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Guo Y, Wichaidit W, Du Y, Liu J, Chongsuvivatwong V. Mediation of the association between stigma and HIV status and fertility intention by fertility desire among heterosexual couples living with HIV in Kunming, China. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278244. [PMID: 36454983 PMCID: PMC9714893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the influences of stigma and HIV status on reproductive intention among heterosexual couples living with HIV in China. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kunming, China among 315 HIV-positive individuals and their spouses (n = 315 couples). An interview questionnaire was used to collect data on intention, desire, HIV Stigma Scale items, and HIV status. Dyadic fertility intention was examined using the actor-partner interdependence mediation model, based on the Traits-Desires-Intentions-Behavior framework. RESULTS The husbands' or wives' internalized stigma had significant negative effects on their own fertility desire (β = -0.149, p<0.05 and β = -0.238, p<0.01, respectively). HIV-positive status of the husbands was weakly linked to their own fertility intention (β = -0.181, p<0.05). Husbands' perceived provider stigma was associated with their own and their wives' fertility intention via the mediating effect of their fertility desire (β = -0.374, p<0.001 and β = -0.203, p<0.01, respectively). The cumulative influence of their reproductive desire mediated the husband's perceived provider stigma and the wife's internalized stigma on their fertility intention. CONCLUSIONS Stigma and HIV status were associated with fertility intention among couples living with HIV, mediated by fertility desire. The high intra-couple correlation suggested that counseling should be conducted when both spouses are present together with extensive discussions on concerns regarding HIV-related stigma, potential discrepancies between each partner's fertility desire and intention, and the influence of one partner on the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwu Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third People’s Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Wit Wichaidit
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Yingrong Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third People’s Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third People’s Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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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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Mukamuyango J, Ingabire R, Parker R, Nyombayire J, Abaasa A, Asiki G, Easter SR, Wall KM, Nyirazinyoye L, Tichacek A, Kaslow N, Price MA, Allen S, Karita E. Uptake of long acting reversible contraception following integrated couples HIV and fertility goal-based family planning counselling in Catholic and non-Catholic, urban and rural government health centers in Kigali, Rwanda. Reprod Health 2020; 17:126. [PMID: 32807177 PMCID: PMC7433361 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-00981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When integrated with couples' voluntary HIV counselling and testing (CVCT), family planning including long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) addresses prongs one and two of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). METHODS In this observational study, we enrolled equal numbers of HIV concordant and discordant couples in four rural and four urban clinics, with two Catholic and two non-Catholic clinics in each area. Eligible couples were fertile, not already using a LARC method, and wished to limit or delay fertility for at least 2 years. We provided CVCT and fertility goal-based family planning counselling with the offer of LARC and conducted multivariate analysis of clinic, couple, and individual predictors of LARC uptake. RESULTS Of 1290 couples enrolled, 960 (74%) selected LARC: Jadelle 5-year implant (37%), Implanon 3-year implant (26%), or copper intrauterine device (IUD) (11%). Uptake was higher in non-Catholic clinics (85% vs. 63% in Catholic clinics, p < 0.0001), in urban clinics (82% vs. 67% in rural clinics, p < 0.0001), and in HIV concordant couples (79% vs. 70% of discordant couples, p = .0005). Religion of the couple was unrelated to clinic religious affiliation, and uptake was highest among Catholics (80%) and lowest among Protestants (70%) who were predominantly Pentecostal. In multivariable analysis, urban location and non-Catholic clinic affiliation, Catholic religion of woman or couple, younger age of men, lower educational level of both partners, non-use of condoms or injectable contraception at enrollment, prior discussion of LARC by the couple, and women not having concerns about negative side effects of implant were associated with LARC uptake. CONCLUSIONS Fertility goal-based LARC recommendations combined with couples' HIV counselling and testing resulted in a high uptake of LARC methods, even among discordant couples using condoms for HIV prevention, in Catholic clinics, and in rural populations. This model successfully integrates prevention of HIV and unplanned pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosine Ingabire
