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Gutin SA, Ruark A, Darbes LA, Neilands TB, Mkandawire J, Conroy AA. Supportive couple relationships buffer against the harms of HIV stigma on HIV treatment adherence. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1878. [PMID: 37770885 PMCID: PMC10540419 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16762-w] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV stigma can impact couple relationships through stress or bring partners closer through shared experiences. Conversely, couple relationships may protect against the harms of stigma, including anticipated stigma on negative health outcomes. Yet few studies have assessed the potential link between HIV stigma, relationship dynamics, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Using dyadic data from a cross-sectional study of Malawian couples living with HIV, we tested associations between anticipated stigma and: 1) relationship dynamics (e.g., trust, sexual satisfaction, communication) and partner support; and 2) self-reported ART adherence. METHODS Heterosexual couples (211 couples, 422 individuals) with at least one partner on ART were recruited from clinics in Zomba, Malawi. Partners completed separate surveys on anticipated stigma, relationship dynamics, and ART adherence. Linear mixed models evaluated associations between anticipated stigma and relationship dynamics, and whether associations varied by gender. Generalized estimating equation models tested for associations between anticipated stigma and high ART adherence (90-100% vs. < 90%) at the individual level, and whether they were moderated by relationship dynamics at the couple level. RESULTS Couples' relationship length averaged 12.5 years, 66.8% were HIV sero-concordant, and 95.6% reported high ART adherence. In multivariable models, sexual satisfaction (β = -0.22, 95%CI = -0.41;-0.03, p = 0.020) and partner social support (β = -0.02, 95%CI = -0.04;-0.01, p < 0.01) were negatively associated with anticipated stigma. Significant interaction effects showed that adherence is moderated in couples with higher partner support and sexual satisfaction such that adherence is lowest when anticipated stigma is high and social support is low, and that adherence is lowest when anticipated stigma is high and sexual satisfaction is low. CONCLUSIONS Increased anticipated stigma is most associated with lower ART non-adherence at lower levels of social support and sexual satisfaction. Conversely, supportive and fulfilling relationships may buffer the negative association between stigma and ART adherence. Couples' interventions that focus on improving communication and support systems within couples could reduce the negative impacts of anticipated stigma on couples living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gutin
- Department Of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Allison Ruark
- Wheaton College, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL, USA
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Building, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Division of Prevention Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16Th. Street, #3311, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - James Mkandawire
- Invest in Knowledge, Old Naisi Road, P.O. Box 506, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Amy A Conroy
- Division of Prevention Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16Th. Street, #3311, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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Uzim EE, Lee PH. Lost to follow up: the (non)psychosocial barriers to HIV/AIDS care in southeast Nigeria. AIDS Care 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37666212 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2253507] [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: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Medication withdrawal remains a problem in Nigeria's HIV care. The Enugu state of southeast Nigeria has 3,736 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), with a 1.9% HIV-positive prevalence rate among the age band of 15-49 years, higher than 1.3%, the national average for the same cohort. Despite the disease burden, many cases are "lost to follow-up" in this region. Through four focus groups of patients (20 participants in total) and in-depth interviews with four clinicians from four public hospitals, this study aimed to understand the barriers to attending healthcare appointments faced by young adults. The participants were recruited through flyers, posters, and snowballs at clinics; both data sets were first analysed separately yet used to triangulate each other. We found that clinical interruptions are mainly attributable to factors such as stigma, suicidal ideation, loss of means of livelihood due to PLHIV's "new identities", and thus poverty and malnutrition. These barriers, complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflicts in the region, have made medication adherence further challenging. Therefore, we recommend the Nigerian government integrate non-biomedical support for PLHIV into people-centred HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Po-Han Lee
- Global Health Program, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Zhao J, McBride CM, Campbell GP, Pentz RD, Escoffery C, Konomos M, Bellcross C, Ward K, Shepperd JR, Guan Y. Your Family Connects: A Theory-Based Intervention to Encourage Communication about Possible Inherited Cancer Risk among Ovarian Cancer Survivors and Close Relatives. Public Health Genomics 2023; 26:77-89. [PMID: 37487468 PMCID: PMC10614520 DOI: 10.1159/000531772] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Encouraging family communication about possible genetic risk has become among the most important avenues for achieving the full potential of genomic discovery for primary and secondary prevention. Yet, effective family-wide risk communication (i.e., conveying genetic risk status and its meaning for other family members) remains a critical gap in the field. We aim to describe the iterative process of developing a scalable population-based communication outreach intervention, Your Family Connects, to reach ovarian cancer survivors and close relatives to communicate the potential for inherited risk and to consider genetic counseling. METHODS Relational-level theories (e.g., interdependence theory) suggest that interventions to promote family cancer risk communication will be most effective if they consider the qualities of specific relationships and activate motives to preserve the relationship. Informed by these theories, we collaborated with 14 citizen scientists (survivors of ovarian cancer or relatives) and collected 261 surveys and 39 structured interviews over 12 weeks of