scholarly journals Late antiretroviral refills and condomless sex in a cohort of HIV-seropositive pregnant and postpartum Kenyan women

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254767
Author(s):  
McKenna C. Eastment ◽  
John Kinuthia ◽  
Lei Wang ◽  
George Wanje ◽  
Katherine Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Partner Violence ◽  
Postpartum Period ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Art Adherence ◽  
Condomless Sex ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Kenyan Women ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Seropositive

Introduction The postpartum period can be challenging for women living with HIV. Understanding how the postpartum period impacts ART adherence and condomless sex could inform the development of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and HIV services tailored to the needs of women living with HIV during this critical interval. Methods In a longitudinal cohort study of HIV-seropositive Kenyan women, late ART refills and self-reported condomless sex were compared between the woman’s pregnancy and the postpartum period. Analyses were conducted using generalized estimating equations and adjusted for alcohol use, depressive symptoms, intimate partner violence (IPV), and having a recent regular partner. Effect modification was explored for selected variables. Results and discussion 151 women contributed visits. Late ART refills occurred at 7% (32/439) of pregnancy visits compared to 18% (178/1016) during the postpartum period (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–3.67). This association differed by women’s education level. Women with ≥8 years of education had late ART refills more during the postpartum period than pregnancy (aRR 3.00, 95%CI 1.95–4.62). In contrast, in women with <8 years of education, late ART refills occurred similarly during pregnancy and the postpartum period (aRR 0.88, 95%CI 0.18–4.35). Women reported condomless sex at 10% (60/600) of pregnancy visits compared to 7% (72/1081) of postpartum visits (aRR 0.76, 95%CI 0.45–1.27). This association differed by whether women had experienced recent IPV. Women without recent IPV had a significant decline in condomless sex from pregnancy to postpartum (aRR 0.53, 95%CI 0.30–0.95) while women with recent IPV had no significant change in condomless sex from pregnancy to postpartum (aRR 1.76, 95%CI 0.87–3.55). Conclusion Improved support for ART adherence during the postpartum period and addressing IPV to limit condomless sex could improve HIV treatment and prevention outcomes for HIV-seropositive women as well as their infants and sexual partners.

scholarly journals The syndemic effects of mental ill health, household hunger, and intimate partner violence on adherence to antiretroviral therapy among pregnant women living with HIV in Yaoundé, Cameroon

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246467
Author(s):  
Evette Cordoba ◽  
Angela M. Parcesepe ◽  
John A. Gallis ◽  
Jennifer Headley ◽  
Claudian Soffo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Art Adherence ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Relationship

Background This research advances understanding of interrelationships among three barriers to adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant women living with HIV (WLWH) in Cameroon: probable common mental disorders (CMD), intimate partner violence (IPV), and hunger. Methods The sample included 220 pregnant WLWH in Cameroon. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was conducted to assess the relationship between IPV, hunger, and CMD on ART adherence. Results Almost half (44%) of participants recently missed/mistimed an ART dose. Probable CMD was associated with greater risk of missed/mistimed ART dose (aRR 1.5 [95% CI 1.1, 1.9]). Hunger was associated with greater risk of missed/mistimed ART dose among those who reported IPV (aRR 1.9 [95% CI 1.2, 2.8]), but not among those who did not (aRR 0.8 [95% CI 0.2, 2.3]). Conclusion Suboptimal ART adherence, CMD, and IPV were common among pregnant WLWH in Cameroon. Pregnant WLWH experiencing IPV and hunger may be especially vulnerable to suboptimal ART adherence.

scholarly journals The relationship between intimate partner violence and HIV outcomes among pregnant women living with HIV in Malawi

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 242-252
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Wetzel ◽  
Tapiwa Tembo ◽  
Elaine J. Abrams ◽  
Alick Mazenga ◽  
Mike J. Chitani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Art Adherence ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Current Partner ◽  
Living With Hiv

