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Cholo FA, Dada S, Martin CE, Mullick S. Experiences of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis use among heterosexual men accessing sexual and reproductive health services in South Africa: a qualitative study. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26249. [PMID: 38695102 PMCID: PMC11063779 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26249] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION South African men face a substantial burden of HIV and are less likely to test for HIV and initiate antiretroviral therapy if tested positive and more likely to die from AIDS-related causes than women. In addition to condoms and circumcision, guidelines provide for the use of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an HIV prevention intervention for any men who recognize their need and request PrEP. However, heterosexual men have not been a focus of PrEP programmes, and since its introduction, there is limited literature on PrEP use among men in South Africa. This study explores the experiences, motivators and barriers to oral PrEP use among heterosexual men accessing primary healthcare services in South Africa. METHODS This study forms part of a mixed-methods implementation science study aimed at generating evidence for oral PrEP introduction and conducted in primary healthcare clinics in South Africa since 2018. Men aged ≥15 years who initiated oral PrEP and enrolled in a parent cohort study were purposefully invited to participate in an in-depth interview (IDI). Between March 2020 and May 2022, 30 men participated in IDIs exploring their motivators for PrEP use, and experiences with accessing health services. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. RESULTS The final analysis included 28 heterosexual men (18-56 years old). Motivations to initiate PrEP included fear of acquiring HIV, self-perceived vulnerability to HIV and mistrust in relationships; health systems factors which motivated PrEP use included the influence of healthcare providers, educational materials and mobile services. Perceived reduction in HIV vulnerability and changing proximity to partners were reasons for PrEP discontinuation. Side effects, daily-pill burden and stigma were noted as challenges to PrEP use. Health system barriers to PrEP use included limited PrEP availability, school and work demands, and inconsistent mobile clinic schedules. CONCLUSIONS Our study reports on the experiences of heterosexual men accessing oral PrEP in real-world settings and contributes to the limited literature among this population. We highlight multiple levels which could be strengthened to improve men's PrEP use, including individual support, education among partners and communities, and addressing health system barriers to access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siphokazi Dada
- Wits RHIUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHIUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
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Kutywayo A, Mataboge P, Mthimkhulu N, Martin CE, Muhwava LS, Mazibuko M, Makalela N, Kwatsha K, Butler V, Mullick S. Key programmatic and policy considerations for introducing multipurpose prevention (MPT) methods: reflections from healthcare providers and key stakeholders in South Africa. Front Reprod Health 2024; 6:1249750. [PMID: 38444890 PMCID: PMC10912167 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1249750] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) simultaneously prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and/or unintended pregnancy. Key gatekeepers, [healthcare providers (HCPs) and key stakeholders] require proactive engagement before product implementation. This manuscript identifies HCP demand creation strategies, key stakeholder considerations for the adoption of MPTs in South Africa. Methods Formative research was conducted in three districts in three South African provinces (July to November 2022). Nurses initiating oral PrEP at facility and mobile study sites participated in 4-hour participatory workshops, exploring HIV prevention, including MPTs, demand creation strategies, and preferred MPTs training packages. Activities were observed, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Five online in-depth interviews (IDIs) with Key informants (KIs) (National/district programme implementers and technical leads) and one in person, exploring key programmatic and policy considerations for MPT adoption. IDIs were approximately 40 min long, audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Results Twenty-one Professional Nurses completed workshops: 19 female. Six IDIs were conducted with 4 Facility Managers, 1 NDoH representative and 1 DoH Provincial Deputy Director. All participants were females, aged 30-60+ years with >10 years' in SRH/HIV policy/advocacy/research. Community conversations and information at the clinic were the best MPT demand creation methods among HCPs. KIs identified five considerations for future MPT implementation: HCP training; demand creation and messaging; existing PrEP policy amendments; preparing users for additional choice; and sustaining MPT provision. Conclusion Contraceptive implant and oral PrEP implementation lessons learned should be proactively considered when preparing for MPT introduction. HCP training and demand creation are of particular importance before MPT introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Kutywayo A, Mabetha K, Naidoo NP, Mahuma T, Njobe P, Hlongwane R, Mullick S. Learner experiences of safety at public high schools in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the National School Safety Framework learner surveys. Gates Open Res 2024; 6:6. [PMID: 38144447 PMCID: PMC10739271 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13328.2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite progressive policies and frameworks on school safety by the Department of Basic Education, safety remains a concern in South African schools. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed using the National School Safety Framework (NSSF) 152-question learner survey, exploring perceptions and experiences pertaining to eight safety domains: dangerous objects, drugs and alcohol, bullying, verbal abuse, physical violence, discrimination, sexual violence, and journey to and from school. Grade 9-11 learners from 15 government-funded high schools in the Girls Achieve Power trial in Khayelitsha, Soweto, and Thembisa townships were surveyed (March 2018 - April 2019), sampling 10% of the school population. Data analysis included Principal Component Analysis (PCA), reducing correlated variables into fewer questions, then analysis on a scree plot by calculating eigenvalues; repeated PCA with those that had a minimum eigenvalue of 1 and Cronbach Alpha test for internal reliability. Eleven composite variables were included in the final analysis. Results In total, 1034 learners completed the NSSF learner survey; 52.9% were female and the mean age was 16 years (SD=1.36). Results show statistically significant associations between four of the 11 composite variables in relation to sex. Over half (55%) of males have experienced peer provocation and relational aggression (p<0.001). Fifty-eight percent of females reported feeling unsafe on their way to and from school (p<0.003). Over half of males reported that their school was not effective in enforcing discipline (p=0.002) while 58% of females noted they could comfortably report any form of experienced or witnessed violence at school, to their educators (p<0.000). Conclusions Violence continues to be a concern in South African schools. Interventions should work across the ecological model to effectively prevent and reduce violence at school and community levels. Strengthened NSSF implementation is critical to achieving this. We recommend NSSF learner survey adaptations to increase utility and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
| | - Khuthala Mabetha
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
| | - Nicolette P. Naidoo
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
| | - Tshepo Mahuma
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
| | - Paseka Njobe
- School Safety Directorate, National Department Of Basic Education, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ronelle Hlongwane
- School Safety Directorate, National Department Of Basic Education, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
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Iwuji C, Martin CE, Pillay D, Shamu P, Nzenze S, Murire M, Cox LA, Miners A, Llewellyn C, Mullick S. Implementation preferences for the management of sexually transmitted infections in the South African health system: a discrete choice experiment. Sex Transm Infect 2024; 100:10-16. [PMID: 37918916 PMCID: PMC10850665 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-055816] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite strengthening HIV prevention with the introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), STI services have remained relatively unchanged and the standard of care remains syndromic management. We used a discrete choice experiment to investigate service users' preferences for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs in South Africa. METHODS Between 1 March 2021 and 20 April 2021, a cross-sectional online questionnaire hosted on REDCap was administered through access links sent to WhatsApp support groups for HIV PrEP users and attendees of two primary healthcare clinics and two mobile facilities in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng provinces aged between 18 and 49 years. Participants either self-completed the questionnaire or received support from a research assistant. We used a conditional logit model for the initial analysis and latent class model (LCM) to establish class memberships, with results displayed as ORs and probabilities. RESULTS We enrolled 496 individuals; the majority were female (69%) and <30 years (74%). The LCM showed two distinct groups. The first group, comprising 68% of the participants, showed a strong preference for self-sampling compared with no sampling (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.88). A clinic follow-up appointment for treatment was less preferable to same-day treatment (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.95). Contact slip from index patient (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.96) and healthcare professional (HCP)-initiated partner notification (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.73) were both less preferable than expedited partner treatment (EPT). The second group included 32% of participants with a lower preference for self-sampling compared with no sampling (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.04). There was no treatment option that was significantly different from the others; however, there was a strong preference for HCP-initiated partner notification to EPT (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.12). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that service users preferred STI testing prior to treatment, with the majority preferring self-taken samples and receiving aetiology-based treatment on the same day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Iwuji
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - Catherine E Martin
- Department of Implementation Science, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Diantha Pillay
- Department of Implementation Science, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patience Shamu
- Department of Implementation Science, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Susan Nzenze
- Department of Implementation Science, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mercy Murire
- Department of Implementation Science, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Laura Ashleigh Cox
- Department of Implementation Science, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alec Miners
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carrie Llewellyn
- Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Department of Implementation Science, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mthimkhulu N, Chidumwa G, Kutywayo A, Mataboge P, Martin CE, Kwatsha K, Makalela N, Mazibuko M, Butler V, Mullick S. Factors influencing the uptake of a mono-PrEP implant for the prevention of HIV: Males' perspectives from three South African provinces. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296341. [PMID: 38166044 PMCID: PMC10760848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296341] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention method; however, males over 15 years face challenges with its effective use. Long-acting prevention products could address barriers to effective PrEP use. This study aimed to estimate the potential uptake of a mono-PrEP implant and the factors influencing uptake among males in South Africa. The study also examined messaging and demand creation tactics that males perceive will improve HIV prevention uptake. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study comprising participatory workshops and a self-administered survey among 142 PrEP-eligible males (18-40 years) in three provinces (Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Kwa-Zulu Natal) in South Africa from July to November 2022. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the potential uptake of a hypothetical, non-biodegradable mono-PrEP implant and socioeconomic and behavioural factors. Workshop data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS The top three HIV prevention products that males would consider using were the monthly pill (74.6%), the mono-PrEP implant (62.7%), and event-driven oral PrEP (59.2%). If one prevention option was available, 31.7% of participants stated that they would use the monthly oral pill, 28.2% would use the six-monthly injection, and 19.7% the mono-PrEP implant. Four key themes were noted as influential to potential mono-PrEP uptake: "Health Over Everything", "Mono-PrEP Implant Concerns", "Potential Disclosure of Mono-PrEP Use", and "Information Distribution Channels". Participants preferred social and mainstream media as information distribution channels to receive information on HIV prevention services, including the mono-PrEP implant. CONCLUSION In this study among predominantly heterosexual men in South Africa, there was interest in long-acting HIV prevention methods but concerns about the mono-PrEP implant. A comprehensive and participatory introduction will be needed for the implant, to improve acceptability and address potential concerns. Demand-creation strategies utilising social media and health campaigns should be considered to engage and reach males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nqaba Mthimkhulu
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Glory Chidumwa
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paballo Mataboge
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Khanyiswa Kwatsha
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Mbali Mazibuko
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vusile Butler
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Briedenhann E, Rosenberg P, Sheobalak N, Pleaner M, Martin CE, Mullick S. Eita! Reaching Communities and Young People to Drive Demand for Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in South Africa. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S50-S57. [PMID: 37953009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.003] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper describes a holistic but flexible demand creation strategy for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in national public health-care settings in low-income to middle-income countries. METHODS We describe the development and implementation of a model to drive demand for oral PrEP uptake and use as part of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in South Africa: The Eita! MODEL The project adapted two existing response hierarchy models (marketing models used to describe the stages individuals move through from being unaware to using a product), to formulate the Eita! MODEL Using the RE-AIM framework, we report on the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the Eita! MODEL RESULTS More than 34 million connections were made from December 2018 to 2021 through a variety of channels: social media and websites, at events and mobile clinic outreach, and radio and community dialogs. There were 42,447 adolescent girls and young women reached in-person during this time, 16,823 adolescent girls and young women presented for sexual and reproductive health services, and of those 14,637 (87%) initiated on PrEP. The model was implemented in eight health-care facilities and four mobile clinics in three provinces in South Africa. A total of 26 trainings were delivered to project staff implementing the strategy. Various demand creation resources, such as materials and online platforms, have since been adopted by the National Department of Health as national tools. DISCUSSION The Eita! model was successfully implemented to support the uptake of HIV prevention services and rollout of biomedical prevention products, and can be adapted by other low-income to middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip Rosenberg
