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1.
AIDS Behav ; 27(1): 245-256, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35930199

ABSTRACT

Few studies have explored land access, a structural driver of health, and women's participation in livelihood interventions to improve food security and HIV outcomes. This qualitative study, embedded within Shamba Maisha (NCT02815579)-a randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the impact of a multisectoral intervention among farmers living with HIV in western Kenya-sought to explore the influence of perceived access to and control of land on agricultural productivity, investments, and benefits. Thirty in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with purposively sampled men and women, 3 to 6 months after receiving intervention inputs; data were deductively and inductively coded and analyzed. Farming practices and participation in Shamba Maisha were dependent on land tenure and participants' perceived strength of claim over their land, with participants who perceived themselves to be land insecure less likely to make long-term agricultural investments. Land tenure was influenced by a number of factors and posed unique challenges for women which negatively impacted uptake and success in the intervention. Data underscore the importance of secure land tenure for the success of similar interventions, especially for women; future interventions should integrate land security programming for improved outcomes for all.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Male , Female , Humans , Kenya/epidemiology , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Socioeconomic Factors , Qualitative Research , Agriculture
2.
AIDS Behav ; 26(7): 2135-2147, 2022 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35122576

ABSTRACT

Involving both partners of a couple in HIV prevention can improve maternal and child health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Using data from 96 couples, we explored the actor and partner effects of perceived relationship dynamics on a couple's confidence and ability to reduce HIV risk together. Perceived relationship quality altered perceived confidence and ability to reduce HIV threat. One's own ability to confidently act together with their spouse appeared to be stronger for husbands than wives with respect to relationship commitment. A partner's confidence to communicate with their spouse about HIV risk reduction appeared to be stronger from husbands to wives for relationship satisfaction and trust. Gender differences in perceived relationship quality and effects on communal coping may exist and requires further study for applicability in intervention development in this setting. Efficacious couple-oriented interventions for HIV prevention should incorporate evidence on how partners mutually influence each other's health beliefs and behaviors.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Adaptation, Psychological , Child , Female , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Humans , Kenya/epidemiology , Personal Satisfaction , Pregnancy , Sexual Partners , Spouses
3.
AIDS Behav ; 25(4): 1026-1036, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33057976

ABSTRACT

We estimated effects of maternal depressive symptoms, utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), on women's HIV prevention behaviors in Migori County, Kenya. Pregnant women ≥ 18 years old, with gestational age of < 37 weeks, were randomized into standard care or three home visits (2 during pregnancy, 1 postpartum) promoting couple HIV testing and counseling (CHTC) and HIV prevention. Of 105 female participants, 37 (35.24%) reported depressive symptoms and 50 (47.62%) were HIV-positive. Three Poisson regressions with robust variance (univariable, multivariable, and multivariable with depressive symptoms/study arm interaction) were modeled for three outcomes: CHTC, infant HIV testing, health-seeking postpartum. In multivariable analysis with interaction, a moderating trend for the interaction between depressive symptoms and individual health-seeking was observed (p-value = 0.067). Women scoring ≤ 9 (n = 68) on the PHQ-8 and participating in home visits were 1.76 times more likely to participate in individual health-seeking compared to participants in standard care (ARR 1.76, 95% CI 1.17-2.66).


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Pregnant Women , Adolescent , Depression/epidemiology , Female , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Health Behavior , Humans , Infant , Kenya/epidemiology , Postpartum Period , Pregnancy
4.
AIDS Behav ; 24(7): 2091-2100, 2020 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31894444

