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Many vaccines require higher/additional doses or adjuvants to provide adequate protection for people with HIV (PWH). Our objective was to compare COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity in PWH to HIV-negative individuals.In a Canadian multi-center prospective, observational cohort of PWH receiving at least two COVID-19 vaccinations, we measured vaccine-induced immunity at 3 and 6 months post 2nd and 1-month post 3rd doses.The primary outcome was the percentage of PWH mounting vaccine-induced immunity [co-positivity for anti-IgG against SARS-CoV2 Spike(S) and receptor-binding domain proteins] 6 months post 2nd dose. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare COVID-19-specific immune responses between groups and within subgroups.Data from 294 PWH and 267 controls were analyzed. Immunogenicity was achieved in over 90% at each time point in both groups. The proportions of participants achieving comparable anti-receptor-binding domain levels were similar between the group at each time point. Anti-S IgG levels were similar by group at month 3 post 2nd dose and 1-month post 3rd dose. A lower proportion of PWH vs. controls maintained vaccine-induced anti-S IgG immunity 6 months post 2nd dose [92% vs. 99%; odds ratio: 0.14 (95% confidence interval: 0.03, 0.80; P = 0.027)]. In multivariable analyses, neither age, immune non-response, multimorbidity, sex, vaccine type, or timing between doses were associated with reduced IgG response.Vaccine-induced IgG was elicited in the vast majority of PWH and was overall similar between groups. A slightly lower proportion of PWH vs. controls maintained vaccine-induced anti-S IgG immunity 6 months post 2nd dose demonstrating the importance of timely boosting in this population.

HIV cure research requires interrogating latent HIV reservoirs in deep tissues, which necessitates autopsies to avoid risks to participants. An HIV autopsy biobank would facilitate this research, but such research raises ethical issues and requires participant engagement. This study explores the willingness to participate in HIV cure research at the end of life. Participants include Canadians with HIV [people with HIV (PWHIV)] aged 55 years or older. Following a mixed-method study design, all participants completed a phone or online survey, and a subset of participants participated in in-depth phone or videoconference interviews. We produced descriptive statistics of quantitative data and a thematic analysis of qualitative data. Barriers and facilitators were categorized under domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. From April 2020 to August 2021, 37 participants completed the survey (mean age = 69.9 years old; mean duration of HIV infection = 28.5 years), including 15 interviewed participants. About three quarters of participants indicated being willing to participate in hypothetical medical studies toward the end of life (n = 30; 81.1%), in HIV biobanking (n = 30; 81.1%), and in a research autopsy (n = 28; 75.7%) to advance HIV cure research, mainly for altruistic benefits. The main perceived risks had to do with physical pain and confidentiality. Barriers and facilitators were distributed across five domains: social/professional role and identity, environmental context and resources, social influences, beliefs about consequences, and capabilities. Participants wanted more information about study objectives and procedures, possible accommodations with their last will, and rationale for studies or financial interests funding studies. Our results indicate that older PWHIV would be willing to participate in HIV cure research toward the end of life, HIV biobanking, and research autopsy. However, a dialogue should be initiated to inform participants thoroughly about HIV cure studies, address concerns, and accommodate their needs and preferences. Additional work is required, likely through increased community engagement, to address educational needs.

Understanding the roots of Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy in at-risk groups, such as persons living with HIV (PLWH), is of utmost importance. We developed a modified Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) questionnaire using items from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization Acceptability Matrix. To examine factors associated with receiving COVID-19 vaccine and the link between vaccine attitudes and beliefs with vaccine behavior, PLWH were recruited via social media and community-based organizations (February-May 2022). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize results. Total VHS score was generated by adding Likert scale scores and linear regression models used to compare results between participants who received or did not receive COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with vaccine uptake. A total of 246 PLWH indicated whether they received a COVID-19 vaccine. 89% received ≥ 1 dose. Mean total VHS(SD) for persons having received ≥ 1 COVID-19 vaccine was 17.8(6.2) vs. 35.4(9.4) for participants not having received any COVID-19 vaccine. Persons who received ≥ 1 dose were significantly older than those who had not received any (48.4 ± 13.8 vs. 34.0 ± 7.7 years, p ≥ 1dose were increased 2.4-fold [95% CI 1.6, 3.5] with each increase in age of 10 years (p

