NRU :: Browsing by Author "Lutalo, Tom"

Browsing by Author "Lutalo, Tom"

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Age Differences in Sexual Partners and Risk of HIV-1 Infection in Rural Uganda
(JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 2003) Kelly, Robert J.; Gray, Ronald H.; Sewankambo, Nelson K.; Serwadda, David; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Lutalo, Tom; Wawer, Maria J.
Gender differentials in HIV prevalence and incidence among adolescents and young adults have been observed in studies from Uganda (Fig. 1) (1–4) and other sub- Saharan Africa countries (5–7). Female adolescents are, on average, eight times more likely to be HIV infected than male adolescents. Biologic mechanisms such as immaturity of the reproductive tract in younger women may increase susceptibility to HIV acquisition, and social and cultural practices that promote early sexual activity among women may also be important. Another hypothesized factor is that young women are infected by having sex with older men, who may be more likely to be infected (8–10). This assumption is supported by comparison of age-adjusted HIV prevalence data (4,5,11) and mathematic modeling (12,13). Few empiric studies have examined the effect of age differences between partners on the risk of HIV infection in young women, however (2,14,15). We undertook observational analyses of the sexual behavior characteristics of adolescents in Rakai District, Uganda, to assess the extent to which the age
Age of male circumcision and risk of prevalent HIV infection in rural Uganda
(Aids, 1999) Kelly, Robert; Kiwanuka, Noah; Wawer, Maria J.; Serwadda, David; Sewankambo, Nelson; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Li, Chuanjun; Konde-Lule, Joseph K.; Lutalo, Tom; Makumbi, Fred; Gray, Ronald H.
Epidemiological evidence suggests that male circumcision may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and possibly HIV infection. Studies of STD clinic attenders have found that circumcised men are less likely to have gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, candidiasis, and genital ulcer disease (GUD) [1–3]. Age at circumcision has also been reported as a risk factor in penile cancer [4]. Ecological studies report geographic correlations between HIV seroprevalence and the proportion of uncircumcised men in African populations [5,6], but subsequent cross-sectional and prospective studies found an inconsistent association between male circumcision and HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection in men and women [7–9].
Age-Specific Mortality Patterns in HIV-Infected Individuals: A Comparative Analysis of African Community Study Data
(Aids, 2007) Zaba, Basia; Marston, Milly; Crampin, Amelia C.; Isingo, Raphael; Biraro, Sam; Ba¨rnighausen, Till; Lopman, Ben; Lutalo, Tom; Glynn, Judith R.; Todd, Jim
Describe age-specific mortality patterns of HIV-infected adults in African communities before introduction of HAART.Mortality data (deaths and person-years observed) for HIV-positive subjects aged 15–65 from six African community studies in five different countries were pooled, combining information from 1793 seroconverters and 8534 HIV positive when first tested. Age-specific mortality hazards were modelled using parametric regression based on the Weibull distribution, to investigate effects of sex, and site-specific measures of mean age at incidence, crude mortality rate of uninfected, and measures of epidemic maturity.The combined studies yielded a total of 31 777 person-years of observation for HIV-positive subjects, during which time 2602 deaths were recorded. Mortality rates rose almost linearly with age, from below 50/1000 at ages < 20 years, up to 150/1000 at 50 years +. There was no significant difference between men and women in level or age pattern of mortality. Weibull regression analysis suggested that intersite variation could be explained by HIV prevalence trend, and by the ratio of HIV proportional mortality to current HIV prevalence. A model representation was constructed with a common age pattern of mortality, but allowing the level to be adjusted by specifying HIV prevalence indicators.The linear age trend of mortality in HIV-infected populations was satisfactorily represented by a Weibull function providing a parametric model adaptable for representing different levels of HIV-related mortality. This model might be simpler to use in demographic projections of HIV-affected populations than models based on survival post-infection.
Alcohol use before sex and HIV acquisition: a longitudinal study in Rakai, Uganda
(Aids, 2006) Zablotska, Iryna B.; Gray, Ronald H.; Serwadda, David; Nalugoda, Fred; Kigozi, Godfrey; Sewankambo, Nelson; Lutalo, Tom; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Wawer, Maria
Alcohol abuse is a major public health problem and is associated with sexually transmitted infections, but the association with HIV is unclear [2]. Alcohol use is common, and disinhibition as a result of alcohol may precipitate and reinforce sexual risk-taking [2–13]. Two cross-sectional studies in Uganda have suggested associations between alcohol use, risk behaviors and prevalent HIV infection [12,14]. However, there are no prospective studies of alcohol use in conjunction with sex and HIV acquisition. We used data from a population based cohort in Rakai, Uganda, to determine whether alcohol use before sex was associated with the risk of HIV acquisition, and risk behaviors.
