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Wamuti B, Jamil MS, Siegfried N, Ford N, Baggaley R, Johnson CC, Cherutich P. Understanding effective post-test linkage strategies for HIV prevention and care: a scoping review. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26229. [PMID: 38604993 PMCID: PMC11009370 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following HIV testing services (HTS), the World Health Organization recommends prompt linkage to prevention and treatment. Scale-up of effective linkage strategies is essential to achieving the global 95-95-95 goals for maintaining low HIV incidence by 2030 and reducing HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Whereas linkage to care including same-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation for all people with HIV is now routinely implemented in testing programmes, linkage to HIV prevention interventions including behavioural or biomedical strategies, for HIV-negative individuals remains sub-optimal. This review aims to evaluate effective post-HTS linkage strategies for HIV overall, and highlight gaps specifically in linkage to prevention. METHODS Using the five-step Arksey and O'Malley framework, we conducted a scoping review searching existing published and grey literature. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science and EMBASE databases for English-language studies published between 1 January 2010 and 30 November 2023. Linkage interventions included as streamlined interventions-involving same-day HIV testing, ART initiation and point-of-care CD4 cell count/viral load, case management-involving linkage coordinators developing personalized HIV care and risk reduction plans, incentives-financial and non-financial, partner services-including contact tracing, virtual-like social media, quality improvement-like use of score cards, and peer-based interventions. Outcomes of interest were linkage to any form of HIV prevention and/or care including ART initiation. RESULTS Of 2358 articles screened, 66 research studies met the inclusion criteria. Only nine linkage to prevention studies were identified (n = 9/66, 14%)-involving pre-exposure prophylaxis, voluntary medical male circumcision, sexually transmitted infection and cervical cancer screening. Linkage to care studies (n = 57/66, 86%) focused on streamlined interventions in the general population and on case management among key populations. DISCUSSION Despite a wide range of HIV prevention interventions available, there was a dearth of literature on HIV prevention programmes and on the use of messaging on treatment as prevention strategy. Linkage to care studies were comparatively numerous except those evaluating virtual interventions, incentives and quality improvement. CONCLUSIONS The findings give insights into linkage strategies but more understanding of how to provide these effectively for maximum prevention impact is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Wamuti
- Department of Global Health and PopulationHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Muhammad S. Jamil
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs, World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
- Regional Office to the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health OrganizationCairoEgypt
| | | | - Nathan Ford
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs, World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs, World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Cheryl Case Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs, World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Peter Cherutich
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs, World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
- Department of Preventive and Promotive HealthMinistry of HealthNairobiKenya
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Filiatreau LM, Edwards JK, Masilela N, Gómez-Olivé FX, Haberland N, Pence BW, Maselko J, Muessig KE, Kabudula CW, Dufour MSK, Lippman SA, Kahn K, Pettifor A. Understanding the effects of universal test and treat on longitudinal HIV care outcomes among South African youth: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1724. [PMID: 37670262 PMCID: PMC10478421 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about the effects of universal test and treat (UTT) policies on HIV care outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLHIV). Moreover, there is a paucity of information regarding when YLHIV are most susceptible to disengagement from care under the newest treatment guidelines. The longitudinal HIV care continuum is an underutilized tool that can provide a holistic understanding of population-level HIV care trajectories and be used to compare treatment outcomes across groups. We aimed to explore effects of the UTT policy on longitudinal outcomes among South African YLHIV and identify temporally precise opportunities for re-engaging this priority population in the UTT era. METHODS Using medical record data, we conducted a retrospective cohort study among youth aged 18-24 diagnosed with HIV from August 2015-December 2018 in nine health care facilities in South Africa. We used Fine and Gray sub-distribution proportional hazards models to characterize longitudinal care continuum outcomes in the population overall and stratified by treatment era of diagnosis. We estimated the proportion of individuals in each stage of the continuum over time and the restricted mean time spent in each stage in the first year following diagnosis. Sub-group estimates were compared using differences. RESULTS A total of 420 YLHIV were included. By day 365 following diagnosis, just 23% of individuals had no 90-or-more-day lapse in care and were virally suppressed. Those diagnosed in the UTT era spent less time as ART-naïve (mean difference=-19.3 days; 95% CI: -27.7, -10.9) and more time virally suppressed (mean difference = 17.7; 95% CI: 1.0, 34.4) compared to those diagnosed pre-UTT. Most individuals who were diagnosed in the UTT era and experienced a 90-or-more-day lapse in care disengaged between diagnosis and linkage to care or ART initiation and viral suppression. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of UTT yielded modest improvements in time spent on ART and virally suppressed among South African YLHIV- however, meeting UNAIDS' 95-95-95 targets remains a challenge. Retention in care and re-engagement interventions that can be implemented between diagnosis and linkage to care and between ART initiation and viral suppression (e.g., longitudinal counseling) may be particularly important to improving care outcomes among South African YLHIV in the UTT era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA.