This study examined the feasibility of using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to disentangle medicinal cannabis use (MCU) from recreational cannabis use (RCU) among people living HIV (PLWH). Over a 14-day period, PLWH (N = 29) who engaged in both MCU and RCU completed a smartphone-based survey before and after every cannabis use event assessing general motivation for cannabis use (MCU-only, RCU-only, or mixed MCU/RCU), cannabis use behavior, and several antecedents and outcomes of cannabis use. A total of 739 pre-cannabis surveys were completed; 590 (80%) of the prompted post-cannabis surveys were completed. Motives for cannabis use were reported as MCU-only on 24%, RCU-only on 30%, and mixed MCU/RCU on 46% of pre-cannabis surveys. Mixed effects models examined within-person differences across MCU-only, RCU-only, and mixed MCU/RCU events. Results showed that relative to RCU-only events, MCU-only events were more likely to involve symptom management and drug substitution motives, physical and sleep-related symptoms, solitary cannabis use, and use of cannabis oils and sprays; MCU-only events were less likely to involve relaxation, happiness, and wellness motives, cannabis flower use, and positive cannabis consequences. Differences between mixed MCU/RCU and RCU-only events were similar, except that mixed MCU/RCU events were additionally associated with stress reduction motives and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Findings support the feasibility of partially disentangling MCU and RCU behavior among PLWH who engage in concurrent MCU and RCU. This study highlights the need for more EMA studies isolating MCU from RCU to inform ongoing changes to cannabis policies.

IntroductionChronic pain and co-occurring disorders, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, are among the most common conditions for which cannabis and cannabinoid-based products derived from the cannabis plant (CBP) are used for therapeutic purposes. However, healthcare providers report that they lack sufficient information on the risks, benefits and appropriate use of cannabis and CBP derived from the cannabis plant for therapeutic purposes.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review of studies investigating the use of cannabis and CBP derived from the cannabis plant for the treatment of chronic pain and co-occurring conditions. Randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses and observational studies will be prioritised. We will exclude reviews of cannabinoid mechanisms of actions, commentary articles and narrative reviews. The primary outcome of interest will be efficacy in relieving chronic pain. Secondary outcomes will be efficacy in ameliorating conditions such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders. We will search electronic bibliographic databases including Academic Search Complete, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Evidence based Medicine Reviewes, OVID Medline, PsychINFO, PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science. Two reviewers will conduct screening and data collection independently. Study level of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies. Narrative analysis will be utilised to interpret the data.Ethics and disseminationThe results of this systematic review will inform guideline development for the use of cannabis and CBP derived from the cannabis plant in the management of chronic pain and co-occurring conditions. Areas requiring further study will also be highlighted.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020135886.

Background: Associations between HIV-related stigma and reduced antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence are widely established, yet the mechanisms accounting for this relationship are underexplored. There has been less attention to HIV-related stigma and its associations with ART initiation and current ART use. We examined pathways from HIV-related stigma to ART initiation, current ART use, and ART adherence among women living with HIV in Canada. Methods: We used baseline survey data from a national cohort of women living with HIV in Canada (n = 1425). Structural equation modeling using weighted least squares estimation methods was conducted to test the direct effects of HIV-related stigma dimensions (personalized, negative self-image, and public attitudes) on ART initiation, current ART use, and 90% ART adherence, and indirect effects through depression and HIV disclosure concerns, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Results: In the final model, the direct paths from personalized stigma to ART initiation (β = −0.104, P < 0.05) and current ART use (β = −0.142, P < 0.01), and negative self-image to ART initiation (β = −0.113, P < 0.01) were significant, accounting for the mediation effects of depression and HIV disclosure concerns. Depression mediated the pathways from personalized stigma to ART adherence, and negative self-image to current ART use and ART adherence. Final model fit indices suggest that the model fit the data well [χ2(25) = 90.251, P < 0.001; comparative fit index = 0.945; root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.044]. Conclusions: HIV-related stigma is associated with reduced likelihood of ART initiation and current ART use, and suboptimal ART adherence. To optimize the benefit of ART among women living with HIV, interventions should reduce HIV-related stigma and address depression.

