Browsing by Author "Ssekasanvu, Joseph"

Now showing 1 - 14 of 14
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Age-Disparate Relationships and HIV Prevalence among Never Married Women in Rakai, Uganda
    (Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes, 2018) Mwinnyaa, George; Gray, Ronald H.; Grabowski, Mary K.; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Ssekubugu, Robert; Kagaayi, Joseph; Kigozi, Godfrey; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Serwadda, David M.; Laeyendecker, Oliver
    Age-disparate relationships are associated with increased HIV prevalence. We determined whether the frequency of age-disparate relationships in never married women changed over time and whether they are associated with HIV prevalence in Rakai, Uganda. Methods: 10,061 never married women, aged 15–49 in the Rakai Community Cohort Study provided information on the age of their male sexual partners from 1997 to 2013. Logistic regression was used to assess trends in age-disparate relationships (≥5 years) between never married women and their male partners. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (adjPR) of HIV prevalence associated with age-disparate relationships. Results: 2,992 women (30%) had a male partner ≥5 years older which remained stable over time. The prevalence of HIV among women in age-disparate relationships was 14%, 10% for women in relationships with men 0–4 years older (adjPR 1.36, 95% CI 1.22, 1.53) not controlling women’s age, however after age adjustment the impact of age-disparate relationships on HIV prevalence was attenuated. Age-disparate relationships were associated with increased HIV prevalence among women aged 15–17 (adjPR 1.83, 95% CI 1.10, 3.19), but not in other age groups. Conclusions: The frequency of age-disparate relationships among never married women were unchanged over a 15-year period in Rakai, Uganda. Age-disparate relationships were associated with increased HIV prevalence among adolescents 15–17, but not older women.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Erratum to: Trends in HIV counseling and testing uptake among married individuals in Rakai, Uganda
    (BMC public health, 2013) Matovu, Joseph K.B.; Denison, Julie; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Makumbi, Fredrick; Ovuga, Emilio; McGrath, Nuala; Serwadda, David
    Following publication of this article [1], it has come to our attention that the total number of observations (21,798) has been mistakenly cited as the number of respondents in some paragraphs within the paper. This number appears within the abstract, in the analysis sub-section, within the opening paragraph of the results section, and in the section on HIV prevalence. The number that should have been cited is 11,268 - the total number of respondents in the dataset. 21,798 refers to the total number of observations over the study period. The percentages estimated out of 21,798 have been recalculated. Of the 11,268 individuals enrolled in this study, 81.2% (9,220) were in monogamous marital unions while 18.2% (2,048) were in polygamous marital unions. Of those in polygamous marital unions (n = 2,048), 52.8% were females while 47.2% were males. Thirty eight per cent of the participants (4,236) reported that they had ever received HCT (i.e. individual or couples’ HCT). Overall HIV prevalence was 11.9% (1,337 of 11,268). However, it is important to note that since serial cross-sectional analyses of each of the 4 study visits were used under consideration, the findings shown in Tables 1 and 2 as well as Fig. 2 (A,B,C) are not affected by this error.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    HIV epidemiologic trends among occupational groups in Rakai, Uganda: A population-based longitudinal study, 1999–2016
    (Public Library of Science, 2024-02-20) Popoola, Victor O; Kagaayi, Joseph; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Ssekubugu, Robert; Kigozi, Grace; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Nalugoda, Fred; Chang, Larry W; Lutalo, Tom; Tobian, Aaron A. R; Kabatesi, Donna; Alamo, Stella; Mills, Lisa A; Kigozi, Godfrey; Wawer, Maria J; Santelli, John; Gray, Ronald H; Reynolds, Steven J; Serwadda, David; Lessler, Justin; Grabowski, M. Kate
    Certain occupations have been associated with heightened risk of HIV acquisition and spread in sub-Saharan Africa, including female bar and restaurant work and male transportation work. However, data on changes in population prevalence of HIV infection and HIV incidence within occupations following mass scale-up of African HIV treatment and prevention programs is very limited. We evaluated prospective data collected between 1999 and 2016 from the Rakai Community Cohort Study, a longitudinal population-based study of 15- to 49-year-old persons in Uganda. Adjusted prevalence risk ratios for overall, treated, and untreated, prevalent HIV infection, and incidence rate ratios for HIV incidence with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression to assess changes in HIV outcomes by occupation. Analyses