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Gabster A, Socha E, Pascale JM, Cabezas Talavero G, Castrellón A, Quiel Y, Gantes C, Mayaud P. Barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral adherence and retention in HIV care among people living with HIV in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, Panama. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270044. [PMID: 35709223 PMCID: PMC9202867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270044] [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: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Panama’s HIV epidemic is far from under control. One of the populations with the fastest-growing epidemic among the Indigenous peoples of the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé (CNB). The CNB is an administratively autonomous Indigenous region in Western Panama that is home to over 200,000 individuals of Ngäbe and Buglé ethnicities. This population is unique and, in several ways, represents the early stages of the AIDS epidemics in high-income countries. The CNB is the most impoverished region in Panama and is relatively isolated from outside influences, with limited roads, electricity, and an internet connection, including medical assistance. Around 1.5% of all rapid HIV tests are positive, compared to a national prevalence of 0.9%; in CNB, diagnosis tends to be late. In CNB, 56.3% of individuals had an initial CD4 count of <350 cells/mm3. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) dropout in this region is five times higher than the national average; there is high early mortality due to opportunistic infections. Using the Social-Ecological Theory for Health as a framework, this study aims to describe the facilitators and barriers associated with ART adherence and retention in HIV care among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the CNB. A better understanding of factors that obstruct adherence could lead to more effective HIV care and prevention in CNB. Methods We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with PLHIV who reside across all three regions of the CNB and have attended an antiretroviral (ART) clinic at least once. Deductive thematic analysis was used to uncover themes related ART adherence and retention in HIV care at the individual, social and structural levels. Discussion This unique, isolated population of rural Indigenous peoples has high infection rates, late diagnosis, poor ART adherence, and high AIDS-related death rates. The CNB is an important region to examen ART adherence and retention in care. We determined that psychological health, social support, and discrimination acted as individual-level facilitators and barriers to adherence and retention. Notably, structural barriers included difficult access to ART care due to travel costs, ART shortages, and uncooperative Western/Traditional medical systems. Recommended interventions used in other Low- and Middle-Income settings include increasing peer and family-level support and community knowledge and understanding of HIV infection. Additionally, our study suggests structural interventions, including decreasing the cost and distance of traveling to the ART clinic, by decentralizing services, decreasing food scarcity, and increasing collaboration between Western and Traditional providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gabster
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panamá, Panamá
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación, Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, Panamá, Panamá
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Eliana Socha
- Community Development Network of the Americas, Panamá, Panamá
| | - Juan Miguel Pascale
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panamá, Panamá
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá, Panamá
| | | | | | - Yaremis Quiel
- Ministerio de Salud, Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, Panamá, Panamá
| | - César Gantes
- Ministerio de Salud, Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, Panamá, Panamá
| | - Philippe Mayaud
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Johnson LF, Meyer-Rath G, Dorrington RE, Puren A, Seathlodi T, Zuma K, Feizzadeh A. The Effect of HIV Programs in South Africa on National HIV Incidence Trends, 2000-2019. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:115-123. [PMID: 35125471 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown HIV incidence declines at a population level in several African countries. However, these studies have not directly quantified the extent to which incidence declines are attributable to different HIV programs. METHODS We calibrated a mathematical model of the South African HIV epidemic to age- and sex-specific data from antenatal surveys, household surveys, and death registration, using a Bayesian approach. The model was also parameterized using data on self-reported condom use, voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), HIV testing, and antiretroviral treatment (ART). Model estimates of HIV incidence were compared against the incidence rates that would have been expected had each program not been implemented. RESULTS The model estimated incidence in 15-49 year olds of 0.84% (95% CI: 0.75% to 0.96%) at the start of 2019. This represents a 62% reduction (95% CI: 55% to 66%) relative to 2000, a 47% reduction (95% CI: 42% to 51%) relative to 2010, and a 73% reduction (95% CI: 68% to 77%) relative to the incidence that would have been expected in 2019 in the absence of any interventions. The reduction in incidence in 2019 because of interventions was greatest for ART and condom promotion, with VMMC and behavior change after HIV testing having relatively modest impacts. HIV program impacts differed significantly by age and sex, with condoms and VMMC having greatest impact in youth, and overall incidence reductions being greater in men than in women. CONCLUSIONS HIV incidence in South Africa has declined substantially since 2000, with ART and condom promotion contributing most significantly to this decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh F Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gesine Meyer-Rath
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Rob E Dorrington
- Centre for Actuarial Research, School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adrian Puren
- Division of Virology, School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thapelo Seathlodi
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khangelani Zuma
- Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa ; and
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53
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Nguyen Thu H, Nguyen Quynh A, Khuat Hai O, Le Thi Thanh H, Nguyen Thanh H. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on provision of HIV/AIDS services for key populations. Int J Health Plann Manage 2022; 37:2852-2868. [PMID: 35607717 PMCID: PMC9348422 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3508] [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: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated the obstacles for HIV/AIDS programs in limited-resource countries like Vietnam to achieve the HIV/AIDS-related Sustainable Development target. The paper aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of HIV/AIDS services-a pathway to achieving universal health coverage for key populations (KPs). Employing mix-methods, we conducted a desk study, one focus group discussion, and ten in-depth interviews with participants from the Ministry of Health, Provincial Centres for Disease Control, and HIV/AIDS-related facilities. The results showed the reduced coverage of KPs with access to prevention (i.e., harm-reduction services, counselling), testing, and treatment services (i.e., antiretroviral therapy, isoniazid preventive therapy). It also showed the reduced coverage of quality essential services, mainly in skipping consultation and testing, delaying un-emergency services, and redirecting KPs to non-HIV-specialised facilities. There was a gap in providing support for mental health, violence/abuse, and reproductive health. Financial risk protection for KPs was reduced due to uncertain local budget allocation; decreasing their ability to pay for HIV/AIDS-related services and social health insurance premiums; and increased out-of-pocket payments to comply with the COVID-19 control measures. This paper provides recommendations for strategic planning to ensure universal health coverage for KPs in the post COVID-19 era, especially for limited-resource countries like Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Nguyen Thu
- Department of Health Policy and Health Economics, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Anh Nguyen Quynh
- Department of Health Policy and Health Economics, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Oanh Khuat Hai
- Centre for Supporting Community Development Initiatives, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ha Le Thi Thanh
- Centre for Supporting Community Development Initiatives, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huong Nguyen Thanh
- Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
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54
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Duffy M, Madevu-Matson C, Posner JE, Zwick H, Sharer M, Powell AM. Systematic review: Development of a person-centered care framework within the context of HIV treatment settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:479-493. [PMID: 35316549 PMCID: PMC9324124 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Person‐centred care (PCC) meets the needs of individuals by increasing convenience, providing supportive and culturally appropriate services to diverse populations, and engaging families, communities, and stakeholders in planning and provision of care. While the evidence demonstrates that PCC approaches can lead to clinical improvements across the HIV care continuum, it is not yet well defined in the context of HIV service delivery. Methods A systematic review was conducted to define PCC practices for HIV treatment services in health facilities in sub‐Saharan Africa. Data synthesis led to the development of a PCC framework including domain and sub‐domain development. The study team used the Effective Public Health Project Practice tool for quantitative studies to assess the quality of the included studies. Results Thirty‐one studies from 12 countries met the inclusion criteria, including 56,586 study participants (females 42%–100% and males 0%—58%), resulting in three major domains and 11 sub‐domains. These include staffing (sub‐domains of composition, availability, and competency); service delivery standards (sub‐domains of client feedback mechanisms; service efficiency and integration; convenience and access; and digital health worker support tools); and direct client support services (sub‐domains of psychosocial services, logistics support, client‐agency, and digital client support tools). Twenty‐five of the person‐centred interventions within these domains resulted in improvements in linkage to care, treatment retention, and/or viral suppression. Conclusions The PCC framework can help to provide a more consistent classification of HIV treatment interventions and will support improved assessment of these interventions to ensure that people receive personalised care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malia Duffy