Alcohol use during pregnancy in Rakai, Uganda
(Plos one, 2021) Wynn, Adriane; Nabukalu, Dorean; Lutalo, Tom; Wawer, Maria; Chang, Larry W.; Kiene, Susan M.; Serwadda, David M.; Sewankambo, Nelson; Nalugoda, Fred; Kigozi, Godfrey; Wagman, Jennifer A.
Antenatal alcohol use is linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Uganda has one of the highest rates of alcohol use in sub-Saharan Africa, but the prevalence of antenatal alcohol use has not been reported in the Rakai region. Methods We used cross-sectional data from pregnant women in the Rakai Community Cohort Study between March 2017 and September 2018. Using bivariate and multivariable analyses, we assessed associations between self-reported antenatal alcohol use and sociodemographic characteristics, intimate partner violence (IPV), and HIV status. Results Among 960 pregnant women, the median age was 26 years, 35% experienced IPV in the past 12 months, 13% were living with HIV, and 33% reported alcohol use during their current pregnancy. After adjusting for marital status, education, smoking, and HIV status; Catholic religion (AOR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.89–6.64; compared to other), bar/restaurant work (AOR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.17–4.92; compared to agriculture), >one sex partner in past year (AOR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.17–3.16), a partner that drank before sex in past year (AOR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.48–2.74), and past year IPV (AOR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.14–2.11) were associated with antenatal alcohol use. Conclusion We found that alcohol use during pregnancy was common and associated with religion, occupation, higher numbers of past year sex partners, having a partner who drank before sex in the past 12 months, and IPV experience. More research is needed to understand the quantity, frequency, and timing of antenatal alcohol use; and potential impacts on neonates; and to identify services that are acceptable and effective among pregnant women.
Alcohol Use, Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Coercion and HIV among Women Aged 15–24 in Rakai, Uganda
(AIDS and Behavior, 2009) Zablotska, Iryna B.; Gray, Ronald H.; Koenig, Michael A.; Serwadda, David; Nalugoda, Fred; Kigozi, Godfrey; Sewankambo, Nelson; Lutalo, Tom; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Wawer, Maria
Disinhibition due to alcohol may induce intimate partner violence and sexual coercion and increased risk of HIV infection. In a sample of 3,422 women aged 15–24 from the Rakai cohort, Uganda, we examined the association between self-reported alcohol use before sex, physical violence/sexual coercion in the past and prevalent HIV, using adjusted odds ratios (Adj OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). During the previous year, physical violence (26.9%) and sexual coercion (13.4%) were common, and alcohol use before sex was associated with a higher risk of physical violence/sexual coercion. HIV prevalence was significantly higher with alcohol consumption before sex (Adj OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06– 1.98) and especially when women reported both prior sexual coercion and alcohol use before sex (Adj OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.25–2.56). Alcohol use before sex was associated with physical violence and sexual coercion, and both are jointly associated with HIV infection risk in
Assessment of Changes in Risk Behaviors During 3 Years of Posttrial Follow-up of Male Circumcision Trial Participants Uncircumcised at Trial Closure in Rakai, Uganda
(American journal of epidemiology, 2012) Kong, Xiangrong; Kigozi, Godfrey; Nalugoda, Fred; Musoke, Richard; Kagaayi, Joseph; Latkin, Carl; Ssekubugu, Robert; Lutalo, Tom; Nantume, Betty; Iga, Boaz; Wawer, Maria; Serwadda, David; Gray, Ronald
Risk compensation associated with male circumcision has been a concern for male circumcision scale-up programs. Using posttrial data collected during 2007–2011 on 2,137 male circumcision trial participants who were uncircumcised at trial closure in Rakai, Uganda, the authors evaluated their sexual behavioral changes during approximately 3 years’ follow-up after trial closure. Eighty-one percent of the men self-selected for male circumcision during the period, and their sociodemographic and risk profiles were comparable to those of men remaining uncircumcised. Linear models for marginal probabilities of repeated outcomes estimate that 3.3% (P < 0.0001) of the male circumcision acceptors reduced their engagement in nonmarital relations, whereas there was no significant change among men remaining uncircumcised. Significant decreases in condom use occurred in both male circumcision acceptors (−9.2% with all partners and −7.0% with nonmarital partners) and nonacceptors (−12.4% and −13.5%, respectively), and these were predominantly among younger men. However, the magnitudes of decrease in condom use were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Additionally, significant decreases in sex-related alcohol consumption were observed in both groups (−7.8% in male circumcision acceptors and −6.1% in nonacceptors), mainly among older men. In summary, there was no evidence of risk compensation associated with male circumcision among this cohort of men during 3 years of posttrial follow-up.
