Sexually Transmitted Infections and the Risk of Reinfection Within 12 Months: A Population-Based Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are common sexually transmitted infections that disproportionately affect specific groups in New Zealand (NZ). Predictors of reinfection are not well studied in NZ but could inform public health strategies to decrease sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence. METHODS: New Zealand-wide chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases during 2019 were identified using nationally collected data. Cases were followed-up to identify reinfection with the same STI within 12 months of initial infections. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors for each STI reinfection. RESULTS: Determinants identified for increased odds of chlamydia reinfection were age groups 16-19 and 20-24 years, females, Maori and Pacific peoples, cases in the Northern region, and cases with at least one test before the initial infection. Age 40 years and older was associated with lower odds of gonorrhea reinfection, as was being of Asian ethnicity, living in Midland or Southern regions, and reporting heterosexual behavior. Region was the only statistically significant predictor for syphilis reinfection, with higher odds of reinfection for people living in the Central region. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reflect disproportionate STI rates for some groups in NZ, with younger age groups, Maori and Pacific peoples, men who have sex with men, and people living in the Northern region experiencing higher odds of reinfection. Groups identified with higher odds for reinfection require increased access to culturally responsive health services to treat, understand, and prevent possible reinfection. Changes to current public health strategies could include culturally specific behavioral counseling, and improvements to and adherence to effective contract tracing.

Social and Structural Barriers to Primary Care Access Among Women Living With HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT: This study examines correlates of being unable to access primary care in the past 6 months among cisgender (cis) and trans women living with HIV (WLWH). Data were drawn from a longitudinal community-based cohort study of WLWH (ages 14+) in Metro Vancouver, Canada (2014-2017). Of 291 participants contributing 914 observations, 15.5% reported being unable to access primary care at baseline. In multivariable analysis, increased odds of being unable to access primary care was associated with (a) having im/migrated to Canada, and, in the past 6 months, (b) identifying as gender minority, (c) experiencing physical or sexual violence, (d) having suicidal ideation or attempts. Decreased odds were associated with recently accessing HIV-specific resources. Our findings suggest that primary health care for WLWH should address high levels of violence and mental health conditions as well as barriers to services for gender minority and im/migrant WLWH.

Prevalence and Correlates of HIV Stigma Among Women Living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

This study elucidated the prevalence and correlates of four types of HIV stigma among women living with HIV (WLWH). Data were drawn from 2 years (September 1/15 to August 31/17) of follow-up from a longitudinal community-based open cohort of 215 cisgender or transgender WLWH who lived and/or accessed care in Metro Vancouver, Canada (2014-present). Bivariate and multivariable cumulative logistic regression using generalized estimating equations for repeated measures were used to examine correlates of HIV stigma, including: (1) anticipated; (2) enacted; (3) internalized; and (4) perceived stigma. In multivariable analysis, disclosure of HIV status without consent was significantly associated with heightened: anticipated; enacted; and perceived stigma. Verbal and/or physical violence related to HIV status was significantly associated with heightened enacted, internalized and perceived stigma. Negative physical effects/symptoms of HIV was significantly associated with all stigma outcomes. Results suggest a need to support safe disclosure of HIV status and address social and structural violence against WLWH.

Ethics and the treatment as prevention strategy among transgender women living with HIV in Argentina.

While numerous ethical concerns have been voiced regarding HIV service scale-up strategies targeting key populations, few studies have examined these from the perspective of affected groups. This study therefore sought to understand transgender women's experiences and perspectives of targeted HIV services scale-up in the context of Argentina's Treatment as Prevention strategy. In 2016, 25 purposively selected transgender women living with HIV were interviewed by a peer research associate. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using participatory coding techniques. Findings suggest that procedures around informed consent, including the provision of full information in lay language and voluntariness, were lacking both pre- and post-HIV test. Further, many transgender women felt disrespected and disregarded by healthcare workers. While the majority of participants were unaware of Treatment as Prevention, once explained, most felt the approach was ethical overall, and helped improve equity in HIV service access. Study findings offer several community-driven suggestions to support patient rights and the ethical scale-up of HIV services for transgender women in Buenos Aires, including the need for training in and the provision of non-judgemental, gender-affirmative care and the inclusion of peer-navigators.

