Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alyssa G. Robillard, Carmen H. Julious, Stacy W. Smallwood, Mark Douglas, Bambi W. Gaddist, Tyler Singleton
Summary: Community-based organizations (CBOs) are crucial in achieving the goal of ending the HIV epidemic, but they face threats from structural inequities that hinder their survival and growth. The role of HIV CBOs in public health should be recognized, and steps should be taken to promote structural equity.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alice Matimba, Stuart Ali, Katherine Littler, Ebony Madden, Patricia Marshall, Sheryl McCurdy, Victoria Nembaware, Laura Rodriguez, Janet Seeley, Paulina Tindana, Aminu Yakubu, Jantina de Vries
Summary: As human genomics research in Africa generates large amounts of data, ethical issues arise regarding how to share actionable genetic information with participants. The H3Africa Ethics and Community Engagement Working group has developed a decision flowchart to guide decision-making and planning for genomics research projects in Africa.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bridget Pratt
Summary: Global health research aims to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged and marginalized populations, but designing research projects in a specific way is crucial to reduce health disparities effectively. The 'research for health justice' framework, developed through ethics research, offers guidance to global health researchers and funders on project and grant program design to promote global health equity.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Obinna Ikechukwu Ekwunife, Izuchukwu Loveth Ejie, Valentine Okelu, Carol Mita, Oluwale Durosinmi-Eti, Antonia Powell, Molly F. Franke
Summary: This study describes effective strategies for increasing the uptake and continuation of PrEP among AGYW engaged in sex work or at high risk of acquiring HIV. The study found multiple promising interventions, but more research is needed to understand how these strategies would perform outside of a research context.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dulce Osorio, Isabelle Munyangaju, Edy Nacarapa, Argentina Muhiwa, Amancio Vicente Nhangave, Jose Manuel Ramos
Summary: The study in rural Mozambique identified independent risk factors for mother-to-child HIV transmission, including gestational age at first visit, non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy, high viral load, and female sex of the neonate. High viral load and non-adherence to therapy were particularly important predictors of transmission.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cathy Green, Paula Quigley, Tendayi Kureya, Caroline Barber, Ernest Chanda, Busisiwe Moyo, Bernard Mpande, Kenneth Mubuyaeta, Mutinta Mudenda, Likando Mundia, Ruth Nyirenda, Auxilia Piringondo, Hans Rietveld, Sebastian Simpasa, Dennis Simuyuni, Garikai Zinumwe
Summary: The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the rectal artesunate administration at the community level in reducing severe malaria deaths among young children in Zambia. The results showed that the intervention significantly reduced the reported deaths from severe malaria in both the demonstration districts and scale-up districts.
BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rhona Mijumbi-Deve, Justin Parkhurst, Catherine Jones, Pamela A. Juma, Joelle L. Sobngwi-Tambekou, Clare Wenham
Summary: Evaluating a country's performance in health research is crucial, but doing so is complex due to the multifaceted nature of health research systems. The study found that many common indicators of health research performance have gaps in conceptualization or fail to address local realities, making it challenging to interpret them in relation to other theoretical constructs. By identifying these limitations and the exclusion of important concepts in current definitions of indicators, the study highlights the challenges in analyzing and planning for improvements in low-income and middle-income countries.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hana Kim, Frank Tanser, Andrew Tomita, Alain Vandormael, Diego F. Cuadros
Summary: Despite progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, South Africa still faces one of the largest HIV epidemics globally. This study found extensive spatial variation in HIV prevalence and significant numbers of PLHIV in underserved areas, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal province where there is less than one healthcare facility per 1000 PLHIV.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Megi Gogishvili, Terry T-K Huang, Sergio A. Costa, Karen Florez, Pedro Mateu-Gelabert, Maria R. A. Valls, Maria Rivero, Maria Saumoy, Gloria Samperiz, Miguel Cervero, Federico Pulido, Jose A. Perez
Summary: This study found that immigrants in Spain had a higher risk of late HIV diagnoses compared to native-born Spaniards. Late HIV diagnosis is an important healthcare marker due to its positive benefits, and further research is needed to explore the reasons for this disparity and potential social and policy interventions to reduce the prevalence of late HIV diagnoses among immigrants.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Miriam Mutebi, Grant Lewison, Ajay Aggarwal, Olusegun Isaac Alatise, Christopher Booth, Miska Cira, Surbhi Grover, Ophira Ginsburg, Julie Gralow, Serine Gueye, Benda Kithaka, T. Peter Kingham, Lofti Kochbati, Jennifer Moodley, Sulma Ibrahim Mohammed, Alex Mutombo, Ntokozo Ndlovu, Christian Ntizimira, Groesbeck Preer Parham, Fiona Walter, Jeannette Parkes, Delva Shamely, Nazik Hammad, Janet Seeley, Julie Torode, Richard Sullivan, Verna Vanderpuye
