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Ogola B, Matume ND, Tebit DM, Mavhandu-Ramarumo LG, Bessong PO. Immunologic, virologic and drug resistance outcomes in an HIV-infected prospective cohort on treatment in South Africa. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307519. [PMID: 39186551 PMCID: PMC11346725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In September 2016, South Africa introduced the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) programme to manage HIV infection. However, the development of drug resistance and sustaining viral suppression are challenges to the success of treatment programmes. This prospective observational study describes virologic, immunologic, and drug resistance profiles in a test and treat cohort in north-eastern South Africa. METHODS Five hundred and thirty-four HIV-1 positive antiretroviral naïve adults entering treatment programmes were enrolled between January 2016 and February 2018. Trends in CD4+ cell count, viral load, and drug resistance by examination of deep sequences were assessed at baseline and every three months, for 24 months. RESULTS Seventy-five percent were late initiators into ART (that is baseline CD4+ cell counts < 500 cells/microliter) and 16% were early initiators into ART and baseline CD4 was not available for 9%. Eleven percent (12/104) achieved immunological response after 6 months, 39.4% (41 /104) after 12 months, and 97.5% (101/104) after 24 months. Seventy-one percent (381/534) had baseline viral loads >1000 RNA copies/ml. Nine percent (22/246) achieved viral suppression after 3 months, 50% (122/246) after 6 months and 73.6% (181/246) after 12 months. A slower viral suppression was observed for males than females (p value = 0.012). A total of 45.6% (52/114) individuals had at least one drug resistance mutation (DRM) detected at >20% threshold in any of the time points, and the number increased to 55% (63/114) when minor variants were accounted for. Forty-eight percent (14/29) had drug resistance mutations at >5% threshold as early as 3 months into treatment. CONCLUSION The UNAIDS target of 95% viral suppression in individuals under treatment was not observed after 12 months of treatment, and this was less successful for males. Adherence and drug resistance monitoring could be beneficial for individuals harbouring resistant viruses early into treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixa Ogola
- SAMRC-UNIVEN Antimicrobial Resistance and Global Health Research Unit, HIV/AIDS & Global Health Research Programme, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Nontokozo D. Matume
- SAMRC-UNIVEN Antimicrobial Resistance and Global Health Research Unit, HIV/AIDS & Global Health Research Programme, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Denis M. Tebit
- SAMRC-UNIVEN Antimicrobial Resistance and Global Health Research Unit, HIV/AIDS & Global Health Research Programme, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
- Global Biomed Scientific LLC, Forest, VA, United States of America
| | - Lufuno G. Mavhandu-Ramarumo
- SAMRC-UNIVEN Antimicrobial Resistance and Global Health Research Unit, HIV/AIDS & Global Health Research Programme, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Pascal Obong Bessong
- SAMRC-UNIVEN Antimicrobial Resistance and Global Health Research Unit, HIV/AIDS & Global Health Research Programme, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
- Center for Global Health Equity, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Buchanan AL, Hernández-Ramírez RU, Lok JJ, Vermund SH, Friedman SR, Forastiere L, Spiegelman D. Assessing Direct and Spillover Effects of Intervention Packages in Network-randomized Studies. Epidemiology 2024; 35:481-488. [PMID: 38709023 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intervention packages may result in a greater public health impact than single interventions. Understanding the separate impact of each component on the overall package effectiveness can improve intervention delivery. METHODS We adapted an approach to evaluate the effects of a time-varying intervention package in a network-randomized study. In some network-randomized studies, only a subset of participants in exposed networks receive the intervention themselves. The spillover effect contrasts average potential outcomes if a person was not exposed to themselves under intervention in the network versus no intervention in a control network. We estimated the effects of components of the intervention package in HIV Prevention Trials Network 037, a Phase III network-randomized HIV prevention trial among people who inject drugs and their risk networks using marginal structural models to adjust for time-varying confounding. The index participant in an intervention network received a peer education intervention initially at baseline, then boosters at 6 and 12 months. All participants were followed to ascertain HIV risk behaviors. RESULTS There were 560 participants with at least one follow-up visit, 48% of whom were randomized to the intervention, and 1,598 participant visits were observed. The spillover effect of the boosters in the presence of initial peer education training was a 39% rate reduction (rate ratio = 0.61; 95% confidence interval = 0.43, 0.87). CONCLUSIONS These methods will be useful for evaluating intervention packages in studies with network features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Buchanan
- From the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
| | - Raúl U Hernández-Ramírez
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Judith J Lok
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Laura Forastiere
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
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Bekolo CE, Ndeso SA, Moifo LL, Mangala N, Ateudjieu J, Kouanfack C, Dzudie A, Thienemann F, Tendongfor N, Nsagha DS, Choukem SP. Changes in access to viral load testing, incidence rates of viral load suppression and rebound following the introduction of the 'universal test and treat' guidelines in Cameroon: A retrospective follow-up analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003042. [PMID: 38626049 PMCID: PMC11020606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Cameroon adopted and started implementing in 2016, the 'universal test and treat' (UTT) guidelines to fast-track progress towards the 95-95-95 ambitious targets to end the HIV epidemic. Achieving the third 95 (viral load suppression) is the most desirable target in HIV care. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel approach on access to viral load testing (VLT), viral suppression (VLS), and viral load rebound (VLR). A retrospective cohort study was conducted at The Nkongsamba Regional Hospital to compare VLT outcomes between the pre-UTT (2002 to 2015) and the post-UTT (2016 to 2020) periods. We used a data extraction form to collect routine data on adult patients living with HIV. We measured uptake levels of the first and serial VLT and compared the incidence rates of VLS (VL<1000 copies/ml) and viral load rebound (VLR) before and after introducing the UTT approach using Kaplan Meier plots and log-rank tests. Cox regression was used to screen for factors independently associated with VLS and VLR events between the guideline periods. Access to initial VLT increased significantly from 6.11% to 25.56% at 6 months and from 12.00% to 73.75% at 12 months before and after introducing the UTT guidelines respectively. After a total observation time at risk of 17001.63 person-months, the UTT group achieved an incidence rate of 90.36 VLS per 1000 person-months, four-fold higher than the 21.71 VLS per 1000 person-months observed in the pre-UTT group (p<0.0001). After adjusting for confounding, the VLS rate was about 6-fold higher in the UTT group than in the pre-UTT group (adjusted Hazard Rate (aHR) = 5.81 (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 4.43-7.60). The incidence of VLR increased from 12.60 (95%CI: 9.50-16.72) to 19.11 (95%CI: 14.22-25.67) per 1000 person-months before and after the introduction of UTT guidelines respectively. After adjusting, VLR was more than twice as high in the UTT group than in the pre-UTT group (aHR = 2.32, 95%CI: 1.30-4.13). Increased access to initial VLT and higher rates of VLS have been observed but there are concerns that the suppressed viral load may not be durable since the introduction of the UTT policy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. E. Bekolo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - S. A. Ndeso
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - L. L. Moifo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - N. Mangala
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - J. Ateudjieu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - C. Kouanfack
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - A. Dzudie
- Department of Internal Medicine and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - F. Thienemann
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N. Tendongfor
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - D. S. Nsagha
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - S. P. Choukem
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
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Buchanan AL, Hernández-Ramírez RU, Lok JJ, Vermund SH, Friedman SR, Forastiere L, Spiegelman D. Assessing Direct and Spillover Effects of Intervention Packages in Network-Randomized Studies. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2022.03.24.22272909. [PMID: 38352598 PMCID: PMC10863001 DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.24.22272909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Intervention packages may result in a greater public health impact than single interventions. Understanding the separate impact of each component in the overall package effectiveness can improve intervention delivery. We adapted an approach to evaluate the effects of a time-varying intervention package in a network-randomized study. In some network-randomized studies, only a subset of participants in exposed networks receive the intervention themselves. The spillover effect contrasts average potential outcomes if a person was not exposed themselves under intervention in the network versus no intervention in a control network. We estimated effects of components of the intervention package in HIV Prevention Trials Network 037, a Phase III network-randomized HIV prevention trial among people who inject drugs and their risk networks using Marginal Structural Models to adjust for time-varying confounding. The index participant in an intervention network received a peer education intervention initially at baseline, then boosters at 6 and 12 months. All participants were followed to ascertain HIV risk behaviors. There were 560 participants with at least one follow-up visit, 48% of whom were randomized to the intervention, and 1,598 participant-visits were observed. The spillover effect of the boosters in the presence of initial peer education training was a 39% rate reduction (Rate Ratio = 0.61; 95% confidence interval= 0.43, 0.87). These methods will be useful to evaluate intervention packages in studies with network features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Buchanan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881
| | - Raúl Ulises Hernández-Ramírez
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Judith J Lok
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston MA 02215
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Departments of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
| | - Laura Forastiere
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520
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Rosen JG, Ssekubugu R, Chang LW, Ssempijja V, Galiwango RM, Ssekasanvu J, Ndyanabo A, Kisakye A, Nakigozi G, Rucinski KB, Patel EU, Kennedy CE, Nalugoda F, Kigozi G, Ratmann O, Nelson LJ, Mills LA, Kabatesi D, Tobian AAR, Quinn TC, Kagaayi J, Reynolds SJ, Grabowski MK. Temporal dynamics and drivers of durable HIV viral load suppression and persistent high- and low-level viraemia during Universal Test and Treat scale-up in Uganda: a population-based study. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26200. [PMID: 38332519 PMCID: PMC10853573 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26200] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Population-level data on durable HIV viral load suppression (VLS) following the implementation of Universal Test and Treat (UTT) in Africa are limited. We assessed trends in durable VLS and viraemia among persons living with HIV in 40 Ugandan communities during the UTT scale-up. METHODS In 2015-2020, we measured VLS (<200 RNA copies/ml) among participants in the Rakai Community Cohort Study, a longitudinal population-based HIV surveillance cohort in southern Uganda. Persons with unsuppressed viral loads were characterized as having low-level (200-999 copies/ml) or high-level (≥1000 copies/ml) viraemia. Individual virologic outcomes were assessed over two consecutive RCCS survey visits (i.e. visit-pairs; ∼18-month visit intervals) and classified as durable VLS (<200 copies/ml at both visits), new/renewed VLS (<200 copies/ml at follow-up only), viral rebound (<200 copies/ml at initial visit only) or persistent viraemia (≥200 copies/ml at both visits). Population prevalence of each outcome was assessed over calendar time. Community-level prevalence and individual-level predictors of persistent high-level viraemia were also assessed using multivariable Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Overall, 3080 participants contributed 4604 visit-pairs over three survey rounds. Most visit-pairs (72.4%) exhibited durable VLS, with few (2.5%) experiencing viral rebound. Among those with any viraemia at the initial visit (23.5%, n = 1083), 46.9% remained viraemic through follow-up, 91.3% of which was high-level viraemia. One-fifth (20.8%) of visit-pairs exhibiting persistent high-level viraemia self-reported antiretroviral therapy (ART) use for ≥12 months. Prevalence of persistent high-level viraemia varied substantially across communities and was significantly elevated among young persons aged 15-29 years (vs. 40- to 49-year-olds; adjusted risk ratio [adjRR] = 2.96; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.21-3.96), males (vs. females; adjRR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.87-3.07), persons reporting inconsistent condom use with non-marital/casual partners (vs. persons with marital/permanent partners only; adjRR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.10-1.74) and persons reporting hazardous alcohol use (adjRR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.16). The prevalence of persistent high-level viraemia was highest among males <30 years (32.0%). CONCLUSIONS Following universal ART provision, most persons living with HIV in south-central Uganda are durably suppressed. Among persons exhibiting any viraemia, nearly half exhibited high-level viraemia for ≥12 months and reported higher-risk behaviours associated with onward HIV transmission. Intensified efforts linking individuals to HIV treatment services could accelerate momentum towards HIV epidemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Gregory Rosen
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Larry W. Chang
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Rakai Health Sciences ProgramEntebbeUganda
- Division of Infectious DiseasesJohns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Victor Ssempijja
- Rakai Health Sciences ProgramEntebbeUganda
- Clinical Monitoring Research Program DirectorateFrederick National Laboratory for Cancer ResearchFrederickMarylandUSA
| | | | - Joseph Ssekasanvu
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Rakai Health Sciences ProgramEntebbeUganda
| | | | | | | | - Katherine B. Rucinski
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Eshan U. Patel
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Caitlin E. Kennedy
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Rakai Health Sciences ProgramEntebbeUganda
| | | | | | | | - Lisa J. Nelson
- Division of Global HIV and TBCenters for Disease Control and PreventionKampalaUganda
| | - Lisa A. Mills
- Division of Global HIV and TBCenters for Disease Control and PreventionKampalaUganda
| | - Donna Kabatesi
- Division of Global HIV and TBCenters for Disease Control and PreventionKampalaUganda
| | - Aaron A. R. Tobian
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of PathologyJohns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Thomas C. Quinn
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Rakai Health Sciences ProgramEntebbeUganda
- Division of Infectious DiseasesJohns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Division of Intramural ResearchNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | | | - Steven J. Reynolds
- Rakai Health Sciences ProgramEntebbeUganda
- Division of Infectious DiseasesJohns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Division of Intramural ResearchNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Mary Kathryn Grabowski
- Rakai Health Sciences ProgramEntebbeUganda
