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Awareness, Willingness and Use of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Female Sex Workers Living in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:335-343. [PMID: 35838859 PMCID: PMC9852168 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Tanzania is in the final stages to roll out pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to Female Sex Workers (FSWs) so as to reduce new infections. PrEP demonstration projects support programming through gaining first experiences.We analyzed data from a cohort of 700 HIV negative FSWs in Dar-es-Salaam to determine proportions of FSWs who were aware, willing and used PrEP. We compared proportions at cohort enrolment and after 12 months. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with PrEP use. PrEP awareness increased from 67% to 97% after 12 months. Willingness was high at both time points (98% versus 96%). Only 8% (57/700) had used PrEP. Being married/cohabiting or separated/divorced/widowed and having sex with a HIV infected partner were independently associated with PrEP use. The PrEP program should focus on scaling up access as willingness to use PrEP is high.
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2
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Wyatt MA, Pisarski EE, Kriel Y, Smith PM, Mathenjwa M, Jaggernath M, Smit JA, Matthews LT, Ware NC. Influences on PrEP Uptake and Adherence Among South African Women During Periconception and Pregnancy: A Qualitative Analysis. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:208-217. [PMID: 35771311 PMCID: PMC9245881 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03757-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for HIV prevention, yet PrEP delivery to women in periconception and pregnancy has lagged. We report qualitative research from a study evaluating PrEP use as part of safer conception care for 330 South African women. Fifty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 study participants to identify influences on PrEP adherence. Influences were: (1) changing proximity to male partners; (2) COVID-19 lockdown; (3) mobile lifestyle; (4) PrEP-related stigma; (5) disclosure of PrEP use; and (6) pregnancy and motherhood. Data also revealed important contextual information shaping adherence influences for women, including: (a) not living with partners, (b) partners as drivers of pregnancy intention, and (c) feeling at high risk for HIV. Disclosure of PrEP use, addressing stigma, strategies for traveling with pills, and counseling on prevention effective adherence are promising components of PrEP-inclusive HIV prevention interventions for South African women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique A. Wyatt
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave, Boston, USA ,Harvard Global, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Emily E. Pisarski
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave, Boston, USA
| | - Yolandie Kriel
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN South Africa
| | - Patricia M. Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Mxolisi Mathenjwa
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN South Africa
| | - Manjeetha Jaggernath
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN South Africa
| | - Jennifer A. Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN South Africa
| | - Lynn T. Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Norma C. Ware
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave, Boston, USA ,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
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3
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Lelaka CM, Moyo I, Tshivhase L, Mavhandu-Mudzusi AH. Psychosocial support for HIV serodiscordant couples. Health Psychol Behav Med 2022; 10:537-556. [PMID: 35756334 PMCID: PMC9225695 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2022.2084098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic, with 8.2 million people living with the virus. It has a high HIV prevalence of 13.7% and 230,000 new infections in 2020. It is estimated that HIV serodiscordant couples contribute up to 60% of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there have been no specific programmes/activities to deliberately cater for couples in HIV serodiscordant relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial support provided for HIV serodiscordant couples both in health care settings and in the community. Methods An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was utilised for this study. In-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen HIV serodiscordant couples. Data collection was guided by an interview guide. All audio-recorded interview data were transcribed verbatim into written text. Data analysis was conducted using an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. A third person-an expert in qualitative research, acted as an independent co-coder and conducted the open coding of each transcript. Findings The findings indicated that HIV serodiscordant couples received psychosocial support from their partners, family, and health care workers. This support was emotional, or in the form of counselling, reminders on taking medication, financial and household chores. The support provided by health care providers proved to be deficient and did not address the diverse needs of this group. Conclusion Psychosocial support plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of life of HIV serodiscordant couples. Therefore, client centred, and tailor-made interventions should be made available to this special with diverse needs group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Idah Moyo
- Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Livhuwani Tshivhase
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