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health concern particularly in pregnancy where IPV can have negative health implications for the mother and child. Data suggest IPV disproportionately affects pregnant women living with HIV (PWLWH) compared to those without HIV. HIV-related outcomes are worse among women experiencing IPV. Despite this knowledge, there is paucity of data concerning PWLWH and IPV in Malawi, where there is a high HIV prevalence (10.6%). ObjectivesWe aim to characterize IPV amongst PWLWH in Malawi and describe its relationship to demographic characteristics, psychosocial factors, and HIV-related outcomes. MethodsThis analysis used data from the VITAL Start pilot study, which is a video-based intervention targeting retention and ART adherence amongst PWLWH in Malawi. PWLWH not on ART were recruited at antenatal clinic and given study questionnaires to assess demographics, IPV, and psychosocial factors. Questionnaires were also administered at one-month follow-up to assess outcomes related to HIV. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to explore the risk factors associated with IPV.ResultsThirty-nine percent of participants reported ever experiencing IPV from their current partner. The majority (53%) reporting IPV experienced more than one type of violence. IPV was associated with being married (p=0.04) and depression (p<0.0001) in the univariable analysis. For women retained at one-month, IPV was associated with reporting a missed ART dose in the past month but not with adherence measured by pill count.ConclusionsA large proportion of PWLWH experienced IPV from their current partner and IPV was associated with worse self-reported ART adherence at one-month follow-up. Further evidence is needed to understand how IPV impacts PWLWH throughout postpartum and beyond. Given the detrimental impact on health outcomes among PWLWH in Malawi, additional focus on IPV is essential to identify mechanisms to prevent, screen, and manage IPV among this population.

Interpersonal violence and other social-structural barriers associated with needing HIV treatment support for women living with HIV

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052098325
Author(s):  
Margaret Erickson ◽  
Kate Shannon ◽  
Flo Ranville ◽  
Patience Magagula ◽  
Melissa Braschel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Art Adherence ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Living With Hiv

Women living with HIV (WLWH), experience disproportionate rates of violence, along with suboptimal HIV health outcomes, despite recent advancements in HIV treatment, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART). The objectives of this study were to: (a) describe different types of support needed to take ART and (b) investigate the social and structural correlates associated with needing support for ART adherence among WLWH. Data are drawn from Sexual health and HIV/AIDS: Women’s Longitudinal Needs Assessment, a community-based open research cohort with cisgender and transgender WLWH, aged 14+ who live or access HIV services in Metro Vancouver, Canada (2014–present). Baseline and semi-annual questionnaires are administered by community interviewers alongside a clinical visit with a sexual health research nurse. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression using generalized estimating equations and an exchangeable working correlation matrix was used to model factors associated with needing supports for ART adherence. Among 276 WLWH, 51% ( n = 142) reported needing support for ART adherence; 95% of participants reported lifetime gender-based violence and identified many interpersonal, structural, community, and clinical supports that would facilitate and support ART adherence. In multivariable logistic regression, participants who were Indigenous (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.70, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.07–2.72), or otherwise racialized (AOR: 2.36, 95% CI : 1.09–5.12) versus white, experienced recent gender-based physical violence (AOR : 1.54, 95% CI : 1.03–2.31), lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR : 1.97, 95% CI : 1.22–3.18), and recent illicit drug use (AOR : 2.15, 95% CI : 1.43–3.22), had increased odds of needing support for ART adherence. This research suggests a need for trauma-informed, culturally safe and culturally responsive practice and services for WLWH along the HIV care continuum to support ART adherence. All services should be developed by, with, and for WLWH and tailored according to gender identity, taking into account history, culture, and trauma, including the negative impacts of settler colonialism for Indigenous people.

scholarly journals The role of unintended pregnancy in internalized stigma among women living with HIV in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Chace Dwyer ◽  
Aparna Jain ◽  
Wilson Liambila ◽  
Charlotte E. Warren
Keyword(s):  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Stigma And Discrimination ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Kenya has successfully expanded HIV treatment, but HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and unintended pregnancy remain issues for many Kenyan women living with HIV. While HIV-related stigma can influence the health seeking behaviors of those living with HIV, less is known about how reproductive health outcomes influence internalized stigma among women living with HIV. Methods Baseline data only were used in this analysis and came from an implementation science study conducted in Kenya from 2015 to 2017. The analytic sample was limited to 1116 women who are living with HIV, between 18 to 44 years old, and have ever experienced a pregnancy. The outcome variable was constructed from 7 internalized stigma statements and agreement with at least 3 statements was categorized as medium/high levels of internalized stigma. Unintended pregnancy, categorized as unintended if the last pregnancy was mistimed or unwanted, was the key independent variable. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between unintended pregnancy and internalized stigma. Associations between internalized stigma and HIV-related discrimination and violence/abuse were also explored. Results About 48% agreed with at least one internalized stigma statement and 19% agreed with at least three. Over half of women reported that their last pregnancy was unintended (59%). Within the year preceding the survey, 52% reported experiencing discrimination and 41% reported experiencing violence or abuse due to their HIV status. Women whose last pregnancy was unintended were 1.6 times (95% CI 1.2–2.3) more likely to have medium/high levels of internalized stigma compared to those whose pregnancy was wanted at the time, adjusting for respondents’ characteristics, experiences of discrimination, and experiences of violence and abuse. Women who experienced HIV-related discrimination in the past 12 months were 1.8 times (95% CI 1.3–2.6) more likely to have medium/high levels of internalized stigma compared to those who experienced no discrimination. Conclusions Results suggest that unintended pregnancy is associated with internalized stigma. Integrated HIV and FP programs in Kenya should continue to address stigma and discrimination while increasing access to comprehensive voluntary family planning services for women living with HIV.

