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Matthews LT, Atukunda EC, Owembabazi M, Kalyebera KP, Psaros C, Chitneni P, Hendrix CW, Marzinke MA, Anderson PL, Isehunwa OO, Hurwitz KE, Bennett K, Muyindike W, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE, Marrazzo JM, Bwana MB. High PrEP uptake and objective longitudinal adherence among HIV-exposed women with personal or partner plans for pregnancy in rural Uganda: A cohort study. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004088. [PMID: 36795763 PMCID: PMC9983833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Uganda, fertility rates and adult HIV prevalence are high, and many women conceive with partners living with HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces HIV acquisition for women and, therefore, infants. We developed the Healthy Families-PrEP intervention to support PrEP use as part of HIV prevention during periconception and pregnancy periods. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study to evaluate oral PrEP use among women participating in the intervention. METHODS AND FINDINGS We enrolled HIV-negative women with plans for pregnancy with a partner living, or thought to be living, with HIV (2017 to 2020) to evaluate PrEP use among women participating in the Healthy Families-PrEP intervention. Quarterly study visits through 9 months included HIV and pregnancy testing and HIV prevention counseling. PrEP was provided in electronic pillboxes, providing the primary adherence measure ("high" adherence when pillbox was opened ≥80% of days). Enrollment questionnaires assessed factors associated with PrEP use. Plasma tenofovir (TFV) and intraerythrocytic TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations were determined quarterly for women who acquired HIV and a randomly selected subset of those who did not; concentrations TFV ≥40 ng/mL and TFV-DP ≥600 fmol/punch were categorized as "high." Women who became pregnant were initially exited from the cohort by design; from March 2019, women with incident pregnancy remained in the study with quarterly follow-up until pregnancy outcome. Primary outcomes included (1) PrEP uptake (proportion who initiated PrEP); and (2) PrEP adherence (proportion of days with pillbox openings during the first 3 months following PrEP initiation). We used univariable and multivariable-adjusted linear regression to evaluate baseline predictors selected based on our conceptual framework of mean adherence over 3 months. We also assessed mean monthly adherence over 9 months of follow-up and during pregnancy. We enrolled 131 women with mean age 28.7 years (95% CI: 27.8 to 29.5). Ninety-seven (74%) reported a partner with HIV and 79 (60%) reported condomless sex. Most women (N = 118; 90%) initiated PrEP. Mean electronic adherence during the 3 months following initiation was 87% (95% CI: 83%, 90%). No covariates were associated with 3-month pill-taking behavior. Concentrations of plasma TFV and TFV-DP were high among 66% and 47%, 56% and 41%, and 45% and 45% at months 3, 6, and 9, respectively. We observed 53 pregnancies among 131 women (1-year cumulative incidence 53% [95% CI: 43%, 62%]) and 1 HIV-seroconversion in a non-pregnant woman. Mean pillcap adherence for PrEP users with pregnancy follow-up (N = 17) was 98% (95% CI: 97%, 99%). Study design limitations include lack of a control group. CONCLUSIONS Women in Uganda with PrEP indications and planning for pregnancy chose to use PrEP. By electronic pillcap, most were able to sustain high adherence to daily oral PrEP prior to and during pregnancy. Differences in adherence measures highlight challenges with adherence assessment; serial measures of TFV-DP in whole blood suggest 41% to 47% of women took sufficient periconception PrEP to prevent HIV. These data suggest that women planning for and with pregnancy should be prioritized for PrEP implementation, particularly in settings with high fertility rates and generalized HIV epidemics. Future iterations of this work should compare the outcomes to current standard of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03832530 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03832530?term=lynn+matthews&cond=hiv&cntry=UG&draw=2&rank=1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T. Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Kato Paul Kalyebera
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Christina Psaros
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pooja Chitneni
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Craig W. Hendrix
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Marzinke
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Peter L. Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Oluwaseyi O. Isehunwa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Kathleen E. Hurwitz
- NoviSci, Inc., a Target RWE company, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting Inc., Ballston Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Winnie Muyindike
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David R. Bangsberg
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health Sciences University–Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeanne M. Marrazzo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
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Atukunda EC, Owembabazi M, Pratt MC, Psaros C, Muyindike W, Chitneni P, Bwana MB, Bangsberg D, Haberer JE, Marrazzo J, Matthews LT. A qualitative exploration to understand barriers and facilitators to daily oral PrEP uptake and sustained adherence among HIV-negative women planning for or with pregnancy in rural Southwestern Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25894. [PMID: 35324081 PMCID: PMC8944216 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may reduce periconception and pregnancy HIV incidence among women in settings, where gender power imbalances limit HIV testing, engagement in care and HIV viral suppression. We conducted qualitative interviews to understand factors influencing periconception and pregnancy PrEP uptake and use in a cohort of women (Trial registration: NCT03832530) offered safer conception counselling in rural Southwestern Uganda, where PrEP uptake was high. METHODS Between March 2018 and January 2019, in-depth interviews informed by conceptual frameworks for periconception risk reduction and PrEP adherence were conducted with 37 women including those with ≥80% and <80% adherence to PrEP doses measured by electronic pill cap, those who never initiated PrEP, and seven of their male partners. Content and dyadic analyses were conducted to identify emergent challenges and facilitators of PrEP use within individual and couple narratives. RESULTS The median age for women was 33 years (IQR 28, 35), 97% felt likely to acquire HIV and 89% initiated PrEP. Individual-level barriers included unwillingness to take daily pills while healthy, side effects and alcohol use. Women overcame these barriers through personal desires to have control over their HIV serostatus, produce HIV-negative children and prevent HIV transmission within partnerships. Couple-level barriers included nondisclosure, mistrust and gender-based violence; facilitators included shared goals and perceived HIV protection, which improved communication, sexual intimacy and emotional support within partnerships through a self-controlled method. Community-level barriers included multi-level stigma related to HIV, ARVs/PrEP and serodifference; facilitators included active peer, family or healthcare provider support as women aspired to safely meet socio-cultural expectations to conceive and preserve serodifferent relationships. Confidence in PrEP effectiveness was promoted by positive peer experiences with PrEP and ongoing HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS Multi-level forms of HIV-, serodifference- and disclosure-related stigma, side effects, pill burden, alcohol use, relationship dynamics, social, professional and partnership support towards adaptation and HIV risk reduction influence PrEP uptake and adherence among HIV-negative women with plans for pregnancy in rural Southwestern Uganda. Confidence in PrEP, individually controlled HIV prevention and improved partnership communication and intimacy promoted PrEP adherence. Supporting individuals to overcome context-specific barriers to PrEP use may be an important approach to improving uptake and prolonged use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Madeline Claire Pratt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Christina Psaros
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Pooja Chitneni
- Division of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - David Bangsberg
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health Sciences University - Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jessica Elizabeth Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeanne Marrazzo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Lynn Turner Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Mathenjwa M, Khidir H, Milford C, Mosery N, Rambally Greener L, Pratt MC, O'Neil K, Harrison A, Bangsberg DR, Safren SA, Smit JA, Psaros C, Matthews LT. Acceptability of an Intervention to Promote Viral Suppression and Serostatus Disclosure for Men Living with HIV in South Africa: Qualitative Findings. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1-12. [PMID: 34097209 PMCID: PMC8786780 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03278-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Men living with HIV (MLWH) often have reproductive goals that can increase HIV-transmission risks to their pregnancy partners. We developed a safer conception intervention for MLWH in South Africa employing cognitive behavioral skills to promote serostatus disclosure, ART uptake, and viral suppression. MLWH were recruited from an HIV clinic near Durban, South Africa, and encouraged to include partners in follow-up visits. Exit in-depth interviews were conducted with eleven men and one female partner. The emerging over-arching theme is that safer conception care mitigates internalized and community-level HIV-stigma among MLWH. Additional related sub-themes include: (1) safer conception care acceptability is high but structural barriers challenge participation; (2) communication skills trainings helped overcome barriers to disclose serostatus; (3) feasibility and perceived effectiveness of strategies informed safer conception method selection. Our findings suggest that offering safer conception care to MLWH is a novel stigma-reducing strategy for motivating HIV prevention and treatment and serostatus disclosure to partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mxolisi Mathenjwa
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Cecilia Milford
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nzwakie Mosery
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Letitia Rambally Greener
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
- Population Services International, South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Madeline C Pratt
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Division of Infectious Disease, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer A Smit
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Lynn T Matthews
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Division of Infectious Disease, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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Gutin SA, Harper GW, Moshashane N, Ramontshonyana K, Stephenson R, Shade SB, Harries J, Mmeje O, Ramogola-Masire D, Morroni C. Relationship, partner factors and stigma are associated with safer conception information, motivation, and behavioral skills among women living with HIV in Botswana. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2231. [PMID: 34879845 PMCID: PMC8653588 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12268-5] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant proportion (20-59%) of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa desire childbearing, are of reproductive age, and are in sero-different relationships (~50%). Thus it is plausible that some portion of new HIV transmissions are due to attempts to become pregnant. Safer conception (SC) methods that effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission exist and can be made available in resource-constrained settings. Few studies in the region, and none in Botswana, have quantitatively examined the correlates of information, motivation, and behavioral skills for SC uptake. METHODS We surveyed 356 women living with HIV from 6/2018 to 12/2018 at six public-sector health clinics in Gaborone, Botswana. Participants were 18-40 years old, not pregnant, and desired future children or were unsure about their childbearing plans. We examined correlates of SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills using nested linear regression models, adjusting for socio-demographic, interpersonal, and structural variables. RESULTS Knowledge of SC methods varied widely. While some SC methods were well known (medical male circumcision by 83%, antiretroviral therapy for viral suppression by 64%), most other methods were known by less than 40% of participants. Our final models reveal that stigma as well as relationship and partner factors affect SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills. Both internalized childbearing stigma (ß=-0.50, 95%CI:-0.17, -0.02) and perceived community childbearing stigma were negatively associated with SC information (ß=-0.09, 95%CI:-0.80, -0.21). Anticipated (ß=-0.06, 95%CI:-0.12, -0.003) and internalized stigma (ß=-0.27, 95%CI:-0.44; -0.10) were associated with decreased SC motivation, while perceived community childbearing stigma was associated with increased SC motivation (ß=0.07, 95%CI:0.02, 0.11). Finally, internalized childbearing stigma was associated with decreased SC behavioral skills (ß=-0.80, 95%CI: -1.12, -0.47) while SC information (ß=0.24, 95%CI:0.12, 0.36), motivation (ß=0.36, 95%CI:0.15, 0.58), and perceived partner willingness to use SC (ß=0.47, 95%CI:0.36, 0.57) were positively associated with behavioral skills CONCLUSIONS: Low SC method-specific information levels are concerning since almost half (47%) of the study participants reported they were in sero-different relationships and desired more children. Findings highlight the importance of addressing HIV stigma and partner dynamics in interventions to improve SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gutin
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, 94143, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, MI, 48109, Ann Arbor, USA.
