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Gabrielli L, Alvim Matos SM, Luísa Patrão A, Góes EF, da Conceição C. Almeida M, M.S. Menezes G, dos-Santos-Silva I, Azevedo e Silva G, Teresa Bustamante-Teixeira M, Barreto ML, Vittal Katikireddi S, Leyland AH, Ferreira Campos L, Maria Dias Fernandes de Novaes E, de Almeida Pereira D, Rodrigues Santana E, Rodrigues Gonçalves Zeferino F, Cleide da Silva Dias A, Fernandes FG, Cristina de Oliveira Costa A, M.L. Aquino E. Do social protection programmes affect the burden of breast and cervical cancer? A systematic review. HEALTH POLICY OPEN 2024; 6:100122. [PMID: 38779080 PMCID: PMC11109333 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpopen.2024.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Socioeconomic conditions are strongly associated with breast and cervical cancer incidence and mortality patterns; therefore, social protection programmes (SPPs) might impact these cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SPPs on breast and cervical cancer outcomes and their risk/protective factors. Methods Five databases were searched for articles that assessed participation in PPS and the incidence, survival, mortality (primary outcomes), screening, staging at diagnosis and risk/protective factors (secondary outcomes) for these cancers. Only peer-reviewed quantitative studies of women receiving SPPs compared to eligible women not receiving benefits were included. Independent reviewers selected articles, assessed eligibility, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A harvest plot represents the included studies and shows the direction of effect, sample size and risk of bias. Findings Of 17,080 documents retrieved, 43 studies were included in the review. No studies evaluated the primary outcomes. They all examined the relationship between SPPs and screening, as well as risk and protective factors. The harvest plot showed that in lower risk of bias studies, participants of SPPs had lower weight and fertility, were older at sexual debut, and breastfed their infants for longer. Interpretation No studies have yet assessed the effect of SPPs on breast and cervical cancer incidence, survival, or mortality; nevertheless, the existing evidence suggests positive impacts on risk and protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia Gabrielli
- Bahia State Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, SESAB, Salvador, Brazil
- Collective Health Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Luísa Patrão
- Centre for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Science, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Emanuelle F. Góes
- Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Isabel dos-Santos-Silva
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Mauricio L. Barreto
- Collective Health Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Alastair H. Leyland
- MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luana Ferreira Campos
- Graduate Programme on Medicine and Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Estela M.L. Aquino
- Collective Health Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
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Makusha T, Gittings L. The path towards an HIV-free generation: engaging adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) in sub-Saharan Africa from lessons learned and future directions. AIDS Care 2024; 36:85-88. [PMID: 38266490 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2307391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
This paper highlights the pressing need to address the HIV epidemic among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite progress in HIV prevention, ABYM still experience low diagnosis rates, treatment adherence, and linkage to care. The paper emphasizes ABYM's vulnerability due to societal norms, limited healthcare access, and economic pressures. It calls for gender-responsive interventions, including comprehensive sexual education, youth-friendly health services, community engagement, and targeted outreach. Comprehensive sexual education is pivotal in HIV prevention for ABYM, providing them with age-appropriate sexual health knowledge and safer sexual practices to reduce HIV incidence. Harmful masculine norms must be countered to promote respectful relationships, benefiting boys, men, and their partners. Inadequate access to youth-friendly health services hampers HIV prevention. Establishing spaces with confidential, non-judgmental care offering testing, counselling, circumcision, and provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is essential, especially considering ABYM's unique clinic experiences. Engaging communities, leaders, educators, and peers combats stigma and discrimination. ABYM's input in intervention design, targeted outreach, and innovative technology enhances effectiveness of HIV prevention programmes. Economic factors should also be addressed. Comprehensive multi-sectoral interventions, including conditional cash transfers, effective for AGYW, could benefit ABYM. Addressing structural factors alongside behaviour change and social support is key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawanda Makusha
- Public Health, Societies and Belonging Division, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lesley Gittings
- School of Health Studies, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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He J, Flaxman A, Imai-Eaton JW, Aravkin A, Zheng P, Sorensen R, Mittal S, Kyu HH. Association Between Early Sexual Debut and New HIV Infections Among Adolescents and Young Adults in 11 African Countries. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2444-2453. [PMID: 38878135 PMCID: PMC11199287 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04343-w] [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: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the association between early sexual debut and HIV infection among adolescents and young adults. Analyzing data from nationally representative Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) surveys in 11 African countries, the research employed a multivariate logistic regression model to assess the relationship between the early sexual debut and new HIV infections in the age group of 10-24 years. The results revealed a significant and robust association, indicating that young individuals who experienced early sexual debut were approximately 2.65 times more likely to contract HIV than those who did not, even after accounting for other variables. These findings align with prior research suggesting that early initiation of sexual activity may increase vulnerability to HIV infection due to factors such as biological susceptibility and risky behaviors like low condom use and multiple sexual partners. The implications of these findings for HIV prevention strategies are substantial, suggesting that interventions aimed at delaying sexual debut could be an effective component in reducing HIV risk for this population. Targeted sex education programs that address the risks of early sexual debut may play a pivotal role in these prevention efforts. By employing a comprehensive approach, there is a possibility to advance efforts towards ending AIDS by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei He
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Abraham Flaxman
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Imai-Eaton
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Aleksandr Aravkin
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Peng Zheng
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Reed Sorensen
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Shachi Mittal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Hmwe H Kyu
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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Groves AK, Gebrekristos LT, Stoner MCD, Gómez-Olivé FX, Kahn K, Pettifor AE. Assessing the durability of a cash transfer on physical intimate partner violence and sexual relationships among adolescent girls and young women in rural South Africa. Soc Sci Med 2024; 350:116948. [PMID: 38728977 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cash transfers can reduce adolescent girls and young women's (AGYW) risk of intimate partner violence (IPV). In our own cash transfer intervention (HPTN 068), AGYW who received a cash transfer were less likely to experience IPV than non-recipients, in part because the cash reduced their engagement in sexual partnerships. This mixed-methods study builds on earlier findings to examine whether the protective effects were sustained after the cash ended and when the cash transfer was the most impactful. METHODS HPTN 068 was an experimental HIV prevention intervention trial. AGYW who participated completed 3 annual surveys during the intervention and an additional survey 2.5 years post-intervention. We used log-binomial regression models to assess the durability of the cash transfer on outcomes and included an interaction term in models to examine when effects were largest. We analyzed qualitative interviews conducted after the cash ended to contextualize findings. RESULTS Post-intervention, the relative risk of physical IPV was lower among AGYW who received it compared to those who did not, but not statistically significant (RR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.62, 1.10). AGYW who received the cash transfer also had a lower relative risk of ever having had sex and of having any sexual partner in the last 12 months (RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.01; RR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99, respectively). The protective effect of the cash transfer on physical IPV was highest in Years 1 and 2 (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.55-0.75 and RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.55-0.77, respectively). Qualitative data corroborated the quantitative findings. CONCLUSION The cash transfer reduced AGYW's risk of IPV, though effects were attenuated after the cash ended. Provision of cash during adolescence - a period when AGYW are highly susceptible to IPV and HIV - may empower them in their current relationship and yield long term health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Groves
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Luwam T Gebrekristos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marie C D Stoner
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - F Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Audrey E Pettifor
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Silva AF, Dourado I, Lua I, Jesus GS, Guimarães NS, Morais GAS, Anderle RVR, Pescarini JM, Machado DB, Santos CAST, Ichihara MY, Barreto ML, Magno L, Souza LE, Macinko J, Rasella D. Income determines the impact of cash transfers on HIV/AIDS: cohort study of 22.7 million Brazilians. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1307. [PMID: 38346964 PMCID: PMC10861499 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44975-z] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Living with extremely low-income is an important risk factor for HIV/AIDS and can be mitigated by conditional cash transfers. Using a cohort of 22.7 million low-income individuals during 9 years, we evaluated the effects of the world's largest conditional cash transfer, the Programa Bolsa Família, on HIV/AIDS-related outcomes. Exposure to Programa Bolsa Família was associated with reduced AIDS incidence by 41% (RR:0.59; 95%CI:0.57-0.61), mortality by 39% (RR:0.61; 95%CI:0.57-0.64), and case fatality rates by 25% (RR:0.75; 95%CI:0.66-0.85) in the cohort, and Programa Bolsa Família effects were considerably stronger among individuals of extremely low-income [reduction of 55% for incidence (RR:0.45, 95% CI:0.42-0.47), 54% mortality (RR:0.46, 95% CI:0.42-0.49), and 37% case-fatality (RR:0.63, 95% CI:0.51 -0.76)], decreasing gradually until having no effect in individuals with higher incomes. Similar effects were observed on HIV notification. Programa Bolsa Família impact was also stronger among women and adolescents. Several sensitivity and triangulation analyses demonstrated the robustness of the results. Conditional cash transfers can significantly reduce AIDS morbidity and mortality in extremely vulnerable populations and should be considered an essential intervention to achieve AIDS-related sustainable development goals by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa F Silva
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
- Center for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Inês Dourado
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Iracema Lua
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
- Center for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Gabriela S Jesus
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Nathalia S Guimarães
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Gabriel A S Morais
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo V R Anderle
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Julia M Pescarini
- Center for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Daiane B Machado
- Center for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carlos A S T Santos
- Center for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Maria Y Ichihara
- Center for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Mauricio L Barreto
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
- Center for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Laio Magno
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Life Sciences, State University of Bahia (UNEB), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Luis E Souza
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - James Macinko
- Departments of Health Policy and Management and Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Davide Rasella
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil.
- Center for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil.
