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Benoni R, Malesani C, Sartorello A, Cardoso H, Chaguruca I, Alamo C, Putoto G, Brigadoi G, Zin A, Donà D, Giaquinto C, Gatta M. Assessing the impact of a community-based psychodrama intervention on mental health promotion of adolescents and young adults in Mozambique: A mixed-methods study. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04182. [PMID: 39051689 PMCID: PMC11271167 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background While mental health is an emerging issue in low-income countries, its promotion remains poor, with little context-oriented evidence available. Here we aimed to assess the impact and acceptability/feasibility of a community-based psychodrama intervention involving both adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with HIV (AYALHIV) and without HIV (AYAHIV-). Methods We used a mixed-methods approach, where the quantitative part was based on pre/post questionnaires and the qualitative one on content analysis of semi-structured interviews. Trained community health care workers delivered psychodrama sessions involving AYAs aged 15-24 years once a week between July and August 2023 in Beira, Mozambique. The baseline assessment involved a sociodemographic and three mental health questionnaires: the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), Community Attitudes toward People with Mental Illness (CAMI27), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). We repeated all questionnaires after the intervention and conducted semi-structured interviews. Results We enrolled 354 AYAs (50.8% female, 45.5% AYALHIV) at baseline; 315 (89.0%) attended the sessions, with a mean participation rate of 94.4%. Overall, 281 (89.2%) completed the post-intervention assessment. MAKS score improved from 44.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 44.0-45.0) to 47.1 (95% CI = 46.4-47.7, P < 0.001). Total CAMI27 score showed no significant variation (P = 0.855). Total TAS score decreased from 57.3 (95% CI = 56.1-58.5) to 54.3 (95% CI = 53.0-55.6, P < 0.001). We found no statistically significant interactions between time and sex, age, or HIV serostatus in all questionnaires. For the qualitative part of the study, we analysed 37 semi-structured interviews (43.2% with females, 40.5% with AYALHIV). We identified four areas of intervention impact: peer-to-peer support (30.3%), social empowerment (24.7%), resilience (23.0%), and emotional skills (21.9%). Regarding acceptability/feasibility, perceived scalability (37.2%) and affective attitude (34.5%) were the sub-areas most frequently retrieved in the SSIs. Conclusions The community-based psychodrama intervention proved to be an effective tool in AYAs' mental health promotion, increasing knowledge and improving emotional awareness through group experience and interpersonal learning. The intervention also showed good acceptability and feasibility in the context of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Benoni
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Beira, Mozambique
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Malesani
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Beira, Mozambique
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Sartorello
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Beira, Mozambique
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giovanni Putoto
- Section of Operational Research, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigadoi
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Annachiara Zin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Michela Gatta
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
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Njau T, Mwakawanga DL, Sunguya B, Minja A, Kaaya S, Fekadu A. Perceived barriers and opportunities for implementing an integrated psychological intervention for depression in adolescents living with HIV in Tanzania. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:672. [PMID: 38807134 PMCID: PMC11134697 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have an increased risk of depression, negatively affecting their adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and treatment outcomes. Integrating mental health care in HIV care and treatment settings improves comprehensive care. However, integration remains challenging in Tanzania, like in other high-burden and low-resource settings. The overall objective of this work is to inform the development of a psychological intervention for depression in adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV). We describe perceived barriers and opportunities for implementing an integrated, evidence-based psychological intervention to manage adolescent depression in HIV care and treatment centers (HIV-CTC) from the perspectives of adolescents, caregivers, and healthcare providers (HCPs) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS To inform intervention development and implementation, this study utilized a qualitative design through a phenomenological approach informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to explore implementation barriers and facilitators in ALWHIV, HCPs, and caregivers. Forty-five in-depth interviews were conducted in three HIV-CTCs in Kinondoni Dar es Salaam. Audio records were transcribed verbatim and analyzed deductively through NVIVO software. RESULTS Barriers to implementing an integrated psychological intervention to address depression in ALWHIV included (A) poor mental health awareness among caregivers, adolescents, HCPs, and policy-makers, (B) high level of stigma against mental health care, (C) poor communication between adolescents and HCPs concerning mental health care, (D) lack of contextualized intervention of proven effectiveness and guidelines of mental health care, and (E) inadequate mental health care supportive supervision and mentorship. Facilitators for implementation included supportive infrastructure, positive pressure from HIV implementing partners, tension for change, and participant's perception of the advantage of a psychological intervention as compared to just usual HIV care and treatment counseling. CONCLUSION Despite several modifiable barriers to implementing a psychological intervention in HIV CTC, there were encouraging facilitators and opportunities for implementing an integrated, evidence-based psychological intervention to address depression in ALWHIV in Kinondoni Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasiana Njau
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam Tanzania, United Nations Road, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania.
