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Closson K, Zharima C, Kuchena M, Dietrich JJ, Gadermann A, Zulu B, Ogilvie G, Beksinska M, Kaida A. " It's a 50/50 Thing You Know": Exploring the Multileveled Intersections of Gender and Power Within the Relationships of Young South African Men and Women. J Sex Res 2024; 61:144-159. [PMID: 36260421 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2129561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to advance sexual health globally require greater understandings of youth intimate relationship dynamics. Among 38 South African youth (21 women/17 men aged 21-30 from Durban and Soweto) we conducted qualitative cognitive interviews to explore how gender and power intersect to shape intimate relationship dynamics (October 2019-March 2021). Participants discussed perceptions and relevance of each of 13 items comprising the Sexual Relationship Power (SRP) scale, a widely used measure of gender equity, and the influence of SRP on youth sexual health. Data analysis was guided by constructivist grounded theory. The findings were organized using the socio-ecological model, revealing how gender and power intersected at multiple levels to influence youth intimate relationships. Key influencing factors included individual-level gender attitudes, male partner expectations, and women's resistance to dominance; intimate relationship-level power dynamics, consent, and intimacy; family-level household configurations and parental monitoring of daughters; and societal-level traditional gender norms. At all levels, women discussed resisting power inequities through communication and rejection of inequitable relationships. While men also displayed resistance to inequitable power structures, most upheld traditional gender norms through institutional affiliation (e.g. church) and deep-rooted socialized beliefs and attitudes. Efforts to improve youth sexual health require multileveled approaches that address inequitable power dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia
| | - Campion Zharima
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand
- Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Michelle Kuchena
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Anne Gadermann
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia
| | - Bongiwe Zulu
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Gina Ogilvie
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
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Closson K, Zulu B, Jesson J, Dietrich JJ, Pakhomova T, Basham CA, Beksinska M, Kaida A. Examining gender and sexual orientation differences in physical intimate partner violence experienced and perpetrated by youth living in eThekwini district South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2300. [PMID: 37990170 PMCID: PMC10664660 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young women and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Non-binary/no gender, or Questioning (LGBTQ+) youth in South Africa face some of the highest global levels of intimate partner violence (IPV). Given limited evidence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has fuelled IPV globally, we aimed to describe and compare experiences and perpetration of IPV of youth aged 16-24 by sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). METHODS During the study period (December 2021-May 2022), youth aged 16-24 from eThekwini district, South Africa completed an online survey to understand multilevel impacts of the pandemic on youth. Participants were asked about experiences and perpetration of physical IPV since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020). Descriptive statistics and adjusted logistic regressions compared the likelihood of experiencing and/or perpetrating physical IPV between cisgender and transgender inclusive heterosexual men; heterosexual women; gay, bisexual, or questioning men [GBQM]; lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning women [LGBQW]; or gender/sexual non-conforming youth [non-conforming]. RESULTS Of 1,588 youth (mean age = 21.7 [SD = 2.3]; 71.7% Black) with non-missing SOGI and physical IPV data, 238 (15.0%) were LGBTQ+ (40.3% LGBQW and 36.1% non-conforming). Overall, 14.6% of respondents experienced physical IPV and 9.8% perpetrated physical IPV since the start of the pandemic, which differed by SOGI (12.3% of heterosexual men, 13.9% of heterosexual women, 22.0% of GBQM, 18.2% of LGBQW, and 25.0% of non-conforming youth experienced and 10.3% of heterosexual men; 7.7% of heterosexual women; 10.0% of GBQM; 18.2% of LGBQW; and 16.7% of non-conforming youth perpetrated). In adjusted models, compared to heterosexual women, non-conforming youth had increased odds of experiencing (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.36; 95%CI, 1.26-4.39) physical IPV and compared to heterosexual men, non-conforming youth had greater odds of perpetrating physical IPV (aOR = 2.19; 95%CI, 1.07-4.48) during the pandemic. CONCLUSION Over one in six youth in our study experienced and one in ten perpetrated physical IPV since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with gender and sexual non-conforming youth experiencing and perpetrating IPV at significantly greater rates than cisgender/heterosexual peers. Our findings highlight the need for gender transformative efforts that move beyond the gender binary to support healthy relationships and IPV prevention for LGBTQ + youth in South Africa and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Bongiwe Zulu
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Julie Jesson
- Center for Epidemiology and Research in POpulation Health (CERPOP), Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tatiana Pakhomova
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - C Andrew Basham
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada.
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Closson K, Zharima C, Kuchena TM, Dietrich JJ, Ogilvie G, Raj A, Beksinska M, Kaida A. Relationship impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions on young women and men in Durban and Soweto, South Africa. Cult Health Sex 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37584715 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2243300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
To deepen our understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate and/or sexual relationships, we conducted a qualitative study among 26 South African women and men aged 21-30 years in Durban and Soweto between September 2020 and March 2021. Overall, 13 women and 12 men who had been in an intimate and/or sexual relationship since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were asked about the impact of COVID-19 on their relationships with their current or most recent primary partners. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The three most common impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on relationships were on (i) communication and connection; (ii) strained relationships; and (iii) job and economic loss. Both women and men discussed how COVID-19-related lockdowns provided opportunities to foster better communication, connection and support to one another. However, too little or too much time together strained relationships. Finally, income loss among young men meant that some young women became the primary income earner, changing relationship power dynamics. Findings highlight the importance of young people's relationships and the need for action to support young people in building positive relationships in challenging times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Campion Zharima
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - T Michelle Kuchena
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gina Ogilvie
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anita Raj
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of CA, San Diego, CA, US
- Newcomb Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, US
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Dietrich JJ, Munoz J, Tshabalala G, Makhale LM, Hornschuh S, Rentas F, Mulaudzi M, Laher F, Andrasik MP. A qualitative study of stakeholder and researcher perspectives of community engagement practices for HIV vaccine clinical trials in South Africa. J Community Psychol 2023; 51:998-1015. [PMID: 36342974 PMCID: PMC10613584 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Community engagement increases community trust of research and improves trial participation. However, there is limited documented appraisal of community engagement practices. Several HIV vaccine efficacy trials have been conducted in South Africa, the country most affected by HIV, predominantly in collaboration with the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN). We explored stakeholder and researcher perspectives of the HVTN community engagement practices used in the Gauteng province of South Africa. In 2017, we conducted a qualitative study. Using semi-structured interview guides, we facilitated two group discussions with Community Advisory Board (CAB) members (n = 13), and 14 in-depth interviews with HVTN-affiliated employees (n = 8 in South Africa and n = 6 in the USA). Group discussions and in-depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and coded using NVIVO 12 Plus software for thematic data analysis. Overall, median age of study participants was 22 (interquartile range 32-54) years, and 74% (n = 20) were female. Three main themes about community engagement emerged: (i) community engagement as an ongoing iterative relationship between researchers and community; (ii) methods of community engagement, encompassing community education by linking with external stakeholders and through awareness campaigns by pamphlet distribution and mass events, working with communities to develop recruitment messages, and working with CAB as a link to communities; and (iii) strategies to improve community engagement, for example, using simple language, linking with religious leaders and traditional healers, and communicating via conventional (newspapers, television, and radio) and social (videos and listicles) media. Our data indicate ways for researchers to improve relationships with community by understanding local needs, strengthening collaborations, and tailoring communication strategies. In this regard, CABs signify critical linkages between researchers and communities. CABs can relay relevant health research needs, advise on the creation of suitable materials, and link researchers more effectively with community leaders and media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janan J. Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Health Systems Research UnitSouth African Medical Research CouncilCape TownSouth Africa
- African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE), Division of the Wits Health ConsortiumUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Jessica Munoz
- Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineLoma Linda University Medical CenterLoma LindaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gugulethu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Lerato M. Makhale
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Francisco Rentas
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Mamakiri Mulaudzi
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Fatima Laher
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Michele P. Andrasik
