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Minnis AM, Agot K, Hartmann M, Otticha S, Montgomery ET, Roberts ST. Feasibility and Acceptability of the Novel Tu'Washindi Intervention to Increase PrEP Use among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Siaya County, Kenya. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04390-3. [PMID: 38836985 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04390-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The Tu'Washindi intervention addressed intimate partner violence (IPV) and relationship dynamics to increase PrEP use among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Siaya County, Kenya. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability in a cluster-randomized trial in six DREAMS Safe Spaces. The multilevel intervention, delivered over 6 months, included three components delivered by DREAMS staff with support from the study team: an 8-session structured support club; community sensitization of male partners; and a couples PrEP education and health fair ("Buddy Day"). Feasibility and acceptability assessments included implementation process measures, questionnaires, and focus group discussions with AGYWs and post-intervention questionnaires with intervention providers. The study included 103 AGYWs aged 17 to 24 (N = 49 intervention), with 97% retention. Median age was 22, 54% were married, and 84% were mothers. At enrollment, 45% used PrEP and 61% reported lifetime IPV. All intervention participants attended at least one support club session (mean = 5.2 of 8) and 90% attended Buddy Day. At 6 months, most participants perceived Tu'Washindi to be effective: all agreed (with 54% reporting "strongly agree") that the intervention improved partner communication and 60% agreed they were better able to gain partner support for their PrEP use. Providers believed the intervention resonated with community values. Tu'Washindi was highly acceptable and feasible and it was perceived by AGYW participants and providers as being effective in improving partner relationships and supporting PrEP use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Minnis
- Research Triangle Park, Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA.
| | - Kawango Agot
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Miriam Hartmann
- Research Triangle Park, Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Sophie Otticha
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth T Montgomery
- Research Triangle Park, Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Sarah T Roberts
- Research Triangle Park, Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
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Kanagasabai U, Thorsen V, Zhu L, Annor FB, Chiang L, McOwen J, Augusto A, Manuel P, Kambona C, Coomer R, Kamagate F, Ramphalla P, Denhard L, Cain M, Hegle J, de Barros RB, Saenz S, Kamami M, Patel P. Adverse childhood experiences, HIV and sexual risk behaviors - Five sub-Saharan countries, 2018-2020. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 150:106541. [PMID: 38114359 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been shown to have negative, lasting effects on health including increasing the likelihood of engaging in sexual risk behaviors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify associations between exposures to ACEs and sexual risk behaviors and HIV service utilization among young people. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A sample of 8023 sexually active young people (19-24 year olds) from five sub-Saharan African countries participated Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS). METHODS Descriptive analysis of demographic variables, individual ACEs, cumulative ACEs, sexual risk behaviors, HIV testing, antiretroviral treatment (ART) and Antenatal Care (ANC) attendance were completed. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between both individual and cumulative ACEs, sexual HIV risk behaviors, and service utilization while controlling for important covariates such as demographic, having ever been pregnant, had an STI, and used contraception. RESULTS Exposure to three or more ACEs was higher among males (26.1 %) compared to females (21.3 %); p = 0.003. The most prominent sexual risk behavior for females was having sexual partners who were at least 5 years older (45.7 % compared to males 3.7 %; p < 0.0001) whereas in males it was no or infrequent condom use (45.3 % compared to females 30.1 %; p < 0.0001). Males and females exposed to childhood sexual violence had seven and four times the odds of engaging in transactional sex (aOR = 7.34, 95 % CI: [3.5-15.0]) and (aOR =3.75, 95 % CI: [2.3-6.2], respectively. Females exposed to three or more ACEs were four times more likely to engage in transactional sex (aOR = 4.85, 95 %, CI: [1.6-14.4]) compared to those who did not experience any ACEs. Males exposed to three or more ACEs were two times more likely to engage in early sexual debut (aOR = 2.2, 95 % CI: [1.3-3.4]),]) compared to those who did not experience any ACEs. Females who had witnessed IPV or violence in the community had significantly higher odds of getting tested for HIV (aOR = 2.16, 95 % CI: [1.63-2.87]) and (aOR = 1.36, 95 % CI: [1.03-1.81]), respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that experiencing ACEs during childhood is associated with higher HIV risk behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with unique differences between males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viva Thorsen
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA.
