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Shrestha A, Poudel L, Shrestha S, Jha N, Kuikel BS, Shakya P, Kunwar RS, Pandey LR, Kc MB, Wilson EC, Deuba K. Multilevel determinants of antiretroviral therapy initiation and retention in the test-and-treat era of Nepal: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:927. [PMID: 39138448 PMCID: PMC11323673 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11311-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition to the "test-and-treat" policy in Nepal in 2017, coupled with the rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2020, necessitates an in-depth understanding of factors influencing ART initiation and retention. This study investigates these factors from the perspectives of healthcare providers, families/communities, and people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS Employing a qualitative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 ART clients and 26 healthcare providers across different provinces of Nepal. A comprehensive interview guide facilitated the exploration of experiences and perceptions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was applied to distill key insights. Guided by a socio-ecological model, interviews were analyzed to identify the barriers and facilitators to ART initiation and continuation at the individual, family/community, and health system levels. RESULTS Facilitators and barriers were identified at three levels. Individual-level facilitators included fear of death, perceived health benefits, knowledge about HIV/ART, confidentiality, and financial support. Barriers encompassed concerns about lifelong medication, side effects, denial of HIV status, fear of disclosure, and financial constraints. At the family/community level, support from family and community health workers facilitated ART adherence, while social stigma and discrimination posed barriers. The health system's role was dual; the provision of free treatment, a client tracking system and a robust drug supply chain were facilitators, whereas logistical challenges and service accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic were notable barriers. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the various factors that influence ART initiation and retention in Nepal during the test-and-treat era. Tailored interventions should focus on increasing awareness about HIV and ART, strengthening healthcare systems, ensuring availability of medications, and providing accessible treatment during service disruptions. Furthermore, these interventions should encourage supportive environments at the individual, community, and healthcare system levels. Taking this holistic approach is essential for effectively implementing ART and achieving long-term health outcomes in light of changing public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Shrestha
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute for Implementation Science and Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Lisasha Poudel
- Institute for Implementation Science and Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Soniya Shrestha
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Niharika Jha
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Bihari Sharan Kuikel
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | | | | - Lok Raj Pandey
- National Centre for AIDS & STD Control, Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Man Bahadur Kc
- National Centre for AIDS & STD Control, Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Erin C Wilson
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Keshab Deuba
- Public Health and Environment Research Centre (PERC), Lalitpur, Nepal.
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Alaei K, Kwan B, Torabzadeh HR, Akinwalere AO, Saydamirovich SS, Mohsinzoda G, Alaei A. Progress in Early Detection of HIV in Tajikistan. Viruses 2024; 16:1010. [PMID: 39066173 PMCID: PMC11281724 DOI: 10.3390/v16071010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV early detection (CD4 counts ≥350 cells/μL) is correlated with higher life expectancy among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Several factors, including physical, cultural, structural, and financial barriers, may limit early detection of HIV. This is a first-of-its-kind study on population-level differences in early detection of HIV across time within Tajikistan and any country in the Central Asia region. Utilizing the Tajikistan Ministry of Health's national HIV data (N = 10,700) spanning 2010 to 2023, we developed median regression models with the median CD4 cell count as the outcome and with the following predictors: time (years), region, age, gender, and area (urban/rural status). Individuals younger than 19 years old were detected early for HIV, whereas those older than 39 years were detected late. Females were detected earlier compared to their male counterparts regardless of region of residence. Rural populations were detected earlier in most years compared to their urban counterparts. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated HIV early detection in 2021 but most regions have returned to near pre-pandemic levels of detection in 2022 and 2023. There were differences identified among different demographic and geographic groups which warrant further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamiar Alaei
- Health Science Department, College of Health and Human Services, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA; (K.A.); (B.K.); (A.O.A.)
- Institute for International Health and Education, Albany, NY 12207, USA
| | - Brian Kwan
- Health Science Department, College of Health and Human Services, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA; (K.A.); (B.K.); (A.O.A.)
| | | | - Adebimpe O. Akinwalere
- Health Science Department, College of Health and Human Services, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA; (K.A.); (B.K.); (A.O.A.)
| | - Sattorov S. Saydamirovich
- Tajikistan Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population Republican AIDS Center, Dushanbe 734000, Tajikistan
| | - Gafur Mohsinzoda
- Tajikistan Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population, Dushanbe 734000, Tajikistan
| | - Arash Alaei
- Health Science Department, College of Health and Human Services, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA; (K.A.); (B.K.); (A.O.A.)
- Institute for International Health and Education, Albany, NY 12207, USA
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Raru TB, Merga BT, Deressa A, Birhanu A, Ayana GM, Negash B, Gamachu M, Alemu A, Hassen FA, Mohammed A, Firdisa D, Regassa LD. Coverage and determinants of HIV testing and counseling services among mothers attending antenatal care in sub-Saharan African countries: a multilevel analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:910. [PMID: 38539158 PMCID: PMC10976665 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 12/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV/AIDS is one of the top global public health threats that causes significant cases, deaths, and socioeconomic impact. Even though both HIV testing and counseling are identified as essential HIV interventions during pregnancy, large population-representative data shows that service coverage and determinants are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the coverage and determinants of HIV testing and counseling services among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care services in sub-Saharan African countries using different nationwide data. METHODS This study was conducted on large national-representative data from the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) using multilevel analysis. Data extraction, cleaning, coding, and statistical analysis were performed using STATA version 17. Weighting was used to ensure the representativeness of the sample and to obtain reliable estimates and standard errors. The multivariable multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants of HIV testing and counseling during the antenatal care visit. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure statistical significance. RESULTS A total of 83,584 women attending antenatal care were included in this study. HIV testing and counseling coverage in sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 62.87% with a 95% CI of 62.54-63.19%. The HIV testing and counseling determinants included being in the age group of 35-49 (AOR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.46-1.83), secondary and above education levels (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.39-1.60), having at least four ANC visits (AOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.68-2.02), living in an urban area (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.30-1.52), and living in countries such as Rwanda (AOR = 6.19; 95% CI: 5.19-7.38) and Mauritania (AOR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01-0.03). CONCLUSION This study revealed that HIV testing and counseling coverage was 62.87% in sub-Saharan Africa. Factors affecting the HIV testing and counseling coverage were age, education, frequency of antenatal care visits, residence area, and living in Rwanda and Mauritania. Therefore, to increase HIV testing and counseling coverage in sub-Saharan Africa, policymakers on maternal health and other stakeholders should work with an integrated approach with other sectors and give prior attention to modifiable factors such as promoting women's education and the comprehensiveness of antenatal care follow-up services during the follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temam Beshir Raru
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box. 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bedasa Taye Merga
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box. 235, Harar, Ethiopia.
| | - Alemayehu Deressa
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box. 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abdi Birhanu
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Galana Mamo Ayana
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box. 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Belay Negash
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box. 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Gamachu
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
- Departments of Public Health, Rift Valley University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addisu Alemu
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box. 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Fila Ahmed Hassen
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box. 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmed Mohammed
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Firdisa
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box. 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Lemma Demissie Regassa
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box. 235, Harar, Ethiopia
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McCoy BM, McAteer CI, Ashimosi C, Aluoch J, Lewis CT, Nyandiko W, Vreeman RC. Using Narrative Films to Combat HIV-Related Stigma in Western Kenya: An Exploratory Pilot Study of Adolescents Living With HIV and Their Caregivers. Glob Pediatr Health 2024; 11:2333794X241234566. [PMID: 38414716 PMCID: PMC10898294 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x241234566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective. Interventions that effectively address HIV-related stigma are urgently needed to improve outcomes for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). We piloted a series of 4 short narrative films depicting Kenyan ALHIV's lived experiences of stigma and discrimination with 57 ALHIV and 50 adult caregivers of ALHIV in western Kenya. Methods. Participants completed either pre- and post-viewing questionnaires, including an HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination scale, or participated in post-viewing focus group discussions. Three-month follow-up visits were conducted. Results. Caregivers endorsed significantly greater disagreement with stigmatizing statements on the scale at 3-month follow-up, whereas adolescents had no significant differences in scores. Participants reported they believed the films would have a positive impact on their communities and had led to changes in their own attitudes, beliefs and/or behavior. Conclusion. The HIV Stigma Films may show promise as an intervention to reduce stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about HIV-infection, especially among caregivers of ALHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany M. McCoy
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Carole I. McAteer
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Josephine Aluoch
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Winstone Nyandiko
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Rachel C. Vreeman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
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Kyilyosudu H, Msuya SE, Ngocho JS, Damian DJ. Factors associated with offer and uptake of provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling among men attending healthcare facilities in Moshi Municipality, Northern Tanzania. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291792. [PMID: 37729175 PMCID: PMC10511071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV Testing and Counseling is a critical entry-point for HIV care, treatment and prevention. Tanzania adopted the WHO recommendations of Provider-Initiated HIV Testing and Counseling (PITC) in 2007 with the aim of increasing early HIV diagnosis and timely access to treatment and support services. However, approximately 55% of men are still unaware of their HIV status. This study aimed to determine the level of PITC uptake and factors associated with PITC availability and uptake among men attending healthcare facilities in Moshi Municipality, Northern Tanzania. METHOD A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2019 in five selected healthcare facilities in Moshi Municipal, Kilimanjaro region. Exit interviews were conducted with men aged 18 years and above who attended for care in the selected facilities. Modified Poisson regression modelling with robust standard errors were used to determine factors independently associated with being offered and accepting the PITC offer. RESULTS A total of 562 men participated in this study. The median age of participants at enrollment was 37 (IQR: 26-59) years. Only 58% of participants reported to have been offered provider-initiated HIV counseling. Of these, 83% accepted the offer of HIV testing. Age between 35-59 years (aPR = 1.2; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.0, 1.4; p = 0.033) and having primary education (aPR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6, 0.9; p = 0.010) were factors independently associated with being offered PITC. Age between 35-59 years (aPR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7, 0.9; p = 0.002); having been previously tested for HIV (aPR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.5; p = 0.011) and visiting a health facility twice or more in previous year (aPR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.5; p<0.001) were independently associated with uptake of HIV testing. CONCLUSION Despite high PITC uptake, about 2 in 5 men attending healthcare facilities in Moshi municipality were not offered the service. Providers should target men aged ≤ 34 years, with primary education, visiting facilities for the first time and who have never been tested for HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellen Kyilyosudu
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Community Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
- St. Joseph Council Designated Hospital, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Sia E. Msuya
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Community Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
- Department of Community Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - James S. Ngocho
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Damian J. Damian
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
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Razzaq A, Stephenson N, Raynes-Greenow C, Travaglia J, Alam NA. Understanding the relationship between the public sector healthcare workers and NGO-based HIV counsellors while providing HIV counselling and testing services to pregnant women: A Qualitative Study in Suva, Fiji. Midwifery 2023; 120:103634. [PMID: 36842250 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counselling and testing plays a significant role in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. HIV counselling and testing during pregnancy is an essential gateway for HIV prevention, timely treatment, and care services. Lack of proper counselling could jeopardise the quality of services. This paper aims to understand the relationship between the government employed hospital healthcare workers and the Non-Governmental Organisation based counsellors while providing HIV counselling and testing services to pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in one of the main hospitals in Suva, Fiji. Data were collected via individual, in-depth, interviews held in a single hospital and an associated reproductive health centre in Suva in April-May 2013. A total of 15 healthcare providers including doctors (n = 4), midwives (n = 5), nurses (n = 4), and counsellors (n = 2) were interviewed. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approvals were obtained. We found that there was tension between the government employed hospital healthcare workers and the Non-Governmental Organisation based counsellors involved in the provision of HIV counselling and testing services to pregnant women. The predominant causes of tension were poor referral for HIV test counselling, long counselling time, lack of cooperation and conflict due to the differences in counselling approaches. Tension between the government employed hospital healthcare workers and the Non- Governmental Organisation based HIV counsellors appear to be the main challenge to effective provision of HIV test counselling services in the hospital. Ongoing tension between both groups could restrict healthcare workers abilities to provide quality HIV counselling services. Our findings would be useful in developing strategies to overcome tension amongst healthcare workers as it would be an imperative step in providing streamlined HIV counselling services to women attending antenatal clinic in Fiji.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Razzaq
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Australia; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Samuels Building (F25), University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia.
