Arjan Hogewoning - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Arjan Hogewoning

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Jul 1, 1999

Aids Care-psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of Aids/hiv, Mar 1, 1994

In 1988 a programme for care and follow-up of HIV-positive persons and AIDS patients was implemen... more In 1988 a programme for care and follow-up of HIV-positive persons and AIDS patients was implemented by the existing health facilities (district health team and hospital team) of Kgatleng District, Botswana. A survey study in 1991 tried to indicate the effectiveness and bottlenecks of the programme. All advisory nurses (AN) were interviewed via two questionnaires: one pertaining to case management of clients and one on their perceptions of their work. Seventy-two of 109 HIV-infected persons accepted and received counselling. Response of the 72 varied: 26 with a good, 34 with a moderate and 12 with a bad response. Prevention, contact tracing and home visiting were studied, as well as ANs&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; experiences and opinions of the programme. Some behavioural change by clients was indicated by the results though its extent remains questionable. Programme problems included client migration and refusal of counselling, and discontinuation of HIV-testing facilities. Once a relationship was established, confidentiality, questions and fear of stigmatization posed major problems. One-to-one support of ANs could help them cope better with these problems as well as discuss their own worries.

A better understanding of Women who participated in the CSI 2008-2011 (n=13 498) were invited in ... more A better understanding of Women who participated in the CSI 2008-2011 (n=13 498) were invited in 2015-2016 for NECCST. Chlamydia positive was defined as a positive CSI-PCR test, positive chlamydia serology and/or self-reported infection (time dependent). Data on PID, ectopic pregnancy and TFI were collected by self-completed questionnaires. Incidence rates and HRs were compared between chlamydia-positive and chlamydia-negative women corrected for confounders. Of 5704 women included, 29.5% (95% CI 28.3 to 30.7) were chlamydia positive. The incidence rate of PID was 1.8 per 1000 person-years (py) (1.6 to 2.2) overall, 4.4 per 1000 py (3.3 to 5.7) among chlamydia positives compared with 1.4 per 1000 py (1.1 to 1.7) for chlamydia negatives. For TFI, this was 0.4 per 1000 py (0.3 to 0.5) overall, 1.3 per 1000 py (0.8 to 2.1) and 0.2 per 1000 py (0.1 to 0.4) among chlamydia positives and negatives, respectively. And for ectopic pregnancy, this was 0.6 per 1000 py (0.5 to 0.8) overall, 0.8 per 1000 py (0.4 to 1.5) and 0.6 per 1000 py (0.4 to 0.8) for chlamydia negatives. Among chlamydia-positive women, the strongest risk factor for PID was symptomatic versus asymptomatic infection (adjusted HR 2.88, 1.4 to 4.5) and for TFI age 24 years at first infection (HR 4.35, 1.1 to 16.8). We found a considerably higher risk for PID and TFI in chlamydia-positive women, but the incidence for ectopic pregnancy was comparable between chlamydia-positive and chlamydia-negative women. Overall, the incidence rates of sequelae remained low.

PLOS ONE, Mar 18, 2020

Prospective studies are key study designs when attempting to unravel health mechanisms that are w... more Prospective studies are key study designs when attempting to unravel health mechanisms that are widely applicable. Understanding the internal validity of a prospective study is essential to judge a study's quality. Moreover, insights in possible sampling bias and the external validity of a prospective study are useful to judge the applicability of a study's findings. We evaluated participation, retention, and associated factors of women in a multicenter prospective cohort (FemCure) to understand the study's validity.Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infected adult women, negative for HIV, syphilis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were eligible to be preselected and included at three sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in the Netherlands (2016-2017). The planned follow-up for participants was 3 months, with two weekly rectal and vaginal CT self-sampling and online questionnaires administered at home and at the clinic. We calculated the proportions of preselected, included, and retained (completed follow-up) women. Associations with non-preselection, noninclusion, and non-retention (called attrition) were assessed (logistic and Cox regression).Among the 4,916 women, 1,763 (35.9%) were preselected, of whom 560 (31.8%) were included. The study population had diverse baseline characteristics: study site, migration background, high education, and no STI history were associated with non-preselection and noninclusion. Retention was 76.3% (n = 427). Attrition was 10.71/100 person/month (95% confidence interval 9.97, 12.69) and was associated with young age and low education. In an outpatient clinical setting, it proved feasible to include and retain women in an intensive prospective cohort.

