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Harsono D, Atre S, Peterson H, Nyhan K, Garmroudi D, Davis JL, Ho W, Khoshnood K. A Scoping Review of Factors Associated with HIV Acquisition in the Context of Humanitarian Crises. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04504-x. [PMID: 39292318 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04504-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Humanitarian crises-natural or human-made events that can threaten communities' health, safety, security, and well-being-may affect the HIV epidemic dynamics. Common aspects of humanitarian crises such as poverty, powerlessness, disruptions to the health systems, and social instability can contribute to a person's vulnerability to HIV infection through increased risk behaviors and limited access to health services. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of literature published in English between January 1990 and March 2022 to characterize the global evidence of modifiable and non-modifiable factors for HIV acquisition in the context of humanitarian crises. We systematically searched, screened, and synthesized literature from MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health (all accessed via Ovid), and Scopus, and also grey literature through websites of humanitarian agencies and relevant non-government organizations, the International AIDS Society's abstract databases, and Google Scholar. We considered studies presenting empirical data on HIV prevalence, incidence, or risk factors in humanitarian crises-affected populations, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons. Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were quantitative (n = 43, 87.8%) and cross-sectional (n = 37, 75.5%) in design. Most were single-country studies (n = 43, 87.8%) and conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa (n = 31, 63.3%). We identified 5 non-modifiable factors for HIV acquisition (i.e., age, gender, location, place of birth or origin, and ethnicity) and 60 modifiable factors that we further classified into five categories, namely 18 policy and structural, 9 sociocultural, 11 health and mental health, 16 sexual practice, and 6 humanitarian crisis-related traumatic event factors. Within the modifiable categories, factors that were most often investigated were education level, marital status, sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, condom use, and experience of rape or sexual trauma, respectively. Informed by the findings, we applied the social-ecological model to map the identified multidimensional factors associated with HIV acquisition at the levels of individual, social and sexual networks, community, public policy, and the context of humanitarian crises. The current review provides a comprehensive, global analysis of the available evidence on HIV prevalence, incidence, and risk factors in humanitarian crises and implications for potential programs and research. Future research is warranted to further understand the directionality of the non-modifiable and modifiable factors affecting HIV acquisition, and the multilevel barriers and facilitators to the uptake of HIV prevention strategies in the context of humanitarian crises. Such research can generate actionable evidence to inform the development of ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate HIV prevention interventions in humanitarian settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Harsono
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, 135 College St, Suite 200, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Swarali Atre
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hanna Peterson
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Management Sciences for Health, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Kate Nyhan
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dina Garmroudi
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - J Lucian Davis
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, 135 College St, Suite 200, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Winnie Ho
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kaveh Khoshnood
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, 135 College St, Suite 200, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Callands TA, Taylor EN, Sileo KM, Gilliam SM, Hansen NB. Understanding the Effects of Trauma Exposure, Life Stress, Intimate Partner Violence, and Depression on Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk in Post-Conflict Liberia. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1519-1530. [PMID: 38167991 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02765-6] [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] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a public health concern. The impact of STIs are exacerbated in post-conflict low- and middle-income countries, such as Liberia, where exposure to traumatic events is prevalent and access to mental health services are limited. Following a syndemics framework, this study used regression analyses to explore the independent, additive, and multiplicative effects of four psychosocial conditions (exposure to war-related traumatic events, intimate partner violence [IPV], stressful life events, and depressive symptoms) on self-reported STIs. Data were collected from 379 youth aged 18-30 years (n = 170 women; n = 179 men) in Montserrado County, Liberia. Results revealed that psychosocial variables correlated with each other and STI risk. In multivariable analysis, stressful life events, depressive symptoms, and IPV were statistically significant predictors of STI risk. We found support for an additive effect between the number of psychosocial conditions reported and STI risk, as well as a multiplicative effect (interaction) between IPV and depressive symptoms on STI risk. Our results suggest a synergy between experiencing psychosocial conditions and STI risk and point to the potential benefit of multi-level sexual health approaches that simultaneously address mental health and IPV among youth in Liberia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamora A Callands