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Rogers K, Le Kirkegaard R, Wamoyi J, Grooms K, Essajee S, Palermo T. Systematic review of cash plus or bundled interventions targeting adolescents in Africa to reduce HIV risk. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:239. [PMID: 38245689 PMCID: PMC10799364 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17565-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV remains a leading cause of death for adolescents and young people aged 10-24 years. HIV prevention requires multisectoral approaches that target adolescents and young people, addressing HIV risk pathways (e.g., transactional sex, gender-based violence, and school attendance) through bundled interventions that combine economic strengthening, health capabilities, and gender equality education. However, best practices are unknown because evidence on multisectoral programming targeted to adolescents and combining these components has not been systematically reviewed. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to summarize the evidence on bundled interventions combining health and economic strengthening components for adolescents and young people and their effects on HIV/STI incidence and risk factors. We included studies from Africa published between 2005 and 2023, combining at least one economic strengthening and one health component, directed toward adolescents and young people aged 10-24 years. Included studies measured programmatic impacts on primary outcomes: HIV and STI incidence/prevalence; and mediators as secondary outcomes: sexual behaviours, sexual and reproductive health, school attendance, health-seeking behaviours, and violence. We conducted key word searches in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, imported titles/abstracts from the initial search, and reviewed them using the inclusion criteria. Full texts of selected articles were reviewed and information was extracted for analysis. Findings from the full texts identified were summarized. RESULTS We reviewed 58 studies, including 43 quantitative studies and 15 qualitative studies, evaluating 26 unique interventions. A majority of studies reviewed were conducted in Eastern and Southern Africa. Interventions reviewed showed a greater number of significant results in improving economic outcomes; mental health and psychosocial outcomes; sexual and reproductive health knowledge and services utilization; and HIV prevention knowledge and testing. They showed fewer significant results in improving outcomes related to HIV incidence/prevalence; sexual risk behaviours; gender-based violence; gender attitudes; education; STI incidence, prevalence and testing; and sexual debut. CONCLUSIONS Our review demonstrated the potential for bundled, multisectoral interventions for preventing HIV and facilitating safe transitions to adulthood. Findings have implications for designing HIV sensitive programmes on a larger scale, including how interventions may need to address multiple strata of the social ecological model to achieve success in the prevention of HIV and related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Rogers
- Policy Research Solutions LLC and University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | | | - Joyce Wamoyi
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Kaley Grooms
- Policy Research Solutions LLC and University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Tia Palermo
- Policy Research Solutions LLC and University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Flaxman S, Kasonka L, Cluver L, Souza AS, Nelson CA, Blenkinsop A, Unwin HJT, Hillis S. List child dependents on death certificates. Science 2023; 380:467. [PMID: 37141363 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh8784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
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Mlay JP, Jamieson L, Ntlantsana V, Naidu T, Bhengu BS, Paruk S, Burns JK, Chiliza B, Lessells R, Tomita A. Developing and testing unconditional cash transfer strategies among young adults with first-episode psychosis in South Africa: a study protocol for a pilot randomised control trial (PRS-FEP trial). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e067026. [PMID: 36576187 PMCID: PMC9723892 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Access to mental health services is a challenge, especially for young people who are over-represented in the unemployment and poverty index in South Africa. Therefore, continuing care is a problem after hospital discharge for young people with first-episode psychosis (FEP) due to a lack of clinical engagement and follow-up, for which they need support, including financial, to improve their outcomes. This pilot randomised control trial (RCT) aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of financial support, in the form of an unconditional cash transfer (UCT), among young patients with FEP to prevent relapse. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study will use a 1:1 ratio two-arm open-label pilot RCT of 60 young participants (18-29 years) with FEP in remission, who will be recruited from specialised psychiatric facilities in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. This study will implement an UCT and assess its feasibility, acceptability and preliminary clinical outcomes (ie, medication adherence, relapse, quality of life, personal and social function). The follow-up time will be 3 months, the outcomes being measured at baseline, months 1 and 3. Descriptive and conventional content analysis will be done for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study obtained provisional approval from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee at the University of KwaZulu-Natal(#BREC/00004117/2022). Also is registered on the South African National clinical trial registry (#DOH-27-092022-5894) and approved by the KwaZulu-Natal department of health (#NHRD Ref: KZ_2002209_033). The results from this investigation will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications, conference presentations and stakeholder engagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DOH-27-092022-5894.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Protas Mlay
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Lise Jamieson
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Vuyokazi Ntlantsana
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Thirusha Naidu
- Discipline of Behavioural Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal School of Nursing and Public Health, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Busisiwe Siphumelele Bhengu
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Saeeda Paruk
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Jonathan K Burns
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Bonginkosi Chiliza
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Richard Lessells
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Andrew Tomita
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Ranganathan M, Quinones S, Palermo T, Gilbert U, Kajula L, Quinones S, Kajula L, de Hoop J, Prencipe L, Groppo V, Tirivayi N, Waidler J, Nkolo JC, Mitti R, Mallet M, Munanka B, Luchemba P, Lukongo TM, Mulokozi A, Gilbert U, van Ufford PQ, Le Kirkegaard R, Eetaama F, Matafu J, Angemi D, Natali L. Transactional sex among adolescent girls and young women enrolled in a cash plus intervention in rural Tanzania: a mixed-methods study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26038. [PMID: 36451279 PMCID: PMC9712808 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transactional sex or material exchange for sex is associated with HIV infection among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa. The motivations for engaging in transactional sex vary from the fulfilment of basic needs, to enhancing social status or for romantic reasons with the expectation that men should provide. Transactional sex is also associated with HIV risk behaviours, such as multiple sexual partners and other determinants of HIV risk, including partner violence and abuse, alcohol consumption and inconsistent condom use. METHODS We use data from a mixed-method, cluster randomised controlled trial of the Ujana Salama cash "plus" intervention in rural Tanzania. The data are from the first and third rounds of data collection (2017-2019). The impact evaluation consisted of a parallel mixed-methods design where the quantitative and qualitative data collection occurred simultaneously, and integration of the findings was done during the discussion. We first examine contextual factors associated with transactional sex using multivariable logistic regression models and then estimate whether the "plus" intervention reduced transactional sex among adolescent girls and young women using analysis of covariance. We used thematic content analysis for analysing qualitative transcripts. RESULTS The prevalence of transactional sex among unmarried adolescent girls and young women at round 3 was 26%. Findings show that increasing age is a risk factor for transactional sex (OR = 1.80; 95% CI: [1.50, 2.17]), staying in school was negatively associated with engagement in transactional sex (OR = 0.24; 95% CI: [0.14, 0.40]). The cash plus intervention showed no impacts on reducing transactional sex (β = 0.003, p = 0.905). CONCLUSIONS The mechanisms of impact for a cash plus intervention on transactional sex are complex; economic insecurity is an important driver of transactional sex and HIV infection, but psychosocial factors and gendered social norms need consideration in intervention development. Our findings suggest that combination prevention interventions to address the structural drivers of HIV infection should focus on efforts to increase school enrolment and completion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Quinones
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental HealthUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew YorkUSA
| | - Tia Palermo
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental HealthUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Lusajo Kajula
- UNICEF Office of Research—InnocentiDar es SalaamTanzania
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Richterman A, Thirumurthy H. The effects of cash transfer programmes on HIV-related outcomes in 42 countries from 1996 to 2019. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:1362-1371. [PMID: 35851840 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01414-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Many countries have introduced cash transfer programmes as part of their poverty reduction and social protection strategies. These programmes have the potential to overcome drivers of HIV risk behaviours and usage of HIV services, but their overall effects on HIV-related outcomes remain unknown. Here we evaluate the effects of cash transfer programmes covering >5% of the impoverished population on country- and individual-level HIV-related outcomes in 42 countries with generalized epidemics. Cash transfer programmes were associated with a lower probability of sexually transmitted infections among females (odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50-0.91; P = 0.01), a higher probability of recent HIV testing among females (odds ratio, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.15-5.88; P = 0.02) and among males (odds ratio, 3.19; 95% CI, 2.45-4.15; P < 0.001), a reduction in new HIV infections (incidence rate ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99; P = 0.03) and delayed improvements in antiretroviral coverage (3%; 95% CI, 0.3-5.7 at year 2; P = 0.03) and AIDS-related deaths (incidence rate ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-0.99 at year 2; P = 0.03). Anti-poverty programmes can play a greater role in achieving global targets for HIV prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Richterman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Harsha Thirumurthy
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Burchett HED, Kneale D, Griffin S, de Melo M, Picardo JJ, French RS. Which Structural Interventions for Adolescent Contraceptive Use Have Been Evaluated in Low- and Middle-Income Countries? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11715. [PMID: 36141987 PMCID: PMC9517431 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Reducing adolescent childbearing is a global priority, and enabling contraceptive use is one means of achieving this. Upstream factors, e.g., gender inequalities, fertility norms, poverty, empowerment and schooling, can be major factors affecting contraceptive use. We conducted a systematic map to understand which structural adolescent contraception interventions targeting these upstream factors have been evaluated in LMICs. We searched eight academic databases plus relevant websites and a 2016 evidence gap map and screened references based on set inclusion criteria. We screened 6993 references and included 40 unique intervention evaluations, reported in 138 papers. Seventeen evaluations were reported only in grey literature. Poverty reduction/economic empowerment interventions were the most common structural intervention, followed by interventions to increase schooling (e.g., through legislation or cash transfers) and those aiming to change social norms. Half of the evaluations were RCTs. There was variation in the timing of endline outcome data collection and the outcome measures used. A range of structural interventions have been evaluated for their effect on adolescent contraceptive use/pregnancy. These interventions, and their evaluations, are heterogenous in numerous ways. Improved understandings of how structural interventions work, as well as addressing evaluation challenges, are needed to facilitate progress in enabling adolescent contraceptive use in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Elizabeth Denise Burchett
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Dylan Kneale
- EPPI-Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, London WC1H 0NR, UK
| | - Sally Griffin
- International Center for Reproductive Health: Mozambique, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Málica de Melo
- International Center for Reproductive Health: Mozambique, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Rebecca S. French
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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Hegdahl HK, Musonda P, Svanemyr J, Zulu JM, Grønvik T, Jacobs C, Sandøy IF. Effects of economic support, comprehensive sexuality education and community dialogue on sexual behaviour: Findings from a cluster-RCT among adolescent girls in rural Zambia. Soc Sci Med 2022; 306:115125. [PMID: 35724585 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent girls in Sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. We present findings from a cluster-randomised trial in rural Zambia on the effects of economic support, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and community dialogue on sexual activity, contraceptive use and beliefs among adolescent girls. We recruited 157 schools in 2016, and all girls in grade 7 were invited to participate. Schools were randomised to either economic support, combined economic support, CSE and community dialogue, or control. Economic support consisted of unconditional cash transfers to girls and their guardians, and payment of school fees for girls continuing to grades eight and nine. CSE and community dialogue meetings focused on practices around girls' fertility, marriage and education. The interventions lasted two years from 2016 to 2018, with follow-up for another two years. The effects on outcomes were measured in 2018 and 2019 and compared using generalised estimating equations. We found that economic support lowered sexual activity (risk ratio (RR) 0.70; 95% C.I. 0.54 to 0.91), with a small added benefit of CSE and community dialogue. Economic support and the additional CSE and community dialogue were effective in lowering unprotected sexual activity (RR 0.53 for combined support vs. control; 95% C.I. 0.37 to 0.75). There was no evidence of intervention effects on contraceptive use among those ever sexually active, but the addition of CSE and community dialogue improved contraceptive use among those recently sexually active (RR 1.26; 95% C.I. 1.06 to 1.50) and knowledge regarding contraceptives (RR 1.18; 95% C.I. 1.01 to 1.38) compared to economic support alone. Perceived community support regarding contraceptives was lower in both intervention arms compared to the control. These findings indicate that economic support in combination with CSE and community dialogue can improve the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Keyser Hegdahl
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21 (Overlege Danielsens Hus), 5006, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Patrick Musonda
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joar Svanemyr
- Chr. Michelsen Institute, P.O. Box 6033, N-5892, Bergen, Norway
| | - Joseph Mumba Zulu
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Taran Grønvik
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21 (Overlege Danielsens Hus), 5006, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Choolwe Jacobs
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ingvild Fossgard Sandøy
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21 (Overlege Danielsens Hus), 5006, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
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Access to Social Protection by People Living with, at Risk of, or Affected by HIV in Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia: Results from Population-Based HIV Impact Assessments. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3068-3078. [PMID: 35316470 PMCID: PMC8938650 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03645-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to measure social protection coverage among the general population, women and men living with HIV (WLHIV, MLHV), female and male sex workers (FSW, MSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), adolescent girls young women (AGYW), and orphans vulnerable children (OVC) in Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. We used Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment data. We operationalised social protection benefits as external economic support from private and public sources to the household in the last three or 12 months. We estimated survey-weighted proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each population receiving social protection benefits. The sample size ranged from 10,233 adults ages 15-59 years in Eswatini to 29,638 in Tanzania. In the surveyed countries, social protection coverage among the general population was lower than the global average of 45%, ranging from 7.7% (95% CI 6.7%-8.8%) in Zambia to 39.6% (95% CI 36.8%-42.5%) in Eswatini. In Malawi and Zambia, social protection coverage among OVC, AGYW, SW, MSM, and people living with HIV (PLHIV) was similar to the general population. In Eswatini, more AGWY reported receiving social projection benefits than older women and more men not living with HIV reported receiving social protection benefits than MLHIV. In Tanzania, more WLHIV than women not living with HIV, MLHIV than men not living with HIV, and FSW than women who were not sex workers reported receiving social protection benefits. More data on access to social protection benefits by PLHIV or affected by HIV are needed to estimate better their social protection coverage.
