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Rimmele F, Müller B, Becker-Hingst N, Wegener S, Rimmele S, Kropp P, Jürgens TP. Medication adherence in patients with cluster headache and migraine: an online survey. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4546. [PMID: 36941306 PMCID: PMC10027659 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30854-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To examine factors for adherent and non-adherent behavior in patients with cluster headache and migraine. Adults with cluster headache or migraine were included in this anonymous online survey using a questionnaire accessed via homepages of headache support groups. Medication adherence in preventive treatment was measured with the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-D). Factors for non-adherent behavior were examined (subjective socioeconomic status, psychological comorbidities, self-efficacy, coping, side effects, expectations of treatment, information on medical treatment, and trust in the physician/treatment concept). 200 participants (n = 58 with cluster headache, n = 142 with migraine) were included. The rate of medication adherence in preventive treatment was 32.8% for participants with cluster headache and 20.4% for migraine. The most common reasons for low adherence in participants with cluster headache were altering the prescribed medication dose (34%) or taking less than instructed (14%), which was mostly due to insufficient benefit from the medication or side effects. Positive expectations of medical treatment (p ≤ 0.05) correlated significantly with adherent behavior in cluster headache. Furthermore, the adherence-promoting factors coping and self-efficacy were more pronounced in patients with cluster headache than in those with migraine (p < 0.05). This study is the first to comprehensively investigate medication adherence and factors influencing adherent/non-adherent behavior in patients with cluster headache. Patients with cluster headache had similar adherence levels to patients with migraine, but had higher resources of adherence-promoting factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Rimmele
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany.
- Headache Center North-East, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Britta Müller
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Nadine Becker-Hingst
- Institut für Pädagogische Psychologie "Rosa und David Katz", University Rostock, August-Bebel-Str. 28, 18051, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sophia Wegener
- Berufsförderungswerk Stralsund GmbH, Große Parower Straße 133, 18435, Stralsund, Germany
| | - Stefanie Rimmele
- Department of Anaesthesia, Krankenhaus Buchholz, Steinbecker Str. 44, 21244, Buchholz, Germany
| | - Peter Kropp
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
- Headache Center North-East, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Tim P Jürgens
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
- Headache Center North-East, University Medical Center Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
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Ayeni OA, Chiwambutsa S, Chen WC, Kapungu N, Kanji C, Thelingwani R, Murugan N, Mathiba R, Phakathi B, Nietz S, Ramiah D, O'Neil DS, Jacobson JS, Ruff P, Cubasch H, Chirwa T, Joffe M, Masimirembwa C, Neugut AI. The impact of HIV on non-adherence for tamoxifen among women with breast cancer in South Africa. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 197:647-659. [PMID: 36538247 PMCID: PMC10149344 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06835-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Women living with HIV (WLWH) and breast cancer (BC) have worse overall survival than HIV-negative women with BC, and poor adherence to prescribed tamoxifen is known to contribute to poor survival. We therefore investigated the association of HIV infection with adherence to adjuvant tamoxifen among women with localized hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer in South Africa. METHODS Among 4,097 women diagnosed with breast cancer at six hospitals in the prospective South African Breast Cancer and HIV Outcomes (SABCHO) cohort study between July 2015 and December 2020, we focused on black women with stages I-III HR-positive breast cancer who were prescribed 20 mg of adjuvant tamoxifen daily. We collected venous blood once from each participant during a routine clinic visit, and analyzed concentrations of tamoxifen and its metabolites using a triple quadruple mass spectrometer. We defined non-adherence as a tamoxifen level < 60 ng/mL after 3 months of daily tamoxifen use. We compared tamoxifen-related side effects, and concurrent medication use among women with and without HIV and developed multivariable logistic regression models of tamoxifen non-adherence. RESULTS Among 369 subjects, 78 (21.1%) were WLWH and 291 (78.9%) were HIV-negative. After a median (interquartile range) time of 13.0 (6.2-25.2) months since tamoxifen initiation, the tamoxifen serum concentration ranged between 1.54 and 943.0 ng/mL and 208 (56.4%) women were non-adherent to tamoxifen. Women < 40 years of age were more likely to be non-adherent than women > 60 years (73.4% vs 52.6%, odds ratio (OR) = 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26-4.94); likewise, WLWH (70.5% vs 52.6%, OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.26-3.70) than HIV-negative women. In an adjusted model WLWH had twice the odds of non-adherence to tamoxifen, compared to HIV-negative women (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.11-5.20). CONCLUSION High rates of non-adherence to adjuvant tamoxifen may limit the overall survival of black South African women with HR-positive breast cancer, especially among WLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatosin A Ayeni
- MRC South Africa and the University of the Witwatersrand Centre for Common Epithelial Cancers Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Soweto Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Shingirai Chiwambutsa
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wenlong Carl Chen
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Cancer Registry, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nyasha Kapungu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology Block C Wilkins Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Comfort Kanji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology Block C Wilkins Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Roslyn Thelingwani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology Block C Wilkins Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nivashni Murugan
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rofhiwa Mathiba
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Soweto Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Boitumelo Phakathi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sarah Nietz
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Duvern Ramiah
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Daniel S O'Neil
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Judith S Jacobson
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Ruff
- MRC South Africa and the University of the Witwatersrand Centre for Common Epithelial Cancers Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Soweto Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Herbert Cubasch
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tobias Chirwa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Maureen Joffe
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC South Africa and the University of the Witwatersrand Centre for Common Epithelial Cancers Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Collen Masimirembwa
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology Block C Wilkins Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Individual and healthcare supply-related HIV transmission factors in HIV-positive patients enrolled in the antiretroviral treatment access program in the Centre and Littoral regions in Cameroon (ANRS-12288 EVOLCam survey). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266451. [PMID: 35385535 PMCID: PMC8985982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Despite great progress in antiretroviral treatment (ART) access in recent decades, HIV incidence remains high in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated the role of individual and healthcare supply-related factors in HIV transmission risk in HIV-positive adults enrolled in 19 HIV services in the Centre and Littoral regions of Cameroon.
Methods
Factors associated with HIV transmission risk (defined as both unstable aviremia and inconsistent condom use with HIV-negative or unknown status partners) were identified using a multi-level logistic regression model. Besides socio-demographic and behavioral individual variables, the following four HIV-service profiles, identified using cluster analysis, were used in regression analyses as healthcare supply-related variables: 1) district services with large numbers of patients, almost all practicing task-shifting and not experiencing antiretroviral drugs (ARV) stock-outs (n = 4); 2) experienced and well-equipped national reference services, most practicing task-shifting and not experiencing ARV stock-outs (n = 5); 3) small district services with limited resources and activities, almost all experiencing ARV stock-outs (n = 6); 4) small district services with a wide range of activities and half not experiencing ARV stock-outs (n = 4).
Results
Of the 1372 patients (women 67%, median age [Interquartile]: 39 [33–44] years) reporting sexual activity in the previous 12 months, 39% [min-max across HIV services: 25%-63%] were at risk of transmitting HIV. The final model showed that being a woman (adjusted Odd Ratio [95% Confidence Interval], p-value: 2.13 [1.60–2.82], p<0.001), not having an economic activity (1.34 [1.05–1.72], p = 0.019), having at least two sexual partners (2.45 [1.83–3.29], p<0.001), reporting disease symptoms at HIV diagnosis (1.38 [1.08–1.75], p = 0.011), delayed ART initiation (1.32 [1.02–1.71], p = 0.034) and not being ART treated (2.28 [1.48–3.49], p<0.001) were all associated with HIV transmission risk. Conversely, longer time since HIV diagnosis was associated with a lower risk of transmitting HIV (0.96 [0.92–0.99] per one-year increase, p = 0.024). Patients followed in the third profile had a higher risk of transmitting HIV (1.71 [1.05–2.79], p = 0.031) than those in the first profile.
Conclusions
Healthcare supply constraints, including limited resources and ARV supply chain deficiency may impact HIV transmission risk. To reduce HIV incidence, HIV services need adequate resources to relieve healthcare supply-related barriers and provide suitable support activities throughout the continuum of care.