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Dorkasi L Mwakawanga
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bruno Sunguya
- Department of Community Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Agape Minja
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam Tanzania, United Nations Road, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Sylvia Kaaya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam Tanzania, United Nations Road, Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Abebaw Fekadu
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Global Health & Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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Ronen K, Mugo C, Kaggiah A, Seeh D, Kumar M, Guthrie BL, Moreno MA, John-Stewart G, Inwani I. Facilitated WhatsApp Support Groups for Youth Living With HIV in Nairobi, Kenya: Single-Arm Pilot Intervention Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e49174. [PMID: 37955957 PMCID: PMC10682925 DOI: 10.2196/49174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile technology can support HIV care, but studies in youth are limited. In 2014, youth receiving HIV care at several health care facilities in Nairobi, Kenya spontaneously formed peer support groups using the social media platform WhatsApp. OBJECTIVE Inspired by youth-initiated groups, we aimed to evaluate the use of WhatsApp to deliver a social support intervention to improve HIV treatment and psychosocial outcomes in youth. We developed a facilitated WhatsApp group intervention (named Vijana-SMART), which was grounded in social support theory and guided by the design recommendations of youth living with HIV. This paper evaluates the intervention's acceptability and pre-post changes in health outcomes. METHODS The intervention involved interactive WhatsApp groups facilitated by study staff for 6 months, with each group having approximately 25 members. Study staff sent weekly structured messages, and the message content was based on social support theory and encouraged unstructured peer-to-peer messaging and support. We conducted a single-arm pilot among 55 youth living with HIV aged 14-24 years recruited from a government health care facility serving a mixed-income area of Nairobi. At enrollment and follow-up, self-report questionnaires assessed acceptability; antiretroviral therapy (ART) information, motivation, and behavioral skills (IMB); depression; social support; stigma; resilience; and ART adherence. All participants received the intervention. We used generalized estimating equations (GEEs) clustered by participant to evaluate changes in scores from baseline to follow-up, and correlates of participant WhatsApp messaging. RESULTS The median participant age was 18 years, and 67% (37/55) were female. Intervention acceptability was high. All participants reported that it was helpful, and 73% (38/52) sent ≥1 WhatsApp message. Messaging levels varied considerably between participants and were higher during school holidays, earlier in the intervention period, and among youth aged ≥18 years. IMB scores increased from enrollment to follow-up (66.9% to 71.3%; P<.001). Stigma scores also increased (8.3% to 16.7%; P=.001), and resilience scores decreased (75.0% to 70.0%; P<.001). We found no significant change in ART adherence, social support, or depression. We detected a positive association between the level of messaging during the study and the resilience score, but no significant association between messaging and other outcomes. Once enrolled, it was common for participants to change their phone numbers or leave the groups and request to be added back, which may present implementation challenges at a larger scale. CONCLUSIONS Increased IMB scores following WhatsApp group participation may improve HIV outcomes. Increased stigma and decreased resilience were unintended consequences and may reflect transient effects of group sharing of challenging experiences, which should be addressed in larger randomized evaluations. WhatsApp groups present a promising and acceptable modality to deliver supportive interventions to youth living with HIV beyond the clinic, and further evaluation is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05634265); https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05634265.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshet Ronen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anne Kaggiah
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Seeh
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Manasi Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Brandon L Guthrie
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Megan A Moreno
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Irene Inwani
- Department of Pediatrics, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
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Ahmed CV, Doyle R, Gallagher D, Imoohi O, Ofoegbu U, Wright R, Yore MA, Brooks MJ, Flores DD, Lowenthal ED, Rice BM, Buttenheim AM. A Systematic Review of Peer Support Interventions for Adolescents Living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:535-559. [PMID: 37956242 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite widespread availability of life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa, AIDS remains one of the leading causes of death among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this article was to review the state of the science regarding interventions to improve ART adherence and/or HIV care retention among ALHIV throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The primary aim of this review was to describe the impact of peer support interventions in improving treatment outcomes (i.e., ART adherence and retention in HIV care) among ALHIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The secondary aim of this review was to determine whether these interventions may be efficacious at improving mental health outcomes. We identified 27 articles that met the eligibility criteria for our review, and categorized each article based on the type of peer support provided to ALHIV-individualized peer support, group-based support, and individualized plus group-based support. Results regarding the efficacy of these interventions are mixed and most of the studies included were deemed moderate in methodological quality. Although studies evaluating group-based peer support interventions were the most common, most of these studies were not associated with retention, adherence, or mental health outcomes. More robust, fully powered studies are needed to strengthen our knowledge base regarding peer support for ALHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charisse V Ahmed
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Doyle
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Darby Gallagher
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Olore Imoohi
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ugochi Ofoegbu
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robyn Wright
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mackensie A Yore
