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Hawkinson DE, Witzel TC, Gafos M. Exploring practices to enhance benefits and reduce risks of chemsex among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: A meta-ethnography. Int J Drug Policy 2024; 127:104398. [PMID: 38555721 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104398] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemsex is the intentional combining of specific drugs with sex, primarily by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), to enhance intimacy, pleasure, and prolong sexual sessions. Practices vary across geographic and social settings. Participants report benefits and risks of chemsex. Studies have previously reviewed chemsex practices and harm reduction interventions separately. This review aims to examine both together by describing and understanding practices that men employ to navigate the perceived benefits and risks of chemsex. METHODS We conducted a systematic meta-ethnographic review of published qualitative literature, screening titles, abstracts, and full texts on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using reciprocal and refutational translation techniques, we analysed study participants' (first-order) and researchers' (second-order) accounts of benefit-enhancing and risk-reducing chemsex practices. Finally, we employed line-of-argument synthesis techniques to develop our own higher-level interpretations (third-order constructs) of these chemsex practices. RESULTS Our search yielded 6356 records, from which, we included 23 articles in our review. Most studies were conducted in high-income Western countries. Across studies, participants acted at the individual, interpersonal, and community levels to enhance benefits and reduce risks, which made up our third-order constructs. Eight themes emerged from first- and second-order constructs to describe these practices, which included personal preparation, personal boundaries, biomedical measures, structured use of drugs, leaning on partners, injecting practices, group organising, watching out for others, and teaching and learning. Contextual factors like trust, agency, access, stigma, and setting moderated whether and how participants engaged in these practices, and if practices enhanced benefits or reduced risks. CONCLUSION Health promotion programmes and research focused on chemsex must account for the benefits and the risks that GBMSM associate with this type of sexualised drug use and target the moderating factors that shape the practices they employ to navigate these benefits and risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew E Hawkinson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - T Charles Witzel
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Rd, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
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2
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Pujar A, Howard-Merrill L, Cislaghi B, Lokamanya K, Prakash R, Javalkar P, Raghavendra T, Beattie T, Isac S, Gafos M, Heise L, Bhattacharjee P, Ramanaik S, Collumbien M. Boys' perspectives on girls' marriage and school dropout: a qualitative study revisiting a structural intervention in Southern India. Cult Health Sex 2024; 26:701-716. [PMID: 37548151 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2241525] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Girls' education has for many decades been central to the global development agenda, due to its positive impact on girls' health and wellbeing. In this paper, the authors revisit boys' attitudes, behaviours and norms related to girls' education, following the Samata intervention to prevent girls' school dropouts in Northern-Karnataka, South India. Data were collected from 20 boys in intervention villages before and after the intervention, and analysis was undertaken using a thematic-framework approach. Findings suggest that while boys did hold some attitudes and beliefs that supported girls' education and delayed-marriage, these remained within the framework of gender-inequitable norms concerning girls' marriageability, respectability/family-honour. Participants criticised peers who sought to jeopardise girls' respectability by teasing and community gossip about girls-boys' communication in public. Boys who rejected prevailing norms of masculinity were subjected to gossip, ridicule and violence by the community. Boys' attitudes and beliefs supported girls' education but were conditional on the maintenance of gendered hierarchies at household and interpersonal levels. Social norms concerning girls' honour, respectability and the role of boys as protectors/aggressors appeared to influence boys' response to girls' school dropouts. Future interventions aiming to address girls' education and marriage must invest time and resources to ensure that intervention components targeting boys are relevant, appropriate and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Pujar
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India
| | - Lottie Howard-Merrill
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Ben Cislaghi
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Kavitha Lokamanya
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India
| | - Ravi Prakash
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India
- Center for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Prakash Javalkar
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Tara Beattie
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Shajy Isac
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India
- Center for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Lori Heise
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and School of Nursing, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | - Parinita Bhattacharjee
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India
- Center for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Martine Collumbien
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
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3
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Ingold H, Gomez GB, Stuckler D, Vassall A, Gafos M. "Going into the black box": a policy analysis of how the World Health Organization uses evidence to inform guideline recommendations. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1292475. [PMID: 38584925 PMCID: PMC10995388 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1292475] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in producing global guidelines. In response to previous criticism, WHO has made efforts to enhance the process of guideline development, aiming for greater systematicity and transparency. However, it remains unclear whether these changes have effectively addressed these earlier critiques. This paper examines the policy process employed by WHO to inform guideline recommendations, using the update of the WHO Consolidated HIV Testing Services (HTS) Guidelines as a case study. Methods We observed guideline development meetings and conducted semi-structured interviews with key participants involved in the WHO guideline-making process. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. The data were deductively coded and analysed in line with the main themes from a published conceptual framework for context-based evidence-based decision making: introduction, interpretation, and application of evidence. Results The HTS guideline update was characterized by an inclusive and transparent process, involving a wide range of stakeholders. However, it was noted that not all stakeholders could participate equally due to gaps in training and preparation, particularly regarding the complexity of the Grading Recommendations Assessment Development Evaluation (GRADE) framework. We also found that WHO does not set priorities for which or how many guidelines should be produced each year and does not systematically evaluate the implementation of their recommendations. Our interviews revealed disconnects in the evidence synthesis process, starting from the development of systematic review protocols. While GRADE prioritizes evidence from RCTs, the Guideline Development Group (GDG) heavily emphasized "other" GRADE domains for which little or no evidence was available from the systematic reviews. As a result, expert judgements and opinions played a role in making recommendations. Finally, the role of donors and their presence as observers during GDG meetings was not clearly defined. Conclusion We found a need for a different approach to evidence synthesis due to the diverse range of global guidelines produced by WHO. Ideally, the evidence synthesis should be broad enough to capture evidence from different types of studies for all domains in the GRADE framework. Greater structure is required in formulating GDGs and clarifying the role of donors through the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Ingold
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Unitaid, Global Health Campus, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gabriela B. Gomez
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social Sciences and Politics, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Vassall
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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4
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Taylor A, Hayes R, Nwokolo N, Whitlock G, Dosekun O, McCormack S, Gafos M, Evangeli M. Psychological and Behavioural Within-participant Predictors of Adherence to Oral HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). AIDS Behav 2024; 28:274-284. [PMID: 37580575 PMCID: PMC10803569 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04151-8] [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: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Oral PrEP's effectiveness relies on adequate adherence during periods of substantial HIV risk. Since most PrEP users will miss doses, understanding predictors within participants can help to explain adherence. We used a cross-sectional, within-participant design with 67 gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men taking PrEP daily. Using a questionnaire, informed by the Information Motivation Behavioral Skills Model, participants were asked about an adherent and a non-adherent episode. PrEP non-adherence was associated with non-normality of the day (p < .001), being out of the home (p < .001), weekend days (p = .01), having company (p = .02), using substances (p = 0.02), not using reminders (p = .03), lower PrEP information (p = .04), lower behavioural skills (p < .001) and less positive affect (p = .002). PrEP adherence assessment could focus on situational variations, supporting the construction of alternative strategies to facilitate adherence in these situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, London, UK
| | - Rosalie Hayes
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sheena McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Michael Evangeli
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, London, UK.
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5
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Witzel TC, Nicholls EJ, McCabe L, Weatherburn P, McCormack S, Bonell C, Gafos M, Lampe FC, Speakman A, Dunn D, Ward D, Phillips AN, Pebody R, Gabriel MM, Collaco-Moraes Y, Rodger AJ, Burns FM. Understanding experiences of potential harm among MSM (cis and trans) using HIV self-testing in the SELPHI randomised controlled trial in England and Wales: a mixed-methods study. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:534-540. [PMID: 37607814 PMCID: PMC10715485 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-055840] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential of HIV self-testing (HIVST) to cause harm is a concern hindering widespread implementation. The aim of this paper is to understand the relationship between HIVST and harm in SELPHI (An HIV Self-testing Public Health Intervention), the largest randomised trial of HIVST in a high-income country to date. METHODS 10 111 cis and trans men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited online (geolocation social/sexual networking apps, social media), aged 16+, reporting previous anal intercourse and resident in England or Wales were first randomised 60/40 to baseline HIVST (baseline testing, BT) or not (no baseline testing, nBT) (randomisation A). BT participants reporting negative baseline test, sexual risk at 3 months and interest in further HIVST were randomised to three-monthly HIVST (repeat testing, RT) or not (no repeat testing, nRT) (randomisation B). All received an exit survey collecting data on harms (to relationships, well-being, false results or being pressured/persuaded to test). Nine participants reporting harm were interviewed in-depth about their experiences in an exploratory substudy; qualitative data were analysed narratively. RESULTS Baseline: predominantly cis MSM, 90% white, 88% gay, 47% university educated and 7% current/former pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users. Final survey response rate was: nBT=26% (1056/4062), BT=45% (1674/3741), nRT=41% (471/1147), RT=50% (581/1161).Harms were rare and reported by 4% (n=138/3691) in exit surveys, with an additional two false positive results captured in other study surveys. 1% reported harm to relationships and to well-being in BT, nRT and RT combined. In all arms combined, being pressured or persuaded to test was reported by 1% (n=54/3678) and false positive results in 0.7% (n=34/4665).Qualitative analysis revealed harms arose from the kit itself (technological harms), the intervention (intervention harms) or from the social context of the participant (socially emergent harms). Intervention and socially emergent harms did not reduce HIVST acceptability, whereas technological harms did. DISCUSSION HIVST harms were rare but strategies to link individuals experiencing harms with psychosocial support should be considered for HIVST scale-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN20312003.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Leanne McCabe
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Social & Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sheena McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher Bonell
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fiona C Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Speakman
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Dunn
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Denise Ward
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Michelle M Gabriel
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alison J Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona M Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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6
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Hayes R, Nutland W, Rayment M, Wayal S, Apea V, Clarke A, McOwan A, Sullivan A, Desai M, Jajja A, Rice B, Horne R, McCormack S, Gafos M. "Sex without fear": exploring the psychosocial impact of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis on gay men in England. AIDS Res Ther 2023; 20:81. [PMID: 37964322 PMCID: PMC10648634 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00568-2] [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] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience a high prevalence of psychosocial health problems, such as harmful substance use and depression, as well as being disproportionately affected by HIV. HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) may provide psychosocial benefits beyond its intended purpose of reducing HIV infection. We explore the psychosocial impact of oral PrEP use on gay men in England using qualitative data from the PROUD study. From February 2014 to January 2016, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 gay men and one trans woman. Participants were purposively recruited based on trial arm allocation, adherence, and sexual risk behaviours. By removing HIV risk from sex, PrEP improves users' wellbeing by reducing HIV-related anxiety and internalised stigma and increasing HIV prevention self-efficacy, sexual pleasure, and intimacy. In turn, these psychological changes may influence behaviour in the form of greater sexual freedom, reduced harmful drug use, and more protective sexual health behaviours. However, PrEP may create internal conflict for some gay men, due to its disruption of social norms around condom use and its perceived influence on their sexual behaviour leading to reduced condom self-efficacy. These findings provide a baseline of PrEP's psychosocial impact amongst some of the first PrEP users in England and supports calls to consider the psychosocial impact of PrEP in prescribing guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Hayes
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, 58 Turner Street, London, E1 2AB, UK
| | | | - Michael Rayment
- Directorate of HIV and GU Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sonali Wayal
- Institute for Global Health, Mortimer Market Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vanesa Apea
- Ambrose King Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Department of HIV, Sexual Health and Contraception, Royal Sussex County Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Alan McOwan
- Directorate of HIV and GU Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ann Sullivan
- Directorate of HIV and GU Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Monica Desai
- STI & HIV Division, Blood Safety, Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Andrew Jajja
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Brian Rice
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Rob Horne
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sheena McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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7
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Rice B, Buller AM, Boccia D, Bazan C, Miranda R, Cea X, Laro R, Fontes M, Hayes R, de Wit M, Carter DJ, Plowright A, Chadwick M, Gafos M. Establishing the health and wellbeing needs of mining host community in Brazil, Chile and Peru: a mixed-method approach to identify priority areas for action to help communities meet their SDG3 targets. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2218. [PMID: 37950177 PMCID: PMC10636873 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17017-4] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global mining industry is an important partner in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2018, Anglo American plc published their Sustainable Mining Plan, containing a goal for improving health and wellbeing aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3) targets. Having formed an independent multidisciplinary research consortium, we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of SDG3 priorities within the local context of communities hosting Anglo American mining operations located in Latin America. METHODS In 2019, within the host communities of three mining operations in Chile, three in Brazil, and one in Peru, we conducted a qualitative study which included stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews. We also quantitatively appraised existing health data. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative assessments were compared to identify health and wellbeing priority areas for action relevant to each community. RESULTS Across the three countries, 120 people took part in workshops and 35 in interviews. In these workshops and interviews, non-communicable diseases (SDG3.4), harmful alcohol consumption (SDG3.5), and pollution, particularly air pollution (SDG3.9), were consistently identified as areas for priority action. There were similarities in the reporting of individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas across the different communities. The availability of quantitative data was generally good at the state level, becoming increasing sparse as we focused on smaller geographies. The priorities identified in the quantitative assessments generally aligned with those highlighted in the qualitative data. CONCLUSIONS We highlight the importance of engaging with local populations to understand and address health needs. To address the priorities identified, intervention packages tailored to the specific needs of host communities, that tackle associated upstream societal level factors, are required. To facilitate this, appropriate monitoring systems and epidemiological investigations should be implemented to better understand the local context and quantify health issues. In the host communities, it is essential for the mining sector to be a key health partner in promoting integrated programmes that contribute to achieving the priority objectives and targets aligned with the SDG3 agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Rice
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Ana Maria Buller
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Delia Boccia
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Cesar Bazan
- Innovation for Development (I4D), Lima, Peru
| | - Rafael Miranda
- Innovation for Development (I4D), Lima, Peru
