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Matoga MM, Kudowa E, Chikuni J, Tsidya M, Tseka J, Ndalama B, Bonongwe N, Mathiya E, Jere E, Yatina D, Kamtambe B, Kapito M, Hosseinipour MC, Chasela CS, Jewett S. Acceptability, feasibility and appropriateness of intensified health education, SMS/phone tracing and transport reimbursement for uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision in a sexually transmitted infections clinic in Malawi: a mixed methods study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.27.24304985. [PMID: 38633812 PMCID: PMC11023656 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.27.24304985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) remains a challenge in many settings. Innovative implementation strategies are required to scale-up VMMC uptake. Methodology RITe was a multi-faceted intervention comprising transport reimbursement (R), intensified health education (IHE) and SMS/Telephone tracing (Te), which increased the uptake of VMMC among uncircumcised men with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Malawi. Using a concurrent exploratory mixed-method approach, we assessed the intervention's acceptability, feasibility and appropriateness among men with STIs and healthcare workers (HCWs) at Bwaila District Hospital. Participants completed Likert scale surveys and participated in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). We calculated percentages of responses to survey items and summarized common themes using thematic analysis. Median scores and interquartile ranges (IQR) were calculated for acceptability, feasibility and appropriateness of each strategy at baseline and end-line and compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results A total of 300 surveys, 17 IDIs and 4 FGDs were conducted with men and HCWs between baseline and end-line. The mean age for men in the survey was 29 years (SD ±8) and most were married/cohabiting (59.3%). Mean age for HCWs was 38.5 years (SD ±7), and most were female (59.1%). For acceptability, participants agreed that RITe was welcome, approvable, and likable. Despite participants agreeing that RITe was a good idea, culture and religion influenced appropriateness, particularly at baseline, which improved at end-line for Te and R. For feasibility, HCWs agreed that RITe was easy to implement, but expressed concerns that R (end-line median = 4, IQR: 2, 4) and Te (end-line median = 4, IQR: 4, 4), were resource intensive, hence unsustainable. Interviews corroborated the survey results. Participants reported that IHE provided important information, Te was a good reminder and R was attractive, but they reported barriers to R and Te such as electricity, limited access to phones and distrust in the government. Conclusions The RITe intervention was acceptable, feasible and appropriate. However, culture/religion and structural barriers affected perceptions of appropriateness and feasibility, respectively. Continued awareness raising on VMMC and addressing setting-specific structural factors are required to overcome barriers that impede demand-creation interventions for VMMC. Study registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04677374. Registered on December 18, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitch M Matoga
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Heath Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Mercy Tsidya
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | - Edward Jere
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Dumbo Yatina
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Blessings Kamtambe
- Bwaila STI clinic, Lilongwe District Health Office, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Martin Kapito
- Department of HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STIs, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Charles S Chasela
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Heath Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Implementation Science Unit, Right to Care, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sara Jewett
- Health and Society Division, School of Public Health, Faculty of Heath Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Matoga MM, Kudowa E, Ndalama B, Bonongwe N, Mathiya E, Jere E, Kamtambe B, Chagomerana M, Chasela C, Jewett S, Hosseinipour MC. Effectiveness of an intervention to increase uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision among men with sexually transmitted infections in Malawi: a preinterventional and postinterventional study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072855. [PMID: 37788927 PMCID: PMC10552000 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect a multistrategy demand-creation and linkage intervention on voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) uptake, time to VMMC and predictors of VMMC uptake among men with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). DESIGN Pragmatic preinterventional and postinterventional quasi-experimental study combined with a prospective observational design. SETTING A public and specialised STI clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. POPULATION Uncircumcised men who presented to the STI clinic. METHODS AND INTERVENTION The intervention consisted of transport reimbursement ('R'), intensified health education ('I') and short-messaging services/telephonic tracing ('Te'), abbreviated (RITe). A preintervention phase was conducted at baseline while RITe was rolled-out in the intervention phase in a sequential manner called implementation blocks: 'I' only-block 1; 'I+Te'-block 2 and RITe-block 3. