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Camara S, Millimouno TM, Hounmenou CG, Kolié D, Kadio KJJO, Sow A, Sidibé S, Delamou A. Optimization of the vertical transmission prevention program in Guinea: impact of the improvement plan on performance indicators at large-cohort sites. AIDS Res Ther 2024; 21:55. [PMID: 39182113 PMCID: PMC11344318 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-024-00639-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vertical transmission of HIV remains a major challenge in Guinea, especially, in low-resource rural areas. This paper presents the results of a pilot project designed to enhance the prevention of vertical transmission through a comprehensive improvement plan implemented across 66 large-cohort sites. METHODS Data from 66 large-cohort of mother to child transmission prevention (PMTCT) sites from 2019 to 2022 were analysed to compare PMTCT metrics before (2019-2020) and after (2021-2022) the improvement initiative. Key indicators were reviewed, and trends were statistically analysed using Mann‒Whitney tests, with a p value less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS The implementation of this strategy significantly increased the antiretroviral therapy rate among HIV-positive pregnant women from 66 to 94%, and full antiretroviral prophylaxis coverage was achieved in infants. However, early infant diagnosis via polymerase chain reaction testing falls short of the national target, highlighting deficiencies in laboratory and specimen transport capacities. The study also revealed regional disparities in the use of PMTCT services. CONCLUSION The improvement plan effectively enhanced antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis use, demonstrating the benefits of structured interventions and capacity development. Despite improvements, challenges such as insufficient polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and uneven access to services remain. Future initiatives should aim to equip PMTCT sites with essential resources and promote community-driven health-seeking behaviours in underserved areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soriba Camara
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea.
| | - Tamba Mina Millimouno
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
- Africa Centre of Excellence for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
- Maferinyah National Centre for Training and Research in Rural Health, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou
- Guinea Infectious Disease Research and Training Center, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Delphin Kolié
- Africa Centre of Excellence for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
- Maferinyah National Centre for Training and Research in Rural Health, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
| | | | - Abdoulaye Sow
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Sidikiba Sidibé
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Alexandre Delamou
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
- Africa Centre of Excellence for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
- Maferinyah National Centre for Training and Research in Rural Health, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
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Bulstra CA, Hontelez JAC, Otto M, Stepanova A, Lamontagne E, Yakusik A, El-Sadr WM, Apollo T, Rabkin M, Atun R, Bärnighausen T. Integrating HIV services and other health services: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003836. [PMID: 34752477 PMCID: PMC8577772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integration of HIV services with other health services has been proposed as an important strategy to boost the sustainability of the global HIV response. We conducted a systematic and comprehensive synthesis of the existing scientific evidence on the impact of service integration on the HIV care cascade, health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. METHODS AND FINDINGS We reviewed the global quantitative empirical evidence on integration published between 1 January 2010 and 10 September 2021. We included experimental and observational studies that featured both an integration intervention and a comparator in our review. Of the 7,118 unique peer-reviewed English-language studies that our search algorithm identified, 114 met all of our selection criteria for data extraction. Most of the studies (90) were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in East Africa (55) and Southern Africa (24). The most common forms of integration were (i) HIV testing and counselling added to non-HIV services and (ii) non-HIV services added to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The most commonly integrated non-HIV services were maternal and child healthcare, tuberculosis testing and treatment, primary healthcare, family planning, and sexual and reproductive health services. Values for HIV care cascade outcomes tended to be better in integrated services: uptake of HIV testing and counselling (pooled risk ratio [RR] across 37 studies: 1.67 [95% CI 1.41-1.99], p < 0.001), ART initiation coverage (pooled RR across 19 studies: 1.42 [95% CI 1.16-1.75], p = 0.002), time until ART initiation (pooled RR across 5 studies: 0.45 [95% CI 0.20-1.00], p = 0.050), retention in HIV care (pooled RR across 19 studies: 1.68 [95% CI 1.05-2.69], p = 0.031), and viral suppression (pooled RR across 9 studies: 1.19 [95% CI 1.03-1.37], p = 0.025). Also, treatment success for non-HIV-related diseases and conditions