Urine tenofovir testing for real-time PrEP adherence feedback: a qualitative study involving transgender women in Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Adherence counselling with point-of-care (POC) drug-level feedback using a novel tenofovir assay may support pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence; however, perceptions of urine testing and its impact on adherence are not well studied. We qualitatively examined how POC tenofovir testing was experienced by transgender women (TGW) in Uganda.

METHODS

Within a cluster randomized trial of peer-delivered HIV self-testing, self-sampling for sexually transmitted infections and PrEP among HIV-negative TGW showing overall low PrEP prevention-effective adherence (NCT04328025), we conducted a nested qualitative sub-study of the urine POC assay among a random sample of 30 TGW (August 2021-February 2022). TGW interviews explored: (1) experiences with POC urine tenofovir testing and (2) perceptions of PrEP adherence counselling with drug-level feedback. We used an inductive content analytic approach for analysis.

RESULTS

Median age was 21 years (interquartile range 20-24), and 70% engaged in sex work. Four content categories describe how TGW experienced POC urine tenofovir testing: (1) Urine tenofovir testing was initially met with scepticism: Testing urine to detect PrEP initially induced anxiety, with some perceptions of being intrusive and unwarranted. With counselling, however, participants found POC testing acceptable and beneficial. (2) Alignment of urine test results and adherence behaviours: Drug-level feedback aligned with what TGW knew about their adherence. Concurrence between pill taking and tenofovir detection in urine reinforced confidence in test accuracy. (3) Interpretation of urine tenofovir results: TGW familiar with the interpretation of oral-fluid HIV self-tests knew that two lines on the test device signified positivity (presence of HIV). However, two lines on the urine test strip indicated a positive result for non-adherence (absence of tenofovir), causing confusion. Research nurses explained the difference in test interpretation to participants' satisfaction. (4) White coat dosing: Some TGW deliberately chose not to attend scheduled clinic appointments to avoid detecting their PrEP non-adherence during urine testing. They restarted PrEP before returning to clinic, a behaviour called "white coat dosing."

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating POC urine testing into routine PrEP adherence counselling was acceptable and potentially beneficial for TGW but required attention to context. Additional research is needed to identify effective strategies for optimizing adherence monitoring and counselling for this population.

Behavioral Modeling and its Association with PrEP and ART Use in Ugandan HIV-Serodifferent Couples

Integrating Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery into Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) programs bridges the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention gap for HIV-serodifferent couples prior to the partner living with HIV achieving viral suppression. Behavioral modeling is one mechanism that could explain health-related behavior among couples, including those using antiretroviral medications, but few tools exist to measure the extent to which behavior is modeled. Using a longitudinal observational design nested within a cluster randomized trial, this study examined the factor structure and assessed the internal consistency of a novel 24-item, four-point Likert-type scale to measure behavioral modeling and the association of behavioral modeling with medication-taking behaviors among heterosexual, cis-gender HIV-serodifferent couples. In 149 couples enrolled for research, a five-factor model provided the best statistical and conceptual fit, including attention to partner behavior, collective action, role modeling, motivation, and relationship quality. Behavioral modeling was associated with medication-taking behaviors among members of serodifferent couples. Partner modeling of ART/PrEP taking could be an important target for assessment and intervention in HIV prevention programs for HIV serodifferent couples.

Preexposure prophylaxis availability among health facilities participating in the global International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium

BACKGROUND

While recognized as a key HIV prevention strategy, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) availability and accessibility are not well documented globally. We aimed to describe PrEP drug registration status and the availability of PrEP services across HIV care sites participating in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) research consortium.

METHODS

We used country-level PrEP drug registration status from the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and data from IeDEA surveys conducted in 2014, 2017 and 2020 among participating HIV clinics in seven global regions. We used descriptive statistics to assess PrEP availability across IeDEA sites serving adult patients in 2020 and examined trends in PrEP availability among sites that responded to all three surveys.

RESULTS

Of 199 sites that completed the 2020 survey, PrEP was available in 161 (81%). PrEP availability was highest at sites in North America (29/30; 97%) and East Africa (70/74; 95%) and lowest at sites in Central (10/20; 50%) and West Africa (1/6; 17%). PrEP availability was higher among sites in countries where PrEP was officially registered (146/161; 91%) than where it was not (14/32; 44%). Availability was higher at health centers (109/120; 90%) and district hospitals (14/16; 88%) compared to regional/teaching hospitals (36/63). Among the 94 sites that responded to all three surveys, PrEP availability increased from 47% in 2014 to 60% in 2017 and 76% in 2020.

CONCLUSION

PrEP availability has substantially increased since 2014 and is now available at most IeDEA sites. However, PrEP service provision varies markedly across global regions.

Intimate Partner Violence and Adherence to PrEP and ART Among Ugandan HIV Serodifferent Couples

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition and reduced engagement in HIV care. There is limited understanding of the ways in which IPV exposure and other maladaptive relationship dynamics may influence adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals in committed, HIV serodifferent partnerships.

METHODS

We used binomial generalized linear mixed-effect regression models to evaluate the association between IPV exposure and ART/PrEP adherence among members of serodifferent couples in Uganda. Secondarily, we assessed the association between relationship powerlessness and ART/PrEP adherence.