- VA Los Angeles and UCLA National Clinician Scholars Program, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System HSR&D Center of Innovation, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Merrian J Brooks
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Botswana UPENN Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bridgette M Rice
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alison M Buttenheim
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Mlunde LB, Hirschhorn LR, Nyblade L, Rothrock NE, Mbugi EV, Moskowitz JT, Kaaya S, Hawkins C, Leyna G, Mbwambo JK. Translation and cultural adaptation of drug use stigma and HIV stigma measures among people who use drugs in Tanzania. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292642. [PMID: 37856437 PMCID: PMC10586607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People who use drugs (PWUD) experience stigma from multiple sources due to their drug use. HIV seroprevalence for PWUD in Tanzania is estimated to range from 18 to 25%. So, many PWUD will also experience HIV stigma. Both HIV and drug use stigma have negative health and social outcomes, it is therefore important to measure their magnitude and impact. However, no contextually and linguistically adapted measures are available to assess either HIV or drug use stigma among PWUD in Tanzania. In response, we translated and culturally adapted HIV and drug use stigma measures among Tanzanian PWUD and described that process in this study. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study. We translated and adapted existing validated stigma measures by following a modified version of Wild's ten steps for translation and adaptation. We also added new items on stigmatizing actions that were not included in the original measures. Following translation and back translation, we conducted 40 cognitive debriefs among 19 PWUD living with and 21 PWUD not living with HIV in Dar es Salaam to assess comprehension of the original and new items. For challenging items, we made adaptations and repeated cognitive debriefs among ten new PWUD participants where half of them were living with HIV. RESULTS Most of the original items (42/54, 78%), response options and all items with new 12 stigmatizing actions were understood by participants. Challenges included response options for a few items; translation to Swahili; and differences in participants' interpretation of Swahili words. We made changes to these items and the final versions were understood by PWUD participants. CONCLUSION Drug use and HIV stigma measures can successfully be translated and culturally adapted among Tanzanian PWUD living with and without HIV. We are currently conducting research to determine the stigma measures' psychometric properties and we will report the results separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda B. Mlunde
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lisa R. Hirschhorn
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Laura Nyblade
- Health Practice, RTI, International, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Nan E. Rothrock
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Erasto V. Mbugi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Judith T. Moskowitz
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sylvia Kaaya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Claudia Hawkins
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Germana Leyna
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jessie K. Mbwambo
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Altamirano J, Odero IA, Omollo M, Awuonda E, Ondeng’e K, Kang JL, Behl R, Ndivo R, Baiocchi M, Barsosio HC, Sarnquist CC. Understanding ART Adherence among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Western Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study of Barriers and Facilitators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6922. [PMID: 37887660 PMCID: PMC10606388 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206922] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV remains a leading cause of death for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. This population has a high incidence of HIV and other comorbidities, such as experiencing violence, and low antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. To reach global HIV goals, data are needed on the specific adherence barriers for AGYW living with HIV, so interventions can be targeted effectively. METHODS Cross-sectional data were collected at urban and rural health facilities in and around Kisumu County, western Kenya, from January to June 2022, from AGYW 15-24 years of age who were living with HIV. Surveys included questions on intimate partner violence, mental health issues, food security, and orphanhood. Adherence was categorized using viral load testing where available and the Center for Adherence Support Evaluation (CASE) adherence index otherwise. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between potential explanatory variables and adherence. FINDINGS In total, 309 AGYW participated. AGYW with experiences of emotional violence (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.94, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.03-3.66), moderate or severe depression (OR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.47-6.94), and/or substance use (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.24-5.92) had significantly higher odds of poor adherence when compared to AGYW without these respective experiences. Physical and sexual violence, food insecurity, and orphanhood were not associated with poor adherence in this cohort. INTERPRETATION Elucidating the risk factors associated with poor adherence among AGYW living with HIV allows us to identify potential targets for future interventions to improve ART adherence and HIV care outcomes. Mental health and violence prevention interventions, including combination interventions, may prove to be promising approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Altamirano
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Isdorah A. Odero
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (I.A.O.); (M.O.); (E.A.); (K.O.); (R.N.); (H.C.B.)
| | - Mevis Omollo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (I.A.O.); (M.O.); (E.A.); (K.O.); (R.N.); (H.C.B.)
| | - Eucabeth Awuonda
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (I.A.O.); (M.O.); (E.A.); (K.O.); (R.N.); (H.C.B.)
| | - Ken Ondeng’e
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (I.A.O.); (M.O.); (E.A.); (K.O.); (R.N.); (H.C.B.)
| | - Jennifer L. Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.L.K.); (R.B.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Rasika Behl
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.L.K.); (R.B.); (C.C.S.)
| | - Richard Ndivo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (I.A.O.); (M.O.); (E.A.); (K.O.); (R.N.); (H.C.B.)
| | - Michael Baiocchi
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Hellen C. Barsosio
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (I.A.O.); (M.O.); (E.A.); (K.O.); (R.N.); (H.C.B.)
| | - Clea C. Sarnquist
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.L.K.); (R.B.); (C.C.S.)
