Fertility Intentions and Clinical Care Attendance Among Women Living with HIV in South Africa.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Rucinski KB
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6925340 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Fertility intentions are thought to be dynamic among women of reproductive age, yet few studies have assessed fertility intentions over time among women with HIV. We examine temporal patterns of fertility intentions in women with HIV to assess the extent to which fertility intentions - and the corresponding need for safer conception and judicious antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen selection - vary over time. 850 non-pregnant HIV-positive women aged 18-35 on or being initiated onto ART in Johannesburg, South Africa were enrolled into a prospective cohort study (2009-2010). Fertility intentions were assessed at enrollment and at 30-day intervals via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. We used group-based trajectory modelling to identify longitudinal patterns of fertility intentions over 12 months. We identified four patterns of fertility intentions, which we labelled "consistently low" (representing ∼60% of the population), "low and increasing" (∼23%), "high and increasing" (∼12%), and "high and decreasing" (∼5%). Our findings suggest that a single family-planning assessment at one time point is insufficient to fully identify and meet the reproductive needs of women with HIV. As HIV testing and treatment evolve in South Africa, routine screening for fertility intentions can offer important opportunities to optimize HIV treatment, prevention, and maternal and child health.
| S-EPMC7395884 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionKwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa (SA) has the highest prevalence of pregnant women living with HIV in the world. Pregnancy and the postpartum period offer opportunities to engage women in HIV care, to prevent perinatal transmission and to optimise maternal and infant well-being. However, research suggests that remaining engaged in HIV care during this time can be challenging.Methods and analysisWe are conducting a 5-year prospective cohort study among pregnant women living with HIV in KZN to estimate the rates and factors associated with attrition from HIV care during this critical period. To determine who is most likely to fall out of care, we are examining a range of relevant variables informed by a socioecological model of HIV care, including individual, relational, community and healthcare system variables. We are enrolling 18-45-year-old women, at 28 weeks or more of pregnancy, who are living with HIV and currently taking antiretroviral therapies. Participants complete quantitative assessments at baseline (pregnancy) and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postpartum. A subset of women and their partners are invited to complete qualitative interviews to further explore their experiences in HIV care. The main study outcomes are suppressed HIV RNA and retention in care at each study assessment. Our understanding of the factors that drive postpartum attrition from HIV care will ultimately inform the development of interventions to facilitate continued engagement in postpartum HIV care.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical) at The University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, SA) and the Partners Human Research Committee at Partners HealthCare (Boston, Massachusetts, USA). Site support and approval were obtained from the District Hospital and the KZN Provincial Department of Health. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports and both local and international presentations (Ethics Registration #170 212).
| S-EPMC6955573 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundNo known studies have been undertaken in South Africa exploring the contraceptive and fertility needs and preferences of women of reproductive age (18-49) diagnosed with breast cancer. This study set out to understand the contraceptive needs and fertility intentions of women with breast cancer in Cape Town, South Africa.MethodsQualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 4 health care providers at a tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. We explored contraceptive use prior to diagnosis; the impact of breast cancer on future fertility intentions and contraceptive use; understanding of suitable contraceptive methods during and after treatment and women's fertility related counseling needs during their continuum of care. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.ResultsSince being diagnosed with breast cancer, of those women using a contraceptive method, the non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) was the most commonly used method. However, women reported receiving limited information from health care providers about contraceptive use and future fertility planning post treatment when fertility desires might change. Many women reported limited information received from healthcare providers about the impact of cancer treatment on their future fertility. Most women did not receive information around fertility preservation options, and few were familiar with the concept. Providers focus was more on preventing pregnancy during treatment and ensuring a patient was on a non-hormonal contraceptive method. Providers supported a more holistic, multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer patient's contraceptive and future fertility needs.ConclusionsLimited contraceptive and future fertility counseling were reported by women despite many women being provided with the IUD. There is a need for improved information and counseling regarding the impact of treatment on contraceptive and fertility options. It is important that cancer care providers provide timely information regarding fertility options and communicate with patients about their fertility concerns prior to treatment and throughout the course of survivorship. The development of evidence-based information tools to enhance patient-provider communication and counseling could address knowledge gaps.