| | - Niamh Stephenson
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Samuels Building (F25), University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Camille Raynes-Greenow
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Australia
| | - Joanne Travaglia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Samuels Building (F25), University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Neeloy Ashraful Alam
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Australia
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Song S, Calhoun BH, Kucik JE, Konnyu KJ, Hilson R. Exploring the association of paid sick leave with healthcare utilization and health outcomes in the United States: a rapid evidence review. GLOBAL HEALTH JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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Chigona RK, Mipando ALN. "There Are Just Too Many Rooms Here!" Perception of Clients and Health Care Workers on the Implementation of Test and Treat Strategy at Area 25 Health Center in Lilongwe, Malawi. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2023; 22:23259582231154224. [PMID: 36760147 PMCID: PMC9943958 DOI: 10.1177/23259582231154224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Malawi adopted World Health Organisation test-and-treat policy in 2016. The policy initiates early antiretroviral treatment to all clients diagnosed with HIV, irrespective of their CD4 count. However, some facilities record low linkage following the strategy. Perceptions of clients and health care workers on the implementation of test-and-treat strategy were explored in Malawi. Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach was conducted in which 21 in-depth interviews, 9 key informant interviews, and 15 non-participatory observations were conducted. Data were analyzed following thematic approach. Results: Most participants had positive perceptions of the test-and-treat strategy. However, negative perceptions stemmed from the fragmented structure of the facility with multiple rooms in which the client navigates through as well as limited privacy. Conclusion: Optimal implementation of the test-and-treat strategy will need to strengthen privacy and minimize unintended disclosure that is inherent in the organization of services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Kasiya Chigona
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, 37610University of Malawi College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alinane Linda Nyondo Mipando
- Lecturer - Health Systems and Policy, Director - MBA in Health Systems Management Program, Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (formerly College of Medicine), Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi
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Smith E, Masson L, Passmore JAS, Sinanovic E. Cost-effectiveness analysis of different screening and diagnostic strategies for sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis in women attending primary health care facilities in Cape Town. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1048091. [PMID: 36935688 PMCID: PMC10018124 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1048091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Genital inflammation associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) is considered a key driver in the HIV epidemic. A new rapid point-of-care test (POC) that detects genital inflammation in women-Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT)-was recently developed by researchers at the University of Cape Town. The objective of this study was to establish the cost-effectiveness of this novel intervention relative to other relevant screening and diagnostic strategies for the management of STIs and BV in women seeking care in the public health sector in South Africa. Methods A decision analysis model was developed for five different screening and diagnostic strategies for women incorporating syndromic management, screening with GIFT and using etiological diagnosis. A decision tree was constructed using Microsoft Excel Office 365, and cost and effectiveness parameters were obtained from published literature and market prices. The model incorporated all clinic-level and treatment costs associated with diagnosing and treating a single episode of disease. The effectiveness of each approach was proxied by its sensitivity. One-way and threshold sensitivity analyses were conducted to test key uncertainties and assumptions in the model. Results Screening with GIFT, and following with antibiotic treatment according to syndromic management guidelines for GIFT-positive cases, was the most cost-effective strategy with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of USD 11.08 per women diagnosed with an STI(s) and/or BV and provided treatment. This strategy resulted in lower rates of overtreatment compared to syndromic management, but higher rates compared to etiological diagnosis using nucleic acid amplification tests and microscopy. However, following a GIFT positive test with etiological diagnosis prior to treatment did not increase the effectiveness, but dramatically increased the cost. Conclusion Screening with GIFT and treating positive cases according to syndromic management guidelines is the most cost-effective strategy for the management of STIs and BV. GIFT has a potential to significantly improve the management of STIs and BV in women by identifying asymptomatic women and reducing their risk of HIV infection. This analysis presents a first step in establishing the cost-effectiveness of these interventions and paves the way for further research to develop optimal context-specific implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Smith
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Elise Smith
| | - Lindi Masson
- Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo-Ann S. Passmore
- Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edina Sinanovic
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Serag H, Clark I, Naig C, Lakey D, Tiruneh YM. Financing Benefits and Barriers to Routine HIV Screening in Clinical Settings in the United States: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:457. [PMID: 36612775 PMCID: PMC9819288 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone between 13-64 years be tested for HIV at least once as a routine procedure. Routine HIV screening is reimbursable by Medicare, Medicaid, expanded Medicaid, and most commercial insurance plans. Yet, scaling-up HIV routine screening remains a challenge. We conducted a scoping review for studies on financial benefits and barriers associated with HIV screening in clinical settings in the U.S. to inform an evidence-based strategy to scale-up routine HIV screening. We searched Ovid MEDLINE®, Cochrane, and Scopus for studies published between 2006-2020 in English. The search identified 383 Citations; we screened 220 and excluded 163 (outside the time limit, irrelevant, or outside the U.S.). Of the 220 screened articles, we included 35 and disqualified 155 (did not meet the eligibility criteria). We organized eligible articles under two themes: financial benefits/barriers of routine HIV screening in healthcare settings (9 articles); and Cost-effectiveness of routine screening in healthcare settings (26 articles). The review concluded drawing recommendations in three areas: (1) Finance: Incentivize healthcare providers/systems for implementing HIV routine screening and/or separate its reimbursement from bundle payments; (2) Personnel: Encourage nurse-initiated HIV screening programs in primary care settings and educate providers on CDC recommendations; and (3) Approach: Use opt-out approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Serag
- Department of International Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Isabel Clark
- HIV/STD Prevention & Care Unit, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX 78714, USA
| | - Cherith Naig
- MPH Program, School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - David Lakey
- Administration Division, University of Texas System, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Yordanos M. Tiruneh
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Texas Tyler, Tyler, TX 75799, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Inghels M, Kim HY, Mathenjwa T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J, Wyke S, McGrath N, Sartorius B, Yapa HM, Dobra A, Bärnighausen T, Tanser F. Can a conditional financial incentive (CFI) reduce socio-demographic inequalities in home-based HIV testing uptake? A secondary analysis of the HITS clinical trial intervention in rural South Africa. Soc Sci Med 2022; 311:115305. [PMID: 36084520 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, home-based HIV testing interventions are designed to reach sub-populations with low access to HIV testing such as men, younger or less educated people. Combining these interventions with conditional financial incentives (CFI) has been shown to be effective to increase testing uptake. CFI are effective for one-off health behaviour change but whether they operate differentially on different socio-demographic groups is less clear. Using data from the HITS trial in South Africa, we investigated whether a CFI was able to reduce existing home-based HIV testing uptake inequalities observed by socio-demographic groups. Residents aged ≥15 years in the study area were assigned to an intervention arm (16 clusters) or a control arm (29 clusters). In the intervention arm, individuals received a food voucher (∼3.5 US dollars) if they accepted to take a home-based HIV test. Testing uptake differences were considered for socio-demographic (sex, age, education, employment status, marital status, household asset index) and geographical (urban/rural living area, distance from clinic) characteristics. Among the 37,028 residents, 24,793 (9290 men, 15,503 women) were included in the analysis. CFI increased significantly testing uptake among men (39.2% vs 25.2%, p < 0.001) and women (45.9% vs 32.0%, p < 0.001) with similar absolute increase between men and women. Uptake was higher amongst the youngest or least educated individuals, and amongst single (vs in union) or unemployed men. Absolute uptake increase was also significantly higher amongst these groups resulting in increasing socio-demographic differentials for home-based HIV testing uptake. However, because these groups are known to have less access to other public HIV testing services, CFI could reduce inequalities for HIV testing access in our specific context. Although CFI significantly increased home-based HIV testing uptake, it did not do so differentially by socio-demographic group. Future interventions using CFI should make sure that the intervention alone does not increase existing health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Inghels
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK; Centre Population et Développement (UMR 196 Paris Descartes - IRD), SageSud (ERL INSERM 1244), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France.
