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Shrestha A, Poudel L, Shrestha S, Jha N, Kuikel BS, Shakya P, Kunwar RS, Pandey LR, Kc MB, Wilson EC, Deuba K. Multilevel determinants of antiretroviral therapy initiation and retention in the test-and-treat era of Nepal: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:927. [PMID: 39138448 PMCID: PMC11323673 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11311-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition to the "test-and-treat" policy in Nepal in 2017, coupled with the rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2020, necessitates an in-depth understanding of factors influencing ART initiation and retention. This study investigates these factors from the perspectives of healthcare providers, families/communities, and people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS Employing a qualitative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 ART clients and 26 healthcare providers across different provinces of Nepal. A comprehensive interview guide facilitated the exploration of experiences and perceptions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was applied to distill key insights. Guided by a socio-ecological model, interviews were analyzed to identify the barriers and facilitators to ART initiation and continuation at the individual, family/community, and health system levels. RESULTS Facilitators and barriers were identified at three levels. Individual-level facilitators included fear of death, perceived health benefits, knowledge about HIV/ART, confidentiality, and financial support. Barriers encompassed concerns about lifelong medication, side effects, denial of HIV status, fear of disclosure, and financial constraints. At the family/community level, support from family and community health workers facilitated ART adherence, while social stigma and discrimination posed barriers. The health system's role was dual; the provision of free treatment, a client tracking system and a robust drug supply chain were facilitators, whereas logistical challenges and service accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic were notable barriers. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the various factors that influence ART initiation and retention in Nepal during the test-and-treat era. Tailored interventions should focus on increasing awareness about HIV and ART, strengthening healthcare systems, ensuring availability of medications, and providing accessible treatment during service disruptions. Furthermore, these interventions should encourage supportive environments at the individual, community, and healthcare system levels. Taking this holistic approach is essential for effectively implementing ART and achieving long-term health outcomes in light of changing public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Shrestha
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute for Implementation Science and Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Lisasha Poudel
- Institute for Implementation Science and Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Soniya Shrestha
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Niharika Jha
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Bihari Sharan Kuikel
- Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | | | | - Lok Raj Pandey
- National Centre for AIDS & STD Control, Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Man Bahadur Kc
- National Centre for AIDS & STD Control, Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Erin C Wilson
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Keshab Deuba
- Public Health and Environment Research Centre (PERC), Lalitpur, Nepal.
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Hampanda K, Grubbs H, Castillo-Mancilla J, Anderson PL, Thorne J, Helova A, Turan JM, Onono M, Abuogi LL. Antiretroviral therapy adherence among peripartum women with HIV in Kenya: an explanatory mixed methods study using dry blood spot measures and narrative interviews. AIDS Care 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39106970 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2383885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACTAdherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains sub-optimal among pregnant and postpartum women with HIV (PPWH) in high HIV prevalence low resource settings with few effective behavioral interventions. A large body of qualitative literature has established general barriers and facilitators to ART adherence in PPWH at various levels (individual, interpersonal, structural). However, research exploring the underlying behavioral mechanisms of ART adherence in PPWH with objectively verified adherence biomarkers is extremely limited. We conducted 24 in-depth interviews with postpartum women in western Kenya who had linked ART drug concentrations obtained from three dried blood spot samples across the peripartum period. Among PPWH with a low drug concentration (n = 13) compared to those with continuously high drug concentrations (n = 11), distinct themes emerged related to HIV status disclosure, social support, interactions with the health system, and health beliefs. By combining ART biomarkers with patient reported challenges, there is the potential for real-time interventions to support sustained ART adherence among PPWH and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hampanda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Global Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - H Grubbs
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - J Castillo-Mancilla
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - P L Anderson
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - J Thorne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Global Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - A Helova
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Sparkman Center for Global Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - J M Turan
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Sparkman Center for Global Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - M Onono
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - L L Abuogi
- Center for Global Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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Masika LV, Mboya IB, Maro RA, Mtesha B, Mtoro MJ, Ngowi K, Mahande MJ, Sumari-de Boer IM. Forgetting to Take Medication, Treatment Adherence and Their Relationship with Viral Load Suppression Among People Living with HIV in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2024; 16:245-257. [PMID: 38911143 PMCID: PMC11192192 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s452875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is crucial for virological suppression and positive treatment outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV), but remains a challenge in ensuring patients achieve and sustain viral load suppression. Despite the recommended use of digital tools medications uptake reminders, the contribution of forgetting to take medication is unknown. This study investigated the contribution of forgetting to take medication on the total missed medication and its effects on detectable viral load (VL). Methods This mixed-method research was conducted among children, adolescents, pregnant, and breastfeeding women living with HIV on ART in northern Tanzania. Forgetting to take medication constituted reporting to have missed medication due to forgetfulness. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to determine the contribution of forgetting medication intakes on total missed medication and other factors associated with having a detectable VL. Results Of 427 respondents, 33.3% were children, 33.4% adolescents, and 33.3% pregnant and breastfeeding women, whose median age (interquartile range) was 9 (7-12), 18 (16-18), and 31 (27-36) years, respectively. Ninety-two (22.3%) reported missing medication over the past month, of which 72 (17.9%) was due to forgetting. Forgetting to take medication (AOR: 1.75 95% CI: 1.01-3.06) and being on second-line regimen (AOR: 2.89 95% CI: 1.50-5.55) increased the chances of a detectable VL, while females had lower chances of detectable VL (AOR: 0.62 95% CI: 0.41-0.98). The themes on the reasons for forgetting to take medication from qualitative results included being busy with work and the importance of reminders. Conclusion Forgetting to take medication is common among PLHIV and an important predictor of a detectable VL. This calls for the use of automated short message services (SMS) reminders or Digital Adherence Tools with reminders to improve and promote good ART adherence among PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyidia V Masika
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- Data management Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Innocent B Mboya
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Benson Mtesha
- Data management Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Mtoro J Mtoro
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Kennedy Ngowi
- Data management Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Michael Johnson Mahande
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- Management and Development for Health, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - I Marion Sumari-de Boer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- Data management Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Henderson AC, Cholli P, Lampe MA, Kourtis AP. Challenges, risks, and opportunities of antiretroviral drugs in women of reproductive potential. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024; 22:153-167. [PMID: 38517686 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2334054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been one of the greatest challenges in global health, significantly affecting women of reproductive potential. Considerable advances in antiretroviral therapy for women living with HIV have contributed to improvements in quality of life, better reproductive and birth outcomes, and a reduced risk of perinatal transmission. AREAS COVERED Despite the progress made, persistent challenges in access and adherence to antiretroviral drugs may limit their benefits for some women. More pharmacokinetic and safety studies in pregnant and lactating women are urgently needed, as are prospective surveillance systems to evaluate associations between fetal and infant antiretroviral exposures, drug-drug interactions, and pregnancy outcomes. EXPERT OPINION Multipurpose technologies, such as combined HIV and other STI or unintended pregnancy prevention, and innovative delivery methods, such as the development of long-acting antiretrovirals, have the potential to reduce adherence challenges and enhance quality of life for women with HIV. Parallel advances in drug safety testing and surveillance are needed to ensure the health and safety of women with or at risk for HIV and children at risk for perinatal transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis C Henderson
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Preetam Cholli
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Margaret A Lampe
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Athena P Kourtis
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Pellowski JA, Jensen D, Tsawe N, Colvin C, Cu-Uvin S, Operario D, Lurie M, Harrison A, Myer L, Knight L. Womandla Health: development and rationale of a behavioral intervention to support HIV treatment adherence among postpartum women in South Africa. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:649. [PMID: 38057777 PMCID: PMC10701937 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02817-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While Option B + has made great strides in eliminating vertical transmission of HIV and improving access to lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for women, the postpartum period remains a risk period for disengagement from HIV care and non-adherence. METHODS Longitudinal qualitative data was collected from 30 women living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa from pregnancy through 1 year postpartum to examine key barriers and facilitators to HIV treatment adherence across this transition. Participants were also asked about their preferences for behavioral intervention content, format, and scope. The intervention development process was guided by Fernandez et al.'s Intervention Mapping process and was informed by the qualitative data, the wider literature on ART adherence, and Transition Theory. RESULTS The Womandla Health Intervention is a multicomponent intervention consisting of four individual sessions with a lay health worker and four peer group sessions, which span late pregnancy and early postpartum. These sessions are guided by Transition Theory and utilize motivational interviewing techniques to empower women to ascertain their own individual barriers to HIV care and identify solutions and strategies to overcome these barriers. CONCLUSIONS This intervention will be tested in a small scale RCT. If successful, findings will provide an innovative approach to HIV treatment by capitalizing on the transition into motherhood to bolster self-care behaviors, focusing on ART adherence and also women's overall postpartum health and psychosocial needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Pellowski
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA.
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Destry Jensen
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Nokwazi Tsawe
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christopher Colvin
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Susan Cu-Uvin
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence,, USA
| | - Don Operario
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mark Lurie
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Landon Myer
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucia Knight
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Gutin SA, Ruark A, Darbes LA, Neilands TB, Mkandawire J, Conroy AA. Supportive couple relationships buffer against the harms of HIV stigma on HIV treatment adherence. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1878. [PMID: 37770885 PMCID: PMC10540419 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16762-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV stigma can impact couple relationships through stress or bring partners closer through shared experiences. Conversely, couple relationships may protect against the harms of stigma, including anticipated stigma on negative health outcomes. Yet few studies have assessed the potential link between HIV stigma, relationship dynamics, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Using dyadic data from a cross-sectional study of Malawian couples living with HIV, we tested associations between anticipated stigma and: 1) relationship dynamics (e.g., trust, sexual satisfaction, communication) and partner support; and 2) self-reported ART adherence. METHODS Heterosexual couples (211 couples, 422 individuals) with at least one partner on ART were recruited from clinics in Zomba, Malawi. Partners completed separate surveys on anticipated stigma, relationship dynamics, and ART adherence. Linear mixed models evaluated associations between anticipated stigma and relationship dynamics, and whether associations varied by gender. Generalized estimating equation models tested for associations between anticipated stigma and high ART adherence (90-100% vs. < 90%) at the individual level, and whether they were moderated by relationship dynamics at the couple level. RESULTS Couples' relationship length averaged 12.5 years, 66.8% were HIV sero-concordant, and 95.6% reported high ART adherence. In multivariable models, sexual satisfaction (β = -0.22, 95%CI = -0.41;-0.03, p = 0.020) and partner social support (β = -0.02, 95%CI = -0.04;-0.01, p < 0.01) were negatively associated with anticipated stigma. Significant interaction effects showed that adherence is moderated in couples with higher partner support and sexual satisfaction such that adherence is lowest when anticipated stigma is high and social support is low, and that adherence is lowest when anticipated stigma is high and sexual satisfaction is low. CONCLUSIONS Increased anticipated stigma is most associated with lower ART non-adherence at lower levels of social support and sexual satisfaction. Conversely, supportive and fulfilling relationships may buffer the negative association between stigma and ART adherence. Couples' interventions that focus on improving communication and support systems within couples could reduce the negative impacts of anticipated stigma on couples living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gutin
- Department Of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Allison Ruark
- Wheaton College, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL, USA
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Building, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Division of Prevention Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16Th. Street, #3311, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - James Mkandawire
- Invest in Knowledge, Old Naisi Road, P.O. Box 506, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Amy A Conroy
- Division of Prevention Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16Th. Street, #3311, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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Elsheikh IE, Crutzen R, Adam I, Abdelraheem SI, Van den Borne HW. Increasing Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) Uptake through Facility-Based Health Promotion: Intervention Development. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13040317. [PMID: 37102831 PMCID: PMC10135809 DOI: 10.3390/bs13040317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In Sudan, the HIV testing rates during pregnancy remain low. Limitations in scaling and uptake of PMTCT services are linked to several factors within the healthcare system, including the motivation of healthcare providers. This article describes how a health facility-based health promotion intervention plan was developed, implemented, and evaluated to increase the uptake of PMTCT services using the Intervention Mapping approach. Individual-level and environmental determinants were previously identified and included in the intervention plan. Some factors that impacted the intention of women to test for HIV during pregnancy include level of knowledge on MTCT, who offers the HIV test, the fear and tension experienced when thinking about HIV/AIDS, the non-confidentiality of the HIV test results, and self-efficacy. This provides insights into how to develop, implement, and evaluate a facility-based health promotion intervention. The pre-assessment was critical in shaping the intervention and making it relevant and evidence based. The Intervention Mapping approach that was applied facilitated the systematic design of the intervention and supported guiding the implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Elsiddig Elsheikh
- Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Sudanese Public Health Association (SPHA), Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Rik Crutzen
- Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ishag Adam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah 56219, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hubertus W Van den Borne
- Department of Health Promotion, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Psaros C, Stanton AM, Raggio GA, Mosery N, Goodman GR, Briggs ES, Williams M, Bangsberg D, Smit J, Safren SA. Optimizing PMTCT Adherence by Treating Depression in Perinatal Women with HIV in South Africa: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Behav Med 2023; 30:62-76. [PMID: 35260947 PMCID: PMC9452601 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-022-10071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa (SA) has the greatest HIV prevalence in the world, with rates as high as 40% among pregnant women. Depression is a robust predictor of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and engagement in HIV care; perinatal depression may affect upwards of 47% of women in SA. Evidence-based, scalable approaches for depression treatment and ART adherence in this setting are lacking. METHOD Twenty-three pregnant women with HIV (WWH), ages 18-45 and receiving ART, were randomized to a psychosocial depression and adherence intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) to evaluate intervention feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effect on depressive symptoms and ART adherence. Assessments were conducted pre-, immediately post-, and 3 months post-treatment, and included a qualitative exit interview. RESULTS Most (67.6%) eligible individuals enrolled; 71% completed at least 75% of sessions. Compared to TAU, intervention participants had significantly greater improvements in depressive symptoms at post-treatment, β = - 11.1, t(24) = - 3.1, p < 0.005, 95% CI [- 18.41, - 3.83], and 3 months, β = - 13.8, t(24) = - 3.3, p < 0.005, 95% CI [- 22.50, - 5.17]. No significant differences in ART adherence, social support, or stigma were found. Qualitatively, perceived improvements in social support, self-esteem, and problem-solving adherence barriers emerged as key benefits of the intervention; additional sessions were desired. CONCLUSION A combined depression and ART adherence intervention appears feasible and acceptable, and demonstrated preliminary evidence of efficacy in a high-need population. Additional research is needed to confirm efficacy and identify dissemination strategies to optimize the health of WWH and their children. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03069417. Protocol available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03069417.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- , Boston, USA.