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Erica N Taylor
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Katelyn M Sileo
- Department of Public Health, College for Health, Community and Policy, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Nathan B Hansen
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Muyinda H, Jongbloed K, Zamar DS, Malamba SS, Ogwang MD, Katamba A, Oneka A, Atim S, Odongpiny TO, Sewankambo NK, Schechter MT, Spittal PM. Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): HIV Prevalence and Vulnerabilities Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Postconflict Northern Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 94:95-106. [PMID: 37276188 PMCID: PMC10497204 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adolescent girls and young women younger than 25 years (AGYW) account for disproportionate HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Impacts of war in Northern Uganda continue to affect HIV-related health and wellbeing of young people postconflict. Prevalence and incidence of HIV infection were estimated, and factors associated with HIV prevalence among sexually active AGYW in Northern Uganda were investigated. METHODS Cango Lyec is a cohort involving conflict-affected populations in Northern Uganda. Nine randomly selected communities in Gulu, Nwoya, and Amuru districts were mapped. House-to-house census was conducted. Consenting participants aged 13-49 years were enrolled over 3 study rounds (2011-2015), of whom 533 were AGYW and had ever had sex. Data were collected on trauma, depression, and sociodemographic-behavioral characteristics. Venous blood was taken for HIV and syphilis serology. Multivariable logistic regression determined baseline factors associated with HIV prevalence. RESULTS HIV prevalence among AGYW was 9.7% (95% CI: 7.3 to 12.6). AGYW living in Gulu (adjusted risk ratio, aRR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.12 to 5.51) or Nwoya (aRR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.03 to 6.83) were more likely than in Amuru to be living with HIV. Having self-reported genital ulcers (aRR: 1.93; 95% CI: 0.97 to 3.85) or active syphilis (aRR: 3.79; 95% CI: 2.35 to 6.12) was associated with increased risk of HIV infection. The likelihood of HIV was higher for those who experienced sexual violence in the context of war (aRR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.21 to 4.62) and/or probable depression (aRR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.54). HIV incidence was 8.9 per 1000 person-years. CONCLUSION Ongoing legacies of war, especially gender violence and trauma, contribute to HIV vulnerability among sexually active AGYW. Wholistic approaches integrating HIV prevention with culturally safe initiatives promoting sexual and mental health in Northern Uganda are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Muyinda
- Child Health Development Center, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kate Jongbloed
- BC Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Victoria, Canada
| | - David S. Zamar
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | - Achilles Katamba
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; and
| | | | | | | | | | - Martin T. Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Patricia M. Spittal
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
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Kaggwa MM, Najjuka SM, Bongomin F, Mamun MA, Griffiths MD. Prevalence of depression in Uganda: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276552. [PMID: 36264962 PMCID: PMC9584512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is one of the most studied mental health disorders, with varying prevalence rates reported across study populations in Uganda. A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to determine the pooled prevalence of depression and the prevalence of depression across different study populations in the country. METHODS Papers for the review were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, African Journal OnLine, and Google Scholar databases. All included papers were observational studies regarding depression prevalence in Uganda, published before September 2021. The Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies was used to evaluate the risk of bias and quality of the included papers, and depression pooled prevalence was determined using a random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 127 studies comprising 123,859 individuals were identified. Most studies were conducted among individuals living with HIV (n = 43; 33.9%), and the most frequently used instrument for assessing depression was the Depression sub-section of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (n = 34). The pooled prevalence of depression was 30.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.7-34.1, I2 = 99.80, p<0.001). The prevalence of depression was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than during the pre-pandemic period (48.1% vs. 29.3%, p = 0.021). Refugees had the highest prevalence of depression (67.6%; eight studies), followed by war victims (36.0%; 12 studies), individuals living with HIV (28.2%; 43 studies), postpartum or pregnant mothers (26.9%; seven studies), university students (26.9%; four studies), children and adolescents (23.6%; 10 studies), and caregivers of patients (18.5%; six studies). LIMITATION Significantly high levels of heterogeneity among the studies included. CONCLUSION Almost one in three individuals in Uganda has depression, with the refugee population being disproportionately affected. Targeted models for depression screening and management across various populations across the country are recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION Protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022310122).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Mohan Kaggwa
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science & Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- African Centre for Suicide Prevention and Research, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Forensic Psychiatry Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Maria Najjuka