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, MI, 48109, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Neo Moshashane
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership Princess Marina Hospital, Private Bag BO 320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kehumile Ramontshonyana
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership Princess Marina Hospital, Private Bag BO 320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, MI, Ann Arbor, USA
- The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Starley B Shade
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jane Harries
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Okeoma Mmeje
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, MI, 48109, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, MI, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership Princess Marina Hospital, Private Bag BO 320, Gaborone, Botswana
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Milford C, Beksinska M, Greener R, Pienaar J, Rambally Greener L, Mabude Z, Smit J. Fertility desires of people living with HIV: does the implementation of a sexual and reproductive health and HIV integration model change healthcare providers' attitudes and clients' desires? BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:509. [PMID: 34039312 PMCID: PMC8157636 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06487-0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a need for information and healthcare support for the fertility desires and contraceptive needs of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in order to provide safer conception support for sero-discordant couples wanting to safely conceive. A model to integrate sexual and reproductive health and HIV services was developed and implemented in a district hospital and six clinics in the eThekwini District, South Africa. Methods To evaluate the model’s success, a cross-sectional survey was conducted before and after implementation of the model. As part of this evaluation, fertility desires of PLHIV (both male and female), and providers’ perspectives thereof were explored. Changes in desires and attitudes after integration of services were investigated. Results Forty-six healthcare providers and 269 clients (48 male, 221 female) were surveyed at baseline, and 44 providers and 300 clients (70 male, 230 female) at endline. Various factors including relationship status, parity and antiretroviral treatment (ART) access influenced PLHIVs’ desires for children. Concerns for their own and their child’s health negatively impacted on PLHIV’s fertility desires. These concerns declined after integration of services. Similarly, providers’ concerns about PLHIV having children decreased after the implementation of the model. Conclusions Integrated services are important to facilitate provision of information on contraceptive options as well as safer conception information for PLHIV who want to have children. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06487-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Milford
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Commercial City Building, 40 Dr AB Xuma Street, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Commercial City Building, 40 Dr AB Xuma Street, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Ross Greener
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Commercial City Building, 40 Dr AB Xuma Street, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Pienaar
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,The Centre for HIV-AIDS Prevention Studies, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Letitia Rambally Greener
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Commercial City Building, 40 Dr AB Xuma Street, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Zonke Mabude
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Commercial City Building, 40 Dr AB Xuma Street, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Smit
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Commercial City Building, 40 Dr AB Xuma Street, Durban, 4001, South Africa
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Wagner GJ, Wanyenze RK, Beyeza-Kashesya J, Gwokyalya V, Hurley E, Mindry D, Finocchario-Kessler S, Nanfuka M, Tebeka MG, Saya U, Booth M, Ghosh-Dastidar B, Linnemayr S, Staggs VS, Goggin K. "Our Choice" improves use of safer conception methods among HIV serodiscordant couples in Uganda: a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating two implementation approaches. Implement Sci 2021; 16:41. [PMID: 33858462 PMCID: PMC8048255 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-021-01109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Safer conception counseling (SCC) to promote the use of safer conception methods (SCM) is not yet part of routine family planning or HIV care. Guidelines for the use of SCM have been published, but to date there are no published controlled evaluations of SCC. Furthermore, it is unknown whether standard methods commonly used in resource constrained settings to integrate new services would be sufficient, or if enhanced training and supervision would result in a more efficacious approach to implementing SCC. Methods In a hybrid, cluster randomized controlled trial, six HIV clinics were randomly assigned to implement the SCC intervention Our Choice using either a high (SCC1) or low intensity (SCC2) approach (differentiated by amount of training and supervision), or existing family planning services (usual care). Three hundred eighty-nine HIV clients considering childbearing with an HIV-negative partner enrolled. The primary outcome was self-reported use of appropriate reproductive method (SCM if trying to conceive; modern contraceptives if not) over 12 months or until pregnancy. Results The combined intervention groups used appropriate reproductive methods more than usual care [20.8% vs. 6.9%; adjusted OR (95% CI)=10.63 (2.79, 40.49)], and SCC1 reported a higher rate than SCC2 [27.1% vs. 14.6%; OR (95% CI)=4.50 (1.44, 14.01)]. Among those trying to conceive, the intervention arms reported greater accurate use of SCM compared to usual care [24.1% vs. 0%; OR (95% CI)=91.84 (4.94, 1709.0)], and SCC1 performed better than SCC2 [34.6% vs. 11.5%; OR (95% CI)=6.43 (1.90, 21.73)]. The arms did not vary on modern contraception use among those not trying to conceive. A cost of $631 per person was estimated to obtain accurate use of SCM in SCC1, compared to $1014 in SCC2. Conclusions More intensive provider training and more frequent supervision leads to greater adoption of complex SCM behaviors and is more cost-effective than the standard low intensity implementation approach. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03167879; date registered May 23, 2017. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13012-021-01109-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn J Wagner
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA, 91105, USA.
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Violet Gwokyalya
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emily Hurley
- Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Deborah Mindry
- University of California Global Health Institute, Center for Women's Health and Empowerment, 1234 Sunny Oaks Circle, Altadena, CA, 91001, USA
| | - Sarah Finocchario-Kessler
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | | | - Mahlet G Tebeka
- Pardee RAND Graduate School, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA, 91105, USA
| | - Uzaib Saya
- Pardee RAND Graduate School, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA, 91105, USA
| | - Marika Booth
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St., Santa Monica, CA, 91105, USA
| | | | | | - Vincent S Staggs
- Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Kathy Goggin
- Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
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Gutin SA, Harper GW, Moshashane N, Bitsang C, Harries J, Ramogola-Masire D, Morroni C. "What if they are pre-conception? What should we do?": Knowledge, practices, and preferences for safer conception among women living with HIV and healthcare providers in Gaborone, Botswana. Front Glob Womens Health 2021; 1. [PMID: 33693437 PMCID: PMC7943178 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2020.582463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Safer conception interventions that address HIV care, treatment, and prevention for HIV-affected couples are increasingly available in sub-Saharan Africa. Botswana, an HIV endemic country, is yet to offer formal safer conception services although universal test-and-treat approaches mean that increasing numbers of young, sexually active people living with HIV will start treatment and likely desire childbearing. In order to advance the safer conception discussion in Botswana, it is necessary to understand the current safer conception knowledge, practices, and preferences of healthcare providers and women living with HIV (WLHIV). We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 10 HIV healthcare providers and 10 WLHIV in Gaborone. Interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Safer conception knowledge was limited and safer conception discussions were rare. Healthcare provider and WLHIV preferences were at odds, with providers preferring WLHIV to initiate safer conception discussions, and WLHIV desiring providers to initiate safer conception discussions. Quotes from women and providers highlight deeper issues about power dynamics, concerns about stigma among women, and provider fears about promoting pregnancy. Providers emphasized the need for guidelines and training in order to improve the provision of safer conception counseling. These findings point to areas where safer conception in Botswana can be improved. Both WLHIV and providers would benefit from having information about a range of safer conception methods and approaches. In addition, since WLHIV felt hesitant about initiating safer conception conversations and feared stigma, and because putting the onus for starting safer conception discussions on women is a reversal of normal roles and power structures, providers must take the lead and routinely initiate fertility desire and safer conception discussions. Assisting healthcare providers with clear safer conception guidelines and training would improve the provision of accurate safer conception counseling and facilitate reproductive choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gutin
- Dept. of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Dept. of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Christina Bitsang
- Career and Counseling Services, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jane Harries
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Botswana U-Penn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
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Rucinski KB, Powers KA, Pettifor AE, Black V, Pence BW, Chi BH, Rees H, Schwartz SR. Trajectories of fertility intentions among women living with HIV in South Africa. AIDS Care 2021; 33:180-186. [PMID: 32008361 PMCID: PMC7395884 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1719969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Fertility intentions are thought to be dynamic among women of reproductive age, yet few studies have assessed fertility intentions over time among women with HIV. We examine temporal patterns of fertility intentions in women with HIV to assess the extent to which fertility intentions - and the corresponding need for safer conception and judicious antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen selection - vary over time. 850 non-pregnant HIV-positive women aged 18-35 on or being initiated onto ART in Johannesburg, South Africa were enrolled into a prospective cohort study (2009-2010). Fertility intentions were assessed at enrollment and at 30-day intervals via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. We used group-based trajectory modelling to identify longitudinal patterns of fertility intentions over 12 months. We identified four patterns of fertility intentions, which we labelled "consistently low" (representing ∼60% of the population), "low and increasing" (∼23%), "high and increasing" (∼12%), and "high and decreasing" (∼5%). Our findings suggest that a single family-planning assessment at one time point is insufficient to fully identify and meet the reproductive needs of women with HIV. As HIV testing and treatment evolve in South Africa, routine screening for fertility intentions can offer important opportunities to optimize HIV treatment, prevention, and maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine B Rucinski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kimberly A Powers
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Audrey E Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vivian Black
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Brian W Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin H Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Helen Rees
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sheree R Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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9
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Chirambira P, Madiba S, Ntuli B. Societal and individual drivers of fertility desires and intentions among people living with HIV: a cross sectional study of HIV clinic attendees in Soweto, South Africa. AIMS Public Health 2021; 9:173-184. [PMID: 35071676 PMCID: PMC8755963 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2022013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High proportion of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are in the prime of their reproductive years desire to have children. There are limited studies that explore the range of fertility intentions for PLHIV. This study investigated the fertility desires and intentions of PLHIV and the associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 442 PLHIV receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) in health facilities in Soweto, an urban township that is situated in the City of Johannesburg in South Africa. STATA version 13 was used to analyze the data. Results The participants' mean age was 36.3 years, 70% were females, 79.6% had at least one biological child, and 36% had 3+ children. Almost half (47%) expressed the desire for children, saying that this was because they had no biological children, or their partners wanted children, or they wanted children of a particular sex, or were feeling healthy after taking ART. An increased fertility desire was associated with absence of biological children (AOR = 5.06, 95% CI: 2.11–12.1) and with being married (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.31–5.27). A decreased fertility desire was associated with being aged 36+ (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.31–5.27), having primary education (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01–1.30) and having ≥4 years of ART duration (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24–0.81). Conclusion Individual factors played a significant role in shaping the fertility desires of PLHIV in this setting. The high desire for children underscore the need to integrate reproductive health services in HIV and AIDS care and treatment services and develop safer conception programmes to help PLHIV to conceive and have children safely.
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10
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"I did not know about all these": Perceptions regarding safer conception methods by women living with HIV in Gaborone, Botswana. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242992. [PMID: 33259505 PMCID: PMC7707558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Various safer conception methods to limit HIV transmission risks can be offered in resource-constrained settings. However, implementation of safer conception services remains limited in many countries, including Botswana. Understanding perceptions about safer conception methods and the benefits and challenges to use can help with the development of policies, interventions, and service delivery models. Forty-five women living with HIV in the greater Gaborone, Botswana area participated in focus group discussions. Themes were analyzed using interpretive phenomenology. Despite low knowledge of specific safer conception methods that can be used to prevent transmission of HIV when trying to achieve pregnancy, there was noted interest in pre-exposure prophylaxis and vaginal insemination. Challenges to greater uptake were noted including a lack of knowledge about a range of SC methods, limited partner support and communication, provider stigma, health systems barriers, current policies, and the cultural acceptability of methods. Interventions will need to address these challenges and be responsive to the needs and reflect the realities of WLHIV who desire pregnancy in order for safer conception uptake to become a common practice.