citizen science activities in 2020. RESULTS The citizen science findings and consideration of relational-level theories informed the content and implementation of Your Family Connects (www.yourfamilyconnects.org). CS results showed survivors favor personal contact with close relatives, but relatives were open to alternative contact methods, such as through health professionals. Recognizing the need for varied approaches based on relationship dynamics, we implemented a relative contact menu to enable survivors identify at-risk relatives and provide multiple contact options (i.e., survivor contact, health professional contact, and delayed contact). In line with relational autonomy principles, we included pros and cons for each option, assisting survivors in choosing suitable contact methods for each relative. DISCUSSION Our developed intervention represents a novel application of relational-level theories and partnership with citizen scientists to expand genetic services reach to increase the likelihood for fair distribution of cancer genomic advances. The Your Family Connects intervention as part of a randomized trial in collaboration with the Georgia Cancer Registry compared with standard outreach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsong Zhao
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,
| | - Colleen M McBride
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gavin P Campbell
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca D Pentz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cam Escoffery
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Kevin Ward
- Georgia Center for Cancer Statistics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James R Shepperd
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yue Guan
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Naughton B, Bulterys MA, Mugisha J, Mujugira A, Boyer J, Celum C, Weiner B, Sharma M. 'If there is joy… I think it can work well': a qualitative study investigating relationship factors impacting HIV self-testing acceptability among pregnant women and male partners in Uganda. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067172. [PMID: 36806072 PMCID: PMC9944652 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Secondary distribution of HIV self-test (HIVST) kits from pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) to their male partners is shown to increase HIV couples testing and disclosure, and is being scaled up in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding couples-level barriers and facilitators influencing HIVST uptake is critical to designing strategies to optimise intervention coverage. DESIGN To investigate these couples-level barriers and facilitiators, we conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Transcripts were analysed thematically and the interdependence model of communal coping and health behaviour change was adapted to explore factors impacting HIVST acceptability. SETTING We recruited pregnant women attending two public ANC clinics in Kampala, Uganda, and male partners of pregnant women between April 2019 and February 2020. PARTICIPANTS We conducted gender-stratified focus group discussions (N=14) and in-depth interviews (N=10) with pregnant women with and without HIV attending ANC, and male partners of pregnant women (N=122 participants). INTERVENTION We evaluated pregnant women's and male partners' perceptions of HIVST secondary distribution in Uganda, leveraging the interdependence model of communal coping and health behaviour change. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Key areas of focus included HIVST interest and acceptability, perspectives on HIV status disclosure to partners and gender roles. RESULTS Participants felt that predisposing factors, including trust, communication, fear of partner and infidelity, would influence women's decisions to deliver HIVST kits to partners, and subsequent communal coping behaviours such as couples HIV testing and disclosure. Pregnancy was described as a critical motivator for men's HIVST uptake, while HIV status of pregnant women was influential in couples' communal coping and health-enhancing behaviours. Generally, participants felt HIV-negative women would be more likely to deliver HIVST, while women with HIV would be more hesitant due to concerns about discovery of serodifference and relationship dissolution. Participants stressed the importance of counsellor availability throughout the process including guidance on how women should approach their partners regarding HIVST and post-test support in case of a positive test. CONCLUSIONS HIV-negative women in relationships with positive predisposing factors may be most likely to deliver HIVST and leverage interdependent coping behaviours. Women with HIV or those in relationships with negative predisposing factors may benefit from targeted counselling and disclosure support before and after HIVST kit distribution. Results can help support policy guidelines for HIVST kit distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brienna Naughton
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michelle A Bulterys
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jackson Mugisha
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jade Boyer
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bryan Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Fu R, Hou J, Gu Y, Yu NX. Do Couple-Based Interventions Show Larger Effects in Promoting HIV Preventive Behaviors than Individualized Interventions in Couples? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 11 Randomized Controlled Trials. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:314-334. [PMID: 35838860 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03768-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of couple-based prevention interventions against individual-level interventions on HIV prevention in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), identify potential moderators, and assess study quality. Eleven RCTs were included, comprising 3933 couples in the intervention group and 7125 individuals in the individual control group, predominantly in heterosexual couples from the USA and Africa. Couple-based interventions had a more significant effect in promoting condom use and HIV testing. Education levels of high school or above, residence in low- and middle-income countries, and intervention design incorporating HIV counseling and testing were associated with higher odds of condom use. The quality assessment analysis identified methodological and theoretical heterogeneity factors. Evidence of couple-based HIV prevention RCTs among men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, sex workers, and transgender women warrant further investigation. Recommendations are made to improve the quality and replicability of future intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Fu