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nakita Sheobalak
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Melanie Pleaner
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Gordon KJ, Martin CE, Kutywayo A, Cox LA, Nongena P, Mullick S. Mental Health Needs of Adolescent and Young Adult PrEP Users in South Africa: Implications for Sexual and Reproductive Health Programming. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S73-S80. [PMID: 37953012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor mental health is associated with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and pre-exposure prophylaxis discontinuation. Adolescents and young people (AYP) are vulnerable to HIV and depression. This paper describes the prevalence and severity of depression and associated factors in AYP accessing SRH services in South Africa. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of enrollment data (January 2019 to December 2021) from a cohort of individuals receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis services at eight clinics in three provinces in South Africa was conducted. Females (n = 1,074) and males (n = 231) aged 15-24 years were included. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were conducted, and the prevalence and severity of depression assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with depression. RESULTS Over 40% of participants had experienced any depression symptoms (43.7% of females, 38.5% of males). For males, experiencing intimate partner violence was the only predictor of depression symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 8.81, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.03-75.44). For females, living with both parents (AOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.15-2.51), having transactional sex (AOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.00-2.65), experiencing any intimate partner violence (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.34-2.89), and using drugs (AOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.03-3.11) were all positively associated with depression symptoms. Resilience was a protective factor against depression symptoms for both sexes (males: AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.98; females: AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97). DISCUSSION There is a high burden of depression among AYP accessing SRH services in South Africa. Mental health screening should be integrated into SRH and HIV prevention programs for AYP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Joan Gordon
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Pelisa Nongena
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Martin CE, Cox LA, Nongena P, Butler V, Ncube S, Sawry S, Mullick S. Patterns of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis use Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Accessing Routine Sexual and Reproductive Health services in South Africa. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S81-S91. [PMID: 37953014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study describes the patterns of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) initiated on daily oral PrEP for the prevention of HIV, within routine sexual and reproductive health services in South Africa. METHODS We analysed clinical and survey data from a nested cohort of 967 AGYW initiated on oral PrEP between January 2019 and December 2021 in four geographical clusters in South Africa. We describe the periods of PrEP use, and the proportion who discontinued and subsequently restarted PrEP. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with early PrEP discontinuation, PrEP use for ≥4 months and PrEP restart. RESULTS PrEP use for ≤1 month was high (68.6%), although 27% returned and restarted PrEP; and 9% restarted more than once. Initiating PrEP at a mobile clinic (AOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.51 - 2.93) and having a partner known to be HIV negative or whose HIV status was unknown (AOR 7.11, 95% CI 1.45 - 34.23; AOR 6.90, 95% CI 1.44 - 33.09) were associated with PrEP use for ≤1 month. AGYW receiving injectable contraceptives were more likely to restart PrEP (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.10 - 2.35). Compared to those aged 15-17 years, participants 18 - 20 and 21 - 24 years were less likely to restart PrEP (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.35 - 0.74; AOR 0.60, 95%, CI 0.41 - 0.87), as were those initiating PrEP at a mobile clinic compared to a fixed facility (AOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47 - 0.92). DISCUSSION Although early PrEP discontinuation was high, it appears that PrEP use is frequently cyclical in nature. Further research is needed to determine if these cycles of PrEP correlate to periods of perceived or actual vulnerability to HIV, which may also be cyclical. PrEP delivery presents a unique opportunity to address multiple unmet health needs of young people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pelisa Nongena
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vusile Butler
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sydney Ncube
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shobna Sawry
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Butler V, Kutywayo A, Martin CE, Pleaner M, Mojapele MV, Ncube S, Fipaza Z, Mundeta B, Mullick S. Implementing Differentiated and Integrated HIV Prevention Services for Adolescent Girls and Young Women: Experiences From Oral PrEP Rollout in Primary Care Services in South Africa. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S58-S66. [PMID: 37953010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In South Africa, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW, aged 15-24 years) are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been available in South Africa since 2016; however, there is limited evidence on oral PrEP implementation and integration in real-world settings, particularly among AGYW. Project PrEP is an implementation science project that sought to inform the introduction and integration of oral PrEP as part of combination HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health services (SRH) in South Africa. The project focused on AGYW, as a priority population in need of HIV prevention. This paper presents strategies Project PrEP employed to increase oral PrEP and SRH service access and utilization. METHODS We present strategies employed to increase oral PrEP and SRH services uptake. Using routine monitoring data, facility assessments, stakeholder engagement, training and progress reports, and observations, we share implementation lessons learned and describe how strategies can be adapted by HIV prevention programs in different contexts. RESULTS Approximately 22, 000 people initiated on oral PrEP (December 2018-December 2021) across eight facilities and four mobile clinics. Two-thirds (67%) of initiated clients were AGYW. DISCUSSION Lessons are to be learned from the introduction of oral PrEP as implementers prepare for the introduction of new PrEP methods. Stakeholders must be continuously engaged to ensure buy-in, and social mobilization and demand creation should be contextual, focused, and innovative. Continuous staff training is needed to reinforce knowledge, and AGYW service delivery models must be local context relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vusile Butler
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Melanie Pleaner
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Sydney Ncube
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zukiswa Fipaza
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bongai Mundeta
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Dourado I, Mullick S, Magno L, Grangeiro A. Implementing Differentiated and Integrated PrEP Services for Adolescent Key Populations: What Works and What Is the Way Forward? J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S4-S7. [PMID: 37953007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Dourado
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Laio Magno
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Grangeiro
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Mullick S, Cox LA, Martin CE, Fipaza Z, Ncube S. Comparing the Integration of Syndromic versus Etiological Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections Into HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Services for Adolescent Girls and Young Women, in South Africa. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S67-S72. [PMID: 37953011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.09.004] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
South Africa has a high incidence of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among adolescent girls and young women. National and global guidelines recommend varied strategies for integrating STI and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services. PURPOSE This paper describes the implementation of a syndromic compared to an etiological approach to STI integration within PrEP services in South Africa. METHODS We analysed program data from eight fixed and four mobile clinics to describe a cascade of STI care and integration of syndromic management among clients accessing PrEP services. Diagnostic testing was conducted in a subset of clients to determine the prevalence of STIs and estimate the burden of disease missed using a syndromic approach. RESULTS Between December 2018 and December 2021, 22,505 clients sought services and a high proportion (92.9%) was screened for STI symptoms. Of these, 9% of females and 3% of males had symptoms and 89.5% had recorded treatment. In a subset of PrEP clients (406 females, 70 males) screened through laboratory testing, chlamydia was identified in 25.7% of female and 20.0% of male samples, gonorrhea in 14.1% of female and 18.6% of male samples, and syphilis in 2.3% of female and 1.4% of male samples. Highest prevalence was found among females aged 18-20 years. DISCUSSION Syndromic STI screening and management can be integrated into routine PrEP service delivery and can identify symptomatic STIs, but misses asymptomatic infections. PrEP clients have a high prevalence of treatable STIs. Etiologic approaches can identify more infections than syndromic screening, but cheap point-of-care tests are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | | | | | - Zukiswa Fipaza
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sydney Ncube
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Cox LA, Martin CE, Nongena P, Mvelase S, Kutywayo A, Mullick S. The Use of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Accessing Routine Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in South Africa. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S92-S100. [PMID: 37953015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study describes a cohort of men seeking oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services and explores their patterns of PrEP use within an implementation project seeking to integrate PrEP provision within sexual and reproductive health services in public health clinics in South Africa. METHODS Routine program and survey data from 364 males initiated on oral PrEP between July 2020 and May 2022 were analyzed. PrEP use was examined, including time to first discontinuation and restart patterns. Factors associated with early PrEP discontinuation and PrEP restart were analyzed. RESULTS Despite primarily focusing on access for adolescent girls and young women, PrEP services reached males with HIV prevention needs. PrEP use for ≤1 month (early discontinuation) was high at 58%; however, 18% restarted on PrEP, with 4% restarting repeatedly. Having depression symptoms was associated with early PrEP discontinuation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.71, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.06-2.78). Those ≥25 years were less likely to discontinue early, as were those with a partner treated for a sexually transmitted infection in the preceding three months (AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.84) and those who had been circumcised (AOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36-0.96). Those 18-20 years old were less likely to restart PrEP than those ≥25 years (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-0.97), as were those whose partner's HIV status was unknown (AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12-0.88). DISCUSSION This study identified interest and uptake of oral PrEP among an underrepresented population of predominantly heterosexual males seeking sexual and reproductive health services. It found high rates of early PrEP discontinuation, with a subset returning to restart PrEP. Further research is needed to determine whether these periods of PrEP use are associated with periods of HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pelisa Nongena
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sanele Mvelase
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mataboge P, Mthimkhulu N, Kutywayo A, Martin CE, Mazibuko M, Kwatsha K, Makalela N, Briedenhann E, Butler V, Bothma R, Mullick S. Preferences, educational messaging, and demand creation channels for multipurpose-prevention technologies (MPTs) among women in South Africa. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2090. [PMID: 37880628 PMCID: PMC10598950 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16904-0] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South African women, including female sex workers (FSWs), are disproportionately affected by HIV, experience a high unmet need for contraception and high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Products that address the interlinked risk between HIV, unplanned pregnancy, and other STIs are needed. There are several multipurpose-prevention technologies (MPTs) in development, aimed at preventing both HIV and pregnancy. This study aimed to explore educational messaging and demand creation channels to improve the potential uptake of a hypothetical MPT implant, using participatory action research. It also aimed to look at product and service provision attributes preferred by potential end users. METHODS Between July and August 2022, 303 PrEP-eligible adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) (18-24 years), women > 24 years, and FSW's (≥ 18 years) participated in 4-hour workshops, where they were asked about their ideal messaging and demand creation channels and their preferences for different attributes of an MPT implant. Quantitative descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the frequency and ranking for each demand creation message, channel, and each product and service provision attribute, by population group. A chi-square test was used to assess MPT implant characteristics associated with age. Qualitative data were analysed using deductive and thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 104 AGYW, 157 women > 24 years, and 42 FSWs participated in the PAR workshops. Participants preferred demand creation messages that were empowering, motivational and encouraged body autonomy. The use of slang was popular. Community radio stations and newspapers, social media, and information at hospitals and clinics were participants' preferred MPT demand creation channels because they were easily accessible. Providing long-term and dual HIV and pregnancy protection, receiving implant services at the local clinic, manageable side effects, discreet and private implant, and numbing the area before insertion and removal, were the most preferred product and service provision attributes. CONCLUSION Early considerations for women's product preferences are key to product development. Educational messaging around the MPT implant should be empowering and in local languages, this may motivate women to learn more about it and use it. Multiple demand creation channels should be used to engage both young and older populations, which may ensure better reach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paballo Mataboge