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4
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Irungu EM, Baeten JM. PrEP rollout in Africa: status and opportunity. Nat Med 2020; 26:655-664. [PMID: 32405065 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0872-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Following recommendations by the World Health Organization in 2015, and key clinical trials, countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), developed policies that incorporate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) into national HIV-prevention strategies. By the end of 2019, more than one third of people receiving PrEP globally were in Africa. Crucial understandings gained from early rollout among at-risk populations, such as HIV-serodiscordant couples, adolescent girls and young women, female sex workers, and men who have sex with men, include the importance of strategies for maintaining persistent adherence to PrEP and novel approaches to making PrEP services accessible, simplified and efficient. This Perspective will discuss the current status of these programs and how to further widen their implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Irungu
- College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Rial-Crestelo D, Pinto-Martínez A, Pulido F. Cabotegravir and rilpivirine for the treatment of HIV. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:393-404. [PMID: 32164474 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1736561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has led to improved control of HIV infection, giving the opportunity of exploring therapeutic alternatives as new long-acting (LA) regimens, that might improve the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLWH).Areas covered: This article overviews the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of LA cabotegravir and rilpivirine (CR), two nanoformulated drugs of intramuscular administration and focuses on assessing its role on the treatment of HIV infection.Expert opinion: In addition to the advantage of treatment simplification, which could be especially beneficial for population subgroups with significant HIV-related stigma, it also reduces the number of drugs, and probably, the risk of treatment-related toxicity. The similar efficacy when compared to oral triple therapies in clinical trials and the high satisfaction rates among both professionals and patients make LA CR a suitable alternative for the control of HIV infection in the modern era.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Federico Pulido
- HIV Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 De Octubre - Imas12, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Eakle R, Weatherburn P, Bourne A. Understanding user perspectives of and preferences for oral PrEP for HIV prevention in the context of intervention scale-up: a synthesis of evidence from sub-Saharan Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 4:e25306. [PMID: 31328429 PMCID: PMC6643067 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has been proven to significantly reduce new HIV infections yet scale-up has been slow. As contexts continue to adjust to make space for PrEP, it is crucial to understand the perspectives and experiences of potential end-users. In order to inform PrEP and demand creation interventions, this paper examines personal perspectives on adopting and using PrEP among HIV at-risk populations in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Using the principles of a scoping review in July 2018, we explored the extent, range, and nature of published literature regarding PrEP uptake and use among; men who have sex with men, HIV serodiscordant couples, adolescent girls and young women, pregnant and breastfeeding women, women partners of migrant workers; and people who use drugs. Steps included: identification of the research question; identification of relevant studies; study selection; charting the data; and collation - summarizing and reporting results. PubMed and PsycInfo were searched for papers relating to PrEP uptake and use in sub-Saharan Africa. Resulting papers were reviewed with data extracted and compiled in Excel for analysis. A broad content analysis was conducted and organized into high-level themes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Thirty-five papers were included in this review. There was little opposition in general to oral PrEP; however, there were significant nuances in its broader acceptability, applicability, and usability. We identified five themes within which these are discussed. These relate to balancing complexities of personal empowerment and stigma; navigating complex risk environments; influences of relationships and partners; efficacy and side effects; and practicalities of use. This body of research suggests that while product attributes and the logistics of PrEP delivery and use are important topics, it is vital to consider stigma, the interactions of PrEP use with relationships, and the need for broader understanding of ARVs for prevention versus treatment. CONCLUSIONS Planning for, programming and promoting the adoption of oral PrEP necessitates a deeper understanding of end-user priorities in order to ensure successful interventions. This review illustrates the nuances facilitating or deterring PrEP use that may affect the larger effort of PrEP scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Eakle