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Das AM, Chitnis N, Burri C, Paris DH, Patel S, Spencer SEF, Miaka EM, Castaño MS. Modelling the impact of fexinidazole use on human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009992. [PMID: 34843475 PMCID: PMC8659363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gambiense human African trypanosomiasis is a deadly disease that has been declining in incidence since the start of the Century, primarily due to increased screening, diagnosis and treatment of infected people. The main treatment regimen currently in use requires a lumbar puncture as part of the diagnostic process to determine disease stage and hospital admission for drug administration. Fexinidazole is a new oral treatment for stage 1 and non-severe stage 2 human African trypanosomiasis. The World Health Organization has recently incorporated fexinidazole into its treatment guidelines for human African trypanosomiasis. The treatment does not require hospital admission or a lumbar puncture for all patients, which is likely to ease access for patients; however, it does require concomitant food intake, which is likely to reduce adherence. Here, we use a mathematical model calibrated to case and screening data from Mushie territory, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to explore the potential negative impact of poor compliance to an oral treatment, and potential gains to be made from increases in the rate at which patients seek treatment. We find that reductions in compliance in treatment of stage 1 cases are projected to result in the largest increase in further transmission of the disease, with failing to cure stage 2 cases also posing a smaller concern. Reductions in compliance may be offset by increases in the rate at which cases are passively detected. Efforts should therefore be made to ensure good adherence for stage 1 patients to treatment with fexinidazole and to improve access to care. Sleeping sickness is a parasitic disease present in parts of Central and West Africa that is fatal if left untreated. Current case management requires unpleasant procedures such as a lumbar puncture and intravenous drug administration, but has high compliance rates as the treatment is given by hospital staff to patients. In this study, we explore the impact of a new oral treatment on compliance rates for treatment using a mathematical model fitted to data on sleeping sickness cases and screening activities. We also look at the possibility of patients being more likely to seek and access treatment since the new treatment can be used without a lumbar puncture if the patient does not display clinically severe symptoms. We find that reduced compliance, especially from patients suffering from the first less severe stage of the disease, will lead to more sleeping sickness cases and delay elimination, but increases in the number of patients seeking treatment will likely counter effects of reduced compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aatreyee M. Das
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Nakul Chitnis
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Burri
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel H. Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Swati Patel
- Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | | | - Erick M. Miaka
- Programme National de Lutte contre la Trypanosomiase Humaine Africaine, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - M. Soledad Castaño
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Becker N, Poudel KC, Cordeiro LS, Sayer AG, Sibiya TE, Sibeko LN. A quantitative analysis of food insecurity and other barriers associated with ART nonadherence among women in rural communities of Eswatini. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256277. [PMID: 34437585 PMCID: PMC8389413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eswatini has the highest global prevalence of HIV despite decades of universal access to free antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted a mixed methods study to investigate barriers to ART adherence among women living with HIV (WLHIV) in rural communities of Eswatini. Qualitative findings were reported in our previous publication. This subsequent paper expands on our qualitative analysis to examine the magnitude to which identified barriers impacted ART adherence among WLHIV in the same communities. METHODS We used an exploratory sequential design to collect data from WLHIV (n = 166) in rural Eswatini. Quantitative data were collected using interviewer-administered survey questionnaires between October and November 2017. ART adherence was measured using the CASE Adherence Index, with scores less than 10 indicating nonadherence. Log-binomial regression models were used to examine the extent to which critical barriers affected ART adherence among study participants. RESULTS A majority of the women in our study (56%) were nonadherent to ART. Of the barriers identified in our prior qualitative analysis, only eight were found to be significantly associated with ART nonadherence in our quantitative analysis. These include, with adjusted risk ratios (ARR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): household food insecurity (ARR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.33-7.52), maltreatment by clinic staff (ARR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.94-3.66), forgetfulness (ARR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.41-2.31), stress (ARR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.14-1.88), gossip (ARR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.21-2.04), mode of transport (ARR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.79), age (ARR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99), and lack of community support (ARR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35-0.85). CONCLUSIONS Among numerous barriers identified in our study, food insecurity was found to be a significant contributor toward ART nonadherence among women living with HIV in rural Eswatini. Future strategies aimed at improving ART adherence in Eswatini should include programs which provide food and nutrition support for people living with HIV, particularly rural women living in poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozipho Becker
- Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, University of Eswatini, Luyengo, Kingdom of Eswatini
| | - Krishna C. Poudel
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lorraine S. Cordeiro
- Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Aline G. Sayer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thokozile E. Sibiya
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, University of Eswatini, Luyengo, Kingdom of Eswatini
| | - Lindiwe N. Sibeko
- Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Becker N, Cordeiro LS, Poudel KC, Sibiya TE, Sayer AG, Sibeko LN. Individual, household, and community level barriers to ART adherence among women in rural Eswatini. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231952. [PMID: 32343742 PMCID: PMC7188206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite access to free antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), noncompliance to treatment continues to be a significant challenge in Eswatini. Yet studies investigating barriers to ART adherence in Eswatini are scarce. Most notably, there is a lack of research regarding rural women in Eswatini, who are currently the country’s most vulnerable to HIV infection. Therefore, the objective of the study is to investigate individual, household, and community level barriers to ART adherence among rural women living with HIV. Methods We conducted a qualitative study to investigate individual, household, and community level barriers to ART adherence. We conducted focus group discussions with HIV-infected women (n = 4) from rural villages in Eswatini, and in-depth interviews with healthcare workers (n = 8) serving the area clinics. Open and axial coding techniques were used for data analysis and interpreted within a social ecological framework. Results Our findings revealed several individual level barriers including hunger, side effects of ART, personal stress, lack of disclosure of HIV status, alcohol use, and forgetting to take ART. Lack of food, unemployment and scarcity of financial resources were identified as critical barriers at the household level. Community and institutional barriers encompassed factors related to health delivery such as lack of privacy, travel time, transportation costs, excessive alcohol use by healthcare workers, maltreatment, public and self-stigma, gossip, and long waits at clinics. Conclusions Rural women living with HIV face multilevel barriers to ART adherence. Support programs aimed at increasing ART adherence among this vulnerable population need to develop targeted polices to alleviate challenges rural women face, beginning with expanding qualifications for food assistance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozipho Becker
- Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, University of Eswatini, Luyengo, Kingdom of Eswatini
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Lorraine S. Cordeiro
- Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Krishna C. Poudel
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thokozile E. Sibiya
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, University of Eswatini, Luyengo, Kingdom of Eswatini
| | - Aline G. Sayer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lindiwe N. Sibeko
- Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Moucheraud C, Stern AF, Ahearn C, Ismail A, Nsubuga-Nyombi T, Ngonyani MM, Mvungi J, Ssensamba J. Barriers to HIV Treatment Adherence: A Qualitative Study of Discrepancies Between Perceptions of Patients and Health Providers in Tanzania and Uganda. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2019; 33:406-413. [PMID: 31517526 PMCID: PMC6745526 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2019.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous qualitative studies about antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence have largely focused on patient experiences. Less is known about the perspective of health care providers-particularly in low-income countries-who serve as gatekeepers and influencers of patients' HIV care experiences. This study explored patients' and providers' perceptions of important ART adherence determinants. Interviews were conducted at HIV treatment sites in Tanzania and Uganda, with adult patients on ART (n = 148), and with health care providers (n = 49). Patients were asked about their experiences with ART adherence, and providers were asked about their perceptions of what adherence challenges are faced by their patients. All interviews were conducted in local languages; transcripts were translated into English and analyzed using a codebook informed by the social ecological model. Themes were examined across and within countries. Adherence-related challenges were frequently reported, but patients and providers did not often agree about the reasons. Many patients cited challenges related to being away from home and therefore away from their pill supply; and, in Uganda, challenges picking up refills (access to care) and related to food sufficiency/diet. Providers also identified these access to care barriers, but otherwise focused on different key determinants (e.g., they rarely mentioned food/diet); instead, providers were more likely to mention alcohol/alcoholism, stigma, and lack of understanding about the importance of adhering. These findings suggest areas of opportunity for future research and for improving clinical care by aligning perceptions of adherence challenges, to deliver better-informed and useful ART counseling and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrina Moucheraud
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Amy F. Stern
- USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project, University Research Co., LLC, Chevy Chase, Maryland
| | - Canice Ahearn
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases & Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Anisa Ismail
- USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project, University Research Co., LLC, Chevy Chase, Maryland
| | - Tamara Nsubuga-Nyombi
- USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project, University Research Co., LLC, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Monica M. Ngonyani
- USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project, University Research Co., LLC, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jane Mvungi
- USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project, University Research Co., LLC, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jude Ssensamba
- USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project, University Research Co., LLC, Kampala, Uganda
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Damulira C, Mukasa MN, Byansi W, Nabunya P, Kivumbi A, Namatovu P, Namuwonge F, Dvalishvili D, Bahar OS, Ssewamala FM. Examining the relationship of social support and family cohesion on ART adherence among HIV-positive adolescents in southern Uganda: baseline findings. VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUTH STUDIES 2019; 14:181-190. [PMID: 31149021 PMCID: PMC6538035 DOI: 10.1080/17450128.2019.1576960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Several studies in sub-Saharan Africa have linked social support to better ART (antiretroviral therapy) adherence among adults living with HIV. Less is known about the role of social support and family cohesion in ART adherence among children below 18 years. This paper focuses on HIV-infected adolescents as they transition through the vulnerable developmental stage of adolescence to examine the association between family cohesion and social support, and ART adherence in southern Uganda. We utilized baseline data from Suubi+Adherence study, a five-year randomized longitudinal clinical trial with the overall goal of examining the impact and cost associated with an innovative asset-based social intervention to increase adherence to HIV treatment for HIV-infected adolescents in Uganda. This study employed self-reports to measure social support, family cohesion and ART adherence to treatment from 702 participants in 39 clinics situated in southern Uganda. Regression results indicated that after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics that family cohesion and social support from caregivers/family were associated with self-reported adherence to ART among HIV-infected adolescents. Social support from classmates, teachers, and friends were not associated with ART adherence. Study results suggest that strengthening family relationships and promoting social support within families caring for adolescents living with HIV can be crucial in addressing ART adherence challenges among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam N. Mukasa
- International Center for Child Health & Development (ICHAD), Masaka, Uganda
| | | | | | - Apollo Kivumbi
- International Center for Child Health & Development (ICHAD), Masaka, Uganda
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health & Development (ICHAD), Masaka, Uganda
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health & Development (ICHAD), Masaka, Uganda
