Reliability and construct validity of three health-related self-report scales in HIV-positive adults in rural Rwanda

The factor structure of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist 25 among persons seeking HIV testing

Rates of anxiety and depression are high among individuals living with HIV. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL) is a screening tool to identify symptoms of depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to determine the factor structure of the 25-item HSCL in a population-based sample of individuals seeking HIV testing in the Western Cape in South Africa. Participants volunteered for HIV testing at two non-medical HIV testing sites in the Western Cape. We used convenience sampling to administer the scale prior to their undergoing HIV testing. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, using an extraction method of principal components with Promax (oblique) rotation. The Cronbach's alpha reliability indices were calculated for each of the independent factors to determine internal consistency. Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure that explained 56.86% of the total variance. These factors included depression (14 items), anxiety (7 items) and somatic symptoms (4 items). Alpha levels ranged from 0.67 to 0.94. We found that the HSCL is a reliable measure for depression and anxiety, and consists of 3 distinguishable factors depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms.

Traditional healer support to improve HIV viral suppression in rural Uganda (Omuyambi): study protocol for a cluster randomized hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial

BACKGROUND

Rural African people living with HIV face significant challenges in entering and remaining in HIV care. In rural Uganda, for example, there is a threefold higher prevalence of HIV compared to the national average and lower engagement throughout the HIV continuum of care. There is an urgent need for appropriate interventions to improve entry and retention in HIV care for rural Ugandans with HIV. Though many adults living with HIV in rural areas prioritize seeking care services from traditional healers over formal clinical services, healers have not been integrated into HIV care programs. The Omuyambi trial is investigating the effectiveness of psychosocial support delivered by traditional healers as an adjunct to standard HIV care versus standard clinic-based HIV care alone. Additionally, we are evaluating the implementation process and outcomes, following the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

METHODS

This cluster randomized hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial will be conducted among 44 traditional healers in two districts of southwestern Uganda. Healers were randomized 1:1 into study arms, where healers in the intervention arm will provide 12 months of psychosocial support to adults with unsuppressed HIV viral loads receiving care at their practices. A total of 650 adults with unsuppressed HIV viral loads will be recruited from healer clusters in the Mbarara and Rwampara districts. The primary study outcome is HIV viral load measured at 12 months after enrollment, which will be analyzed by intention-to-treat. Secondary clinical outcome measures include (re)initiation of HIV care, antiretroviral therapy adherence, and retention in care. The implementation outcomes of adoption, fidelity, appropriateness, and acceptability will be evaluated through key informant interviews and structured surveys at baseline, 3, 9, 12, and 24 months. Sustainability will be measured through HIV viral load measurements at 24 months following enrollment.

DISCUSSION

The Omuyambi trial is evaluating an approach that could improve HIV outcomes by incorporating previously overlooked community lay supporters into the HIV cascade of care. These findings could provide effectiveness and implementation evidence to guide the development of policies and programs aimed at improving HIV outcomes in rural Uganda and other countries where healers play an essential role in community health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05943548. Registered on July 5, 2023. The current protocol version is 4.0 (September 29, 2023).

Michigan men's diabetes project II: Protocol for peer-led diabetes self-management education and long-term support in Black men

Previous literature has indicated that Black men are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts and are also more likely to have associated complications. Furthermore, Black men have lower access to quality health care, and masculinity norms have been shown to hinder them from seeking the limited care that is available. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of peer-led diabetes self-management education and long-term ongoing support on glycemic management. The first phase of our study will consist of modification of existing diabetes education content to be more appropriate for the population of interest, Then, in the second phase, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial to test the intervention. Participants randomized to the intervention arm will receive diabetes self-management education, structured diabetes self-management support, and a more flexible ongoing support period. Participants randomized to the control arm will receive diabetes self-management education. Diabetes self-management education will be taught by certified diabetes care and education specialists, while the diabetes self-management support and ongoing support period will be facilitated by fellow Black men with diabetes who will be trained in group facilitation, patient-provider communication strategies, and empowerment techniques. The third phase of this study will consist of post-intervention interviews and dissemination of findings to the academic community. The primary goal of our study is to determine whether long-term peer-led support groups in conjunction with diabetes self-management education are a promising solution to improve self-management behaviors and decrease A1C levels. We will also evaluate the retention of participants throughout the study, which has historically been an issue in clinical studies focused on the Black male population. Finally, the results from this trial will determine whether we can proceed to a fully-powered R01 trial or if other modifications of the intervention are necessary. Trial registration: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with an ID of NCT05370781 on May 12, 2022.

Optimizing PMTCT Adherence by Treating Depression in Perinatal Women with HIV in South Africa: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

South Africa (SA) has the greatest HIV prevalence in the world, with rates as high as 40% among pregnant women. Depression is a robust predictor of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and engagement in HIV care; perinatal depression may affect upwards of 47% of women in SA. Evidence-based, scalable approaches for depression treatment and ART adherence in this setting are lacking.

METHOD

Twenty-three pregnant women with HIV (WWH), ages 18-45 and receiving ART, were randomized to a psychosocial depression and adherence intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) to evaluate intervention feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effect on depressive symptoms and ART adherence. Assessments were conducted pre-, immediately post-, and 3 months post-treatment, and included a qualitative exit interview.

RESULTS

Most (67.6%) eligible individuals enrolled; 71% completed at least 75% of sessions. Compared to TAU, intervention participants had significantly greater improvements in depressive symptoms at post-treatment, β =  - 11.1, t(24) =  - 3.1, p < 0.005, 95% CI [- 18.41, - 3.83], and 3 months, β =  - 13.8, t(24) =  - 3.3, p < 0.005, 95% CI [- 22.50, - 5.17]. No significant differences in ART adherence, social support, or stigma were found. Qualitatively, perceived improvements in social support, self-esteem, and problem-solving adherence barriers emerged as key benefits of the intervention; additional sessions were desired.

CONCLUSION

A combined depression and ART adherence intervention appears feasible and acceptable, and demonstrated preliminary evidence of efficacy in a high-need population. Additional research is needed to confirm efficacy and identify dissemination strategies to optimize the health of WWH and their children.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03069417. Protocol available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03069417.

