Psychosocial health in pregnancy and postpartum among women living with - and without HIV and non-pregnant women living with HIV living in the Nordic countries - Results from a longitudinal survey study.
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ABSTRACT: Background
The success of antiretroviral therapy has normalized pregnancy among women living with HIV (WWH) with a very low risk of perinatal transmission of HIV. Despite these advances, WWH still face complex medical and psychosocial issues during pregnancy and postpartum. The aim of this study was to assess differences in psychosocial health outcomes between pregnant WWH, non-pregnant WWH, and pregnant women without HIV, and further identify factors associated with probable depression in the third trimester and postpartum.Methods
In a longitudinal survey study, participants were included from sites in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden during 2019-2020. Data was collected in the 3rd trimester, 3 and 6 months postpartum using standardized questionnaires assessing depression, perceived stress, loneliness, and social support. Mixed regression models were used to assess changes over time within and between groups. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with depression in pregnancy and postpartum.Results
A total of 47 pregnant WWH, 75 non-pregnant WWH, and 147 pregnant women without HIV were included. The prevalence of depression was high among both pregnant and non-pregnant WWH. There was no significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant WWH in depression scores, perceived stress scores, or social support scores at any time point. Compared to pregnant women without HIV, pregnant WWH reported worse outcomes on all psychosocial scales. Social support and loneliness were associated with an increased odds of depressive symptoms in the adjusted analysis.Conclusions
A high burden of adverse psychosocial outcomes was observed in both pregnant and non-pregnant women living with HIV compared to pregnant women without HIV. Loneliness and inadequate social support were associated with increased odds of depression in pregnancy and should be a focus in future support interventions.
SUBMITTER: Moseholm E
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8740861 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:ObjectiveThe success of antiretroviral therapy has resulted in the normalization of pregnancy among women living with HIV and a very low risk of perinatal transmission of HIV. Despite these advances, women living with HIV still face complex medical and psychosocial issues during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to describe experiences of pregnancy and the relevance of social support among women living with HIV in Nordic countries.MethodsThis qualitative study examined data from pregnant women living with HIV from sites in Denmark, Sweden and Finland from 2019 to 2020. Data were collected in the third trimester via individual interviews using a hybrid, narrative/semistructured format. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using narrative thematic analysis.ResultsIn total, 31 women living with HIV were enrolled, of whom 61% originated from an African country and 29% from a Nordic country. The analysis generated four primary narrative themes: just a normal pregnancy, unique considerations and concerns, interactions with healthcare, and social support. Women living with HIV have a strong desire to have normal pregnancies and to be treated like any other pregnant woman. However, this normality is fragile, and being pregnant and living with HIV does come with unique considerations and concerns, such as fear of transmission, antiretroviral therapy, and the need for specialized care, which are fundamental to the women's experiences. Interactions with healthcare providers and social support influence their experiences in both positive and negative ways.ConclusionThe findings emphasize a sense of normality in pregnancy among women living with HIV. However, pregnancy does come with unique considerations and concerns, which highly influence the women's experience of pregnancy. Healthcare providers should focus on person-centered care, ensuring continuity and that women living with HIV do not feel discriminated against throughout their pregnancy.
| S-EPMC8744157 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo evaluate the pharmacokinetics of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) 10 mg with cobicistat and 25 mg without boosting in pregnant and postpartum women with HIV and to characterize TAF placental transfer and infant washout pharmacokinetics.DesignOpen-label, multicenter phase IV prospective study of TAF pharmacokinetics during pregnancy, postpartum, delivery, and infant washout.MethodsPregnant women receiving TAF 10 mg with cobicistat or TAF 25 mg without boosting as part of clinical care had intensive pharmacokinetic assessments performed during the second and third trimesters, and 6-12 weeks postpartum. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected at delivery, and washout pharmacokinetic samples were collected in infants. TAF concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Comparisons between pregnancy and postpartum were made using geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.ResultsThirty-one pregnant women receiving TAF 10 mg with cobicistat-boosting and 27 women receiving TAF 25 mg without boosting were enrolled. TAF exposures did not significantly differ between pregnancy and postpartum when administered as 10 mg with cobicistat. Antepartum TAF exposures with the 25 mg dose were 33-43% lower in comparison with postpartum, but comparable with those measured in nonpregnant adults. TAF was below the lower limit of quantitation in 43 of 44 cord blood, 41 of 45 maternal blood at delivery, and all infant washout samples.ConclusionTAF exposures were comparable or higher than those measured in nonpregnant adults during pregnancy and postpartum. These findings provide reassurance on adequate TAF exposures during pregnancy, and support efforts to expand the use of TAF in pregnant women with HIV.