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy is a time of heightened HIV risk, but also a phase when a couple can prioritize family health. We conducted secondary analysis of a home-based intervention in rural Kenya to explore couple-level adherence to HIV prevention behaviors. The intervention included health education, relationship-building skills, and Couples HIV Testing and Counseling. Pregnant women were randomized to the intervention (n = 64) or standard care (n = 63) along with male partners. Of 96 couples, 82 (85.0%) were followed to 3 months postpartum, when 31.0% of couples reported perfect adherence to HIV prevention. In logistic regression, intervention condition couples had three-fold higher odds of perfect adherence (AOR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.01-9.32). A structural equation model found the intervention had moderate effects on couple communication, large effects on couple efficacy to take action around HIV, which in turn improved HIV prevention behaviors (CFI = 0.969; TLI = 0.955; RMSEA = 0.049). Strengthening couple communication and efficacy may help prevent the spread of HIV to infants or partners around the time of pregnancy.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections/prevention & control , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control , Pregnant Women/psychology , Sexual Partners/psychology , Standard of Care , Counseling/methods , Family Characteristics , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Health Behavior , Humans , Kenya/epidemiology , Male , Pilot Projects , Pregnancy
5.
Am J Public Health ; 107(6): 863-869, 2017 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28426316

ABSTRACT

We present a conceptual framework that highlights how unique dimensions of individual-level HIV-related stigma (perceived community stigma, experienced stigma, internalized stigma, and anticipated stigma) might differently affect the health of those living with HIV. HIV-related stigma is recognized as a barrier to both HIV prevention and engagement in HIV care, but little is known about the mechanisms through which stigma leads to worse health behaviors or outcomes. Our conceptual framework posits that, in the context of intersectional and structural stigmas, individual-level dimensions of HIV-related stigma operate through interpersonal factors, mental health, psychological resources, and biological stress pathways. A conceptual framework that encompasses recent advances in stigma science can inform future research and interventions aiming to address stigma as a driver of HIV-related health.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Medication Adherence/psychology , Social Stigma , Attitude to Health , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Humans , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Prejudice
6.
AIDS Behav ; 21(1): 248-260, 2017 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26767535

ABSTRACT

The scale-up of effective treatment has partially reduced the stigma attached to HIV, but HIV still remains highly stigmatized throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Most studies of anti-HIV stigma interventions have employed psycho-educational strategies such as information provision, counseling, and testimonials, but these have had varying degrees of success. Theory suggests that livelihood interventions could potentially reduce stigma by weakening the instrumental and symbolic associations between HIV and premature morbidity, economic incapacity, and death, but this hypothesis has not been directly examined. We conducted a longitudinal qualitative study among 54 persons with HIV participating in a 12-month randomized controlled trial of a livelihood intervention in rural Kenya. Our study design permitted assessment of changes over time in the perspectives of treatment-arm participants (N = 45), as well as an understanding of the experiences of control arm participants (N = 9, interviewed only at follow-up). Initially, participants felt ashamed of their seropositivity and were socially isolated (internalized stigma). They also described how others in the community discriminated against them, labeled them as being "already dead," and deemed them useless and unworthy of social investment (perceived and enacted stigma). At follow-up, participants in the treatment arm described less stigma and voiced positive changes in confidence and self-esteem. Concurrently, they observed that other community members perceived them as active, economically productive, and contributing citizens. None of these changes were noted by participants in the control arm, who described ongoing and continued stigma. In summary, our findings suggest a theory of stigma reduction: livelihood interventions may reduce internalized stigma among persons with HIV and also, by targeting core drivers of negative attitudes toward persons with HIV, positively change attitudes toward persons with HIV held by others. Further research is needed to formally test these hypotheses, assess the extent to which these changes endure over the long term, and determine whether this class of interventions can be implemented at scale.


Subject(s)
Attitude to Health , HIV Infections/psychology , Social Stigma , Adult , Female , Humans , Kenya , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Perception , Pilot Projects , Qualitative Research , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Rural Population , Shame , Social Isolation , Stereotyping
7.
AIDS Behav ; 21(2): 415-427, 2017 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27637497

ABSTRACT

This longitudinal qualitative study sought to understand how and why a livelihood intervention affected the health and health behaviors of HIV-infected Kenyan adults. The intervention included a microfinance loan, agricultural and financial training, and a human-powered water pump. In-depth interviews were conducted at two time points with intervention and control participants and program staff. We double coded interviews (n = 117) and used thematic content analysis of transcripts following an integrative inductive-deductive approach. Intervention participants described improvements in HIV health, including increased CD4 counts and energy, improved viral suppression, and fewer HIV-related symptoms. Better health was linked to improved clinic attendance and ART adherence through several mechanisms: (1) reductions in food insecurity and abject hunger; (2) improved financial stability; (3) improved productivity which enhanced social support; (4) better control over work situations; and, (5) renewed desire to prioritize their own health. Livelihood interventions may improve health by influencing upstream determinants of health behavior including food security and poverty.