Background Women comprise nearly one-quarter of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Canada. Compared with men, women living with HIV experience inequities in HIV care and health outcomes, prompting a need for gendered and tailored approaches to HIV care. Method Peer and academic researchers from the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study conducted focus groups to understand women's experience of seeking care, with the purpose of identifying key characteristics that define a women-centered approach to HIV care. Eleven focus groups were conducted with 77 women living with HIV across Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, Canada. Results Women envisioned three central characteristics of women-centered HIV care, including i) coordinated and integrated services that address both HIV and women's health care priorities, and protect against exclusion from care due to HIV-related stigma, ii) care that recognizes and responds to structural barriers that limit women's access to care, such as violence, poverty, motherhood, HIV-related stigma, and challenges to safe disclosure, and iii) care that fosters peer support and peer leadership in its design and delivery to honor the diversity of women's experiences, overcome women's isolation, and prioritize women's ownership over the decisions that affect their lives. Conclusion Despite advances in HIV treatment and care, the current care landscape is inadequate to meet women's comprehensive care needs. A women-centered approach to HIV care, as envisioned by women living with HIV, is central to guiding policy and practice to improve care and outcomes for women living with HIV in Canada.

HIV continues to be a stigmatized disease, despite significant advances in care and concerted effort to reduce discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice. Living with HIV is often associated with a multitude of overlapping and intersecting experiences which can, in and of themselves, also be stigmatized, and which may exacerbate HIV-related stigma. The consequences of these stigmatizing experiences are particularly impactful when the stigmatizing individual is a health care provider, as this can influence access to and quality of care. The current study empirically investigates a model of overlapping stigmas (homophobia, racism, sexism, stigma against injection drug use and stigma against sex work) potentially held by health care provider trainees in Canada to determine how these constructs overlap and intersect, and to assess whether HIV-related stigma may have unique attributes. Understanding overlapping stigmas can help inform targeted, stigma-informed training for health care trainees in order to provide effective, compassionate care for people living with HIV.

HIV-related criminal laws in some jurisdictions may hamper population health efforts to manage HIV and bring about an AIDS-free generation. HIV care nurses have an instrumental role to play in ensuring equitable care and health for all in a context of HIV. The purpose of our study was to determine HIV care nurses' knowledge of HIV-related criminal laws. Ecosocial theory and content expert opinion guided development of a questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge of HIV-related criminal laws. A total of 174 HIV care nurses from Canada (n = 23) and the United States (n = 151) completed the questionnaire. Knowledge gaps were observed in several aspects of HIV-related criminal laws that can influence nursing clinical practices. Nurses should increase their knowledge of HIV-related criminal laws to ensure the success of population health initiatives and to reduce stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV.

Stigma related to HIV in the healthcare system has a pervasive, negative impact on the mental, physical and sexual health of people living with HIV. While well-documented before the advent of antiretroviral treatment, this stigma in Canada has not been as thoroughly examined from a critical perspective since HIV's evolution from an acute to a chronic illness. The current study examines attitudes and beliefs of healthcare providers toward people living with HIV through the use of focus groups. Focus group participants were women living with HIV, men living with HIV, medical and nursing students, and health care providers working with people living with HIV. Data analysis was conducted with a critical lens using an immersion/crystallization approach. Two broad themes emerged from the data: HIV-specific experiences, and components of stigma. Both negative and positive experiences were described. Discrimination, as a behavioural act, was deemed to be the less prevalent and often more covert expression of stigmatization. Stereotyping, including with regard to perceived sexuality, and prejudice were seen as more insidious and perpetuated by both the medical and educational establishments. These findings clearly demonstrate the need for change in terms of reducing the amount of stigma present in these complex, nuanced, and enduring relationships between people living with HIV and the health care system.

IntroductionDespite antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV have higher rates of non-infectious chronic diseases. These conditions are driven by relatively high levels of inflammation persisting on ART compared with uninfected individuals. Chronic inflammation also contributes to HIV persistence during ART. Cannabis when taken orally may represent a way to reduce inflammation and strengthen immune responses. Before planning large interventional studies, it is important to ensure that cannabis taken orally is safe and well tolerated in people living with HIV. We propose to conduct a pilot randomised trial to examine the safety and tolerability of cannabis oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) consumed orally in people living with HIV. We will also measure inflammatory markers, markers of HIV persistence in peripheral blood cells and changes in the gastrointestinal microbiome.Methods and analysisTwenty-six people living with HIV having undetectable viral load for at least 3 years will be randomised to receive TN-TC11LM (THC:CBD in 1:1 ratio) or TN-TC19LM (THC:CBD in 1:9 ratio) capsules daily for 12 weeks. Safety and tolerability of these capsules will be assessed through haematological, hepatic and renal blood tests, face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. Proportions of participants without any signs of significant toxicity (grades 0–2 scores on the WHO toxicity scale) and who complete the study, as well as scores on quality of life and mood will be examined using descriptive statistics. The effects on inflammatory markers, markers of peripheral blood reservoir size and effect on the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome will be assessed before and after study completion.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. A Data Safety Monitor will review safety information at regular intervals. The final manuscript will be submitted to an open-access journal within 6 months of study completion.Trial registration numberNCT03550352.