| | - Liping Zhu
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Francis B Annor
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Laura Chiang
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Jordan McOwen
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mozambique
| | | | - Pedro Manuel
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mozambique
| | - Caroline Kambona
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kenya
| | - Rachel Coomer
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Namibia
| | - Fathim Kamagate
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cote d'Ivoire
| | - Puleng Ramphalla
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lesotho
| | - Langan Denhard
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Meagan Cain
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Jennifer Hegle
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | | | - Shantal Saenz
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Mwikali Kamami
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Pragna Patel
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
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Pike C, Coakley C, Lee D, Daniels D, Ahmed N, Hartmann M, Padian N, Bekker LG. Lessons Learned From the Implementation of a School-Based Sexual Health Education Program for Adolescent Girls in Cape Town, South Africa. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023; 11:e2300026. [PMID: 38124019 PMCID: PMC10749656 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-23-00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive sexual education (CSE) is an important approach for health promotion dissemination in schools, particularly when delivered in participatory ways that are sport based, peer or near-peer led, and include concepts of gender and power dynamics. Sufficient attendance at CSE sessions is critical to ensure content exposure and build potential for impact. This article details implementation lessons from the delivery of an after-school, near-peer-led CSE program called SKILLZ during a cluster randomized controlled trial among 40 secondary schools in Cape Town, South Africa. SKILLZ is an evidence-based program previously implemented in similar contexts. Attendance in this study was suboptimal (less than 50%) despite qualitative indications of high acceptability and extensive efforts to adapt implementation and boost attendance. Qualitative and quantitative data gathered during anonymous surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with participants with high and low attendance records, near-peer coaches, and school staff from both cohorts indicated that poor attendance could be attributed to several factors. Program adaptations, such as delivering difficult-to-access health services before participants attended the SKILLZ program rather than after, may have reduced the incentive for young people to attend the program. Practical barriers to attendance were identified, including security concerns, competing priorities, and unfamiliarity with after-school programming culture in this setting. Community engagement and acceptability of sexual education programs for adolescents alone may be insufficient to ensure program uptake and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carey Pike
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Chelsea Coakley
- Independent Research Consultant, Adolescent Health and Development, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Devyn Lee
- Grassroot Soccer, Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Derek Daniels
- Grassroot Soccer, Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nadia Ahmed
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central North West London NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Hartmann
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nancy Padian
- Grassroot Soccer, Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mathur S, Mahapatra B, Mishra R, Heck CJ, Mbizvo M. Which Intervention Synergies Maximize AGYW's HIV Outcomes? A Classification and Regression Tree Analysis of Layered HIV Prevention Programming. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 94:317-324. [PMID: 37884052 PMCID: PMC10617659 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003289] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intersecting behavioral, social, and structural factors increase adolescent girls' (AG) and young women's (YW) HIV vulnerability. Yet, understanding of optimal intervention synergies remains limited. We identified intervention combinations that statistically maximized reductions in AGYW's HIV-related risk. METHODS Using data collected in 2018 with Zambian AG (n = 487, aged 15-19 years) and YW (n = 505, aged 20-25 years) after 12-14 months exposure to Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (multisectoral HIV program), we used classification and regression trees to explore relationships between interventions (safe space/social asset building [SAB] and provision of/linkage to youth-friendly health services [YFHS], education social protection [Educ], economic social protection [Econ]) and HIV-related outcomes (HIV testing, consistent condom use, transactional sex, and sexual violence experience from partners and nonpartners). RESULTS Overall, 59.9% completed SAB and 81.5%, 35.4%, and 29.6% received YHFS, Educ, and Econ, respectively. For AG, HIV testing improved (from 73% to 