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; KwaZulu-Natal Innovation and Sequencing Platform, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | | | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Sally Wyke
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Department of Social Statistics and Demography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - H Manisha Yapa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | | | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Frank Tanser
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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12
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Dey NEY, Owusu Ansah K, Norman QA, Manukure JM, Brew ABK, Dey EA, Agbadi P. HIV Testing among sexually active Ghanaians: an examination of the rural-urban correlates. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:4063-4081. [PMID: 35704123 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03731-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
HIV testing is critical in reducing the risk of HIV transmission. We investigated the rural-urban correlates of HIV testing amongst sexually active Ghanaians using data from the 2017/2018 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Six (GMICS 6). Robust Poisson models (reporting Adjusted Prevalence Ratios (APR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs)) were used to achieve this aim. About 46% of the participants had ever tested for HIV. According to the results, approximately 52% and 39% of urban and rural dwellers, respectively, have undergone HIV testing. HIV knowledge, HIV stigma, gender, age, education, marital status, childbirth history, sexual history, health insurance coverage, media exposure, household wealth, and region of residence were significantly related to HIV testing with observed variations across rural-urban areas. The findings call for the expansion of advocacy efforts towards encouraging HIV testing, targeting sexually active Ghanaians particularly in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Enam Amen Dey
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Pascal Agbadi
- Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Lingnan University, 8 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun, SAR, Hong Kong
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Okal JO, Sarna A, Lango D, Matheka J, Owuor D, Kinywa EA, Kalibala S. Client Experiences in a Mobile-Phone Counseling Intervention for Enhancing Access to Prevention of Mother To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Services in Kenya. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:785194. [PMID: 35720809 PMCID: PMC9204057 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.785194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) is considered one of the most successful HIV prevention strategies in detecting and reducing HIV acquisition in utero or at birth. It is anticipated that with the increasing growth of digital technologies mobile phones can be utilized to enhance PMTCT services by improving provider-client interactions, expanding access to counseling services, and assisting in counteracting social and structural barriers to uptake of PMTCT services. Understanding the subjective experiences of women accessing PMTCT services in different settings has the potential to inform the development and promotion of such methods. This paper explores the perspectives of HIV-positive pregnant women attending maternal and neonatal clinic services in Kisumu, Kenya. Methods Data are reported from in-depth interviews with women, following a longitudinal study investigating the impact of a structured, counselor-delivered, mobile phone counseling intervention to promote retention in care and adherence to ARV prophylaxis/treatment, for HIV-positive pregnant women. Thematic content analysis was conducted. Results Discussions indicated that mobile-phone counseling provided useful health-related information, enhanced agency, and assisted mothers access critical PMTCT services across the cascade of care. Similarly, mobile-phone counseling offered personalized one-to-one contact with trained health providers including facilitating discussion of personal issues that likely affect access to services. Findings also identified barriers to the uptake of services, including a lack of partner support, poor health, poverty, facility-related factors, and provider attitudes. Discussion Overall, findings show that mobile-phone counseling is feasible, acceptable, and can enhance access to PMTCT services by overcoming some of the individual and facility-level barriers. Although mobile-phone counseling has not been routinized in most health facilities, future work is needed to assess whether mobile-phone counseling can be scaled-up to aid in the effective use of HIV and PMTCT services, as well as improving other related outcomes for mother and child dyad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Okoth Okal
- Population Council, Nairobi, Kenya
- *Correspondence: Jerry Okoth Okal
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sam Kalibala
- Population Council, Washington, DC, United States
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Remera E, Nsanzimana S, Chammartin F, Semakula M, Rwibasira GN, Malamba SS, Riedel DJ, Tuyishime E, Condo JU, Ndimubanzi P, Sangwayire B, Forrest JI, Cantoreggi SL, Mills EJ, Bucher HC. Brief Report: Active HIV Case Finding in the City of Kigali, Rwanda: Assessment of Voluntary Assisted Partner Notification Modalities to Detect Undiagnosed HIV Infections. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:423-427. [PMID: 35202049 PMCID: PMC8860213 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voluntary assisted partner notification (VAPN) services that use contract, provider, or dual referral modalities may be efficient to identify individuals with undiagnosed HIV infection. We aimed to assess the relative effectiveness of VAPN modalities in identifying undiagnosed HIV infections. SETTING VAPN was piloted in 23 health facilities in Kigali, Rwanda. METHODS We identified individuals with a new HIV diagnosis before antiretroviral therapy initiation or individuals on antiretroviral therapy (index cases), who reported having had sexual partners with unknown HIV status, to assess the association between referral modalities and the odds of identifying HIV-positive partners using a Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression model. We adjusted our model for important factors identified through a Bayesian variable selection. RESULTS Between October 2018 and December 2019, 6336 index cases were recruited, leading to the testing of 7690 partners. HIV positivity rate was 7.1% (546/7690). We found no association between the different referral modalities and the odds of identifying HIV-positive partners. Notified partners of male individuals (adjusted odds ratio 1.84; 95% credible interval: 1.50 to 2.28) and index cases with a new HIV diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio 1.82; 95% credible interval: 1.45 to 2.30) were more likely to be infected with HIV. CONCLUSION All 3 VAPN modalities were comparable in identifying partners with HIV. Male individuals and newly diagnosed index cases were more likely to have partners with HIV. HIV-positive yield from index testing was higher than the national average and should be scaled up to reach the first UNAIDS-95 target by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Remera
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Kigali, Rwanda
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Faculty of Science, Basel- Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabin Nsanzimana
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Frédérique Chammartin
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Faculty of Science, Basel- Switzerland
| | - Muhammed Semakula
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Kigali, Rwanda
- I-BioStat, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Gallican N. Rwibasira
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - David J. Riedel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Elysee Tuyishime
- African Center of Excellence in Data Science, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jeanine U. Condo
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | | | - Beata Sangwayire
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jamie I. Forrest
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Sara L. Cantoreggi
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Kigali, Rwanda
- University of Basel, Faculty of Science, Basel- Switzerland
| | - Edward J. Mills
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heiner C. Bucher
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Faculty of Science, Basel- Switzerland
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15
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Trends in the Utilization of Recommended Clinical Preventive Services, 2011-2019. Am J Prev Med 2021; 61:149-157. [PMID: 34039495 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires many health insurance plans to cover certain clinical preventive services in network with no cost sharing. This study describes the utilization trends of 8 clinical preventive services by insurance status and analyzes utilization disparities. METHODS Data were collected from 2011 to 2019 through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and were analyzed in 2021. Logistic regression and generalized linear modeling were fitted to calculate the absolute and relative differences by insurance status, respectively. Annual percentage point change was applied to assess the trends in utilization and the relative difference. RESULTS Trends in utilization ranged from an annual percentage point change high with zoster vaccination of 8.03 (p<0.01) and a low with cervical cancer screening of -1.01 (p<0.01). Trends (except for HIV testing) were consistently substantially lower among the uninsured. Utilization among all participants increased for 4 clinical preventive services, although larger increases were observed among the uninsured for breast and colon cancer screenings. The utilization of cervical cancer screening decreased, and the utilization of the other 3 services did not change significantly. The relative difference between the insured and the uninsured decreased modestly with the greatest reductions observed for breast cancer screening and zoster vaccination, whereas increases were observed for HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS Despite the reduction of cost barriers for the insured, there were larger increases in utilization among the uninsured, and a narrowed gap was observed over time for some services. Ongoing efforts to monitor the trends in clinical preventive services utilization may help identify and evaluate the strategies designed to increase their use.
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Use of machine learning techniques to identify HIV predictors for screening in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Med Res Methodol 2021; 21:159. [PMID: 34332540 PMCID: PMC8325403 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-021-01346-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim HIV prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa are still short of attaining the UNAIDS 90–90-90 fast track targets set in 2014. Identifying predictors for HIV status may facilitate targeted screening interventions that improve health care. We aimed at identifying HIV predictors as well as predicting persons at high risk of the infection. Method We applied machine learning approaches for building models using population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) data for 41,939 male and 45,105 female respondents with 30 and 40 variables respectively from four countries in sub-Saharan countries. We trained and validated the algorithms on 80% of the data and tested on the remaining 20% where we rotated around the left-out country. An algorithm with the best mean f1 score was retained and trained on the most predictive variables. We used the model to identify people living with HIV and individuals with a higher likelihood of contracting the disease. Results Application of XGBoost algorithm appeared to significantly improve identification of HIV positivity over the other five algorithms by f1 scoring mean of 90% and 92% for males and females respectively. Amongst the eight most predictor features in both sexes were: age, relationship with family head, the highest level of education, highest grade at that school level, work for payment, avoiding pregnancy, age at the first experience of sex, and wealth quintile. Model performance using these variables increased significantly compared to having all the variables included. We identified five males and 19 females individuals that would require testing to find one HIV positive individual. We also predicted that 4·14% of males and 10.81% of females are at high risk of infection. Conclusion Our findings provide a potential use of the XGBoost algorithm with socio-behavioural-driven data at substantially identifying HIV predictors and predicting individuals at high risk of infection for targeted screening. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-021-01346-2.
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Gonzalez-Guarda RM, Williams JR, Williams W, Lorenzo D, Carrington C. Determinants of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and Acquisition Among Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP7547-NP7566. [PMID: 30755076 PMCID: PMC6692236 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519827662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and acquisition among female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). Data were abstracted from intake and HIV/STI testing forms from a family justice center, to identify the socioeconomic and abuse characteristics associated with requesting and obtaining an HIV/STI test (n = 343) and acquisition of HIV/STIs (n = 111). Multiple logistic regression using forward selection was used to identify predictors of HIV/STI testing and acquisition. Females experiencing greater risk of lethality were at higher odds of requesting an HIV/STI test; however, risk of lethality did not predict the receipt of an HIV/STI test. A history of sexual assault was associated with higher odds of acquiring HIV/STIs in the past year. Interventions are needed to facilitate HIV/STI testing among female victims of IPV, especially those with higher risk of lethality and a history of sexual assault.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Weston Williams
- Public Health Analytic Consulting Services, Inc., Hillsborough, NC, USA
| | - Dalia Lorenzo
- University of Miami Business School, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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18
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Ngadaya E, Kimaro G, Kahwa A, Mnyambwa NP, Shemaghembe E, Mwenyeheri T, Wilfred A, Mfinanga SG. Knowledge, awareness and use of HIV services among the youth from nomadic and agricultural communities in Tanzania. Public Health Action 2021; 11:69-74. [PMID: 34159065 DOI: 10.5588/pha.20.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nomadic life not only prevents the community from accessing and utilising HIV services but also deters them from obtaining reliable information on HIV. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of youth aged 10-24 years from the Kilindi and Ngorongoro Districts in Tanzania to assess knowledge, accessibility and utilisation of HIV/AIDS services among nomadic and agricultural youths. RESULTS Of 518 youths interviewed, 279 (53.9%) were males, and 276 (53.3%) were from agricultural communities. A significant proportion of youths from agricultural communities had correct knowledge of AIDS (n = 126, 45.8%; P = 0.002), HIV transmission (n = 273, 98.9%; P = 0.001) and comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS (n = 78, 28.5%; P = 0.009) compared to nomads. Youths from agricultural communities were two times (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.6) more likely to be aware of the availability of formal HIV services. Awareness of the availability of HIV services was higher among married individuals than in unmarried ones (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.0-7.4), and significantly higher among youths with secondary/college education than in those who did not have formal education (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.3-12.4). The uptake of HIV services was lower among nomadic youths. CONCLUSION Knowledge, awareness and utilisation of HIV/AIDS transmission services were low in general, and even lower among nomadic youths, calling for more targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ngadaya
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - G Kimaro
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - A Kahwa
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - N P Mnyambwa
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - E Shemaghembe
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - T Mwenyeheri
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - A Wilfred
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - S G Mfinanga
