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Wahome E, Otieno FO, Kimani J, Boyd A, Okall D, Nzioka J, Gichuru E, van der Elst E, Mehta SD, Bailey RC, Graham SM, Sanders EJ. Impact of coronavirus disease 2019-related clinic closures on HIV incidence in young adult MSM and transgender women in Kenya. AIDS 2024; 38:407-413. [PMID: 37939103 PMCID: PMC10842664 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003782] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on risk of HIV acquisition in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the impact of COVID-19-related clinic closures on HIV incidence in a cohort of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women in Kenya. METHODS MSM and transgender women enrolled in a prospective, multicentre cohort study were followed quarterly for HIV testing, behaviour assessments, and risk. We estimated the HIV incidence rate and its 95% credible intervals (CrI) among participants who were HIV-negative before COVID-19-related clinic closure, comparing incidence rate and risk factors associated with HIV acquisition before vs. after clinic reopening, using a Bayesian Poisson model with weakly informative priors. RESULTS A total of 690 (87%) participants returned for follow-up after clinic reopening (total person-years 664.3 during clinic closure and 1013.3 after clinic reopening). HIV incidence rate declined from 2.05/100 person-years (95% CrI = 1.22-3.26, n = 14) during clinic closures to 0.96/100 person-years (95% CrI = 0.41-2.07, n = 10) after clinic reopening (IRR = 0.47, 95% CrI = 0.20-1.01). The proportion of participants reporting hazardous alcohol use and several sexual risk behaviours was higher during clinic closures than after clinic reopening. In multivariable analysis adjusting for study site and participant characteristics, HIV incidence was lower after clinic reopening (IRR 0.57, 95% CrI = 0.23-1.33). Independent risk factors for HIV acquisition included receptive anal intercourse (IRR 1.94, 95% CrI = 0.88-4.80) and perceived risk of HIV (IRR 3.03, 95% CRI = 1.40-6.24). CONCLUSION HIV incidence during COVID-19-related clinic closures was moderately increased and reduced after COVID-19 restrictions were eased. Ensuring access to services for key populations is important during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joshua Kimani
- Sex Worker Outreach Program (SWOP), and Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anders Boyd
- Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Department of Infectious Diseases
- Stichting HIV Monitoring
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Infectious Diseases
| | - Duncan Okall
- Sex Worker Outreach Program (SWOP), and Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Nzioka
- Sex Worker Outreach Program (SWOP), and Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Elise van der Elst
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi
- Department of Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Robert C. Bailey
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu
- University of Illinois at Chicago, IL
| | - Susan M. Graham
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eduard J. Sanders
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi
- Department of Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- University of Oxford, Headington, UK
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Soares F, Magno L, Pinto JA, Grangeiro A, Bruxvoort K, Greco D, Dourado I. Same-Day Initiation of Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is High Among Adolescent Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Brazil. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S26-S32. [PMID: 37953005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study analyzed the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of adolescent men who have sex with men (aMSM) and transgender women (aTGW) initiating oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention clinics. METHODS PrEP1519 is a prospective, multicenter, open-label PrEP demonstration cohort study of aMSM and aTGW aged 15-19 years living in three large Brazilian capital cities. For this analysis, we included adolescents who enrolled in PrEP1519 from February 2019 to August 2021. Adolescents who visited PrEP clinics were classified into four groups based on PrEP eligibility and on their decision to use PrEP: (1) ineligible for same-day PrEP initiation; (2) eligible for same-day PrEP initiation, initiated PrEP at first visit; (3) eligible for PrEP initiation, initiated PrEP after the first visit; and (4) eligible for same-day PrEP initiation but declined. The groups that were eligible for same-day PrEP initiation were compared using the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS Of the 1,254 adolescents enrolled in the PrEP1519 study, 61 (4.9%) were considered ineligible for same-day PrEP initiation. Of the 1,193 eligible for same-day PrEP initiation, 1,113 (93.3%) initiated PrEP [1,054 initiated PrEP in the first visit (88.3%) and 59 in subsequent visits (4.9%)] and 80 (6.7%) did not. Despite 90% of the PrEP decliners reporting a low risk of HIV infection, most reported condomless anal sex in the past six months (70%). DISCUSSION Same-day PrEP initiation among aMSM and aTGW was high, highlighting that this strategy was important to promote PrEP initiation among adolescents with increased vulnerability to HIV in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiane Soares
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Laio Magno
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Jony Arrais Pinto
- Instituto de Matemática e Estatística, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Grangeiro
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katia Bruxvoort
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Dirceu Greco
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Inês Dourado
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Guimarães NS, Magno L, Monteiro GMB, Ramos ICN, de Castro CT, Aranha-Rossi TR, Pereira M, Dourado I. Demand creation and retention strategies for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men and transgender women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:793. [PMID: 37964202 PMCID: PMC10644426 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08693-z] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) have a disproportionately higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection than other groups. Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention tool and should be offered to those at higher risk. Identifying demand creation strategies (DCS) and retention strategies (RS) to improve PrEP persistence is essential to control the HIV epidemic. AIM We aimed to identify the (DCS and RS with higher proportions among MSM and TGW. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies were conducted, with studies retrieved from five databases until November, 2022 following the Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022323220). The outcomes were DCS and RS for PrEP use among MSM and TGW. Strategies used for users enrolled in the PrEP-recruited (DCS) were classified as face-to-face (peer educator recruitment at social venues, nongovernmental organizations, and parties; direct referrals by health services; friends and/or sexual partners); online (chatbot or peer educator recruitment on social media [e.g., , Instagram or Facebook] or dating/hook-up apps [e.g., Grindr, Tinder, Badoo, and Scruff]); and mixed (face-to-face and online). RS was classified as provider counseling (face-to-face by a health professional; prevention of HIV risk counseling, distribution of condoms, lubricants, and testing for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections); online counseling (text messages, chatbots, telephone calls, social media, and peer educators); and mixed (all previous strategies). Subgroup analyses were conducted for each treatment strategy. Meta-analyses were performed using the R software version 4.2.1. RESULTS A total of 1, 129 studies were retrieved from the five databases. After eligibility, 46 studies were included. For MSM, most DCS and RS were online at 91% (95% CI: 0.85-0.97; I2=53%), and 83% (95% CI: 0.80-0.85; I2=17%) respectively. For TGW, mixed DCS and RS were the most frequent at85% (95% CI: 0.60-1.00; I2=91%) and online counseling at 84% (95% CI: 0.64-0.95) compared to other strategies. CONCLUSION Critical issues play. Pivotal role in increasing PrEP awareness among MSM and TGW, minimizing access gaps, and ensuring retention of PrEP services. Offering oral PrEP using online DCS and RS can reach and retain high numbers of MSM and TGW, and reduce HIV incidence in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Sernizon Guimarães
- Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, R. Basílio da Gama, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-040, Brazil.
- Fundação de apoio à Fiocruz (FIOTEC) Scholarship, Avenida, Brazil.