83%) with exposure to all interventions, condom use improved with Econ (from 33% to 46%), transactional sex reduced with SAB + Educ, and sexual violence from partners and nonpartners reduced with Educ and SAB, respectively. For YW, HIV testing increased with Educ (from 77% to 91%), condom use increased with SAB + YFHS (from 36% to 52%), transactional sex reduced with combinations of all interventions, and sexual violence from partners reduced with YFHS and from nonpartners with SAB + Econ. CONCLUSIONS Tailored interventions might be more effective than uniform combination intervention packages in reducing AGYW's HIV risk. AG benefitted most from SAB and/or Educ while YFHS, Educ, and/or SAB reduced YW's HIV-related risk. Educational and asset-building interventions could have the greatest impact on AGYW's HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Raman Mishra
- College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Craig J. Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Ramteke RU, Makade JG, Bandre GR. Adolescent Sexual Behavior in Rural Central India: Challenges and Interventions. Cureus 2023; 15:e49761. [PMID: 38164411 PMCID: PMC10758265 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49761] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a crucial life stage marked by significant physical, psychological, and societal changes. With India projected to have the highest population of teenagers by 2025, understanding adolescent sexual behavior in rural central India is essential due to its unique social and cultural contexts. This article reviews existing literature to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of teenage sexual behavior in rural central India. It highlights the challenges posed by societal taboos, limited access to sexual health information and services, and the impact of poverty on adolescents' sexual behavior and health outcomes. To address these issues, comprehensive sex education, improved access to contraception and reproductive health services, and efforts to overcome cultural and societal norms are crucial. The article discusses the initiatives undertaken by the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to tackle adolescent sexual behavior and emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic issues while empowering adolescents. It concludes by suggesting future research directions and policy recommendations aimed at promoting safe sexual behavior among rural adolescents in central India. This article will discuss the complexity of adolescent sexual behavior in rural central India, its origins, and the challenges faced by medical decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul U Ramteke
- Forensic Medicine, Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai, IND
| | - Jagadish G Makade
- Community Medicine, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Gulshan R Bandre
- Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Wardha, IND
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Pike C, Coakley C, Ahmed N, Lee D, Little F, Padian N, Bekker LG. Goals for girls: a cluster-randomized trial to investigate a school-based sexual health programme amongst female learners in South Africa. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2023; 38:375-391. [PMID: 37405698 PMCID: PMC10516375 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
The delivery of comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents at school is recognized as a long-term strategy to support adolescent health. Suboptimal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among South African adolescents necessitate the ongoing development and optimization of SRH education and promotion models. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial amongst secondary schools (n = 38) in Cape Town, South Africa, to evaluate a sport-based, near-peer-led SRH curriculum, SKILLZ, amongst female learners (n = 2791). Biomedical (sexually transmitted infections [STIs], human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and pregnancy) and socio-behavioural (social support, gender norms and self-concept) outcomes were assessed pre and post intervention. Attendance at SKILLZ was low and intervention participants did not show an improvement in SRH outcomes, with HIV and pregnancy incidence remaining stable and STI prevalence remaining high and increasing in both control and intervention arms. Although evidence of positive socio-behavioural measures was present at baseline, participants with high attendance showed further improvement in positive gender norms. SKILLZ did not demonstrate the capacity to significantly impact clinical SRH outcomes. Modest improvements in outcomes amongst high attenders suggest that the impact may be possible with improved attendance; however, in the absence of optimal attendance, alternative intervention strategies may be required to improve SRH outcomes amongst adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pike
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - C Coakley
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Centre for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - N Ahmed
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central North West London NHS Trust, Off Caper Street, London WC1E 6 JB, UK
| | - D Lee
- Grassroot Soccer, 35 Jamieson Street, Cape Town 7784, South Africa
| | - F Little
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rhodes Gift, Cape Town 7707, South Africa