| S-EPMC8238253 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo evaluate dolutegravir pharmacokinetics during pregnancy compared with postpartum and in infant washout samples after delivery.DesignOngoing, nonrandomized, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter phase-IV prospective study of antiretroviral pharmacokinetics in HIV-infected pregnant women and infants.MethodsIntensive steady-state 24 h pharmacokinetic profiles after dolutegravir 50 mg once-daily were performed during the second trimester (2T), third trimester (3T) and postpartum. Maternal delivery and postnatal infant samples were collected after birth. Dolutegravir was measured by validated LC-MS/MS; quantitation limit was 0.005 μg/ml. A two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test (α = 0.10) was employed for paired within-subject comparisons.ResultsTwenty-nine enrolled participants had a median age of 32 years (range 21-42). Pharmacokinetic data were available for 15 (2T), 28 (3T) and 23 (postpartum) women. Median dolutegravir AUC0-24,Cmax and C24 were 25-51% lower in the 2T and 3T compared with postpartum. The median cord blood/maternal plasma concentration ratio was 1.25 (n = 18). In 21 infants, median elimination half-life was 32.8 h after in utero exposure. Viral load at delivery was less than 50 copies/ml for 27/29 women (93%). Twenty-nine infants were HIV-negative. Renal abnormalities noted on ultrasound in two infants were deemed possibly related to dolutegravir.ConclusionDolutegravir exposure is lower in pregnancy compared with postpartum in the same women on once-daily dosing. Median AUC0-24 during pregnancy was similar to, whereas trough concentrations were lower than, those seen in nonpregnant adults. Trough concentrations in pregnancy were well above dolutegravir EC90 (0.064 μg/ml). Dolutegravir readily crosses the placenta. Infant elimination is prolonged, with half-life over twice that of historical adult controls.
| S-EPMC5854536 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo investigate women's values and preferences regarding antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy to inform a BMJ Rapid Recommendation.SettingPrimary studies reporting patient-reported outcomes relevant to decision-making regarding ART in any clinical and geographical setting.ParticipantsWomen living with HIV who are pregnant, postpartum or considering pregnancy.Outcome measuresQuantitative measurements and qualitative descriptions of values and preferences in relation to ART during pregnancy. We also included studies on women's reported barriers and facilitators to adherence. We excluded studies correlating objective measures (eg, CD4 count) with adherence, or reporting only outcomes which are not expected to differ between ART alternatives (eg, access to services, knowledge about ART).ResultsWe included 15 qualitative studies reporting values and preferences about ART in the peripartum period; no study directly studied choice of ART therapy during pregnancy. Six themes emerged: a desire to reduce vertical transmission (nine studies), desire for child to be healthy (five studies), concern about side effects to the child (eight studies), desire for oneself to be healthy (five studies), distress about side effect to oneself (10 studies) and pill burden (two studies). None of the studies weighed the relative importance of these outcomes directly, but pill burden/medication complexity appears to be a lower priority for most women compared with other factors. Overall, the body of evidence was at low risk of bias, with minor limitations.ConclusionsWomen who are or may become pregnant and who are considering ART appear to place a high value on both their own and their children's health. Evidence on the relative importance between these values when choosing between ART regimens is uncertain. There is variability in individual values and preferences among women. This highlights the importance of an individualised women-centred approach, such as shared decision-making when choosing between ART alternatives.Trial registration numberInternational Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews:CRD42017057157.
| S-EPMC5988094 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveWomen living with HIV (WLWH) experience psychosocial stress related to social-structural vulnerabilities. To investigate neuroendocrine pathways linking stress and increased cardiovascular disease risk among WLWH, we evaluated associations between psychosocial stress (i.e., perceived stress, posttraumatic stress, and experiences of race- and gender-based harassment) and a composite neuroendocrine biomarker index among WLWH and women without HIV.MethodsIn 2019-2020, Women's Interagency HIV Study participants in Washington, DC completed a questionnaire and provided blood and 12-hour overnight urine samples for testing of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and urinary free cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Psychosocial stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale, PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version, and Racialized Sexual Harassment Scale. Latent profile analysis was used to classify participants into low (38%), moderate (44%), and high (18%) stress groups. Composite biomarker index scores between 0-4 were assigned based on participants' number of neuroendocrine biomarkers in high-risk quartiles (≥75th percentile for cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine and ≤25th percentile for DHEA-S). We evaluated associations between latent profile and composite biomarker index values using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for socio-demographic, behavioral, metabolic, and HIV-related factors.ResultsAmong 90 women, 62% were WLWH, 53% were non-Hispanic Black, and median age was 55 years. In full multivariable models, there was no statistically significant association between psychosocial stress and composite biomarker index values among all women independent of HIV status. High (vs. low) psychosocial stress was positively associated with higher mean composite biomarker index values among all monoracial Black women (adjusted β = 1.32; 95% CI: 0.20-2.43), Black WLWH (adjusted β = 1.93; 95% CI: 0.02-3.83) and Black HIV-negative women (adjusted β = 2.54; 95% CI: 0.41-4.67).ConclusionsDespite a null association in the overall sample, greater psychosocial stress was positively associated with higher neuroendocrine biomarker concentrations among Black women, highlighting a plausible mechanism by which psychosocial stress could contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.