were stratified by gender. There were 33,866 participants, including 19,113 (56%) women. Overall, HIV seroprevalence declined in most occupational subgroups among men, but increased or remained mostly stable among women. In contrast, prevalence of untreated HIV substantially declined between 1999 and 2016 in most occupations, irrespective of gender, including by 70% among men (12.3 to 4.2%; adjPRR = 0.30; 95%CI:0.23–0.41) and by 78% among women (14.7 to 4.0%; adjPRR = 0.22; 95%CI:0.18–0.27) working in agriculture, the most common self-reported primary occupation. Exceptions included men working in transportation. HIV incidence similarly declined in most occupations, but there were no reductions in incidence among female bar and restaurant workers, women working in local crafts, or men working in transportation. In summary, untreated HIV infection and HIV incidence have declined within most occupational groups in Uganda. However, women working in bars/restaurants and local crafts and men working in transportation continue to have a relatively high burden of untreated HIV and HIV incidence, and as such, should be considered priority populations for HIV programming.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    HIV serologically indeterminate individuals: Future HIV status and risk factors
    (PLoS ONE, 2020) Mwinnyaa, George; Grabowski, Mary K.; Gray, Ronald H.; Wawer, Maria; Chang, Larry W.; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Kagaayi, Joseph; Kigozi, Godfrey; Kalibbala, Sarah; Galiwango, Ronald M.; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Serwadda, David; Quinn, Thomas C.; Reynolds, Steven J.; Laeyendecker, Oliver
    Indeterminate HIV test results are common, but little is known about the evolution of indeterminate serology and itssociodemographic and behavioral correlates. We assessed future HIV serological outcomes for individuals with indeterminate results and associated factors in Rakai, Uganda. Methods 115,944 serological results, defined by two enzyme immunoassay (EIAs), among 39,440 individuals aged 15–49 years in the Rakai Community Cohort Study were assessed. Indeterminate results were defined as contradictory EIAs. Modified Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to assess prevalence ratios (PRs) of subsequent HIV serological outcomes and factors associated with HIV indeterminate results.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    HIV viral suppression and geospatial patterns of HIV antiretroviral therapy treatment facility use in Rakai, Uganda
    (AIDS (London, England), 2018) Billioux, Veena G.; Grabowski, Mary K.; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Reynolds, Steven J.; Berman, Amanda; Bazaale, Jeremiah; Patel, Eshan U.; Bugos, Eva; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Kisakye, Alice; Kagaayi, Joseph; Gray, Ronald H.; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Ssekubugu, Robert; Nalugoda, Fred; Serwadda, David; Wawer, Maria J.; Chang, Larry W.
    To assess geospatial patterns of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment facility use and whether they were impacted by viral load (VL) suppression. Methods—We extracted data on the location and type of care services utilized by HIV-positive persons accessing ART between February 2015 and September 2016 from the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) in Uganda. The distance from RCCS households to facilities offering ART was calculated using the open street map road network. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify predictors of distance traveled and, for those traveling beyond their nearest facility, the probability of accessing services from a tertiary care facility. Results—1554 HIV-positive participants were identified, of whom 68% had initiated ART. The median distance from households to the nearest ART facility was 3.10 km (Interquartile range, IQR, 1.65–5.05), but the median distance traveled was 5.26 km (IQR, 3.00–10.03, p<0.001) and 57% of individuals travelled further than their nearest facility for ART. Those with higher education and wealth were more likely to travel further. 93% of persons on ART were virally suppressed, and there was no difference in the distance traveled to an ART facility between those with suppressed and unsuppressed VLs (5.26 km vs. 5.27 km, p=0.650). Conclusions—Distance traveled to HIV clinics was increased with higher socioeconomic status, suggesting that wealthier individuals exercise greater choice. However, distance traveled did not vary by those who were or were not virally suppressed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Human immunodeficiency virus care cascade among sub-populations in Rakai, Uganda: an observational study
    (Journal of the International AIDS Society, 2017) Billioux, Veena G.; Chang, Larry W.; Reynolds, Steven J.; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Grabowski, Mary K.; Ssekubugu, Robert; Nalugoda, Fred; Kigozi, Godfrey; Kagaayi, Joseph; Serwadda, David; Gray, Ronald H.; Wawer, Maria J.