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of PathologyJohns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Islam MH, Shrestha RK, Hoch JS, Farnham PG. Estimating the Cost-Effectiveness of HIV Self-Testing in the United States Using Net Benefit Regression. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:138-143. [PMID: 37831617 PMCID: PMC11305482 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-effectiveness analysis of HIV self-testing using patient-level data from a randomized clinical trial can inform HIV prevention funding decisions. Cost-effectiveness analysis using net-benefit regression addresses the sampling uncertainty in the trial data and the variability of policymakers' willingness to pay (WTP). METHODS We used published data from a 12-month longitudinal randomized clinical trial that enrolled 2665 men who had sex with men randomly assigned to the self-testing arm (participants receiving self-test kits) and control arm (participants receiving standard-of-care), and the self-testing arm identified 48 additional new HIV cases. We used net-benefit regression to investigate the cost-effectiveness of an HIV self-testing intervention, which compared the incremental cost per new HIV diagnosis with policymakers' WTP thresholds. We addressed the uncertainties in estimating the incremental cost and the policymakers' WTP per new diagnosis through the incremental net-benefit (INB) regression and cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC) analyses. RESULTS From the health care provider's perspective, the INB analysis showed a positive net benefit of HIV self-testing compared with standard-of-care when policymakers' WTP per new HIV diagnosis was $9365 (95% confidence interval: $5700 to $25,500) or higher. The CEAC showed that the probability of HIV self-testing being cost-effective compared with standard-of-care was 58% and >99% at a WTP of $10 000 and $50 000 per new HIV diagnosis, respectively. CONCLUSION The INB and CEAC analyses suggest that HIV self-testing has the potential to be cost-effective for relatively low values of policymakers' WTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Hafizul Islam
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Ram K. Shrestha
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Jeffrey S. Hoch
- Division of Health Policy and Management, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis
| | - Paul G. Farnham
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Bekolo C, Ndeso S, Gougue C, Moifo L, Mangala N, Tchendjou P, Mboh E, Ateudjieu J, Tendongfor N, Nsagha D, Halle-Ekane G, Choukem S. The effect of the Universal Test and Treat policy uptake on CD4 count testing and incidence of opportunistic infections among people living with HIV infection in Cameroon: a retrospective analysis of routine data. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2023; 2:100120. [PMID: 38515498 PMCID: PMC10954022 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2023.100120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Background Cameroon adopted and started implementing in 2016, the 'universal test and treat' (UTT) guidelines to fast-track progress towards the 95-95-95 ambitious targets to end the HIV epidemic. UTT has shown inconsistent results elsewhere and has not yet been assessed in Cameroon. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel approach on the quality of care and health outcomes of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods A retrospective cohort design was conducted at The Nkongsamba Regional Hospital, using routine clinical service delivery data to measure uptake levels of UTT and CD4 testing, and to compare the incidence of opportunistic infections (OI) between PLHIV initiated on ART based on the "Universal Test and Treat" strategy and those initiated on ART based on the standard deferred approach between 2002 and 2020. Kaplan Meier plots and log-rank tests were used to compare OI events between the pre-UTT and post-UTT eras. The Cox regression model was used to screen for factors independently associated with the risk of acquisition of OI. Results The uptake of UTT ranged from 39.1% to 92.8% while baseline CD4 count testing reduced drastically from 89.4% to 0.4% between 2016 to 2020 respectively. The median delay in ART initiation declined significantly from 21 days (IQR: 9 - 113) in the pre-UTT era to the same day of diagnosis (IQR: 0 - 2) in the UTT era (p < 0.001). The incidence of all OI events reported was over five times higher during the UTT era than in the pre-UTT era [aHR = 5.55 (95% CI: 3.18 - 9.69), p < 0.001]. Conclusion The UTT policy has been effectively rolled out and has contributed to improved access to rapid and immediate ART initiation, but a higher incidence of OIs was observed with a rollback of baseline CD4 testing. We advocate for a return to routine baseline CD4 measurement to identify PLHIV who should benefit from interventions to prevent OIs for optimal outcomes under the UTT approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- C.E. Bekolo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - S.A. Ndeso
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - C.P. Gougue
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - L.L. Moifo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - N. Mangala
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - P. Tchendjou
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, EGPAF Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - E. Mboh
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - J. Ateudjieu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - N. Tendongfor
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - D.S. Nsagha
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - G.E. Halle-Ekane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - S.P. Choukem
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
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Mavhu W, Makamba M, Hatzold K, Maringwa G, Takaruza A, Mutseta M, Ncube G, Cowan FM, Sibanda EL. Preferences for oral-fluid-based or blood-based HIV self-testing and provider-delivered testing: an observational study among different populations in Zimbabwe. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 22:973. [PMID: 37848810 PMCID: PMC10583299 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08624-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited data on client preferences for different HIV self-testing (HIVST) and provider-delivered testing options and associated factors. We explored client preferences for oral-fluid-based self-testing (OFBST), blood-based self-testing (BBST) and provider-delivered blood-based testing (PDBBT) among different populations. METHODS At clinics providing HIV testing services to general populations (1 urban, 1 rural clinic), men seeking voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC, 1 clinic), and female sex workers (FSW, 1 clinic), clients had the option to test using OFBST, BBST or PDBBT. A pre-test questionnaire collected information on demographics and testing history. Two weeks after collecting a self-test kit, participants responded to a questionnaire. We used logistic regression to determine predictors of choices. We also conducted 20 in-depth interviews to contextualise quantitative findings. RESULTS May to June 2019, we recruited 1244 participants of whom 249 (20%), 251 (20%), 244 (20%) and 500 (40%) were attending urban general, rural, VMMC and FSW clinics, respectively. Half (n = 619, 50%) chose OFBST, 440 (35%) and 185 (15%) chose BBST and PDBBT, respectively. In multivariable analysis comparing those choosing HIVST (OFBST and BBST combined) versus not, those who had never married aOR 0.57 (95% CI 0.34-0.93) and those previously married aOR0.56 (0.34-0.93) were less likely versus married participants to choose HIVST. HIVST preference increased with education, aOR 2.00 (1.28-3.13), 2.55 (1.28-5.07), 2.76 (1.48-5.14) for ordinary, advanced and tertiary education, respectively versus none/primary education. HIVST preference decreased with age aOR 0.97 (0.96-0.99). Urban participants were more likely than rural ones to choose HIVST, aOR 9.77 (5.47-17.41), 3.38 (2.03-5.62) and 2.23 (1.38-3.61) for FSW, urban general and VMMC clients, respectively. Comparing those choosing OFBST with those choosing BBST, less literate participants were less likely to choose oral fluid tests, aOR 0.29 (0.09-0.92). CONCLUSIONS Most testing clients opted for OFBST, followed by BBST and lastly, PDBBT. Those who self-assessed as less healthy were more likely to opt for PDBBT which likely facilitated linkage. Results show importance of continued provision of all strategies in order to meet needs of different populations, and may be useful to inform both HIVST kit stock projections and tailoring of HIVST programs to meet the needs of different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Webster Mavhu
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 4 Bath Road, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Memory Makamba
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 4 Bath Road, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Galven Maringwa
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 4 Bath Road, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Albert Takaruza
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 4 Bath Road, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 4 Bath Road, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Euphemia L Sibanda
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 4 Bath Road, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
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9
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Hamooya BM, Mutembo S, Muyunda B, Mweebo K, Kancheya N, Sikazwe L, Sakala M, Mvula J, Kunda S, Kabesha S, Cheelo C, Fwemba I, Banda C, Masenga SK. HIV test-and-treat policy improves clinical outcomes in Zambian adults from Southern Province: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1244125. [PMID: 37900026 PMCID: PMC10600392 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1244125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, most countries have implemented a test-and-treat policy to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. However, the impact of this strategy has not been critically appraised in many settings, including Zambia. We evaluated the retention and clinical outcomes of adults enrolled in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and assessed the impact of the test-and-treat policy. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study among 6,640 individuals who initiated ART between January 1, 2014 and July 31, 2016 [before test-and-treat cohort (BTT), n = 2,991] and between August 1, 2016 and October 1, 2020 [after test-and-treat cohort (ATT), n = 3,649] in 12 districts of the Southern province. To assess factors associated with retention, we used logistic regression (xtlogit model). Results The median age [interquartile range (IQR)] was 34.8 years (28.0, 42.1), and 60.2% (n = 3,995) were women. The overall retention was 83.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 82.6, 84.4], and it was significantly higher among the ATT cohort, 90.6 vs. 74.8%, p < 0.001. The reasons for attrition were higher in the BTT compared to the ATT cohorts: stopped treatment (0.3 vs. 0.1%), transferred out (9.3 vs. 3.2%), lost to follow-up (13.5 vs. 5.9%), and death (1.4 vs. 0.2%). Retention in care was significantly associated with the ATT cohort, increasing age and baseline body mass index (BMI), rural residence, and WHO stage 2, while non-retention was associated with never being married, divorced, and being in WHO stage 3. Conclusion The retention rate and attrition factors improved in the ATT compared to the BTT cohorts. Drivers of retention were test-and-treat policy, older age, high BMI, rural residence, marital status, and WHO stage 1. Therefore, there is need for interventions targeting young people, urban residents, non-married people, and those in the symptomatic WHO stages and with low BMI. Our findings highlight improved ART retention after the implementation of the test-and-treat policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson M. Hamooya
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Simon Mutembo
- International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Brian Muyunda
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Keith Mweebo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nzali Kancheya
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lyapa Sikazwe
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Morgan Sakala
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Johanzi Mvula
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Salazeh Kunda
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Shem Kabesha
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Chilala Cheelo
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Isaac Fwemba
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Clive Banda
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Sepiso K. Masenga
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
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10
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Davis K, Pickles M, Gregson S, Hargreaves JR, Ayles H, Bock P, Pliakas T, Thomas R, Ohrnberger J, Bwalya J, Bell-Mandla N, Shanaube K, Probert W, Hoddinott G, Bond V, Hayes R, Fidler S, Hauck K. The effect of universal testing and treatment for HIV on health-related quality of life - An analysis of data from the HPTN 071 (PopART) cluster randomised trial. SSM Popul Health 2023; 23:101473. [PMID: 37575363 PMCID: PMC10413193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV treatment has clear Health-Related Quality-of-Life (HRQoL) benefits. However, little is known about how Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) for HIV affects HRQoL. This study aimed to examine the effect of a combination prevention intervention, including UTT, on HRQoL among People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods Data were from HPTN 071 (PopART), a three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial in 21 communities in Zambia and South Africa (2013-2018). Arm A received the full UTT intervention of door-to-door HIV testing plus access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) regardless of CD4 count, Arm B received the intervention but followed national treatment guidelines (universal ART from 2016), and Arm C received standard care. The intervention effect was measured in a cohort of randomly selected adults, over 36 months. HRQoL scores, and the prevalence of problems in five HRQoL dimensions (mobility, self-care, performing daily activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression) were assessed among all participants using the EuroQol-5-dimensions-5-levels questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). We compared HRQoL among PLHIV with laboratory confirmed HIV status between arms, using adjusted two-stage cluster-level analyses. Results At baseline, 7,856 PLHIV provided HRQoL data. At 36 months, the mean HRQoL score was 0.892 (95% confidence interval: 0.887-0.898) in Arm A, 0.886 (0.877-0.894) in Arm B and 0.888 (0.884-0.892) in Arm C. There was no evidence of a difference in HRQoL scores between arms (A vs C, adjusted mean difference: 0.003, -0.001-0.006; B vs C: -0.004, -0.014-0.005). The prevalence of problems with pain/discomfort was lower in Arm A than C (adjusted prevalence ratio: 0.37, 0.14-0.97). There was no evidence of differences for other HRQoL dimensions. Conclusions The intervention did not change overall HRQoL, suggesting that raising HRQoL among PLHIV might require more than improved testing and treatment. However, PLHIV had fewer problems with pain/discomfort under the full intervention; this benefit of UTT should be maximised during roll-out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Davis
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Michael Pickles
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Simon Gregson
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - James R. Hargreaves
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Helen Ayles
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Zambart, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Triantafyllos Pliakas
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Ranjeeta Thomas
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
| | - Julius Ohrnberger
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Justin Bwalya
- Zambart, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nomtha Bell-Mandla
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kwame Shanaube
- Zambart, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - William Probert
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Graeme Hoddinott
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Virginia Bond
- Zambart, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Katharina Hauck
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - the HPTN 071 (PopART) Study Team
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Zambart, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, UK
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11
