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Silhol R, Maheu-Giroux M, Soni N, Simo Fotso A, Rouveau N, Vautier A, Doumenc-Aïdara C, Geoffroy O, N'Guessan KN, Sidibé Y, Kabemba OK, Gueye PA, Ndeye PD, Mukandavire C, Vickerman P, Keita A, Ndour CT, Larmarange J, Boily MC. Potential population-level effects of HIV self-test distribution among key populations in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal: a mathematical modelling analysis. Lancet HIV 2024:S2352-3018(24)00126-7. [PMID: 38991596 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(24)00126-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During 2019-21, the AutoTest VIH, Libre d'accéder à la connaissance de son Statut (ATLAS) programme distributed around 380 000 HIV self-testing kits to key populations, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and their partners, in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal. We aimed to estimate the effects of the ATLAS programme and national scale-up of HIV self-test distribution on HIV diagnosis, HIV treatment coverage, HIV incidence, and HIV-related mortality. METHODS We adapted a deterministic compartmental model of HIV transmission in Côte d'Ivoire, parameterised and fitted to country-specific demographic, behavioural, HIV epidemiological, and intervention data in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal separately during 1980-2020. We simulated dynamics of new HIV infections, HIV diagnoses, and HIV-related deaths within scenarios with and without HIV self-test distribution among key populations. Models were separately parameterised and fitted to country-specific sets of epidemiological and intervention outcomes (stratified by sex, risk, age group, and HIV status, if available) over time within a Bayesian framework. We estimated the effects on the absolute increase in the proportion of people with HIV diagnosed at the end of 2021 for the ATLAS-only scenario and at the end of 2028 and 2038 for the HIV self-testing scale-up scenario. We estimated cumulative numbers of additional HIV diagnoses and initiations of antiretroviral therapy and the proportion and absolute numbers of new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths averted during 2019-21 and 2019-28 for the ATLAS-only scenario and during 2019-28 and 2019-38 for the HIV self-testing scale-up scenario. FINDINGS Our model estimated that ATLAS could have led to 700 (90% uncertainty interval [UI] 500-900) additional HIV diagnoses in Côte d'Ivoire, 500 (300-900) in Mali, and 300 (50-700) in Senegal during 2019-21, a 0·4 percentage point (90% UI 0·3-0·5) increase overall by the end of 2021. During 2019-28, ATLAS was estimated to avert 1900 (90% UI 1300-2700) new HIV infections and 600 (400-800) HIV-related deaths across the three countries, of which 38·6% (90% UI 31·8-48·3) of new infections and 70·1% (60·4-77·3) of HIV-related deaths would be among key populations. ATLAS would avert 1·5% (0·8-3·1) of all HIV-related deaths across the three countries during this period. Scaling up HIV self-testing would avert 16·2% (90% UI 10·0-23·1) of all new HIV infections during 2019-28 in Senegal, 5·3% (3·0-8·9) in Mali, and 1·6% (1·0-2·4) in Côte d'Ivoire. HIV self-testing scale-up among key populations was estimated to increase HIV diagnosis by the end of 2028 to 1·3 percentage points (90% UI 0·8-1·9) in Côte d'Ivoire, 10·6 percentage points (5·3-16·8) in Senegal, and 3·6 percentage points (2·0-6·4) in Mali. INTERPRETATION Scaling up HIV self-test distribution among key populations in western Africa could attenuate disparities in access to HIV testing and reduce infections and deaths among key populations and their partners. FUNDING Unitaid, Solthis, the UK Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, the EU European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership programme, and the Wellcome Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Silhol
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nirali Soni
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Arlette Simo Fotso
- Centre Population et Développement, Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France; French Institute for Demographic Studies, Institut National d'Études Démographiques, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Rouveau
- Centre Population et Développement, Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Anthony Vautier
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé, Solthis, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Olivier Geoffroy
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé, Solthis, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Younoussa Sidibé
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé, Solthis, Bamako, Mali
| | - Odé Kanku Kabemba
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé, Solthis, Bamako, Mali
| | - Papa Alioune Gueye
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé, Solthis, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Pauline Dama Ndeye
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé, Solthis, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Christinah Mukandavire
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Cheikh Tidiane Ndour
- Division de Lutte contre le Sida et les Infections Sexuellement Transmissibles, Ministère de la Santé et de l'Action Sociale Institut d'Hygiène Sociale, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Joseph Larmarange
- Centre Population et Développement, Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France; French Institute for Demographic Studies, Institut National d'Études Démographiques, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Claude Boily