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Dietrich JJ, Jonas K, Cheyip M, Appollis TM, Ariyo O, Beauclair R, Lombard C, Gray GE, Mathews C. Examining the Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors with Knowledge of HIV-Positive Status and Antiretroviral Therapy Exposure Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Living with HIV in South Africa. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:231-244. [PMID: 35841462 PMCID: PMC9841063 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03759-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living with HIV have poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes. We examined the relationship between psychosocial factors with knowledge of HIV-positive status and antiretroviral therapy exposure among AGYW living with HIV in South Africa. Participants 15-24 years responded to a survey including socio-demographics, psychosocial factors, and HIV testing. Blood was collected to determine HIV status and ART exposure. Multivariable analyses were conducted using R. Of 568 participants with HIV, 356 had knowledge of their HIV-positive status. Social support from family [aOR 1.14 (95% CI 1.04-1.24)] or from a special person [aOR 1.12 (95% CI 1.02-1.23)] was associated with knowledge of HIV-positive status. Resilience [aOR 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.08)] was the only psychosocial factor associated with a higher odds of ART exposure. Social support and resilience may increase knowledge of HIV-positive status and ART exposure among South African AGYW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janan J. Dietrich
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa,Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kim Jonas
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa,Adolescent Health Research Unit, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mireille Cheyip
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tracy McClinton Appollis
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa,Adolescent Health Research Unit, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Roxanne Beauclair
- The South African Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation (DST-NRF) Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, University of Stellenbosch, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Glenda E. Gray
- Office of the President, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Catherine Mathews
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa,Adolescent Health Research Unit, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Closson K, Zharima C, Kuchena M, Dietrich JJ, Gadermann A, Ogilvie G, Beksinska M, Kaida A. "I feel like it is asking if he is a stalker … but I also feel like it is asking if he cares": exploring young South African women and men's perceptions of the Sexual Relationship Power Scale. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1368. [PMID: 35842627 PMCID: PMC9288208 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gender inequity and the subsequent health impacts disproportionately affect communities in the Global South. However, most gender equity measures, such as Pulerwitz’ (2000) Sexual Relationship Power Scale (SRPS), are developed and validated in the Global North and then applied in Global South settings without investigation of context applicability or validity. This study examines the SRPS’ validity evidence, comprehensiveness, and contemporary relevance for young South African women and men. Methods Between 2019 and 2021, 38 cognitive interviews (CIs) were conducted among previous participants of a South African youth cohort study ‘AYAZAZI’ (2015–2017) to explore youth’s perceptions of the SRPS. The SRPS measures women’s perceptions of their partner’s controlling behaviours, and men’s perceptions of their own controlling behaviours. Using CIs, participants responded to a 13-item adaptation of the SRPS for use among South African youth (strongly agree-strongly disagree), and then were asked to think-aloud their reasoning for responses, their understanding and perceived relevance of each item, and made overall suggestions for scale adaptations. An item appraisal coding process was applied, whereby Cognitive Coding assessed the types of cognitive problems youth had with understanding the items, and Question Feature Coding assessed which item features caused problems for participant understandings. Finally, youth recommendations for scale adaptations were summarized. Results Overall, 21 women and 17 men aged 21–30 participated in CIs in Durban and Soweto, South Africa. Cognitive Coding revealed 1. Comprehension issues, and 2. Judgements related to items’ applicability to lived experiences and identities (e.g., being unmarried). Question Feature Coding revealed items’ 1. Lack of clarity or vagueness in wording and 2. Logical problems in assumptions leading to multiple interpretations (e.g., item ‘my partner always need to know where I am’ interpreted as both controlling and caring behaviour). Multiple, overlapping issues revealed how many items failed to “fit” within the present-day living realities of South African youth. Youth recommended several item adaptations and additions, including strength-based items, to existing measures of gender equity and relationship power. Conclusion Given identified issues, several adaptations including revising items to be more inclusive, contemporary, context specific, relational, and strength-based are needed to validly measure gender equity and power dynamics within the relationships of South African youth. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13686-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Campion Zharima
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Michelle Kuchena
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE), a division of the Wits Health Consortium, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Anne Gadermann
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gina Ogilvie
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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Closson K, Ndungu J, Beksinska M, Ogilvie G, Dietrich JJ, Gadermann A, Gibbs A, Nduna M, Smit J, Gray G, Kaida A. Gender, Power, and Health: Measuring and Assessing Sexual Relationship Power Equity Among Young Sub-Saharan African Women and Men, a Systematic Review. Trauma Violence Abuse 2022; 23:920-937. [PMID: 33353490 DOI: 10.1177/1524838020979676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gender inequity, including low sexual relationship power (SRP), is an important determinant of intimate partner violence (IPV) and negative sexual, reproductive, and mental health. Different versions of the Sexual Relationship Power Scale (SRPS) are commonly used within youth studies to examine how gender inequities, including controlling behaviors, in heterosexual relationships impact the lives of young people in sub-Saharan Africa. This review aims to (1) describe definitions and measures of SRP within sub-Saharan African youth studies and (2) review and summarize associations between SRP equity, IPV, and sexual, reproductive, and mental health. After searching Pubmed, Ovid Med, Psych info, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and relevant research forums, 304 papers were identified, of which 29 papers based on 15 distinct studies (published 2004-2019) met our criteria for being youth-specific, conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, and including a quantitative measure of SRP. Details of each SRPS are described, including any adaptations and psychometric properties, as well as associations with IPV, sexual, reproductive, and mental health behaviors and outcomes. Results indicate that there are variations to the SRPS, and a paucity of evidence has detailed the psychometric properties of such measures within sub-Saharan African youth studies. Measures of SRP equity are associated with experiences (among women) and perpetration of (among men) IPV as numerous pathways to HIV risk; however, the evidence remains mixed. In order to address overlapping epidemics of violence against women and HIV, efforts are needed to ensure that measures, including the SRPS, are valid and reliable among highly affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- School of Population and Public Health, 8166The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jane Ndungu
- School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 56723Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Office of Engagement and Transformation, 56723Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), 37708Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gina Ogilvie
- School of Population and Public Health, 8166The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute (WHRI), BC Women's Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, 37707University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anne Gadermann
- School of Population and Public Health, 8166The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- The Human Learning Project, 8166The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew Gibbs
- 59097South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mzikazi Nduna
- Department of Psychology, 37707University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jenni Smit
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), 37708Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, 37707University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- 59097South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, 1763Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Webb EL, Dietrich JJ, Ssemata AS, Nematadzira TG, Hornschuh S, Kakande A, Tshabalala G, Muhumuza R, Mutonyi G, Atujuna M, Bere T, Bekker LG, Abas MA, Weiss HA, Seeley J, Stranix-Chibanda L, Fox J. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress and associations with sexual behaviour and PrEP preferences among young people in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:466. [PMID: 35578175 PMCID: PMC9109411 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07430-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not known whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases HIV-risk behaviours among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed associations of PTSD symptoms with sexual behaviour, HIV risk perception, and attitudes towards PrEP among young people taking part in the CHAPS community survey. We hypothesised that PTSD symptoms would increase sexual behaviours associated with HIV risk, hinder PrEP uptake and influence preference for daily versus on-demand PrEP. METHODS Young people without HIV, aged 13-24 years, were purposively recruited in Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Wakiso in Uganda, and Chitungwiza in Zimbabwe, and surveyed on socio-demographic characteristics, PrEP knowledge and attitudes, sexual behaviour, HIV perception and salience, and mental health. PTSD symptoms were measured using the Primary Care PTSD Screen for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (PC-PTSD-5). Logistic and ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations between PC-PTSD-5 score and socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, HIV risk perception, PrEP attitudes, and substance use, adjusting for age, sex, setting, depression and anxiety. RESULTS Of 1330 young people (51% male, median age 19 years), 522 (39%) reported at least one PTSD symptom. There was strong evidence that having a higher PC-PTSD-5 score was associated with reported forced sex (OR 3.18, 95%CI: 2.05-4.93), self-perception as a person who takes risks (OR 1.12, 95%CI: 1.04-1.20), and increased frequency of thinking about risk of HIV acquisition (OR 1.16, 95%CI: 1.08-1.25). PTSD symptoms were not associated with willingness to take PrEP, preference for on-demand versus daily PrEP, or actual HIV risk behaviour such as condomless sex. CONCLUSIONS Symptoms consistent with probable PTSD were common among young people in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe but did not impact PrEP attitudes or PrEP preferences. Evaluation for PTSD might form part of a general assessment in sexual and reproductive health services in these countries. More work is needed to understand the impact of PTSD on HIV-risk behaviour, forced sex and response to preventive strategies including PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Webb
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK.