IntroductionWhile access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV has expanded in recent years, additional efforts are required to support adherence to medication and retention in care. Interventions should be applicable in real-world settings and amenable to widespread use. The objectives of this overview are to identify effective pragmatic interventions that increase adherence to ART and retention in care for people living with HIV at high risk for suboptimal adherence and retention in high-income countries.Methods and analysisWe will conduct an overview of systematic reviews of studies on interventions which target improved adherence to medication and retention in care among high-risk people living with HIV in high-income countries (men who have sex with men, African, Caribbean and black people, sex workers, people who inject drugs, indigenous people and other socially marginalised groups). We will search the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE (Exerpta Medica Database), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PsycINFO, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. We will conduct screening, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality of the systematic reviews. Analysis will be narrative. Our findings will be interpreted in light of the certainty of the evidence, level of pragmatism, setting and population of interest.Ethics and disseminationOnly published secondary data will be used in this study, and therefore ethics approval is not required. Our findings will be disseminated as peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference abstracts and through community activities. The findings from this overview will inform a mixed-methods study among people living with HIV and health workers in Ontario, Canada.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of the Canadian HIV Pregnancy Planning Guidelines is to provide clinical information and recommendations for health care providers to assist Canadians affected by HIV with their fertility, preconception, and pregnancy planning decisions. These guidelines are evidence- and community-based and flexible and take into account diverse and intersecting local/population needs based on the social determinants of health. INTENDED OUTCOMES:EVIDENCE: Literature searches were conducted by a librarian using the Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Embase databases for published articles in English and French related to HIV and pregnancy and HIV and pregnancy planning for each section of the guidelines. The full search strategy is available upon request. VALUES:The evidence obtained was reviewed and evaluated by the Infectious Diseases Committee of the SOGC under the leadership of the principal authors, and recommendations were made according to the guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and through use of the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation instrument for the development of clinical guidelines. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS:Guideline implementation should assist the practitioner in developing an evidence-based approach for the prevention of unplanned pregnancy, preconception, fertility, and pregnancy planning counselling in the context of HIV infection. VALIDATION:These guidelines have been reviewed and approved by the Infectious Disease Committee and the Executive and Council of the SOGC. SPONSOR:Canadian Institutes of Health Research Grant Planning and Dissemination grant (Funding Reference # 137186), which funded a Development Team meeting in 2016. RECOMMENDATIONS

HIV stigma is a pressing concern for people living with HIV, and particularly when it is perpetuated by health care providers, as it may affect quality of life and access to health care services. The current study describes the development and initial validation of a contextually appropriate HIV stigma scale for health care providers in North America. A ground-up qualitative approach was used to develop the scale, and it was assessed psychometrically with health care trainees across Canada. The measure demonstrates excellent internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability, as well as convergent and divergent validity. The study supports a tripartite model of HIV stigma consisting of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination. The scale provides a new tool to assess HIV stigma in health care providers and can be used to inform training, intervention and self-evaluation of stigmatizing attitudes, beliefs and behaviors among providers.

This study investigates the differences in severity and correlates of depression symptoms among 1069 men and 267 women living with HIV in Ontario, Canada, who completed the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Women had higher CES-D scores than that of men (median [interquartile range]: 13 [5-26] versus 9 [3-20], P = .0004). More women had total CES-D scores >15 (mild-moderate depression; 44% versus 33%, P = .002) and >21 (severe depression; 31% versus 23%, P = .003). Unlike men, at age 40, women’s scores increased yearly (0.4 per increased year, P = .005). The distribution of scores differed by gender: There was no difference in the 10th percentile of depression scores, 0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-1.0) but the 75th percentile of depression scores for women was 6 (95% CI: 2.0-10.0) points higher than that of men. Important gender differences exist in depression symptoms and in correlates of symptoms in people living with HIV.

