text instructions for follow-up, of whom 6 (35%) presented for follow-up. The most common reasons for not returning were: lack of transportation (n = 11), disbelief of results (n = 5), lack of childcare (n = 4), and lack of symptoms (n = 3). Confidence in test results was higher for self-screening compared to VIA (Likert score 4.8 vs 4.4, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Despite the use of SMS text-based referrals, only one-third of women presented for clinical follow-up after abnormal HPV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naima T Joseph
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Isreal Deaconness Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexcer Namuli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Charles Baguma
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mercy Juliet
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Phionah Ahereza
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas R Randall
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Ngonzi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Adeline A Boatin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Tsai AC, Kakuhikire B, Perkins JM, Downey JM, Baguma C, Satinsky EN, Gumisiriza P, Kananura J, Bangsberg DR. Normative vs personal attitudes toward persons with HIV, and the mediating role of perceived HIV stigma in rural Uganda. J Glob Health 2021; 11:04956. [PMID: 34552725 PMCID: PMC8442577 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.04056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV stigma has well-documented negative impacts on HIV testing, transmission risk behavior, initiation of and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and retention in care. We sought to assess the extent to which anticipated HIV stigma is based on misperceptions of normative attitudes toward persons with HIV, and to determine whether persons with HIV have stronger misperceptions compared with HIV-negative persons or persons of unknown serostatus. We also sought to estimate the association between normative attitudes about persons with HIV and personal attitudes about persons with HIV, and to determine the extent to which anticipated stigma mediates this association. Methods We conducted a whole-population survey of 1776 persons living in 8 rural villages in southwestern Uganda. Negative attitudes toward persons with HIV, and anticipated stigma, were measured using a newly validated 15-item scale measuring multiple dimensions of HIV stigma, including social distance, blaming attitudes, and concerns about reciprocity. We used multivariable regression to estimate the association between normative attitudes about persons with HIV and personal attitudes toward persons with HIV, and to determine the extent to which perceptions of normative attitudes (anticipated stigma) mediated this association. Results Study participants believed that negative attitudes toward persons with HIV were more pervasive than they actually are. Perceptions of the extent to which these negative attitudes are normative mediated more than one-third of the association between normative attitudes and their personal attitudes. In contrast to what we originally hypothesized, persons with HIV were less likely to misperceive these norms and perceived normative attitudes to be less stigmatizing than did others in the general population. Conclusions Interventions designed to accurately describe normative attitudes toward persons with HIV may reduce HIV stigma without directly focusing on the educational components that are typically embedded in anti-stigma interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Tsai
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Charles Baguma
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Emily N Satinsky
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Justus Kananura
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Oregon Health Sciences University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
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