- International Division, John Snow, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Public Health, Saint Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Jessica E Posner
- International Division, John Snow, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hana Zwick
- International Division, John Snow, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Melissa Sharer
- International Division, John Snow, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Public Health, Saint Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA
| | - Antonia M Powell
- International Division, John Snow, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Sithole N, Koole O, Sausi K, Krows M, Schaafsma T, Van Heerden A, Shahmanesh M, van Rooyen H, Celum C, Barnabas RV, Shapiro AE. Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Testing Kits to Social and Sexual Networks of PLWH in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A Brief Report. Front Public Health 2022; 10:855625. [PMID: 35570932 PMCID: PMC9092373 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.855625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To reach 95% of persons living with HIV (PLWH) knowing their HIV status, alternative testing approaches such as HIV self-testing (HIVST) and secondary HIVST kit distribution are needed. We investigated if secondary HIVST kit distribution from male and female PLWH in South Africa would successfully lead to their contacts testing for HIV and linking to care if positive. Methods Male and female PLWH participating in an HIV treatment trial between July and November 2018 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were offered participation as "HIVST kit distributors" in a pilot of secondary distribution of HIVST kits to give to sexual partners and social networks. Univariate descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of volunteer distributors, proportion of HIVST recipients who reported their results, and linkage to care among those who tested positive using HIVST were assessed. Results Sixty-three participant kit distributors accepted kits to disperse to contacts, of whom 52% were female, median age was 34 years (IQR 26-42.5), 84% reported 1 sexual partner and 76% did not know their partner's HIV status. HIVST kit distributors took 218 kits, with 13/218 (6%) of kits reported to be intended to be given to a sexual partner. A total of 143 HIVST recipients reported their HIVST results; 92% reported their results were negative, 11 recipients reported positive results and 1 HIVST-positive recipient was linked to HIV care. Conclusion Secondary distribution of HIVST to social networks and sexual partners from South African PLWH is feasible, with two thirds of contacts reporting use of the HIVST kits. Additional support is necessary to facilitate linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nsika Sithole
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
| | - Olivier Koole
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kombi Sausi
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, South Africa
| | - Meighan Krows
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Torin Schaafsma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alastair Van Heerden
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, South Africa
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, South Africa
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Adrienne E. Shapiro
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Chidumwa G, Chimbindi N, Herbst C, Okeselo N, Dreyer J, Zuma T, Smith T, Molina JM, Khoza T, McGrath N, Seeley J, Pillay D, Tanser F, Harling G, Sherr L, Copas A, Baisley K, Shahmanesh M. Isisekelo Sempilo study protocol for the effectiveness of HIV prevention embedded in sexual health with or without peer navigator support (Thetha Nami) to reduce prevalence of transmissible HIV amongst adolescents and young adults in rural KwaZulu-Natal: a 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:454. [PMID: 35255859 PMCID: PMC8900304 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12796-8] [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: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) through universal test and treat (UTT) and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) substantially reduces HIV-related mortality, morbidity and incidence. Effective individual-level prevention modalities have not translated into population-level impact in southern Africa due to sub-optimal coverage among adolescents and youth who are hard to engage. We aim to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary population level effectiveness of HIV prevention services with or without peer support to reduce prevalence of transmissible HIV amongst adolescents and young adults in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods We are conducting a 2 × 2 factorial trial among young men and women aged 16–29 years, randomly selected from the Africa Health Research Institute demographic surveillance area. Participants are randomly allocated to one of four intervention combinations: 1) Standard of Care (SOC): nurse-led services for HIV testing plus ART if positive or PrEP for those eligible and negative; 2) Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH): Baseline self-collected vaginal and urine samples with study-organized clinic appointments for results, treatment and delivery of HIV testing, ART and PrEP integrated with SRH services; 3) Peer-support: Study referral of participants to a peer navigator to assess their health, social and educational needs and provide risk-informed HIV prevention, including facilitating clinic attendance; or 4) SRH + peer-support. The primary outcomes for effectiveness are: (1) the proportion of individuals with infectious HIV at 12 months and (2) uptake of risk-informed comprehensive HIV prevention services within 60 days of enrolment. At 12 months, all participants will be contacted at home and the study team will collect a dried blood spot for HIV ELISA and HIV viral load testing. Discussion This trial will enable us to understand the relative importance of SRH and peer support in creating demand for effective and risk informed biomedical HIV prevention and preliminary data on their effectiveness on reducing the prevalence of transmissible HIV amongst all adolescents and youth. Trial registration Trial Registry: clincialtrials.gov. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04532307. Registered: March 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glory Chidumwa
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Natsayi Chimbindi
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK.,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carina Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nonhlanhla Okeselo
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Jaco Dreyer
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK.,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Theresa Smith
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Jean-Michel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospitals Saint-Louis and Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - Thandeka Khoza
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Deenan Pillay
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Lincoln University, London,, UK
| | - Guy Harling
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK.,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK
| | - Andrew Copas
- UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK
| | - Kathy Baisley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. .,UCL Institute for Global Health, 3rd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JP, UK. .,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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Bogart LM, Shazi Z, MacCarthy S, Mendoza-Graf A, Wara NJ, Zionts D, Dube N, Govere S, Bassett IV. Implementation of South Africa's Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Program for HIV Treatment: A Qualitative Evaluation. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2600-2612. [PMID: 35122215 PMCID: PMC8815398 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We used the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model to evaluate implementation of South Africa’s Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program, a differentiated service delivery program which allows clinically stable HIV-positive patients to receive antiretroviral therapy refills at clinic- or community-based pick-up points. Across ten clinics, we conducted 109 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (pick-up point staff, CCMDD service providers and administrators) and 16 focus groups with 138 patients. Participants had highly favorable attitudes and said CCMDD decreased stigma concerns. Patient-level barriers included inadequate education about CCMDD and inability to get refills on designated dates. Organizational-level barriers included challenges with communication and transportation, errors in medication packaging and tracking, rigid CCMDD rules, and inadequate infrastructure. Recommendations included: (1) provide patient education and improve communication around refills (at the patient level); (2) provide dedicated space and staff, and ongoing training (at the organizational/clinic level); and (3) allow for prescription renewal at pick-up points and less frequent refills, and provide feedback to clinics (at the CCMDD program level).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Bogart
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA.
