Dataset Information

Self-collected samples as an additional option for STI testing in low-resource settings: a qualitative study of acceptability among adults in Rakai, Uganda.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Self-collected samples (SCS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing have been shown to be feasible and acceptable in high-resource settings. However, few studies have assessed the acceptability of SCS for STI testing in a general population in low-resource settings. This study explored the acceptability of SCS among adults in south-central Uganda.

Methods

Nested within the Rakai Community Cohort Study, we conducted semistructured interviews with 36 adults who SCS for STI testing. We analysed the data using an adapted version of the Framework Method.

Results

Overall, SCS was acceptable to both male and female participants, regardless of whether they reported recent STI symptoms. Perceived advantages of SCS over provider-collection included increased privacy and confidentiality, gentleness and efficiency. Disadvantages included the lack of provider involvement, fear of self-harm and the perception that SCS was unhygienic. Most participants preferred provider-collected samples to SCS. Nevertheless, almost all said they would recommend SCS and would do it again in the future.

Conclusion

SCS are acceptable among adults in this low-resource setting and could be offered as an additional option to expand STI diagnostic services.

SUBMITTER: Ogale YP

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10649464 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Self-collected samples as an additional option for STI testing in low-resource settings: a qualitative study of acceptability among adults in Rakai, Uganda.

Ogale Yasmin Parvizi YP Grabowski Mary Kathryn MK Nabakka Proscovia P Ddaaki William W Nakubulwa Rosette R Nakyanjo Neema N Nalugoda Fred F Kagaayi Joseph J Kigozi Godfrey G Denison Julie A JA Gaydos Charlotte C Kennedy Caitlin E CE

BMJ open 20231114 11

<h4>Introduction</h4>Self-collected samples (SCS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing have been shown to be feasible and acceptable in high-resource settings. However, few studies have assessed the acceptability of SCS for STI testing in a general population in low-resource settings. This study explored the acceptability of SCS among adults in south-central Uganda.<h4>Methods</h4>Nested within the Rakai Community Cohort Study, we conducted semistructured interviews with 36 adults wh ...[more]

PMID: 37963696

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Project description:BackgroundHIV and malaria exert co-pathogenic effects. Malaria surveillance data are necessary for public health strategies to reduce the burden of disease in high HIV prevalence settings.MethodsThis was a longitudinal cohort study to assess the burden of malaria in rural Rakai, Uganda. Households were visited monthly for 1 year to identify confirmed clinical malaria (CCM), or parasitaemia with temperature >37.5 °C, and asymptomatic parasitaemia (AP). Interviews of the adult or child's caregiver and clinical and laboratory assessments were conducted. Rapid diagnostic testing for malaria and anaemia was performed if participants were febrile and anti-malarial treatment given per Uganda Ministry of Health 2010 guidelines. Blood was drawn at every household visit to assess for parasitaemia, and blood smears were assessed at the Rakai Health Science Programme laboratory.ResultsA total of 1640 participants were enrolled, including 975 children aged 6 months up to 10 years, 393 adult caregivers, and 272 adolescent/adult household members from 393 randomly selected households in two representative communities. 1459 (89 %) participants completed all study visits. CCM was identified in 304 (19 %) participants, with the highest incidence rate for CCM of 0.38 per person-year (ppy) identified in children <5 years, and rates decreased with age; the rates were 0.27, 0.16, and 0.09 ppy for ages 5-<10 years, 10-<18 years, and adults 18+ years, respectively. AP was identified in 943 (57 %) participants; the incidence rate was 1.99 ppy for <5 years, 2.72 ppy for 5-<10 years, 2.55 ppy for 10-<18 years, and 0.86 ppy among adults, with 92 % of cases being attributed to Plasmodium falciparum by smear. 994 (61 %) individuals had at least one positive smear; 342 (21 %) had one positive result, 203 (12 %) had two, 115 (7 %) had three, and 334 (21 %) had >3 positive smears during follow-up. Seasonal rates generally followed the rains and peaked during July, then decreased through November before increasing again.ConclusionsPlasmodium falciparum infection remains high in rural Uganda. Increased malaria control interventions should be prioritized. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01265407.

Project description:UNLABELLED:Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal bacterial imbalance associated with risk for HIV and poor gynecologic and obstetric outcomes. Male circumcision reduces BV-associated bacteria on the penis and decreases BV in female partners, but the link between penile microbiota and female partner BV is not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that having a female partner with BV increases BV-associated bacteria in uncircumcised men. We characterized penile microbiota composition and density (i.e., the quantity of bacteria per swab) by broad-coverage 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR) in 165 uncircumcised men from Rakai, Uganda. Associations between penile community state types (CSTs) and female partner's Nugent score were assessed. We found seven distinct penile CSTs of increasing density (CST1 to 7). CST1 to 3 and CST4 to 7 were the two major CST groups. CST4 to 7 had higher prevalence and abundance of BV-associated bacteria, such as Mobiluncus and Dialister, than CST1 to 3. Men with CST4 to 7 were significantly more likely to have a female partner with a high Nugent score (P = 0.03). Men with two or more extramarital partners were significantly more likely to have CST4 to 7 than men with only marital partners (CST4 to 7 prevalence ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 2.92). Female partner Nugent BV is significantly associated with penile microbiota. Our data support the exchange of BV-associated bacteria through intercourse, which may explain BV recurrence and persistence. IMPORTANCE:Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is sexually associated but not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Our findings suggest that the uncircumcised penis is an important niche for BV-associated genital anaerobes. In addition, we found a link between extramarital sexual relationships and BV-associated bacteria in men, which parallels earlier findings of the association between sexual activity and BV in women. This suggests the sexual transmissibility of BV-associated bacteria. Reducing bacterial exchange by barrier methods and managing carriage of BV-associated bacteria in men may decrease BV persistence and recurrence in women.

Dataset Information

Self-collected samples as an additional option for STI testing in low-resource settings: a qualitative study of acceptability among adults in Rakai, Uganda.

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Self-collected samples as an additional option for STI testing in low-resource settings: a qualitative study of acceptability among adults in Rakai, Uganda.

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