RESULTS

We enrolled and followed both partners in 149 heterosexual serodifferent couples. The partner living with HIV was female in 64% of couples. IPV exposure was associated with low ART adherence (15% vs. 5% in quarters with no IPV, odds ratio: 4.78, 95% confidence interval: 1.48 to 15.42), but not low PrEP adherence (33% vs. 36%, P = 0.69). Among HIV-negative individuals, those reporting moderate relationship powerlessness were less likely to have poor PrEP adherence compared with those with low relationship powerlessness (20% vs. 30%, odds ratio: 0.57, 95% confidence interval: 0.36 to 0.90). We observed no association between relationship powerlessness and ART adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that IPV exposure was associated with low adherence to ART and that relationship powerlessness was associated with good adherence to PrEP. These findings contribute to the evidence base outlining the influence of IPV and relationship power on ART/PrEP adherence for individuals in HIV serodifferent unions.

Characterizing Mobility and its Association with HIV Outcomes in Refugee Settlements in Uganda

Background

A better understanding of refugee mobility is needed to optimize HIV care in refugee settlements.

Objectives

We aimed to characterize mobility patterns among people living with HIV in refugee settlements in Uganda and evaluate the association between mobility and retention in HIV care.

Methods

Refugees and Ugandan nationals accessing HIV services at seven health centers in refugee settlements across Uganda, with access to a phone, were recruited and followed for six months. Participants received an intake survey and monthly phone surveys on mobility and HIV. Clinic visit and viral suppression data were extracted from clinic registers. Mobility and HIV data were presented descriptively, and an alluvial plot was generated characterizing mobility for participants' most recent trip. Bivariate Poisson regression models were used to describe the associations between long-term mobility (≥1 continuous month away in the past year) and demographic characteristics, retention (≥1 clinic visit/6 months) and long-term mobility, and retention and general mobility (during any follow-up month: ≥2 trips, travel outside the district or further, or spending >1-2 weeks (8-14 nights) away).

Findings

Mobility data were provided by 479 participants. At baseline, 67 participants (14%) were considered long-term mobile. Male sex was associated with an increased probability of long-term mobility (RR 2.02; 95%CI: 1.30-3.14, p < 0.01). In follow-up, 185 participants (60% of respondents) were considered generally mobile. Reasons for travel included obtaining food or supporting farming activities (45% of trips) and work or trade (33% of trips). Retention in HIV care was found for 417 (87%) participants. Long-term mobility was associated with a 14% (RR 0.86; 95%CI: 0.75-0.98) lower likelihood of retention (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Refugees and Ugandan nationals accessing HIV care in refugee settlements frequently travel to support their survival needs. Mobility is associated with inferior retention and should be considered in interventions to optimize HIV care.

How PrEP delivery was integrated into public ART clinics in central Uganda: A qualitative analysis of implementation processes

Tailored delivery strategies are important for optimizing the benefit and overall reach of PrEP in sub-Saharan Africa. An integrated approach of delivering time-limited PrEP in combination with ART to serodifferent couples encourages PrEP use in the HIV-negative partner as a bridge to sustained ART use. Although PrEP has been delivered in ART clinics for many years, the processes involved in integrating PrEP into ART services are not well understood. The Partners PrEP Program was a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial of integrated PrEP and ART delivery for HIV serodifferent couples in 12 public health facilities in central Uganda (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03586128). Using qualitative data, we identified and characterized key implementation processes that explain how PrEP delivery was integrated into existing ART services in the Partners PrEP Program. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposefully-selected sub-sample of 83 members of 42 participating serodifferent couples, and with 36 health care providers implementing integrated delivery. High quality training, technical supervision, and teamwork were identified as key processes supporting providers to implement PrEP delivery. Interest in the PrEP program was promoted through the numerous ways health care providers made integrated ART and PrEP meaningful for serodifferent couples, including tailored counseling messages, efforts to build confidence in integrated delivery, and strategies to create demand for PrEP. Couples in the qualitative sample responded positively to providers' efforts to promote the integrated strategy. HIV-negative partners initiated PrEP to preserve their relationships, which inspired their partners living with HIV to recommit to ART adherence. Lack of disclosure among couples and poor retention on PrEP were identified as barriers to implementation of the PrEP program. A greater emphasis on understanding the meaning of PrEP for users and its contribution to implementation promises to strengthen future research on PrEP scale up in sub-Saharan Africa.

"Take services to the people": strategies to optimize uptake of PrEP and harm reduction services among people who inject drugs in Uganda

BACKGROUND

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of HIV acquisition and often encounter barriers to accessing healthcare services. Uganda has high HIV prevalence among PWID and lacks integrated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and harm reduction services. Understanding PWID experiences accessing and using harm reduction services and PrEP will inform strategies to optimize integration that align with PWID needs and priorities.

METHODS

Between May 2021 and March 2023, we conducted semi-structured interviews with PWID in Kampala, Uganda. We recruited participants with and without previous experience accessing harm reduction services and/or PrEP using purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were audio recorded, translated, and transcribed. We used thematic analysis to characterize motivations for uptake of harm reduction and HIV prevention services, and strategies to optimize delivery of needle and syringe programs (NSP), medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and PrEP.