Resume Objectif Quatre questions cliniques principales doivent etre prises en consideration pour les personnes et les couples seropositifs pour le VIH en ce qui a trait a la planification de la grossesse et a l'offre de services de counseling en ce sens : (1) la sante preconceptionnelle; (2) la transmission mere-enfant (laquelle a connu une baisse significative grâce au traitement antiretroviral combine); (3) la transmission entre les partenaires au cours de la conception (laquelle necessite la mise en oeuvre de differentes strategies de prevention et de traitement, en fonction de l'etat et des besoins des personnes en question); et (4) la prise en charge des questions liees a l'infertilite. Les lignes directrices canadiennes en matiere de planification de la grossesse en presence du VIH ont pour objectif d'offrir des recommandations et des renseignements cliniques aux fournisseurs de soins de sante pour les aider a soutenir les personnes et les couples seropositifs pour le VIH, en ce qui concerne leurs decisions en matiere de fertilite et de planification de la grossesse. Ces lignes directrices sont factuelles, communautaires et flexibles, et elles tiennent compte de besoins locaux / populationnels divers et contigus et des determinants sociaux de la sante. Issues Les issues visees sont (1) la reduction du risque de transmission verticale et horizontale du VIH; (2) l'amelioration des issues de sante maternelles et neonatales en presence du VIH; (3) l'attenuation de la stigmatisation associee a la grossesse en presence du VIH; et (4) l'accroissement de l'acces aux services de fertilite et de planification de la grossesse. Resultats Des recherches ont ete menees dans PubMed et Medline en vue d'en tirer les articles publies, en anglais ou en francais, jusqu'au 20 decembre 2010, au moyen des termes suivants : « HIV » et « pregnancy » ou « pregnancy planning » ou « fertility » ou « reproduction » ou « infertility » ou « parenthood » ou « insemination » ou « artificial insemination » ou « sperm washing » ou « IVF » ou « ICSI » ou « IUI ». Parmi les autres termes de recherche utilises, on trouvait « HIV » ET « horizontal transmission » ou « sexual transmission » ou « serodiscordant ». Des recherches ont egalement ete menees dans les bases de donnees de conference suivantes : Conference sur les retrovirus et les infections opportunistes, International AIDS Conference, Societe internationale sur le sida, Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Association canadienne de recherche sur le VIH et Conference de recherche du Reseau ontarien de traitement du VIH. Enfin, des recherches manuelles ont ete menees dans des conferences et des revues cles, et les references des articles selectionnes ont ete analysees afin d'obtenir des citations supplementaires. Par la suite, les resumes ont ete classes par categories d'apres leur sujet principal (en fonction d'une description sommaire des lignes directrices) dans un tableau comptant les rubriques suivantes : auteur, titre, objet de l'etude, participants, resultats et commentaires generaux. Enfin, nous avons consulte des specialistes du domaine afin d'obtenir leurs opinions quant aux articles qui auraient pu passer inapercus. Valeurs La qualite des resultats a ete evaluee au moyen des criteres decrits dans le Rapport du Groupe d'etude canadien sur les soins de sante preventifs. Les recommandations quant a la pratique ont ete classees conformement a la methode decrite dans ce rapport (Tableau) et au moyen de l'instrument Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation destine a l'elaboration de directives cliniques. Commanditaires Societe des obstetriciens et gynecologues du Canada, Women and HIV Research Program, Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital , Universite de Toronto, Laboratoires Abbott Canada, Reseau ontarien de traitement du VIH, Instituts de recherche en sante du Canada, Reseau canadien pour les essais VIH.

