Browsing by Author "Wawer, Maria"
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Item AIDS Care: Psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV(AIDS Care, 2011) Nakigozi, Gertrude; Makumbi, Fredrick; Reynolds, Steven; Galiwango, Ronald; Kagaayi, Joseph; Nalugoda, Fred; Ssettuba, Absalom; Sekasanvu, Joseph; Musuuza, Jackson; Serwada, David; Gray, Ron; Wawer, MariaImproved understanding of HIV-related health-seeking behavior at a population level is important in informing the design of more effective HIV prevention and care strategies. We assessed the frequency and determinants of failure to seek free HIV care in Rakai, Uganda. HIV-positive participants in a community cohort who accepted VCT were referred for free HIV care (cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, CD4 monitoring, treatment of opportunistic infections, and, when indicated, antiretroviral therapy). We estimated proportion and adjusted Prevalence Risk Ratios (adj. PRR) of non-enrollment into care six months after receipt of VCT using log-binomial regression. About 1145 HIV-positive participants in the Rakai Community Cohort Study accepted VCT and were referred for care. However, 31.5% (361/1145) did not enroll into HIV care six months after referral. Non-enrollment was significantly higher among men (38%) compared to women (29%, p 0.005). Other factors associated with nonenrollment included: younger age (15 24 years, adj. PRR 2.22; 95% CI: 1.64, 3.00), living alone (adj. PRR 2.22; 95% CI: 1.57, 3.15); or in households with 1 2 co-residents (adj. PRR 1.63; 95% CI: 1.31, 2.03) compared to three or more co-residents, or a CD4 count 250 cells/ul (adj. PRR 1.81; 95% CI: 1.38, 2.46). Median (IQR) CD4 count was lower among enrolled 388 cells/ul (IQR: 211,589) compared to those not enrolled 509 cells/ul (IQR: 321,754).About one-third of HIV-positive persons failed to utilize community-based free services. Non-use of services was greatest among men, the young, persons with higher CD4 counts and the more socially isolated, suggesting a need for targeted strategies to enhance service uptakeItem Alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences are associated with not being virally suppressed among persons living with HIV in the Rakai region of Uganda(Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2021) Miller, Amanda P.; Pitpitan, Eileen V.; Kiene, Susan M.; Raj, Anita; Jain, Sonia; Luisa Zuniga, Marıa; Nabulaku, Dorean; Nalugoda, Fred; Ssekubugu, Robert; Nantume, Betty; Kigozi, Godfrey; Sewankambo, Nelson K.; Kagaayi, Joseph; Reynolds, Steven J.; Grabowski, Kate; Wawer, Maria; Wagman, Jennifer A.Background: Alcohol use is common among persons living with HIV (PWH) in Uganda and associated with poor HIV care outcomes; findings regarding the relationship between alcohol use and viral suppression (VS) have been inconclusive. Methods: Data from two rounds (2017-2020) of the Rakai Community Cohort Study, an open population-based cohort study in the Rakai region, Uganda, were analyzed. Two alcohol exposures were explored: past year alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Multivariable models (GEE) were used to estimate associations between alcohol exposures and VS for the overall sample and stratified by sex, adjusting for repeated measurement. Causal mediation by ART use was explored. Results: Over half (55%) of participants (n=3,823 PWH) reported alcohol use at baseline; 37.8% of those reporting alcohol use reported alcohol-related consequences. ART use and VS at baseline significantly differed by alcohol use with person reporting alcohol use being less likely to be on ART or VS. Alcohol use was significantly associated with decreased odds of VS among women but not men (adj. OR 0.72 95% CI 0.58-0.89, p=0.0031). However, among males who use alcohol, experiencing alcohol-related consequences was significantly associated with decreased odds of VS (adj. OR 0.69 95% CI 0.54-0.88, p=0.0034). The relationships between both alcohol exposures and VS were not significant in models restricted to persons on ART. Conclusions: We provide sex-stratified estimates of associations between two alcohol measures and VS in the context of current HIV treatment guidelines. This study confirms that alcohol use is adversely associated with VS but ART use mediates this pathway, suggesting that initiation and retention on ART are critical steps to addressing alcohol-related disparities in VS.Item 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, MariaAlcohol 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.Item Alcohol use during pregnancy in Rakai, Uganda(Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2021-08-26) 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 AIntroductionAntenatal 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsAmong 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.ConclusionWe 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.Item 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, MariaDisinhibition 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 inItem Antiretroviral Therapy is Highly Effective Against