RESULTS

We conducted interviews with 41 PWID. Most participants were relatively aware of their personal HIV risk and accurately identified situations that increased risk, including sharing needles and engaging in transactional sex. Despite risk awareness, participants described engaging in known HIV risk behaviors to satisfy immediate drug use needs. All reported knowledge of harm reduction services, especially distribution of sterile needles and syringes, and many reported having experience with MOUD. Participants who had accessed MOUD followed two primary trajectories; limited resources and relationships with other PWID caused them to discontinue treatment while desire to regain something they believed was lost to their drug use motivated them to continue. Overall, PrEP knowledge among participants was limited and few reported ever taking PrEP. However, participants supported integrating PrEP into harm reduction service delivery and advocated for changes in how these services are accessed. Stigma experienced in healthcare facilities and challenges acquiring money for transportation presented barriers to accessing current facility-based harm reduction and HIV prevention services.

CONCLUSIONS

Meeting the HIV prevention needs of PWID in Uganda will require lowering barriers to access, including integrated delivery of PrEP and harm reduction services and bringing services directly to communities. Additional training in providing patient-centered care for healthcare providers may improve uptake of facility-based services.

The effect of daily oral PrEP use during pregnancy on bone mineral density among adolescent girls and young women in Uganda

Introduction

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended during pregnancy for at-risk cisgender women. Pregnancy is known to impede bone growth and tenofovir-based PrEP may also yield detrimental changes to bone health. Thus, we evaluated the effect of PrEP use during pregnancy on bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

We used data from a cohort of women who were sexually active, HIV-negative, ages 16-25 years, initiating DMPA or choosing condoms for contraception and enrolled in the Kampala Women's Bone Study. Women were followed quarterly with rapid testing for HIV and pregnancy, PrEP dispensation, and adherence counseling. Those who became pregnant were counseled on PrEP use during pregnancy per national guidelines. BMD of the neck of the hip, total hip, and lumbar spine was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and annually. We compared the mean percent change in BMD from baseline to month 24.

Results

Among 499 women enrolled in the study, 105 pregnancies occurred in 90 women. At enrollment, the median age was 20 years (IQR: 19-21) and 89% initiated PrEP. During pregnancy, 67% of women continued using PrEP and PrEP was dispensed in 64% of visits. BMD declined significantly in women using PrEP during pregnancy compared to women who were not pregnant nor used PrEP: relative BMD change was -2.26% (95% CI: -4.63 to 0.11, p = 0.06) in the femoral neck, -2.57% (95% CI: -4.48 to -0.66, p = 0.01) in total hip, -3.06% (95% CI: -5.49 to -0.63, p = 0.001) lumbar spine. There was no significant difference in BMD loss when comparing PrEP-exposed pregnant women to pregnant women who never used PrEP. Women who became pregnant were less likely to continue PrEP at subsequent study visits than women who did not become pregnant (adjOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.16-0.37, p < 0.001). Based on pill counts, there was a 62% reduction in the odds of high PrEP adherence during pregnancy (adjOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.27-0.58, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Women who used PrEP during pregnancy experienced a similar reduction in BMD as pregnant women with no PrEP exposure, indicating that BMD loss in PrEP-using pregnant women is largely driven by pregnancy and not PrEP.

Partner testing with HIV self-test distribution by Ugandan pregnant women living with HIV: a randomized trial

INTRODUCTION

Secondary distribution of HIV self-tests (HIVST) by HIV-negative pregnant women to male partners increases men's testing rates. We examined whether this strategy promotes male partner testing for pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV).

METHODS

We conducted an open-label individually randomized trial in Kampala, Uganda, in which PWLHIV ≥18 years who reported a partner of unknown HIV status were randomized 2:1 to secondary distribution of HIVST for male partner(s) or standard-of-care (SOC; invitation letter to male partner for fast-track testing). Women were followed until 12 months post-partum. Male partners were offered confirmatory HIV testing and facilitated linkage to antiretroviral treatment (ART) or oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Using intention-to-treat analysis, primary outcomes were male partner testing at the clinic and initiation on PrEP or ART evaluated through 12 months post-partum (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03484533).

RESULTS

From November 2018 to March 2020, 500 PWLHIV were enrolled with a median age of 27 years (interquartile range [IQR] 23-30); 332 were randomized to HIVST and 168 to SOC with 437 PWLHIV (87.4%) completing 12 months follow-up post-partum. Of 236 male partners who tested at the clinic and enrolled (47.2%), their median age was 31 years (IQR 27-36), 45 (88.3%) men with HIV started ART and 113 (61.1%) HIV-negative men started PrEP. There was no intervention effect on male partner testing (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79-1.37) or time to ART or PrEP initiation (HR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.69-1.33). Two male partners and two infants acquired HIV for an incidence of 0.99 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0.12-3.58) and 1.46 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0.18%-5.28%), respectively. Social harms related to study participation were experienced by six women (HIVST = 5, SOC = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of the partners of Ugandan PWLHIV tested for HIV with similar HIV testing rates and linkage to ART or PrEP among the secondary distribution of HIVST and SOC arms. Although half of men became aware of their HIV serostatus and linked to services, additional strategies to reach male partners of women in antenatal care are needed to increase HIV testing and linkage to services among men.

Understanding the barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 risk mitigation strategy adoption and COVID-19 vaccination in refugee settlements in Uganda: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Perspectives on COVID-19 risk and the willingness and ability of persons living in refugee settlements to adopt COVID-19 prevention strategies have not been rigorously evaluated. The realities of living conditions in Ugandan refugee settlements may limit the extent to which refugees can uptake strategies to mitigate COVID-19 risk.