| | - Amelia M Stanton
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Greer A Raggio
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- National Center for Weight and Wellness, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Nzwakie Mosery
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Georgia R Goodman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elsa S Briggs
- Department of Health Systems & Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Community Health Science, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcel Williams
- Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D.C., USA
| | | | - Jenni Smit
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Mukose AD, Bastiaens H, Makumbi F, Buregyeya E, Naigino R, Musinguzi J, Van Geertruyden JP, Wanyenze RK. Challenges and commonly used countermeasures in the implementation of lifelong antiretroviral therapy for PMTCT in Central Uganda: Health providers' perspective. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280893. [PMID: 36662894 PMCID: PMC9858842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uganda has implemented lifelong antiretroviral therapy for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission since September 2012. Implementation of this strategy has been met with health provider and client challenges which have persisted up to date. This study explored providers' perspectives on the challenges and countermeasures of the implementation and scale-up of lifelong ART among pregnant and breastfeeding women. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was conducted whereby 54 purposively selected participants from six facilities in three districts of Central Uganda namely; Masaka, Mityana, and Luwero were recruited. A key informant interview guide was used to collect data from the study participants. The data were thematically analysed using Atlas-ti, Version 7. RESULTS Study participants reported challenges under the themes of 1) inadequacy of HIV service delivery (lack of relevant training, health provider shortages, inadequate counselling, stock-outs of essential HIV commodities); 2) Non-utilization of HIV services (Non-disclosure of HIV- positive results, denial of HIV positive results, fear to be followed up, unwillingness to be referred, large catchment area, lack of transport); and 3) Suboptimal treatment adherence (fear of ART side effects, preference for traditional medicines, low male partner involvement in care and treatment). Strategies such as on-job training, mentorship, task shifting, redistribution of HIV commodities across facilities, accompanying of women to mother-baby care points, ongoing counseling of women, peers, and family support groups were commonly used countermeasures. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights key challenges that health providers face in implementing lifelong antiretroviral therapy services among pregnant and postpartum women. Context-specific, innovative, and multilevel system interventions are required at national, district, health facility, community and individual levels to scale up and sustain the lifelong antiretroviral therapy strategy among pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggrey David Mukose
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Bastiaens
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fredrick Makumbi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Esther Buregyeya
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rose Naigino
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Van Geertruyden
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rhoda K. Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Dinis A, Augusto O, Ásbjörnsdóttir KH, Crocker J, Gimbel S, Inguane C, Ramiro I, Coutinho J, Agostinho M, Cruz E, Amaral F, Tavede E, Isidoro X, Sidat Y, Nassiaca R, Murgorgo F, Cuembelo F, Hazim CE, Sherr K. Association between service readiness and PMTCT cascade effectiveness: a 2018 cross-sectional analysis from Manica province, Mozambique. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1422. [PMID: 36443742 PMCID: PMC9703771 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08840-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite high coverage of maternal and child health services in Mozambique, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) cascade outcomes remain sub-optimal. Delivery effectiveness is modified by health system preparedness. Identifying modifiable factors that impact quality of care and service uptake can inform strategies to improve the effectiveness of PMTCT programs. We estimated associations between facility-level modifiable health system readiness measures and three PMTCT outcomes: Early infant diagnosis (polymerase chain reaction (PCR) before 8 weeks of life), PCR ever (before or after 8 weeks), and positive PCR test result. METHODS A 2018 cross-sectional, facility-level survey was conducted in a sample of 36 health facilities covering all 12 districts in Manica province, central Mozambique, as part of a baseline assessment for the SAIA-SCALE trial (NCT03425136). Data on HIV testing outcomes among 3,427 exposed infants were abstracted from at-risk child service registries. Nine health system readiness measures were included in the analysis. Logistic regressions were used to estimate associations between readiness measures and pediatric HIV testing outcomes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) are reported. RESULTS Forty-eight percent of HIV-exposed infants had a PCR test within 8 weeks of life, 69% had a PCR test ever, and 6% tested positive. Staffing levels, glove stockouts, and distance to the reference laboratory were positively associated with early PCR (OR = 1.02 [95%CI: 1.01-1.02], OR = 1.73 [95%CI: 1.24-2.40] and OR = 1.01 [95%CI: 1.00-1.01], respectively) and ever PCR (OR = 1.02 [95%CI: 1.01-1.02], OR = 1.80 [95%CI: 1.26-2.58] and OR = 1.01 [95%CI: 1.00-1.01], respectively). Catchment area size and multiple NGOs supporting PMTCT services were associated with early PCR testing OR = 1.02 [95%CI: 1.01-1.03] and OR = 0.54 [95%CI: 0.30-0.97], respectively). Facility type, stockout of prophylactic antiretrovirals, the presence of quality improvement programs and mothers' support groups in the health facility were not associated with PCR testing. No significant associations with positive HIV diagnosis were found. CONCLUSION Salient modifiable factors associated with HIV testing for exposed infants include staffing levels, NGO support, stockout of essential commodities and accessibility of reference laboratories. Our study provides insights into modifiable factors that could be targeted to improve PMTCT performance, particularly at small and rural facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneth Dinis
- grid.419229.5National Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health of Mozambique, Maputo, Mozambique ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Orvalho Augusto
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA ,grid.8295.60000 0001 0943 5818Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Kristjana H. Ásbjörnsdóttir
- grid.14013.370000 0004 0640 0021Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jonny Crocker
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sarah Gimbel
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Child, Family & Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Celso Inguane
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Isaías Ramiro
- Comité para a Saúde de Moçambique, Chimoio, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Emilia Cruz
- Comité para a Saúde de Moçambique, Chimoio, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Xavier Isidoro
- Manica Provincial Health Directorate, Chimoio, Mozambique
| | - Yaesh Sidat
- Manica Provincial Health Directorate, Chimoio, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Fátima Cuembelo
- grid.8295.60000 0001 0943 5818Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Carmen E. Hazim
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kenneth Sherr
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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11
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Wachira J, Genberg B, Mwangi A, Chemutai D, Braitstein P, Galarraga O, Abraham S, Wilson I. Impact of an Enhanced Patient Care Intervention on Viral Suppression Among Patients Living With HIV in Kenya. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:434-439. [PMID: 35320121 PMCID: PMC9246844 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective patient-centered interventions are needed to promote patient engagement in HIV care. We assessed the impact of a patient-centered intervention referred to as enhanced patient care (EPC) on viral suppression among unsuppressed patients living with HIV in Kenya. SETTING Two rural HIV clinics within the Academic Model Providing Access to Health care. METHODS This was a 6-month pilot randomized control trial. The EPC intervention incorporated continuity of clinician-patient relationships, enhanced treatment dialog, and improved patients' clinic appointment scheduling. Provider-patient communication training was offered to all clinicians in the intervention site. We targeted 360 virally unsuppressed patients: (1) 240 in the intervention site with 120 randomly assigned to provider-patient communication (PPC) training + EPC and 120 to PPC training + standard of care (SOC) and (2) 120 in the control site receiving SOC. Logistic regression analysis was applied using R (version 3.6.3). RESULTS A total of 328 patients were enrolled: 110 (92%) PPC training + EPC, 110 (92%) PPC training + SOC, and 108 (90%) SOC. Participants' mean age at baseline was 48 years (SD: 12.05 years). Viral suppression 6 months postintervention was 84.4% among those in PPC training + EPC, 83.7% in PPC training + SOC, and 64.4% in SOC ( P ≤ 0.001). Compared with participants in PPC training + EPC, those in SOC had lower odds of being virally suppressed 6 months postintervention (odds ratio = 0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.72). CONCLUSIONS PPC training may have had the greatest impact on patient viral suppression. Hence, adequate training and effective PPC implementation strategies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juddy Wachira
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Media Studies, School of Literature, Language and Media, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Becky Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Ann Mwangi
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Diana Chemutai
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Paula Braitstein
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Omar Galarraga
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Siika Abraham
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Ira Wilson
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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12
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Öz Ö, Argon A, Kebat T, Namlı Akıncı Ç, Özdemir Ö. The Significance of Tumor Budding and Immunohistochemical Axl Expression in Gallbladder Adenocarcinomas. Balkan Med J 2022; 39:199-208. [PMID: 35430785 PMCID: PMC9136546 DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2022.2021-9-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tumor budding is a histopathological finding that is accepted as an indicator of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in many solid tumors. Axl is a Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) family member and contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. It has been reported that its overexpression in various solid cancer cells is associated with a poor prognosis. It is claimed that Axl RTK may be the targeted molecule in treating some cancers due to its location in the cell membrane. Aims: To investigate the relationship between immunohistochemical (IHC) Axl expression with tumor budding on the histopathological level and their prognostic significance in patients with gallbladder carcinoma. Thus, it is aimed to contribute to the emergence of a molecular option for targeted, personalized therapy in these patients. Study Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: Thirty-eight gallbladder cancer patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2017 were included in the study. The expressions of Axl RTK in tumor tissues were evaluated by the IHC method. Demographic data (age, sex) of patients, histopathological features (size, growth pattern), tumor differentiation, pathological T staging, lymphovascular invasion, perineural and serosal invasion, surgical margin, tumor infiltrated lymphocyte, and tumor budding were examined. The tumor budding of the tumor was made according to the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference and was classified as low (0-4 buds), intermediate (5-9 buds), high (≥ 10 buds). The relationship between clinical pathologic features, the survival rate, and Axl expression was analyzed with Person’s chi-square, Cox regression tests, and the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Tumor budding was determined as low in 12, intermediate in 10, and high in 16 cases. The increased degree of tumor budding was associated with focal-diffuse Axl expression (p = 0.018), infiltrative growth patterns (p = 0.031), poor differentiation (p = 0.006), advanced pathological stage (p = 0.002), and serosal (p = 0.040), perineural (p = 0.008), and lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.0001). Overall survival time was shorter in patients with intermediate to high tumor budding compared with those with low tumor budding (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Axl expression appears to be associated with tumor budding capacity, which may be a poor prognostic criterion for patients with gallbladder cancer. It may be a good target to prevent tumor budding to reduce tumor invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özden Öz
- Clinic of Pathology, University of Health Sciences Turkey, İzmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Asuman Argon
- Clinic of Pathology, University of Health Sciences Turkey, İzmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Tulu Kebat
- Clinic of Pathology, University of Health Sciences Turkey, İzmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Çisem Namlı Akıncı
- Clinic of Pathology, University of Health Sciences Turkey, İzmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Özlem Özdemir
- Clinic of Oncology, University of Health Sciences Turkey, İzmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
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13
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Determinants of HIV Testing during Pregnancy among Pregnant Sudanese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12050150. [PMID: 35621447 PMCID: PMC9137909 DOI: 10.3390/bs12050150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 90% of children who are HIV positive were infected via mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). In Sudan, HIV testing rates during pregnancy remain low. This study aimed to understand the key determinants of HIV testing and their association with pregnant women’s intention to undergo HIV test during pregnancy. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 770 Sudanese pregnant women attending Antenatal care (ANC) visits at maternity hospitals. Based on the flow of antenatal care attendants, the calculated sample size was proportionally allocated to the hospitals. Doctors were most influential regarding pregnant women’s decision to undergo an HIV test during pregnancy (78.8%). Younger women were more likely to be tested. Most participants (68.9%) had high susceptibility with respect to HIV. Nearly half (48.3%) had a positive attitude towards HIV testing. Self-efficacy with regard to HIV testing was high (59.1%). Women with high self-efficacy and perceived susceptibility were more likely to have a greater intention to be tested for HIV. No significant association was found with perceived severity and stigma. Our study shows that the intention to undergo HIV testing among pregnant women is influenced by doctors and associated with self-efficacy and perceived susceptibility, which are important avenues for future intervention efforts.