- Departamento Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Laio Magno
- Life Sciences Departament, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Marinho Bahia Monteiro
- Fundação de apoio à Fiocruz (FIOTEC) Scholarship, Avenida, Brazil
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Izabel Cristina Neves Ramos
- Fundação de apoio à Fiocruz (FIOTEC) Scholarship, Avenida, Brazil
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Caroline Tianeze de Castro
- Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, R. Basílio da Gama, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-040, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Pereira
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Inês Dourado
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Reyniers T, Fiorentino M, Babo SAY, Ouedraogo M, Kanta I, Agbegnigan LE, Rojas D, Anoma C, Dah TTE, Mensah E, Keita BD, Spire B, Vuylsteke B, Laurent C. The Perceived Added Value of Bimonthly Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis According to West African Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Focus Group Study. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:480-488. [PMID: 37862074 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0097] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bimonthly long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) can become an important additional tool for HIV prevention among West African men who have sex with men (MSM). The objective was to explore the perceived added value of LAI-PrEP as an HIV prevention tool among MSM in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. We conducted eight focus group discussions among 62 HIV-negative MSM between April and May 2021. Participants were recruited via local community-based clinics. Data collection and analysis were guided by grounded theory and community-based participatory approaches. Participants were generally knowledgeable about HIV, and explained particular barriers for HIV prevention in their communities (e.g., denial of HIV). The added value of LAI-PrEP relative to condoms was similar to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in terms of perceived advantages (e.g., improved sexual satisfaction) or disadvantages (e.g., no protection against other sexually transmitted infections). Compared with oral PrEP, LAI-PrEP was perceived to provide better protection against HIV and to be more convenient (e.g., no need to be mindful of intake and less risk for stigma). Concerns included fear of needles, doubts about efficacy, potential side effects, and difficulties for ensuring timely injections (e.g., when traveling abroad). The results demonstrate that injectable PrEP can be of particular interest to subgroups of West African MSM, although existing HIV prevention tools such as condoms and oral PrEP will remain valuable alongside of, or instead of, LAI-PrEP. Increasing awareness about HIV and tackling discrimination based on sexual orientation continue to be crucial factors to be addressed for HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Reyniers
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marion Fiorentino
- INSERM, IRD, Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniela Rojas
- INSERM, IRD, Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | | | - Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- UFR Sciences de la Santé, Université de Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Bruno Spire
- INSERM, IRD, Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christian Laurent
- TransVIHMI, Université Montpellier, IRD, Inserm, Montpellier, France
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Rugira E, Biracyaza E, Umubyeyi A. Uptake and Persistence on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Female Sex Workers and Men Having Sex with Men in Kigali, Rwanda: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study Design. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:2353-2364. [PMID: 37790862 PMCID: PMC10542111 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s427021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is known for its effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission; there is a global rise in HIV infection rates, particularly prominent in sub-Saharan Africa. This health concern is mostly evident among high-risk groups, namely Female Sex Workers (FSWs) and Men who have Sex with Men (MSMs), both of whom are more susceptible to sexually transmissible infections. This research examined the persistence, uptake, and associated predictors of PrEP utilization within the FSW and MSM populations. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted involving 4872 individuals from the FSW and MSM groups who were enrolled in a PrEP program across 10 health centers participating in a pilot initiative. The study population was subject to a year-long follow-up period commencing on March 1st, 2019. To evaluate the determinants of PrEP utilization within FSW and MSM groups, bivariate logistic analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were employed. Results The findings revealed that the occurrence of PrEP uptake was 45.55% (n=2219) among FSWs and 35.42% (n=17 participants) among MSM. Regarding PrEP persistence, MSM (88.24%, n=15 participants) presented higher PrEP proportion than FSWs (78.5%, n=1742 women). Our findings disclosed that individuals aged 25-34 years (aOR=0.82; 95% CI=0.72-0.93, p=0.002), 35-44 years (aOR=0.83; 95% CI=0.71-0.97, p=0.017), and 55 years and older (OR=0.14; 95% CI=0.04-0.48, p=0.002) exhibited lower likelihoods of having low PrEP uptake than those aged 15-19 years. Moreover, individuals residing with their families (aOR=0.71; 95% CI=0.58-0.87, p<0.001), living with roommates (aOR=0.7; 95% CI=0.5-0.97, p=0.032) displayed lower odds for experiencing low PrEP uptake than their counterparts living alone. Conclusion This study highlighted the low uptake of PrEP among participants when compared to previous studies. These results revealed significant influences of age and living conditions on PrEP usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Rugira
- Department of Epidemiologuy and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Emmanuel Biracyaza
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Institut Universitaire sur la Réadaptation en Déficience Physique de Montréal (IURDPM), Montreal, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aline Umubyeyi
- Department of Epidemiologuy and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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Haaland I, Metta E, Moen K. The use of PrEP among men who have sex with men and transgender women as Biomedical Prevention Work: A conceptual framework. Soc Sci Med 2023; 333:116147. [PMID: 37556992 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116147] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Based on ethnographic fieldwork among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Tanzania, this article explores the various types of work that may go into enrolment into PrEP programming and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP protects against HIV acquisition and is widely touted as an essential tool in 'ending AIDS by 2030'. While taking PrEP has often been portrayed as 'just taking a pill a day' in public health campaigns, a striking observation during fieldwork was that enrolling in PrEP programming and adhering to PrEP involved a wide range of tasks. Inspired by this fieldwork experience and the literature on sociology of work, more specifically illness work and patient work, we started to think of these tasks as work. This paper identifies the range of tasks that PrEP users in Dar es Salaam had to perform as part of their enrolment and usage of PrEP. We provide a description of these tasks, organised into three categories of work that we refer to as (a) readying work, (b) user work, and (c) social navigation work that jointly make up what we propose to call biomedical prevention work. We further suggest that this analytical framework can be applicable to other biomedical prevention methods in other contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Haaland
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Emmy Metta
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kåre Moen
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
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Ramadhani HO, Crowell TA, Nowak RG, Adebajo S, Kayode BO, Ononaku U, Baral SD, Ndembi N, Charurat ME. Determinants of Preexposure Prophylaxis Cascade Among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Nigeria. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:559-566. [PMID: 37277897 PMCID: PMC10527664 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001841] [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: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). We evaluated the characteristics associated with engagement in 7 steps of the PrEP cascade among SGMs in Nigeria. METHODS Sexual and gender minorities without HIV from the Abuja site of TRUST/RV368 cohort who were surveyed on awareness of and willingness to use PrEP were approached for PrEP initiation upon availability of oral daily PrEP. To understand gaps in the uptake of oral daily PrEP, we categorized the HIV PrEP cascade as (i) education about PrEP, (ii) interest in PrEP, (iii) successful contact, (iv) appointment scheduled, (v) appointment attendance, (vi) PrEP initiation, and (vii) plasma protective levels of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with each of the 7 steps in the HIV PrEP cascade. RESULTS Of 788 participants, 718 (91.1%) showed interest in taking oral daily PrEP every day and/or after a sexual act, 542 (68.8%) were successfully contacted, 433 (54.9%) scheduled an appointment, 409 (51.9%) attended a scheduled appointment, 400 (50.8%) initiated oral daily PrEP, and 59 (7.4%) had protective levels of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Of initiators of PrEP, 23 (5.8%) seroconverted at a rate of 13.9 cases/100 person-years. Better social support, larger network density, and higher education were associated with engagement in 4 to 5 components of the cascade. CONCLUSIONS Our data highlight a gap between willingness and actual PrEP use. Despite PrEP's effectiveness in preventing HIV, the optimal impact of PrEP for SGMs in sub-Saharan Africa will require multifaceted approaches that combine social support, education, and destigmatization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca G Nowak
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Sylvia Adebajo
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC)-an affiliate of the University of Maryland Baltimore
| | - Blessing O Kayode
- Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Uchenna Ononaku
- Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
