Emmy Metta
Biographic Data
| ID | 1740287 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Emmy Metta |
| GIVEN NAMES | Emmy |
| FAMILY NAME | Metta |
| SIGNATURE | METTA E |
| AFFILIATIONS | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-4980-6094 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 17 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 4 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 17 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2010 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Longitudinal Patterns of Adherence to Oral HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among At-Risk Women in Tanga, Tanzania
There is scarcity of evidence on the changes over time of adherence to oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among female sex workers. Therefore, we assessed the changes of adherence to PrEP over 12 months and influencing factors for suboptimal adherence and explored strategies to optimize adherence to oral PrEP among female sex workers in Tanzania. Convergence analysis was conducted involving 313 respondent driven sampled participants in the …
Prevalence and factors associated with mental distress among men at higher risk of HIV infection enrolled in an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis program in Tanga, Tanzania
Mental distress was relatively high among MSM, especially those with low PrEP knowledge, high PrEP stigma, and perceived high HIV risk, while easy condom access lowered the prevalence. Healthcare stakeholders should work to enhance PrEP awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure condom availability. Expanding and integrating mental health services within HIV programming is crucial in achieving the goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030
I Stopped to Prove them Wrong
High discontinuation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among high-risk women undermines its effectiveness. However, there is limited evidence on the reasons for PrEP discontinuation among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa. Exploring population-specific reasons for PrEP discontinuation will guide the design of client-centered strategies. Thus, we explored the reasons for PrEP discontinuation among female sex workers in Tanzania using mixed…
Healthcare provider perspectives on barriers and facilitators to integration of cardiovascular disease-related care into HIV care and treatment clinics in urban Tanzania
Background: The increase in the dual burden of HIV and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), calls for the provision of integrated HIV/CVD care. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to the integration of HIV/CVD care within HIV care and treatment clinics (CTCs) in urban, Tanzania. Methods: Between March and April 2023, we conducted 12 key informant interviews with healthcare providers at six HIV CTCs in urban, Tanzania. Guided by the Co…
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis use during periods of unprotected sex among female sex workers in Tanga city, Tanzania
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevention-effective adherence is of critical importance but challenging particularly among key populations where periods of high HIV risk are frequent. We assessed the use of PrEP with reference to periods of unprotected sex among female sex workers in the city of Tanga. Methods This was part of the pragmatic quasi-experimental trial for HIV PrEP rollout in Tanzania involving a control cohort of 313 fem…
Experiences, acceptability and barriers to calcium supplementation during pregnancy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Calcium supplementation in pregnancy is recommended in contexts with low dietary calcium intake to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and its complications. The World Health Organisation suggested high-dose calcium supplementation (1500-2000 mg/day), divided into three doses and taken at different times from daily iron-folic supplements. We conducted a mixed methods evaluation study to assess experiences, acceptability and barriers to high-dose cal…
Community perspectives of Ebola Viral Disease in high-risk transmission border regions of Tanzania
The high-risk regions of Tanzania had a high level of awareness and perceived susceptibility to EVD, coupled with varying degrees of misperception about the etiology and its transmission. To improve community perspectives and preparedness in the case of an outbreak, there is a need for ongoing risk communication and participation in EVD prevention and responses
If I die for touching him, let me die”
Cultural practices may escalate EVD transmission as identified in the study settings. As such, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities should be interventionist in transforming cultural practices that may escalate the spread of EVD as part of preparedness, prevention, and control efforts in the event of an outbreak
Health care workers’ self-perceived infection risk and Covid-19 vaccine uptake
Vaccination is the most cost-effective way of preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) although there was a considerable delay in its institution in Tanzania. This study assessed health care workers’ (HCWs) self-perceived infection risk and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. A concurrent embedded, mixed methods design was utilized to collect data among HCWs in seven Tanzanian regions. Quantitative data was collected using a validated, pre-piloted…
A disease that God has given me” patients and caregivers’ perspectives on diabetes in southeastern Tanzania
This study shows mixed perspectives on the causes, susceptibility, severity and prevention of diabetes which were informed by the participants' limited knowledge and awareness about the disease. Interventions to strengthen responses to diabetes, which include buy-in from the patients and their caregiver's perspectives are essential to improve prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate management in rural settings
The use of PrEP among men who have sex with men and transgender women as Biomedical Prevention Work
Based on ethnographic fieldwork among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Tanzania, this article explores the various types of work that may go into enrolment into PrEP programming and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP protects against HIV acquisition and is widely touted as an essential tool in 'ending AIDS by 2030'. While taking PrEP has often been portrayed as 'just taking a pill a day' in public health campaigns, a st…
