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Twimukye A, Alhassan Y, Ringwald B, Malaba T, Myer L, Waitt C, Lamorde M, Reynolds H, Khoo S, Taegtmeyer M. Support, not blame: safe partner disclosure among women diagnosed with HIV late in pregnancy in South Africa and Uganda. AIDS Res Ther 2024; 21:14. [PMID: 38481233 PMCID: PMC10938717 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-024-00600-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV partner disclosure rates remain low among pregnant women living with HIV in many African countries despite potential benefits for women and their families. Partner disclosure can trigger negative responses like blame, violence, and separation. Women diagnosed with HIV late in pregnancy have limited time to prepare for partner disclosure. We sought to understand challenges around partner disclosure and non-disclosure faced by women diagnosed with HIV late in pregnancy in South Africa and Uganda and to explore pathways to safe partner disclosure. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with pregnant women and lactating mothers living with HIV (n = 109), disaggregated by antenatal care (ANC) initiation before and after 20 weeks of gestation, male partners (n = 87), and health workers (n = 53). All participants were recruited from DolPHIN2 trial sites in Kampala (Uganda) and Gugulethu (South Africa). Topic guides explored barriers to partner disclosure, effects of non-disclosure, strategies for safe disclosure. Using the framework analysis approach, we coded and summarised data based on a socio-ecological model, topic guides, and emerging issues from the data. Data was analysed in NVivo software. RESULTS Our findings illustrate pregnant women who initiate ANC late experience many difficulties which are compounded by the late HIV diagnosis. Various individual, interpersonal, community, and health system factors complicate partner disclosure among these women. They postpone or decide against partner disclosure mainly for own and baby's safety. Women experience stress and poor mental health because of non-disclosure while demonstrating agency and resilience. We found many similarities and some differences around preferred approaches to safe partner disclosure among female and male participants across countries. Women and male partners preferred healthcare workers to assist with disclosure by identifying the 'right' time to disclose, mentoring women to enhance their confidence and communication skills, and providing professional mediation for partner disclosure and couple testing. Increasing the number of counsellors and training them on safe partner disclosure was deemed necessary for strengthening local health services to improve safe partner disclosure. CONCLUSION HIV diagnosis late in pregnancy amplifies existing difficulties among pregnant women. Late ANC initiation is an indicator for the likelihood that a pregnant woman is highly vulnerable and needs safeguarding. Respective health programmes should be prepared to offer women initiating ANC late in pregnancy additional support and referral to complementary programmes to achieve safe partner disclosure and good health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelline Twimukye
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Yussif Alhassan
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Beate Ringwald
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thokozile Malaba
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Catriona Waitt
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mohammed Lamorde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Helen Reynolds
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Saye Khoo
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Tropical Infectious Disease Unit, Liverpool University Hospital Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Miriam Taegtmeyer
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Tropical Infectious Disease Unit, Liverpool University Hospital Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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2
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Abdelkhalek F, Joseph P, DeRose L, Olamijuwon E, Dladla P, Ngubane T, Hosegood V, van Rooyen H, van Heerden A, McGrath N. Two-way associations between relationship quality and uptake of couples health screening including HIV testing and counselling together: quantitative analysis of a couples cohort in rural South Africa. AIDS Care 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38381809 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2308741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
In the context of a couples cohort established to evaluate an optimised couples-focused behavioural intervention in rural South Africa, we examined: (1) Is couples' relationship quality (RQ) associated with couples HIV testing and counselling (CHTC) uptake? (2) Does CHTC uptake or the intervention components uptake improve subsequent RQ? Enrolled couples, (n = 218), previously naïve to couples HIV testing, were invited to two group sessions and offered four couples counselling sessions (CS1-CS4), as part of the intervention and administered a questionnaire individually at baseline, four weeks, and four months, which included item-scales to measure RQ: satisfaction, intimacy, dyadic trust, conflict, and mutual constructive communication. Logistic models indicated that no baseline RQ measures were significantly associated with CHTC uptake. Linear regression models showed that CHTC uptake before four weeks assessment significantly improved couples' satisfaction and trust at four weeks, and intimacy at four months. Attending at least one CS was associated with increased satisfaction, intimacy, and decreased conflict within couples at four weeks; the improvement in intimacy was sustained at four months. Consistent with the theoretical interdependence model, our findings suggest that CHTC and CS seemed to strengthen aspects of relationship quality, possibly leading to further collaboration in managing lifestyle changes and treatment adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Abdelkhalek
- CHERISH programme, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Faculty of Commerce, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Phillip Joseph
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | | | - Emmanuel Olamijuwon
- CHERISH programme, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, UK
| | - Pumla Dladla
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Thulani Ngubane
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Victoria Hosegood
- Department of Social Statistics & Demography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- SAMRC-WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- SAMRC-WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nuala McGrath
- CHERISH programme, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Social Statistics & Demography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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3
