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Macleod CI, Reynolds JH, Delate R. Women Who Sell Sex in Eastern and Southern Africa: A Scoping Review of Non-Barrier Contraception, Pregnancy and Abortion. Public Health Rev 2022; 43:1604376. [PMID: 35646420 PMCID: PMC9131513 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2022.1604376] [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: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: There is a need to hone reproductive health (RH) services for women who sell sex (WSS). The aim of this review was to collate findings on non-barrier contraception, pregnancies, and abortion amongst WSS in Eastern and Southern African (ESA). Methods: A scoping review methodology was employed. Inclusion criteria were: 1) empirical papers from 2) ESA, 3) published since 2010, and 4) addressing WSS in relation to 5) the identified RH issues. Results: Reports of rates of non-barrier contraceptive usage varied from 15% to 76%, of unintended pregnancy from 24% to 91%, and of abortion from 11% to 48%. Cross-cutting factors were alcohol use, violence, health systems problems, and socio-economic issues. Pregnancy desire was associated with having a non-paying partner. Barriers to accessing, and delaying, antenatal care were reported as common. Targeted programmes were reported as promoting RH amongst WSS. Conclusion: Programmes should be contextually relevant, based on local patterns, individual, interpersonal and systemic barriers. Targeted approaches should be implemented in conjunction with improvement of public health services. Linked HIV and RH services, and community empowerment approaches are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona Ida Macleod
- Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | | | - Richard Delate
- 2gether 4 SRHR, United Nations Population Fund, Johannesburg, South Africa
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2
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Malama K, Tichacek A, Kelly H, Parker R, Inambao M, Sharkey T, Wall KM, Kilembe W, Price MA, Fast P, Priddy F, Allen S. Measles immunity gap among reproductive-age women participating in a simulated HIV vaccine efficacy trial in Zambia. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2066426. [PMID: 35446726 PMCID: PMC9302517 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2066426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Measles is a vaccine-preventable viral disease whose vaccination coverage remains low in Zambia, where the target group for vaccination is children aged 9 to 18 months. In addition to inadequate measles vaccination coverage among children, few studies address potential resultant immunity gaps among adults. We analyzed data from a simulated HIV vaccine efficacy trial (SiVET) conducted from 2015–2017 among adult Zambian women of childbearing age to determine measles antibody seroprevalence before and after vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. We used MMR vaccine as a substitute for an experimental HIV vaccine as part of a simulation exercise to prepare for an HIV vaccine efficacy trial. We found that 75% of women had measles antibodies prior to receiving MMR, which increased to 98% after vaccination. In contrast, mumps and rubella antibody prevalence was high before (93% and 97%, respectively) and after (99% and 100%, respectively) vaccination. The low baseline measles seropositivity suggests an immunity gap among women of childbearing age. We recommend that measles vaccination programs target women of childbearing age, who can pass antibodies on to neonates. Moreover, administering the MMR vaccine to clinical trial candidates could prevent measles, mumps or rubella-related adverse events during actual trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalonde Malama
- Center for Family Health Research in Zambia, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hilary Kelly
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel Parker
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mubiana Inambao
- Center for Family Health Research in Zambia, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Tyronza Sharkey
- Center for Family Health Research in Zambia, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William Kilembe
- Center for Family Health Research in Zambia, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Matt A Price
- IAVI, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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3
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Evolution of Condom Use Among a 5-Year Cohort of Female Sex Workers in Zambia. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:470-477. [PMID: 34333718 PMCID: PMC8801539 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03403-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Observing sexual behaviour change over time could help develop behavioural HIV prevention interventions for female sex workers in Zambia, where these interventions are lacking. We investigated the evolution of consistent condom use among female sex workers and their clients and steady partners. Participants were recruited into an HIV incidence cohort from 2012 to 2017. At each visit, women received HIV counselling and testing, screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and free condoms. Our outcome was reported consistent (100%) condom use in the previous month with steady partners, repeat clients, and non-repeat clients. Consistent condom use at baseline was highest with non-repeat clients (36%) followed by repeat clients (27%) and steady partners (17%). Consistent condom use between baseline and Month 42 increased by 35% with steady partners, 39% with repeat clients and 41% with non-repeat clients. Access to condoms, HIV/STI counselling and testing promoted positive sexual behaviour change.