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11
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Gutin SA, Harper GW, Amico KR, Bitsang C, Moshashane N, Harries J, Ramogola-Masire D, Morroni C. 'I'm waiting for that': Interest in the use of PrEP for safer conception in Botswana. Glob Public Health 2020; 15:1200-1211. [PMID: 32175819 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1741663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Safe and effective low-cost safer conception (SC) methods are increasingly available and being integrated into national guidelines in sub-Saharan African contexts. Sero-different couples of childbearing age can benefit from such services and the routine provision of SC counselling. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV acquisition to uninfected partners can reduce the chances of HIV transmission when trying to achieve pregnancy. Botswana has a strong commitment to reducing new HIV infections but PrEP is not yet widely available and little guidance has been offered on counselling sero-different couples. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews in Gaborone, Botswana with 10 HIV healthcare providers and 10 women living with HIV of childbearing age because they act as a key conduit for reaching sero-different partners with information about PrEP. We examined knowledge and attitudes towards PrEP to assess the viability and develop a deeper understanding of this SC option. Interviews were analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Three themes emerged: (1) awareness of PrEP is limited, (2) providers and women overwhelmingly showed interest in PrEP and (3) women living with HIV and providers have concerns about PrEP use. With the correct support, PrEP could be a useful SC option for sero-different couples in Botswana and other sub-Saharan contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gutin
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christina Bitsang
- Career and Counseling Services, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Jane Harries
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Botswana U-Penn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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12
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Khidir H, Mosery N, Greener R, Milford C, Bennett K, Kaida A, Psaros C, Safren SA, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA, Matthews LT. Sexual Relationship Power and Periconception HIV-Risk Behavior Among HIV-Infected Men in Serodifferent Relationships. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:881-890. [PMID: 31165395 PMCID: PMC6891132 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02536-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gender norms affect HIV risk within serodifferent partnerships. We assessed how the sexual relationship power described by men living with HIV (MLWH) associates with periconception HIV-transmission risk behavior. Quantitative surveys were conducted with 82 MLWH reporting a recent pregnancy with an HIV-negative or unknown-serostatus partner in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Surveys assessed decision-making dominance (DMD) using the Pulerwitz et al. sexual relationship power scale; partnership characteristics; and HIV-risk behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated associations between DMD score and HIV-risk behaviors. Higher male decision-making dominance was associated with non-disclosure of HIV-serostatus to pregnancy partner (aRR 2.00, 95% CI 1.52, 2.64), not knowing partner's HIV-serostatus (aRR 1.64, 95% CI 1.27, 2.13), condomless sex since pregnancy (aRR 1.92, 95% CI 1.08, 3.43), and concurrent relationships (aRR 1.50, 95% CI 1.20, 1.88). Efforts to minimize periconception HIV-risk behavior must address gender norms and power inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nzwakie Mosery
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN, South Africa
| | - Ross Greener
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, GT, South Africa
| | - Cecilia Milford
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN, South Africa
| | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting Inc., Ballston Lake, NY, USA
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Psaros
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steve A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN, South Africa
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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13
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Khidir H, Psaros C, Greener L, O’Neil K, Mathenjwa M, Mosery FN, Moore L, Harrison A, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA, Safren SA, Matthews LT. Developing a Safer Conception Intervention for Men Living with HIV in South Africa. AIDS Behav 2019; 22:1725-1735. [PMID: 28194587 PMCID: PMC5554741 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Within sexual partnerships, men make many decisions about sexual behavior, reproductive goals, and HIV prevention. There are increasing calls to involve men in reproductive health and HIV prevention. This paper describes the process of creating and evaluating the acceptability of a safer conception intervention for men living with HIV who want to have children with partners at risk for acquiring HIV in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Based on formative work conducted with men and women living with HIV, their partners, and providers, we developed an intervention based on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy to support men in the adoption of HIV risk-reduction behaviors such as HIV-serostatus disclosure and uptake of and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Structured group discussions were used to explore intervention acceptability and feasibility. Our work demonstrates that men are eager for reproductive health services, but face unique barriers to accessing them.
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14
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Abstract
Childbearing intentions among women in high-fertility contexts are usually classified into those wanting to have a baby, those wanting to 'space' a birth and those wanting to 'limit' their family size. However, evidence from Africa increasingly suggests that women's intentions are more complex than this classification suggests, and that there is fluidity in these intentions. This research explores women's accounts of their childbearing intentions and decisions in order to examine how this fluidity plays out in a low-fertility context in urban Africa. Six focus group discussions were conducted in April and May 2012 with women of reproductive age in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants were recruited using random and purposive sampling techniques. The focus group discussions had an average of seven participants each. Data were coded thematically and analysed using Nvivo software. The analysis explored the factors that women consider to be influential for childbearing and found that the health of the mother and child, costs of raising a child and relationships were commonly reported to be important. Evidence of intentions to space births and limit family size was found. However, the data also showed that there is fluidity in women's family planning intentions, driven by changes in relationships or household finances, which often result in a desire to avoid pregnancy in the present moment. The fluidity observed in women's childbearing intentions cannot be accounted for by the concepts of either 'spacing' or 'limitation' but is best explained by the concept of 'postponement'. The research reveals the need for family planning clinics to provide a full method mix, as well as high-quality counselling, to enable women to choose a method that best suits their needs.
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15
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Iyer JR, Van Rie A, Haberlen SA, Mudavanhu M, Mutunga L, Bassett J, Schwartz SR. Subfertility among HIV-affected couples in a safer conception cohort in South Africa. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 221:48.e1-48.e18. [PMID: 30807762 PMCID: PMC6592765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subfertility among couples affected by HIV has an impact on the well-being of couples who desire to have children and may prolong HIV exposure. Subfertility in the antiretroviral therapy era and its determinants have not yet been well characterized. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the burden and determinants of subfertility among HIV-affected couples seeking safer conception services in South Africa. STUDY DESIGN Nonpregnant women and male partners in HIV seroconcordant or HIV discordant relationships desiring a child were enrolled in the Sakh'umndeni safer conception cohort at Witkoppen Clinic in Johannesburg between July 2013 and April 2017. Clients were followed up prospectively through pregnancy (if they conceived) or until 6 months of attempted conception, after which they were referred for infertility services. Subfertility was defined as not having conceived within 6 months of attempted conception. Robust Poisson regression was used to assess the association between baseline characteristics and subfertility outcomes; inverse probability weighting was used to account for missing data from women lost to safer conception care before 6 months of attempted conception. RESULTS Among 334 couples enrolled, 65% experienced subfertility (inverse probability weighting weighted, 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.73), of which 33% were primary subfertility and 67% secondary subfertility. Compared with HIV-negative women, HIV-positive women not on antiretroviral therapy had a 2-fold increased risk of subfertility (weighted and adjusted risk ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-3.34). Infertility risk was attenuated in women on antiretroviral therapy but remained elevated, even after ≥2 years on antiretroviral therapy (weighted and adjusted risk ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-2.69). Other factors associated with subfertility were female age (weighted and adjusted risk ratio, 1.03, 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.05 per year), male HIV-positive status (weighted and adjusted risk ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.68), male smoking (weighted and adjusted risk ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.60), and trying to conceive for ≥1 year (weighted and adjusted risk ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.68). CONCLUSION Two in 3 HIV-affected couples experienced subfertility. HIV-positive women were at increased risk of subfertility, even when on antiretroviral therapy. Both male and female HIV status were associated with subfertility. Subfertility is an underrecognized reproductive health problem in resource-limited settings and may contribute to prolonged HIV exposure and transmission within couples. Low-cost approaches for screening and treating subfertility in this population are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Iyer
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Annelies Van Rie
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Sabina A Haberlen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mutsa Mudavanhu
- Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lillian Mutunga
- Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jean Bassett
- Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sheree R Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD.