Association of Medical Male Circumcision and Antiretroviral Therapy Scale-up With Community HIV Incidence in Rakai,Uganda
(American Medical Association, 2016) Kong, Xiangrong; Kigozi, Godfrey; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Nalugoda, Fred; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Lutalo, Tom; Reynolds, Steven J.; Ssekubugu, Robert; Kagaayi, Joseph; Bugos, Eva; Chang, Larry W.; Nanlesta, Pilgrim; Mary, Grabowski; Berman, Amanda; Quinn, Thomas C.; Serwadda, David; Wawer, Maria J.; Gray, Ronald H.
Randomized trials have shown that medical male circumcision( MMC)reduces maleHIVacquisition by50% to 60%,1-3 and that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces HIV transmission by more than90%in HIV-discordant couples.4Mathematical modeling suggests that these interventions could mitigate the HIV epidemic in sub- Saharan Africa,5-7 but there is limited empirical evidence for the population-level effects of these interventions on HIV incidence in real-world programs. MMC provides direct protection against male HIV acquisition by removing the foreskin, which is rich in HIV target cells.8-10 The potential effect ofMMCon population-level HIV incidence depends on this biological effect, the level ofMMC coverage, risk profiles ofmenacceptingMMC,and whether behavioral disinhibition occurs following circumcision.
Cell Phones, Sexual Behaviors and HIV Prevalence in Rakai, Uganda: A Cross Sectional Analysis of Longitudinal Data
(AIDS and Behavior, 2020) Nalugoda, Fred; Kreniske, Philip; Hofer, Sarah; Zhong, Xiaobo; Wei, Ying; Grilo, Stephanie A.; Chen, Ivy; D. Kigozi, Ssebaggala; Kigozi, Godfrey; Lutalo, Tom; Ssekubugu, Robert; Nakawooya, Hadijja; Kagaayi, Joseph; Chang, Larry W.; Wawer, Maria J.; Gray, Ronald H.; Wang, Qianshu; Santelli, John S.
Cell phones have increased communication and connection across the globe and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa—with potential consequences for the HIV epidemic. We examined the association among ownership of cell phones, sexual behaviors (number of sexual partners, alcohol use before sex, inconsistent condom use), and HIV prevalence. Data were from four rounds (2010–2016) of the Rakai Community Cohort Study (N = 58,275). Sexual behaviors and HIV prevalence were compared between people who owned a cell phone to people who did not own a cell phone. We stratified analysis by younger (15–24 years) and older (25+ years) age groups and by gender. Using logistic regression and after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, we found cell phone ownership was independently associated with increased odds of having two or more sexual partners in the past 12 months across age and gender groups (young men AOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.47–1.90; young women AOR 1.28 95% CI 1.08–1.53; older men AOR 1.54 95% CI 1.41–1.69; older women AOR 1.44 95% CI 1.26–1.65). Interestingly, young men who owned cell phones had decreased odds of using condoms inconsistently (AOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57–0.75). For young women, cell phone ownership was associated with increased odds of using alcohol before sex (AOR 1.38 95% CI 1.17–1.63) and increased odds of inconsistent condom use (AOR 1.40, 95% 1.17–1.67). After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, only young women who owned cell phones had increased odds of being HIV positive (AOR 1.27 95% CI 1.07–1.50). This association was not mediated by sexual behaviors (Adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors AOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.05–1.46). While cell phone ownership appears to be associated with increased HIV risk for young women, we also see a potential opportunity for future cell phone-based health interventions.