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Anyiam FE, Sibiya MN, Oladimeji O. Determinants and acceptability of HIV self-testing among vulnerable groups in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e075880. [PMID: 38286696 PMCID: PMC10826585 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV self-testing (HIVST) is where individuals collect their specimens and perform the HIV test privately. HIVST has improved testing uptake and coverage, especially among vulnerable groups of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Vulnerable groups include key populations such as men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and young women. However, little is known about the determinants and acceptability of HIVST among these groups in SSA. Therefore, this scoping review aims to explore the determinants and acceptability of HIVST among vulnerable groups in SSA. METHODS A scoping review will be conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework and further refined by Levac framework. The review will follow a six-step approach: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection eligibility, (4) charting the data, (5) collating, summarising and reporting the results and (6) consultation. A comprehensive search strategy will be developed, and the following electronic databases will be searched: MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and the Cochrane Library. Grey literature will also be searched, including conference abstracts and reports. Eligibility criteria will include studies conducted in SSA, published between 2010 and 2023, focusing on vulnerable groups and exploring the determinants and acceptability of HIVST. Two independent reviewers will screen identified studies' titles, abstracts and full texts. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Data extraction will be conducted using a standardised form. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This review, not requiring ethical approval, aims to inform policy and intervention design to boost HIV testing adoption within vulnerable communities. We plan to disseminate our findings via a peer-reviewed journal, policy briefs, conference presentations and stakeholder engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Emeka Anyiam
- Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya
- Division of Research, Innovation and Engagement, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Jacobs, Umlazi, South Africa
| | - Olanrewaju Oladimeji
- Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
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3
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Hlongwa M, Moyo E, Dzinamarira T. Approaches for improving linkage to HIV care among HIV self-testing individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012664. [PMID: 37451688 PMCID: PMC10351227 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mbuzeleni Hlongwa
- Public Health, Societies and Belonging, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Enos Moyo
- Medical Centre Oshakati, Oshakati, Namibia
| | - Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Ky-Zerbo O, Desclaux A, Boye S, Maheu-Giroux M, Rouveau N, Vautier A, Camara CS, Kouadio BA, Sow S, Doumenc-Aidara C, Gueye PA, Geoffroy O, Kamemba OK, Ehui E, Ndour CT, Keita A, Larmarange J. "I take it and give it to my partners who will give it to their partners": Secondary distribution of HIV self-tests by key populations in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 22:970. [PMID: 37226113 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08319-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV epidemics in Western and Central Africa (WCA) remain concentrated among key populations, who are often unaware of their status. HIV self-testing (HIVST) and its secondary distribution among key populations, and their partners and relatives, could reduce gaps in diagnosis coverage. We aimed to document and understand secondary HIVST distribution practices by men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), people who use drugs (PWUD); and the use of HIVST by their networks in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted in 2021 involving (a) face-to-face interviews with MSM, FSW, and PWUD who received HIVST kits from peer educators (primary users) and (b) telephone interviews with people who received kits from primary contacts (secondary users). These individual interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using Dedoose software. Thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 89 participants, including 65 primary users and 24 secondary users were interviewed. Results showed that HIVST were effectively redistributed through peers and key populations networks. The main reported motivations for HIVST distribution included allowing others to access testing and protecting oneself by verifying the status of partners/clients. The main barrier to distribution was the fear of sexual partners' reactions. Findings suggest that members of key populations raised awareness of HIVST and referred those in need of HIVST to peer educators. One FSW reported physical abuse. Secondary users generally completed HIVST within two days of receiving the kit. The test was used half the times in the physical presence of another person, partly for psychological support need. Users who reported a reactive test sought confirmatory testing and were linked to care. Some participants mentioned difficulties in collecting the biological sample (2 participants) and interpreting the result (4 participants). CONCLUSION The redistribution of HIVST was common among key populations, with minor negative attitudes. Users encountered few difficulties using the kits. Reactive test cases were generally confirmed. These secondary distribution practices support the deployment of HIVST to key populations, their partners, and other relatives. In similar WCA countries, members of key populations can assist in the distribution of HIVST, contributing to closing HIV diagnosis gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odette Ky-Zerbo