Harmful Alcohol Use and Associated Socio-Structural Factors among Female Sex Workers Initiating HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Harmful alcohol use is an important risk factor for premature mortality and morbidity and associated with increased HIV risk and lower uptake of and adherence to HIV interventions. This study aimed to assess the extent of harmful alcohol use and associated socio-structural vulnerability factors among female sex workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a key population in the HIV epidemic. Data from a study of female sex workers initiating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recruited through respondent driven sampling were used. We assessed harmful alcohol use with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) defined as having an AUDIT score ≥ 16. Associations between harmful alcohol use and socio-structural factors were assessed using logistic regression with marginal standardization. Of the 470 women recruited, more than one third (37.3%) had a drinking pattern suggestive of harmful alcohol use. Such use was independently associated with sex work-related mobility (aPR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.11-1.61), arrest/incarceration (aPR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.27-1.84) and gender-based violence (aPR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.06-1.56). The high prevalence of harmful alcohol use and the interconnectedness with socio-structural factors indicate a need for a holistic programmatic approach to health for female sex workers. Programming should not solely direct attention to individual behavior but also include strategies aiming to address socio-structural vulnerabilities.

HIV-Specific Reported Outcome Measures: Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties

BACKGROUND

The management of people living with HIV and AIDS is multidimensional and complex. Using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has been increasingly recognized to be the key factor for providing patient-centered health care to meet the lifelong needs of people living with HIV and AIDS from diagnosis to death. However, there is currently no consensus on a PROM recommended for health care providers and researchers to assess health outcomes in people living with HIV and AIDS.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize and categorize the available validated HIV-specific PROMs in adults living with HIV and AIDS and to assess these PROMs using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology.

METHODS

This systematic review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A literature search of 3 recommended databases (PubMed, Embase, and PsychINFO) was conducted on January 15, 2021. Studies were included if they assessed any psychometric property of HIV-specific PROMs in adults living with HIV and AIDS and met the eligibility criteria. The PROMs were assessed for 9 psychometric properties, evaluated in each included study following the COSMIN methodology by assessing the following: the methodological quality assessed using the COSMIN risk of bias checklist; overall rating of results; level of evidence assessed using the modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach; and level of recommendation.

RESULTS

A total of 88 PROMs classified into 8 categories, assessing the psychometric properties of PROMs for adults living with HIV and AIDS, were identified in 152 studies including 79,213 people living with HIV and AIDS. The psychometric properties of most included PROMs were rated with insufficient evidence. The PROMs that received class A recommendation were the Poz Quality of Life, HIV Symptom Index or Symptoms Distress Module of the Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group, and People Living with HIV Resilience Scale. In addition, because of a lack of evidence, recommendations regarding use could not be made for most of the remaining assessed PROMs (received class B recommendation).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review recommends 3 PROMs to assess health outcomes in adults living with HIV and AIDS. However, all these PROMs have some shortcomings. In addition, most of the included PROMs do not have sufficient evidence for assessing their psychometric properties and require a more comprehensive validation of the psychometric properties in the future to provide more scientific evidence. Thus, our findings may provide a reference for the selection of high-quality HIV-specific PROMs by health care providers and researchers for clinical practice and research.

PLAN: Preparing and Living for Aging Now; A descriptive study invesitigating older adults' readiness to plan for aging and frailty

OBJECTIVES

Many older adults want to age in place but do not make plans. Understanding how and under what conditions adults prepare/plan ahead is vital given population aging and increasing frailty. This study examines the stages of change and experiences (personal/others) related to readiness to plan for aging and frailty.

METHODS

Descriptive cross-sectional.

SETTING

Community-dwelling.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 50-80(N = 252).

DATA COLLECTION

demographics, other characteristics, stages of change, experiences (personal/others) was assessed with survey questions.

DATA ANALYSIS

frequencies/percentages, McNemar test, Chi-square.

RESULTS

Among domains, participants' percentages in action/maintenance stages ranged from 28.2% (cognitive) to 68.7% (financial). Participants had increased experience with others across domains rather than self. Older participants (≥ 70) vs. younger (50-69) reported statistically significant greater planning in action/maintenance stages for all domains (p < .05) with the exception of cognitive.

DISCUSSION

Examining the concept of planning for aging and frailty provides a foundation for future work to develop/test interventions aimed at increasing readiness for aging.

Probable perinatal depression and social support among women enrolled in Malawi's Option B+ Program: A longitudinal analysis

BACKGROUND

Malawi's PMTCT Option B+ program has expanded the reach of ART services among pregnant and breastfeeding women, but retention in lifelong HIV care remains challenging. Given that depression can undermine retention, it is important to understand how depression changes over the perinatal period, varies across treatment and retention groups, and could be buffered by social support.

METHODS

Data are from an observational study conducted among women enrolled in Malawi's PMTCT Option B+ program. We used multilevel generalized linear models to estimate the odds of probable depression by time, treatment and retention group, and social support. Probable depression was assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

RESULTS

Of 468 women, 15% reported probable depression at antenatal enrollment and prevalence differed across newly diagnosed individuals, second line therapy users, and previous defaulters (18%, 21%, 5%, p = 0.001). Odds of probable perinatal depression decreased over time (OR per month: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82-0.92) but were higher among those newly diagnosed (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.59-6.65) and on second line therapy (OR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.44-7.99) as compared to previous defaulters. Odds of probable postpartum depression were lower for participants with high social support (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09-0.39).

LIMITATIONS

Lack of diagnostic psychiatric evaluation precludes actual diagnosis of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Probable depression varied across the perinatal period and across treatment and retention groups. Social support was protective for postpartum depression among all participants. Depression screening and provision of social support should be considered in PMTCT programs.

Protocol: Mapping social networks, social influence and sexual health among youth in rural KwaZulu-Natal, the Sixhumene cohort study

Background: Sexual behaviour and sexually transmitted infections are strongly affected by social connections, and interventions are often adapted more readily when diffused through social networks. However, evidence on how young people acquire ideas and change behaviour through the influence of important social contacts is not well understood in high-HIV-prevalence settings, with the result that past peer-led HIV-prevention interventions have had limited success. Methods: We therefore designed a cohort study (named Sixhumene or 'we are connected') to follow young people in three rural and small-town communities in uMkhanyakude district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the people that these youth identify as important in their lives. We will interview them five times over three years, at each visit collecting information on their socioeconomic, social and sexual health lives, and testing them for HIV and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). We will use this information to understand how these young people's sexual health decisions are formed. This will include evaluating how poor sexual health outcomes are correlated across social networks, how youth mimic the attitudes and behaviours of those around them, who is at greatest risk of acquiring HIV and HSV-2, and who might be most influential within communities and thus best able to promote protective interventions. Discussion: The information gathered through this study will allow us to describe social connection and influence spread through these real-world social networks, and how this leads to sexual health outcomes. Sixhumene will provide vital inputs for mathematical models of communities and spreading processes, as well as inform the development of effective interventions to protect the sexual health of community members through appropriate targeting with optimised messaging requiring fewer resources.

