"I prefer to take pills when I plan to have sex": Perceptions of on-demand versus daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among adolescents in Kampala, Uganda.

There is limited information about the use of on-demand and daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among adolescents and young people (AYP) in sub-Saharan Africa. We explored perceptions of both regimens among 14- to 19-year-olds perceived to be at high risk of HIV infection in Kampala, Uganda, using qualitative data collection methods. Data were analysed by theme and interpreted based on constructs from the framework of acceptability. Although there were no noticeable gender differences in preferences for a particular regimen, acceptability of PrEP depended on individual AYP sexual behaviour at the time of the study. Those who perceived themselves to be at increased risk of acquiring HIV preferred using daily PrEP, citing the consistency that comes from taking a pill daily and which they considered to be efficacious and safe. AYP who had less frequent sex preferred on-demand PrEP because it would enable them to "plan for sex". However, both groups perceived taking daily PrEP to be a burden, which was an impediment to acceptance of this form of PrEP. AYP anticipated that daily pill taking would be very stressful, requiring a lot of effort and would interrupt their daily routine. Therefore, while both on-demand and daily PrEP were acceptable and beneficial to these AYP, preferences for either regimen depended on self-perceived risk. Thus, oral PrEP use should be tailored to end-user preferences and risk profiles

Women at high risk of HIV-infection in Kampala, Uganda, and their candidacy for PrEP.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), antiretroviral medication for prevention of HIV-acquisition, is part of biomedical HIV prevention strategies recommended for people at risk of HIV-infection. A decision to take PrEP depends on an assessment of 'being at risk' either by an individual, or healthcare provider. In this paper, we draw on the concept of 'candidacy' to examine the different ways in which women attending a dedicated clinic in Kampala, Uganda, for women at risk of HIV infection (including sex workers), assessed their suitability for PrEP. We conducted in-depth interviews with 30 HIV negative women up to four different times, to gather information on the motives for taking PrEP, and their life history and daily life. All the women described the relevance of PrEP to mitigate their risk of HIV infection. However, there were challenges to adherence because of alcohol use, irregular working hours and a fear of being seen taking pills that others might assume to be HIV treatment. The ways in which the different women used PrEP and interpreted the place of PrEP in their lives were not solely based on their assessment of protecting themselves during sex work. They also used PrEP to guard against infection from their regular partners, and as a tool to allow them to make more money safely, by having sex without a condom with clients. While eligibility to access PrEP was predicated on the women's being in an 'at risk' population group, an incentive to use PrEP was to protect themselves from HIV acquisition from a long-term partner and preserve the 'trust' in their intimate relationship by having condom-less sex. Applying a candidacy lens we highlight the complexity in how women experience and present as being 'at risk' and query the criteria on which categories of risk and PrEP eligibility are determined

Scoping review on lessons learnt on the promotion and use of drugs and traditional medicine in Africa during COVID-19

Scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs, substances and herbal medicines is important in medical advertising and promotion. Following guidelines for conducting a scoping review, we systematically searched PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science to identify in peer reviewed articles medications that were promoted and used widely in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also searched for information about how safety concerns about untested/or not properly tested drugs were communicated to the public during the pandemic. Of the 2043 articles identified, 41 papers were eligible for inclusion. Most studies were clinical trials (n = 11), systematic reviews (n = 9), quantitative studies (n = 9) the rest were qualitative studies, reviews and reports. We found that following global trends, several drugs, traditional and herbal treatments were used and repurposed for the treatment of respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 in Africa. The results highlighted the value of some herbal medicines for treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the risks posed by the unregulated sharing of advice and recommendations on treatments in Africa, and globally

Gendered risks: access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among young migrants in Southwestern Uganda: the role of the ‘lending a hand’ intervention

Young migrants may engage in risky behaviours due to social, economic, and psychological challenges as they try to “get by” in their new host communities. This can result in unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and poor mental health outcomes. During a study to test the feasibility and acceptability of an early intervention to reduce the harm of patterns of risk associated with migration, we assessed access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services (SRH) among recent migrants (14–24 years) in south-western Uganda. The intervention conducted in 2022/23 involved training peer supporters to provide referral advice and support to young people. Between March–November 2022, 20 young migrants (11 males and 9 females) were purposively selected to participate in two in-depth interviews each to explore their experiences during the intervention. Data were analysed thematically. Women engaged in transactional sex to supplement their low pay while men got involved in risky behaviour once they had earned some money. Many suffered from sexually transmitted infections-related symptoms, were at risk for HIV infection and some women had fears of unwanted pregnancy. While some tried to seek for SRH services from public facilities, poor health service delivery such as long queues and shortages of drugs, discouraged them from going there. Young people tried to access treatment from private facilities but could not afford the costs. The intervention increased knowledge about SRH and supported young people to access services from the public health facilities at no cost thus increasing utilization. Sexual health risks were experienced differently by women and men. The women were likely to experience symptoms related to sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) much earlier than men and this could increase their likelihood to engage with SRH services. The intervention served to increase men's readiness to access SRH services by providing them at a time and place that is convenient. Recognizing the different risk profiles of young people is important in tailoring appropriate interventions to promote equitable access and utilization of SRH services for both genders in this vulnerable population

