scholarly journals Partner Notification Services (PNS) Among HIV Positive Key Populations: An Important Strategy Towards Achieving UNAIDS 95.95.95 Goals by the Year 2030

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-193
Author(s):  
Ugbena, Eneojo Richard
Keyword(s):  
Scale Up ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Passive Method ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Keywords Hiv ◽  
One Stop

Key Populations are the major drivers of the HIV epidemic in most settings; thus, identifying positive KPs and their sexual partners becomes a strong strategy in the effort to achieve the first UNAID 95 goal. This study describes the level of acceptability and outcome of PNS among HIV-positive KPs using the various approaches for PNS. A descriptive study of all HIV positives KPs initiating ART in 7 One-Stop-Shop facilities that accepted PNS was conducted over 3 months. With the consent of patients who accepted PNS, their partners were reached using any of the PNS approaches. Partners who consented for HTS were tested, and positives partners were linked to ART services. Data were analyzed to describe the acceptability and outcome of PNS among KPs. Only 846/2,486 (34%) positive KPs accepted PNS. The 846 KPs elicited 941 partners, out of which 938 (99.6%) accepted HTS. 421/938 (45%) of the partners tested positive compared to PWIDF (15%), MSM (7%), FSW (4%) and PWIDM (4%). 129/421 (31%) of the positive partners were already known positives, with 61% already on ART. The commonest method of PNS accepted among KPs was the passive method (54%), followed by the contract method (22%), provider-initiated (19%), and dual method (5%). There was poor acceptance of PNS among KPs and, the HIV positivity rate was much higher among their partners than any of the KPs sub-groups. The passive approach was the most preferred method of PNS among KPs. This should be considered strongly as we scale up PNS in Nigeria. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Key Populations in Nigeria, Partner notification services, UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

scholarly journals Developing HIV assisted partner notification services tailored to Mexican key populations: a qualitative approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heleen Vermandere ◽  
Santiago Aguilera-Mijares ◽  
Liliane Martínez-Vargas ◽  
M. Arantxa Colchero ◽  
Sergio Bautista-Arredondo
Keyword(s):  
Partner Notification ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Hiv Diagnosis ◽  
Serostatus Disclosure ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Contact Information ◽  
Hiv Awareness ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background Assisted partner notification services (APNS) may increase HIV testing, early diagnosis, and treatment, but they are not formally implemented in Mexico, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen (TW). This study aimed to explore the awareness of and need for HIV partner notification, as well as to outline potential strategies for APNS based on identified barriers and facilitators. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore partner notification with MSM, TW, and counselors. Afterwards, brainstorm sessions were carried out to produce strategies for implementing APNS. Results Most participants reported experiences with informal partner notification and serostatus disclosure, but not with APNS. Only one counselor indicated assisting notification systematically. The main barriers for notifying or disclosing mentioned by both MSM and TW included fear of (violent) reactions, discrimination and lacking contact information of casual partners. Participants thought it was easier to inform a formal partner, conditional of being well informed about HIV. Given current stigma and lack of awareness, it was suggested that APNS should be preceded by HIV awareness efforts, and be provided by counselors or peers to mitigate potential rejection or violent reactions. Conclusions While APNS are not formally implemented in Mexico, all participants supported the service, indicating that APNS could potentially enhance early HIV diagnosis in Mexico. Strategies to implement such services need to be flexible addressing the individual needs of participants, guaranteeing the safety of more vulnerable participants.