Overdose among mothers: The association between child removal and unintentional drug overdose in a longitudinal cohort of marginalised women in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Accidental overdose is a major public health concern in North America with research primarily focused on cisgender men. Little is known about the burden of overdose among marginalised women, particularly in the context of child custody loss. This study aims to examine the prevalence of overdose and the association with child removal in a cohort of marginalised women. METHODS: This study draws on a merged dataset (2010-2018) of two community-based longitudinal cohorts of over 1000 marginalised women in Canada recruited using time-location sampling. After restricting to women who had ever had a live birth, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression using generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to examine the association between child removal and overdose. Joint effects of child removal and Indigeneity were also investigated. RESULTS: Of the 696 women who reported ever having a live birth, 39.7% (n = 276) reported child removal at baseline. Unintended, non-fatal overdose rates were high, with 35.1% (n = 244) of women reporting ever having an overdose. Using bivariate GEE analyses, having a child apprehended and being Indigenous were positively correlated with overdose. Using multivariable GEE, child removal increased the odds of overdose by 55% (AOR: 1.55; 95% CI 1.01-2.39) after adjusting for education and Indigenous ancestry. Using multivariable joint-effects analysis, Indigenous women who had experienced child removal had over twice the odds of an unintended overdose than non-Indigenous women who had not lost custody after adjusting for education, food insecurity, and sex work (AOR: 2.09; 95% CI 1.15-3.79). CONCLUSION: This analysis suggests that, after controlling for known confounders, women who have a child removed experience higher odds of overdose, and these odds are highest among Indigenous women. The high prevalence of overdose in this cohort suggests the need for further strategies to prevent overdose among pregnant and parenting women.

HIV viral load trajectories of women living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

This study describes long-term viral load (VL) trajectories and their predictors among women living with HIV (WLWH), using data from Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS: Women's Longitudinal Needs Assessment (SHAWNA), an open prospective cohort study with linkages to the HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program. Using Latent Class Growth Analysis (LCGA) on a sample of 153 WLWH (1088 observations), three distinct trajectories of detectable VL (≥50 copies/ml) were identified: 'sustained low probability of detectable VL', characterized by high probability of long-term VL undetectability (51% of participants); 'high probability of delayed viral undetectability', characterized by a high probability VL detectability at baseline that decreases over time (43% of participants); and 'high probability of detectable VL', characterized by a high probability of long-term VL detectability (7% of participants). In multivariable analysis, incarceration (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.24; 95%CI:1.34-7.82), younger age (AOR = 0.96; 95%CI:0.92-1.00), and lower CD4 count (AOR = 0.82; 95%CI:0.72-0.93) were associated with 'high probability of delayed viral undetectability' compared to 'sustained low probability of detectable VL.' This study reveals the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of WLWH's long-term VL patterns, and highlights the need for early engagement in HIV care among young WLWH and programs to mitigate the destabilizing impact of incarceration on WLWH's HIV treatment outcomes.

Exploring pathways from violence and HIV disclosure without consent to depression, social support, and HIV medication self-efficacy among women living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

We used path analysis to investigate complex pathways from HIV status disclosure without consent, physical/verbal violence and depression, social support, and HIV medication self-efficacy through mediators of HIV stigma among women living with HIV in Canada. In the final model, internalized stigma fully mediated the relationship between physical/verbal violence and reduced medication self-efficacy. Enacted stigma fully mediated the relationship between HIV status disclosure without consent and depression. Internalized stigma (ß = 0.252; p < 0.001) had a significant negative direct effect on medication self-efficacy. Enacted stigma had a significant direct effect on depression (ß = 0.162; p = 0.037). Findings will help improve services and interventions to promote quality of life and well-being of women living with HIV.

Family Separation and Maternal Self-rated Health: Evidence from a Prospective Cohort of Marginalized Mothers in a Canadian Setting.

OBJECTIVES: Involuntary child removal via the child protection system disproportionately affects marginalized women, yet the impacts on maternal health are under-investigated. This study prospectively examined the association of child removal with self-rated health of mothers who are sex workers. Given high levels of intergenerational family separation in this population, particularly among Indigenous sex workers, we also estimated joint effects of child removal spanning two generations. METHODS: Analyses drew on 2010-2015 data from AESHA (An Evaluation of Sex Workers' Health Access), a prospective cohort of sex workers (n = 950) in Vancouver, Canada. Using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, we modeled the association of past child removal and current self-rated health in a sample of 466 sex workers who ever had a live birth. Joint effects of child removal and history of removal from own parents were also investigated. RESULTS: Of 466 sex workers, 180 (38.6%) reported child removal at baseline and 147 (31.6%) had a history of removal from own parents. In main effects model, child removal was associated with increased odds of poorer self-rated health [odds ratio (OR) 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04, 2.16]. Joint effects model showed higher odds of poorer self-rated health (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.27, 3.27) among women with intergenerational family separation. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: Child removal was negatively associated with sex workers' health that was worsened when family separation spanned two generations. Findings underscore need to develop sex worker and Indigenous-led family support services, along with tailored interventions to address health needs of those separated from their children.