| | - Jessie K Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nkosinathi Masilela
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - F Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Brian W Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joanna Maselko
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Chodziwadziwa Whiteson Kabudula
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mi-Suk Kang Dufour
- Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sheri A Lippman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Lippman SA, de Kadt J, Ratlhagana MJ, Agnew E, Gilmore H, Sumitani J, Grignon J, Gutin SA, Shade SB, Gilvydis JM, Tumbo J, Barnhart S, Steward WT. Impact of short message service and peer navigation on linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy initiation in South Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:647-657. [PMID: 36468499 PMCID: PMC9994809 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examine the efficacy of short message service (SMS) and SMS with peer navigation (SMS + PN) in improving linkage to HIV care and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). DESIGN I-Care was a cluster randomized trial conducted in primary care facilities in North West Province, South Africa. The primary study outcome was retention in HIV care; this analysis includes secondary outcomes: linkage to care and ART initiation. METHODS Eighteen primary care clinics were randomized to automated SMS ( n = 7), automated and tailored SMS + PN ( n = 7), or standard of care (SOC; n = 4). Recently HIV diagnosed adults ( n = 752) were recruited from October 2014 to April 2015. Those not previously linked to care ( n = 352) contributed data to this analysis. Data extracted from clinical records were used to assess the days that elapsed between diagnosis and linkage to care and ART initiation. Cox proportional hazards models and generalized estimating equations were employed to compare outcomes between trial arms, overall and stratified by sex and pregnancy status. RESULTS Overall, SMS ( n = 132) and SMS + PN ( n = 133) participants linked at 1.28 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.61] and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.29-1.99) times the rate of SOC participants ( n = 87), respectively. SMS + PN significantly improved time to ART initiation among non-pregnant women (hazards ratio: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.25-2.25) and men (hazards ratio: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.03-3.26) as compared with SOC. CONCLUSION Results suggest SMS and peer navigation services significantly reduce time to linkage to HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa and that SMS + PN reduced time to ART initiation among men and non-pregnant women. Both should be considered candidates for integration into national programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02417233, registered 12 December 2014; closed to accrual 17 April 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri A. Lippman
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julia de Kadt
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Mary J. Ratlhagana
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Emily Agnew
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hailey Gilmore
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeri Sumitani
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Jessica Grignon
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah A. Gutin
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Starley B. Shade
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Gilvydis
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - John Tumbo
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Scott Barnhart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wayne T. Steward
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Plazy M, Diallo A, Hlabisa T, Okesola N, Iwuji C, Herbst K, Boyer S, Lert F, McGrath N, Pillay D, Dabis F, Larmarange J, Orne-Gliemann J. Implementation and effectiveness of a linkage to HIV care intervention in rural South Africa (ANRS 12249 TasP trial). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280479. [PMID: 36662803 PMCID: PMC9858381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely linkage to care and ART initiation is critical to decrease the risks of HIV-related morbidity, mortality and HIV transmission, but is often challenging. We report on the implementation and effectiveness of a linkage-to-care intervention in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS In the ANRS 12249 TasP trial on Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) implemented between 2012-2016, resident individuals ≥16 years were offered home-based HIV testing every six months. Those ascertained to be HIV-positive were referred to trial clinics. Starting May 2013, a linkage-to-care intervention was implemented in both trial arms, consisting of tracking through phone calls and/or home visits to "re-refer" people who had not linked to care to trial clinics within three months of the first home-based referral. Fidelity in implementing the planned intervention was described using Kaplan-Meier estimation to compute conditional probabilities of being tracked and of being re-referred by the linkage-to-care team. Effect of the intervention on time to linkage-to-care was analysed using a Cox regression model censored for death, migration, and end of data follow-up. RESULTS Among the 2,837 individuals (73.7% female) included in the analysis, 904 (32%) were tracked at least once, and 573 of them (63.4%) were re-referred. Probabilities of being re-referred was 17% within six months of first referral and 31% within twelve months. Compared to individuals not re-referred by the intervention, linkage-to-care was significantly higher among those with at least one re-referral through phone call (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.82; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.47-2.25), and among those with re-referral through both phone call and home visit (aHR = 3.94; 95% CI = 2.07-7.48). CONCLUSIONS Phone calls and home visits following HIV testing were challenging to implement, but appeared effective in improving linkage-to-care amongst those receiving the intervention. Such patient-centred strategies should be part of UTT programs to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Plazy