Summary: This article investigates the output of cancer research in African countries and proposes recommendations for improving research generation and cancer control efforts.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jodie Bailie, Nicola Fortune, Karleen Plunkett, Julie Gordon, Gwynnyth Llewellyn
Summary: The exclusion of people with disability from research has limited the evidence base and perpetuated inequalities in access to health services. Online qualitative methods can effectively engage under-represented groups and ensure their input into health policy and systems research. Researchers have a responsibility to make health research disability inclusive, and recommendations and lessons learned can facilitate the participation of people with disabilities.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ozge Sensoy Bahar, Proscovia Nabunya, Josephine Nabayinda, Susan Witte, Joshua Kiyingi, Edward Nsubuga, Simone Schriger, Jennifer Nattabi, Larissa Jennings Mayo-Wilson, Janet Nakigudde, Yesim Tozan, Fred M. Ssewamala
Summary: The HIV burden among women engaged in sex work (WESW) in Uganda is high, but there have been no theory-informed HIV prevention intervention approaches specifically targeting this population. In a study conducted with 20 WESW, it was found that an evidence-based HIV risk reduction intervention was appropriate and acceptable. However, there are unique concerns and barriers faced by WESW that should be taken into account when designing interventions for this population in resource-limited and stigmatized settings.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Rebecca Lengnick-Hall, Enola K. Proctor, Alicia C. Bunger, Donald R. Gerke
Summary: This study aims to compare the progress in the field of implementation outcomes research with the originally proposed research agenda from 2011 and provide recommendations for the next decade. The methods include assessing the extent of investigation on each implementation outcome, describing the relationship between implementation strategies and outcomes, and identifying studies that empirically evaluate relationships among implementation and/or service and client outcomes.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stephanie M. Topp, Marta Schaaf, Veena Sriram, Kerry Scott, Sarah L. Dalglish, Erica Marie Nelson, S. R. Rajasulochana, Arima Mishra, Sumegha Asthana, Rakesh Parashar, Robert Marten, Joao Gutemberg Quintas Costa, Emma Sacks, B. R. Rajeev, Katherine Ann Reyes, Shweta Singh
Summary: Power has become a growing area of interest in health policy and systems research, yet explicit analyses remain relatively rare. This paper aims to bridge the gap by providing a consolidated guide for researchers to conduct power analyses in the health field, in order to generate key insights needed to address health disparities.
Article
Immunology
Holly Prudden, Roger Tatoud, Cathy Slack, Robin Shattock, Pervin Anklesaria, Linda-Gail Bekker, Susan Buchbinder
Summary: The development of safe and effective HIV vaccines has been a challenge for over 40 years. Despite disappointing clinical trial results, research has provided valuable insights. Swift evaluation and innovative clinical research methods are necessary in the evolving HIV prevention landscape. Experimental medicine studies can accelerate vaccine discovery and the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise hosted online events to discuss their merits and challenges.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brian Rice, Delia Boccia, Daniel J. Carter, Renay Weiner, Lebohang Letsela, Mariken de Wit, Rebecca Pursell, Michael Jana, Ana Maria Buller, Mitzy Gafos
Summary: We utilized a mixed-methods approach to identify the health needs and prioritized SDG3 targets in mining host communities in South Africa. The study identified maternal mortality, HIV, tuberculosis, substance abuse, and road traffic accidents as key priority areas for action. Access to quality healthcare emerged as a critical factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets at a structural level.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dora Arnold-Forster, Robert Horne, Will Nutland, Sonali Wayal, Michael Rayment, Caroline Rae, Monica Desai, Amanda Clarke, Ann Sullivan, Sheena McCormack, Mitzy Gafos
Summary: Using the perceptions and practicalities approach (PAPA) can help identify factors that influence PrEP adherence and tailor adherence support in PrEP programs.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emily Jay Nicholls, Phil Samba, Leanne McCabe, Mitzy Gafos, Andrew N. Philips, Roy Trevelion, Alison J. Rodger, Fiona M. Burns, Peter Weatherburn, T. Charles Witzel
Summary: This study explores the potential role of HIV self-testing (HIVST) in improving access to HIV testing and reducing late diagnosis inequalities among Asian, Black, and Latin American men who have sex with men (MSM). The findings suggest that the gay scene serves as an important platform for HIV knowledge and protective behavior norms, but discomfort and experiences of racism can hinder its effectiveness. Additionally, discomfort in clinic waiting rooms acts as a significant barrier to accessing clinical services. However, HIVST is found to be acceptable and offers potential adaptations, such as packaging with at-home sexually transmitted infections testing options.