scholarly journals What is the level of uptake of Partner Notification Services in HIV testing  in Selected Health Facilities in Muranga County – Kenya; a retrospective Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rewel Kariuki ◽  
Gilbert Koome Rithaa ◽  
Oyugi Elvis ◽  
Daniel Gachathi
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Identification ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background: Identification of people living with HIV is key in HIV prevention and control. Partner Notification service is a World Health Organization backed strategy of reaching out to sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV for HIV testing. However, its adoption and success rate in Kenya remains unknown.Methods: A cross sectional facility based study was undertaken in five purposively selected health facilities in Muranga County, Kenya. A retrospective review of patient medical records data for HIV positive index clients and their Sexual Partners conducted. Census approach applied to extract data for study subjects from Partner Notification Service registers for the period covering January 2017 to August 2018. Epi Info software was used for data analysis.Results: A total of 183 index clients offered Partner notification services. The mean age of the indexed clients studied was 39(SD ±13.1). Females comprised 64 % of clients studied. Of the 183 indexed clients, 89% accepted the services and elicited 216 sexual partners for tracing. The ratio of elicited sexual partners to index client was 1.3:1. Out of the 216 sexual partners, 77% were reached and tested. A total of 46 [32%] of the sexual partners elicited and traced, tested HIV positive. The most preferred approaches were provider referral (51%) and contract referral (45%). Dual referral (4%) was the least preferred approach. Conclusions: Partner notification services is acceptable and an effective strategy of increasing HIV case identification and raising awareness to exposed sexual partners in low resource countries.

scholarly journals Early observations from the HIV self-testing program among key populations and sexual partners of pregnant mothers in Kampala, Uganda: A cross sectional study

2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e0000120
Author(s):  
Esther Nasuuna ◽  
Florence Namimbi ◽  
Patience A. Muwanguzi ◽  
Donna Kabatesi ◽  
Madina Apolot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Confirmatory Testing ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Positive Results

Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) was adopted for key populations (KPs) and sexual partners of pregnant and lactating women (mothers) in Uganda in October 2018. We report early observations during HIVST implementation in Kampala, Uganda. Methods HIVST was rolled out to reach those with unknown HIV status at 38 public health facilities, using peer-to-peer community-based distribution for female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) and secondary distribution for mothers, who gave HIVST kits to their partners. Self-testers were asked to report results within 2 days; those who did not report received a follow-up phone call from a trained health worker. Those with HIV-positive results were offered confirmatory testing at the facility using the standard HIV-testing algorithm. Data on kits distributed, testing yield, and linkage to care were analysed. Results We distributed 9,378 HIVST kits. Mothers received 5,212 (56%) for their sexual partners while KPs received 4,166 (44%) (MSM, 2192 [53%]; FSW1, 974, [47%]). Of all kits distributed, 252 (3%) individuals had HIV-positive results; 126 (6.5%) FSW, 52 (2.3%) MSM and 74 (1.4%) partners of mothers. Out of 252 individuals who had HIV-positive results, 170 (67%) were confirmed HIV-positive; 36 (2%) were partners of mothers, 99 (58%) were FSW, and 35 (21%) were MSM. Linkage to treatment (126) was 74%. Conclusions HIVST efficiently reached, tested, identified and modestly linked to care HIV positive FSW, MSM, and partners of mothers. However, further barriers to confirmatory testing and linkage to care for HIV-positive self-testers remain unexplored.

scholarly journals What is the level of uptake of Partner Notification Services in HIV testing in Selected Health Facilities in Gatanga Sub County, Muranga County – Kenya; a retrospective Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rewel Kariuki ◽  
Gilbert Koome Rithaa ◽  
Oyugi Elvis ◽  
Daniel Gachathi
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Identification ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background: Identification of people living with HIV is key in HIV prevention and control. Partner Notification service is a World Health Organization backed strategy of reaching out to sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV for HIV testing. However, its adoption and success rate in Kenya remains unknown.Methods: A cross sectional facility based study was undertaken in five purposely selected health facilities in Gatanga Sub county, Muranga County, Kenya. A retrospective review of patient medical records data for HIV positive index clients and their Sexual Partners conducted. Census approach was applied to extract data for study subjects from Partner Notification Services registers for the period covering January 2017 to August 2018. Epi Info software was used for data analysis.Results: A total of 183 index clients were offered Partner notification services. The mean age of the indexed clients studied was 39(SD ±13.1). Females comprised 64 % of clients studied. Of the 183 indexed clients, 89% accepted the services and elicited 216 sexual partners for tracing. The ratio of elicited sexual partners to index client was 1.3:1. Out of the 216 sexual partners, 77% were reached and tested. A total of 46 [32%] of the sexual partners elicited and traced, tested HIV positive. The most preferred approaches were provider referral (51%) and contract referral (45%). Dual referral (4%) was the least preferred approach. Conclusions: Assisted Partner notification services is acceptable and an effective strategy of increasing HIV case identification and raising awareness to exposed sexual partners in low resource countries.