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Rachel Parker
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julien Nyombayire
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Andrew Abaasa
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Medical Research Council, Uganda Vaccine Research Institute & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gershim Asiki
- Medical Research Council, Uganda Vaccine Research Institute & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Sarah Rae Easter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nadine Kaslow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matt A Price
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Etienne Karita
- Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Kigali, Rwanda
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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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Kimemia G, Ngure K, Baeten JM, Celum C, Dew K, Njuguna N, Mugo N, Heffron R. Perceptions of pregnancy occurring among HIV-serodiscordant couples in Kenya. Reprod Health 2019; 16:85. [PMID: 31215447 PMCID: PMC6582525 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0751-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among HIV serodiscordant couples, most conception involves condomless sex and may confer a period with increased HIV transmission risk if HIV viral load is not suppressed and other precautions are not used. Safer conception strategies enable HIV serodiscordant couples to attain their pregnancy goals while markedly reducing this risk. We explored the perceptions and beliefs held by HIV serodiscordant couples and health care providers concerning pregnancy among HIV serodiscordant couples in Kenya and gathered their thoughts about how these might influence use of safer conception methods. METHODS We conducted 20 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with health care providers offering safer conception counseling and 21 In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with members of HIV serodiscordant couples with immediate pregnancy goals in Thika, Kenya. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach that identified two emergent themes: perceptions towards pregnancy among HIV serodiscordant couples and access to safer conception services. RESULTS The perceptions held by the community towards couples in HIV serodiscordant relationships having children were largely negative. The participants were aware of the increased HIV transmission risk to the HIV uninfected partners while trying to become pregnant. In the community, having biological children was cherished yet the majority of the couples shied away from accessing safer conception services offered at health facilities due to stigma and lack of knowledge of the existence of such services. Some providers had limited knowledge on safer conception strategies and services and consequently discouraged HIV serodiscordant couples from natural conception. CONCLUSIONS Negative perceptions towards HIV serodiscordant couples becoming pregnant has hindered access to safer conception services. Therefore, there is need to create a supportive environment for HIV serodiscordant couples with fertility intentions that normalizes their desire to have children and informs the community about the availability of safer conception services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Kimemia
- African Population & Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue Box 359927, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue Box 359927, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue Box 359927, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue Box 359927, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kristin Dew
- Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Nelly Mugo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue Box 359927, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue Box 359927, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
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Ondenge K, Odero I, Awuonda E, Omoro T, Kibogo M, Otieno G, Ongwena P, Gust DA. Community perceptions and personal accounts of HIV discordance in rural western Kenya. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2019; 17:281-290. [PMID: 30355058 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2018.1521851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Among HIV-discordant couples, the literature is sparse regarding issues related to stigma, relationships and coping. Objectives were to explore: 1) perceptions about discordant HIV status; 2) understanding of HIV discordancy; 3) effects of discordancy on couples; and 4) adaptation and coping strategies for discordant HIV status. A survey was administered to 202 members of heterosexual discordant couples in rural western Kenya. In addition, to understand the community perspective, in-depth interviews (IDI) (n = 26) and focus group discussions (FGD) (n = 10) were conducted with community opinion leaders, healthcare workers and members of discordant couples. More than 70% of men (73.4%) and women (80.4%) surveyed