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Makurumidze R, Decroo T, Jacobs BKM, Rusakaniko S, Van Damme W, Lynen L, Gils T. Attrition one year after starting antiretroviral therapy before and after the programmatic implementation of HIV "Treat All" in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:558. [PMID: 37641003 PMCID: PMC10463759 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08551-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence on the real-world effects of "Treat All" on attrition has not been systematically reviewed. We aimed to review existing literature to compare attrition 12 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, before and after "Treat All" was implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa and describe predictors of attrition. METHODS We searched Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science in July 2020 and created alerts up to the end of June 2023. We also searched for preprints and conference abstracts. Two co-authors screened and selected the articles. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We extracted and tabulated data on study characteristics, attrition 12 months after ART initiation, and predictors of attrition. We calculated a pooled risk ratio for attrition using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Eight articles and one conference abstract (nine studies) out of 8179 screened records were included in the meta-analysis. The random-effects adjusted pooled risk ratio (RR) comparing attrition before and after "Treat All" 12 months after ART initiation was not significant [RR = 1.07 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.91-1.24)], with 92% heterogeneity (I2). Being a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, starting ART with advanced HIV, and starting ART within the same week were reported as risk factors for attrition both before and after "Treat All". CONCLUSIONS We found no significant difference in attrition before and after "Treat All" one year after ART initiation. While "Treat All" is being implemented widely, differentiated approaches to enhance retention should be prioritised for those subgroups at risk of attrition. PROSPERO NUMBER CRD42020191582 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Makurumidze
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Gerontology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Tom Decroo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Foundation of Flanders, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart K M Jacobs
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Simbarashe Rusakaniko
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Gerontology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tinne Gils
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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12
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Shanaube K, Schaap A, Mureithi L, Amofa-Sekyi M, Paulsen R, Cheeba M, Kangololo B, Vermaak R, Sisam C, Kosloff B, de Haas P, Fidler S, Ruperez M, Hayes R, Floyd S, Ayles H. The impact of a combined TB/HIV intervention on the incidence of TB infection among adolescents and young adults in the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial communities in Zambia and South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001473. [PMID: 37450474 PMCID: PMC10348566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HPTN071 (PopART) was a cluster randomized trial conducted in Zambian and South African (SA) communities, between 2013-2018. The PopART intervention (universal HIV-testing and treatment (UTT) combined with population-level TB symptom screening) was implemented in 14 communities. The TREATS study (2017-2021) was conducted to evaluate the impact of the PopART intervention on TB outcomes. We report on the impact of the combined TB/HIV intervention on the incidence of TB infection in a cohort of adolescents and young adults (AYA) aged 15-24 years. METHODS A random sample of AYA was enrolled between July 2018 and July 2019 in 7 intervention vs 7 standard-of-care communities. We collected questionnaire data on risk factors for TB, and blood for measuring TB infection using QuantiFERON (QFT) Plus. AYA were seen at months 12 and 24 with all procedures repeated. Primary outcome was incidence of TB infection comparing intervention and standard-of-care communities. An incident case was defined as a participant with QFT interferon-gamma response of < 0.2 IU/ml plasma ('negative') at baseline and a QFT interferon-gamma response of > = 0.7 IU/ml ('positive') at follow up. RESULTS We enrolled 4,648 AYA, 2,223 (47.8%) had a negative QFT-plus result at baseline, 1,902 (85.6%) had a follow up blood sample taken at 12 months or 24 months. Among the 1,902 AYA, followed for 2,987 person-years, 213 had incident TB infection giving (7.1 per 100 person-years). TB infection incidence rates were 8.7 per 100 person-years in intervention communities compared to 6.0 per 100 person-years in standard-of-care communities. There was no evidence the intervention reduced the transmission of TB (incidence-rate-ratio of 1.45, 95%CI 0.97-2.15, p = 0.063). CONCLUSION In our trial setting, we found no evidence that UTT combined with TB active case finding reduced the incidence of TB infection at population level. Our data will inform future modelling work to better understand the population level dynamics of HIV and TB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ab Schaap
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Mureithi
- Health Systems Trust, Health Systems Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Robynn Paulsen
- Health Systems Trust, Health Systems Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Redwaan Vermaak
- Health Systems Trust, Health Systems Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carmen Sisam
- Health Systems Trust, Health Systems Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Barry Kosloff
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Petra de Haas
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Ruperez
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Larmarange J, Bachanas P, Skalland T, Balzer LB, Iwuji C, Floyd S, Mills LA, Pillay D, Havlir D, Kamya MR, Ayles H, Wirth K, Dabis F, Hayes R, Petersen M. Population-level viremia predicts HIV incidence at the community level across the Universal Testing and Treatment Trials in eastern and southern Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002157. [PMID: 37450436 PMCID: PMC10348573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Universal HIV testing and treatment (UTT) strategies aim to optimize population-level benefits of antiretroviral treatment. Between 2012 and 2018, four large community randomized trials were conducted in eastern and southern Africa. While their results were broadly consistent showing decreased population-level viremia reduces HIV incidence, it remains unclear how much HIV incidence can be reduced by increasing suppression among people living with HIV (PLHIV). We conducted a pooled analysis across the four UTT trials. Leveraging data from 105 communities in five countries, we evaluated the linear relationship between i) population-level viremia (prevalence of non-suppression-defined as plasma HIV RNA >500 or >400 copies/mL-among all adults, irrespective of HIV status) and HIV incidence; and ii) prevalence of non-suppression among PLHIV and HIV incidence, using parametric g-computation. HIV prevalence, measured in 257 929 persons, varied from 2 to 41% across the communities; prevalence of non-suppression among PLHIV, measured in 31 377 persons, from 3 to 70%; population-level viremia, derived from HIV prevalence and non-suppression, from < 1% to 25%; and HIV incidence, measured over 345 844 person-years (PY), from 0.03/100PY to 3.46/100PY. Decreases in population-level viremia were strongly associated with decreased HIV incidence in all trials (between 0.45/100PY and 1.88/100PY decline in HIV incidence per 10 percentage points decline in viremia). Decreases in non-suppression among PLHIV were also associated with decreased HIV incidence in all trials (between 0.06/100PY and 0.17/100PY decline in HIV incidence per 10 percentage points decline in non-suppression). Our results support both the utility of population-level viremia as a predictor of incidence, and thus a tool for targeting prevention interventions, and the ability of UTT approaches to reduce HIV incidence by increasing viral suppression. Implementation of universal HIV testing approaches, coupled with interventions to leverage linkage to treatment, adapted to local contexts, can reduce HIV acquisition at population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Larmarange
- Centre Population et Développement, Université Paris Cité, IRD, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Pamela Bachanas
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Timothy Skalland
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Laura B. Balzer
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
| | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa A. Mills
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Deenan Pillay
- Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Havlir
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda and the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Helen Ayles
- Clinical Research Department London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Zambart, University of Zambia School of Public Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kathleen Wirth
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - François Dabis
- Université Bordeaux, ISPED, Centre INSERM U1219-Bordeaux Population Health, Bordeaux, France
| | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maya Petersen
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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14
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Rosen JG, Ssekubugu R, Chang LW, Ssempijja V, Galiwango RM, Ssekasanvu J, Ndyanabo A, Kisakye A, Nakigozi G, Rucinski KB, Patel EU, Kennedy CE, Nalugoda F, Kigozi G, Ratmann O, Nelson LJ, Mills LA, Kabatesi D, Tobian AAR, Quinn TC, Kagaayi J, Reynolds SJ, Grabowski MK. Temporal dynamics and drivers of durable HIV viral load suppression and persistent high- and low-level viremia during Universal Test and Treat scale-up in Uganda: a population-based study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.06.15.23291445. [PMID: 37398460 PMCID: PMC10312875 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.15.23291445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Population-level data on durable HIV viral load suppression (VLS) following implementation of Universal Test and Treat (UTT) in Africa are limited. We assessed trends in durable VLS and viremia among persons living with HIV in 40 Ugandan communities during UTT scale-up. Methods In 2015-2020, we measured VLS (defined as <200 RNA copies/mL) among participants in the Rakai Community Cohort Study, a longitudinal population-based HIV surveillance cohort in southern Uganda. Persons with unsuppressed viral loads were characterized as having low-level (200-999 copies/mL) or high-level (≥1,000 copies/mL) viremia. Individual virologic outcomes were assessed over two consecutive RCCS survey visits (i.e., visit-pairs; ∼18 month visit intervals) and classified as durable VLS (<200 copies/mL at both visits), new/renewed VLS (<200 copies/mL at follow-up only), viral rebound (<200 copies/mL at initial visit only), or persistent viremia (<200 copies/mL at neither visit). Population prevalence of each outcome was assessed over calendar time. Community-level prevalence and individual-level predictors of persistent high-level viremia were also assessed using multivariable Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations. Results Overall, 3,080 participants contributed 4,604 visit-pairs over three survey rounds. Most visit-pairs (72.4%) exhibited durable VLS, with few (2.5%) experiencing viral rebound. Among those with viremia at the initial visit ( n =1,083), 46.9% maintained viremia through follow-up, 91.3% of which was high-level viremia. One-fifth (20.8%) of visit-pairs exhibiting persistent high-level viremia self-reported antiretroviral therapy (ART) use for ≥12 months. Prevalence of persistent high-level viremia varied substantially across communities and was significantly elevated among young persons aged 15-29 years (versus 40-49-year-olds; adjusted risk ratio [adjRR]=2.96; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]:2.21-3.96), men (versus women; adjRR=2.40, 95%CI:1.87-3.07), persons reporting inconsistent condom use with non-marital/casual partners (versus persons with marital/permanent partners only; adjRR=1.38, 95%CI:1.10-1.74), and persons exhibiting hazardous alcohol use (adjRR=1.09, 95%CI:1.03-1.16). The prevalence of persistent high-level viremia was highest among men <30 years (32.0%). Conclusions Following universal ART provision, most persons living with HIV in south-central Uganda are durably suppressed. Among persons exhibiting viremia, nearly half maintain high-level viremia for ≥12 months and report higher-risk behaviors associated with onward HIV transmission. Enhanced linkage to HIV care and optimized treatment retention could accelerate momentum towards HIV epidemic control.
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Rosen JG, Muraleetharan O, Walker A, Srivastava M. Pediatric Antiretroviral Therapy Coverage and AIDS Deaths in the "Treat All" Era. Pediatrics 2023; 151:e2022059013. [PMID: 37194480 PMCID: PMC10829847 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-059013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In 2015, CD4-based clinical staging criteria for antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation were removed, expanding ART eligibility ("Treat All") for children, who shoulder an outsized burden of HIV-related deaths. To quantify the impact of "Treat All" on pediatric HIV outcomes, we examined shifts in pediatric ART coverage and AIDS mortality before and after "Treat All" implementation. METHODS We abstracted country-level ART coverage (proportion of children <15 years on ART) and AIDS mortality (deaths per 100 000 population) estimates over 11 years. For 91 countries, we also abstracted the year "Treat All" was incorporated into national guidelines. We used multivariable 2-way fixed effects negative binomial regression to estimate changes in pediatric ART coverage and AIDS mortality potentially attributable to "Treat All" expansion, reported as adjusted incidence rate ratios (adj.IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS From 2010 to 2020, pediatric ART coverage tripled (16% to 54%), and AIDS-related deaths were halved (240 000 to 99 000). Compared with the pre-implementation period, observed ART coverage continued increasing after "Treat All" adoption, but this rate of increase declined by 6% (adj.IRR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.98). AIDS mortality continued declining after "Treat All" adoption, but this rate of decline decreased by 8% (adj.IRR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.11) in the post-implementation period. CONCLUSIONS Although "Treat All" called for increased HIV treatment equity, ART coverage continues lagging in children and comprehensive approaches that address structural issues, including family-based services and intensified case-finding, are needed to close pediatric HIV treatment gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Rosen
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ohvia Muraleetharan
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Allison Walker
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Meena Srivastava
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia
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16
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Nicol E, Basera W, Mukumbang FC, Cheyip M, Mthethwa S, Lombard C, Jama N, Pass D, Laubscher R, Bradshaw D. Linkage to HIV Care and Early Retention in Care Rates in the Universal Test-and-Treat Era: A Population-based Prospective Study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1068-1081. [PMID: 36098845 PMCID: PMC10020822 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03844-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
HIV linkage, and retention are key weaknesses in South Africa's national antiretroviral therapy (ART) program, with the greatest loss of patients in the HIV treatment pathway occurring before ART initiation. This study investigated linkage-to and early-retention-in-care (LTRIC) rates among adults newly diagnosed with HIV in a high-HIV prevalent rural district. We conducted an observational prospective cohort study to investigate LTRIC rates for adults with a new HIV diagnosis in South Africa. Patient-level survey and clinical data were collected using a one-stage-cluster design from 18 healthcare facilities and triangulated between HIV and laboratory databases and registered deaths from Department of Home Affairs. We used Chi-square tests to assess associations between categorical variables, and results were stratified by HIV status, sex, and age. Of the 5,637 participants recruited, 21.2% had confirmed HIV, of which 70.9% were women, and 46.5% were aged 25-34 years. Although 82.7% of participants were linked-to-care within 3 months, only 46.1% remained-in-care 12 months after initiating ART and 5.2% were deceased. While a significantly higher proportion of men were linked-to-care at 3 months compared to women, a significant proportion of women (49.5%) remained-in-care at 12 months than men (38.0%). Post-secondary education and child support grants were significantly associated with retention. We found high linkage-to-care rates, but less than 50% of participants remained-in-care at 12 months. Significant effort is required to retain people living with HIV in care, especially during the first year after ART initiation. Our findings suggest that interventions could target men to encourage HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Nicol
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa.