Subject(s)
Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use , Financial Support , Food Supply , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Medication Adherence , Poverty , Vocational Education , Adult , Agriculture , CD4 Lymphocyte Count , Efficiency , Female , HIV Infections/immunology , Humans , Hunger , Kenya , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Qualitative Research , Social Support , Viral Load , Water Supply
8.
Arch Sex Behav ; 46(4): 1121-1133, 2017 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27507020

ABSTRACT

Despite the recognized links between food insecurity, poverty, and the risk of HIV/AIDS, few randomized trials have evaluated the impact of livelihood interventions on HIV risk behaviors. The current study draws upon data collected from a qualitative process evaluation that was embedded into a pilot randomized controlled trial that tested whether a multisectoral agricultural intervention (Shamba Maisha) affected the HIV-related health of HIV-positive adults in rural Kenya. In the current study, we drew upon longitudinal, in-depth interviews with 45 intervention participants and nine control participants (N = 54) in order to examine the impacts of the intervention on gendered power and sexual risk reduction among both women and men. Female and male participants in the intervention described positive changes in sexual practices and gendered power dynamics as a result of intervention participation. Changes included reduced sexual risk behaviors, improved gender-related power dynamics, and enhanced quality of intimate relationships. These findings illuminate how a multisectoral agricultural intervention may affect inequitable gender relations and secondary transmission risk. Further research is needed to explore how to best leverage agricultural interventions to address the important intersections between poverty and inequitable gender relations that shape HIV risks.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Risk-Taking , Rural Population/statistics & numerical data , Sexual Behavior , Adult , Cohort Studies , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/prevention & control , HIV Infections/psychology , Humans , Kenya , Male , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Risk Reduction Behavior , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Behavior/statistics & numerical data
9.
AIDS Behav ; 20(9): 2045-53, 2016 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27052844

ABSTRACT

Gender-based power imbalances place women at significant risk for sexual violence, however, little research has examined this association among women living with HIV/AIDS. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of relationship power and sexual violence among HIV-positive women on anti-retroviral therapy in rural Uganda. Relationship power was measured using the Sexual Relationship Power Scale (SRPS), a validated measure consisting of two subscales: relationship control (RC) and decision-making dominance. We used multivariable logistic regression to test for associations between the SRPS and two dependent variables: recent forced sex and transactional sex. Higher relationship power (full SRPS) was associated with reduced odds of forced sex (AOR = 0.24; 95 % CI 0.07-0.80; p = 0.020). The association between higher relationship power and transactional sex was strong and in the expected direction, but not statistically significant (AOR = 0.47; 95 % CI 0.18-1.22; p = 0.119). Higher RC was associated with reduced odds of both forced sex (AOR = 0.18; 95 % CI 0.06-0.59; p < 0.01) and transactional sex (AOR = 0.38; 95 % CI 0.15-0.99; p = 0.048). Violence prevention interventions with HIV-positive women should consider approaches that increase women's power in their relationships.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/psychology , Power, Psychological , Sex Offenses/psychology , Social Stigma , Adult , Anti-Retroviral Agents/therapeutic use , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/ethnology , HIV Seropositivity/psychology , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Risk Factors , Rural Population , Sex Offenses/ethnology , Sexual Behavior , Uganda/epidemiology , Young Adult
10.
Cult Health Sex ; 18(5): 567-81, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26505136

