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Greene MC, Ventevogel P, Likindikoki SL, Bonz AG, Turner R, Rees S, Misinzo L, Njau T, Mbwambo JKK, Tol WA. Why local concepts matter: Using cultural expressions of distress to explore the construct validity of research instruments to measure mental health problems among Congolese women in Nyarugusu refugee camp. Transcult Psychiatry 2023; 60:496-507. [PMID: 36114647 PMCID: PMC10260259 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221122626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable variation in the presentation of mental health problems across cultural contexts. Most screening and assessment tools do not capture local idioms and culturally specific presentations of distress, thus introducing measurement error and overlooking meaningful variation in mental health. Before applying screening and assessment tools in a particular context, a qualitative exploration of locally salient idioms and expression of distress can help assess whether existing measures are appropriate in a specific context as well as what adaptations may improve their construct validity. We aimed to employ a mixed-methods approach to describe and measure cultural concepts of distress among female Congolese survivors of intimate partner violence in Nyarugusu refugee camp, Tanzania. This sequential study used data from 55 qualitative (free-listing and in-depth) interviews followed by 311 quantitative interviews that included assessments of symptoms of common mental disorder to explore whether the symptom constellations were consistent across these methodologies. Results from thematic analysis of qualitative data and exploratory factor analysis of quantitative data converged on three concepts of distress: huzuni (deep sadness), msongo wa mawazo (stress, too many thoughts), and hofu (fear). The psychometric properties of these constructs were comparable to those of the three original common mental disorders measured by the quantitative symptom assessment tools-anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder-adding weight to the appropriateness of using these tools in this specific setting. This mixed-methods approach presents an innovative additional method for assessing the local "cultural fit" of globally used tools for measuring mental health in cross-cultural research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Claire Greene
- Program on Forced Migration and Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, N Y, USA
| | - Peter Ventevogel
- Public Health Section, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samuel L. Likindikoki
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Rachael Turner
- Department of Community-Public Health, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan Rees
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lusia Misinzo
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tasiana Njau
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jessie K. K. Mbwambo
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Wietse A. Tol
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Greene MC, Scognamiglio T, Likindikoki SL, Misinzo L, Njau T, Bonz A, Ventevogel P, Mbwambo JKK, Tol WA. Examining implementation of an intervention to reduce psychological distress and intimate partner violence in a refugee camp setting. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:2868-2882. [PMID: 35108167 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2029926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
An integrated approach to reduce intimate partner violence and improve mental health in humanitarian settings requires coordination across health and protection services. We developed and tested the Nguvu intervention, which combined evidence-based interventions for psychological distress and intimate partner violence among Congolese refugee women in Nyarugusu refugee camp (Tanzania). We conducted 29 semi-structured interviews with Nguvu participants and stakeholders to explore the relevance, acceptability, feasibility, and impact of this intervention. Participants reported that the intervention aligned with needs and filled a gap in programming, yet further adaptations may improve the fit of the intervention. The Nguvu intervention was acceptable to participants, including group discussion of sensitive topics. Confidentiality was highly regarded among staff and participants, which improved safety and acceptability. It was feasible to train non-specialist refugee workers to deliver the intervention with adequate supervision. Facilitators noted contextual challenges that made it difficult to implement the intervention: limited infrastructure, competing priorities, and population mobility. The intervention was perceived to improve awareness of the association between violence and mental health, reduce self-blame, and build skills to improve wellbeing. Recommended adaptations reveal promising, yet challenging future directions for addressing social determinants of mental health and implementing multi-sectoral programmes in complex humanitarian settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Claire Greene
- Program on Forced Migration and Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Samuel L Likindikoki
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lusia Misinzo
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tasiana Njau
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Peter Ventevogel
- Public Health Section, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jessie K K Mbwambo
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Wietse A Tol
