scholarly journals Outcomes of retained and disengaged pregnant women living with HIV in Uganda

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251413
Author(s):  
Agnes N. Kiragga ◽  
Ellon Twinomuhwezi ◽  
Grace Banturaki ◽  
Marion Achieng ◽  
Juliet Nampala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Partum ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Hiv Viral Load ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Exposed Infant ◽  
Public Clinics ◽  
Living With Hiv

Introduction Loss-to-follow-up among women living with HIV (WLWHIV) may lead to unfavorable outcomes for both mother and exposed infant. This study traced WLWHIV disengaged from care and their infants and compared their outcomes with those retained in care. Methods The study included WLWHIV who initiated ART during pregnancy at six public clinics in Uganda. A woman was defined as disengaged (DW) if she had not attended her 6-week post-partum visit by 10 weeks after her estimated date of delivery. DW were matched with retained women (RW) by age and duration on ART. Nurse counselors traced all selected DW via telephone and community visits to assess vital status, infant HIV sero-status and maternal HIV viral load through blood draws. Results Between July 2017 and July 2018, 734 women (359 DW and 375 RW) were identified for the study. Tracing was attempted on 349 DW and 160 (44.6%) were successfully located and enrolled in the study. They were matched with 162 RW. Among DW, 52 (32.5%) transferred to another health facility. Very few DW, 39.0% were HIV virally suppressed (<1000 copies/ml) compared to RW 89.5%, P<0.001). Among 138 babies born to DW, 4.3% tested positive for HIV compared to 1.4% among babies born to RW (P = 0.163). Conclusion Pregnant and breastfeeding WLWHIV who disengage from care are difficult to find in urban environments. Many have detectable viral loads, leading to the potential for an increased risk of MTCT. Efforts to reduce disengagement from care are critical for the successful elimination of MTCT in resource-limited settings.

Over a third of childbearing women with HIV would like to breastfeed: A UK survey of women living with HIV

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242199995
Author(s):  
Farai Nyatsanza ◽  
Jessica Gubbin ◽  
Thomas Gubbin ◽  
Paula Seery ◽  
Pippa Farrugia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Partum ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Formula Feeding ◽  
World Health ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Hiv Viral Load ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Black African ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

Background. The World Health Organisation advice for post-partum women living with HIV (WLHs) in low- and middle-income countries is to breastfeed on suppressive antiretroviral treatment and use infant postnatal prophylaxis. In resource-rich settings, where formula feeding is safe, avoidance of breastfeed is advised. Methods. A questionnaire was created to survey attitudes to breastfeeding in WLHs in the United Kingdom. This was offered to all eligible pregnant women in the third trimester or within 3 months post-partum who attended HIV outpatient clinics from 2017 to 2018. Results. Ninety-four women completed the questionnaire, 69% were Black African and 92% had an undetectable HIV viral load. Thirty eight percent stated they would like to breastfeed and 89% said they would breastfeed if they were HIV negative. Sixty two percent had community members question why they did not breastfeed, and 66% felt forced to invent a reason why they were not breastfeeding. Conclusion. Current UK guidelines recommend formula feeding, proposing a harm reduction approach to support women with suppressed HIV who wish to breastfeed. Over a third of respondents said they would like to breastfeed because stigma and secrecy remain an issue for WLHs. This suggests that over time more women may choose this option.

Implementing the Jadelle implant for women living with HIV in a resource-limited setting

AIDS ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 791-793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah H. Perry ◽  
Padma Swamy ◽  
Geoffrey A. Preidis ◽  
Anne Mwanyumba ◽  
Nozipho Motsa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resource Limited Setting ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Limited Setting

scholarly journals Feasibility of SMS to remind pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV to take antiretroviral treatment in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-148
Author(s):  
Kennedy M Ngowi ◽  
Eusebious Maro ◽  
Rob E Aarnoutse ◽  
Blandina T Mmbaga ◽  
Mirjam A. G Sprangers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Network Failure ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Sms Reminders ◽  
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Lost To Follow Up ◽  
Privacy Issues