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa
- African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ayoub Kakande
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gugulethu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Millicent Atujuna
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tarisai Bere
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melanie A Abas
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Helen A Weiss
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lynda Stranix-Chibanda
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Child and Adolescent Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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9
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Nardell MF, Hedt-Gauthier B, Earnshaw VA, Bogart LM, Dietrich JJ, Courtney I, Tshabalala G, Bor J, Orrell C, Gray G, Bangsberg DR, Katz IT. Understanding Repeat Positive HIV Testing in South Africa Under Changing Treatment Guidelines. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1366-1376. [PMID: 34705150 PMCID: PMC9007825 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03493-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Some people with HIV (PWH) test positive multiple times without initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). We surveyed 496 ART-eligible PWH following routine HIV testing at three clinics in Soweto and Gugulethu, South Africa in 2014-2015. Among repeat positive testers (RPTs) in this cohort, we compared rates of treatment initiation by prior treatment eligibility and assessed psychosocial predictors of treatment initiation in logistic regression models. RPTs represented 33.8% of PWH in this cohort. Less than half of those who reported eligibility for ART on prior testing started treatment upon retesting, in contrast to two thirds of RPTs who were previously ineligible for treatment who started treatment once they learned of their eligibility. Those who reported coping through substance use were more likely to decline treatment versus those not using substances. PWH who test repeatedly represent a vulnerable population at risk for ART non-initiation who may benefit from interventions addressing individualized coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Nardell
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Thorn Building 14th Floor, Boston, MA, 02120, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA.
| | - Bethany Hedt-Gauthier
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, USA
| | - Valerie A Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, USA
| | | | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Ingrid Courtney
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jacob Bor
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Office of the President, South African Medical Research Council, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, USA
| | - Ingrid T Katz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, USA
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, USA
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10
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Mulaudzi M, Kiguwa P, Zharima C, Otwombe K, Hlongwane K, Dietrich JJ. Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Youth in Soweto, South Africa During the COVID-19 National Lockdown. Sex Med 2022; 10:100487. [PMID: 35131540 PMCID: PMC9023243 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of sexual risk behavior among youths is crucial for HIV prevention strategies. However, the literature on sexual behavior in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic is sparse. AIM This study surveyed sexual risk behavior among youth in Soweto, South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic national lockdown in 2020. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional telephonic survey on socio-demographics and HIV risk behaviors among youth aged 18-24 years during level 3 of the lockdown. Frequencies and their respective percentages were determined for categorical variables and stratified by biological sex. Chi-square analysis was used to compare categorical variables. All data were analyzed using SAS software. OUTCOMES A risk assessment for HIV questionnaire was used to assess sexual risk behaviors. Also, substance use was assessed through a developed yes/no questionnaire. RESULTS Of the 129 participants, 83.0% (n = 107) had a sexual partner; 52% of those who had a sexual partner were females, 60.7% (65/107) had one current sexual partner and 39.2% (42/107) had more than 1 sexual partner. Most reported sex within 1 week (54.2%, n = 58/107) and 30.8% within a month (30.8%, n = 33/107). Sex was with a dating partner (86.0%, n = 92/107) and 63% used a condom during last sexual contact. Males were more likely than females to have one-night stand sexual partners (23.5% vs 7.1%; P = .0176), make weekly changes in partners (17.7% vs 5.4%; P = .0442) and used condoms with their partners (92.2% vs 53.6%; P < .0001) during last sexual contact. The majority reported alcohol use (69.0%, n = 89/129). Males were more likely than females to use alcohol on a weekly basis (21.4% vs 6.4%; P = .0380). About 55.9% had penetrative sex under the influence of substances. CLINICAL TRANSLATION This study gives an insight to the sexual risk behaviors among young people which is crucial for HIV prevention interventions. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS This was the first study investigating sexual behavior in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main limitations of this study relate to the sample size and sampling strategy. As the sample was not representative of the population of young people in Soweto and South Africa, the results cannot be generalized. However, the findings have relevance for future research in HIV prevention for young people in other settings in South Africa. CONCLUSIONS Interventions on promoting sexual health and reducing HIV risk behavior such as sex following alcohol consumption in young people are needed, especially during a pandemic such as COVID-19. Mulaudzi M, Kiguwa P, Zharima C, et al., Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Youth in Soweto, South Africa During the COVID-19 National Lockdown. Sex Med 2021;10:100487.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamakiri Mulaudzi
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,School of Community and Health Development, Faculty of Humanities, Psychology Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Corresponding Author: Mamakiri Mulaudzi, Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 26 Chris Hani Road Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, 1864, South Africa.