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Waidler J, Gilbert U, Mulokozi A, Palermo T. A "Plus" Model for Safe Transitions to Adulthood: Impacts of an Integrated Intervention Layered onto A National Social Protection Program on Sexual Behavior and Health Seeking among Tanzania's Youth. Stud Fam Plann 2022; 53:233-258. [PMID: 35315072 DOI: 10.1111/sifp.12190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Poverty is a structural driver of risky sexual behaviors. While cash transfers can mitigate some of this risk, complementary interventions have been posited as a way to further reduce multidimensional vulnerability. We examine the impacts of a multicomponent intervention targeted to Tanzanian adolescents on their sexual behaviors and reproductive health. The intervention comprised livelihood and life skills training, mentoring, and health facilities' strengthening. Data come from a cluster randomized controlled trial, where one study arm received the intervention and the other was randomized to control, but both arms participated in a government cash transfer program. Among 1,933 adolescents interviewed over three rounds, we found increases in contraceptive and HIV knowledge. The program also increased health seeking and HIV testing among boys, but slightly reduced age at sexual debut among girls. There were no impacts on contraceptive use, number of sexual partners, or pregnancy. Findings support the value of an adolescent intervention, and the fact that it was delivered within a social protection platform suggests a potential for scalability. Additional efforts are required to delay sexual debut and reduce the number of sexual partners and pregnancy, possibly through addressing supply-side barriers and social norms, or through additional linkages to economic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Waidler
- UNICEF Office of Research-Innocenti, Via degli Alfani 58 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Ulrike Gilbert
- UNICEF Tanzania, Karume Road, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Aroldia Mulokozi
- Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Tia Palermo
- Department of Epidemiology at Environmental Health, University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14214-8001, USA
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Austrian K, Soler-Hampejsek E, Kangwana B, Wado YD, Abuya B, Maluccio JA. Impacts of two-year multisectoral cash plus programs on young adolescent girls' education, health and economic outcomes: Adolescent Girls Initiative-Kenya (AGI-K) randomized trial. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2159. [PMID: 34819047 PMCID: PMC8613919 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early adolescence is a critical window for intervention when it is possible to lay a foundation for a safe transition to adulthood, before negative outcomes occur. The Adolescent Girls Initiative–Kenya randomized trial tested the effects of combinations of interventions for young adolescent girls in two sites – the Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi and rural Wajir County in the Northeastern region. Methods The interventions included community dialogues on the role and value of girls (violence prevention), a conditional cash transfer (education), weekly group meetings for girls with health and life skills training (health), and training and incentives for financial literacy and savings activities (wealth creation). Participants were randomized to one of four study arms: 1) violence prevention only, 2) violence prevention and education, 3) violence prevention, education and health or 4) violence prevention, education, health and wealth creation. An intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis was conducted using longitudinal data to estimate the impact of each combination of interventions and various sensitivity analyses conducted addressing potential attrition bias and multiple hypothesis testing concerns. Results In Kibera, the education conditional cash transfer had small effects on grade attainment but larger impacts on completion of primary school and the transition to secondary school in the most comprehensive arm; the health intervention improved sexual and reproductive health knowledge and condom self-efficacy; and the wealth intervention improved financial literacy and savings behavior. In Wajir, the education conditional cash transfer increased school enrollment and grade attainment, and the wealth intervention improved savings behavior. Conclusions The results indicate that when trying to improve a range of outcomes related to adolescent wellbeing for young girls, a multisectoral intervention with components addressing household economic constraints is a promising approach. Trial registration Trial Registry: ISRCTN, ISRCTN77455458. Registered 24/12/2015 - Retrospectively registered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12224-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Austrian
- Population Council, Avenue 5, 3rd Floor, Rose Avenue, PO Box 17643-00500, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | | | - Beth Kangwana
- Population Council, Avenue 5, 3rd Floor, Rose Avenue, PO Box 17643-00500, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Yohannes Dibaba Wado
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benta Abuya
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, 2nd Floor, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John A Maluccio
- Department of Economics, Middlebury College, 14 Old Chapel Road, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA
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Ngayo MO, Oluka M, Bulimo WD, Okalebo FA. Association between social psychological status and efavirenz and nevirapine plasma concentration among HIV patients in Kenya. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22071. [PMID: 34764325 PMCID: PMC8585942 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01345-9] [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: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-related stigma, lack of disclosure and social support are still hindrances to HIV testing, care, and prevention. We assessed the association of these social-psychological statuses with nevirapine (NVP) and efavirenz (EFV) plasma concentrations among HIV patients in Kenya. Blood samples were obtained from 254 and 312 consenting HIV patients on NVP- and EFV-based first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART), respectively, and a detailed structured questionnaire was administered. The ARV plasma concentration was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). There were 68.1% and 65.4% of the patients on NVP and EFV, respectively, who did not feel guilty for being HIV positive. The disclosure rates were approximately 96.1% and 94.6% of patients on NVP and EFV, respectively. Approximately 85% and 78.2% of patients on NVP and EFV, respectively, received social support as much as needed. There were 54.3% and 14.2% compared to 31.7% and 4.5% patients on NVP and EFV, respectively, with supratherapeutic and suboptimal plasma concentrations. Multivariate quantile regression analysis showed that feeling guilty for being HIV positive was associated with increased 954 ng/mL NVP plasma concentrations (95% CI 192.7 to 2156.6; p = 0.014) but not associated with EFV plasma concentrations (adjusted β = 347.7, 95% CI = - 153.4 to 848.7; p = 0.173). Feeling worthless for being HIV positive was associated with increased NVP plasma concentrations (adjusted β = 852, 95% CI = 64.3 to 1639.7; p = 0.034) and not with EFV plasma concentrations (adjusted β = - 143.3, 95% CI = - 759.2 to 472.5; p = 0.647). Being certain of telling the primary sexual partner about HIV-positive status was associated with increased EFV plasma concentrations (adjusted β 363, 95% CI, 97.9 to 628.1; p = 0.007) but not with NVP plasma concentrations (adjusted β = 341.5, 95% CI = - 1357 to 2040; p = 0.692). Disclosing HIV status to neighbors was associated with increased NVP plasma concentrations (adjusted β = 1731, 95% CI = 376 to 3086; p = 0.012) but not with EFV plasma concentrations (adjusted β = - 251, 95% CI = - 1714.1 to 1212.1; p = 0.736). Obtaining transportation to the hospital whenever needed was associated with a reduction in NVP plasma concentrations (adjusted β = - 1143.3, 95% CI = - 1914.3 to - 372.4; p = 0.004) but not with EFV plasma concentrations (adjusted β = - 6.6, 95% CI = - 377.8 to 364.7; p = 0.972). HIV stigma, lack disclosure and inadequate social support are still experienced by HIV-infected patients in Kenya. A significant proportion of patients receiving the NVP-based regimen had supra- and subtherapeutic plasma concentrations compared to EFV. Social-psychological factors negatively impact adherence and are associated with increased NVP plasma concentration compared to EFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musa Otieno Ngayo
- Centre of Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Complex off Ngong Road Box, Nairobi, 19464-00202, Kenya. .,Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Margaret Oluka
- grid.10604.330000 0001 2019 0495Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wallace Dimbuson Bulimo
- grid.10604.330000 0001 2019 0495Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Faith Apolot Okalebo
- grid.10604.330000 0001 2019 0495Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Stoner MCD, Edwards JK, Westreich D, Kilburn K, Ahern J, Lippman SA, Gómez-Olivé FX, Kahn K, Pettifor A. Modeling Cash Plus Other Psychosocial and Structural Interventions to Prevent HIV Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa (HPTN 068). AIDS Behav 2021; 25:133-143. [PMID: 33475905 PMCID: PMC8292433 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Poverty alleviation programs can reduce HIV incidence but may have greater impacts when combined with other psychosocial interventions. We modeled the change in HIV incidence among South African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) associated with combining a cash transfer (the South African Child Support Grant (CSG)) with other structural and behavioral interventions. We modeled observational data from the HPTN 068 study where 2328 HIV negative AGYW (13–20 years) were followed for 4 years. In a Monte Carlo simulation based on this cohort (N = 10,000), CSG receipt was not independently associated with HIV incidence. Providing the CSG combined with increasing caregiver care and reducing adolescent depression had the largest reduction in HIV incidence with the fewest number of combined interventions (RD − 3.0%; (95% CI − 5.1%, − 0.9%). Combining a monthly grant with interventions to increase caregiver care and reduce adolescent depression could substantially reduce HIV incidence above the provision of cash alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C D Stoner
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Jessie K Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Westreich
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NY, USA
| | - Kelly Kilburn
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Ahern
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Sheri A Lippman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - F Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NY, USA
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Prencipe L, Houweling TAJ, van Lenthe FJ, Palermo T. Do Conditional Cash Transfers Improve Mental Health? Evidence From Tanzania's Governmental Social Protection Program. J Adolesc Health 2021; 69:797-805. [PMID: 34256993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cash transfer interventions broadly improve the lives of the vulnerable, making them exceedingly popular. However, evidence of impacts on mental health is limited, particularly for conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs. We examined the impacts of Tanzania's government-run CCT program on depressive symptoms of youth aged 14-28. METHODS We utilized cluster randomized controlled trial data of 84 communities (48 intervention; 36 control). The intervention administered bimonthly CCTs to eligible households, while control communities were assigned to delayed intervention. The analysis included youth with measurements of depression (10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) at baseline and 18 months later. We determined impacts using analysis of covariance models, adjusting for youth characteristics (including baseline depression), district-level fixed effects, and community-level random effects. Differential effects by sex and baseline social support were also estimated. RESULTS Although no evidence was found to suggest that the intervention impacted depressive symptoms among the full sample (n = 880) (effect -.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] -.88 to .48, p = .562), subsample results indicated that depressive symptoms were reduced 1.5 points among males (95% CI -2.56 to -.04, p = .007) and increased 1.1 points among females (95% CI .11-2.09, p = .029). Females 18+ years old (effect 1.55, 95% CI .27-2.83, p = .018) and females with children (effect 1.32, 95% CI -.13 to 2.78, p = .074) drove this negative impact. Social support did not moderate impacts. CONCLUSIONS Despite no overall intervention effects, results suggest that receiving a CCT has differential effects on mental health by sex. Although males benefited from the intervention, conditions which rely on stereotypically female roles may result in negative consequences among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Prencipe
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Tanja A J Houweling
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J van Lenthe
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tia Palermo
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
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Stoner MCD, Kilburn K, Godfrey-Faussett P, Ghys P, Pettifor AE. Cash transfers for HIV prevention: A systematic review. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003866. [PMID: 34843468 PMCID: PMC8668130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the success of cash programs in improving health outcomes and addressing upstream drivers of HIV risk such as poverty and education, there has been an increasing interest in their potential to improve HIV prevention and care outcomes. Recent reviews have documented the impacts of structural interventions on HIV prevention, but evidence about the effects of cash transfer programs on HIV prevention has not been systematically reviewed for several years. METHODS AND FINDINGS We did a systematic review of published and unpublished literature to update and summarize the evidence around cash programs for HIV prevention from January 2000 to December 17, 2020. We included studies with either a cash transfer intervention, savings program, or program to reduce school costs. Included studies measured the program's impact on HIV infection, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or sexual behaviors. We screened 1,565 studies and examined 78 in full-text review to identify a total of 45 peer-reviewed publications and reports from 27 different interventions or populations. We did not do a meta-analysis given the range of outcomes and types of cash transfer interventions assessed. Most studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa (N = 23; South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, Lesotho, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and eSwatini) followed by Mexico (N = 2), the United States (N = 1), and Mongolia (N = 1)). Of the 27 studies, 20 (72%) were randomized trials, 5 (20%) were observational studies, 1 (4%) was a case-control study, and 1 (4%) was quasi-experimental. Most studies did not identify a strong association between the program and sexual behaviors, except sexual debut (10/18 finding an association; 56%). Eight of the 27 studies included HIV biomarkers, but only 3 found a large reduction in HIV incidence or prevalence, and the rest found no statistically significant association. Of the studies that identified a statistically significant association with other STIs (N = 4/8), 2 involved incentives for staying free of the STI, and the other 2 were cash transfer programs for adolescent girls that had conditionalities related to secondary schooling. Study limitations include the small number of studies in key populations and examining interventions to reduce school costs and matched saving programs. CONCLUSIONS The evidence base for large-scale impacts of cash transfers reducing HIV risk is limited; however, government social protection cash transfer programs and programs that incentivize school attendance among adolescent girls and young women show the greatest promise for HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C. D. Stoner