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Mabunda K, Ngamasana EL, Babalola JO, Zunza M, Nyasulu P. Determinants of poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment using a combined effect of age and education among human immunodeficiency virus infected young adults attending care at Letaba Hospital HIV Clinic, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Pan Afr Med J 2019; 32:37. [PMID: 31143342 PMCID: PMC6522179 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2019.32.37.17722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION sustained viral suppression using antiretroviral treatment (ART) occurs with adherence to treatment of at least 95%. Non-adherence promotes the development of drug-resistance and treatment failure in individuals infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In Limpopo Province, the adherence rate is approximately 61%, but the prevalence and the factors associated with adherence at Letaba hospital HIV clinic are not well established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with adherence among HIV-infected young adults, aged 18-35 years, attending the clinic. METHODS a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Letaba HIV clinic among young adults of 18-35 years old. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with ART adherence. We reported odds ratios with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p-values. A p-value < 0.1 was considered as statistically significant. ART adherence was defined as taking more than 95% of the prescribed treatment, 3 days prior to completion of the questionnaire. RESULTS a total of 281 participants were enrolled with 163 (58.0%) females and more than three quarter, 222 (79.0%) between the ages of 18 and 29 years. The overall ART adherence stood at (87.2%) (95% CI: 63.0%-89.0%) representing 245 participants. Non-adherers to treatment, 36 (12.8%): patients reported no reason (3.9%), forgetting (3.2%), feeling good (3.2%), fear and running out of treatment (2.5%) as some of the reasons for not taking treatment within the three days prior to data collection. The following factors: tertiary education (p = 0.07), age (30-35; p-value: 0.07), drug availability (p-value: 0.07), were only marginally significantly associated with ART adherence. CONCLUSION the study found unsatisfactory ART adherence among our participants. Our study suggests that factors other than sociodemographic and clinical factors might better explain differences in adherence. This highlights the need for a more complex study that would look at the entire system in which these patients are navigating as well as their mental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuhlula Mabunda
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Joseph Omoniyi Babalola
- Division of Community Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Moleen Zunza
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Nyasulu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Community Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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10
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George S, McGrath N. Social support, disclosure and stigma and the association with non-adherence in the six months after antiretroviral therapy initiation among a cohort of HIV-positive adults in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa .. AIDS Care 2018; 31:875-884. [PMID: 30472889 PMCID: PMC6518453 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1549720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation at human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis. As ART programmes expand, addressing barriers to adherence is vital. Past mixed findings on the association between social support, stigma and non-disclosure with ART adherence highlights the need for further research. The primary aim of this study was to examine how these factors are associated with ART non-adherence in the six months after ART initiation. The secondary aim was to explore how other factors are associated with non-adherence. We conducted secondary analysis of prospective data from HIV-positive adults initiating ART. Social support, disclosure patterns, perceived stigma and other demographic factors were collected at ART initiation and six months follow-up. Logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with self-reported ART non-adherence in the last six months and the last month before the six month follow-up (“recent”). Non-adherence in the last six months was twenty-five percent and recent non-adherence was nine percent. There was no association between non-adherence and social support, stigma or non-disclosure of HIV status. In the final model the odds of non-adherence in the last six months were significantly higher for those: with incomplete ART knowledge (aOR 2.10, 95%CI 1.21–3.66); who visited a healthcare provider for conditions other than HIV (aOR1.98, 95%CI 1.14–3.43); had higher CD4 counts at ART initiation (CD4 100–199:aOR 2.50, 95%CI 1.30–4.81; CD4 ≥ 200:aOR 2.85, 95%CI 1.10–7.40;referent CD4 < 100 cells/mm3); had tested HIV-positive in the last year (aOR 2.00, 95%CI 1.10–3.72; referent testing HIV-positive outside the last year); experienced a rash/itching secondary to ART (aOR 2.48, 95%CI 1.37–4.52); and significantly lower for those ≥48 years (aOR 0.65, 95%CI 0.46–0.90). Early non-adherence remains a concern. Incorporation of adherence monitoring and ART knowledge enhancement into appointments for ART collection may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- S George
- a Faculty of Medicine , University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital , Southampton , UK
| | - N McGrath
- b Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences and Department of Social Statistics and Demography , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK.,c School of Nursing & Public Health , Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal , KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa.,d Research Department of Epidemiology & Public Health , University College London , London , UK
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11
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Li L, Uyei J, Nucifora KA, Kessler J, Stevens ER, Bryant K, Braithwaite RS. Using value of information methods to determine the optimal sample size for effectiveness trials of alcohol interventions for HIV-infected patients in East Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:590. [PMID: 30064428 PMCID: PMC6069863 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3356-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Unhealthy alcohol consumption exacerbates the HIV epidemic in East Africa. Potential benefits of new trials that test the effectiveness of alcohol interventions could not be evaluated by traditional sampling methods. Given the competition for health care resources in East Africa, this study aims to determine the optimal sample size given the opportunity cost of potentially re-allocating trial funds towards cost-effective alcohol treatments. Methods We used value of information methods to determine the optimal sample size by maximizing the expected net benefit of sampling for a hypothetical 2-arm intervention vs. control randomized trial, across ranges of policymaker’s willingness-to-pay for the health benefit of an intervention. Probability distributions describing the relative likelihood of alternative trial results were imputed based on prior studies. In the base case, policymaker’s willingness-to-pay was based on a simultaneously resource-constrained priority (routine HIV virological testing). Sensitivity analysis was performed for various willingness-to-pay thresholds and intervention durations. Results A new effectiveness trial accounting for the benefit of more precise decision-making on alcohol intervention implementation would benefit East Africa $67,000 with the optimal sample size of 100 persons per arm under the base case willingness-to-pay threshold and intervention duration of 20 years. At both a conservative willingness-to-pay of 1 x GDP/capita and a high willingness-to-pay of 3 x GDP/capita for an additional health gain added by an alcohol intervention, a new trial was not recommended due to limited decision uncertainty. When intervention duration was 10 or 5 years, there was no return on investment across suggested willingness-to-pay thresholds. Conclusions Value of information methods could be used as an alternative approach to assist the efficient design of alcohol trials. If reducing unhealthy alcohol use is a long-term goal for HIV programs in East Africa, additional new trials with optimal sample sizes ranging from 100 to 250 persons per arm could save the opportunity cost of implementing less cost-effective alcohol strategies in HIV prevention. Otherwise, conducting a new trial is not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Li
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 227 East 30th Street, Floor 6, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Jennifer Uyei
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 227 East 30th Street, Floor 6, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Kimberly A Nucifora
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 227 East 30th Street, Floor 6, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Jason Kessler
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 227 East 30th Street, Floor 6, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Stevens
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 227 East 30th Street, Floor 6, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Kendall Bryant
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R Scott Braithwaite
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 227 East 30th Street, Floor 6, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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12
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Kronfli N, Lacombe-Duncan A, Wang L, de Pokomandy A, Kaida A, Logie CH, Conway T, Kennedy VL, Burchell AN, Tharao W, Pick N, Kestler M, Sereda P, Loutfy M, on behalf of the CHIWOS Research Te. Understanding the Correlates of Attrition Associated with Antiretroviral Use and Viral Suppression Among Women Living with HIV in Canada. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/apc.2017.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lu Wang
- Epidemiology & Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Alexandra de Pokomandy
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Carmen H. Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tracey Conway
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- International Community of Women Living with HIV, North America (ICWNA), New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - V. Logan Kennedy
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ann N. Burchell
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wangari Tharao
- Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Neora Pick
- Oak Tree Clinic, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mary Kestler
- Oak Tree Clinic, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul Sereda
- Epidemiology & Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mona Loutfy
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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13
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Fatch R, Emenyonu NI, Muyindike W, Kekibiina A, Woolf-King S, Hahn JA. Alcohol Interactive Toxicity Beliefs and ART Non-adherence Among HIV-Infected Current Drinkers in Mbarara, Uganda. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1812-1824. [PMID: 27198557 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1429-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Interactive toxicity beliefs regarding mixing alcohol and antiretroviral therapy (ART) may influence ART adherence. HIV-infected patients in Uganda completed quarterly visits for 1 year, or one visit at 6 months, depending on study randomization. Past month ART non-adherence was less than daily or <100 % on a visual analog scale. Participants were asked if people who take alcohol should stop taking their medications (belief) and whether they occasionally stopped taking their medications in anticipation of drinking (behavior). Visits with self-reported alcohol use and ART use for ≥30 days were included. We used logistic regression to examine correlates of the interactive toxicity belief and behavior, and to determine associations with ART non-adherence. 134 participants contributed 258 study visits. The toxicity belief was endorsed at 24 %, the behavior at 15 %, and any non-adherence at 35 % of visits. In multivariable analysis, the odds of non-adherence were higher for those endorsing the toxicity behavior [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.06; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.97-4.36] but not the toxicity belief (AOR 0.63; 95 % CI 0.32-1.26). Clear messaging about maintaining adherence, even if drinking, could benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Fatch
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Box 1224, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Nneka I Emenyonu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Box 1224, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Winnie Muyindike
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Allen Kekibiina
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Sarah Woolf-King
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Box 1224, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Judith A Hahn
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Box 1224, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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14
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify the range and frequency of patient-reported barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). DESIGN Studies from 2005 to 2016 were identified by searching 10 electronic databases and through additional hand and web-searching. METHODS Inclusion criteria were HIV-positive adults taking ART based in any SSA country, qualitative study or quantitative survey and included at least one patient-reported barrier or facilitator to ART adherence. Exclusion criteria were only including data from treatment-naive patients initiating ART, only single-dose treatment, participants residing outside of SSA and reviews. RESULTS After screening 11 283 records, 154 studies (161 papers) were included in this review. Forty-three barriers and 30 facilitators were reported across 24 SSA countries. The most frequently identified barriers across studies were forgetting (n = 76), lack of access to adequate food (n = 72), stigma and discrimination (n = 68), side effects (n = 67) and being outside the house or travelling (n = 60). The most frequently identified facilitators across studies were social support (n = 60), reminders (n = 55), feeling better or healthier after taking ART (n = 35), disclosing their HIV status (n = 26) and having a good relationship with a health provider (n = 22). CONCLUSION This review addresses the gap in knowledge by collating all the patient-reported barriers and facilitators to ART adherence in SSA. Current barriers measures need to be adapted or new tools developed to include the wide variety of factors identified. The factors that have the greatest impact need to be isolated so interventions are developed that reduce the barriers and enhance the facilitators.