- Universidad Continental del Peru, Junín, Peru
| | - Ximena Cea
- Innovation for Development (I4D), Lima, Peru
- Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Rosalie Hayes
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Mariken de Wit
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Daniel J Carter
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | | | | | - Mitzy Gafos
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
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8
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Torres-Rueda S, Terris-Prestholt F, Gafos M, Indravudh PP, Giddings R, Bozzani F, Quaife M, Ghazaryan L, Mann C, Osborne C, Kavanagh M, Godfrey-Faussett P, Medley G, Malhotra S. Health Economics Research on Non-surgical Biomedical HIV Prevention: Identifying Gaps and Proposing a Way Forward. Pharmacoeconomics 2023; 41:787-802. [PMID: 36905570 PMCID: PMC10007656 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-022-01231-w] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although HIV prevention science has advanced over the last four decades, evidence suggests that prevention technologies do not always reach their full potential. Critical health economics evidence at appropriate decision-making junctures, particularly early in the development process, could help identify and address potential barriers to the eventual uptake of future HIV prevention products. This paper aims to identify key evidence gaps and propose health economics research priorities for the field of HIV non-surgical biomedical prevention. METHODS We used a mixed-methods approach with three distinct components: (i) three systematic literature reviews (costs and cost effectiveness, HIV transmission modelling and quantitative preference elicitation) to understand health economics evidence and gaps in the peer-reviewed literature; (ii) an online survey with researchers working in this field to capture gaps in yet-to-be published research (recently completed, ongoing and future); and (iii) a stakeholder meeting with key global and national players in HIV prevention, including experts in product development, health economics research and policy uptake, to uncover further gaps, as well as to elicit views on priorities and recommendations based on (i) and (ii). RESULTS Gaps in the scope of available health economics evidence were identified. Little research has been carried out on certain key populations (e.g. transgender people and people who inject drugs) and other vulnerable groups (e.g. pregnant people and people who breastfeed). Research is also lacking on preferences of community actors who often influence or enable access to health services among priority populations. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis, which has been rolled out in many settings, has been studied in depth. However, research on newer promising technologies, such as long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis formulations, broadly neutralising antibodies and multipurpose prevention technologies, is lacking. Interventions focussing on reducing intravenous and vertical transmission are also understudied. A disproportionate amount of evidence on low- and middle-income countries comes from two countries (South Africa and Kenya); evidence from other countries in sub-Saharan Africa as well as other low- and middle-income countries is needed. Further, data are needed on non-facility-based service delivery modalities, integrated service delivery and ancillary services. Key methodological gaps were also identified. An emphasis on equity and representation of heterogeneous populations was lacking. Research rarely acknowledged the complex and dynamic use of prevention technologies over time. Greater efforts are needed to collect primary data, quantify uncertainty, systematically compare the full range of prevention options available, and validate pilot and modelling data once interventions are scaled up. Clarity on appropriate cost-effectiveness outcome measures and thresholds is also lacking. Lastly, research often fails to reflect policy-relevant questions and approaches. CONCLUSIONS Despite a large body of health economics evidence on non-surgical biomedical HIV prevention technologies, important gaps in the scope of evidence and methodology remain. To ensure that high-quality research influences key decision-making junctures and facilitates the delivery of prevention products in a way that maximises impact, we make five broad recommendations related to: improved study design, an increased focus on service delivery, greater community and stakeholder engagement, the fostering of an active network of partners across sectors and an enhanced application of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mitzy Gafos
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Matthew Quaife
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lusine Ghazaryan
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Carlyn Mann
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Matthew Kavanagh
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Graham Medley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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9
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Beksinska A, Karlsen O, Gafos M, Beattie TS. Alcohol use and associated risk factors among female sex workers in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0001216. [PMID: 37310993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001216] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to its widespread use in the sex work industry, female sex workers (FSWs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at high risk of harmful alcohol use and associated adverse health outcomes. Factors associated with harmful alcohol use include violence, mental health problems, drug use, sexual risk behaviors and HIV/STIs. To our knowledge, there has been no quantitative synthesis of FSW alcohol use data to date. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide an estimate of the prevalence of harmful alcohol use among FSWs in LMICs and to examine associations with common health and social concerns. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42021237438. We searched three electronic databases for peer-reviewed, quantitative studies from inception to 24th February 2021. Studies were selected for inclusion that reported any measure of prevalence or incidence of alcohol use among FSWs aged 18 or older from countries defined as LMIC in accordance with the World Bank income groups 2019. The following study designs were included: cross-sectional survey, case-control study, cohort study, case series analysis, or experimental study with baseline measures for alcohol use. Study quality was assessed with the Center for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa) Critical Appraisal Tool. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated for (i) any hazardous/harmful/dependent alcohol use, (ii) harmful/dependent alcohol use only, both overall and by region and (iii) daily alcohol use. Meta-analyses examined associations between harmful alcohol use and violence, condom use, HIV/STIs, mental health problems and other drug use. In total, 435 papers were identified. After screening, 99 papers reporting on 87 unique studies with 51,904 participants from 32 LMICs met the inclusion criteria. Study designs included cross-sectional (n = 89), cohort (n = 6) and experimental (n = 4). Overall, 5 scored as high quality, 79 studies scored as moderate and 15 scored as weak quality. Twenty-nine papers reporting on 22 unique studies used validated alcohol use tools including AUDIT, CAGE and WHO CIDI. The pooled prevalence of any hazardous/harmful/dependent alcohol use was 41% (95% CI: 31-51%), and of daily alcohol use was 26% (95% CI: 17-36%). There was variation in harmful alcohol use by global region (Sub-Saharan Africa: 38%; South Asia/Central Asia/ East Asia and Pacific: 47% and Latin America and the Caribbean:44%). Harmful alcohol use was significantly associated with inconsistent condom use (pooled unadjusted RR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.01-2.67), STIs (pooled unadjusted OR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.15-1.46); and other drug use (pooled unadjusted OR of 2.44; 95% CI 1.24-4.80), but not with HIV, violence or mental health problems. We found a high prevalence of problem alcohol use and daily alcohol use among FSWs in LMICs. Harmful drinking was associated with important HIV risk factors such as inconsistent condom use, STIs and other drug use. Major limitations included heterogeneity in tools and cut-off scores to measure alcohol use and other common risk factors, and a paucity of longitudinal studies. There is an urgent need for tailored interventions for FSWs in LMICs that address alcohol use as well as the associated sex work risk environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Beksinska
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oda Karlsen
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tara S Beattie
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Giddings R, Indravudh P, Medley GF, Bozzani F, Gafos M, Malhotra S, Terris-Prestholt F, Torres-Rueda S, Quaife M. Infectious Disease Modelling of HIV Prevention Interventions: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Compartmental Models. Pharmacoeconomics 2023; 41:693-707. [PMID: 36988896 PMCID: PMC10163138 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-023-01260-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic remains a major public health problem. Critical to transmission control are HIV prevention strategies with new interventions continuing to be developed. Mathematical models are important for understanding the potential impact of these interventions and supporting policy decisions. This systematic review aims to answer the following question: when a new HIV prevention intervention is being considered or designed, what information regarding it is necessary to include in a compartmental model to provide useful insights to policy makers? The primary objective of this review is therefore to assess suitability of current compartmental HIV prevention models for informing policy development. METHODS Articles published in EMBASE, Medline, Econlit, and Global Health were screened. Included studies were identified using permutations of (i) HIV, (ii) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), circumcision (both voluntary male circumcision [VMMC] and early-infant male circumcision [EIMC]), and vaccination, and (iii) modelling. Data extraction focused on study design, model structure, and intervention incorporation into models. Article quality was assessed using the TRACE (TRAnsparent and Comprehensive Ecological modelling documentation) criteria for mathematical models. RESULTS Of 837 articles screened, 48 articles were included in the review, with 32 unique mathematical models identified. The substantial majority of studies included PrEP (83%), whilst fewer modelled circumcision (54%), and only a few focussed on vaccination (10%). Data evaluation, implementation verification, and model output corroboration were identified as areas of poorer model quality. Parameters commonly included in the mathematical models were intervention uptake and effectiveness, with additional intervention-specific common parameters identified. We identified key modelling gaps; critically, models insufficiently incorporate multiple interventions acting simultaneously. Additionally, population subgroups were generally poorly represented-with future models requiring improved incorporation of ethnicity and sexual risk group stratification-and many models contained inappropriate data in parameterisation which will affect output accuracy. CONCLUSIONS This review identified gaps in compartmental models to date and suggests areas of improvement for models focusing on new prevention interventions. Resolution of such gaps within future models will ensure greater robustness and transparency, and enable more accurate assessment of the impact that new interventions may have, thereby providing more meaningful guidance to policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mitzy Gafos
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Matthew Quaife
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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11
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Bozzani FM, Terris-Prestholt F, Quaife M, Gafos M, Indravudh PP, Giddings R, Medley GF, Malhotra S, Torres-Rueda S. Costs and Cost-Effectiveness of Biomedical, Non-Surgical HIV Prevention Interventions: A Systematic Literature Review. Pharmacoeconomics 2023; 41:467-480. [PMID: 36529838 PMCID: PMC10085926 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-022-01223-w] [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] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considerable evidence on the costs and cost-effectiveness of biomedical, non-surgical interventions to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission has been generated over the last decade. This study aims to synthesize findings and identify remaining knowledge gaps to suggest future research priorities. METHODS A systematic literature review was carried out in August 2020 using the MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and EconLit databases to retrieve economic evaluations and costing studies of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), injectable long-acting PrEP, vaginal microbicide rings and gels, HIV vaccines and broadly neutralizing antibodies. Studies reporting costs from the provider or societal perspective were included in the analysis. Those reporting on behavioural methods of prevention, condoms and surgical approaches (voluntary medical male circumcision) were excluded. The quality of reporting of the included studies was assessed using published checklists. RESULTS We identified 3007 citations, of which 87 studies were retained. Most were set in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs; n = 53) and focused on the costs and/or cost-effectiveness of oral PrEP regimens (n = 70). Model-based economic evaluations were the most frequent study design; only two trial-based cost-effectiveness analyses and nine costing studies were found. Less than half of the studies provided practical details on how the intervention would be delivered by the health system, and only three of these, all in LMICs, explicitly focused on service integration and its implication for delivery costs. 'Real-world' programme delivery mechanisms and costs of intervention delivery were rarely considered. PrEP technologies were generally found to be cost-effective only when targeting high-risk subpopulations. Single-dose HIV vaccines are expected to be cost-effective for all groups despite substantial uncertainty around pricing. CONCLUSIONS A lack of primary, detailed and updated cost data, including above-service level costs, from a variety of settings makes it difficult to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of specific delivery modes at scale, or to evaluate strategies for services integration. Closing this evidence gap around real-world implementation is vital, not least because the strategies targeting high-risk groups that are recommended by PrEP models may incur substantially higher costs and be of limited practical feasibility in some settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta M Bozzani
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | | | - Matthew Quaife
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Pitchaya P Indravudh
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | | | - Graham F Medley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | | | - Sergio Torres-Rueda
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
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12
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Shah P, Beattie TS, Kabuti R, Liku J, Kung'u M, Babu H, Jama Z, Kaul R, Weiss HA, Kyegombe N, Medley GF, Devries K, Gafos M, Nyariki E, Kimani J, Seeley J. Syndemic of factors that shape the early lives of women who enter into sex work: a qualitative methods study from Nairobi, Kenya. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068886. [PMID: 37045579 PMCID: PMC10106030 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068886] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the structural and social co-factors that shape the early lives of women who enter sex work in Nairobi, Kenya. DESIGN Thematic analysis of qualitative data collected as part of the Maisha Fiti study among female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi. PARTICIPANTS AND MEASURES FSWs aged 18-45 years were randomly selected from seven Sex Workers Outreach Programme clinics in Nairobi and participated in baseline behavioural-biological surveys. Participants in this qualitative study were randomly selected from the Maisha Fiti study cohort and were interviewed between October 2019 and July 2020. Women described their lives from childhood, covering topics including sex work, violence and financial management. RESULTS 48 out of 1003 Maisha Fiti participants participated in the in-depth qualitative interviews. FSWs described how physical and sexual violence, poverty and incomplete education in their childhood and adolescence intertwined with early pregnancy, marriage, intimate partner violence and relationship breakdown in their adolescence and early adulthood. The data analysis found clear syndemic relationships between these risk factors, particularly childhood violence, poverty and incomplete education and highlighted pathways leading to financial desperation and caring for dependents, and subsequent entry into sex work. Women perceived sex work as risky and most would prefer alternative work if possible, but it provided them with some financial independence and agency. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study in Kenya to qualitatively explore the early lives of sex workers from a syndemic perspective. This method identified the pivotal points of (1) leaving school early due to poverty or pregnancy, (2) breakdown of early intimate relationships and (3) women caring for dependents on their own. Complex, multi-component structural interventions before these points could help increase school retention, reduce teenage pregnancy, tackle violence, support young mothers and reduce entry into sex work and the risk that it entails by expanding livelihood options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Shah
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tara S Beattie
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rhoda Kabuti
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jennifer Liku
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mary Kung'u
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hellen Babu
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Zaina Jama
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen Anne Weiss
- MRC International and Statistics Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nambusi Kyegombe
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Graham F Medley
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Karen Devries
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emily Nyariki
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
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13
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Closson K, Prakash R, Javalkar P, Beattie T, Thalinja R, Collumbien M, Ramanaik S, Isac S, Watts C, Moses S, Gafos M, Heise L, Becker M, Bhattacharjee P. Adolescent Girls and Their Family Members' Attitudes Around Gendered Power Inequity and Associations with Future Aspirations in Karnataka, India. Violence Against Women 2023; 29:836-859. [PMID: 35959552 PMCID: PMC9950596 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221097142] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Intergenerational differences in inequitable gender attitudes may influence developmental outcomes, including education. In rural Karnataka, India, we examined the extent of intergenerational (adolescent girls [AGs] vs. older generation family members) dis/agreement to attitudes around gendered power inequities, including gender roles and violence against women (VAW). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression examined associations between intergenerational dis/agreement to attitude statements and AGs' future educational and career aspirations. Of 2,457 AGs, 90.9% had a matched family member (55% mothers). While traditional gender roles were promoted intergenerationally, more AGs supported VAW than family members. In adjusted models, discordant promotion of traditional gender roles and concordant disapproval of VAW were associated with greater aspirations. Results highlight the need for family-level programming promoting positive modeling of gender-equitable attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ravi Prakash
- India Health Action Trust, Lucknow, India,University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada,Ravi Prakash, India Health Action Trust,
405A, Ratan Square, VS Marg, Lucknow 226001, India.