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study captured South African female health provider perspectives of intimate partner violence in female patients, gender norms and consequences for patients' health. Findings indicated female patients' health behaviours were predicated on sociocultural norms of submission to men's authority and economic dependence on their partners. Respondents described how men's preferences and health decision-making in clinics affected their patients' health. Adverse gender norms and gender inequalities affected women's opportunities to be healthy, contributing to HIV risk and undermining effective HIV management in this context. Some providers, seeking to deliver a standard of quality healthcare to their female patients, demonstrated a willingness to challenge patriarchal gender relations. Findings enhance understanding of how socially-sanctioned gender norms, intimate partner violence and HIV are synergistic, also reaffirming the need for integrated HIV-intimate partner violence responses in multi-sector national strategic plans. Health providers' intimate knowledge of the lived experiences of female patients with intimate partner violence and/or HIV deepens understanding of how adverse gender norms generate health risks for women in ways that may inform policy and clinical practice in South Africa and other high-HIV prevalence settings.


Subject(s)
Sexual Behavior/psychology , Social Norms , Spouse Abuse/psychology , Adult , Black People , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Humans , Qualitative Research , South Africa/epidemiology , Spouse Abuse/economics , Women's Health/ethnology
12.
Hum Resour Health ; 12: 14, 2014 Feb 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24571826

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In South Africa, community service following medical training serves as a mechanism for equitable distribution of health professionals and their professional development. Community service officers are required to contribute a year towards serving in a public health facility while receiving supervision and remuneration. Although the South African community service programme has been in effect since 1998, little is known about how placement and practical support occur, or how community service may impact future retention of health professionals. METHODS: National, cross-sectional data were collected from community service officers who served during 2009 using a structured self-report questionnaire. A Supervision Satisfaction Scale (SSS) was created by summing scores of five questions rated on a three-point Likert scale (orientation, clinical advising, ongoing mentorship, accessibility of clinic leadership, and handling of community service officers' concerns). Research endpoints were guided by community service programmatic goals and analysed as dichotomous outcomes. Bivariate and multivariate logistical regressions were conducted using Stata 12. RESULTS: The sample population comprised 685 doctors and dentists (response rate 44%). Rural placement was more likely among unmarried, male, and black practitioners. Rates of self-reported professional development were high (470 out of 539 responses; 87%). Participants with higher scores on the SSS were more likely to report professional development. Although few participants planned to continue work in rural, underserved communities (n = 171 out of 657 responses, 25%), those serving in a rural facility during the community service year had higher intentions of continuing rural work. Those reporting professional development during the community service year were twice as likely to report intentions to remain in rural, underserved communities. CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges in equitable distribution of practitioners, participant satisfaction with the compulsory community service programme appears to be high among those who responded to a 2009 questionnaire. These data offer a starting point for designing programmes and policies that better meet the health needs of the South African population through more appropriate human resource management. An emphasis on professional development and supervision is crucial if South Africa is to build practitioner skills, equitably distribute health professionals, and retain the medical workforce in rural, underserved areas.


Subject(s)
Community Health Services , Dentists , Physicians , Rural Health Services , Rural Population , Social Welfare , Adult , Black People , Cross-Sectional Studies , Dentistry , Female , Humans , Intention , Logistic Models , Male , South Africa , Surveys and Questionnaires , Workforce
13.
Cult Health Sex ; 16(9): 1023-39, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24939358

ABSTRACT

Nearly one-third of South African men report enacting intimate partner violence. Beyond the direct health consequences for women, intimate partner violence is also linked to varied risk behaviours among men who enact it, including alcohol abuse, risky sex, and poor healthcare uptake. Little is known about how to reduce violence perpetration among men. We conducted retrospective, in-depth interviews with men (n = 53) who participated in a rural South African programme that targeted masculinities, HIV risk, and intimate partner violence. We conducted computer-assisted thematic qualitative coding alongside a simple rubric to understand how the programme may lead to changes in men's use of intimate partner violence. Many men described new patterns of reduced alcohol intake and improved partner communication, allowing them to respond in ways that did not lead to the escalation of violence. Sexual decision-making changed via reduced sexual entitlement and increased mutuality about whether to have sex. Men articulated the intertwined nature of each of these topics, suggesting that a syndemic lens may be useful for understanding intimate partner violence. These data suggest that alcohol and sexual relationship skills may be useful levers for future violence prevention efforts, and that intimate partner violence may be a tractable issue as men learn new skills for enacting masculinities in their household and in intimate relationships.