Clinical Infectious Diseases, May 5, 2020

BMC Infectious Diseases, Apr 11, 2017

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection ... more Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) among young women, can result in serious sequelae. Although the course of infection is often asymptomatic, CT may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to severe complications, such as prolonged time to pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, and tubal factor subfertility. The risk of and risk factors for complications following CT-infection have not been assessed in a long-term prospective cohort study, the preferred design to define infections and complications adequately. Methods: In the Netherlands Chlamydia Cohort Study (NECCST), a cohort of women of reproductive age with and without a history of CT-infection is followed over a minimum of ten years to investigate (CT-related) reproductive tract complications. This study is a follow-up of the Chlamydia Screening Implementation (CSI) study, executed between 2008 and 2011 in the Netherlands. For NECCST, female CSI participants who consented to be approached for follow-up studies (n = 14,685) are invited, and prospectively followed until 2022. Four data collection moments are foreseen every two consecutive years. Questionnaire data and blood samples for CT-Immunoglobulin G (IgG) measurement are obtained as well as host DNA to determine specific genetic biomarkers related to susceptibility and severity of infection. CT-history will be based on CSI test outcomes, self-reported infections and CT-IgG presence. Information on (time to) pregnancies and the potential long-term complications (i.e. PID, ectopic pregnancy and (tubal factor) subfertility), will be acquired by questionnaires. Reported subfertility will be verified in medical registers. Occurrence of these late complications and prolonged time to pregnancy, as a proxy for reduced fertility due to a previous CT-infection, or other risk factors, will be investigated using longitudinal statistical procedures.

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Jan 28, 2019

Background. Rectal infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are prevalent in women visiting a s... more Background. Rectal infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are prevalent in women visiting a sexually transmitted infection outpatient clinic, but it remains unclear what the most effective treatment is. We assessed the effectiveness of doxycycline and azithromycin for the treatment of rectal and vaginal chlamydia in women. Methods. This study is part of a prospective multicenter cohort study (FemCure). Treatment consisted of doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 7 days) in rectal CT-positive women, and of azithromycin (1 g single dose) in vaginally positive women who were rectally untested or rectally negative. Participants self-collected rectal and vaginal samples at enrollment (treatment time-point) and during 4 weeks of follow-up. The endpoint was microbiological cure by a negative nucleic acid amplification test at 4 weeks. Differences between cure proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results. We analyzed 416 patients, of whom 319 had both rectal and vaginal chlamydia at enrollment, 22 had rectal chlamydia only, and 75 had vaginal chlamydia only. In 341 rectal infections, microbiological cure in azithromycin-treated women was 78.5% (95% CI, 72.6%-83.7%; n = 164/209) and 95.5% (95% CI, 91.0%-98.2%; n = 126/132) in doxycycline-treated women (difference, 17.0% [95% CI, 9.6%-24.7%]; P < .001). In 394 vaginal infections, cure was 93.5% (95% CI, 90.1%-96.1%; n = 246/263) in azithromycin-treated women and 95.4% (95% CI, 90.9%-98.2%; n = 125/131) in doxycycline-treated women (difference, 1.9% [95% CI,-3.6% to 6.7%]; P = .504). Conclusions. The effectiveness of doxycycline is high and exceeds that of azithromycin for the treatment of rectal CT infections in women. clinical Trials Registration. NCT02694497.

Clinical transplantation, Feb 1, 2001

Background: Skin infection is a frequent complication in renal transplant recipients. The purpose... more Background: Skin infection is a frequent complication in renal transplant recipients. The purpose of the study was to acquire long‐term, period‐specific incidence data on the most commonly occurring skin infections in renal transplant recipients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using medical records of 134 patients, covering a period between 10 and 29 yr. Cumulative incidences of the skin infections were calculated by counting the infections per patient for different time periods and were expressed as a percentage of the total group of patients. The incidence of the skin infections was determined for different post‐transplant time periods. Results: A total of 340 skin infections in 105 out of 134 patients were recorded. Some infections, such as candidal infection, herpes simplex infection, and impetigo were most prominent during the first post‐transplant year and did not affect many new patients after the first year. Other infections, such as dermatomycoses, herpes zoster, and folliculitis were also affecting a substantial number of new patients after the first post‐transplant year. Conclusions: This study confirms that skin infections among renal transplant recipients are very common and that the spectrum of skin infections differs according to the post‐transplant time period.

Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1985

An in vitro study of sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine and mefloquine in Ghana ... more An in vitro study of sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine and mefloquine in Ghana is described. Results of 60 short-term cultures from 36 patients are evaluated. No sign of chloroquine resistance was found as all microtests showed complete inhibition of maturation at a level of 0.8 x 10M6 M. For mefloquine schizont maturation was seen at higher levels of the drug. However, the estimated EC99, with 2.2830 x 10v6 M is probably within the range of sensitivity.

