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Nabunya P, Cavazos-Rehg P, Mugisha J, Kasson E, Namuyaba OI, Najjuuko C, Nsubuga E, Filiatreau LM, Mwebembezi A, Ssewamala FM. An mHealth Intervention to Address Depression and Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Youths Living With HIV in Uganda: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e54635. [PMID: 38457202 PMCID: PMC10960218 DOI: 10.2196/54635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV often struggle with mental health comorbidities that lower their antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. There is growing evidence that depression treatment may improve ART adherence and result in improved HIV outcomes. Given that mental health services are severely underequipped in low-resource settings, including in Uganda, new solutions to increase access to mental health care and close the treatment gap are urgently needed. This protocol paper presents the Suubi-Mhealth study, which proposed to develop a mobile health (mHealth) intervention for use among Ugandan youths (14-17 years) with comorbid HIV and depression, taking into account their unique contextual, cultural, and developmental needs. OBJECTIVE The proposed study is guided by the following objectives: (1) to develop and iteratively refine an intervention protocol for Suubi-Mhealth based on formative work to understand the needs of youths living with HIV; (2) to explore the feasibility and acceptability of Suubi-Mhealth on a small scale to inform subsequent refinement; (3) to test the preliminary impact of Suubi-Mhealth versus a waitlist control group on youths' outcomes, including depression and treatment adherence; and (4) to examine barriers and facilitators for integrating Suubi-Mhealth into health care settings. METHODS Youths will be eligible to participate in the study if they are (1) 14-17 years of age, (2) HIV-positive and aware of their status, (3) receiving care and ART from one of the participating clinics, and (4) living within a family. The study will be conducted in 2 phases. In phase 1, we will conduct focus group discussions with youths and health care providers, for feedback on the proposed intervention content and methods, and explore the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. In phase II, we will pilot-test the preliminary impact of the intervention on reducing depression and improving ART adherence. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 1-, 2-, and 6-months post intervention completion. RESULTS Participant recruitment for phase 1 is completed. Youths and health care providers participated in focus group discussions to share their feedback on the proposed Suubi-Mhealth intervention content, methods, design, and format. Transcription and translation of focus group discussions have been completed. The team is currently developing Suubi-Mhealth content based on participants' feedback. CONCLUSIONS This study will lay important groundwork for several initiatives at the intersection of digital therapeutics, HIV treatment, and mental health, especially among sub-Saharan African youths, as they transition through adolescence and into adult HIV care settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05965245; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05965245. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/54635.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Patricia Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - James Mugisha
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Erin Kasson
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Claire Najjuuko
- Division of Computational & Data Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Edward Nsubuga
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Toska E, Zhou S, Laurenzi CA, Saal W, Rudgard W, Wittesaele C, Langwenya N, Jochim J, Banougnin BH, Gulaid L, Armstrong A, Sherman G, Edun O, Sherr L, Cluver L. Healthcare provisions associated with multiple HIV-related outcomes among adolescent girls and young women living with HIV in South Africa: a cross-sectional study. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26212. [PMID: 38332518 PMCID: PMC10853575 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26212] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living with HIV experience poor HIV outcomes and high rates of unintended pregnancy. Little is known about which healthcare provisions can optimize their HIV-related outcomes, particularly among AGYW mothers. METHODS Eligible 12- to 24-year-old AGYW living with HIV from 61 health facilities in a South African district completed a survey in 2018-2019 (90% recruited). Analysing surveys and medical records from n = 774 participants, we investigated associations of multiple HIV-related outcomes (past-week adherence, consistent clinic attendance, uninterrupted treatment, no tuberculosis [TB] and viral suppression) with seven healthcare provisions: no antiretroviral therapy (ART) stockouts, kind and respectful providers, support groups, short travel time, short waiting time, confidentiality, and safe and affordable facilities. Further, we compared HIV-related outcomes and healthcare provisions between mothers (n = 336) and nulliparous participants (n = 438). Analyses used multivariable regression models, accounting for multiple outcomes. RESULTS HIV-related outcomes were poor, especially among mothers. In multivariable analyses, two healthcare provisions were "accelerators," associated with multiple improved outcomes, with similar results among mothers. Safe and affordable facilities, and kind and respectful staff were associated with higher predicted probabilities of HIV-related outcomes (p<0.001): past-week adherence (62% when neither accelerator was reported to 87% with both accelerators reported), clinic attendance (71%-89%), uninterrupted ART treatment (57%-85%), no TB symptoms (49%-70%) and viral suppression (60%-77%). CONCLUSIONS Accessible and adolescent-responsive healthcare is critical to improving HIV-related outcomes, reducing morbidity, mortality and onward HIV transmission among AGYW. Combining these provisions can maximize benefits, especially for AGYW mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elona Toska