| | - Peace Kiguwa
- School of Community and Health Development, Faculty of Humanities, Psychology Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Campion Zharima
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Khuthadzo Hlongwane
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janan J. Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa,African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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11
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Dietrich JJ, Benadé GL, Mulaudzi M, Kagee A, Hornschuh S, Makhale LM, Lemos MP, Lazarus E, Andrasik MP, Horvath KJ. "You Are on the Right Track With the App:" Qualitative Analysis of Mobile Phone Use and User Feedback Regarding Mobile Phone Sexual Risk Assessments for HIV Prevention Research. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:576514. [PMID: 34713080 PMCID: PMC8521804 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.576514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Accurate self-report of sexual behavior assists in identifying potential HIV exposure in HIV prevention trials. Brief mobile phone assessments, completed daily or after sexual activity, can improve the validity and reliability of self-reported sexual behavior and allow for remote survey completion outside of the clinic setting. We conducted a qualitative study to better understand participants mobile phone use and to explore their perspectives on how to improve an existing mobile application-based sexual risk assessment. Methods: Sexually active, HIV seronegative men (n = 14) and women (n = 15) aged 18–39 years were recruited through an HIV counseling and testing clinic and community outreach in Soweto, South Africa. We conducted qualitative research through four age-stratified focus group discussions (FGDs) and analyzed a brief socio-demographics and mobile phone access questionnaire. All participants completed a sexual risk assessment before the FGD. Using a framework analytic approach, data were coded with Nvivo software. Results: All participants had access to mobile phones and internet, and 27 (93.1%) were able to download applications on their personal phones. Participants preferred mobile risk assessments to be offered in a choice of South African languages, using formal language (as opposed to emojis), with straight-forward wording and limited to five to 10 questions. Most participants found it acceptable to complete the assessment once a week, on a weekday, while a few were willing to complete it after each sexual encounter. It was suggested that a message reminder to complete the assessment should be sent at least daily until it is completed. The majority agreed that a password-protected application with a discreet logo was ideal for privacy, ease of use and flexibility for completion in any setting. A concern with this format, however, was the potential data use requirement. Participants expressed privacy concerns with using SMS, WhatsApp and other social media for risk assessments. Most agreed on an airtime incentive between ZAR5-10 (USD 0.29–0.58) per survey. Participants encouraged researchers to provide feedback to them about their sexual risk. Conclusions: Completion of mobile phone sexual risk assessments can be optimized with minimal incentives by ensuring that questionnaires are simple, brief, infrequent and have trusted privacy measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Gabriella L Benadé
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mamakiri Mulaudzi
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ashraf Kagee
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lerato M Makhale
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maria P Lemos
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Erica Lazarus
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Michele P Andrasik
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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12
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Closson K, Lee L, Dietrich JJ, Beksinska ME, Hornschuh S, Smith P, Smit JA, Ndung'u T, Brockman M, Gray G, Kaida A. Gender and Power Dynamics of Social Relationships Shape Willingness to Participate in Biomedical HIV Prevention Research Among South African Adolescents and Young Adults. Front Reprod Health 2021; 3:639391. [PMID: 36304054 PMCID: PMC9580742 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.639391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Understanding young women and men's perceived barriers and facilitators to participation in biomedical HIV prevention research is important for designing youth friendly services (YFS) and acceptable technologies, which are necessary for preventing high sustained HIV incidence in South Africa. This study explores the multileveled barriers and facilitators to young men and women's willingness to participate in hypothetical biomedical HIV prevention research. Methods: Eight age- (16-18 and 19-24 years) and gender-stratified focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted using semi-structured interview guides to explore young South African women and men's willingness, perceived barriers, and facilitators to participating in biomedical HIV prevention research. FGD transcripts were uploaded to NVivo and coded collaboratively with youth study team members. Thematic analysis using Bronfenbrenner's ecological model (individual, inter-personal, community, and societal) was used to guide a deductive coding procedure, which was documented and compared by gender. Results: Thirty-one participants from Durban and 34 from Soweto participated in FGDs. Individual facilitators for participation were discussed more by young men and included financial incentives and altruism. Concerns about side-effects of biomedical products were a common barrier. Interpersonal relationships with peers, intimate partners and caregivers influenced young people's willingness to participate in HIV prevention research, more so among young women. For young women, gendered power dynamics and distrust of intimate partners and parents influenced both communication regarding participation and willingness to participate in research that is often stigmatized, due to societal norms around women's sexuality. On a societal level, participants expressed distrust in medical and research institutions, however a sense of community that was developed with the study staff of this project, was a motivator to participate in future studies. Discussion: At each level of the ecological model, we found participants expressed gendered barriers and facilitators for participation. Gender norms as well as distrust of partners, parents, and health care professionals were key barriers that cut across all levels. At each level participants discussed facilitators that were youth-engaged, underscoring the need to implement YFS, establish trust and address gender inequities within future biomedical HIV prevention studies wishing to engage and retain South African youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Laura Lee
- Branch for International Surgical Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Janan J. Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Mags E. Beksinska
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patricia Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Jenni A. Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thumbi Ndung'u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme and Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Brockman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Office of the President, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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13
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Duby Z, Verwoerd W, McClinton Appollis T, Jonas K, Maruping K, Dietrich JJ, LoVette A, Kuo C, Vanleeuw L, Mathews C. “In this place we have found sisterhood”: perceptions of how participating in a peer-group club intervention benefited South African adolescent girls and young women. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2021.1898423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Duby
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences in the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wilmé Verwoerd
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences in the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Kim Jonas
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kealeboga Maruping
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janan J. Dietrich
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ashleigh LoVette
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Caroline Kuo
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lieve Vanleeuw
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Catherine Mathews
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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14
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Dietrich JJ, Atujuna M, Tshabalala G, Hornschuh S, Mulaudzi M, Koh M, Ahmed N, Muhumuza R, Ssemata AS, Otwombe K, Bekker LG, Seeley J, Martinson NA, Terris-Prestholt F, Fox J. A qualitative study to identify critical attributes and attribute-levels for a discrete choice experiment on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery among young people in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:17. [PMID: 33407395 PMCID: PMC7788832 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05942-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The uptake and adherence of daily oral PrEP has been poor in high-risk populations in South Africa including young people. We used qualitative research methods to explore user preferences for daily and on-demand oral PrEP use among young South Africans, and to inform the identification of critical attributes and attribute-levels for quantitative analysis of user preferences, i.e. a discrete choice experiment (DCE). METHODS Data were collected between September and November 2018 from eight group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews with young people 13 to 24 years in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Using a convenience sampling strategy, participants were stratified by sex and age. Interviewers used a semi-structured interview guide to discuss several attributes (dosing regimen, location, costs, side effects, and protection period) for PrEP access and use. Group discussions and in-depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. We used framework analysis to explore context-specific attributes and attribute-levels for delivering oral PrEP in South Africa. The adolescent community advisory board, expert and study team opinions were consulted for the final DCE attributes and levels. RESULTS We enrolled 74 participants who were 51% (n = 38/74) male, had a median age of 18.5 [Interquartile range = 16-21.25] years, 91% (n = 67/74) identified as heterosexual and 49% (n = 36/74) had not completed 12th grade education. Using the qualitative data, we identified five candidate attributes including (1) dosing regimen, (2) location to get PrEP, (3) cost, (4) route of administration and (5) frequency. After discussions with experts and the study team, we revised the DCE to include the following five attributes and levels: dosing regime: daily, and on-demand PrEP; location: private pharmacy, public clinic, mobile clinic, ATM); cost: free-of-charge, R50 (~2GBP), R265 (~12GBP); side effects: nausea, headache, rash; and duration of protection: fulltime protection versus when PrEP is used). CONCLUSIONS There is limited literature on qualitative research methods describing the step-by-step process of developing a DCE for PrEP in adolescents, especially in resource-constrained countries. We provide the process followed for the DCE technique to understand user preferences for daily and on-demand oral PrEP among young people in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa.