Coercive sex in rural Uganda: Prevalence and associated risk factors
(Social Science & Medicine, 2004) Koenig, Michael A.; Lutalo, Tom; Zhao, Feng; Nalugoda, Fred; Kiwanuka, Noah; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Kigozi, Godfrey; Sewankambo, Nelson; Wagman, Jennifer; Serwadda, David; Wawer, Maria; Gray, Ronald
Despite growing recognition of the problem, relatively little is known about the issue of coercive sex in developing countries. This study presents findings from a community-based survey of 4279 reproductive-aged women in current partnerships in the Rakai District of Uganda carried out in 1998–99. One in four women in our study report having experienced coercive sex with their current male partner, with most women reporting its occasional occurrence. In a regression analysis of risk factors for coercive sex, conventional socio-demographic characteristics emerged as largely unpredictive of the risk of coercive sex. Behavioral risk factors—most notably, younger age of women at first intercourse and alcohol consumption before sex by the male partner—were strongly and positively related to the risk of coercive sex. Coercive sex was also strongly related to perceptions of the male partner’s HIV risk, with women who perceived their partner to be at highest risk experiencing almost three times the risk of coercive sex relative to low risk partnerships. Supplemental analysis of 1-year longitudinal data provides additional support for the hypothesis that coercive sex may frequently be a consequence of women’s perceptions of increased HIV risk for their male partner. The findings of this study are discussed in terms of the need for sexual violence prevention programs more generally in settings such as Uganda, and in terms of the possible importance of incorporating issues of sexual and physical violence within current HIV prevention programs.
Contraceptive knowledge, perceptions, and concerns among men in Uganda
(BMC Public Health, 2017) Thummalachetty, Nityanjali; Mathur, Sanyukta; Mullinax, Margo; DeCosta, Kelsea; Nakyanjo, Neema; Lutalo, Tom; Brahmbhatt, Heena; Santelli, John S.
Low contraceptive uptake and high unmet need for contraception remain significant issues in Uganda compared to neighboring countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Although prior research on contraceptive uptake has indicated that male partners strongly influence women’s decisions around contraceptive use, there is limited in-depth qualitative research on knowledge and concerns regarding modern contraceptive methods among Ugandan men. Methods: Using in-depth interviews (N = 41), this qualitative study investigated major sources of knowledge about contraception and perceptions of contraceptive side effects among married Ugandan men. RESULTS: Men primarily reported knowledge of contraceptives based on partner’s experience of side effects, partner’s knowledge from health providers and mass media campaigns, and partner’s knowledge from her peers. Men were less likely to report contraceptive knowledge from health care providers, mass media campaigns, or peers. Men’s concerns about various contraceptive methods were broadly associated with failure of the method to work properly, adverse health effects on women, and severe adverse health effects on children. Own or partner’s human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status did not impact on contraceptive knowledge. Conclusions: Overall, we found limited accurate knowledge about contraceptive methods among men in Uganda. Moreover, fears about the side effects of modern contraceptive methods appeared to be common among men. Family planning services in Uganda could be significantly strengthened by renewed efforts to focus on men’s knowledge, fears, and misconceptions.
Data Resource Profile: Network for Analysing Longitudinal Population-based HIV/AIDS data on Africa (ALPHA Network)
(International journal of epidemiology, 2016) Reniers, Georges; Lutalo, Tom; Wamukoya, Marylene; Urassa, Mark; Nakiyingi-Miiro, Jessica; Hosegood, Vicky; Wringe, Alison; Marston, Milly; Maquins, Sewe; Levira, Francis; Zaba, Basia
The Network for Analysing Longitudinal Population-based HIV/AIDS data on Africa (ALPHA Network) was established in 2005 and aims to: (i) broaden the evidence base on HIV epidemiology for informing policy; (ii) strengthen analytical capacity for HIV research; and (iii) foster collaboration between study sites.1 All of the study sites participating in the ALPHA Network are independently managed and have their own scientific agendas and tailored research methodologies, but share a common interest in HIV epidemiology and its interactions with the socio-demographic characteristics of the populations they cover. The ALPHA Network study sites and their institutional affiliations are described in Table 1, and their geographical distribution is shown in Figure 1. Several of the ALPHA Network study sites have published site-specific profiles that contain more detail.2–10 Most of the ALPHA Network study sites are also members of the INDEPTH Network of demographic surveillance sites [http:// www.indepth-network.org/].