- Centre for Social Science ResearchUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Siyanai Zhou
- Centre for Social Science ResearchUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Division of Social and Behavioural SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Christina A. Laurenzi
- Institute for Life Course Health ResearchDepartment of Global HealthFaculty of Medicine and Health SciencesStellenbosch UniversityCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Wylene Saal
- Centre for Social Science ResearchUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - William Rudgard
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Camille Wittesaele
- Department of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | | | - Janina Jochim
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Laurie Gulaid
- UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Office (UNICEF‐ESARO)NairobiKenya
| | - Alice Armstrong
- UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Office (UNICEF‐ESARO)NairobiKenya
| | - Gayle Sherman
- National Institute for Communicable DiseasesJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child HealthFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Olanrewaju Edun
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease AnalysisSchool of Public HealthImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Division of Social and Behavioural SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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Malata MP, Chipeta EK, Mhango P, Kamanga R, Lupenga D. Comprehensive sexuality education for out-of-school young people living with HIV and young people with disabilities: findings from a formative research study in Malawi. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2023; 31:2226345. [PMID: 37477590 PMCID: PMC10364560 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2023.2226345] [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] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This formative study was undertaken between June 2020 and April 2021 to provide evidence to inform the design and delivery of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in Malawi for young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) and young people with disabilities (YPWD). The study included a desk review of the situation of these two groups and a mapping of CSE programmes and delivery approaches in Malawi. The study findings show that YPWD and YPLHIV in Malawi are marginalised groups, face stigma and discrimination, and are more vulnerable to abuse, warranting CSE that addresses their needs. Yet, they are often left out of sexuality education such as school-based programmes (due to early school drop-outs) and out-of-school programmes, as well as traditional modes. Furthermore, in instances where they have access to sexuality education, there is little evidence to suggest that the sexuality education that they receive is designed to address their needs, thus raising questions about its relevance. There is need for tailored CSE that addresses the needs of these groups and that is delivered using an approach that is easily accessible to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Patricia Malata
- Research Fellow, Centre for Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Effie Kondwani Chipeta
- Senior Research Scientist, Centre for Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Patani Mhango
- Training Coordinator, Centre for Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Rose Kamanga
- Programme Analyst, Adolescents and Youth, UNFPA, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Deus Lupenga
- Chief Youth Officer, Malawi Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Mabasa RA, Madiba S, Mothiba TM. Structural, Familial, and Psychosocial Factors Affecting Long-Term Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence amongst Adolescents Living with Perinatally Acquired HIV in Limpopo, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7074. [PMID: 37998305 PMCID: PMC10671703 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20227074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
After more than two decades of the expansion of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in adolescents living with perinatal HIV (APHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa, there is still poorly sustained long-term adherence to ART due to multifactorial factors with the consequence of increased mortality and morbidity. There are little data available on the familial and structural factors which affect sustenance to long-term adherence to ART. A qualitative exploratory design was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 21 APHIV attending HIV care and management in the rural health facilities of Vhembe district in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Transcripts were translated verbatim into English, and data were analyzed using Tesch's eight steps of qualitative data analysis. The sample consisted of APHIV 10-19 years old who were aware of their HIV status, and all had received ART for more than 5 years. They lived in extended, disrupted, grandparent- and child-headed households. They experienced food insecurities due to poverty or orphanhood, as well as living in disrupted households, which deterred them from long-term adherence. In addition, dependency on social support grants to sustain their livelihoods affected long-term adherence. APHIV had challenges with structural factors such as inconsistent clinic attendance, clashes between school activities and clinic appointments, and the lack of transport fare to the clinic, which affected adherence. Although APHIV were on one-pill fixed-dose ART, they were not able to sustain long-term adherence due to various familial, structural, and psychosocial challenges. In addition to institution-based interventions, there is a need for family, community-based, and multi-sectorial interventions to support long-term ART adherence among APHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rirhandzu Austice Mabasa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Executive Deans Office, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0700, South Africa; (S.M.); (T.M.M.)