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14
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Sasse SA, Harrington BJ, DiPrete BL, Chagomerana MB, Klyn LL, Wallie SD, Maliwichi M, Jumbe AN, Hoffman IF, Rosenberg NE, Tang JH, Hosseinipour MC. Factors associated with a history of treatment interruption among pregnant women living with HIV in Malawi: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267085. [PMID: 35439264 PMCID: PMC9017884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Long-term care engagement of women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential to effective HIV public health measures. We sought to explore factors associated with a history of HIV treatment interruption among pregnant women living with HIV presenting to an antenatal clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of pregnant women living with HIV who had a history of ART interruption presenting for antenatal care. Women were categorized as either retained in HIV treatment or reinitiating care after loss-to-follow up (LTFU). To understand factors associated with treatment interruption, we surveyed socio-demographic and partner relationship characteristics. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for factors associated with ART interruption were estimated using modified Poisson regression with robust variance. We additionally present patients’ reasons for ART interruption.
Results
We enrolled 541 pregnant women living with HIV (391 retained and 150 reinitiating). The median age was 30 years (interquartile range (IQR): 25–34). Factors associated with a history of LTFU were age <30 years (aPR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.33–1.63), less than a primary school education (aPR 1.25; CI: 1.08–1.46), initiation of ART during pregnancy or breastfeeding (aPR 1.49, CI: 1.37–1.65), nondisclosure of HIV serostatus to their partner (aPR 1.39, CI: 1.24–1.58), lack of awareness of partner’s HIV status (aPR 1.41, CI: 1.27–1.60), and no contraception use at conception (aPR 1.60, CI 1.40–1.98). Access to care challenges were the most common reasons reported by women for treatment interruption (e.g., relocation, transport costs, or misplacing health documentation).
Conclusions
Interventions that simplify the ART clinic transfer process, facilitate partner disclosure, and provide counseling about the importance of lifelong ART beyond pregnancy and breastfeeding should be further evaluated for improving retention in ART treatment of women living with HIV in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone A. Sasse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- * E-mail:
| | - Bryna J. Harrington
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bethany L. DiPrete
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | | | - Laura Limarzi Klyn
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Shaphil D. Wallie
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Madalitso Maliwichi
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Allan N. Jumbe
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Irving F. Hoffman
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Nora E. Rosenberg
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Health Behavior, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Jennifer H. Tang
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
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15
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Adelekan B, Harry-Erin B, Okposo M, Aliyu A, Ndembi N, Dakum P, Sam-Agudu NA. Final HIV status outcome for HIV-exposed infants at 18 months of age in nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263921. [PMID: 35157737 PMCID: PMC8843197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction While antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage for pregnant women has undergone steady scale-up, Nigeria’s final mother- to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) rate remains unacceptably high at 10%. This study aimed to determine final outcomes (MTCT rates) and their correlates among HIV-exposed infants (HEI) in nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at 96 primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities supported by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria. Data was abstracted for a birth cohort of HEI born between October 30, 2014 and April 30, 2015 whose 18–24 month final outcome was assessed by October 30, 2016. Only infants with a six-week first DNA PCR result, and a rapid HIV antibody test result at age 18 to 24 months were included. Multivariate logistic regression (adjusted odds ratios [aORs]) evaluated for predictors of HIV positivity at ≥18 months. Results After testing at ≥18 months, 68 (2.8%) of the 2,405 exposed infants in the birth cohort were HIV-positive. After a minimum of 18 months of follow-up, 51 (75%) HIV-positive infants were alive on ART; 7 (10%) had died, 5 (7.3%) were lost to follow-up and 5 (7.3%) were transferred out. Rural maternal residence, lack of maternal ART/ARV prophylaxis, mixed infant feeding and infant birth weight less than 2.5 kg correlated with an HIV-positive status for infant final outcomes. Conclusion The final HIV positivity rate of 2.8% is encouraging, but is not population-based. Nevertheless, supported by our findings, we recommend continued programmatic focus on early access to quality prenatal care and maternal ART for pregnant women, especially for women living with HIV in rural areas. Furthermore, implementation of nationwide sensitization and education on six-months’ exclusive infant breastfeeding with concurrent maternal ART should be strengthened and sustained to reduce MTCT rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatunde Adelekan
- Strategic Information, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- * E-mail:
| | - Bidemi Harry-Erin
- Strategic Information, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Martha Okposo
- Strategic Information, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ahmad Aliyu
- Strategic Information, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nicaise Ndembi
- Laboratory Research, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Patrick Dakum
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Prevention, Care and Treatment Unit, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nadia A. Sam-Agudu
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Prevention, Care and Treatment Unit, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
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16
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Mwamba C, Mukamba N, Sharma A, Lumbo K, Foloko M, Nyirenda H, Simbeza S, Sikombe K, Holmes CB, Sikazwe I, Moore CB, Mody A, Geng E, Beres LK. "Provider discretionary power practices to support implementation of patient-centered HIV care in Lusaka, Zambia". FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 2:918874. [PMID: 36925865 PMCID: PMC10012689 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2022.918874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Traditional patient-provider relationships privilege the providers, as they possess the formal authority and clinical knowledge applied to address illness, but providers also have discretion over how they exercise their power to influence patients' services, benefits, and sanctions. In this study, we assessed providers' exercise of discretionary power in implementing patient-centered care (PCC) practices in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods HIV clinical encounters between patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and providers across 24 public health facilities in Lusaka Province were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using qualitative content analysis, we identified practices of discretionary power (DP) employed in the implementation of PCC and instances of withholding DP. A codebook of DP practices was inductively and iteratively developed. We compared outcomes across provider cadres and within sites over time. Results We captured 194 patient-provider interactions at 24 study sites involving 11 Medical Officers, 58 Clinical Officers and 10 Nurses between August 2019 to May 2021. Median interaction length was 7.5 min. In a hierarchy where providers dominate patients and interactions are rapid, some providers invited patients to ask questions and responded at length with information that could increase patient understanding and agency. Others used inclusive language, welcomed patients, conducted introductions, and apologized for delayed services, narrowing the hierarchical distance between patient and provider, and facilitating recognition of the patient as a partner in care. Although less common, providers shared their decision-making powers, allowing patients to choose appointment dates and influence regimens. They also facilitated resource access, including access to services and providers outside of scheduled appointment times. Application of DP was not universal and missed opportunities were identified. Conclusion Supporting providers to recognize their power and intentionally share it is both inherent to the practice of PCC (e.g., making a patient a partner), and a way to implement improved patient support. More research is needed to understand the application of DP practices in improving the patient-centeredness of care in non-ART settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanda Mwamba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Njekwa Mukamba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kasapo Lumbo
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Marksman Foloko
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Herbert Nyirenda
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sandra Simbeza
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kombatende Sikombe
- Department of Public Health Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles B Holmes
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Centre, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Aaloke Mody
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Elvin Geng
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Laura K Beres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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17
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Gutin SA, Harper GW, Moshashane N, Ramontshonyana K, Stephenson R, Shade SB, Harries J, Mmeje O, Ramogola-Masire D, Morroni C. Relationship, partner factors and stigma are associated with safer conception information, motivation, and behavioral skills among women living with HIV in Botswana. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2231. [PMID: 34879845 PMCID: PMC8653588 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant proportion (20-59%) of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa desire childbearing, are of reproductive age, and are in sero-different relationships (~50%). Thus it is plausible that some portion of new HIV transmissions are due to attempts to become pregnant. Safer conception (SC) methods that effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission exist and can be made available in resource-constrained settings. Few studies in the region, and none in Botswana, have quantitatively examined the correlates of information, motivation, and behavioral skills for SC uptake. METHODS We surveyed 356 women living with HIV from 6/2018 to 12/2018 at six public-sector health clinics in Gaborone, Botswana. Participants were 18-40 years old, not pregnant, and desired future children or were unsure about their childbearing plans. We examined correlates of SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills using nested linear regression models, adjusting for socio-demographic, interpersonal, and structural variables. RESULTS Knowledge of SC methods varied widely. While some SC methods were well known (medical male circumcision by 83%, antiretroviral therapy for viral suppression by 64%), most other methods were known by less than 40% of participants. Our final models reveal that stigma as well as relationship and partner factors affect SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills. Both internalized childbearing stigma (ß=-0.50, 95%CI:-0.17, -0.02) and perceived community childbearing stigma were negatively associated with SC information (ß=-0.09, 95%CI:-0.80, -0.21). Anticipated (ß=-0.06, 95%CI:-0.12, -0.003) and internalized stigma (ß=-0.27, 95%CI:-0.44; -0.10) were associated with decreased SC motivation, while perceived community childbearing stigma was associated with increased SC motivation (ß=0.07, 95%CI:0.02, 0.11). Finally, internalized childbearing stigma was associated with decreased SC behavioral skills (ß=-0.80, 95%CI: -1.12, -0.47) while SC information (ß=0.24, 95%CI:0.12, 0.36), motivation (ß=0.36, 95%CI:0.15, 0.58), and perceived partner willingness to use SC (ß=0.47, 95%CI:0.36, 0.57) were positively associated with behavioral skills CONCLUSIONS: Low SC method-specific information levels are concerning since almost half (47%) of the study participants reported they were in sero-different relationships and desired more children. Findings highlight the importance of addressing HIV stigma and partner dynamics in interventions to improve SC information, motivation, and behavioral skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gutin
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, 94143, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, MI, 48109, Ann Arbor, USA.