| | - Millicent Atujuna
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mamakiri Mulaudzi
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Michelle Koh
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nadia Ahmed
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Mortimer Market Centre, Central North West London NHS Trust, Off Caper Street, London, WC1E 6 JB, UK
| | - Richard Muhumuza
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute , Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew S Ssemata
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute , Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janet Seeley
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute , Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Neil A Martinson
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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15
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Dietrich JJ, Otwombe K, Pakhomova TE, Horvath KJ, Hornschuh S, Hlongwane K, Closson K, Mulaudzi M, Smith P, Beksinska M, Gray GE, Brockman M, Smit J, Kaida A. High cellphone use associated with greater risk of depression among young women aged 15-24 years in Soweto and Durban, South Africa. Glob Health Action 2021; 14:1936792. [PMID: 34431754 PMCID: PMC8405067 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.1936792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ubiquity of cellular phone (cellphone) use in young people's daily lives has emerged as a priority area of concern for youth mental health. OBJECTIVE This study measured the prevalence of depression and its association with high cellphone use among youth in Soweto and Durban, South Africa. METHODS We analysed cross-sectional, baseline survey data among youth aged 16-24 who participated in a dual-site cohort study, 'AYAZAZI', conducted from 2014 to 2017. The primary outcome was depression using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, with a score of ≥ 10 indicating probable depression. Cellphone use was measured via self-reported average number of hours of active use, with 'high cellphone use' defined as daily usage of ≥ 8. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the independent relationship between high cellphone use and probable depression, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Of 425 participants with a median age of 19 years (IQR = 18-21), 59.5% were young women. Overall, 43.3% had probable depression, with a higher prevalence among women (49.0% vs. 34.9%, P = .004). Nearly all (94.6%) owned a cellphone. About one-third (29.5%) reported spending ≥ 8 hours per day using their cellphone (39.3% of women vs. 14.9% of men, P < .001). In the overall adjusted model, youth reporting high daily cellphone use had higher odds of probable depression (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.16-2.90). In gender-stratified models, high daily cellphone use was associated with probable depression among women (aOR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.47-4.31), but not among men (aOR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.35-2.16). CONCLUSIONS Among a cohort of South African youth, we found a high prevalence of probable depression and high cellphone use (30%). The findings indicate a need for intersectoral initiatives focused on meaningful mental health support for South African youth to support positive growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Keith J Horvath
- San Diego State University, Department of Psychology, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Khuthadzo Hlongwane
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kalysha Closson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mamakiri Mulaudzi
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patricia Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Glenda E Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Office of the President, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Brockman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Jenni Smit
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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Laher F, Salami T, Hornschuh S, Makhale LM, Khunwane M, Andrasik MP, Gray GE, Van Tieu H, Dietrich JJ. Willingness to use HIV prevention methods among vaccine efficacy trial participants in Soweto, South Africa: discretion is important. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1669. [PMID: 33160341 PMCID: PMC7648553 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09785-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite multiple available HIV prevention methods, the HIV epidemic continues to affect South Africa the most. We sought to understand willingness to use actual and hypothetical HIV prevention methods among participants enrolled in a preventative HIV vaccine efficacy trial in Soweto, South Africa. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study with 38 self-reporting HIV-uninfected and consenting 18-35 year olds participating in the HVTN 702 vaccine efficacy trial in Soweto. Using a semi-structured interview guide, five focus group discussions (FGDs) were held, stratified by age, gender and sexual orientation. The FGDs were composed of: (i) 10 heterosexual women aged 18-24 years; (ii) 9 heterosexual and bisexual women aged 25-35 years; (iii & iv) heterosexual men aged 25-35 years with 7 in both groups; and (v) 5 men aged 18-35 years who have sex with men. FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS We present five main themes: (i) long-lasting methods are preferable; (ii) condoms are well-known but not preferred for use; (iii) administration route of HIV prevention method is a consideration for the user; (iv) ideal HIV prevention methods should blend into the lifestyle of the user; and the perception that (v) visible prevention methods indicate sexual indiscretion. CONCLUSIONS The participants' candour about barriers to condom and daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, and expressed preferences for long-lasting, discreet, lifestyle-friendly methods reveal a gap in the biomedical prevention market aiming to reduce sexually acquired HIV in South Africa. Product developers should consider long-acting injectable formulations, such as vaccines, passive antibodies and chemoprophylaxis, for HIV prevention technologies. Future innovations in HIV prevention products may need to address the desire for the method to blend easily into lifestyles, such as food-medication formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Laher
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Diepkloof, P.O. Box 114, Johannesburg, Soweto, 1864, South Africa.
| | - Taibat Salami
- School of Medicine, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Diepkloof, P.O. Box 114, Johannesburg, Soweto, 1864, South Africa
| | - Lerato M Makhale
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Diepkloof, P.O. Box 114, Johannesburg, Soweto, 1864, South Africa
| | - Mamakiri Khunwane
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Diepkloof, P.O. Box 114, Johannesburg, Soweto, 1864, South Africa
| | - Michele P Andrasik
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Glenda E Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Diepkloof, P.O. Box 114, Johannesburg, Soweto, 1864, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hong Van Tieu
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Diepkloof, P.O. Box 114, Johannesburg, Soweto, 1864, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Abstract
This review summarizes the evidence for the potential involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) in the development of nicotine addiction. Nicotine is consumed worldwide and is highly addictive. Previous research has extensively investigated the role of dopamine in association with reward learning and addiction, which has provided strong evidence for the involvement of dopaminergic neuronal circuitry in nicotine addiction. More recently, researchers focused on glutamatergic transmission after nicotine abuse, and its involvement in the reinforcing and rewarding effects of nicotine addiction. A number of robust preclinical and clinical studies have shown mGluR5 signaling as a facilitating mechanism of nicotine addiction and nicotine withdrawal. Specifically, clinical studies have illustrated lower cortical mGluR5 density in smokers compared to nonsmokers in the human brain. In addition, mGluR5 might selectively regulate craving and withdrawal. This suggests that mGluR5 could be a key receptor in the development of nicotine addiction and therefore clinical trials to examine the therapeutic potential of mGluR5 agents could help to contribute to reduce nicotine addiction in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funda Akkus
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Psychiatrie St. Gallen Nord, Wil, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Terbeck
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, LiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Connor J Haggarty
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, LiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Valerie Treyer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gregor Hasler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Chitneni P, Beksinska M, Dietrich JJ, Jaggernath M, Closson K, Smith P, Lewis DA, Matthews LT, Smit J, Ndung’u T, Brockman M, Gray G, Kaida A. Partner notification and treatment outcomes among South African adolescents and young adults diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection via laboratory-based screening. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:627-636. [PMID: 32403988 PMCID: PMC7357572 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420915395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Partner notification and treatment are essential components of sexually transmitted infection (STI) management, but little is known about such practices among adolescents and young adults. Using data from a prospective cohort study (AYAZAZI) of youth aged 16-24 years in Durban, South Africa, we assessed the STI care cascade across participant diagnosis, STI treatment, partner notification, and partner treatment; index recurrent STI and associated factors; and reasons for not notifying partner of STI. Participants completed laboratory-based STI screening (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis) at enrollment and at 12 months. Of the 37/216 participants with STI (17%), 27/37 (73%) were women and 10/37 (27%) were men. Median age was 19 years (IQR: 18-20). Of the participants with STI, 23/37 (62%) completed a Treatment and Partner Tracing Survey within 6 months of diagnosis. All survey participants reported completing STI treatment (100%), 17/23 (74%) notified a partner, and 6/23 (35%) reported partner treatment. Overall, 4/23 (11%) participants had 12-month recurrent C. trachomatis infection, with no association with partner notification or treatment. Stigma and lack of STI knowledge were reasons for not notifying partner of STI. STI partner notification and treatment is a challenge among youth. Novel strategies are needed to overcome barriers along the STI care cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Chitneni
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital combined Infectious Diseases Fellowship, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Janan J. Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Manjeetha Jaggernath
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kalysha Closson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Patricia Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David A. Lewis
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health & Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lynn T. Matthews