Harms of Workplace Inspections for Im/Migrant Sex Workers in In-Call Establishments: Enhanced Barriers to Health Access in a Canadian Setting.

Given shifting sex work criminalization and enforcement in Canada, this study examined worrying about workplace inspections by authorities amongst indoor sex workers in Vancouver (2014-2017). Data were drawn from a community-based prospective cohort of sex workers (AESHA). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to investigate factors associated with worry about inspections. 23.9% of participants experienced workplace inspections; 51.6% worried about inspections. In multivariable analyses, worrying about inspections was associated with recent im/migration [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.77-5.53], police harassment (AOR 3.49; 95% CI 1.92-6.34), and workplace violence (AOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.09-2.51). In a multivariable confounder model, worry was independently associated with barriers to health access (AOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.06-1.98). Im/migrant indoor workers are disproportionately impacted by concerns about workplace inspections, which was independently linked to enhanced barriers to health access. Current criminalization measures may exacerbate health inequities among im/migrant sex workers.

The Effect of Violence and Intersecting Structural Inequities on High Rates of Food Insecurity among Marginalized Sex Workers in a Canadian Setting.

Food security is both a basic human right and a public health necessity. Despite known gendered contexts of food insecurity, there is a dearth of research on prevalence and factors driving increased food insecurity for sex workers in a criminalized setting. The current study longitudinally examines the prevalence and structural and individual factors associated with increased odds of food insecurity among street and off-street sex workers in a Canadian urban setting. Prospective analyses drew on data from a community-based longitudinal cohort of cis and trans women in street and off-street sex work in An Evaluation of Sex Workers Health Access (2010-2014). The primary outcome was a time-updated measure of food insecurity, using the Radimer-Cornell scale. We used bivariable and multivariable logistic regression using generalized estimating equations to prospectively model correlates of food insecurity over a five-year period. Of 761 cis and trans women sex workers, 72.4% (n = 551) were food insecure over the study period. Over a third (35.2%, n = 268) identified as Indigenous and a quarter, 25.6% (n = 195) were of a gender/sexual minority. Within the 11.0% (n = 84) of women living with HIV, 96.4% (n = 81) were food insecure over the follow-up period. In multivariable analysis, Indigenous ancestry (AOR = 1.58 [95% CI 1.18, 2.10]), unstable housing (AOR = 1.27 [95% CI 1.03, 1.57]), stimulant use (AOR = 1.97 [95% CI 1.57, 2.45]), heroin use (AOR = 1.72 [95% CI 1.36, 2.19]), mental health diagnosis (AOR = 2.38 [95% CI 1.85, 3.05]), recent violence (AOR = 1.54 [95% CI 1.24, 1.91]), means of food access: reliant on food services only vs. self-sufficient (AOR = 1.78 [95% CI 1.38, 2.29]), and means of food access: both vs. self-sufficient (AOR = 2.29 [95% CI 1.84, 2.86]) were associated with food insecurity. In separate multivariable models, both recent and lifetime physical and/or sexual violence remained independently associated with food insecurity (AOR 1.54 [95% CI 1.24, 1.91]; AOR 4.62 [95% CI 2.99, 7.14], respectively). Almost all study participants living with HIV reported being food insecure. These intersecting risks demonstrate the negative impacts associated with living with HIV, experiencing food insecurity and/or physical or sexual violence. This study also highlights the potential for interventions that address structural inequities (e.g., decriminalizing sex work) to have crosscutting impacts to reduce barriers to accessing necessities (including food) or health and social services (e.g., methadone; primary care).