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Women’s Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kelly Kilburn
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Audrey E. Pettifor
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Packel L, Fahey C, Kalinjila A, Mnyippembe A, Njau P, McCoy SI. Preparing a financial incentive program to improve retention in HIV care and viral suppression for scale: using an implementation science framework to evaluate an mHealth system in Tanzania. Implement Sci Commun 2021; 2:109. [PMID: 34556176 PMCID: PMC8461932 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-021-00214-w] [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: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral suppression is key to ending the HIV epidemic, yet only 58% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa are suppressed. Cash transfers are an effective strategy to improve retention in care, but little is known about optimization of implementation; for example, designing effective programs that integrate into existing clinic workflows. We studied implementation of an mHealth system to deliver cash transfers to support retention. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods study assessing implementation of an mHealth cash transfer study. This was part of a larger, hybrid implementation-effectiveness randomized controlled trial evaluating cash transfers conditional on visit attendance for viral suppression among Tanzanian PLHIV initiating ART. An mHealth system using fingerprint identification and mobile payments was used to automatically disburse mobile money to eligible PLHIV. We used Proctor's framework, assessing implementation of the mHealth system from the perspectives of PLHIV and clinicians. We analyzed mHealth system data and conducted surveys (n = 530) and in-depth interviews (n = 25) with PLHIV, clinic and pharmacy staff (n = 10), and structured clinic observations (n = 2293 visits). RESULTS One thousand six hundred fifty-one cash transfers were delivered to 346 PLHIV in the cash arms, 78% through mobile money. Among those in the cash arms, 81% registered their mobile money account with the mHealth system by study end, signaling high adoption. While acceptability for fingerprinting and mobile payments was high among PLHIV, interviews revealed mixed views: some had privacy concerns while others felt the system was secure and accurate, and provided some legitimacy to the clinical visits. Pharmacists praised system efficiency, but concerns about duplicative recordkeeping and added work arose. Clinic staff voiced excitement for the system's potential to bring the cash program to all patients and simplify workflows; yet concerns about multiple systems, staffing, and intermittent connectivity tempered enthusiasm, highlighting structural issues beyond program scope. Structured observations revealed a steep learning curve; repeat fingerprint scans and manual entry declined as the system improved. CONCLUSIONS Biometric identification and mobile payments were acceptable to most patients and staff. Fingerprinting encountered some feasibility limitations in the first months of testing; however, mobile payments were highly successful. Biometric identification and mobile payments may provide a scalable mechanism to improve patient tracking and efficiently implement financial incentives in low-resource settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION Name of the registry: clinicaltrials.gov Trial registration number: NCT03351556 Date of registration: 11/24/2017 Checklists: StaRI (included with submission). Note CONSORT for cluster-randomized trials was used for the main trial but is not directly applicable to this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Packel
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Carolyn Fahey
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Prosper Njau
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,National AIDS Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Sandra I McCoy
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Braitstein P, DeLong A, Ayuku D, Ott M, Atwoli L, Galárraga O, Sang E, Hogan J. Association of Care Environment With HIV Incidence and Death Among Orphaned, Separated, and Street-Connected Children and Adolescents in Western Kenya. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2125365. [PMID: 34529063 PMCID: PMC8446813 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.25365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In 2015, there were nearly 140 million orphaned children globally, particularly in low- and middle-income regions, and millions more for whom the street is central to their everyday lives. A total of 16.6 million children were orphaned because of deaths associated with HIV/AIDS, of whom 90% live in sub-Saharan Africa. Although most orphaned and separated children and adolescents in this region are cared for by extended family, the large number of children requiring care has produced a proliferation of institutional care. Few studies have investigated the association between care environment and physical health among orphaned and separated youths in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of care environment with incident HIV and death among orphaned and separated children and adolescents who were living in charitable children's institutions, family-based settings, and street settings in western Kenya over almost 10 years. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Orphaned and Separated Children's Assessments Related to Their Health and Well-Being (OSCAR) project was an observational prospective cohort study conducted in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The cohort comprised 2551 orphaned, separated, and street-connected children from communities within 8 administrative locations, which included 300 randomly selected households (family-based settings) caring for children who were orphaned from all causes, 19 charitable children's institutions (institutional settings), and a convenience sample of 100 children who were practicing self-care on the streets (street settings). Participants were enrolled from May 31, 2010, to April 24, 2013, and were followed up until November 30, 2019. EXPOSURES Care environment (family-based, institutional, or street setting). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Survival regression models were used to investigate the association between care environment and incident HIV, death, and time to incident HIV or death. RESULTS Among 2551 participants, 1230 youths were living in family-based settings, 1230 were living in institutional settings, and 91 were living in street settings. Overall, 1321 participants (51.8%) were male, with a mean (SD) age at baseline of 10.4 (4.8) years. Most participants who were living in institutional (1047 of 1230 youths [85.1%]) or street (71 of 91 youths [78.0%]) settings were double orphaned (ie, both parents had died). A total of 59 participants acquired HIV infection or died during the study period. After adjusting for sex, age, and baseline HIV status, living in a charitable children's institution was not associated with death (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07-1.02) or incident HIV (AHR, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.46-4.83). Compared with living in a family-based setting, living in a street setting was associated with death (AHR, 5.46; 95% CI, 2.30-12.94), incident HIV (AHR, 17.31; 95% CI, 5.85-51.25), and time to incident HIV or death (AHR, 7.82; 95% CI, 3.48-17.55). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, after adjusting for potential confounders, no association was found between care environment and HIV incidence or death among youths living in institutional vs family-based settings. However, living in a street setting vs a family-based setting was associated with both HIV incidence and death. This study's findings suggest that strengthening of child protection systems and greater investment in evidence-based family support systems that improve child and adolescent health and prevent youth migration to the street are needed for safe and beneficial deinstitutionalization to be implemented at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Braitstein
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Program, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Allison DeLong
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - David Ayuku
- Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Mary Ott
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis
| | - Lukoye Atwoli
- Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
- Dean’s Office, Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Omar Galárraga
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Edwin Sang
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Program, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Joseph Hogan
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
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22
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Banati P, Idele P. Addressing the Mental and Emotional Health Impacts of COVID-19 on Children and Adolescents: Lessons From HIV/AIDS. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:589827. [PMID: 34239454 PMCID: PMC8257927 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.589827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to lasting mental health and psychosocial consequences just as were experienced with the HIV epidemic. A rapid review of published systematic reviews on HIV/AIDS and mental health outcomes and responses among children and adolescents was used to identify lessons for the COVID-19 pandemic response. The review found that HIV/AIDS responses to promote mental health, prevent ill-health and treat mental health conditions included diverse interventions at the structural or national, community, household and individual levels. Some of these responses can be easily replicated, others require substantial adaptation, and some can inform development of new innovative offline and online responses to mitigate impact of COVID-19 on mental health of children and adolescents. Programs that mitigate economic impacts including child grants, income generating activities for caregivers, food distribution, health care vouchers, and other economic empowerment interventions can be replicated with minor adjustments. Helplines for vulnerable or abused children and shelters for victims of gender-based violence can be scaled up to respond to the COVID pandemic, with minimal adaptation to adhere to prevention of contagion. Mass media campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination were successfully employed in the HIV response, and similar interventions could be developed and applied in the COVID context. Some programs will need more substantial adjustments. In health facilities, mainstreaming child-sensitive mental health training of frontline workers and task sharing/shifting to community volunteers and social workers as was done for HIV with community health workers, could advance mental illness detection, particularly among abuse victims, but requires adaptation of protocols. At the community and household levels, expansion of parenting programs can help caregivers navigate negative mental health effects on children, however, these are not often operating at scale, nor well-linked to services. Programs requiring innovation include converting adolescent and youth safe physical spaces into virtual spaces particularly for at-risk girls and young women; organizing virtual community support groups, conversations, and developing online resources. Re-opening of schools and introduction of health and hygiene policies, provides another opportunity for innovation - to provide mental health and psychosocial support to all children as a standard package of care and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Banati
- UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Office, Dakar, Senegal
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Bauer A, Garman E, McDaid D, Avendano M, Hessel P, Díaz Y, Araya R, Lund C, Malvasi P, Matijasevich A, Park AL, Paula CS, Ziebold C, Zimmerman A, Evans-Lacko S. Integrating youth mental health into cash transfer programmes in response to the COVID-19 crisis in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet Psychiatry 2021; 8:340-346. [PMID: 33549174 PMCID: PMC9215313 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(20)30382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Social protection measures can play an important part in securing livelihoods and in mitigating short-term and long-term economic, social, and mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, cash transfer programmes are currently being adapted or expanded in various low-income and middle-income countries to support individuals and families during the pandemic. We argue that the current crisis offers an opportunity for these programmes to focus on susceptible young people (aged 15-24 years), including those with mental health conditions. Young people living in poverty and with mental health problems are at particular risk of experiencing adverse health, wellbeing, and employment outcomes with long-term consequences. They are also at risk of developing mental health conditions during this pandemic. To support this population, cash transfer programmes should not only address urgent needs around food security and survival but expand their focus to address longer-term mental health impacts of pandemics and economic crises. Such an approach could help support young people's future life chances and break the vicious cycle between mental illness and poverty that spirals many young people into both socioeconomic and mental health disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Bauer
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.
