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Kuo NR, Hou MC, Chu WC, Yang YY, Huang CC, Li TH, Lee TY, Liu CW, Liao TL, Hsieh SL, Lin HC. Low lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, calcitriol level, and CD206 level predict the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure in patients cirrhosis with acute decompensation. J Chin Med Assoc 2023; 86:265-273. [PMID: 36727703 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cirrhosis-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Prognostic models of ACLF have been developed; however, few studies have focused on the occurrence of ACLF. This study aimed to identify the factors that predict the development of ACLF, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and infection in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS Patients with cirrhosis were enrolled, and the serum levels of calcitriol, Cluster of Differentiation 26 (CD206), and macrophage-inducible lectin receptor (Mincle) were measured, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were calculated; all the patients were tracked for 6 months. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to assess the factors associated with ACLF development, HE, and infection. The aforementioned model was derived based on immunological markers, and receiver operating characteristic analysis with area under the curve (AUC) was adopted to evaluate accuracy. RESULTS After screening 325 patients with cirrhosis, 65 patients were eligible. In the GEE model, low levels of calcitriol (odds ratio [OR] = 3.259; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.118-8.929) and CD206 (OR = 2.666; 95% CI = 1.082-6.567) were associated with the development of ACLF, and the LMR was a protective factor (OR = 0.356; 95% CI = 0.147-0.861). Low calcitriol levels were a risk factor for HE (OR = 3.827) and infection (OR = 2.489). LMR was found to be a protective factor against HE (OR = 0.388). An immunological model for the discrimination of ACLF development within 6 months was proposed, with an AUC of 0.734 (95% CI = 0.598-0.869). CONCLUSION Single and combined immunological markers, including low LMR and low levels of calcitriol and CD206, were promising for early prediction of the development of ACLF, HE, and infection in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Rong Kuo
- Department of Medical Education, Medical Innovation and Research Office, Clinical Innovation Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Chi Chu
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ying-Ying Yang
- Department of Medical Education, Medical Innovation and Research Office, Clinical Innovation Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Chang Huang
- Department of Medical Education, Medical Innovation and Research Office, Clinical Innovation Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzu-Hao Li
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzung-Yan Lee
- Graduate Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Linkou Chang Guang Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Wei Liu
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tsai-Ling Liao
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shie-Liang Hsieh
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Medina-Marino A, Bezuidenhout D, Ngcelwane N, Cornell M, Wainberg M, Beyrer C, Bekker LG, Daniels J. Qualitative Identification of Intervention Preferences to Support Men's Engagement and Retention in TB Care in South Africa. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221129349. [PMID: 36218175 PMCID: PMC9558889 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221129349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally and in South African specifically, men account for 56% and 62% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases, respectively. Men are at increased risk of not accessing TB testing or treatment, and having poor treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, no interventions exist to address these issues. Toward the development of targeted, patient-centered TB care and support interventions, we used semistructured interviews to explored men's social network composition, TB testing behaviors, disclosure and treatment support, clinical experiences, and TB's influence on daily living. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach guided by the Network Individual Resource Model to identify mental and tangible resources influential and preferred during engagement in TB treatment. Men emphasized the desire for peer-to-peer support to navigate TB-related stigma and unhealthy masculinity norms. Men advocated for awareness events to educate communities about their challenges with TB. Men strongly suggested that interventions be delivered in familiar locations where men congregate. Since 2022, no TB treatment support interventions have included the preferred components or delivery modes described by men in our study. To improve men's TB-related health outcomes, the global TB community must identify and address men's unique challenges when designing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Medina-Marino
- Division of Men’s Health, Desmond Tutu
HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Perelman School of Medicine, University
of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Research Unit, Foundation for
Professional Development, East London, South Africa,Andrew Medina-Marino, Division of Men’s
Health, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7915, South
Africa.
