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Ndongo FA, Kana R, Nono MT, Noah JPYA, Ndzie P, Tejiokem MC, Biheng EH, Ndie J, Nkoa TA, Ketchaji A, Ngako JN, Penda CI, Bissek ACZK, Ndombo POK, Hawa HM, Msellati P, Lallemant M, Faye A. Association between mental disorders with detectable viral load and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on follow-up at Chantal Biya Foundation, Cameroon. JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND POPULATION HEALTH 2024; 72:202193. [PMID: 38523399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jeph.2024.202193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perinatally HIV-Infected Adolescents (HIVIA) are more likely to have mental health problems than their uninfected peers. In resource-limited settings, mental health disorders are rarely taken into account in the care offered to HIVIA and have an impact on their routine follow-up. The objective of this study was to assess the baseline socio-demographic factors and mental health conditions associated with detectable viral load or poor ART adherence in HIVIA on ART followed at the Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaoundé (CME-FCB), Cameroon. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in HIVIA aged 10 to 19 years, followed at CME-FCB during the period from December 2021 to March 2022. Sociodemographic, clinical, and mental characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire administered face-to-face by trained healthcare providers. The primary outcome was viral load ≥ 40 copies/mL in HIVIA on ART for at least six months. The secondary outcome was poor ART adherence, defined as ≥ 1 missed dose of antiretroviral therapy within the last past three days. The main exposure variables were mental health disorders, including the level of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. RESULTS In total, 302 adolescents were interviewed, 159 (52.7 %) were girls and median age was 15.2 years (IQR: 12.0-17.5). Having missed at least 1 dose of ART drugs during the last 3 days before screening concerned 53 (35.0 %) cases. Of the 247 adolescents with an available viral load (VL) in the last 12 months prior to screening, 33 (26.7 %) had a VL ≥ 40 copies/mL. Among participating adolescents, 29.1 % presented with high or very high anxiety, 26.5 % with severe depression, 36.4 % with history of suicidal ideation, and 20.5 % low self-esteem. Low self-esteem was strongly associated with a higher risk of poor ART adherence (adjusted odds ratio(aOR) (95 % confidence interval (95 %CI)): 2.2 (1.1-4.3); p = 0.022). Living with the father (aOR (95 %CI): 0.6 (0.3-1.1); p = 0.085) or in a household with a televisor (aOR (95 %CI): 0.5 (0.2-1.1); p = 0.069) were slightly associated with a lower risk of poor adherence to ART. Having both parents alive (aOR (95 %CI): 0.4 (0.2-0.9); p = 0.031) or receiving ART with efavirenz or dolutegravir (aOR (95 %CI): 0.5 (0.2-0.9); p = 0.047) was strongly associated with a lower likelihood of having a detectable VL. Moreover, detectable viral load was slightly less frequent in adolescents whose household was equipped with a television (p = 0.084) or who were completely disclosed for HIV status (p = 0.070). CONCLUSION This study found that co-morbid low self-esteem had higher odds of poor ART adherence in HIVIA. Moreover, both poor ART adherence, and detectable viral load were associated with impaired life conditions in HIVIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Ateba Ndongo
- University of Garoua, Cameroon; Centre Mère-enfant, Fondation Chantal Biya, Yaounde, Cameroon; Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroun.
| | - Rogacien Kana
- Media Convergence Consulting Office, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Marius Tchassep Nono
- Action for Youths and Family, Douala, Cameroon; University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | | | - Justin Ndie
- Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroun
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Philippe Msellati
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Marc Lallemant
- Programs for HIV Prevention and Treatment (PHPT) Foundation - Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Paris, France
| | - Albert Faye
- Hôpital Universitaire Robert Debré, Paris, France
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Brooks M, Burmen B, Olashore A, Gezmu AM, Molebatsi K, Tshume O, Phoi O, Morales K, Matshaba M, Benton T, Lowenthal ED. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide/self-injury in adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Botswana. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2023; 22:54-62. [PMID: 37116112 PMCID: PMC10787227 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2023.2186252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Globally, mental health problems have been reported to be more common in youth living with HIV (YLWH) than in the general population, but routine mental health screening is rarely done in high-volume HIV clinics. In 2019, YLWH in a large HIV clinic in Botswana were screened using the Generalized Anxiety Scale-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in a pilot standard-of-care screening programme. Two-way ANOVA was used to describe the effects of age group (12-<16, 16-<20 and 20-25 years old) and sex on GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. Chi-square statistics were used to compare characteristics of YLWH with and without potential suicidality/self-harm symptoms based on question 9 in the PHQ-9. Among 1 469 YLWH, 33.1%, 44.3% and 15.0% had anxiety, depression and potential suicidality/self-harm symptoms respectively. YLWH of 20-25 years old and 16-<20 years old had higher GAD-7 scores compared to 12-<16-year-olds (p = 0.014 and p = <0.001 respectively). Female YLWH of 20-25 years old had higher PHQ-9 scores compared to 12-<16-year-olds (p = 0.002). There were no other sex-age dynamics that were statistically significant. Female YLWH endorsed more thoughts of suicidality/self-harm than males (17% versus 13%, p = 0.03 respectively). Given the proportion of YLWH with mental health symptoms, Botswana should enhance investments in mental health services for YLWH, especially for young female adults who bear a disproportionate burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrian Brooks
- Department of Pediatrics, Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Anthony Olashore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Knashawn Morales
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Tami Benton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
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Olashore AA, Paruk S, Akanni OO, Chiliza B. Psychiatric disorders in adolescents living with HIV in Botswana. AIDS Res Ther 2023; 20:2. [PMID: 36600270 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-022-00490-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As children living with HIV transition from adolescence into adulthood, they face a considerable burden of psychiatric disorders (PDs) which may vary between the perinatally and behaviorally infected. The knowledge of the pattern of these PDs in relation to the varying needs of the adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV) is unclear but necessary for maximizing their linkage to care and improving their quality of life in Botswana. AIM: To determine the pattern of PDs in ALWHIV in Botswana; to compare and explore the differences in the pattern and their associated factors between congenitally infected adolescents (CIAs) and behaviorally infected adolescents (BIAs). METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 622 ALWHIV (399 CIA and 223 BIA) with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Kid Screen. RESULTS The participants' mean age (SD) was 17.71 (1.60) years, with more males (54%), of whom 52.9% had at least one PD, with depression (23.6%) and generalised anxiety disorder (18.0%) being the most prevalent. The externalising disorders were associated with being CIA (OR = 3.99; 95% CI:1.87-8.54), male gender (OR = 3.93; 95% CI:2.02-7.64), and a viral load of 400 and above copies (OR = 3.53; 95%CI:1.92-6.48). Internalising disorders were associated with being BIA (OR = 3.64; 95%; CI: 2.39-5.56), females (OR = 2.59; 95% CI:1.75-3.83), poor counselling (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.42-3.51) and struggling to accept HIV status (OR = 1.73; 95% CI:1.14-2.62). CONCLUSIONS Depression and anxiety disorders were the most prevalent PDs in ALWHIV, who differed in psychiatric presentations, the BIAs being more likely to present with internalizing disorders, while the CIAs had more externalizing disorders. Due to the varying needs of ALWHIV, individualized management plans that consider gender, mode of infection, and other psycho-social needs, should be further studied and encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A Olashore
- Department of Psychiatry, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. .,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Saeeda Paruk
- Department of Psychiatry, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Oluyemi O Akanni
- Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Bonginkosi Chiliza
- Department of Psychiatry, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Antelman G, Jahanpour O, Machalo T, Audi C, van de Ven R, Rutaihwa M, Lankiewicz E, Baird S. Adolescent support club attendance and self-efficacy associated with HIV treatment outcomes in Tanzania. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000065. [PMID: 36962483 PMCID: PMC10021176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
HIV treatment outcomes may be improved by ameliorating psychosocial challenges adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) face. This analysis describes participation in existing facility-based adolescent clubs and the associations between club attendance, adolescent well-being and HIV treatment outcomes. Data were collected through interviews with a sub-sample of adolescents age 10-19 years and medical record abstraction of all adolescents attending HIV services at seven clinics in Tanzania. Independent variables included adolescent club attendance, self-esteem, self-efficacy, mental distress, social capital and other health utilization or HIV experience characteristics. Study outcomes included visit adherence, viral suppression (<1000 cp/ml), and retention. Of 645 adolescents attending HIV services, 75% attended clubs at least once with a median of eight club sessions attended over a two-year period. Mental distress was prevalent, with 67% of the adolescents scoring above a recognized cut-off of ≥5. Adolescents who attended 10 or more clubs, compared to those not attending any clubs over a two-year period were at an almost three-fold increased odds of having good visit adherence (odds ratio [OR] 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25, 5.94). Club attendance was also associated with sustained retention in the following year: adolescents who attended some clubs (1-9) had three-times the odds of being retained (OR 3.01; 95%CI: 1.86, 4.87) while those who attended 10+ had over seven-times the odds (OR 7.29; 95%CI: 4.34, 12.22). Among the 154 adolescents who were interviewed, being in the top self-efficacy tertile was positively associated with viral suppression (OR 3.04, 95%CI: 1.08, 8.60) and retention (OR 4.44, 95%CI: 1.19, 17.40). Attending the HIV clinic with a guardian/treatment supporter (OR 3.29, 95%CI: 1.17, 9.22) was also associated with viral suppression. Self-efficacy, social capital and treatment support are associated with better health outcomes among adolescents. However, many ALHIV either never attended or did not regularly attend clubs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ola Jahanpour
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AID Foundation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Thomas Machalo
