Sexual risk behaviors among adolescents in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Carver JW
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5572216 | biostudies-other | 2014 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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Project description:BackgroundAdolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Haiti experience a high unintended pregnancy rate, in part due to unmet contraception needs. Little is known about AYA opinions of and experiences with contraception that may explain remaining gaps in coverage. We aimed to describe barriers and facilitators to contraception use among AYAs in Haiti.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured qualitative interviews with a convenience sample of AYA females aged 14-24 in two rural communities in Haiti. The survey and semi-structured interviews assessed demographics, sexual health and pregnancy prevention behaviors and explored contraception opinions and experiences according to Theory of Planned Behavior constructs: attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. We used descriptive statistics to report means and responses to Likert scale and multiple-choice questions. Guided by content analysis, we analyzed interview transcripts through inductive coding and team debriefing.ResultsAmong 200 survey respondents, 94% reported any past vaginal sexual activity, and 43% reported ever being pregnant. A large majority were trying to avoid pregnancy (75%). At last sexual activity, 127 (64%) reported use of any contraceptive method; Among them, condoms were the most common method (80%). Among those with previous condom use, most reported use less than half the time (55%). AYAs were concerned about parental approval of birth control use (42%) and that their friends might think they are looking for sex (29%). About one-third felt uncomfortable going to a clinic to ask for birth control. In interviews, AYAs desired pregnancy prevention but frequently noted concerns about privacy and parental, community and healthcare provider judgement for seeking care for reproductive health needs. AYAs also noted a lack of contraception knowledge, evident by frequent misconceptions and associated fears.ConclusionAmong AYAs in rural Haiti, a large majority were sexually active and desire pregnancy avoidance, but few were using effective contraception due to numerous concerns, including privacy and fear of judgement. Future efforts should address these identified concerns to prevent unintended pregnancy and improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes in this population.
| S-EPMC10045756 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among adults in four slum communities in Port-au-Prince.MethodsCluster area random sampling was used to select adults for a health and demographic survey, including anthropometric measurements. Hypertension was defined as SBP at least 140 mmHg and/or DBP at least 90 mmHg, or current hypertension treatment, and was age-standardized to WHO world population. Correlates of hypertension were tested using sex-stratified logistic regression.ResultsOverall, 20.3% of adults had hypertension (28.5% age-standardized), including 22.3% of men and 18.9% of women. Three percent of participants reported current hypertension treatment, and 49.5% of them had their hypertension controlled. Overweight/obesity (BMI ≥25) was the most common risk factor (20.6% among men, 48.5% among women), while smoking was less common (11.8 and 3.9%, respectively). Increasing age and hypertension prevalence in immediate surroundings were associated with greater odds of hypertension. Among men, having in-migrated in the 3 years prior (versus ≥3 years) was also associated with hypertension [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=3.32, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.79-6.17], as was overweight and obesity (aOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.09-3.33, and aOR = 5.73, 95% CI: 2.49-13.19, respectively) and nonreceipt of needed medical care in the preceding 6 months (aOR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.35-5.88) among women.ConclusionHypertension prevalence was high across the age spectrum, in addition to substantial levels of overweight/obesity and unmet healthcare needs. It is important to better understand the possible effects of intraurban migration and environmental risk factors on hypertension and ensure that the benefits of increasingly cost-effective prevention and treatment programmes extend to slum residents.
| S-EPMC7680636 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Polymorphisms in CYP2B6 are known to predict increased steady-state plasma concentrations of efavirenz. We characterized relationships between genetic polymorphisms and plasma efavirenz concentrations among 45 Haitians who initiated antiretroviral therapy in Port-au-Prince.An observational study characterized relationships between clinical factors, pharmacokinetics, and treatment response among antiretroviral-naive patients initiating once-daily treatment with efavirenz plus twice-daily treatment with zidovudine and lamivudine. Plasma drug concentrations were determined at weeks 2 and 4. Drug doses were directly observed by field workers or designated family members. We retrospectively characterized relationships between efavirenz concentrations and 50 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in CYP2B6 and several polymorphisms in CYP2A6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and ABCB1.Plasma specimens for efavirenz analysis were obtained from study participants a mean (+/- standard deviation) of 13.9 +/- 1.6 h after they received the dose. As expected, CYP2B6 516G-->T was associated with increased plasma efavirenz concentrations (Spearman rho = 0.71; P < .001), as were 10 polymorphisms in linkage disequilibrium with 516G-->T. Distinct CYP2B6 polymorphisms were associated with decreased plasma efavirenz concentrations (greatest absolute rho = 0.48; P = .001). Associations were replicated by results from a recent pharmacokinetic study involving 34 healthy, human immunodeficiency virus-negative African Americans.Relatively frequent CYP2B6 polymorphisms may predict decreased plasma efavirenz exposure in patients of African descent. If replicated in other cohorts, the implications of these novel associations for treatment response warrant further study.