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4
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Zenouzi A, Rezaei E, Behboodi Moghadam Z, Montazeri A, Maani S, Vasegh Rahimparvar SF. Reproductive Health Concerns of Women With High Risk Sexual Behaviors. SAGE Open Nurs 2021; 7:23779608211017779. [PMID: 34458577 PMCID: PMC8385587 DOI: 10.1177/23779608211017779] [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: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Expansion of reproductive health services and addressing its different aspects in national and international levels is an important step towards ensuring family and public health. Female sex workers are a vulnerable population that are exposed to high risk sexual behaviors and increased incidence of co-morbid health problems. This study aims to identify the concerns of women with high risk sexual behaviors. Clarifying different aspects of reproductive health and its problems in female sex workers can assist relevant authorities to plan and intervene on reproductive health and to provide more effective solutions on this issue. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach. Snowball sampling was performed in 20 volunteer women with high risk sexual behaviors through in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in drop-in centers, triangle centers, etc. The data were analyzed through conventional content analysis using the MAXQDA software. Results Five main categories and 13 subcategories emerged during the interviews. The main categories included violence, fear, and lack of knowledge, stigma, and psychological problems. Women with high risk sexual behaviors have several reproductive health concerns, including unwanted pregnancy, abortion, STIs (Sexually transmitted infections), HIV, etc. In addition, different types of violence and threats against women, intimidation, objectification, stigma, unresponsiveness of counselling centers, patriarchal culture, gender inequality, etc. were observed in these women. Conclusion The study revealed that women in this study experienced deep problems of reproductive health and little attention is paid to them by authorities. Proper planning and appropriate solutions should be provided to solve the problems of these women and the society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azade Zenouzi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic Azad University, Pishva Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Rezaei
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Ali Montazeri
- Health Metrics Research Center, Institute for Health Sciences Research, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Maani
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic Azad University, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Tehran, Iran
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Coelho EC, Souza SB, Costa CCS, Costa LM, Pinheiro LML, Machado LFA, Silva-Oliveira GC, Martins LC, Frade PCR, Oliveira-Filho AB. Treponema pallidum in female sex workers from the Brazilian Marajó Archipelago: prevalence, risk factors, drug-resistant mutations and coinfections. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 115:792-800. [PMID: 33210137 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/traa127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex workers (FSWs) are an especially vulnerable group for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infection (STIs). This study determined the prevalence of syphilis in FSWs and factors associated with this disease in the Marajó Archipelago (northern Brazil), as well as the frequency of point mutations (A2058G and A2059G) in the 23S rRNA gene of Treponema pallidum and coinfections with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV). METHODS FSWs were diagnosed using a rapid qualitative test and the isolates were evaluated for the presence of point mutations by real-time PCR. Blood samples with T. pallidum were tested for the presence of HBV, HCV and HDV by ELISA and confirmed by real-time PCR. The factors associated with syphilis were identified using Poisson regression models. RESULTS Overall, 41.1% FSWs tested positive for syphilis and 23.5% were infected with strains having A2058G/A2059G point mutations. HBV (23.0%) and HCV (8.1%) were detected among FSWs with syphilis. Six factors were associated with syphilis: low levels of education, reduced income, drug use, unprotected sex, a lengthy career in prostitution and a lack of regular medical check-ups. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate an urgent need for implementation of effective strategies to diagnose, prevent and treat syphilis, as well as other STIs, in this Brazilian region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelen C Coelho
- Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Mulher e da Criança, Hospital Santo Antônio Maria Zaccaria, Bragança PA, Brazil
| | - Samara B Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Linguagens e Saberes na Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Bragança PA, Brazil
| | - Camila Carla S Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Tropicais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém PA, Brazil
| | - Luana M Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Tropicais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém PA, Brazil
| | - Luiz Marcelo L Pinheiro
- Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas, Campus do Marajó, Universidade Federal do Pará, Soure PA, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando A Machado
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém PA, Brazil
| | - Gláucia C Silva-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Células e Patógenos, Instituto de Estudos Costeiros, Universidade Federal do Pará, Bragança PA, Brazil
| | - Luísa Caricio Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Tropicais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém PA, Brazil.,Laboratório de Patologia Clínica de Doenças Tropicais, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém PA, Brazil
| | - Paula Cristina R Frade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Tropicais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém PA, Brazil
| | - Aldemir B Oliveira-Filho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Linguagens e Saberes na Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Bragança PA, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Tropicais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém PA, Brazil.,Laboratório de Células e Patógenos, Instituto de Estudos Costeiros, Universidade Federal do Pará, Bragança PA, Brazil
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A Population-Specific Optimized GeneXpert Pooling Algorithm for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae To Reduce Cost of Molecular Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening in Resource-Limited Settings. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.00176-20. [PMID: 32522828 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00176-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (NG) are often asymptomatic in women and undetected by syndromic management, leading to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Molecular testing, such as the GeneXpert CT/NG assay, is highly sensitive, but cost restraints preclude implementation of these technologies in resource-limited settings. Pooled testing is one strategy to reduce the cost per sample, but the extent of savings depends on disease prevalence. The current study describes a pooling strategy based on identification of sociodemographic and laboratory factors associated with CT/NG prevalence in a high-risk cohort of Zambian female sex workers and single mothers conducted from 2016 to 2019. Factors associated with testing positive for CT/NG via logistic regression modeling included city, younger age, lower education, long-acting reversible contraception usage, Trichomonas vaginalis infection, bacterial vaginosis, and incident syphilis infection. Based on these factors, the study population was stratified into high-, intermediate-, and low-prevalence subgroups and tested accordingly-individually, pools of 3, or pools of 4, respectively. The cost per sample was reduced from $18 to as low as $9.43 in the low-prevalence subgroup. The checklist tool and pooling approach described can be used in a variety of treatment algorithms to lower the cost per sample and increase access to molecular STI screening. This is particularly valuable in resource-limited settings to detect and treat asymptomatic CT/NG infections missed by traditional syndromic management.
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Connolly S, Wall KM, Parker R, Kilembe W, Inambao M, Visoiu AM, Sharkey T, Hunter E, Allen S. Sociodemographic factors and STIs associated with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in Zambian female sex workers and single mothers. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:364-374. [PMID: 32126947 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419894453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are epidemiologically distinct. In this study, associations with sociodemographic and clinical risk factors are explored separately for CT and NG. Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) models quantify associations between potential CT and/or NG risk factors within a cross-sectional study of high-risk women in two Zambian cities, Lusaka and Ndola. CT was associated with living in Lusaka, younger age, and literacy. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) was predictive of CT in Ndola, but protective in Lusaka. In Lusaka only, CT was associated with lower education and reported unprotected sex. NG was associated with younger age, lower education, concurrent Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis, and incident syphilis infection. Signs and symptoms were rare and not associated with either infection. CT was more prevalent, nearly 11%, compared to NG, 6.8%. The higher prevalence of CT could explain the lack of association with other STIs. The associations observed with NG could be the result of high-risk sexual networks or lack of protective immunity. Risk factors for CT and NG are distinct and may differ geographically, which should be considered when developing diagnostic tools or guiding presumptive treatment in specific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Connolly
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel Parker
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | | | - Eric Hunter
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Susan Allen
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project, Lusaka, Zambia
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