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Laurent C, Yaya I, Cuer B, Sagaon-Teyssier L, Mensah E, Dah TTE, Coulibaly A, Kouamé MJB, Peytavin G, Serrano L, Eubanks A, Traoré I, Diallo F, Riegel L, Rojas Castro D, Dagnra CA, Anoma C, Vuylsteke B, Dembélé Keita B, Spire B. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seroconversion Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Use Event-Driven or Daily Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (CohMSM-PrEP): A Multi-Country Demonstration Study From West Africa. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:606-614. [PMID: 37052469 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion among men who have sex with men (MSM) using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in West Africa are needed. This study aimed to document HIV seroconversion and associated determinants, PrEP adherence, plasma drug concentrations, and HIV drug resistance in MSM using event-driven or daily PrEP in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted in 2017-2021 among HIV-seronegative MSM aged 18 or over who were at high risk of HIV infection. Participants could choose between event-driven and daily PrEP, switch regimens, and discontinue or restart PrEP. The determinants of HIV incidence were investigated using a multivariate mixed-effects Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 647 participants were followed for a total time of 1229.3 person-years. Of 5371 visits, event-driven PrEP was chosen in 3873 (72.1%), and daily PrEP in 1400 (26.1%). HIV incidence was 2.4 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-3.6) for event-driven PrEP, and 0.6 per 100 person-years (95% CI .1-2.3) for daily PrEP (adjusted incidence rate ratio 4.40, 95% CI 1.00-19.36, P = .050). Adequate adherence was lower with event-driven than daily PrEP (44.3% vs 74.9%, P < .001). Plasma drug concentrations were undetectable in 92 (97.9%) of the 94 measures taken for 23 participants who seroconverted. Only 1 participant had resistance to PrEP drugs. CONCLUSIONS HIV seroconversions mainly occurred in participants who chose event-driven PrEP. The study's data highlighted major difficulties with adherence to this regimen. Improving adherence to event-driven PrEP constitutes a major research and public health priority in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Issifou Yaya
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, IRD, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Benjamin Cuer
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, IRD, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Luis Sagaon-Teyssier
- Inserm, IRD, Aix-Marseille Univ, SESSTIM (Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale), ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Université de Ouahigouya, UFR Sciences de la santé, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Gilles Peytavin
- Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard and Université Paris Cité, Inserm-UMR 1137, IAME, Paris, France
| | | | - August Eubanks
- Inserm, IRD, Aix-Marseille Univ, SESSTIM (Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale), ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Issa Traoré
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Lucas Riegel
- Laboratoire de Recherche Communautaire, Coalition PLUS, Pantin, France
| | | | | | | | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Bruno Spire
- Inserm, IRD, Aix-Marseille Univ, SESSTIM (Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale), ISSPAM, Marseille, France
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9
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Graham SM, Okall DO, Mehta SD, Obondi E, Ng'ety G, Ochieng E, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Amico KR, Harper GW, Bailey RC, Otieno FO. Challenges with PrEP Uptake and Adherence Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Kisumu, Kenya. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1234-1247. [PMID: 36219270 PMCID: PMC10036412 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03860-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Data on challenges with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence among Kenyan gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are limited. In this mixed-methods sequential explanatory design study, our quantitative phase followed 157 at-risk, HIV-negative GBMSM who accepted PrEP and enrolled in a cohort with 12-month follow-up. Stored dried blood spots collected at two intervals were batch tested for tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations at study end. Despite high self-reported adherence, only 14.6% of individuals had protective TFV-DP levels at any visit. Protective TFV-DP levels were positively associated with injection drug use and a self-assessed moderate risk of acquiring HIV, and negatively associated with time since enrolment. In our subsequent qualitative phase, an intensive workshop was conducted with the GBMSM community to identify barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake and adherence. These data revealed numerous challenges with traditional PrEP programs that must be addressed through community collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Graham
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 139909, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | | | - Supriya D Mehta
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eve Obondi
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Elijah Ochieng
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
- Salina Youth Initiative, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert C Bailey
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Cosmas M, Loice M, William S, Esther G, Carey F, Tecla T, David B, John K, Aliza MW. Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Acceptability Among Persons who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Kenya: A Qualitative Investigation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2512731. [PMID: 36865213 PMCID: PMC9980217 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2512731/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are disproportionately affected by HIV despite the availability of multiple efficacious biomedical prevention interventions including oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Little is known about the knowledge, acceptability, and uptake of oral PrEP among this population in Kenya. To inform the development of oral PrEP uptake optimization interventions for PWID in Kenya, we conducted a qualitative assessment to establish oral PrEP awareness and willingness to take PrEP by this group in Nairobi City. Methodology Guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model of health behavior change, we conducted 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) among randomly constituted samples of PWID in four harm reduction drop-in centers (DICs) in Nairobi in January 2022. The domains explored were: perceived risks (behaviour), oral PrEP awareness and knowledge (capability), motivation to use oral PrEP (behaviour), and perceptions on community uptake (motivation and opportunity). Completed FGD transcripts were uploaded to Atlas.ti version 9 and thematic analysis was conducted through an iterative process of review and discussion by two coders. Findings There was a low level of oral PrEP awareness with only 4 of the 46 PWID having heard of PrEP; only 3 out of 46 participants had ever used oral PrEP and 2 out of 3 were no longer using it, indicating a low capacity to make decisions on oral PrEP. Most study participants were aware of the risk posed by unsafe drug injection and expressed willingness to take oral PrEP. Nearly all participants demonstrated low understanding of the role oral PrEP plays in complementing condoms in HIV prevention, presenting an opportunity for awareness creation. While the PWID were eager to learn more about oral PrEP, they favored DICs as places where they would like to obtain information and oral PrEP if they chose to use it, identifying an opportunity for oral PrEP programming interventions. Conclusion Creation of oral PrEP awareness among PWID in Kenya is likely to improve uptake since the PWID are receptive. Oral PrEP should be offered as part of combination prevention approaches, and effective messaging through DICs, integrated outreaches, and social networks are recommended to mitigate displacement of other prevention and harm reduction practices by this population. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Record STUDY0001370.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mbogo Loice
- University of Washington, School of Global Health
| | - Sinkele William
- Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa (SAPTA)
| | - Gitau Esther
- Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa (SAPTA)
| | | | - Temu Tecla
- University of Washington, School of Global Health
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11
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Adeyemi OA, Nowak RG, Marzinke M, Morgan D, Sam-Agudu N, Craddock J, Zhan M, Crowell TA, Baral S, Ndembi N, Adebajo S, Charurat ME. Correlates of self-reported and biomarker based adherence to daily oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among a cohort of predominantly men who have sex with men in Nigeria. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282999. [PMID: 36928630 PMCID: PMC10019705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces the risk of HIV acquisition. However, studies have demonstrated discordance between self-reported measures and biomedical benchmarks of PrEP adherence. We estimated the correlation between self-reported PrEP adherence and PrEP biomarkers and explored factors associated with adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nigeria. METHODS TRUST-PrEP, an open-label, prospective study; conducted in Abuja between April 2018 and May 2019. MSM ≥ 18 years with substantial HIV risk were enrolled. Participants reported PrEP adherence in the last month using a 4-point scale from "poor" to "perfect" and serum samples for PrEP biomarkers were collected at months 3 and 9. Serum tenofovir concentration was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and considered protective for adherence if ≥ 4.2 ng/ml. Spearman's rank correlation was used to estimate correlation between self-reported adherence and measured tenofovir levels. Generalized estimating equations with a logit link was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between self-reported adherence and laboratory-measured adherence. RESULTS A total of 219 MSM with median age 23 (interquartile range 20-27) years had at least one PrEP biomarker assay. Only 66/219 (30%) had at least one record of protective tenofovir concentration. Correlation between tenofovir and self-reported adherence at 3 and 9 months were 0.1 and 0.02 respectively. Furthermore, 17/219 (8%,) and 49/219 (22%) had serum tenofovir of 4.2-35.4 ng/mL and ≥ 35.5 ng/mL, corresponding to at least 4 and 7 days' PrEP use in a week, respectively. PrEP adherence was higher among participants introduced to PrEP in the clinics compared with communities (aOR: 8.35, 95%CI: [3.24, 21.5]) and those with same-sex practices family disclosure (aOR: 3.60 95% CI: [1.73, 7.51]). CONCLUSION Self-reported PrEP adherence poorly correlated with biomarkers. Facilitating clinic-based PrEP introduction and disclosure of same-sex practices to family among MSM may improve PrEP adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusegun A. Adeyemi
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
- * E-mail:
| | - Rebecca G. Nowak
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mark Marzinke
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Daniel Morgan
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nadia Sam-Agudu
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Jaih Craddock
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Min Zhan
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Trevor A. Crowell
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
- U.S Military HIV Research Program, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stefan Baral
- The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Nicaise Ndembi
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sylvia Adebajo
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Manhattan E. Charurat
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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12