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Greene MC, Bencomo C, Rees S, Ventevogel P, Likindikoki S, Nemiro A, Bonz A, Mbwambo JKK, Tol WA, McGovern TM. Multilevel Determinants of Integrated Service Delivery for Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health in Humanitarian Settings. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:12484. [PMID: 34886211 PMCID: PMC8656517 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Inter-agency guidelines recommend that survivors of intimate partner violence in humanitarian settings receive multisectoral services consistent with a survivor-centered approach. Providing integrated services across sectors is challenging, and aspirations often fall short in practice. In this study, we explore factors that influence the implementation of a multisectoral, integrated intervention intended to reduce psychological distress and intimate partner violence in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Tanzania. We analyzed data from a desk review of donor, legal, and policy documents; a gender-based violence services mapping conducted through 15 interviews and 6 focus group discussions; and a qualitative process evaluation with 29 stakeholders involved in the implementation of the integrated psychosocial program. We identified the challenges of implementing a multisectoral, integrated intervention for refugee survivors of intimate partner violence at the structural, inter-institutional, intra-institutional, and in social and interpersonal levels. Key determinants of successful implementation included the legal context, financing, inter-agency coordination, engagement and ownership, and the ability to manage competing priorities. Implementing a multisectoral, integrated response for survivors of intimate partner violence is complex and influenced by interrelated factors from policy and financing to institutional and stakeholder engagement. Further investment in identifying strategies to overcome the existing challenges of implementing multisectoral approaches that align with global guidelines is needed to effectively address the burden of intimate partner violence in humanitarian settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Claire Greene
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA; (M.C.G.); (C.B.)
| | - Clarisa Bencomo
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA; (M.C.G.); (C.B.)
| | - Susan Rees
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia;
| | - Peter Ventevogel
- Public Health Section, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Rue de Montbrillant 94, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Samuel Likindikoki
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Road, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania; (S.L.); (J.K.K.M.)
| | - Ashley Nemiro
- The MHPSS Collaborative, Rosenørns Allé 12, 1634 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | | | - Jessie K. K. Mbwambo
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Road, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania; (S.L.); (J.K.K.M.)
| | - Wietse A. Tol
- Department of Public Health, Global Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Nørregade 10, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Terry M. McGovern
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA; (M.C.G.); (C.B.)
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Greene MC, Rees S, Likindikoki S, Bonz AG, Joscelyne A, Kaysen D, Nixon RDV, Njau T, Tankink MTA, Tiwari A, Ventevogel P, Mbwambo JKK, Tol WA. Developing an integrated intervention to address intimate partner violence and psychological distress in Congolese refugee women in Tanzania. Confl Health 2019; 13:38. [PMID: 31428190 PMCID: PMC6697920 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-019-0222-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-sectoral, integrated interventions have long been recommended for addressing mental health and its social determinants (e.g., gender-based violence) in settings of ongoing adversity. We developed an integrated health and protection intervention to reduce psychological distress and intimate partner violence (IPV), and tested its delivery by lay facilitators in a low-resource refugee setting. METHODS Formative research to develop the intervention consisted of a structured desk review, consultation with experts and local stakeholders (refugee incentive workers, representatives of humanitarian agencies, and clinical experts), and qualitative interviews (40 free list interviews with refugees, 15 key informant interviews). Given existing efforts by humanitarian agencies to prevent gender-based violence in this particular refugee camp, including with (potential) perpetrators, we focused on a complementary effort to develop an integrated intervention with potential to reduce IPV and associated mental health impacts with female IPV survivors. We enrolled Congolese refugee women with elevated psychological distress and past-year histories of IPV (n = 60) who received the intervention delivered by trained and supervised lay refugee facilitators. Relevance, feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were evaluated through quantitative and qualitative interviews with participants. We assessed instrument test-retest reliability (n = 24), inter-rater reliability (n = 5 interviews), internal consistency, and construct validity (n = 60). RESULTS We designed an 8-session intervention, termed Nguvu ('strength'), incorporating brief Cognitive Processing Therapy (focused on helping clients obtaining skills to overcome negative thoughts and self-perceptions and gain control over