agreed that their relationship changed for the worse when they disclosed their HIV status to their partner. Participants of IDIs and FGDs provided several explanations for discordancy including the perception that discordancy is a lie, the negative partner has "thick blood", HIV infection is a punishment for sexual promiscuity or cultural disobedience, and that HIV is a punishment from God. Members of discordant couples reported experiencing tension and fear, stigma and rejection, and changes in partner support. Adaptation and coping strategies included counselling, sero-sorting and pursuing concordancy with the uninfected partner. HIV discordancy in a relationship can potentially cause long-term negative emotional and physical consequences. There is an acute need to develop and disseminate locally sensitive HIV-discordant couple counselling messages, and to provide couple-centred HIV care and treatment. Communication can help couples rebuild and rebalance their relationship and adjust to a new normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Ondenge
- a Kenya Medical Research Institute , Kisumu , Kenya
| | | | | | - Tereza Omoro
- a Kenya Medical Research Institute , Kisumu , Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Deborah A Gust
- b Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , Georgia , USA
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Heffron R, Ngure K, Velloza J, Kiptinness C, Quame‐Amalgo J, Oluch L, Thuo N, Njoroge J, Momanyi R, Gakuo S, Mbugua S, Morrison S, Haugen H, Chohan B, Celum C, Baeten JM, Mugo N. Implementation of a comprehensive safer conception intervention for HIV-serodiscordant couples in Kenya: uptake, use and effectiveness. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25261. [PMID: 30957420 PMCID: PMC6452026 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Safer conception strategies minimize HIV risk during condomless sex to become pregnant. Gaps remain in understanding the acceptability, feasibility and choices HIV-serodiscordant couples make when multiple safer conception options are available. METHODS We conducted a pilot study of a comprehensive safer conception package for HIV-serodiscordant couples with immediate fertility desires in Kenya from March 2016 to April 2018. The intervention package included antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive partners, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-negative partners, daily fertility and sexual behaviour tracking via short message service (SMS) surveys, counselling on self-insemination, and referrals for voluntary medical male circumcision and fertility care. Couples attended monthly visits until pregnancy with HIV testing for negative partners at each visit. We estimated the number of expected HIV seroconversions using a counterfactual cohort simulated from gender-matched couples in the placebo arm of a previous PrEP clinical trial. We used bootstrap methods to compare expected and observed seroconversions. RESULTS Of the 74 enrolled couples, 54% were HIV-negative female/HIV-positive male couples. The 6 and 12-month cumulative pregnancy rates were 45.3% and 61.9% respectively. In the month preceding pregnancy, 80.9% of HIV-positive partners were virally suppressed, 81.4% of HIV-negative partners were highly adherent to PrEP, and SMS surveys indicated potential timing of condomless sex to peak fertility (median of sex acts = 10, interquartile range (IQR) 7 to 12; median condomless sex acts = 3.5, IQR 1 to 7). Most (95.7%) pregnancies were protected by ≥2 strategies: 57.4% were protected by high PrEP and ART adherence, male circumcision with or without timed condomless sex; 10 (21.3%) were protected by viral suppression in the HIV-positive partner and male circumcision with or without timed condomless sex; 8 (17.0%) were protected by high PrEP adherence and male circumcision with or without timed condomless sex. We observed 0 HIV seroconversions (95% CI 0.0 to 6.0 per 100 person years), indicating a 100% reduction in HIV risk (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS The use of multiple safer conception strategies, primarily PrEP, ART, male circumcision and/or tracking fertility, was acceptable and feasible for African HIV-serodiscordant couples and significantly reduced HIV transmission risk. It is important to increase the availability of and counselling about safer conception services in regions with HIV epidemics involving heterosexual transmission and high fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Heffron
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
| | - Jennifer Velloza
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Catherine Kiptinness
- Partners in Health and Research DevelopmentCentre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | | | - Lynda Oluch
- Partners in Health and Research DevelopmentCentre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Nicholas Thuo
- Partners in Health and Research DevelopmentCentre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - John Njoroge
- Partners in Health and Research DevelopmentCentre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Richard Momanyi
- Partners in Health and Research DevelopmentCentre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Stephen Gakuo
