Browsing by Author "Aizire, Jim"

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    Correlates of hepatitis B awareness and disease-specific knowledge among pregnant women in Northern and Central Uganda: a cross-sectional study
    (Hepatology, medicine and policy, 2018) Nankya-Mutyoba, Joan; Aizire, Jim; Makumbi, Fredrick; Atuyambe, Lynn; Ocama, Ponsiano; Kirk, Gregory D.
    Countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a high hepatitis B burden also have limited resources to identify underlying drivers of disease among key at-risk populations. To improve prioritization and strengthen prevention of mother to child transmission of HBV, it is imperative to understand disease awareness, knowledge and related factors among pregnant women. Objectives: This study assessed HBV disease awareness, knowledge and related factors among pregnant women in public health facilities in two regions with diverse HBV disease epidemiology. Methods: From October 2016 through December 2017, a random sample of 455 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were surveyed to assess HBV awareness, knowledge and associated factors. Participants responded to an 18-item questionnaire with themes on HBV awareness, knowledge of disease signs and symptoms, transmission, prevention and misconceptions about the disease. Results were analysed in STATA (version 14.0). Results: Of 455 participants enrolled, about two thirds reported having heard about HBV disease. By region, nearly half (47%) of participants from the central region, compared to only 16% from the north, reported that they had never heard of HBV. Region of residence had a moderating effect on the education- HBV awareness relationship. Only 162/455 (36%) of participants had adequate HBV knowledge. More than half 256/455 (56%) and 242/455 (53%) were not knowledgeable about horizontal and mother to child HBV transmission, respectively. About two thirds 298/455 (66%) and 281/455 (62%) believed HBV was spread via sharing of utensils and mosquito bites respectively. In multiple regression analysis, residing in the north, (PR=1.91(1.53 -2.38), p < 0.001) compared to central region and having a secondary education (PR=1.87(1.37 -2.55), p < 0.001) compared to primary were statistically significantly related to being knowledgeable about HBV. Conclusion: We demonstrated marked regional differences in HBV disease awareness and knowledge in this high HBV prevalence setting. However, most pregnant women displayed unacceptably low HBV knowledge and a significant proportion still hold misconceptions about HBV. Interventions to improve HBV prevention through antenatal education will need to be tailored to existing differences in comprehensive HBV knowledge.
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    Corrigendum to “Hepatitis B birth dose vaccination for newborns in Uganda: A qualitative inquiry on pregnant women’s perceptions, barriers and preferences”
    (Journal of Virus Eradication, 2021) Nankya Mutyoba, Joan; Surkan, Pamela J.; Makumbi, Fredrick; Aizire, Jim; Kirk, Gregory D.; Ocama, Ponsiano; Atuyambe, Lynn M.
    The full acknowledgment for the article is restated herein: This research (or [initials]) was supported by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA). CARTA is jointly led by the African Population and Health Research Center and the University of the Witwatersrand and funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York (Grant No—G-19-57145), Sida (Grant No:54100113), Uppsala Monitoring Center and the DELTAS Africa Initiative (Grant No: 107768/Z/ 15/Z). The DELTAS Africa Initiative is an independent funding scheme of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS)’s Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA) and supported by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Planning and Coordinating Agency (NEPAD Agency) with funding from the Wellcome Trust (UK) and the UK government. The statements made and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the Fellow.