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: Division of Infectious Diseases, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jenni Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thumbi Ndung’u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme and Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Brockman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Dietrich JJ, Hornschuh S, Khunwane M, Makhale LM, Otwombe K, Morgan C, Huang Y, Lemos M, Lazarus E, Kublin JG, Gray GE, Laher F, Andrasik M. A mixed methods investigation of implementation barriers and facilitators to a daily mobile phone sexual risk assessment for young women in Soweto, South Africa. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231086. [PMID: 32324753 PMCID: PMC7179867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The HIV epidemiology in South Africa reveals stark age and gender disparities, with young women being the most vulnerable to HIV acquisition in 2017. Evaluation of HIV exposure is a challenge in HIV prevention research. Intermittent in-clinic interviewer-administered risk behaviour assessments are utilised but may be limited by social desirability and recall biases. We piloted a mobile phone application for daily self-report of sexual risk behaviour in fifty 18–25 year old women at risk of HIV infection enrolled in HIV Vaccine Trials Network 915 (HVTN 915) in Soweto, South Africa. Through a mixed-methods investigation, we explored barriers and facilitators to completing daily mobile phone surveys among HVTN 915 study participants and staff. Methods We analysed quantitative data on barriers and facilitators to mobile phone study completion collected during the larger HVTN 915 study as well as two post-study focus group discussions (FGDs) with fifteen former participants with a median age of 24 years (IQR 23–25) and six individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) with HVTN 915 staff. FGDs and IDIs utilised semi-structured interview guides, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. After coding, thematic analysis was performed. Results The main facilitator for daily mobile phone survey completion assessed across 336 follow-up visits for 49 participants was the daily short message system (SMS) reminders (93%, 312/336). Across 336 visits, 31/49 (63%) retained participants reported barriers to completion of daily mobile phone surveys: forgetting (20%, 12/49), being too busy (19%, 11/49) and the survey being an inconvenience (15%, 9/49). Five main themes were identified during the coding of IDIs and FGDs: (1) facilitators of mobile phone survey completion, such as daily SMS reminders and follow up calls for non-completers; (2) barriers to mobile phone survey completion, including partner, time-related and technical barriers; (3) power of incentives; (4) response bias in providing sensitive information, and (5) recommendations for future mobile phone based interventions. Conclusion Despite our enthusiasm to use innovation to optimise sexual risk assessments, technical and practical solutions are required to improve implementation. We recommend further engagement with participants to optimise this approach and to further understand social desirability bias and study incentives in sexual risk reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janan J. Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Mamakiri Khunwane
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Lerato M. Makhale
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Cecilia Morgan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Yunda Huang
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Maria Lemos
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Erica Lazarus
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - James G. Kublin
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Glenda E. Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Office of the President, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Fatima Laher
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Michele Andrasik
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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Closson K, Dietrich JJ, Beksinska M, Gibbs A, Hornschuh S, Smith T, Smit J, Gray G, Ndung’u T, Brockman M, Kaida A. Measuring sexual relationship power equity among young women and young men South Africa: Implications for gender-transformative programming. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221554. [PMID: 31553723 PMCID: PMC6760831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Measures used to assess equitable relationship dynamics, including the sexual relationship power scale (SRPS) have previously been associated with lower HIV-risk among young women, and reduced perpetration of intimate partner violence among men. However, few studies describe how the SRPS has been adapted and validated for use within global youth sexual health studies. We examined gender-specific psychometric properties, reliability, and validity of a SRPS used within a South African youth-engaged cohort study. METHODS Young men and women (16-24 years) enrolled in community-based cohorts in Durban and Soweto (2014-2016) reporting a primary partner at 6-month follow-up completed a 13-item (strongly agree/agree/disagree/strongly disagree) South African adaptation of Pulerwitz's SRPS (range 13-52, higher scores indicating greater sexual relationship power [SRP] equity). SRPS modifications were made using gender-specific exploratory factor analyses (EFAs), removing items with factor loadings <0.3. Cronbach alphas were conducted for full and modified scales by gender. Using modified scales, unadjusted and adjusted regression models examined associations between 1. relevant socio-demographic and relationship determinants and SRP equity, and 2. SRP equity and sexual relationship related outcomes. All models adjusted for education, age, site, and current employment. RESULTS 235 sexually-active youth (66% women, median age = 20) were included. Mean scores across all 13 scale items were 2.71 (SD 0.30) for women and 2.70 (SD 0.4) for men. Scale Cronbach's alphas were 0.63 for women and 0.64 for men. EFAs resulted in two gender-specific single-factor SRPS. Modified SRPS Cronbach alphas increased to 0.67 for women (8-items) and 0.70 for men (9-items). After adjusting for age, site and current employment, higher education remained associated with SRP equity across genders. In adjusted models, correlates of SRP equity included primary partnerships that were age-similar (<5 years older) and <2 years in length for women and living in Soweto and younger age for men. Greater SRP equity among women was also independently associated with no recent partner violence. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight important gender differences in SRP equity measures and associations, highlighting the critically need for future research to examine gendered constructions of SRP equity in order to accurately develop, validate and use appropriate measures within quantitative surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janan J. Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andrew Gibbs
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tricia Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jenni Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thumbi Ndung’u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme and Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA United States of America
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Brockman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Alio AP, Makhale L, Hornschuh S, Hlongwane K, Otwombe K, Keefer M, Dietrich JJ. “Loving the sinner, hating the sin”: an investigation of religious leaders’ perceived role in the lives of persons living with HIV in Soweto, South Africa. Journal of Global Health Reports 2019. [DOI: 10.29392/joghr.3.e2019021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Katz IT, Bogart LM, Dietrich JJ, Leslie HH, Iyer HS, Leone D, Magidson JF, Earnshaw VA, Courtney I, Tshabalala G, Fitzmaurice GM, Orrell C, Gray G, Bangsberg DR. Understanding the role of resilience resources, antiretroviral therapy initiation, and HIV-1 RNA suppression among people living with HIV in South Africa: a prospective cohort study. AIDS 2019; 33 Suppl 1:S71-S79. [PMID: 31397725 PMCID: PMC6712569 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Failure to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) and achieve virologic suppression are significant barriers to the United Nations 90-90-90 goals. Identifying resilience resources, or modifiable strength-based factors, among people living with HIV is critical for successful HIV treatment and prevention. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS From July 2014 to July 2015, 500 adults presenting for voluntary counseling and HIV testing who were diagnosed with HIV and were ART-eligible in South Africa (Soweto and Gugulethu) were enrolled and surveyed. Logistic regression models assessed resilience-related predictors of ART initiation within 6 months of voluntary counseling and HIV testing for HIV, and HIV-1 plasma RNA suppression within 9 months, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. RESULTS Within 6 months, 62% initiated ART, and within 9 months, 25% had evidence of an undetectable HIV-1 plasma RNA (<50 copies/ml). Participants who initiated ART relied less on social support from friends [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-0.99], coped using self-distraction (aOR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.10) and avoided coping through substance use (aOR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65-0.97), as compared with participants who did not initiate ART. Those who achieved plasma RNA suppression relied more on social support from a significant other/partner (aOR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07), used positive religious coping (aOR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07), and were less likely to engage in denial coping (aOR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77-0.92), compared with those who initiated ART but did not achieve plasma RNA suppression. CONCLUSION Interventions optimizing resilience resources and decreasing maladaptive coping strategies (e.g., substance use, denial) may present a feasible approach to maximizing ART-based HIV treatment strategies among South African people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid T. Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Janan J. Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Dominick Leone
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Valerie A. Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Ingrid Courtney
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gugu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Garrett M. Fitzmaurice
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston
- Laboratory for Psychiatric Biostatistics, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Office of the President, South African Medical Research Council, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - David R. Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Magidson JF, Iyer HS, Regenauer KS, Grelotti DJ, Dietrich JJ, Courtney I, Tshabalala G, Orrell C, Gray GE, Bangsberg DR, Katz IT. Recreational ART use among individuals living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa: Examining longitudinal ART initiation and viral suppression. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 198:192-198. [PMID: 30953938 PMCID: PMC6644059 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV (PLWH) and one of the largest antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs globally. High rates of substance use comorbidity exist, including speculation of recreational ART use (i.e., mixing ART with other illicit drugs). Recreational ART use may affect viral load among PLWH due to ART nonadherence and/or viral resistance; however, prior quantitative research has not examined rates of recreational ART use, nor associations with HIV treatment outcomes longitudinally. METHODS Data were drawn from a prospective, observational cohort study (n = 500) of ART-eligible adults recruited from two HIV voluntary counseling and testing centers in Cape Town, and Johannesburg, South Africa. Multiple logistic regression models assessed recreational ART use as a predictor of ART initiation over six months and viral load suppression over nine months, above and beyond other substance use (binge drinking and illicit drug use). RESULTS Approximately 5% (n = 24) reported recreational ART use, which was less frequent in Cape Town compared to Johannesburg (AOR = 0.025; 95%CI: 0.003-0.19; p < 0.001). Recreational ART use was not significantly associated with ART initiation or viral suppression. Other substance use, but not recreational ART use, was significantly associated with lower odds of ART initiation (AOR = 0.54; 95%CI: 0.33-0.87; p = .01) and viral suppression (AOR = 0.47; 95%CI: 0.25-0.89; p = .02). CONCLUSIONS Recreational ART use was infrequent and not uniquely associated with ART initiation or viral suppression. Findings suggest that comorbid use of other substances is ultimately what may make recreational ART use problematic for ongoing engagement in care and viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, 4095 Campus Drive, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Hari S Iyer
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kristen S Regenauer
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, One Bowdoin Square, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David J Grelotti
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Ingrid Courtney
- Department of Medicine and the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, ZA, South Africa.