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AID Foundation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Cosette Audi
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AID Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | | | - Elise Lankiewicz
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Sarah Baird
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Cluver LD, Sherr L, Toska E, Zhou S, Mellins CA, Omigbodun O, Li X, Bojo S, Thurman T, Ameyan W, Desmond C, Willis N, Laurenzi C, Nombewu A, Tomlinson M, Myeketsi N. From surviving to thriving: integrating mental health care into HIV, community, and family services for adolescents living with HIV. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2022; 6:582-592. [PMID: 35750063 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(22)00101-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents are a crucial generation, with the potential to bring future social and economic success for themselves and their countries. More than 90% of adolescents living with HIV reside in sub-Saharan Africa, where their mental health is set against a background of poverty, familial stress, service gaps, and an HIV epidemic that is now intertwined with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this Series paper, we review systematic reviews, randomised trials, and cohort studies of adolescents living with and affected by HIV. We provide a detailed overview of mental health provision and collate evidence for future approaches. We find that the mental health burden for adolescents living with HIV is high, contributing to low quality of life and challenges with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Mental health provision is scarce, infrastructure and skilled providers are missing, and leadership is needed. Evidence of effective interventions is emerging, including specific provisions for mental health (eg, cognitive behavioural therapy, problem-solving, mindfulness, and parenting programmes) and broader provisions to prevent drivers of poor mental health (eg, social protection and violence prevention). We provide evidence of longitudinal associations between unconditional government grants and improved mental health. Combinations of economic and social interventions (known as cash plus care) could increase mental health benefits. Scalable delivery models include task sharing, primary care integration, strengthening families, and a pyramid of provision that differentiates between levels of need, from prevention to the care of severe disorders. A turning point has now been reached, from which complacency cannot persist. We conclude that there is substantial need, available frameworks, and a growing evidence base for action while infrastructure and skill acquisition is built.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie D Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elona Toska
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Siyanai Zhou
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Claude-Ann Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olayinka Omigbodun
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Samuel Bojo
- Agency for Research and Development Initiative, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Tonya Thurman
- Highly Vulnerable Children Research Center, Cape Town, South Africa; Tulane University School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wole Ameyan
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chris Desmond
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Christina Laurenzi
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Amahle Nombewu
- Teen Advisory Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University, Belfast, UK
| | - Noxolo Myeketsi
- Department of Information Systems, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Onyango MA, Chergui H, Sabin LL, Messersmith LJ, Sarkisova N, Oyombra J, Akello P, Kwaro DO, Otieno J. School-level Barriers of Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence and Interventions to Overcome them Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Western Kenya: A Qualitative Study. Open AIDS J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874613602115010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Adolescents in Kenya spend the majority of their time in a school environment. However, research to understand Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) adherence among adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV) in school settings is sparse.
Objective:
To improve the design of appropriate interventions to better support this vulnerable population, the study aimed to explore school-related barriers to ART adherence experienced by ALWHIV.
Methods:
Qualitative data were utilized from a larger mixed-methods study on ALWHIV conducted at a major teaching and referral hospital in Kisumu, Kenya. Participants encompassed ALWHIV, their caregivers, teachers, and health care providers. Transcripts from a total of 24 in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions were analyzed in NVivo using a thematic approach.
Results:
Four themes emerged as key barriers in a school setting: negative experiences following HIV status self-disclosure, a strong desire for secrecy, restrictive school policies, and health education focused on sexual transmission of HIV. Participants suggested a range of potential interventions to better support ART adherence for ALWHIV, including coaching ALWHIV on disclosure strategies, promoting empathy among teachers and students, transition-preparing for ALWHIV, changing the narrative about HIV transmission in schools, providing water in schools, and introducing adherence support programs in schools, including the use of mobile technology.
Conclusion:
ALWHIV in Kenya experience numerous important challenges while trying to maintain optimal ART adherence in the school environment. Interventions that create supportive school settings are critical for better health outcomes among ALWHIV.
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Simms V, Bernays S, Chibanda D, Chinoda S, Mutsinze A, Beji‐Chauke R, Mugurungi O, Apollo T, Sithole D, Verhey R, Weiss HA, Willis N. Risk factors for HIV virological non-suppression among adolescents with common mental disorder symptoms in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25773. [PMID: 34402199 PMCID: PMC8368838 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents are at increased risk of HIV virological non-suppression compared to adults and younger children. Common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are a barrier to adherence and virological suppression. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with virological non-suppression among adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in Zimbabwe who had symptoms of common mental disorders. METHODS We utilized baseline data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a problem-solving therapy intervention to improve mental health and HIV viral suppression of ALWH. Sixty clinics within 10 districts were randomized 1:1 to either the intervention or control arm, with the aim to recruit 14 adolescents aged 10 to 19 per clinic. Adolescents were eligible if they scored ≥7 on the Shona Symptom Questionnaire measuring symptoms of common mental disorders. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for factors associated with non-suppression, defined as viral load ≥1000 copies/mL. RESULTS Between 2 January and 21 March 2019 the trial enrolled 842 participants aged 10 to 19 years (55.5% female, 58.8% aged <16). Most participants (N = 613) were taking an NNRTI-based ART regimen (13 PI-based, 216 unknown) and median duration on ART was six years (IQR three to nine years, 240 unknown). Of the 833 with viral load data 292 (35.1%) were non-suppressed. Virological non-suppression was independently associated with male sex (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.43, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.97), and with not knowing one's own HIV status (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.88), or knowing one's status but not disclosing it to anyone (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.93), compared to adolescents who knew their status and had disclosed it to someone. CONCLUSIONS ALWH with symptoms of common mental disorders have high prevalence of virological non-suppression in Zimbabwe, especially if they do not know their status or have not disclosed it. In general adolescents should be informed of their HIV status, with encouragement on the beneficial health and social effects of viral suppression, to incentivise adherence. Efforts to strengthen the operationalization of disclosure guidelines for adolescents should now be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Simms
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology GroupLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Sarah Bernays
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Dixon Chibanda
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Friendship BenchHarareZimbabwe
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Zimbabwe College of Health SciencesHarareZimbabwe
| | | | | | | | - Owen Mugurungi
- AIDS & TB UnitMinistry of Health and Child CareHarareZimbabwe
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- AIDS & TB UnitMinistry of Health and Child CareHarareZimbabwe
| | - Dorcas Sithole
- Mental Health ServicesMinistry of Health and Child CareHarareZimbabwe
| | | | - Helen A Weiss
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology GroupLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
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Ndhlovu CE, Kouamou V, Nyamayaro P, Dougherty L, Willis N, Ojikutu BO, Makadzange AT. The transient effect of a peer support intervention to improve adherence among adolescents and young adults failing antiretroviral therapy in Harare, Zimbabwe: a randomized control trial. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:32. [PMID: 34134738 PMCID: PMC8207727 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00356-w] [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: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents and young adults living with HIV in sub Saharan Africa are at high risk of poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and virologic failure (VF). Methods We conducted a randomized control trial among adolescents and young adults on ART with VF to assess the effectiveness of a community-based peer support intervention aimed at improving VF. Viral load (VL) levels were obtained at 12, 24 and 36 weeks. A subset of the participants had baseline HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) genotyped using Sanger sequencing. Results The participants’ median (interquartile range (IQR)) age was 18.1 (IQR: 15.1–20.0) years and half (50.5%, n = 107) were male. At week 24, the proportion of subjects with a detectable viremia was significantly lower in the intervention arm than in the standard of care (SOC) arm (76.0% (n = 79) vs. 89.0% (n = 96), p = 0.013). At Week 36, there remained a difference in the proportion of subjects with a detectable VL between the intervention arm (68.3%, n = 71) and SOC arm (79.6%, n = 86), which was trending towards statistical significance (p = 0.059). There was no difference in the probability of having a detectable VL over time between the intervention and SOC groups (adjusted odds ratio: 1.14, p = 0.439). Baseline HIVDR was observed in 44.0% of the participants in the intervention and 56.0% in the SOC group (p = 0.146). Conclusion A transient effect of the peer support intervention in improving VF was observed among adolescents and young people failing ART. Trial registration: This study is registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov under the reference number: NCT02833441 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12981-021-00356-w.