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Diress G, Ahmed M, Adane S, Linger M, Alemnew B. Barriers and Facilitators for HIV Testing Practice Among Ethiopian Women Aged 15-24 years: Analysis of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2021; 12:963-970. [PMID: 33447085 PMCID: PMC7801903 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s280590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In developing countries, youth women are most at risk of HIV infection. Center for Disease Control recommends that people who participate in high-risk behaviors get tested for HIV at least annually. In 2016, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health set goals to identify 90% of the people living with HIV by 2030. But undiagnosed HIV infections are still high in the country. To alleviate the problem, it is vital to identify the factors that hinder HIV testing practice. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers of HIV testing practice among Ethiopian youth women. METHODS The analysis was done on 6401 women aged 15-24 years using data from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey (EDHS). The main outcome variable was self-reported HIV testing practice. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the facilitators and barriers of HIV testing practice. RESULTS In this study, 37.7% [95% CI: (33.6, 39.1)] of youth women were tested for HIV in their life. Being married (AOR=4.7; 95% CI: (3.67, 6.01)), divorced [AOR=6.2; 95% CI: (3.98-9.54)], having primary level of education [AOR=2.4;95% CI: (1.79-3.13)], and secondary level of education [AOR=4.0; 95% CI: (2.87-5.63)], being rich [AOR=2.3;95% CI: (1.39-3.91)] and being in the highest wealth index catagory [AOR=2.6;95% CI: (1.30-5.16)] increase the odds of HIV testing. However, lack of media acccess [AOR = 0.7; 95 CI %: (0.54-0.87)], lack of comprehensive HIV knowledge [AOR = 0.68; 65% CI: (0.53-0.86)] and having discriminatory attitude towards PLHIV[AOR=0.79;95% CI: (0.64-0.97)] decrease the odds of HIV testing. CONCLUSION The practice of HIV testing among youth populations was low as compared to national recommendations. Lack of media access, lack of comprehensive knowledge about HIV, and having discriminatory attitudes were the barriers to HIV testing practice. Marriage, secondary or higher education attainment, and high wealth index category were the facilitators for HIV testing. Improving HIV-related knowledge, improving media access, and minimizing discriminatory attitudes are strongly recommended to promote HIV testing practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gedefaw Diress
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Ahmed
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Seteamlak Adane
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Melese Linger
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Birhan Alemnew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
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Abi Zeid Daou C, Rizk N, Mirza FG, Lakissian Z, Banat R, Chahine E, Sharara-Chami R. A review of prenatal HIV screening practices among physicians at a tertiary care center in Lebanon: is it culture? AIDS Care 2020; 33:1255-1261. [PMID: 33345579 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1861180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
HIV remains one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among women of reproductive age; given the risk of vertical transmission to the fetus, timely prevention, monitoring and management are imperative (Melaku et al. [2014]. Causes of death among females-investigating beyond maternal causes: A community-based longitudinal study. BMC Research Notes, 7(1), 629. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-7-629). Most HIV studies in Lebanon focus on men who have sex with men, people diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections, intravenous (IV) drug users, and people infected by blood transfusion products Ministry of Public Health [2017]. National AIDS Control Program in Lebanon. https://www.moph.gov.lb/en/Pages/2/4000/aids#/en/Pages/2/4000/aids; Shaheen [2014]. Around 3,750 HIV/AIDS cases in Lebanon. The Daily Star. https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Dec-02/279570-around-3750-hivaidscases-in-lebanon.ashx). We conducted a retrospective review of women who delivered at a tertiary academic hospital in Beirut between January 2016-Decemeber 2017 to assess prenatal HIV screening practices. In total, 1500 charts were randomly selected and reviewed: 137 (9%) women were screened for HIV, 2 (1.5%) tested positive. Odds rations were calculated for screening in relation to religion, parity, previous abortions, and mode of delivery: none were significant. No one was tested for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia; 1250 (93.8%) were tested for Hepatitis B, 27 (1.9%) for Hepatitis C, 7 (0.5%) for HSV and, 74(5.3%) for Syphilis. Barriers to screening may include: Lack of consensus on mandated screening policy, HIV stigma, physician and patient prejudice and misconception of risk and, financial barriers as health insurance does not cover HIV screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Abi Zeid Daou
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nesrine Rizk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, AUBMC, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadi G Mirza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, AUBMC, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Rim Banat
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, AUBMC, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elsa Chahine
- School of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana Sharara-Chami
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, AUBMC, Beirut, Lebanon.,Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Klabbers RE, Muwonge TR, Ayikobua E, Izizinga D, Bassett IV, Kambugu A, Tsai AC, Ravicz M, Klabbers G, O'Laughlin KN. Understanding the role of interpersonal violence in assisted partner notification for HIV: a mixed-methods study in refugee settlements in West Nile Uganda. J Glob Health 2020; 10:020440. [PMID: 33312504 PMCID: PMC7719270 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.020440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted partner notification (APN) for HIV was introduced in refugee settlements in West Nile Uganda in 2018 to facilitate testing of sexual partners. While APN is an effective strategy recommended by the World Health Organization, its safety has not been evaluated in a refugee settlement context in which participants have high prior exposure to interpersonal violence. The extent to which interpersonal violence influences APN utilization and the frequency with which post-APN interpersonal violence occurs remains unknown. METHODS To explore the relationship between APN and interpersonal violence, a cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted at 11 health centers in refugee settlements in West Nile Uganda. Routinely collected index client and sexual partner data were extracted from APN registers and semi-structured interviews were conducted with health workers. RESULTS Through APN, 1126 partners of 882 distinct index clients were identified. For 8% (75/958) of partners, index clients reported a history of intimate partner violence (IPV). For 20% (226/1126) of partners, index clients were screened for post-APN IPV; 8 cases were reported of which 88% (7/8) concerned partners with whom index clients reported prior history of IPV. In qualitative interviews (N = 32), health workers reported HIV disclosure-related physical, sexual and psychological violence and deprivation or neglect. Incidents of disclosure-related violence against health workers and dependents of index clients were also reported. Fear of disclosure-related violence was identified as a major barrier to APN that prevents index clients from listing sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS Incidents of interpersonal violence have been reported following HIV-disclosure and fear of interpersonal violence strongly influences APN participation. Addressing HIV perception and stigma may contribute to APN uptake and program safety. Prospective research on interpersonal violence involving index clients and sexual partners in refugee settlements is needed to facilitate safe engagement in APN for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E Klabbers
- Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Timothy R Muwonge
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Ayikobua
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Diego Izizinga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew Kambugu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Miranda Ravicz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gonnie Klabbers
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kelli N O'Laughlin
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Poku OB, Ho-Foster AR, Entaile P, Misra S, Mehta H, Rampa S, Goodman M, Arscott-Mills T, Eschliman E, Jackson V, Melese T, Becker TD, Eisenberg M, Link B, Go V, Opondo PR, Blank MB, Yang LH. 'Mothers moving towards empowerment' intervention to reduce stigma and improve treatment adherence in pregnant women living with HIV in Botswana: study protocol for a pragmatic clinical trial. Trials 2020; 21:832. [PMID: 33028387 PMCID: PMC7542742 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04676-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With high rates of HIV and multiple vulnerable subgroups across diverse settings, there is a need for culturally based, HIV stigma reduction interventions. Pregnant women who are living with HIV are especially in need of services to protect not only their own but also their children's lives. Uptake of HIV services worldwide is hindered by stigma towards persons living with HIV/AIDS. While cultural context plays a key role in shaping HIV stigma, these insights have not yet been fully integrated into stigma reduction strategies. By utilizing the "What Matters Most" stigma framework, we propose that an intervention to counter culturally salient aspects of HIV stigma will improve treatment adherence and other relevant outcomes. A pragmatic clinical trial in Botswana will evaluate the "Mothers Moving towards Empowerment" (MME) intervention, which seeks to address HIV stigma in Botswana and to specifically engage pregnant mothers so as to promote antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in the postpartum period. METHODS This study will test MME against treatment as usual (TAU) among pregnant mothers diagnosed with HIV and their infants. Outcomes will be assessed during pregnancy and 16 weeks postpartum. Women who meet eligibility criteria are assigned to MME or TAU. Women assigned to MME are grouped with others with similar estimated delivery dates, completing up to eight intervention group sessions scheduled before week 36 of their pregnancies. Primary outcomes among mothers include (i) reducing self-stigma, which is hypothesized to mediate improvements in (ii) psychological outcomes (quality of life, depression and social functioning), and (iii) adherence to antenatal care and ART. We will also examine a set of follow-up infant birth outcomes (APGAR score, preterm delivery, mortality (at < 16 weeks), birth weight, vaccination record, and HIV status). DISCUSSION Our trial will evaluate MME, a culturally based HIV stigma reduction intervention using the "What Matters Most" framework, to reduce stigma and improve treatment adherence among pregnant women and their infants. This study will help inform further refinement of MME and preparation for a future large-scale, multisite, randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Botswana. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03698981 . Registered on October 8, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohemaa B Poku
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Ari R Ho-Foster
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tonya Arscott-Mills
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Valerie Jackson
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Timothy D Becker
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Bruce Link
- University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Vivian Go
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hil, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Lawrence H Yang
- New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Katamba C. HIV index testing services in urban Lusaka: a retrospective review of medical records. F1000Res 2020; 9:1184. [PMID: 35528203 PMCID: PMC9039371 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.26372.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: As the proportions of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who do not know their HIV infection status decrease, reaching the remaining few who are asymptomatic and not in contact with the health care system becomes a critical challenge. Therefore, reaching the first 90 of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets will require effective and efficient HIV testing approaches. The number of PLHIV who know their HIV status and who receive antiretroviral therapy could increase by the expansion of index testing services. Methods: This project was a retrospective study looking at medical records of HIV positive clients who were elicited for index testing between October and December 2019. It was conducted in three high volume health facilities in Matero Urban sub-district 3 in Lusaka, Zambia. Results: The HIV test outcomes for index contacts were as follows: 452 index contacts (53.5%) tested HIV negative, 113 index contacts (13.4%) tested HIV positive, 108 index contacts (12.8%) were known HIV positive, and 172 index contacts (20.4%) were not yet tested for HIV. Of the 113 contacts who tested HIV positive, 90 index contacts started anti-retroviral therapy within 7 days (79.6%). The total number of 845 contacts were elicited from 604 index clients, giving a low elicitation ratio of 1:1.4. There was not much difference between gender for elicited contacts (423 men and 422 women). A total number of 565 index contacts were eligible for HIV test. 113 of them tested HIV positive, representing a positivity yield of 20%. Pearson Chi-Square test value was 0.498 and the p value was 0.481. This result is not significant since p value (0.481) is greater than the designated alpha level (0.05). Conclusions: HIV programs need to explore and address barriers to HIV partner testing services to avoid over-testing and maximize HIV case identification (thus, improving HIV testing positivity yield).
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24
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Katamba C. HIV index testing services in urban Lusaka: a review of medical records. F1000Res 2020; 9:1184. [PMID: 35528203 PMCID: PMC9039371 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.26372.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: As the proportions of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who do not know their HIV infection status decrease, reaching the remaining few who are asymptomatic and not in contact with the health care system becomes a critical challenge. Therefore, reaching the first 90 of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets will require effective and efficient HIV testing approaches. The number of PLHIV who know their HIV status and who receive antiretroviral therapy could increase by the expansion of index testing services. Methods: This project was a retrospective study looking at medical records of HIV positive clients who were elicited for index testing between October and December 2019. It was conducted in three high volume health facilities in Matero Urban sub-district 3 in Lusaka, Zambia. Results: The HIV test outcomes for index contacts were as follows: 452 index contacts (53.5%) tested HIV negative, 113 index contacts (13.4%) tested HIV positive, 108 index contacts (12.8%) were known HIV positive, and 172 index contacts (20.4%) were not yet tested for HIV. Of the 113 contacts who tested HIV positive, 90 index contacts started anti-retroviral therapy within 7 days (79.6%). The total number of 845 contacts were elicited from 604 index clients, giving a low elicitation ratio of 1:1.4. There was not much difference between gender for elicited contacts (423 men and 422 women). A total number of 565 index contacts were eligible for HIV test. 113 of them tested HIV positive, representing a positivity yield of 20%. Pearson Chi-Square test value was 0.498 and the p value was 0.481. This result is not significant since p value (0.481) is greater than the designated alpha level (0.05). Conclusions: HIV programs need to explore and address barriers to HIV partner testing services to maximize HIV case identification.
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25
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Katamba C. HIV index partner testing services in urban Lusaka: a retrospective review of medical records. F1000Res 2020; 9:1184. [PMID: 35528203 PMCID: PMC9039371 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.26372.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As the proportions of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who do not know their HIV infection status decrease, reaching the remaining few who are asymptomatic and not in contact with the health care system becomes a critical challenge. Therefore, reaching the first 90 of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets will require effective and efficient HIV testing approaches. The number of PLHIV who know their HIV status and who receive antiretroviral therapy could increase by the expansion of index testing services. Methods: This project was a retrospective study looking at medical records of HIV positive clients who were elicited for index testing between October and December 2019. It was conducted in three high volume health facilities in Matero Urban sub-district 3 in Lusaka, Zambia. Results: The HIV test outcomes for index contacts were as follows: 452 index contacts (53.5%) tested HIV negative, 113 index contacts (13.4%) tested HIV positive, 108 index contacts (12.8%) were known HIV positive, and 172 index contacts (20.4%) were not yet tested for HIV. Of the 113 contacts who tested HIV positive, 90 index contacts started anti-retroviral therapy within 7 days (79.6%). The total number of 845 contacts were elicited from 604 index clients, giving a low elicitation ratio of 1:1.4. There was not much difference between gender for elicited contacts (423 men and 422 women). A total number of 565 index contacts were eligible for HIV test. 113 of them tested HIV positive, representing a positivity yield of 20%. Pearson Chi-Square test value was 6.376 and the p value was 0.012. This result is statistically significant since p value (0.481) is smaller than the designated alpha level (0.05). Conclusions: HIV programs need to explore and address barriers to HIV partner testing services to avoid over-testing and maximize HIV case identification (thus, improving HIV testing positivity yield).