| | | | - Tara Beattie
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Shajy Isac
- India Health Action Trust, Lucknow, India,University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Charlotte Watts
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | | | - Mitzy Gafos
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Lori Heise
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public
Health & Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Panneh M, Gafos M, Nyariki E, Liku J, Shah P, Wanjiru R, Wanjiru M, Beksinska A, Pollock J, Jama Z, Babu H, Kaul R, Seeley J, Bradley J, Kimani J, Beattie T. Mental health challenges and perceived risks among female sex Workers in Nairobi, Kenya. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2158. [PMID: 36418973 PMCID: PMC9685887 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14527-5] [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: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex workers (FSWs) in Kenya are at an increased risk of violence, poverty, police arrest, and problematic alcohol and other substance use, all of which are linked to poor mental health and suicidal ideation. Despite the psychological stressors experienced by FSWs, there is no published qualitative methods research investigating their mental health experiences in Kenya. In this paper, we draw on data from in-depth interviews to examine FSWs' lifetime mental health experiences and perceived risk factors. METHODS We used baseline in-depth interviews of the Maisha Fiti longitudinal study of FSWs in Nairobi. We randomly selected 40 FSWs from 1003 FSWs who attended a baseline behavioural-biological interview as part of the Maisha Fiti study. The interview guide was semi-structured, and participants were asked to detail their life stories, including narrating specific events such as entry into sex work, experiences of violence, mental health experiences, and use of alcohol and other substances. Interviews were recorded in Kiswahili/ English and transcribed in English. Data were coded and thematically analysed in Nvivo (v.12). RESULTS Results indicated that the majority of participants understood 'mental health' as 'insanity', 'stress', 'depression', and 'suicide'; nevertheless, a number described mental health symptomatically, while a few believed that mental health problems were caused by witchcraft. Interestingly, poverty, low levels of education, poor job opportunities, a lack of family support, harmful gender norms, intimate partner violence and subsequent relationship breakdowns, and family bereavement all contributed to poor mental health and subsequent entry into sex work. In addition, the consequences of sex work such as sexual risks, and ongoing violence from police and clients, further exacerbated poor mental health. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for both micro- and macro interventions to address poverty and violence against FSWs in Kenya, thereby reducing mental health problems. Addressing violence against women and girls may also reduce entry into sex work. Improving mental health literacy and providing mental health intervention services for 'at-risk' populations such as FSWs should enhance coping strategies and help-seeking efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamtuti Panneh
- LSHTM, Department for Global Health and Development, London, UK.
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- LSHTM, Department for Global Health and Development, London, UK
| | - Emily Nyariki
- LSHTM, Department for Global Health and Development, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Liku
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pooja Shah
- LSHTM, Department for Global Health and Development, London, UK
| | - Rhoda Wanjiru
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mary Wanjiru
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - James Pollock
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Zaina Jama
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hellen Babu
- LSHTM, Department for Global Health and Development, London, UK
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Janet Seeley
- LSHTM, Department for Global Health and Development, London, UK
| | - John Bradley
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, LSHTM, London, UK
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tara Beattie
- LSHTM, Department for Global Health and Development, London, UK
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15
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Maxwell S, Shahmanesh M, Gafos M. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence experiences of gay and bisexual men who engage in chemsex: A qualitative study. International Journal of Drug Policy 2022; 103:103630. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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16
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Nicholls EJ, Samba P, McCabe L, Gafos M, Philips AN, Trevelion R, Rodger AJ, Burns FM, Weatherburn P, Witzel TC. Experiences of and attitudes towards HIV testing for Asian, Black and Latin American men who have sex with men (MSM) in the SELPHI (HIV Self-Testing Public Health Intervention) randomized controlled trial in England and Wales: implications for HIV self-testing. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:809. [PMID: 35459233 PMCID: PMC9034480 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13189-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) could play an important role in improving access to testing and therefore reducing inequalities related to late diagnosis of HIV, while also improving access to HIV prevention interventions such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. This study sought to understand the potential role of HIVST by exploring the experiences of Asian, Black and Latin American men who have sex with men (MSM) accessing the gay scene and the circulation of HIV testing norms; experiences of accessing HIV testing services; HIVST acceptability and preferences for intervention adaptations. Methods Twenty-nine qualitative interviews were conducted with Asian, Black and Latin American MSM who had participated in SELPHI, an HIVST randomised controlled trial. Topics included HIV testing history, HIV testing patterns, experiences of accessing sexual health services, mental health, engagement with HIVST and SELPHI, and experiences of the gay scene. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and then analysed using a thematic framework. Results The gay scene was identified as an important site for learning about HIV and being exposed to norms reinforcing the importance of protective behaviours. However, experiences of discomfort due to perceptions of ‘whiteness’ on the scene or experiences of racism may hinder the protective function the scene could play in developing norms influencing HIV testing behaviour. Discomfort in clinic waiting rooms was identified as a substantial barrier to accessing clinical services and many interviewees expressed preferences regarding the personal characteristics of healthcare providers. HIVST was found to be acceptable and some interviewees suggested potential adaptations of the HIVST offer, such as packaging HIVST with at home sexually transmitted infections testing options. Conclusions HIVST responds to some service access barriers experienced by Asian, Black and Latin American MSM. The decoupling of HIV testing and clinic attendance may be particularly valuable for MSM of minority ethnic backgrounds who are likely to experience anxiety and discomfort in clinic waiting rooms more acutely than White MSM due to concerns around implied disclosure. This suggests that HIVST may have the potential to increase testing uptake and frequency, particularly for those with complex relationships with clinical services. Trial Registration SELPHI was prospectively registered with the ISRCTN (ref: ISRCTN 20312003).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Jay Nicholls
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK. .,Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
| | - Phil Samba
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Leanne McCabe
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Andrew N Philips
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Roy Trevelion
- HIV I-Base, 107 The Maltings, 169 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 3LJ, UK
| | - Alison J Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Fiona M Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - T Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.,Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
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17
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Arnold-Forster D, Horne R, Nutland W, Wayal S, Rayment M, Rae C, Desai M, Clarke A, Sullivan A, McCormack S, Gafos M. Perceptions and Practicalities Influencing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in England. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2768-2782. [PMID: 35182281 PMCID: PMC9252952 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03624-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PrEP is highly effective for HIV prevention but requires adequate adherence. In this paper we use the perceptions and practicalities approach (PAPA) to identify factors that influenced PrEP adherence using qualitative data from the PROUD study. From February 2014 to January 2016, we interviewed 41 gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men and one trans woman who were enrolled in the study. We purposively recruited participants for interview based on trial arm allocation, adherence and sexual risk behaviours. The interviews were conducted in English, audio-recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed using framework analysis. Participants in general were highly motivated to use and adhere to PrEP, and this was linked to strong perceptions of personal necessity for PrEP as they felt at risk of HIV and viewed PrEP as highly effective. On the other hand, concerns about side effects and HIV resistance did inhibit PrEP initiation and adherence although this was uncommon. Practical factors such as daily routine, existing habitual pill-taking and pill storage impacted adherence. Drug and alcohol use rarely caused participants to miss doses. These findings indicate that using the principals of PAPA to unpick influencers of PrEP use, could help tailor adherence support in PrEP programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Arnold-Forster
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Kepple Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Robert Horne
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sonali Wayal
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Rayment
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Caroline Rae
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Monica Desai
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London, UK
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Claude Nicol Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, UK
| | - Ann Sullivan
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sheena McCormack
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Kepple Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK.
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Rice B, Boccia D, Carter DJ, Weiner R, Letsela L, de Wit M, Pursell R, Jana M, Buller AM, Gafos M. Health and wellbeing needs and priorities in mining host communities in South Africa: a mixed-methods approach for identifying key SDG3 targets. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:68. [PMID: 35016650 PMCID: PMC8748523 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12348-6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The global mining industry has an opportunity to mobilize resources to advance progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, the Anglo-American Group outlined aspirations for mining host communities to meet the SDG3 health targets. To progress from aspiration to action we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing priorities within the local context of host communities of fifteen mines in South Africa. Methods To identify local needs and priorities relating to SDG3 targets in host communities, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews were conducted between June and August 2019. A baseline assessment of health data, related to each of the SDG3 targets and indicators and to each host community location, was also conducted. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative baseline assessments were compared to identify the extent to which health issues aligned and health and wellbeing priority areas for action. Results A total of 407 people participated in the workshops, and 85 key informants were interviewed. Quantitative data were available at sub-national level for seven of the nine SDG3 targets and eleven of the 21 indicators. Key priority areas for action identified through alignment of the qualitative and quantitative data were maternal mortality (SDG3.1), HIV (SDG3.3.1), tuberculosis (SDG3.3.2), substance abuse (SDG3.5), and road traffic accidents (SDG3.6) We found consistency in the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas. At a structural level, poor access to quality healthcare was raised at every workshop as a key factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets. Of the five priority areas identified, HIV, TB and substance abuse were found to overlap in the study communities in terms of risk, burden, and underlying factors. Conclusions We demonstrate a mixed method approach for identifying local health needs and prioritised SDG3 targets in mining host communities. Consistency in reporting suggests the need for effective, efficient and feasible interventions to address five priority areas. Given the prominent economic role of the mining sector in South Africa, it can play a critical role in implementing programmatic activities that further progress towards achieving the SDG3 targets.
