scholarly journals How men who have sex with men experience HIV health services in Kampala, Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e001901
Author(s):  
Rachel King ◽  
Zubayiri Sebyala ◽  
Moses Ogwal ◽  
George Aluzimbi ◽  
Rose Apondi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Structural Barriers ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sex With Men

In sub-Saharan Africa, men who have sex with men (MSM) are socially, largely hidden and face disproportionate risk for HIV infection. Attention to HIV epidemics among MSM in Uganda and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa has been obscured by repressive governmental policies, criminalisation, stigma and the lack of basic epidemiological data describing these epidemics. In this paper, we aim to explore healthcare access, experiences with HIV prevention services and structural barriers to using healthcare services in order to inform the acceptability of a combination HIV prevention package of services for men who have sex with men in Uganda. We held focus group discussions (FGDs) with both MSM and healthcare providers in Kampala, Uganda, to explore access to services and to inform prevention and care. Participants were recruited through theoretical sampling with criteria based on ability to answer the research questions. Descriptive thematic coding was used to analyse the FGD data. We described MSM experiences, both negative and positive, as they engaged with health services. Our findings showed that socio-structural factors, mediated by psychological and relational factors impacted MSM engagement in care. The socio-structural factors such as stigma, homophobia and policy issues emerged strongly as did the mediating factors such as relations with specific health staff and a social support structure. A combination intervention addressing structural, social and psychological barriers could have an impact even in the precarious policy environment where this study was conducted.

scholarly journals Disclosure of same-sex practices and experiences of healthcare stigma among cisgender men who have sex with men in five sub-Saharan African countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Mark Wiginton ◽  
Sarah M. Murray ◽  
Ohemaa Poku ◽  
Jura Augustinavicius ◽  
Kevon-Mark Phillip Jackman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Country Specific ◽  
Sex Practices

Abstract Background For men who have sex with men (MSM) across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), disclosure of same-sex practices to family and healthcare workers (HCWs) can facilitate access to HIV prevention services and support, but can also lead to experiences of stigma. Methods We performed mixed-effects regressions on pooled data from MSM in Cameroon, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Lesotho, and eSwatini to assess associations between disclosure and sexual behavior stigma in healthcare contexts; we used logistic regressions to analyze country-specific data. Results Compared to participants who had not disclosed to either family or HCWs, those who had disclosed only to family were more likely to have been gossiped about by HCWs (aOR = 1.70, CI = 1.18, 2.45); the association between having disclosed to family and having felt mistreated in a health center approached, but did not achieve, statistical significance (aOR = 1.56, CI = 0.94, 2.59). Those who had disclosed only to HCWs were more likely to have feared to seek health services (aOR = 1.60, CI = 1.14, 2.25), avoided health services (aOR = 1.74, CI = 1.22, 2.50), and felt mistreated in a health center (aOR = 2.62, CI = 1.43, 4.81). Those who had disclosed to both were more likely to have feared to seek health services (aOR = 1.71, CI = 1.16, 2.52), avoided health services (aOR = 1.59, CI = 1.04, 2.42), been gossiped about by HCWs (aOR = 3.78, CI = 2.38, 5.99), and felt mistreated in a health center (aOR = 3.39, CI = 1.86, 6.20). Country-specific analyses suggested that data from Cameroon drove several of these associations. Conclusions Research to determine the factors driving disclosure’s differential effect on healthcare stigma across contexts is needed. Ultimately, supportive environments enabling safe disclosure is critical to understanding HIV-acquisition risks and informing differentiated HIV-prevention, treatment, and testing services for MSM across SSA.

scholarly journals Utilization of healthcare services among Chinese migrants in Kenya: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jialing Qiu ◽  
Duo Song ◽  
Juan Nie ◽  
Mengyi Su ◽  
Chun Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Language Translation ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Chinese Migrants ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Local Healthcare