| | - Emily Garman
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David McDaid
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Mauricio Avendano
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health Boston, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Philipp Hessel
- Escuela de Gobierno Alberto Lleras Camargo, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Yadira Díaz
- Escuela de Gobierno Alberto Lleras Camargo, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ricardo Araya
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Crick Lund
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paulo Malvasi
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, Department of Public Health, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Alicia Matijasevich
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - A-La Park
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Cristiane Silvestre Paula
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Distúrbios do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Carolina Ziebold
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Distúrbios do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Annie Zimmerman
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, London, UK; Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sara Evans-Lacko
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
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Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) ages (15-24 years old) in Southern and Eastern Africa account for nearly 30% of all new HIV infections. We conducted a systematic review of studies examining the effectiveness of behavioral, structural, and combined (behavioral + structural) interventions on HIV incidence and risky sexual behaviors among AGYW. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Global Health. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria conducted in Eastern and Southern Africa and comprised behavioral, structural, or combined (behavioral and structural) interventions. All findings are based on 22 studies. HIV incidence was significantly reduced by one structural intervention. All three types of interventions improved condom use among AGYW. Evidence suggests that structural interventions can reduce HIV incidence, while behavioral and combined interventions require further investigation.
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Packel L, Njau P, Fahey C, Ramadhani A, Dow WH, Jewell NP, McCoy S. Optimizing the efficiency and implementation of cash transfers to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:963. [PMID: 33228757 PMCID: PMC7684892 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04899-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV, taken daily, is an effective strategy to clinically suppress the virus, providing the dual benefit of improved survival and vastly decreasing the risk of transmission. However, this highly effective intervention has not yet reached all who could benefit. Cash transfers are increasingly recognized as an effective strategy to motivate behavior change and improve HIV care and treatment outcomes, including engagement in HIV care and adherence to ART. Despite a growing evidence base and strong theoretical foundation for the cash transfer approach, key questions remain. To address these questions and begin to bridge the "know-do gap" with respect to cash transfers, our team is employing an implementation science approach to iterative development of an incentive-based intervention to promote ART uptake and adherence among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Lake Zone region, Tanzania. METHODS We will conduct a type I hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial to test the effectiveness of a cash transfer intervention on the outcome of HIV viral suppression, and concurrently examine the potential for real-world implementation with a mobile health technology (mHealth) system. Specifically, our team will expand the intervention to 32 clinics and enroll 1984 PLHIV to (a) evaluate its effectiveness by conducting a cluster randomized controlled trial with clinics as the unit of randomization and 12-month viral suppression as the primary outcome and (b) evaluate the implementation challenges and successes at multiple levels (patient, provider, clinic). DISCUSSION This trial will provide evidence not only about the real-world effectiveness of cash transfers for retention in HIV care and viral suppression, but also on the implementation challenges and successes that will facilitate or hinder wider scale-up within Tanzania and beyond. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04201353 . Registered on December 17, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Packel
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, 5th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Prosper Njau
- Strategic Information and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Program (NACP), Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Carolyn Fahey
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, 5th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Angela Ramadhani
- National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - William H. Dow
- School of Public Health, Division of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, 5th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Nicholas P. Jewell
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HT UK
- School of Public Health Biostatistics Division & Department of Statistics, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, 5th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Sandra McCoy
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, 5th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
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Schaefer R, Thomas R, Robertson L, Eaton JW, Mushati P, Nyamukapa C, Hauck K, Gregson S. Spillover HIV prevention effects of a cash transfer trial in East Zimbabwe: evidence from a cluster-randomised trial and general-population survey. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1599. [PMID: 33097016 PMCID: PMC7584095 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09667-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benefits of cash transfers (CTs) for HIV prevention have been demonstrated largely in purposively designed trials, commonly focusing on young women. It is less clear if CT interventions not designed for HIV prevention can have HIV-specific effects, including adverse effects. The cluster-randomised Manicaland Cash Transfer Trial (2010-11) evaluated effects of CTs on children's (2-17 years) development in eastern Zimbabwe. We evaluated whether this CT intervention with no HIV-specific objectives had unintended HIV prevention spillover effects (externalities). METHODS Data on 2909 individuals (15-54 years) living in trial households were taken from a general-population survey, conducted simultaneously in the same communities as the Manicaland Trial. Average treatment effects (ATEs) of CTs on sexual behaviour (any recent sex, condom use, multiple partners) and secondary outcomes (mental distress, school enrolment, and alcohol/cigarette/drug consumption) were estimated using mixed-effects logistic regressions (random effects for study site and intervention cluster), by sex and age group (15-29; 30-54 years). Outcomes were also evaluated with a larger synthetic comparison group created through propensity score matching. RESULTS CTs did not affect sexual debut but reduced having any recent sex (past 30 days) among young males (ATE: - 11.7 percentage points [PP] [95% confidence interval: -26.0PP, 2.61PP]) and females (- 5.68PP [- 15.7PP, 4.34PP]), with similar but less uncertain estimates when compared against the synthetic comparison group (males: -9.68PP [- 13.1PP, - 6.30PP]; females: -8.77PP [- 16.3PP, - 1.23PP]). There were no effects among older individuals. Young (but not older) males receiving CTs reported increased multiple partnerships (8.49PP [- 5.40PP, 22.4PP]; synthetic comparison: 10.3PP (1.27PP, 19.2PP). No impact on alcohol, cigarette, or drug consumption was found. There are indications that CTs reduced psychological distress among young people, although impacts were small. CTs increased school enrolment in males (11.5PP [3.05PP, 19.9PP]). Analyses with the synthetic comparison group (but not the original control group) further indicated increased school enrolment among females (5.50PP [1.62PP, 9.37PP]) and condom use among younger and older women receiving CTs (9.38PP [5.90PP, 12.9PP]; 5.95PP [1.46PP, 10.4PP]). CONCLUSIONS Non-HIV-prevention CT interventions can have HIV prevention outcomes, including reduced sexual activity among young people and increased multiple partnerships among young men. No effects on sexual debut or alcohol, cigarette, or drug consumption were observed. A broad approach is necessary to evaluate CT interventions to capture unintended outcomes, particularly in economic evaluations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT00966849 . Registered August 27, 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Schaefer
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Ranjeeta Thomas
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | | | - Jeffrey W Eaton
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Constance Nyamukapa
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Katharina Hauck
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Gregson
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Cork C, White R, Noel P, Bergin N. Randomized Controlled Trials of Interventions Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2020; 21:643-659. [PMID: 29962286 PMCID: PMC7197024 DOI: 10.1177/1524838018784585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated by males is the most prevalent form of violence against women across the globe. A systematic review was carried out to identify published randomized controlled trials of interventions aiming to prevent or reduce IPV in Sub-Saharan Africa. Details were sought on the interventions, outcomes, and risk of bias in evaluations. METHODS Articles were identified by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycInfo. The search included terms pertaining to IPV, the research design, and the target geographical region. To be included, studies needed to have assessed the impact of an intervention on reported incidence, prevalence of IPV, or measures of related attitudes and behaviors. Fifteen papers were included in the final review. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Library "Risk of Bias" tool. RESULTS Findings suggest that interventions have the potential to reduce IPV-related behaviors and attitudes. Certain types of IPV were more amenable to change than others. Higher levels of efficacy were identified in interventions that had longer follow-up, addressed IPV as a main aim, and occurred at the community level or multiple levels of the social ecology. CONCLUSIONS Findings should be interpreted in light of varying risks of bias. Suggestions are made for future research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cliodhna Cork
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Ross White
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
- Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Pia Noel
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Niamh Bergin
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
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Gichane MW, Wamoyi J, Atkins K, Balvanz P, Maman S, Majani E, Pettifor A. The influence of cash transfers on engagement in transactional sex and partner choice among adolescent girls and young women in Northwest Tanzania. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2020; 24:1-15. [PMID: 32935625 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1811890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cash transfers are theorised to reduce adolescent girls and young women's economic vulnerability and engagement in transactional sex; however, the processes involved remain unclear. We conducted longitudinal cross-sectional, and narrative timeline in-depth interviews with young women aged 15-23 years in northern Tanzania enrolled in a cash transfer intervention. We analysed data using a thematic approach guided by the transactional sex framework. We summarised data and compared findings to the domains of the framework. Participants reported relationships in the 'sex and material expression of love' domain characterised by emotional intimacy and loose ties between material support and sex, and the 'sex for basic needs' domain characterised by limited emotional intimacy, economic vulnerability, and a clear exchange between material support and sex. Some participants expressed that cash transfers provided business capital and savings which enabled them to decrease 'sex for basic needs'. Cash transfers influenced transactional sex engagement by altering partner selection criteria such as from an emphasis on what men could provide to a focus on relationship stability. Findings suggest that cash transfers have the potential to reduce young women's transactional relationships motivated by economic vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret W Gichane
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joyce Wamoyi
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Kaitlyn Atkins
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter Balvanz
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Suzanne Maman
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Audrey Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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The use of financial incentives to prevent unhealthy behaviors: A review. Soc Sci Med 2020; 261:113236. [PMID: 32781370 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Behaviors that are putting people's health at risk are widespread and some of them are on the rise. Some of these behaviors can be prohibited or prevented by taxation. But financial incentives such as conditional cash transfers are also increasingly proposed and tested to discourage such behaviors, in domains as varied as HIV/AIDS, drugs, alcohol, smoking, and obesity. This paper presents the theoretical justification for using such incentives, distinguishing between the price, income effects, and the nudge effects. The growing literature about the effectiveness of financial incentives to prevent undesirable behaviors is reviewed in detail for each type of harmful behavior. Finally, the paper discusses the long-term sustainability of such incentives, a key issue if they are to be scaled up beyond pilot programs and research projects. The current evidence on whether such incentives have an impact after they are discontinued is mixed. Some design features, like lotteries or commitment devices, could induce savings as well as increase effectiveness, therefore improving sustainability.