| S-EPMC8699620 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionAs the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive population ages, issues concerning sexuality and fertility, among others, are becoming relevant. HIV is still surrounded by stigma and taboos, and there have been few studies conducted in industrialized settings concerning these questions. We therefore wanted to investigate the perception of sexuality and fertility in women living with HIV (WLWH) in an industrialized setting, using a questionnaire.MethodsWLWH were recruited at their regular outpatient clinic visits, at the major Departments of Infectious Diseases in Denmark and Finland, from January 2012 to October 2013. A questionnaire was developed, study participants were informed of the nature of study and, if they agreed to participate and signed a consent form, they filled in the questionnaire. Demographic information on the participants was obtained from patient files (in Finland) or from a national HIV cohort (in Denmark). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA, version 11.ResultsIn total, 560 women were included in the study. The median age was 44 years. The majority were of white European origin, with fully suppressed HIV viral load, CD4 cell count >350 µL and mild or no symptoms of their HIV infection. A total of 62% were sexually active, stating condom use as their sole form of contraception. Of the sexually inactive women, one-third were in steady relationships. Eighty percent reported prior pregnancies, of which the majority had one or more children. Most children were born prior to the women's HIV diagnosis and the mode of conception was predominantly natural. One-quarter of the participating women desired pregnancy, while more than half did not. The remaining quarter either stated that they already had the desired number of children or chose not to answer the question. Fourteen percent stated that their HIV diagnosis ended their wish for children; of these women, the median time of diagnosis was between 1995 and 1996. Pregnancy had been attempted unsuccessfully in one-quarter of study participants. The final question inquired what the risk of mother-to-child transmission was, with all precautions taken. Fifteen percent estimated the risk to be above two percent.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the majority of WLWH in industrialized settings in Denmark and Finland have few HIV-related symptoms, are sexually active and have a strong desire for children.
| S-EPMC4452736 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Comprehensive HIV treatment and care makes it safer for women living with HIV (WLWH) to have the children they desire, partly through provision and appropriate use of effective contraception. However, nearly one third of WLWH in-care in a large Ugandan cohort became pregnant within 3 years of initiating ART and half of these incident pregnancies (45%) were unplanned. We therefore describe future pregnancy plans and associated factors among postpartum WLWH in rural southwestern Uganda in order to inform interventions promoting postpartum contraceptive uptake. This analysis includes baseline data collected from adult WLWH enrolled into a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of family planning support versus standard of care at 12 months postpartum in southwestern Uganda. Enrolled postpartum WLWH completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire at enrolment. Among 320 enrolled women, mean age, CD4 count, and duration on ART was 28.9 (standard deviation [SD] 5.8) years, 395 cells/mm3 (SD = 62) and 4.6 years (SD = 3.9), respectively. One-hundred and eighty nine (59%) of women reported either personal (175, 55%) or partner (186, 58%) desire for more children in the next 2 years. Intentions to have more children was strongly associated with partner's desire for more children (AOR = 31.36; P < 0.000), referent pregnancy planned (AOR = 2.69; P = 0.050) and higher household income > 150,000 Shs per month (AOR = 1.37; P = 0.010). Previous use of modern contraception (AOR = 0.07; P = 0.001), increasing age (AOR = 0.34; P = 0.012), having > 2 own children living in a household (AOR = 0.42; P = 0.021) and parity > 2 (AOR = 0.59; P = 0.015) were associated with reduced odds of pregnancy intention. Our findings highlight the role male partners play in influencing pregnancy intentions postpartum and the importance of engaging men in sexual and reproductive health counselling about child spacing for the health of women, children, and families. This should be addressed alongside key individual-level social, demographic, economic and structural factors within which couples can understand risks of unplanned pregnancies and access effective contraceptive methods when they need or want them.