scholarly journals What is the level of uptake of Partner Notification Services in HIV testing  in Selected Health Facilities in Muranga County – Kenya; a retrospective Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rewel Kariuki ◽  
Gilbert Koome Rithaa ◽  
Oyugi Elvis ◽  
Daniel Gachathi
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Identification ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background: Identification of people living with HIV is key in HIV prevention and control. Partner Notification service is a World Health Organization backed strategy of reaching out to sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV for HIV testing. However, its adoption and success rate in Kenya remains unknown. Methods: A cross sectional facility based study was undertaken in five purposively selected health facilities in Muranga County, Kenya. A retrospective review of patient medical records data for HIV positive index clients and their Sexual Partners conducted. Census approach applied to extract data for study subjects from Partner Notification Service registers for the period covering January 2017 to August 2018. Epi Info software was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 183 index clients offered Partner notification services. The mean age of the indexed clients studied was 39(SD ±13.1). Females comprised 64 % of clients studied. Of the 183 indexed clients, 89% accepted the services and elicited 216 sexual partners for tracing. The ratio of elicited sexual partners to index client was 1.3:1. Out of the 216 sexual partners, 77% were reached and tested. A total of 46 [32%] of the sexual partners elicited and traced, tested HIV positive. The most preferred approaches were provider referral (51%) and contract referral (45%). Dual referral (4%) was the least preferred approach. Conclusions: Partner notification services is acceptable and an effective strategy of increasing HIV case identification and raising awareness to exposed sexual partners in low resource countries.

Peer assisted HIV self-testing increases positivity rates among key populations in Burundi: descriptive analysis of routine programmatic data (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Lillie ◽  
Dorica Boyee ◽  
Gloriose Kamariza ◽  
Alphonse Nkunzimana ◽  
Dismas Gashobotse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Case Finding ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Standard Testing ◽  
Art Initiation ◽  
Treatment Standard ◽  
Self Testing

BACKGROUND In Burundi, given the low testing numbers among key populations, peer assisted HIV self-testing (HIVST) was initiated for female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender people (TG) to provide another testing option. HIVST was provided by existing peer outreach workers (POWs) who were trained to provide support before, during, and after the administration of the test. People who screened reactive were referred and actively linked to confirmatory testing, and those confirmed positive were linked to treatment. Standard testing included HIV testing by clinical staff either at mobile clinics or in facilities. OBJECTIVE The objective was to improve access to HIV testing to underserved KP members, increase HIV positivity rates, and link those who were confirmed HIV positive with life-saving treatment for epidemic control. METHODS A descriptive analysis of routine programmatic data was conducted from a nine-month implementation period (June 2018-March 2019) of peer assisted HIVST among FSWs, MSM, and TG in six provinces where the USAID- and PEPFAR-funded LINKAGES Burundi project worked. Chi-squared tests were used to compare case-finding rates among individuals tested through HIVST versus standard testing. RESULTS A total of 2,198 HIVST test kits were administered (1,791 FSWs, 363 MSM, 44 TG). Three hundred and sixty-six people (17%) were reactive to HIV screening (296 FSWs, 60 MSM, 10 TG); 314 (14%) were confirmed HIV positive (257 FSWs, 47 MSM, 10 TG); and 301 (96%) (251 FSWs, 40 MSM, 10 TG) of those confirmed were initiated on treatment. HIV case-finding rates were significantly higher with HIVST compared to standard testing for FSW and MSM but not TG: FSWs (14% vs. 9%, P < .001); MSM (13% vs. 4%, P < .001); and TG (23% vs. 17%, P > .10). ART initiation rates were significantly lower for MSM confirmed HIV positive through HIVST than through standard testing (85% vs. 99%, P < .001) but not among FSWs or TG (FSWs: 98% vs. 97%, P > .10; TG: 100% vs. 100%). CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of HIVST in identifying individuals who are living with HIV.