- Department of Global Health and DevelopmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Sigma ResearchDepartment of Public Health, Environments and SocietyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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Yap PK, Loo Xin GL, Tan YY, Chellian J, Gupta G, Liew YK, Collet T, Dua K, Chellappan DK. Antiretroviral agents in pre-exposure prophylaxis: emerging and advanced trends in HIV prevention. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 71:1339-1352. [PMID: 31144296 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antiretroviral agents (ARVs) have been the most promising line of therapy in the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Some of these ARVs are used in the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to suppress the transmission of HIV. Prophylaxis is primarily used in uninfected people, before exposure, to effectively prevent HIV infection. Several studies have shown that ART PrEP prevents HIV acquisition from sexual, blood and mother-to-child transmissions. However, there are also several challenges and limitations to PrEP. This review focuses on the current antiretroviral therapies used in PrEP. KEY FINDINGS Among ARVs, the most common drugs employed from the class of entry inhibitors are maraviroc (MVC), which is a CCR5 receptor antagonist. Other entry inhibitors like emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir (TFV) are also used. Rilpivirine (RPV) and dapivirine (DPV) are the most common drugs employed from the Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTIs) class, whereas, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is primarily used in the Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTIs) class. Cabotegravir (CAB) is an analog of dolutegravir, and it is an integrase inhibitor. Some of these drugs are also used in combination with other drugs from the same class. SUMMARY Some of the most common pre-exposure prophylactic strategies employed currently are the use of inhibitors, namely entry inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, integrase and protease inhibitors. In addition, we have also discussed on the adverse effects caused by ART in PrEP, pharmacoeconomics factors and the use of antiretroviral prophylaxis in serodiscordant couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Khee Yap
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Griselda Lim Loo Xin
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yoke Ying Tan
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jestin Chellian
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, India
| | - Yun Khoon Liew
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Trudi Collet
- Innovative Medicines Group, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Ultimo, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) & School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Kumi Smith M, Jewell BL, Hallett TB, Cohen MS. Treatment of HIV for the Prevention of Transmission in Discordant Couples and at the Population Level. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1075:125-162. [PMID: 30030792 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0484-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The scientific breakthrough proving that antiretroviral therapy (ART) can halt heterosexual HIV transmission came in the form of a landmark clinical trial conducted among serodiscordant couples. Study findings immediately informed global recommendations for the use of treatment as prevention in serodiscordant couples. The extent to which these findings are generalizable to other key populations or to groups exposed to HIV through nonsexual transmission routes (i.e., anal intercourse or unsafe injection of drugs) has since driven a large body of research. This review explores the history of HIV research in serodiscordant couples, the implications for management of couples, subsequent research on treatment as prevention in other key populations, and challenges in community implementation of these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kumi Smith
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | | | | | - Myron S Cohen
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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9
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Counseling Framework for HIV-Serodiscordant Couples on the Integrated Use of Antiretroviral Therapy and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 74 Suppl 1:S15-S22. [PMID: 27930607 PMCID: PMC5147040 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: For HIV-serodiscordant couples, integrated delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive partners and time-limited pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for negative partners virtually eliminates HIV transmission. Standardized messaging, sensitive to the barriers and motivators to HIV treatment and prevention, is needed for widespread scale-up of this approach. Methods: Within the Partners Demonstration Project, a prospective interventional project among 1013 serodiscordant couples in Kenya and Uganda, we offered ART to eligible HIV-positive partners and PrEP to HIV-negative partners before ART initiation and through the HIV-positive partner's first 6 months of ART use. We conducted individual and group discussions with counseling staff to elicit the health communication framework and key messages about ART and PrEP that were delivered to couples. Results: Counseling sessions for serodiscordant couples about PrEP and ART included discussions of HIV serodiscordance, PrEP and ART initiation and integrated use, and PrEP discontinuation. ART messages emphasized daily, lifelong use for treatment and prevention, adherence, viral suppression, resistance, side effects, and safety of ART during pregnancy. PrEP messages emphasized daily dosing, time-limited PrEP use until the HIV-positive partner sustained 6 months of high adherence to ART, adherence, safety during conception, side effects, and other risks for HIV. Conclusions: Counseling messages for HIV-serodiscordant couples are integral to the delivery of time-limited PrEP as a “bridge” to ART-driven viral suppression. Their incorporation into programmatic scale-up will maximize intervention impact on the global epidemic.