| | - Zinhle Shazi
- AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sarah MacCarthy
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Nafisa J Wara
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dani Zionts
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nduduzo Dube
- AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Roberts DA, Cuadros D, Vandormael A, Gareta D, Barnabas RV, Herbst K, Tanser F, Akullian A. Predicting the Risk of Hiv-1 Acquisition in Rural South Africa Using Geospatial Data. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1224-1231. [PMID: 35100612 PMCID: PMC9525068 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac069] [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: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accurate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk assessment can guide optimal HIV prevention. We evaluated the performance of risk prediction models incorporating geospatial measures. Methods We developed and validated HIV risk prediction models in a population-based cohort in South Africa. Individual-level covariates included demographic and sexual behavior measures, and geospatial covariates included community HIV prevalence and viral load estimates. We trained models on 2012–2015 data using LASSO Cox models and validated predictions in 2016–2019 data. We compared full models to simpler models restricted to only individual-level covariates or only age and geospatial covariates. We compared the spatial distribution of predicted risk to that of high incidence areas (≥ 3/100 person-years). Results Our analysis included 19 556 individuals contributing 44 871 person-years and 1308 seroconversions. Incidence among the highest predicted risk quintile using the full model was 6.6/100 person-years (women) and 2.8/100 person-years (men). Models using only age group and geospatial covariates had similar performance (women: AUROC = 0.65, men: AUROC = 0.71) to the full models (women: AUROC = 0.68, men: AUROC = 0.72). Geospatial models more accurately identified high incidence regions than individual-level models; 20% of the study area with the highest predicted risk accounted for 60% of the high incidence areas when using geospatial models but only 13% using models with only individual-level covariates. Conclusions Geospatial models with no individual measures other than age group predicted HIV risk nearly as well as models that included detailed behavioral data. Geospatial models may help guide HIV prevention efforts to individuals and geographic areas at highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Allen Roberts
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Diego Cuadros
- Department of Geography, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Alain Vandormael
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dickman Gareta
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kobus Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,DSI-MRC South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN), Durban, South Africa
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom.,School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Adam Akullian
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Institute for Disease Modeling, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, USA
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Bassett IV, Yan J, Govere S, Khumalo A, Ngobese N, Shazi Z, Nzuza M, Bunda BA, Wara NJ, Stuckwisch A, Zionts D, Dube N, Tshabalala S, Bogart LM, Parker RA. Uptake of community‐ versus clinic‐based antiretroviral therapy dispensing in the Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution program in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25877. [PMID: 35077611 PMCID: PMC8789242 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25877] [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: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Africa's government‐led Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program offers people living with HIV the option to collect antiretroviral therapy at their choice of community‐ or clinic‐based pick‐up points intended to increase convenience and decongest clinics. To understand CCMDD pick‐up point use among people living with HIV, we evaluated factors associated with uptake of a community‐ versus clinic‐based pick‐up point at CCMDD enrolment. Methods We collected baseline data from October 2018 to March 2020 on adults (≥18 years) who met CCMDD clinical eligibility criteria (non‐pregnant, on antiretroviral therapy for ≥1 year and virologically suppressed) as part of an observational cohort in seven public clinics in KwaZulu‐Natal. We identified factors associated with community‐based pick‐up point uptake and fit a multivariable logistic regression model, including age, gender, employment status, self‐perceived barriers to care, self‐efficacy, HIV‐related discrimination, and perceived benefits and challenges of CCMDD. Results and Discussion Among 1521 participants, 67% were females, with median age 36 years (IQR 30–44). Uptake of a community‐based pick‐up point was associated with younger age (aOR 1.18 per 10‐year decrease, 95% CI 1.05–1.33), being employed ≥40 hours per week (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10–1.83) versus being unemployed, no self‐perceived barriers to care (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.09–1.86) and scoring between 36 and 39 (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.03–2.01) or 40 (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.39–2.63) versus 10–35 on the self‐efficacy scale, where higher scores indicate greater self‐efficacy. Additional factors included more convenient pick‐up point location (aOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.77–3.04) or hours (aOR 5.09, 95% CI 3.71–6.98) as perceived benefits of CCMDD, and lack of in‐clinic follow‐up after a missed collection date as a perceived challenge of CCMDD (aOR 4.37, 95% CI 2.30–8.31). Conclusions Uptake of community‐based pick‐up was associated with younger age, full‐time employment, and systemic and structural factors of living with HIV (no self‐perceived barriers to care and high self‐efficacy), as well as perceptions of CCMDD (convenient pick‐up point location and hours, lack of in‐clinic follow‐up). Strategies to facilitate community‐based pick‐up point uptake should be tailored to patients’ age, employment, self‐perceived barriers to care and self‐efficacy to maximize the impact of CCMDD in decongesting clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid V. Bassett
- Massachusetts General Hospital Division of Infectious Diseases Boston Massachusetts USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center Boston Massachusetts USA
- Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Harvard University Boston Massachusetts USA
- Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Joyce Yan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Biostatistics Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bridget A. Bunda
- Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Nafisa J. Wara
- Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Ashley Stuckwisch
- Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Dani Zionts
- Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | - Sandile Tshabalala
- South Africa Department of Health Province of KwaZulu‐Natal South Africa
| | | | - Robert A. Parker
- Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Harvard University Boston Massachusetts USA
- Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Biostatistics Center Boston Massachusetts USA
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60
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Mubiana-Mbewe M. Reaching the third 95 using community ART delivery models. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e2-e3. [PMID: 34843673 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(21)00271-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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61
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Sithole N, Gunda R, Koole O, Krows M, Schaafsma T, Moshabela M, Siedner MJ, Celum C, Barnabas RV. Undisclosed Antiretroviral Therapy Use at Primary Health Care Clinics in Rural KwaZulu Natal South Africa: A DO-ART Trial Sub-study. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3695-3703. [PMID: 34097208 PMCID: PMC8560667 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03319-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Accurate reporting of antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake is crucial for measuring the success of epidemic control. Programs without linked electronic medical records are susceptible to duplicating ART initiation events. We assessed the prevalence of undisclosed ART use at the time of treatment initiation and explored its correlates among people presenting to public ambulatory clinics in South Africa. Data were analyzed from the community-based delivery of ART (DO ART) clinical trial, which recruited people living with HIV who presented for ART initiation at two clinics in rural South Africa. We collected data on socioeconomic factors, clinical factors, and collected blood as part of study screening procedures. We estimated the proportion of individuals presenting for ART initiation with viral load suppression (< 20 copies/mL) and fitted regression models to identify social and clinical correlates of non-disclosure of ART use. We also explored clinical and national databases to identify records of ART use. Finally, to confirm surreptitious ART use, we measured tenofovir (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC) levels in dried blood spots. A total of 193 people were screened at the two clinics. Approximately 60% (n = 114) were female, 40% (n = 78) reported a prior HIV test, 23% (n = 44) had disclosed to a partner, and 31% (n = 61) had a partner with HIV. We found that 32% (n = 62) of individuals presenting for ART initiation or re-initiation had an undetectable viral load. In multivariable regression models, female sex (AOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.08-4.30), having a prior HIV test and having disclosed their HIV status (AOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.13-5.46), and having a partner with HIV (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 0.95-3.96) were associated with having an undetectable viral load. In records we reviewed, we found evidence of ART use from either clinical or laboratory databases in 68% (42/62) and detected either TDF or FTC in 60% (37/62) of individuals with an undetectable viral load. Undisclosed ART use was present in approximately one in three individuals presenting for ART initiation or re-initiation at ambulatory HIV clinics in South Africa. These results have important implications for ART resource use and planning in the region. A better understanding of reasons for non-disclosure of ART at primary health care clinics in such settings is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nsika Sithole
- Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele campus, R618 en Route To Hlabisa, Mtubatuba, 3935, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - Resign Gunda
- Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele campus, R618 en Route To Hlabisa, Mtubatuba, 3935, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Olivier Koole
- Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele campus, R618 en Route To Hlabisa, Mtubatuba, 3935, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Meighan Krows
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Torin Schaafsma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele campus, R618 en Route To Hlabisa, Mtubatuba, 3935, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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62
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Kintu TM, Ssewanyana AM, Kyagambiddwa T, Nampijja PM, Apio PK, Kitaka J, Kabakyenga JK. Exploring drivers and barriers to the utilization of community client-led ART delivery model in South-Western Uganda: patients' and health workers' experiences. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1129. [PMID: 34670564 PMCID: PMC8527820 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an effort to accommodate the growing number of HIV clients, improve retention in care and reduce health care burden, the differentiated service delivery (DSD) models were introduced in 2014. One such model, Community Client-Led ART Delivery (CCLAD) was rolled out in Uganda in 2017. The extent of utilization of this model has not been fully studied. The aim of the study was to explore the patients' and health workers' experiences on the utilization of CCLAD model at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV, south western Uganda. METHODS This was a descriptive study employing qualitative methods. The study had 68 purposively selected participants who participated in 10 focus group discussions with HIV clients enrolled in CCLAD; 10 in-depth interviews with HIV clients not enrolled in CCLAD and 6 in-depth interviews with the health workers. Key informant interviews were held with the 2 focal persons for DSD. The discussions and interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and then translated. Both deductive and inductive approaches were employed to analyse the data using in NVivo software. RESULTS Patients' and health workers' experiences in this study were categorized as drivers and barriers to the utilization of the CCLAD model. The main drivers for utilization of this model at different levels were: individual (reduced costs, living positively with HIV, improved patient self-management), community (peer support and contextual factors) and health system (reduced patient congestion at the health centre, caring health workers as well as CCLAD sensitization by health workers). However, significant barriers to the utilization of this community-based model were: individual (personal values and preferences, lack of commitment of CCLAD group members), community (stigma, gender bias) and health system (frequent drug stockouts, certain implementation challenges, fluctuating implementing partner priorities, shortage of trained health workers and insufficient health education by health workers). CONCLUSION Based on our findings the CCLAD model is meeting the objectives set out by Differentiated Service Delivery for HIV care and treatment. Notwithstanding the benefits, challenges remain which call on the Ministry of Health and other implementing partners to address these hindrances to facilitate the scalability, sustainability and the realisation of the full-range of benefits that the model presents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Mwanje Kintu
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Anna Maria Ssewanyana
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Tonny Kyagambiddwa
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Pretty Mariam Nampijja
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Patience Kevin Apio
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jessica Kitaka
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jerome Kahuma Kabakyenga
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda.
