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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2021 Apr 15;16(1):41.
doi: 10.1186/s13012-021-01109-z.

"Our Choice" improves use of safer conception methods among HIV serodiscordant couples in Uganda: a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating two implementation approaches

Glenn J Wagner  1 , Rhoda K Wanyenze  2 , Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya  3 , Violet Gwokyalya  4 , Emily Hurley  5 , Deborah Mindry  6 , Sarah Finocchario-Kessler  7 , Mastula Nanfuka  8 , Mahlet G Tebeka  9 , Uzaib Saya  9 , Marika Booth  10 , Bonnie Ghosh-Dastidar  10 , Sebastian Linnemayr  10 , Vincent S Staggs  5 , Kathy Goggin  5
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

"Our Choice" improves use of safer conception methods among HIV serodiscordant couples in Uganda: a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating two implementation approaches

Glenn J Wagner et al. Implement Sci. .

Abstract

Background: Safer conception counseling (SCC) to promote the use of safer conception methods (SCM) is not yet part of routine family planning or HIV care. Guidelines for the use of SCM have been published, but to date there are no published controlled evaluations of SCC. Furthermore, it is unknown whether standard methods commonly used in resource constrained settings to integrate new services would be sufficient, or if enhanced training and supervision would result in a more efficacious approach to implementing SCC.

Methods: In a hybrid, cluster randomized controlled trial, six HIV clinics were randomly assigned to implement the SCC intervention Our Choice using either a high (SCC1) or low intensity (SCC2) approach (differentiated by amount of training and supervision), or existing family planning services (usual care). Three hundred eighty-nine HIV clients considering childbearing with an HIV-negative partner enrolled. The primary outcome was self-reported use of appropriate reproductive method (SCM if trying to conceive; modern contraceptives if not) over 12 months or until pregnancy.

Results: The combined intervention groups used appropriate reproductive methods more than usual care [20.8% vs. 6.9%; adjusted OR (95% CI)=10.63 (2.79, 40.49)], and SCC1 reported a higher rate than SCC2 [27.1% vs. 14.6%; OR (95% CI)=4.50 (1.44, 14.01)]. Among those trying to conceive, the intervention arms reported greater accurate use of SCM compared to usual care [24.1% vs. 0%; OR (95% CI)=91.84 (4.94, 1709.0)], and SCC1 performed better than SCC2 [34.6% vs. 11.5%; OR (95% CI)=6.43 (1.90, 21.73)]. The arms did not vary on modern contraception use among those not trying to conceive. A cost of $631 per person was estimated to obtain accurate use of SCM in SCC1, compared to $1014 in SCC2.

Conclusions: More intensive provider training and more frequent supervision leads to greater adoption of complex SCM behaviors and is more cost-effective than the standard low intensity implementation approach.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03167879 ; date registered May 23, 2017.

Keywords: Contraception; Family planning; HIV; Implementation approaches; Manual self-insemination; Safer conception counseling; Safer conception methods; Serodiscordant couples; Timed condomless intercourse; Uganda.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Consort diagram of study participants. Asterisk denotes 1 participant missed month 6 assessment and returned for month 12. PPT, post pregnancy completion assessment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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