Subject(s)
Alcohol Drinking/psychology , Interpersonal Relations , Men/psychology , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Spouse Abuse/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Attitude to Health , Decision Making , HIV Infections/psychology , Humans , Male , Masculinity , Middle Aged , Qualitative Research , Retrospective Studies , Risk-Taking , Rural Population , Sex Offenses/psychology , South Africa , Young Adult
14.
Arch Sex Behav ; 42(5): 703-13, 2013 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23179234

ABSTRACT

While access to and control over assets can minimize women's HIV risk, little is known about the processes through which property rights violations increase the sexual transmission of HIV. The current study focused on two rural areas in Nyanza and Western Province, Kenya where HIV prevalence was high (23.8-33 %) and property rights violations were common. The current work drew on in-depth interview data collected from 50 individuals involved in the development and implementation of a community-led land and property rights program. The program was designed to respond to property rights violations, prevent disinheritance and asset stripping, and reduce HIV risk among women. In our findings, we detailed the social and economic mechanisms through which a loss of property rights was perceived to influence primary and secondary prevention of HIV. These included: loss of income, loss of livelihood and shelter, and migration to slums, markets, or beaches where the exchange of sex for food, money, shelter, clothing, or other goods was common. We also examined the perceived influence of cultural practices, such as wife inheritance, on HIV risk. In the conclusions, we made recommendations for future research in the science-base focused on the development of property ownership as a structural HIV prevention and treatment intervention.


Subject(s)
Culture , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Ownership/economics , Rural Population , Women , Adult , Female , HIV Infections/economics , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Humans , Kenya/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Qualitative Research , Risk Factors , Socioeconomic Factors
15.
BMC Public Health ; 13: 1115, 2013 Dec 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24294994

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Women's ability to safely disclose their HIV-positive status to male partners is essential for uptake and continued use of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services. However, little is known about the acceptability of potential approaches for facilitating partner disclosure. To lay the groundwork for developing an intervention, we conducted formative qualitative research to elicit feedback on three approaches for safe HIV disclosure for pregnant women and male partners in rural Kenya. METHODS: This qualitative acceptability research included in-depth interviews with HIV-infected pregnant women (n = 20) and male partners of HIV-infected women (n = 20) as well as two focus groups with service providers (n = 16). The participants were recruited at health care facilities in two communities in rural Nyanza Province, Kenya, during the period June to November 2011. Data were managed in NVivo 9 and analyzed using a framework approach, drawing on grounded theory. RESULTS: We found that facilitating HIV disclosure is acceptable in this context, but that individual participants have varying expectations depending on their personal situation. Many participants displayed a strong preference for couples HIV counseling and testing (CHCT) with mutual disclosure facilitated by a trained health worker. Home-based approaches and programs in which pregnant women are asked to bring their partners to the healthcare facility were equally favored. Participants felt that home-based CHCT would be acceptable for this rural setting, but special attention must be paid to how this service is introduced in the community, training of the health workers who will conduct the home visits, and confidentiality. CONCLUSION: Pregnant couples should be given different options for assistance with HIV disclosure. Home-based CHCT could serve as an acceptable method to assist women and men with safe disclosure of HIV status. These findings can inform the design and implementation of programs geared at promoting HIV disclosure among pregnant women and partners, especially in the home-setting.


Subject(s)
Disclosure , HIV Seropositivity , Patient Preference , Pregnant Women/psychology , Rural Health Services/organization & administration , Sexual Partners/psychology , Adult , Aged , Female , Focus Groups , Health Services Research , House Calls , Humans , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control , Kenya , Male , Middle Aged , Pregnancy , Qualitative Research , Young Adult
16.
Cult Health Sex ; 15(4): 404-19, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23387300