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Gary W Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, MI, 48109, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Neo Moshashane
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership Princess Marina Hospital, Private Bag BO 320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kehumile Ramontshonyana
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership Princess Marina Hospital, Private Bag BO 320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, MI, Ann Arbor, USA
- The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Starley B Shade
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jane Harries
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Okeoma Mmeje
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, MI, 48109, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, MI, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership Princess Marina Hospital, Private Bag BO 320, Gaborone, Botswana
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, EH16 4TJ, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Psaros C, Stanton AM. Patterns of post-partum HIV care engagement. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e730-e731. [PMID: 34762837 PMCID: PMC10929616 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(21)00270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Amelia M Stanton
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Sumari-de Boer IM, Ngowi KM, Sonda TB, Pima FM, Masika, Bpharm LV, Sprangers MAG, Reiss P, Mmbaga BT, Nieuwkerk PT, Aarnoutse RE. Effect of Digital Adherence Tools on Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment Among Adults Living With HIV in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1136-1144. [PMID: 33871411 PMCID: PMC8263131 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifelong adherence to antiretroviral treatment remains challenging for people living with HIV (PLHIV). The aim of this study was to investigate whether any of 2 digital adherence tools could improve adherence among PLHIV in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. METHODS We performed a parallel 3-arm, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial with 1:1:1 allocation. We included adults aged between 18 and 65 years, living in Kilimanjaro region, and who were on antiretroviral treatment for at least 6 months. Their adherence, as judged by the study nurses, had to be suboptimal. In one arm, participants received reminder short message service (SMS) texts, followed by a question SMS. In the second arm, participants received a real-time medication monitoring (RTMM) device (Wisepill) with SMS reminders. In the third arm, participants received standard care only. The primary outcome of mean adherence over 48 weeks was compared between arms using between-group t tests in a modified intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS In each arm, we randomized 83 participants: data of 82 participants in the RTMM arm, 80 in the SMS arm, and 81 in the standard care arm were analyzed. The average (over 48 weeks) adherence in the SMS, RTMM, and control arms was 89.6%, 90.6%, and 87.9% for pharmacy refill; 95.9%, 95.0%, and 95.2% for self-report in the past week; and 97.5%, 96.6%, and 96.9% for self-report in the past month, respectively (P values not statistically significant). CONCLUSIONS Receiving reminder SMS or RTMM combined with feedback about adherence levels and discussion of strategies to overcome barriers to adherence did not improve adherence to treatment and treatment outcome in PLHIV. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER PACTR201712002844286.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Marion Sumari-de Boer
- Bioinformatics Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kennedy M. Ngowi
- Bioinformatics Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tolbert B. Sonda
- Bioinformatics Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Francis M. Pima
- Bioinformatics Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Lyidia V. Masika, Bpharm
- Department of Pharmacy, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Mirjam A. G. Sprangers
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Reiss
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- HIV Monitoring Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Bioinformatics Unit, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
- Department of Pharmacy, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania; and
| | - Pythia T. Nieuwkerk
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rob E. Aarnoutse
- Radboudumc, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Mnyaka OR, Mabunda SA, Chitha WW, Nomatshila SC, Ntlongweni X. Barriers to the Implementation of the HIV Universal Test and Treat Strategy in Selected Primary Care Facilities in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. J Prim Care Community Health 2021; 12:21501327211028706. [PMID: 34189991 PMCID: PMC8252362 DOI: 10.1177/21501327211028706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The South African government implemented the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) approach to treating HIV in the second half of 2016. As part of a contribution to the successful implementation of UTT, this study looked at barriers to implementation of UTT emanating from weaknesses of the health system in 2 Community Health Centers in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional design which had both descriptive and analytical components. Convenience sampling was used to select and recruit 2 primary care facilities and 30 nurses. Self-administered questionnaires were used to solicit data from facility managers and nurses. In addition, a record review was used to access 6 months’ data for the period 1 October 2017 to 31 March 2018. Data were analyzed using Stata 14.1. Categorical data were presented using frequency and contingency tables. The 95% confidence interval (95% CI) is used for the precision of estimates and the P-value of statistical significance is P < .05. Results: Facilities were found to have poor leadership and governance; human resource challenges that include shortages, lack of skills and lack of developmental support; poorly resourced service delivery platforms and poor information management. Of the three 90-90-90 targets, health facilities only satisfactorily achieved the second 90 of initiating all who test positive for HIV within a week (93.1% or n = 288/307). Conclusions: This study has been able to identify potential barriers to the implementation of the UTT strategy at the selected facilities including the lack of structured programs in place to monitor performance of healthcare staff, knowledge gaps, and a lack of good clinical governance practices as evidenced by the lack of customized protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onke R Mnyaka
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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21
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"This is My Life We are Talking About": Adaptive Strategies for HIV Care Retention and Treatment Adherence Among Postpartum Women Living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa. Matern Child Health J 2021; 24:1454-1463. [PMID: 32816255 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-020-02995-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retaining postpartum women living with HIV in ongoing care is critical for the health of the mother-child dyad but low adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and retention in HIV care are a global concern. This issue is particularly salient in South Africa, where approximately 50% of women fall out of the care cascade by 6 months postpartum. The purpose of this secondary analysis is to understand the strategies that women use to navigate HIV care during the postpartum period. METHODS This study was conducted in Gugulethu, in Cape Town, South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 study participants at 18-months postpartum. Participants were interviewed about their perceptions and experiences of their postpartum HIV care, and barriers and facilitators to their adherence and retention. RESULTS All participants reported using care navigation strategies across a spectrum of individual, interpersonal and structural levels to remain retained in care and adherent to ART. Participants expressed the importance of individual empowerment and knowledge of treatment benefits for their HIV care. Interpersonal relationships were discussed as a pathway to access both psychosocial and tangible support. Participants described overcoming structural barriers to care through creative problem solving and identified opportunities for care delivery improvement. DISCUSSION Participants described a wide range of overlapping and interconnected care navigation strategies. Consistent with the assets model, participants discussed their own capacity and that of their communities to engage in lifelong HIV care. Better understanding of potentially successful individual care navigation strategies should guide future intervention work. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01933477.
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Anderson JL, Li P, Bukusi EA, Darbes LA, Hatcher AM, Helova A, Kwena ZA, Musoke PL, Owino G, Oyaro P, Rogers AJG, Turan JM. Effects of a Home-Based Intervention on HIV Prevention Health Behaviors in Pregnant/Postpartum Kenyan Women: Estimating Moderating Effects of Depressive Symptoms. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1026-1036. [PMID: 33057976 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We estimated effects of maternal depressive symptoms, utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), on women's HIV prevention behaviors in Migori County, Kenya. Pregnant women ≥ 18 years old, with gestational age of < 37 weeks, were randomized into standard care or three home visits (2 during pregnancy, 1 postpartum) promoting couple HIV testing and counseling (CHTC) and HIV prevention. Of 105 female participants, 37 (35.24%) reported depressive symptoms and 50 (47.62%) were HIV-positive. Three Poisson regressions with robust variance (univariable, multivariable, and multivariable with depressive symptoms/study arm interaction) were modeled for three outcomes: CHTC, infant HIV testing, health-seeking postpartum. In multivariable analysis with interaction, a moderating trend for the interaction between depressive symptoms and individual health-seeking was observed (p-value = 0.067). Women scoring ≤ 9 (n = 68) on the PHQ-8 and participating in home visits were 1.76 times more likely to participate in individual health-seeking compared to participants in standard care (ARR 1.76, 95% CI 1.17-2.66).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jami L Anderson
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SHPB 553, 1716 9th Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
| | - Peng Li
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Abigail M Hatcher
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anna Helova
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Sparkman Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Zachary A Kwena
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pamela L Musoke
- Center for Social and Behavioral Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, USA
| | - George Owino
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patrick Oyaro
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anna Joy G Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Janet M Turan
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Sparkman Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Teasdale CA, Geller A, Shongwe S, Mafukidze A, Choy M, Magaula B, Yuengling K, King K, De Gusmao EP, Ryan C, Ao T, Callahan T, Modi S, Abrams EJ. Patient feedback surveys among pregnant women in Eswatini to improve antenatal care retention. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248685. [PMID: 33760864 PMCID: PMC7990172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uptake and retention in antenatal care (ANC) is critical for preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mothers and infants. Methods We implemented a rapid quality improvement project to improve ANC retention at seven health facilities in Eswatini (October-December 2017). All pregnant women attending ANC visits were eligible to participate in anonymous tablet-based audio assisted computer self-interview (ACASI) surveys. The 24-question survey asked about women’s interactions with health facility staff (HFS) (nurses, mentor mothers, receptionists and lab workers) with a three-level symbolic response options (agree/happy, neutral, disagree/sad). Women were asked to self-report HIV status. Survey results were shared with HFS at monthly quality improvement sessions. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in responses between months one and three, and between HIV-positive and negative women. Routine medical record data were used to compare retention among pregnant women newly enrolled in ANC two periods, January-February 2017 (‘pre-period’) and January-February 2018 (‘post-period’) at two of the participating health facilities. Proportions of women retained at 3 and 6 months were compared using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel and Wilcoxon tests. Results A total of 1,483 surveys were completed by pregnant women attending ANC, of whom 508 (34.3%) self-reported to be HIV-positive. The only significant change in responses from month one to three was whether nurses listened with agreement increasing from 88.3% to 94.8% (p<0.01). Overall, WLHIV had significantly higher proportions of reported satisfaction with HFS interactions compared to HIV-negative women. A total of 680 pregnant women were included in the retention analysis; 454 (66.8%) HIV-negative and 226 (33.2%) WLHIV. In the pre- and post-periods, 59.4% and 64.6%, respectively, attended at least four ANC visits (p = 0.16). The proportion of women retained at six months increased from 60.9% in the pre-period to 72.7% in the post-period (p = 0.03). For HIV-negative women, pre- and post-period six-month retention significantly increased from 56.6% to 71.6% (p = 0.02); however, the increase in WLHIV retained at six months from 70.7% (pre-period) to 75.0% (post-period) was not statistically significant (p = 0.64). Conclusion The type of rapid quality improvement intervention we implemented may be useful in improving patient-provider relationships although whether it can improve retention remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe A. Teasdale
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, New York, NY, United States of America
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP-Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Amanda Geller
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Siphesihle Shongwe
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP-Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Arnold Mafukidze
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP-Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Michelle Choy
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP-Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Bhekinkhosi Magaula
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP-Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Katharine Yuengling
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP-Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Katherine King
- NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Health Training—Clinical Operations and Technical Assistance Program, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Caroline Ryan
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Trong Ao
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Tegan Callahan
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Surbhi Modi
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Elaine J. Abrams
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP-Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
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The Mentor Mothers Program in the Department of Defense in Nigeria: An Evaluation of Healthcare Workers, Mentor Mothers, and Patients' Experiences. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9030328. [PMID: 33799489 PMCID: PMC8001623 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9030328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nigeria contributes the highest to the global burden of HIV/AIDS and also accounts for the largest proportion of new vertically transmitted HIV infections among children. The Mentor Mothers program in the Nigerian Department of Defense was introduced in accordance with the World Health Organization and its implementing partner guidelines to curb the high incidence of vertically acquired HIV infections. Understanding the experiences of participants could serve as a gateway to evaluating the effectiveness of the program to better provide quality services within targeted health facilities. This qualitative study employed key informant interviews with six healthcare workers as well as two focus group discussions with six mentor mothers and six prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) patients in four selected hospitals in the Nigerian Department of Defense to explore their experiences of the Mentor Mothers program. A thematic analysis technique was used to analyze the collated data. As a result, four main themes emerged, with the program perceived by most participants as providing psychosocial support to the patients, a valuable educational resource for raising HIV awareness, a valuable resource for promoting exclusive breastfeeding and mitigating vertical transmission of the virus, and functioning as a link between patients and the healthcare system. The participants reported that the program had effectively decreased HIV infections in children, reduced child and maternal mortality, and supported the livelihood and development of women, families, and communities in and around the Nigerian Department of Defense health facilities.