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Nqaba Mthimkhulu
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Catherine E Martin
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mbali Mazibuko
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Khanyiswa Kwatsha
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nthabiseng Makalela
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elmari Briedenhann
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vusile Butler
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rutendo Bothma
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Fairlie L, Lavies D, Kalk E, Mhlongo O, Patel F, Technau KG, Mahtab S, Moodley D, Subedar H, Mullick S, Sawry S, Mehta U. Safety surveillance for PrEP in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Front Reprod Health 2023; 5:1221101. [PMID: 37854936 PMCID: PMC10581206 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1221101] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk of HIV acquisition is higher during pregnancy and postpartum than other times. Newly acquired maternal HIV infection associated with high primary viraemia, substantially increases the risk of vertical HIV transmission. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces the risk of HIV acquisition. Currently available products include oral tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)/FTC), long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) and the dapivirine ring (DVR). All except oral TDF/FTC have limited safety data available for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. The safety of new PrEP agents for pregnant women and the fetus, infant and child, either exposed in utero or during breastfeeding is an ongoing concern for health care workers and pregnant and breastfeeding women, particularly as the safety risk appetite for antiretroviral (ARV) agents used as PrEP is lower in pregnant and breastfeeding women who are HIV-uninfected, compared to women living with HIV taking ARVs as treatment. With the widespread rollout of TDF/FTC among pregnant women in South Africa and other low-middle income countries (LMIC) and the potential introduction of new PrEP agents for pregnant women, there is a need for safety surveillance systems to identify potential signals of risk to either the mother or fetus, measure the burden of such a risk, and where appropriate, provide specific reassurance to PrEP users. Safety data needs to be collected across the continuum of the product life cycle from pre-licensure into the post-marketing period, building a safety profile through both passive and active surveillance systems, recognising the strengths and limitations of each, and the potential for bias and confounding. Pharmacovigilance systems that aim to assess the risk of adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women exposed to PrEP and other agents need to consider the special requirements of pregnancy epidemiology to ensure that the data derived from surveillance are sufficiently robust to inform treatment policies. Here we review the known safety profiles of currently available PrEP candidates in women of child-bearing potential, pregnancy and breastfeeding and discuss pragmatic approaches for such surveillance in HIV-endemic LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Fairlie
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Diane Lavies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emma Kalk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Faeezah Patel
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Karl-Günter Technau
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sana Mahtab
- Wits Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dhayendre Moodley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shobna Sawry
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ushma Mehta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Khot MS, Chakraborti A, Saini JK, Sethi P, Mullick S, Saxena R, Wani AR. Comparison of the diagnostic yield of transbronchial lung biopsies by forceps and cryoprobe in diffuse parenchymal lung disease. Afr J Thorac Crit Care Med 2023; 29:10.7196/AJTCCM.2023.v29i3.799. [PMID: 37970571 PMCID: PMC10642398 DOI: 10.7196/ajtccm.2023.v29i3.799] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) in the diagnosis of diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) has shown a promising yield in recent times, with low post-procedural mortality and morbidity. Objectives To compare the yield of TBLC and conventional transbronchial forceps lung biopsy (TBLB). Methods A prospective study was carried out in patients with DPLD over a period of 1 year in a tertiary respiratory care institute in New Delhi, India. All 87 patients enrolled underwent both TBLB and TBLC. The procedures were performed in the bronchoscopy suite under conscious sedation and local anaesthesia, with an attempt to take a minimum of three biopsy specimens by conventional TBLB followed by TBLC. A 1.9 mm cryoprobe with a freezing time of 4 - 5 seconds was used. An Arndt endobronchial blocker was used to control bleeding along with locally administered medications. Results TBLB and TBLC led to a definitive diagnosis in 27 (31.0%) and 69 (79.3%) cases, respectively. The commonest diagnoses were hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sarcoidosis and pulmonary tuberculosis. TBLC led to additional diagnoses in 42 cases (48.3%). Pneumothorax was observed in 12 cases (13.8%), and moderate bleeding occurred in 63 (72.4%). There were no procedure-related deaths. Conclusion TBLC had a better diagnostic yield than conventional TBLB in DPLD. It has the potential to become a safe day-care procedure in a resource-limited setting, if certain precautions are taken. Study synopsis What the study adds. Compared with transbronchial forceps lung biopsy, transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) led to additional diagnoses in 42 (48.3%) of 87 patients with clinicoradiological features of diffuse parenchymal lung disease. Pneumothorax was observed in 12 cases (13.8%) and moderate bleeding in 63 (72.4%). TBLC without rigid bronchoscopy or advanced airway devices under conscious sedation had a good diagnostic yield with an acceptable adverse events profile.Implications of the findings. TBLC under conscious sedation is not resource intensive and can be carried out in settings with limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Khot
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, India
| | - A Chakraborti
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, India
| | - J K Saini
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, India
| | - P Sethi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, India
| | - S Mullick
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, India
| | - R Saxena
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, India
| | - A R Wani
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, India
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Bershteyn A, Resar D, Kim HY, Platais I, Mullick S. Optimizing the pipeline of multipurpose prevention technologies: opportunities across women's reproductive lifespans. Front Reprod Health 2023; 5:1169110. [PMID: 37325241 PMCID: PMC10266103 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1169110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV/AIDS and maternal mortality are the two leading causes of death among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa. A growing body of research investigates opportunities for multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that prevent unintended pregnancy, HIV, and/or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a single product. More than two dozen MPTs are currently in development, most of them combining contraception with HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, with or without protection from other STIs. If successful, such MPTs could offer women benefits at multiple levels: greater motivation for effective use; lower product administration burden; accelerated integration of HIV, STI, and reproductive health services; and opportunities to circumvent stigma by using contraception as a "fig leaf" for HIV and/or STI prevention. However, even if women find respite from product burden, lack of motivation, and/or stigma in contraceptive-containing MPTs, their use of MPTs will be interrupted, often multiple times, over the reproductive lifecourse due to desire for pregnancy, pregnancy and breastfeeding, menopause, and changes in risk. Interruptions to the benefits of MPTs could be avoided by combining HIV/STI prevention with other life-stage-appropriate reproductive health products. New product concepts could include combining prenatal supplements with HIV and STI prevention, emergency contraception with HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, or hormone replacement therapies for menopause with HIV and STI prevention. Research is needed to optimize the MPT pipeline based on the populations underserved by available options and the capacity of resource-constrained health systems to deliver novel preventative healthcare products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bershteyn
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Danielle Resar
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ingrida Platais
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Kutywayo A, Frade S, Chidumwa G, Mahuma T, Naidoo NP, Mullick S. Experiences of violence among female and male grade eight learners: baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial across three South African townships. Gates Open Res 2023. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13276.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: South African adolescents experience disproportionally high rates of violence, with lifelong health, social and economic impacts. Few papers present risk factors associated with experiences of adolescent violence. Methods: A baseline cross-sectional survey was done (April 2017 – Sept 2018) with 3432 grade 8 learners in the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 high schools in three townships (Soweto and Tembisa, Gauteng and Khayelitsha, Western Cape). Collected data on lifetime experiences of different types of violence, perpetrators, and place of violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to enumerate experiences of, and factors associated with violence. Results: A total of 2383 respondents are included. Most (63.1%) were girls, 81.5% aged 12-14. In total 25.9% had ever experienced violence, higher among boys (p=<0.001). Physical violence was most common (35.7%), then psychological (21.8%), sexual (13.1%), neglect (10.6%), cyberbullying (7.6%), corporal punishment (6.5%) and economic abuse (4.8%). Boys experienced more physical violence (36.0%); girls experienced more psychological violence (22.2%). Gauteng had double the reports of sexual violence (18.4% vs 7.6%, p<0.001). Violence happened most at school (27.4%), followed by the park (19.8%) or their friends’ home (12.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that boys (aOR 1.68; 95% CV 1.32-2.14; p<0.001), those aged 15-17 years (aOR 1.41; 95% CV 1.04-1.89; p=0.025), those who ever used substances (aOR 1.90; 95% CI 1.9-2.28; p<0.001), and those who sometimes feel worthless (aOR 1.33; 95% CI 1.09-1.63, p=0.005) were at higher odds of ever experiencing violence. Those who had ever had sex were more likely to have ever experienced violence (aOR 1.42; 95% CI 1.10-1.83; p=0.008). Conclusion: Urgently need wider adoption, scaling, and sustaining of evidence-based primary violence prevention and structural interventions are required to reduce the high burden of adolescent violence. Stakeholders across the ecological model are needed to tackle harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence.
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Williams KM, Miller N, Tutegyereize L, Olisa AL, Chakare T, Jeckonia P, Mullick S, Atieno MA, Nhamo D, Rademacher KH. Defining principles for a choice-based approach to HIV prevention. The Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e269-e272. [PMID: 37001965 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00026-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The HIV prevention landscape is on the cusp of an unprecedented era of multiple biomedical prevention products available for distribution. Several HIV prevention options, such as oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), dapivirine vaginal rings, and injectable cabotegravir for PrEP, are becoming more widely available. Although the future HIV prevention market promises to be rich in options, it would benefit from a core set of principles that uphold choice in all phases of product development, assessment, and introduction. These principles, as presented in this Viewpoint, show the applicability, opportunities, and challenges of choice in different contexts of HIV prevention and provide checkpoints of accountability. By committing to these principles, stakeholders at national and global levels can advance choice across all phases of the HIV prevention market, thereby ensuring that individuals can realise their right to choose when and how to prevent HIV in their own lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Pleaner M, Scorgie F, Martin C, Butler V, Muhwava L, Mojapele M, Mullick S. Introduction and integration of PrEP and sexual and reproductive health services for young people: Health provider perspectives from South Africa. Front Reprod Health 2023; 4:1086558. [PMID: 36699145 PMCID: PMC9869154 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.1086558] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
South Africa has one of the largest HIV epidemics in the world, with particularly high prevalence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Oral PrEP was introduced in the public sector in 2016 in a phased manner. Given the important role played by health providers, research was undertaken to understand their experiences of and attitudes towards introduction of PrEP as a new HIV prevention method, and its integration within broader sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for youth. A survey was undertaken with 48 purposively sampled health providers working in primary health care facilities and mobile clinics in three provinces in South Africa. Qualitative analysis was performed on free-text responses to open-ended questions in the survey, using an inductive approach to code the data in NVivo v.12 software. Health providers expressed concerns about adding a new service to an already overburdened health system, and worried that young people seeking PrEP would divert staff from other critical services. While most recognised the benefits and opportunities afforded by HIV and SRH service integration, providers highlighted the extra time and resources such integration would require. Many were anxious that PrEP would encourage disinhibition and increase unprotected sex among AGYW, and held judgemental attitudes about young people, seen as largely incapable of taking responsibility for their health. Findings underscore the importance of consulting health providers about implementation design and providing channels for them to express their misgivings and concerns, and training needs to be designed to address provider attitudes and values. Opportunities need to be sought to strengthen the provision of adolescent and youth friendly services-including adolescent-health provider dialogues. Insights from this study can assist in guiding the introduction of new HIV prevention methods into the future.