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Wright T, Nicholls EJ, Rodger AJ, Burns FM, Weatherburn P, Pebody R, McCabe L, Wolton A, Gafos M, Witzel TC. Accessing and utilising gender-affirming healthcare in England and Wales: trans and non-binary people's accounts of navigating gender identity clinics. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:609. [PMID: 34182985 PMCID: PMC8240290 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06661-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender, or trans, people experience a number of barriers to accessing gender-affirming healthcare and have a range of barriers and facilitators to primary care and specialist services, commonly citing discrimination and cisgenderism playing a central role in shaping accessibility. The pathway through primary care to specialist services is a particularly precarious time for trans people, and misinformation and poorly applied protocols can have a detrimental impact on wellbeing. METHOD We recruited trans participants from an HIV Self-Testing Public Health Intervention (SELPHI) trial to interviews which explored contemporary gender-affirming service experiences, with an aim to examine the path from primary care services through to specialist gender services, in the UK. RESULTS A narrative synthesis of vignettes and thematic analysis of in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with twenty trans individuals. We summarise positive and negative accounts of care under three broad categories: Experiences with primary care physicians, referrals to gender identity clinics (GICs), and experiences at GICs. CONCLUSIONS We discuss implications of this research in terms of how to improve best practice for trans people attempting to access gender-affirming healthcare in the UK. Here we highlight the importance of GP's access to knowledge around pathways and protocols and clinical practice which treats trans patients holistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talen Wright
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Emily Jay Nicholls
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London , UK
| | - Alison J Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona M Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London , UK
| | | | - Leanne McCabe
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - T Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London , UK
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20
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Wamoyi J, Gafos M, Howard-Merrill L, Seeley J, Meiksin R, Kygombe N, Heise L, Buller AM. Capitalising on aspirations of adolescent girls and young women to reduce their sexual health risks: Implications for HIV prevention. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1665-1674. [PMID: 34016027 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1929386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This paper explores adolescent girls' and young women's (AGYW) aspirations, factors that influence aspirations, and how their aspirations inform their sexual decision-making and behaviour. This study employed a qualitative design involving six participatory focus group discussions and 17 in-depth interviews with AGYW in - and out-of-school. Fieldwork was undertaken in rural and urban Tanzania. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVIVO software. Aspirations of AGYW's were categorised as short and long-term. Short-term aspirations were associated with the social status derived from obtaining trendy items such as nice clothing, or smart phones. Long-term aspirations included completing secondary education, having a professional job, being respected, getting married and having children. Aspirations were influenced by aspects of the social context, such as peers and structural factors that dictated what was acceptable for respectable AGYW. AGYW lacked the independent capabilities to meet long-term aspirations such as completing education. In pursuit of their short - and long-term aspirations, AGYW engaged in higher risk sexual behaviours such as transactional sex, age-disparate sex and condomless sex. AGYW's aspirations were important in determining their sexual decision making. Interventions should capitalise on AGYW's aspirations when addressing their SRH risks by finding innovative ways of engaging them based on their circumstances and aspirations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Wamoyi
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lottie Howard-Merrill
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Meiksin
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nambusi Kygombe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lori Heise
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ana Maria Buller
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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21
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Kabarambi A, Kusemererwa S, Krogstad E, Mayaud P, Seeley J, Mugisha J, Gafos M. The dapivirine vaginal ring from the perspective of married men in Uganda. Afr J AIDS Res 2021; 20:53-60. [PMID: 33632073 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2020.1866043] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Men play a key role in influencing uptake of women's health products, such as female condoms and vaginal microbicides used for family planning and HIV prevention.Method: We explored men's perceptions of the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR), a vaginal microbicide, in Kalungu District, rural south-western Uganda. In June/July 2018, we conducted in-depth interviews with 10 partners of women participating in the DREAM study, a phase 3B open-label extension trial of the DVR. Data were analysed thematically, drawing on the socio-ecological model theoretical framework.Results: Influencing factors such as individual and interpersonal characteristics, perception of HIV risk, lack of knowledge about the DVR, misconceptions, and product characteristics acting at different levels (individual, societal and organisational) affected men's knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards the DVR, which in turn impacted on their willingness to allow their partners to use it. Above all, men wanted to be involved in the decision- making process about the use of the DVR. All the men were happy that there was a new HIV prevention option in the pipeline and were not concerned about the degree of effectiveness, saying it was better than nothing.Conclusion: The use of the DVR in an environment where men expect to make decisions about sex on behalf of women may affect its usage and success. Given this context, women may not always be able to independently choose to use it. If the DVR is approved and rolled out, increased sensitisation of men about it will be critical to ensure its uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kabarambi
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Sylvia Kusemererwa
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Emily Krogstad
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Philippe Mayaud
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Seeley
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Mugisha
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Witzel TC, Wright T, McCabe L, Gabriel MM, Wolton A, Gafos M, Ward D, Lampe FC, Phillips AN, Trevelion R, Collaco-Moraes Y, Harbottle J, Speakman A, Bonell C, Dunn DD, McCormack S, Burns FM, Weatherburn P, Rodger AJ. Impact and acceptability of HIV self-testing for trans men and trans women: A mixed-methods subgroup analysis of the SELPHI randomised controlled trial and process evaluation in England and Wales. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 32:100700. [PMID: 33681732 PMCID: PMC7910695 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, trans people are disproportionately affected by HIV, but research on strategies to increase testing are limited. SELPHI is a randomised-controlled-trial (RCT) of 10,135 cis men, trans men, and trans women reporting lifetime anal intercourse with male partners (cis or trans), evaluating whether the offer of free HIV self-testing (HIVST) increases diagnosis. This subgroup analysis from the SELPHI RCT aims to describe key HIVST outcomes and HIVST acceptability for trans people. METHODS SELPHI recruited using social networking and trans focused social media. Participants were randomised 60/40 to baseline HIVST (Biosure™) (BT) vs no baseline HIVST (nBT); and at 3-months (if completed the survey and reported recent CAI) 50/50 to 3-monthly HIVST (RT) vs no repeat HIVST (nRT). Outcomes were self-reported through online surveys. We conducted a qualitative study of semi-structured peer-led participant interviews (n = 20) exploring HIVST motivations and experiences. These were analysed using a framework approach. FINDINGS SELPHI recruited and randomised 118 trans men and trans women (94 trans men, 24 trans women), of whom 20 (16 trans men, 4 trans women) underwent the second randomisation. Median age at baseline was 29 (IQR: 22, 37), 79% were white, 79% were UK born, 37% had degree level education, and 31% had never tested for HIV. 62% (n = 59) of trans men completed the 3-month survey, but survey completion by trans women in nBT was too low (1/11) for randomised comparison. In trans men HIV testing uptake by 3 months was significantly higher in BT (95% 36/38) vs nBT (29%, 6/21) (RR=3.32 (1.68, 6.55) p<0.001). Trans people randomised to RT reported 3 times higher rate of HIV testing compared to nRT during the two-year follow-up (IRR 3.66 (1.86, 8.01) p<0.0001). STI testing frequency (mean number of tests during each 13 week period/ 2-year follow-up) was not significantly different across interventions: RT (0.03) and nRT (0.01) (IRR=1.86 95%CI; 0.77, 5.15; p = 0.15). Social harms were rare. Acceptability was very high in BT: 97% (38/39) found instructions easy to understand, 97% (37/38) found the HIVST simple to use and 100% (39/39) reported good overall experience. In interviews, reported HIVST benefits included increased autonomy, privacy, convenience and avoidance of health care providers perceived to be discriminatory and services that increased dysphoria. Minor lancet and test processing issues were reported. INTERPRETATION HIVST significantly increased testing uptake and frequency in trans men and trans people overall, although recruitment and retention of trans women was low. HIVST acceptability was high and indicates easy access to this novel technology may increase HIV testing access for this key population.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author.
| | - Talen Wright
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne McCabe
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle M. Gabriel
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Aedan Wolton
- 56T, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Hospital Foundation Trust, 56 Dean Street, London W1D 4PR, United Kingdom
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Denise Ward
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona C. Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew N. Phillips
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Roy Trevelion
- HIV i-base, 107 The Maltings, 169 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 3LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Yolanda Collaco-Moraes
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Harbottle
- SH:24, 35a Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1 7JB, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Speakman
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Bonell
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - David D. Dunn
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sheena McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona M. Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J. Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
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23
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Ramanaik S, Collumbien M, Pujar A, Howard-Merrill L, Cislaghi B, Prakash R, Javalkar P, Thalinja R, Beattie T, Moses S, Isac S, Gafos M, Bhattacharjee P, Heise L. 'I have the confidence to ask': thickening agency among adolescent girls in Karnataka, South India. Cult Health Sex 2020; 24:1-15. [PMID: 32969330 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1812118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gender norms serve to normalise gender inequalities and constrain girls' agency. This paper examines how girls' agency, along a continuum, is influenced by the interplay between constraining and enabling influences in the girls' environments. We analyse data from a qualitative study nested within a cluster randomised evaluation of Samata, a multi-layered programme supporting adolescent girls to stay in school and delay marriage in Karnataka, South India. Specifically, we compare agency among 22 girls from intervention communities and 9 girls in control communities using data from the final round of interviews in a qualitative cohort. Using the concept of 'thin' and 'thick' agency on a continuum, we identified shocks like mothers' death or illness, poverty stress, gender norms and poor school performance as thinning influences. Good school examination results; norms in support of education; established educational aspirations; supportive parents, siblings and teachers; and strategic government and Samata resources enabled thicker agency. The intervention programme's effect increased in parallel to the gradient from thin to thicker agency among girls in progressively supportive family contexts. Engagement with the programme was however selective; families adhering to harmful gender norms were not receptive to outreach. In line with diffusion theory, late adopters required additional peer encouragement to change norms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martine Collumbien
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Ashwini Pujar
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, Bangalore, India
| | - Lottie Howard-Merrill
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Beniamino Cislaghi
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Ravi Prakash
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, Bangalore, India
- Center for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Prakash Javalkar
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Tara Beattie
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Stephen Moses
- Center for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Shajy Isac
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), IT Park, Bangalore, India
- Center for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | | | - Lori Heise
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
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24
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Desai M, White E, Vora N, Gilson R, Lacey C, Gafos M, Clarke A, Sullivan A, White D, Fox J, Piontkowsky D, McCormack S, Dunn DT. High incidence of Hepatitis C virus infection observed in the PROUD study of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:852-857. [PMID: 32243033 PMCID: PMC8432138 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Desai
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCLLondonUK
- Present address:
National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceManchesterUK
| | | | - Nina Vora
- UCL Centre for Clinical Research in Infection and Sexual HealthInstitute for Global HealthThe Mortimer Market CentreLondonUK
| | - Richard Gilson
- UCL Centre for Clinical Research in Infection and Sexual HealthInstitute for Global HealthThe Mortimer Market CentreLondonUK
| | | | - Mitzy Gafos
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCLLondonUK
- Present address:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Brighton and Hove Sexual Health & Contraception CentreRoyal Sussex County HospitalBrightonUK
| | - Ann Sullivan
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - David White
- Heart of England NHS Foundation TrustBirminghamUK
| | - Julie Fox
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
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25
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Prakash R, Beattie TS, Cislaghi B, Bhattacharjee P, Javalkar P, Ramanaik S, Thalinja R, Davey C, Gafos M, Watts C, Collumbien M, Moses S, Isac S, Heise L. Changes in Family-Level Attitudes and Norms and Association with Secondary School Completion and Child Marriage Among Adolescent Girls: Results from an Exploratory Study Nested Within a Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial in India. Prev Sci 2020; 21:1065-1080. [PMID: 32720188 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-020-01143-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the impact of Samata, a 3-year multilayered intervention among scheduled caste/scheduled tribe (SC/ST) adolescent girls in rural northern Karnataka, on family-level (parents or guardian) attitudes and direct and indirect norms related to child marriage and girl's education. Endline data from 1840 family members were used to assess the effect of Samata on attitudes and norms related to schooling and child marriage, while data from 4097 family members (including 2257 family members at baseline) were used to understand the shifts in attitudes and norms over the period 2014-2017. Overall, we found that the programme had little impact on family-level attitudes and norms. However, there were shifts in some attitudes, norms and perceived sanctions between baseline (when girls were aged 13-14 years) and endline (when girls were aged 15-16 years), with some becoming more progressive (e.g. direct norms related to child marriage) and others more restrictive (e.g. norms around girls completing secondary education and norms related to child marriage and educational drop-out, blaming girls for eve teasing and limiting girls' mobility so as to protect family honour). Moreover, non-progressive norms related to marriage and education were strongly associated with child marriage and secondary school non-completion among adolescent girls in this rural setting. Norms hypothesised to be important for marriage and schooling outcomes were indeed associated with these outcomes, but the intervention was not able to significantly shift these norms. In part, this may have been due to the intervention focusing much of its initial efforts on working with girls alone rather than family members, the relevant reference group. Future interventions that seek to affect norms should conduct formative research to clarify the specific norms affecting the outcome(s) of interest; likewise, programme planners should ensure that all activities engage those most influential in enforcing the norm(s) from the beginning. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT01996241.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Prakash
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, R070 Med Rehab Bldg, 771 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T6, Canada.