scholarly journals Sexual behaviour patterns and STI risk: results of a cluster analysis among men who have sex with men in Portugal

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e033290
Author(s):  
Karel Blondeel ◽  
Sonia Dias ◽  
Martina Furegato ◽  
Armando Seuc ◽  
Ana Gama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Combination Prevention ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesPortugal has the highest HIV incidence rate in Western Europe. The proportion assigned to sexual contact between men recently increased to more than 30% of all HIV infections. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increasing the per-contact risk of HIV infection. Building on syndemic theory, the aim of this analysis was to identify patterns of current sexual behaviour in MSM, and explore their relationship with self-reported current, past STI diagnoses and HIV positive serostatus.DesignA cross-sectional behavioural survey was conducted in Portugal among MSM, using a community-based participatory research approach. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify patterns including behavioural and demographic factors.ResultsThe analysis resulted in six clusters. Three clusters showed higher rates of current STI diagnosis (ranging from 11.7% to 17.1%), past STI diagnosis (ranging from 25.5% to 41.5%) and HIV positive serostatus (ranging from 13.0% to 16.7%). From the three clusters scoring lower on current and past STI and HIV diagnoses, one was characterised by a high number of sexual partners (62% had more than 12 partners in the last year), a high proportion (94.6%) of frequent visits to gay venues to meet sexual partners and high alcohol use (46.1%). The other two clusters scored lower on high risk sexual behaviour.ConclusionFactors other than sexual behaviour appear to reinforce the vulnerability to STIs and HIV of some MSM in this study, suggesting a syndemic of STIs, HIV and other adverse conditions. More research is needed to better understand the drivers of the STI/HIV epidemic in Portuguese MSM, using a concept that goes beyond risk behaviour, to develop effective combination prevention interventions.

Prevalence and Determinants of Fertility Desire Among HIV-positive Women in Rwanda in the Context of Improved Life Expectancy: A Statistical Analysis of Cross-Sectional Data

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Niragire ◽  
Celestin Ndikumana ◽  
Marie Gaudence Nyirahabimana ◽  
Dieudonne Uwizeye
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Fertility Desire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression ◽  
Hiv Positive Women

Abstract Background: The knowledge of the key determinants of fertility desire among people living with HIV/AIDS is crucial for the design of efficient maternal and child health care programs. However, such determinants are not well understood in the context of a successful scale-up of antiretroviral therapy in Rwanda. The present study aim was to assess fertility desire among HIV- positive women and its determinants in Rwanda.Methods: Data were extracted from the 2015 Rwanda demographic health survey (RDHS) for 243 HIV-positive women of reproductive age. Univariate and multivariable based variable selection as well as multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted. Results: The prevalence of desire to have another child in HIV-positive women was as high as 40.7%. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the woman’s age, number of her living children, woman’s employment status, and having a co-wife are significant determinants of fertility desire among HIV- positive women in Rwanda. Women younger than 25 years, with no living child, who were unemployed or who had at least a co-wife were associated with greater odds of desire to have another child in the future than other HIV- positive women.. Conclusion: There is a need to devise integrated programs and services that are tailored to support HIV-positive women in planning their fertility, and controlling HIV transmission to their prospective children. Efficient policy and fertility interventions among WLHA in Rwanda should target young women, especially those living with partners and have fewer children than they prefer.

scholarly journals 2011 UK PEPSE guidelines: new incentive to document HIV-1 serum viral load of patients’ HIV positive sexual partners

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (6(Suppl 4)) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Duncan ◽  
E Pease ◽  
E Morgan ◽  
A Bennett ◽  
C Morgan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Serum Viral Load ◽  
Hiv 1
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