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Bogart LM, Musoke W, Mayatsa J, Marsh T, Naigino R, Banegura A, Mukama CS, Allupo S, Odiit M, Kadama H, Mukasa B, Wanyenze RK. Recommendations for Improving Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Implementation and Social Marketing in Ugandan Fisherfolk Communities: A Qualitative Exploration. COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH & POLICY 2024; 44:189-199. [PMID: 36194425 PMCID: PMC10070557 DOI: 10.1177/0272684x221113608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: HIV is hyperendemic among fisherfolk in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially around Lake Victoria, Uganda. Purpose/Research Design: We conducted cross-sectional semi-structured interviews about oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation with 35 Ugandan fisherfolk (15 women, 20 men) and 10 key stakeholders (healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders). We used a directed content analysis approach based on implementation science and social marketing frameworks. Results: Participants showed high acceptability for PrEP. Anticipated barriers among fisherfolk included stigma (due to similar medications/packaging as HIV treatment); misconceptions; mobility, competing needs, poverty, and partner conflict. Anticipated provider barriers included insufficient staffing and travel support. Recommendations included: change PrEP packaging; integrate PrEP with other services; decrease PrEP refill frequency; give transportation resources to providers; train more healthcare workers to provide PrEP to fisherfolk; and use positively framed messages to promote PrEP. Conclusions: Results can inform policymakers and healthcare organizations on how to overcome barriers to PrEP scale-up in most at-risk populations with poor healthcare access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jimmy Mayatsa
- Ministry of Health, Republic of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Terry Marsh
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, United States
| | - Rose Naigino
- Ministry of Health, Republic of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
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Naigino R, Miller AP, Ediau M, Anecho A, Senoga U, Tumwesigye NM, Wanyenze RK, Mukasa B, Hahn JA, Reed E, Sileo KM, Kiene SM. Stakeholder perspectives on the Kisoboka intervention: A behavioral and structural intervention to reduce hazardous alcohol use and improve HIV care engagement among men living with HIV in Ugandan fishing communities. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 253:111011. [PMID: 37952352 PMCID: PMC11016226 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND East Africa's fishing communities experience a high burden of two interrelated and frequently co-occurring health issues: HIV and hazardous alcohol use. Nearly two-thirds of Ugandan fisherfolk men meet the criteria for harmful alcohol use. We developed a multilevel intervention to reduce hazardous alcohol use and improve HIV care engagement among fisherfolk men living with HIV (LWHIV) in Wakiso district, Uganda. METHODS This is a qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives on the appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility of a multilevel intervention for fisherfolk men LWHIV. The proposed intervention, Kisoboka ("It is possible!"), combines a structural component [changing the mode of work payments from cash to mobile money] with a behavioral component [motivational interviewing-based counseling combined with content using behavioral economic principles to promote behavior change]. We conducted one focus group (n=7) and eight in-depth interviews with fisherfolk men LWHIV and 19 key informant (KI) interviews with health workers, employers, and community leaders. These explored the appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility of specific key intervention components. RESULTS Overall, stakeholders' perspectives supported high intervention acceptability and perceived appropriateness of the proposed intervention. It was perceived to be feasible with some caveats of recommendations for overcoming potential implementation challenges identified (e.g., having a friend assist with documenting savings and alcohol use if an individual was unable to write themselves) which are discussed. CONCLUSION This work highlights the potential of the Kisoboka intervention and the importance of early engagement of key stakeholders in the intervention development process to ensure appropriateness, acceptability, feasibility, and socio-cultural fit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Naigino
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University School of Public Health, CA, USA; Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amanda P Miller
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University School of Public Health, CA, USA
| | - Michael Ediau
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University School of Public Health, CA, USA; Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Asha Anecho
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Umar Senoga
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Judith A Hahn
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Reed
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, San Diego State University, CA, USA
| | - Katelyn M Sileo
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Susan M Kiene
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University School of Public Health, CA, USA; Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