- TransVIHMI, Université de Montpellier, IRD, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Alice Desclaux
- TransVIHMI, Université de Montpellier, IRD, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Sokhna Boye
- Ceped, Université Paris Cité, IRD, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1G1, Canada
| | | | | | - Cheick Sidi Camara
- Institut Malien de Rechercher en Sciences Sociales Et de Santé (IMRSS), Bamako, Mali
| | - Brou Alexis Kouadio
- Institut d'ethnosociologie (IES), Université Félix Houphouët Boigny de Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Souleymane Sow
- Centre Régional de Recherche et de Formation à la Prise en Charge Clinique de Fann (CRCF), Dakar, Sénégal
| | | | | | | | | | - Eboi Ehui
- Programme National de Lutte contre le Sida (PNLS), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Cheick Tidiane Ndour
- Division de Lutte contre le Sida et les IST, Ministère de la Santé et de l'Action Sociale, Institut d'Hygiène Sociale, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Abdelaye Keita
- Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), Bamako, Mali
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Ngoc BV, Majam M, Green K, Tran T, Hung MT, Que AL, Ngoc DB, Le Duy CH. Acceptability, feasibility, and accuracy of blood-based HIV self-testing: A cross-sectional study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001438. [PMID: 36962976 PMCID: PMC10022389 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an effective approach to increase testing uptake. While oral fluid-based HIVST has been rapidly scaled, use of blood-based HIVST remains limited. We evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and accuracy of blood-based HIVST among lay users in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV testing clients at the HCMC Pasteur Institute from March 2019 to October 2020. Participants received one HIVST kit and performed the test in front of an observer. The observer used product-specific questionnaires to collect information on the HIVST process, test results, experiences. The participants' interpretations of HIVST results were compared to health staff's interpretations and gold standard laboratory EIA reference tests. Of 2,399 participants who accepted HIVST, 64.7% were men, 62.1% aged 25-49 years, 53.5% had a higher education level, 41.4% were employed, and 35.6% were first-time testers. The vast majority (94.4%) desired to use the test in the future, and 93.9% reported willingness to recommend the test. The majority (90.8%) of participants successfully completed the self-test. One factor associated with successful completion was higher education level (aOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.32-2.61); while participants self-testing with SURE CHECK (aOR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.12-0.37), INSTI (aOR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.13-0.39), and BioSURE (aOR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.17-0.51) or being unemployed, retired, or doing housework (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.25-0.82) were less likely to perform the test successfully. Agreement of positive and negative HIVST results as interpreted by participants and health staff was high (98.1% and 99.9%, respectively). Sensitivity and specificity of the evaluated HIVST were 96.43% (95% CI: 93.62-99.23) and 99.9% (95% CI: 99.75-100), respectively. Our findings confirm that blood-based HIVST is highly acceptable, feasible, and accurate. This evidence informs scale-up of HIVST to increase uptake of essential HIV prevention and treatment services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammed Majam
- Ezintsha, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Ton Tran
- Pasteur Institute, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Minh Tran Hung
- Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Diep Bui Ngoc
- Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Ostermann J, Njau B, Hobbie AM, Mtuy TB, Masnick M, Brown DS, Mühlbacher AC, Thielman NM. Divergent preferences for enhanced HIV testing options among high-risk populations in northern Tanzania: a short report. AIDS Care 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36063533 PMCID: PMC9985668 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2119471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
To achieve the UNAIDS target of diagnosing 95% of all persons living with HIV, enhanced HIV testing services with greater attractional value need to be developed and implemented. We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to quantify preferences for enhanced HIV testing features across two high-risk populations in the Kilimanjaro Region in northern Tanzania. We designed and fielded a survey with 12 choice tasks to systematically recruited female barworkers and male mountain porters. Key enhanced features included: testing availability on every day of the week, an oral test, integration of a general health check or an examination for sexually transmitted infections (STI) with HIV testing, and provider-assisted confidential partner notification in the event of a positive HIV test result. Across 300 barworkers and 440 porters surveyed, mixed logit analyses of 17,760 choices indicated strong preferences for everyday testing availability, health checks, and STI examinations. Most participants were averse to oral testing and confidential partner notification by providers. Substantial preference heterogeneity was observed within each risk group. Enhancing HIV testing services to include options for everyday testing, general health checks, and STI examinations may increase the appeal of HIV testing offers to high-risk populations.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02714140.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ostermann