Objective Four main clinical issues need to be considered for HIV-positive individuals and couples with respect to pregnancy planning and counselling: (1) pre-conceptional health; (2) transmission from mother to infant, which has been significantly reduced by combined antiretroviral therapy; (3) transmission between partners during conception, which requires different prevention and treatment strategies depending on the status and needs of those involved; and (4) management of infertility issues. The objective of the Canadian HIV Pregnancy Planning Guidelines is to provide clinical information and recommendations for health care providers to assist HIV-positive individuals and couples with their fertility and pregnancy planning decisions. These guidelines are evidence- and community-based and flexible, and they take into account diverse and intersecting local/population needs and the social determinants of health. Outcomes Intended outcomes are (1) reduction of risk of vertical transmission and horizontal transmission of HIV, (2) improvement of maternal and infant health outcomes in the presence of HIV, (3) reduction of the stigma associated with pregnancy and HIV, and (4) increased access to pregnancy planning and fertility services. Evidence PubMed and Medline were searched for articles published in English or French to December 20, 2010, using the following terms: “HIV” and “pregnancy” or “pregnancy planning” or “fertility” or “reproduction” or “infertility” or “parenthood” or “insemination” or “artificial insemination” or “sperm washing” or “IVF” or “ICSI” or “IUI.” Other search terms included “HIV” and “horizontal transmission” or “sexual transmission” or “serodiscordant.” The following conference databases were also searched: Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, International AIDS Conference, International AIDS Society, Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, the Canadian Association of HIV/AIDS Research, and the Ontario HIV Treatment Network Research Conference. Finally, a hand search of key journals and conferences was performed, and references of retrieved articles were reviewed for additional citations. Subsequently, abstracts were categorized according to their primary topic (based on an outline of the guidelines) into table format with the following headings: author, title, study purpose, participants, results and general comments. Finally, experts in the field were consulted for their opinions as to whether any articles were missed. Values The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice were ranked according to the method described in that report (Table) and through use of the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation instrument for the development of clinical guidelines. Sponsors The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, Women and HIV Research Program, Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Abbott Laboratories Canada, the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Canadian HIV Trials Network.

Decreased mortality, decreased risk of vertical HIV transmission, and many people living with HIV (PLWHIV) being of reproductive age have led many PLWHIV to consider pregnancy. However, scarce data exist regarding the conception planning resources required and available for PLWHIV to have safe and healthy pregnancies. This study aimed to identify gaps between the need for, knowledge of, and access to conception planning information and services among PLWHIV in Ontario, Canada. PLWHIV from three large and two small urban sites in Ontario were recruited (n = 63). Participants completed a cross-sectional survey assessing demographics, expectations and plans for conception, and knowledge about and access to existing conception information and services for PLWHIV. Univariate correlations and ranked analyses were used to assess the associations between the need for, knowledge of, and access to conception planning resources with various demographic variables. Participants’ median age was 40 years (interquartile ...

Objectives There is speculation, but there are few data, on the high rates of unintended pregnancies in HIV-positive women. We investigated rates and correlates of unintended pregnancies among HIV-positive women of reproductive age. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with recruitment stratified to match the geographical distribution of HIV-positive women of reproductive age (18–52 years) living in Ontario, Canada. Women, recruited from 38 sites between October 2007 and April 2009, were invited to complete a 189-item self-administered survey. This analysis focused on questions relating to pregnancy and whether the last pregnancy was intended. Logistic regression models were fitted to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios of correlates of unintended pregnancies occurring after HIV diagnosis. Happiness with unintended pregnancies was also assessed. Results The median age at the time of the survey of the 416 participating HIV-positive women who were previously pregnant (53% before and 47% after HIV diagnosis) was 38 years [interquartile range (IQR) 33–44 years] and their last pregnancy was a median of 8 years (IQR 3–14 years) prior to the survey (n=283). Fifty-nine per cent were born outside Canada and 47% were of African ethnicity. Of the 416, 56% [95% confidence interval (CI) 51–61%] identified that their last pregnancy was unintended (57% before and 54% after HIV diagnosis). In the multivariable model, significant correlates of unintended pregnancy after HIV diagnosis were: marital status (P=0.01) and never having given birth (P=0.01). Women were less happy if their pregnancy was unintended (P

Background Cohort data examining differences by gender in clinical responses to combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) remain inconsistent and have yet to be explored in a multi-province Canadian setting. This study investigates gender differences by injection drug use (IDU) history in virologic responses to ART and mortality. Methods Data from the Canadian Observational Cohort (CANOC) collaboration, a multisite cohort study of HIV-positive individuals initiating ART after January 1, 2000, were included. This analysis was restricted to participants with a follow-up HIV-RNA plasma viral load measure and known IDU history. Weibull hazard regression evaluated time to virologic suppression (2 consecutive measures 1000 copies/mL after suppression), and all-cause mortality. Sensitivity analyses explored the impact of presumed ART use in pregnancy on virologic outcomes. Results At baseline, women (1120 of 5442 participants) were younger (median 36 vs. 41 years) and more frequently reported IDU history (43.5% vs. 28.8%) (both p