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Abimiku A, Ramadhani HO, Moloney M, Stafford KA, Chang JCW, Patel HK, Domaoal RA, Okoye M, Jelpe T, Bronson M, Ibrahim D, Swaminathan M, Gambo A, Charurat M. Factors associated with viral suppression among adults living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria: Analysis of a population-based survey, 2018. HIV Med 2023; 24:827-837. [PMID: 36945183 PMCID: PMC11195444 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Viral load suppression (VLS) is critical in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with HIV as well as minimizing the likelihood of HIV transmission to uninfected persons. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with VLS among people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy to inform HIV programme strategies in Nigeria. METHODS Adult participants, aged 15-64 years, from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), who self-reported to be a PLWH or had detectable ARVs, were analysed to examine factors associated with VLS defined as HIV RNA <1000 copies/mL. NAIIS measured HIV prevalence, viral load, ARV and hepatitis B in PLWH. Logistic regression models were used and reported weighted prevalence. RESULTS Of 1322 participants, 949 (68.25%) were women and 1287 (96.82%) had detectable ARVs. The median age was 39.31 [interquartile range (IQR): 31.47-47.63] years. Prevalence of VLS was 80.88%. Compared with participants with detectable ARVs, those with undetectable ARVs in their blood specimens had lower odds of VLS [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08-0.64). Coinfection with hepatitis B and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor metabolites were also associated with lower odds of VLS. Older people (45-54 vs 15-24 years) had increased odds of VLS (aOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.14-6.90). CONCLUSION Young people and those with undetectable ARVs had lower odds of virological suppression. Targeted interventions focusing on young people and adherence to medication are needed to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals for HIV epidemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alash’le Abimiku
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Habib O. Ramadhani
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mirna Moloney
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kristen A. Stafford
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joy Chih-Wei Chang
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Hetal K. Patel
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Robert A. Domaoal
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - McPaul Okoye
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Tapidiyel Jelpe
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Megan Bronson
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dalhatu Ibrahim
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Mahesh Swaminathan
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Gambo
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Manhattan Charurat
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Wanjala SW, Nyongesa MK, Mapenzi R, Luchters S, Abubakar A. A qualitative inquiry of experiences of HIV-related stigma and its effects among people living with HIV on treatment in rural Kilifi, Kenya. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1188446. [PMID: 37427260 PMCID: PMC10324964 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1188446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pervasiveness of HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and its consequences on HIV prevention and treatment, have been well documented. However, little is known about the lived experiences of HIV-related stigma and its effects among the general adult population living with HIV in rural African settings. This study set out to explore this knowledge gap. Methods From April to June 2018, we conducted in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of 40 adults living with HIV aged 18-58 years in Kilifi, Kenya. A semi-structured interview guide was used to explore experiences of HIV-related stigma and its impact on these adults. A framework approach was used to analyze the data using NVIVO 11 software. Results Participants reported experiences of HIV-related stigma in its various forms (anticipated, perceived, internalised, and enacted), as well as its effects on HIV treatment and social and personal spheres. The internalisation of stigma caused by enacted stigma impacted care-seeking behavior resulting in worse overall health. Anxiety and depression characterized by suicidal ideation were the results of internalised stigma. Anticipated stigma prompted HIV medication concealment, care-seeking in remote healthcare facilities, and care avoidance. Fewer social interactions and marital conflicts resulted from perceived stigma. Overall, HIV-related stigma resulted in partial and non-disclosure of HIV seropositivity and medication non-adherence. At a personal level, mental health issues and diminished sexual or marital prospects (for the unmarried) were reported. Conclusion Despite high awareness of HIV and AIDS among the general population in Kenya, adults living with HIV in rural Kilifi still experience different forms of HIV-related stigma (including self-stigma) that result in a raft of social, personal, and HIV-treatment-related consequences. Our findings underscore the urgent need to reevaluate and adopt more effective strategies for implementing HIV-related anti-stigma programs at the community level. Addressing individual-level stigma will require the design of targeted interventions. To improve the lives of adults living with HIV in Kilifi, the effects of HIV-related stigma, particularly on HIV treatment, must be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley W. Wanjala
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Social Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Moses K. Nyongesa
- Neuroassessment Group, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rachael Mapenzi
- Neuroassessment Group, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Amina Abubakar
- Neuroassessment Group, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kilifi, Kenya
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Public Health, School of Human and Health Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Kizito S, Nabayinda J, Neilands TB, Kiyingi J, Namuwonge F, Damulira C, Nabunya P, Nattabi J, Ssewamala FM. A Structural Equation Model of the Impact of a Family-Based Economic Intervention on Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Uganda. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:S41-S50. [PMID: 37062583 PMCID: PMC10161872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV) is low, with poverty remaining a significant contributor. We examined the mediation pathways between an economic empowerment intervention and ART adherence among ALWHIV. METHODS This cluster-randomized controlled trial (2012-2018) recruited 702 ALWHIV aged 10-16 in Uganda between January 2014 and December 2015. We randomized 39 clinics into the control (n = 344) or intervention group (n = 358). The intervention comprised a child development account, four microenterprise workshops, and 12 mentorship sessions. We used six self-reported items to measure adherence at 24 months, 36 months, and 48 months. We used structural equation modeling to assess the mediation effects through mental health and adherence self-efficacy, on adherence. We ran models corresponding to the 24, 36, and 48 months of follow-up. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 12 years, and 56% were female. At 36 (model 2) and 48 months (model 3), the intervention had a significant indirect effect on ART adherence [B = 0.069, β = 0.039 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.005-0.074)], and [B = 0.068, β = 0.040 (95% CI: 0.010-0.116)], respectively. In both models, there was a specific mediation effect through mental health [B = 0.070, β = 0.040 (95% CI: 0.007-0.063)], and [B = 0.039, β = 0.040 (95% CI: 0.020-0.117)]. Overall, 49.1%, 90.7%, and 36.8% of the total effects were mediated in models, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. DISCUSSION EE interventions improve adherence, by improving mental health functioning. These findings warrant the need to incorporate components that address mental health challenges in programs targeting poverty to improve ART adherence in low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Josephine Nabayinda
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Christopher Damulira
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jennifer Nattabi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