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Olashore AA, Paruk S, Akanni OO, Tomita A, Chiliza B. Psychiatric Disorders in Adolescents Living with HIV and Association with Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1711-1728. [PMID: 33216245 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03100-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a systematic approach to exploring the prevalence of psychiatric disorders (PDs) and adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV) is lacking. This study aimed to systematically review the studies conducted in SSA on the prevalence of PDs among ALWHIV and their association with ART adherence. A systematic search of all English studies assessing PDs among ALWHIV using the Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCO databases was conducted between March 1 and September 30, 2019. Forty-two studies published between 2009 to 2019 met the inclusion criteria, of which 15 were included in the meta-analysis. The most common PDs were depression (0.24, 95% CI 0.14-0.36) and anxiety disorder (0.26, 95% CI 2-0.44). The available evidence could not conclude on the definitive association between PDs and ART adherence; therefore, further research is required. However, the need for mental health integration in the care for ALWHIV is evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A Olashore
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Saeeda Paruk
- Department of Psychiatry, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Oluyemi O Akanni
- Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Andrew Tomita
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Bonginkosi Chiliza
- Department of Psychiatry, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Psychosocial factors of stigma and relationship to healthcare services among adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in Kano state, Nigeria. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06687. [PMID: 33912701 PMCID: PMC8065261 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stigma associated with HIV shapes all aspect of prevention and treatment, yet there are limited data on how HIV-infected adolescents are affected by stigma. Stigma increases risk of psychological problems among HIV-infected individuals which can affect access to treatment and social support services. This study aimed at identifying psychosocial factors of stigma and relationship to healthcare services among adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Gwale Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano state, Nigeria. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional survey was carried out from January 26 to February 28, 2020 across six health facilities providing ART service in Gwale local government. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. ART clients attending clinics were interviewed following an informed consent. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data and results are presented using simple frequency tables and percentages. Upon completion of univariate analysis, the data was analyzed at the bivariate level using chi-square test to determine associations between different variables. Results One hundred and eight (108) clients voluntarily participated in the study of which 54 (50%) are male respondents and 54 (50%) are female respondents. Under the internalized stigma item, 67% of HIV-infected adolescents who have lost their father or mother to AIDS reported feeling less valuable than other children who are not infected with HIV. Under the perceived stigma items, 86% of participants who have lost their father or mother to AIDS reported to have excluded themselves from health services and social activities in the last twelve months due to fear of being insulted. Under the experienced stigma items, 62% of participants who have lost their father or mother to AIDS reported to have been avoided by friends and colleagues in the last twelve months. Conclusion The study revealed that loss of intimate relation (father or mother) to AIDS and equal treatment with other HIV negative siblings were found to be significantly associated with the three forms of stigma (internalized stigma, perceived stigma, and experienced stigma) including access to healthcare services. There is a need for social and psychological support programs among HIV-infected adolescents.
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11
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Haas AD, Technau KG, Pahad S, Braithwaite K, Madzivhandila M, Sorour G, Sawry S, Maxwell N, von Groote P, Tlali M, Davies MA, Egger M. Mental health, substance use and viral suppression in adolescents receiving ART at a paediatric HIV clinic in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25644. [PMID: 33283916 PMCID: PMC7720277 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental health problems are prevalent in adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), often remain untreated, and may negatively affect antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression. We implemented routine mental health screening at a paediatric ART clinic to improve the identification and management of mental health problems in ALHIV. In this report, we examine screening outcomes, associated patient characteristics and the odds of unsuppressed viral load in ALHIV screening positive for mental disorders. METHODS Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years attending Rahima Moosa Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa between February 1, 2018, and January 1, 2020, were offered mental health screening at each routine HIV care visit. The screening included four pre-screening questions followed by full screening (conditional on positive pre-screening) for depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), suicide (Adolescent Innovations Project [AIP]-handbook), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Primary Care PTSD Screen [PC-PTSD-5]) and substance use (CAGE Adapted to Include Drugs [CAGE-AID]). We assessed screening outcomes and calculated adjusted odds ratios for associations between positive screening tests at the first screen and unsuppressed viral load (>400 copies/mL) at the measurement taken closest to the date of screening, within hundred days before and one day after screening. RESULTS Out of 1203 adolescents who attended the clinic, 1088 (90.4%) were pre-screened of whom 381 (35.0%) underwent full screening, 48 (4.4%) screened positive for depression (PHQ-9 ≥10), 29 (2.8%) for suicidal concern, 24 (2.2%) for anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10), 38 (3.2%) for PTSD (PC-PTSD-5 ≥3), 18 (1.7%) for substance use (CAGE-AID ≥2) and 97 (8.9%) for any of these conditions. Positive screening for depression (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.02 to 5.62), PTSD (aOR 3.18, 95% CI 1.11 to 9.07), substance use (aOR 7.13, 95% CI 1.60 to 31.86), or any condition (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.02) were strongly associated with unsuppressed viral load. CONCLUSIONS ALHIV affected by mental health problems have increased rates of unsuppressed viral load and need specific clinical attention. The integration of routine mental health screening in paediatric ART programmes is a feasible approach for identifying and referring adolescents with mental health and adherence problems to counselling and psychosocial support services and if needed to psychiatric care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas D Haas
- Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Günter Technau
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shenaaz Pahad
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kate Braithwaite
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mampho Madzivhandila
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gillian Sorour
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shobna Sawry
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicola Maxwell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Per von Groote
- Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mpho Tlali
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Opondo PR, Olashore AA, Molebatsi K, Othieno CJ, Ayugi JO. Mental health research in Botswana: a semi-systematic scoping review. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520966458. [PMID: 33115301 PMCID: PMC7607297 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520966458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental and substance use disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite this, there is a paucity of mental health research in low- and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We carried out a semi-systematic scoping review to determine the extent of mental health research in Botswana. Using a predetermined search strategy, we searched the databases Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCOhost (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL with Full Text, MEDLINE, MEDLINE with Full Text, MLA International Bibliography, Open Dissertations) for articles written in English from inception to June 2020. We identified 58 studies for inclusion. The most researched subject was mental health aspects of HIV/AIDS, followed by research on neurotic and stress-related disorders. Most studies were cross-sectional and the earliest published study was from 1983. The majority of the studies were carried out by researchers affiliated to the University of Botswana, followed by academic institutions in the USA. There seems to be limited mental health research in Botswana, and there is a need to increase research capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip R. Opondo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Anthony A. Olashore
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Keneilwe Molebatsi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Caleb J. Othieno
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - James O. Ayugi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
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Chinoda S, Mutsinze A, Simms V, Beji-Chauke R, Verhey R, Robinson J, Barker T, Mugurungi O, Apollo T, Munetsi E, Sithole D, Weiss HA, Chibanda D, Willis N. Effectiveness of a peer-led adolescent mental health intervention on HIV virological suppression and mental health in Zimbabwe: protocol of a cluster-randomised trial. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2020; 7:e23. [PMID: 32963795 PMCID: PMC7490770 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2020.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) experience a high burden of mental health disorder which is a barrier to antiretroviral therapy adherence. In Zimbabwe, trained, mentored peer supporters living with HIV (Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters - CATS) have been found to improve adherence, viral suppression and psychosocial well-being among ALHIV. The Friendship Bench is the largest integrated mental health programme in Africa. We hypothesise that combining the CATS programme and Friendship Bench will improve mental health and virological suppression among ALHIV compared with the CATS programme alone. METHODS We will conduct a cluster-randomised controlled trial in 60 clinics randomised 1:1 in five provinces. ALHIV attending the control arm clinics will receive standard CATS support and clinic support following the Ministry of Health guidelines. Those attending the intervention arm clinics will receive Friendship Bench problem-solving therapy, delivered by trained CATS. Participants with the signs of psychological distress will be referred to the clinic for further assessment and management. The primary outcome is HIV virological failure (≥1000 copies/ml) or death at 48 weeks. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of adolescents with common mental disorder symptoms (defined as Shona Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ-14) score ≥8), proportion with depression symptoms (defined as Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score ≥11), symptom severity (mean SSQ-14 and PHQ-9 scores) and EQ-5D score for health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS This trial evaluates the effectiveness of peer-delivery of mental health care on mental health and HIV viral load among ALHIV. If effective this intervention has the potential to be scaled-up to improve these outcomes.Trial registration: PACTR201810756862405. 08 October 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victoria Simms