- India Health Action Trust (IHAT), Bangalore, India.
| | - Tara S Beattie
- Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
| | - Beniamino Cislaghi
- Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
| | - Parinita Bhattacharjee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, R070 Med Rehab Bldg, 771 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T6, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Calum Davey
- Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Watts
- Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
| | - Martine Collumbien
- Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
| | - Stephen Moses
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, R070 Med Rehab Bldg, 771 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T6, Canada
| | - Shajy Isac
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, R070 Med Rehab Bldg, 771 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T6, Canada
- India Health Action Trust (IHAT), Bangalore, India
| | - Lori Heise
- Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Institute for Global Public Health and JHU School of Nursing, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
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26
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Beattie TS, Prakash R, Javalkar P, Collumbien M, Ramanaik S, Thalinja R, Murthy S, Davey C, Moses S, Heise L, Watts C, Isac S, Gafos M, Bhattacharjee P. Assessing the effect of the Samata intervention on factors hypothesised to be on the pathway to child marriage and school drop-out: results from a cluster-randomised trial in rural north Karnataka, India. Journal of Global Health Reports 2020. [DOI: 10.29392/001c.12345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tara S Beattie
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
| | - Ravi Prakash
- University of Manitoba, Department of Community Health Sciences, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Martine Collumbien
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Calum Davey
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
| | - Stephen Moses
- University of Manitoba, Department of Community Health Sciences, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lori Heise
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and JHU School of Nursing, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charlotte Watts
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
| | - Shajy Isac
- University of Manitoba, Department of Community Health Sciences, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
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Gafos M, South A, Hanley B, Brodnicki E, Hodson M, McCormack S, Witzel TC, Harbottle J, Vale C. "PROUD to have been involved": an evaluation of participant and community involvement in the PROUD HIV prevention trial. Res Involv Engagem 2020; 6:13. [PMID: 32322408 PMCID: PMC7164163 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-020-00189-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PROUD trial, a HIV prevention trial in men who have sex with men and trans women, set out to involve community representatives and trial participants in several ways. PROUD also aimed to evaluate participant involvement, to learn lessons and make recommendations for future clinical trials. METHODS Two structured surveys, one of participant and community representatives involved in the PROUD study, and the other of researchers from the PROUD team, were carried out in 2017. The results from the surveys were reviewed quantitatively and qualitatively, and themes emerging from the data identified and synthesised. RESULTS Survey invitations were sent to 88 involved participants, 11 community representatives and 10 researchers. The overall response rate was 55% (60/109). Overall, participants were younger than community representatives, and the majority were from Greater London. As expected, participants were predominantly involved in participant involvement meetings and community representatives in management committees.Participants and community representatives cited different motivations for getting involved in PROUD. Overall, participants were positive about their involvement; only two participants rated their experience unfavourably. Community representatives were also broadly positive. Most participants and all community representatives felt their involvement made a difference to the trial, themselves and / or the organisations they represented. However, some participant answers reflected the impact of participation in the trial rather than involvement in PPI activities.Researchers felt that PPI had positive impact across the entire trial cycle. Half felt they would have liked there to have been more PPI activity in PROUD. Researchers noted some challenges and recommendations for the future, including need for adequate funding, more engagement in PPI by all researchers, the need for PPI expertise to facilitate involvement activities and training and mentoring in PPI. CONCLUSIONS Involving clinical trial participants and wider community representatives as active partners in PPI is feasible and valuable in trials. Researchers are encouraged to consider and appropriately resource participant involvement and prospectively evaluate all PPI within their trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1H 9SN UK
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ UK
| | - Annabelle South
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ UK
| | - Bec Hanley
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ UK
| | | | - Matthew Hodson
- NAM / aidsmap, Unit 19, St Mark’s Studios, 14 Chillingworth Road, London, N7 8QJ UK
| | - Sheena McCormack
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ UK
| | - T. Charles Witzel
- Sigma Research, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Claire Vale
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ UK
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Quaife M, MacGregor L, Ong JJ, Gafos M, Torres-Rueda S, Grant H, Terris-Prestholt F, Vickerman P. Risk compensation and STI incidence in PrEP programmes. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e222-e223. [PMID: 31767536 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(19)30333-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Quaife
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Louis MacGregor
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jason J Ong
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Sergio Torres-Rueda
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Hannah Grant
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Maxwell S, Gafos M, Moncrieff M, Shahmanesh M, Stirrup O. Pre-exposure prophylaxis use among men who have sex with men who have experienced problematic chemsex. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:474-480. [PMID: 32075538 PMCID: PMC7814093 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420906927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) who experience problematic chemsex are at high risk of acquiring HIV due to combined drug use and sexual behaviours. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could substantially reduce the risk of HIV transmission in this group of men. The aim of this study was to examine the biopsychosocial characteristics associated with PrEP use among HIV-negative MSM who have experienced problematic chemsex. This was a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data collected during client assessments at a specialist alcohol and drug service based within the United Kingdom. We compared the socio-demographics, substance use, sexual behaviours and mental health of MSM who reported ever using PrEP to those who reported never using PrEP. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann–Whitney U-test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Between August 2016 and July 2018, 165 HIV-negative MSM who engaged in chemsex had an assessment completed. Thirty-four per cent (n = 50/145) had ever used PrEP. The median age was 36 years (IQR: 30–42), 92% identified as gay (n = 152/165) and 79% were of white ethnicity (n = 130/164). The use of crystal methamphetamine was associated with higher levels of men ever using PrEP (40% versus 21%) (p= 0.047). Men who had ever used PrEP had a higher median number of sexual partners in the previous three months (20 versus 10) (p= 0.004) and had lower level of condom use in their sex lives (median reported 5% versus 50%) (p= 0.010) in comparison to men who had never used PrEP. It is encouraging that men having higher-risk sex had been accessing PrEP. However, further research is required to explore PrEP uptake, retention and adherence in this high-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Maxwell
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Witzel TC, Weatherburn P, Bourne A, Rodger AJ, Bonell C, Gafos M, Trevelion R, Speakman A, Lampe F, Ward D, Dunn DT, Gabriel MM, McCabe L, Harbottle J, Collaco Moraes Y, Michie S, Phillips AN, McCormack S, Burns FM. Exploring Mechanisms of Action: Using a Testing Typology to Understand Intervention Performance in an HIV Self-Testing RCT in England and Wales. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17020466. [PMID: 31936798 PMCID: PMC7014239 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
SELPHI involves two interventions: A provides one HIV self-testing (HIVST) kit; B offers 3-monthly repeat HIVST kits if participants report ongoing risk. A logic model underpinned by the Behaviour Change Wheel informed the design of the intervention. SELPHI recruited 10,135 cis-men and trans people in England and Wales, all reporting anal sex with a man. This paper explores how the interventions were experienced and the mechanisms of action leading to impact for different groups of trial participants. In-depth interviews with 37 cis-men who have sex with men (MSM) were used to inductively categorise participants based on sexual and HIV testing histories. Themes relating to intervention experiences and impacts were mapped onto SELPHI-hypothesised intermediate outcomes to consider intervention impacts. Three groups were identified: ‘inexperienced testers’ engaged with SELPHI to overcome motivational and social and physical opportunity testing barriers. For ‘pro self-testers’, testing frequency was constrained by psychological and social barriers and lack of opportunity. ‘Opportunistic adopters’ engaged in HIVST for novelty and convenience. Perceived impacts for inexperienced testers were most closely aligned with the logic model, but for opportunistic adopters there was little evidence of impact. Distinctive groups were discernible with divergent intervention experiences. Using COM-B as a model for understanding behaviour change in relation to HIVST, our results indicate how HIVST interventions could be adapted to respond to different needs based on the target population’s demographic and behavioural features.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK; (P.W.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK; (P.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia;
| | - Alison J. Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (F.L.); (A.N.P.); (F.M.B.)
| | - Chris Bonell
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK; (P.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1h 9SH, UK;
| | | | - Andrew Speakman
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (F.L.); (A.N.P.); (F.M.B.)
| | - Fiona Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (F.L.); (A.N.P.); (F.M.B.)
| | - Denise Ward
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | - David T. Dunn
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Michelle M. Gabriel
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Leanne McCabe
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | | | - Yolanda Collaco Moraes
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Susan Michie
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London WC1N 3AZ, UK;
| | - Andrew N. Phillips
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (F.L.); (A.N.P.); (F.M.B.)
| | - Sheena McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Fiona M. Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (F.L.); (A.N.P.); (F.M.B.)
