NRU :: Browsing by Author "Vandepitte, Judith"

Browsing by Author "Vandepitte, Judith"

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Alcohol use, Mycoplasma genitalium and other STIs associated with HIV incidence among women at high risk in Kampala, Uganda
(Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes, 2013) Vandepitte, Judith; Weiss, Helen A.; Bukenya, Justine; Nakubulwa, Susan; Mayanja, Yunia; Matovu, Godfrey; Kyakuwa, Nassim; Hughes, Peter; Hayes, Richard; Grosskurth, Heiner
In 2008, the first clinic for women involved in high risk sexual behaviour was established in Kampala, offering targeted HIV prevention. This paper describes rates, determinants and trends of HIV incidence over 3 years. Methods—1027 women at high risk were enrolled into a closed cohort. At 3-monthly visits, data were collected on socio-demographic variables and risk behaviour; biological samples were tested for HIV and other STIs. Hazard ratios (HR) for HIV incidence were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression, among the 646 women HIV negative at enrolment. Results—HIV incidence was 3.66/100pyr and declined from 6.80/100pyr in the first calendar year to 2.24/100pyr and 2.53/100pyr in the following years (P-trend=0.003). Socio-demographic and behavioural factors independently associated with HIV incidence were younger age, younger age at first sex, alcohol use (including frequency of use and binge drinking), number of paying clients in the past month, inconsistent condom use with clients, and not being pregnant. HIV incidence was also independently associated with M. genitalium infection at enrolment (aHR=2.28, 95%CI: 1.15-4.52), and with N. gonorrhoeae (aHR=5.91, 95%CI: 3.04-11.49) and T. vaginalis infections at the most recent visit (aHR=2.72, 95%CI: 1.27-5.84). The PAF of HIV incidence for alcohol use was 63.5% (95%CI 6.5%-85.8%), and for treatable STI/RTI was 70.0% (95%CI 18.8%-87.5%). Conclusions—Alcohol use and STIs remain important risk factors for HIV acquisition, which call for more intensive control measures in women at high risk. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the association between Mycoplasma genitalium and HIV acquisition.
Bacterial vaginosis among women at high risk for HIV in Uganda: high rate of recurrent diagnosis despite treatment
(Sexually transmitted infections, 2016) Francis, Suzanna C.; Looker, Clare; Vandepitte, Judith; Bukenya, Justine; Mayanja, Yunia; Nakubulwa, Susan; Hughes, Peter; Hayes, Richard J.; Weiss, Helen A.; Grosskurth, Heiner
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV acquisition. This study describes the epidemiology of BV in a cohort of women at high risk for STI/HIV in Uganda over 2 years of follow-up between 2008–2011. Methods 1027 sex workers or bar workers were enrolled and asked to attend 3-monthly follow-up visits. Factors associated with prevalent BV were analysed using multivariate random-effects logistic regression. The effect of treatment on subsequent episodes of BV was evaluated with survival analysis. Results Prevalences of BV and HIV at enrolment were 56% (573/1027) and 37% (382/1027), respectively. Overall, 905 (88%) women tested positive for BV at least once in the study, over a median of four visits. Younger age, a higher number of previous sexual partners and current alcohol use were independently associated with prevalent BV. BV was associated with STIs, including HIV. Hormonal contraception and condom use were protective against BV. Among 853 treated BV cases, 72% tested positive again within 3 months. There was no difference in time to subsequent BV diagnosis between treated and untreated women. Conclusions BV was highly prevalent and persistent in this cohort despite treatment. More effective treatment strategies are urgently needed.