Background: Pregnant and breastfeeding Women Living with HIV (WLHIV) often have difficulties in reaching adequate levels of adherence (>95%) to Antiretroviral treatment. “Forgetting” is the most commonly mentioned reason. Sending reminders via SMS is expected to improve adherence. We conducted a pilot study to investigate acceptability, user experience and technical feasibility of sending reminder-SMS to WLHIV. Methods: This was a 6-months observational pilot-study among WLHIV attending antenatal and postnatal care at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Moshi, Tanzania. Women received a reminder-SMS 30 minutes before usual time of intake. One hour later, they received an SMS asking whether they took medication to which they could reply with ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Messages were sent 3 times a week on randomly chosen days to prevent reliance on daily messages. We calculated the percentage of number of SMS delivered, failed to be delivered, and replied to. We analysed feedback from exit-interviews about experience with the SMS-reminders. Results: 25 women were enrolled (age 18-45), 2 were lost to follow up. 5,054 messages were sent of which 53 failed to be delivered (1%). 1,880 SMS were sent with a question if medication was taken; 1,012 (54%) messages were replied to, of which 1,003 (99%) were replied with ‘YES’ and closely to ‘YES’, and a total of 9 (1%) with ‘NO’ and ‘closely to NO’. 868 messages (46%) were not responded to due to either dropout, change of phone number, loss of phone or network failure. Results from 18 interviews showed that 16 (89%) women were satisfied with SMS reminders. 2 (11%) were concerned about unwanted disclosure because of the content ‘don’t forget to take medication’ and one reported other privacy issues (6%). 3 (17%) women experienced stigma. Conclusion: 99%of SMS being delivered indicates that SMS reminders in this resource-limited setting are technically feasible. However, concerns regarding privacy were noted, specifically the risk of unwanted disclosure and the experience of stigma. Participants indicated that being made aware of their adherence, motivated them to adhere better. However, personalised and more neutral content of the SMS might be a way to improving the intervention.

scholarly journals Burden of HIV-Related Stigma and Post-Partum Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients Attending Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obadia Yator ◽  
Muthoni Mathai ◽  
Tele Albert ◽  
Manasi Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
National Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Mother To Child

Background: We look at how various HIV-related stigma subtypes, especially internalizing types, interact with postpartum depression (PPD) among women living with HIV. Additionally, we identify key psychosocial risk factors that influence stigma and PPD among women attending Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) clinics.Methods: In this cross-sectional design, 123 women living with HIV were recruited. Participants ages between 18 and 50, who were at least 8 weeks postpartum seeking PMTCT services at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), between June and September 2014 participated in the study. HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument—PLWHA (HASI–P) was used to assesses stigma and Postpartum depression was assessed by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Bivariate and multivariate regression models were used to determine the individual characteristics associated with the HIV-related stigma Scale. Post survey a few in-depth-interviews were conducted to explore individuals' stigma and depression experiences.Results: The mean age was 31.2 years (SD = 5.2). Fifty-nine (48%) women screened positive for significant depressive symptoms. Post-partum depression was a significant predictor of internalized stigma, enacted, and total stigma (P &lt; 0.05). Older age was associated with less internalized stigma. Living with a partner was associated with more internalized stigma. Having an income above 100 USD per month was protective against stigma. Having good family social support was protective against internalized stigma. A higher educational level was protective against enacted stigma. Being treated for STIs was a risk factor for both enacted and overall stigma.Conclusions: HIV-related stigma needs to be addressed through integrated mental health care programs in PMTCT. Postpartum depression requires comprehensive management to improve short- and long-term outcomes of women living with HIV.

scholarly journals Body Composition Changes Resulting from Nutrition Supplementation and Nutrition Education: Results from 2 × 2 Factorial Trial of 600 Rural Indian Women Living with HIV/AIDS

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 818-818
Author(s):  
Catherine Carpenter ◽  
Kavita Kapur ◽  
Padma Ramakrishna ◽  
Kartik Yadav ◽  
Maria Ekstrand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Nutrition Supplementation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Factorial Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Objectives People living with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of nutritional deficiencies. Loss of lean muscle mass has been associated with a more rapid decline of immune function and increased risk of mortality among individuals suffering from HIV. Our objectives were to evaluate the relative contributions of nutrition supplementation and nutrition education on body composition outcomes using a cluster randomized factorial trial among 600 women living with HIV/AIDS in rural Andhra Pradesh, India. Methods We conducted a prospective cluster randomized controlled 2 × 2 factorial design to assess impacts of nutritional education and nutritional supplementation over a six-month period, with follow up at six, twelve and eighteen months post enrollment. Study protocols were approved by Human Subjects Committees at the Universities of California at Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Francisco and the Ministry of Health in India. Interventions were delivered in the Nellore and Prakasam regions of Andhra Pradesh by trained lay village women, Ashas (Accredited Social Health Activists). Interventions included: usual supportive care provided by Ashas; 2) Asha Support plus Nutrition education; 3) Asha support plus Nutrition supplementation; and, 4) Asha support plus Nutrition education plus Nutrition supplementation. We measured body composition using a Bioimpedance Analyzer Model 310e. All data was analyzed using SAS 9.4. Results Mixed models evaluated change in lean muscle mass from baseline as the primary outcome, and fat weight, overall weight and BMI changes as secondary outcomes. Change in muscle mass from baseline was significantly associated with nutrition supplementation (P = 0.001), nutrition education (P = 0.01), with a significant interaction (P = 0.03) for the combined nutrition supplementation and education term. Using the same factorial structure, nutrition supplementation and education were independently associated with changes in BMI and fat mass. Conclusions Interventions that target nutrition may be an important approach to improving the physiologic response to HIV. We observed significant increases in muscle mass resulting from independent contributions of nutrition education and nutrition supplementation, as well as their combined contribution. Funding Sources NIMH R01MH098728.