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15
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Heestermans T, Browne JL, Aitken SC, Vervoort SC, Klipstein-Grobusch K. Determinants of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2016; 1:e000125. [PMID: 28588979 PMCID: PMC5321378 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2016-000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The rapid scale up of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has resulted in an increased focus on patient adherence. Non-adherence can lead to drug-resistant HIV caused by failure to achieve maximal viral suppression. Optimal treatment requires the identification of patients at high risk of suboptimal adherence and targeted interventions. The aim of this review was to identify and summarise determinants of adherence to ART among HIV-positive adults. DESIGN Systematic review of adherence to ART in SSA from January 2002 to October 2014. METHODS A systematic search was performed in 6 databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, Popline, Global Health Library) for qualitative and quantitative articles. Risk of bias was assessed. A meta-analysis was conducted for pooled estimates of effect size on adherence determinants. RESULTS Of the 4052 articles screened, 146 were included for final analysis, reporting on determinants of 161 922 HIV patients with an average adherence score of 72.9%. Main determinants of non-adherence were use of alcohol, male gender, use of traditional/herbal medicine, dissatisfaction with healthcare facility and healthcare workers, depression, discrimination and stigmatisation, and poor social support. Promoters of adherence included counselling and education interventions, memory aids, and active disclosure among people living with HIV. Determinants of health status had conflicting influence on adherence. CONCLUSIONS The sociodemographic, psychosocial, health status, treatment-related and intervention-related determinants are interlinked and contribute to optimal adherence. Clinics providing ART in SSA should therefore design targeted interventions addressing these determinants to optimise health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Heestermans
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce L Browne
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Susan C Aitken
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sigrid C Vervoort
- University Medical Centre Utrecht Cancer Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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16
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Azia IN, Mukumbang FC, van Wyk B. Barriers to adherence to antiretroviral treatment in a regional hospital in Vredenburg, Western Cape, South Africa. South Afr J HIV Med 2016; 17:476. [PMID: 29568618 PMCID: PMC5843173 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v17i1.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background South Africa currently runs the largest public antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme in the world, with over 80% of people living with HIV and/or AIDS on ART. However, in order to appreciate the benefits of using ART, patients are subject to uncompromising and long-term commitments of taking at least 95% of their treatment as prescribed. Evidence shows that this level of adherence is seldom achieved because of a multilevel and sometimes interwoven myriad of factors. Objective We described the challenges faced by patients on ART in Vredenburg with regard to ART adherence. Methods A descriptive qualitative research design was used. Eighteen non-adhering patients on ART in the Vredenburg regional hospital were purposefully selected. Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted in-depth interviews with the study participants in their mother tongue (Afrikaans). The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. The data were analysed manually using the thematic content analysis method. Results Stigma, disclosure, unemployment, lack of transport, insufficient feeding, disability grants and alternative forms of therapy were identified as major barriers to adherence, whereas inadequate follow-ups and lack of patient confidentiality came under major criticisms from the patients. Conclusion Interventions to address poverty, stigma, discrimination and disclosure should be integrated with group-based ART adherence models in Vredenburg while further quantitative investigations should be carried out to quantify the extent to which these factors impede adherence in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo N Azia
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
| | | | - Brian van Wyk
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
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17
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Gaida R, Truter I, Grobler C. Incidence of neuropsychiatric side effects of efavirenz in HIV-positive treatment-naïve patients in public-sector clinics in the Eastern Cape. South Afr J HIV Med 2016; 17:452. [PMID: 29568611 PMCID: PMC5843017 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v17i1.452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is acknowledged that almost half of patients initiated on efavirenz will experience at least one neuropsychiatric side effect. Objectives The aim was to determine the incidence and severity of neuropsychiatric side effects associated with efavirenz use in five public-sector primary healthcare clinics in the Eastern Cape. Method The study was a prospective drug utilisation study. A total of 126 medical records were reviewed to obtain the required information. After baseline assessment, follow-up reviews were conducted at 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks from 2014 to 2015. Results The participant group was 74.60% female (n = 94), and the average age was 37.57±10.60 years. There were no neuropsychiatric side effects recorded for any patient. After the full follow-up period, there were a total of 49 non-adherent patients and one patient had demised. A non-adherent patient was defined as a patient who did not return to the clinic for follow-up assessment and medication refills 30 days or more after the appointed date. Some patients (n = 11) had sent a third party to the clinic to collect their antiretroviral therapy (ART). The clinic pharmacy would at times dispense a two-month supply of medication resulting in the patient presenting only every two months. Conclusion Further pharmacovigilance studies need to be conducted to determine the true incidence of these side effects. Healthcare staff must be encouraged to keep complete records to ensure meaningful patient assessments. Patients being initiated on ART need to personally attend the clinic monthly for at least the first 6 months of treatment. Clinic staff should receive regular training concerning ART, including changes made to guidelines as well as reminders of side effects experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razia Gaida
- Department of Pharmacy, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa
| | - Ilse Truter
- Department of Pharmacy, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa.,Drug Utilisation Research Unit, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa
| | - Christoffel Grobler
- Department of Pharmacy, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa
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18
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Cook PF, Hartson KR, Schmiege SJ, Jankowski C, Starr W, Meek P. Bidirectional Relationships Between Fatigue and Everyday Experiences in Persons Living With HIV. Res Nurs Health 2016; 39:154-63. [PMID: 27059443 PMCID: PMC8603394 DOI: 10.1002/nur.21718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Fatigue symptoms are very common among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Fatigue is related to functional and psychological problems and to treatment nonadherence. Using secondary data from ecological momentary assessment, we examined fatigue as a predictor of PLWH everyday experiences. In bidirectional analyses based on the shape shifters model, we also examined these experiences as predictors of fatigue. Data were examined from 67 PLWH who completed daily surveys on a handheld computer. Brief validated scales were used to assess participants' control beliefs, mood, stress, coping, social support, experience of stigma, and motivation. At the beginning and end of the study, fatigue was measured with two CES-D items that have been used in past HIV symptom research. Multilevel models and logistic regression were used to test reciprocal predictive relationships between variables. Moderate to severe fatigue affected 45% of PLWH in the study. Initial fatigue predicted PLWH subsequent overall level of control beliefs, mood, stress, coping, and social support, all p < .05. These state variables remained relatively constant over time, regardless of participants' initial fatigue. In tests for reciprocal relationships with 33 PLWH, average daily stress, OR = 4.74, and stigma, OR = 4.86, also predicted later fatigue. Fatigue predicted several daily survey variables including stress and social support. Stress and support in turn predicted fatigue at a later time, suggesting a self-perpetuating cycle but also a possible avenue for intervention. Future studies should examine daily variation in fatigue among PLWH and its relation to other everyday experiences and behaviors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Cook
- Associate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Campus Box C288-04, Aurora, CO, 80045
| | | | - Sarah J Schmiege
- Associate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Whitney Starr
- Instructor, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Paula Meek
- Professor, College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
