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Tsorou C, Williams A, van den Boogaard W, Staderini N, Repetto E, Terzidis A, Pikoulis E. Point-of-care diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections among migrants in Greece. Public Health Action 2024; 14:14-19. [PMID: 38798779 PMCID: PMC11122709 DOI: 10.5588/pha.23.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
SETTING Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can impact individuals of any demographic. The most common pathogens causing STIs are Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea and Trichomonas vaginalis; these can be treated with specific antibiotics. OBJECTIVE To compare the GeneXpert CT/NG test-and-treat algorithm to the syndromic approach algorithm and their impact on antibiotic prescription for gonorrhoea and chlamydia STIs. DESIGN A retrospective observational study on women aged ≥18 years who accessed the Médecins Sans Frontières Day Care Centre in Athens with complaints related to urogenital infections between January 2021 and March 2022. Women with abnormal vaginal discharge, excluding clinically diagnosed candidiasis, were eligible for Xpert CT/NG testing. RESULTS Of the 450 women who accessed care, 84 were eligible for Xpert CT/NG testing, and only one was positive for chlamydia, therefore resulting in saving 81 doses of ceftriaxone and azithromycin, and 19 doses of metronidazole. The cost of Xpert CT/NG testing, including treatment was €4,606.37, while full antibiotic treatment would have costed €536.76. CONCLUSION The overall cost of the Xpert CT/NG test-and-treat algorithm was higher than the syndromic approach. However, quality of care should be weighed against the potential benefits of testing and syndromic treatment to determine the best option for each patient; we therefore advocate for decreasing the costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tsorou
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Operational Centre Geneva, Mission Greece, Athens
- Disaster Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Williams
- MSF, Luxembourg Operational Research (LuxOR) Unit, Operational Centre Brussels, Brussels
- MSF, Middle East Medical Unit (MEMU), Operational Centre Brussels, Belgium
| | - W van den Boogaard
- MSF, Luxembourg Operational Research (LuxOR) Unit, Operational Centre Brussels, Brussels
| | - N Staderini
- MSF, Operational Centre Geneva Medical Department, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - E Repetto
- MSF, Operational Centre Geneva Medical Department, Geneva, Switzerland
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Saint Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Terzidis
- Disaster Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - E Pikoulis
- Disaster Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Malefo MA, Ayo-Yusuf OA, Mokgatle MM. A Qualitative Study of the Benefits and Utility of Brief Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Sexually Transmitted Infections among Men Who Have Sex with Men. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:654. [PMID: 37622794 PMCID: PMC10451619 DOI: 10.3390/bs13080654] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) in reducing sexual risk behaviors. However, limited information is available on the acceptability of brief MI among men who have sex with men (MSM) in poor resource settings like sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess the views of MSM about the benefits and utility of brief MI (bMI) in changing their risky behavior. A qualitative study among men who have sex with men (MSM) who were enrolled in a longitudinal observational study between December 2021 and May 2023. The setting was in Tshwane North and participants were scheduled for baseline, 6-month, and 12-month visits. All participants received 20 min one-on-one face-to-face brief motivational interview (bMI) sessions during their follow-up visits. At month 12, an exit interview was conducted with consenting conveniently sampled participants (n = 23) who had completed all scheduled visits and received three bMI sessions. The findings indicated that the most recalled conversation was related to multiple sexual partners, having sex under the influence of alcohol, and MSM learned more about sexually transmitted diseases. Many expressed being comfortable with the sessions because the counselor was respectful and non-judgmental. Most found the bMI sessions to have a positive impact on changing and reducing risky sexual behaviors, particularly it reportedly increased their use of condoms and reduced the number of multiple partners. MSM found the bMI to be useful and acceptable in reducing sexual risk behaviors among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matshidiso A. Malefo
- School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0204, South Africa;
| | - Olalekan A. Ayo-Yusuf
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle
- School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0204, South Africa;
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The Cost-Effectiveness of HIV/STI Prevention in High-Income Countries with Concentrated Epidemic Settings: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2279-2298. [PMID: 35034238 PMCID: PMC9163023 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03583-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this scoping review is to establish the state of the art on economic evaluations in the field of HIV/STI prevention in high-income countries with concentrated epidemic settings and to assess what we know about the cost-effectiveness of different measures. We reviewed economic evaluations of HIV/STI prevention measures published in the Web of Science and Cost-Effectiveness Registry databases. We included a total of 157 studies focusing on structural, behavioural, and biomedical interventions, covering a variety of contexts, target populations and approaches. The majority of studies are based on mathematical modelling and demonstrate that the preventive measures under scrutiny are cost-effective. Interventions targeted at high-risk populations yield the most favourable results. The generalisability and transferability of the study results are limited due to the heterogeneity of the populations, settings and methods involved. Furthermore, the results depend heavily on modelling assumptions. Since evidence is unequally distributed, we discuss implications for future research.