| | - Gugu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Department of Medicine and the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, ZA, South Africa.
| | - Glenda E Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Office of the President, South African Medical Research Council, Western Cape, ZA, South Africa.
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Ingrid T Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Chan BT, Maughan-Brown BG, Bogart LM, Earnshaw VA, Tshabalala G, Courtney I, Dietrich JJ, Orrell C, Gray GE, Bangsberg DR, Tsai AC, Katz IT. Trajectories of HIV-related internalized stigma and disclosure concerns among ART initiators and non-initiators in South Africa. Stigma Health 2019; 4:433-441. [PMID: 31788556 DOI: 10.1037/sah0000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Background HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is associated with worse health outcomes. We used longitudinal data from a multi-site cohort in South Africa to assess changes over time in stigma after HIV diagnosis and determine whether antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is associated with stigma reduction. Methods We administered the Internalized AIDS-Related Stigma Scale (IARSS, a six-item dichotomous scale questionnaire) at baseline, three months, and six months to newly diagnosed ART-eligible participants between 2014-2015. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the IARSS contained a four-item internalized stigma factor (α=0.80) and a two-item disclosure concerns factor (α=0.75). We fitted multiple logistic regression models specifying internalized stigma/disclosure concerns at six months as the outcome and ART initiation as the predictor of interest. Results Of the 500 participants (187 men and 313 women) enrolled, 308 (62%) initiated ART. Internalized stigma declined among people entering care (mean score, 1.0 to 0.7, p<0.01); however, disclosure concerns remained unchanged (percentage endorsing either disclosure concern item, 78% to 77%, p=0.23). These findings were similar between ART initiators and non-initiators. We estimated a statistically significant positive association between ART initiation and disclosure concerns at six months (OR=1.88; 95% CI, 1.20-2.94) but not between ART initiation and internalized stigma at six months (OR=1.15; 95% CI, 0.75-1.78). Conclusions Among ART-eligible South African PLHIV entering into HIV care, internalized stigma modestly declined over time but disclosure concerns persisted. PLHIV who initiated ART were more likely to have persistent disclosure concerns over time as compared with those who did not start ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Chan
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brendan G Maughan-Brown
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa
| | | | - Valerie A Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Gugulethu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ingrid Courtney
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Glenda E Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7500, South Africa
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,MGH Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Chester M. Pierce, MD Division of Global Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Ingrid T Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,MGH Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Kaida A, Dietrich JJ, Laher F, Beksinska M, Jaggernath M, Bardsley M, Smith P, Cotton L, Chitneni P, Closson K, Lewis DA, Smit JA, Ndung’u T, Brockman M, Gray G. A high burden of asymptomatic genital tract infections undermines the syndromic management approach among adolescents and young adults in South Africa: implications for HIV prevention efforts. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:499. [PMID: 30285705 PMCID: PMC6171143 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth in southern Africa, particularly adolescent girls and young women, are a key population for HIV prevention interventions. Untreated genital tract infections (GTIs) increase both HIV transmission and acquisition risks. South African GTI treatment guidelines employ syndromic management, which relies on individuals to report GTI signs and symptoms. Syndromic management may, however, underestimate cases, particularly among youth. We compared genital tract infection (GTI) prevalence by symptom-based and laboratory assessment among sexually-experienced youth in South Africa, overall and stratified by sex. METHODS Interviewer-administered surveys assessed socio-demographics, behaviors, and GTI symptoms among 352 youth (16-24 yrs., HIV-negative or unknown HIV status at enrollment) enrolled in community-based cohorts in Durban and Soweto (2014-2016). Laboratory tests assessed HIV, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections and, among females, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Candida species. Youth with genital ulcers were tested for HSV-2 and syphilis. We assessed sensitivity (and specificity) of symptom-based reporting in identifying laboratory-confirmed GTIs. RESULTS At baseline, 16.2% of females (32/198) and < 1% (1/154) of males reported ≥1 GTI symptom. However, laboratory tests identified ≥1 GTI in 70.2% and 10.4%, respectively. Female CT prevalence was 18.2%, NG 7.1%, MG 9.6%, TV 8.1%, and 5.1% were newly diagnosed with HIV. BV prevalence was 53.0% and candidiasis 9.6%. One female case of herpes was identified (0 syphilis). Male CT prevalence was 7.8%, NG 1.3%, MG 3.3%, TV < 1%, and 2.0% were newly diagnosed with HIV. Overall, 77.8% of females and 100% of males with laboratory-diagnosed GTIs reported no symptoms or were asymptomatic. Sensitivity (and specificity) of symptom-based reporting was 14% (97%) among females and 0% (99%) among males. CONCLUSION A high prevalence of asymptomatic GTIs and very poor sensitivity of symptom-based reporting undermines the applicability of syndromic GTI management, thus compromising GTI control and HIV prevention efforts among youth. Syndromic GTI management does not meet the sexual health needs of young people. Policy changes incorporating innovations in GTI diagnostic testing are needed to reduce GTIs and HIV-associated risks among youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall Rm 10522, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Janan J. Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fatima Laher
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Manjeetha Jaggernath
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Megan Bardsley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Patricia Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall Rm 10522, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Laura Cotton
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall Rm 10522, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Pooja Chitneni
- Harvard combined Infectious Diseases Fellowship, Boston, MA USA
| | - Kalysha Closson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall Rm 10522, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - David A. Lewis
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health & Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jenni A. Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thumbi Ndung’u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme and Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA USA
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Brockman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall Rm 10522, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Earnshaw VA, Bogart LM, Laurenceau J, Chan BT, Maughan‐Brown BG, Dietrich JJ, Courtney I, Tshabalala G, Orrell C, Gray GE, Bangsberg DR, Katz IT. Internalized HIV stigma, ART initiation and HIV-1 RNA suppression in South Africa: exploring avoidant coping as a longitudinal mediator. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25198. [PMID: 30362662 PMCID: PMC6202800 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cross-sectional evidence suggests that internalized HIV stigma is associated with lower likelihoods of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and HIV-1 RNA suppression among people living with HIV (PLWH). This study examined these associations with longitudinal data spanning the first nine months following HIV diagnosis and explored whether avoidant coping mediates these associations. METHODS Longitudinal data were collected from 398 South African PLWH recruited from testing centres in 2014 to 2015. Self-report data, including internalized stigma and avoidant coping (denying and distracting oneself from stressors), were collected one week and three months following HIV diagnosis. ART initiation at six months and HIV-1 RNA at nine months were extracted from the South Africa National Health Laboratory Service database. Two path analyses were estimated, one testing associations between internalized stigma, avoidant coping and ART initiation, and the other testing associations between internalized stigma, avoidant coping and HIV-1 RNA suppression. RESULTS Participants were 36 years old, on average, and 63% identified as female, 18% as Zulu and 65% as Xhosa. The two path models fit the data well (ART initiation outcome: X2 (7) = 8.14, p = 0.32; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.02; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92; HIV-1 RNA suppression outcome: X2 (7) = 6.58, p = 0.47; RMSEA = 0.00; CFI = 1.00). In both models, internalized stigma one week after diagnosis was associated with avoidant coping at three months, controlling for avoidant coping at one week. In turn, avoidant coping at three months was associated with lower likelihood of ART initiation at six months in the first model and lower likelihood of HIV-1 RNA suppression at nine months in the second model. Significant indirect effects were observed between internalized stigma with ART non-initiation and unsuppressed HIV-1 RNA via the mediator of avoidant coping. CONCLUSIONS Internalized stigma experienced soon after HIV diagnosis predicted lower likelihood of ART initiation and HIV-1 RNA suppression over the first year following HIV diagnosis. Avoidant coping played a role in these associations, suggesting that PLWH who internalize stigma engage in greater avoidant coping, which in turn worsens medication- and health-related outcomes. Interventions are needed to address internalized stigma and avoidant coping soon after HIV diagnosis to enhance treatment efforts during the first year after HIV diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie A Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development and Family SciencesUniversity of DelawareNewarkDEUSA