Objective Comparison of Achievement Motivation and Competitiveness among Semi-Professional Male and Female Football Players

The aim of this study was to examine differences in achievement motivation (measured with the Objective Achievement Motivation Test, OLMT, Schuhfried®) and competitiveness between male and female semi-professional football players. The OLMT objectively assessed three constructs regarding achievement motivation: motivation through personal goals, aspiration level, and motivation through competition. In addition, competitiveness was measured with the self-reported Competitiveness-10 Questionnaire. Finally, participants’ performance was assessed by three expert observers in each of ten matches. Thirty-eight football players (men = 27; women = 11) participated in the present study, and no significant differences were found in the Levene test when comparing men and women with respect to the scores obtained in the different measures used in our research. Significant differences were found in the motivation through competition (p = 0.021) as well as in self-reported competitiveness (p = 0.020) as a function of gender, with males showing higher values in both cases. No gender differences were found in aspiration level (p = 0.283) or motivation through personal goals (p = 0.897). Moreover, age and player performance did not modulate gender differences on any measures. No significant correlation was found between motivational measures and performance. In conclusion, it should be noted that the only variable on which gender differences emerged was the level of competitiveness, such that males scored higher than females on both objective and self-reported measures.

Comparison of Turkish version of the medical outcomes study-HIV health survey with short form health survey-36 in people living with human immunodeficiency virus

BACKGROUND/AIM

Several questionnaires have been developed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The aim of this study was to compare Turkish version of the Medical Outcomes Study-HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV) with Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) in people with HIV.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A hundred and 14 patients with HIV were consecutively included. The MOS-HIV and SF-36 questionnaires were applied to all patients at the same day. MOS HIV included 35 items and assessed general health perceptions (GH), physical functioning (PF), social functioning (SF), mental health (MH), bodily pain (P), cognitive functioning, health distress, overall QoL, health transition, role functioning (RF), energy/vitality (EV), physical (Physical health summary score) and mental (MHSS) health summary scores. SF-36 included 36 items and measured eight domains of health concepts including SF, PF, P, RF, GH, role emotional, vitality (V) and MH. Correlation analysis and Bland- Altman plots were used to compare the MOS-HIV and SF-36 questionnaires.

RESULTS

GH, PF, P, RF, EV, SF, and MH domains of the MOS-HIV were significantly correlated with those of SF 36. The agreement between the tests were 91.2% for PF, 92.1% for RF and pain, 94.7% for GH, 95.6% for EV, 92.1% for SF and 93.9% for MH.

CONCLUSION

Turkish version of the MOS HIV showed moderate correlations and agreement with SF 36 suggesting its use as an alternative to SF 36 in assessing QoL in these patients.

STI prevalence among men living with HIV engaged in safer conception care in rural, southwestern Uganda

HIV care provides an opportunity to integrate comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare, including sexually transmitted infection (STI) management. We describe STI prevalence and correlates among men living with HIV (MLWH) accessing safer conception care to conceive a child with an HIV-uninfected partner while minimizing HIV transmission risks. This study reflects an ongoing safer conception program embedded within a regional referral hospital HIV clinic in southwestern Uganda. We enrolled MLWH, planning for pregnancy with an HIV-uninfected partner and accessing safer conception care. Participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires detailing socio-demographics, gender dynamics, and sexual history. Participants also completed STI laboratory screening for syphilis (immunochromatographic testing confirmed by rapid plasma reagin), and chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and HIV-RNA via GeneXpert nucleic acid amplification testing. Bivariable associations of STI covariates were assessed using Fisher's exact test. Among the 50 men who completed STI screening, median age was 33 (IQR 31-37) years, 13/50 (26%) had ≥2 sexual partners in the prior three months, and 46/50 (92%) had HIV-RNA <400 copies/mL. Overall, 11/50 (22%) had STIs: 16% active syphilis, 6% chlamydia. All participants initiated STI treatment. STI prevalence was associated with the use of threats/intimidation to coerce partners into sex (27% vs 3%; p = 0.03), although absolute numbers were small. We describe a 22% curable STI prevalence among a priority population at higher risk for transmission to partners and neonates. STI screening and treatment as a part of comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare should be integrated into HIV care to maximize the health of men, women, and children.

Improved quality of life following direct-acting antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection in Rwanda: Results from a clinical trial in sub-Saharan Africa (the SHARED study)

Around 71 million people are living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with approximately 14% residing in sub-Saharan Africa. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies offer clear benefits for liver-related morbidity and mortality, and data from high-income settings suggest that DAA treatments also provide significant benefits in terms of health-related quality of life (HRQL). In this study, we assessed the effect of DAA treatment on HRQL for individuals treated for HCV in a clinical trial in Rwanda. We assessed the HRQL of participants using an 83-question composite survey at Day 0 ('baseline') and Week 24 ('endpoint'). Data were analysed in R. A total of 296 participants were included in this analysis. Their ages ranged from 19 to 90, and 184 (62.2%) were female. There were significant improvements from baseline to endpoint median scores for all physical and mental quality of life sub-scales. Additionally, a reduction-before and after treatment-in the proportion of those classified as depressed and needing social support was statistically significant (both P < .001). Economic productivity increased after treatment (P < .001), and households classified as food secure increased from baseline to endpoint (P < .001). These results demonstrate that Rwandans with chronic HCV infection experience both clinical and HRQL benefits, including household-level benefits like substantial gains in workforce stability, economic productivity, and poverty alleviation, from DAA treatment. A stronger demonstration of accurate and broader household-level benefits achieved through treatment of HCV with DAAs will help financing and investment for HCV in resource-constrained settings become an urgent priority.

Social support, social context and nonadherence to treatment in young senior patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy followed-up in primary care. MULTIPAP Study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of nonadherence to treatment and its relationship with social support and social context in patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy followed-up in primary care.