| | - N Padian
- Grassroot Soccer, 35 Jamieson Street, Cape Town 7784, South Africa
- School of Medicine University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - L G Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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Howard AL, Chiang L, Picchetti V, Zhu L, Hegle J, Patel P, Saul J, Wasula L, Nantume S, Coomer R, Kamuingona R, Oluoch RP, Mharadze T, Duffy M, Kambona CA, Ramphalla P, Fathim KM, Massetti GM. Population Estimates of HIV Risk Factors to Inform HIV Prevention Programming for Adolescent Girls and Young Women. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:20-38. [PMID: 37406147 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.suppa.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) data from seven countries were analyzed to estimate population-level eligibility for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) HIV prevention program for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The prevalence of overall eligibility and individual risk factors, including experiences of violence, social, and behavioral risks differ across countries and age groups. A large proportion of AGYW across all countries and age groups examined have at least one risk factor making them eligible for DREAMS. Experiencing multiple risks is also common, suggesting that researchers and programs could work together to identify combinations of risk factors that put AGYW at greatest risk of HIV acquisition, or that explain most new HIV infections, to more precisely target the most vulnerable AGYW. The VACS provides important data for such analyses to refine DREAMS and other youth programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh L Howard
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Laura Chiang
- CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Viani Picchetti
- CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Liping Zhu
- CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jennifer Hegle
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Pragna Patel
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Janet Saul
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lydia Wasula
- Uganda Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Rahimisa Kamuingona
- Namibia Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia
| | | | | | | | | | - Puleng Ramphalla
- CDC, Lesotho Country Office, Maseru, Lesotho. Puleng Ramphalla, MS, is affiliated with the CDC, Côte d'Ivoire Country Office, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Greta M Massetti
- CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia
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Chipukuma J, Lindsay B, Mwango L, Olowski P, Baumhart C, Tembo K, Olufunso A, Bwale C, Makasa P, Muchoka M, Tembo S, Mbokile W, Panda C, Malupande S, Lubinda R, Bwembelo B, Fundulu E, Munsongo C, Watala K, Musonda B, Chituwo O, Okuku J, Mwila A, Muleya C, Patel P, Claassen CW. Fostering Access to PrEP Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Aged 16 to 24 Years at High Risk of HIV Through the DREAMS Initiative in Four Districts in Zambia. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:52-66. [PMID: 37406141 PMCID: PMC10764235 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.suppa.52] [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: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa remain at high risk for HIV, yet limited data exist on implementation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for this group. We examined PrEP uptake among AGYW using a retrospective cohort enrolled in the Determined Resilient Empowered AIDS-free Mentored Safe (DREAMS) initiative in Zambia between October 2020 and March 2022. Consent was obtained from eligible AGYW at substantial risk for HIV, and they voluntarily participated in PrEP. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with PrEP refills following initiation. Of 4,162 HIV-negative AGYW, 3,233 (77%) were at substantial risk and initiated on PrEP. Overall, 68% of AGYW had at least one refill, but this differed significantly by age group and district. DREAMS was successful at reaching AGYW with PrEP services. More evidence is needed to assess reasons for discontinuation and to improve persistence for those with sustained HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brianna Lindsay
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Pawel Olowski
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Caitlin Baumhart
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kalima Tembo
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Omega Chituwo
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jackson Okuku
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Annie Mwila
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Carlos Muleya
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Pragna Patel
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cassidy W. Claassen