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Mars SG, Koester KA, Ondocsin J, Mars V, Mars G, Ciccarone D. 'The High Five Club': Social Relations and Perspectives on HIV-Related Stigma During an HIV Outbreak in West Virginia. Cult Med Psychiatry 2023; 47:329-349. [PMID: 35199277 PMCID: PMC8865492 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-022-09769-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, HIV outbreaks are occurring in areas most affected by the opioid epidemic, including West Virginia (WV). Cultural Theory contends that multiple cultures co-exist within societies distinguished by their differing intensities of rules or norms of behavior ('grid') or degree of group allegiance/individual autonomy ('group'). Accordingly, we would expect that perceptions about HIV, including stigma, correspond with individuals' grid/group attributes. To explore this, we conducted qualitative interviews with people who inject drugs (PWID) recruited from a WV syringe service program. This paper focuses on our unexpected findings on stigma during a coinciding HIV outbreak. PWID living homeless identified as belonging to a 'street family'. Its members were mutually distrustful and constrained by poverty and drug dependence but despite their conflicts, reported openness between each other about HIV + status. Interviewees living with HIV perceived little enacted stigma from peers since the local outbreak. Contrasting stigmatizing attitudes were attributed to the town's mainstream society. The 'High Five' (Hi-V) Club, expressing defiance towards stigmatizing behavior outside the street family, epitomized the tensions between a desire for solidary and mutual support and a fatalistic tendency towards division and distrust. Fatalism may hinder cooperation, solidarity and HIV prevention but may explain perceived reductions in stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G Mars
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 500 Parnassus Avenue, MU3E, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Kimberly A Koester
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Jeff Ondocsin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 500 Parnassus Avenue, MU3E, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Valerie Mars
- Department of Anthropology (Honorary), University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Gerald Mars
- Department of Anthropology (Honorary), University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 500 Parnassus Avenue, MU3E, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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Sheira LA, Kwena ZA, Charlebois ED, Agot K, Ayieko B, Gandhi M, Bukusi EA, Thirumurthy H, Camlin CS. Testing a social network approach to promote HIV self-testing and linkage to care among fishermen at Lake Victoria: study protocol for the Owete cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:463. [PMID: 35668499 PMCID: PMC9169331 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06409-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly 50% of men living with HIV in many countries are unaware of their HIV status; men also have lower uptake of HIV treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In SSA, highly mobile men such as those working in fishing communities alongside Lake Victoria have low uptake of HIV testing and low rates of linkage to HIV treatment and PrEP, despite increasing availability of these services. HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits hold promise for overcoming barriers to HIV testing and linkage to services for HIV-positive and HIV-negative men. We describe here a protocol for an HIV status-neutral, social network-based approach to promote HIV testing, linkage to care and prevention, and better health outcomes, including adherence, in fishermen around Lake Victoria. METHODS Utilizing beach management unit (BMU) registries of fishermen operating in three Lake Victoria fishing communities in Siaya County, Kenya, we completed a census and social network mapping to identify close social networks of men. Network clusters identified by a socially-central lead ("promotor") and selected to ensure maximal separation between treatment and control will be randomized. Promotors in both arms will receive basic HIV training; intervention promotors are further trained in HIVST to distribute kits to their cluster, while control promotors will distribute to their cluster vouchers for free HIVST at nearby clinics. We will test whether these promoters can enhance linkage to ART and PrEP after self-testing, thereby addressing a key limitation of HIVST. We will also measure 6- and 12-month viral load in those living with HIV and PrEP adherence among those without HIV via urine tenofovir levels as objective markers of adherence. DISCUSSION This study has the potential to improve HIV health and promote HIV prevention among a hard to reach, at-risk, and highly mobile population of men in Western Kenya-a critical population in Kenya's HIV prevention and treatment program. Further, if successful, this innovative social networks-based model could be scaled at the regional level to address HIV prevention and care among similarly at-risk populations of men in eastern Africa and inland fisheries settings across the continent. TRIAL REGISTRATION Self-Test Strategies and Linkage Incentives to Improve ART and PrEP Uptake in Men, registered on February 26, 2021, registration # NCT04772469 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila A. Sheira