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Adama Diallo
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thabile Hlabisa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Collins Iwuji
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Kobus Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sylvie Boyer
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - France Lert
- INSERM, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP-U 1018), Villejuif, France
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- School of Primary Care and Population Sciences and Department of Social Statistics and Demography, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Deenan Pillay
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - François Dabis
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Joseph Larmarange
- Centre Population et Développement, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Joanna Orne-Gliemann
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Ayakaka I, Armstrong-Hough M, Hannaford A, Ggita JM, Turimumahoro P, Katamba A, Katahoire A, Cattamanchi A, Shenoi SV, Davis JL. Perceptions, preferences, and experiences of tuberculosis education and counselling among patients and providers in Kampala, Uganda: A qualitative study. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:2911-2928. [PMID: 35442147 PMCID: PMC11005908 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.2000629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) education seeks to increase patient knowledge about TB, while TB counselling seeks to offer tailored advice and support for medication adherence. While universally recommended, little is known about how to provide effective, efficient, patient-centred TB education and counselling (TEC) in low-income, high HIV-TB burden settings. We sought to characterise stakeholder perceptions of TEC in a public, primary care facility in Kampala, Uganda, by conducting focus group discussions with health workers and TB patients in the TB and HIV clinics. Participants valued TEC but reported that high-quality TEC is rarely provided, because of a lack of time, space, staff, planning, and prioritisation given to TEC. To improve TEC, they recommended adopting practices that have proven effective in the HIV clinic, including better specifying educational content, and employing peer educators focused on TEC. Patients and health workers suggested that TEC should not only improve TB patient knowledge and adherence, but should also empower and assist all those undergoing evaluation for TB, whether confirmed or not, to educate their households and communities about TB. Community-engaged research with patients and front-line providers identified opportunities to streamline and standardise the delivery of TEC using a patient-centred, peer-educator model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ayakaka
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LSTM IMPALA Program, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mari Armstrong-Hough
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences and Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alisse Hannaford
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph M. Ggita
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Achilles Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne Katahoire
- Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine; College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Adithya Cattamanchi
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Center for Tuberculosis and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sheela V. Shenoi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - J. L. Davis
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases and Centre for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, and Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Okonkwo NE, Blum A, Viswasam N, Hahn E, Ryan S, Turpin G, Lyons CE, Baral S, Hansoti B. A Systematic Review of Linkage-to-Care and Antiretroviral Initiation Implementation Strategies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Across Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2123-2134. [PMID: 35088176 PMCID: PMC9422958 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Linkage to care (LTC) and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) are key components in the longitudinal care cascade for people living with HIV. Many strategies to optimize these stages of HIV care have been implemented, though there is a paucity of analyses comparing the outcomes of these efforts in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a systematic review of studies assessing interventions along all stages of the HIV care continuum published between 2008 and 2020. A comprehensive search strategy reviewed five electronic databases to capture studies assessing HIV testing, LTC, ART initiation, ART adherence, and viral suppression. Of the 388 articles that met the inclusion criteria, 78 described interventions for improving LTC/ART initiation. Efforts focused on empowering patients through integrative approaches generally yielded more substantive results compared to provider-initiated non-adaptive LTC interventions or cash incentives. Specifically, tailoring care and incorporating ART initiation into existing infrastructures, such as maternal clinics, had a high impact across settings. Moreover, strategies such as home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT) appear to be most effective when implemented in tandem with other approaches including motivational counseling and point-of-care CD4 testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nneoma E Okonkwo
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Blum
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nikita Viswasam
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hahn
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sofia Ryan
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gnilane Turpin
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carrie E Lyons
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bhakti Hansoti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Suite 200, 5801 Smith Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21209, USA.