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16
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Gwokyalya V, Beyeza-Kashesya J, Bwanika JB, Matovu JKB, Mugerwa S, Arinaitwe J, Kasozi D, Bukenya J, Kindyomunda R, Wagner GJ, Makumbi FE, Wanyenze RK. Knowledge and correlates of use of safer conception methods among HIV-infected women attending HIV care in Uganda. Reprod Health 2019; 16:64. [PMID: 31138254 PMCID: PMC6538556 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0717-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many people living with HIV would like to have children but family planning (FP) services often focus on only contraception. Availability of safer conception services is still very low in most low income countries. In this study we assessed the knowledge and use of safer conception methods (SCM) among HIV infected women in HIV care in Uganda to inform integration of safer conception in existing FP services. METHODS Data were accrued from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 5198 HIV+ women aged 15-49 years from 245 HIV clinics in Uganda. Knowledge and use of safer conception methods and associated factors were determined. The measure of association was prevalence ratio (PR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals, obtained using a modified Poisson regression via generalized linear models. All the analyses were conducted using STATA version 12.0. RESULTS Overall knowledge of any safer conception method was 74.1% (3852/5198). However only 13.2% knew 3 to 4 methods, 18.9% knew only 2 methods and 42% knew only one method. Knowledge of specific SCM was highest for timed unprotected intercourse (TUI) at 39% (n = 2027) followed by manual self-insemination (MSI) at 34.8% (n = 1809), and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at 24.8% (n = 1289). Knowledge of SCM was higher in the Eastern region (84.8%, P < 0.001), among women in HIV-discordant relationships (76.7%, p < 0.017), and those on ART (74.5%, p < 0.034). Overall, 1796 (34.6%) women were pregnant or reported a birth in the past 2 years-overall use of SCM in this group was 11.6% (209/1796). The odds of use of SCM were significantly lower in Kampala [adj. PR = 0.489(0.314, 0.764)] or Eastern region [adj.PR = 0.244; (0.147, 0.405)] compared to Northern region. Higher odds of SCM use were associated with HIV status disclosure to partner [adj.PR = 2.613(1.308, 5.221)] and sero-discordant compared to HIV+ concordant relationship [adj.PR = 1.637(1.236, 2.168)]. Pre-existing knowledge of any one SCM did not influence SCM use. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge and use of SCM among HIV+ women in care is low. Efforts to improve HIV status disclosure, integration of safer conception into FP and HIV services and regional efforts to promote sensitization and access to safer conception can help to increase uptake of safer conception methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Dickson Kasozi
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Justine Bukenya
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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17
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Patwa MC, Bassett J, Holmes L, Mutunga L, Mudavanhu M, Makhomboti T, Van Rie A, Schwartz SR. Integrating safer conception services into primary care: providers' perspectives. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:532. [PMID: 31072352 PMCID: PMC6507034 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6904-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2012, South Africa adopted the Contraception and Fertility Planning guidelines to incorporate safer conception services into care for HIV-affected couples trying to conceive. These guidelines lacked clear implementation and training recommendations. The objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing integration of safer conception services in a clinical setting. Methods Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted between October–November 2017 with providers and staff at Witkoppen Clinic in Johannesburg, where the Sakh’umndeni safer conception demonstration project had enrolled patients from July 2013–July 2017. Semi-structured interview guides engaged providers on their perspectives following the Sakh’umndeni project and possible integration plans to inform the translation of the stand-alone Sakh’umndeni services into a routine service. A grounded theory approach was used to code interviews and an adaptation of the Atun et al. (2010) ‘Integration of Targeted Interventions into Health Systems’ conceptual framework was applied as an analysis tool. Results Five themes emerged: (1) The need for safer conception training; (2) The importance of messaging and demand generation; (3) A spectrum of views around the extent of integration of safer conception services; (4) Limitations of family planning services as an integration focal point; and (5) Benefits and challenges of a “couples-based” intervention. In-depth interviews suggested that counselors, as the first point of contact, should inform patients about safer conceptions services, followed by targeted reinforcement of safer conception messaging by all clinicians, and referral to more intensively trained safer conception providers. Conclusion A safer conception counseling guide would facilitate consultations. While many providers felt that the services belonged in family planning, lack of HIV management skills, men and women trying to conceive within family planning may pose barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya C Patwa
- Johns Hopkins Bloomber School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St. E7136, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jean Bassett
- Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Leah Holmes
- Johns Hopkins Bloomber School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St. E7136, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lillian Mutunga
- Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mutsa Mudavanhu
- Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Annelies Van Rie
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Sheree R Schwartz
- Johns Hopkins Bloomber School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St. E7136, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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18
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Davies NECG, Ashford G, Bekker LG, Chandiwana N, Cooper D, Dyer SJ, Jankelowitz L, Mhlongo O, Mnyani CN, Mulaudzi MB, Moorhouse M, Myer L, Patel M, Pleaner M, Ramos T, Rees H, Schwartz S, Smit J, van Zyl DS. Guidelines to support HIV-affected individuals and couples to achieve pregnancy safely: Update 2018. South Afr J HIV Med 2018; 19:915. [PMID: 30473876 PMCID: PMC6244351 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v19i1.915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha E C G Davies
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | | | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nomathemba Chandiwana
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Diane Cooper
- School of Public Health, University of Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Silker J Dyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Otty Mhlongo
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, South Africa
| | - Coceka N Mnyani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | | | - Michelle Moorhouse
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Malika Patel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melanie Pleaner
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Tatiana Ramos
- Southern African HIV Clinicians' Society, South Africa
| | - Helen Rees
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, United States
| | - Jenni Smit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
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19
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Goggin K, Hurley EA, Beyeza-Kashesya J, Gwokyalya V, Finocchario-Kessler S, Birungi J, Mindry D, Wanyenze RK, Wagner GJ. Study protocol of "Our Choice": a randomized controlled trial of the integration of safer conception counseling to transform HIV family planning services in Uganda. Implement Sci 2018; 13:110. [PMID: 30107843 PMCID: PMC6092849 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-018-0793-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 40% of HIV-positive women in sub-Saharan Africa become pregnant post-diagnosis. Despite about half of their pregnancies being planned, safer conception methods (SCM) are underutilized among serodiscordant couples, partially due to the fact that safer conception counseling (SCC) has not been integrated into routine HIV family planning (FP) services. METHODS Our Choice is a comprehensive FP intervention that promotes unbiased childbearing consultations to ensure clients receive SCC or contraception services to achieve their desired reproductive goals. The intervention is theoretically grounded and has demonstrated preliminarily feasibility and acceptance through pilot testing. This three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial compares two implementation strategies for integrating Our Choice into routine FP services vs. usual care. Six sites in Uganda will be randomized to receive either (1) Our Choice intervention with enhanced training and supervision provided by study staff (SCC1), (2) Our Choice intervention implemented by the Ministry of Health's standard approach to disseminating new services (SCC2), or (3) existing FP services (usual care). Our Choice and usual care FP services will be implemented simultaneously over a 30-month period. Sixty clients in serodiscordant relationships who express childbearing desires will be enrolled by a study coordinator at each site (n = 360) and followed for 12 months or post-pregnancy (once, if applicable). Analysis will compare intervention arms (SCC1 and SCC2) to usual care and then to each other (SCC1 vs. SCC2) on the primary outcome of correct use of either SCM (if trying to conceive) or dual contraception (if pregnancy is not desired). Secondary outcomes (i.e., pregnancy, use of prevention of mother-to-child transmission services, condom use, and partner seroconversion) and cost-effectiveness will also be examined. DISCUSSION Findings will provide critical information about the success of implementation models of varying intensity for integrating SCC into FP, thereby informing policy and resource allocation within and beyond Uganda. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03167879 ClinicalTrials.gov, Registered 30 May, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Goggin
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO USA
- Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO USA
| | - Emily A. Hurley
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO USA
| | - Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Violet Gwokyalya
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Josephine Birungi
- The AIDS Support Organization, Kampala, Uganda
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Deborah Mindry
- Los Angeles Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Rhoda K. Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Greener R, Milford C, Bajunirwe F, Mosery FN, Ng CK, Rifkin R, Kastner J, Pillay L, Kaida A, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA, Matthews LT. Healthcare providers' understanding of HIV serodiscordance in South Africa and Uganda: implications for HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2018; 17:137-144. [PMID: 29745290 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2018.1462217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
HIV transmission within stable heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples accounts for almost half the new incident infections in South Africa and Uganda. Advances in HIV prevention provide opportunities to reduce transmission risk within serodiscordant partnerships (e.g., antiretroviral treatment (ART), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), medical male circumcision, and couples-based HIV counselling and testing). These interventions require a clinical encounter with a provider who recognises prevention opportunities within these partnerships. We explored healthcare provider understanding of HIV serodiscordance in a reproductive counselling study with providers in eThekwini district, South Africa, and Mbarara district, Uganda. In eThekwini, in-depth interviews (29) and focus group discussions (2) were conducted with 42 providers (counsellors, nurses and doctors) from public sector clinics. In Mbarara, in-depth interviews were conducted with 38 providers (medical officers, clinical officers, nurses, peer counsellors and village health workers). Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software. In eThekwini, many providers assumed HIV seroconcordance among client partners and had difficulty articulating how serodiscordance occurs. Mbarara providers had a better understanding of HIV serodiscordance. In the two countries, providers who understood HIV serodiscordance were better able to describe useful HIV-prevention strategies. Healthcare providers require training and support to better understand the prevalence and mechanisms of HIV serodiscordance to implement HIV-prevention strategies for HIV serodiscordant couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Greener
- a MatCH Research (Maternal, Adolescent, and Child Health Research) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
| | - Cecilia Milford
- a MatCH Research (Maternal, Adolescent, and Child Health Research) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
| | - Francis Bajunirwe
- b Mbarara University of Science and Technology , Faculty of Development Studies , Mbarara , Uganda
| | - Faith N Mosery
- a MatCH Research (Maternal, Adolescent, and Child Health Research) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
| | - Claudia K Ng
- c Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Rachel Rifkin
- d Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Global Health and Division of Infectious Disease , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Jasmine Kastner
- e McGill University Research Centre , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Lavanya Pillay
- a MatCH Research (Maternal, Adolescent, and Child Health Research) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- f Simon Fraser University , Faculty of Health Sciences , Burnaby , British Columbia , Canada
| | - David R Bangsberg
- d Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Global Health and Division of Infectious Disease , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- a MatCH Research (Maternal, Adolescent, and Child Health Research) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Durban , South Africa
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- d Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Global Health and Division of Infectious Disease , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
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Mindry D, Wanyenze RK, Beyeza-Kashesya J, Woldetsadik MA, Finocchario-Kessler S, Goggin K, Wagner G. Safer Conception for Couples Affected by HIV: Structural and Cultural Considerations in the Delivery of Safer Conception Care in Uganda. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:2488-2496. [PMID: 28597343 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1816-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In countries with high HIV prevalence and high fertility desires, the rights of HIV-affected couples to have children are a pressing issue. Conception among people living with HIV carries risks for both horizontal and vertical HIV transmission. In Uganda ~100,000 HIV-infected women become pregnant annually. Providers face a number of challenges to preventing HIV transmission, reducing unplanned pregnancies, and ensuring safer conception. We report findings from interviews with 27 HIV-affected couples (54 individuals) in Uganda. We explored key cultural and structural factors shaping couples' childbearing decisions. Our data reveal a complex intersection of gender norms, familial expectations, relationship dynamics, and HIV stigma influencing their decisions. Participants provided insights regarding provider bias, stigma, and the gendering of reproductive healthcare. To reduce horizontal transmission HIV and family planning clinics must address men's and women's concerns regarding childbearing with specific attention to cultural and structural challenges.
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22
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Pregnancy Intentions and Safer Pregnancy Knowledge Among Female Sex Workers in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Obstet Gynecol 2017; 128:15-21. [PMID: 27275799 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000001471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and pregnancy intentions and safer conception knowledge among female sex workers in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited female sex workers in Port Elizabeth using respondent-driven sampling and completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire alongside HIV testing and counseling. In this secondary analysis, robust Poisson regression was used to model prevalence ratios for positive fertility intentions in this cross-sectional study. Knowledge of safer conception methods by HIV status was compared using Fisher exact tests. RESULTS Overall 391 women were represented in the analyses. More than 50% had a prior HIV diagnosis, and an additional 12% were diagnosed with HIV during the study. Approximately half (n=185) of the women reported future pregnancy intentions. In univariate analysis, a prior HIV diagnosis was negatively associated with pregnancy intentions as compared with HIV-negative women (prevalence ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.85). Only parity remained independently associated with future pregnancy intentions in multivariate regression after controlling for HIV status, age, race, relationship status, and years selling sex. Knowledge of safer conception methods such as timed sex without a condom, preexposure prophylaxis, or self-insemination was low and similar between those with and without future pregnancy plans. CONCLUSION Pregnancy intentions did not significantly vary according to HIV status. Fertility intentions were high, however, and knowledge of safer conception methods low, suggesting a need to provide female sex workers with advice around options to conceive safely in the context of high HIV prevalence.