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    Extended prophylaxis with nevirapine and cotrimoxazole among HIV-exposed uninfected infants is well tolerated
    (AIDS (London, England), 2012) Aizire, Jim; Fowler, Mary Glenn; Wang, Jing; Shetty, Avinash K.; Chibanda, Lynda Stranix; Kamateeka, Moreen; Brown, Elizabeth R.; Bolton, Steve G.; Musoke, Philippa M.; Coovadia, Hoosen
    Nevirapine and cotrimoxazole are associated with hematologic toxicities and skin-rash. Safety of their concurrent use for prophylaxis over extended periods among HIV-exposed uninfected infants has not been previously assessed.Secondary data analysis of the ‘HIV Prevention Trials Network-046 protocol’ (version 2.0), a phase-III, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that assessed efficacy and safety of nevirapine prophylaxis against breast milk transmission of HIV-1.Trial infants received 6-month study nevirapine/placebo, and standard-of-care peripartum single-dose nevirapine+/– zidovudine ‘tail’, and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis from 6 weeks through breastfeeding cessation. Adverse events were monitored using United States Division of AIDS Toxicity Tables (2004). Risk of neutropenia, anemia and skin-rash in the cotrimoxazole+nevirapine and the cotrimoxazole+placebo groups were compared using negative-binomial regression.Incidence of neutropenia and/or anemia, and skin-rash was highest during the first 6 weeks of life and declined, thereafter, regardless of study group. Time to first adverse event after 6 weeks was similar in cotrimoxazole+nevirapine and cotrimoxazole+placebo groups: hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.26 (0.96–1.66) for neutropenia and/or anemia (all grades), 1.27 (0.80–2.03) for neutropenia and/or anemia (grade ≥3) and 1.16 (0.46–2.90) for skin-rash (grade ≥2). There were no statistically significant differences in immediate (6 weeks–6 months) and long-term (6–12 months) adverse event risk among infants on cotrimoxazole+nevirapine versus cotrimoxazole+placebo.Extended nevirapine and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis through 6 months of age among HIV-exposed uninfected infants did not appear to increase the immediate or long-term risk of neutropenia, anemia or skin-rash. Concurrent use beyond 6 months, however, needs to be evaluated.
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    Hepatitis B Prevalence among Pregnant Women in Central and West Nile regions of Uganda: Is there a Need to prioritize Prevention of Mother to Child hepatitis B transmission?
    (Research Square, 2019) Nankya-Mutyoba, Joan; Aizire, Jim; Makumbi, Fredrick; Atuyambe, Lynn; Kirk, Gregory; Ocama, Ponsiano
    Introduction Within sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the burden of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) is unacceptably high in several countries including Uganda. Elimination of HBV in the context of inadequate resources and several competing health issues, faces challenges including limited data on disease burden in important population sub-groups. In order to optimize available resources, reliable data on HBV among pregnant women is useful to guide policies on prevention. This study estimated HBV prevalence and related factors among pregnant women in Central and West Nile regions of Uganda Methods Using a twostage sampling approach, we selected a random sample of 310 pregnant women, 18 years or older from public health facility antenatal clinics in central and west Nile, North-western Uganda. Consenting women were interviewed to obtain data on HBV vaccination status, HIV status, selected sexual and lifestyle factors and socio-demographic information. In addition, they underwent phlebotomy to obtain blood for testing for hepatitis B surface antigen, (HBsAg) antibodies to the surface antigen (anti-HBs), and antibodies to the core (anti-HBc), as indicators of chronic infection, prior exposure, and susceptibility (anti-HBs <10 mIU /mL), respectively. Results Out of 310 women, prevalence of chronic HBV infection was 6.2%. Prevalence in the West Nile region was notably higher than in the Central region (11.0% vs. 1.3%), p<0.001. In both regions, majority of pregnant women (61% West Nile region, 76% Central region) were still susceptible to HBV. Overall, proportion who had been tested for HBV and those who reported having been vaccinated was only 5.8% and 11.3% respectively. Conclusion Our findings reveal the burden of HBV in Ugandan pregnant women is still high, with marked regional differences in disease prevalence, and poor levels of HBV testing and vaccination. These data suggest that HBV prevention programs and policies in resource-limited settings like Uganda may need to consider the differential HBV prevalence, as optimizing HBV prevention services in higher prevalence regions may provide greater impact and thereby align with the WHO recommendation on HBV elimination strategy in SSA.
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    Hepatitis B virus perceptions and health seeking behaviors among pregnant women in Uganda: implications for prevention and policy
    (BMC health services research, 2019) Nankya-Mutyoba, Joan; Aizire, Jim; Makumbi, Fredrick; Ocama, Ponsiano; Kirk, Gregory D.