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Iwelunmor J, Nwaozuru U, Obiezu-Umeh C, Uzoaru F, Ehiri J, Curley J, Ezechi O, Airhihenbuwa C, Ssewamala F. Is it time to RE-AIM? A systematic review of economic empowerment as HIV prevention intervention for adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa using the RE-AIM framework. Implement Sci Commun 2020; 1:53. [PMID: 32885209 PMCID: PMC7427963 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-020-00042-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Economic empowerment (EE) HIV prevention programs for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa are gaining traction as effective strategies to reduce HIV risk and vulnerabilities among this population. While intervention effectiveness is critical, there are numerous factors beyond effectiveness that shape an intervention's impact. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the reporting of implementation outcomes of EE HIV prevention programs for AGYW in SSA, as conceptualized in the RE-AIM (reach, efficacy/effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework. METHODS We searched PubMed, Ovid/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Ebscohost, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science for EE HIV interventions for AGYW in SSA. Study selection and data extraction were conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. Two researchers coded each article using a validated RE-AIM data extraction tool and independently extracted information from each article. The reporting of RE-AIM dimensions were summarized and synthesized across included interventions. RESULTS A total of 25 unique interventions (reported in 45 articles) met the predefined eligibility criteria. Efficacy/effectiveness 19(74.4%) was the highest reported RE-AIM dimension, followed by adoption 17(67.2%), reach 16(64.0%), implementation 9(38.0%), and maintenance 7(26.4%). Most interventions reported on RE-AIM components such as sample size 25(100.0%), intervention location 24(96.0%), and measures and results for at least one follow-up 24(96.0%). Few reported on RE-AIM components such as characteristics of non-participants 8(32.0%), implementation costs 3(12.0%), and intervention fidelity 0(0.0%). CONCLUSIONS Results of the review emphasize the need for future economic empowerment HIV prevention interventions for AGYW in SSA to report multiple implementation strategies and highlight considerations for translating such programs into real-world settings. Researchers should pay close attention to reporting setting-level adoption, implementation cost, and intervention maintenance. These measures are needed for policy decisions related to the full merit and worth of EE HIV interventions and their long-term sustainability for AGYW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Iwelunmor
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Chisom Obiezu-Umeh
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Florida Uzoaru
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - John Ehiri
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N Martin Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA
| | - Jami Curley
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmund Crescent, Yaba, Lagos State Nigeria
| | - Collins Airhihenbuwa
- School of Public Health, Global Research Against Noncommunicable Diseases, Georgia State University, 140 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 USA
| | - Fred Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
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Kilburn K, Ferrone L, Pettifor A, Wagner R, Gómez-Olivé FX, Kahn K. The Impact of a Conditional Cash Transfer on Multidimensional Deprivation of Young Women: Evidence from South Africa's HTPN 068. SOCIAL INDICATORS RESEARCH 2020; 151:865-895. [PMID: 33029038 PMCID: PMC7508742 DOI: 10.1007/s11205-020-02367-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing popularity of multidimensional poverty measurement and analysis, its use to measure the impact of social protection programs remains scarce. Using primary data collected for the evaluation of HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 068, a randomized, conditional cash transfer intervention for young girls in South Africa that ran from 2011 to 2015, we construct an individual-level measure of multidimensional poverty, a major departure from standard indices that use the household as the unit of analysis. We construct our measure by aggregating multiple deprivation indicators across six dimensions and using a system of nested weights where each domain is weighted equally. Our findings show that the cash transfer consistently reduces deprivations among girls, in particular through the domains of economic agency, violence, and relationships. These results show how social protection interventions can improve the lives of young women beyond single domains and demonstrate the potential for social protection to simultaneously address multiple targets of the SDGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Kilburn
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
| | - Lucia Ferrone
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Florence, via delle Pandette, 9, 50127 Florence, Italy
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ryan Wagner
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - F. Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathy Kahn
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
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Implementation Science Using Proctor's Framework and an Adaptation of the Multiphase Optimization Strategy: Optimizing a Financial Incentive Intervention for HIV Treatment Adherence in Tanzania. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 82 Suppl 3:S332-S338. [PMID: 31764271 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambitious targets have been set to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. Such targets assume that tools to end HIV exist and are successfully being deployed across populations, albeit unequally. Implementation science approaches are needed to understand the drivers of disparities and how to bring effective interventions to those most in need. We describe a hybrid implementation science approach, adapting a strategy to facilitate retention and viral suppression (VS) among people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. METHODS/DESIGN We used Proctor framework and the multiphase optimization strategy to optimize a cash transfer to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence and VS among people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. This involved 3 trials. The first trial tested the efficacy of cash and food assistance compared with the standard of care in improving antiretroviral therapy adherence among treatment initiators. Cash transfers were superior to the standard of care and noninferior, less expensive, and logistically simpler to implement compared with food. The second trial is dose-finding: identifying the optimal amount of cash for a 20% improvement in VS at 6 months. Before this, components were simplified to maximize reach, align with local policies, and reduce staff time. We assessed implementation science constructs to understand barriers to uptake and sustainability. Trial 3 is a cluster randomized controlled trial, testing the effectiveness of the optimized intervention in multiple settings. DISCUSSION/IMPLICATIONS Our process illustrates the utility of applying multiple implementation science frameworks to arrive at an optimal implementation strategy to bridge the know-do gap with data to show efficacy and maximum potential for scalability and sustainability.
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Baudouin BS, Wongsawat P, Sudnongbua S. Factors affecting the preventive intention on premarital sexual behaviours among junior high school students in lower-northern region of Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2020.1728560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pramote Wongsawat
- Health Promotion Division, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University , Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Sudnongbua
- Graduate Studies and International Relations, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University , Phitsanulok, Thailand
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Cooper JE, Benmarhnia T, Koski A, King NB. Cash transfer programs have differential effects on health: A review of the literature from low and middle-income countries. Soc Sci Med 2020; 247:112806. [PMID: 32086171 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cash transfer programs have grown increasingly popular and are now used as interventions to target a wide array of health outcomes across many diverse settings. However, cash transfer experiments have yielded mixed results, highlighting gaps in our understanding of how these programs work. In particular, we do not yet know whether cash transfers are more effective for certain health outcomes compared to others, or are more effective for some population subgroups compared to others. Here, we ask whether the effects of cash transfers on health outcomes differ across study subgroups. METHODS We reviewed the literature on cash transfer experiments conducted in low and middle income countries, published in English between 1985 and 2015. We documented whether the investigators reported either i) stratum-specific estimates or ii) the interaction term between subgroups and exposure to the intervention. For studies that presented stratum-specific estimates without statistical tests for heterogeneity, we assessed heterogeneity across subgroups with a Cochran Q test. RESULTS Of the 56 studies we reviewed, 40 reported effects on study subgroups. The majority of the cash transfer interventions had different magnitudes of effects on health across subgroups. This heterogeneity was often underreported or not formally analyzed. We find substantial heterogeneity of cash transfers on child health and on adult health yet little heterogeneity of cash transfers on sexual and reproductive health. CONCLUSIONS Accounting for the heterogeneous impacts of cash transfers during program design and evaluation is necessary to better target cash transfer programs and generate more precise data on their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan E Cooper
- School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 20115, USA.
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health & Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Alissa Koski
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Nicholas B King
- Biomedical Ethics Unit & Department of Social Science and Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Tozan Y, Sun S, Capasso A, Shu-Huah Wang J, Neilands TB, Bahar OS, Damulira C, Ssewamala FM. Evaluation of a savings-led family-based economic empowerment intervention for AIDS-affected adolescents in Uganda: A four-year follow-up on efficacy and cost-effectiveness. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226809. [PMID: 31891601 PMCID: PMC6938344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children who have lost a parent to HIV/AIDS, known as AIDS orphans, face multiple stressors affecting their health and development. Family economic empowerment (FEE) interventions have the potential to improve these outcomes and mitigate the risks they face. We present efficacy and cost-effectiveness analyses of the Bridges study, a savings-led FEE intervention among AIDS-orphaned adolescents in Uganda at four-year follow-up. METHODS Intent-to-treat analyses using multilevel models compared the effects of two savings-led treatment arms: Bridges (1:1 matched incentive) and BridgesPLUS (2:1 matched incentive) to a usual care control group on the following outcomes: self-rated health, sexual health, and mental health functioning. Total per-participant costs for each arm were calculated using the treatment-on-the-treated sample. Intervention effects and per-participant costs were used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). FINDINGS Among 1,383 participants, 55% were female, 20% were double orphans. Mean age was 12 years at baseline. At 48-months, BridgesPLUS significantly improved self-rated health, (0.25, 95% CI 0.06, 0.43), HIV knowledge (0.21, 95% CI 0.01, 0.41), self-concept (0.26, 95% CI 0.09, 0.44), and self-efficacy (0.26, 95% CI 0.09, 0.43) and lowered hopelessness (-0.28, 95% CI -0.43, -0.12); whereas Bridges improved self-rated health (0.26, 95% CI 0.08, 0.43) and HIV knowledge (0.22, 95% CI 0.05, 0.39). ICERs ranged from $224 for hopelessness to $298 for HIV knowledge per 0.2 standard deviation change. CONCLUSIONS Most intervention effects were sustained in both treatment arms at two years post-intervention. Higher matching incentives yielded a significant and lasting effect on a greater number of outcomes among adolescents compared to lower matching incentives at a similar incremental cost per unit effect. These findings contribute to the evidence supporting the incorporation of FEE interventions within national social protection frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Tozan
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sicong Sun
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Ariadna Capasso
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Julia Shu-Huah Wang
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Owusu-Addo E, Renzaho AMN, Smith BJ. Cash transfers and the social determinants of health: a conceptual framework. Health Promot Int 2019; 34:e106-e118. [PMID: 30272155 PMCID: PMC6913226 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/day079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cash transfers (CTs) can play a significant role in tackling the social determinants of health (SDoH), but to date there is a lack of conceptual framework for understanding CTs linkages to the SDoH. This article proposes a framework that identifies the linkages between CTs and SDoH, discusses its implications, and argues for active involvement of health promoters in CT design, implementation and evaluation. The development of the framework followed two stages: evidence review and stakeholder involvement. The evidence review entailed a systematic literature search to identify published and unpublished impact evaluation studies of CTs in sub-Saharan Africa. Critical reflection on the evidence synthesized from the literature formed the basis for the development of the framework. Interviews with CT policy makers, managers and development partners were also carried out to help refine the framework. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcripts were analysed using thematic framework analysis. The study finds that there is limited recognition of SDoH in CT policy making and implementation. The evidence reviewed, however, points to strong impacts of CTs on SDoH. The framework thus conceptualizes how CTs work to influence a broad range of SDoH and health inequities. It also highlights how CT architecture and contexts may influence program impacts. The proposed framework can be used by policy makers to guide CT design, adaptation and operations, and by program managers and researchers to inform CTs' evaluations, respectively. The framework suggests that to optimize CT impact on SDoH and reduce health inequities, health promoters should be actively engaged in terms of the programs design, implementation and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Owusu-Addo
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Bureau of Integrated Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Andre M N Renzaho
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Ben J Smith