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Nardell MF, Sindelo S, Rousseau E, Siko N, Fuzile P, Julies R, Bassett IV, Mellins CA, Bekker LG, Butler LM, Katz IT. Development of "Yima Nkqo," a community-based, peer group intervention to support treatment initiation for young adults with HIV in South Africa. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280895. [PMID: 37319250 PMCID: PMC10270624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Half of young adults diagnosed with HIV in South Africa start antiretroviral therapy (ART). We developed and field tested a facilitator-guided peer support group called Yima Nkqo ("Standing Tall" in isiXhosa) to promote treatment initiation for young adults newly diagnosed with HIV in communities around Cape Town. METHODS Following an adapted version of the UK Medical Research Council's framework for developing complex interventions, we 1) identified evidence on previous interventions to improve ART uptake in sub-Saharan Africa; 2) collected and analyzed qualitative data on the acceptability of our proposed intervention; 3) proposed a theoretical understanding of the process of behavior change; and 4) developed an intervention manual and feedback tools. During field-testing, participant feedback on intervention acceptability, and team feedback on consistency of content delivery and facilitation quality, were analyzed using an iterative, rapid-feedback evaluation approach. In-depth written and verbal summaries were shared in weekly team meetings. Team members interpreted feedback, identified areas for improvement, and proposed suggestions for intervention modifications. RESULTS Based on our formative research, we developed three, 90-minute sessions with content including HIV and ART education, reflection on personal resources and strengths, practice disclosing one's status, strategies to overcome stressors, and goal setting to start treatment. A lay facilitator was trained to deliver intervention content. Two field testing groups (five and four participants, respectively) completed the intervention. Participants highlighted that strengths of Yima Nkqo included peer support, motivation, and education about HIV and ART. Team feedback to the facilitator ensured optimal consistency of intervention content delivery. CONCLUSIONS Iteratively developed in collaboration with youth and healthcare providers, Yima Nkqo is a promising new intervention to improve treatment uptake among young adults with HIV in South Africa. The next phase will be a pilot randomized controlled trial of Yima Nkqo (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04568460).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F. Nardell
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Siyaxolisa Sindelo
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Elzette Rousseau
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Nomakaziwe Siko
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Pamela Fuzile
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Robin Julies
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Claude A. Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
- Governing Council, International AIDS Society, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lisa M. Butler
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - Ingrid T. Katz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Division of Women’s Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Maskew M, Technau K, Davies MA, Vreeman R, Fox MP. Adolescent retention in HIV care within differentiated service-delivery models in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e726-e734. [PMID: 36088915 PMCID: PMC9927242 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents and young people living with HIV are at risk of disengaging from HIV care at all stages of the care cascade. Differentiated models of care offer simplified HIV-service delivery options in the hope of improving treatment outcomes, including retention on antiretroviral therapy. However, it remains unclear how successful and widespread these models are for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of HIV is the greatest. Very few differentiated models of care specifically targeted to adolescents can be found and this priority group are currently ineligible from several models that exist. Where differentiated care has been made available to adolescents, data on the implementation and effectiveness of these interventions remain scarce. Despite this scarcity of evidence on the effectiveness of differentiated care among adolescent populations, several interventions, particularly community-based groups with peer navigators or supporters, might have potential to increase the reach, effectiveness, and adoption of differentiated care in adolescent HIV-care programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Chem ED, Ferry A, Seeley J, Weiss HA, Simms V. Health-related needs reported by adolescents living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic literature review. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25921. [PMID: 35983685 PMCID: PMC9389275 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have specific health needs that can be challenging to deliver. Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to 84% of the global population of ALHIV, of whom about 59% receive ART. Several studies in SSA have demonstrated health service gaps due to lack of synchronized healthcare for ALHIV receiving ART. We conducted a systematic review of health‐related needs among ALHIV on ART in SSA to inform decisions and policies on care. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane library and grey literature for studies reporting health‐related needs among ALHIV receiving ART in SSA, between January 2003 and May 2020. Results and discussion Of the 2333 potentially eligible articles identified, 32 were eligible. Eligible studies were published between 2008 and 2019, in 11 countries: Zambia (7), Uganda (6), Tanzania (4), South Africa (4), Kenya (3), Ghana (2), Zimbabwe (2), Rwanda (1), Malawi (1), Botswana (1) and Democratic Republic of Congo (1). Seven categories of health needs among ALHIV were identified. In descending order of occurrence, these were: psychosocial needs (stigma reduction, disclosure and privacy support, and difficulty accepting diagnosis); dependency of care (need for family and provider support, and desire for autonomy); self‐management needs (desire for better coping strategies, medication adherence support and reduced ART side effects); non‐responsive health services (non‐adolescent friendly facility services and non‐compatible school system); need for food, financial and material support; inadequate information about HIV (desire for more knowledge to fight misinformation and misconception); and developmental and growth needs (desire to experience sex, parenthood and love). Ecological analysis identified different priority needs between ALHIV, their caregivers and healthcare providers, including psychosocial needs, financial challenges and non‐responsive health services, respectively. Conclusions To respond effectively to the health needs of ALHIV and improve ART adherence, interventions should focus on stigma reduction, disclosure challenges and innovative coping mechanisms for ART. Interventions that address the health needs of ALHIV from the perspective of carers and providers, such as financial support schemes and adolescent‐friendly healthcare strategies, should supplement efforts to improve adolescent ART adherence outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis D Chem
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Helen A Weiss