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Wisdom Basera
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ferdinand C Mukumbang
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Mireille Cheyip
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ngcwalisa Jama
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Desiree Pass
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
| | - Ria Laubscher
- Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Debbie Bradshaw
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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17
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Nicol E, Mehlomakulu V, Jama NA, Hlongwa M, Basera W, Pass D, Bradshaw D. Healthcare provider perceptions on the implementation of the universal test-and-treat policy in South Africa: a qualitative inquiry. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:293. [PMID: 36978086 PMCID: PMC10045036 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09281-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa had an estimated 7.5 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), accounting for approximately 20% of the 38.4 million PLHIV globally in 2021. In 2015, the World Health Organization recommended the universal test and treat (UTT) intervention which was implemented in South Africa in September 2016. Evidence shows that UTT implementation faces challenges in terms of human resources capacity or infrastructure. We aim to explore healthcare providers (HCPs)' perspectives on the implementation of the UTT strategy in uThukela District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal province. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted with one hundred and sixty-one (161) healthcare providers (HCPs) within 18 healthcare facilities in three subdistricts, comprising of Managers, Nurses, and Lay workers. HCPs were interviewed using an open ended-survey questions to explore their perceptions providing HIV care under the UTT strategy. All interviews were thematically analysed using both inductive and deductive approaches. RESULTS Of the 161 participants (142 female and 19 male), 158 (98%) worked at the facility level, of which 82 (51%) were nurses, and 20 (12.5%) were managers (facility managers and PHC manager/supervisors). Despite a general acceptance of the UTT policy implementation, HCPs expressed challenges such as increased patient defaulter rates, increased work overload, caused by the increased number of service users, and physiological and psychological impacts. The surge in the workload under conditions of inadequate systems' capacity and human resources, gave rise to a greater burden on HCPs in this study. However, increased life expectancy, good quality of life, and immediate treatment initiation were identified as perceived positive outcomes of UTT on service users. Perceived influence of UTT on the health system included, increased number of patients initiated, decreased burden on the system, meeting the 90-90-90 targets, and financial aspects. CONCLUSION Health system strengthening such as providing more systems' capacity for expected increase in workload, proper training and retraining of HCPs with new policies in the management of patient readiness for lifelong ART journey, and ensuring availability of medicines, may reduce strain on HCPs, thus improving the delivery of the comprehensive UTT services to PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Nicol
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa.
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - Vuyelwa Mehlomakulu
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
| | - Ngcwalisa Amanda Jama
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mbuzeleni Hlongwa
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Wisdom Basera
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Desiree Pass
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
| | - Debbie Bradshaw
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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John DO, Wang P, Togo Y, McGovern M. Global Imbalances in Funding Sources for HIV Randomized Control Trials. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2023; 39:53-56. [PMID: 36401360 PMCID: PMC9942170 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2022.0068] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving access to grant funding is a critical aspect of strengthening research capacity outside of higher income settings, particularly in HIV/AIDS where randomized control trials (RCTs) that require substantial resources are common. In this article, we assessed recent RCTs to examine variation in how studies were funded, depending on study location and the countries where publication authors were based. We conducted a PubMed literature review to identify RCTs with HIV status or viral load endpoints published in 2019 and 2020, then analyzed cross-tabulations of funding sources by study characteristics. One hundred sixteen publications met the inclusion criteria. Research in higher income countries was most likely to be funded by biotech/pharmaceutical companies, whereas research in lower- and middle-income countries was most likely to be funded by U.S. government sources. Overall, we found the distribution of funding sources differed significantly by study and author location (χ2 = 23, p < .001). Published RCTs with HIV status or viral load endpoints are financed differently based on where studies take place and where the authors are based. As part of future research, understanding why this variation exists is critical for assessing how funding contributes to global imbalances in scientific resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peng Wang
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yaya Togo
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Mark McGovern
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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19
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Achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets: a comparative analysis of four large community randomised trials delivering universal testing and treatment to reduce HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2333. [PMID: 36514036 PMCID: PMC9746009 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14713-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Four large community-randomized trials examining universal testing and treatment (UTT) to reduce HIV transmission were conducted between 2012-2018 in Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and South Africa. In 2014, the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets were adopted as a useful metric to monitor coverage. We systematically review the approaches used by the trials to measure intervention delivery, and estimate coverage against the 90-90-90 targets. We aim to provide in-depth understanding of the background contexts and complexities that affect estimation of population-level coverage related to the 90-90-90 targets. METHODS Estimates were based predominantly on "process" data obtained during delivery of the interventions which included a combination of home-based and community-based services. Cascade coverage data included routine electronic health records, self-reported data, survey data, and active ascertainment of HIV viral load measurements in the field. RESULTS The estimated total adult populations of trial intervention communities included in this study ranged from 4,290 (TasP) to 142,250 (Zambian PopART Arm-B). The estimated total numbers of PLHIV ranged from 1,283 (TasP) to 20,541 (Zambian PopART Arm-B). By the end of intervention delivery, the first-90 target (knowledge of HIV status among all PLHIV) was met by all the trials (89.2%-94.0%). Three of the four trials also achieved the second- and third-90 targets, and viral suppression in BCPP and SEARCH exceeded the UNAIDS target of 73%, while viral suppression in the Zambian PopART Arm-A and B communities was within a small margin (~ 3%) of the target. CONCLUSIONS All four UTT trials aimed to implement wide-scale testing and treatment for HIV prevention at population level and showed substantial increases in testing and treatment for HIV in the intervention communities. This study has not uncovered any one estimation approach which is superior, rather that several approaches are available and researchers or policy makers seeking to measure coverage should reflect on background contexts and complexities that affect estimation of population-level coverage in their specific settings. All four trials surpassed UNAIDS targets for universal testing in their intervention communities ahead of the 2020 milestone. All but one of the trials also achieved the 90-90 targets for treatment and viral suppression. UTT is a realistic option to achieve 95-95-95 by 2030 and fast-track the end of the HIV epidemic.
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20
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Probert WJM, Sauter R, Pickles M, Cori A, Bell-Mandla NF, Bwalya J, Abeler-Dörner L, Bock P, Donnell DJ, Floyd S, Macleod D, Piwowar-Manning E, Skalland T, Shanaube K, Wilson E, Yang B, Ayles H, Fidler S, Hayes RJ, Fraser C. Projected outcomes of universal testing and treatment in a generalised HIV epidemic in Zambia and South Africa (the HPTN 071 [PopART] trial): a modelling study. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e771-e780. [PMID: 36332654 PMCID: PMC9646978 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00259-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term impact of universal home-based testing and treatment as part of universal testing and treatment (UTT) on HIV incidence is unknown. We made projections using a detailed individual-based model of the effect of the intervention delivered in the HPTN 071 (PopART) cluster-randomised trial. METHODS In this modelling study, we fitted an individual-based model to the HIV epidemic and HIV care cascade in 21 high prevalence communities in Zambia and South Africa that were part of the PopART cluster-randomised trial (intervention period Nov 1, 2013, to Dec 31, 2017). The model represents coverage of home-based testing and counselling by age and sex, delivered as part of the trial, antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake, and any changes in national guidelines on ART eligibility. In PopART, communities were randomly assigned to one of three arms: arm A received the full PopART intervention for all individuals who tested positive for HIV, arm B received the intervention with ART provided in accordance with national guidelines, and arm C received standard of care. We fitted the model to trial data twice using Approximate Bayesian Computation, once before data unblinding and then again after data unblinding. We compared projections of intervention impact with observed effects, and for four different scenarios of UTT up to Jan 1, 2030 in the study communities. FINDINGS Compared with standard of care, a 51% (95% credible interval 40-60) reduction in HIV incidence is projected if the trial intervention (arms A and B combined) is continued from 2020 to 2030, over and above a declining trend in HIV incidence under standard of care. INTERPRETATION A widespread and continued commitment to UTT via home-based testing and counselling can have a substantial effect on HIV incidence in high prevalence communities. FUNDING National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and National Institute of Mental Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J M Probert
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Rafael Sauter
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Pickles
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anne Cori
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nomtha F Bell-Mandla
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Lucie Abeler-Dörner
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Sian Floyd
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Macleod
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ethan Wilson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Blia Yang
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK; NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Richard J Hayes
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christophe Fraser
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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21
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Baisley K, Orne-Gliemann J, Larmarange J, Plazy M, Collier D, Dreyer J, Mngomezulu T, Herbst K, Hanekom W, Dabis F, Siedner MJ, Iwuji C. Early HIV treatment and survival over six years of observation in the ANRS 12249 Treatment as Prevention Trial. HIV Med 2022; 23:922-928. [PMID: 35218300 PMCID: PMC9545558 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Population-based universal test and treat (UTT) trials have shown an impact on population-level virological suppression. We followed the ANRS 12249 TasP trial population for 6 years to determine whether the intervention had longer-term survival benefits. METHODS The TasP trial was a cluster-randomized trial in South Africa from 2012 to 2016. All households were offered 6-monthly home-based HIV testing. Immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) was offered through trial clinics to all people living with HIV (PLHIV) in intervention clusters and according to national guidelines in control clusters. After the trial, individuals attending the trial clinics were transferred to the public ART programme. Deaths were ascertained through annual demographic surveillance. Random-effects Poisson regression was used to estimate the effect of trial arm on mortality among (i) all PLHIV; (ii) PLHIV aware of their status and not on ART at trial entry; and (iii) PHLIV who started ART during the trial. RESULTS Mortality rates among PLHIV were 9.3/1000 and 10.4/1000 person-years in the control and intervention arms, respectively. There was no evidence that the intervention decreased mortality among all PLHIV [adjusted rate ratio (aRR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.85-1.43, p = 0.46] or among PLHIV who were aware of their status but not on ART. Among individuals who initiated ART, the intervention decreased mortality during the trial (aRR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.28-0.85, p = 0.01), but not after the trial ended. CONCLUSIONS The 'treat all' strategy reduced mortality among individuals who started ART but not among all PLHIV. To achieve maximum benefit of immediate ART, barriers to ART uptake and retention in care need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Baisley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joanna Orne-Gliemann
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Joseph Larmarange
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université de Paris, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Melanie Plazy
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Dami Collier
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.,Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Cambridge, UK
| | - Jaco Dreyer
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Kobus Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,DSI-MRC South African Population Research Infrastructure Network, Durban, South Africa
| | - Willem Hanekom
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francois Dabis
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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22
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Fogel JM, Wilson EA, Piwowar-Manning E, Breaud A, Clarke W, Petropoulos C, Moore A, Fraser C, Kosloff B, Shanaube K, van Zyl G, Scheepers M, Floyd S, Bock P, Ayles H, Fidler S, Hayes R, Donnell D, Eshleman SH. HIV drug resistance in a community-randomized trial of universal testing and treatment: HPTN 071 (PopART). J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25941. [PMID: 35775502 PMCID: PMC9248006 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Universal HIV testing and treatment (UTT) has individual and public health benefits. HPTN 071 (PopART), a community-randomized trial in Zambia and South Africa, demonstrated that UTT decreased HIV incidence. This endpoint was assessed in a cohort of >48,000 randomly selected adults in the study communities. We evaluated the impact of UTT on HIV drug resistance in this cohort and compared other resistance-related outcomes in participants with recent versus non-recent HIV infection. METHODS Two years after the start of HPTN 071 (2016-2017), 6259 participants were HIV positive and 1902 were viremic (viral load >400 copies/ml). HIV genotyping and antiretroviral (ARV) drug testing were performed for viremic participants in three groups: seroconverters (infected <1 year), non-seroconverters (infected >1 year, random subset) and participants with unknown duration of infection (random subset). A two-stage cluster-based approach was used to assess the impact of the study intervention on drug resistance. Treatment failure was defined as being viremic with ARV drugs detected. Participants were classified as ARV naïve based on self-report and ARV drug testing. RESULTS Genotyping results were obtained for 758 participants (143 seroconverters; 534 non-seroconverters; and 81 unknown duration of infection). The estimated prevalence of resistance in the study communities was 37% for all viremic persons and 11% for all HIV-positive persons. There was no association between UTT and drug resistance. Resistance was detected in 14.0% of seroconverters and 40.8% of non-seroconverters (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance: 14.0% and 39.9%; nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance: 0.7% and 15.5%; protease inhibitor resistance: 0% and 1.9%; multi-class resistance: 0.7% and 16.1%, respectively). ARV drugs were detected in 2/139 (1.4%) of seroconverters and 94/534 (17.6%) of non-seroconverters tested. These participants were classified as failing ART; 88 (93.6%) of the non-seroconverters failing ART had resistance. Mutations used for surveillance of transmitted drug resistance were detected in 10.5% of seroconverters and 15.1% of non-seroconverters who were ARV naive. CONCLUSIONS UTT was not associated with an increase in drug resistance in this cohort. Higher rates of drug resistance and multi-class resistance were observed in non-seroconverters compared to seroconverters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Fogel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ethan A Wilson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Estelle Piwowar-Manning
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Autumn Breaud
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - William Clarke
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Christophe Fraser
- The Big Data Institute and Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Barry Kosloff
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Gert van Zyl
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michelle Scheepers
- Desmond Tutu TB Center, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Center, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, HIV Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Susan H Eshleman
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Feasibility and acceptability of a peer-led HIV self-testing model among female sex workers in Malawi: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2021. [PMCID: PMC8718425 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesHIV testing is the gateway to HIV prevention and care services. Female sex workers (FSW) may benefit from HIV self-testing (HIVST), which offers greater control and confidentiality than other approaches. However, FSW also have unique vulnerabilities, making it critical to understand their perspective of HIVST to best contextualise HIVST to their needs. This study explored feasibility and acceptability of providing oral fluid-based peer-led HIVST to FSW to inform tailored HIVST delivery approaches.DesignQualitative study.SettingMalawi.ParticipantsThirty-nine FSW who had obtained a HIVST kit and eight peer distributors.ResultsPeer distributors’ accounts suggested that peer-led HIVST is feasible. Overall, FSW spoke positively about peer-led HIVST and younger FSW preferred it to facility-based HIV testing. FSW highlighted both greater control of their testing experience and that HIVST could allow them to avoid discriminatory attitudes frequently experienced in public facilities. Some also felt that HIVST kits could enable them to establish the HIV status of their sexual partners, better informing their decisions about condomless sex. Despite overall acceptance of HIVST, a few expressed doubts in the procedure. Some FSW already aware of their HIV-positive status reported using HIVST. A few accounts suggested peer pressure to self-test predominantly from peer distributors.ConclusionsThis study enabled us to explore feasibility and acceptability of peer-led HIVST among FSW, as well as potential shortcomings of the HIV testing modality. Peer distributors are a welcome additional model. However, they should avoid distribution in actual venues. Programmes should ensure a range of testing options are available and expand peer’s representation. Study findings will be used to tailor the HIVST distribution model to ensure its enhanced uptake among key populations in general and FSW, specifically.