METHODS

In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted between April 2021 and April 2022 to assess COVID-19 knowledge, risk perception, prevention strategy adoption including COVID-19 vaccination, and COVID-19 impact on living conditions in refugee settlements in Uganda. Interview participants included 28 purposively selected refugees who called into "Dial-COVID", a free telephone COVID-19 information collection and dissemination platform that was advertised in refugee settlements by community health workers. Interviews were analyzed using a combination of deductive and inductive content analysis. Emerging themes were mapped onto the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify domains influencing prevention behavior. Results were synthesized to provide intervention and policy recommendations for risk mitigation in refugee settlements for COVID-19 and future infectious disease outbreaks.

RESULTS

The COVID-19 pandemic detrimentally impacted economic and food security as well as social interactions in refugee settlements. Youth were considered especially impacted, and participants reported incidents of child marriage and teenage pregnancy following school closures. Participants displayed general knowledge of COVID-19 and expressed willingness to protect themselves and others from contracting COVID-19. Risk mitigation strategy uptake including COVID-19 vaccination was influenced by COVID-19 knowledge, emotions surrounding COVID-19, the environmental context and resources, personal goals, beliefs about the consequences of (non)adoption, social influences, and behavior reinforcement. Resource constraints, housing conditions, and competing survival needs challenged the adoption of prevention strategies and compliance decreased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Contextual challenges impact the feasibility of COVID-19 risk mitigation strategy uptake in refugee settlements. Pre-existing hardships in this setting were amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns. Targeted dispelling of myths, alignment of information across communication mediums, supporting survival needs and leveraging of respected role models are strategies that may hold potential to mitigate risk of infectious diseases in this setting.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

World Pandemic Research Network - 490,652.

Vaginal epithelial dysfunction is mediated by the microbiome, metabolome, and mTOR signaling

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by depletion of Lactobacillus and overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria, leading to increased mucosal inflammation, epithelial disruption, and poor reproductive health outcomes. However, the molecular mediators contributing to vaginal epithelial dysfunction are poorly understood. Here we utilize proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses to characterize biological features underlying BV in 405 African women and explore functional mechanisms in vitro. We identify five major vaginal microbiome groups: L. crispatus (21%), L. iners (18%), Lactobacillus (9%), Gardnerella (30%), and polymicrobial (22%). Using multi-omics we show that BV-associated epithelial disruption and mucosal inflammation link to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and associate with Gardnerella, M. mulieris, and specific metabolites including imidazole propionate. Experiments in vitro confirm that type strain G. vaginalis and M. mulieris supernatants and imidazole propionate directly affect epithelial barrier function and activation of mTOR pathways. These results find that the microbiome-mTOR axis is a central feature of epithelial dysfunction in BV.

Depression and PrEP uptake, interruption, and adherence among young women in Uganda

Depression is a common cause of morbidity globally and can impact adherence to medications, posing challenges to medication-based HIV prevention. The objectives of this work are to describe the frequency of depression symptoms in a cohort of 499 young women in Kampala, Uganda and to determine the association of depression symptoms with use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Mild or greater depression, assessed by the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), was experienced by 34% of participants at enrollment. Participants with mild depression symptoms tended to uptake PrEP, request PrEP refills, and adhere to PrEP with similar frequency to women with no/minimal signs of depression. These findings highlight opportunities to leverage existing HIV prevention programs to identify women who may benefit from mental health services and may not otherwise be screened.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03464266..

Leveraging interactive voice response technology to mitigate COVID-19 risk in refugee settlements in Uganda: Lessons learned implementing "Dial-COVID" a toll-free mobile phone symptom surveillance and information dissemination tool

BACKGROUND

Persons living in refugee settlements in sub-Saharan Africa may be at increased risk for COVID-19 and experience barriers to accessing COVID-19 information. We aimed to evaluate the implementation of "Dial-COVID" a multi-lingual, toll free, telephone platform that uses interactive voice response (IVR) to track COVID-19 symptoms/exposure and disseminate COVID-19 health information in refugee settlements in Uganda. We hypothesized that IVR could provide an alternative way to screen for COVID-19 and communicate public health information to humanitarian populations when physical access and testing capacity were limited.

METHODS

The Dial-COVID IVR platform was created in ten languages and advertised by community health workers in refugee settlements for participants to call into toll free. In a recorded IVR symptom survey, participants were screened for COVID-19 symptoms/exposures and based on their responses, received tailored public health messages about COVID-19 risk mitigation in accordance with Uganda Ministry of Health guidelines. Here we report the challenges and lessons learned implementing this research during the pandemic.

RESULTS

Between February 2021 and March 2022, 15,465 calls were received by the Dial-COVID platform from all 31 refugee settlements in Uganda through which 6,913 symptom surveys were completed and 10,411 public health messages were disseminated in all study languages. Uptake of Dial-COVID fluctuated with the national COVID-19 caseload and was impacted by phone ownership and connectivity in refugee settlements. Intensified advertising efforts promoted Dial-COVID uptake. Flexibility to adapt IVR messages was contingent on translation capacity.