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Mohammed A. Mamun
- CHINTA Research Bangladesh, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mark D. Griffiths
- Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Vasylyev M, Skrzat-Klapaczyńska A, Bernardino JI, Săndulescu O, Gilles C, Libois A, Curran A, Spinner CD, Rowley D, Bickel M, Aichelburg MC, Nozza S, Wensing A, Barber TJ, Waters L, Jordans C, Bramer W, Lakatos B, Tovba L, Koval T, Kyrychenko T, Dumchev K, Buhiichyk V, Smyrnov P, Antoniak S, Antoniak S, Vasylyeva TI, Mazhnaya A, Kowalska J, Bhagani S, Rokx C. Unified European support framework to sustain the HIV cascade of care for people living with HIV including in displaced populations of war-struck Ukraine. THE LANCET HIV 2022; 9:e438-e448. [DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00125-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Opio JN, Munn Z, Aromataris E. Prevalence of Mental Disorders in Uganda: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Psychiatr Q 2022; 93:199-226. [PMID: 34427855 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-021-09941-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review was conducted to determine the prevalence of mental disorders among children and adults in Uganda. A comprehensive systematic search for relevant studies reporting prevalence of mental disorders in children or adults in Uganda was conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science databases and grey literature sources. Study was eligible if, validated instrument based on the International Classification of Diseases or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria to assess a mental disorder was used. Eligible studies were critically appraised, prevalence data extracted and pooled using the random-effects model. Certainty in the pooled prevalence estimates was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A total of 632 records were obtained, of which 26 articles from 24 studies conducted in Uganda were included in the review. Overall and with moderate level of certainty, the prevalence of any mental disorder in Uganda was 22.9% (95% C.I 11.0% - 34.9%) in children and 24.2% (95% C.I 19.8% - 28.6%) in adults. Prevalence of anxiety disorders was 14.4% (95% C.I 4.9% - 24.0%) in children and 20.2% (95% C.I 14.5% - 25.9%) in adults. The prevalence of current depressive disorders was 22.2% (95% C.I 9.2% - 35.2%) in children and 21.2% (95% C.I 16.8% - 25.6%) in adults. Eating disorder and psychotic syndrome disorder were also reported. Our findings suggest that depression and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders in Uganda, affecting approximately one in four persons. The findings provide essential insights for health service planning, clinical practice, and future epidemiological research in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Nelson Opio
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Zachary Munn
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Edoardo Aromataris
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Luo J, Zamar DS, Ogwang MD, Muyinda H, Malamba SS, Katamba A, Jongbloed K, Schechter MT, Sewankambo NK, Spittal PM. Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): Probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in Northern Uganda five years after a violent conflict. J Migr Health 2022; 6:100125. [PMID: 35832466 PMCID: PMC9272377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background From 1986 to 2006, Northern Uganda experienced an atrocious civil war between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government. Acholi people living in the region continue to be impacted by trauma sequelae of the war and a wide range of daily stressors including poverty, hunger, and high rates of HIV infection. To date, there is a dearth of gender-differentiated mental health research in this post-conflict setting. The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in three districts most affected by the Northern Ugandan conflict and examine socio-structural, war-related, and sexual vulnerability factors associated with mental health. Methods Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) is an open cohort study involving participants from eight randomly selected communities in Amuru, Gulu, and Nwoya districts of Northern Uganda. Between November 2011 and July 2012, the baseline cohort (N = 2,458) completed the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) for screening PTSD and depression, in addition to a detailed questionnaire assessing socio-demographic-behavioral characteristics. Baseline categorical variables were compared between males and females using Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model correlates of probable PTSD and depression. All analyses were stratified by gender. Results The overall prevalence of probable PTSD and depression was 11.7% and 15.2% respectively. Among former abductees, the prevalence was 23.2% for probable PTSD and 26.6% for probable depression. Women were significantly more likely to experience mental distress than men. Factors associated with mental distress included wartime trauma (adjusted odds ratios ranging from 2.80 to 7.19), experiences of abduction (adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.97 to 3.03), and lack of housing stability and safety (adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.95 to 4.59). Additional risk factors for women included HIV infection (AOR=1.90; 95% CI: 1.29–2.80), sexual abuse in the context of war (AOR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.02–2.45), and intimate partner violence (AOR=2.45; 95% CI: 1.07–5.63). Conclusion Cango Lyec participants displayed lower than previously reported yet significant levels of probable PTSD and depression. Based on findings from this study, providing trauma-informed care, ensuring food and housing security, eliminating gender-based violence, and reintegrating former abductees remain important tasks to facilitate post-conflict rehabilitation in Northern Uganda.