scholarly journals Morbidity and nutrition status of rural drug-naïve Kenyan women living with HIV

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-291
Author(s):  
Charlotte G Neumann ◽  
Winstone Nyandiko ◽  
Abraham Siika ◽  
Natalie Drorbaugh ◽  
Goleen Samari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Kenyan Women ◽  
Drug Naïve ◽  
Living With Hiv

A Qualitative Study With Women Living With HIV on Perceived Gender Norms and Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence in Northern Vietnam

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (23-24) ◽  
pp. 5905-5925 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca B. Hershow ◽  
Madhura Bhadra ◽  
Nguyen Vu Tuyet Mai ◽  
Teerada Sripaipan ◽  
Tran Viet Ha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Marital Conflict ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Gender Norms ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Northern Vietnam ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
High Urgency ◽  
Living With Hiv

Although the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Southeast Asia is one of the highest in the world, IPV remains understudied in the region, especially among women living with HIV (WLWH). This study aims to understand how gender and violence norms influence how WLWH interpret and prioritize violence as a health issue. We also explore whether HIV disclosure was seen as a trigger for IPV. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 WLWH (median age = 35.5 years; range = 28-54 years) in northern Vietnam. Participants were recruited from an outpatient antiretroviral treatment (ART) clinic. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed to identify themes using a gender-focused theoretical framework. Twelve participants reported experiencing IPV by their current or former husbands, most of which occurred before their HIV diagnoses. Only one participant felt her HIV status was a factor for the IPV she experienced; the remaining participants did not explicitly link IPV and HIV. None expressed fear or experience of IPV after disclosing to their husbands. When asked about a woman’s role in society, the majority spoke about the responsibility to build family harmony by doing housework, raising children, making a steady income, and being faithful to her husband. Participants viewed marital conflict as the woman’s problem to avoid by acting docile or to resolve peacefully by bearing violence quietly. Almost all reported contracting HIV from their husbands. Regardless of whether their children were infected ( n = 8) or not ( n = 10), participants spoke about being compelled to initiate and adhere to ART to care for their children emotionally and financially. In the context of Vietnamese gender norms, participants expressed low urgency for help-seeking after experiencing IPV and high urgency for help-seeking after being diagnosed with HIV. Multilevel interventions are needed to shift social norms around acceptability of IPV.

A model to predict adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2021-055222
Author(s):  
Hui Chen ◽  
Rusi Long ◽  
Tian Hu ◽  
Yaqi Chen ◽  
Rongxi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Poor Adherence ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Art Adherence ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Hiv Viral Load ◽  
Temporal Validation ◽  
Suboptimal Adherence ◽  
Living With Hiv

ObjectivesSuboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) dramatically hampers the achievement of the UNAIDS HIV treatment targets. This study aimed to develop a theory-informed predictive model for ART adherence based on data from Chinese.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Shenzhen, China, in December 2020. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling, completing a survey that included sociodemographic characteristics, HIV clinical information, Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills (IMB) constructs and adherence to ART. CD4 counts and HIV viral load were extracted from medical records. A model to predict ART adherence was developed from a multivariable logistic regression with significant predictors selected by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. To evaluate the performance of the model, we tested the discriminatory capacity using the concordance index (C-index) and calibration accuracy using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test.ResultsThe average age of the 651 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the training group was 34.1±8.4 years, with 20.1% reporting suboptimal adherence. The mean age of the 276 PLHIV in the validation group was 33.9±8.2 years, and the prevalence of poor adherence was 22.1%. The suboptimal adherence model incorporates five predictors: education level, alcohol use, side effects, objective abilities and self-efficacy. Constructed by those predictors, the model showed a C-index of 0.739 (95% CI 0.703 to 0.772) in internal validation, which was confirmed be 0.717 via bootstrapping validation and remained modest in temporal validation (C-index 0.676). The calibration capacity was acceptable both in the training and in the validation groups (p>0.05).ConclusionsOur model accurately estimates ART adherence behaviours. The prediction tool can help identify individuals at greater risk for poor adherence and guide tailored interventions to optimise adherence.

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