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Mataboge P, Nzenze S, Mthimkhulu N, Mazibuko M, Kutywayo A, Butler V, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Planning for decentralized, simplified prEP: Learnings from potential end users in Ga-Rankuwa, gauteng, South Africa. Front Reprod Health 2023; 4:1081049. [PMID: 36699142 PMCID: PMC9868940 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.1081049] [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] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In South Africa, youth experience challenges with oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) access and uptake. Taking services out of healthcare settings has the potential to increase reach and overcome these challenges. This paper presents young and older people's preferences for decentralized, simplified PrEP service delivery and new long-acting HIV prevention methods, in Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa. Methods Between May and August 2021, both PrEP user and non-user adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), pregnant AGYW, female sex workers, adolescent boys and young men (ABYM), and men who have sex with men (MSM) were recruited to participate in focus group discussions (FDGs) in Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng. Twenty-two FGDs were conducted. Participants were asked about PrEP uptake, potential acceptability of long-acting HIV prevention products, provision of integrated, simplified, and decentralized services, and digital tools to facilitate access to PrEP and other SRH services. A qualitative approach using inductive thematic analysis was carried out to explore emerging themes on decentralized, simplified delivery and the acceptability of long-acting methods. Results Of the 109 participants included in the study approximately 45% (n = 50) were female, the median age was 23 years ± 5.3. A third (n = 37) were current or previous PrEP users, of which, 59.5% (n = 22) collected PrEP refills from the clinic. Decentralized, simplified service delivery was appealing; health facilities, pharmacies and institutions of learning were preferred as service points for PrEP and SRH services, and recreational spaces preferred for dissemination of health information and engagement. ABYM were more open to having recreational spaces as service points. Long-acting Cabotegravir was preferred over the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring due to concerns around perceived side-effects, efficacy, and comfort. Conclusion Providing long-acting PrEP methods through decentralized, simplified service delivery was appealing to this population. They provided practical locations for decentralized service provision to potentially increase their engagement with and uptake of HIV prevention and SRH services.
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Pleaner M, Milford C, Kutywayo A, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Sexual and reproductive health and rights knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of adolescent learners from three South African townships: qualitative findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial. Gates Open Res 2022; 6:60. [PMID: 37249954 PMCID: PMC10220247 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13588.2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a time of psycho-social and physiological changes, with increased associated health risks including vulnerability to pregnancy, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence. Adolescent learners, from three townships in South Africa, participated in a 44 session, after-school asset-building intervention (GAP Year), over 2 years providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education. This paper explores adolescent learners' SRH, sexual risk and rights knowledge; perceptions about transactional sex; and contraceptive method preferences and decision-making practices. Methods: The intervention was conducted in 13 secondary schools across Khayelitsha, Thembisa, and Soweto, South Africa. A baseline survey collected socio-demographic data prior to the intervention. Overall, 26 focus group discussions (FGDs): 13 male and 13 female learner groups, purposively selected from schools, after completing the intervention (2 years after baseline data collection). Descriptive analyses were conducted on baseline data. Qualitative data were thematically coded, and NVivo was used for data analysis. Results: In total, 194 learners participated in the FGDs. Mean age at baseline was 13.7 years (standard deviation 0.91). Participants acquired SRH and rights knowledge during the GAP Year intervention. Although transactional sex was viewed as risky, some relationships were deemed beneficial and necessary for material gain. Negative healthcare provider attitudes were the main barrier to healthcare service utilisation. There was awareness about the benefits of contraceptives, but some myths about method use. The injectable was the preferred contraceptive method, followed by the implant, with equal preference for condoms and oral pill. Conclusions : An afterschool intervention at school is a viable model for the provision of SRH and rights education to learners. Recommendations include the need for risk reduction strategies in the curriculum, dealing with misconceptions, and the promotion of informed decision making. Endeavours to ensure health services are youth friendly is a priority to limit barriers to accessing these services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Pleaner
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Cecilia Milford
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, Kwa zulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
| | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Nicolette Naidoo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
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Gibbs J, Solomon D, Jackson L, Mullick S, Burns F, Shahmanesh M. Measuring and evaluating sexual health in the era of digital health: challenges and opportunities. Sex Health 2022; 19:336-345. [PMID: 35970766 DOI: 10.1071/sh22068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Digital health has become increasingly embedded within sexual health service delivery and is now an established part of the user journey. It can support the provision of information and access to care across the sexual health continuum and facilitate the delivery of differentiated care with tailored and layered interventions that meet an individual's and target populations' need. However, despite advances in digital health, many challenges remain in the measurement and evaluation of sexual health. Reaching underserved populations, ensuring that both the intervention and the outcomes being measured are appropriate, and consistent collection of data (across settings and over time) are all potential obstacles to a full realisation of these opportunities. In order for digital health to improve sexual health and wellbeing, and reduce morbidity, the following need to occur: (1) ensure the necessary digital, health care, laboratory, legal and regulatory and surveillance infrastructure is in place to provide access to those with a sexual health need; (2) empowerment of end users and communities to take control of their own health through engagement in the development of interventions, and to ensure that outcomes of importance are measured; (3) tailoring and layering of interventions to provide equitable access to care; (4) integrating the digital ecosystem with the existing healthcare and external ecosystem; (5) measure and evaluate the unmet needs, gaps and quality of the experience, taking a realist evaluation approach; and (6) measure and evaluate the economic and distributional impacts associated with digital services or interventions in sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Gibbs
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Danielle Solomon
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Louise Jackson
- Heath Economics Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fiona Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK; and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK; and Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; and University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Pleaner M, Kutywayo A, Beksinska M, Mabetha K, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Contraception knowledge and uptake among in-school adolescents in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial. Gates Open Res 2022; 6:67. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13636.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: South African adolescents experience barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and uptake. This study provides insight into contraceptive and other SRH service knowledge, perceptions, and uptake among adolescents in high HIV prevalence settings. Methods: A baseline cross sectional survey was conducted among 3432 grade 8s enrolled into the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 public high schools across three South African townships (Soweto, Thembisa and Khayelitsha) (2017 - 2018). An interviewer-led survey collected information on SRH knowledge and perceptions; an audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technique gathered SRH service uptake. Descriptive analysis indicates frequency distribution of socio-demographics and knowledge, uptake and perceptions of SRH services. Chi-square test tested for associations between age and sex and selected variables that measure SRH knowledge and uptake. Results: In total, 2383 learners, completed both survey components. Of these, 63.1% (n=1504) were female and 81.4% (n=1938) aged 12-14. Almost a fifth (18.3%, n=436) had ever had sex and less than 1% had accessed SRH services in the last year. Of the 157 females who had ever had sex, 50.9% had ever used contraception. Of those who had sex in the last three months, 59.0% reported using a contraceptive method. Condom use was inconsistent: almost all females said they had not used or could not remember if a condom was used at last sex. Conclusion: This paper contributes to the evidence strengthening learner SRH education, including the national Integrated School Health Programme. Key themes include the need for age-appropriate, differentiated comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for the range of ages found in the same grade in South African schools. Education on different contraceptive methods, informed decision-making, and emergency contraception is key. School-based interventions should embrace integrated HIV, STI, and pregnancy prevention messages. Closer links with health services need to be constantly fostered and reinforced.
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Abstract
This paper is a commentary framing a series of papers on the evaluation of several aspects of the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) programme. The paper highlights the scope and challenges with evaluating a large, complex and ambitious programme like DREAMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiqa Mullick
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Director Implementation Science, Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Frances M Cowan
- Department of International Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe
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Kutywayo A, Chersich M, Naidoo NP, Scorgie F, Bottoman L, Mullick S. Climate change knowledge, concerns and experiences in secondary school learners in South Africa. Jàmbá 2022; 14:1162. [PMID: 35812831 PMCID: PMC9257758 DOI: 10.4102/jamba.v14i1.1162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Climate change poses a major threat to the future of today’s youth. Globally, young people are at the forefront of climate change activism. Their ability to engage, however, depends on the level of knowledge of climate change and concern about the topic. We sought to examine levels of knowledge and concerns about climate change among youth in South Africa, and their experiences of heat exposure. Ten questions on climate change knowledge, concerns and experiences were nested within a cross-sectional survey conducted in a cluster randomised trial among 924 secondary school learners in 14 public schools in low-income Western Cape areas. Learners’ mean age was 15.8 years and they were predominately female. While 72.0% of respondents knew that climate change leads to higher temperatures, only 59.7% agreed that human activity is responsible for climate change, and 58.0% believed that climate change affects human health. Two thirds (68.7%) said that climate change is a serious issue and 65.9% indicated action is needed for prevention. Few learners indicated climate change events had affected them, although many reported difficulties concentrating during hot weather (72.9%). Female learners had lower knowledge levels than male learners, but more frequent heat-related symptoms. Learners scoring high on knowledge questions expressed the most concern about climate change and had the highest heat impacts. Many youth seem unaware that climate change threatens their future. Heat-related symptoms are common, likely undermining educational performance, especially as temperatures escalate. More is needed to mainstream climate change into South African school curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Kutywayo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matthew Chersich
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicolette P. Naidoo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fiona Scorgie
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Likho Bottoman
- Director Social Cohesion and Equity in Education, Department of Basic Education, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Kutywayo A, Frade S, Mahuma T, Naidoo NP, Mullick S. Experiences of violence among female and male grade eight learners: baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial across three South African townships. Gates Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13276.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: South African adolescents experience disproportionally high rates of violence, with lifelong health, social and economic impacts. Few papers present risk factors associated with experiences of adolescent violence. Methods: A baseline cross-sectional survey was done (April 2017 – Sept 2018) with 3432 grade 8 learners in the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 high schools in three townships (Soweto and Tembisa, Gauteng and Khayelitsha, Western Cape). Collected data on lifetime experiences of different types of violence, perpetrators, and place of violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to enumerate experiences of, and factors associated with violence. Results: A total of 2383 respondents are included. Most (63.1%) were girls, 81.5% aged 12-14. In total 25.9% had ever experienced violence, higher among boys (p=<0.001). Physical violence was most common (35.7%), then psychological (21.8%), sexual (13.1%), neglect (10.6%), cyberbullying (7.6%), corporal punishment (6.5%) and economic abuse (4.8%). Boys experienced more physical violence (36.0%); girls experienced more psychological violence (22.2%). Gauteng had double the reports of sexual violence (18.4% vs 7.6%, p<0.001). Violence happened most at school (27.4%), followed by the park (19.8%) or their friends’ home (12.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that boys (aOR 1.57; 95% CV 1.27-1.94; p=0.000), those aged 15-17 years (aOR 1.41; 95% CV 1.07-1.84; p=0.013), those who ever used substances (aOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.54-2.37; p=0.000), and those who sometimes feel worthless (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.10-1.64, p=0.003) were at higher odds of ever experiencing violence. Those who had never had sex were less likely to have ever experienced violence (aOR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51-0.83; p=0.001). Conclusion: Urgently need wider adoption, scaling, and sustaining of evidence-based primary violence prevention and structural interventions are required to reduce the high burden of adolescent violence. Stakeholders across the ecological model are needed to tackle harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence.