and the uptake of non-HIV services were commonly higher in integrated services. We did not find any significant differences for the following outcomes in our meta-analyses: HIV testing yield, ART adherence, HIV-free survival among infants, and HIV and non-HIV mortality. We could not conduct meta-analyses for several outcomes (HIV infections averted, costs, and cost-effectiveness), because our systematic review did not identify sufficient poolable studies. Study limitations included possible publication bias of studies with significant or favourable findings and comparatively weak evidence from some world regions and on integration of services for key populations in the HIV response. CONCLUSIONS Integration of HIV services and other health services tends to improve health and health systems outcomes. Despite some scientific limitations, the global evidence shows that service integration can be a valuable strategy to boost the sustainability of the HIV response and contribute to the goal of 'ending AIDS by 2030', while simultaneously supporting progress towards universal health coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A. Bulstra
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Jan A. C. Hontelez
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Moritz Otto
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Stepanova
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erik Lamontagne
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
- Aix-Marseille School of Economics, CNRS, EHESS, Centrale Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, Les Milles, France
| | - Anna Yakusik
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wafaa M. El-Sadr
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Miriam Rabkin
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Rifat Atun
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Siregar KN, Hanifah L, Rikawarastuti, Wahyuniar L. Prevention of HIV Transmission from Mother to Child: Challenges to the Successful Program Implementation and Practice in Indonesia. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2021; 20:23259582211040701. [PMID: 34448424 PMCID: PMC8404671 DOI: 10.1177/23259582211040701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The level of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission from mother to child in Indonesia ranks first worldwide. Newborn babies in Indonesia are at greater risk of experiencing the burden of HIV infection than babies born in other countries. OBJECTIVES To explore the full extent of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) in South Sulawesi Province in 2020 and to discuss program and policy implications for PMTCT. METHODS This is a health system analysis study with a qualitative approach using focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, and observations in primary health centers and hospitals. RESULTS There is no local policy and guidelines for PMTCT programs and services; the coverage of HIV testing in pregnant women has not achieved 100% according to the target. There are limitations to human resources in public and private services to conduct the program. The assistance's activities to ensure antiretroviral (ARV) adherence are limited, and HIV-positive women faced stigma and discrimination, not only from the community but also from health workers. RECOMMENDATIONS Some recommendations are to improve the HIV test coverage to 100% in pregnant women as well as the coverage and quality of ARV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laily Hanifah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Veteran National Development University of Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Psaros C, Smit JA, Mosery N, Bennett K, Coleman JN, Bangsberg DR, Safren SA. PMTCT Adherence in Pregnant South African Women: The Role of Depression, Social Support, Stigma, and Structural Barriers to Care. Ann Behav Med 2020; 54:626-636. [PMID: 32128556 PMCID: PMC7459185 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a robust predictor of nonadherence to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, which is essential to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Women in resource-limited settings face additional barriers to PMTCT adherence. Although structural barriers may be minimized by social support, depression and stigma may impede access to this support. PURPOSE To better understand modifiable factors that contribute to PMTCT adherence and inform intervention development. METHODS We tested an ARV adherence model using data from 200 pregnant women enrolled in PMTCT (median age 28), who completed a third-trimester interview. Adherence scores were created using principal components analysis based on four questions assessing 30-day adherence. We used path analysis to assess (i) depression and stigma as predictors of social support and then (ii) the combined associations of depression, stigma, social support, and structural barriers with adherence. RESULTS Elevated depressive symptoms were directly associated with significantly lower adherence (est = -8.60, 95% confidence interval [-15.02, -2.18], p < .01). Individuals with increased stigma and depression were significantly less likely to utilize social support (p < .01, for both), and higher social support was associated with increased adherence (est = 7.42, 95% confidence interval [2.29, 12.58], p < .01). Structural barriers, defined by income (p = .55) and time spent traveling to clinic (p = .31), did not predict adherence. CONCLUSIONS Depression and social support may play an important role in adherence to PMTCT care. Pregnant women living with HIV with elevated depressive symptoms and high levels of stigma may suffer from low social support. In PMTCT programs, maximizing adherence may require effective identification and treatment of depression and stigma, as well as enhancing social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Psaros