| | | | | | - Brian T Chan
- Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Brendan G Maughan‐Brown
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research UnitUniversity of Cape TownRondeboschCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research UnitFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Ingrid Courtney
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, IDM and Department of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Gugulethu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research UnitFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, IDM and Department of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Glenda E Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research UnitFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- South African Medical Research CouncilCape TownSouth Africa
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University‐Portland State University School of Public HealthPortlandORUSA
| | - Ingrid T Katz
- Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Global Health InstituteCambridgeMAUSA
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Dietrich JJ, Lazarus E, Andrasik M, Hornschuh S, Otwombe K, Morgan C, Isaacs AJ, Huang Y, Laher F, Kublin JG, Gray GE. Mobile Phone Questionnaires for Sexual Risk Data Collection Among Young Women in Soweto, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2312-2321. [PMID: 29594618 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2080-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recall and social desirability bias undermine self-report of paper-and-pencil questionnaires. Mobile phone questionnaires may overcome these challenges. We assessed and compared sexual risk behavior reporting via in-clinic paper-and-pencil and mobile phone questionnaires. HVTN 915 was a prospective cohort study of 50 adult women in Soweto, who completed daily mobile phone, and eight interviewer-administered in-clinic questionnaires over 12 weeks to assess sexual risk. Daily mobile phone response rates were 82% (n = 3486/4500); 45% (n = 1565/3486) reported vaginal sex (median sex acts 2 (IQR: 1-3)) within 24 h and 40% (n = 618/1565) consistent condom. Vaginal sex reporting was significantly higher via mobile phone across all visits (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in condom use reporting by mobile phone and in-clinic paper-based questionnaires across all visits (p = 0.5134). The results show high adherence and reporting of sex on the mobile phone questionnaire. We demonstrate feasibility in collecting mobile phone sexual risk data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, PO BOX 114, Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, 1864, South Africa.
| | - Erica Lazarus
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, PO BOX 114, Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, 1864, South Africa
| | - Michele Andrasik
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, PO BOX 114, Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, 1864, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, PO BOX 114, Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, 1864, South Africa
| | - Cecilia Morgan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Abby J Isaacs
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yunda Huang
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Fatima Laher
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, PO BOX 114, Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, 1864, South Africa
| | - James G Kublin
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Glenda E Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, PO BOX 114, Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg, 1864, South Africa
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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28
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Closson K, Dietrich JJ, Lachowsky NJ, Nkala B, Palmer A, Cui Z, Beksinska M, Smit JA, Hogg RS, Gray G, Miller CL, Kaida A. Sexual Self-Efficacy and Gender: A Review of Condom Use and Sexual Negotiation Among Young Men and Women in Sub-Saharan Africa. J Sex Res 2018; 55:522-539. [PMID: 29466024 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1421607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sexual self-efficacy (SSE), one's perceived control of or confidence in the ability to perform a given sexual outcome, predicts sexual behavior; however, important questions remain regarding whether gender modifies observed associations. In a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed HIV-prevention literature focusing on youth (ages 10 to 25) in sub-Saharan Africa, we measured and assessed the influence of SSE on condom use and sexual refusal, overall and by gender. Our results, after reviewing 63 publications, show that SSE is inconsistently measured. Most studies measured condom use self-efficacy (CUSE) (96.8%) and/or sexual refusal self-efficacy (SRSE) (63.5%). On average, young men had higher CUSE than young women, while young women had higher SRSE than young men. While cross-sectional studies reported an association between high SSE and sexual behaviors, this association was not observed in interventions, particularly among young women who face a disproportionate risk of HIV acquisition. In all, 25% of intervention studies demonstrated that fostering CUSE increased condom use among young men only, and one of two studies demonstrated that higher SRSE led to reduced frequency of sexual activity for both men and women. Future research and HIV-prevention interventions must be gender targeted, consider improving CUSE for young men, and move beyond limited individual-level sexual behavior change frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- c Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
- d School of Public Health and Social Policy , University of Victoria
| | - Busiwe Nkala
- c Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand
- e Faculty of Humanities , University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Alexis Palmer
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | - Zishan Cui
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | - Mags Beksinska
- f MatCH Research Unit [Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit], Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- f MatCH Research Unit [Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit], Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Robert S Hogg
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University
- b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
| | - Glenda Gray
- c Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand
| | - Cari L Miller
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University
| | - Angela Kaida
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , Simon Fraser University
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29
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Maljaars LP, Gill K, Smith PJ, Gray GE, Dietrich JJ, Gomez GB, Bekker LG. Condom migration after introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis among HIV-uninfected adolescents in South Africa: A cohort analysis. South Afr J HIV Med 2017; 18:712. [PMID: 29568635 PMCID: PMC5843039 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v18i1.712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 3 million adolescents and young adults (AYA), between the ages of 15 years and 24 years, are living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be a promising HIV prevention tool to bridge the high-risk years of AYA between sexual debut and adulthood. Objectives Concerns have been raised that the use of PrEP could lead to an increase in sexual risk behaviour and sexually transmitted infections in general and less condom use in particular among adolescents. Methods This study assesses condom use among South African adolescents enrolled on a demonstration PrEP study, called Pluspills, being conducted in Cape Town and Soweto. A questionnaire on sexual risk behaviour was administered at baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Three different questions on condom use were asked at each visit. Unless all answers indicated condom use at all times, a participant was scored ‘at risk’. McNemar’s tests and a Cochran’s Q test were used to investigate changes in condom use over time. Results We interviewed 148 adolescents (66% female) at baseline. Eighty-nine participants completed all visits. In this group, an increase in condom use was observed over the period of 12 weeks. Most participants who reported behavioural changes mentioned an increase in condom use. Conclusion There was no sign of sexual risk compensation in the 12 weeks of the study. Observed increase in condom use can be explained by an increased awareness of personal HIV risk or by social desirability or recall biases. In future research, additional data including other biomarkers of unprotected sex and longer follow-up time would be useful to help understand the relationship between PrEP use, sexual risk perception and consequent behaviours, especially in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart P Maljaars
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa.,Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, the Netherlands
| | - Katherine Gill
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Philip J Smith
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Glenda E Gray
- South African Medical Research Council, South Africa.,Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Gabriela B Gomez
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, the Netherlands.,Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Centre, the Netherlands
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