Sexually Transmitted Infections, Jan 3, 2019

Objectives a better understanding of Chlamydia trachomatis infection (chlamydia)-related sequelae... more Objectives a better understanding of Chlamydia trachomatis infection (chlamydia)-related sequelae can provide a framework for effective chlamydia control strategies. the objective of this study was to estimate risks and risk factors of pelvic inflammatory disease (PiD), ectopic pregnancy and tubal factor infertility (tFi) with a follow-up time of up until 8 years in women previously tested for chlamydia in the chlamydia Screening implementation study (cSi) and participating in the netherlands chlamydia cohort Study (neccSt). Methods Women who participated in the cSi 2008-2011 (n=13 498) were invited in 2015-2016 for neccSt. chlamydia positive was defined as a positive cSi-Pcr test, positive chlamydia serology and/or selfreported infection (time dependent). Data on PiD, ectopic pregnancy and tFi were collected by self-completed questionnaires. incidence rates and Hrs were compared between chlamydia-positive and chlamydia-negative women corrected for confounders. results Of 5704 women included, 29.5% (95% ci 28.3 to 30.7) were chlamydia positive. the incidence rate of PiD was 1.8 per 1000 person-years (py) (1.6 to 2.2) overall, 4.4 per 1000 py (3.3 to 5.7) among chlamydia positives compared with 1.4 per 1000 py (1.1 to 1.7) for chlamydia negatives. For tFi, this was 0.4 per 1000 py (0.3 to 0.5) overall, 1.3 per 1000 py (0.8 to 2.1) and 0.2 per 1000 py (0.1 to 0.4) among chlamydia positives and negatives, respectively. and for ectopic pregnancy, this was 0.6 per 1000 py (0.5 to 0.8) overall, 0.8 per 1000 py (0.4 to 1.5) and 0.6 per 1000 py (0.4 to 0.8) for chlamydia negatives. among chlamydia-positive women, the strongest risk factor for PiD was symptomatic versus asymptomatic infection (adjusted Hr 2.88, 1.4 to 4.5) and for tFi age <20 versus >24 years at first infection (Hr 4.35, 1.1 to 16.8). Conclusion We found a considerably higher risk for PiD and tFi in chlamydia-positive women, but the incidence for ectopic pregnancy was comparable between chlamydia-positive and chlamydia-negative women. Overall, the incidence rates of sequelae remained low. Trial registration ntr-5597.

Epidemiology and Infection, 2019

A longitudinal study to investigate previous Chlamydia trachomatis infection as a risk factor for... more A longitudinal study to investigate previous Chlamydia trachomatis infection as a risk factor for subsequent anorectal infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) and women visiting STI clinics in the Netherlands. Epidemiology and Infection 147, e214, 1-9.

International Journal of Std & Aids, May 11, 2018

We evaluated Amsterdam HIV Testing Week (HTW) 2016 regarding its primary goals of raising awarene... more We evaluated Amsterdam HIV Testing Week (HTW) 2016 regarding its primary goals of raising awareness and prompting HIV testing. Participating services offered free, anonymous HIV testing, with a focus on reaching men who have sex with men (MSM) and people with a non-western migration background. Sociodemographic characteristics, HIV testing history, intention to test regularly, beliefs about personal risk and severity of HIV, and perceived social norms regarding HIV testing and people living with HIV were assessed among all who tested. A community quick scan assessed awareness of Amsterdam HTW 2016 and attitudes and intentions regarding HIV testing. Of 806 people tested, 59.6% (405/679) belonged to key populations. None tested HIV-positive and 37.6% intended to test regularly in the future. The community quick scan found moderate awareness of Amsterdam HTW 2016. Awareness was highest among recent testers and HIV-positive MSM and not associated with HIV testing attitudes and intentions. People tested during Amsterdam HTW 2016 were from key populations and/or were not (adequately) reached via traditional testing approaches. The contribution of the Amsterdam HTW approach to raising awareness and prompting HIV testing in key populations may benefit from focusing on HIV-negative individuals who have not been tested recently.