METHODS

This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study with an analytical approach. A total of 593 patients between 65-74 years of age with multimorbidity (≥3 diseases) and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) during the last three months and agreed to participate in the MULTIPAP Study. The main variable was adherence (Morisky-Green). The predictors were social support (structural support and functional support (DUFSS)); sociodemographic variables; indicators of urban objective vulnerability; health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L-VAS & QALY); and clinical variables. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression models and robust estimators were performed.

RESULTS

Four out of ten patients were nonadherent, 47% had not completed primary education, 28.7% had an income ≤1050 €/month, 35% reported four or more IUVs, and the average perceived health-related quality of life (HRQOL) EQ-5D-5L-VAS was 65.5. The items that measure functional support, with significantly different means between nonadherent and adherent patients were receiving love and affection (-0.23; 95%CI: -0.40;-0.06), help when ill (-0.25; 95%CI: -0.42;-0.08), useful advice (-0.20; 95%CI: -0.37;-0.02), social invitations (-0.22; 95%CI:-0.44;-0.01), and recognition (-0.29; 95%CI:-0.50;-0.08). Factors associated with nonadherence were belonging to the medium vs. low tertile of functional support (0.62; 95%CI: 0.42;0.94), reporting less than four IUVs (0.69; 95%CI: 0.46;1.02) and higher HRQOL perception (0.98; 95%CI: 0.98;0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients 65-74 years of age with multimorbidity and polypharmacy, lower functional support was related to nonadherence to treatment. The nonadherence decreased in those patients with higher functional support, lower urban vulnerability and higher perceived health status according to the visual analog scale of health-related quality of life.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence in the First 6 Months Following HIV Diagnosis Among a Population-Based Sample in Rural Uganda

Research in Uganda examining HIV-positive status disclosure and IPV victimization is scarce, and existing findings may not generalize to community-based samples of men and women newly diagnosed with HIV in Uganda. We investigated the prevalence of lifetime IPV, IPV experienced between HIV diagnosis and 6 months following diagnosis (recent IPV), and IPV specifically related to a partner learning one's HIV-positive status among a sample of men and women newly diagnosed with HIV in a population-based study in rural Uganda. We also examined correlates of recent IPV, including HIV-positive status disclosure. The sample included 337 participants followed for 6 months after HIV diagnosis. Lifetime IPV findings showed that over half of the sample reported experiencing emotional IPV (62.81% of men, 70.37% of women), followed by physical IPV (21.49% of men, 26.39% of women) then sexual IPV (7.44% of men, 17.59% of women). For recent IPV, men and women reported similar rates of physical (4.63% and 8.29%, respectively) and emotional (19.44% and 25.91%, respectively) IPV. Women were more likely than men to report recent sexual IPV (8.29% vs. 1.85%); however, this relationship was no longer significant after controlling for other risk factors associated with sexual IPV (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI [0.65, 18.42]). Participants who disclosed their HIV-positive status to their partner had 59% lower odds of reporting emotional IPV (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI [0.21, 0.81]) than participants who did not disclose their HIV-positive status. Younger age, non-polygamous marriage, lower social support, and greater acceptance for violence against women were also significantly associated with experience of recent IPV. Overall, 12.20% of participants who experienced recent IPV reported that the IPV was related to their partner learning their HIV-positive status. Findings highlight the need for IPV screening and intervention integrated into HIV diagnosis, care, and treatment services.

Validity of Social Support Scales Utilized Among HIV-Infected and HIV-Affected Populations: A Systematic Review

Social support enhances self-management and prevention of behaviors and is typically assessed using self-report scales; however, little is known about the validity of these scales in HIV-infected or affected populations. This systematic review aims to identify available validated social support scales used in HIV-infected and HIV-affected populations. A systematic literature search using key search terms was conducted in electronic databases. After rounds abstract screenings, full-text reviews, and data abstraction 17 studies remained, two of which assessed multiple social support scales, which increased number of scales to 19. Most scales assessed positive social support behaviors (n = 18). Most scales assessed perceived social support (n = 14) compared to received social support. Reliability ranged from 0.67 to 0.97. The most common forms of validation reported were content validity and construct validity and the least was criterion-related validity. Future research should seek to build evidence for validation for existing scales used in HIV-infected or HIV-affected populations.

Multi-level Determinants of Clinic Attendance and Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence Among Fishermen Living with HIV/AIDS in Communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda

This cross-sectional study assessed determinants of HIV clinic appointment attendance and antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence among 300 male fisherfolk on ART in Wakiso District, Uganda. Multi-level factors associated with missed HIV clinic visits included those at the individual (age, AOR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99), interpersonal (being single/separated from partner, AOR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.54), normative (anticipated HIV stigma, AOR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.05-2.29) and physical/built environment-level (travel time to the HIV clinic, AOR: 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.20; structural-barriers to ART adherence, AOR: 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.56; accessing care on a landing site vs. an island, AOR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.08-1.67). Factors associated with ART non-adherence included those at the individual (age, β: - 0.01, η2 = 0.03; monthly income, β: - 0.01, η2 = 0.02) and normative levels (anticipated HIV stigma, β: 0.10, η2 = 0.02; enacted HIV stigma, β: 0.11, η2 = 0.02). Differentiated models of HIV care that integrate stigma reduction and social support, and reduce the number of clinic visits needed, should be explored in this setting to reduce multi-level barriers to accessing HIV care and ART adherence.

Health-related quality of life and associated factors in adults living with HIV in Rwanda