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    Kinetics of Nevirapine and Its Impact on HIV-1 RNA Levels in Maternal Plasma and Breast Milk Over Time After Perinatal Single-Dose Nevirapine
    (JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 2012) Aizire, Jim; McConnell, Michelle S.; Mudiope, Peter; Mubiru, Michael; Matovu, Flavia; Parsons, Teresa L.; Elbireer, Ali ,; Nolan, Monica; Janoff, Edward N.; Glenn Fowler, Mary
    To determine kinetics after single-dose nevirapine and the impact on HIV RNA [viral load (VL)] in maternal plasma and breast milk (BM). Methods: Cohort of 120 HIV-1–infected pregnant Ugandan women received perinatal single-dose nevirapine alone and followed up with their infants through 24 weeks postdelivery. We assessed the relationship of nevirapine concentration (tandem mass spectroscopy) and HIV-1 VL (Roche AMPLICOR HIV-1 Kit, version 1.5) in maternal plasma and BM over time. Results: At week 1 postpartum, NVP ($10 ng/mL) was detected in all 53 plasma and 47 of 51 (92.2%) BM samples with median (inter- quartile ranges) of, respectively, 171 (78–214) ng/mL and 112 (64–158) ng/mL, P = 0.075, which decreased subsequently with traces persisting through week 4 in plasma. Plasma and BM VL dropped by week 1 and were highly correlated at delivery (R = 0.71, P , 0.001) and week 1 (R = 0.69, P , 0.001) but not thereafter. At week 1, VL correlated inversely with NVP concentra- tion in plasma (R = 0.39, P = 0.004) and BM (R = 0.48, P = 0.013). There was a VL rebound in both compartments, which peaked at week 4 to levels greater than those at week 1 [significantly in plasma (P , 0.001) but not in BM] and remained stable thereafter. Median VL was consistently greater (11- to 50-fold) in plasma than BM at all time points (all P , 0.001). Conclusions: After single-dose nevirapine, NVP concentration was comparably high through week 1, accompanied by suppression of plasma and BM VL. A longer “tail” (.1 week) of potent postnatal antiretroviral drugs is warranted to minimize the observed VL rebound and potential for NVP resistance as a result of persistent NVP traces
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    Mentorship needs at academic institutions in resource-limited settings: a survey at Makerere university college of health sciences
    (BMC Medical Education, 2011) Nakanjako, Damalie; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline; Kintu, Kenneth; Aizire, Jim; Nakwagala, Fred; Luzige, Simon; Namisi, Charles; Mayanja-Kizza, Harriet; Kamya, Moses R.
    Mentoring is a core component of medical education and career success. There is increasing global emphasis on mentorship of young scientists in order to train and develop the next leaders in global health. However, mentoring efforts are challenged by the high clinical, research and administrative demands. We evaluated the status and nature of mentoring practices at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MAKCHS). Methods: Pre-tested, self-administered questionnaires were sent by email to all Fogarty alumni at the MAKCHS (mentors) and each of them was requested to complete and email back the questionnaire. In addition to training level and number of mentors, the questionnaires had open-ended questions covering themes such as; status of mentorship, challenges faced by mentors and strategies to improve and sustain mentorship within MAKCHS. Similarly, open-ended questionnaires were sent and received by email from all graduate students (mentees) registered with the Uganda Society for Health Scientists (USHS). Qualitative data from mentors and mentees was analyzed manually according to the pre-determined themes.
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    Predictors of Early and Late Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in a Breastfeeding Population: HIV Network for Prevention Trials 012 Experience, Kampala, Uganda
    (Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes, 2009) Mmiro, Francis A.; Aizire, Jim; Mwatha, Anthony K.; Eshleman, Susan H.; Donnell, Deborah; Fowler, Mary Glenn; Nakabiito, Clemensia; Musoke, Philippa M.; Jackson, J. Brooks; Guay, Laura A.
    To determine the predictors for early versus later (breastfeeding) transmission of HIV-1.Secondary data analysis was performed on HIV Network for Prevention Trials 012, a completed randomized clinical trial assessing the relative efficacy of nevirapine (NVP) versus zidovudine in reducing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1. We used Cox regression analysis to assess risk factors for MTCT. The ViroSeq HIV genotyping and a sensitive point mutation assay were used to detect NVP resistance mutations.In this subset analyses, 122 of 610 infants were HIV infected, of whom 99 (81.1%) were infected early (first positive polymerase chain reaction ≤56 days). Incidence of MTCT after 56 days was low [0.7% per month (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.4 to 1.0)], but continued through 18 months. In multivariate analyses, early MTCT “factors” included NVP versus zidovudine (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.86), pre-entry maternal viral load (VL, HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.41), and CD4 cell count (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.28). Maternal VL (6–8 weeks) was associated with late MTCT (HR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.78 to 7.50), whereas maternal NVP resistance (6–8 weeks) was not.Maternal VL was the best predictor of both early and late transmission. Maternal NVP resistance at 6–8 weeks did not predict late transmission.