`I now have so many friends!’ how young migrants describe their quest to belong in a town in southern Uganda

For many young people in Uganda, labour migration has become a part of growing up. They may not move far, but it is still a move away from a place they belong. For young migrants, the route to economic independence may be precarious, even for those who have people they know nearby. We trace the experience of 12 young male and female migrants (aged 17–24 years) over their first year as a migrant in southern Uganda. Finding friends who could help find jobs, lend them money and be around to relax with, fulfiled an expressed need to belong. That friendship was often based on a shared interest in sport or through their place of work. In a setting where all the young people had at some point experienced hunger, insecurity and a fear of failing to make it, those friendships were a marker of beginning to feel they belonged

Caring for a stroke patient : The burden and experiences of primary caregivers in Uganda – A qualitative study

Aim: We assessed the burden and experiences of caregivers looking after stroke patients in Kampala, Uganda. Design: We conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study between May 2018–July 2018 among primary caregivers of stroke patients. Methods: The primary caregiver was defined as the person spending most of the time providing daily care for the stroke patient for at least four months. Purposive sampling was used to consecutively recruit the primary caregivers. In-depth interviews were conducted, and audiotape recorded, and observations were also made. Data were managed using NVIVO 12.0 following thematic approach. Results: Twenty-five caregivers were included in the analysis with a mean age of 39.3, SD 10.7. Four themes were identified from the qualitative analysis on caregivers’ experiences of looking after stroke patients: taking on new responsibilities, factors that protected caregivers from breaking down, limited resources and experiences with patient outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for interventions to support stroke patients and their caregivers

"Treatment is not yet necessary": delays in seeking access to HIV treatment in Uganda and Zimbabwe.

We examined the logic that individuals use to account for delaying HIV testing and/or initiating HIV treatment. Our qualitative study, situated within the REALITY trial (Reduction of EArly mortaLITY in HIV infected adults and children starting antiretroviral therapy), was conducted in Uganda and Zimbabwe in 2015. Forty-eight participants (different age groups, sex and viral load/WHO disease stage) were included. Each participant had 2 interviews (1 after 4 weeks of participation in the trial the other after 12 weeks). If a person could manage presenting symptoms, they felt they had "more time" before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). Their reluctance to have an HIV test (despite deteriorating health) arose from a belief that they were not "sick", that treatment was "not yet necessary". People in our study did not consider themselves as presenting "late", and treatment was not considered urgent as long as they considered their health to be "good enough"

Knowledge, use (misuse) and perceptions of over-the-counter analgesics in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are safe for pain-management when used as recommended. Misuse can increase the risk of hypertension and gastrointestinal problems. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a scoping review of the uses and misuses of OTC analgesics in sub-Saharan Africa, to inform strategies for correct use. METHOD: Following guidelines for conducting a scoping review, we systematically searched Pubmed, ResearchGate and Google Scholar databases for published articles on OTC analgesic drug use in sub-Saharan Africa, without restrictions on publication year or language. Search terms were 'analgesics', 'non-prescription drugs', 'use or dependence or patterns or misuse or abuse' and 'sub-Saharan Africa'. Articles focusing on prescription drugs were excluded. RESULTS: Of 1381 articles identified, 35 papers from 13 countries were eligible for inclusion. Most were quantitative cross-sectional studies, two were mixed-methods studies, and one used qualitative methods only. About half (n = 17) the studies recorded prevalence of OTC drug use above 70%, including non-analgesics. Headache and fever were the most common ailments for which OTC drugs were taken. Primary sources of OTC drugs were pharmacy and drug shops, and family, friends and relatives as well as leftover drugs from previous treatment. The main reasons for OTC drug use were challenges in health service access, perception of illness as minor, and knowledge gained from treating a previous illness. Information regarding self-medication came from family, friends and neighbours, pharmacies and reading leaflets either distributed in the community or at institutions of learning. OTC drug use tended to be more commonly reported among females, those with an education lower than secondary level, and participants aged ≥50 years. CONCLUSION: Self-medicating with OTC drugs including analgesics is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. However, literature on reasons for this, and misuse, is limited. Research is needed to educate providers and the public on safe use of OTC drugs

Lives Interrupted: Navigating Hardship During COVID-19 Provides Lessons in Solidarity and Visibility for Mobile Young People in South Africa and Uganda.

We examine data from young women and men in South Africa and young female sex workers in Uganda to explore the inequalities and hardships experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate the opportunities and ability presented to navigate in a virtual world to build an inclusive supportive future for young people on the move. We argue that against the backdrop of a fragile past, young people who see their today disturbed, tomorrow reshaped and their futures interrupted, need support to interact with their social environment and adjust their lives and expectations amidst the changing influences of social forces

Additional file 1 of Examining oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) literacy among participants in an HIV vaccine trial preparedness cohort study

In-depth interview guide for development of an HIV Negative Registration Cohort for Future Participation in an HIV Vaccine Study