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Pleaner M, Kutywayo A, Beksinska M, Mabetha K, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Knowledge, uptake and patterns of contraception use among in-school adolescents in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial. Gates Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13636.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: South African adolescents experience barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and uptake. This study provides insight into contraceptive and other SRH service knowledge, perceptions, and uptake among adolescents in high HIV prevalence settings. Methods: A baseline cross sectional survey was conducted among 3432 grade 8’s enrolled into the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 public high schools across three South African townships (Soweto, Thembisa and Khayelitsha) (2017 - 2018). An interviewer-led survey collected information on SRH knowledge and perceptions; an audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technique gathered SRH service uptake. Descriptive analysis indicates frequency distribution of socio-demographics and knowledge, uptake and perceptions of SRH services. Chi-square test tested for associations between age and sex and selected variables that measure SRH knowledge and uptake. Results: In total, 2383 learners, completed both survey components. Of these, 63.1% (n=1504) were female and 81.4% (n=1938) aged 12-14. Almost a fifth (18.3%, n=436) had ever had sex and less than 1% had accessed SRH services in the last year. Of the 157 females who had ever had sex, 50.9% had ever used contraception. Of those who had sex in the last three months, 59.0% reported using a contraceptive method. Condom use was inconsistent: almost all females said they had not used or could not remember if a condom was used at last sex. Conclusion: This paper contributes to the evidence strengthening learner SRH education, including the national Integrated School Health Programme. Key themes include the need for age-appropriate, differentiated comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for the range of ages found in the same grade in South African schools. Education on different contraceptive methods, informed decision-making, and emergency contraception is key. School-based interventions should embrace integrated HIV, STI, and pregnancy prevention messages. Closer links with health services need to be constantly fostered and reinforced.
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Pleaner M, Milford C, Kutywayo A, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Sexual and reproductive health and rights knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of adolescent learners from three South African townships: qualitative findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial. Gates Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13588.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a time of psycho-social and physiological changes, with increased associated health risks including vulnerability to pregnancy, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence. Adolescent learners, from three townships in South Africa, participated in a 44 session, after-school asset-building intervention (GAP Year), over 2 years providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education. This paper explores adolescent learners’ SRH, sexual risk and rights knowledge; perceptions about transactional sex; and contraceptive method preferences and decision-making practices. Methods: The intervention was conducted in 13 secondary schools across Khayelitsha, Thembisa, and Soweto, South Africa. A baseline survey collected socio-demographic data prior to the intervention. Overall, 26 focus group discussions (FGDs): 13 male and 13 female learner groups, purposively selected from schools, after the intervention (2 years after baseline data collection). Descriptive analyses were conducted on baseline data. Qualitative data were thematically coded, and NVivo was used for data analysis. Results: In total, 194 learners participated in the FGDs. Mean age at baseline was 13.7 years (standard deviation 0.91). Participants acquired SRH and rights knowledge during the GAP Year intervention. Although transactional sex was viewed as risky, some relationships were deemed beneficial and necessary for material gain. Negative healthcare provider attitudes were the main barrier to healthcare service utilisation. There was awareness about the benefits of contraceptives, but some myths about method use. The injectable was the preferred contraceptive method, followed by the implant, with equal preference for condoms and oral pill. Conclusions: An afterschool intervention at school is a viable model for the provision of SRH and rights education to learners. Recommendations include the need for risk reduction strategies in the curriculum, dealing with misconceptions, and the promotion of informed decision making. Endeavours to ensure health services are youth friendly is a priority to limit barriers to accessing these services.
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Levy L, Peterson JM, Kudrick LD, Chohan B, Bosek E, Mukui I, Mugambi M, Masyuko S, Mugurungi O, Ndlovu N, Mahaka I, Dunbar M, Hettema A, Kuwengwa RAP, Matse S, Mullick S, Greener L, O'Connor C, Pillay D, Fawzy M, Mellors JW, Parikh UM. Casting a Wide Net: HIV Drug Resistance Monitoring in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Seroconverters in the Global Evaluation of Microbicide Sensitivity Project. Glob Health Sci Pract 2022; 10:GHSP-D-21-00122. [PMID: 35487541 PMCID: PMC9053149 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00122] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Global Evaluation of Microbicide Sensitivity projects in 4 countries demonstrated the feasibility of establishing an HIV drug resistance monitoring program for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). These projects will provide valuable information on seroconversions in the context of PrEP use and will serve to inform Ministries of Health and policy makers on the need for long-term surveillance approaches. Background: Evidence of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) in individuals using oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) who acquire HIV is limited to clinical trials and case studies. More data are needed to understand the risk of HIVDR with oral PrEP during PrEP rollout. Mechanisms to collect these data vary, and are dependent on cost, scale of PrEP distribution, and in-country infrastructure for the identification, collection, and testing of samples from PrEP seroconverters. Methods: The Global Evaluation of Microbicide Sensitivity (GEMS) project, in collaboration with country stakeholders, initiated HIVDR monitoring among new HIV seroconverters with prior PrEP use in Eswatini, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Standalone protocols were developed to assess HIVDR among a national sample of PrEP users. In addition, HIVDR testing was incorporated into existing demonstration projects for key populations. Lessons learned: Countries are supportive of conducting a time-limited evaluation of HIVDR during the early stages of PrEP rollout. As PrEP rollout expands, the need for long-term HIVDR monitoring with PrEP will need to be balanced with maintaining national HIV drug resistance surveillance for pretreatment and acquired drug resistance. Laboratory capacity is a common obstacle to setting up a monitoring system. Conclusions: Establishing HIV resistance monitoring within PrEP programs is feasible. Approaches to drug resistance monitoring may evolve as the PrEP programs mature and expand. The methods and implementation support offered by GEMS assisted countries in developing methods to monitor for drug resistance that best fit their PrEP program needs and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bhavna Chohan
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Everline Bosek
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Mukui
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mary Mugambi
- National AIDS & STI Control Program, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Owen Mugurungi
- Ministry of Health and Child Care of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sindy Matse
- Eswatini Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Letitia Greener
- Population Services International, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Diantha Pillay
- International Partnership for Microbicides, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Kutywayo A, Mabetha K, Naidoo NP, Mahuma T, Njobe P, Hlongwane R, Mullick S. Learner experiences of safety at public high schools in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the National School Safety Framework learner surveys. Gates Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13328.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite progressive policies and frameworks on school safety by the Department of Basic Education, safety remains a concern in South African schools. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed using the National School Safety Framework (NSSF) 152-question learner survey, exploring perceptions and experiences pertaining to eight safety domains: dangerous objects, drugs and alcohol, bullying, verbal abuse, physical violence, discrimination, sexual violence, and journey to and from school. Grade 9-11 learners from 15 government-funded high schools in the Girls Achieve Power trial in Khayelitsha, Soweto, and Thembisa townships were surveyed (March 2018 - April 2019), sampling 10% of the school population. Data analysis included Principal Component Analysis (PCA), reducing correlated variables into fewer questions, then analysis on a scree plot by calculating eigenvalues; repeated PCA with those that had a minimum eigenvalue of 1 and Cronbach Alpha test for internal reliability. Eleven composite variables were included in the final analysis. Results: In total, 1034 learners completed the NSSF learner survey; 52.9% were female and the mean age was 16 years (SD=1.36). Results show statistically significant associations between four of the 11 composite variables in relation to sex. Over half (55%) of males have experienced peer provocation and relational aggression (p<0.001). Fifty-eight percent of females reported feeling unsafe on their way to and from school (p<0.003). Over half of males reported that their school was not effective in enforcing discipline (p=0.002) while 58% of females noted they could comfortably report any form of experienced or witnessed violence at school, to their educators (p<0.000). Conclusions: Violence continues to be a concern in South African schools. Interventions should work across the ecological model to effectively prevent and reduce violence at school and community levels. Strengthened NSSF implementation is critical to achieving this. We recommend NSSF learner survey adaptations to increase utility and implementation.