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Koole O, Denison JA, Menten J, Tsui S, Wabwire-Mangen F, Kwesigabo G, Mulenga M, Auld A, Agolory S, Mukadi YD, van Praag E, Torpey K, Williams S, Kaplan J, Zee A, Bangsberg DR, Colebunders R. Reasons for Missing Antiretroviral Therapy: Results from a Multi-Country Study in Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147309. [PMID: 26788919 PMCID: PMC4720476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the reasons patients miss taking their antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the proportion who miss their ART because of symptoms; and to explore the association between symptoms and incomplete adherence. METHODS Secondary analysis of data collected during a cross-sectional study that examined ART adherence among adults from 18 purposefully selected sites in Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. We interviewed 250 systematically selected patients per facility (≥ 18 years) on reasons for missing ART and symptoms they had experienced (using the HIV Symptom Index). We abstracted clinical data from the patients' medical, pharmacy, and laboratory records. Incomplete adherence was defined as having missed ART for at least 48 consecutive hours during the past 3 months. RESULTS Twenty-nine percent of participants reported at least one reason for having ever missed ART (1278/4425). The most frequent reason was simply forgetting (681/1278 or 53%), followed by ART-related hunger or not having enough food (30%), and symptoms (12%). The median number of symptoms reported by participants was 4 (IQR: 2-7). Every additional symptom increased the odds of incomplete adherence by 12% (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1-1.2). Female participants and participants initiated on a regimen containing stavudine were more likely to report greater numbers of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Symptoms were a common reason for missing ART, together with simply forgetting and food insecurity. A combination of ART regimens with fewer side effects, use of mobile phone text message reminders, and integration of food supplementation and livelihood programmes into HIV programmes, have the potential to decrease missed ART and hence to improve adherence and the outcomes of ART programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Koole
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Clinical Research, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Julie A Denison
- FHI 360, Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joris Menten
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sharon Tsui
- FHI 360, Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Fred Wabwire-Mangen
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gideon Kwesigabo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Andrew Auld
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Simon Agolory
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ya Diul Mukadi
- FHI 360, Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Eric van Praag
- FHI 360, Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kwasi Torpey
- FHI 360, Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Seymour Williams
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Kaplan
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Aaron Zee
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robert Colebunders
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Negash E, Wakgari N, Wasie B, Edris M, Bekele G. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its associated factors among HIV positive patients in Nekemte public health institutions, West Ethiopia. HIV & AIDS REVIEW 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hivar.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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John S, Kearns R, Johnson BA, Ordóñez CE, Wu B, Hare A, Wu P, Sullivan P, Sunpath H, Marconi VC. Religious Beliefs and Depression: Psychosocial Factors Affecting HIV Treatment Outcomes in South Africa. NEW VOICES IN PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 12:2-20. [PMID: 29937923 PMCID: PMC6011752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Analyzing factors associated with virological failure (VF) may improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes for individuals living with HIV. The Risk Factors for Virological Failure (RFVF) study compared 158 cases with VF (viral load, VL, >1,000 copies/mL) and 300 controls with virological suppression (VL ≤1,000 copies/mL) after ≥5 months on their first ART regimen at McCord Hospital in Durban, South Africa between October 2010 and June 2012. RFVF participants completed a battery of various psychosocial measures. Using multivariate logistic regression stratified for gender, the association of various psychosocial factors with VF was assessed. It was found that not all factors were equally significant for both genders. The factors that were significantly associated with VF for both genders were younger age, shorter treatment duration and reporting depressive symptoms. The factors associated with VF that differed by gender were religious inactivity, having HIV+ family members, and status disclosure to friends.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brent A Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA
| | | | - Baohua Wu
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Anna Hare
- School of Medicine, Emory University, USA
| | - Peng Wu
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
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Abstract
This study examined the difference in dog owning between Japan and the United States, and the effect of these differences on dogs' behavioral characteristics. Behavioral evaluations of privately-owned dogs were obtained by using online questionnaire. We compared background and demographic information from the two countries and analyzed the effects of these differences on behavioral characteristics in dogs. The results indicated that there was a bias in the dog breeds kept in Japan compared to the United States and that Japanese dogs' body weight was lower than the US dogs. The main source of dog acquisition was pet stores in Japan and breeders and/or shelters in the United States. Multiple linear regression analysis found that Japanese dogs showed more aggression to household members and higher energy, restlessness and fear of non-social stimuli than US dogs, while US dogs showed more fear of unfamiliar persons, separation-related behavior and excitability. US dogs also showed higher levels of trainability and attachment to owners. The lower dog's body weight was, the higher the behavioral scores except for trainability were. When dogs that were obtained under 3 months of age were analyzed, the younger the dogs were when their owners obtained them, the higher the scores on some behavioral problem factors were. The higher rates of problem behaviors among Japanese dogs compared with US dogs suggest that the preference for small breed dogs and poor early development environment influenced the behavioral characteristics of dogs.
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Bam K, Rajbhandari RM, Karmacharya DB, Dixit SM. Strengthening adherence to Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) monitoring and support: operation research to identify barriers and facilitators in Nepal. BMC Health Serv Res 2015; 15:188. [PMID: 25939593 PMCID: PMC4428010 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-015-0846-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) is the cornerstone for comprehensive health sector response to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment, care and support. Adherence of at least 95% is needed to keep HIV under control, as per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. This study was aimed at identifying the overall adherence level of, and barriers and facilitators to adherence for patients taking ART in different clinics in all five development regions of Nepal. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among ART clients receiving free ART from Government of Nepal ART clinics. A total of 435 clients taking ART from twelve ART clinics in different regions of Nepal, aged fifteen years and above were interviewed on one-and-one basis using questionnaires developed in reference to Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group (AACTG) toolkit among them data from 404 were analyzed after cleaning. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software where the P value of < 0.05 was accepted as being statistically significant. Results The overall adherence in the last month (missed less than three pills total) was 94.8% (383 out of 404). The main barrier to ART adherence was the fear of side effects (among 61.9% of the non adherent population) which included dizziness (18.1%) and headaches (15.4%). The standard wristwatch (39%) was found to be the most useful aid in enabling timely consumption of medication. Educational status (P = 0.018), drug using habits (P = 0.039) and the conducive environment at ART clinics (P = 0.004) were significantly associated with ART adherence. Conclusion Improving better adherence may require a more holistic approach to treatment regimen and adapting it to patient daily routines. This study identifies issues such as pill count for assessing adherence, better access to health care facilities by clients, better access to medication, as well as improved nutritional support issues for better adherence by the population in the future. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-015-0846-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Bam
- Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal (CMDN), Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | | | | | - Sameer M Dixit
- Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal (CMDN), Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal.
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Sundararajan R, Wyatt MA, Woolf-King S, Pisarski EE, Emenyonu N, Muyindike WR, Hahn JA, Ware NC. Qualitative study of changes in alcohol use among HIV-infected adults entering care and treatment for HIV/AIDS in rural southwest Uganda. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:732-41. [PMID: 25323678 PMCID: PMC4392168 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0918-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol has a substantial negative impact on the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Uganda, where heavy alcohol consumption is common. Using a content analytic approach, this qualitative study characterizes changes in alcohol use among 59 HIV-infected Ugandan adults (>18 years old), who reported any alcohol use in the previous year as they entered HIV care. Most participants reported attempting to cease or reduce alcohol intake over the study period. Reasons for decreased use included advice from clinicians, interference with social obligations, threats to financial security, and negative impact on social standing. Participants reported difficulty abstaining from alcohol, with incentives to continue drinking including desire for social inclusion, stress relief, and enjoyment of alcohol. These contrasting incentives created a moral quandary for some participants, who felt 'pulled' between 'good' and 'bad' influences. Results suggest brief interventions addressing self-identified obstacles to change may facilitate long-term reductions in drinking in this population.
