Development and feasibility of the peer and nurse-led HIV Self-Testing Education and Promotion (STEP) intervention among social networks of men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: application of the ADAPT-ITT model.

BACKGROUND: According to the 2016-2017 Tanzania HIV Impact Survey, only 45% of men living with HIV (MLWH) were aware of their HIV status. In an effort to increase HIV testing in Tanzania, including among men, the Government of Tanzania passed a law in December 2019 allowing HIV self-testing (HIVST) to be included in the national testing strategies. The objective of this paper is to describe the development and pilot feasibility assessment of the Self-Testing Education and Promotion (STEP) intervention, which includes male peer education and demand creation for HIVST, and nurse-led distribution of HIVST kits in a community setting. METHODS: The development and piloting processes were guided by the ADAPT-ITT model and informed by a national PEPFAR/USAID-funded HIV implementation science project called Sauti. The adapted STEP intervention included the following two components: 1) peer-based HIVST promotion; and 2) nurse-led HIVST distribution. For the feasibility assessment, 25 men were selected and trained as peer educators in 2019 to promote HIVST among their peers before recruiting 253 men who received instructions and an HIVST kit from a nurse at a community-based study tent site. RESULTS: Of the 236 participants who completed the 1-month follow-up survey, 98.3% reported using the kit. The majority (92.4%) of participants reported a negative HIVST result while 4.2% (n = 10) received a positive result. Most (70%, n = 7) of the participants with a positive result sought follow-up services at a healthcare facility while 40.3% (n = 95) of the participants with a negative self-test result visited the community-based project site. Most of the men (53%, n = 129) did not visit a healthcare facility or the study site. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that the combined peer-based promotion and nurse-led distribution of HIVST intervention was acceptable and feasible, though seeking follow-up services at healthcare facilities remained low. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of offering nurse-led community-based clinical follow-up services in addition to HIVST rather than referral to facilities.

Predictors of HIV Among 1 Million Clients in High-Risk Male Populations in Tanzania.

The World Health Organization identified men as an essential group to target with HIV testing and treatment strategies;: men who have sex with men (MSM) and male clients of female sex workers (CFSW) account for 35% of new HIV infections globally. Using a cross-sectional design from a community-based HIV prevention project in Tanzania (October 2015-September 2018) and multivariable logistic regression, we identified predictors of HIV seropositivity among men. Of 1,041,343 men on their initial visit to the project, 36,905 (3.5%) were MSM; 567,005 (54.5%) were CFSW; and 437,343 (42.0%) were other men living near hotspots (OMHA). Three predictors of HIV seropositivity emerged across all three groups: being uncircumcised, having sexually transmitted infection symptoms, and harmful drinking of alcohol before sex. Any reported form of gender-based violence among MSM and OMHA and inconsistent condom use among CFSW were associated with HIV seropositivity. These findings may inform community HIV strategies like self-testing, delivery of pre-exposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral therapy, and behavioral change communication targeting men at higher risk of infection.

Men's comfort in distributing or receiving HIV self-test kits from close male social network members in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: baseline results from the STEP project.

BACKGROUND: A variety of strategies have been used to reach men with HIV self-testing services, including social network-based HIV self-test kits distribution. However, few studies have assessed men's comfort to distribute to or receive HIV self-test kits from close male friends within the same social network. In this study, we assessed men's comfort to distribute to and/or receive HIV self-test kits from close male friends and associated factors among men who socialize in networks locally referred to as "camps" in Tanzania. METHODS: Data are from the baseline survey of a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in June 2019 with 18 social networks or "camps" in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were 18-year-old or older male camp members who were HIV-negative at the time of enrolment. We used the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to assess factors associated with being comfortable to distribute to and/or receive HIV self-test kits from close male members within one's social network. RESULTS: Of 505 participants, 67.9% (n = 342) reported being comfortable to distribute to while 68.2% (n = 344) were comfortable to receive HIV self-test kits from their close male friends. Ever having heard about HIV self-testing (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (Adj. PR): 1.6; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.3, 1.9), willingness to self-test for HIV in front of a sexual partner (Adj. PR: 3.0; 95%CI: 1.5, 6.1) and exposure to peer-led HIV self-testing education and promotion (Adj. PR: 1.4; 95%CI: 1.2, 1.7) were significantly associated with being comfortable to distribute HIV self-test kits to close male members within one's social network. Similar results were observed for being comfortable to receive HIV self-test kits from a close male friend within one's social network. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings suggest that distribution of HIV self-test kits through close male friends could improve the proportion of men reached with HIV self-testing services and improve HIV testing rates in this population where uptake remains low. However, additional promotional strategies such as peer-led HIV self-testing education are needed to raise awareness and increase the proportion of men who are comfortable to receive and/or distribute HIV self-testing kits.