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Ave. Building 100, Ward 84, San Francisco, USA
| | - Zachary A. Kwena
- grid.33058.3d0000 0001 0155 5938Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwin D. Charlebois
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Kawango Agot
- grid.434865.80000 0004 0605 3832Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Benard Ayieko
- grid.434865.80000 0004 0605 3832Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Monica Gandhi
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Ave. Building 100, Ward 84, San Francisco, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- grid.33058.3d0000 0001 0155 5938Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research institute, Nairobi, Kenya ,grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Harsha Thirumurthy
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Carol S. Camlin
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, USA ,grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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Liu M, Zhu Y, Gao H, Li J. “Thank Heavens for Sparing My Life”: Thematic and Content Analyses of Chinese Users’ Feedback Comments on HIV Self-Testing Kits from E-Commerce Platforms (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e38398. [DOI: 10.2196/38398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Moore EV, Nambi R, Isabirye D, Nakyanjo N, Nalugoda F, Santelli JS, Hirsch JS. When Coffee Collapsed: An Economic History of HIV in Uganda. Med Anthropol 2022; 41:49-66. [PMID: 34383575 PMCID: PMC8816880 DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2021.1961249] [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: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In some Ugandan fishing communities, almost half the population lives with HIV. Researchers designate these communities "HIV hotspots" and attribute disproportionate disease burdens to "sex-for-fish" relationships endemic to the lakeshores. In this article, we trace the emergence of Uganda's HIV hotspots to structural adjustment. We show how global economic policies negotiated in the 1990s precipitated the collapse of Uganda's coffee sector, causing mass economic dislocation among women workers, who migrated to the lake. There, they entered overt forms of sex work or marriages they may have otherwise avoided, intimate economic arrangements that helped to "engineer the spread of HIV," as one respondent recounted.
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van Empel E, de Vlieg RA, Montana L, Gómez-Olivé FX, Kahn K, Tollman S, Berkman L, Bärnighausen TW, Manne-Goehler J. Older Adults Vastly Overestimate Both HIV Acquisition Risk and HIV Prevalence in Rural South Africa. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:3257-3276. [PMID: 34599468 PMCID: PMC8563552 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01982-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Perceptions of HIV acquisition risk and prevalence shape sexual behavior in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We used data from the Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa baseline survey. Data were collected through home-based interviews of 5059 people ≥ 40 years old. We elicited information on perceived risk of HIV acquisition and HIV prevalence among adults ≥ 15 and ≥ 50 years old. We first describe these perceptions in key subgroups and then compared them to actual estimates for this cohort. We then evaluated the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and accurate perceptions of prevalence in regression models. Finally, we explored differences in behavioral characteristics among those who overestimated risk compared to those who underestimated or accurately estimated risk. Compared to the actual HIV acquisition risk of < 1%, respondents vastly overestimated this risk: 35% (95% CI: 32-37) and 34% (95% CI: 32-36) for men and women, respectively. Respondents overestimated HIV prevalence at 53% (95% CI: 52-53) for those ≥ 15 years old and 48% (95% CI: 48-49) for those ≥ 50 years old. True values were less than half of these estimates. There were few significant associations between demographic characteristics and accuracy. Finally, high overestimators of HIV prevalence tested themselves less for HIV compared to mild overestimators and accurate reporters. More than 30 years into the HIV epidemic, older people in a community with hyperendemic HIV in SSA vastly overestimate both HIV acquisition risk and prevalence. These misperceptions may lead to fatalism and reduced motivation for prevention efforts, possibly explaining the continued high HIV incidence in this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva van Empel
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, 9 Bow Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Rebecca A de Vlieg
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, 9 Bow Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Livia Montana
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, 9 Bow Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - F Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural, Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Parktown, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural, Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Parktown, South Africa
| | - Stephen Tollman
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural, Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Parktown, South Africa
| | - Lisa Berkman