| S-EPMC2754599 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The goal of this study was to evaluate the microbial die-off in a latrine waste composting system in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Temperature data and samples were collected from compost aged 0-12+ months. Samples collected from compost bin centers and corners at two depths were assessed for moisture content, E. coli concentration, and Ascaris spp. viability. Center temperatures in compost bins were all above 58 °C, while corner temperatures were 10 - 20 °C lower. Moisture content was 67 ± 10% in all except the oldest compost. A 4-log reduction in E. coli was observed over the first sixteen weeks of composting at both locations and depths, after which E. coli was undetectable (LOD: 142 MPN g(-1) dry weight). In new compost, 10.4% and 8.3% of Ascaris eggs were viable and fully embryonated, respectively. Percent viability dropped to zero in samples older than six weeks. These findings indicate that the Haitian EcoSan composting process was effective in inactivating E. coli and Ascaris spp. in latrine waste within sixteen weeks. This study is one of the first to document efficacy of an ecological sanitation system under field conditions and provides insight into composting methods and monitoring for other international settings.
| S-EPMC4416818 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesEfavirenz is widely prescribed for HIV-1 infection. Three polymorphisms in CYP2B6 define plasma efavirenz trough concentration strata that vary across an ∼10-fold range. We characterized associations between human genetic polymorphisms and virologic response among participants who received efavirenz-containing regimens in a prospective clinical trial.MethodsWe genotyped 76 polymorphisms in CYP2B6 (including those that define efavirenz concentration strata), CYP2A6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and ABCB1 and week 48 virologic responses in 360 Haitians who initiated efavirenz-containing regimens in protocol HT 001. Associations were characterized by logistic regression analysis and Fisher's exact test.ResultsProportions with HIV-1 RNA <50 or <200 copies/mL did not differ across 10 CYP2B6 metabolizer strata. In analyses that combined strata into three metabolizer levels (extensive, intermediate and slow), the respective proportions were 0.79, 0.79 and 0.81 (<50 copies/mL cut-off) and 0.84, 0.86 and 0.87 (<200 copies/mL cut-off). Genetic associations were not identified after controlling for baseline variables or with other polymorphisms after adjusting for multiple comparisons.ConclusionsVirologic failures in HT 001 were not explained by genetic polymorphisms known to define the lowest plasma efavirenz concentration stratum.
| S-EPMC4100704 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background. Haiti has the highest tuberculosis (TB) prevalence in the Americas with 254 cases per 100,000 persons. Case detection relies on passive detection and TB services in many regions suffer from poor diagnostic and clinical resources. Methods. Mache Chache ("Go and Seek") was a TB REACH Wave 3 funded TB case finding project in Port-au-Prince between July 2013 and September 2014, targeting four intervention areas with insufficient TB diagnostic performance. Results. Based on a verbal symptom screen emphasizing the presence of cough, the project identified 11,150 (11.75%) of all screened persons as TB subjects and 2.67% as smear-positive (SS+) TB cases. Enhanced case finding and strengthening of laboratory services led to a 59% increase in bacteriologically confirmed cases in the evaluation population. In addition, smear grades dropped significantly, suggesting earlier case detection. Xpert® MTB/RIF was successfully introduced and improved TB diagnosis in HIV-infected, smear-negative clinic patients, but not in HIV-negative, smear-negative TB suspects in the community. However, the number needed to screen for one additional SS+ case varied widely between clinic and community screening activities. Conclusion. Enhanced and active TB case finding in Haiti can improve TB diagnosis and care. However, screening algorithms have to be tailored to individual settings, necessitating long-term commitment.