Consistent Condom Use and Dual Protection Among Female Sex Workers: Surveillance Findings from a Large-Scale, Community-Based Combination HIV Prevention Program in Tanzania.

In Tanzania, HIV infection remains much higher among female sex workers (FSWs) than among other adult women. In addition to HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy prevention are major concerns for FSWs in Tanzania. This study used a programmatic surveillance approach to examine protection against STIs/HIV and unintended pregnancy (dual method use) among FSWs in an outreach-based HIV prevention, care, and treatment program in Tanzania. 119,728 FSWs made a first visit to services served by the Sauti Project from January 2016 to September 2017. Of these 79,774 were current contraceptive users-of those, 4548 (5.7%) took a contraceptive as well as condoms, the study measure of dual family planning (FP) method use. Ninety-one percent (n = 4139) of FSWs taking dual FP methods were provided with an injectable in addition to condoms. Dual method use was lower in this study than in research studies in the region, highlighting potential differences between findings from research studies and evidence from a routine service provision setting. Self-reported consistent condom use among FSWs was 16.1%. The findings call for further research and programs to address FSW agency to increase dual protection against STIs/HIV and unintended pregnancy.

Female sex workers perspectives and concerns regarding HIV self-testing: an exploratory study in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: HIV testing is a gateway to HIV care and treatment for people diagnosed with HIV and can link those with negative results to HIV preventive services. Despite the importance of HIV testing services (HTS) in HIV control, uptake of HTS among female sex workers (FSWs) across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains sub-optimal. Concerns about stigma associated with sex work and fear of loss of livelihood if HIV status becomes known, are some of the restrictions for FSWs to utilize HTS offered through health care facilities. Introduction of HIV self-testing (HIVST) may mitigate some of the barriers for the uptake of HTS. This study explored the acceptability of FSWs towards the introduction of HIVST in Tanzania. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory study employing in-depth interviews (IDI) and participatory group discussions (PGD) with FSWs in selected regions of Tanzania. Study participants were recruited through snowball sampling. Data were thematically analysed by two analysts using NVivo software. The analysis was informed by the social-ecological model and focused on factors associated with the acceptability of HIVST. RESULTS: We conducted 21 PGD sessions involving 227 FSWs. Twenty three IDIs were conducted to complement data collected through PGD. Our study has demonstrated that FSWs are enthusiastic toward HIVST. Convenience (time and cost saved), and belief that HIVST will increase privacy and confidentiality motivated participants' support for the self-testing approach. Participants did express concerns about their ability to interpret and trust the results of the test. Participants also expressed concern that HIVST could cause personal harm, including severe distress and self-harm for individuals with a reactive test. Very likely, concern about adverse effects of HIVST was linked to the study participants' lay perception that HIVST would be provided only through unassisted modality. CONCLUSIONS: FSWs demonstrated high enthusiasm to use the HIVST once it becomes available. Expectations for increased confidentiality, autonomy, and reduced opportunity costs were among the leading factors that attracted FSWs to HIVST. The major obstacles to the acceptability of HIVST included fear of HIV reactive test and not trusting self-diagnoses. Our findings underscore the importance of providing adequate access to counselling and referral services in conjunction with HIVST.