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Lederman E, Blackwell A, Tomkus G, Rios M, Stephen B, Rivera A, Farabaugh P. Opt-out Testing Pilot for Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Immigrant Detainees at 2 Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps-Staffed Detention Facilities, 2018. Public Health Rep 2020; 135:82S-89S. [PMID: 32735186 DOI: 10.1177/0033354920928491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Correctional settings (prisons, jails, detention facilities) provide a unique opportunity to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among correctional populations with a high prevalence of infection. Immigrant detainees are a distinct and poorly described correctional population. The main objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of a national STI screening program for immigrant detainees. METHODS AND MATERIALS We developed an opt-out STI testing program that included electronic health record integration, patient education, and staff member training. We piloted this program from June 22 through August 19, 2018, at 2 detention facilities with different operational requirements and detainee demographic characteristics. We assessed STI test positivity rates, treatment outcomes, estimated cost to conduct testing and counseling, and staff member perceptions of program value and challenges to implementation. RESULTS Of 1041 immigrant detainees approached for testing, 526 (50.5%) declined. Of 494 detainees who were tested, 42 (8.5%) tested positive for at least 1 STI; the percentage positivity rates were 6.7% (n = 33) for chlamydia, 0.8% (n = 4) for syphilis, 0.8% (n = 4) for gonorrhea, 0.6% (n = 3) for hepatitis B, and 0.2% (n = 1) for HIV. The estimated cost to detect any STI ranged from $500 to $961; the estimated cost to identify 1 person infected with HIV ranged from $22 497 to $43 244. Forty of 42 persons who tested positive began treatment before release from custody. Medical staff members had positive views of the program but had concerns about workload. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS STIs are prevalent among immigrant detainees. A routine screening program is feasible if operational aspects are carefully considered and would provide counseling, education, and treatment for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Lederman
- 17231 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, Washington, DC, USA.,School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andria Blackwell
- 17231 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, Washington, DC, USA.,School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Gina Tomkus
- 17231 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Misty Rios
- 17231 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brent Stephen
- 17231 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ada Rivera
- 17231 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Philip Farabaugh
- 17231 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, Washington, DC, USA
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Chemtob D, Gandacu D, Mor Z, Grotto I, Anis E, Rosenberg E. A national strategic plan for reducing the burden of sexually transmitted infections in Israel by the year 2025. Isr J Health Policy Res 2017; 6:23. [PMID: 28428838 PMCID: PMC5395852 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-017-0141-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is on ongoing debate in the literature regarding the real burden of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) in Western countries and the proper strategies needed to estimate and to prevent them. Our purpose is to present an evidence-based national strategic plan for STI prevention in Israel through assessing the current burden of illness, leading international preventive strategies, and practical policymaking experience. Methods Epidemiologic and health policy data on STIs were analyzed from various sources: a) systematic national surveillance data for the years 2002–2014; b) the international scientific literature (published between 2002–16; keywords: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) (or STI) AND prevention AND intervention AND gonorrhea OR chlamydia OR syphilis; c) internal Ministry of Health (MOH) analyses and reports, and d) expert opinion. Results Incidence rates in Israel of Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia), Neisseria gonorrhea (gonorrhea) and Treponema pallidum (syphilis) are lower than in most Western countries. However, rates vary among population subgroups: chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are higher in Jews than in non-Jews, and this gap has increased for chlamydia over the past decade. Primary and secondary syphilis rates have increased among men having sex with men (MSM). It is likely that STIs are under-reported and that incidence is even rising due to migration. A key recommendation is the establishment of an active surveillance system of STIs, utilizing active case finding in high risk populations, along with regular contact with STI clinics run by the four national health management organizations and by the MoH. As with most European countries, the low prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea does not justify population-wide screening. Conversely, the increasing incidence of syphilis among MSM should lead to regular screening among this group. Conclusions A national STIs prevention strategy for the year 2025 was presented. Although the current burden of illness is low relatively to other Western countries, this is thought to reflect a certain degree of underreporting. These and other gaps suggest a need for focused epidemiologic and health services research to better characterize health risk behaviors as well as provider practice patterns. Innovative implementation strategies have been described, together with the capacity building components needed for developing specific and implementable policy recommendations for the year 2025.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Chemtob
- Department of Tuberculosis and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dan Gandacu
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Zohar Mor
- Tel Aviv Regional District Health Office, Ministry of Health & School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itamar Grotto
- Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Emilia Anis