CONCLUSION

Refugees living in refugee settlements across Uganda accessed Dial-COVID to share and obtain COVID-19 information suggesting that IVR holds potential for rapid information dissemination and screening of humanitarian populations during future infectious disease outbreaks and may be a valuable tool for routine public health programs. IVR adaptation flexibility and reach are influenced by language constraints and by contextual factors related to platform access.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

World Pandemic Research Network- 490652.

Factors associated with HIV self-testing among female university students in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at institutions of higher learning are at high risk of HIV, and conventional HIV testing services may not reach them sufficiently. HIV self-testing (HIVST) scalability can be informed by identifying AGYW who have used or are interested in using HIVST. We aimed to determine factors associated with use and willingness to use HIVST among female university students.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 483 female students at Makerere University, Uganda. Proportions of students who have used or are willing to use HIVST and their associated factors were determined. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The median age of the participants was 22 (Interquartile range [IQR] 21-23) years, and 21% had never tested for HIV. Over 93% were willing to utilize HIVST, and 19% had ever used HIV self-test kits. Increasing age (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.23 per year, 95% CI 1.07-1.43) was significantly associated with HIVST use. Predictors of willingness to self-test for HIV were college type (arts vs. science-based, aPR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.97), number of sexual partners (one, aPR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.12 or ≥ 2, aPR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.19, vs. none), alcohol (aPR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.09) or injection drug (aPR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.09) use, a history of sexually transmitted infections in past 12 months (aPR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09), and HIV testing experience (tested in past 12 months, aPR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.22 or over 12 months, aPR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24, vs. never tested).

CONCLUSION

HIVST was highly acceptable despite its limited use. This study demonstrates female student characteristics that can be leveraged to scale up HIVST programs in higher institutions of learning.

PrEP uptake and HIV viral suppression when PrEP is integrated into Ugandan ART clinics for HIV-negative members of HIV-serodifferent couples: A stepped wedge cluster randomized trial

Background

Global scale-up of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) includes services to HIV-negative people in partnerships with people living with HIV (serodifferent couples). Data are needed on HIV outcomes, including uptake and adherence to PrEP and antiretroviral treatment (ART), to describe the impact of integrating PrEP into an existing HIV program.

Methods

Using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial design, we launched PrEP delivery for HIV-negative members of serodifferent couples in Uganda by integrating PrEP into existing ART programs for people living with HIV. The program provided PrEP training for ART providers, ongoing technical assistance, and a provisional supply chain mechanism for PrEP medication. Primary data on PrEP initiation, PrEP refills, ART initiation, and HIV viremia at 6 months (measured at 42-270 days) were collected through data abstraction of medical records from HIV-serodifferent couples sequentially enrolling at the ART clinics. Modified Poisson regression models, controlling for time and cluster, compared viral suppression (<1000 copies/ml) before and after launch of the PrEP program. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03586128.

Findings

From June 1, 2018-December 15, 2020, 1,381 HIV-serodifferent couples were enrolled across 12 ART clinics in Kampala and Wakiso, Uganda, including 730 enrolled before and 651 after the launch of PrEP delivery. During the baseline period, 99.4% of partners living with HIV initiated ART and 85.0% were virally suppressed at 6 months. Among HIV-negative partners enrolled after PrEP launched, 81.0% (527/651) initiated PrEP within 90 days of enrolling; among these 527, 11.2% sought a refill 6 months later. In our powered intent-to-treat analysis, 82.1% and 76.7% of partners living with HIV were virally suppressed, respectively, which was not a statistically significant difference (RR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.82-1.07) and was stable across sensitivity analyses.

Interpretation

Integration of PrEP into ART clinics reached a high proportion of people in HIV-serodifferent relationships and did not improve the already high frequency of HIV viral suppression among partners living with HIV.

Funding

National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH110296).

Health Care Worker Perspectives of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Service Delivery in Central Uganda

Background

Scale-up of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services in Uganda is ongoing. However, health care workers (HCWs) may not be aware of PrEP nor what offering this service entails. We explored the impact of standardized HCW training on the knowledge and perspectives of PrEP service delivery in Uganda.

Methods

We recruited HCWs from facilities that offered HIV-related services in Central Uganda. Using the Uganda Ministry of Health curriculum, we trained HCWs on PrEP services. We collected data about PrEP knowledge, preparedness, and willingness to deliver PrEP to multiple key populations before the training, immediately after the training, and >6 months later (exit). We additionally conducted 15 qualitative interviews after the exit survey. Quantitative data were analyzed by Fisher exact test, while qualitative interview data were analyzed inductively.

Results

We recruited 80 HCWs from 35 facilities in urban (N = 24, 30%), peri-urban (N = 30, 37%), and rural (N = 26, 33%) areas. Most HCWs were nurse counselors (N = 52, 65%) or medical/clinical officers (N = 15, 18%). Surveys indicated that awareness of PrEP increased after the training and remained high. Knowledge of PrEP (i.e., as an effective, short-term antiretroviral medication to use before HIV exposure for people at high risk) generally increased with training, but significant gaps remained, and knowledge decreased with time. Most HCWs recommended PrEP for female sex workers and HIV serodifferent couples, as well as other key populations. We observed increases in the number of HCW who felt their facility was prepared to cater for HIV prevention and provide PrEP, but this view was not universal. HCWs believed in PrEP effectiveness and embraced it as an additional HIV prevention method. Concerns included patient adherence and behavioral risk compensation. HCWs noted challenges in PrEP delivery in terms of inadequate clinic preparedness, infrastructure, staff capacity, and poor attitudes toward key populations by untrained health workers. They felt further training was needed to ensure a smooth scale-up of services without stigmatization.