Determinants of access to HIV testing and counselling services among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: HIV testing and counselling (HTC) is an essential component for HIV prevention and a critical entry point into the HIV continuum of care and treatment. Despite the importance of HTC for HIV control, access to HTC services among female sex workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains suboptimal and little is known about factors influencing FSWs' access to HTC. Guided by the client-centred conceptual framework, we conducted a systematic review to understand the facilitators and barriers influencing FSWs in SSA to access HTC services. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, POPLINE and Web of Science databases for literature published between January 2000 and July 2017. References of relevant articles were also searched. We included primary studies of any design, conducted in SSA and published in the English language. Studies conducted in multi-sites inclusive of SSA were included only if data from sites in SSA were separately analysed and reported. Similarly, studies that included other subpopulations were only eligible if a separate analysis was done for FSWs. This review excluded papers published as systematic reviews, editorial comments and mathematical modelling. The protocol for this review is registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42017062203. RESULTS: This review shows that factors related to approachability, acceptability, availability, affordability and appropriateness of the services are crucial in influencing access to HTC services among FSWs in SSA. These factors were mediated by individual attributes such as HIV risk perceptions, awareness of the availability of HTC, and perceptions of the importance and quality of HTC services. The decision to utilise HTC was predominantly hampered by discriminatory social norms such as HIV stigma and criminalisation of sex work. CONCLUSIONS: FSWs' access to HTC is facilitated by multiple factors, including individual awareness of the availability of HTC services, and perceived quality of HTC especially with regard to assured confidentiality. Concerns about HIV stigma and fear about discrimination due to community intolerance of sex work acted as major barriers for FSWs to seek HTC services from the facilities offering health services to the general population.

Participants' accrual and delivery of HIV prevention interventions among men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), HIV disproportionately affects men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) compared with other men of the same age group in the general population. Access to HIV services remains low among this group although several effective interventions have been documented. It is therefore important to identify what has worked well to increase the reach of HIV services among MSM. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, POPLINE and the Web of Science databases to collect published articles reporting HIV interventions among MSM across sub-Saharan Africa. Covidence was used to review the articles. The review protocol was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) - CRD42017060808. RESULTS: The search identified 2627 citations, and following removal of duplicates and inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 15 papers were eligible for inclusion in the review. The articles reported various accrual strategies, namely: respondent driven sampling, known peers identified through hotspot or baseline surveys, engagement with existing community-based organizations, and through peer educators contacting MSM in virtual sites. Some programs, however, combined some of these accrual strategies. Peer-led outreach services were indicated to reach and deliver services to more MSM. A combination of peer outreach and mobile clinics increased uptake of health information and services. Health facilities, especially MSM-friendly facilities attract access and use of services by MSM and retention into care. CONCLUSIONS: There are various strategies for accrual and delivering services to MSM across SSA. However, each of these strategies have specific strengths and weaknesses necessitating combinations of interventions and integration of the specific context to inform implementation. If the best of intervention content and implementation are used to inform these services, sufficient coverage and impact of HIV prevention and treatment programs for MSM across SSA can be optimized.

Bacteraemia in sickle cell anaemia is associated with low haemoglobin: a report of 890 admissions to a tertiary hospital in Tanzania.

Bacteraemia is a leading cause of morbidity in sickle cell anaemia (SCA), but information from studies in Africa is limited. We evaluated 890 admissions from 648 SCA patients at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Bacteraemia was present in 43 admissions (4·8%); isolates included Staphylococcus aureus (12/43; 28%), non-Typhi Salmonella (9/43; 21%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (3/43; 7%) and Salmonella Typhi (2/43; 5%). Compared to SCA patients without bacteraemia, SCA patients with bacteraemia had significantly lower haemoglobin [71 g/l vs. 62 g/l, odds ratio 0·72 (95% confidence interval 0·56-0·91), P < 0·01]. Further exploration is needed of the relationship between anaemia and bacterial infections in SCA in Africa.

HIV seroconversion among female sex workers: retrospective cohort study from a large-scale HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health program in Tanzania.