- Partners in Health and Research DevelopmentCentre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Sarah Mbugua
- Partners in Health and Research DevelopmentCentre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Susan Morrison
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Harald Haugen
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Bhavna Chohan
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Partners in Health and Research DevelopmentCentre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
- Center for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
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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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A Systematic Review of the Current Status of Safer Conception Strategies for HIV Affected Heterosexual Couples in Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2916-2946. [PMID: 29869184 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2170-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of safer conception strategies (SCS) for HIV-affected couples in sub-Saharan Africa to inform evidence-based safer conception interventions. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched fifteen electronic databases using the following inclusion criteria: SCS research in HIV-affected couples; published after 2007; in sub-Saharan Africa; primary research; peer-reviewed; and addressed a primary topic of interest (SCS availability, feasibility, and acceptability, and/or education and promotion). Researchers independently reviewed each study for eligibility using a standardized tool. We categorize studies by their topic area. We identified 41 studies (26 qualitative and 15 quantitative) that met inclusion criteria. Reviewed SCSs included: antiretroviral therapy (ART), pre-exposure prophylaxis, timed unprotected intercourse, manual/self-insemination, sperm washing, and voluntary male medical circumcision (VMMC). SCS were largely unavailable outside of research settings, except for general availability (i.e., not specifically for safer conception) of ART and VMMC. SCS acceptability was impacted by low client and provider knowledge about safer conception services, stigma around HIV-affected couples wanting children, and difficulty with HIV disclosure in HIV-affected couples. Couples expressed desire to learn more about SCS; however, provider training, patient education, SCS promotions, and integration of reproductive health and HIV services remain limited. Studies of provider training and couple-based education showed improvements in communication around fertility intentions and SCS knowledge. SCS are not yet widely available to HIV-affected African couples. Successful implementation of SCS requires that providers receive training on effective SCS and provide couple-based safer conception counseling to improve disclosure and communication around fertility intentions and reproductive health.
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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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Reproduction and Fertility Beliefs, Perceptions, and Attitudes in People Living with HIV. AIDS Res Treat 2018; 2018:5349793. [PMID: 29805805 PMCID: PMC5899855 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5349793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLWH) have distinct needs when it comes to reproductive health, specifically regarding fertility, family planning, and pregnancy, and these needs are often complicated by HIV status. While there is ample research that focuses on reproductive health in PLWH through a quantitative lens, there is a lack of research using qualitative methods, namely, the narrative interview model. We searched PubMed and relevant abstracts to identify 72 articles published from 1997 to 2016 that described a qualitative framework for exploring the behaviors and perceptions regarding family planning, abortion, pregnancy, parenthood, fertility, and forced sterility in PLWH. The inclusion criteria initially showed 147 articles, which were further screened to exclude those that did not address fertility and family planning specifically. Our final sample of articles included articles related to qualitative research on reproductive attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of PLWH. Several of these articles were mixed-methods analyses, but our focus was on the qualitative portion only. Further qualitative works in this area will not only contribute to gaps quantitative research in the field cannot capture by design, but also inform clinical practice, policy, and interventions through systematic, in-depth evaluation.