Frontiers in Public Health, Feb 9, 2018

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for preventing HIV infections, bu... more Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for preventing HIV infections, but is not yet implemented in the Netherlands. As the attitudes of health-care professionals toward PrEP can influence future PrEP implementation, we studied PrEP knowledge and beliefs and their association with PrEP acceptability among professionals in clinics for sexually transmitted infection (STI professionals) and HIV treatment centers (HIV specialists). In addition, we examined preferred regimens, attitudes toward providing PrEP to key populations and to reimbursement of PrEP costs. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed among 24 public health STI clinics and 27 HIV treatment centers nationwide in the Netherlands between January and August 2015. The acceptability of PrEP was measured on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 = low to 7 = high acceptability. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to explore associations between demographic characteristics, PrEP knowledge, beliefs about PrEP, and PrEP acceptability. results: In total, 209 people (143 STI professionals and 66 HIV specialists) completed the questionnaire. The mean acceptability of PrEP implementation was 4.28 (SD 1.68) among STI professionals and 4.42 (SD 1.67) among HIV specialists. The mean score on self-perceived knowledge related to PrEP efficacy was 3.90 (SD 1.57) among STI professionals and 5.68 (SD 1.08) among HIV specialists (p-value of <0.001). Beliefs associated with lower PrEP acceptability among both groups were the fear that PrEP use will lead to a decrease in condom use and an increase in STI, the high costs of PrEP and ethical issues regarding prescribing antiretroviral medication to healthy individuals. No preference for a daily or an event-driven regimen was detected. Most participants deemed the following groups to be eligible for PrEP: men who have sex with men (MSM) Bil et al.

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, Jul 26, 2019

Schim van der Loeff et al. weigh the pros and cons of offering HPV vaccines to female sex workers... more Schim van der Loeff et al. weigh the pros and cons of offering HPV vaccines to female sex workers (FSWs). This is a pressing question in areas where the vaccine is not routinely available to all and vaccine resources are limited. In many countries, current FSWs would have missed the opportunity for vaccination as part of nationwide campaigns to reach school-age girls. Offering the HPV vaccine at the time of sex worker registration may protect them from acquiring high risk HPV types from future clients. A critical mistake in academic writing is excluding the population of interest from contributing to discussions about their health. Without the perspective of FSWs as authors, we are not engaging in good participatory practices.

Sexual Health, 2020

Background: Women who work commercially in sex work (female sex workers [FSW]) are considered a h... more Background: Women who work commercially in sex work (female sex workers [FSW]) are considered a high-risk group for sexually transmissible infections (STI), yet the level of reported pathogens varies in studies around the world. This study reviewed STI rates reported in 42 studies of FSW around the world published between 1995 and 2006 and analysed the trends and types of populations surveyed, emphasising difficult to access FSW populations. Methods: Studies were retrieved by PUBMED and other search engines and were included if two or more pathogens were studied and valid laboratory methods were reported. Results: The five most commonly assessed pathogens were Neisseria gonorrhea (prevalence 0.5-41.3), Chlamydia trachomatis (0.61-46.2), Treponema pallidum (syphilis; 1.5-60.5), HIV (0-76.6), and Trichomonas vaginalis (trichmoniasis; 0.11-51.0). Neisseria gonorrhea and C. trachomatis were the most commonly tested pathogens and high prevalence levels were found in diverse areas of the world. HIV was highly prevalent mostly in African countries. Although human papillomavirus infection was surveyed in few studies, prevalence rates were very high and its aetiological role in cervical cancer warrant its inclusion in future FSW monitoring. Hard-to-access FSW groups tended to have higher rates of STI. Conclusions: The five most commonly detected pathogens correspond to those that are highly prevalent in the general population, however there is an urgent need to develop rapid testing diagnostics for all five pathogens to increase prevention and treatment, especially in outreach programs to the most vulnerable groups among FSW.

Papillomavirus Research, Dec 1, 2016

We explored HPV vaccination intention and its determinants among male clients of the sexually tra... more We explored HPV vaccination intention and its determinants among male clients of the sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic in Amsterdam. In 2015, male clients aged ≥18 years were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire regarding HPV vaccination intention and socio-psychological determinants. Determinants (scale −3 to +3) were assessed with linear regression, stratified for men who have sex with men (MSM) (including men who have sex with men and women) and men who only have sex with women (MSW). Additionally, we explored the effect of out-of-pocket payment on intention. Of 1490 participants (median age 33 years [IQR:25-44]), 1,053(71%) were MSM. HPV vaccination intention was high (mean 1.68, 95%CI:1.55-1.81 among MSW; mean 2.35, 95%CI:2.29-2.42 among MSM). In multivariable analyses, socio-psychological determinants had similar effects on intention in both groups (R 2 =0.70 among MSW; R 2 =0.68 among MSM), except for subjective norms, self-efficacy, and HPV knowledge (significantly stronger associations among MSW). HPV vaccination intention decreased significantly when vaccination would require out-of-pocket payment; intention was negative at the current list price (€350). HPV vaccination intention among male clients of the Amsterdam STI-clinic is high and variance in intention was mostly be explained by socio-psychological factors. Out-of-pocket payment had a strong negative effect on HPV vaccination intention.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Dec 1, 2018