Introduction: In 2016, UNAIDS set ambitious targets to reduce global HIV infections by 75% by 2020 and 90% by 2030, based on the 2.1 million new infections reported in 2010. However, by 2022, new HIV infections had only decreased by 38%, from 2.1 million in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2022, raising concerns about reaching the 2030 goal. Female sex workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa face a disproportionately high risk of HIV acquisition, contributing 5%-20% of all new infections in several countries in the region. This analysis investigates HIV seroconversion and associated factors among FSWs, offering insights into critical interventions for preventing HIV transmission in this population and advancing the goal of ending the HIV pandemic by 2030. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 17,977 FSWs who initially tested HIV negative upon enrollment in the Sauti project between October 2016 and September 2018. HIV incidence rates were calculated by dividing the number of new HIV cases by observed person-time within the cohort. Cox regression analysis identified factors associated with seroconversion. Results: The study revealed an HIV incidence rate of 8.6 per 100 person-years among FSWs [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.1-9.1]. Factors independently associated with HIV seroconversion included age 35 years or older [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 2.53; 95% CI: 2.03-3.14], unprotected sex (aHR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.13-1.42), STI symptoms (aHR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.67-2.38), and alcohol consumption before sex (aHR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.07-1.34). Conclusion: Targeted interventions are vital in curbing HIV transmission among FSWs, with a focus on expanding access to primary HIV prevention services, particularly for older FSWs who face heightened risk. Tailored sexual health education programs are imperative to encourage consistent condom use and enable informed decision-making. Accessible and timely STI screening and treatment services are crucial to mitigate HIV transmission risk. Collaborative partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies are essential in implementing these interventions among FSWs.

Transactional sex and age-disparate sexual partnerships among adolescent girls and young women in Tanzania.

Introduction: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) continue to experience a high incidence of HIV in southern and eastern Africa, even in the context of large-scale HIV prevention interventions. In Tanzania, AGYW account for the largest proportion of new infections and have a higher risk of HIV acquisition than males of comparable age. Methods: We used routinely collected data from the PEPFAR/USAID-funded Sauti Project, a large combination HIV prevention program, to examine the relationship between transactional sex and sex with older partners among AGYW in Tanzania (2015-2020). Out-of-school AGYW 15-24 years completed a vulnerability index and were tested for HIV. We estimated weighted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations of transactional sex (sex exchanged for money/services/gifts outside of sex work) and sex with older partners (≥5-years older, ≥10-years older) with prevalent HIV. Age cutoffs of 5 and 10 years were used to align partner age differences with age-disparate and intergenerational sex, respectively. We assessed potential synergism between exposures, and subgroup analyses explored associations among girls 15-19. Results: Sixty seven thousand three hundred fifty seven AGYW completed the vulnerability index and 14,873 had captured HIV testing records. Median age was 20 years (IQR 18-22). Transactional sex and age-disparate sex were common (35% and 28%, respectively); 13% of AGYW reported both behaviors. HIV prevalence was associated with both transactional sex (PR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.00-1.63) and age-disparate sex (PR:1.26, 95% CI 0.99-1.60). In common referent analysis, transactional sex remained strongly associated with HIV, even in the absence of age-disparate sex (PR 1.41; 95% CI 1.02-1.94). Discussion: Evidence of statistical synergism was not present, suggesting both transactional sex and age-disparate sex operate through similar pathways to increase HIV risk. Increased specificity within HIV prevention programs is needed to better meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of AGYW at high risk of HIV in Tanzania, including investment in tailored youth-friendly strategies for AGYW who have been marginalized from the current HIV response.

Genetics of fetal hemoglobin in Tanzanian and British patients with sickle cell anemia.