Desire for female sterilization among women wishing to limit births in rural Rakai, Uganda
(Contraception, 2015) Lutalo, Tom; Gray, Ron; Sanyukta, Mathur,; Wawer, Maria; Guwatudde, David; Santelli, John; Nalugoda, Fred; Makumbi, Fredrick
: Uganda has an unmet need for family planning of 34% and a total fertility rate of 6.2. We assessed the desire for female sterilization among sexually active women who wanted to stop childbearing in rural Rakai district, Uganda. Study design: 7,192 sexually active women enrolled in a community cohort between 2002 and 2008 were asked about fertility intentions. Those stating that they did not want another child (limiters) were asked whether they would be willing to accept female sterilization, if available. Trends in desire for sterilization were determined by Chi-square test for trend, and Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRR) and 95% confidence intervals of the associations between desire for sterilization and socio-demographic characteristics and HIV status. Results: From 2002 to 2008, the proportion of limiters dropped (47.2% to 43.7%; p<0.01). Use of pills and injectables among limiters significantly increased, 38.9% to 50.3% (p<0.0001), while use of IUDs and implants declined from 3.3% to 1.7% (p<0.001). The desire for sterilization significantly increased from 54.2% to 63.1% (p<0.0001), and this was consistently higher among the HIV-positive (63.6% to 70.9%, p<0.01) than HIV-negative women (53.3% to 61.2%, p<0.0001). Factors significantly associated with the desire for sterilization included higher number of living children (>=3), being HIV-infected and having received HIV counseling and testing. Conclusion: There is latent and growing desire for sterilization in this population. Our findings suggest a need to increase permanent contraception services for women who want to limit childbearing in this setting.
Determinants of HIV-1 Load in Subjects with Early and Later HIV Infections, in a General-Population Cohort of Rakai, Uganda
(Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2004) Gray, Ronald H.; Li, X.; Wawer, Maria J.; Serwadda, David; Sewankambo, Nelson K.; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Lutalo, Tom; Kiwanuka, Noah; Kigozi, Godfrey; Nalugoda, Fred; Meehan, Mary P.; Quinn, Thomas C.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 RNA loads were determined for 256 subjects with early (incident) HIV infection and for 1293 subjects with later (prevalent) HIV infection, in a Ugandan cohort. Prevalent infections were classified as latent (0–1 symptoms) and midstage disease ( 2 symptoms), and deaths were ascribed to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Among subjects with incident HIV infection, HIV load did not differ by sex, but, among subjects with prevalent HIV infection, it was higher in males than in females. HIV load was highest in subjects (25–29 years old) with incident HIV infection but increased with age in subjects with prevalent HIV infection. Viremia was higher after serconversion than in latency and increased with more advanced disease. Viremia was increased with genital ulcer disease (GUD) in both subjects with incident infection and in those with prevalent infection, and with herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositivity in subjects with incident HIV infection. GUD was consistently associated with higher HIV loads in subjects with incident and those with prevalent HIV infection, suggesting that treatment of GUD might reduce HIV viremia.
Differential Impacts of HIV status on shortterm fertility desires among couples in Rakai, Uganda
(PLoS ONE, 2019) Song, Xiaoyu; Grilo, Stephanie A.; Mathur, Sanyukta; Lutalo, Tom; Ssekubugu, Robert; Nalugoda, Fred; Santelli, John S.
Fertility desires of female and male partners in current relationships are often correlated. We examined the influence of HIV seropositive status of female and male partners on shortterm fertility desires in Rakai, Uganda, a setting with high fertility and HIV infection rates. Methods Participants were couples (15–49 years old) enrolled in the Rakai Community Cohort Study, from 2011 to 2013 (n = 2,291). Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used to measure the correlation of female and male partners’ short-term fertility desires (measured as ‘wanting a child in the next 12 months’), in both total sample and stratified serostatus groups. HIV serostatus and additional characteristics of female and male partners were included in Poisson regression models to estimate the rate ratios (RR) for each partner’s short-term fertility desires. Individual and partner characteristics included HIV status, partner HIV status, age in years, partner age in years, educational attainment, number of living children, community of residence, and socioeconomic status (SES). Results Short-term fertility desires among female and male partners were moderately associated (Kappa = 0.37, p-value<0.001). The association was weakest among female sero-positive and male sero-negative couples (Kappa = 0.29, p-value<0.001). When adjusting for parity and other covariates in the model, women’s short-term fertility desires were significantly associated with their positive sero-status regardless of male partners’ sero-status (adjRR = 1.58, p<0.001 for F+M-; adjRR = 1.33, p = 0.001 for F+M+; in comparison with F-M-). Men’s short-term fertility desires were significantly associated with their positive sero-status, in addition to their female partners’ positive sero-status (adjRR = 1.23 with p-value = 0.022 for F-M+; adjRR = 1.42 with p-value<0.001 for F+M-; adjRR = 1.26 with p-value<0.001 for F+M +; in comparison with F-M-). When the differential effect of parity was included in the model, similar associations remained for both female and male partners when the number of living children was small, but largely reduced when the number of living children was large (3 or more). Conclusion Female and male partners in couple dyads demonstrated moderate agreements about short-term fertility desires. The HIV seropositive status of female partners was most strongly associated with short-term fertility desires of both genders, and this association was even stronger for women who had few or no living children.