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Martin F, Clowes E, Nalukenge W, Clark C, Lazarus O, Birungi J, Seeley J. Exploring the extent of mental health practice: content and cluster analysis of techniques used in HIV testing and counselling sessions in Uganda. AIDS Care 2022; 35:191-197. [PMID: 35603881 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2077909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for greater provision of mental health services to people living with HIV. HIV testing and counselling (HTC) sessions diagnose HIV and offer appropriate psychosocial support and behavioural messages to support people to link into HIV care. It is not known to what extent HTC currently addresses mental health. We examined transcriptions of 116 audio-recorded HTC sessions delivered in Uganda against a checklist of mental health techniques. Hierarchical cluster analysis explored co-occurrence of techniques. Core counselling skills were very commonly present, and co-occurred. Assessment techniques were not commonly seen. Specific therapy techniques to treat anxiety or depression were not present. HTC staff are a resource for delivering mental health care for people with HIV, owing to their strong fundamental counselling skills. However, training is needed in assessment and evidence-based therapies. Provision of fuller assessment and interventions may increase detection and signposting for mental health and alcohol use, both of which may affect linkage into care. HTC staff have fundamental skills that could also be developed to train and supervise other staff to provide much needed mental health support to people living with HIV. Future research should develop brief mental health interventions for delivery by HTC staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Martin
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- Deptartment of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | | | - Cain Clark
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Oucul Lazarus
- The AIDS Support Organisation, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Josephine Birungi
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, UVRI, Entebbe, Uganda
- The AIDS Support Organisation, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Janet Seeley
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, UVRI, Entebbe, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Windsor L, Benoit E, M Pinto R, Sarol J. Optimization of a new adaptive intervention using the SMART Design to increase COVID-19 testing among people at high risk in an urban community. Trials 2022; 23:310. [PMID: 35421999 PMCID: PMC9009493 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06216-w] [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: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has impacted the health and social fabric of individuals and families living across the USA, and it has disproportionately affected people living in urban communities with co-morbidities, those working in high-risk settings, refusing or unable to adhere to CDC guidelines, and more. Social determinants of health (SDH), such as stigmatization, incarceration, and poverty, have been associated with increased exposure to COVID-19 and increased deaths. While vaccines and booster shots are available, it will take time to reach herd immunity, and it is unclear how long newly developed vaccines provide protection and how effective they are against emerging variants. Therefore, prevention methods recommended by the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC)-i.e., testing, hand-washing, social distancing, contact tracing, vaccination and booster shots, and quarantine-are essential to reduce the rates of COVID-19 in marginalized communities. This project will adapt and test evidence-based HIV interventions along the prevention and treatment cascade to help address COVID-19 prevention needs. METHODS The study aims to (1) optimize an adaptive intervention that will increase rates of testing and adherence to New Jersey State COVID-19 recommendations (testing, social distancing, quarantine, hospitalization, contact tracing, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots) among high-risk populations and (2) identify predictors of testing completion and adherence to New Jersey recommendations. This study follows Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles to conduct a Sequential, Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) with 670 COVID-19 medically/socially vulnerable people. Participants will be recruited using a variety of strategies including advertisements on social media, posting fliers in public places, street outreach, facility-based, and snowball sampling. Participants complete a baseline survey and are randomized to receive navigation services or an electronic brochure. They then complete a follow-up 7 days after baseline and are randomized again to either continue with their original assignment or switch to the other intervention or critical dialog or brief counseling. Participants then complete a 5-week post-baseline follow-up. Guided by the COVID-19 Continuum of Prevention, Care, and Treatment, the analysis will explore the factors associated with COVID-19 testing within 7 days of the intervention. DISCUSSION This paper describes the protocol of the first study to use SMART following CBPR to adapt evidence-based HIV prevention interventions to COVID-19. The findings will inform the development of an effective and scalable adaptive intervention to increase COVID-19 testing and adherence to public health recommendations, including vaccination and booster shots, among a marginalized and difficult-to-engage population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04757298 . Registered on February 17, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliane Windsor
- University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.