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elliot Rosenberg
- Department of Occupational Health, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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Marcell AV, Gibbs S, Lehmann HP. Brief condom interventions targeting males in clinical settings: a meta-analysis. Contraception 2015; 93:153-63. [PMID: 26410175 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of brief clinic-based condom skills interventions that target males. STUDY DESIGN We searched PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PsychInfo for studies published from January 1980 through September 2014, using relevant search terms. We included studies if interventions taught about condoms lasting 60 min or shorter, used randomized or quasi-experimental design, were conducted in a clinical setting and targeted males. Two investigators sequentially reviewed abstracts. We abstracted and reviewed data from 16 studies that met the selection criteria. Where outcomes were poolable, we conducted meta-analyses using a random-effects model and I(2) index to assess heterogeneity. Outcome measures included condom knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/human immunodeficiency virus and unintended pregnancy. RESULTS Across studies, teaching about condoms was nested within sexual risk reduction curricula. Most interventions were one on one and conducted in STI clinics. Pooled analyses indicated that intervention receipt was associated with increases in percent of sex acts with condoms (standardized mean difference=0.29 [0.18, 0.41]; 0.19 [0.06, 0.33]) and reductions in STIs at 12-month follow-up or longer {odds ratio (OR)=0.82 [95% confidence interval: 0.67, 0.99]}. One study assessed unintended pregnancy and did not find an intervention effect. CONCLUSIONS Study findings hold promise for considering brief condom skills interventions in clinical settings that can result in improvements in males' condom behaviors and possibly biological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik V Marcell
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 200 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Susannah Gibbs
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Harold P Lehmann
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 200 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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An economic model of school-based behavioral interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2012; 28:407-14. [PMID: 22995075 PMCID: PMC3472553 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462312000475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Reducing sexually transmitted infections (STI) and teenage pregnancy through effective health education is a high priority for health policy. Behavioral interventions which teach skills to practice safer sex may reduce the incidence of STIs. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of school-based behavioral interventions in young people. Methods: We developed an economic model to estimate the total number of STI cases averted, consequent gain in health related quality of life (HRQoL) and savings in medical costs, based on changes in sexual behavior. The parameters for the model were derived from a systematic literature search on the intervention effectiveness, epidemiology of STIs, sexual behavior and lifestyles, HRQoL and health service costs. Results: The costs of providing teacher-led and peer-led behavioral interventions were €5.16 and €18 per pupil, respectively. For a cohort of 1000 boys and 1000 girls aged 15 years, the model estimated that the behavioral interventions would avert two STI cases and save 0.35 Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). Compared to standard education, the incremental cost-effectiveness of the teacher-led and peer-led interventions was €24,268 and €96,938 per QALY gained, respectively. Conclusions: School-based behavioral interventions which provide information and teach young people sexual health skills can bring about improvements in knowledge and increased self-efficacy, though these may be limited in terms of impact on sexual behavior. There was uncertainty around the results due to the limited effect of the intervention on behavioral outcomes and paucity of data for other input parameters.
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Kang M, Skinner R, Usherwood T. Interventions for young people in Australia to reduce HIV and sexually transmissible infections: a systematic review. Sex Health 2010; 7:107-28. [DOI: 10.1071/sh09079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Like young people in other developed countries, sexually active young Australians can have an increased risk of acquiring sexually transmissible infections (STIs). This paper reviews intervention programs that aim to reduce the incidence and transmission of HIV and STIs among young people in Australia. Methods: Articles were identified from seven databases. Intervention studies conducted in Australia that included young people aged 12–25 years were reviewed. A two-dimensional matrix consisting of ‘setting’ and ‘intervention type’ was developed to categorise each study. Results: Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, and the majority were uncontrolled intervention studies. Of these, 23/42 studies measured participation in chlamydia ± other STI testing and found that the highest participation rates took place in non-clinical and non-general practice health care settings. Four studies facilitated access to testing indirectly, through the internet or other media. Ten studies involved the provision of education and measured its impact on factors such as knowledge, attitudes and/or behaviour. Three studies involved novel immunisation strategies for either hepatitis B or human papillomavirus vaccines. Two studies evaluated the impact of enhanced STI surveillance programs on prevalence rates. Conclusions: Proactive STI testing in non-clinical and some health settings appears feasible and achieves higher testing rates than in general practice; however, more evaluation of testing strategies in general practice settings is required. New technologies such as the internet and SMS are useful adjuncts for influencing behaviours such as condom use and STI testing. Media campaigns that promote STI testing can have a positive impact on testing rates.
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