Partner 's Human Immunodeficiency Virus Status Research Articles

The impact of same-day antiretroviral therapy initiation on retention in care and clinical outcomes at four eThekwini clinics, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

BackgroundSame-day initiation (SDI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases ART uptake, however retention in care after ART initiation remains a challenge. Public health behaviours, such as retention in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) pose major challenges to reducing new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission and improving health outcomes among HIV patients.MethodsWe evaluated 6-month retention in care, and clinical outcomes of an ART cohort comprising of SDI and delayed ART initiators. We conducted a 6 months’ observational prospective cohort study of 403 patients who had been initiated on ART. A structured questionnaire was used to abstract data from patient record review which comprised the medical charts, laboratory databases, and Three Interlinked Electronic Registers.Net (TIER.Net). Treatment adherence was ascertained by patient visit constancy for the clinic scheduled visit dates. Retention in care was determined by status at 6 months after ART initiation.ResultsAmong the 403 participants enrolled in the study and followed up, 286 (70.97%) and 267 (66.25%) complied with scheduled clinics visits at 3 months and 6 months, respectively. One hundred and thirteen (28.04%) had been loss to follow-up. 17/403 (4.22%) had died and had been out of care after 6 months. 6 (1.49%) had been transferred to other health facilities and 113 (28.04%) had been loss to follow-up. Among those that had been lost to follow-up, 30 (33.63%) deferred SDI while 75 (66.37%) initiated ART under SDI. One hundred and eighty-nine (70.79%) participants who had remained in care were SDI patients while 78 (29.21%) were SDI deferred patients. In the bivariate analysis; gender (OR: 1.672; 95% CI: 1.002–2.791), number of sexual partners (OR: 2.092; 95% CI: 1.07–4.061), age (OR: 0.941; 95% CI: 0.734–2.791), ART start date (OR: 0.078; 95% CI: 0.042–0.141), partner HIV status (OR: 0.621; 95% CI: 0.387–0.995) and the number of hospitalizations after HIV diagnosis (OR: 0.173; 95% CI: 0.092–0.326). were significantly associated with viral load detection. Furthermore, SDI patients who defaulted treatment were 2.4 (95% CI: 1.165–4.928) times more likely to have increased viral load than those who had been returned in care.ConclusionViral suppression under SDI proved higher but with poor retention in care. However, the results also emphasise a vital need, to not only streamline processes to increase immediate ART uptake further, but also to ensure retention in care.

Dual contraception method utilization and associated factors among women on anti-retroviral therapy in public facilities of Bishoftu town, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Dual contraception is a method used to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and unintended pregnancies. Prevention of unintended pregnancy in people living with HIV (PLHIV) and ART given to pregnant women to suppress viral load prevent transmission of HIV to children. Counseling and provision of dual contraceptive methods is a very cost-effective method to tackle this double burden among women living with HIV. However, little has been known about utilization of dual methods among HIV positive women in Bishoftu town and its surroundings. The aim of this study was to assess dual contraception method utilization and associated factors among reproductive age women who were on antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities of Bishoftu town. A facility based cross- sectional study was conducted from November 01 to December 30, 2020. The study participants were selected by using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire through a face to face interview. Data were processed and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe characteristics of participants. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables which had an independent association with the dependent variable. The degree of association between dependent and independent variables were measured using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Level of significance was set at a p-value less than 0.05. The Magnitude of dual contraceptive utilization of women living with HIV in Bishoftu town was 56.9% (95% Cl (51.6, 62.1). Being married (AOR = 4.33; 95% Cl (1.67, 11.27), not getting pregnant since the start of chronic care follow up (AOR = 2.19; 95% Cl (2.90, 3.70), having a partner positive for HIV (AOR = 2.67; 95% Cl (1.34, 5.32) and having a partner negative for HIV (AOR = 2.38; 95% Cl (1.09, 5.20) were factors independently associated with dual method contraceptive use. The study showed that use of dual contraceptive methods was low; factors like marital status, partner HIV status, and pregnancy after chronic HIV care follow up were found to be significantly associated with dual contraceptive method use. In addition to ART, use of dual contraceptive methods utilization may play a role in prevention of HIV infection in children and is important in the prevention of unintended pregnancy.