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Boshe J, Brtek V, Beima-Sofie K, Braitstein P, Brooks M, Denison J, Donenberg G, Kemigisha E, Memiah P, Njuguna I, Poku O, Roberts ST, Shayo AM, Dow DE. Integrating Adolescent Mental Health into HIV Prevention and Treatment Programs: Can Implementation Science Pave the Path Forward? AIDS Behav 2023; 27:145-161. [PMID: 36322219 PMCID: PMC9629193 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03876-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent mental health (AMH) is a critical driver of HIV outcomes, but is often overlooked in HIV research and programming. The implementation science Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework informed development of a questionnaire that was sent to a global alliance of adolescent HIV researchers, providers, and implementors working in sub-Saharan Africa with the aim to (1) describe current AMH outcomes incorporated into HIV research within the alliance; (2) identify determinants (barriers/gaps) of integrating AMH into HIV research and care; and (3) describe current AMH screening and referral systems in adolescent HIV programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Respondents reported on fourteen named studies that included AMH outcomes in HIV research. Barriers to AMH integration in HIV research and care programs were explored with suggested implementation science strategies to achieve the goal of integrated and sustained mental health services within adolescent HIV programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Boshe
- Department of Mental Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, KCMC Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Paula Braitstein
- University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Canada
- College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Merrian Brooks
- Department of Pediatrics, Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 19104 Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Julie Denison
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Geri Donenberg
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Elizabeth Kemigisha
- Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Peter Memiah
- Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Irene Njuguna
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ohemaa Poku
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University, 10032 New York, NY USA
| | - Sarah T. Roberts
- Women’s Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Aisa M. Shayo
- Department of Mental Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, KCMC Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Dorothy E. Dow
- Duke Global Health Institute, 27701 Durham, NC USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases division, Duke University Medical Center, KCMC Box 3010, Box 102346, 27701 Durham, NC USA
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Zhou Y, Tang K, Lu H, Chen H, Xie H, Li Z, Huang J, Fang N, Chen S, Wang H, He Q, Chen H, Liu X, Lan G, Zhu Q, Chen Y, Zhang X, Ruan Y, Liang S. Behavioral and emotional difficulties and HIV treatment outcomes among HIV-infected children in rural southwestern China. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:51. [PMID: 37072804 PMCID: PMC10114443 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00601-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have not clearly demonstrated the impact of behavioral and emotional problems (BEDs) on treatment outcomes among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to describe the prevalence of BEDs among this population and identify the factors associated with HIV treatment outcomes. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangxi, China, between July and August 2021. HIV-infected children answered questionnaires about BEDs, physical health, social support, and whether they have missed doses in the past month. BEDs were assessed using the Chinese version of the self-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-C). The self-reported survey data were linked to participants' HIV care information that was obtained from the national surveillance database. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors that were associated with missed doses in the past month and virological failure. RESULTS The study sample was 325 HIV-infected children. HIV-infected children had a higher proportion of abnormal scores on SDQ-C total difficulties compared to their peers in the general population (16.9 vs 10.0%; P = 0.002). An abnormal SDQ-C total difficulties score (AOR = 2.06, 95%CI: 1.10-3.88) and infrequency of receiving assistance and support from parents over the past 3 months (AOR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.12-3.06) were significantly associated with missed doses in the past month. Between the ages of 14-17 years (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.37-5.16), female (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.20-4.08), and suboptimal adherence (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.32-4.57) were significantly associated with virological failure. CONCLUSIONS Children's mental health plays a role in HIV treatment outcomes. Psychological interventions should be promoted in pediatric HIV care clinics to improve children's mental health status and HIV treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Kailing Tang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Hongyan Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Hongli Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Haomin Xie
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Zeyu Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Jinghua Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Ningye Fang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Siya Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Qin He
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Huanhuan Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Xiu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghua Lan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Qiuying Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China
| | - Xiangjun Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Yuhua Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China.
| | - Shujia Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Major Infectious Disease Prevention Control and Biosafety Emergency Response, Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530028, China.
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12
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Mwalabu G, Evans C, Redsell S, Petruka P, Mapulanga P. “We are experiencing pain on our own”: mental health care to prevail over impacts of cultural silence on HIV. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HEALTHCARE 2023. [DOI: 10.1108/ijhrh-08-2022-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Purpose
This qualitative case study aims to investigate how current services meet the emotional needs of young women growing up with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Young women (15–19 years old), caregivers and service providers were recruited through three multidisciplinary HIV management centres in Malawi.
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews were used to collect data for 14 “cases” (each “case” involved a young woman, a caregiver and a service provider, for a total of 42 participants). The interviews with adolescents were conducted using an innovative visual method known as the “my story” book.
Findings
Thematic analysis revealed that young women experienced traumatic experiences and emotional neglect after being diagnosed as HIV positive. Lack of adult support networks and social isolation were identified as intersecting factors contributing to their mental distress. According to the findings of this study, HIV care should more explicitly include comprehensive mental health-care services. This provision should include ongoing individualised counselling sessions, supplemented by communication skills training to help break the prevalent cultural silence on HIV issues. Young people living with HIV, in general, and young women, are more likely to experience mental health issues than their non-infected peers. Integrating comprehensive mental health evaluation and treatment into HIV care for young people can be beneficial.
Practical implications
Mental health issues are critical and underserved challenges among young people living with perinatally acquired HIV. Women experience a higher prevalence of mental challenges than men. Integrating comprehensive mental health evaluation and treatment into HIV care for young people can be beneficial. Therefore, interventions to assist young people with mental health issues are needed within the context of HIV management in Malawi.
Originality/value
Many studies on mental health and HIV/AIDS have been conducted. However, there is very little information as regards the emotional needs of young women growing up with perinatally acquired HIV. This study fills the void.