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary: VMMC uptake and time to VMMC for the full intervention and for each block. Secondary: predictors of VMMC uptake. RESULTS A total of 2230 uncircumcised men presented to the STI clinic. The mean age was 29 years (SD±9), 58% were married/cohabiting, HIV prevalence was 6.4% and 43% had urethral discharge. Compared with standard of care (8/514, 1.6%), uptake increased by 100% during the intervention period (55/1716, 3.2%) (p=0.048). 'I' (25/731, 113%, p=0.044) and RITe (17/477, 125%, p=0.044) significantly increased VMMC uptake. The median time to VMMC was shorter during the intervention period (6 days, IQR: 0, 13) compared with standard of care (15 days, IQR: 9, 18). There was no significant incremental effect on VMMC uptake and time to VMMC between blocks. Men with genital warts were 18 times more likely to receive VMMC (adjusted relative risk=18.74, 95% CI: 2.041 to 172.453). CONCLUSIONS Our intervention addressing barriers to VMMC improved VMMC uptake and time to VMMC among uncircumcised men with STIs, an important subpopulation for VMMC prioritisation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04677374.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitch M Matoga
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Naomi Bonongwe
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Esther Mathiya
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Edward Jere
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | - Charles Chasela
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sara Jewett
- Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Conserve DF, Msofe J, Issango J, Tureski K, McCarthy P, Rwezahura P, Maboko L, Lwakatare M, Ndugulile F, Kamwela J, Sims W, Ahonkhai AA, Whembolua GL. Development, Implementation, and Scale Up of the National Furaha Yangu Campaign to Promote HIV Test and Treat Services Uptake Among Men in Tanzania. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221087838. [PMID: 35333688 PMCID: PMC8958702 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221087838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence has demonstrated that immediate HIV treatment initiation upon a positive HIV test, referred to as Test and Treat, can help people living with HIV live longer, healthier lives and prevent HIV transmission. Although Tanzania adopted the evidence-based Test and Treat strategy since 2016, men were not being adequately reached for HIV services. A national campaign was launched to promote the new HIV services with a focus on men. To inform the development and implementation of the campaign, we conducted formative audience insights-gathering (AIG) sessions to assess facilitators and barriers to accessing HIV Test and Treat services and inform the concepts and materials for the campaign. Qualitative AIG interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 54 people who were unaware or aware of their HIV status and currently or not currently on treatment, as well as health workers. Facilitators and barriers included a fear of testing positive, the desire to belong, control their narratives, and reinvent themselves to achieve their dreams and live a happy life. The campaign played off a My Happiness! creative concept to position antiretroviral therapy (ART) as a solution to fears around what life would be like after a positive HIV diagnosis. The development and implementation of the campaign were informed by the AIG sessions and national stakeholders, leading to strong partners’ buy-in that supported the scale-up of the ongoing campaign from 12 to 26 regions via the collaborative efforts of government, donors, and implementing partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donaldson F Conserve
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Jumanne Issango
- Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kara Tureski
- FHI 360, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Kara Tureski is now affiliated with FHI 360, Washington, DC, USA and Pamela McCarthy is now affiliated with Pam McCarthy Associates, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Pamela McCarthy
- FHI 360, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Kara Tureski is now affiliated with FHI 360, Washington, DC, USA and Pamela McCarthy is now affiliated with Pam McCarthy Associates, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Leonard Maboko
- Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Jerome Kamwela
- Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Wynton Sims