Consistent condom use and associated factors among HIV positive women of reproductive age on anti-retroviral treatment in Ogun state, Nigeria

consistent condom use remains an integral and essential part of comprehensive Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention and care programme. This study assessed consistent use of condom among HIV-positive women of reproductive age on antiretroviral treatment and its associated factors. a cross-sectional survey of 360 women living with HIV (WLHIV) receiving treatment in four APIN Public Health Initiatives, Nigeria supported President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) comprehensive Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) sites in Ogun State was conducted from October 2018 to March 2019. Information were collected on consistent condom use among respondents and their associated factors using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS IBM version, with statistical significance set at 0.05. the mean age of the women was 38.1 ± 5.8 years. About two-fifth (39.4%) of the respondents reported consistent use of condom. Of the 142 respondents who reported inconsistent use of condom, 51.6% and 37.5% mentioned sexual displeasure and partner's disagreement respectively as reasons for inconsistent use. Factors associated with consistent condom use were marital status (p < 0.001), respondent's occupation (p = 0.040), partner's occupation (p = 0.012) and partner's HIV status (p = 0.045). Respondents with HIV negative partners were 1.8 times more likely to use condom consistently compared to those with HIV positive partners (AOR = 1.826, CI = 1.018 - 3.274). this study concludes that there is poor consistent condom use among WLHIV in Ogun State. The rate is worse among the sero-concordant partners than the sero-discordant partners. More needs to be done through behaviour change communication aimed at improving consistent condom use among HIV clients.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Serodiscordance and Dual Contraceptive Method Use Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Men and Women in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Some human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serodiscordant couples are faced with the dual challenge of preventing HIV transmission to the uninfected partner and avoiding unintended pregnancy. Therefore, we hypothesized that serodiscordance is associated with dual method use at last sex. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey of HIV-infected men and women attending 2 ante-retroviral therapy clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. We used Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum to assess for associations between serodiscordance, covariates, and dual method use. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of dual method use at last sex, comparing serodiscordant to seroconcordant relationships. Separate analyses were conducted for men and women. We surveyed 253 HIV-infected men, of which 44 (17.4%) were in a known serodiscordant relationship and 63 (24.9%) were using dual methods at last sex. Likewise, among 302 HIV-infected women surveyed, 57 (18.9%) were in a known serodiscordant relationship, and 80 (26.5%) were using dual method at last sex. Serodiscordance was not significantly associated with dual method use at last sex for among HIV-infected men (aOR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.27-1.44) or women (aOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.59-2.47). Dual method use was low among all HIV-infected individuals, irrespective of their partner's HIV status. Given these findings, we recommend greater efforts to encourage HIV providers to counsel their patients about the importance of dual method use to prevent both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Preexposure Prophylaxis for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Among HIV-uninfected Pregnant Women: Estimated Coverage Using Risk-based Versus Regional Prevalence Approaches.

Antenatal register data from 62 clinics in 5 regions of Kenya were used to estimate women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk (partner HIV status, syphilis). With individual risk-guided preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offer in all regions, 39% of pregnant women would be offered PrEP nationally. Offering PrEP to all women in high-prevalence regions reached 26% of the pregnant women.

Providers' Perceptions and Training Needs for Counseling Adolescents Undergoing Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision.