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC,USA,South Carolina Smart State Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Bernard Njau
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Amy M. Hobbie
- Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tara B. Mtuy
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Derek S. Brown
- Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Axel C. Mühlbacher
- Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Institut Gesundheitsökonomie und Medizinmanagement, Hochschule Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nathan M. Thielman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Nathan M. Thielman, Duke University, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, Tel: +1 919 668 7173,
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Jordão T, Magno L, Pereira M, Rossi TRA, de Almeida Silva P, Figueiredo MAA, de Brito Lima Prado NM, Dos Santos AM, Cangussu MC, Dourado I. Willingness of health care providers to offer HIV self-testing from specialized HIV care services in the northeast of Brazil. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:713. [PMID: 35637470 PMCID: PMC9149328 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08091-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The insufficient knowledge regarding the serological status of people affected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a concern in Brazil. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been proved to have great potential for increasing testing, especially among vulnerable populations. The large-scale distribution of HIVST by the Brazilian public health system has increased in recent years. We aimed to investigate the awareness of HIVST among health care providers (HCP) from specialized HIV/AIDS care services in the state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. Further we investigated HCP acceptability and willingness to offer its use. Methods A cross-sectional study on HCP from 29 specialized care services (SCS) located in 21 cities in the state of Bahia. HCP working in the service for at least 6 months were included. Sociodemographic, occupational, and behavioral data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were carried out. Bivariate, and multivariate analyses estimating adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using logistic regression were conducted. Results The awareness and acceptability of HIVST and the willingness to provide it were 79.8, 55.2, and 47.1%, respectively. Few HCP reported that the SCS where they worked dispensed HIVST (3.6%), and 13.5% received some information or training on HIVST. Factors associated with willingness to offer HIVST were: HIVST acceptability (aOR = 9.45; 95% CI: 4.53–19.71), willingness to use HIVST on themselves (aOR = 4.45; 95% CI: 1.62–12.24), confidence in offering HIVST to clients (aOR = 5.73; 95% CI: 2.26–12.72), and considering everyone eligible for HIVST (aOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.25–6.59). Conclusions Although most HCP were aware of HIVST, acceptability and willingness to provide it to the clients was moderate. The scale up of HIVST as a mean for the HIV prevention and control policy in Brazil, requires further training of HCP and better implementation of this program. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08091-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Jordão
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Rua Silveira Martins, 2555, Cabula, Salvador, 41.150-000, Brazil.,Diretoria de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Bahia, Secretaria de Saúde do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Laio Magno
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Rua Silveira Martins, 2555, Cabula, Salvador, 41.150-000, Brazil. .,Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.
| | - Marcos Pereira
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Rua Silveira Martins, 2555, Cabula, Salvador, 41.150-000, Brazil.,Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Thais Regis Aranha Rossi
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Rua Silveira Martins, 2555, Cabula, Salvador, 41.150-000, Brazil
| | - Pedro de Almeida Silva
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Rua Silveira Martins, 2555, Cabula, Salvador, 41.150-000, Brazil
| | | | | | - Adriano Maia Dos Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | | | - Inês Dourado
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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Mukora-Mutseyekwa F, Mundagowa PT, Kangwende RA, Murapa T, Tirivavi M, Mukuwapasi W, Tozivepi SN, Uzande C, Mutibura Q, Chadambuka EM, Machinga M. Implementation of a campus-based and peer-delivered HIV self-testing intervention to improve the uptake of HIV testing services among university students in Zimbabwe: the SAYS initiative. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:222. [PMID: 35177055 PMCID: PMC8855554 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07622-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The uptake of HIV testing services among adolescents and young adults in Zimbabwe is low due to stigma associated with the risk of mental and social harm. The WHO recommends HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an innovative approach to improve access to HIV testing for this hard-to-reach populations. This study describes the development and implementation of a coordinated multifaceted and multidisciplinary campus-based approach to improve the uptake of HIV testing among university students in Zimbabwe. Methods We utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment Framework. A formative survey, in-depth interviews, and a scoping review were conducted as part of the situation analysis. Implementers (peer educators and health workers) were trained and community dialogue sessions were conducted to