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Letsela L, Jana M, Pursell-Gotz R, Kodisang P, Weiner R. The role and effectiveness of School-based Extra-Curricular Interventions on children's health and HIV related behaviour: the case study of Soul Buddyz Clubs Programme in South Africa. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2259. [PMID: 34895170 PMCID: PMC8666065 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12281-8] [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: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV education targeting children and adolescents is a key component of HIV prevention. This is especially important in the context of increasing HIV prevalence rates among adolescents and young people. The authors sought to examine the role and effectiveness of an extra-curricular school based programme, Soul Buddyz Clubs (SBC) on HIV knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and biomedical outcomes. Methods This paper employs a mixed methods approach drawing on data from independent qualitative and quantitative sources. Secondary data analysis was performed using survey data from a nationally representative sample that was restricted to 10-14 year-old males and females living in South Africa. Ten focus group discussions and ten in-depth interviews conducted with SBC members and facilitators from 5 provinces, as part of a process evaluation are used to triangulate the effectiveness of SBC intervention. Results The analysis of survey data from 2 198 children indicated that 12% of respondents were exposed to SBC with 4% reporting that they had ever belonged to a club. Children exposed to SBC were more likely to be medically circumcised (AOR 2.38; 95%CI 1.29 -4.40, p=0.006), had correct HIV knowledge (AOR 2.21; 95%CI 1.36 – 3.57, p<0.001) and had less HIV stigmatising attitudes (AOR 0.54; 95%CI 0.31-0.93, p=0.025), adjusting for age, sex, province and exposure to other media – in comparison to those not exposed. Propensity Score Matching findings were consistent with the regression findings. Qualitative findings also supported some of the quantitative results. SBC members reported having learnt about HIV prevention life skills, including condom use, positive attitudes towards people living with HIV, and alcohol abuse. Conclusions Participation in SBC is associated with accessing biomedical HIV prevention services, specifically MMC, correct HIV prevention knowledge and less HIV stigmatizing attitudes. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of a school-based extracurricular intervention using a club approach targeting boys and girls ages 10-14 years on some of the key HIV prevention biomarkers as well as knowledge and attitudes. The article suggests that extra-curricular interventions can form an effective component of school-based comprehensive sexuality education in preventing HIV and promoting medical male circumcision. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12281-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lebohang Letsela
- Soul City Institute for Social Justice, 1 Newtown Avenue, Killarney, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Michael Jana
- School of Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Research & Training for Health & Development, 9 Lurgan Road Parkview, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Pursell-Gotz
- Research & Training for Health & Development, 9 Lurgan Road Parkview, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Phinah Kodisang
- Soul City Institute for Social Justice, 1 Newtown Avenue, Killarney, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Renay Weiner
- Research & Training for Health & Development, 9 Lurgan Road Parkview, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Demand creation for primary biomedical prevention: identifying lessons across interventions to inform daily oral preexposure prophylaxis programs. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2020; 14:28-40. [PMID: 30451699 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW At a moment when UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) has acknowledged a 'prevention crisis,' and multiple countries and implementers are emphasizing 'user-centered' and/or differentiated models of delivering HIV treatment and prevention, it is essential to understand and act on best practices from all relevant interventions to create effective oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs. RECENT FINDINGS It is possible to adapt private sector approaches to understanding and segmenting the preferences and mindsets of potential consumers to primary HIV prevention programs, as demonstrated by a voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC)-focused intervention that successfully trained and supported counselors to identify and deliver tailored messages to men potentially undergoing VMMC. Literature on PrEP and demand creation is less extensive and suggests uneven application of user-centered design and demand-side thinking; a recent analysis of condom programing demonstrates that failure to maintain resources for social marketing can drive a collapse in use and an increase in HIV incidence. SUMMARY Approaches to demand creation for primary prevention are dynamic and evolving. However, the lag between implementation and publication means that there is a paucity of PrEP-specific information. Insights from VMMC and other strategies can and must be considered as part of a more holistic approach to increasing demand for primary prevention interventions.