the impact these have on their lives) and Advocacy Counseling (focused on increasing autonomy, empowerment and strengthening linkages to community supports). On average, participants attended two-thirds of the sessions. In qualitative interviews, participants recommended adaptations to specific intervention components and provided recommendations regarding coordination, retention, safety concerns and intervention participation incentives. Analysis of the performance of outcome instruments overall revealed acceptable reliability and validity. CONCLUSIONS We found it feasible to develop and implement an integrated, multi-sectoral mental health and IPV intervention in a refugee camp setting. Implementation challenges were identified and may be informative for future implementation and evaluation of multi-sectoral strategies for populations facing ongoing adversity. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN65771265, June 27, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Claire Greene
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center & New York State Psychiatric Institute, 40 Haven Avenue, Rm. 171, New York, NY 10005 USA
| | - Susan Rees
- Psychiatry Research and Teaching Unit, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Samuel Likindikoki
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ann G. Bonz
- HIAS, Silver Spring, MD USA
- International Rescue Committee, New York, NY USA
| | - Amy Joscelyne
- Program for Survivors of Torture, Bellevue Hospital/New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Debra Kaysen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | | | - Tasiana Njau
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Marian T. A. Tankink
- Consultant Anthropological Research & Training on Gender, Violence and Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Agnes Tiwari
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Peter Ventevogel
- Public Health Section, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jessie K. K. Mbwambo
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Wietse A. Tol
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
- Peter C. Alderman Foundation, HealthRight International, New York, NY USA
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Tol WA, Greene MC, Likindikoki S, Misinzo L, Ventevogel P, Bonz AG, Bass JK, Mbwambo JKK. An integrated intervention to reduce intimate partner violence and psychological distress with refugees in low-resource settings: study protocol for the Nguvu cluster randomized trial. BMC Psychiatry 2017; 17:186. [PMID: 28521751 PMCID: PMC5437564 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-017-1338-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a critical public health and human rights concern globally, including for refugee women in low-resource settings. Little is known about effective interventions for this population. IPV and psychological distress have a bi-directional relationship, indicating the potential benefit of a structured psychological component as part of efforts to reduce IPV for women currently in violent relationships. METHODS This protocol describes a cluster randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating an 8-session integrated psychological and advocacy intervention (Nguvu) with female adult survivors of past-year IPV displaying moderate to severe psychological distress. Outcomes are reductions in: recurrence of IPV; symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress (primary); and functional impairment (secondary). Hypothesized mediators of the intervention are improvements in social support, coping skills and support seeking. We will recruit 400 participants from existing women's support groups operating within villages in Nyarugusu refugee camp, Tanzania. Women's groups will be randomized to receive the intervention (Nguvu and usual care) or usual care alone. All eligible women will complete a baseline assessment (week 0) followed by a post-treatment (week 9) and a 3-month post-treatment assessment (week 20). The efficacy of the intervention will be determined by between-group differences in the longitudinal trajectories of primary outcomes evaluated using mixed-effects models. Study procedures have been approved by Institutional Review Boards in the United States and Tanzania. DISCUSSION This trial will provide evidence on the efficacy of a novel integrated group intervention aimed at secondary prevention of IPV that includes a structured psychological component to address psychological distress. The psychological and advocacy components of the proposed intervention have been shown to be efficacious for their respective outcomes when delivered in isolation; however, administering these approaches through a single, integrated intervention may result in synergistic effects given the interrelated, bidirectional relationship between IPV and mental health. Furthermore, this trial will provide information regarding the feasibility of implementing a structured intervention for IPV and mental health in a protracted humanitarian setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN65771265 , June 27, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wietse A. Tol
- 0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, HH863, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - M. Claire Greene
- 0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, HH863, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Samuel Likindikoki
- 0000 0001 1481 7466grid.25867.3eDepartment of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lusia Misinzo