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Miltz A, Lampe F, McCormack S, Dunn D, White E, Rodger A, Phillips A, Sherr L, Sullivan AK, Reeves I, Clarke A, Gafos M. Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the PROUD randomised clinical trial of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e031085. [PMID: 31826890 PMCID: PMC6924847 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this analysis is to: (i) assess the prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up for participants in the PROUD trial of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), examining changes in prevalence over time and (ii) investigate the association of socioeconomic and psychosocial factors with depression. METHODS PROUD was an open label randomised trial evaluating the benefit of PrEP for 544 HIV-negative gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in England. Enrolment was between 2012 and 2014, with at least 2 years follow-up. Prevalence of depression (score ≥10 on Patient Health Questionnaire-9) was assessed and compared across time-points (using McNemar's χ2 tests) and between trial arms (using χ2 tests). Cross-sectional associations with socioeconomic and psychosocial factors were examined using baseline data in modified Poisson regression models and combined 12 and 24 month follow-up data in generalised estimating equations (GEEs). Prevalence ratios (PRs) were presented as unadjusted PR and adjusted PR (aPR) for age, UK birth, sexual identity, university education, London study clinic site and calendar time (and follow-up time-point in GEEs). RESULTS Depression increased significantly from baseline (9.1%; 49/540) to the 12 month (14.4%; 59/410) and 24 month (14.4%; 48/333) follow-ups, possibly explained by underreporting at baseline. The prevalence of depression did not differ by study trial arm, at any time-point. In the baseline analysis, younger age, unemployment and crystal methamphetamine use, was associated with depression. In combined analysis of 12 and 24 month data, measures of intimate partner violence (IPV) (lifetime IPV victimisation aPR 2.57 (95% CI: 1.71 to 3.86)), internalised homophobia (aPR 1.91 (95% CI: 1.29 to 2.83)) and concealment of sexual identity (aPR 1.75 (95% CI: 1.16 to 2.65)), were strongly associated with depression. CONCLUSIONS There is a high concomitant burden of psychosocial factors with depression among GBMSM. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN (ISRCTN94465371) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02065986).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Miltz
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - David Dunn
- MRC CTU, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ellen White
- MRC CTU, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alison Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Phillips
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ann K Sullivan
- Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Iain Reeves
- Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Brighton & Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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32
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Witzel TC, Bourne A, Burns FM, Rodger AJ, McCabe L, Gabriel MM, Gafos M, Ward D, Collaco-Moraes Y, Dunn DT, Speakman A, Bonell C, Pebody R, Lampe FC, Harbottle J, Phillips AN, McCormack S, Weatherburn P. HIV self-testing intervention experiences and kit usability: results from a qualitative study among men who have sex with men in the SELPHI (Self-Testing Public Health Intervention) randomized controlled trial in England and Wales. HIV Med 2019; 21:189-197. [PMID: 31821698 PMCID: PMC7065141 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives SELPHI (HIV Self‐Testing Public Health Intervention) is the largest randomized controlled trial (RCT) of HIV self‐testing (HIVST) in a high‐income setting to date, and has recruited 10 000 men who have sex with men (cis‐ and transgender) and transgender women who have sex with men. This qualitative substudy aimed to explore how those utilizing self‐tests experience HIVST and the implications for further intervention development and scale‐up. This is the first qualitative study in Europe investigating experiences of HIVST among intervention users, and the first globally examining the experience of using blood‐based HIVST. Methods Thirty‐seven cisgender MSM SELPHI participants from across England and Wales were purposively recruited to the substudy, in which semi‐structured interviews were used to explore testing history, HIVST experiences and intervention preferences. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed through a framework analysis. Results Men accessed the intervention because HIVST reduced barriers related to convenience, stigma and privacy concerns. Emotional responses had direct links to acceptability. Supportive intervention components increased engagement with testing and addressed supportive concerns. HIVST facilitated more frequent testing, with the potential to reduce sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening frequency. Substudy participants with an HIV‐positive result (n = 2) linked to care promptly and reported very high acceptability. Minor adverse outcomes (n = 2; relationship discord and fainting) did not reduce acceptability. Ease of use difficulties were with the lancet and the test processing stage. Conclusions Intervention components shaped acceptability, particularly in relation to overcoming a perceived lack of support. The intervention was broadly acceptable and usable; participants expressed an unexpected degree of enthusiasm for HIVST, including those with HIV‐positive results and individuals with minor adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - A Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - F M Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - A J Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - L McCabe
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - M M Gabriel
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - M Gafos
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - D Ward
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Y Collaco-Moraes
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - D T Dunn
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Speakman
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - C Bonell
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - F C Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - A N Phillips
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - S McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - P Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Javalkar P, Platt L, Prakash R, Beattie TS, Collumbien M, Gafos M, Ramanaik S, Davey C, Jewkes R, Watts C, Bhattacharjee P, Thalinja R, Dl K, Isac S, Heise L. Effectiveness of a multilevel intervention to reduce violence and increase condom use in intimate partnerships among female sex workers: cluster randomised controlled trial in Karnataka, India. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001546. [PMID: 31798984 PMCID: PMC6861099 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Samvedana Plus is a multilevel intervention working with sex workers, their intimate partners (IPs) and communities to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) and to increase condom use within intimate relationships of sex workers in Northern Karnataka, India. Methods A cluster randomised controlled trial in 47 villages. Female sex workers with IPs in the last 6 months were eligible for baseline (2014), midline (2016) and endline (2017) surveys. 24 villages were randomised to Samvedana Plus and 23 to a wait-list control. Primary outcomes among sex workers included experience of physical and/or sexual IPV or severe physical/sexual IPV in the last 6 months and consistent condom use with their IP in past 30 days. Analyses adjusted for clustering and baseline cluster-level means of outcomes. Result Baseline (n=620) imbalance was observed with respect to age (33.9 vs 35.2) and IPV (31.4% vs 45.0%). No differences in physical/sexual IPV (8.1% vs 9.0%), severe physical/sexual IPV (6.9% vs 8.7%) or consistent condom use with IPs (62.5% vs 57.3%) were observed by trial arm at end line (n=547). Samvedana Plus was associated with decreased acceptance of IPV (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.62, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.94, p=0.025), increased awareness of self-protection strategies (AOR=1.73, 95% CI=1.04-2.89, p=0.035) and solidarity of sex workers around issues of IPV (AOR=1.69, 95% CI=1.02-2.82, p=0.042). We observed an increase in IPV between baseline (25.9%) and midline (63.5%) among women in Samvedana Plus villages but lower in comparison villages (41.8%-44.3%) and a sharp decrease at end line in both arms (~8%). Conclusion We found no evidence that Samvedana Plus reduced IPV or increased condom use, but it may impact acceptance of IPV, increase knowledge of self-protection strategies and increase sex worker solidarity. Inconsistencies in reported IPV undermined the ability of the trial to assess effectiveness. Trial registration number NCT02807259.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucy Platt
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ravi Prakash
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bengalaru, India
| | - Tara S Beattie
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martine Collumbien
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Calum Davey
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- Gender and Health Division, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Charlotte Watts
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Kavitha Dl
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bengalaru, India
| | - Shajy Isac
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bengalaru, India
| | - Lori Heise
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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O'Halloran C, Rice B, White E, Desai M, Dunn DT, McCormack S, Sullivan AK, White D, McOwan A, Gafos M. Chemsex is not a barrier to self-reported daily PrEP adherence among PROUD study participants. Int J Drug Policy 2019; 74:246-254. [PMID: 31739177 PMCID: PMC6913514 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a novel HIV prevention method whereby HIV-negative individuals take the drugs tenofovir and emtricitabine to prevent HIV acquisition. Optimal adherence is critical for PrEP efficacy. Chemsex describes sexual activity under the influence of psychoactive drugs, in the UK typically; crystal methamphetamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate(GHB) and/or mephedrone. Chemsex drug use has been associated with increased HIV transmission risk among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) and poor ART adherence among people living with HIV. This study assessed whether self-reported chemsex events affected self-reported daily PrEP adherence among PROUD study participants. METHODS The PROUD study was an open-label, randomised controlled trial, conducted in thirteen English sexual health clinics, assessing effectiveness of TruvadaⓇ-PrEP among 544 HIV-negative GBM. The study reported an 86% risk-reduction of HIV from daily PrEP. Participants were asked about chemsex engagement at follow-up visits. Monthly self-reports of missed PrEP tablets were aggregated to assess adherence between visits. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to test for associations between chemsex and reporting less than seven out of seven intended doses(<7/7ID) in the 7 days before and/or after last condomless anal intercourse(CAI). RESULTS 1479 follow-up visit forms and 2260 monthly adherence forms from 388 participants were included in the analyses, with 38.5% visit forms reporting chemsex since last visit and 29.9% follow-up periods reporting <7/7ID. No statistically significant associations were observed between reporting <7/7ID and chemsex (aOR=1.29 [95% CI 0.90-1.87], p = 0.168). Statistically significant associations were seen between reporting <7/7ID and participants perceiving that they would miss PrEP doses during the trial, Asian ethnicity, and reporting unemployment at baseline. CONCLUSIONS These analyses suggest PrEP remains a feasible and effective HIV prevention method for GBM engaging in chemsex, a practise which is prevalent in this group and has been associated with increased HIV transmission risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte O'Halloran
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Brian Rice
- LSHTM, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Ellen White
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Monica Desai
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
| | - David T Dunn
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Sheena McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Ann K Sullivan
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom.
| | - David White
- Department of Infection, Hawthorn house, Heartlands Hospital, University of Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham B9 5SS, United Kingdom.
| | - Alan McOwan
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 56 Dean Street, London W1D 6AE, United Kingdom.
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- LSHTM, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
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Beattie TS, Javalkar P, Gafos M, Heise L, Moses S, Prakash R. Secular changes in child marriage and secondary school completion among rural adolescent girls in India. Journal of Global Health Reports 2019. [DOI: 10.29392/joghr.3.e2019041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Prakash R, Beattie TS, Javalkar P, Bhattacharjee P, Ramanaik S, Thalinja R, Murthy S, Davey C, Gafos M, Blanchard J, Watts C, Collumbien M, Moses S, Heise L, Isac S. The Samata intervention to increase secondary school completion and reduce child marriage among adolescent girls: results from a cluster-randomised control trial in India. J Glob Health 2019; 9:010430. [PMID: 31448111 PMCID: PMC6684866 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.09.010430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Secondary education and delayed marriage provide long-term socio-economic and health benefits to adolescent girls. We tested whether a structural and norms-based intervention, which worked with adolescent girls, their families, communities, and secondary schools to address poverty, schooling quality and gender norms, could reduce secondary school drop-out and child marriage among scheduled-caste/scheduled-tribe (SC/ST) adolescent girls in rural settings of southern India. Methods 80 of 121 villages in Vijayapura and Bagalkote districts, Karnataka State, were randomly selected (control = 40; intervention = 40). All 12-13 year-old SC/ST girls in final year of primary school (standard 7th) were enrolled and followed for 3 years (2014-2017) until the end of secondary school (standard 10th). Primary trial outcomes were proportion of girls who completed secondary school and were married, by trial end-line (15-16 years). Analyses were intention-to-treat and used individual-level girl data. Results 92.6% (2275/2457) girls at baseline and 72.8% (1788/2457) at end-line were interviewed. At end-line, one-fourth had not completed secondary school (control = 24.9%; intervention = 25.4%), and one in ten reported being married (control = 9.6%; intervention = 10.1%). These were lower than expected based on district-level data available before the trial, with no difference between these, or other schooling or sexual and reproductive outcomes, by trial arm. There was a small but significant increase in secondary school entry (adjusted odds ratio AOR = 3.58, 95% confidence interval CI = 1.36-9.44) and completion (AOR=1.54, 95%CI = 1.02-2.34) in Vijayapura district. The sensitivity and attrition analyses did not impact the overall result indicating that attrition of girls at end-line was random without much bearing on overall result. Conclusions Samata intervention had no overall impact, however, it added value in one of the two implementation districts- increasing secondary school entry and completion. Lower than expected school drop-out and child marriage rates at end-line reflect strong secular changes, likely due to large-scale government initiatives to keep girls in school and delay marriage. Although government programmes may be sufficient to reach most girls in these settings, a substantial proportion of SC/ST girls remain at-risk of early marriage and school drop-out, and require targeted programming. Addressing multiple forms of clustered disadvantage among hardest to reach will be key to ensuring India "leaves no-one behind" and achieves its gender, health and education Sustainable Development Goal aspirations. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT01996241.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Prakash
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India.,Joint first authorship
| | - Tara S Beattie
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK.,Joint first authorship
| | - Prakash Javalkar
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India
| | - Parinita Bhattacharjee
- University of Manitoba, Departments of Community Medicine and Medical Microbiology, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | | | - Srikanta Murthy
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India
| | - Calum Davey
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
| | - James Blanchard
- University of Manitoba, Departments of Community Medicine and Medical Microbiology, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Charlotte Watts
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
| | - Martine Collumbien
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
| | - Stephen Moses
- University of Manitoba, Departments of Community Medicine and Medical Microbiology, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Lori Heise
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Departments of Global Health and Development and Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK.,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and JHU School of Nursing, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Joint last authorship
| | - Shajy Isac
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), Rajajinagar, Bangalore, India.,University of Manitoba, Departments of Community Medicine and Medical Microbiology, Winnipeg, Canada.,Joint last authorship
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Witzel TC, Gabriel MM, McCabe L, Weatherburn P, Gafos M, Speakman A, Pebody R, Burns FM, Bonell C, Lampe FC, Dunn DT, Ward D, Harbottle J, Phillips AN, McCormack S, Rodger AJ. Pilot phase of an internet-based RCT of HIVST targeting MSM and transgender people in England and Wales: advertising strategies and acceptability of the intervention. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:699. [PMID: 31391003 PMCID: PMC6686516 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4247-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SELPHI study (An HIV Self-Testing Public Health Intervention) is an online randomised controlled trial (RCT) of HIV self-testing (HIVST). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of recruiting UK men who have sex with men (cis and trans) and trans women who have sex with men to the SELPHI pilot, and the acceptability of the HIVST intervention used among those randomised to receive a kit. METHODS A mixed-methods approach to assessing trial feasibility and intervention acceptability was taken, using quantitative data from advertising sources and RCT surveys alongside qualitative data from a nested sub-study. RESULTS Online recruitment and intervention delivery was feasible. The recruitment strategy led to the registration of 1370 participants of whom 76% (1035) successfully enrolled and were randomised 60/40 to baseline testing vs no baseline testing. Advertising platforms performed variably. Reported HIVST kit use increased from 83% at two weeks to 96% at three months. Acceptability was very high across all quantitative measures. Participants described the instructions as easy to use, and the testing process as simple. The support structures in SELPHI were felt to be adequate. Described emotional responses to HIVST varied. CONCLUSIONS Recruiting to a modest sized HIVST pilot RCT is feasible, and the recruitment, intervention and HIVST kit were acceptable. Research on support needs of individuals with reactive results is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Charles Witzel
- Sigma Research, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.