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF, α(2)γ(2)) is a major contributor to the remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity of sickle cell anemia (SCA). Genetic variation at 3 principal loci (HBB cluster on chromosome 11p, HBS1L-MYB region on chromosome 6q, and BCL11A on chromosome 2p) have been shown to influence HbF levels and disease severity in ß-thalassemia and SCA. Previous studies in SCA, however, have been restricted to populations from the African diaspora, which include multiple genealogies. We have investigated the influence of these 3 loci on HbF levels in sickle cell patients from Tanzania and in a small group of African British sickle patients. All 3 loci have a significant impact on the trait in both patient groups. The results suggest the presence of HBS1L-MYB variants affecting HbF in patients who are not tracked well by European-derived markers, such as rs9399137. Additional loci may be identified through independent genome-wide association studies in African populations.

Peer-based Promotion and Nurse-led Distribution of HIV Self-Testing Among Networks of Men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Development and Feasibility Results of the STEP Intervention.

Background: According to the 2016-2017 Tanzania HIV Impact Survey, only 45% of men living with HIV (MLWH) were aware of their HIV status. In an effort to increase HIV testing in Tanzania, including among men, the Government of Tanzania passed a law in December 2019 to allowing HIV self-testing (HIVST) to be included in the national testing strategies. The objective of this paper is to describe the development and pilot feasibility assessment of the Self-Testing Education and Promotion (STEP) intervention, which was one of the projects conducted in Tanzania focusing on men to inform policy change. Methods: The development and piloting processes were guided by the ADAPT-ITT model and informed by a national PEPFAR/USAID-funded HIV implementation science project called Sauti.The adapted STEP intervention included the following two components: 1) peer-based HIVST promotion; and 2) nurse-led HIVST distribution. For the feasibility assessment, 25 men were selected and trained to promote HIVST among their peers before helping to recruit 253 men to receive instructions and collect an HIVST kit from a nurse at a community-based study tent site. Results: Of the 236 participants who completed the 1-month follow-up survey, 98.3% reported using the kit. The majority (92.4%) of participants reported a negative HIVST result while 4.2% (n=10) received a positive result. Most (70%, n=7) of the participants with a positive result sought follow-up services at a healthcare facility while 40.3% (n=95) of the participants with a negative self-test result visited the community-based project site. Most of the men (53%, n =129) did not visit a healthcare facility or the study site. The majority of participants reported having a mobile phone and forty-seven of them called someone to share their results while twenty-seven sent a text message about their results. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the combined peer-based promotion and nurse-led distribution of HIVST intervention in the community for men was acceptable and feasible. However, the high proportion of men who visited the tent site in the community after self-testing indicated that future research should evaluate the potential for nurses to provide community-based linkage to HIV care and prevention services for self-testers.

Malaria in patients with sickle cell anemia: burden, risk factors, and outcome at the outpatient clinic and during hospitalization.

Approximately 280,000 children are born with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in Africa annually, yet few survive beyond childhood. Falciparum malaria is considered a significant cause of this mortality. We conducted a 5-year prospective surveillance study for malaria parasitemia, clinical malaria, and severe malarial anemia (SMA) in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, between 2004 and 2009. We recorded 10,491 visits to the outpatient clinic among 1808 patients with SCA and 773 visits among 679 patients without SCA. Similarly, we recorded 691 hospital admissions among 497 patients with SCA and 2017 in patients without SCA. Overall, the prevalence of parasitemia was lower in patients with SCA than in patients without SCA both at clinic (0.7% vs 1.6%; OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32-0.86; P = .008) and during hospitalization (3.0% vs 5.6%; OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25-0.94; P = .01). Furthermore, patients with SCA had higher rates of malaria during hospitalization than at clinic, the ORs being 4.29 (95% CI, 2.63-7.01; P < .001) for parasitemia, 17.66 (95% CI, 5.92-52.71; P < .001) for clinical malaria, and 21.11 (95% CI, 8.46-52.67; P < .001) for SMA. Although malaria was rare among patients with SCA, parasitemia during hospitalization was associated with both severe anemia and death. Effective treatment for malaria during severe illness episodes and further studies to determine the role chemoprophylaxis are required.