- 0000 0001 1481 7466grid.25867.3eDepartment of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter Ventevogel
- 0000 0004 0404 6364grid.475735.7United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Case Postale 2500, 1211 Geneva, CH Switzerland
| | - Ann G. Bonz
- 0000 0000 8728 7745grid.420433.2International Rescue Committee, 122 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10168 USA
| | - Judith K. Bass
- 0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, HH863, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Jessie K. K. Mbwambo
- 0000 0001 1481 7466grid.25867.3eDepartment of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Ratliff EA, Kaduri P, Masao F, Mbwambo JKK, McCurdy SA. Harm reduction as a complex adaptive system: A dynamic framework for analyzing Tanzanian policies concerning heroin use. Int J Drug Policy 2015; 30:7-16. [PMID: 26790689 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Contrary to popular belief, policies on drug use are not always based on scientific evidence or composed in a rational manner. Rather, decisions concerning drug policies reflect the negotiation of actors' ambitions, values, and facts as they organize in different ways around the perceived problems associated with illicit drug use. Drug policy is thus best represented as a complex adaptive system (CAS) that is dynamic, self-organizing, and coevolving. In this analysis, we use a CAS framework to examine how harm reduction emerged around heroin trafficking and use in Tanzania over the past thirty years (1985-present). This account is an organizational ethnography based on of the observant participation of the authors as actors within this system. We review the dynamic history and self-organizing nature of harm reduction, noting how interactions among system actors and components have coevolved with patterns of heroin us, policing, and treatment activities over time. Using a CAS framework, we describe harm reduction as a complex process where ambitions, values, facts, and technologies interact in the Tanzanian sociopolitical environment. We review the dynamic history and self-organizing nature of heroin policies, noting how the interactions within and between competing prohibitionist and harm reduction policies have changed with patterns of heroin use, policing, and treatment activities over time. Actors learn from their experiences to organize with other actors, align their values and facts, and implement new policies. Using a CAS approach provides researchers and policy actors a better understanding of patterns and intricacies in drug policy. This knowledge of how the system works can help improve the policy process through adaptive action to introduce new actors, different ideas, and avenues for communication into the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Ratliff
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research (CHPPR), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., 26th Floor, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Pamela Kaduri
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Frank Masao
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jessie K K Mbwambo
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sheryl A McCurdy
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research (CHPPR), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., 26th Floor, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Daniels J, Komárek A, Makusha T, Van Heerden A, Gray G, Chingono A, Mbwambo JKK, Coates T, Richter L. Effects of a community intervention on HIV prevention behaviors among men who experienced childhood sexual or physical abuse in four African settings: findings from NIMH Project Accept (HPTN 043). PLoS One 2014; 9:e99643. [PMID: 24926999 PMCID: PMC4057211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is increased focus on HIV prevention with African men who report experiencing childhood sexual (CSA) or physical abuse (CPA). Objective To better understand the effects of a community-based intervention (Project Accept HPTN 043) on HIV prevention behaviors among men who report CSA or CPA experiences. Methods Project Accept compared a community-based voluntary mobile counseling and testing (CBVCT) intervention with standard VCT. The intervention employed individual HIV risk reduction planning with motivational interviewing in 34 African communities (16 communities at 2 sites in South Africa, 10 in Tanzania, and 8 in Zimbabwe). Communities were randomized unblinded in matched pairs to CBVCT or SVCT, delivered over 36 months. The post-intervention assessment was conducted using a single, cross-sectional random survey of 18-32 year-old community members (total N = 43,292). We analyzed the effect of the intervention on men with reported CSA or CPA across the African sites. Men were identified with a survey question asking about having experienced CSA or CPA across the lifespan. The effect of intervention on considered outcomes of the preventive behavior was statistically evaluated using the logistic regression models. Results Across the sites, the rates of CSA or CPA among men indicated that African men reflected the global prevalence (20%) with a range of 13–24%. The statistically significant effect of the intervention among these men was seen in their increased effort to receive their HIV test results (OR 2.71; CI: (1.08, 6.82); P: 0.034). The intervention effect on the other designated HIV prevention behaviors was less pronounced. Conclusion The effect of the intervention on these men showed increased motivation to receive their HIV test results. However, more research is needed to understand the effects of community-based interventions on this group, and such interventions need to integrate other keys predictors of HIV including trauma, coping strategies, and intimate partner violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Daniels