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Mantell JE, Cooper D, Exner TM, Moodley J, Hoffman S, Myer L, Leu CS, Bai D, Kelvin EA, Jennings K, Stein ZA, Constant D, Zweigenthal V, Cishe N, Nywagi N. Emtonjeni-A Structural Intervention to Integrate Sexual and Reproductive Health into Public Sector HIV Care in Cape Town, South Africa: Results of a Phase II Study. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:905-922. [PMID: 27807792 PMCID: PMC5552040 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Integration of sexual and reproductive health within HIV care services is a promising strategy for increasing access to family planning and STI services and reducing unwanted pregnancies, perinatal HIV transmission and maternal and infant mortality among people living with HIV and their partners. We conducted a Phase II randomized futility trial of a multi-level intervention to increase adherence to safer sex guidelines among those wishing to avoid pregnancy and adherence to safer conception guidelines among those seeking conception in newly-diagnosed HIV-positive persons in four public-sector HIV clinics in Cape Town. Clinics were pair-matched and the two clinics within each pair were randomized to either a three-session provider-delivered enhanced intervention (EI) (onsite contraceptive services and brief milieu intervention for staff) or standard-of-care (SOC) provider-delivered intervention. The futility analysis showed that we cannot rule out the possibility that the EI intervention has a 10 % point or greater success rate in improving adherence to safer sex/safer conception guidelines than does SOC (p = 0.573), indicating that the intervention holds merit, and a larger-scale confirmatory study showing whether the EI is superior to SOC has merit.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Mantell
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - D Cooper
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - T M Exner
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Moodley
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Hoffman
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C-S Leu
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Bai
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - E A Kelvin
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - K Jennings
- City of Cape Town Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Z A Stein
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Constant
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - V Zweigenthal
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N Cishe
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - N Nywagi
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
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Bai D, Leu CS, Mantell JE, Exner TM, Cooper D, Hoffman S, Kelvin EA, Myer L, Constant D, Moodley J. An Approach to Developing a Prediction Model of Fertility Intent Among HIV-Positive Women and Men in Cape Town, South Africa: A Case Study. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:597-609. [PMID: 27294266 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1441-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
As a 'case-study' to demonstrate an approach to establishing a fertility-intent prediction model, we used data collected from recently diagnosed HIV-positive women (N = 69) and men (N = 55) who reported inconsistent condom use and were enrolled in a sexual and reproductive health intervention in public sector HIV care clinics in Cape Town, South Africa. Three theoretically-driven prediction models showed reasonable sensitivity (0.70-1.00), specificity (0.66-0.94), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.79-0.89) for predicting fertility intent at the 6-month visit. A k-fold cross-validation approach was employed to reduce bias due to over-fitting of data in estimating sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve. We discuss how the methods presented might be used in future studies to develop a clinical screening tool to identify HIV-positive individuals likely to have future fertility intent and who could therefore benefit from sexual and reproductive health counseling around fertility options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Bai
- Department of Biostatistics, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheng-Shiun Leu
- Department of Biostatistics, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 15, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joanne E Mantell
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 15, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Theresa M Exner
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 15, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diane Cooper
- Women's Health Research Unit, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Western Cape School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Susie Hoffman
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 15, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Kelvin
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 15, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Debbie Constant
- Women's Health Research Unit, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Moodley
- Women's Health Research Unit, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Cooper D, Harries J, Moodley J, Constant D, Hodes R, Mathews C, Morroni C, Hoffman M. Coming of age? Women's sexual and reproductive health after twenty-one years of democracy in South Africa. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS 2016; 24:79-89. [PMID: 28024682 DOI: 10.1016/j.rhm.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper is a sequel to a 2004 article that reviewed South Africa's introduction of new sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and rights laws, policies and programmes, a decade into democracy. Similarly to the previous article, this paper focuses on key areas of women's SRH: contraception and fertility, abortion, maternal health, HIV, cervical and breast cancer and sexual violence. In the last decade, South Africa has retained and expanded its sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) policies in the areas of abortion, contraception, youth and HIV treatment (with the largest antiretroviral treatment programme in the world). These are positive examples within the SRHR policy arena. These improvements include fewer unsafe abortions, AIDS deaths and vertical HIV transmission, as well as the public provision of a human papillomavirus vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. However, persistent socio-economic inequities and gender inequality continue to profoundly affect South African women's SRHR. The state shows mixed success over the past two decades in advancing measurable SRH social justice outcomes, and in confronting and ameliorating social norms that undermine SRHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Cooper
- Professor, School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, South Africa.
| | - Jane Harries
- Associate Professor and Director, Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Moodley
- Director Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town; Associate Professor Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town; Deputy Director SAMRC/UCT Gynaecology Cancer Research Centre
| | - Deborah Constant
- Senior Researcher, Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Hodes
- Director, AIDS and Society Research Unit, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cathy Mathews
- Scientist, Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Associate Professor, Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Senior Clinical Lecturer, EGA Institute for Women's Health/Institute for Global Health, University College London, London UK; Botswana-Upenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Margaret Hoffman
- Emeritus Professor, Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Brown J, Njoroge B, Akama E, Breitnauer B, Leddy A, Darbes L, Omondi R, Mmeje O. A Novel Safer Conception Counseling Toolkit for the Prevention of HIV: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation in Kisumu, Kenya. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2016; 28:524-538. [PMID: 27925487 PMCID: PMC5292923 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2016.28.6.524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Safer conception strategies can prevent HIV transmission between HIV-discordant partners while allowing them to conceive. However, HIV care providers in sub-Saharan Africa report they are not trained in safer conception, and patients are not routinely offered safer conception services. This mixed-methods pilot study evaluated the impact, acceptability, and feasibility of a novel Safer Conception Counseling Toolkit among providers and patients in Kenya. We enrolled 20 HIV-positive women, 10 HIV-discordant couples, and 10 providers from HIV care and treatment clinics. Providers completed questionnaires before/after training, and then counseled HIV-affected patients. Change in patient knowledge was assessed before/after counseling. Qualitative interviews were conducted among providers and patients. The Toolkit was associated with large, significant increases in patient knowledge, and provider confidence, knowledge, and favorable attitudes toward safer conception counseling; 20% felt confident before versus 100% after training (p < 0.01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle Brown
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Betty Njoroge
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Brooke Breitnauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Anna Leddy
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lynae Darbes
- School of Nursing and the Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Okeoma Mmeje
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, and the Department of Health Education and Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
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Low Receipt and Uptake of Safer Conception Messages in Routine HIV Care: Findings From a Prospective Cohort of Women Living With HIV in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 72:105-13. [PMID: 26855247 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Safer conception strategies may be used by people living with HIV to reduce HIV transmission to partners resulting from condomless sex for conception. The extent to which people living with HIV receive safer conception messages and use risk reduction strategies is largely unknown. METHODS We use prospective data from a clinic-based cohort study in Johannesburg, South Africa. Women living with HIV (WLWH) aged 18-35 on antiretroviral therapy (n = 831) completed a baseline survey and ≥1 follow-up visits assessing fertility intentions and pregnancy incidence; an endline survey was administered 1 year postenrollment. Multivariate negative binomial regression models examined differences in the number of condomless sex acts by fertility intentions. Chi-squared statistics compared receipt of safer conception messages by fertility intentions and indicators of safer conception method use by partner HIV status. RESULTS The median baseline age of participants was 30.4 years and 25.3% were in serodiscordant partnerships. WLWH trying to conceive were over 3 times more likely to have condomless sex compared with those not trying to conceive (adjusted incidence rate ratio: 3.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.95 to 5.16). Receipt of specific safer conception messages was low, although women with positive fertility intentions were more likely to have received any fertility-related advice compared with those with unplanned pregnancies (76.3% vs. 49.1%, P < 0.001). Among WLWH trying to conceive (n = 111), use of timed unprotected intercourse was infrequent (17.1%) and lower in serodiscordant vs. concordant partnerships (8.5% vs. 26.9%, P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that clinic and patient-level interventions are needed to ensure that WLWH receive and use safer conception strategies.
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Mindry DL, Milford C, Greener L, Greener RM, Maharaj P, Letsoalo T, Munthree C, Crankshaw TL, Smit JA. Client and provider knowledge and views on safer conception for people living with HIV (PLHIV). SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2016; 10:35-40. [PMID: 27938871 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) The childbearing needs of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and the experiences of healthcare providers serving them are explored. We examine provider and client knowledge and views on safer conception methods. METHODS The study uses exploratory qualitative research to understand provider and client perspectives on childbearing and safer conception. Interviews were conducted at 3 sites (1 rural, 2 urban) in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa between May 2011 and August 2012, including in-depth interviews with 43 PLHIV, 2 focus group discussions and 12 in-depth interviews with providers. RESULTS Clients had little knowledge and providers had limited knowledge of safer conception methods. While clients were eager to receive counseling on safer conception, providers had some hesitations but were eager to receive training in delivering safer conception services. Clients and providers noted that biological parentage is a major concern of PLHIV. Clients were willing to use any of the described methods to have biological children but some expressed concerns about potential risks associated with timed unprotected intercourse. Male clients required access to reproductive health information. CONCLUSIONS Providers need to routinely initiate discussions with clients about childbearing intentions. Providers need to be enabled with approved guidelines and training to support client access to safer conception methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Mindry
- Center for Culture and Health, Semel Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Cecilia Milford
- MatCH Research (Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health), Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Letitia Greener
- MatCH Research (Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health), Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ross M Greener
- MatCH Research (Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health), Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Pranitha Maharaj
- School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thabo Letsoalo
- School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Chantal Munthree
- School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tamaryn L Crankshaw
- Health Economics HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- MatCH Research (Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health), Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa; School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Mmeje O, Njoroge B, Akama E, Leddy A, Breitnauer B, Darbes L, Brown J. Perspectives of healthcare providers and HIV-affected individuals and couples during the development of a Safer Conception Counseling Toolkit in Kenya: stigma, fears, and recommendations for the delivery of services. AIDS Care 2016; 28:750-7. [PMID: 26960581 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1153592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is important to many HIV-affected individuals and couples and healthcare providers (HCPs) are responsible for providing resources to help them safely conceive while minimizing the risk of sexual and perinatal HIV transmission. In order to fulfill their reproductive goals, HIV-affected individuals and their partners need access to information regarding safer methods of conception. The objective of this qualitative study was to develop a Safer Conception Counseling Toolkit that can be used to train HCPs and counsel HIV-affected individuals and couples in HIV care and treatment clinics in Kenya. We conducted a two-phased qualitative study among HCPs and HIV-affected individuals and couples from eight HIV care and treatment sites in Kisumu, Kenya. We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to assess the perspectives of HCPs and HIV-affected individuals and couples in order to develop and refine the content of the Toolkit. Subsequently, IDIs were conducted among HCPs who were trained using the Toolkit and FGDs among HIV-affected individuals and couples who were counseled with the Toolkit. HIV-related stigma, fears, and recommendations for delivery of safer conception counseling were assessed during the discussions. One hundred and six individuals participated in FGDs and IDIs; 29 HCPs, 49 HIV-affected women and men, and 14 HIV-serodiscordant couples. Participants indicated that a safer conception counseling and training program for HCPs is needed and that routine provision of safer conception counseling may promote maternal and child health by enhancing reproductive autonomy among HIV-affected couples. They also reported that the Toolkit may help dispel the stigma and fears associated with reproduction in HIV-affected couples, while supporting them in achieving their reproductive goals. Additional research is needed to evaluate the Safer Conception Toolkit in order to support its implementation and use in HIV care and treatment programs in Kenya and other HIV endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okeoma Mmeje