Impacts of im/migration experience on work stress among sex workers in Vancouver, Canada.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the precarious and unsafe working conditions frequently experienced by sex workers (SWs) and im/migrant workers, there remains a paucity of research on work-related stress and links to duration of im/migration residency among SWs. This study analyzes the relationship between duration of residency and two dimensions of work stress among SWs in Metro Vancouver. METHODS: Data were drawn from a longitudinal cohort of women SWs across Metro Vancouver (2010-2014). Multivariable confounder models with generalized estimating equations were developed to examine the independent effects of duration of residency on decision authority and job demands, after adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Of 545 SWs, 9.7% were recent im/migrants, 13.9% were long-term im/migrants, and 76.2% were non-migrants. In comparison to non-migrant SWs, recent (ß coefficient - 1.02, 95% CI - 1.57 to - 0.47) and long-term im/migrants (ß coefficient - 0.87, 95% CI - 1.36 to -0.38) faced decreased work stress related to job demands after adjustment for key confounders. Decision authority did not retain a significant independent association after adjusting for the same factors. CONCLUSION: Job demands varied significantly by duration of residency. This may be explained by changing working conditions and experiences over the course of arrival and settlement among im/migrant SWs, as well as the role of formal work environments in supporting im/migrant SWs' well-being. Given high rates of work stress related to job demands and low decision authority among all SWs, decriminalization of sex work, improved occupational standards, and culturally sensitive interventions to promote collectivization and improved access to working conditions remain needed.

High pregnancy incidence and low contraceptive use among a prospective cohort of female entertainment and sex workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

BACKGROUND: While HIV and unintended pregnancies are both occupational risks faced by female sex workers, the epidemiology of pregnancy and its drivers in this population remains understudied. This includes Cambodia, where the drivers of pregnancy among female entertainment and sex workers (FESW) remain unknown. The current study aimed to examine factors associated with incident pregnancy, as well as describe contraceptive use among FESW in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. METHODS: This analysis drew from the Young Women's Health Study (YWHS)-2, a 12-month observational cohort of 220 FESW aged 15-29 years, conducted between August 2009 and August 2010. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were conducted at baseline and quarterly thereafter, alongside HIV and pregnancy testing. Bivariate and multivariable extended Cox regression analysis was used to examine correlates of incident pregnancy. RESULTS: At baseline, 6.8% of participants were pregnant, and only 10.8% reported using hormonal contraceptives, with 11.3% reporting an abortion in the past 3 months. Pregnancy incidence was high, at 22/100 person-years (95% CI: 16.3-30.1). In multivariable analysis, younger age (19-24 years versus 25-29 years) (Adjusted Hazards Ratio (AHR): 2.28; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.22-4.27), lower income (400,000-600,000 Riel (≤150$USD) versus > 600,000 Riel (> 150$USD)) (AHR 2.63; 95% CI 1.02-6.77) positively predicted pregnancy, while higher self-reported condom self-efficacy were associated with reduced pregnancy incidence (AHR 0.89; 95% CI 0.81-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Results document high incidence of pregnancy and unmet reproductive health needs among FESWs in Cambodia. Findings point to an urgent need for multi-level interventions, including venue-based HIV/STI and violence prevention interventions, in the context of legal and policy reform. High pregnancy incidence in this population may also undermine recruitment and retention into HIV prevention intervention trials. The exploration of innovative and comprehensive sex worker-tailored sexual and reproductive health service models, also as part of HIV prevention intervention trials, is warranted.

Realizing Women Living with HIV's Reproductive Rights in the Era of ART: The Negative Impact of Non-consensual HIV Disclosure on Pregnancy Decisions Amongst Women Living with HIV in a Canadian Setting.

To better understand the structural drivers of women living with HIV's (WLWH's) reproductive rights and choices, this study examined the structural correlates, including non-consensual HIV disclosure, on WLWH's pregnancy decisions and describes access to preconception care. Analyses drew on data (2014-present) from SHAWNA, a longitudinal community-based cohort with WLWH across Metro-Vancouver, Canada. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the effect of non-consensual HIV disclosure on WLWH's pregnancy decisions. Of the 218 WLWH included in our analysis, 24.8% had ever felt discouraged from becoming pregnant and 11.5% reported accessing preconception counseling. In multivariable analyses, non-consensual HIV disclosure was positively associated with feeling discouraged from wanting to become pregnant (AOR 3.76; 95% CI 1.82-7.80). Non-consensual HIV disclosure adversely affects WLWH's pregnancy decisions. Supporting the reproductive rights of WLWH will require further training among general practitioners on the reproductive health of WLWH and improved access to women-centred, trauma-informed care, including non-judgmental preconception counseling.

Social and structural factors increase inconsistent condom use by sex workers' one-time and regular clients in Northern Uganda.