Domestic violence in rural Uganda: evidence from a community-based study
(Bulletin of the world health organization, 2003) Koenig, Michael A.; Lutalo, Tom; Zhao, Feng; Nalugoda, Fred; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Kiwanuka, Noah; Wagman, Jennifer; Serwadda, David; Wawer, Maria; Gray, Ronald
Although domestic violence is an increasing public health concern in developing countries, evidence from representative, community-based studies is limited. In a survey of 5109 women of reproductive age in the Rakai District of Uganda, 30% of women had experienced physical threats or physical abuse from their current partner—20% during the year before the survey. Three of five women who reported recent physical threats or abuse reported three or more specific acts of violence during the preceding year, and just under a half reported injuries as a result. Analysis of risk factors highlights the pivotal roles of the male partner’s alcohol consumption and his perceived human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk in increasing the risk of male against female domestic violence. Most respondents —70% of men and 90% of women—viewed beating of the wife or female partner as justifiable in some circumstances, posing a central challenge to preventing violence in such settings.
Education attainment as a predictor of HIV risk in rural Uganda: results from a population-based study
(International journal of STD & AIDS, 1999) Smith, Jennifer; Nalagoda, Fred; Serwadda, David; Sewankambo, Nelson; Konde-Lule, Joseph; Lutalo, Tom; Li, Chuanjun
We examined the association between education and prevalent HIV-1 infection in the Rakai district, rural Uganda based on a cross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort. In 1990, 1397 men and 1705 women aged 13 years and older, were enrolled in 31 randomly selected communities. Strata were comprised of main road trading centres, secondary road trading villages and rural villages. Sociodemographic and behavioural data were obtained by interview and serum for HIV serostatus were obtained in the home. The analysis examines the association between sex-specific prevalent HIV infection and educational attainment, categorized as secondary, primary or none. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of HIV infection were estimated, using no education as the referent group. Higher levels of education were associated with a higher HIV seroprevalence in bivariate analyses (OR 2.7 for primary and 4.1 for secondary education, relative to no education). The strength of the association was diminished but remained statistically significant after multivariate adjustment for sociodemographic and behavioural variables (adjusted OR of HIV infection 1.6 (95% CI: 1.2-2.1)) for primary education and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.0-2.2) for secondary education. Stratified multivariate analyses by place of residence indicated that the association between education and HIV prevalence was statistically significant in the rural villages, but not in the main road trading centres and intermediate trading villages. Educational attainment is a significant predictor of HIV risk in rural Uganda, in part because of risk behaviours and other characteristics among better educated individuals. Preventive interventions need to focus on better educated adults and on school-aged populations.