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.,b Department of Health Behavior and Health Education , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Betty Njoroge
- c Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Microbiology Research , Nairobi City , Kenya
| | - Eliud Akama
- c Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Microbiology Research , Nairobi City , Kenya.,d Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES) , Kisumu , Kenya
| | - Anna Leddy
- e Department of Health, Behavior and Society , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Brooke Breitnauer
- f Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Colorado, School of Medicine , Aurora , CO , USA
| | - Lynae Darbes
- g Center for AIDS Prevention Studies and Global Health Sciences, University of California , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Joelle Brown
- h Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science , University of California , San Francisco , CA , USA.,i Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , University of California , San Francisco , CA , USA
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Goggin K, Finocchario-Kessler S, Staggs V, Woldetsadik MA, Wanyenze RK, Beyeza-Kashesya J, Mindry D, Khanakwa S, Wagner GJ. Attitudes, Knowledge, and Correlates of Self-Efficacy for the Provision of Safer Conception Counseling Among Ugandan HIV Providers. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2015; 29:651-60. [PMID: 26588429 PMCID: PMC4684655 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2015.0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High rates of childbearing desires (59%) and serodiscordant partnerships (50%) among people living with HIV (PHLA) in Uganda highlight the need for safer conception counseling (SCC). Provider attitudes about counseling PLHA on the use of safer conception methods (SCM) have been explored in qualitative studies, but published quantitative investigations are scarce. Data from 57 Ugandan providers were collected to examine providers' attitudes about childbearing among PLHA and engagement in discussions about childbearing, as well as their knowledge, interest, self-efficacy, and intentions to provide SCC. Correlates of self-efficacy for the provision of SCC were explored to inform the development of training programs. Providers reported a general awareness of most SCM, especially timed unprotected intercourse (TUI); but just over half felt they knew enough to counsel clients in the future and all wanted more training. Childbearing was discussed with less than a third of reproductive aged patients and was mostly initiated by patients. Most providers saw value in providing SCC and believed that most aspects of SCM would be acceptable to their clients, but numerous barriers were endorsed. Self-efficacy was greatest among providers who had had more childbearing conversations, greater SCM awareness, perceived fewer barriers and greater intentions to counsel on TUI. Providers evidence fewer stigmatizing attitudes than in the past. However, those who endorsed more stigmatizing attitudes evidenced a trend for reporting lower self-efficacy for providing SCC. Training will need to simultaneously focus on increasing providers' SCC knowledge and skills while instilling a more realistic appraisal of the risks of assisting couples to employ SCM versus doing nothing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Goggin
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri
- Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Missouri
| | | | - Vincent Staggs
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Missouri
| | | | - Rhoda K. Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya
- Mulago Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kampala, Uganda
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Deborah Mindry
- University of California, Los Angeles Center for Culture and Health, Los Angeles, California
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Mmeje O, Njoroge B, Cohen CR, Temmerman M, Vermund SH, van der Poel S. Achieving Pregnancy Safely in HIV-Affected Individuals and Couples: An Important Strategy to Eliminate HIV Transmission From Mother-To-Child and Between Sexual Partners. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 70:e155-9. [PMID: 26334740 PMCID: PMC10767706 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Okeoma Mmeje
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI †Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR) Nairobi, Kenya ‡Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California, San Francisco, CA §Division of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland ‖Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health and Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
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Matthews LT, Smit JA, Moore L, Milford C, Greener R, Mosery FN, Ribaudo H, Bennett K, Crankshaw TL, Kaida A, Psaros C, Safren SA, Bangsberg DR. Periconception HIV Risk Behavior Among Men and Women Reporting HIV-Serodiscordant Partners in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:2291-303. [PMID: 26080688 PMCID: PMC4926315 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1050-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
HIV-infected men and women who choose to conceive risk infecting their partners. To inform safer conception programs we surveyed HIV risk behavior prior to recent pregnancy amongst South African, HIV-infected women (N = 209) and men (N = 82) recruited from antenatal and antiretroviral clinics, respectively, and reporting an uninfected or unknown-HIV-serostatus pregnancy partner. All participants knew their HIV-positive serostatus prior to the referent pregnancy. Only 11 % of women and 5 % of men had planned the pregnancy; 40 % of women and 27 % of men reported serostatus disclosure to their partner before conception. Knowledge of safer conception strategies was low. Around two-thirds reported consistent condom use, 41 % of women and 88 % of men reported antiretroviral therapy, and a third of women reported male partner circumcision prior to the referent pregnancy. Seven women (3 %) and two men (2 %) reported limiting sex without condoms to peak fertility. None reported sperm washing or manual insemination. Safer conception behaviors including HIV-serostatus disclosure, condom use, and ART at the time of conception were not associated with desired pregnancy. In light of low pregnancy planning and HIV-serostatus disclosure, interventions to improve understandings of serodiscordance and motivate mutual HIV-serostatus disclosure and pregnancy planning are necessary first steps before couples or individuals can implement specific safer conception strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Matthews
- Division of Infectious Disease and Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge Street, 15th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - J A Smit
- MatCH Research [Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research], Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - L Moore
- MatCH Research [Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research], Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - C Milford
- MatCH Research [Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research], Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - R Greener
- MatCH Research [Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research], Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - F N Mosery
- MatCH Research [Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research], Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - H Ribaudo
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting, Inc., Ballston Lake, NY, USA
| | - T L Crankshaw
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - A Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - C Psaros
- Behavioral Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S A Safren
- Behavioral Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D R Bangsberg
- Division of Infectious Disease and Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge Street, 15th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Schwartz SR, Papworth E, Ky-Zerbo O, Sithole B, Anato S, Grosso A, Ouedraogo HG, Tchalla J, Ntshangase C, Ketende S, Baral S. Reproductive health needs of female sex workers and opportunities for enhanced prevention of mother-to-child transmission efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 43:50-59. [PMID: 26609081 DOI: 10.1136/jfprhc-2014-100968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV infection and pregnancy are both common among female sex workers (FSW), indicating the need for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) among FSW. METHODS FSW were enrolled into studies in Swaziland, Burkina Faso and Togo using respondent-driven sampling. Women completed interview-administered socio-behavioural surveys and HIV counselling and testing. This secondary analysis describes contraceptive use and attempted pregnancy among reproductive-aged FSW (16-49 years). Robust Poisson regression with generalised estimating equations to account for clustering within recruitment networks was used to separately estimate associations between current unmet contraceptive need and attempted pregnancy among FSW. RESULTS Overall 1666 FSW were enrolled, 1372 (82.4%) of whom had ever been pregnant. In Togo and Burkina Faso, 83 FSW reported a prior HIV diagnosis and having a child, of which 12.1% (10/83) reported a child known to be HIV-positive. Twenty-five per cent of FSW had an unmet need for contraception; 9% of FSW employed dual contraception, including highly effective non-barrier methods and consistent condom use. Consistent condom use varied substantially by partner type and was higher with clients than non-paying partners. Nineteen per cent (n=313/1666) of FSW were trying to conceive. HIV-positive, undiagnosed FSW were more likely to be trying to conceive as compared to HIV-negative FSW; among 98 HIV-positive women trying to conceive, 25.5% were on antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS FSW have varying reproductive goals and contraceptive usage. Efforts to improve coverage of comprehensive family planning - including efforts to increase HIV testing and engagement in treatment among FSW trying to conceive - are necessary for PMTCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheree R Schwartz
- Assistant Scientist, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Erin Papworth
- Senior Technical Advisor, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Odette Ky-Zerbo
- Investigator, Programme d'Appui au Monde Associatif et Communautaire (PAMAC), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Ashley Grosso
- Senior Research Coordinator, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Henri Gautier Ouedraogo
- Investigator, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS/CNRST), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Jules Tchalla
- Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Espoir de Vie, Lome, Togo
| | - Cebisile Ntshangase
- Investigator, Swaziland National AIDS Program (SNAP), Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Sosthenes Ketende
- Senior Biostatistician, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Associate Professor and Director, Key Populations Program, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Hoffman RM, Jaycocks A, Vardavas R, Wagner G, Lake JE, Mindry D, Currier JS, Landovitz RJ. Benefits of PrEP as an Adjunctive Method of HIV Prevention During Attempted Conception Between HIV-uninfected Women and HIV-infected Male Partners. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:1534-43. [PMID: 26092856 PMCID: PMC4621256 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on effectiveness of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-uninfected women attempting conception with HIV-infected male partners are limited to observational studies. METHODS To explore the benefits of PrEP for conception, we developed a model to estimate the average annual probability of a woman remaining HIV-uninfected and having a child ("successful" outcome) via condomless sex with an HIV-infected male. The outcome likelihood is dependent upon parameters defining HIV-1 infectivity. We simulated 2 scenarios: optimal (condomless sex acts limited to the ovulation window), and suboptimal (acts not limited to ovulation). RESULTS In the optimal scenario when the male is on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the average annual probability of the successful outcome is 29.1%, increasing to 29.2% with the addition of PrEP (P = .45). In the suboptimal scenario, the probability is 26.8% with ART alone versus 27.3% with ART/PrEP (P < .0001). Older maternal age reduces the probability of success in both scenarios, particularly after age 30. CONCLUSIONS In our model, PrEP provides little added benefit when the HIV-infected male partner is on ART, condomless sex is limited to the ovulation window, and other modifiable transmission risks are optimized. Older female age decreases the probability of success by increasing the number of condomless sex acts required for conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risa M. Hoffman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| | | | | | | | - Jordan E. Lake
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| | - Deborah Mindry
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Center for Culture and Health, Los Angeles
| | - Judith S. Currier
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| | - Raphael J. Landovitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles
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"If I don't use a condom … I would be stressed in my heart that I've done something wrong": Routine Prevention Messages Preclude Safer Conception Counseling for HIV-Infected Men and Women in South Africa. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:1666-75. [PMID: 25711300 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Intended conception likely contributes to a significant proportion of new HIV infections in South Africa. Safer conception strategies require healthcare provider-client communication about fertility intentions, periconception risks, and options to modify those risks. We conducted in-depth interviews with 35 HIV-infected men and women accessing care in South Africa to explore barriers and promoters to patient-provider communication around fertility desires and intentions. Few participants had discussed personal fertility goals with providers. Discussions about pregnancy focused on maternal and child health, not sexual HIV transmission; no participants had received tailored safer conception advice. Although participants welcomed safer conception counseling, barriers to client-initiated discussions included narrowly focused prevention messages and perceptions that periconception transmission risk is not modifiable. Supporting providers to assess clients' fertility intentions and offer appropriate advice, and public health campaigns that address sexual HIV transmission in the context of conception may improve awareness of and access to safer conception strategies.