Article
Substance Abuse
Steven Maxwell, Maryam Shahmanesh, Mitzy Gafos
Summary: This study explored the PrEP uptake and adherence among GBM who engage in chemsex in the United Kingdom. The findings showed that the majority of participants initiated PrEP due to their perceived high risk of HIV acquisition and reported high levels of adherence. They used various strategies to support effective PrEP access and adherence.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2022)
Article
Women's Studies
Kalysha Closson, Ravi Prakash, Prakash Javalkar, Tara Beattie, Raghavendra Thalinja, Martine Collumbien, Satyanarayana Ramanaik, Shajy Isac, Charlotte Watts, Stephen Moses, Mitzy Gafos, Lori Heise, Marissa Becker, Parinita Bhattacharjee
Summary: Intergenerational differences in inequitable gender attitudes may have an impact on educational outcomes. A study in rural Karnataka, India, found that while traditional gender roles were promoted across generations, more adolescent girls supported violence against women compared to their family members. However, inconsistent promotion of traditional gender roles and unanimous disapproval of violence against women were associated with higher aspirations. These findings highlight the importance of family-level programs to promote positive modeling of gender-equitable attitudes.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Alicja Beksinska, Pooja Shah, Mary Kungu, Rhoda Kabuti, Hellen Babu, Zaina Jama, Mamtuti Panneh, Emily Nyariki, Chrispo Nyabuto, Monica Okumu, Pauline Ngurukiri, Erastus Irungu, Rupert Kaul, Janet Seeley, Mitzy Gafos, Tara S. Beattie, Helen A. Weiss, Joshua Kimani
Summary: Our study found a decline in mental health problems but high levels of persistent suicidal behaviors among FSWs. Syndemic risk factors including food insecurity and violence were longitudinally associated with mental health problems and recent suicidal behaviors.
GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mamtuti Panneh, Mitzy Gafos, Emily Nyariki, Jennifer Liku, Pooja Shah, Rhoda Wanjiru, Mary Wanjiru, Alicja Beksinska, James Pollock, Zaina Jama, Hellen Babu, Rupert Kaul, Janet Seeley, John Bradley, Joshua Kimani, Tara Beattie
Summary: This study examines the mental health experiences and perceived risk factors of female sex workers in Kenya. The results indicate that factors such as poverty, low education levels, lack of family support, gender norms, intimate partner violence, and family bereavement contribute to poor mental health among sex workers.
Review
Economics
Fiammetta M. Bozzani, Fern Terris-Prestholt, Matthew Quaife, Mitzy Gafos, Pitchaya P. Indravudh, Rebecca Giddings, Graham F. Medley, Shelly Malhotra, Sergio Torres-Rueda
Summary: Considerable evidence on the costs and cost-effectiveness of biomedical, non-surgical interventions to prevent HIV transmission has been generated over the last decade. However, there are still knowledge gaps and further research is needed. This study aims to synthesize findings and identify future research priorities.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anthony Nardone, Lina Nerlander, Erika Duffell, Marta Valenciano, Maria Buti, Cristina Marcos-Fosch, Tatjana Nemeth-Blazic, Odette Popovici, Adriana Vince, Petruta Violeta Filip, Tajana Filipec, Mirjana Lana Kosanovic Licina, Boris Luksic, Diana Nonkovic, Corina Silvia Pop, Fabiana Radu, Irina Teodorescu, Adriana Violeta Topan, Topan Adriana
Summary: This study aimed to monitor the treatment uptake and outcomes of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) in 2019. The results showed that the treatment targets for HBV were missed, but they were achieved for HCV. It is recommended to conduct wider surveillance in Europe to monitor the progress towards hepatitis control targets.