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Victoria Simms
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Mavodza CV, Busza J, Mackworth-Young CRS, Nyamwanza R, Nzombe P, Dauya E, Dziva Chikwari C, Tembo M, Simms V, Mugurungi O, Apollo T, Madzima B, Ferrand RA, Bernays S. Family Planning Experiences and Needs of Young Women Living With and Without HIV Accessing an Integrated HIV and SRH Intervention in Zimbabwe-An Exploratory Qualitative Study. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:781983. [PMID: 35663923 PMCID: PMC9160719 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.781983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People living with HIV have higher unmet family planning needs compared to those without HIV. This is heightened for young people. However, the provision of family planning for young people within HIV programmes is uncommon. We investigated family planning uptake, acceptability of, and engagement with a service offering integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for youth in a community-based setting in Zimbabwe. Methods CHIEDZA, a community-based intervention offering integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services to young people aged 16-24 years, is being trialed in Zimbabwe. This exploratory qualitative study was nested within an ongoing study process evaluation. Data was collected between March-May 2021 with two sets of interviews conducted: I) twelve semi-structured interviews with young women living with HIV aged 17-25 years and II) fifteen interviews conducted with young women without HIV aged between 20 and 25 years who used a contraceptive method. A thematic analysis approach was used. Results Before engaging with CHIEDZA, young women had experienced judgmental providers, on account of their age, and received misinformation about contraceptive use and inadequate information about ART-contraceptive interactions. These presented as barriers to uptake and engagement. Upon attending CHIEDZA, all the young women reported receiving non-judgmental care. For those living with HIV, they were able to access integrated HIV and family planning services that supported them having broader sexual and reproductive needs beyond their HIV diagnosis. The family planning preference of young women living with HIV included medium to long-acting contraceptives to minimize adherence challenges, and desired partner involvement in dual protection to prevent HIV transmission. CHIEDZA's ability to meet these preferences shaped uptake, acceptability, and engagement with integrated HIV and family services. Conclusions Recommendations for an HIV and family planning integrated service for young people living with HIV include: offering a range of services (including method-mix contraceptives) to choose from; supporting their agency to engage with the services which are most acceptable to them; and providing trained, supportive, knowledgeable, and non-judgmental health providers who can provide accurate information and counsel. We recommend youth-friendly, differentiated, person-centered care that recognize the multiple and intersecting needs of young people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constancia V. Mavodza
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Busza
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Constance R. S. Mackworth-Young
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Portia Nzombe
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ethel Dauya
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Chido Dziva Chikwari
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mandikudza Tembo
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- MRC London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Simms
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Owen Mugurungi
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, HIV and TB Department, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, HIV and TB Department, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Rashida A. Ferrand
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Bernays
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Kip EC, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Go VF, Gaynes BN. Stigma and mental health challenges among adolescents living with HIV in selected adolescent-specific antiretroviral therapy clinics in Zomba District, Malawi. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:253. [PMID: 35524228 PMCID: PMC9077887 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03292-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of the 1.8 million adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 living with HIV globally in 2020; approximately 1.5 million of these live in sub-Saharan Africa. These adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems than those without; in Malawi, 18.9% have a depressive disorder. ALHIV can face numerous psychosocial challenges, but little is known about how ALHIV in Malawi perceive these stressors. Understanding psychosocial challenges of ALHIV is a key step in ensuring good mental health care. The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial challenges faced by ALHIV attending adolescent-specific ART program in Zomba, Malawi. METHODS Between April and May 2019, we engaged a purposive sample of ALHIV ages 12-18 (n = 80) in a series of eight focus groups drawing from four Teen Clubs linked to an adolescent-specific ART program. Data were analyzed inductively and deductively to identify themes related to ALHIV psychosocial experiences. RESULTS Two themes that emerged from the study include: 1) stigma and discrimination within communities and families; 2) non-adherence to medications. HIV-related stigma was associated with increased psychological distress; physical and emotional/verbal abuse; low social support, isolation, and a feeling of rejection; and risky health behaviors such as medication hiding and non-adherence to ART. Discriminatory actions were manifested in a form of being given separate utensils for their meals and mistreatment at school. Furthermore, some parents did not allow their children to play with the participants out of fear that HIV transmission. CONCLUSIONS Stigma and discrimination are overlooked potential barriers to HIV treatment and care. If HIV services are to effectively meet ALHIVs' needs, mental health interventions are needed to prevent and manage depression and improve adherence to ART. These findings highlight the crucial need to develop culturally relevant mental interventions aimed at helping ALHIV to cope with these diverse challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther C Kip
- Malawi College of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi.
| | - Michael Udedi
- Malawi Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 30377, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Malawi College of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Vivian F Go
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
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Stackpool-Moore L, Nkosi S, Kasune Zulu P, Presley J, Ferguson L. Addressing stigma and discrimination at scale: uniting for a common vision while acknowledging local realities. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25893. [PMID: 35229482 PMCID: PMC8886176 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Josie Presley
- Global Health Division-HIV, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laura Ferguson
- Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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