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Schwartz SR, Baral S. Fertility-related research needs among women at the margins. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS 2015; 23:30-46. [PMID: 26278831 DOI: 10.1016/j.rhm.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility-related research encompasses fertility intentions, preconception care, research amongst pregnant women, and post-partum outcomes of mothers and children. However, some women remain under-represented within this domain of study. Women frequently missing within fertility-related research include those who are already the most vulnerable to health disparities, including female sex workers, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender women, women living with HIV, and women who use drugs. Yet characterization of the needs of these women is important, given their unique fertility-related concerns, including risks and barriers to care emanating from social stigmas and discrimination. This synthesis provides an overview of fertility-related evidence, highlighting where there are clear research gaps among marginalized women and the potential implications of these data shortfalls. Overall, research among marginalized women to date has addressed pregnancy prevention and in some cases fertility intentions, but the majority of studies have focused on post-conception pregnancy safety and the well-being of the child. However, among female sex workers specifically, data on pregnancy safety and the well-being of the child are largely unavailable. Within each marginalized group, preconception care and effectiveness of conception methods are consistently understudied. Ultimately, the absence of epidemiologic, clinical and programmatic evidence limits the availability and quality of reproductive health services for all women and prevents social action to address these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheree R Schwartz
- Assistant Scientist, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Stefan Baral
- Associate Professor, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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van Zyl C, Visser MJ. Reproductive desires of men and women living with HIV: implications for family planning counselling. Reprod Biomed Online 2015. [PMID: 26208447 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive desires of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) of low socioeconomic standing attending public health facilities in South Africa were studied. HIV-positive men, pregnant and non-pregnant women were recruited from two clinics at a large public hospital in Tshwane, South Africa. Individual interviews were used to explore the reproductive desires of HIV-positive participants. HIV counsellors' perceptions of their clients' reproductive desires were explored during focus group discussions. Parenthood proved to be an important factor to all participants in continuation of the family and establishing their gender identities, despite the possible risk of HIV transmission and community stigmatization. Different cultural procreation rules for men and women and stigmatizing attitudes towards PLHIV affected their reproductive decision making. Women had the dilemma of choosing which community expectations they wanted to fulfil. Community stigmatization towards PLHIV was visible in the negative attitudes of some HIV counsellors regarding HIV and procreation. Because the reproductive desires of PLHIV are currently not given high priority in HIV prevention and family planning in the public health sector in South Africa, the prevention of HIV transmission may be jeopardized. These results necessitate the integration of HIV and sexual and reproductive health counselling on a primary health care level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia van Zyl
- Wilgers Infertility Clinic, Wilgers Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
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Community perceptions of childbearing and use of safer conception strategies among HIV-discordant couples in Kisumu, Kenya. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:19972. [PMID: 26077644 PMCID: PMC4468054 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.19972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 04/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Safer conception strategies (SCS) have the potential to decrease HIV transmission among HIV-discordant couples who desire children. Community perceptions of SCS may influence the scale-up and uptake of these services, but little is known about how communities will react to these strategies. Without community support for SCS, their success as an HIV prevention tool may be limited. The objective of this study is to characterize community perceptions of SCS for HIV-discordant couples in Kisumu, Kenya, to inform ongoing and future safer conception intervention studies in low-resource settings. Methods We conducted six focus group discussions and 11 in-depth-interviews in Kisumu, Kenya, among a diverse group (N=59) of community members, including men, women, youth (age 19–25), community health workers and local leaders. An iterative qualitative analysis using a grounded theory approach was employed. Results and discussion All participants emphasized the importance of childbearing in their society and the right to have children, regardless of an individual's HIV status. While most participants believed that HIV-discordant couples should be allowed to have children, they discussed several barriers to the uptake of SCS such as HIV-related stigma, fear of HIV transmission to the uninfected partner and child, fear of unfamiliar medical procedures and lack of information among community members and health care providers about HIV prevention interventions that allow safer conception. Access to information, community experiences with successful safer conception interventions, healthcare provider training, male engagement and community mobilization may help overcome these barriers. Though assisted reproduction strategies generated the most negative reactions from participants, our results suggest that with education and explanation of these services, participants express interest in these strategies and want them to be offered in their community. Conclusions Many community members noted a need and desire for safer conception education and services in Kisumu. However, community barriers such as fear, stigma and lack of information should be addressed before safer conception interventions can be successfully implemented and delivered. Further research focused on community education, male engagement and healthcare provider training is a crucial next step in delivering safer conception in this region.
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Wagner GJ, Goggin K, Mindry D, Beyeza-Kashesya J, Finocchario-Kessler S, Woldetsadik MA, Khanakwa S, Wanyenze RK. Correlates of Use of Timed Unprotected Intercourse to Reduce Horizontal Transmission Among Ugandan HIV Clients with Fertility Intentions. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:1078-88. [PMID: 25280448 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0906-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We examined the correlates of use of safer conception methods (SCM) in a sample of 400 Ugandan HIV clients (75 % female; 61 % on antiretroviral therapy; 61 % with HIV-negative or unknown status partners) in heterosexual relationships with fertility intentions. SCM assessed included timed unprotected intercourse, manual self-insemination, sperm washing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In the 6 months prior to baseline, 47 (12 %) reported using timed unprotected intercourse to reduce risk of HIV infection (or re-infection), none had used manual self-insemination or sperm washing, and two had used PrEP. In multiple regression analysis, correlates of use of timed unprotected intercourse included greater perceptions of partner's willingness to use SCM and providers' stigma of childbearing among people living with HIV, higher SCM knowledge, and desire for a child within the next 6 months. These findings highlight the need for policy and provider training regarding integration of couples' safer conception counselling into HIV care.
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Experiences of coercion to sterilize and forced sterilization among women living with HIV in Latin America. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:19462. [PMID: 25808633 PMCID: PMC4374084 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.19462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Forced and coerced sterilization is an internationally recognized human rights violation reported by women living with HIV (WLHIV) around the globe. Forced sterilization occurs when a person is sterilized without her knowledge or informed consent. Coerced sterilization occurs when misinformation, intimidation tactics, financial incentives or access to health services or employment are used to compel individuals to accept the procedure. Methods Drawing on community-based research with 285 WLHIV from four Latin American countries (El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua), we conduct thematic qualitative analysis of reports of how and when healthcare providers pressured women to sterilize and multivariate logistic regression to assess whether social and economic characteristics and fertility history were associated with pressure to sterilize. Results A quarter (23%) of the participant WLHIV experienced pressure to sterilize post-diagnosis. WLHIV who had a pregnancy during which they (and their healthcare providers) knew their HIV diagnosis were almost six times more likely to experience coercive or forced sterilization than WLHIV who did not have a pregnancy with a known diagnosis (OR 5.66 CI 95% 2.35–13.58 p≤0.001). WLHIV reported that healthcare providers told them that living with HIV annulled their right to choose the number and spacing of their children and their contraceptive method, employed misinformation about the consequences of a subsequent pregnancy for women's and children's health, and denied medical services needed to prevent vertical (mother-to-child) HIV transmission to coerce women into accepting sterilization. Forced sterilization was practiced during caesarean delivery. Conclusions The experiences of WLHIV indicate that HIV-related stigma and discrimination by healthcare providers is a primary driver of coercive and forced sterilization. WLHIV are particularly vulnerable when seeking maternal health services. Health worker training on HIV and reproductive rights, improving counselling on HIV and sexual and reproductive health for WLHIV, providing State mechanisms to investigate and sanction coercive and forced sterilization, and strengthening civil society to increase WLHIV's capacity to resist coercion to sterilize can contribute to preventing coercive and forced sterilization. Improved access to judicial and non-judicial mechanisms to procure justice for women who have experienced reproductive rights violations is also needed.
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Kawale P, Mindry D, Phoya A, Jansen P, Hoffman RM. Provider attitudes about childbearing and knowledge of safer conception at two HIV clinics in Malawi. Reprod Health 2015; 12:17. [PMID: 25771719 PMCID: PMC4355153 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-015-0004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is limited understanding of health care providers’ attitudes towards HIV-infected individuals’ reproductive choices, as well as knowledge about safer conception. Our study objective was to explore provider-level factors that serve as barriers and/or facilitators to the provision of reproductive and safer conception services for men and women living with HIV. Methods Twenty-five providers were interviewed in four focus group discussions about their attitudes regarding childbearing by HIV-infected clients, reproductive health and HIV knowledge, and views and knowledge of safer conception. Results Providers reported ambivalence about supporting childbearing among their clients with HIV. They raised concerns about HIV-infected individuals having children, and in certain cases expressed judgment that people with HIV should not have children because of these concerns. Providers lack specific knowledge about safer conception strategies and have low level of knowledge of reproductive health, the efficacy of PMTCT, and the risks of pregnancy for HIV-infected women. Conclusions Providers in our setting have complex attitudes about HIV-infected clients having children and lack knowledge to appropriately counsel clients about reproductive health and safer conception. Our findings highlight need for further research in this area as well as the need for provider training in reproductive health and safer conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Kawale
- Public Health Department, Nkhoma Hospital, Nkhoma, Malawi. .,, Private Bag 206, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Deborah Mindry
- Center for Culture and Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Ann Phoya
- Sector Wide Approach Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Perry Jansen
- Partners In Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Risa M Hoffman
- David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Lost opportunities to reduce periconception HIV transmission: safer conception counseling by South African providers addresses perinatal but not sexual HIV transmission. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 67 Suppl 4:S210-7. [PMID: 25436820 PMCID: PMC4251914 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Safer conception strategies create opportunities for HIV-serodiscordant couples to realize fertility goals and minimize periconception HIV transmission. Patient–provider communication about fertility goals is the first step in safer conception counseling. Methods: We explored provider practices of assessing fertility intentions among HIV-infected men and women, attitudes toward people living with HIV (PLWH) having children, and knowledge and provision of safer conception advice. We conducted in-depth interviews (9 counselors, 15 nurses, 5 doctors) and focus group discussions (6 counselors, 7 professional nurses) in eThekwini District, South Africa. Data were translated, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis with NVivo10 software. Results: Among 42 participants, median age was 41 (range, 28–60) years, 93% (39) were women, and median years worked in the clinic was 7 (range, 1–27). Some providers assessed women's, not men's, plans for having children at antiretroviral therapy initiation, to avoid fetal exposure to efavirenz. When conducted, reproductive counseling included CD4 cell count and HIV viral load assessment, advising mutual HIV status disclosure, and referral to another provider. Barriers to safer conception counseling included provider assumptions of HIV seroconcordance, low knowledge of safer conception strategies, personal feelings toward PLWH having children, and challenges to tailoring safer sex messages. Conclusions: Providers need information about HIV serodiscordance and safer conception strategies to move beyond discussing only perinatal transmission and maternal health for PLWH who choose to conceive. Safer conception counseling may be more feasible if the message is distilled to delaying conception attempts until the infected partner is on antiretroviral therapy. Designated and motivated nurse providers may be required to provide comprehensive safer conception counseling.
