A5056501556- Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- Reproductive tract infections research
- Global Maternal and Child Health
- Reproductive Health and Contraception
- HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
- Menstrual Health and Disorders
- COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- ICT in Developing Communities
- Mental Health and Patient Involvement
- Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
- Technology Adoption and User Behaviour
- HIV/AIDS Impact and Responses
- Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare
- Child Development and Digital Technology
- Health Policy Implementation Science
- Ethics in Clinical Research
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment
- Social Media in Health Education
- Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare
- Focus Groups and Qualitative Methods
- Urban and Rural Development Challenges
- Global Health Workforce Issues
Biomedical Research and Training Institute
2019-2025
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
2020-2025
Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
2020-2025
Faculty of Public Health
2020-2023
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2023
University of London
2022
Physical distancing measures have lead many public health researchers to transition remote data collection, via mobile phones, online or other virtual platforms. These methods pose a number of challenges related obtaining informed consent.
Objective To investigate community and health-care workers' perspectives on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic early responses during first 2 weeks of national lockdown in Zimbabwe.Methods Rapid qualitative research was carried out between March April 2020 via phone interviews with one representative from each four community-based organizations 16 workers involved a trial services for young people.In addition, information COVID-19 collected social media platforms, news outlets...
Abstract Beliefs about contraception are commonly conceptualized as playing an important role in contraceptive decision‐making. Interventions designed to address beliefs typically include counseling dispel any “myths” or “misconceptions.” These interventions currently show little evidence for impact reducing beliefs. This commentary delves into the problems associated with using implicitly negative terminology refer beliefs, which come laden assumptions their validity. By conceptualizing...
<ns3:p><ns3:bold>Background: </ns3:bold>Youth have poorer HIV-related outcomes when compared to other age-groups. We describe the protocol for a cluster randomised trial (CRT) evaluate effectiveness of community-based, integrated HIV and sexual reproductive health services youth on outcomes.</ns3:p><ns3:p> </ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Protocol: </ns3:bold>The CHIEDZA is being conducted in three provinces Zimbabwe, each with eight geographically demarcated areas (clusters) (total 24 clusters)...
<ns3:p>Background Youth have poorer HIV-related outcomes when compared to other age-groups. We describe the protocol for a cluster randomised trial (CRT) evaluate effectiveness of community-based, integrated HIV and sexual reproductive health services youth on outcomes. Protocol The CHIEDZA is being conducted in three provinces Zimbabwe, each with eight geographically demarcated areas (clusters) (total 24 clusters) 1:1 standard care (existing services) or intervention. intervention comprises...
BackgroundThe prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youth is high in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated the uptake testing for and Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhoea) community-based settings Zimbabwe, explored facilitators barriers to testing.MethodsThis study was nested within a cluster randomised trial delivery integrated HIV sexual reproductive health services aged 16–24 years. gonorrhoea via urine samples using Xpert CT/NG test...
Hazardous drinking (HD) and substance use (SU) can lead to disinhibited behaviour are both growing public health problems among Southern African youths. We investigated the prevalence of SU HD their association with risky sexual youth in Zimbabwe. Data analysis from a population-based survey conducted between October 2021 June 2022 ascertain outcomes cluster randomised trial (CHIEDZA: Trial registration number:NCT03719521). Stage: Post-results. 24 communities three provinces Youth aged 18-24...
Households affected by tuberculosis have syndemic vulnerability, reflecting a concentration of and interactions between multiple biomedical, psychosocial, structural determinants health. Traditional approaches to screening do not address pre-existing risks, such as undernutrition other chronic conditions, or the indirect effects tuberculosis, loss livelihood. These risks consequences only perpetuate global epidemic but, for those affected, lead poor health deepen poverty. We propose...
Point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may improve diagnosis and treatment of STIs in low- middle-income counties. We explored the facilitators barriers to point-of-care Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) youth community-based settings Zimbabwe.This study was nested within a cluster randomised trial delivery integrated HIV sexual reproductive health services aged 16 24 years. On-site CT/NG on urine samples using Xpert® test piloted four...
Mobile technology is increasingly being used to widen access and support the delivery of public health interventions. Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) self-testing (HIVST) enables individuals have autonomy. We evaluated feasibility a novel application called ITHAKA HIVST among youth aged 16-24 years in Zimbabwe.
Introduction Obtaining informed consent for research includes the use of information sheets, which are often long and may be difficult participants to understand. We conducted a trial investigate whether procedures using study video coupled with electronic were non-inferior standard participant sheets (PIS) among youth aged 18–24 years in Zimbabwe. Methods The was nested within an endline population-based survey cluster-randomised from October 2021 June 2022. Randomisation or paper-based at...