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Malamba SS, Muyinda H, Ogwang DM, Katamba A, Zamar DS, Jongbloed K, Sewankambo NK, Schechter MT, Spittal PM. Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): Chronic Hepatitis B Virus among post-conflict affected populations living in mid-Northern Uganda. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251573. [PMID: 34043637 PMCID: PMC8158885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The legacy of war in Northern Uganda continues to impact people’s health and wellbeing in the Acholi region. Despite increasing attention to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Uganda and globally, concerns remain that unique drivers of infection, and barriers to screening, and treatment, persist among those affected by conflict. Methods Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) cohort survey involved conflict-affected adults aged 13–49 in three mid-Northern Uganda districts (Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya). Baseline (2011–2012) samples were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV e-antigen (HBeAg), antibodies to HBV surface antigen (HBsAb), antibodies to HBV e-antigen (HBeAb), and antibodies to HBV core antigen (HBcAb). All HBsAg positive samples were tested for IgM antibodies to HBV B core antigen (HBc-IgM) and where available, >6-month follow-up samples were tested for HBeAg and HBV DNA. Data were analyzed using STATA 15 software. Logistic regression accounted for variance due to complex two-stage sampling that included stratification, unequal selection probabilities and community clustering. Odds ratios measured effect potential risk factors associated with chronic HBV infection. Results Among 2,421 participants, 45.7% were still susceptible to HBV infection. HBsAg seropositivity was 11.9% (10.9–13.0), chronic HBV was 11.6% (10.4–12.8), acquired immunity resulting from vaccination was 10.9%, and prior natural infection was 31.5%. Older age (OR:0.570; 95%CI:0.368–0.883) and higher education (OR:0.598; 95%CI:0.412–0.868) were associated with reduced odds of chronic HBV infection. Being male (OR:1.639; 95%CI:1.007–2.669) and having been abducted (OR:1.461; 95%CI:1.055–2.023) were associated with increased odds of infection. Among women, having 1 or 2 pregnancies (compared to none or >2) was associated with increased odds of infection (OR:1.764; 95%CI:1.009–3.084). Conclusion Chronic HBV is endemic in Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya districts. Recommended strategies to reduce post-conflict prevalence include establishment of Northern Uganda Liver Wellness Centres, integration of screening and treatment into antenatal care, and roll out of birth-dose vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S. Malamba
- HIV Reference Laboratory Program, Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Herbert Muyinda
- Child Health Development Center, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - D. Martin Ogwang
- St Mary’s Hospital–Lacor, Gulu, Uganda
- Northern Uganda Program on Health Sciences, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Achilles Katamba
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David S. Zamar
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate Jongbloed
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Martin T. Schechter
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patricia M. Spittal
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Obol JH, Lin S, Obwolo MJ, Harrison R, Richmond R. Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of cervical cancer prevention among health workers in rural health centres of Northern Uganda. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:110. [PMID: 33535977 PMCID: PMC7860193 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-07847-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer is a leading cancer and cause of premature death among women in Uganda aged 15 to 44 years. To address the increasing burden of cervical cancer in Uganda, the Ministry of Health has adopted several strategies which include public education and advocacy. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice of cervical cancer prevention among health workers employed in rural health centres (HCs) III and IV in the Acholi sub-region of Northern Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of nurses, midwives, and clinical officers between February and April 2019 using self-administered questionnaire. We sampled fifty-four HCs III and eight HCs IV. In Uganda, HCs are structured from HC I to HC IV and the health care package provided increases with increasing level of the HC. We used Epidata version 3.1 to create database and analysis was performed using Stata 16. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. Factors with p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered as predictors of outcome. Results There were 286 participants who completed the questionnaire: Majority (188, 66%) were females. Nurses were 153 (54%). 141 (75%) female participants self-reported to have been screened for cervical cancer. 171 (60%) participants had adequate knowledge of cervical cancer. 187 (66%) participants had positive attitudes. Participants who indicated not to have ever received training on cervical cancer screening were less likely to have adequate knowledge (AOR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.21–0.71). Participants who indicated not to have ever been trained on cervical cancer screening were less likely to have positive attitudes (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.28–0.97). Conclusion Health workers from rural HCs in Uganda play crucial role in cervical cancer prevention as they can reach a wider community. Their significance in the prevention of cervical cancer points to the need for Uganda and other sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) countries to establish training to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills on cervical cancer screening. Furthermore, Uganda government should develop and disseminate guidelines for cervical cancer prevention to rural health workers to promote standardised cervical cancer prevention activities. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-07847-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Henry Obol