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Abstract
Objectives Limited antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance coupled with syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) could be contributing to an increase in AMR in the region. This systematic review aimed to synthesize data on the prevalence of AMR in common STIs in SSA and identify some research gaps that exist. Methods We searched three electronic databases for studies published between 1 January 2000 and 26 May 2020. We screened the titles and abstracts for studies that potentially contained data on AMR in SSA. Then we reviewed the full text of these studies to identify articles that reported data on the prevalence of AMR in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium in SSA. We summarized the data using a narrative synthesis. Results The 40 included studies reported on AMR data from 7961 N. gonorrhoeae isolates from 15 countries in SSA and 350 M. genitalium specimens from South Africa. All four SSA regions reported very high rates of ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and penicillin resistance in N. gonorrhoeae. Resistance to cefixime or ceftriaxone was observed in all regions except West Africa. Azithromycin resistance, recommended as part of dual therapy with an extended-spectrum cephalosporin for gonorrhoea, was reported in all the regions. Both macrolide and fluoroquinolone-associated resistance were reported in M. genitalium in South Africa. Studies investigating AMR in C. trachomatis and T. vaginalis were not identified. Conclusions There is a need to strengthen AMR surveillance in SSA for prompt investigation and notification of drug resistance in STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diantha Pillay
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patience Shamu
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mercy Murire
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Susan Nzenze
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Laura Ashleigh Cox
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bhavaraju N, Shears K, Schwartz K, Mullick S, Jeckonia P, Murungu J, Persaud U, Vij A, Torjesen K. Introducing the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring in Sub-Saharan Africa: What Can We Learn from Oral PrEP? Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:508-517. [PMID: 34910276 PMCID: PMC8671875 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00577-8] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review Clinical trials have found that the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR) is safe to use and effective at reducing women’s risk of acquiring HIV infection. As countries prepare for the introduction of this novel long-acting, woman-controlled prevention method, an examination of key learnings from oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery will help programs leverage successful innovations and approaches to support DVR scale-up and expand the method mix for HIV prevention. Recent findings Intensive efforts over the past 5 years have yielded lessons on how to facilitate access to oral PrEP; expand service delivery for PrEP; address the knowledge, attitudes, and skills providers need to support PrEP initiation and effective use; develop messaging that builds community and partner support and combats stigma; and understand the cyclical nature of PrEP use. Summary Evidence from oral PrEP introduction and scale-up can help inform and expedite DVR introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathleen Shears
- FHI 360, 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 USA
| | | | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, 8 Blackwood Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patriciah Jeckonia
- LVCT Health, Batian Lane, Off Argwings Kodhek Road, Hurlingam, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Murungu
- Pangaea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust, 27 Rowland Square, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Udita Persaud
- United States Agency for International Development, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20523 USA
| | - Ashley Vij
- United States Agency for International Development, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20523 USA
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Gordon K, Kutywayo A, Frade S, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Socio-demographic and social support factors related to substance use in South African in-school adolescents: Insights from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial in three peri-urban settings. Gates Open Res 2021; 5:154. [PMID: 35445170 PMCID: PMC8994034 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13422.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Substance use is a significant public health problem worldwide, with consequences including violence, risky behaviours, and even death. Substance use amongst adolescents is increasing in South Africa, and limited research on frequency, risk and protective factors means that prevention interventions are difficult to design. This paper aims to describe and discuss factors associated with substance use among school-going adolescents in three peri-urban South African settings. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data from participants in the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial. Grade 8 learners (N=2383), aged 11-18, were recruited from 26 lowest quintile public high schools in three townships: Soweto and Thembisa in Gauteng Province, and Khayelitsha in Western Cape Province. A baseline survey gathered demographic and behavioural data. Questions relevant to substance use and social support were used for this analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with substance use. The final variables were included in an unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression for current substance use, and a multinomial logistic regression for frequency of substance use. Results: A total of 22.5% (534) of participants indicated they had ever used substances. Being male was strongly associated with substance use (P<0.001), and less strongly with frequency of substance use. Age significantly predicted substance use, with older adolescents being more likely to engage in substance use (P<0.001); having a parent/guardian employed was negatively associated with substance use (P=0.021). Family-related social support variables were predictive of substance use. Being able to count on friends when things went wrong was predictive of lower frequency of substance use (P=0.019). Conclusions: These results can inform the targeting of prevention interventions to males and younger learners, as well as ensuring youth interventions build family and peer support to make substance use less likely and less frequent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Gordon
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Sasha Frade
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
| | - Nicolette Naidoo
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
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Lanham M, Ridgeway K, Mireku M, Nhamo D, Pillay D, Murire M, Stankevitz K, Kyongo J, Mullick S. Health care providers' attitudes toward and experiences delivering oral PrEP to adolescent girls and young women in Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1112. [PMID: 34663320 PMCID: PMC8522219 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at high risk of HIV. Health providers play a critical role in the uptake and effective use of sexual and reproductive health services; however, few published studies have explored providers’ attitudes toward and experiences delivering PrEP to AGYW. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study, interviewing 113 providers at 36 public, private, and nongovernmental health facilities in Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe that were offering PrEP during the research period or were likely to offer PrEP in the future. Data were coded in NVivo 11, and an applied thematic analysis was conducted. Results Most providers preferred that adolescent girls wait until age 18 to have sex but acknowledged that many girls younger than 18 could benefit from oral PrEP. Their primary concern was whether adolescent girls would be able to take PrEP daily, especially if they do not tell their parents or partners they are using it. Providers reported that it was more challenging to deliver PrEP and other HIV services to girls younger than 18. Those with experience providing PrEP pointed to stigma and lack of PrEP awareness in communities as two primary barriers to PrEP uptake and use. Conclusions Providers were generally accepting of oral PrEP as an HIV prevention option for AGYW; however, many had negative attitudes about adolescent girls being sexually active and concerns about whether they could take PrEP daily. Results were used to update national PrEP training materials to address negative provider attitudes about PrEP use by AGYW. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06978-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Lanham
- FHI 360, 359 Blackwell Street, Suite 201, NC, 27707, Durham, USA.
| | | | - Maryline Mireku
- LVCT Health, P.O. Box 19835-00202 KNH, Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Definate Nhamo
- Pangaea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust, 27 Rowland Square, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Diantha Pillay
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, 31 Princess of Wales Terrace, 2193, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mercy Murire
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, 31 Princess of Wales Terrace, 2193, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kayla Stankevitz
- FHI 360, 359 Blackwell Street, Suite 201, NC, 27707, Durham, USA
| | - Jordan Kyongo
- LVCT Health, P.O. Box 19835-00202 KNH, Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, 31 Princess of Wales Terrace, 2193, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Kutywayo A, Frade S, Gordon K, Mahuma T, Naidoo NP, Mullick S. Who’s got the power? Expressions of empowerment among in-school adolescents enrolled in the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial in three peri-urban settings of South Africa. Gates Open Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13336.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Empowerment is when a person gains mastery of their life and environment. This paper describes three central elements of empowerment (agency, resources, and institutional structures) expressed by adolescents, discussing implications for strengthening adolescent sexual reproductive health, HIV, and violence prevention programming. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted (April 2017 – May 2018) as part of the GAP Year trial among grade eight learners (12 – 18 years) from 26 lowest quintile public high schools in Khayelitsha, Soweto and Thembisa townships, South Africa. Data were on empowerment experiences using a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey. Descriptive and chi-square test statistics were employed, assessing the association between sociodemographic and domains of empowerment. Results: A total of 2383 adolescents in 26 schools completed the baseline survey: 63.1% female, mean age 13.7 years, 96.9% Black African. Agency: Males (4.04 vs 3.94, p=0.008) and those 15 – 18 years (4.10 vs 3.95, p=0.027) expressed stronger decision-making capacity. Females (3.18 vs 2.92, p<0.001) indicated a greater sense of collective action. Females (0.77 vs 0.72, p=0.008), those aged 12 -14 years (0.76 vs 0.71, p=0.027) and those with at least one parent/guardian employed (p=0.014) had stronger leadership confidence. Resources: Those 12-14 years expressed higher self-esteem (2.18 vs 2.08, p=0.017). Males (2.24 vs 1.87, p<0.001) and those who had at least one parent/guardian employed (p=0.047) had a higher perception of freedom from gender-based violence. Males showed greater mobility (2.89 vs 2.66, p=<0.001). Institutional structures: Coloured participants showed more positive norms than their Black counterparts (5.38 vs 2.12, p=0.005). Conclusions: Males expressed greater empowerment around decision-making, gender-based violence and mobility; females expressed greater collective action and leadership. Working across the ecological model, interventions addressing sex differences, targeting adolescents of all ages, and parental unemployment may strengthen expressions of empowerment, especially adolescents’ safety, mobility, aspirations, and future hopes.
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Pleaner M, Fipaza Z, Mabetha K, Greener L, Ncube S, Butler V, Beksinska M, Mullick S. Uptake of Contraception Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women PrEP Clients: Leveraging the Opportunity to Strengthen HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health Integration. Front Reprod Health 2021; 3:684114. [PMID: 36304059 PMCID: PMC9580788 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.684114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention was a major breakthrough in South Africa (SA). While the initial introduction focused on issues such as the development and implementation of new guidelines, supply, and the development of demand creation strategies, the need to integrate PrEP services with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services has gained traction both globally and locally. Project PrEP was implemented in eight healthcare facilities and four mobile clinics in three provinces in SA. Using monitoring data from across the four project clusters, and 4,949 clients, over a 21-month period, we conducted an analysis of baseline routine monitoring data to examine contraceptive uptake in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) initiating PrEP at project sites. Two-thirds of women (62.3%, n = 3,083) reported the current use of contraception at baseline, with the most commonly used methods being hormonal injectables (61.9%, n = 1,829) and male condoms (19.4%, n = 575). A third (32.3%, n = 603) of the non-contraceptive users accepted a method at PrEP initiation. From a total of 1,007 (32.7%) current contraceptive users at baseline, 865 (85.9%) chose the same or a different method at this visit. The method uptake at PrEP initiation increased the overall contraceptive prevalence by 12.2 to 74.5%. Data indicated that over a third (38.8%, n = 725) who were not using a method at baseline described themselves as consistent condom users. Although a major focus of the project was on PrEP service provision, all women were counseled and offered contraceptive services. The acceptance of a method by a third of non-users was promising; however, more understanding of those who did not take up a method is required. The need to leverage opportunities for the promotion of the integration of HIV and family planning at all levels of PrEP provision was highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Pleaner
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zukiswa Fipaza
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Khuthala Mabetha
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Letitia Greener
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sydney Ncube
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vusile Butler
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bhavaraju N, Wilcher R, Regeru RN, Mullick S, Mahaka I, Rodrigues J, Mason J, Schueller J, Torjesen K. Integrating Oral PrEP Into Family Planning Services for Women in Sub-saharan Africa: Findings From a Multi-Country Landscape Analysis. Front Reprod Health 2021; 3:667823. [PMID: 36303993 PMCID: PMC9580806 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.667823] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Integration of HIV and family planning (FP) services is a renewed focus area for national policymakers, donors, and implementers in sub-Saharan Africa as a result of high HIV incidence among general-population women, especially adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), and the perception that integrating HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) into FP services may be an effective way to provide comprehensive HIV and FP services to this population. We conducted a focused desk review to develop a PrEP-FP integration framework across five key categories: plans and policies, resource management, service delivery, PrEP use, and monitoring and reporting. The framework was refined via interviews with 30 stakeholders across seven countries at varying stages of oral PrEP rollout: Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. After refining the framework, we developed a PrEP-FP integration matrix and assessed country-specific progress to identify common enablers of and barriers to PrEP-FP integration. None of the countries included in our analysis had made substantial progress toward integrated PrEP-FP service delivery. Although the countries made progress in one or two categories, integration was often impeded by lack of advancement in other areas. Our framework offers policymakers, program implementers, and health care providers a road map for strategically assessing and monitoring progress toward PrEP-FP integration in their contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rose Wilcher
- Global Health, Population and Nutrition, FHI 360, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Jennifer Mason
- Office of Population and Reproductive Health, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jane Schueller
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Kristine Torjesen
- Global Health, Population and Nutrition, FHI 360, Durham, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Kristine Torjesen
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Kutywayo A, Frade S, Mahuma T, Naidoo NP, Mullick S. Experiences of violence among female and male grade eight learners: baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial across three South African townships. Gates Open Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13276.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: South African adolescents experience disproportionally high rates of violence, with lifelong health, social and economic impacts. Few papers present risk factors associated with experiences of adolescent violence. Methods: A baseline cross-sectional survey was done (April 2017 – Sept 2018) with 3432 grade 8 learners in the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 high schools in three townships (Soweto and Tembisa, Gauteng and Khayelitsha, Western Cape). Collected data on lifetime experiences of different types of violence, perpetrators, and place of violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to enumerate experiences of, and factors associated with violence. Results: A total of 2383 respondents are included. Most (63.1%) were girls, 81.5% aged 12-14. In total 26% had ever experienced violence, higher among boys (p=<0.001). Physical violence was most common (35.7%), then psychological (21.8%), sexual (13.1%), neglect (10.6%), cyberbullying (7.6%), corporal punishment (6.5%) and economic abuse (4.8%). Boys experienced more physical violence (36.0%); girls experienced more psychological violence (22.2%). Gauteng had double the reports of sexual violence (18.4% vs 7.6%, p<0.001). Violence happened most at school (27.4%), followed by the park (19.8%) or their friends’ home (12.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that boys (aOR 1.57; 95% CV 1.27-1.94; p=0.000), those aged 15-17 years (aOR 1.41; 95% CV 1.07-1.84; p=0.013), those who ever used substances (aOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.54-2.37; p=0.000), and those who sometimes feel worthless (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.10-1.64, p=0.003) were at higher odds of ever experiencing violence. Those who had never had sex were less likely to have ever experienced violence (aOR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51-0.83; p=0.001). Conclusion: Urgently need wider adoption, scaling, and sustaining of evidence-based primary violence prevention and structural interventions are required to reduce the high burden of adolescent violence. Stakeholders across the ecological model are needed to tackle harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence.
