Use of Expedited Partner Therapy for Pregnant Women Treated for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Gaborone, Botswana.

BACKGROUND: Partner notification and treatment for sexually transmitted infections are critical to prevent reinfection and reduce transmission. However, partner treatment rates are low globally. Expedited partner therapy (EPT), in which the patient delivers treatment directly to their partner, may result in more partners treated. We assessed partner notification and treatment outcomes among pregnant women in Gaborone, Botswana, including EPT intent, uptake, and effectiveness. METHODS: The Maduo study was a cluster-controlled trial evaluating the effect of antenatal Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection screening in pregnant women. The intervention arm received screening at first antenatal care (ANC), third-trimester, and postnatal care visits. The standard-of-care arm received screening postnatally. Participants screening positive were given options for partner treatment: contact slips, in-clinic treatment, or EPT. Self-reported partner notification and treatment outcomes were assessed at test-of-cure visit. RESULTS: Of 51 women who screened positive for C. trachomatis / N. gonorrhoeae at first ANC and returned for test of cure, 100% reported notifying their partner and 48 (94.1%) reported their partner received treatment. At third trimester 100% (n = 5), reported partners were treated. Before testing, EPT intent was lower than EPT uptake at all time points (first ANC: 17.9% vs. 80.4%; third-trimester: 57.1% vs. 71.4%; postnatal care: 0% vs. 80.0%). Partner treatment success was 100% among EPT users compared with 70% among nonusers ( P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Partner notification and treatment success was high in this population. Despite low pretest intent to use EPT, uptake was high and associated with greater partner treatment success. Our findings suggest that EPT may be a successful partner treatment strategy to pursue in low- and middle-income countries.

Evaluating Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae screening and treatment among asymptomatic pregnant women to prevent preterm birth and low birthweight in Gaborone, Botswana: A secondary analysis from a non-randomised, cluster-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of screening and treating asymptomatic pregnant women for Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis and Neisseria (N.) gonorrhoeae infections on the frequency of preterm birth or low birthweight infants in Botswana. DESIGN: Non-randomised, cluster-controlled trial. SETTING: Four antenatal care clinics in Gaborone, Botswana. POPULATION: Pregnant women aged ≥15 years, attending a first antenatal care visit, ≤27 weeks of gestation and without urogenital symptoms were eligible. METHODS: Participants in the intervention clinics received screening (GeneXpert®, Cepheid) during pregnancy and at the postnatal visit. Participants in the standard-of-care clinics received screening at the postnatal visit only. We used multivariable logistic regression and post-estimation predictive margins analysis. Post-hoc analysis was conducted among sub-samples stratified by parity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) and low birthweight (<2500 g). RESULTS: After controlling for parity, hypertension, antenatal care visits and clinic site, the predicted prevalence of preterm birth or low birthweight was lower in the intervention arm (11%) compared with the standard-of-care arm (16%) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28-1.24). In post-hoc analysis, the intervention was more effective than the standard-of-care (aOR 0.20; 95% CI 0.07-0.64) among nulliparous participants. CONCLUSION: A C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection screening and treatment intervention among asymptomatic pregnant women may have reduced preterm birth or low birthweight outcomes, but results were not statistically significant. Post-hoc analysis found that the intervention reduced adverse outcomes among nulliparous participants.

