Browsing by Author "Karamagi, Yvonne"

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    Evaluating the glycemic effects of Dolutegravir and its predictors among people living with HIV in Uganda: A prospective cohort study.
    (Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2024-10) Ankunda, Collins; Agolor, Curthbert; Karamagi, Yvonne; Nakubulwa, Susan; Namasambi, Sharon; Kasamba, Ivan; Christopher, Semei Mukama; Kukundakwe, Patience; Odiit, Mary; Mubangizi, Ivan; Emunyu, Jude; Kesi, Diana Nakitto; Nambasa, Victoria; Ndagije, Helen Byomire; Mukasa, Barbara
    Abstract Introduction Dolutegravir (DTG), a key component of the recommended HIV treatment regimens in Uganda, has been associated with hyperglycemia. We evaluated its influence on hyperglycemia risk to create a hyperglycemia risk stratification tool for patient monitoring. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study at three sites with 628 HIV patients on Tenofovir Disoproxyl Fumarate, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir (TLD). Participants included both Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-experienced (exposed) and ART-naïve (non-exposed) groups. Follow-ups occurred every six months with Random Blood Sugar(RBS)every three months. Participants with RBS ≥ 7 mmol/L were classified as hyperglycemic and underwent HbA1c testing, confirming diabetes with a 6.5% cut-off. Results The study found a hyperglycemia incidence rate of 24.5 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI: 19.3-31.1) and a diabetes incidence rate of 5.8 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI: 3.6-9.3). Hyperglycemia incidence was slightly lower in non-exposed (20.8 cases per 100 person-years) vs. exposed groups (25.2 cases per 100 person-years). Multivariable analysis indicated a trend towards lower hyperglycemia risk in non-exposed (adjusted HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.37-1.66, p = 0.52) and substantially lower diabetes incidence (adjusted HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.04-2.82, p = 0.32). Significant factors for hyperglycemia included age (p < 0.001), study site (p < 0.001), and DTG-based ART duration (p = 0.02). Conclusion Our study showed an increased incidence of hyperglycemia with age, study site, and duration of DTG exposure in HIV patients on TLD. We suggest integrated screening and care for hyperglycemia and diabetes in HIV services, especially when initiating DTG regimens.
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    HIV Care Experiences During the COVID‑19 Pandemic: Mixed‑Methods Telephone Interviews with Clinic‑Enrolled HIV‑Infected Adults in Uganda
    (AIDS and Behavior, 2021) Linnemayr, Sebastian; Mayo‑Wilson, Larissa Jennings; Saya, Uzaib; Wagner, Zachary; MacCarthy, Sarah; Walukaga, Stewart; Nakubulwa, Susan; Karamagi, Yvonne
    COVID-19 measures that restrict movement may negatively impact access to HIV care and treatment. To contribute to the currently limited evidence, we used telephone interviews with quantitative and qualitative questions to examine how clients perceived COVID-19 and its effect on their HIV care and ART adherence. One hundred (n = 100) Ugandan adults on ART from an existing study were randomly selected and enrolled. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and rapid content analyses. 76% of clients indicated that COVID-19 negatively impacted travel to HIV clinics; 54% perceived that coming to the clinic increased their risk of acquiring COVID-19; and 14% said that COVID-19 had negatively impacted their ART adherence. Qualitative feedback suggests that fear of COVID-19 infection discouraged clinic attendance while stay-at-home orders helped routinize ART adherence and employ new community-based approaches for HIV care. Addressing negative unintended consequences of COVID-19 lockdowns on HIV care is urgently needed.
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    Motivations and barriers to cervical cancer screening among HIV infected women in HIV care: a qualitative study
    (BMC women's health, 2015) Bukirwa, Agnes; Mutyoba, Joan N.; Mukasa, Barbara N.; Karamagi, Yvonne; Odiit, Mary; Kawuma, Esther; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.
    Cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer in women worldwide and the commonest cancer among women in Uganda. Annual cervical screening is recommended for women living with HIV for early detection of abnormal cervical changes, however uptake remains grossly limited. This study assessed factors associated with cervical screening uptake among HIV infected women at Mildmay Uganda where cervical screening using Visual inspection with acetic acid and iodine (VIA and VILI) was integrated into HIV care since July 2009. Methods: Eighteen (18) in-depth interviews with HIV infected women and 6 key informant interviews with health care providers were conducted in April 2013 to assess client, health care provider and facility-related factors that affect cervical screening uptake. In-depth interview respondents included six HIV infected women in each of the following categories; women who had never screened, those who had screened once and missed follow-up annual screening, and those who had fully adhered to the annual screening schedule. Data was analyzed using content analysis method. Results: Motivations for cervical cancer screening included the need for comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management of all ailments to ensure good health, fear of consequences of cervical cancer, suspicion of being at risk and the desire to maintain a good relationship with health care workers. The following factors negatively impacted on uptake of cervical screening: Myths and misconceptions such as the belief that a woman’s ovaries and uterus could be removed during screening, fear of pain associated with cervical screening, fear of undressing and the need for women to preserve their privacy, low perceived cervical cancer risk, shortage of health workers to routinely provide cervical cancer education and screening, and competing priorities for both provider and patient time. Major barriers to repeat screening included limited knowledge and appreciation of the need for repeat screening, and lack of reminders. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for client-centered counseling and support to overcome fears and misconceptions, and to innovatively address the human resource barriers to uptake of cervical cancer screening among HIV infected women.