7. High prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-seropositive women, the EVVA study

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 573
Author(s):  
Francois Coutlée ◽  
Sophie Rodrigues-Coutlée ◽  
Marie Munoz ◽  
Marie Helene Mayrand ◽  
Louise Charest ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Intraepithelial Neoplasia ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Seropositive

Background Women living with HIV are at increased risk of anal HPV infection, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and anal cancer. This study will describe the burden of infection and of high-grade AIN (AIN-2,3) in a population of HIV-infected women living in Montreal, Canada. Methods: HIV-seropositive women aged ≥18 years old are recruited in the cohort study EVVA. Participants are followed every 6 months for 2 years with questionnaires, cervical/anal HPV testing, cervical/anal cytology and high-resolution anoscopy (HRA). Results: Of the 116 first participants, 88 (75.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 67.3–82.8) were infected by HPV in the anal canal. In contrast, 58 of these participants (50%, 95% CI 41.1–59.0) had cervical HPV infection). The most frequent types were HPV16 (n = 19), HPV51 (n = 18), HPV81 and HPV62 (n = 15 each), and HPV45 and HPV58 (n = 14 for each). An average of 2.3 ± 3.1 HPV types (median of 1) were detected per anal sample. Of the 89 participants with satisfactory cytology, 5 had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. HRA from 95 women revealed 17 AIN2,3 (17.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.4–26.9), 43 AIN1 (45.3%, 95% CI 35.6–55.3), and only 35 without AIN (36.8%, 95% CI 27.8–46.9). Biopsies from 4 women gave undetermined results. Conclusions: Our study revealed that anal HPV infection was more frequently detected than cervical infection in HIV-seropositive women. Prevalent AIN2,3 is a significant problem in women infected with HIV. Prospective follow-up of women with AIN1 will disclose the proportion of women with progressive AIN.

scholarly journals Risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes for people living with HIV: a rapid review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maya Mellor ◽  
Anne Bast ◽  
Nicholas Jones ◽  
Nia Roberts ◽  
Jose Ordonez-Mena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cd4 T Cell ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Viral Load ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Cd4 T Cell Count

Objective: To assess whether people living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk of COVID-19 mortality or adverse outcomes, and whether antiretroviral therapy (ART) influences this risk. Design: Rapid review with meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Methods: We searched databases including Embase, Medline, medRxiv, and Google Scholar up to 26th August 2020 for studies describing COVID-19 outcomes in PLWH and conducted a meta-analysis of higher quality studies. Results: We identified 1,908 studies and included 19 in the review. In a meta-analysis of five studies, PLWH had a higher risk of COVID-19 mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.93, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.59-2.34) compared to people without HIV. Risk of death remained elevated for PLWH in a subgroup analysis of hospitalised cohorts (HR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.05-2.24) and studies of PLWH across all settings (HR 2.08, 95%CI: 1.69-2.56). Eight other studies assessed the association between HIV and COVID-19 outcomes, but provided inconclusive, lower-quality evidence due to potential confounding and selection bias. There were insufficient data on the effect of CD4+ T cell count and HIV viral load on COVID-19 outcomes. Eleven studies reported COVID-19 outcomes by ART-regimen. In the two largest studies, tenofovir-disoproxil-fumarate (TDF)-based regimens were associated with a lower risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes, although these analyses are susceptible to confounding by comorbidities. Conclusion: Evidence is emerging that suggests a moderately increased risk of COVID-19 mortality amongst PLWH. Further investigation into the relationship between COVID-19 outcomes and CD4+ T cell count, HIV viral load, ART and the use of TDF is warranted.

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