ascertain the determinants (enablers and barriers) influencing both the inner and outer contexts. Self-test kits were disbursed over 6 months before a summative evaluation survey was conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically while the chi-squared test was used to analyze quantitative data. Results The formative evaluation showed that 66% of students intended to test and 44% of the enrolled students collected HIVST test kits. Giving comprehensive and tailored information about the intervention was imperative to dispel the initial skepticism among students. Youth-friendly and language-specific packaging of program materials accommodated the students. Despite the high acceptability of the HIVST intervention, post-test services were poorly utilized due to the small and isolated nature of the university community. Implementers recommended that the students seek post-test services off-site to ensure that those with reactive results are linked to treatment and care. Conclusions Peer-delivered HIVST using trained personnel was acceptable among adolescents and young adults offered the intervention at a campus setting. HIVST could increase the uptake of HIV testing for this population given the stigma associated with facility-based HTS and the need for routine HIV testing for this age group who may not otherwise test. An off-site post-test counseling option is likely to improve the implementation of a campus-based HIVST and close the linkage to treatment and care gap. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07622-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tsitsi Murapa
- Department of Students' Affairs, Africa University, P. O. Box, 1320, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - Mandla Tirivavi
- Clinical Research Centre, Africa University, 132 H. Chitepo Street, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - Waraidzo Mukuwapasi
- Clinical Research Centre, Africa University, 132 H. Chitepo Street, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Charles Uzande
- HIV/STI/TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Manicaland Province, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - Queen Mutibura
- HIV/STI/TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Manicaland Province, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Mazvita Machinga
- Chair of Pastoral Care & Counseling Services, Number 3, 13th Avenue, Mutare, Zimbabwe
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Self-testing for HIV, HBV, and HCV using finger-stick whole-blood multiplex immunochromatographic rapid test: A pilot feasibility study in sub-Saharan Africa. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249701. [PMID: 33836036 PMCID: PMC8034751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections remains disproportionately high in sub-Saharan Africa, with high rates of co-infections. Multiplex rapid diagnostic tests for HIV, HBV and HCV serological testing with high analytical performances may improve the “cascade of screening” and quite possibly the linkage-to-care with reduced cost. Based on our previous field experience of HIV self-testing, we herein aimed at evaluating the practicability and acceptability of a prototype finger-stick whole-blood Triplex HIV/HCV/HBsAg self-test as a simultaneous serological screening tool for HIV, HBV, and HCV in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods A cross-sectional multicentric study consisting of face-to-face, paper-based, and semi-structured questionnaires with a home-based and facility-based recruitment of untrained adult volunteers at risk of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections recruited from the general public was conducted in 2020 in urban and rural areas in the DRC. The practicability of the Triplex self-test was assessed by 3 substudies on the observation of self-test manipulation including the understanding of the instructions for use (IFU), on the interpretation of Triplex self-test results and on its acceptability. Results A total of 251 volunteers (mean age, 28 years; range, 18–49; 154 males) were included, from urban [160 (63.7%)] and rural [91 (36.3%)] areas. Overall, 242 (96.4%) participants performed the Triplex self-test and succeeded in obtaining a valid test result with an overall usability index of 89.2%. The correct use of the Triplex self-test was higher in urban areas than rural areas (51.2% versus 16.5%; aOR: 6.9). The use of video IFU in addition to paper-based IFU increased the correct manipulation and interpretation of the Triplex self-test. A total of 197 (78.5%) participants correctly interpreted the Triplex self-test results, whereas 54 (21.5%) misinterpreted their results, mainly the positive test results harboring low-intensity band (30/251; 12.0%), and preferentially the HBsAg band (12/44; 27.3%). The rates of acceptability of reuse, distribution of the Triplex self-test to third parties (partner, friend, or family member), linkage to the health care facility for confirmation of results and treatment, and confidence in the self-test results were very high, especially among participants from urban areas. Conclusions This pilot study shows evidence for the first time in sub-Saharan Africa on good practicability and high acceptability of a prototype Triplex HIV/HCV/HBsAg self-test for simultaneous diagnosis of three highly prevalent chronic viral infections, providing the rational basis of using self-test harboring four bands of interest, i.e. the control, HIV, HCV, and HBsAg bands. The relatively frequent misinterpretation of the Triplex self-test points however the necessity to improve the delivery of this prototype Triplex self-test probably in a supervised setting. Finally, these observations lay the foundations for the potential large-scale use of the Triplex self-test in populations living in sub-Saharan Africa at high risk for HIV, HBV, and HCV infections.