Effect of HIV infection on pregnancy-related mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: secondary analyses of pooled community based data from the network for Analysing Longitudinal Population-based HIV/AIDS data on Africa (ALPHA)
(The Lancet, 2013) Zaba, Basia; Calvert, Clara; Marston, Milly; Isingo, Raphael; Nakiyingi-Miiro, Jessica; Lutalo, Tom; Crampin, Amelia; Robertson, Laura; Herbst, Kobus; Ronsmans, Carine
Model-based estimates of the global proportions of maternal deaths that are in HIV-infected women range from 7% to 21%, and the eff ects of HIV on the risk of maternal death is highly uncertain. We used longitudinal data from the Analysing Longitudinal Population-based HIV/AIDS data on Africa (ALPHA) network to estimate the excess mortality associated with HIV during pregnancy and the post-partum period in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods The ALPHA network pooled data gathered between June, 1989 and April, 2012 in six community-based studies in eastern and southern Africa with HIV serological surveillance and verbal-autopsy reporting. Deaths occurring during pregnancy and up to 42 days post partum were defi ned as pregnancy related. Pregnant or postpartum person-years were calculated for HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women, and HIV-infected to HIVuninfected mortality rate ratios and HIV-attributable rates were compared between pregnant or post-partum women and women who were not pregnant or post partum. Findings 138 074 women aged 15–49 years contributed 636 213 person-years of observation. 49 568 women had 86 963 pregnancies. 6760 of these women died, 235 of them during pregnancy or the post-partum period. Mean prevalence of HIV infection across all person-years in the pooled data was 17·2% (95% CI 17·0–17·3), but 60 of 118 (50·8%) of the women of known HIV status who died during pregnancy or post partum were HIV infected. The mortality rate ratio of HIV-infected to HIV-uninfected women was 20·5 (18·9–22·4) in women who were not pregnant or post partum and 8·2 (5·7–11·8) in pregnant or post-partum women. Excess mortality attributable to HIV was 51·8 (47·8–53·8) per 1000 person-years in women who were not pregnant or post partum and 11·8 (8·4–15·3) per 1000 person-years in pregnant or post-partum women. Interpretation HIV-infected pregnant or post-partum women had around eight times higher mortality than did their HIV-uninfected counterparts. On the basis of this estimate, we predict that roughly 24% of deaths in pregnant or post-partum women are attributable to HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting that safe motherhood programmes should pay special attention to the needs of HIV-infected pregnant or post-partum women.
The effects of male circumcision on female partners’ genital tract symptoms and vaginal infections in a randomized trial in Rakai, Uganda
(American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 2009) Gray, Ronald H.; Kigozi, Godfrey; Serwadda, David; Makumbi, Fredrick; Nalugoda, Fred; Watya, Stephen; Moulton, Laurence; Cheng, Michael Z.; Sewankambo, Nelson K.; Kiwanuka, Noah; Sempijja, Victor; Lutalo, Tom; Kagayii, Joseph; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Ridzon, Renée; Bacon, Melanie; Wawer, Maria J.
The objective of the study was to assess effects of male circumcision on female genital symptoms and vaginal infections. STUDY DESIGN: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative men enrolled in a trial were randomized to immediate or delayed circumcision (control arm). Genital symptoms, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and trichomonas were assessed in HIV-negative wives of married participants. Adjusted prevalence risk ratios (adjPRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed by multivariable log-binomial regression, intent-to-treat analyses. RESULTS: A total of 783 wives of control and 825 wives of intervention arm men were comparable at enrollment. BV at enrollment was higher in control (38.3%) than intervention arm spouses (30.5%, P .001). At 1 year follow-up, intervention arm wives reported lower rates of genital ulceration (adjPRR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63-0.97), but there were no differences in vaginal discharge or dysuria. The risk of trichomonas was reduced in intervention arm wives (adjPRR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.05- 0.98), as were the risks of any BV (adjPRR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.94) and severe BV (prevalence risk ratios, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.24-0.64). CONCLUSION: Male circumcision reduces the risk of ulceration, trichomonas, and BV in female partners.
Effects of Medical Male Circumcision (MC) on Plasma HIV Viral Load in HIV+ HAART Nai¨ve Men; Rakai, Uganda
(PLoS ONE, 2014) Kigozi, Godfrey; Musoke, Richard; Kighoma, Nehemiah; Watya, Stephen; Serwadda, David; Nalugoda, Fred; Kiwanuka, Noah; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Tobian, Aaron; Makumbi, Fredrick; Galiwango, Ronald Moses; Sewankambo, Nelson; Nkale, James; Kigozi Nalwoga, Grace; Anyokorit, Margaret; Lutalo, Tom; Henry Gray, Ronald; Wawer, Maria Joan
Medical male circumcision (MC) of HIV-infected men may increase plasma HIV viral load and place female partners at risk of infection. We assessed the effect of MC on plasma HIV viral load in HIV-infected men in Rakai, Uganda. 195 consenting HIV-positive, HAART naı¨ve men aged 12 and above provided blood for plasma HIV viral load testing before surgery and weekly for six weeks and at 2 and 3 months post surgery. Data were also collected on baseline social demographic characteristics and CD4 counts. Change in log10 plasma viral load between baseline and follow-up visits was estimated using paired t tests and multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE).

Browsing by Author "Lutalo, Tom"

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