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Taryn Barker
- Childrens’ Investment Fund Foundation, London, UK
| | - Owen Mugurungi
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Dorcas Sithole
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe and Mental Health Services, Zimbabwe
| | - Helen A. Weiss
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Dixon Chibanda
- Friendship Bench, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Zimbabwe
- Centre for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Scott JC, Van Pelt AE, Port AM, Njokweni L, Gur RC, Moore TM, Phoi O, Tshume O, Matshaba M, Ruparel K, Chapman J, Lowenthal ED. Development of a computerised neurocognitive battery for children and adolescents with HIV in Botswana: study design and protocol for the Ntemoga study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e041099. [PMID: 32847928 PMCID: PMC7451956 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurodevelopmental delays and cognitive impairments are common in youth living with HIV. Unfortunately, in resource-limited settings, where HIV infection impacts millions of children, cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders commonly go undetected because of a lack of appropriate assessment instruments and local expertise. Here, we present a protocol to culturally adapt and validate the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB) and examine its validity for detecting both advanced and subtle neurodevelopmental problems among school-aged children affected by HIV in resource-limited settings. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a prospective, observational cohort study. The venue for this study is Gaborone, Botswana, a resource-limited setting with high rates of perinatal exposure to HIV and limited neurocognitive assessment tools and expertise. We aim to validate the PennCNB in this setting by culturally adapting and then administering the adapted version of the battery to 200 HIV-infected, 200 HIV-exposed uninfected and 240 HIV-unexposed uninfected children. A series of analyses will be conducted to examine the reliability and construct validity of the PennCNB in these populations. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This project received ethical approval from local and university Institutional Review Boards and involved extensive input from local stakeholders. If successful, the proposed tools will provide practical screening and streamlined, comprehensive assessments that could be implemented in resource-limited settings to identify children with cognitive deficits within programmes focused on the care and treatment of children affected by HIV. The utility of such assessments could also extend beyond children affected by HIV, increasing general access to paediatric cognitive assessments in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amelia E Van Pelt
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allison M Port
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lucky Njokweni
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tyler M Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Baylor College of Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kosha Ruparel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennifer Chapman
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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15
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Toska E, Laurenzi CA, Roberts KJ, Cluver L, Sherr L. Adolescent mothers affected by HIV and their children: A scoping review of evidence and experiences from sub-Saharan Africa. Glob Public Health 2020; 15:1655-1673. [PMID: 32507031 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1775867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
While adolescents have received increasing attention in the global HIV response and international strategies and commitments, adolescent mothers and their children remain largely overlooked in research, funding and, programming for health-related outcomes. We conducted an extensive scoping review of current evidence on the experiences of adolescent mothers affected by HIV and their children in this region. We included published literature and conference abstracts, complemented by consultations with key stakeholders, and a review of documents through grey literature searching. First, we summarise the experiences of adolescent mothers and their children related to HIV and key health and development indicators. The syndemic of early motherhood and HIV in sub-Saharan Africa increases the vulnerability of adolescent mothers and their children. We then highlight lessons from a series of promising programmes focused on supporting adolescent mothers through novel approaches. In sub-Saharan Africa, supporting adolescent mothers living in high HIV-risk communities is critical not only to eliminate HIV/AIDS, but also to attain the Sustainable Development Goals. While research on and programming for adolescent mothers and their children is growing, the complex needs for this vulnerable group remain unmet. We conclude with evidence gaps and programming priorities for adolescent mothers affected by HIV and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elona Toska
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christina A Laurenzi
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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16
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The prevalence of mental health problems in sub-Saharan adolescents living with HIV: a systematic review. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2020; 7:e29. [PMID: 33489245 PMCID: PMC7786273 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2020.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the progress made in HIV treatment and prevention, HIV remains a major cause of adolescent morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. As perinatally infected children increasingly survive into adulthood, the quality of life and mental health of this population has increased in importance. This review provides a synthesis of the prevalence of mental health problems in this population and explores associated factors. A systematic database search (Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus) with an additional hand search was conducted. Peer-reviewed studies on adolescents (aged 10-19), published between 2008 and 2019, assessing mental health symptoms or psychiatric disorders, either by standardized questionnaires or by diagnostic interviews, were included. The search identified 1461 articles, of which 301 were eligible for full-text analysis. Fourteen of these, concerning HIV-positive adolescents, met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised. Mental health problems were highly prevalent among this group, with around 25% scoring positive for any psychiatric disorder and 30-50% showing emotional or behavioral difficulties or significant psychological distress. Associated factors found by regression analysis were older age, not being in school, impaired family functioning, HIV-related stigma and bullying, and poverty. Social support and parental competence were protective factors. Mental health problems among HIV-positive adolescents are highly prevalent and should be addressed as part of regular HIV care.
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Dow DE, Mmbaga BT, Turner EL, Gallis JA, Tabb ZJ, Cunningham CK, O'Donnell KE. Building resilience: a mental health intervention for Tanzanian youth living with HIV. AIDS Care 2019; 30:12-20. [PMID: 30626197 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1527008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite a growing population of youth living with HIV, few interventions have been developed to address their unique mental health needs and to promote resilience. Based on our prior needs assessment, a mental health intervention, Sauti ya Vijana ( The Voice of Youth), was developed to address identified mental health needs and promote resilience. The intervention emphasized resilience strategies for identifying and coping with stressful events, supporting strong familial and social relationships, and planning for a safe and healthy living environment through stigma reduction, planning for disclosure, and instilling hope for the future. Ten group sessions (two of which were joint youth/caregiver sessions) and two individual sessions were developed around these three resilience domains. Youth living with HIV (average age 17.4 years), who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and attending HIV adolescent clinic in Tanzania were randomized to intervention or treatment as usual. Trained group leaders led the intervention sessions. Near perfect program fidelity by the group leaders and unanimous acceptance of the intervention by the youth was documented. SYV successfully promoted youth resilience as measured by youth-reported utilization of new coping skills, improved peer and caregiver relationships, reduced stigma, and improved confidence to live positively according to their personal values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy E Dow
- a Duke University Medical Center, Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases , Durham , NC , USA.,b Duke Global Health Institute , Durham , NC , USA.,c Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre , Moshi , Tanzania
| | | | - Elizabeth L Turner
- b Duke Global Health Institute , Durham , NC , USA.,d Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA
| | - John A Gallis
- d Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Zachary J Tabb
- e The Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Coleen K Cunningham
- a Duke University Medical Center, Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases , Durham , NC , USA.,b Duke Global Health Institute , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Karen E O'Donnell
- f Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA.,g Center for Child and Family Health , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA
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18
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Behavior Problems in Physically Ill Children in Rwanda. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2019; 40:642-650. [PMID: 31369465 PMCID: PMC6824509 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Childhood behavior problems are underidentified in low- and middle-income countries. This study sought to systematically screen for behavior problems among children receiving medical care in Rwanda and investigate factors associated with behavior problems in this cohort. METHODS The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) was translated into Kinyarwanda, following best practices. Children aged 5.9 to 16 years admitted to the inpatient ward of a referral hospital or seen in the outpatient department (OPD) were screened using the PSC. All PSC-positive children and every third PSC-negative child were referred for definitive assessment by a child mental health specialist. RESULTS Among 300 eligible children, 235 were recruited; none refused. PSC scores were positive in 74 of 234 cases (32%, 95% confidence interval 26%-38%); a total of 28 of 74 (40%) PSC-positive children completed mental health assessments. Of these, 16 (57% of those assessed, and 7% of the 235 who were screened) required treatment or further assessment; none of the PSC-negative children did. Screening sensitivity was 100%, and specificity was 71%, with favorable receiver operating characteristics curve and internal consistency. In a multivariate analysis, higher PSC scores were associated with OPD care, central nervous system trauma or infection, and indices of malnutrition and with the use of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM). CONCLUSION Behavior problems are common among Rwanda children seen in a referral hospital, particularly in the OPD, and are associated with use of TCAM. The Kinyarwanda PSC showed favorable screening characteristics and resulted in some 7% of children accessing needed mental health care.