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, 9 Bow Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural, Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Parktown, South Africa
| | - Till W Bärnighausen
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural, Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Parktown, South Africa
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Manne-Goehler
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Stamatakis C, Howard A, Chiang L, Massetti GM, Apondi R, Stoebenau K, Hegle J, Wasula L, Patel P. Regional heterogeneity in violence and individual characteristics associated with recent transactional sex among Ugandan girls and young women: A national and regional analysis of data from the Violence Against Children and Youth Survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257030. [PMID: 34473803 PMCID: PMC8412282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study assessed associations between recent transactional sex (TS) and potential determinants and variations in patterns across two geographic regions with high HIV burden compared to the rest of Uganda, among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Methods In 2015, a nationally representative cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Uganda. A stratified multi-stage cluster sample design produced nationally representative estimates and sub-national estimates for AGYW in two high HIV burden regions, DREAMS Central 1 (Bukomansimbi, Ssembabule, and Rakai districts) and DREAMS Central 2 (Mubende, Mityana, Gomba, and Mukono districts), and the rest of Uganda. To identify associations between recent TS (defined as sex in the past 12 months in exchange for material support or help) and risk factors, multivariable logistic regressions were conducted. Interaction terms assessed the associations between violence and recent TS across geographic regions. Results Nationally, 14.2% of sexually active AGYW engaged in recent TS. Region-specific significant associations emerged between recent TS and marriage, family wealth, friendship, orphanhood, and sexual debut. In DREAMS Central 1 and 2, AGYW who witnessed violence in the home or community, or experienced sexual, physical, or emotional violence had higher odds of recent TS than AGYW who did not experience that form of violence (adjusted odds ratio ranged between 2.10 (95% CI, 1.07, 4.13) and 8.25 (95% CI, 3.40, 20.06)). The magnitude of association between recent TS and types of violence varied by region. Conclusions Violence is strongly and consistently associated with recent TS, and patterns in prevalence and risk factors vary across regions in Uganda. Given the high risk of HIV association with recent TS, HIV epidemic control efforts may benefit from focus on comprehensive violence prevention and target persons who engage in TS. Comprehensive HIV prevention programming aimed at keeping AGYW HIV-negative should incorporate prevention of violence and TS as key components to facilitate HIV epidemic control in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Stamatakis
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ashleigh Howard
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Laura Chiang
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Greta M. Massetti
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rose Apondi
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kirsten Stoebenau
- School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Hegle
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lydia Wasula
- Uganda Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pragna Patel
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Eaton LA, Watson RJ, Maksut JL, Rucinski KB, Earnshaw VA, Berman M. Elevated Perceived Risk for HIV as a Barrier to Accessing Health Care Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021; 21:917-925. [PMID: 32504393 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-020-01135-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We sought to examine how self-perception of risk for HIV and HIV status information avoidance are related to HIV testing uptake and engagement in routine health care among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM)-the group at highest risk for HIV in the USA. To do so, we used generalized linear modeling and serial mediation modeling to assess data from 342 HIV-negative BMSM collected from 2017 to 2019 in Atlanta, GA, USA. Participants reported considerable concern for testing HIV-positive; 40% reported believing they would test positive for HIV; 27% reported being "extremely concerned about getting HIV"; and 17% reported worrying about HIV "all the time". Mediation analyses demonstrated that greater concern for HIV was associated with longer intervals since the last HIV test and the last health-care appointment. BMSM perceived themselves to be at considerable risk for HIV, but critically, this outlook did not yield improved health-care behaviors. Findings highlight the need to reconceptualize our public health approach to reaching BMSM. Emphasizing risk behavior and targeting efforts toward BMSM may have unintended consequences and need to be reevaluated. Despite continued efforts to improve HIV-related outcomes, we are failing to meet the needs of BMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Eaton
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy University of Connecticut, 2006 Hillside Rd, Storrs, CT, 06269-1248, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy University of Connecticut, 2006 Hillside Rd, Storrs, CT, 06269-1248, USA.