High Levels of Persistent Problem Drinking in Women at High Risk for HIV in Kampala, Uganda: A Prospective Cohort Study
(International journal of environmental research and public health, 2016) Weiss, Helen A.; Vandepitte, Judith; Bukenya, Justine N.; Mayanja, Yunia; Nakubulwa, Susan; Kamali, Anatoli; Seeley, Janet; Grosskurth, Heiner
The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of problem drinking in a cohort of women at high-risk of HIV in Kampala, Uganda. Overall, 1027 women at high risk of HIV infection were followed from 2008 to 2013. The CAGE and AUDIT questionnaires were used to identify problem drinkers in the cohort. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to ascertain socio-demographic and behavioural factors. Blood and genital samples were tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. At enrollment, most women (71%) reported using alcohol at least weekly and about a third reported having drunk alcohol daily for at least 2 weeks during the past 3 months. Over half (56%) were problem drinkers by CAGE at enrollment, and this was independently associated with vulnerability (being divorced/separated/widowed, less education, recruiting clients at bars/clubs, and forced sex at first sexual experience). Factors associated with problem drinking during follow-up included younger age, meeting clients in bars/clubs, number of clients, using drugs and HSV-2 infection. HIV prevalence was associated with drinking at enrollment, but not during follow-up. This longitudinal study found high levels of persistent problem drinking. Further research is needed to adapt and implement alcohol-focused interventions in vulnerable key populations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Natural history of Mycoplasma genitalium Infection in a Cohort of Female Sex Workers in Kampala, Uganda
(Sexually transmitted diseases, 2013) Vandepitte, Judith; Vandepitte, Judith; Weiss, Helen A.; Kyakuwa, Nassim; Nakubulwa, Susan; Muller, Etienne; Buvé, Anne; Van der Stuyft, Patrick; Hayes, Richard; Grosskurth, Heiner
There have been few studies of the natural history of Mycoplasma genitalium in women. We investigated patterns of clearance and recurrence of untreated M. genitalium infection in a cohort of female sex workers in Uganda. Methods—Women diagnosed as having M. genitalium infection at enrollment were retested for the infection at 3-month intervals. Clearance of infection was defined as testing negative after having a previous positive result: persistence was defined as testing positive after a preceding positive test result, and recurrence as testing positive after a preceding negative test result. Adjusted hazard ratios for M. genitalium clearance were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results—Among 119 participants infected with M. genitalium at enrollment (prevalence, 14%), 55% had spontaneously cleared the infection within 3 months; 83%, within 6; and 93%, within 12 months. The overall clearance rate was 25.7/100 person-years (pyr; 95% confidence interval, 21.4–31.0). HIV-positive women cleared M. genitalium infection more slowly than did HIVnegative women (20.6/100 pyr vs. 31.3/100 pyr, P = 0.03). The clearance rate was slower among HIV-positive women with CD4 counts less than 350/mL3 than among those with higher CD4 counts (9.88/100 pyr vs. 29.5/100 pyr, P < 0.001). After clearing the infection, M. genitalium infection recurred in 39% women. Conclusions—M. genitalium is likely to persist and recur in the female genital tract. Because of the urogenital tract morbidity caused by the infection and the observed association with HIV acquisition, further research is needed to define screening modalities, especially in populations at high risk for HIV, and to optimize effective and affordable treatment options.
Parenting and money making: Sex work and women’s choices in urban Uganda
(A Journal of Transnational Women's & Gender Studies, 2011) Zalwango, Flavia; Eriksson, Lina; Seeley, Janet; Nakamanya, Sarah; Vandepitte, Judith; Grosskurth, Heiner
Based upon detailed life histories of 96 Ugandan sex workers, this article documents the pathways women take into prostitution through marital separation and the subsequent need to support children via rural-urban migration to obtain wage work in Kampala. The money women receive from selling sex and other work helped them to independently pay for their housing children’s school fees, and food for their family without receiving support from partners. In their narratives women portrayed themselves as mothers, wives, partners, friends and workers with self-esteem and the hope of improvement in their lives through their own efforts.
Prevalence and Correlates of Mycoplasma genitalium Infection Among Female Sex Workers in Kampala, Uganda
(Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2012) Vandepitte, Judith; Muller, Etienne; Bukenya, Justine; Nakubulwa, Susan; Kyakuwa, Nassim; Buve, Anne; Weiss, Helen; Hayes, Richard; Grosskurth, Heiner
The importance of Mycoplasma genitalium in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–burdened sub–Saharan Africa is relatively unknown. We assessed the prevalence and explored determinants of this emerging sexually transmitted infection (STI) in high-risk women in Uganda. Methods. Endocervical swabs from 1025 female sex workers in Kampala were tested for Mycoplasma genitalium using a commercial Real-TM polymerase chain reaction assay. Factors associated with prevalent Mycoplasma genitalium, including sociodemographics, reproductive history, risk behavior, and HIV and other STIs, were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Results. The prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium was 14% and higher in HIV-positive women than in HIVnegative women (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.41). Mycoplasma genitalium infection was less prevalent in older women (adjusted OR, 0.61; 95% CI, .41–.90 for women ages 25–34 years vs ,25 years; adjusted OR, 0.32; 95% CI, .15–.71 for women $35 years vs those ,25 years) and in those who had been pregnant but never had a live birth (adjusted OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.04–4.88). Mycoplasma genitalium was associated with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (adjusted OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.13–2.98) and with Candida infection (adjusted OR, 0.41; 95% CI, .18–.91), and there was some evidence of association with Trichomonas vaginalis (adjusted OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.00–2.44). Conclusions. The relatively high prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium and its association with prevalent HIV urgently calls for further research to explore the potential role this emerging STI plays in the acquisition and transmission of HIV infection.