| | - Ellen Benoit
- North Jersey Community Research Initiative, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | - Jesus Sarol
- University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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Jopling R, Nyamayaro P, Andersen LS, Kagee A, Haberer JE, Abas MA. A Cascade of Interventions to Promote Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in African Countries. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 17:529-546. [PMID: 32776179 PMCID: PMC7497365 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00511-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review We reviewed interventions to improve uptake and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in African countries in the Treat All era. Recent Findings ART initiation can be improved by facilitated rapid receipt of first prescription, including community-based linkage and point-of-care strategies, integration of HIV care into antenatal care and peer support for adolescents. For people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART, scheduled SMS reminders, ongoing intensive counselling for those with viral non-suppression and economic incentives for the most deprived show promise. Adherence clubs should be promoted, being no less effective than facility-based care for stable patients. Tracing those lost to follow-up should be targeted to those who can be seen face-to-face by a peer worker. Summary Investment is needed to promote linkage to initiating ART and for differentiated approaches to counselling for youth and for those with identified suboptimal adherence. More evidence from within Africa is needed on cost-effective strategies to identify and support PLHIV at an increased risk of non-adherence across the treatment cascade. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11904-020-00511-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jopling
- Health Service & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Primrose Nyamayaro
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Mazowe Street, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lena S Andersen
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ashraf Kagee
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Melanie Amna Abas
- Health Service & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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10
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Martin F, Nalukenge W, Lazarus O, Birungi J, Seeley J. "Vital": HIV counselling and testing staff's views of addressing mental health with HIV in Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:1027. [PMID: 33172447 PMCID: PMC7654166 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05881-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health is linked to HIV outcomes, including linkage into care and adherence to medication. Integrated care for mental and physical health is recommended. HIV testing and counselling sessions represent an opportunity to implement interventions to address mental health, however it is first necessary to understand the roles, current practice, knowledge and attitudes of the testing and counselling staff. METHODS This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with HIV testing and counselling staff at four centres of a HIV healthcare provider charity in Uganda. Interviews focused on their current practice, perceptions of mental health and their role in supporting this, challenges of this work, training and support needs, and views of potential greater emphasis on mental health work in their role. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. RESULTS Data from twenty-one testing and counselling staff revealed five themes. Clients presented to counselling staff with needs spanning bio-psycho-social domains, where psychological health was intertwined with HIV management, medication adherence, and seen as "inseparable" from HIV itself. Mental health was largely thought about as "madness", identifiable from extreme behaviour. As such, common mental health problems of anxiety and depression were not often seen as part of mental health. Approaches to intervening with mental health were seen as behavioural, with some ideas about changing thinking styles. Participants demonstrated significant practice of common techniques to address mental health. Needs were identified for further training in suicide risk assessment and identification of depression, together with greater clinical supervision. Participants described significant conflict within their roles, particularly balancing time demands and need to achieve testing targets against the need to offer adequate mental health support to clients in need. CONCLUSIONS HIV testing and counselling staff described a diverse role that already includes addressing mental health. Mental health is "vital" to their work, however the time needed to address it is at odds with current testing targets. They require more training and resources to effectively address mental health, which is vital to optimising HIV outcomes. Interventions to integrate mental health support into HIV testing and counselling sessions need to be further researched and optimised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Martin
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Winfred Nalukenge
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, P.O.Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Oucul Lazarus
- The AIDS Support Organisation, Mulago Hospital Complex, P.O BOX 10443, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Josephine Birungi
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, P.O.Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
- The AIDS Support Organisation, Mulago Hospital Complex, P.O BOX 10443, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Janet Seeley
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, P.O.Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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11