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Atkins K, Yeh PT, Kennedy CE, Fonner VA, Sweat MD, O’Reilly KR, Baggaley R, Rutherford GW, Samuelson J. Service delivery interventions to increase uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision for HIV prevention: A systematic review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227755. [PMID: 31929587 PMCID: PMC6957297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) remains an essential component of combination HIV prevention services, particularly in priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa. As VMMC programs seek to maximize impact and efficiency, and to support World Health Organization guidance, specific uptake-enhancing strategies are critical to identify. METHODS We systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the impact of service delivery interventions (e.g., facility layout, service co-location, mobile outreach) on VMMC uptake among adolescent and adult men. For the main effectiveness review, we searched for publications or conference abstracts that measured VMMC uptake or uptake of HIV testing or risk reduction counselling within VMMC services. We synthesized data by coding categories and outcomes. We also reviewed studies assessing acceptability, values/preferences, costs, and feasibility. RESULTS Four randomized controlled trials and five observational studies were included in the effectiveness review. Studies took place in South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. They assessed a range of service delivery innovations, including community-, school-, and facility-based interventions. Overall, interventions increased VMMC uptake; some successfully improved uptake among age-specific subpopulations, but urban-rural stratification showed no clear trends. Interventions that increased adult men's uptake included mobile services (compared to static facilities), home-based testing with active referral follow-up, and facility-based HIV testing with enhanced comprehensive sexual education. Six acceptability studies suggested interventions were generally perceived to help men choose to get circumcised. Eleven cost studies suggested interventions create economies-of-scale and efficiencies. Three studies suggested such interventions were feasible, improving facility preparedness, service quality and quantity, and efficiencies. CONCLUSIONS Innovative changes in male-centered VMMC services can improve adult men's and adolescent boys' VMMC uptake. Limited evidence on interventions that enhance access and acceptability show promising results, but evidence gaps persist due to inconsistent intervention definition and delivery, due in part to contextual relevance and limited age disaggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Atkins
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Caitlin E. Kennedy
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Virginia A. Fonner
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Sweat
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kevin R. O’Reilly
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Department of HIV, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - George W. Rutherford
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Julia Samuelson
- Department of HIV, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Ensor S, Davies B, Rai T, Ward H. The effectiveness of demand creation interventions for voluntary male medical circumcision for HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa: a mixed methods systematic review. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 4:e25299. [PMID: 31328419 PMCID: PMC6643070 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION UNAIDS has recommended that in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), 90% of men aged 10 to 29 years should be circumcised by 2021 to help reduce transmission of HIV. To achieve this target demand creation programmes have been widely implemented to increase demand for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC). This review explores the effectiveness of demand creation interventions and factors affecting programme implementation. METHODS We completed a mixed methods systematic review searching Medline, Embase, Global health, psycINFO and CINAHL databases in August 2018 with no time restrictions. Demand creation interventions conducted in SSA were categorized and quantitative data about VMMC uptake was used to compare relative and absolute effectiveness of interventions. Qualitative data were summarized into themes relevant to the delivery and impact of programmes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Eighteen of the 904 titles were included in the review. Effective interventions were identified in each demand creation category: financial incentives, counselling or education, involvement of influencers and novel information delivery. Of the 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the greatest absolute impact on VMMC prevalence was seen with a complex intervention including VMMC promotion training for religious leaders (compared to control: 23% (95% CI 22.8 to 23.8) absolute increase; odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (1.4 to 7.3)). Financial incentives generally produced the largest relative effects with men up to seven-times more likely to undergo VMMC in the intervention arm compared to control (adjusted OR 7.1 (95% CI 2.4 to 20.8), 7.1% (3.7 to 10.5) absolute increase). Qualitative findings suggest that interventions are more impactful when they are judged appropriate and acceptable by the target population; delivered by people with relevant personal experience; and addressing broader social and cultural influences through partnership with and education of community leaders. CONCLUSIONS A range of demand creation interventions can increase VMMC uptake. The most acceptable and effective interventions are financial incentives framed as fair compensation (relative effect) and programmes of education or counselling delivered by people who are influential in the community (absolute effect). Future research should include larger studies with longer follow-up and a consistent definition of VMMC uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ensor
- School of Public HealthImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Bethan Davies
- School of Public HealthImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Tanvi Rai
- School of Public HealthImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Helen Ward