Conclusions

Standardized training improved knowledge, willingness, and preparedness to offer PrEP services among most HCWs in Central Uganda. Ongoing training will be needed to optimize PrEP delivery services and expand delivery to levels needed for population-level impact.

Effect of HIV Self-Testing on PrEP Adherence Among Gender-Diverse Sex Workers in Uganda: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

HIV self-testing (HIVST) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are complementary tools that could empower sex workers to control their HIV protection, but few studies have jointly evaluated PrEP and HIVST in any setting.

METHODS

The Empower Study was an open-label randomized trial in Uganda. Sex workers were offered F/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and randomized 1:1 to monthly HIVST and quarterly in-clinic testing (intervention) or quarterly in-clinic HIV testing alone (standard of care) and followed up for 12 months. PrEP adherence was measured using electronic adherence monitoring and tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels in dried blood spots. Adherence outcomes and sexual behaviors were compared by arm using generalized estimating equation models.

RESULTS

We enrolled 110 sex workers: 84 cisgender women, 14 transgender women, 10 men who have sex with men, and 2 transgender men. The median age was 23 years. The 12-month retention was 75%. Nearly all (99.4%) used ≥1 HIVST kit. The proportion with TFV-DP levels ≥700 fmol/punch in the HIVST and standard of care arms at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month visits was 2.4%, 2.3%, 0%, and 0% and 7.9%, 0%, 0%, and 0%, respectively, with no differences by randomization arm (P > 0.2). Self-reported condomless sex acts with paying partners was similar by arm [adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42 to 1.17; P = 0.18]. One seroconversion occurred (HIV incidence, 0.9/100 person-years); TFV-DP was not detected at any visit.

CONCLUSIONS

A gender-diverse sample of sex workers in Uganda used HIVST but not daily oral PrEP for HIV protection. Alternate approaches to promote PrEP use, including long-acting formulations, should be considered in this population.

"You are not a man": a multi-method study of trans stigma and risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among trans men in Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Transgender (trans) men in sub-Saharan Africa are a hidden and vulnerable population who may engage in sex work due to socio-economic exclusion and lack of alternative employment opportunities. Little is known about HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk among trans men in this setting. We conducted a multi-method study to characterize HIV/STI risk among trans men in Uganda.

METHODS

Between January and October 2020, we enrolled 50 trans men into a cross-sectional study through snowball sampling. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual practices and depression. We conducted 20 qualitative interviews to explore: (1) descriptions of sexual practices that could increase HIV/STI exposure; (2) experiences of accessing public healthcare facilities; (3) perceptions of HIV or STI testing; (4) HIV and STI service delivery; and (5) drug and alcohol use. We used an inductive content analytic approach centring on descriptive category development to analyse the data.

RESULTS

The median age was 25 years (interquartile range 23-28). The prevalence of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B was 4%, 6% and 8%, respectively. We observed multiple levels of intersecting individual, interpersonal and structural stigmas. (1) Trans men reported transphobic rape motivated by interpersonal stigma that was psychologically traumatizing to the survivor. The resultant stigma and shame hindered healthcare access. (2) Structural stigma and economic vulnerability led to sex work, which increased the risk of HIV and other STIs. Sex work stigma further compounded vulnerability. (3) Individualized stigma led to fear of disclosure of gender identity and HIV status. Concealment was used as a form of stigma management. (4) Multiple levels of stigma hampered access to healthcare services. Preference for trans-friendly care was motivated by stigma avoidance in public facilities. Overall, the lived experiences of trans men highlight the intertwined relationship between stigma and sexual health.

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample from Uganda, trans men experienced stigma at multiple levels, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive healthcare delivery. Stigma reduction interventions, including provider training, non-discrimination policies, support groups and stigma counselling, could strengthen uptake and utilization of prevention services by this marginalized population.

Health Worker Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators of Assisted Partner Notification for HIV for Refugees and Ugandan Nationals: A Mixed Methods Study in West Nile Uganda

Assisted partner notification (APN) is recommended by the World Health Organization to notify sexual partners of HIV exposure. Since 2018, APN has been offered in Uganda to Ugandan nationals and refugees. Distinct challenges faced by individuals in refugee settlements may influence APN utilization and effectiveness. To explore APN barriers and facilitators, we extracted index client and sexual partner data from APN registers at 11 health centers providing care to refugees and Ugandan nationals in West Nile Uganda and conducted qualitative interviews with health workers (N = 32). Since APN started, 882 index clients participated in APN identifying 1126 sexual partners. Following notification, 95% (1025/1126) of partners tested for HIV; 22% (230/1025) were diagnosed with HIV with 14% (139/1025) of tested partners newly diagnosed. Fear of stigma and disclosure-related violence limit APN utilization and effectiveness. Prospective research involving index clients and sexual partners is needed to facilitate safe APN optimization in refugee settlements.