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Gilbert HN, Wyatt MA, Pisarski EE, Asiimwe S, van Rooyen H, Seeley J, Shahmanesh M, Turyamureeba B, van Heerden A, Adeagbo O, Celum CL, Barnabas RV, Ware NC. How community ART delivery may improve HIV treatment outcomes: Qualitative inquiry into mechanisms of effect in a randomized trial of community-based ART initiation, monitoring and re-supply (DO ART) in South Africa and Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25821. [PMID: 34624173 PMCID: PMC8500674 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction UNAIDS fast track targets for ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 call for viral suppression in 95% of people using antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat HIV infection. Difficulties in linking to care following a positive HIV test have impeded progress towards meeting treatment targets. Community‐based HIV services may reduce linkage barriers and have been associated with high retention and favourable clinical outcomes. We use qualitative data from The Delivery Optimization of Antiretroviral Therapy (DO ART) Study, a three‐arm randomized trial of community ART initiation, monitoring and re‐supply conducted in western Uganda and KwaZulu‐Natal South Africa, to identify mechanisms through which community ART delivery may improve treatment outcomes, defined as viral suppression in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods We conducted open‐ended interviews with a purposeful sample of 150 DO ART participants across study arms and study sites, from October 2016 to November 2019. Interviews covered experiences of: (1) HIV testing; (2) initiating and refilling ART; and (3) participating in the DO ART Study. A combined inductive content analytic and thematic approach was used to characterize mechanisms through which community delivery of ART may have contributed to viral suppression in the DO ART trial. Results The analysis yielded four potential mechanisms drawn from qualitative data representing the perspectives and priorities of DO ART participants. Empowering participants to schedule, re‐schedule and select the locations of community‐based visits via easy phone contact with clinical staff is characterized as flexibility. Integration refers to combining the components of clinic‐based visits into single interaction with a healthcare provider. Providers” willingness to talk at length with participants during visits, addressing non‐HIV as well as HIV‐related concerns, is termed “a slower pace”. Finally, increased efficiency denotes the time savings and increased income‐generating opportunities for participants brought about by delivering services in the community. Conclusions Understanding the mechanisms through which HIV service delivery innovations produce an effect is key to transferability and potential scale‐up. The perspectives and priorities of PLHIV can indicate actionable changes for HIV care programs that may increase engagement in care and improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N Gilbert
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monique A Wyatt
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Global, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily E Pisarski
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Integrated Community-based Initiatives, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janet Seeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alastair van Heerden
- Human Sciences Research Council, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Connie L Celum
- Departments of Global Health and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Departments of Global Health and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Norma C Ware
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Kopo M, Kao M, Muhairwe J, Bresser M, Räber F, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Glass TR, Labhardt ND. Offering ART refill through community health workers versus clinic-based follow-up after home-based same-day ART initiation in rural Lesotho: The VIBRA cluster-randomized clinical trial. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003839. [PMID: 34673765 PMCID: PMC8568187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) dispensing by lay workers is an important differentiated service delivery model in sub-Sahara Africa. However, patients new in care are generally excluded from such models. Home-based same-day ART initiation is becoming widespread practice, but linkage to the clinic is challenging. The pragmatic VIBRA (Village-Based Refill of ART) trial compared ART refill by existing lay village health workers (VHWs) versus clinic-based refill after home-based same-day ART initiation. METHODS AND FINDINGS The VIBRA trial is a cluster-randomized open-label clinical superiority trial conducted in 249 rural villages in the catchment areas of 20 health facilities in 2 districts (Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong) in Lesotho. In villages (clusters) randomized to the intervention arm, individuals found to be HIV-positive during a door-to-door HIV testing campaign were offered same-day ART initiation with the option of refill by VHWs. The trained VHWs dispensed drugs and scheduled clinic visits for viral load measurement at 6 and 12 months. In villages randomized to the control arm, participants were offered same-day ART initiation with clinic-based ART refill. The primary outcome was 12-month viral suppression. Secondary endpoints included linkage and 12-month engagement in care. Analyses were intention-to-treat. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03630549). From 16 August 2018 until 28 May 2019, 118 individuals from 108 households in 57 clusters in the intervention arm, and 139 individuals from 130 households in 60 clusters in the control arm, were enrolled (150 [58%] female; median age 36 years [interquartile range 30-48]; 200 [78%] newly diagnosed). In the intervention arm, 48/118 (41%) opted for VHW refill. At 12 months, 46/118 (39%) participants in the intervention arm and 64/139 (46%) in the control arm achieved viral suppression (adjusted risk difference -0.07 [95% CI -0.20 to 0.06]; p = 0.256). Arms were similar in linkage (adjusted risk difference 0.03 [-0.10 to 0.16]; p = 0.630), but engagement in care was non-significantly lower in the intervention arm (adjusted risk difference -0.12 [-0.23 to 0.003]; p = 0.058). Seven and 0 deaths occurred in the intervention and control arm, respectively. Of the intervention participants who did not opt for drug refill from the VHW at enrollment, 41/70 (59%) mentioned trust or conflict issues as the primary reason. Study limitations include a rather small sample size, 9% missing viral load measurements in the primary endpoint window, the low uptake of the VHW refill option in the intervention arm, and substantial migration among the study population. CONCLUSIONS The offer of village-based ART refill after same-day initiation led to similar outcomes as clinic-based refill. The intervention did not amplify the effect of home-based same-day ART initiation alone. The findings raise concerns about acceptance and safety of ART delivered by lay health workers after initiation in the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03630549).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Moniek Bresser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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65
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Boyd AT, Jahun I, Dirlikov E, Greby S, Odafe S, Abdulkadir A, Odeyemi O, Dalhatu I, Ogbanufe O, Abutu A, Asaolu O, Bamidele M, Onyenuobi C, Efuntoye T, Fagbamigbe JO, Ene U, Fagbemi A, Tingir N, Meribe C, Ayo A, Bassey O, Nnadozie O, Boyd MA, Onotu D, Gwamna J, Okoye M, Abrams W, Alagi M, Oladipo A, Williams-Sherlock M, Bachanas P, Chun H, Carpenter D, Miller DA, Ijeoma U, Nwaohiri A, Dakum P, Mensah CO, Aliyu A, Oyeledun B, Okonkwo P, Oko JO, Ikpeazu A, Aliyu G, Ellerbrock T, Swaminathan M. Expanding access to HIV services during the COVID-19 pandemic-Nigeria, 2020. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:62. [PMID: 34538268 PMCID: PMC8449993 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To accelerate progress toward the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria country office (CDC Nigeria) initiated an Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Surge in 2019 to identify and link 340,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) to ART. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threatened to interrupt ART Surge progress following the detection of the first case in Nigeria in February 2020. To overcome this disruption, CDC Nigeria designed and implemented adapted ART Surge strategies during February-September 2020. METHODS Adapted ART Surge strategies focused on continuing expansion of HIV services while mitigating COVID-19 transmission. Key strategies included an intensified focus on community-based, rather than facility-based, HIV case-finding; immediate initiation of newly-diagnosed PLHIV on 3-month ART starter packs (first ART dispense of 3 months of ART); expansion of ART distribution through community refill sites; and broadened access to multi-month dispensing (MMD) (3-6 months ART) among PLHIV established in care. State-level weekly data reporting through an Excel-based dashboard and individual PLHIV-level data from the Nigeria National Data Repository facilitated program monitoring. RESULTS During February-September 2020, the reported number of PLHIV initiating ART per month increased from 11,407 to 25,560, with the proportion found in the community increasing from 59 to 75%. The percentage of newly-identified PLHIV initiating ART with a 3-month ART starter pack increased from 60 to 98%. The percentage of on-time ART refill pick-ups increased from 89 to 100%. The percentage of PLHIV established in care receiving at least 3-month MMD increased from 77 to 93%. Among PLHIV initiating ART, 6-month retention increased from 74 to 92%. CONCLUSIONS A rapid and flexible HIV program response, focused on reducing facility-based interactions while ensuring delivery of lifesaving ART, was critical in overcoming COVID-19-related service disruptions to expand access to HIV services in Nigeria during the first eight months of the pandemic. High retention on ART among PLHIV initiating treatment indicates immediate MMD in this population may be a sustainable practice. HIV program infrastructure can be leveraged and adapted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T. Boyd