    To assess progress towards the UNAIDS 90–90–90 initiative targets, we examined the HIV care cascade in the population-based Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) in rural Uganda and examined differences between sub-groups. Methods: Self-reports and clinical records were used to assess the proportion achieving each stage in the cascade. Statistical inference based on a 2 test for categorical variables and modified Poisson regression were used to estimate prevalence risk ratios (PRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for enrolment into care and initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Results: From September 2013 through December 2015, 3,666 HIV-positive participants were identified in the RCCS. As of December 2015, 98% had received HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT), 74% were enrolled in HIV care, and 63% had initiated ART of whom 92% were virally suppressed after 12 months on ART. Engagement in care was lower among men than women (enrolment in care: adjPRR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77–0.91; ART initiation: adjPRR 0.75, 95% CI 0.69–0.82), persons aged 15–24 compared to those aged 30–39 (enrolment: adjPRR 0.72, 95% CI 0.63–0.82; ART: adjPRR 0.69, 95%CI 0.60–0.80), unmarried persons (enrolment: adjPRR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–0.99; ART adjPRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.95), and new in-migrants (enrolment: adjPRR 0.75, 95% CI 0.67–0.83; ART: adjPRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.67–0.85). This cohort achieved 98–65–92 towards the UNAIDS “90–90–90” targets with an estimated 58% of the entire HIV-positive RCCS population virally suppressed. Conclusions: This cohort achieved over 90% in both HCT and viral suppression among ART users, but only 65% in initiating ART, likely due to both an ART eligibility criterion of <500 CD4 cells/mL and suboptimal entry into care among men, younger individuals, and in-migrants. Interventions are needed to promote enrolment in HIV care, particular for hard-to-reach subpopulations.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Hypertension and Socioeconomic Status in South Central Uganda: A Population-Based Cohort Study
    (Global Heart, 2022) Mustapha, Aishat; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Chen, Ivy; Kathryn Grabowski, Mary; Ssekubugu, Robert; Kigozi, Godfrey; Reynolds, Steven J.; Gray, Ronald H.; Wawer, Maria J.; Kagaayi, Joseph; Chang, Larry W.; Post, Wendy S.
    Limited studies exploring the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on hypertension in Africa suggest a positive association between higher SES and hypertension. The economic development in sub-Saharan African countries has led to changes in SES and associated changes in lifestyle, diet, and physical activity, which may affect the relationship between hypertension and SES differently compared with higher income countries. This cross-sectional study from a large populationbased cohort, the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS), examines SES, hypertension prevalence, and associated risk factors in the rural Rakai Region in south-central Uganda. Methods: Adults aged 30–49 years residing in 41 RCCS fishing, trading, and agrarian communities, were surveyed with biometric data obtained between 2016 and 2018. The primary outcome was hypertension (systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 80 mmHg). Modified Poisson regression assessed the adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) of hypertension associated with SES; body mass index (BMI) was explored as a potential mediator. Results: Among 9,654 adults, 20.8% had hypertension (males 21.2%; females 20.4 %). Participants with hypertension were older (39.0 ± 6.0 vs. 37.8 ± 5.0; p < 0.001). Higher SES was associated with overweight or obese BMI categories (p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, hypertension was associated with the highest SES category (aPR 1.23; confidence interval 1.09–1.38; p = 0.001), older age, male sex, alcohol use, and living in fishing communities and inversely associated with smoking and positive HIV serostatus. When BMI was included in the model, there was no association between SES and hypertension (aPR 1.02; CI 0.90–1.15, p = 0.76). Conclusion: Hypertension is common in rural Uganda among individuals with higher SES and appears to be mediated by BMI. Targeted interventions could focus on lifestyle modification among highest-risk groups to optimize public health impact.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Intimate partner violence as a predictor of marital disruption in rural Rakai, Uganda: a longitudinal study
    (International journal of public health, 2016) Wagman, Jennifer A.; Charvat, Blake; Thoma, Marie E.; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Nalugoda, Fred; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Kigozi, Grace; Serwadda, David; Kagaayi, Joseph; Wawer, Maria J.; Gray, Ronald H.