| S-EPMC5030475 | biostudies-literature
Project description:In October 2012, the Haitian Ministry of Health and the US CDC were notified of 25 recent dengue cases, confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), among non-governmental organization (NGO) workers. We conducted a serosurvey among NGO workers in Léogane and Port-au-Prince to determine the extent of and risk factors for dengue virus infection. Of the total 776 staff from targeted NGOs in Léogane and Port-au-Prince, 173 (22%; 52 expatriates and 121 Haitians) participated. Anti-dengue virus (DENV) IgM antibody was detected in 8 (15%) expatriates and 9 (7%) Haitians, and DENV non-structural protein 1 in one expatriate. Anti-DENV IgG antibody was detected in 162 (94%) participants (79% of expatriates; 100% of Haitians), and confirmed by microneutralization testing as DENV-specific in 17/34 (50%) expatriates and 42/42 (100%) Haitians. Of 254 pupae collected from 68 containers, 65% were Aedes aegypti; 27% were Ae. albopictus. Few NGO workers reported undertaking mosquito-avoidance action. Our findings underscore the risk of dengue in expatriate workers in Haiti and Haitians themselves.
| S-EPMC4214624 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Neighborhood factors have been associated with health outcomes, but this relationship is underexplored in low-income countries like Haiti. We describe perceived neighborhood cohesion and perceived violence using the Neighborhood Collective Efficacy and the City Stress Inventory scores. We hypothesized lower cohesion and higher violence were associated with higher stress, depression, and hypertension. We collected data from a population-based cohort of adults in Port-au-Prince, Haiti between March 2019 to August 2021, including stress (Perceived Stress Scale), depression (PHQ-9), and blood pressure (BP). Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, or on antihypertensive medications. Covariates that were adjusted for included age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet, income, and education, multivariable linear and Poisson regressions assessed the relationship between exposures and outcomes. Among 2,961 adults, 58.0% were female and median age was 40 years (IQR:28-55). Participants reported high cohesion (median 15/25, IQR:14-17) and moderate violence (9/20, IQR:7-11). Stress was moderate (8/16) and 12.6% had at least moderate depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 11). Median systolic BP was 118 mmHg, median diastolic BP 72 mmHg, and 29.2% had hypertension. In regressions, higher violence was associated with higher prevalence ratios of moderate-to-severe depression (Tertile3 vs Tertile1: PR 1.12, 95%CI:1.09 to 1.16) and stress (+0.3 score, 95%CI:0.01 to 0.6) but not hypertension. Cohesion was associated with lower stress (Tertile3 vs Tertile1: -0.4 score, 95%CI: -0.7 to -0.2) but not depression or hypertension. In summary, urban Haitians reported high perceived cohesion and moderate violence, with higher violence associated with higher stress and depression.
| S-EPMC9937441 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Using a school-based sample of Washington, DC, fifth graders (mean age 10.38, SD = 0.66) and their parents (N = 408), we examined associations of pubertal development with early adolescents' sexual and nonsexual risk behaviors and their caregivers' parenting behaviors; and of these risk behaviors with parenting behaviors. Youths reporting signs of pubertal development were more likely to engage in these risk behaviors than students reporting no signs. Pubertal development was not related to parenting behaviors; however, parents of youths who reported multiple nonsexual risk behaviors reported more parent-child communication about sexual topics. These results highlight the need to begin risk prevention efforts early, prior to pubertal development. Research is needed to understand how parents can help youths better cope with pubertal development to avoid involvement in sexual and nonsexual risk behaviors.
| S-EPMC3146760 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAntibiotic resistance (ABR) is recognized as an increasing threat to global health. Haiti declared ABR an emerging public health threat in 2018, however, the current surveillance system is limited. We described the microbiological data from a Médecins Sans Frontières trauma hospital, to increase knowledge on ABR in Haiti for similar facilities.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional analysis of routine microbiological data of samples taken from patients admitted to the inpatient ward or followed up in the outpatient clinic of the trauma hospital from March 2012 to December 2018. Resistance trends were analysed per isolate and compared over the 7 year period.ResultsAmong 1742 isolates, the most common samples were pus (53.4%), wound swabs (30.5%) and blood (6.9%). The most frequently detected bacteria from these sample types were Staphylococcus aureus (21.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.9%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.7%). MDR bacteria (32.0%), ESBL-producing bacteria (39.1%), MRSA (24.1%) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) species (2.6%) were all detected. Between 2012 and 2018 the number of ESBL isolates significantly increased from 3.2% to 42.9% (P = 0.0001), and resistance to clindamycin in MSSA isolates rose from 3.7% to 29.6% (P = 0.003). Two critical WHO priority pathogens (ESBL-producing CRE and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa) were also detected.ConclusionsOver a 7 year period, a high prevalence of MDR bacteria was observed, while ESBL-producing bacteria showed a significantly increasing trend. ABR surveillance is important to inform clinical decisions, treatment guidelines and infection prevention and control practices.
| S-EPMC8419367 | biostudies-literature