In Rwanda, as in other sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) has increased dramatically as a result of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). People living with HIV can now live longer but with increasing rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Thus, prevention of NCD comorbidities in PWLHI is crucial to maintain and gain health-related benefits and to maximise the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the long-term management of PLWH. This study determines the association between physical and mental health-related dimensions of quality of life (QOL) with behavioural and biological risk factors, after controlling socio-demographic and HIV-related factors in adults living with HIV in Rwanda. A cross-sectional study using the WHO STEPwise approach and Kinyarwanda version of the MOS-HIV Health Survey, risk factors for NCDs and HRQOL were analysed for 794 PLWH, both HIV+ on ART and ART-naïve. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between CMD risk factors and physical health and mental health summary scores. A total of 794 participants were interviewed. The mean age of the sample was 37.9 (±10.8) years and the majority of the participants were women (n = 513; 64.6%). About 16.2% reported daily smoking, 31.4% reported harmful alcohol use and 95% reported insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits while 26.1% reported being physically inactive. 18.4% were overweight 43.4% had abdominal obesity, i.e. waist-hip-ratio (WHR) ≥0.95 in males and 0.85 in females. High blood pressure (HBP), i.e. systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg was 24.4%. The results reveal that mean physical health summary and mental health summary score values were 63.96 ± 11.68 and 53.43 ± 10.89, respectively. While participants indicated that tobacco users and those who had abdominal obesity reported poor mental HRQOL, physical inactivity and hypertension have a negative impact on physical HRQOL. In addition, certain socio-demographic and HIV-related variables - specifically being unmarried, lack of HIV disclosure and low CD4 count (less 350 cell counts /mm³) - were associated with significantly lower mental and physical dimensions of quality of life. The results of this study reveal that behavioural and biological risk factors for NCDs were significantly associated with a lower HRQOL. These research findings also suggest that the assessment of the association between behavioural and biological risk factors for NCDs and a HRQOL provides opportunities for targeted counselling and secondary prevention efforts, so that health care providers can implement strategies that have a significant impact on the HRQOL.

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV) in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in China

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV) in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in mainland China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 646 PLWHA between May 2015 and March 2016 in Dalian, Ningbo, and Zhengzhou City, China. The MOS-HIV includes 35 items and measures 10 scales. These ten scales can be effectively calculated under two summary scale scores, the physical health score (PHS) and the mental health score (MHS), with the physical functioning, pain and role functioning scales contributing to the PHS, the mental health, health distress, quality of life and cognitive function scales contributing to the MHS, and the energy/fatigue, general health and social functioning contributing to both factors. Reliability was measured in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was analyzed using Cronbach's α coefficient, and test-retest reliability was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Validity was analyzed via construct validity, convergent and discriminant validity, and known group validity. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were used to test construct validity. A multiple-group CFA analysis was conducted to investigate whether the MOS-HIV measured the same constructs across gender groups.

RESULTS

The MOS-HIV questionnaire was reliable and valid. Reliability of the PHS and MHS scales was 0.87 and 0.89, respectively. While the Cronbach's α coefficients for each of the dimensions were > 0.70. According to the results of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the hypothesized model was acceptable. The instrument showed factorial invariance across gender groups. All correlation coefficients were greater than 0.40, with a range of 0.60-0.94. The correlation coefficients observed between items and other dimensions were lower than the coefficients for the correlations between items and hypothesized dimensions for all scales, suggesting good convergent and discriminant validity. Patients with CD4 counts >500 cells/mm3 demonstrated better QOL than those with lower CD4 counts on six scales and the PHS (p<0.05) and symptomatic respondents had significantly lower scores than asymptomatic respondents on all the scales except health transition scales (p<0.05) suggesting good known group validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide evidence that the MOS-HIV may be an acceptable, valid and reliable instrument for evaluating QOL of PLWHA in mainland China.

A scoping review of the associations between mental health and factors related to HIV acquisition and disease progression in conflict-affected populations

The association between poor mental health and factors related to HIV acquisition and disease progression (also referred to as HIV-related factors) may be stronger among conflict-affected populations given elevated rates of mental health disorders. We conducted a scoping review of the literature to identify evidence-based associations between mental health (depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) and factors related to HIV acquisition and progression in conflict-affected populations. Five electronic databases were searched on October 10, 2014 and updated on March 7, 2017 to identify peer-reviewed publications presenting primary data from January 1, 1994 to March 7, 2017. Articles were included if: 1) depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD was assessed using a validated scale, 2) HIV or HIV-related factors were a primary focus, 3) quantitative associations between depression/anxiety/PTSD and HIV or HIV-related factors were assessed, and 4) the study population was conflict-affected and from a conflict-affected setting. Of 714 citations identified, 33 articles covering 110,818 participants were included. Most were from sub-Saharan Africa (n = 25), five were from the USA, and one each was from the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. There were 23 cross-sectional, 3 time-series, and 7 cohort studies. The search identified that mental health has been quantitatively associated with the following categories of HIV-related factors in conflict-affected populations: markers of HIV risk, HIV-related health status, sexual risk behaviors, and HIV risk exposures (i.e. sexual violence). Further, findings suggest that symptoms of poor mental health are associated with sexual risk behaviors and HIV markers, while HIV risk exposures and health status are associated with symptoms of poor mental health. Results suggest a role for greater integration and referrals across HIV and mental health programs for conflict-affected populations.

The Impact of a Community-Based Intervention Including a Monthly Food Ration on Food Insecurity Among HIV-Positive Adults During the First Year of Antiretroviral Therapy

The objective of this study was to examine how food insecurity changed among HIV-positive adults during the first 12 months of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and whether any change differed according to the receipt of food support, which was provided in the context of a comprehensive community-based intervention. We conducted secondary data analyses of data from a prospective cohort study of the effectiveness of a community-based cART delivery model when added to clinic-based cART delivery in Rwanda. We included patients from four health centers that implemented a clinic-based cART delivery model alone and five health centers that additionally implemented the intervention, which included 10 months of food support. We compared food insecurity at 3, 6, and 12 months, relative to baseline, and stratified by receipt of the intervention. Relative to baseline, median food insecurity score decreased after 3, 6, and 12 months (p value <0.0001 for all) for patients receiving a food ration through the community-based model for cART delivery. Among patients receiving care under the clinic-based cART model, food insecurity scores remained unchanged at 3 and 12 months and were significantly higher after 6 months. In adjusted analyses, participants enrolled in the community-based intervention with a food ration had a lower risk of severe food insecurity and a lower risk of moderate or severe food insecurity after 12 months. A comprehensive community-based HIV program including a food ration likely contributes to an alleviation of food insecurity among adults newly initiating cART.

Efficacy of an enhanced linkage to HIV care intervention at improving linkage to HIV care and achieving viral suppression following home-based HIV testing in rural Uganda: study protocol for the Ekkubo/PATH cluster randomized controlled trial

Background

Though home-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing (HBHCT) is implemented in many sub-Saharan African countries as part of their HIV programs, linkage to HIV care remains a challenge. The purpose of this study is to test an intervention to enhance linkage to HIV care and improve HIV viral suppression among individuals testing HIV positive during HBHCT in rural Uganda.