Syphilis Prevalence Among People Living With and Without HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is a curable sexually transmitted infection that, untreated, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In people living with HIV (PLWH), syphilis carries greater risks of disease progression. We estimated syphilis prevalence among PLWH in the general population in sub-Saharan Africa and compared the prevalence among PLWH and without HIV. METHODS: We searched for studies published January 1, 2011, to March 28, 2022, reporting syphilis prevalence among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa (PROSPERO No. CRD42020167328). We excluded studies in high-risk subpopulations. We estimated pooled syphilis prevalence among PLWH using random-effects modeling and compared the prevalence with people without HIV when included in the same study. We examined influences of region, study setting, and test type in subgroup analyses. RESULTS: We identified 926 studies; 53 were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled syphilis prevalence among PLWH was 7.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3%-8.5%). Prevalence differed by region: 3.1% (95% CI, 2.2%-4.0%) in Southern, 5.5% (95% CI, 2.3%-9.3%) in West/Central, and 10.5% (95% CI, 8.0%-13.1%) in Eastern Africa. Prevalence also differed by study setting: 13.8% (95% CI, 5.7%-23.0%) in sexual and reproductive health/sexually transmitted infection care, 8.7% (95% CI, 5.0%-12.8%) in HIV care, 7.1% (95% CI, 5.8%-8.5%) in antenatal care, and 3.8% (95% CI, 2.0%-5.8%) in household/community-based settings. Syphilis prevalence was higher among PLWH than without HIV (relative risk, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.8-4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis is highly prevalent among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa and is more common among PLWH than without HIV. Integration of syphilis screening and management into HIV care may reduce complications of HIV-syphilis coinfection among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa.

Case series and literature review of chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum in Botswana.

BACKGROUND: We describe 12 cases of chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum and the current scientific evidence on its prevention and treatment. The data presented were obtained from the "Maduo" study, a prospective observational study of the relationship between curable sexually transmitted infections and adverse neonatal outcomes at four antenatal clinics in Gaborone, Botswana. METHODS: Infants of mothers with perinatal chlamydia infection were evaluated for chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum based on clinical presentation of conjunctivitis or positive test via GeneXpert CT/NG assay. Data on 29 infants born to mothers with postnatal C. trachomatis infection were analysed. RESULTS: 12 infants were diagnosed with chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum. Eight of those cases were confirmed with the GeneXpert CT/NG assay while four were identified as probable cases based on clinical history and presentation. Overall, nine infants presented with signs of conjunctivitis, while three who had a positive diagnostic test result had asymptomatic infection. All but one infant had received ocular 1% tetracycline prophylaxis at birth, and four infants had signs suggestive of chlamydial pneumonia at presentation. Two out of five symptomatic cases whose mothers reported completion of their treatment course with erythromycin had lingering symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings affirm that the current prophylaxis and treatment modalities for chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum are inadequate. To the extent feasible in low- and middle-income countries, we recommend implementation of routine C. trachomatis screening and treatment in pregnant women.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection and associated factors among asymptomatic pregnant women in Botswana.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) are curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that cause adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Most countries, including Botswana, do not offer C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae screening during antenatal care (ANC) and instead use a syndromic approach for management of STIs. METHODS: The Maduo Study is a prospective, cluster-controlled trial in Botswana evaluating the impact of diagnostic screening for antenatal C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections to prevent adverse neonatal outcomes. Using baseline data from the Maduo Study (March 2021-March 2022), we determined the prevalence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection among asymptomatic pregnant women in Botswana and correlates of infection using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 251 women who underwent C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae screening at first ANC visit, 55 (21.9%, 95%CI 17.0-27.5) tested positive for C. trachomatis, 1 (0.4%, 95%CI 0-2.2) for N. gonorrhoeae; and 2 (0.8%, 95%CI 0-2.8) for dual C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection. Older age was associated with lower odds (aOR 0.93; 95%CI 0.88-0.98; p = 0.011) while any alcohol use during pregnancy was associated with higher odds (aOR = 3.53; 95%CI 1.22-10.16; p = 0.020) of testing positive for C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae. CONCLUSIONS: A high frequency of C. trachomatis infections was detected among asymptomatic pregnant women in Botswana indicating that many antenatal STIs are missed by the syndromic management approach. Our results highlight the need for diagnostic C. trachomatis screening during ANC in Botswana and other low- and middle-income countries that rely solely on the syndromic approach for management of STIs.

Measuring the impact of COVID-19 social distancing measures on sexual health behaviours and access to HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for people living with HIV in Botswana.