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26
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A total facility approach to reducing HIV stigma in health facilities: implementation process and lessons learned. AIDS 2020; 34 Suppl 1:S93-S102. [PMID: 32881798 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe development and implementation of a three-stage 'total facility' approach to reducing health facility HIV stigma in Ghana and Tanzania, to facilitate replication. DESIGN HIV stigma in healthcare settings hinders the HIV response and can occur during any interaction between client and staff, between staff, and within institutional processes and structures. Therefore, the design focuses on multiple socioecological levels within a health facility and targets all levels of staff (clinical and nonclinical). METHODS The approach is grounded in social cognitive theory principles and interpersonal or intergroup contact theory that works to combat stigma by creating space for interpersonal interactions, fostering empathy, and building efficacy for stigma reduction through awareness, skills, and knowledge building as well as through joint action planning for changes needed in the facility environment. The approach targets actionable drivers of stigma among health facility staff: fear of HIV transmission, awareness of stigma, attitudes, and health facility environment. RESULTS The results are the three-stage process of formative research, capacity building, and integration into facility structures and processes. Key implementation lessons learned included the importance of formative data to catalyze action and shape intervention activities, using participatory training methodologies, involving facility management throughout, having staff, and clients living with HIV facilitate trainings, involving a substantial proportion of staff, mixing staff cadres and departments in training groups, and integrating stigma-reduction into existing structures and processes. CONCLUSION Addressing stigma in health facilities is critical and this approach offers a feasible, well accepted method of doing so.
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Offorjebe OA, Hoffman RM, Shaba F, Balakasi K, Davey DJ, Nyirenda M, Dovel K. Acceptability of index partner HIV self-testing among HIV-positive clients in Malawi: A mixed methods analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235008. [PMID: 32649664 PMCID: PMC7351183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate whether HIV-positive adults in Malawi were willing to distribute HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits to their sexual partners of unknown HIV status (index HIVST). DESIGN A mixed-methods study was nested within a larger HIVST trial conducted at 15 health facilities in Malawi. Exit surveys were conducted with HIV-positive adults during routine outpatient department visits to assess perceived acceptability of index partner HIVST versus standard partner referral slips that request partner(s) to attend the health facility. Individuals were included in the sub-analysis irrespective of date of HIV diagnosis or ART initiation (or non-initiation). In-depth interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of respondents. RESULTS 404 HIV-positive adults completed a survey (159 male and 245 female); 21 completed in-depth interviews. Respondents reported feeling more comfortable distributing HIVST versus partner referral slips to their partners (90% vs. 81%) and expressed confidence that their partners would test using HIVST compared to referral slips (77% vs. 66%). Acceptability of HIVST did not vary by sex. Qualitative data revealed that index HIVST was perceived to be private, convenient, and may strengthen relationships by assisting in serostatus disclosure. There were minimal fears of adverse events. Reported barriers to index HIVST included lack of trust within the relationship and harmful gender norms. CONCLUSIONS HIV-positive clients were willing to distribute HIVST kits to their sexual partners of unknown serostatus. Additional studies are needed to evaluate use of HIVST by index partners, positivity, linkage to care, and adverse events related to index partner HIVST, such as coercion to test among index partners or interpersonal violence among index clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Agatha Offorjebe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Risa M. Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Dvora Joseph Davey
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Cheng LJ, Lau Y. The state of the evidence for voluntary home-based human immunodeficiency virus counseling and testing in the community: A proposed model for evidence translation. Public Health Nurs 2020; 37:541-559. [PMID: 32323901 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home-based voluntary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing (HBVCT) plays a significant role in reducing HIV-related risk-taking behaviors. Adopting evidence-based interventions is essential, but few conceptual models exist to guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of these interventions. AIMS Our proposed model for evidence translation based on evidence review describes the implementation process of HBVCT in the community. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our study adopted the translating research into practice model, which incorporates information needs about the implementation, planning, and execution required for consideration by clinicians. Thirteen systematic reviews published in the English language from January 1, 2000 to February 9, 2020 were retrieved and reviewed from four electronic databases and journals, including EMBASE, PubMed, JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, and Cochrane Library. RESULTS The analysis of the review papers based on the phenomenon of interest, results, and the population revealed some distinctions in the number of socioecological levels used by this evidence synthesis. These levels of factors include individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policies. HBVCT is an essential component of HIV prevention programs and a critical entry point for adequate care and treatment. DISCUSSION This collaborative model demonstrates the application of research to a real-world health care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Jie Cheng
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Nursing Research Unit, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Health Campus, National Healthcare Group, Singapore
| | - Ying Lau
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Arrington-Sanders R, Hailey-Fair K, Wirtz AL, Morgan A, Brooks D, Castillo M, Trexler C, Kwait J, Dowshen N, Galai N, Beyrer C, Celentano D. Role of Structural Marginalization, HIV Stigma, and Mistrust on HIV Prevention and Treatment Among Young Black Latinx Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women: Perspectives from Youth Service Providers. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2020; 34:7-15. [PMID: 31944853 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2019.0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Young black and Latinx men who have sex with men (YBLMSM) and transgender women (YBLTW) are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Structural and social marginalization, the social barriers, and structures that unevenly distribute benefits and burdens to different groups, may contribute to inability for youth to access prevention and treatment care services. Yet, few reports have examined the community and health care experiences of social marginalization among youth service providers who have multiple roles in the community (i.e., serve as a service provider and are a member or prior member of the YBLMSM and YBLTW population). Eighteen key informants (KIs), defined as youth, young adults, or adults who were members of or connected to the YBLMSM and young black and Latinx transgender (YBLTG) community, participated in a one-time, face-to-face, or telephone key informant interview (KII) lasting ∼45 min. KIs were defined as youth service providers because they described working with the target population and either being a member of or closely connected to the target population. KIs described key themes related to marginalization: lack of competent care among health care providers and both clinical and community spaces that left out key populations. HIV stigma and medical mistrust continues to create a barrier to care in this population and for interventions to be effective interventions will need to use an intersectional approach that simultaneously address all identities, and the social and structural needs of youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Arrington-Sanders
- Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kimberly Hailey-Fair
- Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrea L. Wirtz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anthony Morgan
- Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Durryle Brooks
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marne Castillo
- The Adolescent Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Connie Trexler
- Adolescent Clinical Research, Burgess Clinic, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Nadia Dowshen
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Noya Galai
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David Celentano
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Cheruiyot C, Magu D, Mburugu P, Sagwe D. Uptake and utilization of institutional voluntary HIV testing and counseling services among students aged 18-24 in Kenya's public Universities. Afr Health Sci 2019; 19:3190-3199. [PMID: 32127896 PMCID: PMC7040318 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v19i4.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kenya is home to an estimated 1.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS. According to the Kenya AIDS Indicator survey KAIS 2012, HIV prevalence in the age group 15-24 stood at 2.2%. Globally, young people aged 15-24 are a highly vulnerable population with respect to HIV/AIDS infection and transmission. HIV testing and counseling services play a critical role as an entry point to care and treatment. However, uptake of HIV testing and counseling services among the youth in Kenya has been reportedly low. Youths at Universities are among the priority populations in HIV/AIDS programs. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the barriers to uptake and utilization of institution-based voluntary counseling and testing VCT services among students aged 18-24 in selected public universities in Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the factors associated with uptake and utilization and the association between various socio-demographic factors and service uptake in institutional VCT facilities. METHODS This research utilized a descriptive cross-sectional study design where primarily, data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and through focus group discussions held with the students in the sampled Universities. Data available at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology JKUAT Hospital VCT were reviewed for the period 2010 and 2016 to give an insight into service utilization rates among students. Multi-stage sampling technique was utilized to reach a student sample size of 305 from the selected public Universities in Kenya. RESULTS Uptake of institutional VCT services among University students sampled stood at 45% from a population where 84.4% were aware of the presence of these services on their campuses. More males than females utilized the services. Emerging themes from the study indicated that participants utilized the services for different reasons. Accessibility to test site, testing hours, fear to be seen at site and fear of test result were also identified as factors affecting service uptake. These factors also were also reported when students were asked about their desired characteristics of a VCT facility on campus. CONCLUSION This study has unraveled the factors that are associated with testing and counseling in institutional facilities. University students seem to seek and utilize VCT services for different reasons. It is also clear that patterns of services utilization vary from group to another as observed in the case of year of study, gender and age category. RECOMMENDATIONS It is necessary for policy makers in institutions of higher learning together with those tasked with managing healthcare services in these institutions to adopt approaches that will overcome the barriers to utilization of VCT services among students. With knowledge of the factors associated with uptake and utilization of VCT services in institutional facilities, efforts to tackle the barriers and maximize on enhancers should be utilized fully in order to improve uptake and utilization of services. More research should also focus on the persisting risky sexual behaviors among University students despite the high knowledge they have on HIV/AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caliph Cheruiyot
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Environmental health and Disease control
| | - Dennis Magu
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Environmental health and Disease control
| | - Patrick Mburugu
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Paediatrics and Child Health
| | - Daniel Sagwe
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Rehabilitative Sciences
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31
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Wekesa E. HIV testing experiences in Nairobi slums: the good, the bad and the ugly. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1600. [PMID: 31783749 PMCID: PMC6884792 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7975-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV testing is an integral component of HIV prevention, treatment and care and, therefore, is crucial in achieving UNAIDS 90–90-90 targets. HIV testing in Kenya follows both the voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and provider initiated testing and counselling (PITC) models. However, little is known about the individual experiences of undergoing an HIV test in the two testing models. This study provides experiential evidence of undergoing an HIV test in a resource poor urban slum setting. Methods The study explored testing experiences and challenges faced in respect to ensuring the 3 Cs (consent, counselling and confidentiality), using in-depth interviews (N = 41) with HIV-infected men and women in two slum settlements of Nairobi City. The in-depth interview respondents were aged above 18 years with 56% being females. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and then translated into English. The transcribed data were analysed using thematic analysis method. Results The respondent HIV-testing experiences were varied and greatly shaped by circumstances and motivation for HIV testing. The findings show both positive and negative experiences, with sporadic adherence to the 3Cs principle in both HIV testing models. Although some respondents were satisfied with the HIV testing process, a number of them raised a number of concerns, with instances of coercion and testing without consent being reported. Conclusion The 3Cs (consent, counselling and confidentiality) principle must underlie HIV testing and counselling practices in order to achieve positive testing outcomes. The study concludes that adherence to the 3Cs during HIV testing contributes to both the individual and public health good – irrespective of whether testing is initiated by the individual or by the health provider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliud Wekesa
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Community Development, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O Box 170-90200, Kitui, Kenya.