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Mmotsa TM, Magasana V, Nsibande DF, Buthelezi M, Dassaye R, Rodriguez VJ, Jones DL, Goga AE, Ngandu NK. Mixed-methods cross-sectional study of the prevention of vertical HIV transmission program users unaware of male partner's HIV status, in six South African districts with a high antenatal HIV burden. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1988. [PMID: 37828512 PMCID: PMC10571358 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16921-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elimination of vertical HIV Transmission (VHT) and maternal deaths are global health priorities. Male involvement is one of the most important factors that influences women's decisions, including the uptake of Prevention of vertical HIV transmission (P-VHT). We sought to understand not knowing a male partner's HIV status (MPHIVs) amongst women using services to prevent vertical HIV transmission in six South African districts with high antenatal HIV burden. METHODS A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in six South African districts, and data collected through face-to-face interviews with women and focus group discussions (FGDs) with women or male partners. The quantitative data were analyzed using STATA SE-17.0 and an inductive approach was used for qualitative data analysis. RESULTS Overall, 28.7% of women were unaware of their MPHIVs, while 25.3% and 46.0% knew the MPHIVs was positive or negative, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, single marital status and unplanned pregnancy increased the odds of not knowing a MPHIVs while a woman's disclosure of her HIV status to the male partner reduced the odds. FDGs highlighted complexities around MPHIVs disclosure, e.g., reluctance to test for HIV and potential interventions including healthcare worker (HCW) assisted HIV disclosure. CONCLUSION User-informed interventions to address MPHIVs non-disclosure amongst women of child-bearing age, particularly those at risk of unstable sexual partners and unplanned pregnancies, should be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshiamo M Mmotsa
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vuyolwethu Magasana
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Duduzile F Nsibande
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mbongeleni Buthelezi
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Reshmi Dassaye
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Violeta J Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychology (Clinical/Community Division), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States of America
| | - Deborah L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ameena E Goga
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nobubelo K Ngandu
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
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4
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Bhushan NL, Stoner MC, Groves AK, Kahn K, Pettifor AE. Partnership Dynamics and HIV-Related Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescent Mothers in South Africa: A Longitudinal Analysis of HIV Prevention Trials Network 068 Data. J Adolesc Health 2022; 71:63-69. [PMID: 35370076 PMCID: PMC9232891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In South Africa, adolescent mothers have a three times higher risk of HIV acquisition than nonadolescent mothers. Yet, limited evidence exists regarding how early childbearing may affect HIV risk. A better understanding of adolescent mothers' partnership dynamics and sexual behaviors is critical to tailoring interventions to prevent new infections. METHODS Data are from HIV Prevention Trials Network 068, a longitudinal study of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 13-20 in South Africa who were followed annually for up to 6 years. Log-binomial regression models were used to assess whether adolescent motherhood was associated with partnership dynamics (intimate partner violence, gender inequitable norms, low relationship power, no HIV prevention communication) and if the association between partnership dynamics and sexual behaviors (unprotected sex and transactional sex) varied by adolescent motherhood. Generalized estimating equations, with an exchangeable correlation structure, were used to account for nonindependence. RESULTS Adolescent mothers were more likely than nonadolescent mothers to be in partnerships characterized by intimate partner violence, low relationship power, gender inequitable norms, and no HIV prevention communication. A higher proportion were also more likely to experience these dynamics, as well as engage in transactional sex, after giving birth. Poor partnership dynamics put AGYW at a higher risk for unprotected sex and transactional sex, regardless of adolescent motherhood status. DISCUSSION Engaging adolescent mothers in interventions post birth and developing interventions that address power imbalances in AGYW's sexual partnerships have the potential to reduce engagement in HIV-related sexual behaviors and HIV risk in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita L. Bhushan
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marie C.D. Stoner
- Women’s Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Allison K. Groves
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Audrey E. Pettifor
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA,MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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5
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Sasse SA, Harrington BJ, DiPrete BL, Chagomerana MB, Klyn LL, Wallie SD, Maliwichi M, Jumbe AN, Hoffman IF, Rosenberg NE, Tang JH, Hosseinipour MC. Factors associated with a history of treatment interruption among pregnant women living with HIV in Malawi: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267085. [PMID: 35439264 PMCID: PMC9017884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Long-term care engagement of women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential to effective HIV public health measures. We sought to explore factors associated with a history of HIV treatment interruption among pregnant women living with HIV presenting to an antenatal clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of pregnant women living with HIV who had a history of ART interruption presenting for antenatal care. Women were categorized as either retained in HIV treatment or reinitiating care after loss-to-follow up (LTFU). To understand factors associated with treatment interruption, we surveyed socio-demographic and partner relationship characteristics. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for factors associated with ART interruption were estimated using modified Poisson regression with robust variance. We additionally present patients’ reasons for ART interruption.