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Kouamou V, Gundidza P, Ndhlovu CE, Makadzange AT, Study C. Effects of Gender and Baseline CD4 Count on Post Treatment CD4 Count Recovery and Outcomes in Patients with Advanced HIV Disease: a Retrospective Cohort Study. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2023. [PMID: 36924288 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2022.0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Presentation to care with advanced HIV disease (AHD) is a significant problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated factors associated with immune recovery among individuals presenting to care with AHD in Zimbabwe. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of outcomes among adult (>18 years old) individuals with AHD (CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/mm3) receiving care at 18 outpatient primary care clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe. Baseline and 12-month CD4 count data were extracted from medical records. CD4 count recovery (defined as CD4 count > 200 cells/mm3) after 12 months on NNRTI-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen was determined and factors associated with CD4 count recovery were established using logistic regression. All statistical analysis was performed on SPSS v23. A total of 1338 participant records were included in the analysis. The median interquartile range (IQR) age was 37 (30-43) years and 52% were females. The baseline median (IQR) CD4 count was 50 (28-75) cells/mm3 and was significantly lower among patients with history of cryptococcal meningitis compared to those without (25(10-52) vs 52(32-77), respectively; p=0.0009). The median (IQR) CD4 count at 12 months after ART initiation increased from 50 (28-75) at baseline to 180 (92-290) cells/mm3. Immune recovery with a CD4 count > 200 cells/mm3, was observed in 181/417 (43%). Male gender and low baseline CD4 count were strong predictors of poor immunological recovery on ART. Immunological recovery following ART initiation was 43% among individuals with AHD. Male patients are most vulnerable to persistent immunological failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinie Kouamou
- University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine, 108329, Primary Health Care Sciences, Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Charles River Medical Group, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | | | - Chiratidzo Ellen Ndhlovu
- Charles River Medical Group, Harare, -, Zimbabwe.,University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine, 108329, Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe;
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10
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Saul J, Cooney C, Hosseini PR, Beamon T, Toiv N, Bhatt S, Zaidi I, Birx D. Modeling DREAMS impact: trends in new HIV diagnoses among women attending antenatal care clinics in DREAMS countries. AIDS 2022; 36:S51-S59. [PMID: 35766575 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand the impact of United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR's) DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored, and Safe) Partnership on new HIV diagnoses among women in antenatal care (ANC) settings in 10 African countries from 2015 to 2020. DESIGN We modeled spatiotemporal changes in new HIV diagnoses among women in ANC settings using PEPFAR data. Statistical tests were performed in R to compare differences in new diagnoses rates between DREAMS and non-DREAMS subnational units (SNUs) and to explore predictors of new diagnoses declines within DREAMS SNUs. METHODS We used a predictive geospatial model to forecast the rate of new diagnoses for each time period in a 5 km grid cell (n = 861 SNUs). Linear model analyses were conducted using predictor variables: urbanicity, DREAMS geographic footprint, 'layering' proxy, and community-level male viral load suppression. RESULTS New HIV diagnoses in ANC from 2015 to 2020 declined in nearly all SNUs. 'Always' DREAMS SNUs reported declines of 45% while 'Never' DREAMS SNUs reported a decline of only 37% (F = 8.1, 1 and 829 DF, P < 0.01). Within Always DREAMS SNUs, greater declines were seen in areas with a higher number of minimum services in their DREAMS primary package (t = 2.77, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION New HIV diagnoses among women are declining in both DREAMS and non-DREAMS SNUs; mirroring HIV incidence decreases and reflecting increasing community viral load suppression and voluntary male medical circumcision rates. DREAMS programming may have contributed to accelerated declines of new HIV diagnoses in DREAMS SNUs compared with non-DREAMS SNUs. Increased progress is needed to further reduce the disparities between adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and young men to achieve epidemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Saul
- Department of State, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Washington DC, USA
| | - Caroline Cooney
- Department of State, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Washington DC, USA
| | - Parviez R Hosseini
- Department of State, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Washington DC, USA
| | - Ta'Adhmeeka Beamon
- Department of State, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Washington DC, USA
| | - Nora Toiv
- Department of State, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Washington DC, USA
| | - Samir Bhatt
- Imperial College London, School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Irum Zaidi
- Department of State, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Washington DC, USA
| | - Deborah Birx
- Department of State, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Washington DC, USA
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