Methods

The PATH (Providing Access To HIV Care)/Ekkubo Study is a cluster-randomized controlled trial which compares the efficacy of an enhanced linkage to HIV care intervention vs. standard-of-care (paper-based referrals) at achieving individual and population-level HIV viral suppression, and intermediate outcomes of linkage to care, receipt of opportunistic infection prophylaxis, and antiretroviral therapy initiation following HBHCT. Approximately 600 men and women aged 18-59 who test HIV positive during district-wide HBHCT in rural Uganda will be enrolled in this study. Villages (clusters) are pair matched by population size and then randomly assigned to the intervention or standard-of-care arm. Study teams visit households and participants complete a baseline questionnaire, receive HIV counseling and testing, and have blood drawn for HIV viral load and CD4 testing. At baseline, standard-of-care arm participants receive referrals to HIV care including a paper-based referral and then receive their CD4 results via home visit 2 weeks later. Intervention arm participants receive an intervention counseling session at baseline, up to three follow-up counseling sessions at home, and a booster session at the HIV clinic if they present for care. These sessions each last approximately 30 min and consist of counseling to help clients: identify and reduce barriers to HIV care engagement, disclose their HIV status, identify a treatment supporter, and overcome HIV-related stigma through links to social support resources in the community. Participants in both arms complete interviewer-administered questionnaires at six and 12 months follow-up, HIV viral load and CD4 testing at 12 months follow-up, and allow access to their medical records.

Discussion

The findings of this study can inform the integration of a potentially cost-effective approach to improving rates of linkage to care and HIV viral suppression in HBHCT. If effective, this intervention can improve treatment outcomes, reduce mortality, and through its effect on individual and population-level HIV viral load, and decrease HIV incidence.

Trial registration

NCT02545673

The impact of a livelihood program on depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in Cambodia

Background

Psychological and social problems are major concerns in this era of successful antiretroviral therapy. Although livelihood programs have been implemented extensively to improve the daily living conditions of people living with HIV in Cambodia, no studies have yet investigated the impacts of these programs on the mental health of this vulnerable population. Therefore, we examined the impact of a livelihood program on depressive symptoms and associated factors among people living with HIV in Cambodia.

Design

A quasi-experimental, nonequivalent comparison group study was conducted in six provinces of Cambodia in 2014. Data were collected from an intervention group comprising 357 people living with HIV who had participated in the livelihood program and a comparison group comprising 328 people living with HIV who had not participated in this program. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the association between livelihood-program participation and depressive symptoms as measured by the depressive symptoms subscale of the 25-item Cambodian version of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. A propensity score matching was used to examine the effect of the livelihood program on depressive symptoms while controlling for selection bias.

Results

Overall, 56.0% and 62.7% of the participants in the intervention and comparison groups, respectively, met the Hopkins Symptom Checklist threshold for depressive symptoms. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the participants in the intervention group had significantly lower odds of having depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.52–0.88). The analysis from propensity score matching indicated that the livelihood program helped mitigate depressive symptoms among the participants in the intervention group (T=−1.99).

Conclusions

The livelihood program appeared to help mitigate the burden of depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in Cambodia. Thus, this program should be scaled up and modified to better improve participants’ mental health.

Community-Based Accompaniment Mitigates Predictors of Negative Outcomes for Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy in Rural Rwanda

Clinical, socioeconomic, and access barriers remain a critical problem to antiretroviral (ART) programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Community-based accompaniment (CBA), including daily home visits and psychosocial and socioeconomic support, has been associated with improved patient outcomes at 1 year. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 578 HIV-infected adults initiating ART in 2007-2008 with or without CBA in rural Rwanda. Among patients without CBA, those with advanced HIV disease, low CD4 cell counts, lower social support, and transport costs had significantly higher odds of negative outcomes at 1 year; amongst patients who received CBA, only those with low CD4 cell counts had significantly higher odds of negative outcomes at 1 year. CBA also significantly mitigated the effect of transport costs and inaccessibility of services on the likelihood of negative outcome. CBA may be one approach to mitigating known risk factors for negative outcomes for patients on ART in resource-poor settings.

Factors That Affect Quality of Life among People Living with HIV Attending an Urban Clinic in Uganda: A Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

With the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and primary general care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource limited settings, PLHIV are living longer, and HIV has been transformed into a chronic illness. People are diagnosed and started on treatment when they are relatively well. Although ART results in clinical improvement, the ultimate goal of treatment is full physical functioning and general well-being, with a focus on quality of life rather than clinical outcomes. However, there has been little research on the relationship of specific factors to quality of life in PLHIV. The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with quality of life among PLHIV in Uganda receiving basic care and those on ART.

METHODS

We enrolled 1274 patients attending an HIV outpatient clinic into a prospective cohort study. Of these, 640 received ART. All were followed up at 3 and 6 months. Health related quality of life was assessed with the MOS-HIV Health Survey and the Global Person Generated Index (GPGI). Multivariate linear regression and logistic regression with generalized estimating equations were used to examine the relationship of social behavioral and disease factors with Physical Health Summary (PHS) score, Mental Health Summary (MHS) score, and GPGI.

RESULTS

Among PLHIV receiving basic care, PHS was associated with: sex (p=0.045) - females had lower PHS; age in years at enrollment (p=0.0001) - older patients had lower PHS; and depression (p<0.001) - depressed patients had lower PHS. MHS was only associated with opportunistic infection (p=0.01) - presence of an opportunistic infection was associated with lower MHS. For the GPG the associated variables were age (p=0.03) - older patients had lower GPGI; education (p=0.01) - higher education associated with higher GPGI; and depression - patients with depression had a lower GPGI (p<0.001). Among patients on ART, PHS was associated with: study visit (p=0.01), with increase in time there was better PHS, and this also improved with increase in education level (p=0.002). Patients with WHO disease stage 3&4 had a lower PHS compared to patients at stage 1&2 (p=0.006), and depressed patients had lower PHS (p<0.001). MHS improved from baseline to six month study visit (p<0.001), and females had lower MHS compared to males (p=0.01). GPGI was associated with higher income (p=0.04), alcohol use was associated with lower GPGI (p=0.004), and depressed patients had a lower GPGI (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Quality of life improved over time for PLHIV on ART. Regardless of treatment status, PLHIV with depression or low education level and female gender were at risk of having a poor quality of life. Clinicians and policy makers should be aware of these findings, and address them to improve quality of life for PLHIV.