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    Prevalence and Factors Associated With Liver Fibrosis Among Adult HIV-Infected Patients Attending Urban and Rural Care Clinics in Uganda
    (Oxford University Press, 2020) Wekesa, Clara; Kirk, Gregory D.; Aizire, Jim; Benson, Eve-Marie; Karabarinde, Alex; Parkes-Ratanshi, Rosalind; Ocama, Ponsiano
    Liver fibrosis is common among HIV-infected patients. Risk factors vary by location. Understanding this variation may inform prevention strategies. We compared the prevalence and correlates of liver fibrosis among HIV-infected patients attending care clinics in Uganda. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study involving 2030 HIV-infected patients attending care clinics in urban and rural Uganda. Liver fibrosis was defined as liver stiffness measurement (LSM) >7.1 KPa. Proportions and correlates of liver fibrosis were assessed and compared using logistic regression stratified by gender and site. Results. Prevalence of liver fibrosis was higher among participants in the rural clinic (15% vs 11%; P = .017). History of tobacco use (urban P = .022; rural P = .035) and serologic evidence of hepatitis C infection (HCV; urban P = .028; rural P = .03) was associated with liver fibrosis in all men. Elevated liver transaminases (urban P = .002; rural P = .028) and increasing age (urban P = .008; rural P = .052) were risk factors among all women. Tobacco use among women was only a risk factor in those attending the rural clinic (P = .003), and detectable HIV viral load (P = .002) for men in the urban clinic. Conclusions. Liver fibrosis is prevalent among HIV-infected persons in Uganda. HIV viral suppression and avoiding tobacco may be strategies to prevent liver fibrosis and cancer risk.
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    Unintended pregnancy and contraception use among African women living with HIV: Baseline analysis of the multi-country US PEPFAR PROMOTE cohort
    (Public Library of Science, 2024-03-11) Aizire, Jim; Yende-Zuma, Nonhlanhla; Hanley, Sherika; Nematadzira, Teacler; Nyati, Mandisa M; Dadabhai, Sufia; Chinula, Lameck; Nakaye, Catherine; Fowler, Mary Glenn; Taha, Taha
    About 90% of unintended pregnancies are attributed to non-use of effective contraception-tubal ligation, or reversible effective contraception (REC) including injectables, oral pills, intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD), and implant. We assessed the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and factors associated with using RECs, and Long-Acting-Reversible-Contraceptives (LARCs)-implants and IUCDs, among women living with HIV (WLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted cross-sectional analyses of the US-PEPFAR PROMOTE study WLHIV on ART at enrollment. Separate outcome (REC and LARC) modified-Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence risk ratio (PRR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 1,987 enrolled WLHIV, 990 (49.8%) reported their last/current pregnancy was unintended; 1,027/1,254 (81.9%) non-pregnant women with a potential to become pregnant reported current use of effective contraception including 215/1,254 (17.1%) LARC users. Compared to Zimbabwe, REC rates were similar in South Africa, aPRR = 0.97 (95% CI: 0.90-1.04), p = 0.355, lower in Malawi, aPRR = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91), p<0.001, and Uganda, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.73-0.91), p<0.001. Additionally, REC use was independently associated with education attained, primary versus higher education, aPRR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02-1.18), p = 0.013; marriage/stable union, aPRR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01-1.21), p = 0.039; no desire for another child, PRR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02-1.16), p = 0.016; infrequent sex (none in the last 3 months), aPRR = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.15-1.33), p<0001; and controlled HIV load ([less than or equal to] 1000 copies/ml), PRR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02-1.19), p = 0.014. LARC use was independently associated with country (Zimbabwe ref: South Africa, PRR = 0.39 (95% CI: 0.26-0.57), p<0.001; Uganda, PRR = 0.65 (95% CI: 0.42-1.01), p = 0.054; and Malawi, aPRR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.64-1.19), p = 0.386; HIV load ([less than or equal to] 1000 copies/ml copies/ml), aPRR=1.73 (95% CI: 1.26-2.37), p<0.001; and formal/self-employment, aPRR = 1.37 (95% CI: 1.02-1.91), p = 0.027. Unintended pregnancy was common while use of effective contraception methods particularly LARCs was low among these African WLHIV. HIV viral load, education, sexual-activity, fertility desires, and economic independence are pertinent individual-level factors integral to the multi-level barriers to utilization of effective contraception among African WLHIV. National programs should prioritize strategies for effective integration of HIV and reproductive health care in the respective African countries.