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Ndowa FJ, Mullick S. Testing for sexually transmitted infections among youth in Zimbabwe. Lancet Child Adolesc Health 2021; 5:93-94. [PMID: 33417837 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(20)30394-1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Yah CS, Ndlovu S, Kutywayo A, Naidoo N, Mahuma T, Mullick S. The prevalence of pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women across the Southern African development community economic hub: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Promot Perspect 2020; 10:325-337. [PMID: 33312928 PMCID: PMC7723002 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2020.51] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite the high rate of HIV infections, there is still high rate of early unprotected sex, unintended pregnancy, and unsafe abortions especially among unmarried adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) 10-24 years of age in sub Saharan Africa. AGYW face challenges in accessing health care, contraception needs, and power to negotiate safer sex. This study aimed to estimate the rate of pregnancy among AGYW aged 10-24, 10-19 and 15-19 years in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) economic region. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was used to describe the prevalence of pregnancy among AGYW in 15 SADC member countries between January 2007 and December2017. The articles were extracted from PubMed/MEDLINE, African Index Medicus, and other reports. They were screened and reviewed according to PRISMA methodology to fulfil study eligibility criteria. Results: The overall regional weighted pregnancy prevalence among AGYW 10-24 years of age was 25% (95% CI: 21% to 29%). Furthermore, sub-population 10-19 years was 22% (95% CI:19% to 26%) while 15-19 years was 24% (18% to 30%). There was a significant heterogeneity detected between the studies (I=99.78%, P < 0.001), even within individual countries. Conclusion: The findings revealed a high pregnancy rate among AGYW in the SADC region. This prompts the need to explore innovative research and programs expanding and improving sexual and reproductive health communication to reduce risk and exposure of adolescents to early planned, unplanned and unwanted pregnancies, SRHR challenges, access to care, HIV/STIs, as well as other risk strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarence S. Yah
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sithembiso Ndlovu
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicolette Naidoo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tshepo Mahuma
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Pillay D, Stankevitz K, Lanham M, Ridgeway K, Murire M, Briedenhann E, Jenkins S, Subedar H, Hoke T, Mullick S. Factors influencing uptake, continuation, and discontinuation of oral PrEP among clients at sex worker and MSM facilities in South Africa. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228620. [PMID: 32352969 PMCID: PMC7192496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [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: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background South Africa became the first country in Africa to introduce oral PrEP in June 2016. The National Department of Health has used a phased approach to rollout, allowing for a dynamic learn-and-adapt process which will lead ultimately to scale-up. Phased rollout began with provision of oral PrEP at facilities providing services to sex workers in 2016 and was expanded in 2017, first to facilities providing services to MSM and then to students at selected university campus clinics, followed by provision at primary health care facilities. Programmatic data shows variability in initiation and continuation between these populations. This study examines factors related to PrEP initiation, continuation, and discontinuation at facilities providing services to sex workers and MSM during the national PrEP rollout. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered September 2017-January 2018 among clients (ages 18–62 and providers at 9 facilities implementing oral PrEP in South Africa, followed by in-depth interviews. The client survey captured PrEP initiation, continuation and discontinuation. Analysis was performed in STATA 13 for survey data and thematic analysis was performed in NViVO 11 for in-depth interview data. Results 299 clients (203 from sex worker facilities, 96 from MSM facilities) participated in the survey and additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 29 clients. Participants self-identified as either current users (n = 94; 36.2%), past users (n = 80; 30.8%) and never users of PrEP (n = 86; 33.1%). Participants who had never used PrEP either cited not being offered PrEP by a provider (57%, n = 49) or declining PrEP (43%, n = 37) as reasons for lack of uptake. The primary reason for declining to use oral PrEP was fear of side effects (41.7%, n = 15). The primary reasons for initiating and continuing on oral PrEP were all related to perceived risk associated with sexual activity. The majority of participants (87.9%, n = 153) also noted that printed IEC materials influenced their decision to initiate PrEP. Qualitative data suggested that several clients initiated on PrEP because they wanted additional protection beyond using condoms due to challenges such as partners refusing to use condoms, having partners with unknown HIV status, having multiple partners, involvement in sex work, or having a partner living with HIV. The majority (73.8%, n = 59) of participants who discontinued oral PrEP cited side effects as the primary reason for discontinuation, followed by feeling stigmatized (18.8%, n = 15). Conclusion This study provides valuable insights on early rollout of PrEP of how clients perceive oral PrEP and where to target efforts to improve the uptake of this highly effective HIV prevention product. By identifying strengths and areas for improvement, the ACCESS study has generated evidence that can be used to guide high quality scale-up in South Africa and may be instructive for other countries’ efforts to expand quality access to oral PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diantha Pillay
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Michele Lanham
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Mercy Murire
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elmari Briedenhann
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sarah Jenkins
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Theresa Hoke
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Dunbar MS, Kripke K, Haberer J, Castor D, Dalal S, Mukoma W, Mullick S, Patel P, Reed J, Subedar H, Were D, Warren M, Torjesen K. Understanding and measuring uptake and coverage of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis delivery among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa. Sex Health 2019; 15:513-521. [PMID: 30408431 PMCID: PMC6429961 DOI: 10.1071/sh18061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [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: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In response to World Health Organization (WHO) guidance recommending oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for all individuals at substantial risk for HIV infection, significant investments are being made to expand access to oral PrEP globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Some have interpreted early monitoring reports from new programs delivering oral PrEP to adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) as suggestive of low uptake. However, a lack of common definitions complicates interpretation of oral PrEP uptake and coverage measures, because various indicators with different meanings and uses are used interchangeably. Furthermore, operationalising these measures in real-world settings is challenged by the difficulties in defining the denominator for measuring uptake and coverage among AGYW, due to the lack of data and experience required to identify the subset of AGYW at substantial risk of HIV infection. This paper proposes an intervention-centric cascade as a framework for developing a common lexicon of metrics for uptake and coverage of oral PrEP among AGYW. In codifying these indicators, approaches to clearly define metrics for uptake and coverage are outlined, and the discussion on ‘low’ uptake is reframed to focus on achieving the highest possible proportion of AGYW using oral PrEP when they need and want it Recommendations are also provided for making increased investments in implementation research to better quantify the sub-group of AGYW in potential need of oral PrEP.and for improving monitoring systems to more efficiently address bottlenecks in the service delivery of oral PrEP to AGYW so that implementation can be taken to scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Dunbar
- FHI 360, 359 Blackwell Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Katharine Kripke
- Avenir Health, 7064 Eastern Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA
| | - Jessica Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 722, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Delivette Castor
- Office of HIV/AIDS, Bureau for Global Health, USAID, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC, 20004, USA
| | - Shona Dalal
- World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Wanjiru Mukoma
- LVCT Health, Argwings Kodhek Road, PO Box 19835-00202 KNH, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 22 Esselen Street, Hillbrow Health Precinct, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
| | - Pragna Patel
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV and TB, 1600 Clifton Road, MS E-04, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jason Reed
- Jhpiego, 1615 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Hasina Subedar
- South Africa National Department of Health, Civitas Building, 222 Thabo Sehume Street, CBD, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Daniel Were
- Jhpiego, 14 Riverside, off Riverside Drive, 2nd Floor, Arlington Block, PO Box 66119-00800, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mitchell Warren
- AVAC, 423 West 127th Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10027, USA
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Stankevitz K, Schwartz K, Hoke T, Li Y, Lanham M, Mahaka I, Mullick S. Reaching at-risk women for PrEP delivery: What can we learn from clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218556. [PMID: 31226165 PMCID: PMC6588242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ARV-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to avert many new HIV infections, yet little is known about how to reach women at high risk for HIV infection and motivate them to initiate PrEP. Clinical trials have succeeded in recruiting at-risk participants, evidenced by control arm HIV incidence ≥3% (defined by the World Health Organization as "substantial risk"). We examined experiences from HIV prevention trials to document recruitment strategies and identify practical, potentially effective strategies for reaching women in real-world PrEP delivery. METHODS We conducted semi-structured qualitative phone interviews with 31 staff from five countries who had worked on one or more of seven ARV-based HIV prevention clinical trials. Questions explored recruitment strategies used to reach women at risk of HIV and to successfully communicate about PrEP (inclusive of oral and vaginal formulations). We structurally coded data in NVivo and analyzed codes to derive themes. We conducted results interpretation webinars with research and programmatic stakeholders to validate findings and develop recommendations. RESULTS Clinical trial researchers employed a range of recruitment strategies to recruit at-risk women. They recommended engaging the local community and potential PrEP users via community events, meetings with gatekeepers, and use of community advisory boards; and they encouraged interpersonal communication like presentations in waiting rooms and door-to-door recruitment to address personal concerns and prevent misinformation. Participants also stressed the importance of addressing the challenges that already exist within the health system to create a more enabling environment and delivering positive messages through a variety of communication channels to normalize PrEP. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study provide important insights into potentially effective ways for countries currently rolling out oral PrEP to reach at-risk women with information about PrEP and promote uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yixuan Li
- FHI 360, Durham, NC, United States of America