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- MatCH Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nzwakie Mosery
- MatCH Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting, Inc., Ballston Lake, NY
| | - Jessica N Coleman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - David R Bangsberg
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health Sciences University–Portland State University, Portland, OR
| | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
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Shikuku DN, Mukosa R, Peru T, Yaite A, Ambuchi J, Sisimwo K. Reducing intrapartum fetal deaths through low-dose high frequency clinical mentorship in a rural hospital in Western Kenya: a quasi-experimental study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:518. [PMID: 31870325 PMCID: PMC6929310 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2673-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intrapartum fetal mortality can be prevented by quality emergency obstetrics and newborn care (EmONC) during pregnancy and childbirth. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a low-dose high-frequency onsite clinical mentorship in EmONC on the overall reduction in intrapartum fetal deaths in a busy hospital providing midwife-led maternity services in rural Kenya. Methods A quasi-experimental (nonequivalent control group pretest – posttest) design in a midwife-led maternity care hospitals. Clinical mentorship and structured supportive supervision on EmONC signal functions was conducted during intervention. Maternity data at two similar time points: Oct 2015 to July 2016 (pre) and August 2016 to May 2017 (post) reviewed. Indicators of interest at Kirkpatrick’s levels 3 and 4 focusing on change in practice and health outcomes between the two time periods were evaluated and compared through a two-sample test of proportions. Proportions and p-values were reported to test the strength of the evidence after the intervention. Results Spontaneous vaginal delivery was the commonest route of delivery between the two periods in both hospitals. At the intervention hospital, assisted vaginal deliveries (vacuum extractions) increased 13 times (0.2 to 2.5%, P < 0.0001), proportion of babies born with low APGAR scores requiring newborn resuscitation doubled (1.7 to 3.7%, P = 0.0021), proportion of fresh stillbirths decreased 5 times (0.5 to 0.1%, P = 0.0491) and referred cases for comprehensive emergency obstetric care doubled (3.0 to 6.5%, P < 0.0001) with no changes observed in the control hospital. The proportion of live births reduced (98 to 97%, P = 0.0547) at the control hospital. Proportion of macerated stillbirths tripled at the control hospital (0.4 to 1.4%, P = 0.0039) with no change at the intervention hospital. Conclusion Targeted mentorship improves the competencies of nurse/midwives to identify, manage and/or refer pregnancy and childbirth cases and/or complications contributing to a reduction in intrapartum fetal deaths. Scale up of this training approach will improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
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Shikuku DN, Muganda M, Amunga SO, Obwanda EO, Muga A, Matete T, Kisia P. Door - to - door immunization strategy for improving access and utilization of immunization Services in Hard-to-Reach Areas: a case of Migori County, Kenya. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1064. [PMID: 31391028 PMCID: PMC6686480 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to quality essential healthcare services and vaccines for all is key to achieving universal health coverage. Inequities driven by differences in place of residence and socio-economic status persist among different communities hindering the achievement of sustained performance on immunization indicators. Innovative community-based Reach Every Child (REC) interventions at the sub-county and county level can reduce these local inequities. This study determines the effect of an enhanced door-to-door immunization strategy on improving immunization coverage in hard-to-reach areas of Migori. Methods This was a cross-sectional review of District Health Information System 2 immunization data for July and August 2018 for Migori County. During the presidential immunization rapid results initiative (RRI) in July 2018, poorly performing wards/facilities were mapped using the Quantum Geographic Information Systems methodology, and unreached rural-urban populations identified. Through review of facility level Kenya Expanded Programme on Immunization data, 64 health facilities with over 100 unimmunized children each between January 2017 and June 2018 in all sub-counties were prioritized. In August 2018, intensified fixed-point immunization services were offered within the prioritized facilities. Further, a 3-day door-to-door defaulter tracing by community health volunteers and household level immunization by nurses was conducted. Immunization coverage performance for access and utilization for the two periods were compared using z-tests/t-tests. Results Cumulatively, a total of 10,744 and 14,809 children were reached with immunization in July and August respectively for the 64 facilities. There