Effectiveness of Cash Transfer Delivered Along With Combination HIV Prevention Interventions in Reducing the Risky Sexual Behavior of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Tanzania: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Poverty and social inequality exacerbate HIV risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. Cash transfers can influence the structural determinants of health, thereby reducing HIV risk. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effectiveness of cash transfer delivered along with combination HIV prevention (CHP) interventions in reducing the risky sexual behavior of AGYW in Tanzania. The incidence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection was used as a proxy for sexual risk behavior. METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 15 matched pairs of communities (1:1 intervention to control) across 3 strata (urban, rural high-risk, and rural low-risk populations) of the Shinyanga Region, Tanzania. The target population was out-of-school AGYW aged 15-23 years who had completed 10-hour sessions of social and behavior change communication. Eligible communities were randomly assigned to receive CHP along with cash transfer quarterly (intervention group) or solely CHP interventions (control group) with no masking. Study recruitment and baseline survey were conducted between October 30, 2017 and December 1, 2017. Participants completed an audio computer-assisted self-interview, HIV counselling and testing, and HSV-2 testing at baseline and during follow-up visits at 6, 12, and 18 months after the baseline survey. A Cox proportional hazards model with random effects specified at the level of clusters (shared frailty) adjusted for matching pairs and other baseline imbalances was fitted to assess the effects of cash transfer on the incidence of HSV-2 infection (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included HIV prevalence at follow-up, self-reported intergenerational sex, and self-reported compensated sex. All secondary outcomes were measured at each study visit. RESULTS: Of the 3026 AGYW enrolled in the trial (1482 in the intervention and 1544 in the control), 2720 AGYW (1373 in the intervention and 1347 in the control) were included in the final analysis. Overall, HSV-2 incidence was not significantly different at all follow-up points between the study arms in the adjusted analysis (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.67-1.38; P=.83). However, HSV-2 incidence was significantly lower in the rural low-risk populations who received the cash transfer intervention (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.29-0.71; P=.001), adjusted for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Although this trial showed no significant impact of the cash transfer intervention on HSV-2 incidence among AGYW overall, the intervention significantly reduced HSV-2 incidence among AGYW in rural low-risk communities. Factors such as lesser poverty and more asset ownership in urban and rural high-risk communities may have undermined the impact of cash transfer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03597243; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03597243.

Nutritional status, hospitalization and mortality among patients with sickle cell anemia in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Reduced growth is common in children with sickle cell anemia, but few data exist on associations with long-term clinical course. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition at enrollment into a hospital-based cohort and whether poor nutritional status predicted morbidity and mortality within an urban cohort of Tanzanian sickle cell anemia patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Anthropometry was conducted at enrollment into the sickle cell anemia cohort (n=1,618; ages 0.5-48 years) and in controls who attended screening (siblings, walk-ins and referrals) but who were found not to have sickle cell anemia (n=717; ages 0.5-64 years). Prospective surveillance recorded hospitalization at Muhimbili National Hospital and mortality between March 2004 and September 2009. RESULTS: Sickle cell anemia was associated with stunting (OR=1.92, P<0.001, 36.2%) and wasting (OR=1.66, P=0.002, 18.4%). The greatest growth deficits were observed in adolescents and in boys. Independent of age and sex, lower hemoglobin concentration was associated with increased odds of malnutrition in sickle cell patients. Of the 1,041 sickle cell anemia patients with a body mass index z-score at enrollment, 92% were followed up until September 2009 (n=908) or death (n=50). Body mass index and weight-for-age z-score predicted hospitalization (hazard ratio [HZR]=0.90, P=0.04 and HZR=0.88, P=0.02) but height-for-age z-score did not (HZR=0.93, NS). The mortality rate of 2.5 per 100 person-years was not associated with any of the anthropometric measures. CONCLUSIONS: In this non-birth-cohort of sickle cell anemia with significant associated undernutrition, wasting predicted an increased risk of hospital admission. Targeted nutritional interventions should prioritize treatment and prevention of wasting.

Characterizing a sexual health and HIV risk stratification scale for sexually active adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Tanzania.