- University of New South Wales School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Kensington, NSW, 2033, Australia. .,Gulu University, Faculty of Medicine, P. O Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Sophia Lin
- University of New South Wales School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Kensington, NSW, 2033, Australia
| | | | - Reema Harrison
- University of New South Wales School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Kensington, NSW, 2033, Australia
| | - Robyn Richmond
- University of New South Wales School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Kensington, NSW, 2033, Australia
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Logie CH, Okumu M, Mwima SP, Kyambadde P, Hakiza R, Kibathi IP, Kironde E, Musinguzi J, Kipenda CU. Exploring associations between adolescent sexual and reproductive health stigma and HIV testing awareness and uptake among urban refugee and displaced youth in Kampala, Uganda. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2020; 27:86-106. [PMID: 31880507 PMCID: PMC7888033 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2019.1695380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Uganda, hosting over 1.3 million refugees, is a salient context for exploring HIV testing with urban refugee and displaced youth. We examined associations between stigma (HIV-related and adolescent sexual and reproductive health [SRH]-related) and HIV testing services awareness and HIV testing uptake among urban refugee and displaced youth in Kampala, Uganda. We implemented a cross-sectional survey with refugee and displaced adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) aged 16-24. We conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of an adolescent SRH stigma scale and identified a two-factor structure (“Sexual activity & pregnancy stigma”,”Modern family planning & abortion stigma”). We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the adjusted risk ratio for HIV testing services awareness and testing uptake. Among participants (n=445; mean age=19.59, SD=2.60; AGYW: n=333; 74.7%), two-thirds were aware of HIV testing services in their community and over half (56.0%) had received a lifetime HIV test. In adjusted multivariable regression analysis findings with AGYW: (a) higher sexual activity & pregnancy stigma and modern family planning & abortion stigma were associated with reduced odds of HIV testing services awareness, and (b) modern family planning & abortion stigma was associated with reduced lifetime HIV testing odds. Stigma was not associated with HIV testing awareness/uptake among ABYM. HIV testing services awareness among AGYW was lower than among ABYM, yet AGYW were more likely to have been tested and to experience adolescent SRH stigma as a testing barrier. Addressing adolescent SRH stigma may optimise AGYW's HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Associate Professor, Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Moses Okumu
- Kuralt Postdoctoral Fellow for Quantitative Intervention Research, School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Research Scientist, National STI Control Unit, Mulago Hospital, Uganda
| | - Simon P Mwima
- Medical Social Worker, AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Research Associate, Most At Risk Population Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Kyambadde
- National Coordinator for Key Populations, National STI Control Unit, Mulago Hospital, Uganda; National Coordinator Key Populations, AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Executive Director, Most At Risk Population Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Hakiza
- Executive Director, Young African Refugees For Integral Development (YARID), Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Emmanuel Kironde
- Programs Development and Management Specialist, InterAid Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Musinguzi
- Program Manager, AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Katamba A, Ogwang MD, Zamar DS, Muyinda H, Oneka A, Atim S, Jongbloed K, Malamba SS, Odongping T, Friedman AJ, Spittal PM, Sewankambo NK, Schechter MT. Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): HIV incidence in post-conflict Northern Uganda. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 23:100408. [PMID: 32577610 PMCID: PMC7305337 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Civil war in Northern Uganda resulted in widespread atrocities, human rights violations, and death, and caused millions to flee to internally displaced persons camps. War-related traumas combined with difficulties accessing HIV prevention and health services has led to extreme HIV-related vulnerability among conflict-affected people who survived the war. Objectives were to (1) determine HIV incidence among conflict-affected people in Northern Uganda and (2) identify vulnerabilities associated with HIV infection. METHODS The Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) Project is a prospective cohort involving conflict-affected populations in three districts in Northern Uganda. In 2011, eight randomly selected communities were mapped, and a census was conducted. Consenting participants aged 13-49 years were followed over three rounds of follow-up. Longitudinal data collected included war-related experiences, sexual vulnerabilities, and sociodemographics. Blood samples were tested for HIV-1 at baseline and each 12-month follow-up. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models determined factors associated with HIV incidence. FINDINGS Overall, 1920 baseline HIV-negative participants with at least one follow-up contributed 3877 person-years (py) for analysis. Thirty-nine (23 female, 16 male) participants contracted HIV during follow-up. Age- and gender-standardised HIV incidence rate was 10•2 per 1000py (95%CI: 7•2-14•0). Stratified by sex, the age-adjusted HIV incidence was 11•0 per 1000py (95%CI: 6•9-16•6) among women and 9•4 per 1000py (95%CI: 5•3-15•3) among men. Adjusting for confounders, factors associated with risk of HIV included: having been abducted (HR: 3•70; 95%CI: 1•87-7•34), experiencing ≥12 war-related traumatic events (HR: 2•91 95%CI: 1•28-6•60), suicide ideation (HR: 2•83; 95%CI: 1•00-8•03), having ≥2 sexual partners (HR: 4•68; 95%CI: 1•36-16•05), inconsistent condom use (HR: 6•75; 95%CI: 2•49-18•29), and self-reported genital ulcers (HR: 4•39; 95%CI: 2•04-9•45). INTERPRETATION Conflict-affected participants who had experienced abduction and multiple traumas during the war were at greater risk of HIV infection. Trauma-informed HIV prevention and treatment services, and culturally-safe mental health initiatives, are urgent for Northern Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achilles Katamba
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Uganda
| | - Martin D. Ogwang
- St Mary's Hospital - Lacor, Northern Uganda Program on Health Sciences
| | - David S. Zamar
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Canada
| | - Herbert Muyinda
- Makerere University, Child Health Development Center, Uganda
| | - Alex Oneka
- Cango Lyec Project, Makerere University, Child Health Development Center, Uganda
| | - Stella Atim
- Cango Lyec Project, Makerere University, Child Health Development Center, Uganda
| | - Kate Jongbloed
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Canada
| | - Samuel S. Malamba
- Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) - HIV Reference Laboratory Program, Uganda
| | - Tonny Odongping
- Cango Lyec Project, Makerere University, Child Health Development Center, Uganda
| | - Anton J. Friedman
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Canada
| | - Patricia M. Spittal
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada
- Corresponding author: Patricia M. Spittal, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, V3-323 Clinical Support Building, 950 W 28th Ave Vancouver, BC V5Z4H4, Canada, +1-604-875-2345, ext. 5944.
| | | | - Martin T. Schechter
- University of British Columbia, School of Population & Public Health, Canada
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Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): Gender Differences in HIV Infection in Post-conflict Northern Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 78:257-268. [PMID: 29509587 PMCID: PMC6012052 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: As previously encamped resettle, potential for rapid HIV transmission in post-conflict Northern Uganda is concerning. Women in particular may be experiencing heightened vulnerability resulting from war-related sexual violence. Setting: Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) Project is a cohort involving conflict-affected people in 3 districts in Northern Uganda. Methods: Eight randomly selected communities were mapped, and a census was conducted. Participants aged 13–49 years completed questionnaires in Luo on war-related experiences, mental health, sexual vulnerabilities, and sociodemographics. Blood samples were tested for HIV and syphilis. Baseline data from all sexually active participants was used to determine gender differences in HIV prevalence. Multivariate modeling determined correlates of HIV by gender. Results: Among 2008 participants, HIV prevalence was higher among women [17.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 14.7 to 19.7] compared to men (10.6; 95% CI: 8.0 to 13.2, <0.001). Among women, correlates of HIV included: war-related sexual assault [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.95; 95% CI: 1.16 to 3.26]; probable depression (AOR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.46 to 3.37); probable post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.45 to 2.84); experiencing ≥12 traumatic events (AOR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.31 to 3.18); suicide ideation (AOR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.28); living in a female-headed household (AOR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.70 to 4.49); first sexual partner ≥10 years older (AOR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.67); sex for exchange (AOR: 5.51; 95% CI: 1.76 to 17.31); having 2 (AOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.23 to 5.23) or 3+ (AOR: 4.65; 95% CI: 2.65 to 8.18) sexual partners; inconsistent condom use (AOR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.57); genital ulcers (AOR: 3.08; 95% CI: 2.16 to 4.38); active syphilis (AOR: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.22 to 15.40); and ill health without medical care (AOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.22 to 3.34). Among men, correlates of HIV included no condom at sexual debut (AOR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.30 to 2.83) and genital ulcers (AOR: 4.40; 95% CI: 1.35 to 14.40). Conclusion: Women are disproportionately impacted by HIV, trauma, and depression in this conflict-affected population. Trauma-informed HIV prevention and culturally safe mental health initiatives are urgently required.