| | - Jessica L Maksut
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Katherine B Rucinski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Valerie A Earnshaw
- Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, 240 Academy St, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Marcie Berman
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy University of Connecticut, 2006 Hillside Rd, Storrs, CT, 06269-1248, USA
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Traumatic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in an international sample: Contribution of fatalism to psychological distress and behavior change. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2021. [PMID: 37521947 PMCID: PMC9767364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the traumatic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and to explore the contribution of fatalism to a) psychological distress and b) pandemic-related behavior change. Data for the study were collected via an anonymous online survey. The survey included questions about demographic characteristics, health status, pandemic-related stress, impact of COVID-19 on health and behavior, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and fatalism. The sample included 465 participants from 30 countries (mean age = 36.87, SD = 13.39, age range = 18 - 76; 80% female). While none of the study participants have been diagnosed with COVID-19, almost 25% knew someone who had received the diagnosis. The overwhelming majority (79%) had to make changes to their daily routine, and 48.82% of the sample reported moderate to severe PTSS. Fatalism was found to be a statistically significant predictor of PTSS in a multiple regression model and was also associated with lack of behavior changes in response to the pandemic. Our findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is a traumatic event with a potential to affect mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. Fatalism may contribute to severity of psychological distress and diminish individuals' ability to engage in health-protective behaviors.
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The Treatment Ambassador Program: A Highly Acceptable and Feasible Community-Based Peer Intervention for South Africans Living with HIV Who Delay or Discontinue Antiretroviral Therapy. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1129-1143. [PMID: 33125587 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03063-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a novel pilot randomized controlled trial of the Treatment Ambassador Program (TAP), an 8-session, peer-based, behavioral intervention for people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa not on antiretroviral therapy (ART). PWH (43 intervention, 41 controls) completed baseline, 3- and 6-month assessments. TAP was highly feasible (90% completion), with peer counselors demonstrating good intervention fidelity. Post-intervention interviews showed high acceptability of TAP and counselors, who supported autonomy, assisted with clinical navigation, and provided psychosocial support. Intention-to-treat analyses indicated increased ART initiation by 3 months in the intervention vs. control arm (12.2% [5/41] vs. 2.3% [1/43], Fisher exact p-value = 0.105; Cohen's h = 0.41). Among those previously on ART (off for > 6 months), 33.3% initiated ART by 3 months in the intervention vs. 14.3% in the control arm (Cohen's h = 0.45). Results suggest that TAP was highly acceptable and feasible among PWH not on ART.
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HIV epidemic in fishing communities in Uganda: A scoping review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249465. [PMID: 33793652 PMCID: PMC8016276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fishing communities in many Sub-Saharan African countries are a high-risk population group disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. In Uganda, literature on HIV in fishing communities has grown extensively since the first country’s documented case of HIV in a fishing community in 1985. The current study describes the status of the HIV burden, prevention, and treatment in Ugandan fishing communities. Method This scoping review was conducted based on the York Framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant quantitative and qualitative studies on HIV incidence, HIV prevalence, HIV-related risk factors, HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy coverage and adherence, and interventions to improve treatment outcomes and reduce HIV risk factors. Results & conclusion We identified 52 papers and 2 reports. Thirty-four were quantitative, 17 qualitative, and 3 had a mixed-methods design. Eleven studies reported on the prevalence of HIV and 8 on HIV incidence; 9 studies documented factors associated with HIV incidence or HIV positive status; 10 studies reported on HIV testing coverage and/or associated factors; 7 reported on antiretroviral therapy coverage/adherence/outcomes; and 1 study reported on the impact of combination HIV interventions in fishing communities. This scoping review revealed a significant lack of evidence in terms of what works in HIV prevention and for improving adherence to ART, in contrast to the relatively large amount of evidence from observational quantitative and qualitative studies on HIV prevalence, incidence and related risk factors in Ugandan fishing communities. Intervention studies are urgently needed to fill the current evidence gaps in HIV prevention and ART adherence.