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Gutin SA, Harper GW, Moshashane N, Bitsang C, Harries J, Ramogola-Masire D, Morroni C. "What if they are pre-conception? What should we do?": Knowledge, practices, and preferences for safer conception among women living with HIV and healthcare providers in Gaborone, Botswana. Front Glob Womens Health 2021; 1. [PMID: 33693437 PMCID: PMC7943178 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2020.582463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Safer conception interventions that address HIV care, treatment, and prevention for HIV-affected couples are increasingly available in sub-Saharan Africa. Botswana, an HIV endemic country, is yet to offer formal safer conception services although universal test-and-treat approaches mean that increasing numbers of young, sexually active people living with HIV will start treatment and likely desire childbearing. In order to advance the safer conception discussion in Botswana, it is necessary to understand the current safer conception knowledge, practices, and preferences of healthcare providers and women living with HIV (WLHIV). We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 10 HIV healthcare providers and 10 WLHIV in Gaborone. Interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Safer conception knowledge was limited and safer conception discussions were rare. Healthcare provider and WLHIV preferences were at odds, with providers preferring WLHIV to initiate safer conception discussions, and WLHIV desiring providers to initiate safer conception discussions. Quotes from women and providers highlight deeper issues about power dynamics, concerns about stigma among women, and provider fears about promoting pregnancy. Providers emphasized the need for guidelines and training in order to improve the provision of safer conception counseling. These findings point to areas where safer conception in Botswana can be improved. Both WLHIV and providers would benefit from having information about a range of safer conception methods and approaches. In addition, since WLHIV felt hesitant about initiating safer conception conversations and feared stigma, and because putting the onus for starting safer conception discussions on women is a reversal of normal roles and power structures, providers must take the lead and routinely initiate fertility desire and safer conception discussions. Assisting healthcare providers with clear safer conception guidelines and training would improve the provision of accurate safer conception counseling and facilitate reproductive choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gutin
- Dept. of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- Dept. of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Christina Bitsang
- Career and Counseling Services, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jane Harries
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Botswana U-Penn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
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26
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Nyondo-Mipando AL, Kumwenda M, Suwedi- Kapesa LC, Salimu S, Kazuma T, Mwapasa V. "You Cannot Catch Fish Near the Shore nor Can You Sell Fish Where There Are No Customers": Rethinking Approaches for Reaching Men With HIV Testing Services in Blantyre Malawi. Am J Mens Health 2021; 15:15579883211011381. [PMID: 33906492 PMCID: PMC8111271 DOI: 10.1177/15579883211011381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV testing is the entry point to the cascade of services within HIV care. Although Malawi has made positive strides in HIV testing, men are lagging at 65.5% while women are at 81.6%. This study explored the preferences of men on the avenues for HIV testing in Blantyre, Malawi. This was a descriptive qualitative study in the phenomenological tradition in seven public health facilities in Blantyre, Malawi, among men and health-care workers (HCWs). We conducted 20 in-depth interviews and held 14 focus group discussions among 113 men of varying HIV statuses. All our participants were purposively selected, and data were digitally recorded coded and managed through NVivo. Thematic analysis was guided by the differentiated service delivery model. Men reported a preference for formal and informal workplaces such as markets and other casual employment sites; social places like football pitches, bars, churches, and "bawo" spaces; and outreach services in the form of weekend door-to-door, mobile clinics, men-to-men group. The health facility was the least preferred avenue. The key to testing men for HIV is finding them where they are. Areas that can be leveraged in reaching men are outside the routine health system. Scaling up HIV testing among men will require targeting avenues and operations outside of the routine health system and leverage them to reach more men with services. This suggests that HIV testing and counseling (HTC) uptake among men may be increased if the services were provided at informal places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mphatso Kumwenda
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Sangwani Salimu
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Thokozani Kazuma
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
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Mubiana-Mbewe M, Bosomprah S, Kadota JL, Koyuncu A, Kusanathan T, Mweebo K, Musokotwane K, Mulenga PL, Chi BH, Vinikoor MJ. Effect of Enhanced Adherence Package on Early ART Uptake Among HIV-Positive Pregnant Women in Zambia: An Individual Randomized Controlled Trial. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:992-1000. [PMID: 33033996 PMCID: PMC10580733 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the effect of an option B-plus Enhanced Adherence Package (BEAP), on early ART uptake in a randomized controlled trial. HIV-positive, ART naïve pregnant women in Lusaka, Zambia, were randomized to receive BEAP (phone calls/home visits, additional counseling, male partner engagement and missed-visit follow-up) versus standard of care (SOC). The primary outcome was initiating and remaining on ART at 30 days. Analysis was by intention to treat (ITT) using logistic regression. Additional per protocol analysis was done. We enrolled 454 women; 229 randomized to BEAP and 225 to SOC. Within 30 days of eligibility, 445 (98.2%) initiated ART. In ITT analysis, 82.5% BEAP versus 80.4% SOC participants reached primary outcome (crude relative risk [RR] 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-1.16; Wald test statistic = 0.44; p-value = 0.66). In per protocol analysis, (92 participants (40.2%) excluded), 91.9% BEAP versus 80.4% SOC participants reached primary outcome (crude RR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02-1.29; Wald test statistic = 2.23; p-value = 0.03). Early ART initiation in pregnancy was nearly universal but there was early drop out suggesting need for additional adherence support.This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (trials number NCT02459678) on May 14, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwangelwa Mubiana-Mbewe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Plot 34620 Off Alick Nkhata Road, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Samuel Bosomprah
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Plot 34620 Off Alick Nkhata Road, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jillian L Kadota
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Plot 34620 Off Alick Nkhata Road, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka, Zambia
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Aybüke Koyuncu
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Plot 34620 Off Alick Nkhata Road, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Keith Mweebo
- Prevention, Care and Treatment Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kebby Musokotwane
- Prevention, Care and Treatment Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Benjamin H Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael J Vinikoor
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Plot 34620 Off Alick Nkhata Road, P.O. Box 34681, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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Hendricks L, Eshun-Wilson I, Rohwer A. A mega-aggregation framework synthesis of the barriers and facilitators to linkage, adherence to ART and retention in care among people living with HIV. Syst Rev 2021; 10:54. [PMID: 33568216 PMCID: PMC7875685 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01582-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) struggle with the challenges of living with a chronic disease and integrating antiretroviral treatment (ART) and care into their daily lives. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to undertake the first mega-aggregation of qualitative evidence syntheses using the methods of framework synthesis and (2) make sense of existing qualitative evidence syntheses that explore the barriers and facilitators of adherence to antiretroviral treatment, linkage to care and retention in care for PLHIV to identify research gaps. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search and did all screening, data extraction and critical appraisal independently and in duplicate. We used the Kaufman HIV Behaviour Change model (Kaufman et al., 2014) as a framework to synthesise the findings using the mega-aggregative framework synthesis approach, which consists of 8 steps: (1) identify a clearly defined review question and objectives, (2) identify a theoretical framework or model, (3) decide on criteria for considering reviews for inclusion, (4) conduct searching and screening, (5) conduct quality appraisal of the included studies, (6) data extraction and categorisation, (7) present and synthesise the findings, and (8) transparent reporting. We evaluated systematic reviews up to July 2018 and assessed methodological quality, across reviews, using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews. RESULTS We included 33 systematic reviews from low, middle- and high-income countries, which reported on 1,111,964 PLHIV. The methodological quality of included reviews varied considerably. We identified 544 unique third-order concepts from the included systematic reviews, which were reclassified into 45 fourth-order themes within the individual, interpersonal, community, institutional and structural levels of the Kaufman HIV Behaviour Change model. We found that the main influencers of linkage, adherence and retention behaviours were psychosocial and personal characteristics-perceptions of ART, desires, fears, experiences of HIV and ART, coping strategies and mental health issues-interwoven with other factors on the interpersonal, community, institutional and structural level. Using this approach, we found interdependence between factors influencing ART linkage, retention and adherence and identified the need for qualitative evidence that explores, in greater depth, the complex relationships between structural factors and adherence, sociodemographic factors such as community violence and retention, and the experiences of growing up with HIV in low- and middle-income countries-specifically in children, youth, women and key populations. CONCLUSIONS This is the first mega-aggregation framework synthesis, or synthesis of qualitative evidence syntheses using the methods of framework synthesis at the overview level. We found the novel method to be a transparent and efficient method for assessing the quality and making sense of existing qualitative systematic reviews. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION The protocol of this overview was registered on PROSPERO ( CRD42017078155 ) on 17 December 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Hendricks
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Division Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Social, Methodological, Innovative, Kreative, Centre for Sociological Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Division Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anke Rohwer
- Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, Division Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Masiano S, Machine E, Mphande M, Markham C, Tembo T, Chitani M, Mkandawire A, Mazenga A, Ahmed S, Kim M. Video-Based Intervention for Improving Maternal Retention and Adherence to HIV Treatment: Patient Perspectives and Experiences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041737. [PMID: 33579047 PMCID: PMC7916796 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
VITAL Start is a video-based intervention aimed to improve maternal retention in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Malawi. We explored the experiences of pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV) not yet on ART who received VITAL Start before ART initiation to assess the intervention’s acceptability, feasibility, fidelity of delivery, and perceived impact. Between February and September 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of 34 PWLHIV within one month of receiving VITAL Start. The participants reported that VITAL Start was acceptable and feasible and had good fidelity of delivery. They also reported that the video had a positive impact on their lives, encouraging them to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners who, in turn, supported them to adhere to ART. The participants suggested using a similar intervention to provide health-related education/counseling to people with long term conditions. Our findings suggest that video-based interventions may be an acceptable, feasible approach to optimizing ART retention and adherence amongst PWLHIV, and they can be delivered with high fidelity. Further exploration of the utility of low cost, scalable, video-based interventions to address health counseling gaps in sub-Saharan Africa is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Masiano
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Edwin Machine
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Mtisunge Mphande
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Christine Markham
- Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Research, Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Tapiwa Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Mike Chitani
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Angella Mkandawire
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Alick Mazenga
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
- Section of Retrovirology and Global Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maria Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
- Section of Retrovirology and Global Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (M.K.)