Review
Economics
Rebecca Giddings, Pitchaya Indravudh, Graham F. Medley, Fiammetta Bozzani, Mitzy Gafos, Shelly Malhotra, Fern Terris-Prestholt, Sergio Torres-Rueda, Matthew Quaife
Summary: This review assessed the suitability of current compartmental HIV prevention models and identified some gaps. The authors suggest addressing these gaps in future models to ensure robustness and transparency, and to provide more accurate assessment of the impact of new interventions.
Article
Economics
Sergio Torres-Rueda, Fern Terris-Prestholt, Mitzy Gafos, Pitchaya Peach Indravudh, Rebecca Giddings, Fiammetta Bozzani, Matthew Quaife, Lusine Ghazaryan, Carlyn Mann, Connie Osborne, Matthew Kavanagh, Peter Godfrey-Faussett, Graham Medley, Shelly Malhotra
Summary: Although HIV prevention science has made progress, evidence shows that prevention technologies don't always reach their full potential. This paper aims to identify evidence gaps and propose health economics research priorities for HIV non-surgical biomedical prevention.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pooja Shah, Tara S. Beattie, Rhoda Kabuti, Jennifer Liku, Mary Kungu, Hellen Babu, Zaina Jama, Rupert Kaul, Helen Anne Weiss, Nambusi Kyegombe, Graham F. Medley, Karen Devries, Mitzy Gafos, Emily Nyariki, Joshua Kimani, Janet Seeley
Summary: This study aims to explore the structural and social factors that influence the early lives of women who enter sex work in Nairobi, Kenya. The findings revealed that childhood experiences of violence, poverty, and incomplete education were intertwined with early pregnancy, marriage, and relationship breakdown, leading to entry into sex work. Sex workers perceived sex work as risky but providing them with some financial independence and agency.
Article
Family Studies
Ashwini Pujar, Lottie Howard-Merrill, Ben Cislaghi, Kavitha Lokamanya, Ravi Prakash, Prakash Javalkar, Thalinja Raghavendra, Tara Beattie, Shajy Isac, Mitzy Gafos, Lori Heise, Parinita Bhattacharjee, Satyanarayana Ramanaik, Martine Collumbien
Summary: This study re-examines boys' attitudes, behaviors, and norms towards girls' education through the Samata intervention in Northern-Karnataka, South India. The findings suggest that while boys support girls' education, their support is conditional on maintaining gender-inequitable norms. Future interventions must target boys effectively to address girls' education and marriage.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brian Rice, Ana Maria Buller, Delia Boccia, Cesar Bazan, Rafael Miranda, Ximena Cea, Rodrigo Laro, Miguel Fontes, Rosalie Hayes, Mariken de Wit, Daniel J. Carter, Alexandra Plowright, Matthew Chadwick, Mitzy Gafos
Summary: This study explores the priorities of SDG3 in communities hosting Anglo American mining operations in Latin America through qualitative and quantitative research. The study identifies non-communicable diseases (SDG3.4), harmful alcohol consumption (SDG3.5), and pollution, particularly air pollution (SDG3.9), as areas for priority action.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rosalie Hayes, Will Nutland, Michael Rayment, Sonali Wayal, Vanesa Apea, Amanda Clarke, Alan Mcowan, Ann Sullivan, Monica Desai, Andrew Jajja, Brian Rice, Rob Horne, Sheena Mccormack, Mitzy Gafos
Summary: This study explores the psychosocial impact of PrEP use among gay men in England. The findings suggest that PrEP can improve users' wellbeing by reducing HIV-related anxiety and stigma, and increasing self-efficacy, sexual pleasure, and intimacy. These psychological changes may lead to greater sexual freedom, reduced harmful substance use, and more protective sexual health behaviors.
AIDS RESEARCH AND THERAPY
(2023)