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Gachigua SG, Karuga R, Ngunjiri A, Jarrahian C, Coffey PS, Kilbourne-Brook M, Otiso L. Microarray patch for HIV prevention and as a multipurpose prevention technology to prevent HIV and unplanned pregnancy: an assessment of potential acceptability, usability, and programmatic fit in Kenya. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1125159. [PMID: 37168102 PMCID: PMC10164997 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1125159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Microarray patches (MAPs), a novel drug delivery system, are being developed for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery and as a multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) to protect from both HIV and unintended pregnancy. Prevention technologies must meet the needs of target audiences, be acceptable, easy to use, and fit health system requirements. Methodology We explored perceptions about MAP technology and assessed usability, hypothetical acceptability, and potential programmatic fit of MAP prototypes using focus group discussions (FGD), usability exercises, and key informant interviews (KII) among key populations in Kiambu County, Kenya. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), female sex workers (FSW), and men who have sex with men (MSM) assessed the usability and acceptability of a MAP prototype. Male partners of AGYW/FSW assessed MAP acceptability as partners of likely users. We analyzed data using NVivo, applying an inductive approach. Health service providers and policymakers assessed programmatic fit. Usability exercise participants applied a no-drug, no-microneedle MAP prototype and assessed MAP features. Results We implemented 10 FGD (4 AGYW; 2 FSW; 2 MSM; 2 male partners); 47 mock use exercises (19 AGYW; 9 FSW; 8 MSM; 11 HSP); and 6 policymaker KII. Participants reported high interest in MAPs due to discreet and easy use, long-term protection, and potential for self-administration. MAP size and duration of protection were key characteristics influencing acceptability. Most AGYW preferred the MPT MAP over an HIV PrEP-only MAP. FSW saw value in both MAP indications and voiced need for MPTs that protect from other infections. Preferred duration of protection was 1-3 months. Some participants would accept a larger MAP if it provided longer protection. Participants suggested revisions to the feedback indicator to improve confidence. Policymakers described the MPT MAP as "killing two birds with one stone," in addressing AGYW needs for both HIV protection and contraception. An MPT MAP is aligned with Kenya's policy of integrating health care programs. Conclusions MAPs for HIV PrEP and as an MPT both were acceptable across participant groups. Some groups valued an MPT MAP over an HIV PrEP MAP. Prototype refinements will improve usability and confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Courtney Jarrahian
- Medical Devices and Health Technologies, PATH, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Patricia S. Coffey
- Medical Devices and Health Technologies, PATH, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Maggie Kilbourne-Brook
- Medical Devices and Health Technologies, PATH, Seattle, WA, United States
- Correspondence: Maggie Kilbourne-Brook
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13
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Kloek M, Bulstra CA, van Noord L, Al‐Hassany L, Cowan FM, Hontelez JAC. HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men, transgender women and cisgender male sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26022. [PMID: 36419343 PMCID: PMC9684687 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Developing effective targets, policies and services for key populations requires estimations of population sizes and HIV prevalence across countries and regions. We estimated the relative and absolute HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women and men, and male and transgender sex workers (MSW and TGSW) in sub-Saharan African countries using peer-reviewed literature. METHODS We performed a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies assessing HIV prevalence in MSM, transgender women and men, MSW and TGSW in sub-Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2021, following PRISMA guidelines. We searched Embase, Medline Epub, Africa Index Medicus, Africa Journal Online, Web of Science and Google Scholar. We calculated HIV prevalence ratios (PRs) between the study prevalence, and the geospatial-, sex, time and age-matched general population prevalence. We extrapolated results for MSM and transgender women to estimate HIV prevalence and the number living with HIV for each country in sub-Saharan Africa using pooled review results, and regression approximations for countries with no peer-reviewed data. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We found 44 articles assessing HIV prevalence in MSM, 10 in transgender women, five in MSW and zero in transgender men and TGSW. Prevalence among MSM and transgender women was significantly higher compared to the general population: PRs of 11.3 [CI: 9.9-12.9] for MSM and 8.1 [CI: 6.9-9.6] for transgender women in Western and Central Africa, and, respectively, 1.9 [CI: 1.7-2.0] and 2.1 [CI: 1.9-2.4] in Eastern and Southern Africa. Prevalence among MSW was significantly higher in both Nigeria (PR: 12.4 [CI: 7.3-21.0]) and Kenya (PR: 8.6 [CI: 4.6-15.6]). Extrapolating our findings for MSM and transgender women resulted in an estimated HIV prevalence of 15% or higher for about 60% of all sub-Saharan African countries for MSM, and for all but two countries for transgender women. CONCLUSIONS HIV prevalence among MSM and transgender women throughout sub-Saharan Africa is alarmingly high. This high prevalence, coupled with the specific risks and vulnerabilities faced by these populations, highlights the urgent need for risk-group-tailored prevention and treatment interventions across the sub-continent. There is a clear gap in knowledge on HIV prevalence among transgender men, MSW and TGSW in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariëlle Kloek
- Department of Public HealthErasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Caroline A. Bulstra
- Department of Public HealthErasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands,Heidelberg Institute of Global HealthMedical Faculty and University HospitalHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Laura van Noord
- Department of Public HealthErasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Lina Al‐Hassany
- Department of Public HealthErasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Frances M. Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) ZimbabweHarareZimbabwe,Department of International Public HealthLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Jan A. C. Hontelez
- Department of Public HealthErasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands,Heidelberg Institute of Global HealthMedical Faculty and University HospitalHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
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Kayesu I, Mayanja Y, Nakirijja C, Machira YW, Price M, Seeley J, Siu G. Uptake of and adherence to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among adolescent girls and young women at high risk of HIV-infection in Kampala, Uganda: A qualitative study of experiences, facilitators and barriers. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:440. [PMCID: PMC9648457 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02018-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is limited information on factors that influence oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). We conducted a qualitative methods study to explore experiences, facilitators and barriers of PrEP uptake and adherence to PrEP among AGYW at risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in Kampala, Uganda. Methods This study was nested in a prospective cohort study that offered daily oral PrEP to AGYW. Between April 2019 and October 2020 we conducted in-depth interviews with 26 AGYW aged 14–24 years who had been offered or had been using PrEP for at least 6 months, including PrEP adherers (8), non-adherers (8) and those who had declined PrEP (10). After 12 months, follow-up interviews were conducted with 12 AGYW who had adhered to PrEP and those who had dropped it. Thematic analysis was conducted and data were further examined and categorized into the 5 constructs of the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM). Results PrEP uptake and adherence were facilitated by factors including: perceptions that one’s own or partner’s sexual behaviour was high risk, a negative attitude towards condoms, social support and wanting to maintain a negative HIV status after receiving a negative HIV test result. Good adherence to PrEP was enabled by effective counselling, support tools such as alarms and phone reminders and incentives like free treatment for STIs and other illnesses during study visits. Barriers to uptake included: anxiety about the pill burden, perceptions of being too young for PrEP and fear of being labelled `prostitute’ or `HIV positive’. Poor adherence was attributed to doubt over the efficacy of PrEP as a result of beliefs that because HIV was incurable, no medicine could prevent it. Alcohol use, side effects experienced, and mobility all had a negative impact on adherence. The majority of PrEP users reported feeling safe as a result of using PrEP which had both good and negative implications on their sexual behaviour, specifically the number of sexual partners and condom use. Conclusion Addressing community misconceptions to maximize uptake of PrEP among AGYW is important. Targeted education messages, and counselling to address misconceptions in ways that capture the attention of AGYW in communities are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Kayesu
- grid.415861.f0000 0004 1790 6116Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Yunia Mayanja
- grid.415861.f0000 0004 1790 6116Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Catherine Nakirijja
- grid.415861.f0000 0004 1790 6116Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Yvonne Wangũi Machira
- grid.420368.b0000 0000 9939 9066International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), 125 Broad Street, 9th Floor, 10004 New York, NY USA
| | - Matt Price
- grid.420368.b0000 0000 9939 9066International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), 125 Broad Street, 9th Floor, 10004 New York, NY USA ,grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th St, 94158 San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Janet Seeley
- grid.415861.f0000 0004 1790 6116Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda ,grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XGlobal Health and Development Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, WC1H 9SH London, UK
| | - Godfrey Siu
- grid.415861.f0000 0004 1790 6116Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda ,grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
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15