Incident Hepatitis B Disease Acquisition Among HIV-Infected Adults in Rakai, Uganda(American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2016) Seremba, Emmanuel; Ssempijja, Victor; Kalibbala, Sarah; Gray, Ronald; Wawer, Maria; Nalugoda, Fred; Casper, Corey; Phipps, Warren T.; Ocama, Ponsiano; Thomas, David L.; Reynolds, Steven J.Co-infection with HepatitisB(HBV) and HIV iscommonin sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and accelerates progression of liver disease to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) andother complications. About 60% of HCC in Africa is attributed to HBV. In Uganda, 80% of HCC patients have HBVand20%have HIV/HBV coinfection.HCCis the 4th commonest cancer among Ugandan males and the 6th commonest in females. It is almost always a fatal malignancy in SSA. Prevention of HBV is best achieved through vaccination. Vaccination of HIV-infected adults for HBV is standard of care in developed countries but not in SSA where HBV is believed to be acquired in childhood and where there is lack of HBV incidence data. We investigated the incidence and risk factors associated with HBV among HIV-infected adults in Rakai, Uganda.Item 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, RonaldRisk 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.Item 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, RonaldDespite 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.Item Designing and Usage of a Low-cost Penile Model for Male Medical Circumcision Skills Training in Rakai, Uganda(Urology, 2011) Kigozi, Godfrey; Nkale, James; Wawer, Maria; Anyokorit, Margaret; Watya, Stephen; Nalugoda, Fred; Kagaayi, Joseph; Kiwanuka, Noah; Mwinike, Joshua; Kighoma, Nehemiah; Nalwoga, Grace K.; Nakigozi, Gertrude F.; Katwalo, Henry; Serwadda, David; Gray, Ronald H.To describe the designing and usage of a locally made low-cost penile model used for male medical circumcision (MMC) skills training. The Rakai MMC training team has experienced a number of challenges during conduct of MMC skills training, one of which was the lack of a model to use for MMC skills training. To address this challenge, the Rakai MMC skills training team has designed and developed a low-cost penile model for use in MMC skills training. The model has been successfully used to demonstrate external penile anatomy, to describe the biological mechanisms through which male circumcision (MC) prevents HIV acquisition, and for demonstration and practice of the MMC procedures. With an initial cost of only $10 and a recurrent cost of $5, this is a cost-efficient and useful penile model that provides a simulation of normal penile anatomy for use in MC training in resource limited settings. It has also been used as a visual aid in preoperative education of patients before receiving male circumcision. The model can be improved and scaled up to develop cheaper commercial penile models.Item 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.Item 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, RonaldAlthough 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.Item Efficacy of Knowledge and Competence-Based Training of Non-Physicians in the Provision of Early Infant Male Circumcision using the Mogen Clamp in Rakai, Uganda(BJU international, 2017) Kankaka, Edward Nelson; Kigozi, Godfrey; Kayiwa, Daniel; Kighoma, Nehemiah; Makumbi, Frederick; Murungi, Teddy; Nabukalu, Dorean; Nampijja, Resty; Watya, Stephen; Namuguzi, Daniel; Nalugoda, Fred; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Serwadda, David; Wawer, Maria; Gray, Ronald H.To assess acquisition of knowledge and competence in performing Early Infant Male Circumcision (EIMC) by non-physicians trained using a structured curriculum.Training in provision of EIMC using the Mogen clamp was conducted for 10 Clinical Officers (COs) and 10 Registered Nurse Midwives (RNMWs), in Rakai, Uganda. Healthy infants whose mothers consented to study participation were assigned to the trainees, each of whom performed at least 10 EIMCs. Ongoing assessment and feedback for competency were done, and safety assessed by adverse events.Despite similar baseline knowledge, COs acquired more didactic knowledge than RNMWs (P = 0.043). In all, 100 EIMCs were assessed for gain in competency. The greatest improvement in competency was between the first and third procedures, and all trainees achieved 80% competency and retention of skills by the seventh procedure. The median (interquartile range) time to complete a procedure was 14.5 (10-47) min for the COs, and 15 (10-50) min for the RNMWs (P = 0.180). The procedure times declined by 2.2 min for each subsequent EIMC (P = 0.005), and rates of improvement were similar for COs and RNMWs. Adverse events were comparable between providers (3.5%), of which 1% were of moderate severity.Competence-based training of non-physicians improved knowledge and competency in EIMC performed by COs and RNMWs in Uganda.Item Failure of immunologic criteria to appropriately identify antiretroviral treatment failure in Uganda(AIDS, 2009) Reynolds, Steven