ABSTRACT

More than half of rural Kenyan women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. Beyond physical consequences, IPV indirectly worsens maternal health because pregnant women avoid antenatal care or HIV testing when they fear violent reprisal from partners. To develop an intervention to mitigate violence towards pregnant women, we conducted qualitative research in rural Kenya. Through eight focus group discussions, four with pregnant women and four with male partners, and in-depth interviews with service providers, we explored the social context of IPV using an ecological model. We found that women experienced physical and sexual IPV, but also economic violence such as forced exile from the marital home or losing material support. Relationship triggers of IPV included perceived sexual infidelity or transgressing gender norms. Women described hiding antenatal HIV testing from partners, as testing was perceived as a sign of infidelity. Extended families were sometimes supportive, but often encouraged silence to protect the family image. The broader community viewed IPV as an intractable, common issue, which seemed to normalise its use. These results resonate with global IPV research showing that factors beyond the individual - gender roles in intimate partnerships, family dynamics and community norms - shape high rates of violence.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Maternal Welfare , Sex Offenses/ethnology , Social Environment , Spouse Abuse/ethnology , Adolescent , Adult , Attitude of Health Personnel , Female , Focus Groups , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Humans , Kenya , Male , Middle Aged , Pregnancy , Qualitative Research , Rural Population , Young Adult
17.
Men Masc ; 16(2)2013 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24311940

ABSTRACT

"One Man Can" (OMC) is a rights-based gender equality and health program implemented by Sonke Gender Justice Network (Sonke) in South Africa. The program seeks to reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS and reduce violence against women and men. To understand how OMC workshops impact masculinities, gender norms, and perceptions of women's rights, an academic/non-governmental organization (NGO) partnership was carried out with the University of Cape Town, the University of California at San Francisco, and Sonke. Sixty qualitative, in-depth interviews were carried out with men who had completed OMC workshops and who were recruited from Sonke's partner organizations that were focused on gender and/or health-related services. Men were recruited who were over age 18 and who participated in OMC workshops in Limpopo and Eastern Cape Provinces, South Africa. Results reveal how men reconfigured notions of hegemonic masculinity both in terms of beliefs and practices in relationships, households, and in terms of women's rights. In the conclusions, we consider the ways in which the OMC program extends public health research focused on masculinities, violence, and HIV/AIDS. We then critically assess the ways in which health researchers and practitioners can bolster men's engagement within programs focused on gender equality and health.

18.
J Int AIDS Soc ; 26(6): e26129, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37306126

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Women face challenges in antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and achieving viral suppression despite progress in the expansion of HIV treatment. Evidence suggests that violence against women (VAW) is an important determinant of poor ART adherence in women living with HIV (WLH). In our study, we examine the association of sexual VAW and ART adherence among WLH and assess whether this association varies by whether women are pregnant/breastfeeding or not. METHODS: A pooled analysis was conducted among WLH from Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment cross-sectional surveys (2015-2018) from nine sub-Saharan African countries. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between lifetime sexual violence and suboptimal ART adherence (≥1 missed day in the past 30 days) among reproductive age WLH on ART, and to assess whether there was any evidence for interaction by pregnancy/breastfeeding status, after adjusting for key confounders. RESULTS: A total of 5038 WLH on ART were included. Among all included women, the prevalence of sexual violence was 15.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.3%-17.1%) and the prevalence of suboptimal ART adherence was 19.8% (95% CI: 18.1%-21.5%). Among only pregnant and breastfeeding women, the prevalence of sexual violence was 13.1% (95% CI: 9.5%-16.8%) and the prevalence of suboptimal ART adherence was 20.1% (95% CI: 15.7%-24.5%). Among all included women, there was evidence for an association between sexual violence and suboptimal ART adherence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.25-2.28). There was evidence that the association between sexual violence and ART adherence varied by pregnant/breastfeeding status (p = 0.004). Pregnant and breastfeeding women with a history of sexual violence had higher odds of suboptimal ART adherence (aOR: 4.11, 95% CI: 2.13-7.92) compared to pregnant and breastfeeding women without a history of sexual violence, while among non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding women, this association was attenuated (aOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.00-1.93). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual violence is associated with women's suboptimal ART adherence in sub-Saharan Africa, with a greater effect among pregnant and breastfeeding WLH. To improve women's HIV outcomes and to achieve the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV, violence prevention efforts within maternity services and HIV care and treatment should be a policy priority.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Medication Adherence , Sex Offenses , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Anti-Retroviral Agents/therapeutic use , Breast Feeding , Cross-Sectional Studies , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/epidemiology
19.
AIDS ; 37(4): 659-669, 2023 03 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36511117