HIV self-testing and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis are empowering for sex workers and their intimate partners: a qualitative study in Uganda

Introduction

HIV self‐testing (HIVST) and oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are complementary, evidence‐based, self‐controlled HIV prevention tools that may be particularly appealing to sex workers. Understanding how HIVST and PrEP are perceived and used by sex workers and their intimate partners could inform prevention delivery for this population. We conducted qualitative interviews to examine ways in which HIVST and PrEP use influence prevention choices among sex workers in Uganda.

Methods

Within a randomized trial of HIVST and PrEP among 110 HIV‐negative cisgender women, cisgender men and transgender women sex workers (NCT03426670), we conducted 40 qualitative interviews with 30 sex workers and 10 intimate partners (June 2018 to January 2020). Sex worker interviews explored (a) experiences of using HIVST kits; (b) how HIVST was performed with sexual partners; (c) impact of HIVST on PrEP pill taking; and (d) sexual risk behaviours after HIVST. Partner interviews covered (i) introduction of HIVST; (ii) experiences of using HIVST; (iii) HIV status disclosure; and (iv) HIVST's effect on sexual behaviours. Data were analysed using an inductive content analytic approach centering on descriptive category development. Together, these categories detail the meaning of HIVST and PrEP for these qualitative participants.

Results

Using HIVST and PrEP was empowering for this group of sex workers and their partners. Three types of empowerment were observed: (a) economic; (b) relational; and (c) sexual health. (i) Using HIVST and PrEP made sex without condoms safer. Sex workers could charge more for condomless sex, which was empowering economically. (ii) Self‐testing restored trust in partners’ fidelity upon being reunited after a separation. This trust, in combination with condomless sex made possible by PrEP use, restored intimacy, empowering partnered relationships. (iii) HIVST and PrEP enabled sex workers to take control of their HIV prevention efforts and avoid the stigma of public clinic visits. In this way they were empowered to protect their sexual health.

Conclusions

In this sample, sex workers’ use of HIVST and PrEP benefitted not only prevention efforts, but also economic and relational empowerment. Understanding these larger benefits and communicating them to stakeholders could strengthen uptake and use of combination prevention interventions in this marginalized population.

Understanding the role of interpersonal violence in assisted partner notification for HIV: a mixed-methods study in refugee settlements in West Nile Uganda

Background

Assisted partner notification (APN) for HIV was introduced in refugee settlements in West Nile Uganda in 2018 to facilitate testing of sexual partners. While APN is an effective strategy recommended by the World Health Organization, its safety has not been evaluated in a refugee settlement context in which participants have high prior exposure to interpersonal violence. The extent to which interpersonal violence influences APN utilization and the frequency with which post-APN interpersonal violence occurs remains unknown.

Methods

To explore the relationship between APN and interpersonal violence, a cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted at 11 health centers in or near refugee settlements serving refugee and national populations in West Nile Uganda. Routinely collected index client and sexual partner data were extracted from APN registers and semi-structured interviews were conducted with health workers.

Results

Through APN, 1126 partners of 882 distinct index clients were identified. For 8% (75/958) of partners, index clients reported a history of intimate partner violence (IPV). For 20% (226/1126) of partners, index clients were screened for post-APN IPV; 8 cases were reported of which 88% (7/8) concerned partners with whom index clients reported prior history of IPV. In qualitative interviews (N = 32), health workers reported HIV disclosure-related physical, sexual and psychological violence and deprivation or neglect. Incidents of disclosure-related violence against health workers and dependents of index clients were also reported. Fear of disclosure-related violence was identified as a major barrier to APN that prevents index clients from listing sexual partners.

Conclusions

Incidents of interpersonal violence have been reported following HIV-disclosure and fear of interpersonal violence strongly influences APN participation. Addressing HIV perception and stigma may contribute to APN uptake and program safety. Prospective research on interpersonal violence involving index clients and sexual partners in refugee settlements is needed to facilitate safe engagement in APN for this vulnerable population.

Knowledge and barriers of PrEP delivery among diverse groups of potential PrEP users in Central Uganda

BACKGROUND

Scale-up of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention in Uganda began with serodiscordant couples (SDC) and has expanded to other most at-risk populations (MARPs). We explored knowledge, acceptability, barriers and facilitators of PrEP use among potential PrEP users in four MARPs (SDC; men who have sex with men [MSM]; female sex workers [FSW], and fisher folk).

METHODS

We administered quantitative surveys to potential PrEP users in multiple settings in Central Uganda at baseline and approximately 9 months after healthcare worker (HCW) training on PrEP.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 250 potential PrEP users at baseline and 125 after HCW training; 55 completed both surveys. For these 250 participants, mean age was 28.5 years (SD 6.9), 47% were male and 6% were transgender women, with approximately even distribution across MARPs and recruitment locations (urban, peri-urban, and rural). Most (65%) had not heard about PrEP. After HCW training, 24% of those sampled were aware of PrEP, and the proportion of those who accurately described PrEP as "antiretrovirals to be used before HIV exposure" increased from 54% in the baseline survey to 74% in the second survey (p<0.001). The proportion of participants who reported HCW as a source of PrEP information increased after training (59% vs 91%, p<0.001). In both surveys, nearly all participants indicated they were willing to take PrEP if offered. The most common anticipated barriers to PrEP were stigma, transportation, accessibility, busy schedules, and forgetfulness. Closeness to home was a common facilitator for all participant categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial awareness of PrEP was low, but PrEP knowledge and interest increased among diverse MARPs after HCW training. Demand creation and HCW training will be critical for increasing PrEP awareness among key populations, with support to overcome barriers to PrEP use. These findings should encourage the acceleration of PrEP rollout in Uganda.