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Effects of implementing universal and rapid HIV treatment on initiation of antiretroviral therapy and retention in care in Zambia: a natural experiment using regression discontinuity. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e755-e765. [PMID: 34656208 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(21)00186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal testing and treatment (UTT) for all people living with HIV has only been assessed under experimental conditions in cluster-randomised trials. The public health effectiveness of UTT policies on the HIV care cascade under real-world conditions is not known. We assessed the real-world effectiveness of universal HIV treatment policies that were implemented in Zambia on Jan 1, 2017. METHODS We used data from Zambia's routine electronic health record system to analyse antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive adults who newly enrolled in HIV care up to 1 year before and after the implementation of universal treatment (ie, Jan 1, 2016, to Jan 1, 2018) at 117 clinics supported by the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia. We used a regression discontinuity design to estimate the effects of implementing UTT on same-day ART initiation, ART initiation within 1 month, and retention on ART at 12 months (defined as clinic attendance 9-15 months after enrolment and at least 6 months on ART), under the assumption that patients presenting immediately before and after UTT implementation were balanced on both measured and unmeasured characteristics. We did an instrumental variable analysis to estimate the effect of same-day ART initiation under routine conditions on 12-month retention on ART. FINDINGS 65 673 newly enrolled patients with HIV (40 858 [62·2%] female, median age 32 years [IQR 26-39], median CD4 count 287 cells per μL [IQR 147-466]) were eligible for inclusion in the analyses; 31 145 enrolled before implementation of UTT, and 34 528 enrolled after UTT. Implementation of universal treatment increased same-day ART initiation from 41·7% to 74·8% (risk difference [RD] 33·1%, 95% CI 30·5-35·7), ART initiation by 1 month from 69·6% to 87·0% (RD 17·4%, 15·5-19·3), and 12-month retention on ART from 56·2% to 63·3% (RD 7·1%, 4·3-9·9). ART initiation rates became more uniform across patient subgroups after implementation of universal treatment, but heterogeneity in 12-month retention on ART between subgroups was unchanged. Instrumental variable analyses indicated that same-day ART initiation in routine settings led to a 15·8% increase (95% CI 12·1-19·5) in 12-month retention on ART. INTERPRETATION UTT policies implemented in Zambia increased the rapidity and uptake of ART, as well as retention on ART at 12 months, although overall retention on ART remained suboptimal. UTT policies reduced disparities in treatment initiation, but not 12-month retention on ART. Natural experiments reveal both the anticipated and unanticipated effects of real-world implementation and indicate the need for new strategies leveraging the short-term effects of UTT to cultivate long-term treatment success. FUNDING National Institutes of Health.
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25
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Pickles M, Cori A, Probert WJM, Sauter R, Hinch R, Fidler S, Ayles H, Bock P, Donnell D, Wilson E, Piwowar-Manning E, Floyd S, Hayes RJ, Fraser C. PopART-IBM, a highly efficient stochastic individual-based simulation model of generalised HIV epidemics developed in the context of the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009301. [PMID: 34473700 PMCID: PMC8478209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mathematical models are powerful tools in HIV epidemiology, producing quantitative projections of key indicators such as HIV incidence and prevalence. In order to improve the accuracy of predictions, such models need to incorporate a number of behavioural and biological heterogeneities, especially those related to the sexual network within which HIV transmission occurs. An individual-based model, which explicitly models sexual partnerships, is thus often the most natural type of model to choose. In this paper we present PopART-IBM, a computationally efficient individual-based model capable of simulating 50 years of an HIV epidemic in a large, high-prevalence community in under a minute. We show how the model calibrates within a Bayesian inference framework to detailed age- and sex-stratified data from multiple sources on HIV prevalence, awareness of HIV status, ART status, and viral suppression for an HPTN 071 (PopART) study community in Zambia, and present future projections of HIV prevalence and incidence for this community in the absence of trial intervention. In this paper we present PopART-IBM, an individual-based model used to simulate HIV transmission in communities in high prevalence settings. We show that PopART-IBM can simulate transmission over a span of decades in a large community in less than a minute. This computational efficiency allows us to calibrate the model within an inference framework, and we show an illustrative example of calibration using an adaptive population Monte Carlo Approximate Bayesian Computation algorithm for a community in Zambia that was part of the HPTN-071 (PopART) trial. We compare the detailed model output to real-world data collected during the trial from this community. Finally, we project how the HIV epidemic would have changed over time in this community if no intervention from the trial had occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pickles
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Anne Cori
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - William J. M. Probert
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael Sauter
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Hinch
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College NIHR BRC, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ethan Wilson
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Estelle Piwowar-Manning
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland United States of America
| | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christophe Fraser
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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26
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Lebelonyane R, Bachanas P, Block L, Ussery F, Alwano MG, Marukutira T, El Halabi S, Roland M, Abrams W, Ussery G, Miller JA, Lockman S, Gaolathe T, Holme MP, Hader S, Mills LA, Wirth K, Bock N, Moore J. To achieve 95-95-95 targets we must reach men and youth: High level of knowledge of HIV status, ART coverage, and viral suppression in the Botswana Combination Prevention Project through universal test and treat approach. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255227. [PMID: 34375343 PMCID: PMC8354449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing HIV treatment coverage is crucial to reducing population-level HIV incidence. METHODS The Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP) was a community randomized trial examining the impact of multiple prevention interventions on population-level HIV incidence and was conducted from October 2013 through June 2017. Home and mobile campaigns offered HIV testing to all individuals ≥ age 16. All identified HIV-positive persons who were not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were referred to treatment and tracked to determine linkage to care, ART status, retention in treatment, and viral suppression. RESULTS Of an estimated total of 14,270 people living with HIV (PLHIV) residing in the 15 intervention communities, BCPP identified 13,328 HIV-positive persons (93%). At study start, 10,703 (80%) of estimated PLHIV knew their status; 2,625 (20%) learned their status during BCPP, a 25% increase with the greatest increases occurring among men (37%) and youth (77%). At study start, 9,258 (65%) of estimated PLHIV were on ART. An additional 3,001 persons started ART through the study. By study end, 12,259 had initiated and were retained on ART, increasing coverage to 93%. A greater increase in ART coverage was achieved among men (40%) compared to women (29%). Of the 11,954 persons who had viral load (VL) test results, 11,687 (98%) were virally suppressed (HIV-1 RNA ≤400 copies/mL). Overall, 82% had documented VL suppression by study end. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of HIV-positive status and ART coverage increased towards 95-95 targets with universal testing, linkage interventions, and ART. The increases in HIV testing and ART use among men and youth were essential to reaching these targets. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT01965470.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela Bachanas
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Lisa Block
- Northrop Grumman, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Faith Ussery
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Michelle Roland
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - William Abrams
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Gene Ussery
- Northrop Grumman, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | | | - Shahin Lockman
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | | | - Lisa A. Mills
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kathleen Wirth
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Naomi Bock
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Janet Moore
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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Jewell BL, BALZER LB, CLARK TD, CHARLEBOIS ED, KWARISIIMA D, KAMYA MR, HAVLIR DV, PETERSEN ML, BERSHTEYN A. Predicting HIV Incidence in the SEARCH Trial: A Mathematical Modeling Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1024-1031. [PMID: 33770065 PMCID: PMC8217115 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SEARCH study provided community-based HIV and multidisease testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) to 32 communities in East Africa and reported no statistically significant difference in 3-year HIV incidence. We used mathematical modeling to estimate the effect of control arm viral suppression and community mixing on SEARCH trial outcomes. SETTING Uganda and Kenya. METHODS Using the individual-based HIV modeling software EMOD-HIV, we configured a new model of SEARCH communities. The model was parameterized using demographic, HIV prevalence, male circumcision, and viral suppression data and calibrated to HIV prevalence, ART coverage, and population size. Using assumptions about ART scale-up in the control arm, degree of community mixing, and effect of baseline testing, we estimated comparative HIV incidence under multiple scenarios. RESULTS Before the trial results, we predicted that SEARCH would report a 4%-40% reduction between arms, depending on control arm ART linkage rates and community mixing. With universal baseline testing followed by rapidly expanded ART eligibility and uptake, modeled effect sizes were smaller than the study was powered to detect. Using interim viral suppression data, we estimated 3-year cumulative incidence would have been reduced by up to 27% in the control arm and 43% in the intervention arm compared with a counterfactual without universal baseline testing. CONCLUSIONS Our model suggests that the active control arm substantially reduced expected effect size and power of the SEARCH study. However, compared with a counterfactual "true control" without increased ART linkage because of baseline testing, SEARCH reduced HIV incidence by up to 43%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta L. Jewell
- University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, USA
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28
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Myburgh H, Reynolds L, Hoddinott G, van Aswegen D, Grobbelaar N, Gunst C, Jennings K, Kruger J, Louis F, Mubekapi-Musadaidzwa C, Viljoen L, Wademan D, Bock P. Implementing 'universal' access to antiretroviral treatment in South Africa: a scoping review on research priorities. Health Policy Plan 2021; 36:923-938. [PMID: 33963393 PMCID: PMC8227479 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czaa094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
‘Universal’ access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) has become the global standard for treating people living with HIV and achieving epidemic control; yet, findings from numerous ‘test and treat’ trials and implementation studies in sub-Saharan Africa suggest that bringing ‘universal' access to ART to scale is more complex than anticipated. Using South Africa as a case example, we describe the research priorities and foci in the literature on expanded ART access. To do so, we adapted Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage scoping review framework to describe the peer-reviewed literature and opinion pieces on expanding access to ART in South Africa between 2000 and 2017. Data collection included systematic searches of two databases and hand-searching of a sub-sample of reference lists. We used an adapted socio-ecological thematic framework to categorize data according to where it located the challenges and opportunities of expanded ART eligibility: individual/client, health worker–client relationship, clinic/community context, health systems infrastructure and/or policy context. We included 194 research articles and 23 opinion pieces, of 1512 identified, addressing expanded ART access in South Africa. The peer-reviewed literature focused on the individual and health systems infrastructure; opinion pieces focused on changing roles of individuals, communities and health services implementers. We contextualized our findings through a consultative process with a group of researchers, HIV clinicians and programme managers to consider critical knowledge gaps. Unlike the published literature, the consultative process offered particular insights into the importance of researching and intervening in the relational aspects of HIV service delivery as South Africa’s HIV programme expands. An overwhelming focus on individual and health systems infrastructure factors in the published literature on expanded ART access in South Africa may skew understanding of HIV programme shortfalls away from the relational aspects of HIV services delivery and delay progress with finding ways to leverage non-medical modalities for achieving HIV epidemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlie Myburgh
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa.,Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, WV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lindsey Reynolds
- Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University, c/o Merriman and Ryneveld Avenue, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Graeme Hoddinott
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Dianne van Aswegen
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Nelis Grobbelaar
- The Anova Health Institute, Willie Van Schoor Avenue, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530, South Africa
| | - Colette Gunst
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa.,Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Winelands District, 7 Haarlem Street, Worcester, 6850, South Africa
| | - Karen Jennings
- City of Cape Town Health Department, Cape Town Municipality, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
| | - James Kruger
- Western Cape Department of Health, HIV Treatment and PMTCT Programme, 4 Dorp Street, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Francoise Louis
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Constance Mubekapi-Musadaidzwa
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Lario Viljoen
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Dillon Wademan
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
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Viljoen L, Mainga T, Casper R, Mubekapi-Musadaidzwa C, Wademan DT, Bond VA, Pliakas T, Bwalya C, Stangl A, Phiri M, Yang B, Shanaube K, Bock P, Fidler S, Hayes R, Ayles H, Hargreaves JR, Hoddinott G, Seeley J, Donnell D, Floyd S, Mandla N, Bwalya J, Sabapathy K, Eshleman SH, Macleod D, Moore A, Vermund SH, Hauck K, Shanaube K. Community-based health workers implementing universal access to HIV testing and treatment: lessons from South Africa and Zambia-HPTN 071 (PopART). Health Policy Plan 2021; 36:881-890. [PMID: 33963387 PMCID: PMC8227454 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The global expansion of HIV testing, prevention and treatment services is necessary to achieve HIV epidemic control and promote individual and population health benefits for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa. Community-based health workers (CHWs) could play a key role in supporting implementation at scale. In the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial in Zambia and South Africa, a cadre of 737 study-specific CHWs, working closely with government-employed CHW, were deployed to deliver a ‘universal’ door-to-door HIV prevention package, including an annual offer of HIV testing and referral services for all households in 14 study communities. We conducted a process evaluation using qualitative and quantitative data collected during the trial (2013–2018) to document the implementation of the CHW intervention in practice. We focused on the recruitment, retention, training and support of CHWs, as they delivered study-specific services. We then used these descriptions to: (i) analyse the fidelity to design of the delivery of the intervention package, and (ii) suggest key insights for the transferability of the intervention to other settings. The data included baseline quantitative data collected with the study-specific CHWs (2014–2018); and qualitative data from key informant interviews with study management (n = 91), observations of CHW training events (n = 12) and annual observations of and group discussions (GD) with intervention staff (n = 68). We show that it was feasible for newly recruited CHWs to implement the PopART intervention with good fidelity, supporting the interpretation of the trial outcome findings. This was despite some challenges in managing service quality and CHW retention in the early years of the programme. We suggest that by prioritizing the adoption of key elements of the in-home HIV services delivery intervention model—including training, emotional support to workers, monitoring and appropriate remuneration for CHWs—these services could be successfully transferred to new settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lario Viljoen