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Mark J, Kinuthia J, Osoti AO, Gone MA, Asila V, Krakowiak D, Sharma M, Parikh S, Ton QT, Richardson BA, Farquhar C, Roxby AC. Male Partner Linkage to Clinic-Based Services for Sexually Transmitted Infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Services Following Couple Home-Based Education and Testing. Sex Transm Dis 2020; 46:716-721. [PMID: 31644499 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and education has increased HIV test uptake and access to health services among men. We studied how a home-based antenatal intervention influenced male partner utilization of clinic-based HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) services, linkage to HIV care and medical circumcision. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis within a randomized controlled trial of pregnant women attending antenatal care in Kenya. Women and their male partners received either a home-based couple intervention or an invitation letter for clinic-based couple HIV testing. The home-based intervention included education on STI symptoms, STI and HIV treatment and male circumcision for HIV prevention. Male self-reported outcomes were compared using relative risks at 6 months postpartum. RESULTS Among 525 women, we reached 487 (93%) of their male partners; 247 men in the intervention arm and 240 men in the control arm. Men who received the intervention were more likely to report an STI consultation (n = 47 vs. 16; relative risk, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-1.89). Among 23 men with newly diagnosed HIV, linkage to HIV care was reported by 4 of 15 in the intervention (3 men had missing linkage data) and 3 of 5 men in the control arms (relative risk, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-1.29). Although the intervention identified 3 times more men with new HIV infection, the study lacked power to find significant differences in linkage to HIV care. Few eligible men sought medical circumcision (4 of 72 intervention and 2 of 88 control). CONCLUSIONS Home-based couple education and testing increased STI consultations among male partners of pregnant women, but appeared insufficient to overcome the barriers involved in linkage to HIV care and medical circumcision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Mark
- From the Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Research and Programs.,Department of Reproductive Health, Kenyatta National Hospital.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi
| | - Alfred O Osoti
- From the Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.,Department of Reproductive Health, Kenyatta National Hospital.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi
| | - Molly A Gone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi
| | - Victor Asila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi
| | - Daisy Krakowiak
- From the Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Monisha Sharma
- From the Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Saloni Parikh
- Computer Science and Engineering and Public Health.,Department of Public, Health University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | - Carey Farquhar
- From the Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.,Department of Global Health.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Alison C Roxby
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Bringing HIV Self-Testing to Scale in the United States: a Review of Challenges, Potential Solutions, and Future Opportunities. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:JCM.00257-19. [PMID: 31462549 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00257-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV self-testing (HIVST) provides an at-home option to counter the barriers that patients face with testing performed in health care settings. HIVST has gradually increased in popularity in a time when social media and technology-based solutions are preferred. In this paper, we consider the aspects of self-testing that merit its integration into HIV testing and prevention systems in the United States. Several elements favor self-testing for large-scale implementation, including ease of use, convenience, potential for integration with mobile health (mHealth), and availability for various modes of distribution. HIVST has a demonstrated ability to reach at-risk individuals who otherwise rarely test. The paradigm of self-testing, however, introduces new challenges, including lesser test performance relative to that in health care settings, nonstandard counseling following receipt of test results, and difficulty in providing linkage to care. After discussing the performance of oral fluid versus blood-based HIVST, we review data regarding acceptability of HIVST, offer insights into counseling and linkage to care for HIVST, and provide examples of novel applications of and future research directions for HIVST.
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13
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Re-thinking Linkage to Care in the Era of Universal Test and Treat: Insights from Implementation and Behavioral Science for Achieving the Second 90. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:120-128. [PMID: 31161462 PMCID: PMC6773672 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
To successfully link to care, persons living with HIV must negotiate a complex series of processes from HIV diagnosis through initial engagement with HIV care systems and providers. Despite the complexity involved, linkage to care is often oversimplified and portrayed as a single referral step. In this article, we offer a new conceptual framework for linkage to care, tailored to the current universal test and treat era that presents linkage to care as its own nuanced pathway within the larger HIV care cascade. Conceptualizing linkage to care in this way may help better identify and specify processes posing a barrier to linkage, and allow for the development of targeted implementation and behavioral science-based approaches to address them. Such approaches are likely to be most relevant to programmatic and clinical settings with limited resources and high HIV burden.