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Eliminating preventable HIV-related maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: what do we need to know? J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 67 Suppl 4:S250-8. [PMID: 25436825 PMCID: PMC4251907 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV makes a significant contribution to maternal mortality, and women living in sub-Saharan Africa are most affected. International commitments to eliminate preventable maternal mortality and reduce HIV-related deaths among pregnant and postpartum women by 50% will not be achieved without a better understanding of the links between HIV and poor maternal health outcomes and improved health services for the care of women living with HIV (WLWH) during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. METHODS This article summarizes priorities for research and evaluation identified through consultation with 30 international researchers and policymakers with experience in maternal health and HIV in sub-Saharan Africa and a review of the published literature. RESULTS Priorities for improving the evidence about effective interventions to reduce maternal mortality and improve maternal health among WLWH include better quality data about causes of maternal death among WLWH, enhanced and harmonized program monitoring, and research and evaluation that contributes to improving: (1) clinical management of pregnant and postpartum WLWH, including assessment of the impact of expanded antiretroviral therapy on maternal mortality and morbidity, (2) integrated service delivery models, and (3) interventions to create an enabling social environment for women to begin and remain in care. CONCLUSIONS As the global community evaluates progress and prepares for new maternal mortality and HIV targets, addressing the needs of WLWH must be a priority now and after 2015. Research and evaluation on maternal health and HIV can increase collaboration on these 2 global priorities, strengthen political constituencies and communities of practice, and accelerate progress toward achievement of goals in both areas.
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Mmeje O, Cohen CR, Murage A, Ong’ech J, Kiarie J, van der Poel S. Promoting reproductive options for HIV-affected couples in sub-Saharan Africa. BJOG 2014; 121 Suppl 5:79-86. [PMID: 25335844 PMCID: PMC4206833 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
HIV-affected couples face unique challenges that require access to information and reproductive services to prevent HIV transmission to the uninfected partner and offspring while allowing couples to fulfil their reproductive goals. In regions of high HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-affected couples require multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) to enhance their reproductive healthcare options beyond contraception and prevention of HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to include assistance in childbearing. The unique characteristics of the condom and its accepted use in conjunction with safer conception interventions allow HIV-serodiscordant couples an opportunity to maintain reproductive health, prevent HIV/STI transmission, and achieve their reproductive goals while timing conception. Re-thinking the traditional view of the condom and incorporating a broader reproductive health perspective of HIV-affected couples into MPT methodologies will impact demand, acceptability and uptake of these future technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okeoma Mmeje
- University of Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Craig R. Cohen
- University of California, San Francisco; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
- Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES)
| | - Alfred Murage
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - John Ong’ech
- Kenyatta National Hospital and University of Nairobi; Department of Reproductive Health
| | - James Kiarie
- Kenyatta National Hospital and University of Nairobi; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Moodley J, Cooper D, Mantell JE, Stern E. Health care provider perspectives on pregnancy and parenting in HIV-positive individuals in South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:384. [PMID: 25212461 PMCID: PMC4167138 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the health system, limited attention is given to supporting the fertility and parenting desires on HIV-positive people. In this study, we explore health care providers' knowledge and perspectives on safer conception and alternate parenting strategies for HIV-positive people. METHODS Between November 2007 and January 2008, in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 health care workers involved in providing HIV and/or antiretroviral services at public sector clinics in Cape Town, South Africa. Views on sexual and reproductive health services, pregnancy, childbearing and parenting in HIV-positive men and women were explored using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS Providers recognized the sexual and reproductive rights of HIV-positive individuals, but struggled with the tension between supporting these rights and concerns about spreading infection. Limited knowledge of safer conception methods constrained their ability to counsel and support clients in realizing fertility desires. Providers believed that parenting alternatives that do not maintain biological and cultural linkage are unlikely to be acceptable options. CONCLUSIONS Health care provider training and support is critical to providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care and meeting the fertility desires of HIV-positive people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Moodley
- />Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
| | - Diane Cooper
- />Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
| | - Joanne E Mantell
- />HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Health and Sexuality, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Erin Stern
- />Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
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Mindry DL, Crankshaw TL, Maharaj P, Munthree C, Letsoalo T, Milford C, Greener RM, Rambally L, Carpenter S, Smit JA. "We have to try and have this child before it is too late": missed opportunities in client-provider communication on reproductive intentions of people living with HIV. AIDS Care 2014; 27:25-30. [PMID: 25202986 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.951311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Men and women living with HIV with access to ARVs are living longer, healthier lives that can and often do include bearing children. Children occupy a key space in men and women's personal and social lives and often play a fundamental role in maintaining these relationships, irrespective of illness concerns. Couples living with HIV need to balance prevention needs and ill-health while trying to maintain healthy relationships. Health-care providers serving the reproductive needs of HIV-affected couples need to consider the social and relational factors shaping reproductive decisions associated with periconception risk behaviors. This paper based on qualitative research at three hospital sites in eThekwini District, South Africa, investigates the childbearing intentions and needs of people living with HIV (PLHIV), and the attitudes and experiences of health-care providers serving the reproductive needs of PLHIV, and client and provider views and knowledge of safer conception. This research revealed that personal, social, and relationship dynamics shape the reproductive decisions of PLHIV, and "unplanned" pregnancies are not always unintended. Additionally, conception desires are not driven by the number of living children; rather clients are motivated by whether or not they have had any children with their current partner/spouse. Providers should consider the relationship status of clients in discussions about childbearing desires and intentions. Although many providers recognize the complex social realities shaping their clients' reproductive decisions, they have outdated information on serving their reproductive needs. Appropriate training to enable providers to better understand the relationship and social realities surrounding their clients' childbearing intentions is required and should be used as a platform for couples to work together with providers toward safer conception. The adoption of a more participatory approach should be employed to equalize client-provider power dynamics and to ensure clients are more involved in decision-making about reproduction and conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Mindry
- a Center for Culture and Health , Semel Institute, University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
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Matthews LT, Moore L, Crankshaw TL, Milford C, Mosery FN, Greener R, Psaros C, Safren SA, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA. South Africans with recent pregnancy rarely know partner's HIV serostatus: implications for serodiscordant couples interventions. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:843. [PMID: 25124267 PMCID: PMC4246447 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation of safer conception strategies requires knowledge of partner HIV-serostatus. We recruited women and men in a high HIV-prevalence setting for a study to assess periconception risk behavior among individuals reporting HIV-serodiscordant partnerships. We report screening data from that study with the objective of estimating the proportion of individuals who are aware that they are in an HIV-serodiscordant relationship at the time of conception. METHODS We screened women and men attending antenatal and antiretroviral clinics in Durban, South Africa for enrollment in a study of periconception risk behavior among individuals with serodiscordant partners. Screening questionnaires assessed for study eligibility including age 18-45 years (for women) or at least 18 years of age (for men), pregnancy in past year (women) or partner pregnancy in the past 3 years (men), HIV status of partner for recent pregnancy, participant's HIV status, and infected partner's HIV status having been known before the referent pregnancy. RESULTS Among 2620 women screened, 2344 (90%) met age and pregnancy criteria and knew who fathered the referent pregnancy. Among those women, 963 (41%) did not know the pregnancy partner's HIV serostatus at time of screening. Only 92 (4%) reported knowing of a serodiscordant partnership prior to pregnancy. Among 1166 men screened, 225 (19%) met age and pregnancy criteria. Among those men, 71 (32%) did not know the pregnancy partner's HIV status and only 30 (13%) reported knowing of a serodiscordant partnership prior to pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS In an HIV-endemic setting, awareness of partner HIV serostatus is rare. Innovative strategies to increase HIV testing and disclosure are required to facilitate HIV prevention interventions for serodiscordant couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T Matthews
- />Division of Infectious Disease and Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge Street, 15th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 USA
- />Division of Infectious Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - Lizzie Moore
- />Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tamaryn L Crankshaw
- />Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Cecilia Milford
- />Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Fortunate N Mosery
- />Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ross Greener
- />Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christina Psaros
- />Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Steven A Safren
- />Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- />Division of Infectious Disease and Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge Street, 15th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- />Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
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Goggin K, Mindry D, Beyeza-Kashesya J, Finocchario-Kessler S, Wanyenze R, Nabiryo C, Wagner G. "Our hands are tied up": current state of safer conception services suggests the need for an integrated care model. Health Care Women Int 2014; 35:990-1009. [PMID: 24901882 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2014.920023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We conducted in-depth interviews with a variety of health care providers (n = 33) in Uganda to identify current services that could support and act as barriers to the provision of safer conception counseling (SCC). Consistent with their training and expertise, providers of all types reported provision of services for people living with a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS who desire a child. Important barriers, including a lack of service integration, poor communication between stakeholders, and the absence of policy guidelines, were identified. Drawing on these data, we propose a model of integrated care that includes both SCC services and prevention of unplanned pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Goggin
- a Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics , Kansas City , Missouri , USA
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Finocchario-Kessler S, Wanyenze R, Mindry D, Beyeza-Kashesya J, Goggin K, Nabiryo C, Wagner G. "I may not say we really have a method, it is gambling work": knowledge and acceptability of safer conception methods among providers and HIV clients in Uganda. Health Care Women Int 2014; 35:896-917. [PMID: 24902120 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2014.924520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In this qualitative study, researchers assessed knowledge, acceptability, and feasibility of safer conception methods (SCM; timed unprotected intercourse [TUI], manual self-insemination, and sperm washing) among various health care providers (n = 33) and 48 HIV clients with recent or current childbearing intentions in Uganda. While several clients and providers had heard of SCM (especially TUI), few fully understood how to use the methods. All provider types expressed a desire to incorporate SCM into their practice; however, this will require training and counseling protocols, sensitization to overcome cultural norms that pose obstacles to these methods, and partner engagement (particularly by men) in safer conception counseling.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the development and implementation of a safer conception service in a resource-limited setting. METHODS Qualitative work to inform the design of a safer conception service was conducted with clients and providers at Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, a primary health center in Johannesburg, South Africa. Services began in July 2013 for HIV-affected participants planning conception within 6 months and included counseling about timed unprotected intercourse and home-based self-insemination, early initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) for HIV-infected individuals, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-uninfected partners and circumcision for men. Participants were enrolled into an implementation science study evaluating method uptake, acceptability, and pregnancy and HIV transmission outcomes. RESULTS Findings to-date from 51 qualitative participants and 128 clinical cohort participants (82 women and 46 men, representing 82 partnerships) are presented. All men were accompanied by female partners, whereas 56% of women attended with their male partner. Fifteen of the 46 couples (33%) were in confirmed serodiscordant relationships; however, of the 36 additional women attending alone, 56% were unaware of their partners' HIV status or believed them to be HIV-uninfected. The majority of the HIV-infected women (86%) and men (71%) were on cART at enrollment; however, only 47% on cART were virally suppressed. Timed unprotected intercourse, self-insemination and cART were common choices for participants; few elected pre-exposure prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS Lessons learned from early implementation demonstrate feasibility of safer conception services; however, reaching discordant couples, cART-naïve infected partners, and men remain challenges. Creating demand for safer conception services among those at highest risk for HIV transmission is necessary.
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