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32
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Goodman ML, Raimer-Goodman L, Chen CX, Grouls A, Gitari S, Keiser PH. Testing and testing positive: childhood adversities and later life HIV status among Kenyan women and their partners. J Public Health (Oxf) 2019; 39:720-729. [PMID: 27915258 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdw135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adverse childhood experiences are a critical feature of lifelong health. No research assesses whether childhood adversities predict HIV-testing behaviors, and little research analyzes childhood adversities and later life HIV status in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We use regression models with cross-sectional data from a representative sample (n = 1974) to analyze whether adverse childhood experiences, separately or as cumulative exposures, predict reports of later life HIV testing and testing HIV+ among semi-rural Kenyan women and their partners. Results No significant correlation was observed between thirteen cumulative childhood adversities and reporting prior HIV testing for respondent or partner. Separately, childhood sexual abuse and emotional neglect predicted lower odds of reporting having previously been tested for HIV. Witnessing household violence during one's childhood predicted significantly higher odds of reporting HIV+. Sexual abuse predicted higher odds of reporting a partner tested HIV+. Conclusions Preventing sexual abuse and household violence may improve HIV testing and test outcomes among Kenyan women. More research is required to understand pathways between adverse childhood experiences and partner selection within Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa, and data presented here suggest understanding pathways may help improve HIV outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Goodman
- Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip H Keiser
- Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555, USA
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Monroe‐Wise A, Maingi Mutiti P, Kimani H, Moraa H, Bukusi DE, Farquhar C. Assisted partner notification services for patients receiving HIV care and treatment in an HIV clinic in Nairobi, Kenya: a qualitative assessment of barriers and opportunities for scale-up. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 3:e25315. [PMID: 31321915 PMCID: PMC6639666 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identifying HIV-positive individuals is increasingly recognized as one of the most important and most challenging of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals. Assisted partner notification services (aPNS) involves tracing and offering HIV testing to partners of HIV-positive individuals, and is effective and safe when provided to newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Voluntary aPNS is now part of the World Health Organization's guidelines for HIV prevention and care. However, uptake of aPNS is significantly lower among adults with established HIV infection already engaged in care compared to newly diagnosed individuals. We sought to describe barriers encountered and potential opportunities to providing aPNS to established patients living with HIV. METHODS We conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews at Nairobi's largest public HIV clinic in April to May 2016 to elucidate barriers to and opportunities for aPNS among established patients engaged in HIV care. Participants included HIV-positive adults in care, their partners, and healthcare workers (HCWs). Qualitative data analysis took a grounded theory approach. RESULTS Barriers to aPNS fell under three main categories. Fear of disclosure to partners included concerns over relationship repercussions, loss of trust, blame and violence. Stigma and discrimination were described in the healthcare setting, at church and in general society. Participants described difficulties approaching communication, including cultural barriers and differences in education. For almost every barrier a potential solution was also identified, and a barrier-opportunity relationship emerged. Opportunities included using couples testing centres to aid in disclosure, focusing on the ambiguous introduction of the infection, and sensitization of HCWs and community leaders. CONCLUSIONS aPNS among established HIV patients is associated with different barriers and opportunities than aPNS among newly diagnosed patients, and HCWs should build their capacity to support aPNS in this population. There is a strong need for increased training and sensitization on the use of aPNS in different circumstances and for different clients, taking into consideration factors such as timing of partner notification, characteristics of the relationship and duration of knowledge discordance. The overall success of this intervention among populations living with HIV may rely on customization of services and key messages to meet the patients' specific needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza Monroe‐Wise
- Departments of Global Health and MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Peter Maingi Mutiti
- Kenyatta National Hospital Voluntary Counseling and Testing CentreNairobiKenya
| | - Harun Kimani
- Department of Community HealthKenyatta UniversityNairobiKenya
| | - Hellen Moraa
- Kenyatta National Hospital Voluntary Counseling and Testing CentreNairobiKenya
| | - David E Bukusi
- Kenyatta National Hospital Voluntary Counseling and Testing CentreNairobiKenya
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Departments of Global Health and MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
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José Fuster-Ruizdeapodaca M, de Benito E, Poveda A, Rohlfs I, Sampedro E. Social dimensión of HIV and state response. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2019; 36 Suppl 1:10-14. [PMID: 30115401 DOI: 10.1016/s0213-005x(18)30240-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
HIV infection is strongly conditioned by social factors. Two of the most significant obstacles in the response to HIV is the stigma and the discrimination that is still associated with it. The stigmatization process occurs through individual drivers and structural facilitators that interweave with overlapping stigmas. These stig-mas manifest in several forms and lead to complex consequences that negatively influence prevention, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. This article reviews these issues and the evidence of stigma in Spain. The response to HIV requires a strong political commitment. However, the economic crisis and the lack of leadership from institutions have slowed down the progress achieved in Spain. HIV must be placed at the forefront of the political agenda in order to achieve international goals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Poveda
- Coordinadora Estatal de VIH y Sida (CEESIDA), Madrid, España
| | - Izabella Rohlfs
- Planificació CatSalut, Servei Catala de la Salut, Cataluña, España
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Kumwenda MK, Corbett EL, Choko AT, Chikovore J, Kaswaswa K, Mwapasa M, Sambakunsi R, Gutteberg TJ, Gordon S, Munthali A, Desmond N. Post-test adverse psychological effects and coping mechanisms amongst HIV self-tested individuals living in couples in urban Blantyre, Malawi. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217534. [PMID: 31188865 PMCID: PMC6561556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mandatory face-to-face counselling is necessary during HIV testing but difficult to implement within the context of HIV self-testing. We investigated adverse psychological effects and coping mechanisms following HIV-positive and HIV-discordant test results amongst self-tested individuals living in couples in urban Blantyre, Malawi. Methods Qualitative data from 35 in-depth interviews with self-tested individuals living in couples for more than 3 months were collected and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Adverse psychological effects seemed to mostly occur among individuals learning for the first-time that they were HIV-positive or living in HIV-discordant relationship. Irrespective of test outcomes, women living in couples expressed difficulty making important decisions about the future of their relationships while men seemed to shoulder the emotional burden associated with feeling or being seen as responsible for introducing HIV into the relationship. Post-test psychosocial support and ascertained positive behaviour change of the perceived index partner allowed some couples to overcome adverse psychological effects linked to test results. Conclusion Self-tested individuals living in couples may lack collective coping capability to collaboratively manage post-test adverse events after new HIV-positive or HIV-discordant results. Psychosocial support seemed to enable couples to foster both an individual and a collective ability to manage adverse psychological effects within the context of a couple. More research is needed to ascertain the magnitude of the deficiency of collective coping competency in couples following an HIV test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Kelly Kumwenda
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
- Helse Nord TB initiative, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- * E-mail:
| | - Elizabeth Lucy Corbett
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Augustine Talumba Choko
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremiah Chikovore
- Social Aspects of Public Health Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kruger Kaswaswa
- Helse Nord TB initiative, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mphatso Mwapasa
- Helse Nord TB initiative, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- Population Health Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tore Jarl Gutteberg
- University of Tromso, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Stephen Gordon
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
- Clinical Sciences Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicola Desmond
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
- Clinical Sciences Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Farel CE, Golin CE, Ochtera RD, Rosen DL, Margolis M, Powell W, Wohl DA. Underutilization of HIV Testing Among Men with Incarceration Histories. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:883-892. [PMID: 30661215 PMCID: PMC9490788 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-02381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Annual HIV testing is recommended for individuals at high risk of infection, specifically incarcerated populations. Incarcerated men carry a higher lifetime risk of acquiring HIV than the general population, yet little is known about their HIV testing behaviors. We collected Audio Computer Assisted Self Interview data for 819 men entering a state prison in North Carolina. We assessed correlates of previous HIV testing, including stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs, and explored two outcomes: (1) ever HIV tested before current incarceration, and (2) recency of last HIV test. Eighty percent had been HIV tested before; of those, 36% reported testing within the last year. Being African American, having education beyond high school, prior incarceration, and higher HIV knowledge increased odds of ever having tested. Results of this study highlight the need to expand HIV testing and education specific to incarcerated populations. Additionally, efforts should be made to monitor and encourage repeat screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Farel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 130 Mason Farm Road, CB# 7030, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Carol E Golin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 130 Mason Farm Road, CB# 7030, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca D Ochtera
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David L Rosen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 130 Mason Farm Road, CB# 7030, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marjorie Margolis
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Wizdom Powell
- Health Disparities Institute, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - David A Wohl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 130 Mason Farm Road, CB# 7030, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Drake AL, Thomson KA, Quinn C, Newman Owiredu M, Nuwagira IB, Chitembo L, Essajee S, Baggaley R, Johnson CC. Retest and treat: a review of national HIV retesting guidelines to inform elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission (EMTCT) efforts. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25271. [PMID: 30958644 PMCID: PMC6452920 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High maternal HIV incidence contributes substantially to mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) in some settings. Since 2006, HIV retesting during the third trimester and breastfeeding has been recommended by the World Health Organization in higher prevalence (≥5%) settings to reduce MTCT. However, many countries lack clarity on when and how often to retest pregnant and postpartum women to optimize resources and service delivery. We reviewed and characterized national guidelines on maternal retesting based on timing and frequency. METHODS We identified 52 countries to represent variations in HIV prevalence, geography, and MTCT priority and searched available national MTCT, HIV testing and HIV treatment policies published between 2007 and 2017 for recommendations on retesting during pregnancy, labour/delivery and postpartum. Recommended retesting frequency and timing was extracted. Country HIV prevalence was classified as: very low (<1%), low (1% to 5%), intermediate (>5 to <15%) and high (≥15%). Women with unknown HIV status at delivery/postpartum were included in retesting guidelines. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Overall, policies from 49 countries were identified; 51% from 2015 or later and most (n = 25) were from Africa. Four countries were high HIV prevalence, seven intermediate, sixteen low and twenty-two very low. Most (n = 31) had guidance on universal voluntary opt-out HIV testing at the first antenatal care (ANC) visit. Beyond the first ANC visit, the majority (78%, n = 38) had guidance on retesting; 22 recommended retesting all women with unknown/negative status, five only if unknown HIV status, three in pregnancy based on risk and eight combining these approaches. Retesting was universally recommended during pregnancy, labour/delivery, and postpartum for all high prevalence settings and four of seven intermediate prevalence settings. Five UNAIDS priority countries for EMTCT with low/very low HIV prevalence, but high/intermediate MTCT, had no guidance on retesting. CONCLUSIONS Retesting guidelines for pregnant and postpartum women were ubiquitous in high prevalence countries and defined in some intermediate prevalence countries, but absent in some low HIV prevalence countries with high MTCT. Countries may require additional guidance on how to optimize maternal HIV testing and whether to prioritize retesting efforts or discontinue universal retesting based on HIV incidence. Research is needed to assess country-level guideline implementation and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Drake
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Kerry A Thomson
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Caitlin Quinn
- HIV DepartmentWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | - Innocent B Nuwagira
- Family and Reproductive Health ClusterWorld Health Organization, Regional Office for AfricaOuagadougouBurkina Faso
| | - Lastone Chitembo
- HIV/Tuberculosis/Hepatitis ProgrammeWorld Health Organization, Regional Office for AfricaLusakaZambia
| | | | | | - Cheryl C Johnson
- HIV DepartmentWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
- Clinical Research DepartmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