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Bekker LG, Giovenco D, Baral S, Dominguez K, Valencia R, Sanchez T, McNaghten A, Zahn R, Yah CS, Sokhela Z, Kaplan R, Phaswana-Mafuya RN, Beyrer C, Sullivan PS. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake, adherence, and adverse events among South African men who have sex with men and transgender women. South Afr J HIV Med 2022; 23:1405. [PMID: 36479416 PMCID: PMC9724083 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v23i1.1405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV prevention programmes that include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in South Africa have not been widely implemented. Objectives The authors examined oral PrEP uptake, adherence, and adverse events among HIV-uninfected MSM and TGW to inform intervention acceptability and feasibility. Method In 2015, MSM and TGW in two South African cities were offered a comprehensive package of HIV prevention services, including daily oral PrEP, and were followed for one year. Different models of PrEP delivery were used at each site. Adherence was measured using self-report and pill-count data and tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations. Results Among 135 participants who were eligible for PrEP, 82 (61%) initiated PrEP, of whom 67 (82%) were on PrEP at study end. Participants were on PrEP for a median of 294 out of 314.5 possible days (93% protected days). The median time from PrEP initiation to discontinuation or study end was 305 days (interquartile range: 232-325 days). Across the follow-up time points, 57% - 72% of participants self-reported taking protective levels of PrEP and 59% - 74% were adherent to PrEP as indicated by pill counts. Fewer (≤ 18%) achieved protective TFV-DP concentrations of ≥ 700 fmol/punch in dried blood spots. Side effects, while typically mild, were the most commonly cited reason by participants for early PrEP discontinuation. Conclusion Many MSM and TGW initiated and maintained PrEP, demonstrating that PrEP can be successfully delivered to South African MSM and TGW in diverse programmatic contexts. Biologic adherence measures suggest MSM and TGW may experience challenges taking PrEP regularly. Counselling for coping with side effects and motivating daily pill taking is recommended to support South African MSM and TGW in achieving protection with PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Danielle Giovenco
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
- International Health Institute, Brown University, Providence, United States of America
| | - Stefan Baral
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Karen Dominguez
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
- Contraceptive Research and Development (CONRAD), Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, United States of America
| | - Rachel Valencia
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - A.D. McNaghten
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Ryan Zahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Clarence S. Yah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health System and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Zinhle Sokhela
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Refliwe N. Phaswana-Mafuya
- South African Medical Research Council/University of Johannesburg Pan African Centre for Epidemics Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Patrick S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America
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Eubanks A, Coulibaly B, Keita BD, Anoma C, Dah TTE, Mensah E, Maradan G, Bourrelly M, Mora M, Riegel L, Rojas Castro D, Yaya I, Spire B, Laurent C, Sagaon-Teyssier L. Loss to Follow-Up from HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care in Men Who Have Sex with Men in West Africa. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112380. [PMID: 36366478 PMCID: PMC9695325 DOI: 10.3390/v14112380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss to follow-up (LTFU) from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care compromises the goal of HIV elimination. We investigated the proportion of LTFU and associated risk factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) enrolled in a PrEP demonstration project in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. CohMSM-PrEP, a prospective cohort study, was conducted between November 2017 and June 2021 in community-based clinics. MSM aged 18 years or older at substantial risk of HIV infection received a comprehensive prevention package, including PrEP and peer education. LTFU was defined as not returning to the clinic for six months. Associated risk factors were investigated using a time-varying Cox's model. Of 647 participants followed up for a median time of 15 months, 372 were LTFU (57.5%). LTFU was associated with younger age (adjusted hazard ratio [95% Confidence Interval]; 1.50 [1.17-1.94]), unemployment (1.33 [1.03-1.71]), depression (1.63 [1.12-2.38]), and perceiving no HIV risk with stable male partners (1.61 [1.23-2.10]). Contacting peer educators outside of scheduled visits was protective (0.74 [0.56-0.97]). Our findings show that LTFU from PrEP care in West African MSM is a major challenge to achieving HIV elimination, but that the involvement of peer educators in PrEP delivery helps to limit LTFU by providing users with adequate support.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Eubanks
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: (A.E.); (L.S.-T.)
| | | | | | | | - Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou 01 BP 2831, Burkina Faso
- UFR Sciences de la Santé, Université de Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya 01 BP 346, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Michel Bourrelly
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, 93500 Pantin, France
| | - Marion Mora
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Lucas Riegel
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, 93500 Pantin, France
| | - Daniela Rojas Castro
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, 93500 Pantin, France
| | - Issifou Yaya
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, IRD, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Christian Laurent
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, IRD, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Luis Sagaon-Teyssier
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Bamako BP E2561, Mali
- Correspondence: (A.E.); (L.S.-T.)
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17
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Mwango L, Toeque M, Lindsay B, Tembo K, Sakala H, Reggee S, Malunga SM, Kabwe M, Kafunda I, Olufunso A, Mwila A, Okuku J, Kancheya N, Nkwemu K, Mumba D, Hachaambwa L, Sheneberger R, Blanco N, Lavoie M, Stafford KA, Claassen CW. Reaching transgender populations in Zambia for HIV prevention and linkage to treatment using community-based service delivery. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 5:e25995. [PMID: 36225155 PMCID: PMC9557009 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25995] [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] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transgender and gender‐diverse communities in Zambia are highly vulnerable and experience healthcare differently than cisgender persons. The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) supports projects in Zambia to improve HIV case‐finding, linkage and antiretroviral treatment (ART) for Zambia's transgender community. We describe programme strategies and outcomes for HIV prevention, testing and ART linkage among transgender communities. Methods UMB utilizes a differentiated service delivery model whereby community health workers (CHWs) recruited from key populations (KPs) reach community members through a peer‐to‐peer approach, with the support of local transgender civil society organizations (CSOs) and community gatekeepers. Peer CHWs are trained and certified as HIV testers and psychosocial counsellors to offer counselling with HIV testing and prevention services in identified safe spaces. HIV‐negative people at risk of HIV infection are offered pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), while those who test positive for HIV are linked to ART services. CHWs collect data using the standardized facility and community tools and a dedicated DHIS2 database system. We conducted a descriptive analysis examining HIV testing and prevention outcomes using proportions and comparisons by time period and geographic strata. Results From October 2020 to June 2021, across Eastern, Lusaka, Western and Southern Provinces, 1860 transgender persons were reached with HIV prevention messages and services. Of these, 424 (23%) were tested for HIV and 78 (18%) tested positive. Of the 346 HIV‐negative persons, 268 (78%) eligible transgender individuals were initiated on PrEP. ART linkage was 97%, with 76 out of the 78 transgender individuals living with HIV initiating treatment. Programme strategies that supported testing and linkage included peer CHWs, social network strategy testing, same‐day ART initiation and local KP CSO support. Challenges included non‐transgender‐friendly environments, stigma and discrimination, the high transiency of the transgender community and the non‐availability of transgender‐specific health services, such as hormonal therapy. Conclusions Peer KP CHWs were able to reach many members of the transgender community, providing safe HIV testing, PrEP services and linkage to care. Focusing on community gatekeepers and CSOs to disburse health messages and employ welcoming strategies supported high linkage to both PrEP and ART for transgender people in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mona‐Gekanju Toeque
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia,Center for International HealthEducationand BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Brianna Lindsay
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia,Center for International HealthEducationand BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Kalima Tembo
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Henry Sakala
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | | | | | | | - Ina Kafunda
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | | | - Annie Mwila
- Division of Global HIV and TuberculosisU.S. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionLusakaZambia
| | - Jackson Okuku
- Division of Global HIV and TuberculosisU.S. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionLusakaZambia
| | - Nzali Kancheya
- Division of Global HIV and TuberculosisU.S. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionLusakaZambia
| | - Kennedy Nkwemu
- Division of Global HIV and TuberculosisU.S. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionLusakaZambia
| | | | - Lottie Hachaambwa
- Ciheb ZambiaLusakaZambia,Center for International HealthEducationand BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Robb Sheneberger
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia,Center for International HealthEducationand BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Natalia Blanco
- Center for International HealthEducationand BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Marie‐Claude Lavoie
- Center for International HealthEducationand BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Kristen A. Stafford
- Center for International HealthEducationand BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Cassidy W. Claassen