Introduction: Uninterrupted access to HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services is essential, particularly in high HIV prevalence settings, to prevent unintended pregnancy and vertical HIV transmission. Understanding the challenges that COVID-19 and associated social distancing measures (SDMs) posed on health service access is imperative for future planning. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Botswana between January-February 2021. A web-based questionnaire was disseminated on social media as part of the International Sexual Health and REproductive Health (I-SHARE) Survey. Respondents answered questions on SRH, before and during COVID-19 SDMs. Subgroup analysis and comparison of descriptive data was performed for people living with HIV (PLWH). Results: Of 409 participants, 65 were PLWH (80% female, 20% male). During SDMs, PLWH found it more difficult to access condoms and treatment for HIV and STIs; attend HIV appointments; and maintain adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Compared to HIV-negative women, a higher proportion of women living with HIV used condoms as their primary method of contraception (54% vs. 48%), and had lower use of long-acting reversible contraception (8% vs. 14%) and dual contraception (8% vs. 16%). Discussion: Mirroring global trends, COVID-19 disrupted HIV and SRH service access in Botswana. However, in high HIV-prevalence settings, disruption may more severely impact population health with disproportionate effects on women. Integration of HIV and SRH services could build health system capacity and resilience, reduce missed opportunities for delivering SRH services to PLWH and limit the consequences of future restrictions that may cause health system disruption.

Incident HIV acquisition among pregnant women in Botswana: findings from the Tsepamo birth outcomes surveillance study.

INTRODUCTION: In Botswana, where almost all pregnant women known to have HIV receive antiretroviral therapy, a large proportion of vertical HIV transmission may occur among women with incident undiagnosed HIV infection during pregnancy. Botswana guidelines recommend repeat HIV testing every 3 months in pregnancy, with at least one test in the third trimester. We evaluated the rate of repeat HIV testing, calculated HIV incidence during pregnancy and estimated missed seroconversions. METHODS: In the Botswana Tsepamo Study, we abstracted HIV test dates and results from obstetric records of all women who delivered at maternity wards in 18 communities between 7th May 2017 and 20th August 2021. We defined seroconversion as an initial negative/indeterminate HIV test in pregnancy followed by a positive test during pregnancy/at delivery. The incidence rate (IR) of seroconversion was calculated among women with > = 2 known test dates. Missed seroconversions were estimated among women without a test in the third trimester by applying the IR to the time after the last HIV test until delivery. RESULTS: Among 103,529 women delivering in the study period testing negative at the first test and with known conception and HIV test dates, 29,085 (28%) were tested in one trimester of pregnancy, 73,156 (71%) were tested in ≥ 2 trimesters of pregnancy and 9628 (9%) had a test in all trimesters. A total of 78,162 (75%) women had a third-trimester test. There were 223 seroconversions (2.58/1000 pregnancies, 0.26%) among those with ≥ 2 known HIV test dates, yielding an IR of 0.69/100 person-years. Among 25,289 women who did not have a test in the third trimester, we estimate approximately 58 seroconversions may have been missed during pregnancy due to a lack of repeat testing. Factors associated with seroconversion during pregnancy included younger age, less education and not being married. CONCLUSIONS: More than two-thirds of women had repeat HIV testing in pregnancy and HIV incidence was low. However, an estimated 21% of seroconversions in pregnancy were likely missed due to a lack of re-testing. To reach the goal of zero new paediatric HIV infections, Botswana will need to intensify repeat HIV testing in the third trimester of pregnancy.

High Cure Rate Among Pregnant Women in a Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Testing and Treatment Intervention Study in Gaborone, Botswana.

Between March 2021 and March 2022, 251 pregnant women were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in Botswana. Fifty-eight (23%) tested positive for at least 1 infection, and 57 (98%) were treated. No participants tested positive at test of cure. In some settings, cost of test of cure may outweigh the benefits.

Developing an Assessment of Contraceptive Preferences in Botswana: Piloting a Novel Approach Using Best-Worst Scaling of Attributes.