Abstract Background The number of Chinese migrants in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is increasing, which is part of the south-south migration. The healthcare seeking challenges for Chinese migrants in Africa are different from local people and other global migrants. The aim of this study is to explore utilization of local health services and barriers to health services access among Chinese migrants in Kenya. Methods Thirteen in-depth interviews (IDIs) and six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among Chinese migrants (n = 32) and healthcare-related stakeholders (n = 3) in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya. Data was collected, transcribed, translated, and analyzed for themes. Results Chinese migrants in Kenya preferred self-treatment by taking medicines from China. When ailments did not improve, they then sought care at clinics providing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or received treatment at Kenyan private healthcare facilities. Returning to China for care was also an option depending on the perceived severity of disease. The main supply-side barriers to local healthcare utilization by Chinese migrants were language and lack of health insurance. The main demand-side barriers included ignorance of available healthcare services and distrust of local medical care. Conclusions Providing information on quality healthcare services in Kenya, which includes Chinese language translation assistance, may improve utilization of local healthcare facilities by Chinese migrants in the country.

scholarly journals “I wish to remain HIV negative”: Pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence and persistence in transgender women and men who have sex with men in coastal Kenya

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0244226
Author(s):  
Makobu Kimani ◽  
Elise M. van der Elst ◽  
Oscar Chirro ◽  
Elizabeth Wahome ◽  
Fauz Ibrahim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Situational Factors ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Acquisition ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Background Transgender women (TGW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in sub-Saharan Africa have high HIV acquisition risks and can benefit from daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We assessed PrEP adherence by measuring tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels and explore motives for PrEP persistence in TGW and MSM. Methods Participants were enrolled in a one-year PrEP programme and made quarterly visits irrespective of whether they were still using PrEP. At their month 6 visit, participants provided a dried blood spot to test for TFV-DP levels; protective levels were defined as those compatible with ≥4 pills per week (700–1249 fmol/punch). Before TFV-DP levels were available, a sub-set of these participants were invited for an in-depth interview (IDI). Semi-structured IDI topic guides were used to explore motives to uptake, adhere to, and discontinue PrEP. IDI data were analyzed thematically. Results Fifty-three participants (42 MSM and 11 TGW) were enrolled. At month 6, 11 (20.7%) participants (8 MSM and 3 TGW) were lost to follow up or stopped taking PrEP. Any TFV-DP was detected in 62.5% (5/8) of TGW vs. 14.7% of MSM (5/34, p = 0.01). Protective levels were detected in 37.5% of TGW (3/8), but not in any MSM. Nineteen IDI were conducted with 7 TGW and 9 MSM on PrEP, and 1 TGW and 2 MSM off PrEP. Unplanned or frequent risky sexual risk behaviour were the main motives for PrEP uptake. Among participants on PrEP, TGW had a more complete understanding of the benefits of PrEP. Inconsistent PrEP use was attributed to situational factors. Motives to discontinue PrEP included negative reactions from partners and stigmatizing healthcare services. Conclusion While MSM evinced greater adherence challenges in this PrEP programme, almost 40% of TGW were protected by PrEP. Given high HIV incidences in TGW these findings hold promise for TGW PrEP programming in the region.

scholarly journals Healthcare-related stigma among men who have sex with men and transgender women in sub-Saharan Africa participating in HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 075 study

AIDS Care ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1052-1060
Author(s):  
Calvin Mbeda ◽  
Arthur Ogendo ◽  
Richard Lando ◽  
David Schnabel ◽  
Deborah A. Gust ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Prevention Trials ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sex With Men

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

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Nyato
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Hiv Services ◽  
Hiv Intervention ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Use Of Services ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sex With Men