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Williams SM, Renjua J, Moshabela M, Wringe A. Understanding the influence of health systems on women's experiences of Option B+: A meta-ethnography of qualitative research from sub-Saharan Africa. Glob Public Health 2021; 16:167-185. [PMID: 33284727 PMCID: PMC7612946 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1851385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We explored women's experiences of Option B+ in sub-Saharan African health facility settings through a meta-ethnography of 32 qualitative studies published between 2010 and 2019. First and second-order constructs were identified from the data and authors' interpretations respectively. Using a health systems lens, third-order constructs explored how the health systems shaped women's experiences of Option B+ and their subsequent engagement in care. Women's experiences of Option B+ services were influenced by their interactions with health workers, which were often reported to be inadequate and rushed, reflecting insufficient staffing or training to address pregnant women's needs. Women's experiences were also undermined by various manifestations of stigma which persisted in the absence of resources for social or mental health support, and were exacerbated by space constraints in health facilities that infringed on patient confidentiality. Sub-optimal service accessibility, drug stock-outs and inadequate tracing systems also shaped women's experiences of care. Strengthening health systems by improving health worker capacity to provide respectful and high-quality clinical and support services, improving supply chains and improving the privacy of consultation spaces would improve women's experiences of Option B+ services, thereby contributing to improved care retention. These lessons should be considered as universal test and treat programmes expand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M. Williams
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jenny Renjua
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alison Wringe
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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31
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Mbeya Munkhondya TE, Smyth RMD, Lavender T. Facilitators and barriers to retention in care under universal antiretroviral therapy (Option B+) for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT): A narrative review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AFRICA NURSING SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2021.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Wang M, Miller JD, Collins SM, Santoso MV, Wekesa P, Okochi H, Onono M, Weiser S, Gandhi M, Young SL. Social Support Mitigates Negative Impact of Food Insecurity on Antiretroviral Adherence Among Postpartum Women in Western Kenya. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2885-2894. [PMID: 32212069 PMCID: PMC7483232 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI), low social support, and low health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are associated with self-reported nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among postpartum women, but these relationships have not been evaluated using objective adherence indicators. Hair samples were therefore analyzed among 83 postpartum Kenyan women living with HIV on efavirenz and nevirapine ART drug regimens in an observational cohort (NCT02974972). FI (0-27), social support (0-40), and HRQoL (8-40) in the prior month were also assessed. In multivariable models, each point increase in FI and decrease in HRQoL were associated with a 45.1% (95% CI: -64.3%, -15.6%) and 10.5% decrease (95% CI: 1.0%, 22.1%) in hair ART drug concentrations respectively, when social support was held constant. A significant interaction between social support and FI (β = 0.02, p = 0.017) indicated that greater social support was predicted to mitigate the negative impacts of FI on ART adherence. Addressing these modifiable barriers could improve ART adherence during this critical period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Wang
- Department Anthropology, Program in Global Health, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Joshua D Miller
- Department Anthropology, Program in Global Health, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Shalean M Collins
- Department Anthropology, Program in Global Health, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Marianne V Santoso
- Department Anthropology, Program in Global Health, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Pauline Wekesa
- Family Aids Care and Education Services (FACES), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Hideaki Okochi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maricianah Onono
- Family Aids Care and Education Services (FACES), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Sheri Weiser
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sera L Young
- Department Anthropology, Program in Global Health, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
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Ware NC, Wyatt MA, Pisarski EE, Bwana BM, Orrell C, Asiimwe S, Amanyire G, Musinguzi N, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. Influences on Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Early-Stage HIV Disease: Qualitative Study from Uganda and South Africa. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2624-2636. [PMID: 32140877 PMCID: PMC11091710 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02819-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Realization of optimal treatment and prevention benefits in the era of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) and "U=U" (undetectable = untransmittable) requires high adherence at all stages of HIV disease. This article draws upon qualitative interview data to characterize two types of influences on ART adherence for 100 Ugandans and South Africans initiating ART during early-stage HIV infection. Positive influences are: (a) behavioral strategies supporting adherence; (b) preserving health through adherence; (c) support from others; and (d) motivating effect of adherence monitoring. "De-stabilizing experiences" (mobility, loss, pregnancy) as barriers are posited to impact adherence indirectly through intervening consequences (e.g. exacerbation of poverty). Positive influences overlap substantially with adherence facilitators described for later-stage adherers in previous research. Adherence support strategies and interventions effective for persons initiating ART later in HIV disease are likely also to be helpful to individuals beginning treatment immediately upon confirmation of infection. De-stabilizing experiences merit additional investigation across varying populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma C Ware
- Deparment of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Deparment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Monique A Wyatt
- Deparment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Global, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emily E Pisarski
- Deparment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Bosco M Bwana
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Gideon Amanyire
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Deparment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Gutin SA, Harper GW, Bitsang C, Moshashane N, Ramogola-Masire D, Harries J, Morroni C. Perspectives about childbearing and pregnancy planning amongst people living with HIV in Gaborone, Botswana. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2020; 22:1063-1079. [PMID: 31478784 PMCID: PMC7182082 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1650202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in clinical care, safer conception services are not utilised in many high HIV prevalence countries, including Botswana. We conducted in-depth interviews with 10 HIV healthcare providers and 10 women living with HIV to develop a deeper understanding of attitudes surrounding childbearing and pregnancy planning. Interviews were analysed using a phenomenological approach. Providers felt it was a human right and normative for women living with HIV to have children but also expressed concern about women living with HIV having children. Women themselves anticipated stigma from providers regarding childbearing, although most described supportive care and had not experienced stigmatising treatment. Although providers believed pregnancies amongst women living with HIV were unplanned, women described discussing pregnancy desires with sexual partners. Despite providers voicing a rights-based approach to childbearing amongst women living with HIV, hesitancy towards pregnancy remains. This is felt by women living with HIV and perceived as stigma, which may make them less likely to seek fertility and safer conception advice. Safer conception interventions are unlikely to be successful if women do not feel comfortable discussing childbearing with health-care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Gutin
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christina Bitsang
- Career and Counselling Services, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Neo Moshashane
- Botswana - University of Pennsylvania Partnership, University of Botswana Main Campus, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jane Harries
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Botswana - University of Pennsylvania Partnership, University of Botswana Main Campus, Gaborone, Botswana
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Benning L, Mantsios A, Kerrigan D, Coleman JS, Golub E, Blackstock O, Konkle-Parker D, Philbin M, Sheth A, Adimora AA, Cohen MH, Seidman D, Milam J, Kassaye SG, Taylor T, Murray M. Examining adherence barriers among women with HIV to tailor outreach for long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2020; 20:152. [PMID: 32711509 PMCID: PMC7382076 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-01011-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Long-acting (LA) injectable antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been found non-inferior to daily oral ART in Phase 3 trials. LA ART may address key barriers to oral ART adherence and be preferable to daily pills for some people living with HIV. To date, women have been less represented than men in LA ART research. Using longitudinal data from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) cohort of women living with HIV in the United States, we examined barriers and facilitators of daily oral ART adherence that may be related to or addressed by LA ART. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of WIHS cohort data from 1998 to 2017 among participants seen for at least 4 visits since 1998 who reported using ART at least once (n = 2601). Two dichotomous outcomes, patient-reported daily oral ART adherence and viral suppression were fit using generalized linear models, examining the role of socio-demographic and structural factors. Results At study enrollment, the median age was 40.5 years, 63% of participants were African American and 22% were Latina. The majority (82%) reported taking ART more than 75% of the time and 53% were virally suppressed. In multivariate analysis, several sub-groups of women had lower odds of reported adherence and viral suppression: 1) younger women (adherence aOR: 0.71; viral suppression aOR: 0.63); 2) women who inject drugs (adherence aOR: 0.38; viral suppression aOR: 0.50) and those with moderate (adherence aOR: 0.59; viral suppression aOR: 0.74) and heavy alcohol consumption (adherence aOR: 0.51; viral suppression aOR: 0.69); 3) those with depressive symptoms (adherence aOR: 0.61; viral suppression aOR: 0.76); and 4) those with a history of going on and off ART (adherence aOR: 0.62, viral suppression aOR: 0.38) or changing regimens (adherence aOR: 0.83, viral suppression aOR: 0.56). Conclusions Current injectable contraceptive users (vs. non-users) had greater odds of oral ART adherence (aOR: 1.87) and viral suppression (aOR: 1.28). Findings identify profiles of women who may benefit from and be interested in LA ART. Further research is warranted focused on the uptake and utility of LA ART for such key subpopulations of women at high need for innovative approaches to achieve sustained viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorie Benning
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Deanna Kerrigan
- Center for Health, Risk and Society, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jenell S Coleman
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Golub
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Oni Blackstock
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deborah Konkle-Parker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Morgan Philbin
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Sociomedical Sciences, New York, USA
| | - Anandi Sheth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Adaora A Adimora
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mardge H Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Stroger Hospital, Cook County Bureau of Health Services, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dominika Seidman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joel Milam
- Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Seble G Kassaye
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tonya Taylor
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Knowledge transmission, peer support, behaviour change and satisfaction in post Natal clubs in Khayelitsha, South Africa: a qualitative study. Reprod Health 2020; 17:107. [PMID: 32641072 PMCID: PMC7346440 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-00957-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Post Natal Club (PNC) model assures comprehensive care, including HIV and Maternal and Child Health care, for postpartum women living with HIV and their infants during an 18-month postnatal period. The PNC model was launched in 2016 in Town Two Clinic, a primary health care facility in Khayelitsha, South Africa. This qualitative research study aims to understand how participation in PNCs affected knowledge transmission, peer support, behaviour change and satisfaction with the care provided. METHODS We conducted ten in-depth interviews; three focus group discussions and participant observation with PNC members, health-care workers and key informants selected through purposive sampling. Seventeen PNC members between 21 and 38 years old, three key informants and seven staff working in PNC participated in the research. All participants were female, except for one of the three key informants who was male. Data was collected until saturation. The data analysis was performed in an inductive way and involved an iterative process, using Nvivo11 software. RESULTS PNC members acquired knowledge on HIV, ART, adherence, infant feeding, healthy eating habits, follow up tests and treatment for exposed infants. Participants believed that PNC created strong relationships among members and offered an environment conducive to sharing experience and advice. Most interviewees stated that participating in PNC facilitated disclosure of their HIV status, enhanced support network and provided role models. PNC members said that they adapted their behaviour based on advice received in PNCs related to infant feeding, ART adherence, monitoring of symptoms and stimulation of early childhood development. The main benefits were believed to be comprehensive care for mother-infant pairs, time-saving and the peer dynamic. The main challenge from the perspective of key informants was the sustainability of dedicating human resources to PNC. CONCLUSION The PNC model was believed to improve knowledge acquisition, behaviour change and peer support. Participants, staff and the majority of key informants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the PNC model. Sustainability and finding adequate human resources for PNCs remained challenging. Strategies to improve sustainability may include handing over some PNC tasks to members to increase their sense of ownership.