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Besthorn F, Kalomo EN, Lightfoot E, Liao M. The relationship between social support and anxiety amongst children living with HIV in rural northern Namibia. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2018; 17:293-300. [PMID: 30466364 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2018.1534748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study examined how HIV-related stigma and social support are related to anxiety among children living with HIV in rural northern Namibia. This is a cross-sectional exploratory study with a sample of 132 caregiver-child dyads. Our study found that higher levels of social support was correlated with lower levels of anxiety among children living with HIV, but higher levels of HIV-related stigma was not correlated with higher levels of anxiety. These findings point to the need for the development of more culturally and age specific interventions that enhance social support among children living with HIV, especially those in high-prevalence and socio-economically deprived settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Besthorn
- a Wichita State University , School of Social Work , Wichita , Kansas , USA
| | - Eveline N Kalomo
- a Wichita State University , School of Social Work , Wichita , Kansas , USA
| | - Elizabeth Lightfoot
- b University of Minnesota , School of Social Work , St Paul , Minnesota , USA
| | - Minli Liao
- c Morgan State University , School of Social Work , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
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20
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West N, Schwartz S, Mudavanhu M, Hanrahan C, France H, Nel J, Mutunga L, Bernhardt S, Bassett J, Van Rie A. Mental health in South African adolescents living with HIV. AIDS Care 2018; 31:117-124. [PMID: 30304947 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1533222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We examined the prevalence of mental health conditions, social support, and associated factors among adolescents living with HIV. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis with adolescents (ages 9-19) attending a primary care clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. We analyzed the results of four self-report tools: Children's Depression Inventory-Short, Revised Manifest Anxiety Scale, Child Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist, and a modified version of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale. We used robust Poisson regression to quantify the association between social support and mental health. Among 278 adolescents, the majority were perinatally infected with HIV (92%), and had at least one deceased parent (59%). Depression symptom threshold scores were found among 8% of adolescents, and 7% screened positive for symptoms of anxiety. Few (1%) met the criteria for PTSD. Overall, 12% of adolescents screened positive for symptoms of depression, anxiety or PTSD. Older adolescents reported less social support than younger adolescents. Adolescents were less likely to have mental health symptoms if they had higher measures of social support (adjusted Prevalence Ratio 0.38, 95% CI 0.20-0.73). Attention should be paid to social support for adolescents living with HIV as this may play an important role in their mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora West
- a Department of Epidemiology , Johns Hopkins School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- a Department of Epidemiology , Johns Hopkins School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Mutsa Mudavanhu
- b Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Colleen Hanrahan
- a Department of Epidemiology , Johns Hopkins School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Holly France
- b Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Jeremy Nel
- c Department of Infectious Diseases , Helen Joseph Hospital , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Lillian Mutunga
- b Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | | | - Jean Bassett
- b Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Annelies Van Rie
- d University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium.,e Department of Epidemiology , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health , Chapel Hill , USA
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21
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Evans-Gilbert T, Kasimbie K, Reid G, Williams SA. Psychosocial outcomes in a cohort of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents in Western Jamaica. Paediatr Int Child Health 2018; 38:175-180. [PMID: 29400261 DOI: 10.1080/20469047.2018.1428074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial factors interact with adolescent development and affect the ability of HIV-infected adolescents to cope with and adhere to treatment. AIM To evaluate psychosocial outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHIVAs) in Western Jamaica after psychosocial intervention. METHODS The Bright Futures Paediatric Symptom Checklist (BF-PSC) was used for psychological screening of PHIVAs in Western Jamaica. Referred patients were evaluated using the Youth version of the Columbia Impairment Scale (CIS). Demographic, laboratory and clinical data obtained between July 2014 and June 2016 were evaluated retrospectively and outcomes were reviewed before and after psychosocial intervention. RESULTS Sixty PHIVAs were enrolled and 36 (60%) had a positive BF-PSC score that necessitated referral. The BF-PSC correctly identified 89% of patients with impaired psychosocial assessment by CIS scores. Referred patients were less likely to adhere to treatment, to be virologically suppressed or to have a CD4+ count of >500 cells/μl, and were more likely to be in the late teenage group or to be of orphan status. After intervention, the prevalence of viral suppression increased and median viral load decreased. A difference in mean CD4+ cell count was detected before but not after intervention in teenage and orphan groups. CONCLUSIONS The BF-PSC identified at-risk PHIVAs with impaired psychosocial functioning. Increased vulnerability was noted in orphans and older teenagers. Psychosocial interventions (including family therapy) reduced psychosocial impairment and improved virological suppression. Mental health intervention should be instituted to facilitate improved clinical outcomes, autonomy of care and transition to adult care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Evans-Gilbert
- a Department of Paediatrics , Cornwall Regional Hospital , Montego Bay , Jamaica.,b Jamaica Paediatric, Perinatal and Adolescent HIV/AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health , Kingston , Jamaica.,c Department of Child and Adolescent Health , University of the West Indies , Kingston , Jamaica
| | - Kazie Kasimbie
- a Department of Paediatrics , Cornwall Regional Hospital , Montego Bay , Jamaica
| | - Gail Reid
- a Department of Paediatrics , Cornwall Regional Hospital , Montego Bay , Jamaica
| | - Shelly Ann Williams
- b Jamaica Paediatric, Perinatal and Adolescent HIV/AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health , Kingston , Jamaica
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Gentz SG, Calonge-Romano I, Martínez-Arias R, Zeng C, Ruiz-Casares M. Mental health among adolescents living with HIV in Namibia: the role of poverty, orphanhood and social support. AIDS Care 2018; 30:83-91. [PMID: 29848003 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1469727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mental health needs of children and adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Namibia are poorly understood, despite the dramatic improvement in their survival. ALHIV in resource poor contexts face particular risk factors, such as poverty, orphanhood, and poor social support. This study examines the mental health of ALHIV in Namibia, and the factors that contribute to mental health problems. A case-control design assessed emotional and behavioural symptoms of distress, risk and protective factors among adolescents aged 12-18 years. Case participants were 99 HIV-positive adolescents. Case controls were 159 adolescents from the same community who were not known to be HIV seropositive at the time of the study. Control group participants were selected from schools using a stratified random sampling. A larger proportion of HIV-positive adolescents were orphaned (62.6% vs. 20.8%, p < .001); the groups showed no differences in poverty factors. HIV-positive adolescents scored lower than the control group on total perceived social support (p < .05) and caregiver support (p < .05), but no differences in perceived friend support and support from a self-selected person were present. HIV-positive adolescents reported significantly more total emotional and behavioural difficulties (p = .027) and conduct problems (p = .025), even after controlling for socio-demographic factors. However, after controlling for the effects of orphanhood, group differences in mental health outcomes were no longer significant. Furthermore, mediation analysis suggested that social support completely mediated the relationship between HIV status and mental health (standardised pathway coefficients = .05, p = .021). Policies and programmes that aim to strengthen social support and take orphanhood status into consideration may improve the mental health of adolescents living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelene G Gentz
- a Human Sciences Department , University of Namibia , Windhoek , Namibia.,b Facultad de Psicología , Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | | | | | - Chengbo Zeng
- c Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Mónica Ruiz-Casares
- d Division of Social and Cultural Psychiatry , McGill University , Montreal , Canada
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Cluver L, Meinck F, Toska E, Orkin FM, Hodes R, Sherr L. Multitype violence exposures and adolescent antiretroviral nonadherence in South Africa. AIDS 2018; 32:975-983. [PMID: 29547438 PMCID: PMC6037279 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HIV-positive adolescents have low-ART adherence, with consequent increased risks of mortality, morbidity, and viral resistance. Despite high rates of violence against children in the Africa region, no known studies have tested impacts on HIV-positive adolescents. We examine associations of ART adherence with adolescent violence victimization by caregivers, teachers, peers, community members, and healthcare providers. DESIGN AND METHODS HIV-positive adolescents were interviewed (n = 1060), and clinic biomarker data collected. We sampled all 10-19-year olds ever ART-initiated within 53 clinics in 180 South African communities (90.1% reached). Analyses examined associations between nonadherence and nine violence types using sequential multivariate logistic regressions. Interactive and additive effects were tested with regression and marginal effects. RESULTS Past-week self-reported ART nonadherence was 36%. Nonadherence correlated strongly with virologic failure (OR 2.3, CI 1.4-3.8) and symptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis (OR 1.49, CI 1.18-2.05). Four violence types were independently associated with nonadherence: physical abuse by caregivers (OR 1.5, CI 1.1-2.1); witnessing domestic violence (OR 1.8, CI 1.22-2.66); teacher violence (OR 1.51, CI 1.16-1.96,) and verbal victimization by healthcare staff (OR 2.15, CI 1.59-2.93). Past-week nonadherence rose from 25% with no violence to 73.5% with four types of violence exposure. CONCLUSION Violence exposures at home, school, and clinic are major and cumulating risks for adolescent antiretroviral nonadherence. Prevention, mitigation, and protection services may be essential for the health and survival of HIV-positive adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Cluver
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town
| | - Franziska Meinck
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, UK
- OPTENTIA Research Focus Group, School of Behavioural Sciences, North-West University, Vanderbeijlpark
| | - Elona Toska
- AIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town
| | - F. Mark Orkin
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy & Intervention, University of Oxford, UK
- MRC Development Pathways to Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Hodes
- AIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Department of Global Health, University College London, UK
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Abstract
Introduction: HIV has been reported to be the leading cause of mortality amongst adolescents in Africa. This has brought attention to the changes in service provision and health management that many adolescents living with HIV experience when transferring from specialized paediatric- or adolescent-focused services to adult care. When transition is enacted poorly, adherence may be affected and the continuum of care disrupted. As the population of HIV-infected adolescents grows, effective and supported transition increases in significance as an operational imperative. Discussion: Considerable gaps remain in moving policy to practice at global, national, and local levels. Policies that give clear definition to transition and provide standard operating procedures or tools to support this process are lacking. National guidelines tend to neglect transition. Beyond transition itself, there has been slow progress on the inclusion of adolescents in national policies and strategies. Guidance often overlooks the specific needs and rights of adolescents, in particular for those living with HIV. In some cases, prohibitive laws can impede adolescent access by applying age of consent restriction to HIV testing, counselling and treatment, as well as SRH services. Where adolescent-focused policies do exist, they have been slow to emerge as tangible operating procedures at health facility level. A key barrier is the nature of existing transition guidance, which tends to recommend an individualized, client-centred approach, driven by clinicians. In low- and middle-income settings, flexible responses are resource intensive and time consuming, and therefore challenging to implement amidst staff shortages and administrative challenges. First, national governments must adopt transition-specific policies to ensure that adolescents seamlessly receive appropriate and supportive care. Second, transition policies must form part of a broader adolescent-centred policy landscape and adolescent-friendly orientation and approach at health system level. Third, national actors must ensure that transition policies are supported at implementation level. Fourth, youth involvement and community mobilization are essential. Finally, further implementation research is urgently needed to better understand how to support young people and providers in achieving smooth transitions. Conclusions: Only by moving from policy to practice through supportive policies and their implementation will we be closer to including adolescents in the 2030 goal of ending AIDS.