    We assessed the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and union disruption (divorce or separation) in the rural Ugandan setting of Rakai District. We analyzed longitudinal data collected from April 1999 to June 2006, from 6834 women (15–49 years) living in 50 communities in Rakai. Participants were either married, traditionally married or in a consensual union during one or more surveys and completed at least one follow-up survey. The primary outcome was union disruption through divorce or separation from the primary sexual partner.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Migration, hotspots, and dispersal of HIV infection in Rakai, Uganda
    (Nature Communications, 2020) Grabowski, Mary Kate; Lessler, Justin; Bazaale, Jeremiah; Nabukalu, Dorean; Nankinga, Justine; Nantume, Betty; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Reynolds, Steven J.; Ssekubugu, Robert; Nalugoda, Fred; Kigozi, Godfrey; Kagaayi, Joseph; Santelli, John S.; Kennedy, Caitlin; Wawer, Maria J.; Serwadda, David; Chang, Larry W.; Gray, Ronald H.
    HIV prevalence varies markedly throughout Africa, and it is often presumed areas of higher HIV prevalence (i.e., hotspots) serve as sources of infection to neighboring areas of lower prevalence. However, the small-scale geography of migration networks and movement of HIV-positive individuals between communities is poorly understood. Here, we use population-based data from ~22,000 persons of known HIV status to characterize migratory patterns and their relationship to HIV among 38 communities in Rakai, Uganda with HIV prevalence ranging from 9 to 43%. We find that migrants moving into hotspots had significantly higher HIV prevalence than migrants moving elsewhere, but out-migration from hotspots was geographically dispersed, contributing minimally to HIV burden in destination locations. Our results challenge the assumption that high prevalence hotspots are drivers of transmission in regional epidemics, instead suggesting that migrants with high HIV prevalence, particularly women, selectively migrate to these areas.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prevalence and Predictors of Persistent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Viremia and Viral Rebound After Universal Test and Treat: A Population-Based Study
    (The Journal of infectious diseases, 2021) Grabowski, M. Kate; Patel, Eshan U.; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Ssempijja, Victor; Ssekubugu, Robert; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Kigozi, Godfrey; Nalugoda, Fred; Gray, Ronald H.; Kalibbala, Sarah; Serwadda, David M.; Laeyendecker, Oliver; Wawer, Maria J.; Chang, Larry W.; Quinn, Thomas C.; Kagaayi, Joseph; Tobian, Aaron A. R.; Reynolds, Steven J.
    UNAIDS targets for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic control by 2030 include that 86% of all HIV-positive persons be on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and achieve HIV viral load (VL) suppression [1]. The major policy initiative underpinning this target is universal test and treat (UTT), whereby all HIV-positive persons, irrespective of CD4 count or severity of illness, are immediately prescribed ART [2]. In sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for more than half of all new HIV diagnoses globally, there has been considerable progress in increasing ART coverage [
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Smoker characteristics and trends in tobacco smoking in Rakai, Uganda, 2010–2018
    (Tobacco Induced Diseases, 2022) Nalugoda, Fred; Nabukalu, Dorean; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Ssekubugu, Robert; Hoe, Connie; Kagaayi, Joseph; Sewankambo, Nelson K.; Serwadda, David M.; Wawer, Maria J.; Grabowski, Kate M.; Reynolds, Steven J.; Kigozi, Godfrey; Gray, Ronald H.; Yeh, Ping T.; Chang, Larry W.