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation ZambiaLusakaZambia,Center for International HealthEducationand BiosecurityUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Eubanks A, Coulibaly B, Dembélé Keita B, Anoma C, Dah TTE, Mensah E, Kaba S, Lokrou KJ, Ouedraogo FR, Badjassim AMF, Maradan G, Bourrelly M, Mora M, Riegel L, Rojas Castro D, Yaya I, Spire B, Laurent C, Sagaon-Teyssier L. Socio-behavioral correlates of pre-exposure prophylaxis use and correct adherence in men who have sex with men in West Africa. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1832. [PMID: 36175860 PMCID: PMC9520809 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple barriers compromise pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement (i.e., use and adherence) in men who have sex with men (MSM). In low/middle-income countries, little is known about PrEP engagement in this population. In West Africa, the CohMSM-PrEP study was one of the rare interventions providing PrEP to MSM. We estimated PrEP use and correct adherence rates in CohMSM-PrEP, together with associated factors over time. METHODS: CohMSM-PrEP recruited MSM in four community-based clinics in Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo. Quarterly follow-up included collecting socio-behavioral data, and providing a comprehensive HIV prevention package, PrEP (daily or event-driven), and peer educator (PE)-led counselling. Using repeated measures, multivariate generalized estimating equations models were used to identify factors associated with self-reported i) PrEP use and ii) correct PrEP adherence during participants' most recent anal intercourse (defined as four pills/week for daily users and 2 + 1 + 1 for event-driven users). RESULTS Five hundred twenty participants were included with a median follow-up time of 12 months (IQR 6-21). Of the 2839 intercourses declared over the follow-up period, PrEP use was self-reported for 1996 (70%), and correct PrEP adherence for 1461 (73%) of the latter. PrEP use was higher in participants who also attended participating clinics outside of scheduled visits (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% Confidence Interval, CI], p-value; 1.32[1.01-1.71], 0.040), and in those who practiced condomless anal sex (1.86[1.54-2.24], < 0.001). Correct adherence was higher in those who often contacted PE outside of scheduled visits (2.16[1.01-4.64], 0.047) and in participants who adopted receptive/versatile sexual positions with stable partners (1.36[1.03-1.81], 0.030). Instead, after an interaction effect between financial situation and regimen was tested, it was lower in event-driven users with a difficult/very difficult financial situation (comfortable/just making ends meet & daily, 4.19[2.56-6.86], < 0.001; difficult/very difficult & daily, 6.47[4.05-10.30], < 0.001; comfortable/just making ends meet & event-driven, 1.63[1.22-2.17], 0.001), and in participants who felt alone (0.76[0.58-0.99], 0.042). CONCLUSIONS Community-based clinic attendance and PE contact outside of scheduled visits were both associated with higher PrEP engagement, but some socially and economically marginalized participants struggled with adherence. As scale-up continues in West Africa, we recommend implementing community-based interventions and providing extra support for vulnerable users to ensure adequate PrEP engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Eubanks
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.
| | | | | | | | - Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre Muraz, Centre Muraz, Institut National de Santé Publique, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de La Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Bourrelly
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.,Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Marion Mora
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Lucas Riegel
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Daniela Rojas Castro
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.,Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Issifou Yaya
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, IRD, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Luis Sagaon-Teyssier
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.,ARCAD Santé PLUS, Bamako, Mali
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19
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Wahome E, Boyd A, Thiong’o AN, Mohamed K, Oduor T, Gichuru E, Mwambi J, van der Elst E, Graham SM, Prins M, Sanders EJ. Stopping and restarting PrEP and loss to follow-up among PrEP-taking men who have sex with men and transgender women at risk of HIV-1 participating in a prospective cohort study in Kenya. HIV Med 2022; 23:750-763. [PMID: 35088511 PMCID: PMC9276557 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess frequency and predictors of switching between being on and off PrEP and being lost to follow-up (LTFU) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) with access to PrEP services in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of MSM and TGW from coastal Kenya who initiated daily oral PrEP from June 2017 to June 2019. Participants were followed monthly for HIV-1 testing, PrEP refill, risk assessment and risk reduction counselling. Follow-up was censored at the last visit before 30 June 2019, or the last HIV-1-negative visit (for those with HIV-1 seroconversion), whichever occurred first. We estimated transition intensities (TI) and predictors of switching: (i) between being off and on PrEP; and (ii) from either PrEP state and being LTFU (i.e. not returning to the clinic for > 90 days) using a multi-state Markov model. RESULTS In all, 134 participants starting PrEP were followed for a median of 20.3 months [interquartile range (IQR): 7.7-22.1]. A total of 49 (36.6%) people stopped PrEP 73 times [TI = 0.6/person-year (PY), 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5-0.7] and, of these, 25 (51.0%) restarted PrEP 38 times (TI = 1.2/PY, 95% CI: 0.9-1.7). In multivariable analysis, stopping PrEP was related to anal sex ≤ 3 months, substance-use disorder and travelling. Restarting PrEP was related to non-Christian or non-Muslim religion and travelling. A total of 54 participants were LTFU: on PrEP (n = 47, TI = 0.3/PY, 95% CI: 0.3-0.5) and off PrEP (n = 7, TI = 0.2/PY, 95% CI: 0.1-0.4). In multivariable analysis, becoming LTFU while on PrEP was associated with secondary education or higher, living in the area for ≤ 1 year, residence outside the immediate clinic area and alcohol-use disorder. CONCLUSIONS Switching between being on and off PrEP or becoming LTFU while on PrEP was frequent among individuals at risk of HIV-1 acquisition. Alternative PrEP options (e.g. event-driven PrEP) may need to be considered for MSM and TGW with PrEP-taking challenges, while improved engagement with care is needed for all MSM and TGW regardless of PrEP regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Wahome
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–CoastKilifiKenya
| | - Anders Boyd
- Public Health Service of AmsterdamDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Stichting HIV MonitoringAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Alexander N. Thiong’o
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–CoastKilifiKenya
| | - Khamisi Mohamed
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–CoastKilifiKenya
| | - Tony Oduor
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–CoastKilifiKenya
| | - Evans Gichuru
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–CoastKilifiKenya
| | - John Mwambi
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–CoastKilifiKenya
| | - Elise van der Elst
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–CoastKilifiKenya
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Susan M. Graham
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, and EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Maria Prins
- Public Health Service of AmsterdamDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMCDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAmsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AII)University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Eduard J. Sanders
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–CoastKilifiKenya
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordHeadingtonUK
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20
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Parikh UM, Mellors JW. How could HIV-1 drug resistance impact preexposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention? Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2022; 17:213-221. [PMID: 35762376 PMCID: PMC9245149 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review current laboratory and clinical data on the frequency and relative risk of drug resistance and range of mutations selected from approved and investigational antiretroviral agents used for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV-1 infection, including tenofovir disproxil fumarate (TDF)-based oral PrEP, dapivirine ring, injectable cabotegravir (CAB), islatravir, lenacapavir and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). RECENT FINDINGS The greatest risk of HIV-1 resistance from PrEP with oral TDF/emtricitabine (FTC) or injectable CAB is from starting or continuing PrEP after undiagnosed acute HIV infection. By contrast, the dapivirine intravaginal ring does not appear to select nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance in clinical trial settings. Investigational inhibitors including islatravir, lenacapavir, and bNAbs are promising for use as PrEP due to their potential for sustained delivery and low risk of cross-resistance to currently used antiretrovirals, but surveillance for emergence of resistance mutations in more HIV-1 gene regions (gag, env) will be important as the same drugs are being developed for HIV therapy. SUMMARY PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV infection. Although HIV drug resistance from PrEP use could impact future options in individuals who seroconvert on PrEP, the current risk is low and continued monitoring for the emergence of resistance and cross-resistance during product development, clinical studies, and product roll-out is advised to preserve antiretroviral efficacy for both treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvi M Parikh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Bailey RC, Kimani M, Kabuti R, Gumbe E, Otieno G, Kimani J, Okall D, Sanders EJ, Otieno FO. URCHOICE: Preferences for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Options for HIV Prevention Among Kenyan men who have sex with men and Transgender Women in Nairobi, Kisumu and the Coast. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:25-36. [PMID: 35687189 PMCID: PMC7614083 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03741-2] [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: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
HIV prevention method preferences were evaluated among Kenyan men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) from three sites: Kisumu, Nairobi and the Coast. Information sessions detailing the attributes, duration of protection, route of administration and probable visibility were attended by 464 HIV negative participants, of whom 423 (median age: 24 years) agreed to be interviewed. Across pairwise comparisons daily PrEP was by far the least preferred (1%); quarterly injections (26%) and monthly pills (23%) were most preferred, followed by yearly implant (19%) and condoms (12%). When participants were "forced" to choose their most preferred PrEP option, only 10 (2.4%) chose the daily pill; more (37.1%) chose the quarterly injection than the monthly pill (34.8%) and the yearly implant (25.8%). TW preferred the yearly implant over the quarterly injection. To achieve the rates of PrEP uptake and adherence necessary for protecting large proportions of vulnerable MSM and TW, a variety of long-acting products should be developed and made accessible to appeal to a diversity of preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Bailey
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 West Taylor Street, 60612 Chicago, IL, USA,Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Makobu Kimani
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Rhoda Kabuti
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwin Gumbe
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - George Otieno
- Medical Research Institute Center for Microbiology Study, Research Care & Training Programme, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Duncan Okall
- Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Eduard J. Sanders