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Ibrahim Jahun
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Emilio Dirlikov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Stacie Greby
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Solomon Odafe
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Alhassan Abdulkadir
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation, University of Maryland School of Medicine Nigeria Program, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Olugbenga Odeyemi
- Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation, University of Maryland School of Medicine Nigeria Program, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Dalhatu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Obinna Ogbanufe
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Andrew Abutu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Olugbenga Asaolu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Moyosola Bamidele
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Chibuzor Onyenuobi
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Timothy Efuntoye
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Johnson O. Fagbamigbe
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Uzoma Ene
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Ayodele Fagbemi
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Nguhemen Tingir
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Chidozie Meribe
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Adeola Ayo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Orji Bassey
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Obinna Nnadozie
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Mary Adetinuke Boyd
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Dennis Onotu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Jerry Gwamna
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - McPaul Okoye
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - William Abrams
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Matthias Alagi
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Ademola Oladipo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Michelle Williams-Sherlock
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Pamela Bachanas
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Helen Chun
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Deborah Carpenter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - David A. Miller
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Ugonna Ijeoma
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Anuli Nwaohiri
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Patrick Dakum
- Institute of Human Virology (IHVN), Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Charles O. Mensah
- Institute of Human Virology (IHVN), Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Ahmad Aliyu
- Institute of Human Virology (IHVN), Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Bolanle Oyeledun
- Center for Integrated Health Program (CIHP), Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Prosper Okonkwo
- AIDS Prevention Initiative Nigeria (APIN), Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - John O. Oko
- Catholic Caritas Foundation Nigeria (CCFN), Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | | | - Gambo Aliyu
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
| | - Tedd Ellerbrock
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
| | - Mahesh Swaminathan
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria, Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria
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Kikaire B, Ssemanda M, Asiimwe A, Nakanwagi M, Rwegyema T, Seruwagi G, Lawoko S, Asiimwe E, Wamundu C, Musinguzi A, Lugada E, Turesson E, Laverentz M, Bwayo D. HIV viral load suppression following intensive adherence counseling among people living with HIV on treatment at military-managed health facilities in Uganda. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 112:45-51. [PMID: 34481969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uniformed service personnel have an increased risk of poor viral load suppression (VLS). This study was performed to evaluate the outcomes of interventions to improve VLS in the 28 military health facilities in Uganda. METHODS This operational research was conducted between October 2018 and September 2019, among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the 28 health facilities managed by the military in Uganda. Patients with a viral load (VL) >1000 copies/ml received three sessions of intensive adherence counselling (IAC), 1 month apart, after which a repeat VL was done. The main outcome was the proportion with a suppressed VL following IAC. RESULTS Of the 965 participants included in this analysis, 592 (61.4%) were male and 367 (38.3%) were female. Average age was 35.5 ± 13.7 years, and 87.8% had at least one IAC session. At least 48.2% had a suppressed repeat VL. IAC increased the odds of VLS by 82% (P = 0.004), with adjusted OR of 1.56 (P = 0.054). An initial VL >10 000 copies/ml, being on antiretroviral therapy for at least 2 years, being male, and being <18 years of age were associated with repeat VL non-suppression. CONCLUSIONS IAC marginally improved VL suppression. There is a need to improve IAC in military health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Kikaire
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Michael Ssemanda
- University Research Co., LLC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Asiimwe
- University Research Co., LLC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), Kampala, Uganda; Directorate of HIV, Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Miriam Nakanwagi
- University Research Co., LLC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Twaha Rwegyema
- University Research Co., LLC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gloria Seruwagi
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Evarlyne Asiimwe
- Directorate of HIV, Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Cassette Wamundu
- Directorate of HIV, Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ambrose Musinguzi
- Directorate of HIV, Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eric Lugada
- University Research Co., LLC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Turesson
- University Research Co., LLC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Marni Laverentz
- University Research Co., LLC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Denis Bwayo
- University Research Co., LLC, Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), Kampala, Uganda
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Odom KJ, Ottosson A, Draru J, Komujuni H, Karamagi Nkolo EK, Faramand TH. Improving viral load suppression among men and children active in care through community-designed and led solutions: Protocol for retrospective closed cohort study in Eastern Uganda (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 11:e32784. [PMID: 35416790 PMCID: PMC9047743 DOI: 10.2196/32784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In collaboration with facilities, communities, district local government, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) implementing partners, the iDARE methodology was implemented at the community level to address root causes of low HIV antiretroviral therapy adherence among men and children actively enrolled in care, resulting in low viral load suppression (VLS) in two districts in the eastern region of Uganda. The methodology encourages the use of cocreated sustainable solutions addressing gender, youth, and social inclusion issues to reduce barriers to care and reach the 95-95-95 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS target for HIV epidemic control. We aim to measure the impact of iDARE on VLS for men and children active in care and investigate the practical scale up of the solutions designed using the iDARE methodology. Objective The primary objective of this study will be to measure the implementation impact of the iDARE methodology at the facility and community levels on VLS for people living with HIV. The secondary objective is to investigate the practical scale up of the iDARE methodology using evidence-based gender, youth, and social inclusion social behavior change packages to rapidly meet the Ugandan Ministry of Health targets for VLS. Methods A retrospective cohort study design will be used to analyze program data that aims to increase the rates of VLS in men and children who are classified as active in care using community engagement and quality improvement techniques. We will examine 3 pilot health centers’ data from a USAID-funded program aimed at social behavior change to increase health-seeking behavior in Uganda. Based on the iDARE process and results, change packages were developed to highlight lessons learned and best practices in order to share with subsequent implementation sites. Results The USAID-funded Social and Behavior Change Activity began implementation of iDARE in September 2020, with baseline data collected in August 2020. Conclusions Data on viral load suppression was collected from facilities on a monthly basis to record progress toward the 95-95-95 goal. The expected primary outcome is an increase in actively enrolled men and children reaching VLS in order to meet the Ugandan Ministry of Health target of 95% VLS among those active in care. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/32784