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Verma A, Kota KK, Bangar S, Rahane G, Yenbhar N, Sahay S. Emotional distress among adolescents living with perinatal HIV in India: examining predictors and their mediating and moderating effects. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:40. [PMID: 36922846 PMCID: PMC10018828 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00587-x] [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] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of emotional distress (ED) among adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV (ALPHIV) affects their adherence behaviour and social and psychological functioning. Data on stressors among ALPHIV demonstrates the gap on the predictors of ED experienced by 'perinatally infected ALHIV' in the Indian socio-cultural milieu. This study aimed to identify the predictors of ED and examine their mediating and moderating role in the development of ED among Indian ALPHIV. METHODS Utilizing the sequential exploratory mixed-methods design, 43 qualitative interviews were conducted with ALPHIV, parents/guardians, and health care providers, followed by the cross-sectional survey among 100 ALPHIV (10-19 years). The distress subscale of the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory was used to measure ED. Qualitative data, analyzed using grounded theory were utilized to develop a survey tool. Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of ED. Mediation and moderation models were tested to examine underlying mechanisms associated with ED. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. RESULTS Strong parental control, compulsive asexuality, perceived negatively different from peers, and anger toward parents were the major themes emerging from the qualitative component which eventually led to survey tool domains viz., HIV awareness, parental control, hypervigilance, adolescent-parent relationship, adolescent-parent communication, body image and perceived negatively different from peers (PNDP). Quantitative analysis indicated high ED among ALPHIV and ED was significantly associated with PNDP, anger, body image, and hypervigilance. The relationship between PNDP and ED was significantly mediated by anger, and moderated by body image and hypervigilance. CONCLUSIONS The study stresses the need for early mental health interventions for Indian ALPHIV before an ALPHIV develops ED. Focused counseling on anger assessment, body image issues, and self-perception is critical for leading a 'normal' life by ALPHIV. Besides, skill building of primary caregivers is recommended to draw a line between protection and overprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Verma
- Division of Social and Behavioral Research Sciences, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, 73, G-Block, MIDC, BIE, Pune, 411026, India.,Department of Anthropology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, India.,ICMR fellow, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Krishna Kiran Kota
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavior, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA.,Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, ICMR-NARI, Pune, India
| | - Sampada Bangar
- Division of Epidemiology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Girish Rahane
- Division of Social and Behavioral Research Sciences, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, 73, G-Block, MIDC, BIE, Pune, 411026, India
| | - Nayana Yenbhar
- Division of Social and Behavioral Research Sciences, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, 73, G-Block, MIDC, BIE, Pune, 411026, India
| | - Seema Sahay
- Division of Social and Behavioral Research Sciences, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, 73, G-Block, MIDC, BIE, Pune, 411026, India. .,Department of Anthropology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, India.
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Du X, Zhang Q, Hao J, Gong X, Liu J, Chen J. Global trends in depression among patients living with HIV: A bibliometric analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1125300. [PMID: 36968702 PMCID: PMC10036061 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1125300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related depression has seriously affected the quality of life and treatment outcomes of patients living with HIV (PLWH), which has become a hot topic in recent years. This study aims to discover the main keywords, predict frontier topics, and give meaningful suggestions for researchers by bibliometric analysis.MethodsPublications between 1999 and 2022 on depression in HIV/AIDS were searched in the Web of Science core collection. Microsoft Excel 2010 and VOSviewer were utilized to key contributors (e.g., authors, journals, institutions, and countries). VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the knowledge evolution, collaborative maps, hot topics, and keywords trends in this field.ResultsIn total, 8,190 publications were included in the final analysis. From 1999 to 2021, the number of published articles roughly presents a steadily increasing trend. The United States, South Africa, and the United Kingdom were three key contributing countries/regions to this field. University Calif San Francisco (United States), University Calif Los Angeles (United States), and Johns Hopkins University (United States) were three key contributing institutions. Safren, Steven A. was the most productive and highest cited author. AIDS Care was the top prolific journal. Antiretroviral therapy and adherence, men has sex with men, mental health, substance abuse, stigma, and Sub-Saharan Africa were the central topics regarding the depression-related research in HIV/AIDS.ConclusionThis bibliometric analysis reported the publication trend, major contributing countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals and mapped the knowledge network of depression-related research on HIV/AIDS. In this field, topics such as “adherence,” “mental health,” “substance abuse,” “stigma,” “men who have sex with men” and “South Africa” have attracted considerable attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Du
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Xiangya Hospital Department of Neurosurgery, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaqi Hao
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xilong Gong
- Department of Breast Disease, Henan Breast Cancer Center, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Liu,
| | - Jia Chen
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Jia Chen,