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years face disproportionately high risks of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A sexual health risk stratification tool can support the development and implementation of tailored HIV and STI prevention services for sub-groups of at-risk AGYW. Data were collected among sexually active AGYW aged 15 to 24 years in Tanzania between April 2015 and March 2017. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to construct and assess the latent structure of a ten-item scale for rapid assessment of sexual health risks. Items with high factor loadings and minimal cross loadings were retained in the final scale. Scale performance was appraised against condomless sex (defined as unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse) reported by AGYW for construct validity. A three-factor structure of vulnerability to HIV among AGYW was supported with subscales for socioeconomic vulnerability; lack of adult support; and sexual behavioral risks. The chi-square goodness-of-fit test, root mean square error of approximation, comparative fit index, and Tucker-Lewis index indicated a strong goodness-of-fit of the three-factor scale. Cronbach alphas (0.55 for socioeconomic vulnerability, 0.55 for lack of support, and 0.48 for sexual risk) indicated sub-optimal internal consistency for all sub-scales. The factor-item and factor-factor correlations identified in these analyses were consistent with the conceptual framework of vulnerability of HIV infection in AGYW, suggesting good construct validity. The scale also demonstrated a statistically significant association with condomless sex and could be potentially used for sexual health risk stratification (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.23). The sexual health and HIV risk stratification scale demonstrated potential in identifying sexually active AGYW at high risk for HIV and other STIs. Ultimately, all AGYW in Tanzania are not at equal risk for HIV and this scale may support directing resources towards those at highest risk of HIV.

Bacteraemia in Kenyan children with sickle-cell anaemia: a retrospective cohort and case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 90% of children with sickle-cell anaemia die before the diagnosis can be made. The causes of death are poorly documented, but bacterial sepsis is probably important. We examined the risk of invasive bacterial diseases in children with sickle-cell anaemia. METHODS: This study was undertaken in a rural area on the coast of Kenya, with a case-control approach. We undertook blood cultures on all children younger than 14 years who were admitted from within a defined study area to Kilifi District Hospital between Aug 1, 1998, and March 31, 2008; those with bacteraemia were defined as cases. We used two sets of controls: children recruited by random sampling in the same area into several studies undertaken between Sept 1, 1998, and Nov 30, 2005; and those born consecutively within the area between May 1, 2006, and April 30, 2008. Cases and controls were tested for sickle-cell anaemia retrospectively. FINDINGS: We detected 2157 episodes of bacteraemia in 38 441 admissions (6%). 1749 of these children with bacteraemia (81%) were typed for sickle-cell anaemia, of whom 108 (6%) were positive as were 89 of 13 492 controls (1%). The organisms most commonly isolated from children with sickle-cell anaemia were Streptococcus pneumoniae (44/108 isolates; 41%), non-typhi Salmonella species (19/108; 18%), Haemophilus influenzae type b (13/108; 12%), Acinetobacter species (seven of 108; 7%), and Escherichia coli (seven of 108; 7%). The age-adjusted odds ratio for bacteraemia in children with sickle-cell anaemia was 26.3 (95% CI 14.5-47.6), with the strongest associations for S pneumoniae (33.0, 17.4-62.8), non-typhi Salmonella species (35.5, 16.4-76.8), and H influenzae type b (28.1, 12.0-65.9). INTERPRETATION: The organisms causing bacteraemia in African children with sickle-cell anaemia are the same as those in developed countries. Introduction of conjugate vaccines against S pneumoniae and H influenzae into the childhood immunisation schedules of African countries could substantially affect survival of children with sickle-cell anaemia. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust, UK.