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Gbeasor-Komlanvi FA, Zida-Compaore WIC, Sadio AJ, Tchankoni MK, Kadangha BM, Salou M, Dagnra AC, Ekouevi DK. HIV testing uptake and prevalence among hospitalized older adults in Togo: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246151. [PMID: 33529263 PMCID: PMC7853528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to describe HIV testing uptake, as well as HIV prevalence and its associated factors among older adults aged ≥50 years in health facilities in Togo. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from February 2018 to June 2019 among hospitalized older adults aged ≥50 years in tertiary and secondary hospitals in Togo. HIV testing was performed according to the national algorithm. Socio-demographic data and HIV testing history were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Results A total of 619 patients (43.9% female) of median age 61 years, (IQR: 55–70) were recruited and offered HIV testing. Among them, 25.7% had never previously tested for HIV. In total, 91.6% (567/619) accepted HIV testing while 8.4% (52/619) refused to be tested. Of those who tested, forty patients were HIV positive, yielding a prevalence of 7.1%. Twenty-three patients (57.5%) were newly diagnosed with HIV infection. In multivariable analysis, two factors were associated with HIV infection: living alone (aOR = 5.83; 95%CI = [2.26–14.53]) and being <60 years (aOR = 3.12; 95%CI = [1.51–6.66]). Conclusion The majority of older adults in this study accepted testing for HIV and almost three in five HIV positive older adults were newly diagnosed with HIV as a result of this testing. There is an urgent need to integrate older adults into responses to the HIV epidemic and to strengthen targeted prevention care and treatment in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fifonsi Adjidossi Gbeasor-Komlanvi
- Département de Santé Publique, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
- Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique, Lomé, Togo
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Arnold Junior Sadio
- Département de Santé Publique, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
- Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique, Lomé, Togo
| | | | | | - Mounerou Salou
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et d’Immunologie, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | - Anoumou Claver Dagnra
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et d’Immunologie, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
- Programme National de Lutte contre le Sida et les Infections Sexuellement Transmissibles, Lomé, Togo
| | - Didier Koumavi Ekouevi
- Département de Santé Publique, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
- Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique, Lomé, Togo
- INSERM U1219 Bordeaux Population Health Research, ISPED, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Obiezu-Umeh C, Gbajabiamila T, Ezechi O, Nwaozuru U, Ong JJ, Idigbe I, Oladele D, Musa AZ, Uzoaru F, Airhihenbuwa C, Tucker JD, Iwelunmor J. Young people's preferences for HIV self-testing services in Nigeria: a qualitative analysis. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:67. [PMID: 33413246 PMCID: PMC7792110 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-10072-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV self-testing (HIVST) provides young people with a convenient, discreet, and empowering way to know their HIV status. However, there is limited knowledge of young people's preferences for HIVST services and potential factors that may influence the uptake of HIVST among this population. The purpose of this research was to use qualitative methods to examine HIVST preferences among Nigerian youth. METHODS Semi-structured in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of young people 14-24 years old were conducted in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were analyzed thematically to identify themes and domains related to preferences and factors influencing the use of HIV self-testing. RESULTS A total of 65 youth with mean age of 21 years, were interviewed, and the majority were females (56%). Four themes emerged as the most important characteristics that may influence young people's preferences for HIV self-testing: 1) Cost (i.e. majority of participants noted that they would pay between NGN500 to NGN1,500 naira (USD1.38-USD4.16) for oral HIV self-testing kits); 2) Testing method (i.e. although blood-based sample kits were more popular than oral-based self-testing kits, most preferred the oral-based option due to its perceived benefits and for some, phobia of needles); 3) Access location (i.e. participants suggested they preferred to obtain the HIVST kits from youth-friendly centers, pharmacies, private health facilities, and online stores); and 4) Continuing care and support (i.e. participants highlighted the importance of linkage to care with trained youth health workers for positive or negative test results or toll-free helpline). CONCLUSION HIV self-testing preferences among Nigerian youth appear to be influenced by several factors including lower cost, less invasive testing method, location of testing, and linkage to care and support post testing. Findings underscore the need to address young people's HIV self-testing preferences as a foundation for implementing programs and research to increase the uptake of HIVST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisom Obiezu-Umeh
- College for public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Titilola Gbajabiamila
- Department of Clinical Sciences National Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Department of Clinical Sciences National Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- College for public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jason J Ong
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ifeoma Idigbe
- Department of Clinical Sciences National Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - David Oladele
- Department of Clinical Sciences National Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Adesola Z Musa
- Department of Clinical Sciences National Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Florida Uzoaru
- College for public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Joseph D Tucker
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Juliet Iwelunmor
- College for public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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