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Lower Level Clinical Building, Francie van Zijl Drive, Cape Town 7505, South Africa.,Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Tila Mainga
- Zambart, School of Public Health, Ridgeway Campus, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Rozanne Casper
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Lower Level Clinical Building, Francie van Zijl Drive, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Constance Mubekapi-Musadaidzwa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Lower Level Clinical Building, Francie van Zijl Drive, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Dillon T Wademan
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Lower Level Clinical Building, Francie van Zijl Drive, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Virginia A Bond
- Zambart, School of Public Health, Ridgeway Campus, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Global Health and Development Department, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Triantafyllos Pliakas
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Chiti Bwalya
- Zambart, School of Public Health, Ridgeway Campus, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anne Stangl
- International Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC, USA.,Hera Solutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mwelwa Phiri
- Zambart, School of Public Health, Ridgeway Campus, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Blia Yang
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Lower Level Clinical Building, Francie van Zijl Drive, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Kwame Shanaube
- Zambart, School of Public Health, Ridgeway Campus, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Peter Bock
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Lower Level Clinical Building, Francie van Zijl Drive, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College NIHR BRC, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart, School of Public Health, Ridgeway Campus, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - James R Hargreaves
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Graeme Hoddinott
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Lower Level Clinical Building, Francie van Zijl Drive, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
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Uzoaru F, Nwaozuru U, Ong JJ, Obi F, Obiezu-Umeh C, Tucker JD, Shato T, Mason SL, Carter V, Manu S, BeLue R, Ezechi O, Iwelunmor J. Costs of implementing community-based intervention for HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Implement Sci Commun 2021; 2:73. [PMID: 34225820 PMCID: PMC8259076 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-021-00177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based interventions (CBIs) are interventions aimed at improving the well-being of people in a community. CBIs for HIV testing seek to increase the availability of testing services to populations that have been identified as at high risk by reaching them in homes, schools, or community centers. However, evidence for a detailed cost analysis of these community-based interventions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is limited. We conducted a systematic review of the cost analysis of HIV testing interventions in SSA. METHODS Keyword search was conducted on SCOPUS, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Global Health databases. Three categories of key terms used were cost (implementation cost OR cost-effectiveness OR cost analysis OR cost-benefit OR marginal cost), intervention (HIV testing), and region (sub-Saharan Africa OR sub-Saharan Africa OR SSA). CBI studies were included if they primarily focused on HIV testing, was implemented in SSA, and used micro-costing or ingredients approach. RESULTS We identified 1533 citations. After screening, ten studies were included in the review: five from East Africa and five from Southern Africa. Two studies conducted cost-effectiveness analysis, and one study was a cost-utility analysis. The remainder seven studies were cost analyses. Four intervention types were identified: HIV self-testing (HIVST), home-based, mobile, and Provider Initiated Testing and Counseling. Commonly costed resources included personnel (n = 9), materials and equipment (n = 6), and training (n = 5). Cost outcomes reported included total intervention cost (n = 9), cost per HIV test (n = 9), cost per diagnosis (n = 5), and cost per linkage to care (n = 3). Overall, interventions were implemented at a higher cost than controls, with the largest cost difference with HIVST compared to facility-based testing. CONCLUSION To better inform policy, there is an urgent need to evaluate the costs associated with implementing CBIs in SSA. It is important for cost reports to be detailed, uniform, and informed by economic evaluation guidelines. This approach minimizes biases that may lead decision-makers to underestimate the resources required to scale up, sustain, or reproduce successful interventions in other settings. In an evolving field of implementation research, this review contributes to current resources on implementation cost studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florida Uzoaru
- College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jason J Ong
- Department of Clinical Research and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Felix Obi
- Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Chisom Obiezu-Umeh
- College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Thembekile Shato
- College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stacey L Mason
- College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Victoria Carter
- College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sunita Manu
- College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rhonda BeLue
- College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Juliet Iwelunmor
- College of Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Social isolation among HIV-positive persons might be an important barrier to care. Using data from the SEARCH Study in rural Kenya and Uganda, we constructed 32 community-wide, sociocentric networks and evaluated whether less socially connected HIV-positive persons were less likely to know their status, have initiated treatment, and be virally suppressed. METHODS Between 2013 and 2014, 168,720 adult residents in the SEARCH Study were census-enumerated, offered HIV testing, and asked to name social contacts. Social networks were constructed by matching named contacts to other residents. We characterized the resulting networks and estimated risk ratios (aRR) associated with poor HIV care outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and clustering by community with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS The sociocentric networks contained 170,028 residents (nodes) and 362,965 social connections (edges). Among 11,239 HIV-positive persons who named ≥1 contact, 30.9% were previously undiagnosed, 43.7% had not initiated treatment, and 49.4% had viral nonsuppression. Lower social connectedness, measured by the number of persons naming an HIV-positive individual as a contact (in-degree), was associated with poorer outcomes in Uganda, but not Kenya. Specifically, HIV-positive persons in the lowest connectedness tercile were less likely to be previously diagnosed (Uganda-West aRR: 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83, 0.96]; Uganda-East aRR: 0.85 [95% CI: 0.76, 0.96]); on treatment (Uganda-West aRR: 0.88 [95% CI: 0.80, 0.98]; Uganda-East aRR: 0.81 [0.72, 0.92]), and suppressed (Uganda-West aRR: 0.84 [95% CI: 0.73, 0.96]; Uganda-East aRR: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.58, 0.94]) than those in the highest connectedness tercile. CONCLUSIONS HIV-positive persons named as a contact by fewer people may be at higher risk for poor HIV care outcomes, suggesting opportunities for targeted interventions.
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Ngwenya N, Iwuji C, Petersen N, Myeni N, Nxumalo S, Ngema U, Seeley J. Investigation of post-trial access views among study participants and stakeholders using photovoice and semistructured interviews. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2021; 48:medethics-2020-107011. [PMID: 34172519 PMCID: PMC9554052 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2020-107011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examine the levels of post-trial responsibility ascribed to different stakeholders, following a community-based clinical trial and how the 'responsibility' is understood. METHODS We employed photovoice, unstructured observations and key informant interviews to gain insights into contexts of access to care following transition to the public health system post trial. We used an inductive narrative analysis to explore experiences and understandings of post-trial access (PTA). RESULTS In their photovoice stories, many participants expressed a sense of abandonment after the trial. This was viewed as a contributing factor to failing to re-engage with care available in the public health system. This led to the experiences of loss as some trial participants defaulted and died. Research investigators, department of health participants and sponsor agreed that PTA was especially important for communities in resource-limited settings. The government has an obligation towards its citizens while researchers have a responsibility to ensure a smooth transition of patients to public clinics. Sponsors have a responsibility to ensure that the trial is conducted in accordance with the protocol and post-trial agreements are in place and adhered to. Research partnerships among stakeholders were affected by power imbalances making it difficult to negotiate and plan for post-trial care responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS The research community still struggles with understanding the scope of PTA responsibilities. Power dynamics between public health actors and research sponsors need to be managed to ensure that government involvement is not tokenistic. The responsibility of trial participants and ethics committees needs to be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nothando Ngwenya
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, 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, UK
| | | | - Nompilo Myeni
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Ursula Ngema
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Ayieko J, Petersen ML, Kabami J, Mwangwa F, Opel F, Nyabuti M, Charlebois ED, Peng J, Koss CA, Balzer LB, Chamie G, Bukusi EA, Kamya MR, Havlir DV. Uptake and outcomes of a novel community-based HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) programme in rural Kenya and Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25670. [PMID: 34152067 PMCID: PMC8215805 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antiretroviral-based HIV prevention, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is expanding in generalized epidemic settings, but additional prevention options are needed for individuals with periodic, high-risk sexual exposures. Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended in global guidelines. However, in Africa, awareness of and access to PEP for sexual exposures are limited. We assessed feasibility, acceptability, uptake and adherence in a pilot study of a patient-centred PEP programme with options for facility- or community-based service delivery. METHODS After population-level HIV testing with universal access to PrEP for persons at elevated HIV risk (SEARCH Trial:NCT01864603), we conducted a pilot PEP study in five rural communities in Kenya and Uganda between December 2018 and May 2019. We assessed barriers to PEP in the population and implemented an intervention to address these barriers, building on existing in-country PEP protocols. We used community leaders for sensitization. Test kits and medications were acquired through the Ministry of Health supply chain and healthcare providers based at the Ministry of Health clinics were trained on PEP delivery. Additional intervention components were (a)PEP availability seven days/week, (b)PEP hotline staffed by providers and (c)option for out-of-facility medication delivery. We assessed implementation using the Proctor framework and measured seroconversions via repeat HIV testing. Successful "PEP completion" was defined as self-reported adherence over four weeks of therapy with post-PEP HIV testing. RESULTS Community leaders were able to sensitize and mobilize for PEP. The Ministry of Health supplied test kits and PEP medications; after training, healthcare providers delivered the 28-day regimen with high completion rates. Among 124 persons who sought PEP, 66% were female, 24% were ≤25 years and 42% were fisherfolk. Of these, 20% reported exposure with a serodifferent partner, 72% with a new or existing relationship and 7% from transactional sex. 12% of all visits were conducted at out-of-facility community-based sites; 35% of participants had ≥1 out-of-facility visit. No serious adverse events were reported. Overall, 85% met the definition of PEP completion. There were no HIV seroconversions. CONCLUSIONS Among individuals with elevated-risk exposures in rural East African communities, patient-centred PEP was feasible, acceptable and provides a promising addition to the current prevention toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ayieko
- Center for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Maya L Petersen
- Department of BiostatisticsUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Jane Kabami
- Infectious Diseases Research CollaborationKampalaUganda
| | | | - Fred Opel
- Center for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Marilyn Nyabuti
- Center for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | | | - James Peng
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Catherine A Koss
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Laura B Balzer
- Department of Biostatistics and EpidemiologyUniversity of MassachusettsAmherstMAUSA
| | - Gabriel Chamie
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Center for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Department of MedicineMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Diane V Havlir
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
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Fiorentino M, Nishimwe M, Protopopescu C, Iwuji C, Okesola N, Spire B, Orne-Gliemann J, McGrath N, Pillay D, Dabis F, Larmarange J, Boyer S. Early ART Initiation Improves HIV Status Disclosure and Social Support in People Living with HIV, Linked to Care Within a Universal Test and Treat Program in Rural South Africa (ANRS 12249 TasP Trial). AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1306-1322. [PMID: 33206263 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03101-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the effect of early antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation on HIV status disclosure and social support in a cluster-randomized, treatment-as-prevention (TasP) trial in rural South Africa. Individuals identified HIV-positive after home-based testing were referred to trial clinics where they were invited to initiate ART immediately irrespective of CD4 count (intervention arm) or following national guidelines (control arm). We used Poisson mixed effects models to assess the independent effects of (a) time since baseline clinical visit, (b) trial arm, and (c) ART initiation on HIV disclosure (n = 182) and social support (n = 152) among participants with a CD4 count > 500 cells/mm3 at baseline. Disclosure and social support significantly improved over follow-up in both arms. Disclosure was higher (incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.24 [1.04; 1.48]), and social support increased faster (1.22 [1.02; 1.46]) in the intervention arm than in the control arm. ART initiation improved both disclosure and social support (1.50 [1.28; 1.75] and 1.34 [1.12; 1.61], respectively), a stronger effect being seen in the intervention arm for social support (1.50 [1.12; 2.01]). Besides clinical benefits, early ART initiation may also improve psychosocial outcomes. This should further encourage countries to implement universal test-and-treat strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Fiorentino
- Aix Marseille Univ, UMR912 - INSERM, IRD, SanteRCom, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.
- ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de La Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, Marseille, France.
| | - Marie Nishimwe
- Aix Marseille Univ, UMR912 - INSERM, IRD, SanteRCom, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de La Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Camelia Protopopescu
- Aix Marseille Univ, UMR912 - INSERM, IRD, SanteRCom, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de La Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, UMR912 - INSERM, IRD, SanteRCom, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de La Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, Marseille, France
| | | | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Deenan Pillay
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - François Dabis
- INSERM, UMR1219 Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Sylvie Boyer
- Aix Marseille Univ, UMR912 - INSERM, IRD, SanteRCom, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
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Beia T, Kielmann K, Diaconu K. Changing men or changing health systems? A scoping review of interventions, services and programmes targeting men's health in sub-Saharan Africa. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:87. [PMID: 33789688 PMCID: PMC8011198 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01428-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex and gender have been shown to influence health literacy, health seeking behaviour, and health outcomes. However, research examining the links between gender and health has mainly focused on women's health, which is a long-standing global health priority. We examine literature focused on the 'missing men' in global health research, in particular empirical studies that document interventions, programmes, and services targeting men's health issues in Sub-Saharan Africa. Within these studies, we identify dominant conceptualisations of men and men's health and how these have influenced the design of men's health interventions and services. METHODS This is a scoping review of published and grey literature. Following comprehensive searches, we included 56 studies in the review. We conducted a bibliographic analysis of all studies and used inductive methods to analyse textual excerpts referring to conceptualizations of men and service design. An existing framework to categorise services, interventions, or programs according to their gender-responsiveness was adapted and used for the latter analysis. RESULTS From the included studies, we distinguished four principal ways in which men were conceptualized in programs and interventions: men are variously depicted as 'gatekeepers'; 'masculine' men, 'marginal' men and as 'clients. Additionally, we classified the gender-responsiveness of interventions, services or programmes described in the studies within the following categories: gender-neutral, -partnering, -sensitive and -transformative. Interventions described are predominantly gender-neutral or gender-partnering, with limited data available on transformative interventions. Health systems design features - focused mainly on achieving women's access to, and uptake of services - may contribute to the latter gap leading to poor access and engagement of men with health services. CONCLUSION This review highlights the need for transformation in sub-Saharan African health systems towards greater consideration of men's health issues and health-seeking patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Beia
- Health Services Department, Copperbelt University, Jambo Drive, Riverside, Kitwe, Zambia.
| | - Karina Kielmann
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Musselburgh, EH21 6UU, Scotland, UK
| | - Karin Diaconu
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Musselburgh, EH21 6UU, Scotland, UK
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Julien A, Anthierens S, Van Rie A, West R, Maritze M, Twine R, Kahn K, Lippman SA, Pettifor A, Leslie HH. Health Care Providers' Challenges to High-Quality HIV Care and Antiretroviral Treatment Retention in Rural South Africa. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:722-735. [PMID: 33570470 PMCID: PMC8221833 DOI: 10.1177/1049732320983270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Provision of high-quality HIV care is challenging, especially in rural primary care clinics in high HIV burden settings. We aimed to better understand the main challenges to quality HIV care provision and retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) programs in rural South Africa from the health care providers' perspective. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 23 providers from nine rural clinics. Using thematic and framework analysis, we found that providers and patients face a set of complex and intertwined barriers at the structural, programmatic, and individual levels. More specifically, analyses revealed that their challenges are primarily structural (i.e., health system- and microeconomic context-specific) and programmatic (i.e., clinic- and provider-specific) in nature. We highlight the linkages that providers draw between the challenges they face, the motivation to do their job, the quality of the care they provide, and patients' dissatisfaction with the care they receive, all potentially resulting in poor retention in care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rebecca West
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Meriam Maritze
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Rhian Twine
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Sheri A. Lippman
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hannah H. Leslie
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Implementation of Universal HIV Testing and Treatment to Reduce HIV Incidence in Botswana: the Ya Tsie Study. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 17:478-486. [PMID: 32797382 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antiretroviral treatment (ART) can dramatically reduce the risk of HIV transmission, but the feasibility of scaling up HIV testing, linkage and treatment to very high population levels, and its impact on population HIV incidence, were unknown. We review key findings from a community-randomized trial in which we evaluated the impact of "universal test and treat" (UTT) on population HIV incidence in Botswana, a resource-constrained country with both high HIV prevalence and high ART coverage before study inception. RECENT FINDINGS We conducted a community-randomized trial (the "Ya Tsie" trial or Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP)) in 30 villages in Botswana from 2013 to 2018, with the goal of determining whether a combination of prevention interventions-with a focus on universal HIV testing and treatment-would reduce population-level HIV incidence. The intervention included universal HIV testing (home-based and mobile), active linkage to HIV care and treatment with patient tracing for persons not linking, universal ART coverage, rapid ART start (at the first clinic visit), and enhanced male circumcision services. Botswana had very high HIV diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression levels (approaching the UNAIDS "90-90-90" targets) prior to intervention roll-out. By study end, we were able to exceed the overall 95-95-95 coverage target of 86%: an estimated 88% of all persons living with HIV were on ART and had viral suppression in the Ya Tsie intervention arm. In addition, annual HIV incidence was 30% lower in the intervention arm as compared with the control arm over a 29-month follow-up period. With universal HIV testing and relatively simple linkage activities, it was possible to achieve one of the highest reported population levels of HIV diagnosis, linkage to care, and viral suppression globally and to reduce population HIV incidence by about one-third over a short period of time (< 3 years). We were able to significantly increase population viral suppression and to decrease HIV incidence even in a resource-constrained setting with pre-existing very high testing and treatment coverage. Universal community-based HIV testing and tracing of individuals through the HIV care cascade were key intervention components.
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Shanaube K, Schaap A, Hoddinott G, Mubekapi-Musadaidzwa C, Floyd S, Bock P, Hayes R, Fidler S, Ayles H. Impact of a community-wide combination HIV prevention intervention on knowledge of HIV status among adolescents. AIDS 2021; 35:275-285. [PMID: 33048875 PMCID: PMC7810414 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of a community-wide combination HIV-prevention package (PopART Intervention) that includes universal testing and treatment (UTT) on knowledge of HIV status, among adolescents aged 15--19 years. DESIGN The HPTN 071 (PopART) for Youth (P-ART-Y) study was nested within HPTN 071 (PopART), a three-arm, cluster-randomized trial conducted from 2013 through 2018 in 21 communities in Zambia and South Africa. Communities were randomly assigned to arm A (combination prevention intervention with universal ART), arm B (prevention intervention with ART provided according to local guidelines), or arm C (standard-of-care). METHODS Knowledge of HIV status was measured using data collected during the third round of the PopART intervention in arms A and B (October 2016 to December 2017) and by conducting a cross-sectional survey (August to November 2017) in arm C communities to provide comparative data. The survey was conducted among ∼200 randomly selected adolescents in each community. We used linear regression of the 21 community-level values to make comparisons among trial arms. RESULTS Knowledge of HIV status was 78.2% (23 544/30 089) in arm A and 76.0% (24 417/32 148) in arm B communities, compared with 32.9% (698/2120) in arm C communities. Knowledge of HIV status varied by country, triplet, sex, and age. The adjusted mean difference was 42.3% between arm A with arm C, 95% CI 28.1-56.6, P less than 0.001 and 40.4% between arm B with arm C, 95% CI 24.6-56.2, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Implementation of a community-wide combination HIV-prevention package that includes UTT substantially enhanced knowledge of HIV status among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ab Schaap
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
| | - Graeme Hoddinott
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Sian Floyd
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Sarah Fidler
- Imperial College, London, UK & Imperial College NIHR BRC, London, UK
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
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Balzer LB, Havlir DV, Kamya MR, Chamie G, Charlebois ED, Clark TD, Koss CA, Kwarisiima D, Ayieko J, Sang N, Kabami J, Atukunda M, Jain V, Camlin CS, Cohen CR, Bukusi EA, Van Der Laan M, Petersen ML. Machine Learning to Identify Persons at High-Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Acquisition in Rural Kenya and Uganda. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71:2326-2333. [PMID: 31697383 PMCID: PMC7904068 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In generalized epidemic settings, strategies are needed to prioritize individuals at higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition for prevention services. We used population-level HIV testing data from rural Kenya and Uganda to construct HIV risk scores and assessed their ability to identify seroconversions. METHODS During 2013-2017, >75% of residents in 16 communities in the SEARCH study were tested annually for HIV. In this population, we evaluated 3 strategies for using demographic factors to predict the 1-year risk of HIV seroconversion: membership in ≥1 known "risk group" (eg, having a spouse living with HIV), a "model-based" risk score constructed with logistic regression, and a "machine learning" risk score constructed with the Super Learner algorithm. We hypothesized machine learning would identify high-risk individuals more efficiently (fewer persons targeted for a fixed sensitivity) and with higher sensitivity (for a fixed number targeted) than either other approach. RESULTS A total of 75 558 persons contributed 166 723 person-years of follow-up; 519 seroconverted. Machine learning improved efficiency. To achieve a fixed sensitivity of 50%, the risk-group strategy targeted 42% of the population, the model-based strategy targeted 27%, and machine learning targeted 18%. Machine learning also improved sensitivity. With an upper limit of 45% targeted, the risk-group strategy correctly classified 58% of seroconversions, the model-based strategy 68%, and machine learning 78%. CONCLUSIONS Machine learning improved classification of individuals at risk of HIV acquisition compared with a model-based approach or reliance on known risk groups and could inform targeting of prevention strategies in generalized epidemic settings. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT01864603.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Balzer
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diane V Havlir
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gabriel Chamie
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Edwin D Charlebois
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tamara D Clark
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Catherine A Koss
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - James Ayieko
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Norton Sang
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jane Kabami
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Vivek Jain
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carol S Camlin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mark Van Der Laan
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Maya L Petersen
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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Govere SM, Chimbari MJ. The evolution and adoption of World Health Organization policy guidelines on antiretroviral therapy initiation in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. South Afr J HIV Med 2020; 21:1103. [PMID: 33101722 PMCID: PMC7564818 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v21i1.1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite past and present global interventions, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic remains a public health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization (WHO) has assisted these countries by providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) policies for adoption and adaptation to local needs. Objectives This article describes the response of countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), to the WHO’s changing CD4-threshold ART-initiation recommendations of the past two decades. Methods Relevant articles published in international peer-reviewed journals were accessed via the following search engines: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Embase and EBSCOhost. The study’s inclusion criteria were articles published in the English language between 2000 and 2019 that highlighted changes to the CD4 ART-initiation threshold and that focused on the WHO’s ‘commencement of ART’ policy guidelines. Sixteen studies (n = 16) from SSA were identified and included in this review: four are cross-sectional, four deal with cost-effectiveness, four are retrospective, one is a randomised trial and three are observational studies. Only studies conducted in SSA were assessed. Results Four themes emerged: (1) adoption of the WHO CD4-ART-initiation policy by SSA countries, (2) timely implementation of the changing guideline initiation policy in the region, (3) barriers and facilitators encountered in the implementation of the changing guidelines and (4) description of similarities in policy implementation at country level from 2002 to 2019. Regional studies – cross-sectional, observational, retrospective, cost-effectiveness and randomised have described greater access to ART in SSA. However, barriers remain. The most common barriers to the timely implementation of ‘new’ ART-initiation guidelines were economic constraints, drug stock-outs, delays in obtaining baseline blood-test results and staff shortages. Conclusion Although countries in SSA have adopted the WHO-ART-CD4 initiation-threshold policy guidelines, implementation has seldom occurred in a timely manner. Barriers have been identified. Whilst a small number of countries have implemented recommendations promptly, for many, the barriers still require to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina M Govere
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moses J Chimbari
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Brault MA, Spiegelman D, Abdool Karim SS, Vermund SH. Integrating and Interpreting Findings from the Latest Treatment as Prevention Trials. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 17:249-258. [PMID: 32297219 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00492-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In 2018-2019, studies were published assessing the effectiveness of reducing HIV incidence by expanding HIV testing, linkage to HIV treatment, and assistance to persons living with HIV to adhere to their medications (the "90-90-90" strategy). These tests of "treatment as prevention" (TasP) had complex results. RECENT FINDINGS The TasP/ANRS 12249 study in South Africa, the SEARCH study in Kenya and Uganda, and one comparison (arms A to C) of the HPTN 071 (PopART) study in South Africa and Zambia did not demonstrate a community impact on HIV incidence. In contrast, the Botswana Ya Tsie study and the second comparison (arms B to C) of PopART indicated significant ≈ 30% reductions in HIV incidence in the intervention communities where TasP was expanded. We discuss the results of these trials and outline future research and challenges. These include the efficient expansion of widespread HIV testing, better linkage to care, and viral suppression among all persons living with HIV. A top implementation science priority for the next decade is to determine what strategies to use in specific local contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie A Brault