Programmatic mapping and size estimation of key populations to inform HIV programming in Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION: A programmatic mapping and size estimation study was conducted in 24 districts in 5 regions of Tanzania to estimate the size and locations of female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) to inform the HIV programming for Key Populations. METHODOLOGY: Data were collected at two levels: first, interviews were conducted with informants to identify venues where FSWs and MSM frequent. Secondly, the size of MSM and FSWs were estimated through interviews with FSWs, MSM and other informants at the venue. The venue estimates were aggregated to generate the ward level estimates. Correction factors were then applied to adjust for MSM/FSW counted twice or more, absent from the venues on the mapping day or remain online and hidden. The ward size estimates for mapped wards were extrapolated to non-mapped wards and aggregated to generate district and regional level estimates. RESULTS: A total of 4,557 level I interviews were conducted. Further, 3,098 FSWs and 1,074 other informants at the FSWs venues and 558 MSM and 210 other informants at the MSM venues were interviewed during level II. The mapping survey identified 6,658 FSW, 1,099 FSW and MSM and 50 MSM venues in 75 wards. A total of 118,057 (range: 108,269 to 127,845) FSWs and 23,771 (range: 22,087 to 25,454) MSM were estimated in the study regions after extrapolation and accounting for correction factors. It was estimated that 5.6% and 1.3% of the female and male population of reproductive age (15-49 years old) could be FSWs and MSM in the study regions, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides the baseline figures for planning, target setting and monitoring of the HIV intervention services in the study areas and geographic prioritisation of the response by allocating more resources to areas with a large number of FSWs and MSM.

Malaria as a cause of morbidity and mortality in children with homozygous sickle cell disease on the coast of Kenya.

BACKGROUND: To date, it has been widely assumed that malaria is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in malaria-endemic countries, and as a result, malarial prophylaxis is commonly recommended. Nevertheless, few data are available that support this practice. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the data collected prospectively from children aged 0-13 years who were admitted to Kilifi District Hospital during the period from July 1998 through June 2005. We studied the prevalence, clinical features, and outcome of malarial infections in these children, stratified by SCD status. RESULTS: Although we estimated the prevalence of SCD in children to be only 0.8% (71 of 8531 children) during the period from August 2006 through September 2008 in the community surrounding the hospital, 555 (1.6%) of 34,529 children admitted to the hospital during the study period (i.e., from July 1998 through June 2005) were children with SCD; in fact, a total of 309 children with SCD were admitted 555 times. The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia was lower among children with SCD than it was among children without SCD (86 [15.6%] of 551 children vs. 13,835 [41.3%] of 33,500 children; P < .001). Similarly, among those infected with P. falciparum parasites, the mean parasite density was significantly lower among children with SCD than it was among children without SCD (2205 vs. 23,878 parasites/microL; P < .001). Fourteen (16.3%) of 86 parasitemic patients with SCD had features consistent with severe malaria, compared with 3424 (24.7%) of 13,835 parasitemic patients without SCD (odds ratio, 0.59; P < .07). We found no association between malarial parasitemia and death. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence to support the conclusion that the risk of malaria is higher among children with SCD than it is among children without SCD in a rural area on the coast of Kenya. Further studies should be undertaken to help policy makers develop appropriate guidelines regarding malarial prophylaxis for patients with SCD in malaria-endemic regions.

An observational study of children with sickle cell disease in Kilifi, Kenya.

Globally, sickle cell disease (SCD) has its highest prevalence and worst prognosis in sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, relatively few studies describe the clinical characteristics of children with SCD in this region. We conducted a prospective observational study of children with SCD attending a specialist out-patient clinic in Kilifi, Kenya. A total of 124 children (median age 6.3 years) were included in the study. Splenomegaly was present in 41 (33%) subjects and hepatomegaly in 25 (20%), both being common in all age groups. A positive malaria slide was found at 6% of clinic visits. The mean haemoglobin concentration was 73 g/l, compared to 107 g/l in non-SCD controls (P < 0.001). Liver function tests were elevated; plasma bilirubin concentrations were 46 micromol/l and aspartate aminotransferase was 124 iu/l. Forty-eight (39%) children were admitted to hospital and two died. Children with SCD in Kilifi have a similar degree of anaemia and liver function derangement to patients living in developed countries, but splenomegaly persists into later childhood. The prevalence of malaria was lower than expected given the prevalence in the local community. This study provides valuable data regarding the clinical characteristics of children living with SCD in a rural setting in East Africa.