Introduction: To develop an attribute-based method for assessing patient contraceptive preferences in Botswana and pilot its use to explore the relationship between patient contraceptive preferences and the contraceptive methods provided or recommended to patients by clinicians. Methods: A list of contraceptive attributes was developed with input from patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders. We assessed patient preferences for attributes of contraceptives using a discrete choice "best-worst scaling" approach and a multi-attribute decision-making method that linked patient attribute preferences to actual contraceptive method characteristics. Attribute-based patient method preferences and clinician recommendations were compared in 100 women seeking contraceptive services, and 19 clinicians who provided their care. For 41 of the patients, the short-term reliability of their preference scores was also examined. Results: For 57 patients who wanted more children in the future, the degree of concordance between patients and clinicians was 7% when comparing the top attribute-based contraceptive preference for each woman with the clinician-provided/recommended method. When the top two model-based preferred contraceptive methods were considered, concordance was 28%. For 43 women who did not want more children, concordance was 0% when using the patient's model-based "most-preferred" method, and 14% when considering the top two methods. Assessment of the short-term reliability of preference scores yielded an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.93. Conclusions: A best-worst scaling assessment of attributes of contraceptives was designed and piloted in Botswana as a Contraceptive Preference Assessment Tool. The preference assessment was found to have high short-term reliability, which supports its potential use as a measurement tool. There was very low concordance between women's attribute-based contraceptive preferences and their clinician's provision/recommendations of contraceptive methods. Using such a preference assessment tool could encourage greater patient involvement and more tailored discussion in contraceptive consultations.

Effects of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Intramuscular Injection, Copper Intrauterine Device and Levonorgestrel Implant Contraception on Estradiol Levels: An Ancillary Study of the ECHO Randomized Trial.

Introduction: Hormonal contraception affects endogenous sex steroid levels. Robust evidence from randomized trials of the relative effects of different contraceptive methods is scarce. We compared the effects of three contraceptive methods on serum estradiol levels using data from women (18-35 years) requesting contraception in the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) randomized trial. Methods: Women were randomly allocated to the depot medroxyprogesterone acetate intramuscular (DMPA-IM) injection, copper intrauterine device (IUD) or levonorgestrel (LNG) implant. In this sub-study, stored baseline and 6-month serum samples were analyzed in 401 participants from East London, South Africa (DMPA-IM: 131, IUD: 135 and LNG: 135). Results: Baseline median (interquartile range, IQR) estradiol levels were similar between the three groups [DMPA-IM 229 (152-455), IUD 235 (168-426) and LNG 216 (153-419 pmol/L)]. At 6-months, median estradiol in the IUD group was unchanged (298 (163-467) pmol/L), whilst levels in the DMPA-IM and implant groups were significantly reduced from baseline. The median estradiol level in the DMPA-IM group [139 (97-193) pmol/L] was significantly lower than in both IUD (p < 0.0001) and implant (p = 0.005) groups; and level in the implant group [156 (112-250) pmol/L] was significantly lower than in the IUD group (p = 0.004). Conclusions: At 6-months (DMPA-IM nadir), median estradiol with DMPA-IM was 53% lower and with the LNG implant, 48% lower than with the IUD. The greater reduction in estradiol levels with the DMPA-IM injection compared to the LNG implant and IUD has implications for the relative psychological, sexual as well as physiological side-effects of these contraceptive methods. ECHO Study Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02550067.