J.; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Newell, Kevin; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Galiwongo, Ronald; Iga, Boaz; Quinn, Thomas C.; Gray, Ron; Wawer, Maria; Serwadda, DavidMost antiretroviral treatment program in resource-limited settings use immunologic or clinical monitoring to measure response to therapy and to decide when to change to a second line regimen. Our objective was to evaluate immunologic failure criteria against gold standard virologic monitoring. Design—Observation cohort Methods—Participants enrolled in an antiretroviral treatment program in rural Uganda who had at least 6 months of follow-up were included in this analysis. Immunologic monitoring was performed by CD4 cell counts every 3 months during the first year, and every 6 months thereafter. HIV-1 viral loads were performed every 6 months. Results—1133 participants enrolled in the Rakai Health Sciences Program antiretroviral treatment program between June 2004 and September 2007 were followed for up to 44.4 months (median follow-up 20.2 months; IQR 12.4–29.5 months). WHO immunologic failure criteria were reached by 125 (11.0%) participants. A virologic failure endpoint defined as HIV-1 viral load (VL) >400 copies/ml on two measurements was reached by 112 participants (9.9%). Only 26 participants (2.3%) experiencedItem Failure of immunologic criteria to appropriately identify antiretroviral treatment failure in Uganda(AIDS (London, England), 2009-03) Reynolds, Steven J.; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Newell, Kevin; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Ronald, Galiwongo; Iga, Boaz; . Quinn, Thomas C; Gray, Ron; Wawer, Maria; Serwadda, DavidObjective—Most antiretroviral treatment program in resource-limited settings use immunologic or clinical monitoring to measure response to therapy and to decide when to change to a second line regimen. Our objective was to evaluate immunologic failure criteria against gold standard virologic monitoring. Design—Observation cohort Methods—Participants enrolled in an antiretroviral treatment program in rural Uganda who had at least 6 months of follow-up were included in this analysis. Immunologic monitoring was performed by CD4 cell counts every 3 months during the first year, and every 6 months thereafter. HIV-1 viral loads were performed every 6 months. Results—1133 participants enrolled in the Rakai Health Sciences Program antiretroviral treatment program between June 2004 and September 2007 were followed for up to 44.4 months (median follow-up 20.2 months; IQR 12.4–29.5 months). WHO immunologic failure criteria were reached by 125 (11.0%) participants. A virologic failure endpoint defined as HIV-1 viral load (VL) >400 copies/ml on two measurements was reached by 112 participants (9.9%). Only 26 participants (2.3%) experienced both an immunologic and virologic failure endpoint (2 VL>400 copies/ml) during follow-up. Conclusions—Immunologic failure criteria performed poorly in our setting and would have resulted in a substantial proportion of participants with suppressed HIV-1 VL being switched unnecessarily. These criteria also lacked sensitivity to identify participants failing virologically. Periodic viral load measurements may be a better marker for treatment failure in our settingItem Foreskin surface area and HIV acquisition in Rakai, Uganda (size matters)(AIDS (London, England), 2009) Kigozi, Godfrey; Wawer, Maria; Ssettuba, Absalom; Kagaayia, Joseph; Nalugodaa, Fred; Watyad, Stephen; Wabwire Mangenc, Fred; Kiwanuka, Noah; Bacon, Melanie C.; Lutalo, Tom; Serwadda, David; Gray, Ronald H.Male circumcision reduces HIV acquisition in men. We assessed whether foreskin surface area was associated with HIV acquisition prior to circumcision. In two randomized trials of male circumcision, the surface area of the foreskin was measured after surgery using standardized procedures. Nine hundred and sixty-five initially HIV-negative men were enrolled in a community cohort who subsequently enrolled in the male circumcision trials, provided 3920.8 person-years of observation prior to circumcision. We estimated HIV incidence per 100 person-years prior to circumcision, associated with foreskin surface area categorized into quartiles.Item Hepatitis B virus and sexual behavior in Rakai, Uganda(Journal of medical virology, 2011) Stabinski, Lara; Reynolds, Steven J.; Ocama, Ponsiano; Laeyendecker, Oliver; Serwadda, David; Gray, Ron H.; Wawer, Maria; Thomas, David L.; Quinn, Thomas C.; Kirk, Gregory D.HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection poses important public health considerations in resource-limited settings. Demographic data and sera from adult participants of the Rakai Health Sciences Program Cohort in Southwestern Uganda were examined to determine HBV seroprevalence patterns in this area of high HIV endemicity prior to the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. Commercially available EIAs were used to detect prevalent HBV infection (positive for HBV core antibody [anti-HBc] and/or positive HBV surface antigen [HBsAg]), and chronic infection (positive for HBsAg). Of 438 participants, 