| S-EPMC7539427 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo determine the performance of molecular screening strategies for detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) in comparison with cytology screening in women living with HIV.DesignPost-hoc analysis using data from a South African study cohort.MethodsCytology and human papillomavirus (HPV)-based strategies were evaluated, including single test and FAM19A4/miR124-2 methylation triage strategies. Participants underwent cytology screening and a colposcopy-directed biopsy. Valid results on cytology, HPV status, 16/18 genotyping and histology were available for 318 women. Detection of HPV and FAM19A4/miR124-2 hypermethylation was performed on DNA from cervical scrapes. Histological diagnosis of CIN3+ was used as outcome.ResultsCytology provided highest specificity (91.6%), but lowest sensitivity (59.3%), whereas a single HPV test provided highest sensitivity (83.1%), but lowest specificity (66.4%). Combining cytology with methylation did not improve the performance compared with cytology alone: a slight increase in sensitivity was seen, at the cost of a decrease in specificity. Triage of high-risk HPV positive women with methylation increased specificity (76.1%) compared with a single HPV or cytology test, while maintaining acceptable sensitivity (72.9%). Similar performance was observed for HPV16/18 with methylation triage (sensitivity 79.7%, specificity 74.8%). The number of women needed to refer to detect one CIN3+ ranged from 1.5 (cytology) to 2.6 (single HPV test).ConclusionMolecular screening strategies using HPV, with or without HPV16/18 genotyping, and FAM19A4/miR124-2 methylation have higher sensitivity with an acceptable loss in specificity compared with current cytology screening and are efficient for the detection of CIN3+ in South African women living with HIV.
| S-EPMC6791588 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo examine associations between high blood pressure (BP) when entering antenatal care (ANC) and birth outcomes in a cohort of pregnant HIV- and women living with HIV (WLHIV) initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART).Study designProspective cohort study.Main outcome measuresCesarean delivery, preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation), low birthweight (LBW, <2500 g), small-for-gestational age (SGA, <10th percentile), and large-for-gestational age (LGA, >10th percentile for GA).ResultsOf 1116 women (median GA 20 weeks; WLHIV 53%), 48% (53% WLHIV; 43% HIV-) entered ANC with high BP, defined as elevated (120-129 or < 80 mmHg), stage 1 (>130-139 or 80-89) or stage 2 hypertension (≥140 / or ≥ 90). WLHIV were more likely to have high BP (RR 1.32; 95%CI 1.12-1.57), controlling for pre-pregnancy body mass index and additional confounders. In multivariable analysis, there was no evidence that high BP increased the risk of cesarean delivery (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.92-1.30), preterm birth (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.81-1.62), LBW (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.84-1.60) or SGA (RR 1.02, 0.72-1.44), overall or when stratified by HIV-status. High BP was associated with an increased risk of LGA (RR 1.43; 95% CI 1.00-2.03).ConclusionIn this setting, half of women had high BP at entry into ANC, with WLHIV at increased risk of high BP. There was no strong evidence that high BP increased the risk of adverse birth outcomes overall, or by HIV-status, with the exception of LGA. WLHIV may be at high risk of high BP during pregnancy and should be monitored closely.
| S-EPMC7904634 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Prevention of mother-to-child transmission services are integrated into antenatal care in South Africa, but post-birth care is at HIV clinics. Almost all Mothers Living with HIV (MLH) in 24 township neighborhoods (N?=?324) reported engagement in HIV care from pregnancy to 36 months post-birth. Less than half re-engaged in HIV care at 6 months (45%), 52.5% at 18 months, and 62.5% at 36 months. Most were prescribed antiretroviral drugs if re-engaged in care, yet only about half (53%) are on antiretroviral drugs at 36 months post-birth. Implementation of Option B+ will require substantially better engagement in care.
| S-EPMC4641027 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundResearch on adolescent transitions out of pediatric HIV care has focused on high-income countries, with limited understanding of transitions in sub-Saharan Africa's public health sector.MethodsPatient file data were extracted through December 2017 for all 10- to 19-year olds ever initiated on antiretroviral therapy in a health district of the Eastern Cape, South Africa (n = 951). Pathways in HIV care were identified by tracing movements across facility care types and levels. Associations between pathways and viral failure, mortality, loss to follow-up, and viral load change were tested in sequential multivariable regressions. Analyses controlled for sociodemographic and treatment-related variables. Thematic analyses of semistructured health care provider interviews identified transition support at included facilities.ResultsOnly 57.8% of adolescents had initiated antiretroviral therapy in pediatric care, and 20.4% of the total cohort had transitioned out of pediatric HIV care. Among the 42.2% who had initiated in nonpediatric care, 93.8% remained exclusively in nonpediatric care. Median age at first transition was 14 years. Two main pathways were identified: classical transition to adult HIV care (43.3%) and down referral transition to primary health care clinics (56.7%). Across pathways, 27.3% experienced cyclical transition or repeated movement between pediatric and nonpediatric care. Independent of covariates, adolescents with down referral transition were less likely to demonstrate viral failure (adjusted odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval: 0.10 to 0.42; P < 0.001). Mortality and loss to follow-up were not associated with either pathway. Median posttransition viral load change was not clinically significant (median, 0.00; interquartile range: 0.00-0.35) or associated with transition pathways. Health care providers described informal "protocols" for mitigating risk of negative posttransition HIV outcomes.ConclusionsThis study proposes a contextually relevant model for transitions out of pediatric HIV care in South Africa. Feasible, scalable "protocols" may mitigate risk of worsening posttransition HIV outcomes.