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Vreeman RC, Scanlon ML, Tu W, Slaven J, McAteer C, Aluoch J, Ayaya S, Nyandiko WM. Validation of an HIV/AIDS Stigma Measure for Children Living with HIV and Their Families. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2019; 18:2325958219880570. [PMID: 31581890 PMCID: PMC6900619 DOI: 10.1177/2325958219880570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few validated tools to measure stigma, particularly among children living with HIV and their families. METHODS This study was nested within a larger study that followed 240 child-caregiver dyads (children aged 10-15 years) at 8 clinics in western Kenya. The stigma instrument was administered to all child-caregiver dyads at 2 time points 6 months apart. The primary end point was to construct validity assessed by comparison to criterion constructs using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS Mean age of child participants was 12.3 years and 52% were female. Generally, caregivers reported experiencing higher levels of HIV stigma compared to their children. Children (9%) and caregivers (14%) reported that HIV stigma made them feel stressed, anxious, and depressed. Child and caregiver stigma items showed high construct validity by emotional and behavioral outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The stigma instrument showed high validity when compared to emotional and behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Christine Vreeman
- Department of Health Systems Design and Global Health, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, College of
Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Michael Lawrence Scanlon
- Department of Health Systems Design and Global Health, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University
of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wanzhu Tu
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine,
Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - James Slaven
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine,
Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Carole McAteer
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Josephine Aluoch
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Samuel Ayaya
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, College of
Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Winstone Mokaya Nyandiko
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, College of
Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
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Gebregziabher M, Dai L, Vrana-Diaz C, Teklehaimanot A, Sweat M. Gender Disparities in Receipt of HIV Testing Results in Six Sub-Saharan African Countries. Health Equity 2018; 2:384-394. [PMID: 30596190 PMCID: PMC6308283 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2018.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Receipt of HIV testing results is vital for individuals to know their status and make decisions that would improve their access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care. The objective of this study is to determine the association of HIV testing and receipt of results with three key exposure variables (HIV stigma, HIV knowledge, and media use) stratified by gender and country. Methods: Data from a random sample of adults aged 15-49 years from Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda were abstracted from country-specific Demographic and Health Surveys or AIDS Indicators Surveys. Individuals were asked questions regarding demographics, socioeconomic status, sexual behaviors/attitudes, HIV knowledge, HIV stigma, and media-consumption. Weighted logistic regression was used to determine the association between receipt of HIV testing with key risk factors stratified by gender and country. Results: Gender disparities in HIV testing and receipt of results, HIV stigma, and HIV knowledge remain high. More women have recently tested for HIV and received their results than men. HIV stigma was associated with decreased recent HIV testing in all six countries for women, and for men except in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda. HIV knowledge was positively related to recent testing in all countries, except Uganda for women and Kenya and Tanzania for men. In Burundi and Rwanda, women had more HIV knowledge than men, while in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda, men had more HIV knowledge than women. Conclusion: Given the importance of HIV testing for effective management of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, it is crucial for these countries to exchange information on gender-specific policies and strategies that have the most impact on increasing HIV knowledge and decreasing HIV stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulugeta Gebregziabher
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Lin Dai
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Caroline Vrana-Diaz
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Abeba Teklehaimanot
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Michael Sweat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Ijeoma A, Ejikeme A, Theodora O, Chika O. Knowledge, attitude, willingness of HIV counseling and testing and factors associated with it, among long distant drivers in Enugu, Nigeria: an opportunity in reduction of HIV prevalence. Afr Health Sci 2018; 18:1088-1097. [PMID: 30766575 PMCID: PMC6354848 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v18i4.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long distance truck drivers (LDTDs) have been one of the key forces in the spread of HIV/AIDS across the African continent. Objective We set out to assess the knowledge of HIV transmission route, preventive measures, attitude to HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT), willingness and factors associated with willingness to screen for HIV among long distance truck drivers in Enugu, Nigeria. Method This was a cross-sectional study of 500 long distance truck drivers aged 19–65 years. They were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire on aspects of HCT. Data was analyzed using cross tabulations to examine associations and chi square test for various variables. Result A good number of the respondents have wrong ideas of transmission route, ranging from 28.4% to 90.4%. Significantly high number of those with tertiary education will engage in incorrect preventive measures like using antibiotics after sex, and seeking protection from a traditional healer compared to those with no formal education ( χ 2 = 3.2, p = 0.02; χ 2 = 2.3, p = 0.01 respectively).. Those with tertiary education and those that were divorced showed a generally good attitude towards HCT and mostly agreed that HCT should be made compulsory compared to others (χ2 = 29.8, p< 0.001; χ2 = 10.1, p < 0.001 respectively). There was a significantly high willingness to screen among 302 (60.4%) of the participants. There was also significant association between marital status, educational level and willingness to screen ( χ2 = 174.4, p < 0.001; χ2 = 10.6, p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion A high number of LDTD had wrong knowledge of transmission route, better educational level did not affect incorrect knowledge of preventive measures, educational and marital statuses affected attitude to HCT, willingness to screen was high with marital status and educational level significantly associated with it. We recommend routine HCT at the work places of truck drivers to correct the anomalies discovered above.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arodiwe Ijeoma
- College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Paediatrics/Health Administration
| | - Arodiwe Ejikeme
- University of Nigeria teaching hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, Medicine
| | - Okeke Theodora
- College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, Community Medicine
| | - Onwasigwe Chika
- College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, Community Medicine
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Rankin-Williams AC, Geoffroy EM, Schell ES, Mguntha AM. How can male rates of HIV testing be increased? Recommendations from a mixed methods study in southern Malawi. Int Health 2018; 9:367-373. [PMID: 29236985 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihx042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In southern Malawi, 12.8% of adults are HIV positive. Men are less likely to have been tested than women. We investigated men's HIV knowledge and the attitudes, influencers, facilitators and barriers affecting HIV testing. Methods We conducted an explanatory mixed-methods study with analysis of secondary quantitative data from 425 rural men collected in January 2014 (time 1) and April 2015 (time 2) and qualitative interviews with 50 men in September 2015. All respondents lived in villages receiving HIV education and testing. Results Quantitative data revealed that comprehensive HIV knowledge increased and was associated with having been tested by time 2. Educational level was positively associated with having been tested. Men's reasons for not getting tested were fear of learning their HIV status, fear of rejection by partners and wives and fear of discrimination. Wives influenced men's opinions about healthcare. The qualitative results demonstrated that men feared being seen at test sites and feared discrimination. Wives had the greatest reported influence on male testing. Men perceived services as female-oriented and stigmatizing. They preferred door-to-door testing. Conclusions Providers can improve uptake by increasing men's HIV knowledge, leveraging the influence of spouses and offering door-to-door testing with male health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Rankin-Williams
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Pubic Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Geoffroy
- Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance, 2171 Francisco Blvd East, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA
| | - Ellen S Schell
- Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance, 2171 Francisco Blvd East, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA
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Campbell CK, Lippman SA, Moss N, Lightfoot M. Strategies to Increase HIV Testing Among MSM: A Synthesis of the Literature. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2387-2412. [PMID: 29550941 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
More than 30 years into the HIV epidemic, men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately impacted. It is estimated that worldwide nearly half of MSM infected with HIV are unaware of their status, making HIV testing along with early linkage to care crucial to HIV prevention efforts. However, there remain significant barriers to HIV testing among MSM, due largely to complex issues of layered stigma that deter MSM from accessing traditional, clinic-based testing. We conducted a review and synthesis of the literature on strategies to increase uptake of HIV testing among MSM. We found that social network-based strategies, community-based testing, HIV self-testing, and modifications to the traditional clinic-based model can effectively reach a subset of MSM, but success was often context-specific and there are significant gaps in evidence. We provide recommendations for increasing HIV testing rates and status awareness among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadwick K Campbell
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, UCSF Mail Code 0886, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2549, USA.
| | - Sheri A Lippman
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, UCSF Mail Code 0886, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2549, USA
| | - Nicholas Moss
- Division of Communicable Disease Control & Prevention, Alameda County Public Health Department, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Marguerita Lightfoot
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, UCSF Mail Code 0886, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2549, USA
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Khatoon S, Budhathoki SS, Bam K, Thapa R, Bhatt LP, Basnet B, Jha N. Socio-demographic characteristics and the utilization of HIV testing and counselling services among the key populations at the Bhutanese Refugees Camps in Eastern Nepal. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:535. [PMID: 30064508 PMCID: PMC6069810 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the socio-demographic characteristics, assess the utilization of HIV testing and counselling services, and to explore the reasons for the non-utilization of HIV testing and counselling services among the key populations at the Bhutanese refugee camps in eastern Nepal. Results The HIV testing and counselling services are utilized by less than a third (29%) of the key population among the Bhutanese Refugees. The prime source of information about the HIV testing and counselling sites has been health workers followed by peer/outreach educators and neighbors. Common self-reported barriers for utilization of HIV testing and counselling services by the Bhutanese refugees were self-perceived stigma about HIV, the fear of being discriminated and the lack of knowledge about HIV testing and counselling services. There is a need to analyze the gap between availability and utilization through more qualitative approaches in order to identify interventions to increase the uptake of the HIV testing and counselling services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salina Khatoon
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sub-Office, Damak, Nepal
| | - Shyam Sundar Budhathoki
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
| | - Kiran Bam
- Local Action for Global Health and Environment (LAGHE)-Nepal, Dhangadhi 5, Kailali, Nepal
| | - Rajshree Thapa
- AMDA Nepal Primary Health Care Project for Bhutanese Refugees, Damak, Nepal
| | - Lokesh P Bhatt
- Association of Medical Doctors of Asia-HIV/AIDS for Migrants (AMDA-HAMI), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bidhya Basnet
- Birat Health College and Research Center, Biratnagar, Nepal
| | - Nilambar Jha
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
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Mueses-Marín HF, Tello-Bolívar IC, Galindo-Orrego MI, Galindo-Quintero J. Perceptions about sexual risk, HIV and HIV-testing in Cali, Colombia. COLOMBIA MEDICA (CALI, COLOMBIA) 2018; 49:139-147. [PMID: 30104805 PMCID: PMC6084922 DOI: 10.25100/cm.v49i2.2945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction In Colombia, 20%-54% of the population with sexual practices at higher risk for HIV infection (men who have sex with men, transgender women, women sex workers) has sometime been tested. Objective To describe perceptions of sexual risk, HIV and HIV testing in people with risky sexual practices and people who identify themselves as heterosexual. Methods Between 2012 and 2014, it was carried a descriptive study using HIV screening out in Cali-Colombia with the voluntary participation of 940 people aged over 18 years. There were used: informed consent, structured questionnaire and HIV testing. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression models were performed. Results Average age 28.5 ±10.9 years; 50% men. 357 (38%) were people from the traditional risk group for HIV infection; and 583 (62%) corresponded to the non-traditional risk group (heterosexual men and women). Likewise, 62% and 41% respectively had HIV test. 51% to 53% reported having sex when they consumed liquor; commercial sex was higher in the group with risky sexual practices (32% vs 3%), as well as anal relations (77% vs 23%), consistent use of condom (32% vs 9%), and HIV positive test (14.3% vs 1.6%). The multivariate analysis showed for both groups that having HIV test was associated with being older than 25 years and a history of sexually transmitted infection. Conclusions Differentiated education strategies are needed based on risky sexual behaviors and that consider the importance of regular HIV tests for early diagnosis and timely enrollment in care and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jaime Galindo-Quintero
- Grupo Educación y Salud en VIH/Sida. Corporación de Lucha Contra el Sida, Cali, Colombia