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Hughes SD, Truong HHM. Sero-discovering versus sero-cognisant: initial challenges and needs of HIV-serodiscordant couples in Porto Alegre, Brazil. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2017; 19:888-902. [PMID: 28074680 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2016.1269366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on challenges faced by heterosexual couples of mixed HIV status in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and argues for more conceptual nuance in our understanding of 'serodiscordance'. Couples' stories, collected over 11 months of qualitative research, demonstrate how profoundly serodiscordance involves both partners and suggest that the timing of relationship formation relative to HIV diagnosis influenced the particular challenges they confronted. In recognition of this variation, we propose the distinction of 'sero-discovering' from 'sero-cognisant' couples. Though Brazilian health policy strives to address the needs of individuals diagnosed with HIV, the needs of seronegative partners in this cohort received relatively little attention. In addition, the transformation of HIV from a death sentence to a chronic condition both facilitated the formation of serodiscordant unions and raised special challenges for such couples. Conceiving of any person receiving an HIV diagnosis as 'potentially partnered' may help address some of these lacunae while promoting primary prevention within mixed-status couples, and HIV testing more generally. More research with this population is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana D Hughes
- a Department of Anthropology , University of South Florida , Tampa , USA
| | - Hong-Ha M Truong
- b Center for AIDS Prevention Studies , University of California-San Francisco , San Francisco , USA
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11
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Bhatia DS, Harrison AD, Kubeka M, Milford C, Kaida A, Bajunirwe F, Wilson IB, Psaros C, Safren SA, Bangsberg DR, Smit JA, Matthews LT. The Role of Relationship Dynamics and Gender Inequalities As Barriers to HIV-Serostatus Disclosure: Qualitative Study among Women and Men Living with HIV in Durban, South Africa. Front Public Health 2017; 5:188. [PMID: 28824897 PMCID: PMC5534462 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This qualitative study investigated gender power inequalities as they contribute to relationship dynamics and HIV-serostatus disclosure among men and women living with HIV in Durban, South Africa. HIV serodiscordance among men and women within stable partnerships contributes to high HIV incidence in southern Africa, yet disclosure rates remain low. Given the emphasis on prevention for HIV-serodiscordant couples, this research supports the urgent need to explore how best to support couples to recognize that they are part of this priority population and to access appropriate prevention and treatment. METHODS Thirty-five in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 15 HIV-positive men and 20 HIV-positive women (not couples) receiving care at public-sector clinics near Durban. A structured coding scheme was developed to investigate men's and women's attitudes toward HIV-serostatus disclosure and behaviors of sharing (or not sharing) HIV serostatus with a partner. Narratives were analyzed for barriers and facilitators of disclosure through the lens of sociocultural gender inequality, focusing on reasons for non-disclosure. RESULTS Among 35 participants: median age was 33 years (men) and 30 years (women); average years since HIV diagnosis was 1 (men) and 1.5 (women). Four themes related to gender inequality and HIV-serostatus disclosure emerged: (1) Men and women fear disclosing to partners due to concerns about stigma and relationship dissolution, (2) suspicions and mistrust between partners underlies decisions for non-disclosure, (3) unequal, gendered power in relationships causes differential likelihood and safety of disclosure among men and women, and (4) incomplete or implicit disclosure are strategies to navigate disclosure challenges. Findings illustrate HIV-serostatus disclosure as a complex process evolving over time, rather than a one-time event. CONCLUSION Partner communication about HIV serostatus is infrequent and complicated, with gender inequalities contributing to fear, mistrust, and partial or implicit disclosure. Relationship dynamics and gender roles shape the environment within which men and women can engage successfully in the HIV-serostatus disclosure process. Integrated interventions to reduce barriers to trustful and effective communication are needed for HIV-affected men and women in partnerships in which seeking couples-based HIV counseling and testing (CHCT) is challenging or unlikely. These data offer insights to support HIV-serostatus disclosure strategies within relationships over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya S Bhatia
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Abigail D Harrison
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Muriel Kubeka
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Cecilia Milford
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | | | - Ira B Wilson
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Christina Psaros