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Sithole N, Shahmanesh M, Koole O, Krows M, Schaafsma T, Siedner MJ, Celum C, Barnabas RV, Shapiro AE. Implementation of HIV Self-Testing to Reach Men in Rural uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. a DO-ART Trial Sub Study. Front Public Health 2021; 9:652887. [PMID: 34414151 PMCID: PMC8368982 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.652887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally. Persons <35 years and men have lower rates of HIV testing. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may overcome many barriers of facility-based HIV testing in order to identify HIV positive young persons and men and link them to care. We investigated whether HIVST distribution was a feasible approach to reach men and assessed the proportion of participants who reported their HIVST results, tested positive and linked to care. Methods: Teams comprised of a nurse, clinic research assistant, and recruiters distributed HIVST kits in rural uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal from August-November 2018 with a focus on testing men. Workplaces (farms), social venues, taxi ranks, and homesteads were used as HIVST kit distribution points following community sensitisation through community advisory boards and community leaders. HIVST kits, demonstration of use, and small incentives to report testing outcomes were provided. The Department of Health provided confirmatory testing and HIV care at clinics. Results: Over 11 weeks in late 2018, we distributed 2,634 HIVST kits of which 2,113 (80%) were distributed to persons aged <35 years, 2,591 (98%) to men and 356 (14%) to first time testers. Of the HIVST distributed, 2,107 (80%) reported their results to the study team, and 157 (7%) tested positive. Of persons who tested positive, 107/130 (82%) reported having a confirmatory test of which 102/107 (95%) were positive and initiated on ART. No emergencies or social harms were reported. Conclusion: Large scale distribution of HIVST kits targeting men in rural KwaZulu-Natal is feasible and highly effective in reaching men, including those who had not previously tested for HIV. While two-thirds of persons who tested HIV positive initiated ART, additional linkage strategies are needed for those who do not link after HIVST. HIVST should be used as a tool to reach men in order to achieve 95% coverage in the UNAIDS testing and care cascade in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nsika Sithole
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olivier Koole
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Meighan Krows
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Torin Schaafsma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mark J. Siedner
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Adrienne E. Shapiro
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Yapa HM, Kim HY, Petoumenos K, Post FA, Jiamsakul A, De Neve JW, Tanser F, Iwuji C, Baisley K, Shahmanesh M, Pillay D, Siedner MJ, Bärnighausen T, Bor J. CD4+ T-Cell Count at Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in the "Treat-All" Era in Rural South Africa: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:1350-1359. [PMID: 34309633 PMCID: PMC9049265 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa implemented universal test and treat (UTT) in September 2016 in an effort to encourage earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS We therefore conducted an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to assess the impact of UTT on mean CD4 count at ART initiation among adults aged ≥16 years attending 17 public sector primary care clinics in rural South Africa, between July 2014 and March 2019. RESULTS Among 20 599 individuals (69% women), CD4 counts were available for 74%. Mean CD4 at ART initiation increased from 317.1 cells/μL (95% confidence interval [CI], 308.6 to 325.6) 1 to 8 months prior to UTT to 421.0 cells/μL (95% CI, 413.0 to 429.0) 1 to 12 months after UTT, including an immediate increase of 124.2 cells/μL (95% CI, 102.2 to 146.1). However, mean CD4 count subsequently fell to 389.5 cells/μL (95% CI, 381.8 to 397.1) 13 to 30 months after UTT but remained above pre-UTT levels. Men initiated ART at lower CD4 counts than women (-118.2 cells/μL, 95% CI, -125.5 to -111.0) throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS Although UTT led to an immediate increase in CD4 count at ART initiation in this rural community, the long-term effects were modest. More efforts are needed to increase initiation of ART early in those living with human immunodeficiency virus, particularly men.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Manisha Yapa
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South WalesSydney, NSW, Australia,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,Correspondence: H. Manisha Yapa, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, University of New South Wales, High Street, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia ()
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathy Petoumenos
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South WalesSydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Frank A Post
- King’s College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Awachana Jiamsakul
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South WalesSydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jan-Walter De Neve
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Kathy Baisley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deenan Pillay
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany,Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacob Bor
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,Department of Global Health and Epidemiology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Shahmanesh M, Okesola N, Chimbindi N, Zuma T, Mdluli S, Mthiyane N, Adeagbo O, Dreyer J, Herbst C, McGrath N, Harling G, Sherr L, Seeley J. Thetha Nami: participatory development of a peer-navigator intervention to deliver biosocial HIV prevention for adolescents and youth in rural South Africa. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1393. [PMID: 34256725 PMCID: PMC8278686 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite effective biomedical tools, HIV remains the largest cause of morbidity/mortality in South Africa - especially among adolescents and young people. We used community-based participatory research (CBPR), informed by principles of social justice, to develop a peer-led biosocial intervention for HIV prevention in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). METHODS Between March 2018 and September 2019 we used CBPR to iteratively co-create and contextually adapt a biosocial peer-led intervention to support HIV prevention. Men and women aged 18-30 years were selected by community leaders of 21 intervention implementation areas (izigodi) and underwent 20 weeks of training as peer-navigators. We synthesised quantitative and qualitative data collected during a 2016-2018 study into 17 vignettes illustrating the local drivers of HIV. During three participatory intervention development workshops and community mapping sessions, the peer-navigators critically engaged with vignettes, brainstormed solutions and mapped the components to their own izigodi. The intervention components were plotted to a Theory of Change which, following a six-month pilot and process evaluation, the peer-navigators refined. The intervention will be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial ( NCT04532307 ). RESULTS Following written and oral assessments, 57 of the 108 initially selected participated in two workshops to discuss the vignettes and co-create the Thetha Nami (`talk to me'). The intervention included peer-led health promotion to improve self-efficacy and demand for HIV prevention, referrals to social and educational resources, and aaccessible youth-friendly clinical services to improve uptake of HIV prevention. During the pilot the peer-navigators approached 6871 young people, of whom 6141 (89%) accepted health promotion and 438 were linked to care. During semi-structured interviews peer-navigators described the appeal of providing sexual health information to peers of a similar age and background but wanted to provide more than just "onward referral". In the third participatory workshop 54 peer-navigators refined the Thetha Nami intervention to add three components: structured assessment tool to tailor health promotion and referrals, safe spaces and community advocacy to create an enabling environment, and peer-mentorship and navigation of resources to improve retention in HIV prevention. CONCLUSION Local youth were able to use evidence to develop a contextually adapted peer-led intervention to deliver biosocial HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK.