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Zulaika G, Kwaro D, Nyothach E, Wang D, Zielinski-Gutierrez E, Mason L, Eleveld A, Chen T, Kerubo E, van Eijk A, Pace C, Obor D, Juma J, Oyaro B, Niessen L, Bigogo G, Ngere I, Henry C, Majiwa M, Onyango CO, Ter Kuile FO, Phillips-Howard PA. Menstrual cups and cash transfer to reduce sexual and reproductive harm and school dropout in adolescent schoolgirls: study protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial in western Kenya. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1317. [PMID: 31638946 PMCID: PMC6805471 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionally vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) harms. In western Kenya, where unprotected transactional sex is common, young females face higher rates of school dropout, often due to pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Staying in school has shown to protect girls against early marriage, teen pregnancy, and HIV infection. This study evaluates the impact of menstrual cups and cash transfer interventions on a composite of deleterious outcomes (HIV, HSV-2, and school dropout) when given to secondary schoolgirls in western Kenya, with the aim to inform evidence-based policy to improve girls’ health, school equity, and life-chances. Methods Single site, 4-arm, cluster randomised controlled superiority trial. Secondary schools are the unit of randomisation, with schoolgirls as the unit of measurement. Schools will be randomised into one of four intervention arms using a 1:1:1:1 ratio and block randomisation: (1) menstrual cup arm; (2) cash transfer arm, (3) cups and cash combined intervention arm, or (4) control arm. National and county agreement, and school level consent will be obtained prior to recruitment of schools, with parent consent and girls’ assent obtained for participant enrolment. Participants will be trained on safe use of interventions, with all arms receiving puberty and hygiene education. Annually, the state of latrines, water availability, water treatment, handwashing units and soap in schools will be measured. The primary endpoint is a composite of incident HIV, HSV-2, and all-cause school dropout, after 3 years follow-up. School dropout will be monitored each term via school registers and confirmed through home visits. HIV and HSV-2 incident infections and risk factors will be measured at baseline, mid-line and end-line. Intention to treat analysis will be conducted among all enrolled participants. Focus group discussions will provide contextual information on uptake of interventions. Monitoring for safety will occur throughout. Discussion If proved safe and effective, the interventions offer a potential contribution toward girls’ schooling, health, and equity in low- and middle-income countries. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03051789, 15th February 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garazi Zulaika
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Daniel Kwaro
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Nyothach
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Duolao Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez
- Center for Global Health, Division of Global Health HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linda Mason
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Alie Eleveld
- Safe Water and AIDS Project (SWAP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Emily Kerubo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Annemieke van Eijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Cheryl Pace
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - David Obor
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jane Juma
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Boaz Oyaro
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Louis Niessen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Godfrey Bigogo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Carl Henry
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Maxwell Majiwa
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Penelope A Phillips-Howard
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
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Mensch BS, Grant MJ, Soler-Hampejsek E, Kelly CA, Chalasani S, Hewett PC. Does schooling protect sexual health? The association between three measures of education and STIs among adolescents in Malawi. POPULATION STUDIES 2019; 74:241-261. [PMID: 31619138 PMCID: PMC7162723 DOI: 10.1080/00324728.2019.1656282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
While multiple studies have documented shifting educational gradients in HIV prevalence, less attention has been given to the effect of school participation and academic skills on infection during adolescence. Using the Malawi Schooling and Adolescent Study, a longitudinal survey that followed 2,649 young people aged 14-17 at baseline from 2007 to 2013, we estimate the effect of three education variables: school enrolment, grade attainment, and academic skills-numeracy and Chichewa literacy-on herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and HIV incidence using interval-censored survival analysis. We find that grade attainment is significantly associated with lower rates of both HSV-2 and HIV among girls, and is negatively associated with HSV-2 but not HIV among boys. School enrolment and academic skills are not significantly associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for boys or girls in our final models. Efforts to encourage school progression in high-prevalence settings in sub-Saharan Africa could well reduce, or at least postpone, acquisition of STIs.
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Mojola SA, Wamoyi J. Contextual drivers of HIV risk among young African women. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 4:e25302. [PMID: 31328409 PMCID: PMC6643074 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Significant progress has been made in the African HIV pandemic; however, the pace of incidence decline has slowed or stalled in many East and Southern African countries, especially among young women. This stall is worrying because many countries have burgeoning youth populations. There is an important window of opportunity to halt the epidemic as well as the potential for millions more infections if primary prevention efforts are not strengthened. DISCUSSION Many hyper-endemic settings have been exposed to numerous interventions; however, HIV incidence among young women has remained high. In this paper, we characterize the intervention context and examine how it can be strategically utilized to maximize HIV prevention interventions among young women. We begin by examining how contextual dynamics drive HIV risk. We illustrate how epidemiological contexts, gendered normative and economic contexts, and environmental contexts work synergistically to make young women especially vulnerable to HIV infection. We then examine how these contexts can undermine HIV prevention interventions. Finally, we discuss the importance of fully mapping out the intervention context to enhance the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions. CONCLUSIONS Understanding an intervention context, and how its features work together to amplify young women's risk in hyper-endemic settings can contribute to sustained momentum in reducing HIV incidence among young women and help to limit the reach of the HIV pandemic into new generations of Africans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanyu A Mojola
- Department of Sociology and Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International AffairsPrinceton UniversityPrincetonNJUSA
| | - Joyce Wamoyi
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive HealthNational Medical Research InstituteMwanzaTanzania
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Chabata ST, Hensen B, Chiyaka T, Mushati P, Mtetwa S, Hanisch D, Napierala S, Busza J, Floyd S, Fearon E, Birdthistle I, Hargreaves JR, Cowan FM. Changes Over Time in HIV Prevalence and Sexual Behaviour Among Young Female Sex-Workers in 14 Sites in Zimbabwe, 2013-2016. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1494-1507. [PMID: 30788641 PMCID: PMC6535417 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02410-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Young female sex-workers (FSW) aged 18–24 are at high risk of HIV due to high numbers of sexual partners, difficulty negotiating condom use, increased risk of gender-based violence, and limited access to services. Here we describe changes in sexual behaviours among young FSW across Zimbabwe between 2013 and 2016, and risk factors for prevalent HIV in 2013 and 2016. FSW ≥ 18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling in 14 sites across Zimbabwe in 2013 and 2016 as part of the SAPPH-IRe trial. We collected data on socio-demographics and sexual behaviour and offered HIV testing. Statistical analyses were RDS-II weighted. Characteristics of young FSW aged 18–24 were described, stratified by age. Logistic regression was used to assess difference in sexual behaviours by reported HIV status between 2013 and 2016, and to explore associations with prevalent HIV in 2013 and 2016. 656 young FSW were recruited in 2013 and 503 in 2016. Characteristics of young FSW were similar across both surveys. HIV prevalence was similar at both time points (35% vs 36%) and rose steeply with age. Compared to young FSW in 2013, reported condom-less sex with a steady partner and condom-less sex with clients was higher in 2016 among women self-reporting HIV negative status (OR = 6.41; 95%CI: 3.40-12.09; P<0.001) and (OR = 1.69; 95%CI: 1.14-2.51, P = 0.008), respectively, but not among young FSW self-reporting HIV positive status (OR = 2.35; 95%CI: 0.57-9.76; P = 0.236) and (OR = 1.87; 95%CI: 0.74-4.74; P = 0.186). After adjusting for age in 2016, young FSW who had ever been married had increased odds of testing HIV positive (OR = 1.88; 95% CI 1.04–3.39; P = 0.036) compared with those who had never married. Young FSW who completed secondary education or higher were less likely to test HIV positive (OR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.20–0.83; P = 0.012) compared with those with primary education or less. Young FSW remain at very high risk of HIV. Strategies to identify young FSW when they first start selling and refer them into services that address their economic, social and sexual vulnerabilities are critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungai T Chabata
- Centre for Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 09 Monmouth Road, Avondale West, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Bernadette Hensen
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tarisai Chiyaka
- Centre for Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 09 Monmouth Road, Avondale West, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Phillis Mushati
- Centre for Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 09 Monmouth Road, Avondale West, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Sibongile Mtetwa
- Centre for Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 09 Monmouth Road, Avondale West, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Sue Napierala
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joanna Busza
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Fearon
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Isolde Birdthistle
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - James R Hargreaves
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 09 Monmouth Road, Avondale West, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Righi MK, Orchowski LM, Kuo C. Integrated Intimate Partner Violence and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review Targeting or Including Adolescents. VIOLENCE AND GENDER 2019; 6:92-104. [PMID: 31297395 PMCID: PMC6602102 DOI: 10.1089/vio.2018.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa are at disproportionately high risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The interconnected risks for IPV and HIV present the opportunity for interventions to concurrently seek to reduce violence and sexual risk behaviors among young people. Accordingly, the present systematic review evaluates interventions that concomitantly address IPV and HIV risk among adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. The authors systematically reviewed electronic databases for studies meeting the following criteria: use of randomized control trials (RCT) or quasi-RCT in Sub-Saharan African countries; inclusion of adolescents aged 13-18 years; use of a comparison group (wait listed, designated to a comparative treatment, or treatment as usual); and incorporation of IPV and HIV outcome assessments. Results suggested that six studies have utilized rigorous research methodologies to evaluate integrated IPV/HIV interventions; however, few have targeted adolescents. The six studies meeting inclusion criteria indicate that current research on IPV/HIV is conducted with rigorous study designs among target populations with high IPV/HIV risk, using gender-specific risk reduction activities. The authors' findings indicate there is also the need for consistent application of valid and reliable outcome measurements of IPV and HIV risk. Additional research is needed to identify best practices for reducing IPV and HIV incidence among vulnerable adolescent populations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsay M. Orchowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Caroline Kuo
- Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
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Bingenheimer JB. Veering From a Narrow Path: The Second Decade of Social Norms Research. J Adolesc Health 2019; 64:S1-S3. [PMID: 30914161 PMCID: PMC6426718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey B Bingenheimer
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper is to review recent data on biomedical, behavioral, and structural HIV prevention interventions for adolescents and young adults. RECENT FINDINGS While it is accepted that HIV prevention interventions must take an integrated approach to achieve maximum effectiveness, to date, there have been limited, rigorously evaluated combination prevention interventions for adolescents. There are currently a range of effective biomedical, behavioral, and structural approaches that can be integrated into prevention packages to address the prevention needs of adolescents, including oral PrEP, male circumcision, rapid HIV testing, numerous behavioral interventions, and structural interventions such as cash transfers and community mobilization to address gender-based violence. There is still a need for rigorously evaluated, innovative combination prevention packages for adolescents. Prevention approaches must take into account the context of young people's lives and address the multiple levels of influence on their lives including parents, partners, and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybil Hosek
- Department of Psychiatry, John Stroger Hospital of Cook County, 1900 W. Polk Street, Ste. 854, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Dake F, Natali L, Angeles G, de Hoop J, Handa S, Peterman A. Cash Transfers, Early Marriage, and Fertility in Malawi and Zambia. Stud Fam Plann 2018; 49:295-317. [PMID: 30461021 PMCID: PMC6662603 DOI: 10.1111/sifp.12073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in the ability of cash transfers to facilitate safe transitions to adulthood in low-income settings; however, evidence from scaled-up government programming demonstrating this potential is scarce. Using two experimental evaluations of unconditional cash transfers targeted to ultra-poor and labor-constrained households over approximately three years in Malawi and Zambia, we examine whether cash transfers delayed early marriage and pregnancy among youth aged 14 to 21 years at baseline. Although we find strong impacts on poverty and schooling, two main pathways hypothesized in the literature, we find limited impacts on safe transition outcomes for both males and females. In addition, despite hypotheses that social norms may constrain potential impacts of cash transfer programs, we show suggestive evidence that pre-program variation in social norms across communities does not significantly affect program impact. We conclude with policy implications and suggestions for future research.