High risk of adverse birth outcomes among adolescents living with HIV in Botswana compared to adult women living with HIV and adolescents without HIV.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls are three times more likely to be living with HIV than boys of the same age. Prior studies have found associations between adolescent pregnancies and increased maternal morbidity and infant mortality, but few studies have assessed the impact of HIV infection on maternal and infant outcomes in adolescents. METHODS: The Tsepamo Study abstracts maternal and infant data from obstetric records in government maternity wards in Botswana. We assessed maternal complications and adverse birth outcomes for all singleton pregnancies from August 2014 to August 2020 at eighteen Tsepamo sites among adolescents (defined as 10-19 years of age) and adults (defined as 20-35 years of age), by HIV status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression using a complete case analysis method were used to evaluate differences in outcomes. RESULTS: This analysis included 142,258 singleton births, 21,133 (14.9%) to adolescents and 121,125 (85.1%) to adults. The proportion of adults living with HIV (N = 22,114, 22.5%) was higher than adolescents (N = 1593, 7.6%). The proportion of most adverse birth outcomes was higher in adolescents. Among adolescents, those with HIV had increased likelihoods of anemia (aOR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.66, 2.15) and cesarean sections (aOR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.3,1.72), and infants with preterm birth (aOR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.0, 1.32), very preterm birth (aOR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.0,1.8), small for gestational age (aOR = 1.37, 95%CI 1.20,1.58), and very small for gestational age (aOR = 1.46, 95%CI 1.20, 1.79). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent pregnancy and adolescent HIV infection remain high in Botswana. Adolescents have higher risk of adverse maternal and infant birth outcomes than adults, with the worst outcomes among adolescents living with HIV. Linking HIV prevention and family planning strategies for this age group may help minimize the number of infants with poor birth outcomes among this already vulnerable population.

Personal radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure of adolescents in the Greater London area in the SCAMP cohort and the association with restrictions on permitted use of mobile communication technologies at school and at home.

Personal measurements of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have been used in several studies to characterise personal exposure in daily life, but such data are limitedly available for adolescents, and not yet for the United Kingdom (UK). In this study, we aimed to characterise personal exposure to RF-EMF in adolescents and to study the association between exposure and rules applied at school and at home to restrict wireless communication use, likely implemented to reduce other effects of mobile technology (e.g. distraction). We measured exposure to RF-EMF for 16 common frequency bands (87.5 MHz-3.5 GHz), using portable measurement devices (ExpoM-RF), in a subsample of adolescents participating in the cohort Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones (SCAMP) from Greater London (UK) (n = 188). School and home rules were assessed by questionnaire and concerned the school's availability of WiFi and mobile phone policy, and parental restrictions on permitted mobile phone use. Adolescents recorded their activities in real time using a diary app on a study smartphone, while characterizing their personal RF-EMF exposure in daily life, during different activities and times of the day. Data analysis was done for 148 adolescents from 29 schools who recorded RF-EMF data for a median duration of 47 h. The majority (74%) of adolescents spent part of their time at school during the measurement period. Median total RF-EMF exposure was 40 µW/m2 at home, 94 µW/m2 at school, and 100 µW/m2 overall. In general, restrictions at school or at home made little difference for adolescents' measured exposure to RF-EMF, except for uplink exposure from mobile phones while at school, which was found to be significantly lower for adolescents attending schools not permitting phone use at all, compared to adolescents attending schools allowing mobile phone use during breaks. This difference was not statistically significant for total personal exposure. Total exposure to RF-EMF in adolescents living in Greater London tended to be higher compared to exposure levels reported in other European countries. This study suggests that school policies and parental restrictions are not associated with a lower RF-EMF exposure in adolescents.

Prolonged Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis Has No Impact on Child Growth in the First Two Years of Life: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Botswana.

We investigated the impact of prolonged cotrimoxazole prophylaxis on growth in 2848 HIV-exposed uninfected children enrolled in the Mpepu study, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Botswana. No significant differences in mean weight-for-age, length-for-age, or weight-for-length z scores between placebo and cotrimoxazole arms were observed overall through 18 months.

Cross-sectional trends in HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Botswana: an opportunity for PrEP?