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Kelly N, Maokola W, Mudasiru O, McCoy SI. Interventions to Improve Linkage to HIV Care in the Era of "Treat All" in Sub-Saharan Africa: a Systematic Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 16:292-303. [PMID: 31201613 PMCID: PMC10655251 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-019-00451-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW In 2015, antiretroviral therapy (ART) was recommended for all people living with HIV (PLHIV) regardless of CD4 count ("Treat All"). To better understand how to improve linkage to care under these new guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of studies evaluating linkage interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa under Treat All. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 14 eligible articles and qualitatively analyzed the effectiveness of the interventions. Increases in linkage were reported by supply-side and counseling interventions. Mobile testing and economic incentives did not increase linkage. Given the lag time between adoption and implementation, only two of the studies were conducted in a Treat All setting. None of the interventions specifically focused on re-linking PLHIV who had disengaged from care. Future studies must design interventions that target not only newly diagnosed or treatment naïve PLHIV, but should explicitly focus on PLHIV who have disengaged from care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kelly
- University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, MC 7360, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Werner Maokola
- University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, MC 7360, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Ministry of Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Omobola Mudasiru
- University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, MC 7360, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Sandra I McCoy
- University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, MC 7360, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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Nakamanya S, Mayanja BN, Muhumuza R, Bukenya D, Seeley J. Are treatment supporters relevant in long-term Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) adherence? Experiences from a long-term ART cohort in Uganda. Glob Public Health 2019; 14:469-480. [PMID: 30146972 PMCID: PMC6334778 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2018.1514418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to understand the relevance of treatment supporters in adherence among people living with HIV taking Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for more than five years in Uganda. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 50 participants (28 women and 22 men) of the Complications of Long-Term ART (CoLTART) cohort with experience of at least five years on ART in Uganda. Participants were stratified by line of ART regimen and viral loads of less or above 1000 copies/ml. Data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS Many participants felt that a treatment supporter was most useful at the beginning of therapy before individuals get used to the drugs or when they are still weak. However, this did not reflect treatment outcomes, as many individuals without treatment supporters had failed on first line ART regimens and were switched to second line ART. Those who were still on first line had viral loads of ≥1000 copies/ml. There was a preference for female treatment supporters, many of who were persistent in their supportive role. CONCLUSION Treatment supporters remain important in adherence to long-term ART. HIV-care providers need to encourage the involvement of a treatment supporter for individuals taking ART long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Janet Seeley
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Ruzagira E, Baisley K, Kamali A, Grosskurth H. Factors associated with uptake of home-based HIV counselling and testing and HIV care services among identified HIV-positive persons in Masaka, Uganda. AIDS Care 2018; 30:879-887. [PMID: 29463099 PMCID: PMC5964441 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1441967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We investigated uptake of home-based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) and HIV care services post-HBHCT in order to inform the design of future HBHCT programmes. We used data from an open-label cluster-randomised controlled trial which had demonstrated the effectiveness of a post-HBHCT counselling intervention in increasing linkage to HIV care. HBHCT was offered to adults (≥18 years) from 28 rural communities in Masaka, Uganda; consenting HIV-positive care naïve individuals were enrolled and referred for care. The trial's primary outcome was linkage to HIV care (clinic-verified registration for care) six months post-HBHCT. Random effects logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with HBHCT uptake, linkage to care, CD4 count receipt, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation; all analyses of uptake of post-HBHCT services were adjusted for trial arm allocation. Of 13,455 adults offered HBHCT, 12,100 (89.9%) accepted. HBHCT uptake was higher among men [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.36] than women, and decreased with increasing age. Of 551 (4.6%) persons who tested HIV-positive, 205 (37.2%) were in care. Of those not in care, 302 (87.3%) were enrolled in the trial and of these, 42.1% linked to care, 35.4% received CD4 counts, and 29.8% initiated ART at 6 months post-HBHCT. None of the investigated factors was associated with linkage to care. CD4 count receipt was lower in individuals who lived ≥30 min from an HIV clinic (aOR 0.60, 95%CI = 0.34-1.06) versus those who lived closer. ART initiation was higher in older individuals (≥45 years versus <25 years, aOR 2.14, 95% CI = 0.98-4.65), and lower in single (aOR 0.60, 95% CI = 0.28-1.31) or divorced/separated/widowed (aOR 0.47, 95% CI = 0.23-0.93) individuals versus those married/cohabiting. HBHCT was highly acceptable but uptake of post-HBHCT care was low. Other than post-HBHCT counselling, this study did not identify specific issues that require addressing to further improve linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Ruzagira
- a Department Infectious Disease and Epidemiology , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom.,b MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS , Entebbe , Uganda
| | - Kathy Baisley
- a Department Infectious Disease and Epidemiology , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom
| | - Anatoli Kamali
- b MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS , Entebbe , Uganda.,c International AIDS Vaccine Initiative , New York , USA
| | - Heiner Grosskurth
- a Department Infectious Disease and Epidemiology , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom
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