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Schwartz S, Davies N, Naidoo N, Pillay D, Makhoba N, Mullick S. Clients' experiences utilizing a safer conception service for HIV affected individuals: implications for differentiated care service delivery models. Reprod Health 2019; 16:65. [PMID: 31138252 PMCID: PMC6538560 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0718-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Safer conception services promote the reproductive health and rights of families, while minimizing HIV transmission risks between partners trying to conceive, as well vertical transmission risks. Implementation data, including clients’ experiences utilizing safer conception services in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. Methods Hillbrow Community Health Centre began offering safer conception services for individuals and couples affected by HIV in Johannesburg, South Africa in June 2015. A stratified sub-sample of safer conception clients were consecutively recruited from April 2016–August 2017 for a cross-sectional interview assessing clients’ perceptions of service acceptability and value, as well as perceived safer conception knowledge and self-efficacy. Visual analog scales from 0 to 100 were used to measure clients’ experiences; scores were classified as low, moderate and high acceptance/value/knowledge/self-efficacy if they were < 50, 50–79 and ≥ 80 respectively. Comparisons of scores were made across safer conception visits attended. Results Among 692 clients utilizing safer conception services, 120 (17%) were sampled for the process evaluation; sub-sample participant characteristics were similar to the overall cohort. Clients gave a mean score of ≥90-points for each question assessing service acceptability and 96% (114/119) indicated a high perceived value (scores ≥80) for regular safer conception attendance until conception. Fifty-eight percent (n = 70) of clients reported learning something new during the visit completed the day of the survey, though acquisition of new information tended to decrease as visits increased (p = 0.09). In terms of safer conception strategies, 80% of clients reported high levels of knowledge on the impact of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and viral suppression on HIV transmission, 67% reported high levels of knowledge of the importance of STI screening and 56% regarding limiting condomless sex to days of peak fertility; 34% in sero-different relationships reported high pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge. Self-efficacy varied by safer conception methods and was similar across study visits. Conclusions Clients perceived high value from their safer conception visits and preferred regular attendance until conception, however we observed a plateau in knowledge and self-efficacy across subsequent visits after initially attending safer conception care. More intensive services may be appropriate for certain clients based on clinical circumstances, but many couples may potentially receive a ‘lighter touch’ approach while still minimizing HIV transmission risks. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12978-019-0718-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Wits Reproductive Health Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Natasha Davies
- Wits Reproductive Health Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicolette Naidoo
- Wits Reproductive Health Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Diantha Pillay
- Wits Reproductive Health Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nokuthula Makhoba
- Wits Reproductive Health Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Davies NE, Chersich M, Mullick S, Naidoo N, Makhoba N, Rees H, Schwartz SR. Integrating Cervical Cancer Screening Into Safer Conception Services to Improve Women's Health Outcomes: A Pilot Study at a Primary Care Clinic in South Africa. Sex Transm Dis 2019; 46:91-97. [PMID: 30308532 PMCID: PMC6336485 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sub-optimal cervical cancer screening in low- and middle-income countries contributes to preventable cervical cancer deaths, particularly among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive women. We assessed feasibility and outcomes of integrating cervical cancer screening into safer conception services for HIV-affected women. METHODS At a safer conception service in Johannesburg, South Africa, HIV-affected women desiring pregnancy received a standard package of care designed to minimize HIV transmission risks while optimizing prepregnancy health. All eligible women were offered Papanicolaou smear, and those with significant pathology were referred for colposcopy before attempting pregnancy. Multivariable analyses identified associations between patient characteristics and abnormal pathology. RESULTS In total, 454 women were enrolled between June 2015 and April 2017. At enrolment, 91% were HIV-positive, 92% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 82% virally suppressed. Eighty-three percent (376 of 454) of clients were eligible for cervical cancer screening and 85% (321 of 376) of these completed screening. More than half had abnormal cervical pathology (185 of 321) and 20% required colposcopy for possible high-grade or persistently atypical lesions (64 of 321). Compared with HIV-negative women, abnormal pathology was more likely among HIV-positive women, both those on ART <2 years (adjusted prevalence ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.0) and those on ART 2 years or longer (adjusted prevalence ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-4.2). CONCLUSIONS Integrating cervical cancer screening into safer conception care was feasible with high coverage, including for HIV-positive women. Significant pathology, requiring colposcopy, was common, even among healthy women on ART. Safer conception services present an opportunity for integration of cervical cancer screening to avert preventable cancer-related deaths among HIV-affected women planning pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha E.C.G. Davies
- From the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and
| | - Matthew Chersich
- From the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- From the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and
| | - Nicolette Naidoo
- From the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and
| | - Nokuthula Makhoba
- From the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and
| | - Helen Rees
- From the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and
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Settergren SK, Mujaya S, Rida W, Kajula LJ, Kamugisha H, Kilonzo Mbwambo J, Kisanga F, Mizinduko MM, Dunbar MS, Mwandalima I, Wazee H, Prieto D, Mullick S, Erie J, Castor D. Cluster randomized trial of comprehensive gender-based violence programming delivered through the HIV/AIDS program platform in Mbeya Region, Tanzania: Tathmini GBV study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206074. [PMID: 30521530 PMCID: PMC6283609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tathmini GBV study was a cluster randomized trial to assess the impact of a comprehensive health facility- and community-based program delivered through the HIV/AIDS program platform on reduction in gender-based violence and improved care for survivors. Twelve health facilities and surrounding communities in the Mbeya Region of Tanzania were randomly assigned to intervention or control arms. Population-level effects were measured through two cross-sectional household surveys of women ages 15–49, at baseline (n = 1,299) and at 28 months following program scale-out (n = 1,250). Delivery of gender-based violence services was assessed through routine recording in health facility registers. Generalized linear mixed effects models and analysis of variance were used to test intervention effects on population and facility outcomes, respectively. At baseline, 52 percent of women reported experience of recent intimate partner violence. The odds of reporting experience of this violence decreased by 29 percent from baseline to follow-up in the absence of the intervention (time effect OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.89). While the intervention contributed an additional 15 percent reduction, the effect was not statistically significant. The program, however, was found to contribute to positive, community-wide changes including less tolerance for certain forms of violence, more gender equitable norms, better knowledge about gender-based violence, and increased community actions to address violence. The program also led to increased utilization of gender-based violence services at health facilities. Nearly three times as many client visits for gender-based violence were recorded at intervention (N = 1,427) compared to control (N = 489) facilities over a 16-month period. These visits were more likely to include provision of an HIV test (55.3% vs. 19.6%, p = .002). The study demonstrated the feasibility and impact of integrating gender-based violence and HIV programming to combat both of these major public health problems. Further opportunities to scale out GBV prevention and response strategies within HIV/AIDS service delivery platforms should be pursued. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry No. PACTR201802003124149.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wasima Rida
- Consultant to Palladium, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Lusajo J Kajula
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hussein Kamugisha
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Felix Kisanga
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mucho M Mizinduko
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Megan S Dunbar
- Pangaea Global AIDS, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | | | - Hijja Wazee
- Walter Reed Program/Henry Jackson Foundation, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Diana Prieto
- United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | - Jennifer Erie
- United States Agency for International Development, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Delivette Castor
- United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Kutywayo A, Yah CS, Naidoo NP, Malotana M, Dyani S, Mullick S. Implementing the Good Participatory Practice Guidelines in the Girls Achieve Power Trial in South Africa. Sage Open 2018; 8:1-12. [PMID: 32983597 PMCID: PMC7473095 DOI: 10.1177/2158244018809149] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Good Participatory Practice (GPP) guidelines provide a framework for stakeholder engagement within clinical trials, to ensure a study's acceptability, feasibility, and improving the overall research quality; however, they have rarely been applied beyond this setting, and no literature exists on its application in adolescent research. A review of the 2011 GPP guidelines was undertaken to identify which 16 GPP topic areas could be applied and adapted for implementing an ecological asset building intervention, that is, the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) cluster randomized controlled trial for reducing school dropout and increasing reporting of gender-based violence in Gauteng and Western Cape province in South Africa. The 16 GPP topic areas were adapted and implemented to guide stakeholder engagement for GAP Year. We show the usability and adaptability of the GPP framework for guiding stakeholder engagement in non-clinical trials like GAP Year; however it requires adapting to respond to the unique needs of the beneficiaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kutywayo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - C S Yah
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - N P Naidoo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - M Malotana
- Grassroot Soccer, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Dyani
- Sonke Gender Justice, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - S Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Goel G, Chandy M, Bhattacharyya A, Banerjee S, Chatterjee S, Mullick S, Sinha S, Sengupta K, Dhar K, Bhattacharya S, Rudramurthy S, Chakrabarti A. Mortality associated with candidemia in non-neutropenic cancer patients is not less compared to a neutropenic cohort of cancer patients. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 36:2533-2535. [PMID: 28801726 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-017-3078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Goel
- Department of Microbiology, Tata Medical Center, 14 Major Arterial Road (E-W), New Town, Kolkata, 700 156, India
| | - M Chandy
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - A Bhattacharyya
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - S Banerjee
- Department of Gastro-intestinal and Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - S Chatterjee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - S Mullick
- Department of Critical Care, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - S Sinha
- Department of Statistics, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
| | - K Sengupta
- Department of Microbiology, Tata Medical Center, 14 Major Arterial Road (E-W), New Town, Kolkata, 700 156, India
| | - K Dhar
- Department of Microbiology, Tata Medical Center, 14 Major Arterial Road (E-W), New Town, Kolkata, 700 156, India
| | - S Bhattacharya
- Department of Microbiology, Tata Medical Center, 14 Major Arterial Road (E-W), New Town, Kolkata, 700 156, India.
| | - S Rudramurthy
- Department of Microbiology, Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - A Chakrabarti
- Department of Microbiology, Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Mullick S. Organization of integrated district disability services. Clin Rehabil 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/026921559100500114] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Colvin M, Dawood S, Kleinschmidt I, Mullick S, Lallo U. Prevalence of HIV and HIV-related diseases in the adult medical wards of a tertiary hospital in Durban, South Africa. Int J STD AIDS 2016; 12:386-9. [PMID: 11368820 DOI: 10.1258/0956462011923336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to determine the prevalence of HIV and the distribution of HIV-related diseases among adult, medical inpatients. Consecutive admissions were recruited and a single ELISA assay was used to determine HIV infection. Demographic and clinical details were extracted from clinical records. Of 507 patients, 54% were infected with HIV of which 84% had AIDS. HIV-infected patients were significantly younger (34.9 years) than uninfected patients (47.1 years) and had significantly higher risks for oral/oesophageal candidiasis (risk ratio [RR] 18.6), generalized lymphadenopathy (RR 7.1), unexplained fever (RR 7.0), chronic diarrhoea (RR 6.2) and pulmonary tuberculosis (RR 3.1). Pulmonary tuberculosis was present in 56% of HIV cases. Mortality was 22% for HIV cases and 9% ( P=0.016) for others. The mean length of hospital stay was the same for HIV-infected and uninfected patients. AIDS is the most common reason for admission to adult medical wards and will increasingly limit the number of beds available for non-AIDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Colvin
- Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa.
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