| S-EPMC6486443 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ABSTRACTYoung pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV (WLHIV) are at high risk of poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes, which may be driven partly by HIV-related stigma. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 pregnant and postpartum WLHIV aged 19-24 years to understand how different forms of HIV-related stigma manifest in their lives, as well as their experiences of HIV-status disclosure and social support. Participants described profound levels of perceived stigma in their community, including gossip from other young women and judgement from older adults. Consequently, participants disclosed to a limited number of people to avoid being stigmatised, and disclosure to peers was especially uncommon. However, disclosure in certain situations was described as leading to emotional support and support for ART adherence, and disclosure to older WLHIV resulted in participants having a role model. Finally, participants expressed varied ways in which they accept, speak about, and live with their HIV diagnosis. These data provide a rich understanding of the experiences of HIV-related stigma in this population and point to the need for psychosocial interventions focussed on acceptance and coping with an HIV-positive diagnosis despite profound levels of perceived stigma, as well as navigating decisions around the targets and timing of disclosure.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04036851.
| S-EPMC10011013 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:The safety, efficacy, and appropriate timing of isoniazid therapy to prevent tuberculosis in pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who are receiving antiretroviral therapy are unknown. METHODS:In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, noninferiority trial, we randomly assigned pregnant women with HIV infection to receive isoniazid preventive therapy for 28 weeks, initiated either during pregnancy (immediate group) or at week 12 after delivery (deferred group). Mothers and infants were followed through week 48 after delivery. The primary outcome was a composite of treatment-related maternal adverse events of grade 3 or higher or permanent discontinuation of the trial regimen because of toxic effects. The noninferiority margin was an upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval for the between-group difference in the rate of the primary outcome of less than 5 events per 100 person-years. RESULTS:A total of 956 women were enrolled. A primary outcome event occurred in 72 of 477 women (15.1%) in the immediate group and in 73 of 479 (15.2%) in the deferred group (incidence rate, 15.03 and 14.93 events per 100 person-years, respectively; rate difference, 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.77 to 4.98, which met the criterion for noninferiority). Two women in the immediate group and 4 women in the deferred group died (incidence rate, 0.40 and 0.78 per 100 person-years, respectively; rate difference, -0.39; 95% CI, -1.33 to 0.56); all deaths occurred during the postpartum period, and 4 were from liver failure (2 of the women who died from liver failure had received isoniazid [1 in each group]). Tuberculosis developed in 6 women (3 in each group); the incidence rate was 0.60 per 100 person-years in the immediate group and 0.59 per 100 person-years in the deferred group (rate difference, 0.01; 95% CI, -0.94 to 0.96). There was a higher incidence in the immediate group than in the deferred group of an event included in the composite adverse pregnancy outcome (stillbirth or spontaneous abortion, low birth weight in an infant, preterm delivery, or congenital anomalies in an infant) (23.6% vs. 17.0%; difference, 6.7 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.8 to 11.9). CONCLUSIONS:The risks associated with initiation of isoniazid preventive therapy during pregnancy appeared to be greater than those associated with initiation of therapy during the postpartum period. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health; IMPAACT P1078 TB APPRISE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01494038.).
| S-EPMC7051859 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo evaluate elvitegravir and cobicistat pharmacokinetics during pregnancy compared with postpartum and in infant washout samples after delivery.DesignNonrandomized, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter phase-IV prospective study of antiretroviral pharmacokinetics in HIV-infected pregnant women and their children in the United States.MethodsIntensive steady-state 24-h pharmacokinetic profiles after 150 mg of elvitegravir and 150 mg of cobicistat given orally in fixed dose combination once-daily were performed during the second trimester, third trimester, and postpartum. Infant washout samples were collected after birth. Elvitegravir and cobicistat were measured in plasma by a validated liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry assay with a lower quantitation limit of 10 ng/ml. A two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test (α = 0.10) was employed for paired within-participant comparisons.ResultsThirty pregnant women taking elvitegravir and cobicistat once-daily enrolled in the study. Compared with paired postpartum data, elvitegravir AUC0-24 was 24% lower in the second trimester [n = 14, P = 0.058, geometric mean ratios (GMR) = 0.76, 90% confidence interval (CI) 0.57-1.0] and 44% lower in the third trimester (n = 24, P = 0.0001, GMR = 0.56, 90% CI 0.42-0.73), while cobicistat AUC0-24 was 44% lower in the second trimester (n = 14, P = 0.0085, GMR = 0.56, 90% CI 0.37-0.85) and 59% lower in the third trimester (n = 24, P < 0.0001, GMR = 0.41, 90% CI 0.30-0.57). Median cord blood elvitegravir concentration was 540.6 ng/ml and the median ratio of cord blood to maternal plasma elvitegravir concentrations was 0.91.ConclusionStandard elvitegravir and cobicistat dosing during pregnancy results in significantly lower exposure which may increase the risk of virologic failure and mother-to-child transmission. Additional studies are needed to optimize elvitegravir and cobicistat dosing regimens in pregnant women.
| S-EPMC6209536 | biostudies-literature