| S-EPMC6749967 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation in HIV-infected pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains inadequate, and there is a severe shortage of professional healthcare workers in the region. The effectiveness of community support programmes for HIV-infected pregnant women and their infants in SSA is unclear. This study compared initiation of maternal antiretrovirals and infant outcomes amongst HIV-infected pregnant women and their infants who received and did not receive community-based support (CBS) in a high HIV-prevalence setting in South Africa. A cohort study, including HIV-infected pregnant women and their infants, was conducted at three sentinel surveillance facilities between January 2009 and June 2012, utilising enhanced routine clinical data. Through home visits, CBS workers encouraged uptake of interventions in the ART cascade, provided HIV-related education, ART initiation counselling and psychosocial support. Outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier analyses and multivariable Cox and log-binomial regression. Amongst 1105 mother-infant pairs included, 264 (23.9%) received CBS. Amongst women eligible to start ART antenatally, women who received CBS had a reduced risk of not initiating antenatal ART, 5.4% vs. 30.3%; adjusted risk ratio (aRR)?=?0.18 (95% CI: 0.08-0.44; P?<?.0001). Women who received CBS initiated antenatal ART with less delay after the first antenatal visit, median 26 days vs. 39 days; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)?=?1.57 (95% CI: 1.15-2.14; P?=?.004). Amongst women who initiated antenatal zidovudine (ZDV) to prevent vertical transmission, women who received CBS initiated ZDV with less delay, aHR?=?1.52 (95% CI: 1.18-2.01; P?=?.001). Women who received CBS had a lower risk of stillbirth, 1.5% vs. 5.4%; aRR?=?0.24 (95% CI: 0.07-1.00; P?=?.050). Pregnant women living with HIV who received CBS had improved antenatal triple ART initiation in eligible women, women initiated ART and ZDV with shorter delays, and had a lower risk of stillbirth. CBS is an intervention that shows promise in improving maternal and infant health in high HIV-prevalence settings.
| S-EPMC4828595 | biostudies-literature
Project description:In developing countries, up to 20% of maternal deaths during pregnancy are due to suicide, and being HIV-infected confers additional risk. This manuscript sought to identify perinatal correlates of suicidal ideation among women living with HIV (WLHIV) in rural South Africa. Pregnant WLHIV (N = 681) were recruited and re-assessed at 12-months postpartum. Mean age was 28.3 (SD = 5.7) years and 68% were below the poverty line. Prenatal suicidal ideation was 39%; suicidal ideation continued for 7% at 12 months, 13% experienced incident suicidal ideation, and for 19% suicidal ideation had stopped postnatally. Intimate partner violence (AOR = 1.17) and depression (AOR = 1.14) predicted sustained suicidal ideation. Increased income (AOR = 2.25) and greater stigma (AOR = 1.33) predicted incident suicidal ideation. Younger age (AOR = 0.94), disclosure of HIV status to partner (AOR = 0.60), and greater stigma (AOR = 1.24) predicted postnatal cessation of suicidal ideation. Perinatal care may provide windows of opportunity for identification and treatment of suicidal ideation.
| S-EPMC6230517 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveRecruitment and retention present major challenges to longitudinal research in maternal and child health, yet there are few insights into optimal strategies that can be employed in low-resource settings. Following prior participation in a longitudinal study following women living with HIV through pregnancy and breastfeeding in Cape Town, women were re-contacted at least 18 months after the last study contact and were invited to attend an additional follow-up visit. We describe lessons learnt and offer recommendations for a multiphase recruitment approach.ResultsUsing telephone calls, home visits, clinic tracing and Facebook/WhatsApp messages, we located 387 of the 463 eligible women and successfully enrolled 353 (91% of those contacted). Phone calls were the most successful strategy, yielding 67% of enrolments. Over half of the women had changed their contact information since participation in the previous study. We recommend that researchers collect multiple contact details and use several recruitment strategies in parallel from the start of a study. Participants in longitudinal studies may require frequent contact to update contact information, particularly in settings where mobility is common.
| S-EPMC6660934 | biostudies-literature