While sex workers (SWs) bear the brunt of the epidemic in Uganda, there remains a dearth of empirical research on the structural drivers of HIV prevention among SWs. This study examined the drivers of inconsistent condom use by one-time and regular clients of young women SWs in Gulu, Northern Uganda. Data were drawn from the Gulu Sexual Health Study, a cross-sectional study of young SWs, aged 14 years and older (2011-2012). SWs were recruited using peer/SW-led outreach, in partnership with The AIDS Support Organization and other CBOs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of inconsistent condom use by one-time and regular clients. In total, 84.5% of the 381 SWs servicing regular clients and 76.8% of the 393 SWs servicing one-time clients reported inconsistent client condom use. In multivariable analysis, physical/sexual violence by clients (AOR = 5.39; 95%CI 3.05-9.49), low sexual control by workers (measured by the validated Pulweritz scale) (AOR = 2.86; 95%CI 1.47-5.58), alcohol/drug use while working (AOR = 1.98; 95%CI 1.17-3.35) and migration to Gulu for sex work (AOR = 1.73; 95%CI 0.95-3.14) were positively correlated with inconsistent condom use by one-time clients. Correlates of inconsistent condom use by regular clients included: low sexual control by workers (AOR = 4.63; 95%CI 2.32-9.23); physical/sexual violence by clients (AOR = 3.48; 95%CI 1.85-6.53); police harassment (AOR = 2.57; 95%CI 1.17-5.65); and being a single mother (AOR = 2.07; 95%CI 1.09-3.93). Structural and interpersonal factors strongly influence inconsistent condom use by clients, with violence by clients and police, low sexual control by workers, migration and single-parenthood all linked to non-condom use. There is a need for peer-led structural interventions that improve access to occupational health and safety standards (e.g., violence prevention and alcohol/drug harm reduction policies/programming). Shifts away from the current punitive approaches towards SWs are integral to the success of such interventions, as they continue to undermine HIV prevention efforts.

Severe menopausal symptoms associated with reduced adherence to antiretroviral therapy among perimenopausal and menopausal women living with HIV in Metro Vancouver.

OBJECTIVES: Although more women living with HIV (WLWH) are entering midlife, the experiences of perimenopausal and menopausal WLWH, including the effects of menopausal symptoms severity, remain understudied. This study longitudinally investigated the correlates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among perimenopausal and menopausal WLWH from Metro Vancouver. METHODS: Analyses drew on longitudinal data (2014-2017) from Sexual health and HIV/AIDS: Women's Longitudinal Needs Assessment, an ongoing community-based cohort of WLWH, aged 14+, from Metro Vancouver, Canada. At baseline and biannually, participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations were used to identify the correlates of self-reported <95% ART adherence. RESULTS: The sample included 109 perimenopausal and menopausal WLWH (233 observations), with a median age of 49 years (IQR 44-53). Whereas most (68.8%) participants experienced menopausal symptoms, only 17% had received treatment (eg, antidepressants, hormone therapy) at baseline. In multivariable analysis, severe menopausal symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.06), injection drug use (AOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.44-5.55), and physical/sexual violence (AOR 2.33, 95% CI 1.02-5.26) independently and positively correlated with <95% adherence. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that menopausal symptoms may undermine ART adherence, with overlapping vulnerabilities such as injection drug use and sexual/physical violence further exacerbating poor ART adherence. Women-centred, trauma-informed care approaches to detect menopause and treat menopausal symptoms are urgently needed. Such approaches should holistically address the intersecting barriers to adherence and link WLWH to peripheral health and social services, including trauma counseling and evidence-based harm reduction services.

Recent im/migration to Canada linked to unmet health needs among sex workers in Vancouver, Canada: Findings of a longitudinal study.

Despite universal health care in Canada, sex workers (SWs) and im/migrants experience suboptimal health care access. In this analysis, we examined the correlates of unmet health needs among SWs in Metro Vancouver over time. Data from a longitudinal cohort of women SWs (An Evaluation of Sex Workers Health Access [AESHA]) were used. Of 742 SWs, 25.5% reported unmet health needs at least once over the 4-year study period. In multivariable logistic regression using generalized estimating equations, recent im/migration had the strongest impact on unmet health needs; long-term im/migration, policing, and trauma were also important determinants. Legal and social supports to promote im/migrant SWs' access to health care are recommended.

Food Insecurity Increases HIV Risk Among Young Sex Workers in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

This research aimed to determine the effect of food insecurity on sexual HIV risk with clients among youth sex workers (YSWs) <30 years in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Data were drawn from a prospective community cohort of sex workers (2010-2013). We examined the independent relationship between YSWs' food insecurity and being pressured into sex without a condom by clients ("client condom refusal"). Of 220 YSWs, 34.5 % (n = 76) reported client condom refusal over the 3.5-year study period and 76.4 % (n = 168) reported any food insecurity. Adjusting for other HIV risk pathways, food insecurity retained an independent effect on client condom refusal (AOR 2.08, 95 % CI 1.23-3.51), suggesting that food insecurity is significantly associated with HIV risk among YSWs. This study indicates a critical relationship between food insecurity and HIV risk, and demonstrates YSWs' particular vulnerability. Public policies for food assistance as a harm reduction measure may be key to addressing this disparity.