Short Message Service (SMS) Surveys Assessing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Adherence and Sexual Behavior are Highly Acceptable Among HIV-Uninfected Members of Serodiscordant Couples in East Africa: A Mixed Methods Study

Short message service (SMS) surveys are a promising data collection method and were used to measure sexual behavior and adherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among HIV-uninfected partners of serodiscordant couples enrolled in a sub-study of the Partners Demonstration Project (an open-label study of integrated antiretroviral therapy and PrEP for HIV prevention in Kenya and Uganda). Questionnaires were completed by 142 participants after study exit. Median age was 29 years; 69% were male. Ninety-five percent (95%) felt SMS surveys were "easy" or "very easy", 74% reported no challenges, and 72% preferred SMS surveys over in-person study visits. Qualitative interviews involving 32 participants confirmed the ease of responding to SMS surveys. Participants also indicated that surveys acted as reminders for adherence to PrEP and condom use and were experienced as support from the study. SMS surveys were generally found to be acceptable in this population and provided real-time context of PrEP use.

Beyond HIV prevention: everyday life priorities and demand for PrEP among Ugandan HIV serodiscordant couples

INTRODUCTION

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection is being rolled out in Africa. The uptake of PrEP to date has varied across populations and locations. We seek to understand the drivers of demand for PrEP through analysis of qualitative data collected in conjunction with a PrEP demonstration project involving East African HIV serodiscordant couples. Our goal was to inform demand creation by understanding what PrEP means - beyond HIV prevention - for the lives of users.

METHODS

The Partners Demonstration Project evaluated an integrated strategy of PrEP and antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery in which time-limited PrEP served as a "bridge" to long-term ART. Uninfected partners in HIV serodiscordant couples were offered PrEP at baseline and encouraged to discontinue once infected partners had taken ART for six months. We conducted 274 open-ended interviews with 93 couples at two Ugandan research sites. Interviews took place one month after enrolment and at later points in the follow-up period. Topics included are as follows: (1) discovery of serodiscordance; (2) decisions to accept/decline PrEP and/or ART; (3) PrEP and ART initiation; (4) experiences of using PrEP and ART; (5) PrEP discontinuation; (6) impact of PrEP and ART on the partnered relationship. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. We used an inductive, content analytic approach to characterize meanings of PrEP stemming from its effectiveness for HIV prevention. Relevant content was represented as descriptive categories.

RESULTS

Discovery of HIV serodiscordance resulted in fear of HIV transmission for couples, which led to loss of sexual intimacy in committed relationships, and to abandonment of plans for children. As a result, partners became alienated from each other. PrEP countered the threat to the relationship by reducing fear and reinstating hopes of having children together. Condom use worked against the re-establishment of intimacy and closeness. By increasing couples' sense of protection against HIV infection and raising the prospect of a return to "live sex" (sex without condoms), PrEP was perceived by couples as solving the problem of serodiscordance and preserving committed relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

The most effective demand creation strategies for PrEP may be those that address the everyday life priorities of potential users in addition to HIV prevention.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT02775929.

Integrated delivery of antiretroviral treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis to HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in East Africa: a qualitative evaluation study in Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Serodiscordant couples are a priority population for delivery of new HIV prevention interventions in Africa. An integrated strategy of delivering time-limited, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to uninfected partners in serodiscordant couples as a bridge to long-term antiretroviral treatment (ART) for infected partners has been implemented in East Africa, nearly eliminating new infections. We conducted a qualitative evaluation of the integrated strategy in Uganda, to better understand its success.

METHODS

Data collection consisted of 274 in-depth interviews with 93 participating couples, and 55 observations of clinical encounters between couples and healthcare providers. An inductive content analytic approach aimed at understanding and interpreting couples' experiences of the integrated strategy was used to examine the data. Analysis sought to characterize: (1) key aspects of services provided; (2) what the services meant to recipients; and (3) how couples managed the integrated strategy. Themes were identified in each domain, and represented as descriptive categories. Categories were grouped inductively into more general propositions based on shared content. Propositions were linked and interpreted to explain "why the integrated strategy worked."

RESULTS

Couples found "couples-focused" services provided through the integrated strategy strengthened partnered relationships threatened by the discovery of serodiscordance. They saw in services hope for "getting help" to stay together, turned joint visits to clinic into opportunities for mutual support, and experienced counselling as bringing them closer together. Couples adopted a "couples orientation" to the integrated strategy, considering the health of partners as they made decisions about initiating ART or accepting PrEP, and devising joint approaches to adherence. A couples orientation to services, grounded in strengthened partnerships, may have translated to greater success in using antiretrovirals to prevent HIV transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Various strategies for delivering antiretrovirals for HIV prevention are being evaluated. Understanding how and why these strategies work will improve evaluation processes and strengthen implementation platforms. We highlight the role of service organization in shaping couples' experiences of and responses to ART and PrEP in the context of the integrated strategy. Organizing services to promote positive care experiences will strengthen delivery and contribute to positive outcomes as antiretrovirals for prevention are rolled out.