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Hou
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhou Gu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Nancy Xiaonan Yu
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
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Bhushan NL, Musara P, Hartmann M, Stoner MCD, Shah SR, Nabukeera J, Rukundo I, Mutero P, Lewis MA, Piper J, Shapley‐Quinn MK, Etima J, Minnis AM. Making the Case for Joint Decision-Making in Future Multipurpose Prevention Technology (MPT) Choice: Qualitative Findings on MPT Attribute Preferences from the CUPID Study (MTN-045). J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26024. [PMID: 36254362 PMCID: PMC9577116 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Young women in sub‐Saharan Africa account for two‐thirds of all new HIV infections and face high rates of unintended pregnancy. Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) are promising products under development that are designed to simultaneously prevent HIV and unintended pregnancy. Since MPTs will be used in the context of sexual relationships, ensuring acceptability and use requires understanding the role of male partners in MPT use decision‐making. Methods This paper draws on qualitative data from 39 couples enrolled in the Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) 045 study, conducted in 2019–2020. Partners completed a discrete choice experiment (DCE), first separately and then jointly, to measure preferences for future MPT attributes and then completed a qualitative interview. We also draw on quantitative data from interviewer observation about who dominated the decision‐making process during the joint DCE. Content analysis was used to examine (1) how couples made decisions on existing non‐MPT HIV and pregnancy prevention products; (2) how couples made decisions on future ideal‐MPT product during the DCE; and (3) how these decision‐making processes varied by decision‐making dominance (10 male, 10 female and 19 equal) and interview type (19 joint and 20 separate). Results Existing non‐MPT product decisions focused on trust between partners and product attributes, while future ideal‐MPT product decisions exclusively focused on product attributes. Across existing and future products, preferences for product attributes varied by gender. Male partners were most concerned with limiting side effects impacting sexual pleasure, female partners were most concerned with limiting side effects causing physical symptoms and both were concerned with the return to fertility. Across all dominance and interview types, couples reported making decisions together and female partners were often able to negotiate with male partners for their preferred product or set of product attributes. Conclusions Research activities in this study provided an opportunity for couples to openly present their product attribute preferences to their partner, learn about their partner's attribute preferences, negotiate for their ideal set of attributes and ultimately choose attributes that benefited the couple without disempowering the female partner. Future research should focus on the utility of couple‐based decision‐making aids or similar tools for facilitating joint MPT decision‐making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Petina Musara
- Clinical Trials Research CentreUniversity of ZimbabweHarareZimbabwe
| | | | | | - Shweta R. Shah
- RTI InternationalResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Josephine Nabukeera
- Makerere University ‐ Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration (MU‐JHU)KampalaUganda
| | - Ivan Rukundo
- Makerere University ‐ Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration (MU‐JHU)KampalaUganda
| | - Prisca Mutero
- Clinical Trials Research CentreUniversity of ZimbabweHarareZimbabwe
| | - Megan A. Lewis
- RTI InternationalResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jeanna Piper
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | | | - Juliane Etima
- Makerere University ‐ Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration (MU‐JHU)KampalaUganda
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Reis RK, Sousa LRM, Melo ES, Fernandes NM, Sorensen W, Gir E. Predictors of HIV Status Disclosure to Sexual Partners Among People Living with HIV in Brazil. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3538-3546. [PMID: 34173896 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03362-1] [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] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with the non-disclosure of HIV seropositivity among people living with HIV/AIDS undergoing antiretroviral treatment. A cross-sectional study was carried out in five HIV clinics in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of HIV status disclosure. It was found that 68.5% revealed their HIV seropositivity to their most recent sexual partner. The variables "casual partner" [OR 19.08, 95% CI (4.08, 20.23), p = 0.001], "sexual partners with negative HIV or unknown HIV" [OR 4.54, 95% CI (1.58, 1.01), p = 0.005], "multiple sexual partners" [OR = 3.17, 95% CI (1.34, 7.35), p = 0.009], and "lack of communication with the partner on HIV prevention"[OR = 8.3, 95% CI (3.88, 16.61), p = 0.001] were independently associated with non-disclosure of the diagnosis. Future HIV prevention interventions should encourage open communication between sexual partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Karina Reis
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, University of São Paulo At Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Avenida: Bandeirantes, 3900 Campus Universitário - Bairro Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Laelson Rochelle Milanês Sousa
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, University of São Paulo At Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Avenida: Bandeirantes, 3900 Campus Universitário - Bairro Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabete Santos Melo
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, University of São Paulo At Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Avenida: Bandeirantes, 3900 Campus Universitário - Bairro Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - William Sorensen
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Texas, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Elucir Gir
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, University of São Paulo At Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Avenida: Bandeirantes, 3900 Campus Universitário - Bairro Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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