- School of Public HealthImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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Grund JM, Bryant TS, Toledo C, Jackson I, Curran K, Zhou S, Del Campo JM, Yang L, Kivumbi A, Li P, Bock N, Taliano J, Davis SM. Association of Male Circumcision with Women's Knowledge of its Biomedical Effects and With Their Sexual Satisfaction and Function: A Systematic Review. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1104-1114. [PMID: 30357642 PMCID: PMC6557870 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2313-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Male circumcision (MC) is a key HIV prevention intervention for men in countries with high HIV prevalence. Women's understanding of MC is important but poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review including women's knowledge of MC's biomedical impacts and its association with female sexual satisfaction and function through October 2017. Thirty-eight articles were identified: thirty-two with knowledge outcomes, seven with sexual satisfaction, and four with sexual function (N = 38). Respondent proportions aware MC protects men from HIV were 9.84-91.8% (median 60.0%). Proportions aware MC protects men from STIs were 14.3-100% (72.6%). Proportions aware MC partially protects men from HIV were 37.5-82% (50.7%). Proportions aware MC is not proven to protect women from infection by an HIV-positive partner were 90.0-96.8% (93.0%). No increases over time were noted. Women's MC knowledge is variable. Education could help women support MC and make better-informed sexual decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Grund
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tyler S Bryant
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carlos Toledo
- Division of Global HIV and TB, HIV Prevention Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-E04, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Inimfon Jackson
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Sheng Zhou
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Ling Yang
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Apollo Kivumbi
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peizi Li
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Naomi Bock
- Division of Global HIV and TB, HIV Prevention Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-E04, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Joanna Taliano
- Division of Public Health Information Dissemination (DPHID), Library Science Branch, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (CSELS), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Davis
- Division of Global HIV and TB, HIV Prevention Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-E04, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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Galárraga O, Shah P, Wilson-Barthes M, Ayuku D, Braitstein P. Cost and cost-effectiveness of voluntary medical male circumcision in street-connected youth: findings from an education-based pilot intervention in Eldoret, Kenya. AIDS Res Ther 2018; 15:24. [PMID: 30497481 PMCID: PMC6264043 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-018-0207-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a critical component of HIV prevention. VMMC policies have achieved initial targets in adult men yet continue to fall short in reaching younger men and adolescents. Setting We present the cost and scale-up implications of an education-based, VMMC intervention for adolescent street-connected males, for whom the street has become their home and/or source of livelihood. The intervention was piloted as part of the Engaging Street Youth in HIV Interventions Project in Eldoret, Kenya. Methods We used a micro-costing approach to estimate the average cost of a VMMC intervention in 116 street-connected youth. Average cost was estimated per individual and per cohort by dividing total cost per intervention by number of clients accessing the intervention over a 30-day period. Total average costs included direct and support procedure costs, educational costs, and direct research costs. Cost-effectiveness was measured in cost per DALYs averted over a 5 and 10-year period. Results The total cost of the intervention was $12,526 over the 30-day period, with an average cost per individual of $108. The direct VMMC procedure cost was approximately $9 per individual. Personnel costs contributed the greatest percentage to the total intervention cost (38.2%), with mentors and social workers representing the highest wage earners. Retreat-related and education costs contributed 51% and 13% respectively to the total average cost, with surgical equipment costs contributing less than 1%. At a cost of $108 per individual, the intervention averted 60166 DALYs in 5 years resulting in a cost per DALY averted of $267. Conclusion The VMMC intervention was highly cost-effective in Kenya, despite the additional costs incurred to reach SCY. Further scale-up may be warranted to effectively apply this intervention in comparable populations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12981-018-0207-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Merrill KG, Merrill JC, Hershow RB, Barkley C, Rakosa B, DeCelles J, Harrison A. Linking at-risk South African girls to sexual violence and reproductive health services: A mixed-methods assessment of a soccer-based HIV prevention program and pilot SMS campaign. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2018; 70:12-24. [PMID: 29890449 PMCID: PMC6613633 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Grassroot Soccer developed SKILLZ Street-a soccer-based life skills program with a supplementary SMS platform-to support adolescent girls at risk for HIV, violence, and sexual and reproductive health challenges. We conducted a mixed-methods assessment of preliminary outcomes and implementation processes in three primary schools in Soweto, South Africa, from August to December 2013. Quantitative methods included participant attendance and SMS platform usage tracking, pre/post questionnaires, and structured observation. Qualitative data were collected from program participants, parents, teachers, and a social worker during 6 focus group discussions and 4 in-depth interviews. Of 394 participants enrolled, 97% (n = 382) graduated, and 217 unique users accessed the SMS platform. Questionnaires completed by 213 participants (mean age: 11.9, SD: 3.02 years) alongside qualitative findings showed modest improvements in participants' perceptions of power in relationships and gender equity, self-esteem, self-efficacy to avoid unwanted sex, communication with others about HIV and sex, and HIV-related knowledge and stigma. The coach-participant relationship, safe space, and integration of soccer were raised as key intervention components. Implementation challenges were faced around delivery of soccer-based activities. Findings highlight the relevance and importance of programs like SKILLZ Street in addressing challenges facing adolescent girls in South African townships. Recommendations for future programs are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamison C Merrill
- Grassroot Soccer, Cape Town, 38 Hout Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.