    Tobacco use is a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 80% of the world’s smokers reside. There is limited population-based data from rural Africa on patterns of tobacco smoking and smoker characteristics. We assessed trends in rates of smoking, characteristics of smokers, and factors associated with smoking using repeat population-based cross-sectional surveys in south-central Uganda. METHODS Data accrued over five survey rounds (2010–2018) of the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) from consenting individuals aged 15– 49 years including sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and smoking status. Proportions of smokers per survey were compared using χ2 test for trends, and factors associated with smoking were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS The prevalence of tobacco smoking in the general population declined from 7.3% in 2010–2011 to 5.1% in 2016–2018, p<0.001. Smoking rates declined among males (13.9–9.2%) and females (2.2–1.8%) from 2010– 2011 to 2016–2018. Smoking prevalence was higher among previously married (11.8–11.7%) compared to currently (8.4–5.3%) and never married persons (3.1–1.8%) from 2010–2011 to 2016–2018. Older age (≥35 years) was associated with higher odds of smoking (AOR=8.72; 95% CI: 5.68– 13.39 in 2010–2011 and AOR=9.03; 95% CI: 5.42–15.06 in 2016–2018) compared to those aged <35 years (AOR=4.73; 95% CI: 3.15–7.12 in 2010–2011 and AOR=4.83; 95% CI: 2.95–7.91 in 2016–2018). Primary and secondary/higher education level was significantly associated with lower odds of smoking (AOR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.14–0.29 in 2010–2011 and AOR=0.26; 95% CI: 0.18–0.39 in 2016–2018) compared to no education (AOR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.31–0.59 in 2010–2011 and AOR=0.48; 95% CI: 0.34–0.68 in 2016–2018). Number of sexual partners and HIV status were not associated with smoking. CONCLUSIONS We observed declining trends in tobacco smoking in the Rakai region of rural Uganda. Smoking was more prevalent in men, older individuals, individuals who were previously married, and individuals with lower education. The decline in smoking may be due to tobacco control efforts, but there is a continued need to target sub-populations with higher smoking prevalence.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Trends in HIV counseling and testing uptake among married individuals in Rakai, Uganda
    (BMC Public Health, 2013) Matovu, Joseph K. B.; Denison, Julie; Wanyenze, Rhoda K.; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Makumbi, Fredrick; Ovuga, Emilio; McGrath, Nuala; Serwadda, David
    Despite efforts to promote HIV counseling and testing (HCT) among couples, few couples know their own or their partners’ HIV status. We assessed trends in HCT uptake among married individuals in Rakai district, southwestern Uganda. Methods: We analysed data for 21,798 married individuals aged 15-49 years who were enrolled into the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) between 2003 and 2009. Married individuals were interviewed separately but were retrospectively linked to their partners at analysis. All participants had serologic samples obtained for HIV testing, and had the option of receiving HCT together (couples’ HCT) or separately (individual HCT). Individuals were categorized as concordant HIV-positive if both partners had HIV; concordant HIV-negative if both did not have HIV; or HIV-discordant if only one of the partners had HIV. We used χ2 tests to assess linear trends in individual and couples’ HCT uptake in the entire sample and conducted multinomial logistic regression on a sub-sample of 10,712 individuals to assess relative risk ratios (RRR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) associated with individual and couples’ HCT uptake. Analysis was done using STATA version 11.0. Results: Uptake of couples’ HCT was 27.2% in 2003/04, 25.1% in 2005/06, 28.5% in 2006/08 and 27.8% in 2008/09 (χ2 for trend = 2.38; P = 0.12). Uptake of individual HCT was 57.9% in 2003/04, 60.2% in 2005/06, 54.0% in 2006/08 and 54.4% in 2008/09 (χ2 for trend = 8.72; P = 0.003). The proportion of couples who had never tested increased from 14.9% in 2003/04 to 17.8% in 2008/09 (χ2 for trend = 18.16; P < 0.0001). Uptake of couples’ HCT was significantly associated with prior HCT (Adjusted [Adj.] RRR = 6.80; 95% CI: 5.44, 8.51) and being 25-34 years of age (Adj. RRR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.32, 2.50). Uptake of individual HCT was significantly associated with prior HCT (Adj. RRR = 6.26; 95% CI: 4.24, 9.24) and the female partner being HIV-positive (Adj. RRR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.26, 4.80). Conclusion: Uptake of couples’ HCT remained consistently low (below 30%) over the years, while uptake of individual HCT declined over time. These findings call for innovative strategies to increase demand for couples’ HCT, particularly among younger couples and those with no prior HCT.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Using publicly available, interactive epidemiological dashboards: an innovative approach to sharing data from the Rakai Community Cohort Study