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Kilifi, Kenya,Department of Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom
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22
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Mayanja Y, Kamacooko O, Lunkuse JF, Muturi-Kioi V, Buzibye A, Omali D, Chinyenze K, Kuteesa M, Kaleebu P, Price MA. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis preference, uptake, adherence and continuation among adolescent girls and young women in Kampala, Uganda: a prospective cohort study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25909. [PMID: 35543110 PMCID: PMC9092160 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been scaled up; however, data from real‐world settings are limited. We studied oral PrEP preference, uptake, adherence and continuation among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) vulnerable to HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study among 14‐ to 24‐year‐old AGYW without HIV who were followed for 12 months in Kampala, Uganda. Within at least 14 days of enrolment, they received two education sessions, including demonstrations on five biomedical interventions that are; available (oral PrEP), will be available soon (long‐acting injectable PrEP and anti‐retroviral vaginal ring) and in development (PrEP implant and HIV vaccine). Information included mode and frequency of delivery, potential side effects and method availability. Volunteers ranked interventions, 1 = most preferred to 5 = least preferred. Oral PrEP was “preferred” if ranked among the top two choices. All were offered oral PrEP, and determinants of uptake assessed using Poisson regression with robust error variance. Adherence was assessed using plasma tenofovir levels and self‐reports. Results Between January and October 2019, 532 volunteers were screened; 285 enrolled of whom 265 received two education sessions. Mean age was 20 years (SD±2.2), 92.8% reported paid sex, 20.4% reported ≥10 sexual partners in the past 3 months, 38.5% used hormonal contraceptives, 26.9% had chlamydia, gonorrhoea and/or active syphilis. Of 265 volunteers, 47.6% preferred oral PrEP. Willingness to take PrEP was 90.2%; however, uptake was 30.6% (n = 81). Following enrolment, 51.9% started PrEP on day 14 (same day PrEP offered), 20.9% within 30 days and 27.2% after 30 days. PrEP uptake was associated with more sexual partners in the past 3 months: 2–9 partners (aRR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.20–4.63) and ≥10 partners (aRR 4.70, 95% CI 2.41–9.17); oral PrEP preference (aRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.08–2.19) and being separated (aRR 1.55, 95% CI 1.04–2.33). Of 100 samples from 49 volunteers during follow up, 19 had quantifiable tenofovir levels (>10 μg/L) of which only three were protective (>40 μg/L). Conclusions Half of AGYW preferred oral PrEP, uptake and adherence were low, uptake was associated with sexual behavioural risk and oral PrEP preference. Development of alternative biomedical products should be expedited to meet end‐user preferences and, community delivery promoted during restricted movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunia Mayanja
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Onesmus Kamacooko
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jane Frances Lunkuse
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Allan Buzibye
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Denis Omali
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Matt A Price
- IAVI, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Eubanks A, Coulibaly B, Dembélé Keita B, Anoma C, Dah TTE, Mensah E, Maradan G, Bourrelly M, Mora M, Riegel L, Rojas Castro D, Yaya I, Spire B, Laurent C, Sagaon-Teyssier L. Rate and Predictors of Ineffective HIV Protection in African Men Who Have Sex with Men Taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3524-3537. [PMID: 35469111 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03692-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the rate and predictors of ineffective HIV protection in men who have sex with men (MSM) taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a prospective cohort study from November 2017 to November 2020 in Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo. MSM had to be 18 years or older and at high risk of HIV infection to participate. They also received a comprehensive sexual health prevention package, including PrEP, in community-based clinics as part of the cohort study. Using socio-behavioral/clinical data, HIV protection during their most recent anal intercourse with a male partner was categorized as effective or ineffective (i.e., incorrect PrEP adherence and no condom use). Seventeen percent (500/2839) of intercourses were ineffectively protected for the 520 study participants. Predictors of ineffective HIV protection included being an event-driven user with financial difficulties, having a high alcohol misuse score, and not being a member of a community association. PrEP programs in West Africa must be tailored to socially vulnerable MSM who struggle to adopt PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Eubanks
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.
| | | | | | | | - Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Bourrelly
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Marion Mora
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Lucas Riegel
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Daniela Rojas Castro
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Issifou Yaya
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, IRD, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Luis Sagaon-Teyssier
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Bamako, Mali
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24
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Kimani M, Sanders EJ, Chirro O, Mukuria N, Mahmoud S, Rinke de Wit TF, Graham SM, Operario D, van der Elst EM. Pre-exposure prophylaxis for transgender women and men who have sex with men: qualitative insights from healthcare providers, community organization-based leadership and end users in coastal Kenya. Int Health 2021; 14:288-294. [PMID: 34325469 PMCID: PMC9070506 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgender women (TW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Kenya are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and would benefit substantially from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with healthcare providers (HCPs) and TW/MSM leadership and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with PrEP-experienced MSM and TW to learn about perceived and actual barriers to PrEP programming. Eleven HCP and 10 TW/MSM leaders participated in FGDs before PrEP roll-out (January 2018) and 12 months later. Nineteen PrEP end-users (11 MSM and 8 TW) participated in IDIs. Topic guides explored PrEP knowledge, HIV acquisition risk, gender identity, motivation for PrEP uptake and adherence and PrEP-dispensing venue preferences. Braun and Clarke thematic analysis was applied. Four themes emerged: limited preparedness of HCPs to provide PrEP to TW and MSM, varied motivation for PrEP uptake and persistence among end users, lack of recognition of TW by HCPs and suggestions for PrEP programming improvement from all stakeholders. Providers' reluctance to prescribe PrEP to TW and distrust of TW towards providers calls for interventions to improve the capacity of service environments and staff HIV preventive care. Alternative locations for PrEP provision, including community-based sites, may be developed with TW/MSM leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makobu Kimani
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Eduard J Sanders
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Oscar Chirro
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Nana Mukuria
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Tobias F Rinke de Wit
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Claassen CW, Mumba D, Njelesani M, Nyimbili D, Mwango LK, Mwitumwa M, Mubanga E, Mulenga LB, Chisenga T, Nichols BE, Hendrickson C, Chitembo L, Okuku J, O'Bra H. Initial implementation of PrEP in Zambia: health policy development and service delivery scale-up. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047017. [PMID: 34244265 PMCID: PMC8273462 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is highly effective, but not yet widely deployed in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe how Zambia developed PrEP health policy and then successfully implemented national PrEP service delivery. POLICY DEVELOPMENT Zambia introduced PrEP as a key strategy for HIV prevention in 2016, and established a National PrEP Task Force to lead policy advocacy and development. The Task Force was composed of government representatives, regulatory agencies, international donors, implementation partners and civil society organisations. Following an implementation pilot, PrEP was rolled out nationally using risk-based criteria alongside a national HIV prevention campaign. NATIONAL SCALE-UP In the first year of implementation, ending September 2018, 3626 persons initiated PrEP. By September 2019, the number of people starting PrEP increased by over sixfold to 23 327 persons at 728 sites across all ten Zambian provinces. In the first 2 years, 26 953 clients initiated PrEP in Zambia, of whom 31% were from key and priority populations. Continuation remains low at 25% and 11% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. LESSONS LEARNT Risk-based criteria for PrEP ensures access to those most in need of HIV prevention. Healthcare worker training in PrEP service delivery and health needs of key and priority populations is crucial. PrEP expansion into primary healthcare clinics and community education is required to reach full potential. Additional work is needed to understand and address low PrEP continuation. Finally, a task force of key stakeholders can rapidly develop and implement health policy, which may serve as a model for countries seeking to implement PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy W Claassen
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Adult Infectious Diseases Center, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Daliso Mumba
- National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council, Lusaka, Zambia
- Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Derrick Nyimbili
- Chemonics Global Health Supply Chain Program-Procurement and Supply Management, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Mundia Mwitumwa
- Adult Infectious Diseases Center, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Lloyd B Mulenga
- Adult Infectious Diseases Center, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Brooke E Nichols
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits University, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Hendrickson
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits University, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
| | | | - Jackson Okuku
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Heidi O'Bra
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Lusaka, Zambia
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Bigna JJ, Temfack E. PrEP for men who have sex with men in Africa. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e388-e389. [PMID: 34048795 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(21)00024-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Joel Bigna
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon; School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris Saclay, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France.