Results
We enrolled 541 pregnant women living with HIV (391 retained and 150 reinitiating). The median age was 30 years (interquartile range (IQR): 25–34). Factors associated with a history of LTFU were age <30 years (aPR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.33–1.63), less than a primary school education (aPR 1.25; CI: 1.08–1.46), initiation of ART during pregnancy or breastfeeding (aPR 1.49, CI: 1.37–1.65), nondisclosure of HIV serostatus to their partner (aPR 1.39, CI: 1.24–1.58), lack of awareness of partner’s HIV status (aPR 1.41, CI: 1.27–1.60), and no contraception use at conception (aPR 1.60, CI 1.40–1.98). Access to care challenges were the most common reasons reported by women for treatment interruption (e.g., relocation, transport costs, or misplacing health documentation).
Conclusions
Interventions that simplify the ART clinic transfer process, facilitate partner disclosure, and provide counseling about the importance of lifelong ART beyond pregnancy and breastfeeding should be further evaluated for improving retention in ART treatment of women living with HIV in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone A. Sasse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- * E-mail:
| | - Bryna J. Harrington
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bethany L. DiPrete
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | | | - Laura Limarzi Klyn
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Shaphil D. Wallie
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Madalitso Maliwichi
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Allan N. Jumbe
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Irving F. Hoffman
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Nora E. Rosenberg
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Health Behavior, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Jennifer H. Tang
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
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6
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Bhushan NL, Fisher EB, Gottfredson NC, Maman S, Speizer IS, Phanga T, Vansia D, Mtawali A, Chisinga R, Kapira M, Pettifor AE, Rosenberg NE. The mediating role of partner communication on contraceptive use among adolescent girls and young women participating in a small-group intervention in Malawi: A longitudinal analysis. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1392-1405. [PMID: 33977862 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1924823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Though effective reproductive health interventions have been developed for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa, few have explored whether specific components of the interventions are responsible for observed changes in behaviour. Data for this longitudinal mediation analysis come from a quasi-experimental, sexual and reproductive health study conducted among AGYW (age 15-24) in Malawi. We assessed the extent to which the relationship between attending communication-specific small-group sessions and contraceptive use at one-year was mediated by contraceptive communication with partners at six months, using a bootstrapping procedure to estimate indirect effects. Of 358 participants, 44% attended communication-specific small-group sessions, 37% communicated with partners about contraception at six months, and 21% used non-barrier contraception at one-year. Participants who attended communication-specific small-group sessions had increased contraceptive communication with partners at six months (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.07-2.38) and increased non-barrier contraceptive use at one-year (aOR = 3.53, 95% CI: 1.86-6.69). The relationship between attending communication-specific small-group sessions and non-barrier contraceptive use at one-year was partially mediated by contraceptive communication with partners at six months (indirect effect = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.07). Our results suggest that contraceptive communication with partners is modifiable through interventions and important for AGYW non-barrier contraceptive uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita L Bhushan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Edwin B Fisher
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nisha C Gottfredson
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Suzanne Maman
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ilene S Speizer
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Kapira
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Audrey E Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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7
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Implementing Couple's Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing and Counseling in the Antenatal Care Setting. Obstet Gynecol 2020; 136:582-590. [PMID: 32769640 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000003932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a pilot implementation of couple's human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counseling in an antenatal care clinic in the United States. METHODS We used a cross-sectional study design. Couples were recruited from an antenatal care clinic of a large, urban, tertiary medical center, and were eligible if both partners agreed to receive HIV test results together and reported no coercion to participate in testing and counseling and no intimate partner violence. We assessed relationship characteristics, HIV risk-related behaviors and concordance of couples' sexual agreement (ie, mutual agreement about sexual risk behaviors that are permissible within or outside of their relationship). Acceptability of couple's HIV testing and counseling (ie, format, quality of the sessions, ability to meet their needs) was assessed after completing the session. Barriers and facilitators to couple's HIV testing and counseling were assessed at the individual-level among decliners and participants and at the clinic-level among members of the care team. RESULTS Dyadic data were collected from 82 individuals (41 couples). Most partners (n=56, 68%) did not have a sexual agreement or had differing expectations about their sexual agreement. Partners with a concordant sexual agreement (n=26) felt more confident working with their partners on condom use when having sex outside of their relationship (P=.008) and were more likely to agree with their partner to get tested regularly for HIV or sexually transmitted infections (P=.015). Acceptability was high, with a rating of 93 or more (out of 100) among all items. Individual-level barriers to couple's HIV testing and counseling included difficulty bringing the male partner for counseling and a perception by either member of the couple that they were at low-risk for HIV. At the clinic level, need for training, staff turnover, and integration of couple's HIV testing and counseling in the clinic flow presented as barriers, whereas commitment by the clinic leadership facilitated the couple's HIV testing and counseling program. CONCLUSION Despite barriers, couple's HIV testing and counseling can be implemented in antenatal clinics and is a highly acceptable method of HIV testing.
