Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40962337›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2025

Feasibility and acceptability of implementing the three-stage model of HIV and tuberculosis care in prisons in sub-Saharan Africa: a pilot implementation research study from Central Malawi.

Ellen Samwiri Nkambule, Michael E Herce, Balwani Chingatichifwe Mbakaya

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Article in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Ellen Samwiri NkambuleDepartment of Nursing and Midwifery, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi nkambule.e@mzuni.ac.mw.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1308-5950
Michael E HerceInstitute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Balwani Chingatichifwe MbakayaDepartment of Public Health, University of Livingstonia, Mzuzu, Malawi.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4705-9064

Funding

Malawi HIV Implementation Research Scientist Training Program (MHIRST)D43TW010060 · FIC · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · PI MINA CHRISTINE HOSSEINIPOUR, Victor Mwapasa · 2015 to 2026
$3.8M
FIC NIH HHS D43 TW010060
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveMalawi's prisons are overcrowded, contributing to tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission and service delivery gaps for both conditions. We applied an empirically supported three-stage model of HIV/TB care to guide the improvement of TB/HIV service delivery in select Malawian prisons.

designWe conducted a pilot implementation research study using multimethods from May 2022 to April 2023.

settingTwo semi-urban prisons in Malawi.

participantsWe purposively sampled participants detained at the study sites during the study period. METHODS AND

interventionWe collected data on sociodemographics, medical history and screening results for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and TB results. We conducted in-depth interviews with prison professional staff and used content analysis to explore the feasibility of implementing the three-stage model of HIV and TB care in Malawian prisons.

resultsMean participant age was 35 years (SD 12.2 years). We screened 100 out of 647 (15%) incarcerated people for TB/HIV according to the three-stage model and identified the following: five cases of TB disease; two cases of HIV-associated TB; seven persons living with HIV; eight persons diagnosed and treated for STIs, including genital ulcer disease and syphilis. For those tested for HIV at entry, midpoint and exit screening, there was no documented case of seroconversion during the incarceration period. There was evidence of potential STI transmission during incarceration, as suggested by a 4% rate of new urethral discharge among participants. Qualitative data suggest that it is feasible to implement the three-stage model of HIV/TB in the Malawi prison setting.

conclusionsWe found evidence of HIV, TB and STIs among incarcerated people in two semi-urban prisons in Malawi, with low HIV status awareness on prison entry. It is feasible to implement the three-stage model of HIV/TB in prison settings, although with material support to overcome implementation challenges. Coordination with Ministry of Health officials could facilitate model feasibility and sustainability in Malawi's prisons.

Indexed as

HIV InfectionsPatient Acceptance of Health CarePrisonsTuberculosisAdultDelivery of Health CareFeasibility StudiesFemaleHumansMalawiMaleMiddle AgedPilot ProjectsPrisonersYoung Adultfeasibility studieshealthHIV & AIDSprisonspublic health

Identifiers

PMID40962337
PMCPMC12443203

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