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Amponsah-Dacosta E, Kagina BM, Olivier J. Health systems constraints and facilitators of human papillomavirus immunization programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Health Policy Plan 2020; 35:701-717. [PMID: 32538437 PMCID: PMC7294244 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the vast investments made in national immunization programmes (NIPs) and the significance of NIPs to public health, it is important to understand what influences the optimal performance of NIPs. It has been established that well-performing NIPs require enabling health systems. However, systematic evidence on how the performance of health systems impacts on NIPs is lacking, especially from sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a qualitative systematic review to synthesize the available evidence on health systems constraints and facilitators of NIPs in sub-Saharan Africa, using human papillomavirus immunization programmes as a proxy. Fifty-four articles published between 2008 and 2018 were found to be eligible. Data extraction was guided by an analytical model on the interface between NIPs and health systems. A cross-cutting thematic analysis of the extracted data was performed. This systematic review provides evidence necessary for informing ongoing health systems strengthening initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. There is evidence to suggest that NIPs in sub-Saharan Africa have surmounted significant health systems constraints and have achieved notable public health success. This success can be attributed to strong political endorsement for vaccines, clear governance structures and effective collaboration with global partners. Despite this, significant health systems constraints persist in service delivery, vaccine communication, community engagement, the capacity of the health workforce and sustainable financing. These constraints could derail further progress if not addressed through health systems strengthening efforts. There is a need to expand the research agenda to include the comprehensive evaluation of health systems constraints and facilitators of NIPs within sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Amponsah-Dacosta
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Health Policy and Systems Division, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Benjamin M Kagina
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Jill Olivier
- Health Policy and Systems Division, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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Suryavanshi N, Kadam A, Gupte N, Hegde A, Kanade S, Sivalenka S, Kumar VS, Gupta A, Bollinger RC, Shankar A, McKenzie‐White J, Mave V. A mobile health-facilitated behavioural intervention for community health workers improves exclusive breastfeeding and early infant HIV diagnosis in India: a cluster randomized trial. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25555. [PMID: 32618115 PMCID: PMC7332965 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION India's national AIDS Control Organization implemented World Health Organization's option B+ HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guidelines in 2013. However, scalable strategies to improve uptake of new PMTCT guidelines to reduce new infection rates are needed. This study assessed impact of Mobile Health-Facilitated Behavioral Intervention on the uptake of PMTCT services. METHODS A cluster-randomized trial of a mobile health (mHealth)-supported behavioural training intervention targeting outreach workers (ORWs) was conducted in four districts of Maharashtra, India. Clusters (one Integrated Counselling and Testing Center (ICTC, n = 119), all affiliated ORWs (n = 116) and their assigned HIV-positive pregnant/postpartum clients (n = 1191)) were randomized to standard-of-care (SOC) ORW training vs. the COMmunity home Based INDia (COMBIND) intervention - specialized behavioural training plus a tablet-based mHealth application to support ORW-patient communication and patient engagement in HIV care. Impact on uptake of maternal antiretroviral therapy at delivery, exclusive breastfeeding at six months, infant nevirapine prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis at six months was assessed using multi-level random-effects logistic regression models. RESULTS Of 1191 HIV-positive pregnant/postpartum women, 884 were eligible for primary outcome assessment; 487 were randomized to COMBIND. Multivariable analyses identified no statistically significant differences in any primary outcome by study arm. COMBIND was associated with higher uptake of exclusive breastfeeding at two months (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), 2.10; 95% CI 1.06 to 4.15) and early infant diagnosis at six weeks (aOR, 2.19; 95% CI 1.05 to 3.98) than SOC. CONCLUSIONS The COMBIND intervention was easily integrated into India's existing PMTCT programme and improved early uptake of two PMTCT components that require self-motivated health-seeking behaviour, thus providing preliminary evidence to support COMBIND as a potentially scalable PMTCT strategy. Further study would identify modifications needed to optimize other PMTCT outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abhay Kadam
- Lakshya, Society for Public Health Education and ResearchPuneIndia
| | - Nikhil Gupte
- School of MedicineJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Asha Hegde
- National AIDS Control OrganizationNew DelhiIndia
| | - Savita Kanade
- Lakshya, Society for Public Health Education and ResearchPuneIndia
| | - Srilatha Sivalenka
- Division of Global HIV & TB – India Country OfficeUS Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNew DelhiIndia
| | - V Sampath Kumar
- Division of Global HIV & TB – India Country OfficeUS Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNew DelhiIndia
| | - Amita Gupta
- School of MedicineJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | - Anita Shankar
- Bloomberg School of Public HealthJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMDUSA
| | | | - Vidya Mave
- School of MedicineJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMDUSA
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Suryavanshi N, Kadam A, Kanade S, Gupte N, Gupta A, Bollinger R, Mave V, Shankar A. Acceptability and feasibility of a behavioral and mobile health intervention (COMBIND) shown to increase uptake of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) care in India. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:752. [PMID: 32448299 PMCID: PMC7245843 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08706-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A cluster-randomized trial recently demonstrated that an integrated behavioral and mobile technology intervention improved uptake of key components of a Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) Option B+ program, among HIV- infected pregnant/breastfeeding women in India. To guide scale-up and optimize programmatic implementation, we conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention. METHODS The COMmunity Home Based INDia (COMBIND) study, was conducted in four districts of Maharashtra, India and randomized 119 integrated counseling and testing centers (ICTC) and their outreach workers (ORWs) to the COMBIND intervention, an integrated mHealth application that allowed digital data capture, PMTCT educational videos, SMS alerts for missed visits and reminder for visits, combined with personal empowerment and motivational interviewing training for ORWs. This qualitative evaluation was done through 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with ORWs and 15 IDIs with HIV-infected pregnant/breastfeeding women from the intervention arm. Utilizing a concurrent nested mixed-method evaluation approach, we assess the feasibility and acceptability of the study intervention. RESULTS All 30 participants reported that the PMTCT videos were essential in providing easy to understand information on critical aspects of HIV and necessary care related to PMTCT practices. A majority of the ORWs reported that the personal empowerment training with motivational interviewing skills training increased their confidence, motivation and gave them the tools for effectively supporting their clients. The mHealth application improved their working style as it facilitated targeted PMTCT information support, systemized data capture, streamlined their health education delivery practice and provided a sense of work satisfaction. The SMS appointment alerts improved retention in HIV care for mother and baby to the smaller proportion that had access to their phones. Despite reported improvements in knowledge and communication, few ORWs reported that structural challenges such as limited drug stocks, lack of HIV kits or unavailability of trained staff at ICTC, may hamper the uptake of PMTCT services, thus resulting in limited significant impacts of COMBIND on PMTCT outcomes. CONCLUSION This study found that COMBIND intervention is scalable, feasible, beneficial and very well accepted by ORWs and patients, however structural challenges in goods and services remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishi Suryavanshi
- Lakshya Society for Public Health Education and Research, 307, Block II, Llyod Chambers, Mangalwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra, 411001, India.
| | - Abhay Kadam
- Lakshya Society for Public Health Education and Research, 307, Block II, Llyod Chambers, Mangalwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra, 411001, India
| | - Savita Kanade
- Lakshya Society for Public Health Education and Research, 307, Block II, Llyod Chambers, Mangalwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra, 411001, India
| | - Nikhil Gupte
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amita Gupta
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert Bollinger
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vidya Mave
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anita Shankar
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Gesesew H, Lyon P, Ward P, Woldemichael K, Mwanri L. "Our Tradition Our Enemy": A Qualitative Study of Barriers to Women's HIV Care in Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17030833. [PMID: 32013114 PMCID: PMC7036873 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Evidence exists that suggests that women are vulnerable to negative HIV treatment outcomes worldwide. This study explored barriers to treatment outcomes of women in Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. We interviewed 11 HIV patients, 9 health workers, 10 community advocates and 5 HIV program managers from 10 institutions using an in-depth interview guide designed to probe barriers to HIV care at individual, community, healthcare provider, and government policy levels. To systematically analyze the data, we applied a thematic framework analysis using NVivo. In total, 35 participants were involved in the study and provided the following interrelated barriers: (i) Availability— most women living in rural areas who accessed HIV cared less often than men; (ii) free antiretroviral therapy (ART) is expensive—most women who have low income and who live in urban areas sold ART drugs illegally to cover ART associated costs; (iii) fear of being seen by others—negative consequences of HIV related stigma was higher in women than men; (iv) the role of tradition—the dominance of patriarchy was found to be the primary barrier to women’s HIV care and treatment outcomes. In conclusion, barriers related to culture or tradition constrain women’s access to HIV care. Therefore, policies and strategies should focus on these contextual constrains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailay Gesesew
- Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia; (H.G.); (L.M.)
- Epidemiology, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Pamela Lyon
- Southgate Institute for Health, Society ad Equity, College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia;
| | - Paul Ward
- Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia; (H.G.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-7221-8415
| | | | - Lillian Mwanri
- Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia; (H.G.); (L.M.)
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Acceptability of Interventions to Improve Engagement in HIV Care Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women at Two Urban Clinics in South Africa. Matern Child Health J 2020; 23:1260-1270. [PMID: 31218606 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-019-02766-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa have been shown to have sub-optimal engagement in care, particularly after delivery, and interventions to improve engagement in care for this unique population are urgently needed. METHODS We enrolled 25 pregnant women living with HIV at each of two large antenatal clinics in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa (n = 50), and conducted in-depth interviews. We assessed participants' reported acceptability of the following proposed interventions to improve engagement in care and retention monitoring data systems: financial incentives, educational toys, health education, combined maternal/infant visits, cell phone text reminders, mobility tracking, fingerprint/biometric devices, and smartcards. RESULTS Acceptability overall for interventions was high, with mixed responses for some interventions. Overall themes identified included (i) the intersection of individual and facility responsibility for a patient's health, (ii) a call for more health education, (iii) issues of disclosure and concerns about privacy, and (iv) openness to interventions that could improve health systems. DISCUSSION These findings provide insight into the preferences and concerns of potential users of interventions to improve engagement in HIV care for pregnant women, and support the development of tools that specifically target this high-risk group.
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Olakunde BO, Adeyinka DA, Olawepo JO, Pharr JR, Ozigbu CE, Wakdok S, Oladele T, Ezeanolue EE. Towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria: a health system perspective of the achievements and challenges. Int Health 2019; 11:240-249. [PMID: 31028402 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its scaled-up response for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), Nigeria still contributes the greatest number of infants infected with HIV worldwide. Drawing on our knowledge, and review of policy documents and research papers, we explored the achievements and challenges in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria using the WHO's health systems framework. We found that Nigeria has increased the number of PMTCT sites, decentralized and integrated PMTCT care for expanded service delivery, adopted task-shifting to address the shortage of skilled healthcare providers, explored alternative sources of domestic funding to bridge the funding gap and harmonized the health management information system to improve data quality. Some of the challenges we identified included: difficulty in identifying HIV-infected pregnant women because of low uptake of antenatal care; interrupted supplies of medical commodities; knowledge gaps among healthcare workers; and lack of a national unique identifying system to enhance data quality. While there have been some achievements in the PMTCT program, gaps still exist in the different blocks of the health system. Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria will require the implementation of feasible, culturally acceptable and sustainable interventions to address the health system-related challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babayemi O Olakunde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV, USA.,National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Plot 823, Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Daniel A Adeyinka
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,National AIDS & STIs Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Plot 75, Ralph Sodeinde Street, Central Area, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - John O Olawepo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jennifer R Pharr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Chamberline E Ozigbu
- National AIDS & STIs Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Plot 75, Ralph Sodeinde Street, Central Area, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Sabastine Wakdok
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Plot 823, Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Tolu Oladele
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Plot 823, Ralph Shodeinde Street, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Echezona E Ezeanolue
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, 1, Old UNTH Road, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.,HealthySunrise Foundation, 308 South Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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Faria ER, Gonçalves TR, Carvalho FT, Piccinini CA. Longitudinal assessment of coping and quality of life over 24 months postpartum in mothers living with HIV. J Health Psychol 2019; 26:1443-1454. [PMID: 31552768 DOI: 10.1177/1359105319877439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of coping strategies on quality of life of mothers living with HIV over 24 months postpartum. Fifty-six Brazilian mothers living with HIV answered quality of life and coping scales at pregnancy, 3rd, 12th, and 24th month postpartum. Mixed model longitudinal regressions were conducted. Quality of life improved in physical, level of independence, and environmental domains over time. While problem-focused coping was positively associated with all changes in quality of life, emotionally focused strategies showed inverse association with physical and environmental quality of life. Health care should help mothers living with HIV to actively cope with HIV together with political and community efforts to address their social vulnerability.