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Cluver LD, Toska E, Orkin FM, Meinck F, Hodes R, Yakubovich AR, Sherr L. Achieving equity in HIV-treatment outcomes: can social protection improve adolescent ART-adherence in South Africa? AIDS Care 2017; 28 Suppl 2:73-82. [PMID: 27392002 PMCID: PMC4991216 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1179008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Low ART-adherence amongst adolescents is associated with morbidity, mortality and onward HIV transmission. Reviews find no effective adolescent adherence-promoting interventions. Social protection has demonstrated benefits for adolescents, and could potentially improve ART-adherence. This study examines associations of 10 social protection provisions with adherence in a large community-based sample of HIV-positive adolescents. All 10–19-year-olds ever ART-initiated in 53 government healthcare facilities in a health district of South Africa’s Eastern Cape were traced and interviewed in 2014–2015 (n = 1175 eligible). About 90% of the eligible sample was included (n = 1059). Social protection provisions were “cash/cash in kind”: government cash transfers, food security, school fees/materials, school feeding, clothing; and “care”: HIV support group, sports groups, choir/art groups, positive parenting and parental supervision/monitoring. Analyses used multivariate regression, interaction and marginal effects models in SPSS and STATA, controlling for socio-demographic, HIV and healthcare-related covariates. Findings showed 36% self-reported past-week ART non-adherence (<95%). Non-adherence was associated with increased opportunistic infections (p = .005, B .269, SD .09), and increased likelihood of detectable viral load at last test (>75 copies/ml) (aOR 1.98, CI 1.1–3.45). Independent of covariates, three social protection provisions were associated with reduced non-adherence: food provision (aOR .57, CI .42–.76, p < .001); HIV support group attendance (aOR .60, CI .40–.91, p < .02), and high parental/caregiver supervision (aOR .56, CI .43–.73, p < .001). Combination social protection showed additive benefits. With no social protection, non-adherence was 54%, with any one protection 39–41%, with any two social protections, 27–28% and with all three social protections, 18%. These results demonstrate that social protection provisions, particularly combinations of “cash plus care”, may improve adolescent adherence. Through this they have potential to improve survival and wellbeing, to prevent HIV transmission, and to advance treatment equity for HIV-positive adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Cluver
- a Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK.,b Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - E Toska
- a Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK.,c AIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - F M Orkin
- d DPHRU, School of Clinical Medicine, and DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - F Meinck
- a Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - R Hodes
- a Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK.,c AIDS and Society Research Unit, Centre for Social Science Research , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - A R Yakubovich
- a Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - L Sherr
- e Health Psychology Unit, Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London , London , UK
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Vreeman RC, McCoy BM, Lee S. Mental health challenges among adolescents living with HIV. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21497. [PMID: 28530045 PMCID: PMC5577712 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.4.21497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental health is a critical and neglected global health challenge for adolescents infected with HIV. The prevalence of mental and behavioural health issues among HIV-infected adolescents may not be well understood or addressed as the world scales up HIV prevention and treatment for adolescents. The objective of this narrative review is to assess the current literature related to mental health challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV, including access to mental health services, the role of mental health challenges during transition from paediatric to adult care services and responsibilities, and the impact of mental health interventions. METHODS For each of the topics included in this review, individual searches were run using Medline and PubMed, accompanied by scans of bibliographies of relevant articles. The topics on which searches were conducted for HIV-infected adolescents include depression and anxiety, transition from paediatric to adult HIV care and its impact on adherence and mental health, HIV-related, mental health services and interventions, and the measurement of mental health problems. Articles were included if the focus was consistent with one of the identified topics, involved HIV-infected adolescents, and was published in English. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Mental and behavioural health challenges are prevalent in HIV-infected adolescents, including in resource-limited settings where most of them live, and they impact all aspects of HIV prevention and treatment. Too little has been done to measure the impact of mental health challenges for adolescents living with HIV, to evaluate interventions to best sustain or improve the mental health of this population, or to create healthcare systems with personnel or resources to promote mental health. CONCLUSIONS Mental health issues should be addressed proactively during adolescence for all HIV-infected youth. In addition, care systems need to pay greater attention to how mental health support is integrated into the care management for HIV, particularly throughout lifespan changes from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. The lack of research and support for mental health needs in resource-limited settings presents an enormous burden for which cost-effective solutions are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C. Vreeman
- Indiana University School Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Moi University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Brittany M. McCoy
- Indiana University School Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Sonia Lee
- National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Dow DE, Turner EL, Shayo AM, Mmbaga B, Cunningham CK, O'Donnell K. Evaluating mental health difficulties and associated outcomes among HIV-positive adolescents in Tanzania. AIDS Care 2016; 28:825-33. [PMID: 26837437 PMCID: PMC4905805 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1139043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIDS-related mortality among HIV-positive adolescents has risen by 50% despite the scale up of antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART maladherence likely plays a role in the increase of AIDS-related deaths among adolescents and has shown to be associated with psychosocial and mental health difficulties. Addressing the specific mental health needs of HIV-positive adolescents is critical to ending the HIV epidemic. This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled HIV-positive adolescents (12-24 years) in Moshi, Tanzania. A structured questionnaire was administered that included questions about home, school, adherence, and measures of stigma (Berger Stigma Scale) and mental health. Mental health measures included depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), emotional/behavioral difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), and traumatic experiences/post-traumatic stress symptoms (The University of California Los Angeles-post-traumatic stress disorder-Reaction Index). Mental health difficulties were prevalent among HIV-positive adolescents and were associated with incomplete adherence and stigma. Resources are needed to reduce HIV stigma and address mental health among HIV-positive adolescents in low-resource settings. This will improve not only mental health, but may also improve ART adherence and virologic suppression, improving overall health of the individual and reducing the risk of HIV transmission to others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy E. Dow
- Duke University Medical Center, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Durham, NC, USA
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth L. Turner
- Duke University, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aisa M. Shayo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Coleen K. Cunningham
- Duke University Medical Center, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karen O'Donnell
- Duke University, Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, Center for Child and Family Health, Durham, NC, USA
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Mutumba M, Bauermeister JA, Harper GW, Musiime V, Lepkowski J, Resnicow K, Snow RC. Psychological distress among Ugandan adolescents living with HIV: Examining stressors and the buffering role of general and religious coping strategies. Glob Public Health 2016; 12:1479-1491. [PMID: 28278753 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2016.1170871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
HIV infection increases the risk of psychological distress among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), which, in turn, increases risky behaviours such as medication non-adherence, substance use, and sexual risk-taking. The majority of studies on psychological distress among ALHIV have been conducted in high-income countries; data on the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among ALHIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are scarce, yet over two-thirds of the global population of ALHIV resides in SSA. The purpose of this study was to identify the contextually relevant correlates of psychological distress among Ugandan ALHIV. Utilizing the stress and coping framework, we explored the risk and protective factors for psychological distress in cross-sectional sample of 464 ALHIV (aged 12-19; 53% female) at a large HIV treatment centre in Kampala, Uganda. The stressors associated with psychological distress included daily hassles, major negative life events, HIV-related quality of life, and stigma. Protective factors included psychosocial resources such as religious coping, satisfaction with social support, and general coping style and behaviours. Social support and optimism were significantly associated with psychological distress. Findings underscore the need for mental health services for ALHIV in Uganda and other resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massy Mutumba
- a Department of Behavioral and Biological Sciences , University of Michigan School of Nursing , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Jose A Bauermeister
- b Department of Health Behavior and Health Education , University of Michigan School of Public Health , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- b Department of Health Behavior and Health Education , University of Michigan School of Public Health , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Victor Musiime
- c Department of Pediatrics and Child Health , Makerere University College of Health Sciences , Kampala , Uganda
| | - James Lepkowski
- d Department of Biostatistics & Program in Survey Methodology , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Ken Resnicow
- b Department of Health Behavior and Health Education , University of Michigan School of Public Health , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Rachel C Snow
- b Department of Health Behavior and Health Education , University of Michigan School of Public Health , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
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Louw KA, Ipser J, Phillips N, Hoare J. Correlates of emotional and behavioural problems in children with perinatally acquired HIV in Cape Town, South Africa. AIDS Care 2016; 28:842-50. [PMID: 26846545 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1140892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In the antiretroviral era, youth perinatally infected with HIV (PHIV+) are surviving into adulthood and are at risk for emotional and behavioural problems. Few studies of these problems have been conducted in low- and middle-income countries and even fewer in sub-Saharan Africa. The aims of this study were to provide a quantitative description of emotional and behavioural problems in a group of PHIV+ youth (n = 78) in South Africa compared with a group of demographically matched HIV-negative controls (n = 30) and to identify correlates of emotional and behavioural problems. A cross-sectional study was conducted employing participants from community and hospital-based clinics. Emotional and behavioural problems were assessed using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Several measures were used to assess demographic, biological, cognitive and contextual correlates of problem behaviours. Youth were compared by HIV status on demographic, cognitive and contextual variables as well as the Total Problems and subscale scores of the CBCL. Multivariate comparisons of the influence of contextual and cognitive variables on CBCL Total Problems scores were performed using a stepwise linear regression analytic procedure. In this study, there were no significant differences in between-group comparisons for the prevalence of Internalizing, Externalizing and Total Problems in the PHIV+ youth and control group at the clinical and borderline cut-off ranges of the CBCL. Caregiver depression was the only significant predictor of greater Total Problems scores in the full model, after controlling for age and gender (F = 8.57, df = 5.102, P < .01). An interaction between HIV status and caregiver depression was observed (t = -2.20, P = .03), with follow-up within-group analyses confirming that caregiver depression predicted greater Total Problems scores both in HIV-negative youth (β = 0.61, P < .001), and to a lesser extent, in HIV-positive youth (β = 0.25, P < .001). This study highlights the need for adequate screening of depression in the caregivers of HIV-infected youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry-Ann Louw