Use of injectable hormonal contraception and HSV-2 acquisition in a cohort of female sex workers in Vancouver, Canada.

OBJECTIVES: Increased risk of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) has been proposed as a possible indirect pathway through which hormonal contraceptives (specifically depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA)) may increase the risk of HIV acquisition among women. We investigated the effects of DMPA on HSV-2 acquisition among female sex workers. METHODS: Longitudinal data were drawn from a prospective cohort of sex workers in Vancouver, Canada. The primary outcome was HSV-2 seroconversion. Extended Cox regression analyses were used to model the independent effect of DMPA use on HSV-2 acquisition. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and February 2014, 149 HSV-2 seronegative women were enrolled, contributing to 228 person-years (py) of follow-up. Of these, 19 (13.3%) reported DMPA use. There were 39 HSV-2 seroconversions (12 among DMPA users and 27 among non-users) over the study period (median follow-up of 18.6 months (IQR 8.4-29.9)), resulting in an overall incidence rate of 17.1 cases per 100 py (95% CI 12.4 to 23.6). Incidence rates were higher among DMPA users (57.4 cases per 100 py, 95% CI 31.4 to 105.0) compared with non-users (13.1 cases per 100 py, 95% CI 8.9 to 19.1). After adjusting for key confounders, use of DMPA remained an independent predictor of HSV-2 acquisition (adjusted HR 4.43, 95% CI 1.90 to 10.35). CONCLUSIONS: The high observed incidence rates of HSV-2, together with a strong association between DMPA exposure and HSV-2 acquisition, raise serious concerns about the provision of optimal reproductive and sexual healthcare to sex workers in this setting. Given the known links between HSV-2 and HIV, our findings underscore the need for further research to better understand the potential association between DMPA and increased risk of HSV-2 and other STIs to help inform the development of safer reproductive choices for women worldwide.

A narrative analysis of the birth stories of early-age mothers.

The telling of birth stories (i.e. stories that describe women's experiences of giving birth) is a common and important social practice. Whereas most research on birth narratives reflects the stories of middle-class, 'adult' women, we examine how the birth stories told by early-age mothers interconnect with broader narratives regarding social stigma and childbearing at 'too early' an age. Drawing on narrative theory, we analyse in-depth interviews with 81 mothers (ages 15-24 years) conducted in Greater Vancouver and Prince George, Canada, in 2014-15. Their accounts of giving birth reveal the central importance of birth narratives in their identity formation as young mothers. Participants' narratives illuminated the complex interactions among identity formation, social expectations, and negotiations of social and physical spaces as they narrated their experiences of labour and birth. Through the use of narrative inquiry, we examine the ways in which re-telling the experience of giving birth serves to situate young mothers in relation to their past and future selves. These personal stories are also told in relation to a meta-narrative regarding social stigma faced by 'teenage' mothers, as well as the public's 'gaze' on motherhood in general - even within the labour and delivery room.

High rates of Unintended Pregnancies among Young Women Sex Workers in Conflict-affected Northern Uganda: The Social Contexts of Brothels/Lodges and Substance Use.

This study aimed to examine the correlates of unintended pregnancies among young women sex workers in conflict-affected northern Uganda. Data were drawn from the Gulu Sexual Health Study, a cross-sectional study of young women engaged in sex work. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of ever having an unintended pregnancy. Among 400 sex workers (median age=20 years; IQR 19-25), 175 (43.8%) reported at least one unintended pregnancy. In multivariable analysis, primarily servicing clients in lodges/brothels [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR= 2.24; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.03-4.84)], hormonal contraceptive usage [AOR=1.68; 95%CI 1.11-2.59] and drug/alcohol use while working [AOR= 1.64; 95%CI 1.04-2.60] were positively correlated with previous unintended pregnancy. Given that unintended pregnancy is an indicator of unmet reproductive health need, these findings highlight a need for improved access to integrated reproductive health and HIV services, catered to sex workers' needs. Sex work-led strategies (e.g., peer outreach) should be considered, alongside structural strategies and education targeting brothel/lodge owners and managers.