Are Male Partners the Missing Link to Eliminating Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa? Evidence From a Retrospective Case-Control Study

IntroductionThe epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly documented. We have started a registry to determine the burden, phenotype, risk factors, disease course and outcomes of IBD in Zimbabwe.Methods and analysisA prospective observational registry with a nested case–control study has been established at a tertiary hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe. The registry is recruiting confirmed IBD cases from the hospital, and other facilities throughout Zimbabwe. Demographic and clinical data are obtained at baseline, 6 months and annually. Two age and sex-matched non-IBD controls per case are recruited—a sibling or second-degree relative, and a randomly selected individual from the same neighbourhood. Cases and controls are interviewed for potential risk factors of IBD, and dietary intake using a food frequency questionnaire. Stool is collected for 16S rRNA-based microbiota profiling, and along with germline DNA from peripheral blood, is being biobanked. The estimated sample size is 86 cases and 172 controls, and the overall registry is anticipated to run for at least 5 years. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the demographic and phenotypic characteristics of IBD, and incidence and prevalence will be estimated for Harare. Risk factors for IBD will be analysed using conditional logistic regression. For microbial analysis, alpha diversity and beta diversity will be compared between cases and controls, and between IBD phenotypes. Mann-Whitney U tests for alpha diversity and Adonis (Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance) for beta diversity will be computed.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Parirenyatwa Hospital’s and University of Zimbabwe’s research ethics committee and the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe. Findings will be discussed with patients, and the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health. Results will be presented at scientific meetings, published in peer reviewed journals, and on social media.Trial registration numberNCT04178408.

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Breast milk as the “water that supports and preserves life”—Socio-cultural constructions of breastfeeding and their implications for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

Health Policy ◽

10.1016/j.healthpol.2008.06.005 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 89 (3) ◽

pp. 322-328 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Jennifer Hofmann ◽

Manuela De Allegri ◽

Malabika Sarker ◽

Mamadou Sanon ◽

Thomas Böhler

Keyword(s):

Breast Milk ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Mother To Child Transmission ◽

Child Transmission ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Cultural Constructions ◽

Mother To Child

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Female perspectives of male partners’ inclusion in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programme in KwaZulu-Natal

Curationis ◽

10.4102/curationis.v39i1.1691 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 39 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mondli Miya ◽

Tennyson Mgutshini

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Child Health Services ◽

Mother To Child Transmission ◽

Male Partners ◽

Child Transmission ◽

Financial Investment ◽

Mother To Child

Background: The South African government intervened by implementing the prevention of mother–to-child transmission programme (PMTCT) to curb the HIV transmission from mother to child during and after pregnancy. The PMTCT programme has been at the forefront of global prevention efforts since 1998. Without treatment, the risk of transmission ranges from one in five to one in two newborns; however, the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be reduced to as low as 2%–5% with evidenced interventions. Sub-Saharan Africa, and most particularly South Africa, is the most affected by the pandemic despite having the largest financial investment in PMTCT services across the continent.Objectives: The objectives of the study were to describe and explore the female perspectives of male inclusion in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programme in KwaZulu-Natal.Methodology: A qualitative, descriptive, explorative study was conducted through in-depth individual interview of pregnant women until data saturation.Results: The findings of the study revealed that the existing design of public hospitals was not wholly conducive to facilitating male inclusion in maternal and child health services. Resources were largely insufficient to support the participation of pregnant mothers and any attempts to support the inclusion of males needed to be based on a clear increase in service provision.Conclusion: The study recommended male partners’ inclusion in the prevention of mother- to-child HIV transmission to support effective management of HIV in pregnancy and PMTCT programmes. The inclusion of men will provide the holistic support needed by pregnant women on PMTCT programmes.

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