INTRODUCTION: Young women in sub-Saharan Africa are at particularly high risk of HIV acquisition. Recent shifts towards "test and treat" strategies have potential to reduce transmission in this age group but have not been widely studied outside of clinical trials. Using data from nationwide surveillance among pregnant women in Botswana, where a "test and treat" program was implemented in 2016, we describe trends in HIV prevalence over time and highlight opportunities for targeted prevention. METHODS: The Tsepamo study abstracted data from obstetric records of all women delivering at eight government hospitals in Botswana between 2015 and 2019, accounting for 45% of all births in the country (n = 120,755). We used a stratified analysis to identify prevalence trends and evaluated decreases in HIV prevalence over time using the Cochrane-Armitage test for linear trend. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was also performed to identify factors associated with declines in HIV prevalence. RESULTS: Overall HIV prevalence was 24.1% among 120,755 women who delivered during the study period. Prevalence differed by site of delivery, ranging from 16.1% to 28.2%, and increased markedly with age. Lower educational attainment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.07-3.50) and being unmarried (aOR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.88-2.08) were associated with HIV infection. HIV prevalence was 10.0% with a first pregnancy, 21.0% with a second and 39.2% with a third or greater (aOR = 2.20; for any prior pregnancy; 95% CI 2.10-2.29). The same age-adjusted trends were seen when data were limited to women aged 15-24, with a two- to three-fold increase in HIV prevalence between a first and third pregnancy. Prevalence decreased linearly during the 5-year study period from 25.8% to 22.7% (p <0.001). Among age-specific strata, the greatest absolute decline occurred in those aged 35-39, with an 8.7% absolute decrease in HIV prevalence from 2015 to 2019. Minimal declines were seen in those 15-24, with a decrease of only 1.5% over the same period. CONCLUSIONS: While overall trends in Botswana show HIV prevalence declining among pregnant women, prevalence among the youngest age group has remained stagnant. Preventative interventions utilizing pre-exposure prophylaxis should be prioritized during the high-risk period surrounding a woman's first pregnancy.

Evaluating the diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in pregnant women to prevent adverse neonatal consequences in Gaborone, Botswana: protocol for the Maduo study.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are extremely common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are associated with adverse birth and neonatal outcomes, and the risk of vertical transmission of CT and NG during delivery is high. The majority of CT and NG infections are asymptomatic and missed by the standard of care in most countries (treatment based on symptoms). Thus, it is likely that missed maternal CT and NG infections contribute to preventable adverse health outcomes among women and children globally. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of CT and NG testing for asymptomatic pregnant women to prevent adverse neonatal outcomes, understand the inflammatory response linking CT and NG infections to adverse neonatal outcomes, and conduct an economic analysis of the CT and NG testing intervention. METHODS: The Maduo ("results" in Setswana) is a prospective, cluster-controlled trial in Gaborone, Botswana to compare a near point-of-care CT and NG testing and treatment intervention implemented in "study clinics" with standard antenatal care (World Health Organization-endorsed "syndromic management" strategy based on signs and symptoms without laboratory confirmation) implemented in "standard of care clinics" among asymptomatic pregnant women. The primary outcome is vertical transmission of CT/NG infection. Secondary outcomes include preterm birth (delivery < 37 completed weeks of gestation) and/or low birth weight (< 2500 g). The trial will also evaluate immunological and inflammatory markers of adverse neonatal outcomes, as well as the costs and cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared with standard care. DISCUSSION: The Maduo study will improve our understanding of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CT and NG testing among asymptomatic pregnant women. It will also increase knowledge about the CT/NG-related immune responses that might drive adverse neonatal outcomes. Further, results from this study could encourage expansion of STI testing during antenatal care in low resource settings and improve maternal and neonatal health globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT04955717, First posted: July 9, 2021)).