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Department of Biostatistics; Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Makurumidze R, Buyze J, Decroo T, Lynen L, de Rooij M, Mataranyika T, Sithole N, Takarinda KC, Apollo T, Hakim J, Van Damme W, Rusakaniko S. Patient-mix, programmatic characteristics, retention and predictors of attrition among patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) before and after the implementation of HIV "Treat All" in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240865. [PMID: 33075094 PMCID: PMC7571688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the scale-up of the HIV “Treat All” recommendation, evidence on its real-world effect on predictors of attrition (either death or lost to follow-up) is lacking. We conducted a retrospective study using Zimbabwe ART program data to assess the association between “Treat All” and, patient-mix, programmatic characteristics, retention and predictors of attrition. Methods We used patient-level data from the electronic patient monitoring system (ePMS) from the nine districts, which piloted the “Treat All” recommendation. We compared patient-mix, programme characteristics, retention and predictors of attrition (lost to follow-up, death or stopping ART) in two cohorts; before (April/May 2016) and after (January/February 2017) “Treat All”. Retention was estimated using survival analysis. Predictors of attrition were determined using a multivariable Cox regression model. Interactions were used to assess the change in predictors of attrition before and after “Treat All”. Results We analysed 3787 patients, 1738 (45.9%) and 2049 (54.1%) started ART before and after “Treat All”, respectively. The proportion of men was higher after “Treat All” (39.4.% vs 36.2%, p = 0.044). Same-day ART initiation was more frequent after “Treat All” (43.2% vs 16.4%; p<0.001) than before. Retention on ART was higher before “Treat All” (p<0.001). Among non-pregnant women and men, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of attrition after compared to before “Treat All” was 1.73 (95%CI: 1.30–2.31). The observed hazard of attrition for women being pregnant at ART initiation decreased by 17% (aHR: 1.73*0.48 = 0.83) after “Treat All”. Being male (vs female; aHR: 1.45; 95%CI: 1.12–1.87) and WHO Stage IV (vs WHO Stage I-III; aHR: 2.89; 95%CI: 1.16–7.11) predicted attrition both before and after “Treat All” implementation. Conclusion Attrition was higher after “Treat All”; being male, WHO Stage 4, and pregnancy predicted attrition in both before and after Treat All. However, pregnancy became a less strong risk factor for attrition after “Treat All” implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Makurumidze
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Tom Decroo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Foundation of Flanders, Brussels, Belgiums
| | | | - Madelon de Rooij
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Ngwarai Sithole
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kudakwashe C. Takarinda
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - James Hakim
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Iwuji C, Chimukuche RS, Zuma T, Plazy M, Larmarange J, Orne-Gliemann J, Siedner M, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J. Test but not treat: Community members' experiences with barriers and facilitators to universal antiretroviral therapy uptake in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239513. [PMID: 32970730 PMCID: PMC7514038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionised the care of HIV-positive individuals resulting in marked decreases in morbidity and mortality, and markedly reduced transmission to sexual partners. However, these benefits can only be realised if individuals are aware of their HIV-positive status, initiated and retained on suppressive lifelong ART. Framed using the socio-ecological model, the present study explores factors contributing to poor ART uptake among community members despite high acceptance of HIV-testing within a Treatment as Prevention (TasP) trial. In this paper we identify barriers and facilitators to treatment across different levels of the socio-ecological framework covering individual, community and health system components. Methods This research was embedded within a cluster-randomised trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01509508) of HIV treatment as Prevention in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data were collected between January 2013 and July 2014 from resident community members. Ten participants contributed to repeat in-depth interviews whilst 42 participants took part in repeat focus group discussions. Data from individual interviews and focus group discussions were triangulated using community walks to give insights into community members’ perception of the barriers and facilitators of ART uptake. We used thematic analysis guided by a socio-ecological framework to analyse participants’ narratives from both individual interviews and focus group discussions. Results Barriers and facilitators operating at the individual, community and health system levels influence ART uptake. Stigma was an over-arching barrier, across all three levels and expressed variably as fear of HIV disclosure, concerns about segregated HIV clinical services and negative community religious perceptions. Other barriers were individual (substance misuse, fear of ART side effects), community (alternative health beliefs). Facilitators cited by participants included individual (expectations of improved health and longer life expectancy following ART, single tablet regimens), community (availability of ART in the community through mobile trial facilities) and health system factors (fast and efficient service provided by friendly staff). Discussion We identified multiple barriers to achieving universal ART uptake. To enhance uptake in HIV care services, and achieve the full benefits of ART requires interventions that tackle persistent HIV stigma, and offer people with HIV respectful, convenient and efficient services. These interventions require evaluation in appropriately designed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Iwuji
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
- Africa Health Research Institute, Berea, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, Berea, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Melanie Plazy
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Joseph Larmarange
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement(IRD), Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Paris, France
| | - Joanna Orne-Gliemann
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mark Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, Berea, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, Berea, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Berea, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Boeke CE, Khan S, Walsh F, Hettema A, Lejeune C, Spiegelman D, Okello V, Harwell J, Mazibuko S, Bärnighausen T. Universal test and treat in relation to HIV disease progression: results from a stepped-wedge trial in Eswatini. HIV Med 2020; 22:54-59. [PMID: 32876360 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Universal test and treat (UTT) is recommended for people living with HIV (PLHIV) to reduce morbidity/mortality and minimize transmission. However, concerns exist that this strategy may lead to more crowded hospitals, longer wait times and poorer service, adversely impacting health outcomes for clients with severe disease. We assessed how UTT was related to markers of disease progression in PLHIV overall and specifically among clients with low CD4 count/high World Health Organization (WHO) stage. METHODS The analysis was conducted using data from a stepped-wedge trial of UTT in 14 government-managed health facilities in Eswatini from 2014 to 2017. Disease progression was defined as CD4 count falling below 200 cells/µL or baseline value, > 10% weight loss, body mass index (BMI) dropping below 18.5, incident tuberculosis (TB) or HIV-related death; these outcomes also were assessed individually. We assessed multivariate Cox proportional hazard models overall and specifically among clients with CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or WHO stage 3-4 at enrolment. RESULTS Eight hundred and seven of 3176 clients demonstrated at least one marker of disease progression over 2339 person-years of follow-up. Overall, 62.4% of clients were female; 57.2% were < 35 years old. Compared to clients not exposed to UTT, those exposed to UTT had a lower rate of disease progression overall [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46-0.78] and a lower rate of CD4 decline (aHR 0.40; 95% CI 0.27-0.58). When the analysis was limited to clients with CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or WHO stage 3-4, UTT was not associated with disease progression (aHR 0.92; 95% CI 0.66-1.29). CONCLUSIONS UTT reduced HIV disease progression overall and was not detrimental for clients with more severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Boeke
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Khan
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - F Walsh
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Hettema
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - C Lejeune
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - D Spiegelman
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - V Okello
- Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - J Harwell
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - T Bärnighausen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
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45
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Inequalities in uptake of HIV testing despite scale-up. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 8:e744-e745. [PMID: 32446337 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Jones HS, Floyd S, Stangl A, Bond V, Hoddinott G, Pliakas T, Bwalya J, Mandla N, Moore A, Donnell D, Bock P, Fidler S, Hayes R, Ayles H, Hargreaves JR. Association between HIV stigma and antiretroviral therapy adherence among adults living with HIV: baseline findings from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial in Zambia and South Africa. Trop Med Int Health 2020; 25:1246-1260. [PMID: 32745296 PMCID: PMC7590062 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) leads to viral suppression for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and is critical for both individual health and reducing onward HIV transmission. HIV stigma is a risk factor that can undermine adherence. We explored the association between HIV stigma and self-reported ART adherence among PLHIV in 21 communities in the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial in Zambia and the Western Cape of South Africa. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data collected between 2013 and 2015, before the roll-out of trial interventions. Questionnaires were conducted, and consenting participants provided a blood sample for HIV testing. Poor adherence was defined as self-report of not currently taking ART, missing pills over the previous 7 days or stopping treatment in the previous 12 months. Stigma was categorised into three domains: community, health setting and internalised stigma. Multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis. RESULTS Among 2020 PLHIV self-reporting ever taking ART, 1888 (93%) were included in multivariable analysis. Poor ART adherence was reported by 15.8% (n = 320) of participants, and 25.7% (n = 519) reported experiencing community stigma, 21.5% (n = 434) internalised stigma, and 5.7% (n = 152) health setting stigma. PLHIV who self-reported previous experiences of community and internalised stigma more commonly reported poor ART adherence than those who did not (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.21 -2.19, P = 0.001 and aOR 1.31, 95% CI 0.96-1.79, P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS HIV stigma was associated with poor ART adherence. Roll-out of universal treatment will see an increasingly high proportion of PLHIV initiated on ART. Addressing HIV stigma could make an important contribution to supporting lifelong ART adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet S Jones
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anne Stangl
- International Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Virginia Bond
- Zambart, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Graeme Hoddinott
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Triantafyllos Pliakas
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Justin Bwalya
- Zambart, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nomtha Mandla
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | | | - Deborah Donnell
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - James R Hargreaves
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Steinert JI, Khan S, Mlambo K, Walsh FJ, Mafara E, Lejeune C, Wong C, Hettema A, Ogbuoji O, Vollmer S, De Neve JW, Mazibuko S, Okello V, Bärnighausen T, Geldsetzer P. A stepped-wedge randomised trial on the impact of early ART initiation on HIV-patients' economic outcomes in Eswatini. eLife 2020; 9:58487. [PMID: 32831169 PMCID: PMC7529454 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-positive patients. Epidemiological evidence points to important health benefits of immediate ART initiation; however, the policy’s impact on the economic aspects of patients' lives remains unknown. Methods We conducted a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial in Eswatini to determine the causal impact of immediate ART initiation on patients’ individual- and household-level economic outcomes. Fourteen healthcare facilities were non-randomly matched into pairs and then randomly allocated to transition from the standard of care (ART eligibility at CD4 counts of <350 cells/mm3 until September 2016 and <500 cells/mm3 thereafter) to the ‘Early Initiation of ART for All’ (EAAA) intervention at one of seven timepoints. Patients, healthcare personnel, and outcome assessors remained unblinded. Data were collected via standardised paper-based surveys with HIV-positive adults who were neither pregnant nor breastfeeding. Outcomes were patients’ time use, employment status, household expenditures, and household living standards. Results A total sample of 3019 participants were interviewed over the duration of the study. The mean number of participants approached at each facility per time step varied from 4 to 112 participants. Using mixed-effects negative binomial regressions accounting for time trends and clustering at the level of the healthcare facility, we found no significant difference between study arms for any economic outcome. Specifically, the EAAA intervention had no significant effect on non-resting time use (RR = 1.00 [CI: 0.96, 1.05, p=0.93]) or income-generating time use (RR = 0.94, [CI: 0.73,1.20, p=0.61]). Employment and household expenditures decreased slightly but not significantly in the EAAA group, with risk ratios of 0.93 [CI: 0.82, 1.04, p=0.21] and 0.92 [CI: 0.79, 1.06, p=0.26], respectively. We also found no significant treatment effect on households’ asset ownership and living standards (RR = 0.96, [CI 0.92, 1.00, p=0.253]). Lastly, there was no evidence of heterogeneity in effect estimates by patients’ sex, age, education, timing of HIV diagnosis and ART initiation. Conclusions Our findings do not provide evidence that should discourage further investments into scaling up immediate ART for all HIV patients. Funding Funded by the Dutch Postcode Lottery in the Netherlands, Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (Humboldt-Stiftung), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa/Mozambique, British Columbia Centre of Excellence in Canada, Doctors Without Borders (MSF USA), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health and Joachim Herz Foundation. Clinical trial number NCT02909218 and NCT03789448.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaukat Khan
- Clinton Health Acccess Initiative, Boston, United States
| | - Khudzie Mlambo
- Clinton Health Acccess Initiative, Boston, United States
| | - Fiona J Walsh
- Clinton Health Acccess Initiative, Boston, United States
| | - Emma Mafara
- Clinton Health Acccess Initiative, Boston, United States
| | | | - Cebele Wong
- Clinton Health Acccess Initiative, Boston, United States
| | - Anita Hettema
- Clinton Health Acccess Initiative, Boston, United States
| | - Osondu Ogbuoji
- Center for Policy Impact in Global Health, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | | | - Jan-Walter De Neve
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Velephi Okello
- Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
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48
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Treatment as prevention trials and ending AIDS: what do we know, when did we know it, and what do we do now? Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2020; 14:514-520. [PMID: 31567399 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW HIV remains a significant global public health problem. Treatment as prevention of HIV and TB illness, death and transmission was proposed in 2006 as a means to end the HIV epidemic. We review the results of the treatment as prevention trials. RECENT FINDINGS Some of the trials struggled with delivering services, however, most demonstrate that it is feasible to achieve at least the 90-90-90 target by scaling access to test-and-treat at the community level and by extension at the district or national level. Patients, if offered, will start and stay on immediate treatment even without symptoms. Community-based multidisease prevention campaigns have significant impact, especially for hard-to-reach men. Earlier treatment impacts illness and death including from HIV-associated tuberculosis. Test-and treat impacts transmission, however, some of the community cluster trials had difficulty showing an impact on incidence. Most trials showed incidence reduction in line with the level of viral suppression and suggest that achieving 95-95-95 is an important means to accelerate the end of the epidemic. SUMMARY TasP trial findings, HIV and TB program data, and PHIA study trend data will likely confirm that reaching at least 95-95-95 is both feasible and a key element in ending the epidemic.
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Abstract
We present recent literature describing interventions for linkage to HIV care in the era of Universal Test and Treat (UTT) policies. We also provide information for ongoing studies of linkage to care strategies registered with ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Importance of HIV/AIDS-Related Behavioral and Social Sciences Research at the NIH and Beyond. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 82 Suppl 2:S84-S87. [PMID: 31658191 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT Key topics discussed in this article were previously presented at the Center for AIDS Research Social and Behavioral Sciences Network's 12th National Scientific Meeting in August 2018. This article highlights the importance of behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. APPROACH NIH has made significant investments in HIV/AIDS-related BSSR. These investments support the development of effective, evidence-based sociobehavioral HIV prevention, treatment, and care strategies. DISCUSSION The implementation and use of evidence-based sociobehavioral approaches in combination with biomedical strategies provide the availability of multiple tools to end the HIV epidemic in the United Sates and the pandemic globally. FUTURE DIRECTIONS BSSR-related opportunities to mitigate the persistent challenges HIV/AIDS presents include, but are not limited to, further incorporating BSSR into HIV vaccine and cure research; improving interventions that address stigma and the social determinants of health that perpetuate HIV transmission within key populations; and conducting implementation science research that shapes national and international policies impacting HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
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