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BMC International Health and Human Rights
Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Study protocol

Assessing the influence of conflict on the dynamics of sex work and the HIV and HCV epidemics in Ukraine: protocol for an observational, ethnographic, and mathematical modeling study

Authors: Marissa Becker, Olga Balakireva, Daria Pavlova, Shajy Isac, Eve Cheuk, Elizabeth Roberts, Evelyn Forget, Huiting Ma, Lisa Lazarus, Paul Sandstrom, James Blanchard, Sharmistha Mishra, Rob Lorway, Michael Pickles, on behalf of the Dynamics Study Team

Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Armed conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and still continues. This conflict has resulted in an intensification of poverty, displacement and migration, and has weakened the local health system. Ukraine has some of the highest rates of HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) in Europe. Whether and how the current conflict, and its consequences, will lead to changes in the HIV and HCV epidemic in Ukraine is unclear. Our study aims to characterize how the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine and its consequences influence the pattern, practice, and experience of sex work and how this affects HIV and HCV rates among female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients.

Methods

We are implementing a 5-year mixed methods study in Dnipro, eastern Ukraine. Serial mapping and size estimation of FSWs and clients will be conducted followed by bio-behavioral cross-sectional surveys among FSWs and their clients. The qualitative component of the study will include in-depth interviews with FSWs and other key stakeholders and participant diaries will be implemented with FSWs. We will also conduct an archival review over the course of the project. Finally, we will use these data to develop and structure a mathematical model with which to estimate the potential influence of changes due to conflict on the trajectory of HIV and HCV epidemics among FSW and clients.

Discussion

The limited data that exists on the effect of conflict on disease transmission provides mixed results. Our study will provide rigorous, timely and context-specific data on HIV and HCV transmission in the setting of conflict. This information can be used to inform the design and delivery of HIV and HCV prevention and care services.
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Metadata
Title
Assessing the influence of conflict on the dynamics of sex work and the HIV and HCV epidemics in Ukraine: protocol for an observational, ethnographic, and mathematical modeling study
Authors
Marissa Becker
Olga Balakireva
Daria Pavlova
Shajy Isac
Eve Cheuk
Elizabeth Roberts
Evelyn Forget
Huiting Ma
Lisa Lazarus
Paul Sandstrom
James Blanchard
Sharmistha Mishra
Rob Lorway
Michael Pickles
on behalf of the Dynamics Study Team
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC International Health and Human Rights / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1472-698X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12914-019-0201-y

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