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Kadengye DT, Dalal S. Social intolerance, risky sexual behaviors and their association with HIV knowledge among Ugandan adults: results from a national survey. AIDS Care 2018; 31:250-254. [PMID: 29911430 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1488028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the link between HIV knowledge, risky sexual behaviors, and social intolerance such as stigma and discrimination is important for HIV prevention and treatment program planning. We investigated whether intolerant attitudes and practices among Ugandan adults were associated with HIV-transmission knowledge. We analyzed data from a nationally representative population-based household survey, the 2011 Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey. A total of 15,526 participants who responded to questions on HIV knowledge, social intolerance and risky sexual behavior were included in this analysis. Results show that 34.8% of respondents reported having fear of casual contact with people living with HIV (PLWA), 21% blame PLWAs for their disease, 62% would not want HIV infection in their family disclosed, while 25% reported engaging in risky sexual behaviors. After adjusting for age, sex, residence, and level of education, people with low HIV-transmission knowledge had almost three-fold higher odds of fear of casual contact with a PLWA (aOR = 2.70, 95%CI = 2.33-3.13), and had 30% higher odds of HIV-related stigmatizing attitudes (aOR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.07-1.54). Further, they had 47% higher odds of having sex under the influence of alcohol (aOR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.25-1.73) and 40% higher odds of having unprotected sex with any of their last three sex partners (aOR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.06-1.89). Our findings show that intolerant attitudes such as stigma still persist, particularly among people with low HIV-transmission knowledge. Improving knowledge about HIV/AIDS can foster positive attitudes and building safe practices among populations, and is critical for improving prevention and treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damazo T Kadengye
- a School of Statistics and Planning , Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Shona Dalal
- b Independent consultant , Geneva , Switzerland
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May CR, Cummings A, Girling M, Bracher M, Mair FS, May CM, Murray E, Myall M, Rapley T, Finch T. Using Normalization Process Theory in feasibility studies and process evaluations of complex healthcare interventions: a systematic review. Implement Sci 2018; 13:80. [PMID: 29879986 PMCID: PMC5992634 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-018-0758-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 359] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normalization Process Theory (NPT) identifies, characterises and explains key mechanisms that promote and inhibit the implementation, embedding and integration of new health techniques, technologies and other complex interventions. A large body of literature that employs NPT to inform feasibility studies and process evaluations of complex healthcare interventions has now emerged. The aims of this review were to review this literature; to identify and characterise the uses and limits of NPT in research on the implementation and integration of healthcare interventions; and to explore NPT's contribution to understanding the dynamics of these processes. METHODS A qualitative systematic review was conducted. We searched Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar for articles with empirical data in peer-reviewed journals that cited either key papers presenting and developing NPT, or the NPT Online Toolkit ( www.normalizationprocess.org ). We included in the review only articles that used NPT as the primary approach to collection, analysis or reporting of data in studies of the implementation of healthcare techniques, technologies or other interventions. A structured data extraction instrument was used, and data were analysed qualitatively. RESULTS Searches revealed 3322 citations. We show that after eliminating 2337 duplicates and broken or junk URLs, 985 were screened as titles and abstracts. Of these, 101 were excluded because they did not fit the inclusion criteria for the review. This left 884 articles for full-text screening. Of these, 754 did not fit the inclusion criteria for the review. This left 130 papers presenting results from 108 identifiable studies to be included in the review. NPT appears to provide researchers and practitioners with a conceptual vocabulary for rigorous studies of implementation processes. It identifies, characterises and explains empirically identifiable mechanisms that motivate and shape implementation processes. Taken together, these mean that analyses using NPT can effectively assist in the explanation of the success or failure of specific implementation projects. Ten percent of papers included critiques of some aspect of NPT, with those that did mainly focusing on its terminology. However, two studies critiqued NPT emphasis on agency, and one study critiqued NPT for its normative focus. CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates that researchers found NPT useful and applied it across a wide range of interventions. It has been effectively used to aid intervention development and implementation planning as well as evaluating and understanding implementation processes themselves. In particular, NPT appears to have offered a valuable set of conceptual tools to aid understanding of implementation as a dynamic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl R. May
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Amanda Cummings
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melissa Girling
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mike Bracher
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Frances S. Mair
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christine M. May
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Murray
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Michelle Myall
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tim Rapley
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tracy Finch
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Romo ML, George G, Mantell JE, Mwai E, Nyaga E, Odhiambo JO, Govender K, Kelvin EA. Psychosocial characteristics of primary care-seeking long-distance truck drivers in Kenya and associations with HIV testing. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2018; 17:119-128. [PMID: 29690829 PMCID: PMC6085082 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2018.1449760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The 90-90-90 strategy from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020 includes, as its first goal, to have 90% of all people living with HIV to know their status. Achieving this goal will depend on effectively reaching high risk populations, which include mobile populations such as truck drivers. This study aimed to characterise a sample of 305 truck drivers recruited from 2 roadside wellness clinics in Kenya in terms of anticipated HIV stigma, self-efficacy, fatalism, gender equity, sensation seeking, and self-esteem, and then determine the association of these psychosocial characteristics with HIV testing behaviour. Greater general self-efficacy was associated with higher income and more years working as a truck driver. Greater fatalism was associated with non-Christian religion, being married, and having a lower income. Greater gender equity was associated with completing high school, being married, and having higher income. Greater sensation seeking was associated with lower income and fewer years employed as a truck driver. In multivariable logistic regression adjusted for demographic variables, anticipated HIV stigma was negatively associated with having ever tested for HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63–0.98; p = 0.034) and self-esteem was positively associated with testing (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.00–1.12; p = 0.038). Associations with HIV testing behaviour were not significant for self-efficacy, fatalism, gender equity, or sensation seeking. Public health interventions aiming to reduce anticipated stigma and increase self-esteem may potentially increase the uptake of HIV testing among truck drivers. Further research is needed to better understand the influence of these psychosocial characteristics on HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Romo
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics & Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy , City University of New York , New York , USA
| | - Gavin George
- b Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa
| | - Joanne E Mantell
- d HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health , New York State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University Medical Center , New York , USA
| | - Eva Mwai
- c North Star Alliance , Nairobi , Kenya
| | | | | | - Kaymarlin Govender
- b Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa
| | - Elizabeth A Kelvin
- a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics & Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy , City University of New York , New York , USA
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Gwadz M, Leonard NR, Honig S, Freeman R, Kutnick A, Ritchie AS. Doing battle with "the monster:" how high-risk heterosexuals experience and successfully manage HIV stigma as a barrier to HIV testing. Int J Equity Health 2018; 17:46. [PMID: 29678188 PMCID: PMC5910579 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-018-0761-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Annual HIV testing is recommended for populations at-risk for HIV in the United States, including heterosexuals geographically connected to urban high-risk areas (HRA) with elevated rates of HIV prevalence and poverty, who are primarily African American/Black or Hispanic. Yet this subpopulation of “individuals residing in HRA” (IR-HRA) evidence low rates of regular HIV testing. HIV stigma is a recognized primary barrier to testing, in part due to its interaction with other stigmatized social identities. Guided by social-cognitive and intersectionality theories, this qualitative descriptive study explored stigma as a barrier to HIV testing and identified ways IR-HRA manage stigma. Methods In 2012-2014, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 31 adult IR-HRA (74% male, 84% African American/Black) with unknown or negative HIV status, purposively sampled from a larger study for maximum variation on HIV testing experiences. Interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using a systematic content analysis approach that was both theory-driven and inductive. Results Stigma was a primary barrier to HIV testing among IR-HRA. In the context of an under-resourced community, HIV stigma was experienced as emerging from, and being perpetuated by, health care organizations and educational institutions, as well as community members. Participants noted it was “better not to know” one’s HIV status, to avoid experiencing HIV-related stigma, which could interact with other stigmatized social identities and threaten vital social relationships, life chances, and resources. Yet most had tested for HIV previously. Factors facilitating testing included health education to boost knowledge of effective treatments for HIV; understanding HIV does not necessitate ending social relationships; and tapping into altruism. Conclusions In the context of economic and social inequality, HIV stigma operates on multiple, intersecting layers. IR-HRA struggle with an aversion to HIV testing, because adopting another stigmatized status is dangerous. They also find ways to manage stigma to engage in testing, even if not at recommended levels. Findings highlight strategies to reduce HIV stigma at the levels of communities, institutions, and individuals to improve rates of annual HIV testing necessary to eliminate HIV transmission and reduce HIV-related racial and ethnic health disparities among IR-HRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marya Gwadz
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 433 First Avenue, 6th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| | - Noelle R Leonard
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 433 First Avenue, 6th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Sylvie Honig
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 433 First Avenue, 6th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Robert Freeman
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 433 First Avenue, 6th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Alexandra Kutnick
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 433 First Avenue, 6th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Amanda S Ritchie
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 433 First Avenue, 6th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
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Gordon MS, Carswell SB, Wilson M, Kinlock TW, Restivo L, McKenzie M, Rich JD. Factors Associated With Receiving Rapid HIV Testing Among Individuals on Probation or Parole. JOURNAL OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE 2018; 22:290-299. [PMID: 27742854 DOI: 10.1177/1078345816669347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the strong correlation between HIV and corrections, testing and prevention efforts have largely been ignored among community corrections populations. The current study is a secondary analysis to compare characteristics of individuals under community corrections supervision who completed rapid HIV testing with those who refused such testing (N = 2,382) in Baltimore, Maryland, and Providence, Rhode Island. Results indicate that the following variables were significantly associated with the receipt of rapid HIV testing: being female (p = .024), Black race (p = .004), homeless (p = .016), early age of crime onset (p = .001), more drug use during the past 90 days (p = .033), and previously tested for hepatitis C virus/hepatitis B virus (p = .024). Such findings make it especially important that individuals under community supervision be linked with services in the community to ensure that HIV testing and health care planning occur simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Gordon
- Friends Research Institute, Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA Department of Criminal Justice, Stevenson University, Stevenson, MD, USA
| | | | - Monique Wilson
- Friends Research Institute, Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Timothy W Kinlock
- Friends Research Institute, Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA Department of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Michelle McKenzie
- The Miriam Hospital, Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Josiah D Rich
- The Miriam Hospital, Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Schmidt-Sane MM. Community vulnerability and stratified risk: Hegemonic masculinity, socioeconomic status, and HIV/AIDS in a sex work community in Kampala, Uganda. Glob Public Health 2018; 13:1713-1724. [PMID: 29376472 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2018.1430160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This article examines the social patterning of health, economic uncertainty, hegemonic masculinity, and vulnerability among men who live and work in a low-income sex work community in Kampala, Uganda. This problematises the notion that vulnerable communities are homogenous, in demographics, economic status, and risk. This article draws on ethnographic data collected in 2016, including semi-structured interviews and participant observation. This article uses a stratified risk framework to describe the central finding of this study, which is that men's experience in Kataba is characterised by a struggle to fulfil the provider role that constitutes a core aspect of their socially ascribed gender role. In a context of economic scarcity, men's lives are fraught with strain and this intersects with other forms of risk. Finally, by focusing on community vulnerability rather than individual risk, this work contributes to theories of gender and sex work, and informs HIV/AIDS praxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Schmidt-Sane
- a Department of Anthropology , Case Western Reserve University , Cleveland , OH , USA
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