| | | | | | - Peter Weatherburn
- Sigma Research, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Fiona M Burns
- Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK.,Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Chris Bonell
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alison J Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK.,Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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38
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Stevens O, Moncrieff M, Gafos M. Chemsex-related drug use and its association with health outcomes in men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional analysis of Antidote clinic service data. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 96:124-130. [PMID: 31171592 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Chemsex-related drug use (CDU) is an escalating public health issue among men who have sex with men (MSM), associated with significant physical, biomedical and psychosocial harm. Few interventions exist to help MSM engaging in chemsex and little data exist on which to build. This cross-sectional analysis, using data from Antidote, the UK's only lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender specialist drug service, aims to remedy this paucity of data. METHODS Modified Poisson regression was used to assess associations between CDU and a range of health outcomes; CDU+ subanalysis disaggregated MSM by primary chemsex drug of concern; and HIV+ subanalysis investigated whether CDU was associated with self-reported treatment adherence, HIV seroconversion and other HIV-specific issues. FINDINGS Compared with CDU- MSM, MSM presenting for CDU were more likely to be HIV+, current or previous injectors, to have used postexposure prophylaxis in the last year, and have had ≥6 sexual partners in the last 90 days, though less likely to be hazardous alcohol consumers or to have experienced previous suicidal ideation (all p<0.0005). CDU+ subanalysis revealed health outcome differences-those selecting mephedrone were less likely to be hepatitis C+, HIV+, current or previous injectors, or to have experienced previous suicidal ideation (all p<0.0005), whereas those selecting methamphetamine were more likely (all p<0.0005, except suicidal ideation p=0.009). IMPLICATIONS This analysis shows MSM presenting for CDU are a heterogeneous high-risk population with unmet health needs. There is a need for standardised chemsex surveillance and for improved intersectorial working between sexual health and drug treatment services. Future research should investigate typological differences between MSM presenting for CDU. ORIGINALITY/VALUE To date, this is the world's largest analysis of MSM seeking treatment for CDU. Further, the publication of 'real-world' service data is a valuable addition to the literature alongside surveys and recruited studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Stevens
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | | | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Miltz AR, Lampe FC, Bacchus LJ, McCormack S, Dunn D, White E, Rodger A, Phillips AN, Sherr L, Clarke A, McOwan A, Sullivan A, Gafos M. Intimate partner violence, depression, and sexual behaviour among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the PROUD trial. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:431. [PMID: 31023281 PMCID: PMC6482482 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6757-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the UK. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of IPV, associations of socio-economic and psychosocial factors with IPV, and the association of IPV with depression and sexual behaviour, among GBMSM in the PROUD trial of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Methods PROUD enrolled 544 HIV-negative participants in England from 2012 to 2014; participants were randomised to immediate or deferred PrEP. This analysis included 436 GBMSM who had IPV data at month-12 and/or 24. Prevalence of IPV victimization and perpetration (lifetime, and in the past year) was assessed at these time-points. Generalized estimating equations were used to investigate associations with IPV, using pooled data from both time-points. Results At month-12 (N = 410), 44.9% of men reported ever being a victim of IPV, 15.6% in the last year, and 19.5% reported ever perpetrating IPV, 7.8% in the last year. At month-24 (N = 333), the corresponding prevalence was 40.2 and 14.7% for lifetime and past year IPV victimization and 18.0 and 6.9% for lifetime and past year IPV perpetration. IPV prevalence did not differ by randomised arm. Men reporting internalized homophobia and sexualized drug use were more likely to report IPV. Lifetime and last year experience of IPV victimization and perpetration were strongly associated with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) (adjusted for socio-demographics: lifetime IPV victimization PR 2.57 [95% CI: 1.71, 3.86]; past year IPV victimization PR 2.93 [95% CI: 1.96, 4.40]; lifetime IPV perpetration PR 2.87 [95% CI: 1.91, 4.32]; past year IPV perpetration PR 3.47 [95% CI: 2.13, 5.64], p < 0.001 for all); IPV was not consistently associated with measures of condomless anal sex or high partner numbers. Conclusions GBMSM at high-risk of HIV who are seeking/taking PrEP may experience a high burden of IPV, which may be linked to depression. Training on awareness of and enquiry for IPV among GBMSM in sexual health clinics is recommended. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02065986. Registered 19 February 2014 (retrospectively registered). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-6757-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada R Miltz
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Fiona C Lampe
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Loraine J Bacchus
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - David Dunn
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ellen White
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alison Rodger
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew N Phillips
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ann Sullivan
- Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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40
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White E, Dunn DT, Desai M, Gafos M, Kirwan P, Sullivan AK, Clarke A, McCormack S. Predictive factors for HIV infection among men who have sex with men and who are seeking PrEP: a secondary analysis of the PROUD trial. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 95:449-454. [PMID: 30918121 PMCID: PMC6824743 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2018-053808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective method of HIV prevention for men who have sex with men (MSM). However, uncertainty remains around the optimal eligibility criteria for PrEP, specifically whether there are subgroups at low risk of HIV for whom PrEP might not be warranted. METHODS PROUD was an open-label waitlist trial design that randomised MSM attending participating sexual health centres in England to receive PrEP immediately (IMM) or after a deferral period of 1 year (DEF). This analysis is based on participants who were randomised to the deferred arm, when they did not have access to PrEP. HIV incidence was compared between subgroups defined by baseline characteristics. RESULTS Overall, 21 participants acquired HIV infection over 239.3 person-years (PY) follow-up, yielding an incidence rate of 8.8/100 PY (95% CI 5.4 to 13.4). Two highly significant predictors for HIV acquisition were identified. Men with a self-reported diagnosis of syphilis, rectal chlamydia (CT) or rectal gonorrhoea (GC) in the previous 12 months had an incidence of 17.2/100 PY (95% CI 9.7 to 28.5); those reporting receptive anal intercourse without a condom (ncRAI) with two or more partners in the previous 3 months had an incidence of 13.6/100 PY (95% CI 7.9 to 21.7). The incidence rate among participants lacking both of these risk factors was 1.1/100 PY (1/87.6, 95% CI 0.03 to 6.4). CONCLUSIONS The high HIV incidence in PROUD suggests that most participants appropriately judged their need for PrEP. Eligibility criteria for a PrEP programme can therefore be broad, as in the current guidelines. However, a recent history of syphilis or rectal CT/GC, or multiple ncRAI partners indicates a high imminent risk of HIV infection. MSM with any of these characteristics should be offered PrEP as a matter of urgency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen White
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London, UK
| | - David T Dunn
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London, UK
| | - Monica Desai
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Manchester, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter Kirwan
- HIV and STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Ann K Sullivan
- St Stephen's Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Department of HIV, Sexual Health and Contraception, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Sheena McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London, UK.,56 Dean Street, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Abstract
South Africa has high rates of HIV prevalence and incidence and very high binge drinking rates amongst youth. GIS mapping of alcohol outlets and participatory research methods were used to explore and understand youth's perception of alcohol availability and marketing, and their associated risks for HIV and sexual violence. Twenty seven youth 18-24 years from an urban and rural area participated in the study. There was high density of alcohol outlets at both sites with 97% within 500 m radius to a school; 76% of outlets had alcohol advertising signage on the exterior. Youth reported that alcohol is easily accessible to them. Alcohol advertising and marketing are appealing and entice them to consume alcohol, including binge drinking. Young women reported exposure to unsafe and transactional sex, and sexual violence at alcohol outlets. Effective policies are needed to regulate alcohol availability and marketing to youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lebohang Letsela
- Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI), 281 Jan Smuts Ave, Cnr Bompas Rd, 1st Floor Dunkeld West Centre, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Renay Weiner
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Room 328, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN, UK
| | - Katherine Fritz
- International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), 1120 20th St. NW, Suite 500N, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
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Maxwell S, Shahmanesh M, Gafos M. Chemsex behaviours among men who have sex with men: A systematic review of the literature. Int J Drug Policy 2018; 63:74-89. [PMID: 30513473 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [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: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Chemsex' is the use of drugs before or during planned sexual events to facilitate, enhance, prolong and sustain the experience. Drugs associated with chemsex are methamphetamine, GHB/GBL, mephedrone, cocaine and ketamine. This review syntheses published research on the antecedents, behaviours and consequences associated with chemsex behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS Papers from high income countries which were published between January 2000 and September 2018 reporting the use of chemsex drugs before or during sex were identified through Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL and Central. Results were synthesised using a narrative approach and conceptualised using a behavioural analysis framework. RESULTS The search identified 2492 publications, of which 38 were included in the final synthesis. There were wide variations in chemsex prevalence estimates due to the heterogeneous sampling in the studies. Chemsex participants have expectations that the drugs will positively affect their sexual encounters and HIV positive MSM are more likely to engage in the behaviour than HIV negative MSM. There were wide ranging prevalence estimates on injecting drugs for sexual purposes and the sharing of injecting equipment with some evidence of unsafe injecting practices. Participants were more likely to engage in condomless anal intercourse than men who do not engage in chemsex. This may increase the risk of transmission for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. CONCLUSION A minority of MSM appear to engage in chemsex behaviours but they are at risk of this negatively impacting on their health and well-being. Further research is required to examine high risk chemsex behaviours, impact of chemsex on psycho-social well-being and if chemsex influences uptake of PrEP, PEP and sexual health screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Maxwell
- King's College London, James Clerk Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 9NN, United Kingdom.
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, United Kingdom.
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN, United Kingdom.
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Gabriel MM, Dunn DT, Speakman A, McCabe L, Ward D, Witzel TC, Harbottle J, Collins S, Gafos M, Burns FM, Lampe FC, Weatherburn P, Phillips A, McCormack S, Rodger AJ. Protocol, rationale and design of SELPHI: a randomised controlled trial assessing whether offering free HIV self-testing kits via the internet increases the rate of HIV diagnosis. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:531. [PMID: 30352556 PMCID: PMC6199717 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3433-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK, an estimated 28% have never tested for HIV and only 27% of those at higher risk test at least every 6 months. HIV self-testing (HIVST), where the person takes their own blood/saliva sample and processes it themselves, offers the opportunity to remove many structural and social barriers to testing. Although several randomised controlled trials are assessing the impact of providing HIVST on rates of HIV testing, none are addressing whether this results in increased rates of HIV diagnoses that link to clinical care. Linking to care is the critical outcome because it is the only way to access antiretroviral treatment (ART). We describe here the design of a large, internet-based randomised controlled trial of HIVST, called SELPHI, which aims to inform this key question. METHODS/DESIGN The SELPHI study, which is ongoing is promoted via social networking website and app advertising, and aims to enroll HIV negative men, trans men and trans women, aged over 16 years, who are living in England and Wales. Apart from the physical delivery of the test kits, all trial processes, including recruitment, take place online. In a two-stage randomisation, participants are first randomised (3:2) to receive a free baseline HIVST or no free baseline HIVST. At 3 months, participants allocated to receive a baseline HIVST (and meeting further eligibility criteria) are subsequently randomised (1:1) to receive the offer of regular (every 3 months) free HIVST, with testing reminders, versus no such offer. The primary outcome from both randomisations is a laboratory-confirmed HIV diagnosis, ascertained via linkage to a national HIV surveillance database. DISCUSSION SELPHI will provide the first reliable evidence on whether offering free HIVST via the internet increases rates of confirmed HIV diagnoses and linkage to clinical care. The two randomisations reflect the dual objectives of detecting prevalent infections (possibly long-standing) and the more rapid diagnosis of incident HIV infections. It is anticipated that the results of SELPHI will inform future access to HIV self-testing provision in the UK. TRIAL REGISTRATION DOI 10.1186/ISRCTN20312003 registered 24/10/2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M. Gabriel
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK
- Trial Sponsor – University College London via MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, 90 High Holborn, 2nd Floor, London, WC1V 6LJ UK
| | | | - Andrew Speakman
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | | | | | - T. Charles Witzel
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Sigma Research, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Mitzy Gafos
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London, UK
| | | | - Fiona C. Lampe
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Sigma Research, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew Phillips
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
| | | | - Alison J. Rodger
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, UK
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Vale CL, Cragg WJ, Cromarty B, Hanley B, South A, Stephens R, Sturgeon K, Gafos M. When participants get involved: reconsidering patient and public involvement in clinical trials at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL. Trials 2018; 19:95. [PMID: 29415751 PMCID: PMC5804093 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient and public involvement (PPI) in clinical trials aims to ensure that research is carried out collaboratively with patients and/or members of the public. However, current guidance on involving clinical trial participants in PPI activities is not consistent. Methods We reviewed the concept of participant involvement, based on our experience. Two workshops were held at the MRCCTU at UCL with the aim of defining participant involvement, considering its rationale; benefits and challenges; and identifying appropriate models for participant involvement in clinical trials. We considered how participant involvement might complement the involvement of other public contributors. Both workshops were attended by two patient representatives and seven staff members with experience of PPI in trials. Two of the staff members had also been involved in studies that had actively involved participants. They shared details of that work to inform discussions. Results We defined trial participants as individuals taking part in the study in question, including those who had already completed their trial treatment and/or follow-up. Because of their direct experience, involving participants may offer advantages over other public contributors; for example, in studies of new interventions or procedures, and where it is hard to identify or reach patient or community groups that include or speak for the study population. Participant involvement is possible at all stages of a trial; however, because there are no participants to involve during the design stage of a trial, prior to enrolment, participant involvement should complement and not replace involvement of PPI stakeholders. A range of models, including those with managerial, oversight or responsive roles are appropriate for involving participants; however, involvement in data safety and monitoring committees may not be appropriate where there is a potential risk of unblinding. Involvement of participants can improve the trial experience for other participants; optimising study procedures, improving communications; however, there are some specific, notably, managing participant confidentiality and practicalities relating to payments. Conclusions Participant involvement in clinical trials is feasible and complements other forms of PPI in clinical trials. Involving active participants offers significant advantages, particularly in circumstances where trials are assessing new, or otherwise unavailable, therapies or processes. We recommend that current guidance on PPI should be updated to routinely consider including participants as valid stakeholders in PPI and potentially useful approach to PPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Vale
- PPI Group, MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK.