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Kapiga S, Hansen CH, Downs JA, Sichalwe S, Hashim R, Mngara J, van Dam GJ, Corstjens PLAM, Kingery JR, Peck RN, Grosskurth H. The burden of HIV, syphilis and schistosome infection and associated factors among adults in the fishing communities in northwestern Tanzania. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:204-213. [PMID: 33159819 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify the burden of HIV, syphilis and schistosome infection and associated risk factors among adults living in seven fishing communities of Lake Victoria in northwest Tanzania. METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted between 2015 and 2016 in the selected communities. In each community, we randomly selected a sample of adults from the general population and from three putative risk groups including the following: (i) fishermen, (ii) fish processors and traders, and (iii) women working in the recreational facilities. Participants were interviewed to obtain information about potential risk factors, and venous blood was collected for detection of HIV, syphilis and schistosome infections. We used logistic regression models to quantify the associations between potential risk factors and HIV, and also between schistosome infection and HIV. RESULTS We enrolled 1128 people from selected fishing communities. The overall prevalence of HIV, syphilis and schistosome infection was 14.2%, 15.6% and 83.1%, respectively. Female recreational facility workers had the highest prevalence of HIV (30.4%) and syphilis (24%). The odds of being HIV infected were generally higher in all age categories. Transactional sex was commonly reported and especially receiving gifts for sex was found to be strongly associated with HIV (adjusted OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.44-4.34, P = 0.008). Confirmed serological syphilis was associated with increased odds of having HIV infection. HIV was not associated with schistosome infection in a combined dataset and when we examined this separately for men and women alone. CONCLUSIONS We observed a high burden of HIV, syphilis and schistosome infections in the fishing communities. Targeted efforts to treat and control infections have the potential to improve health among their residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saidi Kapiga
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christian H Hansen
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jennifer A Downs
- Department of Medicine, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simon Sichalwe
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Ramadhan Hashim
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Julius Mngara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Govert J van Dam
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paul L A M Corstjens
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Justin R Kingery
- Department of Medicine, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert N Peck
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Department of Medicine, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heiner Grosskurth
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Kwagonza L, Bulage L, Okello PE, Kusiima J, Kadobera D, Ario AR. Comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention among fishing communities of Lake Kyoga, Uganda, 2013. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:29. [PMID: 31914966 PMCID: PMC6950879 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8146-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Compared to the general population in Uganda, fishing communities suffer greater burden of HIV/AIDS. We determined the level of comprehensive knowledge on HIV prevention and its associated factors among fishing communities of Lake Kyoga. Methods We conducted secondary analysis of data from the Lake Kyoga Behavioral Survey, a population-based sample survey on behavioral risk factors for HIV, syphilis, and schistosomiasis among adults in fishing communities of Lake Kyoga in 2013. We defined comprehensive knowledge as having correct knowledge on HIV prevention (consistent condom use, faithfulness, a healthy-looking person can have HIV, and HIV cannot be transmitted through food-sharing, witchcraft or handshake). We used logistic regression to determined potential factors associated with comprehensive knowledge on HIV prevention and control for confounding. Results Of 1780 persons in the sample, 51% (911/1780) were females. The mean age was 32 (range: 15–97) years. Overall, 51% (899/1780) of persons had comprehensive knowledge on HIV prevention. Level of comprehensive knowledge on HIV prevention was similar between females (52%, 449/911) and males (49%, 450/869). Males (76%, 658/869) had lower knowledge on HIV transmission from mother to child during breast feeding compared to females (81%, 738/911) (p-value 0.019). Fishermen (46%,324/711) who lived > 5 km away from a health center compared to 54% (572/1066) who lived within 5 km radius were less likely to have comprehensive knowledge on HIV prevention (PRRadj = 0.8; 95%CI = 0.5–0.92). Those who had ever tested for HIV were more likely to have comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission (PRRadj = 1.1; 95% 1.03–1.70). Conclusion Half of the population of Lake Kyoga fishing community had comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention. Long distances from health facilities reduced the level of comprehensive knowledge on HIV transmission. HIV testing increased the level of comprehensive knowledge on HIV transmission. Ministry of health should ensure that HIV/AIDS information; education and communication and HIV counseling and testing activities are intensified in fishing communities of Lake Kyoga, with more emphasis on communities living in distances of more than 5 km away from the health facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leocadia Kwagonza
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, P.O. Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda. .,Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Lilian Bulage
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, P.O. Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Joy Kusiima
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, P.O. Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Kadobera
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, P.O. Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda
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