Background The risk of sexual HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples when the HIV-positive partner has full virologic suppression on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is debated. This study aims to systematically review observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), evaluating rates of sexual HIV transmission between heterosexual serodiscordant couples when the HIV-positive partner has full suppression on cART. Methods and Findings We searched major bibliographic databases to November 2012 for relevant observational studies and RCTs without language restrictions. Conference proceedings, key journals and bibliographies were also searched. Studies reporting HIV transmission rates, cART histories and viral loads of the HIV-positive partners were included. Two reviewers extracted methodologic characteristics and outcomes. Of 20,252 citations, 3 studies met all eligibility criteria with confirmed full virologic suppression in the HIV-positive partner. We included 3 additional studies (2 cohort studies, 1 RCT) that did not confirm viral suppression in the HIV-positive partner at transmission in a secondary meta-analysis. Methodologic quality was reasonable. The rate of transmission in the 3 studies confirming virologic suppression was 0 per 100 person-years (95% CI = 0–0.05), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). When we included the 3 studies that did not confirm virologic suppression, the rate of transmission was 0.14 per 100 person-years (95%CI = 0.04–0.31) (I2 = 0%). In a sensitivity analysis including all 6 studies, the rate of transmission was 0 per 100 person-years (95%CI = 0–0.01) after omitting all transmissions with known detectable or unconfirmed viral loads, as full suppression in these cases was unlikely. Limitations included lack of data on same-sex couples, type of sexual intercourse (vaginal vs. anal), direction of HIV transmission, exact viral load at the time of transmission, sexually transmitted infections (STI) rates, and extent of condom use. Conclusions Our findings suggest minimal risk of sexual HIV transmission for heterosexual serodiscordant couples when the HIV-positive partner has full viral suppression on cART with caveats regarding information on sexual intercourse type, STIs, and condom use. These findings have implications when counseling heterosexual serodiscordant couples on sexual and reproductive health. More research is needed to explore HIV transmission risk between same-sex couples.

We the authors of the following commentary, as women with HIV from around the world, have personal experience with the issues contained in this special edition of Reproductive Health Matters. We welcome the special edition, especially the language of its title, which explicitly establishes a norm of openness, possibility and positivity. We contend that the work of policy makers, practitioners, donors and academics needs to incorporate a human rights-based, holistic view of what pregnancy, motherhood and HIV mean for women and children alike, and our hope is that the articles in this publication will inform this work accordingly. We are extremely concerned about the overall policy direction the global response to HIV and

Language matters. It impacts on how we think about ourselves, as individuals within our families and within society. As advocates and activists, we constantly use language as a tool to effect change. People living with HIV have been critical in shaping this language over the last 30 years and still play a central role in ensuring that new discourse in the HIV field does not stigmatize, but rather that it catalyzes empowerment for our community members. In this annotation, we seek to shift the language used in relation to ourselves, our medical condition, our bodies, our identities and the events we face, towards something more life-enhancing, self-affirming and positive in outlook. Keywords: people living with HIV; women living with HIV; vertical transmission; MTCT; identity; terminology; language (Published: 11 July 2012) Citation: Dilmitis S et al. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2012, 15 (Suppl 2):17990 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/17990 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.15.4.17990

Four main clinical issues need to be considered for HIV-positive individuals and couples with respect to pregnancy planning and counselling: (1) pre-conceptional health; (2) transmission from mother to infant, which has been significantly reduced by combined antiretroviral therapy; (3) transmission between partners during conception, which requires different prevention and treatment strategies depending on the status and needs of those involved; and (4) management of infertility issues. The objective of the Canadian HIV Pregnancy Planning Guidelines is to provide clinical information and recommendations for health care providers to assist HIV-positive individuals and couples with their fertility and pregnancy planning decisions. These guidelines are evidence- and community-based and flexible, and they take into account diverse and intersecting local/population needs and the social determinants of health.Intended outcomes are (1) reduction of risk of vertical transmission and horizontal transmission of HIV, (2) improvement of maternal and infant health outcomes in the presence of HIV, (3) reduction of the stigma associated with pregnancy and HIV, and (4) increased access to pregnancy planning and fertility services.PubMed and Medline were searched for articles published in English or French to December 20, 2010, using the following terms: "HIV" and "pregnancy" or "pregnancy planning" or "fertility" or "reproduction" or "infertility" or "parenthood" or "insemination" or "artificial insemination" or "sperm washing" or "IVF" or "ICSI" or "IUI." Other search terms included "HIV" and "horizontal transmission" or "sexual transmission" or "serodiscordant." The following conference databases were also searched: Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, International AIDS Conference, International AIDS Society, Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, the Canadian Association of HIV/AIDS Research, and the Ontario HIV Treatment Network Research Conference. Finally, a hand search of key journals and conferences was performed, and references of retrieved articles were reviewed for additional citations. Subsequently, abstracts were categorized according to their primary topic (based on an outline of the guidelines) into table format with the following headings: author, title, study purpose, participants, results and general comments. Finally, experts in the field were consulted for their opinions as to whether any articles were missed.The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice were ranked according to the method described in that report (Table) and through use of the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation instrument for the development of clinical guidelines.The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Women and HIV Research Program, Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Abbott Laboratories Canada, the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Canadian HIV Trials Network. KEY POINTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: HIV-positive people who are considering pregnancy should be counselled on the following issues so they can make an informed decision.