The International Sexual Health And REproductive Health during COVID-19 (I-SHARE) Study: A Multicountry Analysis of Adults from 30 Countries Prior to and During the Initial Coronavirus Disease 2019 Wave.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence to date about changes to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) during the initial wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To address this gap, our team organized a multicountry, cross-sectional online survey as part of a global consortium. METHODS: Consortium research teams conducted online surveys in 30 countries. Sampling methods included convenience, online panels, and population-representative. Primary outcomes included sexual behaviors, partner violence, and SRH service use, and we compared 3 months prior to and during policy measures to mitigate COVID-19. We conducted meta-analyses for primary outcomes and graded the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Among 4546 respondents with casual partners, condom use stayed the same for 3374 (74.4%), and 640 (14.1%) reported a decline. Fewer respondents reported physical or sexual partner violence during COVID-19 measures (1063 of 15 144, 7.0%) compared to before COVID-19 measures (1469 of 15 887, 9.3%). COVID-19 measures impeded access to condoms (933 of 10 790, 8.7%), contraceptives (610 of 8175, 7.5%), and human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infection (HIV/STI) testing (750 of 1965, 30.7%). Pooled estimates from meta-analysis indicate that during COVID-19 measures, 32.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.9%-42.1%) of people needing HIV/STI testing had hindered access, 4.4% (95% CI, 3.4%-5.4%) experienced partner violence, and 5.8% (95% CI, 5.4%-8.2%) decreased casual partner condom use (moderate certainty of evidence for each outcome). Meta-analysis findings were robust in sensitivity analyses that examined country income level, sample size, and sampling strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Open science methods are feasible to organize research studies as part of emergency responses. The initial COVID-19 wave impacted SRH behaviors and access to services across diverse global settings.

Curable sexually transmitted infections among women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVES: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause significant morbidity among women with HIV and increase HIV transmission. We estimated the prevalence of four STIs among women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and compared prevalence among women with and without HIV. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched for studies published 1 January 1999 to 19 December 2019 reporting prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or Mycoplasma genitalium among women with HIV in SSA. We excluded studies conducted in high-risk groups (e.g. female sex workers). We extracted data on laboratory-confirmed STIs among women with HIV, and when included, among women without HIV. We estimated pooled prevalence for each STI among women with HIV using inverse variance heterogeneity meta-analysis, compared prevalence to women without HIV, and examined the influences of region, clinical setting, and pregnancy status in subgroup analyses. RESULTS: We identified 3756 unique records; 67 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and M. genitalium was 3.5, 4, 15.6, and 10.2%, respectively. Chlamydia prevalence was lower in Eastern (2.8%) than in Southern (12.5%) and West/Central (19.1%) Africa combined. Prevalence of chlamydia and trichomoniasis was higher among pregnant (8.1%, 17.6%) than nonpregnant (1.7%, 12.3%) women. All STIs were more prevalent among women with than without HIV (relative risks ranging 1.54-1.89). CONCLUSION: STIs are common among women with HIV in SSA, and more common among women with than without HIV. Integrated STI and HIV care could substantially impact STI burden among women with HIV, with potential downstream impacts on HIV transmission.

Experiences of Accessing and Providing Contraceptive Implant Removal Services in Gaborone, Botswana: A Qualitative Study Among Implant Users and Healthcare Providers.

Introduction: This study explored implant user and healthcare provider experiences of accessing and providing contraceptive implant removal services in Gaborone, Botswana, following introduction of the implant in the public sector in 2016. We sought to understand reasons for satisfaction and dissatisfaction with services and their potential impact on wider perceptions of the implant, including influence on future uptake. Methods: Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews. Participants comprised ten women who had previously undergone implant removal, and ten providers whose work included provision of implant insertion and removal. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Seven of the ten users in this study had experienced a delay between initial request and undergoing implant removal. This interval ranged from <1 week to 3 months. Users identified the principal barriers to accessing implant removal services as lack of access to trained removal providers, inconvenient appointment times, and provider resistance to performing removal. Nine of the ten providers in this study had experienced barriers to providing implant removal, including insufficient training, lack of equipment, lack of time, and lack of a referral pathway for difficult removals. Despite experiencing barriers in accessing removal, users' perceptions of the implant remained generally positive. Providers were concerned that ongoing negative user experiences of removal services would damage wider perceptions of the implant. Conclusion: Introduction of the contraceptive implant in Botswana has been an important strategy in increasing contraceptive choice. Following an initial focus on provision of insertion services, the development of comparable, accessible removal services is critical to ensuring that the implant remains a desirable contraceptive option and is vital to upholding women's reproductive health rights. The experiences of users and providers in this study can inform the ongoing development of services for implant insertion and removal in Botswana and other lower-resource settings.