Consent Requirements for Testing Health Policies
Individual informed consent is a central requirement for clinical research on human subjects, yet whether and how consent requirements should apply to health policy experiments (HPEs) remains unclear. HPEs test and evaluate public health policies prior to implementation. We interviewed 58 health experts in Tanzania, Bangladesh and Germany on informed consent requirements for HPEs. Health experts across all countries favored a strong evidence base…
“Thought provoking”, “interactive”, and “more like a peer talk”
Proponents of the newly-developed "deliberative interview" argue that examining complex issues requires more dynamic and engaging interview exchanges. Unlike traditional qualitative interviews, deliberative interviewing champions opinion sharing, active debates and similar speaking times by both sides throughout the interview. Drawing on 20 interviews with health experts in Germany, we examined the process and outcome of deliberative versus conve…
The effects of medicines availability and stock-outs on household’s utilization of healthcare services in Dodoma region, Tanzania
Low- and middle-income countries have been undertaking health finance reforms to address shortages of medicines. However, data are lacking on how medicine availability and stock-outs influence access to health services in Tanzania. The current study assesses the effects of medicine availability and stock-outs on healthcare utilization in Dodoma region, Tanzania. We conducted a cross-sectional study that combined information from households and he…
In a situation of rescuing life”
The meanings given to diabetes symptoms and the care-seeking practices described in the study are shaped by the prevailing cultural schemas for infectious diseases and their treatments. Efforts to educate people about the symptoms of diabetes and to encourage them to seek out appropriate care should build on the prevailing cultural meaning system and schemas for diseases, health and illness
Public policy, health system, and community actions against illness as platforms for response to NCDs in Tanzania
Building multi‐layered resilience in a malaria control programme in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
This study applied the multi‐layered social resilience framework in the context of an urban malaria control programme by using a qualitative approach. It was found that exchange between and within administrative levels supported resilience‐building processes in terms of mosquito breeding site elimination. ‘Reactive’ and ‘proactive’ capacities were successfully built among programme staff. However, more potential could be tapped among local leader…
The use of PrEP among men who have sex with men and transgender women as Biomedical Prevention Work
Based on ethnographic fieldwork among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Tanzania, this article explores the various types of work that may go into enrolment into PrEP programming and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP protects against HIV acquisition and is widely touted as an essential tool in 'ending AIDS by 2030'. While taking PrEP has often been portrayed as 'just taking a pill a day' in public health campaigns, a st…
Building multi‐layered resilience in a malaria control programme in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
This study applied the multi‐layered social resilience framework in the context of an urban malaria control programme by using a qualitative approach. It was found that exchange between and within administrative levels supported resilience‐building processes in terms of mosquito breeding site elimination. ‘Reactive’ and ‘proactive’ capacities were successfully built among programme staff. However, more potential could be tapped among local leader…
Building multi‐layered resilience in a malaria control programme in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
This study applied the multi‐layered social resilience framework in the context of an urban malaria control programme by using a qualitative approach. It was found that exchange between and within administrative levels supported resilience‐building processes in terms of mosquito breeding site elimination. ‘Reactive’ and ‘proactive’ capacities were successfully built among programme staff. However, more potential could be tapped among local leader…
Public policy, health system, and community actions against illness as platforms for response to NCDs in Tanzania
In a situation of rescuing life”
The meanings given to diabetes symptoms and the care-seeking practices described in the study are shaped by the prevailing cultural schemas for infectious diseases and their treatments. Efforts to educate people about the symptoms of diabetes and to encourage them to seek out appropriate care should build on the prevailing cultural meaning system and schemas for diseases, health and illness
The effects of medicines availability and stock-outs on household’s utilization of healthcare services in Dodoma region, Tanzania
Low- and middle-income countries have been undertaking health finance reforms to address shortages of medicines. However, data are lacking on how medicine availability and stock-outs influence access to health services in Tanzania. The current study assesses the effects of medicine availability and stock-outs on healthcare utilization in Dodoma region, Tanzania. We conducted a cross-sectional study that combined information from households and he…
“Thought provoking”, “interactive”, and “more like a peer talk”
Proponents of the newly-developed "deliberative interview" argue that examining complex issues requires more dynamic and engaging interview exchanges. Unlike traditional qualitative interviews, deliberative interviewing champions opinion sharing, active debates and similar speaking times by both sides throughout the interview. Drawing on 20 interviews with health experts in Germany, we examined the process and outcome of deliberative versus conve…
Consent Requirements for Testing Health Policies
Individual informed consent is a central requirement for clinical research on human subjects, yet whether and how consent requirements should apply to health policy experiments (HPEs) remains unclear. HPEs test and evaluate public health policies prior to implementation. We interviewed 58 health experts in Tanzania, Bangladesh and Germany on informed consent requirements for HPEs. Health experts across all countries favored a strong evidence base…