Depression during pregnancy and the postpartum among HIV-infected women on antiretroviral therapy in Uganda

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Background:

Among HIV-infected women, perinatal depression compromises clinical, maternal, and child health outcomes. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with lower depression symptom severity but the uniformity of effect through pregnancy and postpartum periods is unknown.

Methods:

We analyzed prospective data from 447 HIV-infected women (18–49 years) initiating ART in rural Uganda (2005–2012). Participants completed blood work and comprehensive questionnaires quarterly. Pregnancy status was assessed by self-report. Analysis time periods were defined as currently pregnant, postpartum (0–12 months post-pregnancy outcome), or non–pregnancy-related. Depression symptom severity was measured using a modified Hopkins Symptom Checklist 15, with scores ranging from 1 to 4. Probable depression was defined as >1.75. Linear regression with generalized estimating equations was used to compare mean depression scores over the 3 periods.

Results:

At enrollment, median age was 32 years (interquartile range: 27–37), median CD4 count was 160 cells per cubic millimeter (interquartile range: 95–245), and mean depression score was 1.75 (s = 0.58) (39% with probable depression). Over 4.1 median years of follow-up, 104 women experienced 151 pregnancies. Mean depression scores did not differ across the time periods (P = 0.75). Multivariable models yielded similar findings. Increasing time on ART, viral suppression, better physical health, and “never married” were independently associated with lower mean depression scores. Findings were consistent when assessing probable depression.

Conclusions:

Although the lack of association between depression and perinatal periods is reassuring, high depression prevalence at treatment initiation and continued incidence across pregnancy and non–pregnancy-related periods of follow-up highlight the critical need for mental health services for HIV-infected women to optimize both maternal and perinatal health.

Comparison of self-reported alcohol consumption to phosphatidylethanol measurement among HIV-infected patients initiating antiretroviral treatment in southwestern Uganda

BACKGROUND

Alcohol consumption among HIV-infected patients may accelerate HIV disease progression or reduce antiretroviral therapy adherence. Self-reported alcohol use is frequently under-reported due to social desirability and recall bias. The aim of this study was to compare self-reported alcohol consumption to phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a biomarker of alcohol consumption, and to estimate the correlation between multiple measures of self-reported alcohol consumption with PEth.

METHODS

The Uganda AIDS Rural Treatment Outcomes (UARTO) cohort is located in southwestern Uganda and follows patients on ART to measure treatment outcomes. Patients complete standardized questionnaires quarterly including questions on demographics, health status and alcohol consumption. Baseline dried blood spots (DBS) were collected and retrieved to measure PEth.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty samples were tested, and 56 (37.3%) were PEth positive (≥8 ng/mL). Of those, 51.7% did not report alcohol use in the past month. Men were more likely to under-report compared to women, OR 2.9, 95% CI = 1.26, 6.65) and those in the higher economic asset categories were less likely to under-report compared to those in the lowest category (OR = 0.41 95% CI: 0.17, 0.94). Among self-reported drinkers (n = 31), PEth was highly correlated with the total number of drinking days in the last 30 (Spearman R = 0.73, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately half of HIV infected patients initiating ART and consuming alcohol under-report their use of alcohol. Given the high prevalence, clinicians should assess all patients for alcohol use with more attention to males and those in lower economic asset categories who deny alcohol use. Among those reporting current drinking, self-reported drinking days is a useful quantitative measure.

Depression, adherence and attrition from care in HIV-infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

A better understanding of the relationship between depression and HIV-related outcomes, particularly as it relates to adherence to treatment, is critical to guide effective support and treatment of individuals with HIV and depression. We examined whether depression was associated with attrition from care in a cohort of 610 HIV-infected adults in rural Rwanda and whether this relationship was mediated through suboptimal adherence to treatment.

METHODS

The association between depression and attrition from care was evaluated with a Cox proportional hazard model and with mediation methods that calculate the direct and indirect effects of depression on attrition and are able to account for interactions between depression and suboptimal adherence. Depression was assessed with the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-15; attrition was defined as death, treatment default, or loss to follow-up.

RESULTS

Baseline depression was significantly associated with time to attrition after adjustment for receipt of community-based accompaniment, physical functioning quality of life score, and CD4 cell count (HR=2.40, 95% CI 1.27 to 4.52, p=0.005). In multivariable mediation analysis, we found no evidence that the association between depression and attrition after 3 months was mediated by suboptimal adherence (direct effect of depression on attrition: OR=3.90 (1.26 to 12.04), p=0.02; indirect effect: OR=1.07 (0.92 to 1.25), p=0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Even in the context of high antiretroviral therapy adherence, depression may adversely influence HIV outcomes through a pathway other than suboptimal adherence. Treatment of depression is critical to achieving good mental health and retention in HIV-infected individuals with depression.

Reliability and validity of depression assessment among persons with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to systematically review the reliability and validity of instruments used to screen for major depressive disorder or assess depression symptom severity among persons with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic evidence search protocol was applied to 7 bibliographic databases. Studies examining the reliability and/or validity of depression assessment tools were selected for inclusion if they were based on the data collected from HIV-positive adults in any African member state of the United Nations. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled estimates of depression prevalence. In a subgroup of studies of criterion-related validity, the bivariate random-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

Of 1117 records initially identified, I included 13 studies of 5373 persons with HIV in 7 sub-Saharan African countries. Reported estimates of Cronbach alpha ranged from 0.63 to 0.95, and analyses of internal structure generally confirmed the existence of a depression-like construct accounting for a substantial portion of variance. The pooled prevalence of probable depression was 29.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.5 to 39.4], whereas the pooled prevalence of major depressive disorder was 13.9% (95% CI: 9.7 to 18.6). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale was the most frequently studied instrument, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.73 to 0.87) for detecting major depressive disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression-screening instruments yielded relatively high false positive rates. Overall, few studies described the reliability and/or validity of depression instruments in sub-Saharan Africa.

Social support barriers and mental health in terrorist attack survivors

BACKGROUND

To expand our understanding of social support and mental health, we introduce a measure of social support barriers and investigate the relationship between these barriers, social support, mental health and gender in survivors of the terrorist attack on Utøya Island, Norway.

METHODS

Survivors (N=285) were interviewed face to face. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the latent factor structure of the Social Support Barriers Scale and perceived social support (FSSQ), and linear regression analyses to investigate the associations between social support variables and mental health (PTSD-RI and HSCL-8).