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Teshome W, Belayneh M, Moges M, Endriyas M, Mekonnen E, Ayele S, Misganaw T, Shiferaw M, Chinnakali P, Hinderaker SG, Kumar AMV. Who takes the medicine? Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Southern Ethiopia. Patient Prefer Adherence 2015; 9:1531-7. [PMID: 26604706 PMCID: PMC4631418 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s90816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment adherence is critical for the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV. There is limited representative information on ART drug adherence and its associated factors from Southern Ethiopia. We aimed at estimating the level of adherence to ART among people living with HIV and factors associated with it in 20 randomly selected ART clinics of Southern Ethiopia. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we interviewed consecutive HIV patients on first-line antiretroviral regimen attending the clinics in June 2014 using a pretested and structured questionnaire. For measuring adherence, we used 4-day recall method based on "The AIDS Clinical Trial Group adherence assessment tool". Patients were classified as "Incomplete adherence" if they missed any of the doses in the last 4 days. Data were singly entered using EpiData and descriptive analysis, and unadjusted odds ratios were calculated using EpiDataStat software. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using Stata v12.0. RESULTS Of 974 patients interviewed, 539 (56%) were females, and mean age was 35 years. The proportion of patients with incomplete adherence was 13% (95% confidence interval: 11%-15%). In multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with incomplete adherence included young age, being Protestant Christian, consuming alcohol, being single, and being a member of an HIV association. Psychosocial factors like stigma, depression, and satisfaction to care were not associated with incomplete adherence in the current context. CONCLUSION The overall adherence to ART was good. However, there were certain subgroups with incomplete adherence who need special attention. The health care providers (especially counselors) need to be aware of these subgroups and tailor their counseling to improve adherence among these groups. Exploratory qualitative studies may help uncover the exact reasons for incomplete adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wondu Teshome
- School of Public and Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Wondu Teshome, PO Box 898, Hawassa, Ethiopia, Tel +251 91 176 1805, Email
| | - Mihretu Belayneh
- School of Public and Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Mathewos Moges
- School of Public and Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Misganu Endriyas
- Research Technology Transfer Process Unit, SNNP Regional Health Bureau, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Emebet Mekonnen
- Research Technology Transfer Process Unit, SNNP Regional Health Bureau, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Sinafiksh Ayele
- Research Technology Transfer Process Unit, SNNP Regional Health Bureau, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Tebeje Misganaw
- Research Technology Transfer Process Unit, SNNP Regional Health Bureau, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Mekonnen Shiferaw
- Research Technology Transfer Process Unit, SNNP Regional Health Bureau, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Palanivel Chinnakali
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | | | - Ajay MV Kumar
- The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India
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Niehaus I. Treatment literacy, therapeutic efficacy, and antiretroviral drugs: notes from Bushbuckridge, South Africa. Med Anthropol 2014; 33:351-66. [PMID: 24964716 DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2013.802319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Health activists often see the uptake of antiretroviral drugs and adherence to antiretroviral treatment as the outcome of 'treatment literacy.' Organizations have invested considerable resources into educating the public in conventional scientific understandings of HIV and AIDS. Drawing on the results of fieldwork in South Africa and the life history of a man living with AIDS, I highlight the complex and unstable relationship that exists between therapeutic literacy and treatment efficacy. Factors that have little to do with treatment literacy have impacted upon uptake and adherence. These include a lack of political support, stigma generated by labelling, access to social welfare, and gender constructs. Moreover, in situations of medical pluralism, marked by multiple, constantly shifting understandings of sickness, it is very difficult to ascertain treatment literacy, and treatment literacy neither implies therapeutic efficacy, nor vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isak Niehaus
- a School of Social Sciences , Brunel University , Uxbridge , Middlesex , United Kingdom
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Hanass-Hancock J, Myezwa H, Nixon SA, Gibbs A. "When I was no longer able to see and walk, that is when I was affected most": experiences of disability in people living with HIV in South Africa. Disabil Rehabil 2014; 37:2051-60. [PMID: 25524661 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2014.993432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE HIV-related disability is an emerging issue in countries where HIV is endemic. This study aimed to understand experiences of disability in patients living with HIV in South Africa using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a guiding framework. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 HIV-positive people receiving ART through a public hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. Data were analyzed using collaborative qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Participants described a variety of impairments related to mental, sensory, neuromusculoskeletal, skin, cardiovascular, digestive or reproductive systems. A tenuous relationship was evident between HIV and mental health impairments and the experience of other disabilities. Impairments affected participants' activity levels, especially mobility, domestic life, self-care and ability to work. Activity limitations affecting livelihood were often of more concern to participants than the impairments. Furthermore, women and men appeared to experience disability related to activities relevant to gendered norms in their cultural context. CONCLUSIONS More understanding of the intersections among HIV, disability, gender and livelihood is needed. To respond to the increased need to manage disability within HIV care in Africa, HIV programs should include rehabilitative approaches, address concerns related to livelihoods in households with disability and consider gender differences in the experience of disability. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION HIV, its opportunistic infections and the treatments associated to them are related to health conditions and impairments that have the potential to develop into disability. Rehabilitation professionals in HIV endemic countries have therefore a larger and changing number of people living with HIV and need to consider the impact of the disease on the rehabilitation process. Mental health issues and disability might be interrelated and affect antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence. Hence, rehabilitation has to use a holistic approach and integrate different therapy approaches (e.g. physiotherapy and mental health). The experience of living with HIV and developing disability has unreflected gender dynamics that need to be considered in rehabilitative care. Hence, the rehabilitation process has to consider the cultural realities and gendered experience of the condition. The study highlights the interrelationship between disability levels, the influence of environmental and social factors, and the changing experience related to gender. Hence, rehabilitation professionals in resource-poor settings have to go beyond the clinical response and therapy approaches in order to improve the activity and participation of people with disabilities and those living with HIV in their homes and communities. Community or home-based care might be avenues to further explore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Hanass-Hancock
- a Health Economics HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD) , UKZN , Durban , South Africa
| | - Hellen Myezwa
- b Department of Physiotherapy , University of Witwatersrand (WITs) , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Stephanie A Nixon
- a Health Economics HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD) , UKZN , Durban , South Africa .,c Department of Physical Therapy , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada , and.,d International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Andrew Gibbs
- a Health Economics HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD) , UKZN , Durban , South Africa
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Hare AQ, Ordóñez CE, Johnson BA, del Rio C, Kearns RA, Wu B, Hampton J, Wu P, Sunpath H, Marconi VC. Gender-specific risk factors for virologic failure in KwaZulu-Natal: automobile ownership and financial insecurity. AIDS Behav 2014; 18:2219-29. [PMID: 25037488 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0849-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We sought to examine which socioeconomic indicators are risk factors for virologic failure among HIV-1 infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A case-control study of virologic failure was conducted among patients recruited from the outpatient clinic at McCord Hospital in Durban, South Africa between October 1, 2010 and June 30, 2012. Cases were those failing first-line ART, defined as viral load >1,000 copies/mL. Univariate logistic regression was performed on sociodemographic data for the outcome of virologic failure. Variables found significant (p < 0.05) were used in multivariate models and all models were stratified by gender. Of 158 cases and 300 controls, 35 % were male and median age was 40 years. Gender stratification of models revealed automobile ownership was a risk factor among males, while variables of financial insecurity (unemployment, non-spouse family paying for care, staying with family) were risk factors for women. In this cohort, financial insecurity among women and automobile ownership among men were risk factors for virologic failure. Risk factor differences between genders demonstrate limitations of generalized risk factor analysis.
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Kitshoff C, Campbell L, Naidoo SS. The association between depression and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive patients, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/20786204.2012.10874194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C Kitshoff
- Department of Family Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal
| | - L Campbell
- Department of Family Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal
| | - SS Naidoo
- Department of Family Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal
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Zule W, Myers B, Carney T, Novak SP, McCormick K, Wechsberg WM. Alcohol and drug use outcomes among vulnerable women living with HIV: results from the Western Cape Women's Health CoOp. AIDS Care 2014; 26:1494-9. [PMID: 25040338 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.933769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol and other drug use can negatively affect adherence to and retention in antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV/AIDS. Yet, there are few brief interventions that reduce these behaviors among this population. This article presents the findings from a randomized field experiment that assessed the effects of a woman-focused intervention (the Women's Health CoOp [WHC]) on reducing alcohol and other drug use among vulnerable women in Cape Town, South Africa. The analyses were limited to 84 women living with HIV who reported drinking alcohol at baseline. Because of the small sample size, analyses were performed using an exact logistic regression procedure. At 12-month follow-up, women in the WHC arm were more likely to be abstinent from alcohol (odds ratio [OR] = 3.61; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.23, 11.70; p = 0.016) and somewhat more likely to test negative for other drugs (OR = 3.07; 95% CI = 0.83, 12.31; p = 0.105), compared with women in the comparison arms. This study provides preliminary evidence of the efficacy of a brief, woman-focused intervention in reducing alcohol and other drug use among vulnerable women living with HIV and it has implications for HIV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Zule
- a Substance Abuse Treatment Evaluations and Interventions Program, RTI International , Research Triangle Park , Durham , NC , USA
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Hahn JA, Fatch R, Wanyenze RK, Baveewo S, Kamya MR, Bangsberg DR, Coates TJ. Decreases in self-reported alcohol consumption following HIV counseling and testing at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:403. [PMID: 25038830 PMCID: PMC4223423 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use has a detrimental impact on the HIV epidemic, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV counseling and testing (HCT) may provide a contact opportunity to intervene with hazardous alcohol use; however, little is known about how alcohol consumption changes following HCT. METHODS We utilized data from 2056 participants of a randomized controlled trial comparing two methods of HCT and subsequent linkage to HIV care conducted at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Those who had not previously tested positive for HIV and whose last HIV test was at least one year in the past were eligible. Participants were asked at baseline when they last consumed alcohol, and prior three month alcohol consumption was measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C) at baseline and quarterly for one year. Hazardous alcohol consumption was defined as scoring ≥3 or ≥4 for women and men, respectively. We examined correlates of alcohol use at baseline, and of hazardous and non-hazardous drinking during the year of follow-up using multinomial logistic regression, clustered at the participant level to account for repeated measurements. RESULTS Prior to HCT, 30% were current drinkers (prior three months), 27% were past drinkers (>3 months ago), and 44% were lifetime abstainers. One-third (35%) of the current drinkers met criteria for hazardous drinking. Hazardous and non-hazardous self-reported alcohol consumption declined after HCT, with 16% of baseline current drinkers reporting hazardous alcohol use 3 months after HCT. Independent predictors (p < 0.05) of continuing non-hazardous and hazardous alcohol consumption after HCT were sex (male), alcohol consumption prior to HCT (hazardous), and HIV status (negative). Among those with HIV, non-hazardous drinking was less likely among those taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). CONCLUSIONS HCT may be an opportune time to intervene with alcohol consumption. Those with HIV experienced greater declines in alcohol consumption after HCT, and non-hazardous drinking decreased for those with HIV initiating ART. HCT and ART initiation may be ideal times to intervene with alcohol consumption. Screening and brief intervention (SBI) to reduce alcohol consumption should be considered for HCT and HIV treatment venues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Hahn
- University of California, San Francisco, Box 0886, San Francisco, CA 94143-0886, USA.