Health care workers’ self-perceived infection risk and Covid-19 vaccine uptake
Vaccination is the most cost-effective way of preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) although there was a considerable delay in its institution in Tanzania. This study assessed health care workers’ (HCWs) self-perceived infection risk and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. A concurrent embedded, mixed methods design was utilized to collect data among HCWs in seven Tanzanian regions. Quantitative data was collected using a validated, pre-piloted…
A disease that God has given me” patients and caregivers’ perspectives on diabetes in southeastern Tanzania
This study shows mixed perspectives on the causes, susceptibility, severity and prevention of diabetes which were informed by the participants' limited knowledge and awareness about the disease. Interventions to strengthen responses to diabetes, which include buy-in from the patients and their caregiver's perspectives are essential to improve prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate management in rural settings
The use of PrEP among men who have sex with men and transgender women as Biomedical Prevention Work
Based on ethnographic fieldwork among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Tanzania, this article explores the various types of work that may go into enrolment into PrEP programming and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP protects against HIV acquisition and is widely touted as an essential tool in 'ending AIDS by 2030'. While taking PrEP has often been portrayed as 'just taking a pill a day' in public health campaigns, a st…
Healthcare provider perspectives on barriers and facilitators to integration of cardiovascular disease-related care into HIV care and treatment clinics in urban Tanzania
Background: The increase in the dual burden of HIV and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), calls for the provision of integrated HIV/CVD care. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to the integration of HIV/CVD care within HIV care and treatment clinics (CTCs) in urban, Tanzania. Methods: Between March and April 2023, we conducted 12 key informant interviews with healthcare providers at six HIV CTCs in urban, Tanzania. Guided by the Co…
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis use during periods of unprotected sex among female sex workers in Tanga city, Tanzania
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevention-effective adherence is of critical importance but challenging particularly among key populations where periods of high HIV risk are frequent. We assessed the use of PrEP with reference to periods of unprotected sex among female sex workers in the city of Tanga. Methods This was part of the pragmatic quasi-experimental trial for HIV PrEP rollout in Tanzania involving a control cohort of 313 fem…
Experiences, acceptability and barriers to calcium supplementation during pregnancy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Calcium supplementation in pregnancy is recommended in contexts with low dietary calcium intake to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and its complications. The World Health Organisation suggested high-dose calcium supplementation (1500-2000 mg/day), divided into three doses and taken at different times from daily iron-folic supplements. We conducted a mixed methods evaluation study to assess experiences, acceptability and barriers to high-dose cal…
Community perspectives of Ebola Viral Disease in high-risk transmission border regions of Tanzania
The high-risk regions of Tanzania had a high level of awareness and perceived susceptibility to EVD, coupled with varying degrees of misperception about the etiology and its transmission. To improve community perspectives and preparedness in the case of an outbreak, there is a need for ongoing risk communication and participation in EVD prevention and responses
If I die for touching him, let me die”
Cultural practices may escalate EVD transmission as identified in the study settings. As such, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities should be interventionist in transforming cultural practices that may escalate the spread of EVD as part of preparedness, prevention, and control efforts in the event of an outbreak
I Stopped to Prove them Wrong
High discontinuation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among high-risk women undermines its effectiveness. However, there is limited evidence on the reasons for PrEP discontinuation among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa. Exploring population-specific reasons for PrEP discontinuation will guide the design of client-centered strategies. Thus, we explored the reasons for PrEP discontinuation among female sex workers in Tanzania using mixed…
Longitudinal Patterns of Adherence to Oral HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among At-Risk Women in Tanga, Tanzania
There is scarcity of evidence on the changes over time of adherence to oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among female sex workers. Therefore, we assessed the changes of adherence to PrEP over 12 months and influencing factors for suboptimal adherence and explored strategies to optimize adherence to oral PrEP among female sex workers in Tanzania. Convergence analysis was conducted involving 313 respondent driven sampled participants in the …
Prevalence and factors associated with mental distress among men at higher risk of HIV infection enrolled in an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis program in Tanga, Tanzania
Mental distress was relatively high among MSM, especially those with low PrEP knowledge, high PrEP stigma, and perceived high HIV risk, while easy condom access lowered the prevalence. Healthcare stakeholders should work to enhance PrEP awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure condom availability. Expanding and integrating mental health services within HIV programming is crucial in achieving the goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030
Medicine (13 works) · Tanzania (11 works) · Family medicine (8 works) · Public health (8 works) · Qualitative research (8 works) · Environmental health (7 works) · Thematic analysis (7 works) · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions (6 works) · Nursing (6 works) · Health care (5 works)