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8
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Dube A, Renju J, Wamoyi J, Hassan F, Seeley J, Chimukuche RS, Songo J, Kalua T, Crampin A, Moshabela M, Wringe A. Consequences of male partner engagement policies on HIV care-seeking in three African countries: Findings from the SHAPE UTT study. Glob Public Health 2020; 16:216-226. [PMID: 32780669 PMCID: PMC7612866 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1805788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
We explored how strategies to promote male partner engagement influenced HIV care-seeking among men and women living with HIV. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 health workers, 66 female service users and 10 male partners in Ifakara (Tanzania), Karonga (Malawi) and uMkhanyakude (South Africa) to elicit experiences of offering, providing or receiving HIV care in the context of antenatal care. Data were coded inductively and analysed thematically. Participants reported benefits of couple testing during antenatal care, including facilitated HIV status disclosure and mutual support for HIV care-seeking. However, unintended consequences included women attending without partners, being refused or delayed access to antenatal services. Some women were required to obtain letters from village leaders to justify the absence of their partners, again to delaying or disrupting care-seeking. When partners attended antenatal care, consultations were reportedly more likely to focus on HIV testing, and less on antenatal or neonatal care. Strategies to increase men's attendance at HIV clinics with their partners can promote mutual support within couples for HIV care engagement, but may risk undermining engagement in pregnancy and HIV care for some women if over-stringently applied. Efforts are needed to address the underlying pervasive stigma associated with HIV care, both alone and as a couple.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Dube
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jenny Renju
- Department of population health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Joyce Wamoyi
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Farida Hassan
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of population health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - John Songo
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Thokozani Kalua
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Amelia Crampin
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of population health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alison Wringe
- Department of population health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Wesevich A, Hosseinipour MC, Golin CE, McGrath N, Tsidya M, Chimndozi L, Bhushan N, Hoffman I, Miller WC, Rosenberg NE. Female adherence self-efficacy before and after couple HIV testing and counseling within Malawi's Option B+ program. AIDS Care 2019; 32:170-174. [PMID: 31238717 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1634789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Adherence self-efficacy, belief in one's ability to adhere to daily medication, is strongly associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission. Couple-based interventions could enhance self-efficacy and adherence. We assessed the relationship between couple HIV testing and counseling (cHTC) and adherence self-efficacy using a 100-point culturally-adapted adherence self-efficacy scale (ASES). Secondarily, we explored the relationship between ASES and ART adherence. Ninety HIV-positive pregnant women at an antenatal clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi were enrolled in an observational cohort study. They were assessed with ASES immediately before and one month after receiving cHTC. Median ASES scores were 100 (IQR 95, 100) before and 100 (IQR 99, 100) after cHTC; there was a significant median difference (p = 0.02) for participants before and after cHTC. This change in ASES scores was associated with the odds of self-reported ART adherence in the full population (OR 1.1, p = 0.01), and there was a trend in the same direction for participants with imperfect baseline ASES scores (OR 1.1, p = 0.2). In our population, adherence self-efficacy and ART adherence were both quite high, and those who had room to improve in self-efficacy may have benefited from cHTC, which in turn could impact ART adherence and ultimately mother-to-child transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Wesevich
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Carol E Golin
- Departments of Medicine and of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Departments of Primary Care and Population Sciences and of Social Statistics and Demography, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mercy Tsidya
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Limbikani Chimndozi
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Nivedita Bhushan
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Irving Hoffman
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - William C Miller
- Division of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
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