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | | | - Natsayi Chimbindi
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
| | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Sakhile Mdluli
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Oluwafemi Adeagbo
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
- University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Jaco Dreyer
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Carina Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Guy Harling
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt) University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology & Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Shahmanesh M, Mthiyane TN, Herbsst C, Neuman M, Adeagbo O, Mee P, Chimbindi N, Smit T, Okesola N, Harling G, McGrath N, Sherr L, Seeley J, Subedar H, Johnson C, Hatzold K, Terris-Prestholt F, Cowan FM, Corbett EL. Effect of peer-distributed HIV self-test kits on demand for biomedical HIV prevention in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a three-armed cluster-randomised trial comparing social networks versus direct delivery. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e004574. [PMID: 34315730 PMCID: PMC8317107 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE We investigated two peer distribution models of HIV self-testing (HIVST) in HIV prevention demand creation compared with trained young community members (peer navigators). METHODS We used restricted randomisation to allocate 24 peer navigator pairs (clusters) in KwaZulu-Natal 1:1:1: (1) standard of care (SOC): peer navigators distributed clinic referrals, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) information to 18-30 year olds. (2) peer navigator direct distribution (PND): Peer navigators distributed HIVST packs (SOC plus two OraQuick HIVST kits) (3) incentivised peer networks (IPN): peer navigators recruited young community members (seeds) to distribute up to five HIVST packs to 18-30 year olds within their social networks. Seeds received 20 Rand (US$1.5) for each recipient who distributed further packs. The primary outcome was PrEP/ART linkage, defined as screening for PrEP/ART eligibility within 90 days of pack distribution per peer navigator month (pnm) of outreach, in women aged 18-24 (a priority for HIV prevention). Investigators and statisticians were blinded to allocation. Analysis was intention to treat. Total and unit costs were collected prospectively. RESULTS Between March and December 2019, 4163 packs (1098 SOC, 1480 PND, 1585 IPN) were distributed across 24 clusters. During 144 pnm, 272 18-30 year olds linked to PrEP/ART (1.9/pnm). Linkage rates for 18-24-year-old women were lower for IPN (n=26, 0.54/pnm) than PND (n=45, 0.80/pnm; SOC n=49, 0.85/pnm). Rate ratios were 0.68 (95% CI 0.28 to 1.66) for IPN versus PND, 0.64 (95% CI 0.26 to 1.62) for IPN versus SOC and 0.95 (95% CI 0.38 to 2.36) for PND versus SOC. In 18-30 year olds, PND had significantly more linkages than IPN (2.11 vs 0.88/pnm, RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.98). Cost per pack distributed was cheapest for IPN (US$36) c.f. SOC (US$64). Cost per person linked to PrEP/ART was cheaper in both peer navigator arms compared with IPN. DISCUSSION HIVST did not increase demand for PrEP/ART. Incentivised social network distribution reached large numbers with HIVST but resulted in fewer linkages compared with PrEP/ART promotion by peer navigators. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03751826.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shahmanesh
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Carina Herbsst
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Melissa Neuman
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, London, UK
| | - Oluwafemi Adeagbo
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Paul Mee
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London, London, UK
| | - Natsayi Chimbindi
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Theresa Smit
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Guy Harling
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
- Faculty of medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health &Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hasina Subedar
- South African National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- HIV, Hepatitis and STI Department, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, London, UK
| | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Elizabeth Lucy Corbett
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- TB-HIV Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
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Eshun-Wilson I, Awotiwon AA, Germann A, Amankwaa SA, Ford N, Schwartz S, Baral S, Geng EH. Effects of community-based antiretroviral therapy initiation models on HIV treatment outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003646. [PMID: 34048443 PMCID: PMC8213195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in the community and outside of a traditional health facility has the potential to improve linkage to ART, decongest health facilities, and minimize structural barriers to attending HIV services among people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of offering ART initiation in the community on HIV treatment outcomes. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched databases between 1 January 2013 and 22 February 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared offering ART initiation in a community setting to offering ART initiation in a traditional health facility or alternative community setting. We assessed risk of bias, reporting of implementation outcomes, and real-world relevance and used Mantel-Haenszel methods to generate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals. We evaluated heterogeneity qualitatively and quantitatively and used GRADE to evaluate overall evidence certainty. Searches yielded 4,035 records, resulting in 8 included studies-4 RCTs and 4 observational studies-conducted in Lesotho, South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, and Haiti-a total of 11,196 PLWH. Five studies were conducted in general HIV populations, 2 in key populations, and 1 in adolescents. Community ART initiation strategies included community-based HIV testing coupled with ART initiation at home or at community venues; 5 studies maintained ART refills in the community, and 4 provided refills at the health facility. All studies were pragmatic, but in most cases provided additional resources. Few studies reported on implementation outcomes. All studies showed higher ART uptake in community initiation arms compared to facility initiation and refill arms (standard of care) (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.45; RD 30%, 95% CI 10% to 50%; 5 studies). Retention (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.54; RD 19%, 95% CI 11% to 28%; 4 studies) and viral suppression (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.49; RD 15%, 95% CI 10% to 21%; 3 studies) at 12 months were also higher in the community-based ART initiation arms. Improved uptake, retention, and viral suppression with community ART initiation were seen across population subgroups-including men, adolescents, and key populations. One study reported no difference in retention and viral suppression at 2 years. There were limited data on adherence and mortality. Social harms and adverse events appeared to be minimal and similar between community ART initiation and standard of care. One study compared ART refill strategies following community ART initiation (community versus facility refills) and found no difference in viral suppression (RD -7%, 95% CI -19% to 6%) or retention at 12 months (RD -12%, 95% CI -23% to 0.3%). This systematic review was limited by few studies for inclusion, poor-quality observational data, and short-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Based on data from a limited set of studies, community ART initiation appears to result in higher ART uptake, retention, and viral suppression at 1 year compared to facility-based ART initiation. Implementation on a wider scale necessitates broader exploration of costs, logistics, and acceptability by providers and PLWH to ensure that these effects are reproducible when delivered at scale, in different contexts, and over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ajibola A. Awotiwon
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Knowledge Translation Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ashley Germann
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sophia A. Amankwaa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Nathan Ford
- Global Hepatitis Programme, Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stefan Baral
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elvin H. Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Ehrenkranz P, Rosen S, Boulle A, Eaton JW, Ford N, Fox MP, Grimsrud A, Rice BD, Sikazwe I, Holmes CB. The revolving door of HIV care: Revising the service delivery cascade to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003651. [PMID: 34029346 PMCID: PMC8186775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Peter Ehrenkranz and co-authors present a cyclical cascade of care for people with HIV infection, aiming to facilitate assessment of outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ehrenkranz
- Global Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey W. Eaton
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Ford
- HIV & Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthew P. Fox
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Anna Grimsrud
- HIV Programmes & Advocacy Department, International AIDS Society, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian D. Rice
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Charles B. Holmes
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Narwal S, Jain S. Building Resilient Health Systems: Patient Safety during COVID-19 and Lessons for the Future. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/0972063421994935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the country’s health systems and diminished its capability to provide safe and effective healthcare. This article attempts to review patient safety issues during COVID-19 pandemic in India, and derive lessons from national and international experiences to inform policy actions for building a ‘resilient health system’. Methods: Systematic review of existing published articles, government and media reports was undertaken. Online databases were searched using key terms related to patient safety during COVID-19 and health systems resilience. Seventy-three papers were included dependent on their relevance to research objectives. Findings: Patient safety was impacted during COVID-19, owing to sub-optimal infection prevention and control measures coupled with reduced access to essential health services. This was largely due to inadequate infrastructure, human and material resources resulting from chronic underinvestment in public health systems, paucity of reliable data for evidence-based actions and limited leadership and regulatory capacity. Conclusions: India’s health systems were found ill prepared to tackle large-scale pandemic, which has major implications for patient safety. The shortcomings observed in the COVID-19 response must be rectified and comprehensive health sector reforms should be initiated for building agile and resilient health systems that can withstand future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susmit Jain
- Associate Professor, IIHMR University, Jaipur, India