| | - William J Cragg
- PPI Group, MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Ben Cromarty
- PPI Group, MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Bec Hanley
- PPI Group, MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Annabelle South
- PPI Group, MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Richard Stephens
- PPI Group, MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Kate Sturgeon
- PPI Group, MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Gourlay A, Fox J, Gafos M, Fidler S, Nwokolo N, Clarke A, Gilson R, Orkin C, Collins S, Porter K, Hart G. A qualitative study exploring the social and environmental context of recently acquired HIV infection among men who have sex with men in South-East England. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016494. [PMID: 28851787 PMCID: PMC5629694 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A key UK public health priority is to reduce HIV incidence among gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to explore the social and environmental context in which new HIV infections occurred among MSM in London and Brighton in 2015. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive study, comprising in-depth interviews, was carried out as a substudy to the UK Register of HIV Seroconverters cohort: an observational cohort of individuals whose date of HIV seroconversion was well estimated. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted in NVivo, guided by a socio-ecological framework. SETTING Participants were recruited from six HIV clinics in London and Brighton. Fieldwork was conducted between January and April 2015. PARTICIPANTS All MSM eligible for the UK Register Seroconverter cohort (an HIV-positive antibody test result within 12 months of their last documented HIV-negative test or other laboratory evidence of HIV seroconversion) diagnosed within the past 12 months and aged ≥18 were eligible for the qualitative substudy. 21 MSM participated, aged 22-61 years and predominantly white. RESULTS A complex interplay of factors, operating at different levels, influenced risk behaviours and HIV acquisition. Participants saw risk as multi-factorial, but the relative importance of factors varied for each person. Individual psycho-social factors, including personal history, recent life stressors and mental health, enhanced vulnerability towards higher risk situations, while features of the social environment, such as chemsex and social media, and prevalent community beliefs regarding treatment and HIV normalisation, encouraged risk taking. CONCLUSIONS Recently acquired HIV infection among MSM reflects a complex web of factors operating at different levels. These findings point to the need for multi-level interventions to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition among high-risk MSM in the UK and similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Gourlay
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, London, UK
| | - Julie Fox
- Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Trust/ King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nneka Nwokolo
- 56 Dean Street, Department of HIV/GUM, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Elton John Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, UK
| | - Richard Gilson
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chloe Orkin
- Ambrose King Centre, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Kholoud Porter
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, London, UK
| | - Graham Hart
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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Gafos M, Brodnicki E, Desai M, McCormack S, Nutland W, Wayal S, White E, Wood G, Barber T, Bell G, Clarke A, Dolling D, Dunn D, Fox J, Haddow L, Lacey C, Nardone A, Quinn K, Rae C, Reeves I, Rayment M, White D, Apea V, Ayap W, Dewsnap C, Collaco-Moraes Y, Schembri G, Sowunmi Y, Horne R. Acceptability of an open-label wait-listed trial design: Experiences from the PROUD PrEP study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175596. [PMID: 28426834 PMCID: PMC5398545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PROUD participants were randomly assigned to receive pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) immediately or after a deferred period of one-year. We report on the acceptability of this open-label wait-listed trial design. METHODS Participants completed an acceptability questionnaire, which included categorical study acceptability data and free-text data on most and least liked aspects of the study. We also conducted in-depth interviews (IDI) with a purposely selected sub-sample of participants. RESULTS Acceptability questionnaires were completed by 76% (415/544) of participants. After controlling for age, immediate-group participants were almost twice as likely as deferred-group participants to complete the questionnaire (AOR:1.86;95%CI:1.24,2.81). In quantitative data, the majority of participants in both groups found the wait-listed design acceptable when measured by satisfaction of joining the study, intention to remain in the study, and interest in joining a subsequent study. However, three-quarters thought that the chance of being in the deferred-group might put other volunteers off joining the study. In free-text responses, data collection tools were the most frequently reported least liked aspect of the study. A fifth of deferred participants reported 'being deferred' as the thing they least liked about the study. However, more deferred participants disliked the data collection tools than the fact that they had to wait a year to access PrEP. Participants in the IDIs had a good understanding of the rationale for the open-label wait-listed study design. Most accepted the design but acknowledged they were, or would have been, disappointed to be randomised to the deferred group. Five of the 25 participants interviewed reported some objection to the wait-listed design. CONCLUSION The quantitative and qualitative findings suggest that in an environment where PrEP was not available, the rationale for the wait-listed trial design was well understood and generally acceptable to most participants in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitzy Gafos
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Brodnicki
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Desai
- HIV/STI Department, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sheena McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Directorate of HIV and GU medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Will Nutland
- Sigma research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sonali Wayal
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Mortimer Market Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen White
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Wood
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tristan Barber
- Directorate of HIV and GU medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gill Bell
- Sheffield Health, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Claude Nichol Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - David Dolling
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Dunn
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Fox
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis Haddow
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Mortimer Market Centre, London, United Kingdom
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Lacey
- York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Nardone
- HIV/STI Department, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Killian Quinn
- King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Rae
- Directorate of HIV and GU medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iain Reeves
- Department of Sexual Health, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Rayment
- Directorate of HIV and GU medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - David White
- Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Apea
- Ambrose King Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wilbert Ayap
- St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Dewsnap
- Sheffield Health, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Yolanda Collaco-Moraes
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Schembri
- Manchester Centre for Sexual Health, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Yinka Sowunmi
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Horne
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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47
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Abaasa A, Gafos M, Anywaine Z, Nunn A, Crook A, Levin J, McCormack S, Kamali A. Uptake of hormonal contraceptives and correlates of uptake in a phase III clinical trial in rural South Western Uganda. Reprod Health 2017; 14:36. [PMID: 28284221 PMCID: PMC5346191 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-017-0296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Use of a reliable contraception method has become an inclusion criterion in prevention trials to minimize time off product. We report on hormonal contraceptive prevalence, uptake, sustained use and correlates of use in the Microbicides Development Programme (MDP 301) trial at the Masaka Centre in Uganda. Methods HIV negative women in sero-discordant relationships were enrolled and followed-up for 52 to 104 weeks from 2005 to 2009. Contraceptive use data was collected through self-report at baseline and dispensing records during follow-up. Hormonal contraceptives were promoted and provided to women that were not using a reliable method at enrolment. Baseline contraceptive prevalence, uptake and sustained use were calculated. Uptake was defined as a participant who reported not using a reliable method at enrolment and started using a hormonal method at any time after. Logistic regression models were fitted to investigate predictors of hormonal contraceptive uptake. Results A total of 840 women were enrolled of whom 21 aged ≥50 years and 12 without follow-up data were excluded; leaving 807 (median age 31 IQR 26–38) in this analysis. At baseline, 228 (28%) reported using a reliable contraceptive; 197 hormonal, 28 female-sterilisation, two IUCD and one hysterectomy. As such 579 were not using a reliable contraceptive at enrolment, of whom 296 (51%) subsequently started using a hormonal contraceptive method; 253 DMPA, four oral pills, and two norplant. Overall 193 (98%) existing users and 262 (88%) new users sustained use throughout follow-up. Independent correlates of hormonal contraceptive uptake were: younger women ≤30 years, aOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7–3.6 and reporting not using contraceptives at baseline due to lack of access or money, breastfeeding or other reasons, in comparison to women who reported using unreliable method. Conclusion Promotion and provision of hormonal contraception doubled the proportion of women using a reliable method of contraception. Uptake was pronounced among younger women and those not previously using a reliable method because of lack of access or money, and breastfeeding. Promotion and provision of hormonal contraceptives in trials that require the interruption or discontinuation of investigational products during pregnancy is important to reduce the time off product. Trial registration Protocol Number ISRCTN64716212.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Abaasa
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, P.O Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | | | | | | | | | - Jonathan Levin
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, P.O Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.,Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Anatoli Kamali
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, P.O Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
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48
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South A, Hanley B, Gafos M, Cromarty B, Stephens R, Sturgeon K, Scott K, Cragg WJ, Tweed CD, Teera J, Vale CL. Erratum to: 'Models and impact of patient and public involvement in studies carried out by the Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London: findings from ten case studies'. Trials 2016; 17:440. [PMID: 27604652 PMCID: PMC5015340 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1567-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle South
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK.
| | - Bec Hanley
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Ben Cromarty
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK.,North Yorkshire AIDS Action, 20 St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN, UK
| | - Richard Stephens
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK.,National Cancer Research Institute Consumer Forum, Angel Building, 407 St John Street, London, EC1V 4AD, UK
| | - Kate Sturgeon
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Karen Scott
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - William J Cragg
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Conor D Tweed
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Jacqueline Teera
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Claire L Vale
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
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49
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South A, Hanley B, Gafos M, Cromarty B, Stephens R, Sturgeon K, Scott K, Cragg WJ, Tweed CD, Teera J, Vale CL. Models and impact of patient and public involvement in studies carried out by the Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London: findings from ten case studies. Trials 2016; 17:376. [PMID: 27473060 PMCID: PMC4966697 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1488-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient and public involvement (PPI) in studies carried out by the UK Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit (MRC CTU) at University College London varies by research type and setting. We developed a series of case studies of PPI to document and share good practice. METHODS We used purposive sampling to identify studies representing the scope of research at the MRC CTU and different approaches to PPI. We carried out semi-structured interviews with staff and patient representatives. Interview notes were analysed descriptively to categorise the main aims and motivations for involvement; activities undertaken; their impact on the studies and lessons learned. RESULTS We conducted 19 interviews about ten case studies, comprising one systematic review, one observational study and 8 randomised controlled trials in HIV and cancer. Studies were either open or completed, with start dates between 2003 and 2011. Interviews took place between March and November 2014 and were updated in summer 2015 where there had been significant developments in the study (i.e. if the study had presented results subsequent to the interview taking place). A wide range of PPI models, including representation on trial committees or management groups, community engagement, one-off task-focused activities, patient research partners and participant involvement had been used. Overall, interviewees felt that PPI had a positive impact, leading to improvements, for example in the research question; study design; communication with potential participants; study recruitment; confidence to carry out or complete a study; interpretation and communication of results; and influence on future research. CONCLUSIONS A range of models of PPI can benefit clinical studies. Researchers should consider different approaches to PPI, based on the desired impact and the people they want to involve. Use of multiple models may increase the potential impacts of PPI in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle South
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK.
| | - Bec Hanley
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Ben Cromarty
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK.,North Yorkshire AIDS Action, 20 St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN, UK
| | - Richard Stephens
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK.,National Cancer Research Institute Consumer Forum, Angel Building, 407 St John Street, London, EC1V 4AD, UK
| | - Kate Sturgeon
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Karen Scott
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - William J Cragg
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Conor D Tweed
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Jacqueline Teera
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Claire L Vale
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6NH, UK
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50
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Dunn
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London WC2B 6NH, UK.
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Ellen White
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Sheena McCormack
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London WC2B 6NH, UK
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