Background: In response to the increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence recently found among ... more Background: In response to the increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence recently found among participants of the Amsterdam pre-exposure prophylaxis demonstration project, we evaluated HCV prevalence over time and the performance of the HCV-MOSAIC risk score for detection of HCV infection in HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) attending the Amsterdam STI clinic. Methods: In October 2016, HIV-negative MSM were tested for anti-HCV and HCV RNA and completed the HCV-MOSAIC risk score. Anti-HCV prevalence was compared to that found in cross-sectional studies at the Amsterdam STI clinic (2007-2017). The time trend in HCV prevalence was modeled via logistic regression. The performance of the HCV-MOSAIC risk score, adjusted to identify prevalent HCV infection, was evaluated by calculating sensitivity and specificity. Results: Of 504 HIV-negative MSM tested in October 2016, 5 were anti-HCV-positive (1.0%, 95%CI 0.4-2.3%) and all were HCV RNA-negative. Sensitivity and specificity of the adjusted HCV-MOSAIC risk score for prevalent infection were 80.0% (95%CI 37.6-96.4%) and 56.1% (95%CI 51.7-60.4%), respectively. The overall anti-HCV prevalence among 3264 HIV-negative MSM participating in cross-sectional studies at the Amsterdam STI clinic (2007-2017) was 0.8% (95%CI 0.5-1.2%) and did not change over time (p=0.55). Conclusions: Anti-HCV prevalence among HIV-negative MSM attending the Amsterdam STI clinic in October 2016 was 1.0% and remained stable over time. We would therefore not recommend routine HCV screening of HIV-negative MSM at the STI clinic. However, given the increased prevalence among MSM using pre-exposure prophylaxis, periodic monitoring of HCV prevalence remains important.

Eurosurveillance, May 25, 2017

Current guidelines recommend hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for HIV-infected men who have sex wi... more Current guidelines recommend hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) with ongoing risk behaviour, without specifying the type of risk behaviour. We developed and validated the HCV-MOSAIC risk score to assist HCV testing in HIV-infected MSM. The risk score consisted of six selfreported risk factors identified using multivariable logistic regression using data from the Dutch MOSAIC study (n = 213, 2009-2013). Area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, post-test-probabilityof-disease and diagnostic gain were calculated. The risk score was validated in case-control studies from Belgium (n = 142, 2010-2013) and the United Kingdom (n = 190, 2003-2005) and in cross-sectional surveys at a Dutch sexually transmitted infections clinic (n = 284, 2007-2009). The AUC was 0.82; sensitivity 78.0% and specificity 78.6%. In the validation studies sensitivity ranged from 73.1% to 100% and specificity from 56.2% to 65.6%. The post-test-probability-of-disease ranged from 5.9% to 20.0% given acute HCV prevalence of 1.7% to 6.4%, yielding a diagnostic gain of 4.2% to 13.6%. The HCV-MOSAIC risk score can successfully identify HIV-infected MSM at risk for acute HCV infection. It could be a promising tool to improve HCV testing strategies in various settings.

Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, May 17, 2011

Background Eczema is a growing problem in Africa, particularly amongst children. Objectives To in... more Background Eczema is a growing problem in Africa, particularly amongst children. Objectives To investigate the point-prevalences of eczema by physical examination in schoolchildren living in rural and urban areas and with different socioeconomic backgrounds in Ghana, Gabon and Rwanda. In Ghana periodprevalences were also estimated by questionnaire and compared with the point-prevalences. Methods In total, 4839 schoolchildren in Ghana, Gabon and Rwanda were seen by at least one dermatologist. The point-prevalences of eczema were estimated on the basis of physical examination. Period-prevalences were measured in Ghana with questionnaire based-interviews adapted from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Results The point-prevalences were 1.5% and 1.6% in the two Ghanaian studies; 4% in Gabon and 0.8% in Rwanda. The period-prevalences were 2.6% and 4.4% in the two Ghanaian studies. The prevalences of eczema were not significantly different when comparing the urban and rural groups as well as the different socioeconomic levels. The sensitivity and positive predictive value to identify eczema cases based on the questionnaires compared to the diagnoses by physical examination were only 33% and 22% in the first Ghanaian study and 10% and 4% in the second Ghanaian study respectively. Conclusions The point-prevalences of eczema in the three African countries studied were low compared with industrialized countries. Physical examination by a dermatologist is still the gold standard to identify eczema cases because the sensitivity and the positive predictive value to identify eczema cases with questionnaires were low in the two Ghanaian studies.