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Akinde Y, Groves AK, Nkwihoreze H, Aaron E, Alleyne G, Wright C, Jemmott J, Momplaisir FM. Assessing the Acceptability of a Peer Mentor Mother Intervention to Improve Retention in Care of Postpartum Women Living with HIV. Health Equity 2019; 3:336-342. [PMID: 31312780 PMCID: PMC6626970 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2019.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many women living with HIV (WLWH) experience poor postpartum retention in HIV care. There are limited evidence-based interventions in the United States aimed at increasing retention of WLWH postpartum; however, evidence from low-resource settings suggest that women who receive peer mentoring experience higher retention and viral suppression postpartum. Methods: We conducted 15 semistructured interviews with pregnant or postpartum women from an urban U.S. clinic to assess factors influencing maternal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and retention in HIV care. We then assessed the acceptability of a peer intervention in mitigating barriers to sustain adherence and retention in care postpartum. Interviews were audio taped, transcribed, and analyzed. Codes were developed and applied to all transcripts, and matrices were used to facilitate comparisons across different types of participants. Results: Participants included low-income black and Hispanic women with a mean age of 31 years (range 22–42). Social support and concern for infants' well-being were strong facilitators for engaging in care. Psychosocial challenges, such as stigma and isolation, fear of disclosure, and depression, negatively influenced adherence to ART and engagement in care. Regardless of their level of adherence to ART, women felt that peer mentoring would be an acceptable intervention to reinforce skill-related ART adherence and sustain engagement in care after delivery. Conclusion: A peer mentor mother program is a promising intervention that can improve the care continuum of pregnant and postpartum women in the United States. Messaging that maximizes maternal support and women's motivation to keep their infant healthy may leverage retention in care postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yetunde Akinde
- Department of Community and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allison K Groves
- Department of Community and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hervette Nkwihoreze
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, School of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Erika Aaron
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, AIDS Activities Coordinating Office, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gregg Alleyne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Charmaine Wright
- Department of Medicine, Center for Special Health Care Needs, Christiana Care, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - John Jemmott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Florence M Momplaisir
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, School of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Ndaimani A, Chitsike I, Haruzivishe C, Stray-Pedersen B. An Exploration of Barriers and Enablers of Retention in a Program to Reduce Vertical Transmission of HIV at Health Centers in Zimbabwe. Int J Prev Med 2019; 10:74. [PMID: 31198509 PMCID: PMC6547947 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_471_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poor retention in the prevention of women in prevention of vertical transmission programs remains a formidable common setback in elimination of HIV/AIDS. It creates new problems such as poor health outcomes and increased incidence of vertical transmission of HIV. There is a dearth of qualitative information to explain poor retention of women in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs in Zimbabwe. The purpose of the study was to explore the enablers and barriers of retention of women in PMTCT programs. Methods This was a basic qualitative study conducted at four health centers in Zimbabwe. Four audiotaped focus group discussions were conducted with 34 pregnant or breastfeeding women coming for PMTCT services at the health centers. Descriptive statistics was used for sample demographics. Transcripts were analyzed through latent content analysis based on the Graneheim and Lundman method. Results Maternal determination, a four-tier support system, and an inspiring health package were enablers to retention in the PMTCT program while uninspired individual engagement, paternalism, and undesirable PMTCT-related events were barriers to retention of women in the PMTCT program. Conclusions Reinforcing hope for the women and their children, active management of side effects of antiretroviral medicine, consistent peer support, enhancing confidentiality among community cadres, and commitment from community or religious leaders may improve retention of women in PMTCT programs; for women with HIV during pregnancy, delivery and post-natal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine Ndaimani
- Department of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Inam Chitsike
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Clara Haruzivishe
- Department of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Babill Stray-Pedersen
- Division of Women, Rikshospitalet, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Phillips TK, Myer L. Shifting to the long view: engagement of pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in lifelong antiretroviral therapy services. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2019; 17:349-361. [PMID: 30978126 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1607296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The advent of policies promoting lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV has shifted focus from short-term prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) to lifelong engagement in ART services. However, disengagement from care threatens the long-term treatment and prevention benefits of lifelong ART. Areas covered: A framework for considering the unique aspects of ART for pregnant and postpartum women is presented along with a review of the literature on maternal engagement in care in sub-Saharan Africa and a discussion of potential interventions to sustain engagement in lifelong ART. Expert opinion: Engaging women and mothers in ART services for life is critical for maternal health, PMTCT, and prevention of sexual transmission. Evidence-based interventions exist to support engagement in care but most focus on periods of mother-to-child transmission risk. In the long term, life transitions and health-care transfers are inevitable. Thus, interventions that can reach beyond a single facility or provide a bridge between health services should be prioritized. Multicomponent interventions will also be essential to address the numerous intersecting barriers to sustained engagement in ART services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin K Phillips
- a Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- a Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
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DiCarlo AL, Gachuhi AB, Mthethwa-Hleta S, Shongwe S, Hlophe T, Peters ZJ, Zerbe A, Myer L, Langwenya N, Okello V, Sahabo R, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H, Abrams EJ. Healthcare worker experiences with Option B+ for prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission in eSwatini: findings from a two-year follow-up study. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:210. [PMID: 30940149 PMCID: PMC6444445 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-3997-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) across sub-Saharan Africa has rapidly shifted towards Option B+, an approach in which all HIV+ pregnant and breastfeeding women initiate lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) independent of CD4+ count. Healthcare workers (HCW) are critical to the success of Option B+, yet little is known regarding HCW acceptability of Option B+, particularly over time. METHODS Ten health facilities in the Manzini and Lubombo regions of eSwatini transitioned from Option A to Option B+ between 2013 and 2014 as part of the Safe Generations study examining PMTCT retention. Fifty HCWs (5 per facility) completed questionnaires assessing feasibility and acceptability: (1) prior to transitioning to Option B+, (2) two months post transition, and (3) approximately 2 years post Option B+ transition. This analysis describes HCW perceptions and experiences two years after transitioning to Option B+. RESULTS Two years after transition, 80% of HCWs surveyed reported that Option B+ was easy for HCWs, noting that it was particularly easy to explain and coordinate. Immediate ART initiation also reduced delays by eliminating need for laboratory tests prior to ART initiation. Additionally, HCWs reported ease of patient follow-up (58%), documentation (56%), and counseling (58%) under Option B+. Findings also indicate that a majority of HCWs reported that their workloads increased under Option B+. Sixty-eight percent of HCWs at two years post-transition reported more work under Option B+, specifically noting increased involvement in adherence counseling, prescribing/monitoring medications, and appointment scheduling/tracking. Some HCWs attributed their higher workloads to increased client loads, now that all HIV-positive women were initiated on ART. New barriers to patient uptake, and issues related to retention, adherence, and follow-up were also noted as challenges face by HCW when implementing Option B+. CONCLUSIONS Overall, HCWs found Option B+ to be acceptable and feasible while providing critical insights into the practical issues of universal ART. Further strengthening of the healthcare system may be necessary to alleviate worker burden and to ensure effective monitoring of client retention and adherence. HCW perceptions and experiences with Option B+ should be considered more broadly as countries implement Option B+ and consider universal treatment for all HIV+ individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION http://clinicaltrials.gov NCT01891799 , registered on July 3, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby L. DiCarlo
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | | | | | - Siphesihle Shongwe
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | - Thabo Hlophe
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | - Zachary J. Peters
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | - Allison Zerbe
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nontokozo Langwenya
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Ruben Sahabo
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | | | - Elaine J. Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
- Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
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TOMITA A, VANDORMAEL A, BÄRNIGHAUSEN T, PHILLIPS A, PILLAY D, DE OLIVEIRA T, TANSER F. Sociobehavioral and community predictors of unsuppressed HIV viral load: multilevel results from a hyperendemic rural South African population. AIDS 2019; 33:559-569. [PMID: 30702520 PMCID: PMC6547375 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extensive antiretroviral therapy scale-up is expected to prevent onward transmission of HIV by reducing the overall community viral load. Despite multiple studies about predictors of detectable viral load derived from clinical setting, to date, no study has established such predictors using a population-based viral load survey in a sub-Saharan African hyperendemic setting to inform interventions designed to halt HIV transmission. We used one of Africa's largest prospective cohorts in rural KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, to establish the key sociodemographic, behavioral and community predictors of unsuppressed viral load at the population level. METHODS We collected 5454 viral load measurements from a population-based viral load survey of 3892 women living with HIV from a rural population during 2011, 2013 and 2014. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to examine the risk predictors of unsuppressed viral load. RESULTS Among women living with HIV in this population, the prevalence of unsuppressed viral load was 69% in 2011, 58% in 2013 and 53% in 2014. Although time since HIV infection was associated with lower risk for virologic detection [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.91,0.87-0.94], young women (aOR = 2.59,1.47-4.55) with extensive external migration history (aOR = 1.25,1.02-1.54), greater number of sexual partners (aOR = 1.30,1.02-1.67), and longer history of residing in an HIV incidence hotspot community were more likely to experience unsuppressed viral load (aOR = 1.12,1.06-1.19). CONCLUSION Young women, number of sexual partners, transiency and longer residence in an HIV hotspot community are important determinants of unsuppressed viral load in a hyperendemic rural African setting. To substantially reduce the persistently high transmission potential in these settings, targeted interventions to address these risk factors will be essential for both individual and population health gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew TOMITA
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alain VANDORMAEL
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Till BÄRNIGHAUSEN
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
- Heidelberg Institute for Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrew PHILLIPS
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Deenan PILLAY
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tulio DE OLIVEIRA
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Frank TANSER
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
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Retention in HIV Care During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period in the Option B+ Era: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies in Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 77:427-438. [PMID: 29287029 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Under Option B+ guidelines for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, pregnant and breastfeeding women initiate antiretroviral therapy for lifelong use. The objectives of this study were: (1) to synthesize data on retention in care over time in option B+ programs in Africa, and (2) to identify factors associated with retention in care. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and African Index Medicus were systematically searched from January 2012 to June 2017. Pooled estimates of the proportion of women retained were generated and factors associated with retention were analyzed thematically. RESULTS Thirty-five articles were included in the final review; 22 reported retention rates (n = 60,890) and 25 reported factors associated with retention. Pooled estimates of retention were 72.9% (95% confidence interval: 66.4% to 78.9%) at 6 months for studies reporting <12 months of follow-up and 76.4% (95% confidence interval: 69.0% to 83.1%) at 12 months for studies reporting ≥12 months of follow-up. Data on undocumented clinic transfers were largely absent. Risk factors for poor retention included younger age, initiating antiretroviral therapy on the same day as diagnosis, initiating during pregnancy versus breastfeeding, and initiating late in the pregnancy. Retention was compromised by stigma, fear of disclosure, and lack of social support. CONCLUSIONS Retention rates in prevention of mother-to-child transmission under option B+ were below those of the general adult population, necessitating interventions targeting the complex circumstances of women initiating care under option B+. Improved and standardized procedures to track and report retention are needed to accurately represent care engagement and capture undocumented transfers within the health system.
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Sileo KM, Wanyenze RK, Kizito W, Reed E, Brodine SK, Chemusto H, Musoke W, Mukasa B, Kiene SM. Multi-level Determinants of Clinic Attendance and Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence Among Fishermen Living with HIV/AIDS in Communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:406-417. [PMID: 29959718 PMCID: PMC6492274 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2207-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study assessed determinants of HIV clinic appointment attendance and antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence among 300 male fisherfolk on ART in Wakiso District, Uganda. Multi-level factors associated with missed HIV clinic visits included those at the individual (age, AOR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99), interpersonal (being single/separated from partner, AOR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.54), normative (anticipated HIV stigma, AOR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.05-2.29) and physical/built environment-level (travel time to the HIV clinic, AOR: 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.20; structural-barriers to ART adherence, AOR: 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.56; accessing care on a landing site vs. an island, AOR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.08-1.67). Factors associated with ART non-adherence included those at the individual (age, β: - 0.01, η2 = 0.03; monthly income, β: - 0.01, η2 = 0.02) and normative levels (anticipated HIV stigma, β: 0.10, η2 = 0.02; enacted HIV stigma, β: 0.11, η2 = 0.02). Differentiated models of HIV care that integrate stigma reduction and social support, and reduce the number of clinic visits needed, should be explored in this setting to reduce multi-level barriers to accessing HIV care and ART adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Sileo
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS at Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - R K Wanyenze
- Makerere School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - E Reed
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - S K Brodine
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - S M Kiene
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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