Objectives While integral to women’s physical and mental well-being, achieving good menstrual health (MH) remains a challenge for many women. This study investigated the effectiveness of comprehensive MH intervention on knowledge, perceptions practices among women aged 16–24 years in Harare, Zimbabwe. Design A mixed-methods prospective cohort with pre-post evaluation an intervention. Setting Two clusters Participants Overall, 303 female participants were recruited, whom 189 (62.4%) seen at...
Youth in southern Africa continue to be at high risk of HIV infection. We investigated the awareness of, access to, and uptake prevention interventions (pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure (PEP), voluntary medical male circumcision condoms) among youth Zimbabwe. A population-based survey aged 18-24 years 24 communities across three provinces was conducted between October 2021 June 2022. An interviewer-administered questionnaire collected sociodemographic sexual behaviour data...
Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is a human rights issue; yet, it remains challenge for many, especially in low- middle-income countries (LMICs). MHH includes the socio-political, psychosocial, environmental factors that impact women's menstrual experiences. High proportions of girls women LMICs have inadequate due to limited access knowledge, products, stigma reinforcing harmful myths taboos. The aim this pilot was inform design an sub-study implementation scale-up intervention...
<ns3:p><ns3:bold>Abstract</ns3:bold></ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Background </ns3:bold></ns3:p><ns3:p> Youth have disproportionately poor HIV outcomes. We aimed to co-design a community-based intervention with youth improve outcomes among 16-24 year-olds, be trialled in Zimbabwe.</ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Methods conducted 90 in-depth interviews youth, family members, community gatekeepers and healthcare providers understand the barriers uptake of existing services. The informed an outline...
COVID-19 threatens hard-won gains in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) through compromising the ability of services to meet needs. Youth are particularly threatened due existing barriers their access services. CHIEDZA is a community-based integrated SRH intervention for youth being trialled Zimbabwe. closed March 2020, response national lockdown, reopened May categorised as an essential service. We aimed understand impact CHIEDZA's closure its reopening, with adaptations reduce...
Young people are at high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We report STI testing uptake, prevalence and incidence within a community-based integrated HIV sexual reproductive health service for youth, being evaluated in cluster randomised trial Zimbabwe.
Abstract Introduction In sub‐Saharan Africa, less than half of young people know their HIV status. self‐testing (HIVST) is a testing strategy with the potential to offer privacy and autonomy. We aimed understand uptake acceptability different options for youth in Harare, Zimbabwe. Methods This study was nested within cluster randomized trial youth‐friendly community‐based integrated sexual reproductive health intervention aged 16–24 years. Three were offered: (1) provider‐delivered testing;...
Abstract Background Despite being fundamental to the health and well-being of women, menstrual is often overlooked as a priority access education, products, support limited. Consequently, many young women are unprepared for menarche face challenges in accessing products managing menstruation healthy dignified way. In this paper, we examine acceptability comprehensive hygiene (MHH) intervention integrated within community-based sexual reproductive (SRH) service people aged 16–24 years...
Young people are at particularly high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We conducted a trial to investigate the effect community-based intervention that included STI screening among youth on population-level prevalence STIs in Zimbabwe. STICH was parallel-arm, cluster-randomised controlled nested within CHIEDZA, integrated HIV and sexual reproductive health services for Harare Bulawayo provinces with eight clusters each province, randomised 1:1 control (existing...
People living with HIV have higher unmet family planning needs compared to those without HIV. This is heightened for young people. However, the provision of people within programmes uncommon. We investigated uptake, acceptability of, and engagement a service offering integrated sexual reproductive health services youth in community-based setting Zimbabwe.
Background Youth are a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To increase access to STI testing, convenient approaches sampling and testing needed. We assessed the acceptability of self-collected vaginal swabs (SCVS) among young women (16–24 years) attending community-based sexual reproductive health service in Zimbabwe. Methods A SCVS was used point-of-care Trichomonas vaginalis urine sample Chlamydia trachomatis Neisseria gonorrhoeae. questionnaire administered...
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance research has mostly originated from high-income countries and reasons why youth may not get vaccinated differ in low-income settings. Understanding vaccination coverage across different population groups the sociocultural influences healthcare delivery is important to inform targeted campaigns.A population-based survey was conducted 24 communities three provinces (Harare, Bulawayo Mashonaland East) Zimbabwe between October 2021 June 2022. Youth aged 18-24 years...
Abstract Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. In absence of affordable point-of-care STI tests, WHO recommends testing based on risk factors. This study aimed to develop a prediction tool with sensitivity > 90% efficiency (defined as percentage individuals that eligible for diagnostic testing) < 60%. Methods offered CT/NG part cluster-randomised trial community-based delivery...