- a Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Jonathan Ipser
- a Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Nicole Phillips
- a Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Hoare
- a Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
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30
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Mutumba M, Musiime V, Lepkwoski JM, Harper GW, Snow RC, Resnicow K, Bauermeister JA. Examining the relationship between psychological distress and adherence to anti-retroviral therapy among Ugandan adolescents living with HIV. AIDS Care 2016; 28:807-15. [PMID: 27294696 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1131966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Psychological distress is common among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) worldwide, and has been associated with non-adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), leading to poor virologic suppression, drug resistance, and increased risk for AIDS morbidity and mortality. However, only a few studies have explored the relationship between psychological distress and ART adherence among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. The paper examines the relationship between psychological distress and ART adherence, and effect of psychosocial resources on ART adherence. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 464 ALHIV (aged 12-19; 53% female) seeking HIV care at a large HIV treatment center in Kampala, Uganda. ALHIV were recruited during routine clinic visits. Three self-reported binary adherence measures were utilized: missed pills in the past three days, non-adherence to the prescribed medical regimen, and self-rated adherence assessed using a visual analog scale. Psychological distress was measured as a continuous variable, and computed as the mean score on a locally developed and validated 25-item symptom checklist for Ugandan ALHIV. Psychosocial resources included spirituality, religiosity, optimism, social support, and coping strategies. After adjusting for respondents' socio-demographic characteristics and psychosocial resources, a unit increase in psychological distress was associated with increased odds of missing pills in past 3 days (Odds Ratio(OR) = 1.75; Confidence Interval (CI): 1.04-2.95), not following the prescribed regimen (OR = 1.63; CI: 1.08-2.46), and lower self-rated adherence (OR = 1.79; CI: 1.19-2.69). Psychosocial resources were associated with lower odds for non-adherence on all three self-report measures. There is a need to strengthen the psychosocial aspects of adolescent HIV care by developing interventions to identify and prevent psychological distress among Ugandan ALHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massy Mutumba
- a Health Behavior and Biological Sciences , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.,b Joint Clinical Research Center , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Victor Musiime
- b Joint Clinical Research Center , Kampala , Uganda.,c Department of Pediatrics , Makerere University College of Health Sciences , Kampala , Uganda
| | - James M Lepkwoski
- d Survey Methodology Program , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Gary W Harper
- a Health Behavior and Biological Sciences , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Rachel C Snow
- a Health Behavior and Biological Sciences , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Ken Resnicow
- a Health Behavior and Biological Sciences , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Jose A Bauermeister
- a Health Behavior and Biological Sciences , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
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Social protection: potential for improving HIV outcomes among adolescents. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:20260. [PMID: 26639115 PMCID: PMC4670837 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.7.20260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Advances in biomedical technologies provide potential for adolescent HIV prevention and HIV-positive survival. The UNAIDS 90–90–90 treatment targets provide a new roadmap for ending the HIV epidemic, principally through antiretroviral treatment, HIV testing and viral suppression among people with HIV. However, while imperative, HIV treatment and testing will not be sufficient to address the epidemic among adolescents in Southern and Eastern Africa. In particular, use of condoms and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remain haphazard, with evidence that social and structural deprivation is negatively impacting adolescents’ capacity to protect themselves and others. This paper examines the evidence for and potential of interventions addressing these structural deprivations. Discussion New evidence is emerging around social protection interventions, including cash transfers, parenting support and educational support (“cash, care and classroom”). These interventions have the potential to reduce the social and economic drivers of HIV risk, improve utilization of prevention technologies and improve adherence to ART for adolescent populations in the hyper-endemic settings of Southern and Eastern Africa. Studies show that the integration of social and economic interventions has high acceptability and reach and that it holds powerful potential for improved HIV, health and development outcomes. Conclusions Social protection is a largely untapped means of reducing HIV-risk behaviours and increasing uptake of and adherence to biomedical prevention and treatment technologies. There is now sufficient evidence to include social protection programming as a key strategy not only to mitigate the negative impacts of the HIV epidemic among families, but also to contribute to HIV prevention among adolescents and potentially to remove social and economic barriers to accessing treatment. We urge a further research and programming agenda: to actively combine programmes that increase availability of biomedical solutions with social protection policies that can boost their utilization.
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33
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Lowenthal ED, Marukutira T, Tshume O, Chapman J, Anabwani GM, Gross R. Prediction of HIV Virologic Failure Among Adolescents Using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:2044-8. [PMID: 25855047 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1061-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Psychosocial dysfunction is a risk factor for treatment non-adherence among children and adolescents. A previous study showed that high scores on the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) were associated with a history of HIV virologic failure. We assessed whether high scores on the PSC could predict virologic failure in HIV-infected youth. Caregivers of 234 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 16 years were asked to complete a PSC at baseline. Elevated PSC scores were associated with virologic failure in the subsequent 6 months. PSC scores may help guide resource utilization when viral load monitoring is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3535 Market Street, Room 1513, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA.
| | - Tafireyi Marukutira
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jennifer Chapman
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3535 Market Street, Room 1513, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA
| | - Gabriel M Anabwani
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Robert Gross
- Departments of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Jenabian MA, Costiniuk CT, Mboumba Bouassa RS, Chapdeleine Mekue Mouafo L, Brogan TV, Bélec L. Tackling virological failure in HIV-infected children living in Africa. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2015. [PMID: 26204960 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2015.1068117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance in HIV-infected children is one of the main contributors to antiretroviral treatment (ART) failure, especially in developing countries. Sub-Saharan Africa has the largest burden of pediatric HIV infection in the world. Herein, we systematically review the current status of ART failure in HIV-infected African children. A literature search for publications within 10 years was performed through PubMed to identify relevant articles. Included studies examined the impact of timing of ART initiation, criteria for diagnosing therapeutic failure, predictors of therapeutic failure, management strategies and future directions to minimize failure rates in these pediatric populations. Although there is scale-up of ART programs in Africa, novel therapeutic and management strategies are needed to overcome current challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Ali Jenabian
- a 1 Département des Sciences Biologiques et Centre de recherche BioMed, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cecilia T Costiniuk
- b 2 Chronic Viral Illnesses Service and Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ralph-Sydney Mboumba Bouassa
- c 3 Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Laboratoire de Virologie, and Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris V, Paris Sorbonne Cité, Paris, France
| | - Linda Chapdeleine Mekue Mouafo
- c 3 Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Laboratoire de Virologie, and Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris V, Paris Sorbonne Cité, Paris, France
| | - Thomas V Brogan
- d 4 Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Laurent Bélec
- c 3 Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Laboratoire de Virologie, and Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris V, Paris Sorbonne Cité, Paris, France
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'HIV is like a tsotsi. ARVs are your guns': associations between HIV-disclosure and adherence to antiretroviral treatment among adolescents in South Africa. AIDS 2015; 29 Suppl 1:S57-65. [PMID: 26049539 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES WHO guidelines recommend disclosure to HIV-positive children by school age in order to improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. However, quantitative evidence remains limited for adolescents. This study examines associations between adolescent knowledge of HIV-positive status and ART-adherence in South Africa. DESIGN A cross-sectional study of the largest known community-traced sample of HIV-positive adolescents. Six hundred and eighty-four ART-initiated adolescents aged 10-19 years (52% female, 79% perinatally infected) were interviewed. METHODS In a low-resource health district, all adolescents who had ever initiated ART in a stratified sample of 39 health facilities were identified and traced to 150 communities [n = 1102, 351 excluded, 27 deceased, 40 (5.5%) refusals]. Quantitative interviews used standardized questionnaires and clinic records. Quantitative analyses used multivariate logistic regressions, and qualitative analyses used grounded theory for 18 months of interviews, focus groups and participant observations with 64 adolescents, caregivers and healthcare workers. RESULTS About 36% of adolescents reported past-week ART nonadherence, and 70% of adolescents knew their status. Adherence was associated with fewer opportunistic infection symptoms [odds ratio (OR) 0.55; 95% CI 0.40-0.76]. Adolescent knowledge of HIV-positive status was associated with higher adherence, independently of all cofactors (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.47-3.24). Among perinatally infected adolescents who knew their status (n = 362/540), disclosure prior to age 12 was associated with higher adherence (OR 2.65; 95% CI 1.34-5.22). Qualitative findings suggested that disclosure was undertaken sensitively in clinical and family settings, but that adults lacked awareness about adolescent understandings of HIV status. CONCLUSION Early and full disclosure is strongly associated with improved adherence amongst ART-initiated adolescents. Disclosure may be an essential tool in improving adolescent adherence and reducing mortality and onwards transmission.