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Nachega JB, Kapata N, Sam-Agudu NA, Decloedt EH, Katoto PDMC, Nagu T, Mwaba P, Yeboah-Manu D, Chanda-Kapata P, Ntoumi F, Geng EH, Zumla A. Minimizing the impact of the triple burden of COVID-19, tuberculosis and HIV on health services in sub-Saharan Africa. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 113 Suppl 1:S16-S21. [PMID: 33757874 PMCID: PMC7980520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this perspective, we discuss the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis (TB)/HIV health services and approaches to mitigating the growing burden of these three colliding epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). SSA countries bear significantly high proportions of TB and HIV cases reported worldwide, compared to countries in the West. Whilst COVID-19 epidemiology appears to vary across Africa, most countries in this region have reported relatively lower-case counts compared to the West. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has added an additional burden to already overstretched health systems in SSA, which, among other things, have been focused on the longstanding dual epidemics of TB and HIV. As with these dual epidemics, inadequate resources and poor case identification and reporting may be contributing to underestimations of the COVID-19 case burden in SSA. Modelling studies predict that the pandemic-related disruptions in TB and HIV services will result in significant increases in associated morbidity and mortality over the next five years. Furthermore, limited empirical evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 coinfections with TB and HIV are associated with increased mortality risk in SSA. However, predictive models require a better evidence-base to accurately define the impact of COVID-19, not only on communicable diseases such as TB and HIV, but on non-communicable disease comorbidities. Further research is needed to assess morbidity and mortality data among both adults and children across the African continent, paying attention to geographic disparities, as well as the clinical and socio-economic determinants of COVID-19 in the setting of TB and/or HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean B Nachega
- Department of Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and Center for Global Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Nathan Kapata
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, University of Zambia-University College London Medical School Research and Training Project, University Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Nadia A Sam-Agudu
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria; Institute of Human Virology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Eric H Decloedt
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Patrick D M C Katoto
- Department of Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Tumaini Nagu
- School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Peter Mwaba
- Lusaka Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
| | | | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale (FCRM), Brazzaville, Congo; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Center for Dissemination and Implementation, Institute for Public Health, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
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Nurses at the frontline of public health emergency preparedness and response: lessons learned from the HIV/AIDS pandemic and emerging infectious disease outbreaks. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:e326-e333. [PMID: 33743850 PMCID: PMC7972309 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30983-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The years 2020–21, designated by WHO as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, are characterised by unprecedented global efforts to contain and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons learned from successful pandemic response efforts in the past and present have implications for future efforts to leverage the global health-care workforce in response to outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Given its scale, reach, and effectiveness, the response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic provides one such valuable example, particularly with respect to the pivotal, although largely overlooked, contributions of nurses and midwives. This Personal View argues that impressive achievements in the global fight against HIV/AIDS would not have been attained without the contributions of nurses. We discuss how these contributions uniquely position nurses to improve the scale, reach, and effectiveness of response efforts to emerging infectious diseases with pandemic potential; provide examples from the responses to COVID-19, Zika virus disease, and Ebola virus disease; and discuss implications for current and future efforts to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response.
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Dorward J, Khubone T, Gate K, Ngobese H, Sookrajh Y, Mkhize S, Jeewa A, Bottomley C, Lewis L, Baisley K, Butler CC, Gxagxisa N, Garrett N. The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on HIV care in 65 South African primary care clinics: an interrupted time series analysis. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e158-e165. [PMID: 33549166 PMCID: PMC8011055 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30359-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries is poorly described. We aimed to measure the impact of the 2020 national COVID-19 lockdown on HIV testing and treatment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where 1·7 million people are living with HIV. METHODS In this interrupted time series analysis, we analysed anonymised programmatic data from 65 primary care clinics in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. We included data from people testing for HIV, initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), and collecting ART at participating clinics during the study period, with no age restrictions. We used descriptive statistics to summarise demographic and clinical data, and present crude summaries of the main outcomes of numbers of HIV tests per month, ART initiations per week, and ART collection visits per week, before and after the national lockdown that began on March 27, 2020. We used Poisson segmented regression models to estimate the immediate impact of the lockdown on these outcomes, as well as post-lockdown trends. FINDINGS Between Jan 1, 2018, and July 31, 2020, we recorded 1 315 439 HIV tests. Between Jan 1, 2018, and June 15, 2020, we recorded 71 142 ART initiations and 2 319 992 ART collection visits. We recorded a median of 41 926 HIV tests per month before lockdown (January, 2018, to March, 2020; IQR 37 838-51 069) and a median of 38 911 HIV tests per month after lockdown (April, 2020, to July, 2020; IQR 32 699-42 756). In the Poisson regression model, taking into account long-term trends, lockdown was associated with an estimated 47·6% decrease in HIV testing in April, 2020 (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0·524, 95% CI 0·446-0·615). ART initiations decreased from a median of 571 per week before lockdown (IQR 498-678), to 375 per week after lockdown (331-399), with an estimated 46·2% decrease in the Poisson regression model in the first week of lockdown (March 30, 2020, to April 5, 2020; IRR 0·538, 0·459-0·630). There was no marked change in the number of ART collection visits (median 18 519 visits per week before lockdown [IQR 17 074-19 922] vs 17 863 visits per week after lockdown [17 509-18 995]; estimated effect in the first week of lockdown IRR 0·932, 95% CI 0·794-1·093). As restrictions eased, HIV testing and ART initiations gradually improved towards pre-lockdown levels (slope change 1·183/month, 95% CI 1·113-1·256 for HIV testing; 1·156/month, 1·085-1·230 for ART initiations). INTERPRETATION ART provision was generally maintained during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, but HIV testing and ART initiations were heavily impacted. Strategies to increase testing and treatment initiation should be implemented. FUNDING Wellcome Trust, Africa Oxford Initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jienchi Dorward
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK,Correspondence to: Dr Jienchi Dorward, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Thokozani Khubone
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Kelly Gate
- Department of Family Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,Bethesda Hospital, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Hope Ngobese
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Yukteshwar Sookrajh
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Siyabonga Mkhize
- Bethesda Hospital, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Aslam Jeewa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Lara Lewis
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Kathy Baisley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Nomakhosi Gxagxisa
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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78
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Chirambira P, Madiba S, Ntuli B. Societal and individual drivers of fertility desires and intentions among people living with HIV: a cross sectional study of HIV clinic attendees in Soweto, South Africa. AIMS Public Health 2021; 9:173-184. [PMID: 35071676 PMCID: PMC8755963 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2022013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High proportion of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are in the prime of their reproductive years desire to have children. There are limited studies that explore the range of fertility intentions for PLHIV. This study investigated the fertility desires and intentions of PLHIV and the associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 442 PLHIV receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) in health facilities in Soweto, an urban township that is situated in the City of Johannesburg in South Africa. STATA version 13 was used to analyze the data. Results The participants' mean age was 36.3 years, 70% were females, 79.6% had at least one biological child, and 36% had 3+ children. Almost half (47%) expressed the desire for children, saying that this was because they had no biological children, or their partners wanted children, or they wanted children of a particular sex, or were feeling healthy after taking ART. An increased fertility desire was associated with absence of biological children (AOR = 5.06, 95% CI: 2.11–12.1) and with being married (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.31–5.27). A decreased fertility desire was associated with being aged 36+ (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.31–5.27), having primary education (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01–1.30) and having ≥4 years of ART duration (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24–0.81). Conclusion Individual factors played a significant role in shaping the fertility desires of PLHIV in this setting. The high desire for children underscore the need to integrate reproductive health services in HIV and AIDS care and treatment services and develop safer conception programmes to help PLHIV to conceive and have children safely.
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79
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Nachega JB, Fatti G, Zumla A, Geng EH. The where, when, and how of community-based versus clinic-based ART delivery in South Africa and Uganda. Lancet Glob Health 2020; 8:e1245-e1246. [PMID: 32971045 PMCID: PMC7505575 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean B Nachega
- Department of Epidemiology and International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and Center for Global Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Geoffrey Fatti
- Kheth'Impilo AIDS Free Living, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Center for Dissemination and Implementation, Institute for Public Health, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
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