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Beyeza-Kashesya J, Wanyenze RK, Goggin K, Finocchario-Kessler S, Woldetsadik MA, Mindry D, Birungi J, Wagner GJ. Stigma gets in my way: Factors affecting client-provider communication regarding childbearing among people living with HIV in Uganda. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192902. [PMID: 29462171 PMCID: PMC5819785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many HIV-affected couples living in sub-Saharan Africa desire to have children, but few quantitative studies have examined support for their childbearing needs. Our study explored client-provider communication about childbearing and safer conception among HIV clients in Uganda. METHODS 400 Ugandan HIV clients in committed relationships and with intentions to conceive were surveyed. Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to childbearing, and use of safer conception methods were assessed, including communication with providers about childbearing needs, the correlates of which were examined with bivariate statistics and logistic multivariate analysis. RESULTS 75% of the sample was female; 61% were on antiretroviral therapy; and 61% had HIV-negative or unknown status partners. Nearly all (98%) reported the desire to discuss childbearing intentions with their HIV provider; however, only 44% reported such discussions, the minority (28%) of which was initiated by the provider. Issues discussed with HIV providers included: HIV transmission risk to partner (30%), HIV transmission risk to child (30%), and how to prevent transmission to the child (27%); only 8% discussed safer conception methods. Regression analysis showed that those who had communicated with providers about childbearing were more likely to have been diagnosed with HIV for a longer period [OR (95% CI) = 1.09 (1.03, 1.15)], while greater internalized childbearing stigma was associated with lower odds of this communication [OR (95% CI) = 0.70 (0.49, 0.99)], after controlling for all bivariate correlates and basic demographics. CONCLUSIONS Communication between HIV clients and providers about childbearing needs is poor and associated with stigma. Innovations to mitigate stigma among clients as well as training to improve health worker communication and skills related to safer conception counseling is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya
- Mulago Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rhoda K. Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kathy Goggin
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sarah Finocchario-Kessler
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | - Deborah Mindry
- University of California, Los Angeles Center for Culture and Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | | | - Glenn J. Wagner
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, United States of America
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Offering pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention to pregnant and postpartum women: a clinical approach. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21295. [PMID: 28361503 PMCID: PMC5577744 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.2.21295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: HIV prevention during pregnancy and lactation is critical for both maternal and child health. Pregnancy provides a critical opportunity for clinicians to elicit women’s vulnerabilities to HIV and offer HIV testing, treatment and referral and/or comprehensive HIV prevention options for the current pregnancy, the postpartum period and safer conception options for future pregnancies. In this commentary, we review the safety of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis with tenofovir/emtricitabine in pregnant and lactating women and suggest opportunities to identify pregnant and postpartum women at substantial risk of HIV. We then describe a clinical approach to caring for women who both choose and decline pre-exposure prophylaxis during pregnancy and postpartum, highlighting areas for future research. Discussion: Evidence suggests that pre-exposure prophylaxis with tenofovir/emtricitabine is safe in pregnancy and lactation. Identifying women vulnerable to HIV and eligible for pre-exposure prophylaxis is challenging in light of the myriad of individual, community, and structural forces impacting HIV acquisition. Validated risk calculators exist for specific populations but have not been used to screen and offer HIV prevention methods. Partner testing and engagement of men living with HIV are additional means of reaching at-risk women. However, women’s vulnerabilities to HIV change over time. Combining screening for HIV vulnerability with HIV and/or STI testing at standard intervals during pregnancy is a practical way to prompt providers to incorporate HIV screening and prevention counselling. We suggest using shared decision-making to offer women pre-exposure prophylaxis as one of multiple HIV prevention strategies during pregnancy and postpartum, facilitating open conversations about HIV vulnerabilities, preferences about HIV prevention strategies, and choosing a method that best meets the needs of each woman. Conclusion: Growing evidence suggests that pre-exposure prophylaxis with tenofovir/emtricitabine during pregnancy and lactation is safe and effective. Shared decision-making provides one approach to identify at-risk women and offers pre-exposure prophylaxis but requires implementation research in diverse clinical settings. Including pregnant and breastfeeding women in future HIV prevention research is critical for the creation of evidence-driven public health policies and clinical guidelines.