- University of California Los Angeles, UCLA Center for World Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Arnošt Komárek
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Glenda Gray
- University of the Witwatersrand/Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Soweto, South Africa
| | - Alfred Chingono
- University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jessie K. K. Mbwambo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Muhimbili University Teaching Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Thomas Coates
- University of California Los Angeles, UCLA Center for World Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Linda Richter
- Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Coates TJ, Kulich M, Celentano DD, Zelaya CE, Chariyalertsak S, Chingono A, Gray G, Mbwambo JKK, Morin SF, Richter L, Sweat M, van Rooyen H, McGrath N, Fiamma A, Laeyendecker O, Piwowar-Manning E, Szekeres G, Donnell D, Eshleman SH. Effect of community-based voluntary counselling and testing on HIV incidence and social and behavioural outcomes (NIMH Project Accept; HPTN 043): a cluster-randomised trial. Lancet Glob Health 2014; 2:e267-77. [PMID: 25103167 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(14)70032-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several interventions have shown reduced HIV incidence in clinical trials, the community-level effect of effective interventions on the epidemic when scaled up is unknown. We investigated whether a multicomponent, multilevel social and behavioural prevention strategy could reduce HIV incidence, increase HIV testing, reduce HIV risk behaviour, and change social and behavioural norms. METHODS For this phase 3 cluster-randomised controlled trial, 34 communities in four sites in Africa and 14 communities in Thailand were randomly allocated in matched pairs to receive 36 months of community-based voluntary counselling and testing for HIV (intervention group) or standard counselling and testing alone (control group) between January, 2001, and December, 2011. The intervention was designed to make testing more accessible in communities, engage communities through outreach, and provide support services after testing. Randomisation was done by a computer-generated code and was not masked. Data were collected at baseline (n=14 567) and after intervention (n=56.683) by cross-sectional random surveys of community residents aged 18-32 years. The primary outcome was HIV incidence and was estimated with a cross-sectional multi-assay algorithm and antiretroviral drug screening assay. Thailand was excluded from incidence analyses because of low HIV prevalence. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00203749. FINDINGS The estimated incidence of HIV in the intervention group was 1.52% versus 1.81% in the control group with an estimated reduction in HIV incidence of 13.9% (relative risk [RR] 0.86, 95% CI 0.73-1.02; p=0.082). HIV incidence was significantly reduced in women older than 24 years (RR=0.70, 0.54-0.90; p=0.0085), but not in other age or sex subgroups. Community-based voluntary counselling and testing increased testing rates by 25% overall (12-39; p=0.0003), by 45% (25-69; p<0·0001) in men and 15% (3-28; p=0.013) in women. No overall effect on sexual risk behaviour was recorded. Social norms regarding HIV testing were improved by 6% (95% CI 3-9) in communities in the intervention group. INTERPRETATION These results are sufficiently robust, especially when taking into consideration the combined results of modest reductions in HIV incidence combined with increases in HIV testing and reductions in HIV risk behaviour, to recommend the Project Accept approach as an integral part of all interventions (including treatment as prevention) to reduce HIV transmission at the community level. FUNDING US National Institute of Mental Health, the Division of AIDS of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Office of AIDS Research of the US National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Coates
- University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA Center for World Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Michal Kulich
- Charles University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David D Celentano
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carla E Zelaya
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Suwat Chariyalertsak
- Chiang Mai University, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Alfred Chingono
- University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Glenda Gray
- University of the Witwatersrand, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Soweto, South Africa
| | - Jessie K K Mbwambo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Muhimbili University Teaching Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stephen F Morin
- University of California, San Francisco, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Linda Richter
- Human Sciences Research Council, Dalbridge, South Africa
| | - Michael Sweat
- Medical University of South Carolina, Family Services Research Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Nuala McGrath
- University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Agnès Fiamma
- University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA Center for World Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Greg Szekeres