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Terblanche LM, Stellenberg EL. Patient knowledge of HIV and its treatment in South Africa. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2014; 6:E1-7. [PMID: 26245399 PMCID: PMC4502832 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v6i1.518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) need to achieve a 90% adherence rate to ART in order to prevent disease progression and drug resistance. The patients’ knowledge of ART and HIV is thus crucial to ensuring good adherence, decreased risk for drug resistance and cost-effective treatment for these patients. Aim To determine the knowledge of infected patients with regard to HIV and the ART they were receiving. Setting The study was conducted at a comprehensive community health centre in a developing low socio-economic community near Cape Town, South Africa. Methods A quantitative descriptive correlative research design was applied. A sample consisting of 200 (8.5%) respondents was selected from a population of 2349. A multiple-choice questionnaire, comprising 29 questions, including 14 critical knowledge testing questions, was used in individual interviews conducted by either the researcher or fieldworker who assessed the respondents’ knowledge regarding various key aspects of HIV and ART. Results Misconceptions regarding HIV and ART were revealed and scores for the 14 critical knowledge testing questions in the questionnaire revealed that 0% of the respondents had good knowledge, 20% had average knowledge and 80% had poor knowledge. Conclusion The respondents on ART in this particular community health centre had poor knowledge of HIV and ART. This may contribute to poor adherence rates, increased drug resistance, disease progression and increased costs for the government with regard to treating such patients. Increased attention needs to be given to patient education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Terblanche
- Division of Nursing, Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University.
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Vyankandondera J, Mitchell K, Asiimwe-Kateera B, Boer K, Mutwa P, Balinda JP, van Straten M, Reiss P, van de Wijgert J. Antiretroviral therapy drug adherence in Rwanda: perspectives from patients and healthcare workers using a mixed-methods approach. AIDS Care 2013; 25:1504-12. [PMID: 23517180 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2013.779626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Rwanda has achieved high enrollment into antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs but data on adherence after enrollment are not routinely collected. We used a mixed-methods approach (standardized questionnaires, pill counts, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews) to determine levels of and barriers to ART adherence from the perspective of both patients and healthcare workers (HCW). Data were available from 213 patients throughout the first year on ART; 58 of them and 23 HCW participated in a qualitative sub-study. Self-reported adherence was high (96% of patients reporting more than 95% adherence), but adherence by pill count was significantly lower, especially in the first 3 months. In the standardized interviews, patients mostly reported that they "simply forgot" or "were away from home" as reasons for nonadherence. The qualitative research identified three interrelated constructs that appeared to negatively influence adherence: stigma, difficulty coming to terms with illness, and concealment of illness. Both standardized questionnaires and the qualitative research identified poverty, disruption to daily routines, factors related to regimen complexity and side effects, and service-related factors as barriers to adherence. We conclude that regular triangulation of different sources of adherence data is desirable to arrive at more realistic estimates. We propose that program monitoring and evaluation cycles incorporate more in-depth research to better understand concerns underlying reasons for nonadherence reported in routine monitoring.
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Immuno-virologic outcomes and immuno-virologic discordance among adults alive and on anti-retroviral therapy at 12 months in Nigeria. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:113. [PMID: 23452915 PMCID: PMC3599241 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Predictors of immuno-virologic outcomes and discordance and their associations with clinical, demographic, socio-economic and behavioral risk factors are not well described in Nigeria since HIV viral load testing is not routinely offered in public HIV treatment programs. Methods The HACART study was a multi-center observational clinic-based cohort study of 2585 adults who started HAART between April 2008 and February 2009. A total of 628 patients were randomly selected at 12 months for immuno-virologic analyses. Results Virologic suppression rate (<400 copies/ml) was 76.7%, immunologic recovery rate (CD4 change from baseline ≥50 cells/mm3) was 77.4% and immuno-virologic discordance rate was 33%. In multivariate logistic regression, virologic failure was associated with age <30 years (OR 1.79; 95% CI: 1.17-2.67, p=0.03), anemia (Hemoglobin < 10 g/dl) (OR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.22-2.61, p=0.03), poor adherence (OR 3.82; 95% CI: 2.17-5.97, p=0.001), and post-secondary education (OR 0.60; 95% CI: 0.30-0.86, p=0.02). Immunologic failure was associated with male gender (OR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.04-2.45, p=0.04), and age <30 years (OR 1.50; 95% CI: 1.11-2.39, p=0.03). Virologic failure with immunologic success (VL-/CD4+) was associated with anemia (OR 1.80; 95% CI: 1.13-2.88, p=0.03), poor adherence (OR 3.90; 95% CI: 1.92-8.24, p=0.001), and post-secondary education (OR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.22-0.68, p=0.005). Conclusions Although favorable immuno-virologic outcomes could be achieved in this large ART program, immuno-virologic discordance was observed in a third of the patients. Focusing on intensified treatment preparation and adherence, young patients, males, persons with low educational status and most importantly baseline anemia assessment and management may help address predictors of poor immuno-virologic outcomes, and improve overall HIV program impact. Viral load testing in addition to the CD4 testing should be considered to identify, characterize and address negative immuno-virologic outcomes and discordance.
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Kidder DP, Bachanas P, Medley A, Pals S, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H, Ackers M, Howard A, Deluca N, Mbatia R, Sheriff M, Arthur G, Katuta F, Cherutich P, Somi G. HIV prevention in care and treatment settings: baseline risk behaviors among HIV patients in Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57215. [PMID: 23459196 PMCID: PMC3581447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV care and treatment settings provide an opportunity to reach people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) with prevention messages and services. Population-based surveys in sub-Saharan Africa have identified HIV risk behaviors among PLHIV, yet data are limited regarding HIV risk behaviors of PLHIV in clinical care. This paper describes the baseline sociodemographic, HIV transmission risk behaviors, and clinical data of a study evaluating an HIV prevention intervention package for HIV care and treatment clinics in Africa. The study was a longitudinal group-randomized trial in 9 intervention clinics and 9 comparison clinics in Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania (N = 3538). Baseline participants were mostly female, married, had less than a primary education, and were relatively recently diagnosed with HIV. Fifty-two percent of participants had a partner of negative or unknown status, 24% were not using condoms consistently, and 11% reported STI symptoms in the last 6 months. There were differences in demographic and HIV transmission risk variables by country, indicating the need to consider local context in designing studies and using caution when generalizing findings across African countries. Baseline data from this study indicate that participants were often engaging in HIV transmission risk behaviors, which supports the need for prevention with PLHIV (PwP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Kidder
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
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Elul B, Basinga P, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H, Saito S, Horowitz D, Nash D, Mugabo J, Mugisha V, Rugigana E, Nkunda R, Asiimwe A. High levels of adherence and viral suppression in a nationally representative sample of HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy for 6, 12 and 18 months in Rwanda. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53586. [PMID: 23326462 PMCID: PMC3541229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Generalizable data are needed on the magnitude and determinants of adherence and virological suppression among patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Africa. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey with chart abstraction, patient interviews and site assessments in a nationally representative sample of adults on ART for 6, 12 and 18 months at 20 sites in Rwanda. Adherence was assessed using 3- and 30-day patient recall. A systematically selected sub-sample had viral load (VL) measurements. Multivariable logistic regression examined predictors of non-perfect (<100%) 30-day adherence and detectable VL (>40 copies/ml). Results Overall, 1,417 adults were interviewed and 837 had VL measures. Ninety-four percent and 78% reported perfect adherence for the last 3 and 30 days, respectively. Eighty-three percent had undetectable VL. In adjusted models, characteristics independently associated with higher odds of non-perfect 30-day adherence were: being on ART for 18 months (vs. 6 months); younger age; reporting severe (vs. no or few) side effects in the prior 30 days; having no documentation of CD4 cell count at ART initiation (vs. having a CD4 cell count of <200 cells/µL); alcohol use; and attending sites which initiated ART services in 2003–2004 and 2005 (vs. 2006–2007); sites with ≥600 (vs. <600 patients) on ART; or sites with peer educators. Participation in an association for people living with HIV/AIDS; and receiving care at sites which regularly conduct home-visits were independently associated with lower odds of non-adherence. Higher odds of having a detectable VL were observed among patients at sites with peer educators. Being female; participating in an association for PLWHA; and using a reminder tool were independently associated with lower odds of having detectable VL. Conclusions High levels of adherence and viral suppression were observed in the Rwandan national ART program, and associated with potentially modifiable factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batya Elul
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America.