The rates of HIV-1 superinfection and primary HIV-1 infection are similar in female sex workers in Uganda
(Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics, 2008) Redd, Andrew D.; Ssemwanga, Deogratius; Vandepitte, Judith; Wendel, Sarah K.; Ndembi, Nicaise; Bukenya, Justine; Nakubulwa, Susan; Grosskurth, Heiner; Parry, Chris M.; Martens, Craig; Bruno, Daniel; Porcella, Stephen F.; Quinn, Thomas C.; Kaleebu, Pontiano
To determine and compare the rates of HIV superinfection and primary HIV infection in high-risk female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda. Design—A retrospective analysis of individuals who participated in a clinical cohort study among high-risk female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda. Methods—Plasma samples from HIV-infected female sex workers (FSW) in Kampala, Uganda were examined with next-generation sequencing of the p24 and gp41HIV genomic regions for the occurrence of superinfection. Primary HIV incidence was determined from initially HIV-uninfected FSW from the same cohort, and incidence rate ratios were compared. Results—The rate of superinfection in these women (7/85; 3.4/100py) was not significantly different from the rate of primary infection in the same population (3.7/100py; IRR=0.91, p=0.42). Seven women also entered the study dual infected (16.5% either dual or superinfected). The women with any presence of dual infection were more likely to report sex work as their only source of income (p=0.05), and trended to be older and more likely to be widowed (p=0.07). Conclusions—In this cohort of female sex workers, HIV superinfection occurred at a high rate and was similar to that of primary HIV infection. These results differ from a similar study of high-risk female bar-workers in Kenya that found the rate of superinfection to be significantly lower than the rate of primary HIV infection.
Understanding motives for intravaginal practices amongst Tanzanian and Ugandan women at high risk of HIV infection: The embodiment of social and cultural norms and well-being
(Elsevier Ltd, 2014) Lees, Shelley; Zalwango, Flavia; Bahati, Andrew; Vandepitte, Judith; Seeley, Janet; Hayes, Richard J.; Francis, Suzanna C.
Some types of intravaginal practices (IVP) may increase the risk for HIV acquisition. This is particularly worrisome for populations with dual high prevalence of HIV and IVP. Women involved in transactional sex are at increased risk for HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Social, cultural and economic influences are strong drivers of IVP in this population. To explore this, we carried out a qualitative research study to investigate the drivers and motivations for using IVP within a large observational study of women at high risk of HIV in Tanzania and Uganda from September 2008 to September 2009. Of the 201 women selected, 176 women took part in a semi-structured in-depth interview. Additionally, in Tanzania, eight focus group discussions among study participants and community members were carried out to obtain information on community norms and expectations. IVP were motivated by overlapping concerns with hygiene, morality, sexual pleasure, fertility, relationship security, and economic security. These motives were driven by the need to meet cultural and social expectations of womanhood, and at the same time attend to personal well-being. Among women involved in transactional sex in East Africa, interventions aimed at modifying or eliminating IVP should attend to local cultural and social norms as well as the individual as an agent of change.
Vaginal practices diary: development of a pictorial data collection tool for sensitive behavioural data
(Sexually transmitted diseases, 2012) Francis, Suzanna C.; Lees, Shelley S.; Andrew, Bahati; Zalwango, Flavia; Vandepitte, Judith; Ao, Trong; Baisley, Kathy; Kapiga, Saidi; Grosskurth, Heiner; Hayes, Richard
Intravaginal practices (IVP) are highly prevalent behaviours among women at increased risk for HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. IVP data collected by face-to-face interviews (FTFI) may be subject to recall or social desirability bias. Daily self-administered diaries may help to decrease bias associated with FTFI. IVP data from a diary and FTFI were compared during a multi-site microbicide feasibility study in Tanzania and Uganda. Methods—Two hundred women were recruited and given diaries to complete daily for six weeks. Data obtained in the diary were compared to data from the FTFI during clinical visits to assess the consistency of reporting of IVP between the data collection methods. Results—In Tanzania, proportions of overall vaginal cleansing and insertion were similar for the FTFI and the diary, but the diary indicated higher frequency of cleansing and use of a cloth or other applicator. In Uganda, proportions of overall vaginal cleansing were similar for FTFI and the diary, but the diary indicated higher frequency of cleansing, use of soaps and cloths for cleansing, and insertion. Most of the inconsistencies between the two data collection methods were from reported frequency of IVP or IVP related to sexual intercourse. Conclusions—The comparison of FTFI and the vaginal practice diary suggests that recall of IVP may be improved by a daily self-administered diary, especially for frequency of cleansing and cleansing in proximity to sexual intercourse. The vaginal practices diary can provide a more detailed understanding of IVP and aid in the interpretation of findings from FTFI. Vaginal practices diary: development of a pictorial data collection tool for sensitive behavioural data.

Browsing by Author "Vandepitte, Judith"

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