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Achoki T, Miller-Petrie MK, Glenn SD, Kalra N, Lesego A, Gathecha GK, Alam U, Kiarie HW, Maina IW, Adetifa IMO, Barsosio HC, Degfie TT, Keiyoro PN, Kiirithio DN, Kinfu Y, Kinyoki DK, Kisia JM, Krish VS, Lagat AK, Mooney MD, Moturi WN, Newton CRJ, Ngunjiri JW, Nixon MR, Soti DO, Van De Vijver S, Yonga G, Hay SI, Murray CJL, Naghavi M. Health disparities across the counties of Kenya and implications for policy makers, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2018; 7:e81-e95. [PMID: 30482677 PMCID: PMC6293072 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(18)30472-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2016 provided comprehensive estimates of health loss globally. Decision makers in Kenya can use GBD subnational data to target health interventions and address county-level variation in the burden of disease. Methods We used GBD 2016 estimates of life expectancy at birth, healthy life expectancy, all-cause and cause-specific mortality, years of life lost, years lived with disability, disability-adjusted life-years, and risk factors to analyse health by age and sex at the national and county levels in Kenya from 1990 to 2016. Findings The national all-cause mortality rate decreased from 850·3 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 829·8–871·1) deaths per 100 000 in 1990 to 579·0 (562·1–596·0) deaths per 100 000 in 2016. Under-5 mortality declined from 95·4 (95% UI 90·1–101·3) deaths per 1000 livebirths in 1990 to 43·4 (36·9–51·2) deaths per 1000 livebirths in 2016, and maternal mortality fell from 315·7 (242·9–399·4) deaths per 100 000 in 1990 to 257·6 (195·1–335·3) deaths per 100 000 in 2016, with steeper declines after 2006 and heterogeneously across counties. Life expectancy at birth increased by 5·4 (95% UI 3·7–7·2) years, with higher gains in females than males in all but ten counties. Unsafe water, sanitation, and handwashing, unsafe sex, and malnutrition were the leading national risk factors in 2016. Interpretation Health outcomes have improved in Kenya since 2006. The burden of communicable diseases decreased but continues to predominate the total disease burden in 2016, whereas the non-communicable disease burden increased. Health gains varied strikingly across counties, indicating targeted approaches for health policy are necessary. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Achoki
- Sloan Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Molly K Miller-Petrie
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Scott D Glenn
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nikhila Kalra
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Abaleng Lesego
- Strategic Information and Learning, University of Research Company, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Uzma Alam
- International Center for Humanitarian Affairs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Isabella Wanjiku Maina
- Policy, Planning, and Healthcare Financing Department, Nairobi, Kenya; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ifedayo M O Adetifa
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Epidemiology and Demography Department, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Hellen C Barsosio
- Malaria Branch, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | - Yohannes Kinfu
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Damaris K Kinyoki
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James M Kisia
- East Africa Center, Humanitarian Leadership Academy, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Varsha Sarah Krish
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Abraham K Lagat
- Department of Health Systems and Research Ethics, KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Meghan D Mooney
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Charles Richard James Newton
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Molly R Nixon
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David O Soti
- Eastern Africa Regional Collaborating Centre, African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Gerald Yonga
- School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Simon I Hay
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher J L Murray
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mohsen Naghavi
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Rudgard WE, Carter DJ, Scuffell J, Cluver LD, Fraser-Hurt N, Boccia D. Cash transfers to enhance TB control: lessons from the HIV response. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1052. [PMID: 30134870 PMCID: PMC6106939 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5962-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization prioritises a more holistic global response to end the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic by 2030. Based on experiences in the HIV response, social protection, and in particular cash transfers, show promise for contributing to this. Currently, individual-level evidence for the potential of cash transfers to prevent TB by addressing the structural social determinants of disease is lacking. To identify priority actions for the TB research agenda, we appraised efforts by the HIV response to establish the role of cash transfers in preventing HIV infection. MAIN BODY The HIV response has evaluated the effects of cash transfers on risky sexual behaviours and HIV incidence. Work has also evaluated the added effects of supplementing cash transfers with psychosocial support. The HIV response has focused research on populations with disproportionate HIV risk, and used a mix of explanatory evaluations, which use ideal conditions, and pragmatic evaluations, which use operational conditions, to generate evidence that is both causally valid and applicable to the real world. It has always collaborated with multiple stakeholders in funding and evaluating projects. Learning from the HIV response, priority actions for the TB response should be to investigate the effect of cash transfers on intermediary social determinants of active TB disease, and TB incidence, as well as the added effects of supplementing cash transfers with psychosocial support. Work should be focused on key groups in high burden settings, and look to build a combination of explanatory and pragmatic evidence to inform policy decisions in this field. To achieve this, there is an urgent need to facilitate collaborations between groups interested in evaluating the impact of cash transfers on TB risk. CONCLUSIONS The HIV response highlights several priority actions necessary for the TB response to establish the potential of cash transfers to prevent TB by addresing the structural social determinants of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E. Rudgard
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| | - Daniel J. Carter
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| | - James Scuffell
- Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Lucie D. Cluver
- Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Delia Boccia
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
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Govender K, Masebo WGB, Nyamaruze P, Cowden RG, Schunter BT, Bains A. HIV Prevention in Adolescents and Young People in the Eastern and Southern African Region: A Review of Key Challenges Impeding Actions for an Effective Response. Open AIDS J 2018; 12:53-67. [PMID: 30123385 PMCID: PMC6062910 DOI: 10.2174/1874613601812010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The global commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 places HIV prevention at the centre of the response. With the disease continuing to disproportionately affect young populations in the Eastern and Southern African Region (ESAR), particularly adolescent girls and young women, reducing HIV infections in this group is integral to achieving this ambitious target. This paper examines epidemiological patterns of the HIV epidemic among adolescents and young people, indicating where HIV prevention efforts need to be focused (i.e., adolescent girls and young women, adolescent boys and young men and young key populations). Key innovations in the science of HIV prevention and strategies for dealing with programme implementation are reviewed. The paper also discusses the value of processes to mitigate HIV vulnerability and recommends actions needed to sustain the HIV prevention response. Stemming the tide of new HIV infections among young people in the ESAR requires an amplification of efforts across all sectors, which will safeguard past achievements and advance actions towards eliminating AIDS as a public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaymarlin Govender
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Wilfred G B Masebo
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Patrick Nyamaruze
- School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Richard G Cowden
- Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, United States of America
| | | | - Anurita Bains
- UNICEF, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
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49
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Owusu-Addo E, Renzaho AMN, Smith BJ. The impact of cash transfers on social determinants of health and health inequalities in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Health Policy Plan 2018; 33:675-696. [PMID: 29762708 PMCID: PMC5951115 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czy020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cash transfers (CTs) are now high on the agenda of most governments in low- and middle-income countries. Within the field of health promotion, CTs constitute a healthy public policy initiative as they have the potential to address the social determinants of health (SDoH) and health inequalities. A systematic review was conducted to synthesise the evidence on CTs' impacts on SDoH and health inequalities in sub-Saharan Africa, and to identify the barriers and facilitators of effective CTs. Twenty-one electronic databases and the websites of 14 key organizations were searched in addition to grey literature and hand searching of selected journals for quantitative and qualitative studies on CTs' impacts on SDoH and health outcomes. Out of 182 full texts screened for eligibility, 79 reports that reported findings from 53 studies were included in the final review. The studies were undertaken within 24 CTs comprising 11 unconditional CTs (UCTs), 8 conditional CTs (CCTs) and 5 combined UCTs and CCTs. The review found that CTs can be effective in tackling structural determinants of health such as financial poverty, education, household resilience, child labour, social capital and social cohesion, civic participation, and birth registration. The review further found that CTs modify intermediate determinants such as nutrition, dietary diversity, child deprivation, sexual risk behaviours, teen pregnancy and early marriage. In conjunction with their influence on SDoH, there is moderate evidence from the review that CTs impact on health and quality of life outcomes. The review also found many factors relating to intervention design features, macro-economic stability, household dynamics and community acceptance of programs that could influence the effectiveness of CTs. The external validity of the review findings is strong as the findings are largely consistent with those from Latin America. The findings thus provide useful insights to policy makers and managers and can be used to optimise CTs to reduce health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Owusu-Addo
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Bureau of Integrated Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, KNUST- Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Andre M N Renzaho
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith 2751 NSW, Australia and
| | - Ben J Smith
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Evaluations of Structural Interventions for HIV Prevention: A Review of Approaches and Methods. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:1253-1264. [PMID: 29273945 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Structural interventions alter the social, economic, legal, political, and built environments that underlie processes affecting population health. We conducted a systematic review of evaluations of structural interventions for HIV prevention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to better understand methodological and other challenges and identify effective evaluation strategies. We included 27 peer-reviewed articles on interventions related to economic empowerment, education, and substance abuse in LMICs. Twenty-one evaluations included clearly articulated theories of change (TOCs); 14 of these assessed the TOC by measuring intermediary variables in the causal pathway between the intervention and HIV outcomes. Although structural interventions address complex interactions, no evaluation included methods designed to evaluate complex systems. To strengthen evaluations of structural interventions, we recommend clearly articulating a TOC and measuring intermediate variables between the predictor and outcome. We additionally recommend adapting study designs and analytic methods outside traditional epidemiology to better capture complex results, influences external to the intervention, and unintended consequences.
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