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Hudelson C, Cluver L. Factors associated with adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. AIDS Care 2015; 27:805-16. [PMID: 25702789 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1011073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately burdened by the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Maintaining medication adherence is vital to ensuring that adolescents living with HIV/AIDS receive the benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART), although this group faces unique challenges to adherence. Knowledge of the factors influencing adherence among people during this unique developmental period is needed to develop more targeted and effective adherence-promoting strategies. This systematic review summarizes the literature on quantitative observational studies examining correlates, including risk and resilience-promoting factors, of ART adherence among adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in LMICs. A systematic search of major electronic databases, conference-specific databases, gray literature, and reference lists of relevant reviews and documents was conducted in May 2014. Included studies examined relationships between at least one factor and ART adherence as an outcome and were conducted in primarily an adolescent population (age 10-19) in LMICs. The search identified 7948 unique citations from which 15 studies fit the inclusion criteria. These 15 studies identified 35 factors significantly associated with ART adherence representing a total of 4363 participants across nine different LMICs. Relevant studies revealed few consistent relationships between measured factors and adherence while highlighting potentially important themes for ART adherence including the impact of (1) adolescent factors such as gender and knowledge of serostatus, (2) family structure, (3) the burdensome ART regimens, route of administration, and attitudes about medication, and (4) health care and environmental factors, such as rural versus urban location and missed clinic appointments. Rates of adherence across studies ranged from 16% to 99%. This review identifies unique factors significantly related to ART adherence among adolescents living in LMICs. More research using longitudinal designs and rigorous measures of adherence is required in order to identify the range of factors influencing ART adherence as adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in LMICs grow into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Hudelson
- a Department of Social Policy and Intervention , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
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Mutumba M, Resnicow K, Bauermeister JA, Harper GW, Musiime V, Snow RC, Lepkowski JM. Development of a psychosocial distress measure for Ugandan adolescents living with HIV. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:380-92. [PMID: 25577026 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0973-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Psychological distress among adolescents living with HIV (ALH) has been associated with risky behaviors including non-adherence to anti-retroviral therapy, leading to increased risk for AIDS morbidity and mortality. Efforts to establish the nature, prevalence, and impact of psychological distress among ALH in Uganda are hindered by the lack of culturally relevant assessment tools. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a measure for psychological distress for Ugandan ALH aged 12-19 years (N = 508; 53.1 % female). Using a mixed method approach, we developed and tested a 25-item checklist with six subscales-anhedonia, depressive-anxiety, isolation, suicidal ideation, sleep problems, and somatization. We found adequate reliability for the scale (α = 0.89), and a satisfactory measurement structure in our confirmatory factor analyses (RMSEA <1.0, and CFI and TLI >0.90). We discuss the potential use of this culturally sensitive scale to examine psychological distress among ALH in Uganda.
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Kandawasvika GQ, Kuona P, Chandiwana P, Masanganise M, Gumbo FZ, Mapingure MP, Nathoo K, Stray-Pedersen B. The burden and predictors of cognitive impairment among 6- to 8-year-old children infected and uninfected with HIV from Harare, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study. Child Neuropsychol 2014; 21:106-20. [PMID: 24409987 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2013.876493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
With long-term survival of children infected with HIV, information on cognitive function at school age is needed. To determine cognitive function among 6- to 8 year-old children exposed to HIV and to assess factors associated with cognitive impairment, we conducted a cross-sectional study from October 2010 to December 2011 among children whose mothers participated in a national HIV prevention program in Harare. Cognitive function was assessed using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA). Of the 306 assessed children, 32 (10%) were HIV infected, 121 (40%) exposed uninfected, and 153 (50%) unexposed uninfected. The mean (SD) General Cognitive Index for the whole study group was 82 (15). An overall of 49 (16%) out of the 306 children had cognitive impairment with no difference in general cognitive function among the three groups. Children with HIV infection scored lowest in perceptual performance domain, p = .028. Unemployed caregivers, child orphanhood and undernutrition were associated with impaired cognitive performance in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, caregiver unemployment status remained a factor associated with cognitive impairment with an ODDS ratio of 2.1 (95% CI 1.03-3.36). In a cohort of 6- to 8-year-olds, HIV infection did not show evidence of significant difference in general cognitive function. Children infected with HIV had major deficits in perceptive performance. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with cognitive impairment. In resource-constrained settings, strategies aimed at poverty alleviation and good nutritional management should complement early infant diagnosis and treatment of HIV in order to optimize neurocognitive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Q Kandawasvika
- a Department of Paediatrics and Child Health , University of Zimbabwe , Harare , Zimbabwe
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Amzel A, Toska E, Lovich R, Widyono M, Patel T, Foti C, Dziuban EJ, Phelps BR, Sugandhi N, Mark D, Altschuler J. Promoting a combination approach to paediatric HIV psychosocial support. AIDS 2013; 27 Suppl 2:S147-57. [PMID: 24361624 PMCID: PMC4672375 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ninety percent of the 3.4 million HIV-infected children live in sub-Saharan Africa. Their psychosocial well being is fundamental to establishing and maintaining successful treatment outcomes and overall quality of life. With the increased roll-out of antiretroviral treatment, HIV infection is shifting from a life-threatening to a chronic disease. However, even for paediatric patients enrolled in care and treatment, HIV can still be devastating due to the interaction of complex factors, particularly in the context of other household illness and overextended healthcare systems in sub-Saharan Africa.This article explores the negative effect of several interrelated HIV-specific factors on the psychosocial well being of HIV-infected children: disclosure, stigma and discrimination, and bereavement. However, drawing on clinical studies of resilience, it stresses the need to move beyond a focus on the individual as a full response to the needs of a sick child requires support for the individual child, caregiver-child dyads, extended families, communities, and institutions. This means providing early and progressive age appropriate interventions aimed at increasing the self-reliance and self-acceptance in children and their caregivers and promoting timely health-seeking behaviours. Critical barriers that cause poorer biomedical and psychosocial outcomes among children and caregiver must also be addressed as should the causes and consequences of stigma and associated gender and social norms.This article reviews interventions at different levels of the ecological model: individual-centred programs, family-centred interventions, programs that support or train healthcare providers, community interventions for HIV-infected children, and initiatives that improve the capacity of schools to provide more supportive environments for HIV-infected children. Although experience is increasing in approaches that address the psychosocial needs of vulnerable and HIV-infected children, there is still limited evidence demonstrating which interventions have positive effects on the well being of HIV-infected children. Interventions that improve the psychosocial well being of children living with HIV must be replicable in resource-limited settings, avoiding dependence on specialized staff for implementation.This paper advocates for combination approaches that strengthen the capacity of service providers, expand the availability of age appropriate and family-centred support and equip schools to be more protective and supportive of children living with HIV. The coordination of care with other community-based interventions is also needed to foster more supportive and less stigmatizing environments. To ensure effective, feasible, and scalable interventions, improving the evidence base to document improved outcomes and longer term impact as well as implementation of operational studies to document delivery approaches are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Amzel
- US Agency for International Development, Global Health/Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC USA
| | - Elona Toska
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK and
- Paediatric AIDS Treatment for Africa (PATA), Cape Town, SA
| | - Ronnie Lovich
- Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC USA
| | - Monique Widyono
- US Agency for International Development, Global Health/Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC USA
| | - Tejal Patel
- US Agency for International Development, Global Health/Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC USA
| | - Carrie Foti
- Education Development Center, Inc., Waltham, MA USA
| | - Eric J. Dziuban
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - B. Ryan Phelps
- US Agency for International Development, Global Health/Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC USA
| | | | - Daniella Mark
- Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, SA
- Paediatric AIDS Treatment for Africa (PATA), Cape Town, SA
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Understanding the mental health of youth living with perinatal HIV infection: lessons learned and current challenges. J Int AIDS Soc 2013; 16:18593. [PMID: 23782478 PMCID: PMC3687078 DOI: 10.7448/ias.16.1.18593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Across the globe, children born with perinatal HIV infection (PHIV) are reaching adolescence and young adulthood in large numbers. The majority of research has focused on biomedical outcomes yet there is increasing awareness that long-term survivors with PHIV are at high risk for mental health problems, given genetic, biomedical, familial and environmental risk. This article presents a review of the literature on the mental health functioning of perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) adolescents, corresponding risk and protective factors, treatment modalities and critical needs for future interventions and research. Methods An extensive review of online databases was conducted. Articles including: (1) PHIV+ youth; (2) age 10 and older; (3) mental health outcomes; and (4) mental health treatment were reviewed. Of 93 articles identified, 38 met inclusion criteria, the vast majority from the United States and Europe. Results These studies suggest that PHIV+ youth experience emotional and behavioural problems, including psychiatric disorders, at higher than expected rates, often exceeding those of the general population and other high-risk groups. Yet, the specific role of HIV per se remains unclear, as uninfected youth with HIV exposure or those living in HIV-affected households displayed similar prevalence rates in some studies, higher rates in others and lower rates in still others. Although studies are limited with mixed findings, this review indicates that child-health status, cognitive function, parental health and mental health, stressful life events and neighbourhood disorder have been associated with worse mental health outcomes, while parent–child involvement and communication, and peer, parent and teacher social support have been associated with better function. Few evidence-based interventions exist; CHAMP+, a mental health programme for PHIV+ youth, shows promise across cultures. Conclusions This review highlights research limitations that preclude both conclusions and full understanding of aetiology. Conversely, these limitations present opportunities for future research. Many PHIV+ youth experience adequate mental health despite vulnerabilities. However, the focus of research to date highlights the identification of risks rather than positive attributes, which could inform preventive interventions. Development and evaluation of mental health interventions and preventions are urgently needed to optimize mental health, particularly for PHIV+ youth growing up in low-and-middle income countries.
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