Introduction: The increasing proportion of women living with HIV has evoked calls for tailored services that respond to women's specific needs.The objective of this investigation was to explore the concept of women-specific HIV/AIDS services to identify and define what key elements underlie this approach to care. Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted using online databases (CSA Social Service Abstracts, OvidSP, Proquest, Psycinfo, PubMed, CINAHL), augmented with a search for grey literature. In total, 84 articles were retrieved and 30 were included for a full review. Of these 30, 15 were specific to HIV/AIDS, 11 for mental health and addictions and four stemmed from other disciplines. Results and discussion: The review demonstrated the absence of a consensual definition of women-specific HIV/AIDS services in the literature. We distilled this concept into its defining features and 12 additional dimensions (1) creating an atmosphere of safety, respect and acceptance; (2) facilitating communication and interaction among peers; (3) involving women in the planning, delivery and evaluation of services; (4) providing self-determination opportunities; (5) providing tailored programming for women; (6) facilitating meaningful access to care through the provision of social and supportive services; (7) facilitating access to women-specific and culturally sensitive information; (8) considering family as the unit of intervention; (9) providing multidisciplinary integration and coordination of a comprehensive array of services; (10) meeting women ''where they are''; (11) providing gender-, culture- and HIV-sensitive training to health and social care providers; and (12) conducting gendered HIV/AIDS research. Conclusions: This review highlights that the concept of women-specific HIV/AIDS services is a complex and multidimensional one that has been shaped by diverse theoretical perspectives. Further research is needed to better understand this emerging concept and ultimately assess the effectiveness of women-specific services on HIV-positive women's health outcomes.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to assess the desire, need, perceptions, and knowledge of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for women living with HIV (WLWHIV) and determine correlates of ART knowledge desire. WLWHIV of reproductive age were surveyed using the survey instrument “The HIV Pregnancy Planning Questionnaire” at HIV/AIDS service organizations across Ontario, Canada. Of our cohort of 500 WLWHIV, median age was 38, 88% were previously pregnant, 78% desired more information regarding ART, 59% were open to the idea of receiving ART, 39% felt they could access a sperm bank, and 17% had difficulties conceiving (self-reported). Age, African ethnicity, and residence in an urban center were correlated with desire for more ART information. Of participants, 50% wanted to speak to an obstetrician/gynecologist regarding pregnancy planning, and 74% regarded physicians as a main source of fertility service information. While the majority of participants in our cohort desire access to ART information, most do not perceive these services as readily accessible. Healthcare practitioners were viewed as main sources of information regarding fertility services and need to provide accurate information regarding access. Fertility service professionals need to be aware of the increasing demand for ART among WLWHIV.

This article provides summaries of presentations made during the panel. Shari Margolese outlines the work of the Canadian HIV Fertility Program on behalf of HIV-positive women and men looking to conceive. Khatundi Masinde presents research on the impact of gender, race and stigma on the housing experiences of African and Caribbean mothers living with HIV in Canada. Suzannah Phillips discusses the violations of reproductive rights of HIV-positive women, including forced or coercive sterilization.

The subject of HIV/AIDS as it relates to fertility and conception has begun to generate interest among biological and sociobehavioral researchers. As a result, a better understanding of the fertility-related intentions and desires of HIV positive individuals, as well as advancing knowledge regarding reproductive technologies, now offer the hope of parenthood to childless couples.