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Hanass-Hancock J, Regondi I, Egeraat LV, Nixon S. HIV-Related Disability in HIV Hyper-Endemic Countries: A Scoping Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/wja.2013.33034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Sasaki Y, Kakimoto K, Dube C, Sikazwe I, Moyo C, Syakantu G, Komada K, Miyano S, Ishikawa N, Kita K, Kai I. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) during the early months of treatment in rural Zambia: influence of demographic characteristics and social surroundings of patients. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2012; 11:34. [PMID: 23270312 PMCID: PMC3599627 DOI: 10.1186/1476-0711-11-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Around 70% of those living with HIV in need of treatment accessed antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Zambia by 2009. However, sustaining high levels of adherence to ART is a challenge. This study aimed to identify the predictive factors associated with ART adherence during the early months of treatment in rural Zambia. METHODS This is a field based observational longitudinal study in Mumbwa district, which is located 150 km west of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Treatment naive patients aged over 15 years, who initiated treatment during September-November 2010, were enrolled. Patients were interviewed at the initiation and six weeks later. The treatment adherence was measured according to self-reporting by the patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictive factors associated with the adherence. RESULTS Of 157 patients, 59.9% were fully adherent to the treatment six weeks after starting ART. According to the multivariable analysis, full adherence was associated with being female [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR), 3.3; 95% Confidence interval (CI), 1.2-8.9], having a spouse who were also on ART (AOR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.5-13.1), and experience of food insufficiency in the previous 30 days (AOR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.8-13.8). Some of the most common reasons for missed doses were long distance to health facilities (n = 21, 53.8%), food insufficiency (n = 20, 51.3%), and being busy with other activities such as work (n = 15, 38.5%). CONCLUSIONS The treatment adherence continues to be a significant challenge in rural Zambia. Social supports from spouses and people on ART could facilitate their treatment adherence. This is likely to require attention by ART services in the future, focusing on different social influences on male and female in rural Zambia. In addition, poverty reduction strategies may help to reinforce adherence to ART and could mitigate the influence of HIV infection for poor patients and those who fall into poverty after starting ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Sasaki
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Nursing, Nagoya City University, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi, 467-8601, Japan.
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Rodrigues R, Shet A, Antony J, Sidney K, Arumugam K, Krishnamurthy S, D'Souza G, DeCosta A. Supporting adherence to antiretroviral therapy with mobile phone reminders: results from a cohort in South India. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40723. [PMID: 22952574 PMCID: PMC3428344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adherence is central to the success of antiretroviral therapy. Supporting adherence has gained importance in HIV care in many national treatment programs. The ubiquity of mobile phones, even in resource-constrained settings, has provided an opportunity to utilize an inexpensive, contextually feasible technology for adherence support in HIV in these settings. We aimed to assess the influence of mobile phone reminders on adherence to antiretroviral therapy in South India. Participant experiences with the intervention were also studied. This is the first report of such an intervention for antiretroviral adherence from India, a country with over 800 million mobile connections. Methods Study design: Quasi-experimental cohort study involving 150 HIV-infected individuals from Bangalore, India, who were on antiretroviral therapy between April and July 2010. The intervention: All participants received two types of adherence reminders on their mobile phones, (i) an automated interactive voice response (IVR) call and (ii) A non-interactive neutral picture short messaging service (SMS), once a week for 6 months. Adherence measured by pill count, was assessed at study recruitment and at months one, three, six, nine and twelve. Participant experiences were assessed at the end of the intervention period. Results The mean age of the participants was 38 years, 27% were female and 90% urban. Overall, 3,895 IVRs and 3,073 SMSs were sent to the participants over 6 months. Complete case analysis revealed that the proportion of participants with optimal adherence increased from 85% to 91% patients during the intervention period, an effect that was maintained 6 months after the intervention was discontinued (p = 0.016). Both, IVR calls and SMS reminders were considered non-intrusive and not a threat to privacy. A significantly higher proportion agreed that the IVR was helpful compared to the SMS (p<0.001). Conclusion Mobile phone reminders may improve medication adherence in HIV infected individuals in this setting, the effect of which was found to persist for at least 6 months after cessation of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Rodrigues
- Division of Global Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Toward a systemic research agenda for addressing the joint epidemics of HIV/AIDS and noncommunicable diseases. AIDS 2012; 26 Suppl 1:S7-10. [PMID: 22781179 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e328355cf60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A growing proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS also struggle to cope with one or several noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly as they age. The two epidemics being intertwined, there is increasing recognition that that there should be closer advocacy, policy and programmatic links between HIV and NCDs. The objective of this paper is to discuss the development of a research agenda geared towards informing the design and implementation of programs and policies truly grounded in a co-benefits approach. Tackling the joint epidemics of HIV/AIDS and NCDs in Africa will require for research funders and private and foreign aid donors to be bold, visionary and to commit to long-term research investments in order to evaluate the effects of natural policy experiments and complex interventions.
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Abstract
Substance use is highly prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS, is often comorbid with other mental health problems, related to poor HIV medical outcomes, and, is associated with poor medication and treatment adherence. The current review reports on the recent state of the literature in terms of substance use and its relation to HIV medication and treatment adherence, and offers recommendations for advancing treatment and secondary HIV prevention efforts. Identifying substance users within HIV primary care and developing, evaluating, and refining integrative substance use-mental health-adherence interventions may be clinically important targets for effective disease management and may contribute to secondary HIV prevention efforts.
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Hahn JA, Woolf-King SE, Muyindike W. Adding fuel to the fire: alcohol's effect on the HIV epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2011; 8:172-80. [PMID: 21713433 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-011-0088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption adds fuel to the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). SSA has the highest prevalence of HIV infection and heavy episodic drinking in the world. Alcohol consumption is associated with behaviors such as unprotected sex and poor medication adherence, and biological factors such as increased susceptibility to infection, comorbid conditions, and infectiousness, which may synergistically increase HIV acquisition and onward transmission. Few interventions to decrease alcohol consumption and alcohol-related sexual risk behaviors have been developed or implemented in SSA, and few HIV or health policies or services in SSA address alcohol consumption. Structural interventions, such as regulating the availability, price, and advertising of alcohol, are challenging to implement due to the preponderance of homemade alcohol and beverage industry resistance. This article reviews the current knowledge on how alcohol impacts the HIV epidemic in SSA, summarizes current interventions and policies, and identifies areas for increased research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Hahn
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
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Kamau TM, Olson VG, Zipp GP, Clark M. Coping self-efficacy as a predictor of adherence to antiretroviral therapy in men and women living with HIV in Kenya. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2011; 25:557-61. [PMID: 21777140 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2011.0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the coping self-efficacy (CSE) scale and adherence to HIV medication in men and women enrolled in a large HIV treatment program in Kenya. Data were collected from a sample of 354 volunteers attending Nazareth Hospital's nine satellite clinics located in parts of Nairobi, and the central province of Kenya. A social demographic survey, Adult Clinical Trials Group adherence questionnaire, and CSE scale were used to obtain information. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were performed to analyze data and to test study hypotheses. Females were less likely to be nonadherent than males: the odds of adherence for females were 3.7 of the odds of adherence for males. Controlling for gender, CSE was significant. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy can be partially explained by CSE. Efforts aimed at building self-efficacy are likely to improve and maintain adherence to HIV and other medication. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valerie G. Olson
- Physical Therapy Program, Dominican College, Orangeburg, New York
| | - Genevieve Pinto Zipp
- Department of Graduate Programs in Health Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey
| | - MaryAnn Clark
- School of Health Professions and Nursing, C.W. Post Campus, Long Island University, Brookville, New York
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor adherence to medical treatment is one of the main reasons why patients do not achieve the full benefits of their therapy. It also has a substantial financial weight in terms of money wasted for unused medication and increased healthcare costs including hospitalization due to clinical complications. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview and examples of the financial and economic consequences of poor adherence to treatment, techniques and devices for monitoring adherence and interventions for improvement of treatment adherence. RESULTS New electronic devices with monitoring features may help to objectively monitor patients' adherence to a treatment regimen that can help a healthcare professional determine how to intervene to improve adherence and subsequent clinical outcome. Interventions that aim to enhance adherence may confer cost-effectiveness benefits in some indications and settings. The nature of the intervention(s) used depends on a range of factors, including patient preference, therapy area and cost of the intervention. However, there is a pressing need for rigorous trials, as current studies often have major flaws in the economic methodology, especially in terms of incremental analysis and sensitivity analysis. LIMITATIONS This review has focused on a limited number of therapeutic areas as coverage of a more extensive range of diseases may be beyond the scope of such a summary. Nevertheless, the examples are representative of the challenges encountered in many other diseases. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and economic consequences of non-adherence and interventions to improve compliance reflect the nature and severity of non-adherence, as well as the pathophysiology and severity of the disease. Interventions that aim to enhance adherence may confer cost-effectiveness benefits in some indications and settings, and good adherence can help payers and providers contain costs by extracting maximum value from their investment in therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Golay
- Division of Therapeutic Education for Chronic Diseases, University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland.
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