181 (41%) had prevalent HBV infection while 21 (5%) were infected chronically. Fourteen percent of participants were infected with HIV. Fifty three percent showed evidence of prevalent HBV infection compared to 40% among participants infected with HIV (p=0.067). Seven percent of participants infected with HIV were HBsAg positive compared to 4% among participants not infected with HIV (p=0.403). The prevalence of prevalent HBV infection was 55% in adults aged >50 years old, and 11% in persons under 20 years. In multivariable analysis, older age, HIV status and serologic syphilis were significantly associated with prevalent HBV infection. Transfusion status and receipt of injections were not significantly associated with HBV infection. Contrary to expectations that HBV exposure in Uganda occurred chiefly during childhood, prevalent HBV infection was found to increase with age and was associated sexually transmitted diseases (HIV and syphilis.) Therefore vaccination against HBV, particularly susceptible adults with HIV or at risk of HIV/STDs should be a priority.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, OliverIndeterminate 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.Item Postcoital penile washing and the risk of HIV acquisition in uncircumcised men(AIDS, 2016) Makumbi, Fredrick E.; Ssempijja, Victor; Sekasanvu, Joseph; Ssekubugu, Robert; Kigozi, Godfrey; Watya, Stephen; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Serwadda, David; Wawer, Maria; Gray, Ronald H.Postcoital genital washing by uncircumcised men may affect the risk of male HIV acquisition. Method: We assessed the association between self-reported washing after sex in 2976 initially HIV-negative, uncircumcised men enrolled in a prospective cohort study in Rakai, Uganda. Results: Data from the 2976 participants who reported sexual intercourse in the past 12 months contributed 4290 visits, with 7316.6 person-years of observation during the 2-year follow-up. The overall HIV-incidence was 1.28/100 person-years 95%CI (1.04–1.57). About 91.0% of men reported washing their penis after sex, and their HIV incidence was 1.34/100 person-years (95%CI 1.08–1.66), compared with an incidence of 0.62/100 person-years (95%CI 0.17–1.60) in men who did not wash their penis after intercourse. Using Poisson multivariable regression, the adjusted incidence rate ratio of HIV acquisition associated with postcoital washing was 1.94 (95%CI 0.71–5.29). Conclusion: Postcoital penile washing, as practiced in this rural African population does not afford protection from HIV acquisition among uncircumcised men, and may increase risk.Item Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Seropositivity in South-Central Uganda, During 2019 - 2021(Research Square, 2021) Ssuuna, Charles; Galiwango, Ronald Moses; Kankaka, Edward Nelson; Kagaayi, Joseph; Ndyanabo, Anthony; Kigozi, Godfrey; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Lutalo, Tom; Ssekubugu, Robert; Wasswa, John Bosco; Mayinja, Anthony; Nakibuuka, Martina Cathy; Jamiru, Samiri; Oketch, John Baptist; Muwanga, Edward; Chang, Larry William; Grabowski, Mary Kate; Wawer, Maria; Gray, Ronald; Anderson, Mark; Serwadda, DavidGlobally, key subpopulations such as healthcare workers (HCWs) have a higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. In Uganda, limited access to personal protective equipment amidst lack of clarity on the extent and pattern of the community disease burden may exacerbate this situation. We assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence among high-risk sub-populations in South-central Uganda, including HCWs, persons within the general population previously reporting experiencing key COVID-19 like symptoms (fever, cough, loss of taste and smell) and archived plasma specimens collected between October 2019 – 18th March 2020, prior to confirmation of COVID-19 in Uganda.Item Use of a mixture of lignocaine and bupivacaine vs lignocaine alone for male circumcision under local anaesthesia in Rakai, Uganda(BJU international, 2012) Kigozi, Godfrey; Musoke, Richard; Anyokorit, Margaret; Nkale, James; Kighoma, Nehemiah; Ssebanenya, William; Mwinike, Joshua; Watya, Stephen; Nalugoda, Fred; Kagaayi, Joseph; Nalwoga, Grace; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Kiwanuka, Noah; Makumbi, Frederick; Lutalo, Tom; Serwadda, David; Wawer, Maria; Gray, RonaldMale circumcision (MC) has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition by 50 – 60% [ 1 – 3 ] and the WHO now recommends it as one of the proven methods for HIV prevention [ 4 ] . Several programmes in sub-Saharan Africa have initiated MC implementation. For MC to be effective at a community level there is need to achieve high MC coverage, and modelling suggests that the higher the prevalence of MC the greater the impact on HIV incidence [ 5 ] . One reason consistently cited by men for not accepting MC is fear of pain during surgery [ 6 – 10 ] . Our experience in Rakai is that when men are offered MC, only a few men initially come for surgery, and the majority, fearing pain, wait to hear the experiences of men who have had surgery.