| | - Elvis Temfack
- Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon; National Public Health Laboratory, Yaounde, Cameroon
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Koss CA, Havlir DV, Ayieko J, Kwarisiima D, Kabami J, Chamie G, Atukunda M, Mwinike Y, Mwangwa F, Owaraganise A, Peng J, Olilo W, Snyman K, Awuonda B, Clark TD, Black D, Nugent J, Brown LB, Marquez C, Okochi H, Zhang K, Camlin CS, Jain V, Gandhi M, Cohen CR, Bukusi EA, Charlebois ED, Petersen ML, Kamya MR, Balzer LB. HIV incidence after pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation among women and men at elevated HIV risk: A population-based study in rural Kenya and Uganda. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003492. [PMID: 33561143 PMCID: PMC7872279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for HIV prevention, but data are limited on HIV incidence among PrEP users in generalized epidemic settings, particularly outside of selected risk groups. We performed a population-based PrEP study in rural Kenya and Uganda and sought to evaluate both changes in HIV incidence and clinical and virologic outcomes following seroconversion on PrEP. METHODS AND FINDINGS During population-level HIV testing of individuals ≥15 years in 16 communities in the Sustainable East Africa Research in Community Health (SEARCH) study (NCT01864603), we offered universal access to PrEP with enhanced counseling for persons at elevated HIV risk (based on serodifferent partnership, machine learning-based risk score, or self-identified HIV risk). We offered rapid or same-day PrEP initiation and flexible service delivery with follow-up visits at facilities or community-based sites at 4, 12, and every 12 weeks up to week 144. Among participants with incident HIV infection after PrEP initiation, we offered same-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and analyzed HIV RNA, tenofovir hair concentrations, drug resistance, and viral suppression (<1,000 c/ml based on available assays) after ART start. Using Poisson regression with cluster-robust standard errors, we compared HIV incidence among PrEP initiators to incidence among propensity score-matched recent historical controls (from the year before PrEP availability) in 8 of the 16 communities, adjusted for risk group. Among 74,541 individuals who tested negative for HIV, 15,632/74,541 (21%) were assessed to be at elevated HIV risk; 5,447/15,632 (35%) initiated PrEP (49% female; 29% 15-24 years; 19% in serodifferent partnerships), of whom 79% engaged in ≥1 follow-up visit and 61% self-reported PrEP adherence at ≥1 visit. Over 7,150 person-years of follow-up, HIV incidence was 0.35 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.49) among PrEP initiators. Among matched controls, HIV incidence was 0.92 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0.49-1.41), corresponding to 74% lower incidence among PrEP initiators compared to matched controls (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 0.26, 95% CI 0.09-0.75; p = 0.013). Among women, HIV incidence was 76% lower among PrEP initiators versus matched controls (aIRR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07-0.79; p = 0.019); among men, HIV incidence was 40% lower, but not significantly so (aIRR 0.60, 95% CI 0.12-3.05; p = 0.54). Of 25 participants with incident HIV infection (68% women), 7/25 (28%) reported taking PrEP ≤30 days before HIV diagnosis, and 24/25 (96%) started ART. Of those with repeat HIV RNA after ART start, 18/19 (95%) had <1,000 c/ml. One participant with viral non-suppression was found to have transmitted viral resistance, as well as emtricitabine resistance possibly related to PrEP use. Limitations include the lack of contemporaneous controls to assess HIV incidence without PrEP and that plasma samples were not archived to assess for baseline acute infection. CONCLUSIONS Population-level offer of PrEP with rapid start and flexible service delivery was associated with 74% lower HIV incidence among PrEP initiators compared to matched recent controls prior to PrEP availability. HIV infections were significantly lower among women who started PrEP. Universal HIV testing with linkage to treatment and prevention, including PrEP, is a promising approach to accelerate reductions in new infections in generalized epidemic settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01864603.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Koss
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Diane V. Havlir
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - James Ayieko
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Jane Kabami
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gabriel Chamie
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | | - Yusuf Mwinike
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - James Peng
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Winter Olilo
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Katherine Snyman
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Benard Awuonda
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tamara D. Clark
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Douglas Black
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Joshua Nugent
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lillian B. Brown
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Carina Marquez
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Hideaki Okochi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kevin Zhang
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Carol S. Camlin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Vivek Jain
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Craig R. Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Edwin D. Charlebois
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Maya L. Petersen
- Graduate Group in Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Laura B. Balzer
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Kimani M, van der Elst EM, Chirro O, Wahome E, Ibrahim F, Mukuria N, de Wit TFR, Graham SM, Operario D, Sanders EJ. "I wish to remain HIV negative": Pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence and persistence in transgender women and men who have sex with men in coastal Kenya. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244226. [PMID: 33465090 PMCID: PMC7815127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender women (TGW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in sub-Saharan Africa have high HIV acquisition risks and can benefit from daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We assessed PrEP adherence by measuring tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels and explore motives for PrEP persistence in TGW and MSM. METHODS Participants were enrolled in a one-year PrEP programme and made quarterly visits irrespective of whether they were still using PrEP. At their month 6 visit, participants provided a dried blood spot to test for TFV-DP levels; protective levels were defined as those compatible with ≥4 pills per week (700-1249 fmol/punch). Before TFV-DP levels were available, a sub-set of these participants were invited for an in-depth interview (IDI). Semi-structured IDI topic guides were used to explore motives to uptake, adhere to, and discontinue PrEP. IDI data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS Fifty-three participants (42 MSM and 11 TGW) were enrolled. At month 6, 11 (20.7%) participants (8 MSM and 3 TGW) were lost to follow up or stopped taking PrEP. Any TFV-DP was detected in 62.5% (5/8) of TGW vs. 14.7% of MSM (5/34, p = 0.01). Protective levels were detected in 37.5% of TGW (3/8), but not in any MSM. Nineteen IDI were conducted with 7 TGW and 9 MSM on PrEP, and 1 TGW and 2 MSM off PrEP. Unplanned or frequent risky sexual risk behaviour were the main motives for PrEP uptake. Among participants on PrEP, TGW had a more complete understanding of the benefits of PrEP. Inconsistent PrEP use was attributed to situational factors. Motives to discontinue PrEP included negative reactions from partners and stigmatizing healthcare services. CONCLUSION While MSM evinced greater adherence challenges in this PrEP programme, almost 40% of TGW were protected by PrEP. Given high HIV incidences in TGW these findings hold promise for TGW PrEP programming in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makobu Kimani
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Oscar Chirro
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Fauz Ibrahim
- Department of Health, Kilifi County, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Nana Mukuria
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Tobias F Rinke de Wit
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Susan M Graham
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Don Operario
- Department of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Eduard J Sanders
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya.,Nufield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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