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of viral suppression and risk factors for unsuppressed viral load among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV (WLH). DESIGN: Pooled analysis among pregnant and breastfeeding WLH from Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) cross-sectional surveys from 10 sub-Saharan African countries. METHODS: Questionnaires included sociodemographic, relationship-related, and HIV-related items, while blood tests examined HIV serostatus and viral load (data collected 2015-2018). The weighted prevalence of viral suppression was calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for unsuppressed viral load (≥1000 copies/ml). RESULTS: Of 1685 pregnant or breastfeeding WLH with viral load results, 63.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 60.8-66.7%) were virally suppressed at the study visit. Among all included women, adolescence (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 4.85, 95% CI: 2.58-9.14, P  < 0.001) and nondisclosure of HIV status to partner (aOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.02-2.14, P  = 0.04) were associated with unsuppressed viral load. Among only partnered women, adolescence (aOR: 7.95, 95% CI: 3.32-19.06, P  < 0.001), and lack of paid employment (aOR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47-0.94, P  = 0.02) were associated with unsuppressed viral load. Examining only women on ART, nondisclosure of HIV status to partner (aOR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.19-2.88, P  = 0.006) was associated with unsuppressed viral load. CONCLUSION: Viral suppression among pregnant and breastfeeding WLH in sub-Saharan Africa remains suboptimal. Relationship dynamics around nondisclosure of HIV-positive status to partners was an important risk factor for unsuppressed viral load. Improving HIV care via sensitive discussions around partner dynamics in pregnant and breastfeeding women could improve maternal HIV outcomes and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT).


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Pregnancy , Adolescent , Humans , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Breast Feeding , Viral Load , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control , Risk Factors , Africa South of the Sahara
20.
Am J Prev Med ; 65(5): 932-939, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37343708

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Food insecurity is a potential predictor of intimate partner violence. This study (1) describes the prevalence of food insecurity and various forms of intimate partner violence experience among women in Mwanza, Tanzania; and (2) assesses the effect of food insecurity and hunger on various forms of women's experience of intimate partner violence longitudinally. METHODS: Women (aged 18-70 years) who reported being in a relationship in the past 12 months, who had participated in the control arms of two randomized controlled trials conducted as part of the MAISHA study were interviewed at four time points (N=1,004 at baseline in 2017). Analyses were conducted in 2022. Associations between food insecurity exposures and intimate partner violence outcomes were assessed, and univariate random effect logistic models were conducted to identify relevant sociodemographic variables (including age, education level, and SES) that were statistically significant. Multivariable random effects logistic models were conducted, including time as a fixed effect, to calculate odds ratios indicating associations between food insecurity exposures and intimate partner violence outcomes. RESULTS: Prevalence of food insecurity was 47.7%, 55.6%, 47.2%, and 50.8% for each of the 4 waves, respectively, with significant difference in proportion of food insecurity between baseline and Wave 2. Multivariable random effects models indicated that food insecurity was associated with increased odds of exposure to all forms of intimate partner violence outcomes, and hunger was significantly associated with increased odds of experience of all intimate partner violence outcomes, apart from controlling behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this longitudinal analysis of food insecurity and women's reports of intimate partner violence experience in a low- and middle-income country setting indicate that food insecurity is significantly associated with all forms of intimate partner violence, apart from controlling behaviors, among women in this sample in Mwanza, Tanzania. Policy and programmatic implications include the need for integrated intimate partner violence prevention programming to take into account household food needs.


Subject(s)
Intimate Partner Violence , Humans , Female , Tanzania/epidemiology , Intimate Partner Violence/prevention & control , Prevalence , Food Insecurity , Risk Factors , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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