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Iliyasu Z, Galadanci HS, Ibrahim YA, Babashani M, Mijinyawa MS, Simmons M, Aliyu MH. Should They Also Have Babies? Community Attitudes Toward Sexual and Reproductive Rights of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Ann Glob Health 2017; 83:320-327. [PMID: 28619407 DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV have the right to healthy, satisfying sex lives and to appropriate services to ensure their sexual and reproductive health, including having healthy children. The reproductive rights of people living with HIV/AIDS are, however, often met with skepticism and discrimination, despite recent advances in HIV treatment. OBJECTIVE To assess the attitudes of community members in Kano, Nigeria, toward the right of persons living with HIV/AIDS to have healthy sexual relationships and bear children. METHODS A cross-section of 399 adults was interviewed using pretested structured questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was used to obtain adjusted estimates for predictors of agreement with the rights of persons with HIV/AIDS to bear children. FINDINGS A substantial proportion of respondents (28.6%) strongly agreed and agreed (10.5%) that persons with HIV/AIDS should not be allowed to marry. More than a fifth of the respondents disagreed (16.0%) and strongly disagreed (8.0%) with the rights of HIV-infected persons to bear children. Agreement with the statement "HIV-infected persons should have biological children" was independently associated with higher educational status (adjusted odds ratio: 2.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.82-6.73) and awareness of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission effectiveness (adjusted odds ratio: 2.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.92-5.37). Of those who agreed that HIV-infected persons should have children (n = 253), 17.8% and 26.1% strongly agreed and agreed, respectively, that persons living with HIV/AIDS should be restricted to having fewer children. Further, 11.5% and 4.8% of respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed, respectively, that infertile HIV-infected couples should receive fertility treatment. CONCLUSIONS People living with HIV/AIDS face discriminatory attitudes to their reproductive rights in northern Nigeria. There is a need for effective, culturally appropriate information, education, and communication approaches to improving community perceptions of sexual and reproductive rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubairu Iliyasu
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; Section of Public Health, School of Health and Related Research, the University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Hadiza S Galadanci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Yusuf A Ibrahim
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Musa Babashani
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | | | - Melynda Simmons
- Department of Health Policy and Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Department of Health Policy and Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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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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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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Kuete M, Yuan H, Tchoua Kemayou AL, Songo EA, Yang F, Ma X, Xiong C, Zhang H. Scale up use of family planning services to prevent maternal transmission of HIV among discordant couples: a cross-sectional study within a resource-limited setting. Patient Prefer Adherence 2016; 10:1967-1977. [PMID: 27757019 PMCID: PMC5055043 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s105624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integration of family planning services (FPS) into human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care for HIV-infected women is an important aspect of the global prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) strategy. We assessed the integration of FPS into routine care of HIV-infected mothers by evaluating the uptake and barriers of contraception and PMTCT services. METHODS We conducted an interventional study using the interrupted time series approach in the health care facilities located in Yaounde, Cameroon. First, structured questionnaires related to family planning use, PMTCT services use, and infection risk of the sexual partner were administered to the first trimester pregnant women who were HIV infected and living with uninfected partners. Second, 2 weeks before the delivery date, the women were interviewed according to the prior counseling interventions received, in order to assess their behavior on FPS, antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, delivery option, and infant nourishment to be adopted. P-values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant in the statistical analyses. RESULTS Of 94 HIV-infected women, 69% were stable couples. Only 13% of women had attended FPS before conception. Although the vast majority were knowledgeable about modern and traditional contraception methods, only 19% had experienced effective contraceptive methods. However, 66% preferred condom use, 45% having three children still expressed a desire to conceive, while 44% reported abortions, 65% had tried to avoid the current pregnancy, and 12% of women were ART naïve. Several predictors such as education, abortion rate, unplanned pregnancies, and partners' decision were associated with the nonuse of effective contraceptive methods. Moreover, barriers including sex inequity, lack of partner support, ART shortages, and lack of HIV viral load monitoring were prevalent among the participants (P=0.001). However FPS use, ART compliance, and safe options to PMTCT significantly increased after the educational counseling interventions (P=0.001). CONCLUSION Scaling up the FPS by incorporating routine PMTCT services into reproductive health care should contribute to preventing both horizontal and vertical transmission of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kuete
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Center, Family Planning and Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Main Maternity of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yaounde Central Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - HongFang Yuan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Center, Family Planning and Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aude Laure Tchoua Kemayou
- Main Maternity of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yaounde Central Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel Ancel Songo
- Main Maternity of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yaounde Central Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Fan Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Center, Family Planning and Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - XiuLan Ma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Center, Family Planning and Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - ChengLiang Xiong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Center, Family Planning and Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - HuiPing Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Center, Family Planning and Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: HuiPing Zhang, Family Planning and Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 130 3513 3247, Fax +86 27 8369 2651, Email
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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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