RESULTS

The CFA indicated that social support barriers and perceived social support were two separable latent constructs. Social support barriers were highly associated with posttraumatic stress reactions (adjusted regression coefficient=0.38, 95% CI=0.29-0.47. p<0.001) as well as with psychological distress (adjusted regression coefficient=0.35, 95% CI=0.26-0.43, p<0.001). In contrast, neither perceived social support nor gender was associated with mental health after adjustment for barriers.

LIMITATIONS

Most analyses were based on cross-sectional data. This is the first study to use a quantitative measure of social support barriers.

CONCLUSION

Social support barriers may be a new opening to understand the relationship between social support and mental health and may have a role in explaining why women are at increased risk for mental health problems. Clinicians should explore not only perceived social support but also barriers to making use of these resources when consulting young people facing major life adversities.

Community-based accompaniment and psychosocial health outcomes in HIV-infected adults in Rwanda: a prospective study

We examined whether the addition of community-based accompaniment to Rwanda's national model for antiretroviral treatment (ART) was associated with greater improvements in patients' psychosocial health outcomes during the first year of therapy. We enrolled 610 HIV-infected adults with CD4 cell counts under 350 cells/μL initiating ART in one of two programs. Both programs provided ART and required patients to identify a treatment buddy per national protocols. Patients in one program additionally received nutritional and socioeconomic supplements, and daily home-visits by a community health worker ("accompagnateur") who provided social support and directly-observed ingestion of medication. The addition of community-based accompaniment was associated with an additional 44.3 % reduction in prevalence of depression, more than twice the gains in perceived physical and mental health quality of life, and increased perceived social support in the first year of treatment. Community-based accompaniment may represent an important intervention in HIV-infected populations with prevalent mental health morbidity.

Sexual relationship power and depression among HIV-infected women in Rural Uganda

Background

Depression is associated with increased HIV transmission risk, increased morbidity, and higher risk of HIV-related death among HIV-infected women. Low sexual relationship power also contributes to HIV risk, but there is limited understanding of how it relates to mental health among HIV-infected women.

Methods

Participants were 270 HIV-infected women from the Uganda AIDS Rural Treatment Outcomes study, a prospective cohort of individuals initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Mbarara, Uganda. Our primary predictor was baseline sexual relationship power as measured by the Sexual Relationship Power Scale (SRPS). The primary outcome was depression severity, measured with the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL), and a secondary outcome was a functional scale for mental health status (MHS). Adjusted models controlled for socio-demographic factors, CD4 count, alcohol and tobacco use, baseline WHO stage 4 disease, social support, and duration of ART.

Results

The mean HSCL score was 1.34 and 23.7% of participants had HSCL scores consistent with probable depression (HSCL>1.75). Compared to participants with low SRPS scores, individuals with both moderate (coefficient b = −0.21; 95%CI, −0.36 to −0.07) and high power (b = −0.21; 95%CI, −0.36 to −0.06) reported decreased depressive symptomology. High SRPS scores halved the likelihood of women meeting criteria for probable depression (adjusted odds ratio = 0.44; 95%CI, 0.20 to 0.93). In lagged models, low SRPS predicted subsequent depression severity, but depression did not predict subsequent changes in SPRS. Results were similar for MHS, with lagged models showing SRPS predicts subsequent mental health, but not visa versa. Both Decision-Making Dominance and Relationship Control subscales of SRPS were associated with depression symptom severity.

Conclusions

HIV-infected women with high sexual relationship power had lower depression and higher mental health status than women with low power. Interventions to improve equity in decision-making and control within dyadic partnerships are critical to prevent HIV transmission and to optimize mental health of HIV-infected women.

Improved retention associated with community-based accompaniment for antiretroviral therapy delivery in rural Rwanda

BACKGROUND

Minimizing death and ensuring high retention and good adherence remain ongoing challenges for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment programs. We examined whether the addition of community-based accompaniment (characterized by daily home visits from a community health worker, directly observed treatment, nutritional support, transportation stipends, and other support as needed) to the Rwanda national model for antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery would improve retention in care, viral load suppression, and change in CD4 count, relative to the national model alone.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study among 610 HIV-infected adults initiating ART in 1 of 2 programs in rural Rwanda. Psychosocial and clinical characteristics were recorded at ART initiation. Death, treatment retention, and plasma viral load were assessed at 1 year. CD4 count was evaluated at 6-month intervals. Multivariable regression models were used to adjust for baseline differences between the 2 populations.

RESULTS

Eighty-five percent and 79% of participants in the community-based and clinic-based programs, respectively, were retained with viral load suppression at 1 year. After adjusting for CD4 count, depression, physical health quality of life, and food insecurity, community-based accompaniment was protective against death or loss to follow-up during the first year of ART (hazard ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], .09-.35; P < .0001). In a second multivariable analysis, individuals receiving accompaniment were more likely to be retained with a suppressed viral load at 1 year (risk ratio: 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03-1.27; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that community-based accompaniment is effective in improving retention, when added to a clinic-based program with fewer patient support mechanisms.

Treatment outcomes in palliative care: the TOPCare study. A mixed methods phase III randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a nurse-led palliative care intervention for HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy

Background

Patients with HIV/AIDS on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) suffer from physical, psychological and spiritual problems. Despite international policy explicitly stating that a multidimensional approach such as palliative care should be delivered throughout the disease trajectory and alongside treatment, the effectiveness of this approach has not been tested in ART-experienced populations.

Methods/design

This mixed methods study uses a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) to test the null hypothesis that receipt of palliative care in addition to standard HIV care does not affect pain compared to standard care alone. An additional qualitative component will explore the mechanism of action and participant experience. The sample size is designed to detect a statistically significant decrease in reported pain, determined by a two tailed test and a p value of ≤0.05. Recruited patients will be adults on ART for more than one month, who report significant pain or symptoms which have lasted for more than two weeks (as measured by the African Palliative Care Association (APCA) African Palliative Outcome Scale (POS)). The intervention under trial is palliative care delivered by an existing HIV facility nurse trained to a set standard. Following an initial pilot the study will be delivered in two African countries, using two parallel independent Phase III clinical RCTs. Qualitative data will be collected from semi structured interviews and documentation from clinical encounters, to explore the experience of receiving palliative care in this context.

Discussion

The data provided by this study will provide evidence to inform the improvement of outcomes for people living with HIV and on ART in Africa.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01608802