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Mbalinda S, Hjelmstedt A, Nissen E, Odongkara BM, Waiswa P, Svensson K. Experience of perceived barriers and enablers of safe uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact during the first hour after birth in Uganda. Midwifery 2018; 67:95-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Koegler E, Kennedy CE. A scoping review of the associations between mental health and factors related to HIV acquisition and disease progression in conflict-affected populations. Confl Health 2018; 12:20. [PMID: 29881448 PMCID: PMC5984364 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-018-0156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between poor mental health and factors related to HIV acquisition and disease progression (also referred to as HIV-related factors) may be stronger among conflict-affected populations given elevated rates of mental health disorders. We conducted a scoping review of the literature to identify evidence-based associations between mental health (depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) and factors related to HIV acquisition and progression in conflict-affected populations. Five electronic databases were searched on October 10, 2014 and updated on March 7, 2017 to identify peer-reviewed publications presenting primary data from January 1, 1994 to March 7, 2017. Articles were included if: 1) depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD was assessed using a validated scale, 2) HIV or HIV-related factors were a primary focus, 3) quantitative associations between depression/anxiety/PTSD and HIV or HIV-related factors were assessed, and 4) the study population was conflict-affected and from a conflict-affected setting. Of 714 citations identified, 33 articles covering 110,818 participants were included. Most were from sub-Saharan Africa (n = 25), five were from the USA, and one each was from the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. There were 23 cross-sectional, 3 time-series, and 7 cohort studies. The search identified that mental health has been quantitatively associated with the following categories of HIV-related factors in conflict-affected populations: markers of HIV risk, HIV-related health status, sexual risk behaviors, and HIV risk exposures (i.e. sexual violence). Further, findings suggest that symptoms of poor mental health are associated with sexual risk behaviors and HIV markers, while HIV risk exposures and health status are associated with symptoms of poor mental health. Results suggest a role for greater integration and referrals across HIV and mental health programs for conflict-affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Koegler
- 1Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, 512 Clark Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 USA.,2Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street Room E5547 Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Caitlin E Kennedy
- 2Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street Room E5547 Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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Koegler E, Kennedy CE, Thompson CB, Winch PJ, Mpanano RM, Perrin NA, Glass N. Association between self-reported sexually transmitted infection treatment and mental health symptoms in conflict-affected eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 29:212-220. [PMID: 28758569 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417722128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although poor mental health has been associated with sexual risk behavior, few studies have examined the association between mental health and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in conflict-affected settings. With elevated symptoms of poor mental health in conflict-affected settings, it is important to consider if and how mental health may be a risk factor for STIs in these settings. We used cross-sectional logistic regression to examine the association between symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with having been treated for an STI in rural South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Among 753 adults, those with elevated self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety (adjusted OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.68, 4.44) and PTSD (adjusted OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.17, 3.06) had higher odds of reporting ever being treated for an STI than those who were not symptomatic. Our findings suggest that future studies are needed to more rigorously examine the relationship between mental health and STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Koegler
- 1 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,2 School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Caitlin E Kennedy
- 1 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol B Thompson
- 1 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter J Winch
- 1 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Nancy Glass
- 5 Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
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