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 the 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.Keywords: HIV intervention, Accrual, Delivery, Men who have sex with men, sub-Saharan Africa

scholarly journals Barriers and facilitators to healthcare access for children with disabilities in low and middle income sub-Saharan African countries: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Molalign B. Adugna ◽  
Fatima Nabbouh ◽  
Selvia Shehata ◽  
Setareh Ghahari
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Low Education ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Children with disabilities (CwDs) make up around 150 million of the billion people with disabilities in the world. The Sub-Saharan African countries have a large number of CwDs who have limited access to healthcare and rehabilitation care. This, combined with chronic poverty, low education, and inadequately trained healthcare professionals, substantially lowers these children’s quality of life. The main objective of this scoping review was to discover the barriers and facilitators to healthcare access for CwDs in selected low to middle income Sub-Saharan African countries. As African countries significantly vary in socioeconomic status, we only focused on countries in Sub-Saharan Africa who allocated less than $50/person to healthcare. Methods A broad and iterative search strategy using multiple sources and databases including CINAHL, Medline, Global Health, and Embase were utilized. Using a comprehensive search strategy, 704 articles were generated. After removal of the duplicates, 466 of them were screened based on the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. After iterative reading and screening of these articles, a final 15 articles were included in this review. Results This scoping review shows that CwDs in the selected Sub-Saharan African countries face major barriers including stigma and negative attitudes, poverty and insufficient resources, inadequate policy implementations, physical inaccessibility, lack of transportation, lack of privacy, and inadequately trained healthcare professionals to deal with disability. Emotional and social support, including peer support for CwDs and caregivers, were identified as facilitators for better access to health services. Conclusions There is limited access to healthcare services in the low and middle income Sub-Saharan African countries due to poverty, low education, inadequate healthcare systems, and shortage of healthcare professionals. It is evident that there are socioeconomic, cultural, and physical related impediments that affect CwDs’ and their caregivers’ access to the required healthcare services. Policy development, improved physical accessibility, public disability awareness, and parental support are some of the key facilitators to access healthcare services. The study highlights the importance of revisions to childhood disability and healthcare provisions policy and practice as well as sustainable rehabilitation programs. Further research is required to explore ways to improve experience of accessing health services.

scholarly journals Structural barriers to HIV prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam: Diversity, stigma, and healthcare access

PLoS ONE ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. e0195000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan M. Philbin ◽  
Jennifer S. Hirsch ◽  
Patrick A. Wilson ◽  
An Thanh Ly ◽  
Le Minh Giang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Structural Barriers ◽  
Sex With Men

scholarly journals HIV incidence in a multinational cohort of men and transgender women who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from HPTN 075

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247195
Author(s):  
Theodorus G. M. Sandfort ◽  
Yamikani Mbilizi ◽  
Eduard J. Sanders ◽  
Xu Guo ◽  
Vanessa Cummings ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hiv Incidence ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sex With Men

Few studies have assessed HIV incidence in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We assessed HIV incidence and its correlates among MSM and TGW in SSA enrolled in the prospective, multi-country HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 075 study, conducted from 2015 to 2017. Participants were enrolled at four sites in SSA (Kisumu, Kenya; Blantyre, Malawi; Cape Town and Soweto, South Africa). Eligible participants reported male sex assignment at birth, were 18 to 44 years of age, and had engaged in anal intercourse with a man in the preceding three months. Participation involved five study visits over 12 months. Visits included behavioral assessments and testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Twenty-one of 329 persons acquired HIV during the study [incidence rate: 6.96/100 person-years (PY) (95% CI: 4.3, 10.6)]. Among TGW, HIV incidence was estimated to be 8.4/100 PY (95% CI: 2.3, 21.5). Four participants were found to have acute HIV infection at their first HIV-positive visit. HIV incidence varied among the four study sites, ranging from 1.3/100 PY to 14.4/100 PY. In multivariate longitudinal analysis, factors significantly associated with HIV acquisition were engagement in unprotected receptive anal intercourse [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 5.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4, 14.4] and incident rectal gonorrhea and/or chlamydia (AHR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.8). The higher HIV incidence in Cape Town compared to Blantyre could be explained by the higher prevalence of several risk factors for HIV infection among participants in Cape Town. Annual HIV incidence observed in this study is substantially higher than reported HIV incidence in the general populations in the respective countries and among MSM in the United States. Intensification of HIV prevention efforts for MSM and TGW in SSA is urgently needed.

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