| | - Dana Bezuidenhout
- Research Unit, Foundation for
Professional Development, East London, South Africa,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman
School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Nondumiso Ngcelwane
- Buffalo City Health District, Eastern
Cape Provincial Department of Health, Bisho, South Africa
| | - Morna Cornell
- School of Public Health & Family
Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Milton Wainberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia
University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY, USA,New York State Psychiatric Institute,
New York City, NY, USA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke
University, Durham, NC, USA,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University
of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University
of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health
Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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3
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Soogun AO, Kharsany ABM, Zewotir T, North D, Ogunsakin E, Rakgoale P. Spatiotemporal Variation and Predictors of Unsuppressed Viral Load among HIV-Positive Men and Women in Rural and Peri-Urban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:232. [PMID: 36136643 PMCID: PMC9502339 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Unsuppressed HIV viral load is an important marker of sustained HIV transmission. We investigated the prevalence, predictors, and high-risk areas of unsuppressed HIV viral load among HIV-positive men and women. Unsuppressed HIV viral load was defined as viral load of ≥400 copies/mL. Data from the HIV Incidence District Surveillance System (HIPSS), a longitudinal study undertaken between June 2014 to June 2016 among men and women aged 15−49 years in rural and peri-urban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were analysed. A Bayesian geoadditive regression model which includes a spatial effect for a small enumeration area was applied using an integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) function while accounting for unobserved factors, non-linear effects of selected continuous variables, and spatial autocorrelation. The prevalence of unsuppressed HIV viral load was 46.1% [95% CI: 44.3−47.8]. Predictors of unsuppressed HIV viral load were incomplete high school education, being away from home for more than a month, alcohol consumption, no prior knowledge of HIV status, not ever tested for HIV, not on antiretroviral therapy (ART), on tuberculosis (TB) medication, having two or more sexual partners in the last 12 months, and having a CD4 cell count of <350 cells/μL. A positive non-linear effect of age, household size, and the number of lifetime HIV tests was identified. The higher-risk pattern of unsuppressed HIV viral load occurred in the northwest and northeast of the study area. Identifying predictors of unsuppressed viral load in a localized geographic area and information from spatial risk maps are important for targeted prevention and treatment programs to reduce the transmission of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adenike O. Soogun
- Department of Statistics, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, College of Agriculture Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Science, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Temesgen Zewotir
- Department of Statistics, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, College of Agriculture Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Delia North
- Department of Statistics, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, College of Agriculture Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Ebenezer Ogunsakin
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Perry Rakgoale
- Department of Geography, School of Agriculture, Earth, and Environmental Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
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Ly V, Elhusseiny AM, Sallam AB. Syphilis-related Ocular Inflammation in HIV-positive and HIV-negative Patients. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2022:1-6. [PMID: 35880976 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2082987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical characteristics and visual outcomes of ocular syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and negative patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with newly diagnosed ocular syphilis between January 2015 and August 2021. RESULTS 68 eyes of 41 patients (22 eyes in 12 HIV-positive patients, 46 eyes in 29 HIV-negative patients) were included. The most common ophthalmic feature was posterior uveitis in HIV-positive and anterior uveitis in HIV-negative patients; 58.3% (7 out of 12 patients) of HIV-positive and 48.2% (14 out of 29 patients) of HIV-negative patients were diagnosed with neurosyphilis. There were no significant differences in laterality, presence of concurrent rash, rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titers, presenting, and final corrected visual acuity between both groups. CONCLUSION Nearly one-fifth of eyes may suffer from severe visual loss of ≤ 20/200. HIV co-infection may not result in visual outcomes in syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Ly
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Abdelrahman M Elhusseiny
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Ahmed B Sallam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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5
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George G, Beckett S, Reddy T, Govender K, Cawood C, Khanyile D, Kharsany AB. Role of Schooling and Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Reducing HIV and Pregnancy Among Adolescents in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:270-275. [PMID: 35302969 PMCID: PMC9177157 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) seeks to reduce risky sexual behaviour and subsequent incidence of unintended pregnancy and HIV among schoolgoing adolescents. This study estimates the association between exposure to CSE and key biomedical and behavioural indicators among adolescent girls in South Africa. SETTING Four DREAMS implementation districts in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces in South Africa. METHODS Data from a household-based representative sample of adolescent girls (between the ages 12-18 years) (n = 9673) was collected. Independent variables included school attendance and exposure to CSE, with outcome variables measuring prevalence of HIV, pregnancy, and sexual risky behaviour, including condom use, incidence of age-disparate relationships, and transactional sex. RESULTS Adolescent girls in school and who had attended CSE classes in the previous 12 months were associated with reduced adjusted odds of being HIV-positive [full sample: adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61 to 0.95, P < 0.05; sexually active sample: AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.96, P < 0.05]. Those in school who attended CSE in the previous 12 months were also more likely to get tested for HIV (AOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.65, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that school attendance and exposure to CSE is associated with a reduction in risky sexual behaviour. Exposure to CSE is also associated with increased access to HIV testing for adolescent girls both in and out of school. Keeping adolescent girls in school produces the greatest positive sexual behavioural effect; this, coupled with the delivery of quality CSE, is a key strategy for reducing HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin George