- University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA Center for World Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Mlunde LB, Poudel KC, Sunguya BF, Mbwambo JKK, Yasuoka J, Otsuka K, Ubuguyu O, Jimba M. A call for parental monitoring to improve condom use among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:1061. [PMID: 23216949 PMCID: PMC3533521 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-1061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of people newly infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been decreasing in sub-Saharan Africa, but prevalence of the infection remains unacceptably high among young people. Despite the alarming pervasiveness of the virus, young people in this region continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors including unprotected sexual intercourse. In developed countries, parents can play important roles in protecting young people from such behaviors, but evidence regarding the impact of parental involvement is still limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine the magnitude of risky sexual behaviors and the association of parental monitoring and parental communication with condom use at last sexual intercourse among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS We conducted this cross-sectional study among 2,217 male and female students aged 15 to 24 years from 12 secondary schools in Dar es Salaam. From October to November 2011, we collected data using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of parental monitoring and parental communication with condom use at last sexual intercourse, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS A total of 665 (30.3%) secondary school students reported being sexually active within the year prior to data collection. Among them, 41.7% had multiple sexual partners, 10.5% had concurrent sexual partners, and 41.1% did not use a condom at last sexual intercourse. A higher level of parental monitoring was associated with increased likelihood of condom use at last sexual intercourse among male students (AOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05-2.32; p = 0.03) but not among female students (AOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.71-3.37; p = 0.28). The association between parental communication and condom use at last sexual intercourse among both male and female students was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS A high level of parental monitoring is associated with more consistent condom use among male students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania -- many of whom have engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors such as multiple sexual partnerships, concurrent sexual partnerships, and unprotected sexual intercourse in the past one year. Interventions should thus be strengthened to reduce multiple sexual partnerships, concurrent sexual partnerships, and to improve parental monitoring among such students toward increasing condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda B Mlunde
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 316 Arnold House, 715 North Pleasant St, Amherst, MA, USA.
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Stöckl H, Filippi V, Watts C, Mbwambo JKK. Induced abortion, pregnancy loss and intimate partner violence in Tanzania: a population based study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2012; 12:12. [PMID: 22390254 PMCID: PMC3311557 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-12-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Violence by an intimate partner is increasingly recognized as an important public and reproductive health issue. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence is associated with induced abortion and pregnancy loss from other causes and to compare this with other, more commonly recognized explanatory factors. Methods This study analyzes the data of the Tanzania section of the WHO Multi-Country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence, a large population-based cross-sectional survey of women of reproductive age in Dar es Salaam and Mbeya, Tanzania, conducted from 2001 to 2002. All women who answered positively to at least one of the questions about specific acts of physical or sexual violence committed by a partner towards her at any point in her life were considered to have experienced intimate partner violence. Associations between self reported induced abortion and pregnancy loss with intimate partner violence were analysed using multiple regression models. Results Lifetime physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence was reported by 41% and 56% of ever partnered, ever pregnant women in Dar es Salaam and Mbeya respectively. Among the ever pregnant, ever partnered women, 23% experienced involuntary pregnancy loss, while 7% reported induced abortion. Even after adjusting for other explanatory factors, women who experienced intimate partner violence were 1.6 (95%CI: 1.06,1.60) times more likely to report an pregnancy loss and 1.9 (95%CI: 1.30,2.89) times more likely to report an induced abortion. Intimate partner violence had a stronger influence on induced abortion and pregnancy loss than women's age, socio-economic status, and number of live born children. Conclusions Intimate partner violence is likely to be an important influence on levels of induced abortion and pregnancy loss in Tanzania. Preventing intimate partner violence may therefore be beneficial for maternal health and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Stöckl
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK.
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