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States.,Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa.,Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Global Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA, United States
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12
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Intimate Partner Violence and Adherence to HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in African Women in HIV Serodiscordant Relationships: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 73:313-322. [PMID: 27243900 PMCID: PMC5065369 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with higher HIV incidence, reduced condom use, and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy and other medications. IPV may also affect adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Methods: We analyzed data from 1785 HIV-uninfected women enrolled in a clinical trial of PrEP among African HIV serodiscordant couples. Experience of verbal, physical, or economic IPV was assessed at monthly visits by face-to-face interviews. Low PrEP adherence was defined as clinic-based pill count coverage <80% or plasma tenofovir levels <40 ng/mL. The association between IPV and low adherence was analyzed using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for potential confounders. In-depth interview transcripts were examined to explain how IPV could impact adherence. Results: Sixteen percent of women reported IPV during a median of 34.8 months of follow-up (interquartile range 27.0–35.0). Overall, 7% of visits had pill count coverage <80%, and 32% had plasma tenofovir <40 ng/mL. Women reporting IPV in the past 3 months had increased risk of low adherence by pill count (adjusted risk ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.17 to 1.89) and by plasma tenofovir (adjusted risk ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.06 to 2.15). Verbal, economic, and physical IPV were all associated with low adherence. However, the impact of IPV diminished and was not statistically significant 3 months after the reported exposure. In qualitative interviews, women identified several ways in which IPV affected adherence, including stress and forgetting, leaving home without pills, and partners throwing pills away. Conclusions: Women who reported recent IPV in the Partners PrEP Study were at increased risk of low PrEP adherence. Strategies to mitigate PrEP nonadherence in the context of IPV should be evaluated.
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Ashaba S, Kaida A, Burns BF, O'Neil K, Dunkley E, Psaros C, Kastner J, Tsai AC, Bangsberg DR, Matthews LT. Understanding coping strategies during pregnancy and the postpartum period: a qualitative study of women living with HIV in rural Uganda. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2017; 17:138. [PMID: 28482821 PMCID: PMC5423027 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-017-1321-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In sub-Saharan Africa, 58% of adults living with HIV are women. In Uganda, HIV prevalence is 8.3% for women compared to 6.1% for men. Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programs have enabled women living with HIV (WLWH) to have children with minimal risk of perinatal transmission. Nevertheless, pregnant WLWH face many challenges. We explored women’s perceptions of how they cope with the challenges of pregnancy and the postpartum period as HIV-infected women. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with postpartum WLWH accessing ART who had a pregnancy within 2 years prior to recruitment between February–August, 2014. Childbearing associated stressors and coping strategies were discussed. We used content analysis to identify major themes and NVivo 10 software facilitated data analysis. Results Twenty women were interviewed with median age 33 (IQR: 28–35) years, CD4 cell count 677 cells/mm3 (IQR: 440–767), number of live births 4 (IQR: 2–6), and number of living children 3 (IQR: 2–4.3). We summarize five identified coping strategies within a socio-ecological framework according to Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model. Coping strategies on the individual level included acceptance of self and HIV status, and self-reliance. On the interpersonal level, participants reported coping through support from partners, family, and friends. On the organizational level, participants reported coping through HIV-related healthcare delivery and system supports. At the community level, women reported coping through support from church and spirituality. Conclusions The results highlight coping strategies used by WLWH to manage the myriad challenges faced during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Intervention programs for WLWH must emphasize psychosocial care and incorporate strategies that address psychosocial challenges in the HIV care package in order to optimize well-being. Additionally policies that support networks of WLWH should be put in place and funding support should be provided through existing funding mechanisms in order to respond to the needs and challenges of WLWH. Programmes that support WLWH for economic empowerment and improved livelihoods should be strengthened across all regions in the country. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-017-1321-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scholastic Ashaba
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | | | - Kasey O'Neil