    (Oxford University Press, 2024-10) Footer, Kevin; Lake, Camille M; Porter, Joshua R; Ha, Grace K; Ahmed, Tanvir; Glogowski, Alex; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Grabowski, M Kate; Chang, Larry W; Ssekasanvu, Joseph; Kagaayi, Joseph; Serwadda, David M; Mckina, Jackie; Whalen, Christopher; Ssentongo, Lloyd; Nsimbi, Ivan; Kakeeto, Benedicto; Kigozi, Godfrey; Ssekubugu, Robert; Lutalo, Tom; Wawer, Maria J; Gray, Ronald H; Reynolds, Steven J; Rosenthal, Alex; Quinn, Thomas C; Tartakovsky, Michael
    Public sharing of de-identified biomedical data promotes collaboration between researchers and accelerates the development of disease prevention and treatment strategies. However, open-access data sharing presents challenges to researchers who need to protect the privacy of study participants, ensure that data are used appropriately, and acknowledge the inputs of all involved researchers. This article presents an approach to data sharing which addresses the above challenges by using a publicly available dashboard with de-identified, aggregated participant data from a large HIV surveillance cohort.ObjectivesPublic sharing of de-identified biomedical data promotes collaboration between researchers and accelerates the development of disease prevention and treatment strategies. However, open-access data sharing presents challenges to researchers who need to protect the privacy of study participants, ensure that data are used appropriately, and acknowledge the inputs of all involved researchers. This article presents an approach to data sharing which addresses the above challenges by using a publicly available dashboard with de-identified, aggregated participant data from a large HIV surveillance cohort.Data in this study originated from the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS), which was integrated into a centralized data mart as part of a larger data management strategy for the Rakai Health Sciences Program in Uganda. These data were used to build a publicly available, protected health information (PHI)-secured visualization dashboard for general research use.Materials and MethodsData in this study originated from the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS), which was integrated into a centralized data mart as part of a larger data management strategy for the Rakai Health Sciences Program in Uganda. These data were used to build a publicly available, protected health information (PHI)-secured visualization dashboard for general research use.Using two unique case studies, we demonstrate the capability of the dashboard to generate the following hypotheses: firstly, that HIV prevention strategies ART and circumcision have differing levels of impact depending on the marital status of investigated communities; secondly, that ART is very successful in comparison to circumcision as an interventional strategy in certain communities.ResultsUsing two unique case studies, we demonstrate the capability of the dashboard to generate the following hypotheses: firstly, that HIV prevention strategies ART and circumcision have differing levels of impact depending on the marital status of investigated communities; secondly, that ART is very successful in comparison to circumcision as an interventional strategy in certain communities.The democratization of large-scale anonymized epidemiological data using public-facing dashboards has multiple benefits, including facilitated exploration of research data and increased reproducibility of research findings.DiscussionThe democratization of large-scale anonymized epidemiological data using public-facing dashboards has multiple benefits, including facilitated exploration of research data and increased reproducibility of research findings.By allowing the public to explore data in depth and form new hypotheses, public-facing dashboard platforms have significant potential to generate new relationships and collaborations and further scientific discovery and reproducibility.ConclusionBy allowing the public to explore data in depth and form new hypotheses, public-facing dashboard platforms have significant potential to generate new relationships and collaborations and further scientific discovery and reproducibility. MEDLINE - Academic