BackgroundThe majority of individuals who seek voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services in sub-Saharan Africa are adolescents (ages 10–19 years). However, adolescents who obtain VMMC services report receiving little information on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and care. In this study, we assessed the perceptions of VMMC facility managers and providers about current training content and their perspectives on age-appropriate adolescent counseling.MethodsSemistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 33 VMMC providers in Tanzania (n = 12), South Africa (n = 9), and Zimbabwe (n = 12) and with 4 key informant facility managers in each country (total 12). Two coders independently coded the data thematically using a 2-step process and Atlas.ti qualitative coding software.ResultsProviders and facility managers discussed limitations with current VMMC training, noting the need for adolescent-specific guidelines and counseling skills. Providers expressed hesitation in communicating complete sexual health information—including HIV testing, HIV prevention, proper condom usage, the importance of knowing a partner’s HIV status, and abstinence from sex or masturbation during wound healing—with younger males (aged <15 years) and/or those assumed to be sexually inexperienced. Many providers revealed that they did not assess adolescent clients’ sexual experience and deemed sexual topics to be irrelevant or inappropriate. Providers preferred counseling younger adolescents with their parents or guardians present, typically focusing primarily on wound care and procedural information.ConclusionsLack of training for working with adolescents influences the type of information communicated. Preconceptions hinder counseling that supports comprehensive HIV preventive behaviors and complete wound care information, particularly for younger adolescents.

Issues Surrounding HIV Status Disclosure: Experiences of Seropositive Women in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background:Disclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity by infected women is crucial in HIV control. To determine the rates, patterns, effects, and determinants of disclosure of status among HIV-positive women in Lagos, Nigeria.Methods:This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Simple random sampling method was used to select 364 HIV-positive women accessing care in HIV treatment centers in Lagos Island. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed with Epi Info (version 3.5.3). Inferential statistics done was Chi-square test and level of statistical significance was set at <5%.Results:Mean age of respondents was 37.3 ± 3 years, and most were married or cohabiting in monogamous families. The disclosure rates were 81.9% to anyone (excluding a health care professional); 60.4% to spouse/sexual partners; and 67.7% disclosed on the same day of diagnosis. Main reasons for disclosure were failing health (49.3%) and a sense of responsibility to the spouse/sexual partner (33.6%). Major reasons for nondisclosure were negative public opinion (84.8%) and fear of losing relationships (40.3%). Positive reactions following disclosure were mostly acceptance: 75.2% (family member) and 72.3% (spouse/sexual partner) while blame was the main negative outcome. Longer duration of diagnosis significantly improved disclosure to anyone (P < 0.001). Older age (P < 0.001) and awareness of spouse/sexual partner's HIV status (P < 0.001) significantly improved disclosure to spouse/sexual partner.Conclusions:Many respondents had not disclosed their status and require support and counseling to do so. Community education regarding stigmatization should be intensified.

How reliable are self-reports of HIV status disclosure? Evidence from couples in Malawi

IntroductionThe majority of research on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disclosure utilizes the perspective from a single individual, which cannot be substantiated in the absence of supporting data such as from a primary partner. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate: (1) the extent to which self-reported HIV disclosure was confirmed by a primary partner; (2) individual and relationship-level predictors of self-reported versus confirmed disclosure; and (3) whether confirmed disclosure was a stronger predictor of correctly assessing a partner's HIV status compared to self-reported disclosure. MethodsAs part of an 8-wave longitudinal study from 2009 to 2011 in southern Malawi, 366 individuals (183 couples) were interviewed about their primary relationship (wave 3), individually tested for HIV (wave 4), and then asked whether they disclosed to their primary partner (wave 5). ResultsWhile 93% of respondents reported that they disclosed, only 64% of respondents had confirmed reports from their partner. Having communicated with partner about HIV was positively associated with self-reported disclosure; this association remained significant but became more precise in the models for confirmed disclosure. Confirmed disclosure, but not self-report, was a significant predictor of correctly assessing a partner's HIV status. Being male, having lower perceived partner infidelity, having higher relationship unity, and testing HIV-negative were positively and significantly associated with correct assessment. Dyadic data from two partners provide an improved measure of disclosure as compared to a single individual's self-report and could be used to identify behavioral and biomedical opportunities to prevent HIV transmission within couples.

Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among married people receiving antiretroviral therapy in a tertiary hospital in Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: Risky sexual behavior (RSB) increases the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. There are few documented studies on the pattern of RSB and associated factors among people living with HIV. This study aimed to determine the pattern and proportion of HIV-positive patients with RSB and and its associated factors at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 314 sexually active persons receiving antiretroviral therapy treatment for at least 1 month was done using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Study-related data were obtained and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science version 21.0. Bivariate analysis to find the association between age, sex, level of education, and occupation and RSB was explored with Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of respondents was 38.6 ΁ 8.6 years while 43.6% were male. At least one RSB was reported in 42.4% ( n = 314). RSBs such as nonconsistent condom use was reported by 25.2%, multiple sexual partners by 4.8%, not knowing partner's HIV status (16.1%), and nondisclosure of status to sexual partner (12.1%). Females (47.5%) were more likely to engage in RSB compared to males (35.8%), P = 0.038. Nonconsistent condom use was reported by 32.2% of females compared to 16.1% of males, P = 0.001. Not being sure of partner's status was responsible for RSB in 21.5% of females compared to 10.2% of males, P = 0.008. Having multiple sexual partners was more in male 10.9%, P Conclusion: RSB occurs more in females and the risk of transmitting HIV to serodiscordant partner exists. Counseling and targeted behavioral change intervention should be instituted to reduce RSB.

Use of Condoms among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Nnewi, South East Nigeria.

Background:Consistent use of condom provides protection from transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in couples with sero-discordant HIV status. It also protects against acquiring other strains in HIV positive concordant couples.Aim:This study evaluated the use of barrier method of contraception among HIV patients.Subjects and Methods:This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among pregnant women in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from the subjects. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0 (Chicago, IL, USA, August 2011).Result:A total of 126 HIV positive pregnant women participated in this study. The mean age of the women was 30.4 (5) years while the mean parity was 2.6 (1). All the patients had at least primary education with 63.5% (80/126) having secondary education as the highest educational attainment while 87.3% (110/126) were in monogamous marriage. The partner's HIV status showed that 41.3% (52/126) tested negative to HIV antibodies while 42.8% (54/126) tested positive to HIV antibodies and 15.9% (20/126) do not know partner's HIV status. Only 61.9% (78/126) of the couples use condom during sexual intercourse. Further analysis showed that 26.2% (33/126) use condom consistently except during timed intercourse for conception. There was significant association between type of relationship and use of barrier method of contraception. There was no significant association between sero-discordant couples and highest educational status with use of barrier method of conception.Conclusion:Condom use among HIV positive couples is low and raises great concern on transmission of the virus to partners and babies born to positive mothers.

Sexual Health, HIV Risk, and Retention in an Adolescent HIV-Prevention Trial Preparatory Cohort

Although adolescents are at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, they have not been, included in HIV vaccine trials. In preparation for enrollment in HIV vaccine trials, 100 HIV-negative adolescents aged 14-17 years from Cape Town were recruited into a cohort. HIV, syphilis, pregnancy testing, and sexual risk questionnaires were conducted at varying intervals for a year. The mean age of the participants was 15 years, and 70% of them were female. Recruitment was completed within 3 months. Retention was found to be 82% at 1-year follow-up. The main reasons for dropout were as follows: relocation to other communities, phlebotomy, and visit frequency. In a Cox proportional hazards model, only female gender was significantly associated with retention. No change in reported sexual risk occurred, but the proportion of individuals who were aware of their partner's HIV status was significantly higher (17% at baseline, 83% at 1-year follow-up; p < .001). Five pregnancies were reported during follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective adolescent HIV-prevention cohort in Southern Africa. Despite reports of risky sexual behaviors and high pregnancy rates, HIV seroconversions did not occur in the retained cohort. HIV-prevention trials with high-risk adolescents will require rigorous efforts to prevent future pregnancies, and may require risk eligibility criteria. Retention may improve with transport provision, visits with incentives, and efforts to retain males.