- MGH Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emma Dunkley
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jasmine Kastner
- Research Institute McGill University Health Centre Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- MGH Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- MGH Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Global implementation of PrEP as part of combination HIV prevention - Unsolved challenges. J Int AIDS Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.7.21479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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15
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Cáceres CF, Borquez A, Klausner JD, Baggaley R, Beyrer C. Implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus infection: progress and emerging issues in research and policy. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:21108. [PMID: 27760685 PMCID: PMC5071779 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.7.21108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this article, we present recent evidence from studies focused on the implementation, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV infection; discuss PrEP scale-up to date, including the observed levels of access and policy development; and elaborate on key emerging policy and research issues to consider for further scale-up, with a special focus on lower-middle income countries. DISCUSSION The 2015 WHO Early Release Guidelines for HIV Treatment and Prevention reflect both scientific evidence and new policy perspectives. Those guidelines present a timely challenge to health systems for the scaling up of not only treatment for every person living with HIV infection but also the offer of PrEP to those at substantial risk. Delivery and uptake of both universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) and PrEP will require nation-wide commitment and could reinvigorate health systems to develop more comprehensive "combination prevention" programmes and support wider testing linked to both treatments and other prevention options for populations at highest risk who are currently not accessing services. Various gaps in current health systems will need to be addressed to achieve strategic scale-up of PrEP, including developing prioritization strategies, strengthening drug regulations, determining cost and funding sources, training health providers, supporting user adherence and creating demand. CONCLUSIONS The initial steps in the scale-up of PrEP globally suggest feasibility, acceptability and likely impact. However, to prevent setbacks in less well-resourced settings, countries will need to anticipate and address challenges such as operational and health systems barriers, drug cost and regulatory policies, health providers' openness to prescribing PrEP to populations at substantial risk, demand and legal and human rights issues. Emerging problems will require creative solutions and will continue to illustrate the complexity of PrEP implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos F Cáceres
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru;
| | - Annick Borquez
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MA, USA
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Sexual Relationships Outside Primary Partnerships and Abstinence Are Associated With Lower Adherence and Adherence Gaps: Data From the Partners PrEP Ancillary Adherence Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 69:36-43. [PMID: 25942457 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the role of sexual relationships on levels and patterns of adherence to medication for pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV. METHODS We enrolled 1147 HIV-negative individuals in long-term serodiscordant relationships at 3 sites in Uganda from the Partners Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Study, a randomized placebo-controlled trial of daily oral tenofovir and emtricitabine/tenofovir. We used generalized estimation equations to assess the effects of sexual relationships on low adherence (<80%) and on gaps in adherence. RESULTS Fifty-three percent were male, 51% were 18-34 years and 24% were polygamous. Participants who reported sex in the past month with someone other than their primary partner and with <100% condom use were more than twice as likely to have low adherence [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.70 to 3.62] compared with those who had sex with only their primary partners and 100% condom use. Using the same reference group, those who abstained from sex in the previous month had 30% increased odds of low adherence (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.62) and participants in nonpolygamous marriages who reported sex with both their primary and other partners and <100% condom use were almost twice as likely to be low adherers (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.01 to 3.08). At least one 72-hour gap in adherence was seen in 598 participants (54.7%); 23.2% had at least one 1-week gap. CONCLUSIONS Risk of low overall adherence was higher in participants who reported sex outside primary partnerships and suboptimal condom use, as well as in those who abstained from sex. Adherence gaps were common, potentially creating risk for HIV acquisition.
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