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sean Beckett
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Durban, South Africa
| | - Kaymarlin Govender
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Cherie Cawood
- Epicentre AIDS Risk Management (Pty) Limited, Durban, South Africa; and
| | - David Khanyile
- Epicentre AIDS Risk Management (Pty) Limited, Durban, South Africa; and
| | - Ayesha B.M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Sharkey T, Wall KM, Parker R, Tichacek A, Pappas-DeLuca KA, Kilembe W, Inambao M, Malama K, Hoagland A, Peeling R, Allen S. A cluster randomized trial to reduce HIV risk from outside partnerships in Zambian HIV-Negative couples using a novel behavioral intervention, "Strengthening Our Vows": Study protocol and baseline data. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2021; 24:100850. [PMID: 34622087 PMCID: PMC8481973 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterosexual couples contribute to most new HIV infections in areas of generalized HIV epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa. After Couples' Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (CVCT), heterosexual concordant HIV negative couples (CNC) in cohabiting unions contribute to approximately 47% of residual new infections in couples. These infections are attributed to concurrent sexual partners, a key driver of the HIV epidemic in Zambia. METHODS/DESIGN Ten Zambian government clinics in two of the largest cities were randomized in matched pairs to a Strengthening Our Vows (SOV) intervention or a Good Health Package (GHP) comparison arm. SOV addressed preventing HIV infection from concurrent partners and protecting spouses after exposures outside the relationship. GHP focused on handwashing; water chlorination; household deworming; and screening for hypertension, diabetes and schistosomiasis. CNC were referred from CVCT services in government clinics. Follow-up includes post-intervention questionnaires and outcome assessments through 60 months. Longitudinal outcomes of interest include self-report and laboratory markers of condomless sex with outside partners and reported sexual agreements. We present baseline characteristics and factors associated with study arm and reported risk using descriptive statistics. RESULTS The mean age of men was 32 and 26 for women. On average, couples cohabited for 6 years and had 2 children. Baseline analyses demonstrated some failures of randomization by study arm which will be considered in future primary analyses of longitudinal data. An HIV/STI risk factor composite was not different in the two study arms. Almost one-quarter of couples had an HIV risk factor at baseline. DISCUSSION In preparation for future biomedical and behavioral interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, it is critical to understand and decrease HIV risk within CNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyronza Sharkey
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - Kristin M. Wall
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Rachel Parker
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Katina A. Pappas-DeLuca
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - William Kilembe
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Mubiana Inambao
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Kalonde Malama
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alexandra Hoagland
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Grammatico MA, Moll AP, Choi K, Springer SA, Shenoi SV. Feasibility of a community-based delivery model for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among bar patrons in rural South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25848. [PMID: 34826363 PMCID: PMC8625837 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Africa, home to the world's largest HIV epidemic, has made great strides in improving access to HIV services, but specific groups, particularly young men, remain difficult to engage in the HIV care cascade. Alcohol use disorder, prevalent in South Africa, further complicates engagement. Congregate settings where alcohol is served, known as shebeens, are an ideal place to engage young people for HIV testing, treatment and prevention, including pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Here, we characterize the uptake of PrEP in shebeen patrons and explore the effect of alcohol consumption on PrEP uptake by piloting a community‐based delivery model. Methods In the rural Kwazulu‐Natal province (KZN) of South Africa, a field team made up of all men offered screenings outside of shebeens at 27 events over 6 months in 2020. Screenings included rapid HIV testing and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Participants who tested negative for HIV were offered PrEP as once daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine. Short‐term retention was determined. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of PrEP uptake, including unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Results One hundred and sixty‐two shebeen patrons were screened, and 136 (84%) were eligible for PrEP. Among those eligible, 37 (27%) completed clinical evaluation and initiated PrEP. Among PrEP initiators, 91.9% were men, median age was 26.0 years (interquartile range 21–31), 32.4% were employed, 18.9% had running water and 70.3% had AUDIT scores indicating hazardous drinking. Among 37 initiators, 25 (68%) were retained at 1 month, and 19 (51%) were retained at 4 months. Independent predictors of PrEP uptake among all bar patrons, and only men (108 screened and 34 initiators), included younger age (OR 0.92 [0.88–0.97]) and lifetime number of sexual partners (OR 1.07 [1.02–1.13]). Conclusions Community‐based PrEP delivery after engagement at shebeens in rural South Africa is a feasible and novel approach to reach a traditionally difficult‐to‐engage population, particularly young men. In this small sample, sexual risk behaviours predicted PrEP uptake. Hazardous drinking was not a barrier to PrEP initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Grammatico
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Koeun Choi
- Yale Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sandra A Springer
- Yale AIDS Program, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sheela V Shenoi
- Yale AIDS Program, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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