| | - Rebecca B Hershow
- Grassroot Soccer, Cape Town, 38 Hout Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.
| | - Chris Barkley
- Grassroot Soccer, Cape Town, 38 Hout Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.
| | - Boitumelo Rakosa
- Grassroot Soccer, Soweto, Nike Football Training Center, 1096 Chris Hani Road, Soweto, Gauteng, 1809, South Africa.
| | - Jeff DeCelles
- Grassroot Soccer, Cape Town, 38 Hout Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.
| | - Abigail Harrison
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 S. Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, United States.
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Menstrual health and school absenteeism among adolescent girls in Uganda (MENISCUS): a feasibility study. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2018; 18:4. [PMID: 29298699 PMCID: PMC5753466 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-017-0502-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Management of menstruation can present substantial challenges to girls in low-income settings. In preparation for a menstrual hygiene intervention to reduce school absenteeism in Uganda, this study aimed to investigate menstruation management practices, barriers and facilitators, and the influence of menstruation on school absenteeism among secondary school students in a peri-urban district of Uganda. Methods Qualitative and quantitative studies were conducted among consenting girls and boys aged 14–17 years in four secondary schools in Entebbe sub-District, Uganda. Methods included group and in-depth interviews with students, a quantitative cross-sectional questionnaire, a prospectively self-completed menstrual diary, key informant interviews with policy makers, and observations of school water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with school absenteeism during the most recent menstrual period. Results Girls reported substantial embarrassment and fear of teasing related to menstruation in the qualitative interviews, and said that this, together with menstrual pain and lack of effective materials for menstrual hygiene management, led to school absenteeism. All policy makers interviewed reported poverty and menstruation as the key factors associated with school attendance. The 352 girls with questionnaire data had a median age of 16 (inter-quartile range (IQR) = 15,16) years, with median age at menarche of 13 (IQR = 13,14) years. Of these, 64 girls (18.7%) reported having stained their clothes and 69 (19.7%) reported missing at least 1 day of school, during their most recent period. Missing school during the most recent period was associated with physical symptoms (headache (odds ratio (OR) = 2.15, 95%CI:1.20, 3.86), stomach pain (OR = 1.89, 95%CI:0.89, 4.04), back pain (OR = 1.75, 95%CI:0.97, 3.14), and with changing protection 4 or more times per 24 h period (OR = 2.08, 95%CI:1.06, 4.10). In the diary sub-study among 40 girls, school absence was reported on 28% of period-days, compared with 7% of non-period days (adjusted odds ratio = 5.99, 95%CI:4.4, 8.2; p < 0.001). Conclusion In this peri-urban Ugandan population, menstruation was strongly associated with school attendance. Evaluation of a menstrual management intervention that address both psychosocial (e.g. self-confidence, attitudes) and physical (e.g. management of pain, use of adequate menstrual hygiene materials, improved water and sanitation facilities) aspects of menstruation are needed.
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