were significant increases in the immunization coverage for BCG (74.4% vs 89.9%, P = 0.0001), Penta 1(96.2% vs 102%, P = 0.0649), Penta 3 (92.3% vs 112.1%, P = 0.0001), MR1 (81.7% vs 111.5%, P < 0.0001) and the fully immunized children at 1 year (78.6% vs 103.9%, P < 0.0001). Penta 3 and MR1 drop-out rates (3.99% vs − 9.86%, P = 0.0007; 15.06% vs − 9.27%, P = 0.0001 respectively) decreased significantly. Similar significant effects were observed at the subcounty levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion Hard-to-reach populations require multiple REC strategies to reach every child with immunization. Health facilities should actively analyze and use routine immunization data and invest in community health strengthening systems to identify hard-to-reach areas to be targeted with outreaches to improve immunization coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alice Muga
- Department of Health, Migori County, Kenya
| | | | - Paul Kisia
- Afya Halisi Project, Migori County, Kenya
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Davis EC, Menser T, Cerda Juarez A, Tomaszewski LE, Kash BA. Examining healthcare systems: a market analysis for Kenya. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/ejtd-06-2016-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a literature review of the health workforce, hospital and clinic systems, infrastructure, primary care, regulatory climate, the pharmaceutical industry and community health behavior of the Kenyan health-care system with the purpose of providing a thorough background on the health-care environment in Kenya.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted using Pub Med, searching for “Kenya” in the title of articles published from January 1, 2015 to February 24, 2016; this provided a broad overview of the type of research being conducted in Kenya. Other data provided by governmental agencies and non-governmental agencies was also reviewed to describe the current state of population health in Kenya.
Findings
An initial review of 615 Pubmed articles included 455 relevant articles. A complete review of these studies was conducted, resulting in a final sample of 389 articles. These articles were categorized into three main subject areas with 14 secondary subject areas (Figure 1).
Research limitations/implications
The narrow scope of the search parameters set for the systematic review was a necessary limitation to focus on the most relevant literature. The findings of this study provide a thorough background on health care in Kenya to researchers and practitioners.
Originality/value
This compilation of data specific to Kenya provides a detailed summary of both the country’s health-care services and health status, focusing on potential means of realizing increased quality and length of life.
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Mokaya E, Mugoya I, Raburu J, Shimp L. Use of cellular phone contacts to increase return rates for immunization services in Kenya. Pan Afr Med J 2017; 28:24. [PMID: 29138660 PMCID: PMC5681005 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2017.28.24.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Kenya, failure to complete immunization schedules by children who previously accessed immunization services is an obstacle to ensuring that children are fully immunized. Home visit approaches used to track defaulting children have not been successful in reducing the drop-out rate. Methods This study tested the use of phone contacts as an approach for tracking immunization defaulters in twelve purposively-selected facilities in three districts of western Kenya. For nine months, children accessing immunization services in the facilities were tracked and caregivers were asked their reasons for defaulting. Results In all of the facilities, caregiver phone ownership was above 80%. In 11 of the 12 facilities, defaulter rates between pentavalent1 and pentavalent3 vaccination doses reduced significantly to within the acceptable level of < 10%. Caregivers provided reliable contact information and health workers positively perceived phone-based defaulter communications. Tracking a defaulter required on average 2 minutes by voice and Ksh 6 ($ 0.07). Competing tasks and concerns about vaccinating sick children and side-effects were the most cited reasons for caregivers defaulting. Notably, a significant number of children categorised as defaulters had been vaccinated in a different facility (and were therefore “false defaulters”). Conclusion Use of phone contacts for follow-up is a feasible and cost-effective method for tracking defaulters. This approach should complement traditional home visits, especially for caregivers without phones. Given communication-related reasons for defaulting, it is important that immunization programs scale-up community education activities. A system for health facilities to share details of defaulting children should be established to reduce “false defaulters”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evans Mokaya
- USAID's Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP)/John Snow, Inc (JSI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac Mugoya
- USAID's Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP)/John Snow, Inc (JSI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jane Raburu
- Kisumu County Health Team/Ministry of Health, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Lora Shimp
- USAID's Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP)/John Snow, Inc (JSI), Washington DC, USA
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