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Mengesha MM, Teshome A, Ajema D, Tura AK, Hallström IK, Jerene D. The association between HIV diagnosis disclosure and adherence to anti-retroviral therapy among adolescents living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285571. [PMID: 37167342 PMCID: PMC10174542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nine in ten of the world's 1.74 million adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (ALHIV) live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and poor viral suppression are important problems among adolescents. To guide intervention efforts in this regard, this review presented pooled estimates on the prevalence of adherence and how it is affected by disclosure of HIV status among ALHIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS A comprehensive search in major databases (Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), PubMed, Ovid/MEDLINE, HINARI, and Google Scholar) with additional hand searches for grey literature was conducted to locate observational epidemiologic studies published in English up to November 12, 2022 with the following inclusion criteria: primary studies that reported disclosure of HIV status as an exposure variable, had positive adherence to ART as an outcome, and conducted among adolescents and children. The COVIDENCE software was used for a title/abstract screening, full-text screening, the JBI quality assessment checklist, and data extraction. Random effects model was used to pool estimates. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were also conducted by age groups and type of adherence measures used. RESULTS This meta-analysis combines the effect estimates from 12 primary studies with 4422 participants. The prevalence of good adherence to ART was 73% (95% CI (confidence interval): 56 to 87; I2 = 98.63%, P = <0.001), and it was higher among adolescents who were aware of their HIV status, 77% (95% CI: 56 to 92; I2 = 98.34%, P = <0.001). Overall, knowledge of HIV status was associated with increased odds of adherence (odds ratio (OR) = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.94; I2 = 79.8%, P = <0.001). This was further supported in a subgroup analysis by age (seven studies, pooled OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.37; I2 = 81.3%, P = <0.0001) and whether primary studies controlled for confounding factors (six studies provided adjusted estimates, pooled OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.22 to 5.57; I2 = 88.1%, P = <0.001) confirmed this further. CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis and systematic review revealed that knowledge of one's HIV status was associated with adherence to ART, particularly among adolescents. The findings underscored the importance of encouraging disclosure in order to enhance adherence among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melkamu Merid Mengesha
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Awugchew Teshome
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Dessalegn Ajema
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Abera Kenay Tura
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Degu Jerene
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, Child and Family Health, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, Hague, The Netherlands
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Njau T, Ngakongwa F, Sunguya B, Kaaya S, Fekadu A. Development of a Psychological Intervention to Improve Depressive Symptoms and Enhance Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10122491. [PMID: 36554015 PMCID: PMC9778412 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Interventions that simultaneously target depression and antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication adherence are recommended for improving HIV treatment outcomes and quality of life for adolescents living with HIV. However, evidence is scarce on culturally feasible and acceptable interventions that can be implemented for HIV-positive adolescents in Tanzania. We, therefore, developed a manualized brief psychological intervention that utilizes evidence-based strategies to address depression and ART adherence in adolescents living with HIV in Tanzania. Methods: We used the Theory of Change Enhanced Medical Research Council framework (TOCMRC) for developing complex interventions in health care to develop the intervention in five phases. First, the literature was reviewed to identify potential intervention components. Second, we conducted a situational analysis using qualitative interviews with adolescents living with HIV, health care providers, and caregivers. Third, we conducted a mental health expert workshop; and fourth, theory of change workshops with representatives from the Ministry of Health, mental health professionals, HIV implementing partners, adolescents, and healthcare providers. Lastly, we synthesized results to finalize the intervention and a theory of change map showing the causal pathway for how we expect the developed intervention to achieve its impact. Results: Adolescents living with HIV in Tanzania experience several unmet mental health needs ranging from overwhelming depressive symptoms to not feeling understood by healthcare providers who lack mental health knowledge. Participants perceived psychological intervention that utilizes a task-shifting approach to be acceptable and beneficial to addressing those problems. The novel components of the NITUE intervention included incorporating evidence-based intervention components, namely, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and problem solving. In addition, caregiver inclusion in the treatment was essential to ensure access to care, compliance, and improved outcomes. Conclusions: A culturally appropriate brief psychological intervention that utilizes a task-shifting approach to address depression and medication adherence for adolescents living with HIV in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was developed. The intervention will be piloted for appropriateness, feasibility, and acceptability and will provide material for a future trial to determine its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasiana Njau
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West 11103, Dar es Salaam 65001, Tanzania
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +255-717547606
| | - Fileuka Ngakongwa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam 65000, Tanzania
| | - Bruno Sunguya
- Department of Community Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West 11103, Dar es Salaam 65001, Tanzania
| | - Sylvia Kaaya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West 11103, Dar es Salaam 65001, Tanzania
| | - Abebaw Fekadu
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia
- Department of Global Health & Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton BN1 9PX, UK
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Steinert JI, Shenderovich Y, Smith M, Zhou S, Toska E, Cluver L. Economic Well-being and Associated Mediating Pathways to Improved Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Adolescents Living With HIV: A Prospective Cohort Study in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 91:343-352. [PMID: 35969470 PMCID: PMC9592174 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents living with HIV exhibit lower levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) than other age groups. Poverty is a key barrier to ART adherence. This study aims at understanding how alleviating poverty through structural and internal pathways can help increase ART adherence among adolescents. SETTING Eastern Cape province, South Africa. METHODS One thousand forty-six adolescents living with HIV were recruited from 53 public health care facilities and interviewed at 3 data collection waves with a retention rate of 89% and a mortality rate of 3%. Data were collected by face-to-face, device-assisted interviews. Hybrid probit regressions and a structural equation path analysis were used to estimate the association between poverty reduction (increased access to basic necessities) and the pathways by which it could improve ART adherence. RESULTS Self-reported ART adherence ranged from an average of 66% (n = 615) at baseline to 75% (n = 700) in the last wave. Within-person and between-person improvements in economic well-being were associated with significant increases in adolescent ART adherence. On average, adolescents with access to 3 additional basic needs experienced a 4 percentage-point increase in the probability of ART adherence. Structural pathways to improved ART adherence included participants having enough money to travel to the clinic and sufficient food to eat when taking medication. Internal pathways included improved psychological well-being and reduced internalized HIV stigma. CONCLUSION Poverty reduction programs such as HIV-sensitive social protection can address structural and psychological pathways to increase ART adherence among economically disadvantaged adolescents by incentivizing demand-side interventions and the provision of quality essential services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Isabel Steinert
- TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yulia Shenderovich
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Smith
- United Nations World Food Programme, Nutrition Division, Rome, Italy
| | - Siyanai Zhou
- Centre for Social Science Research
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine; and
| | - Elona Toska
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Social Science Research
- Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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Mutumba M, Ssewamala F, Namirembe R, Sensoy Bahar O, Nabunya P, Neilands T, Tozan Y, Namuwonge F, Nattabi J, Acayo Laker P, Mukasa B, Mwebembezi A. A Multilevel Integrated Intervention to Reduce the Impact of HIV Stigma on HIV Treatment Outcomes Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Uganda: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e40101. [PMID: 36197706 PMCID: PMC9582915 DOI: 10.2196/40101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV stigma remains a formidable barrier to HIV treatment adherence among school-attending adolescents living with HIV, owing to high levels of HIV stigma within schools, rigid school structures and routines, lack of adherence support, and food insecurity. Thus, this protocol paper presents an evidence-informed multilevel intervention that will simultaneously address family- and school-related barriers to HIV treatment adherence and care engagement among adolescents living with HIV attending boarding schools in Uganda. OBJECTIVE The proposed intervention-Multilevel Suubi (MSuubi)-has the following objectives: examine the impact of M-Suubi on HIV viral suppression (primary outcome) and adherence to HIV treatment, including keeping appointments, pharmacy refills, pill counts, and retention in care; examine the effect of M-Suubi on HIV stigma (internalized, anticipated, and enacted), with secondary analyses to explore hypothesized mechanisms of change (eg, depression) and intervention mediation; assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of each intervention condition; and qualitatively examine participants' experiences with HIV stigma, HIV treatment adherence, and intervention and educators' attitudes toward adolescents living with HIV and experiences with group-based HIV stigma reduction for educators, and program or policy implementation after training. METHODS MSuubi is a 5-year multilevel mixed methods randomized controlled trial targeting adolescents living with HIV aged 10 to 17 years enrolled in a primary or secondary school with a boarding section. This longitudinal study will use a 3-arm cluster randomized design across 42 HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda. Participants will be randomized at the clinic level to 1 of the 3 study conditions (n=14 schools; n=280 students per study arm). These include the bolstered usual care (consisting of the literature on antiretroviral therapy adherence promotion and stigma reduction), multiple family groups for HIV stigma reduction plus family economic empowerment (MFG-HIVSR plus FEE), and Group-based HIV stigma reduction for educators (GED-HIVSR). Adolescents randomized to the GED-HIVSR treatment arm will also receive the MFG-HIVSR plus FEE treatment. MSuubi will be provided for 20 months, with assessments at baseline and 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS This study was funded in September 2021. Participant screening and recruitment began in April 2022, with 158 dyads enrolled as of May 2022. Dissemination of the main study findings is anticipated in 2025. CONCLUSIONS MSuubi will assess the effects of a combined intervention (family-based economic empowerment, financial literacy education, and school-based HIV stigma) on HIV stigma among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. The results will expand our understanding of effective intervention strategies for reducing stigma among HIV-infected and noninfected populations in Uganda and improving HIV treatment outcomes among adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05307250; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05307250. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/40101.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massy Mutumba
- Department of Health Behavior & Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Fred Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Rashida Namirembe
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Torsten Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yesim Tozan
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Nattabi
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Penina Acayo Laker
- Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
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19
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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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20
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Orth Z, Van Wyk B. Rethinking mental health wellness among adolescents living with HIV in the African context: An integrative review of mental wellness components. Front Psychol 2022; 13:955869. [PMID: 36204730 PMCID: PMC9530459 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.955869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are considered to be at heightened risk for developing mental health problems in comparison to their peers due to the burden of living with a stigmatized condition and managing a chronic condition. Poorer mental health outcomes among ALHIV are associated with lower rates of adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART). It is necessary to improve mental wellness among ALHIV as this acts as a buffer against developing mental health problems which, if left untreated can evolve into mental health disorders. Research on mental wellness concepts among ALHIV is underdeveloped which is associated with a lack of appropriate measures of mental wellness. We conducted an integrative review to conceptualize mental wellness and consider the critical components for measuring mental wellness in ALHIV. Method An integrative review of published literature focusing on mental wellness of ALHIV in the African context was conducted. The process was guided by the PRISMA operational steps. As part of our problem identification phase, we drew on findings from a previous systematic review of mental wellness instruments and a qualitative photovoice study on exploring the experiences of ALHIV, to develop an initial framework of 13 mental wellness concepts and behaviors which informed the search strategy. Results The review included 17 articles from which we identified six mental wellness concepts: Connectedness, Sense of Coherence (SOC), Self-esteem, Self-acceptance, Hope for the Future and Spirituality as well as six behaviors facilitating mental wellness: Coping, Resilience, Purpose in Life (goals), Self-efficacy, Adherence Self-efficacy, and Leisure Activities. All of these concepts and behaviors have been noted in our previous research (systematic review and qualitative work), with the exception of adherence self-efficacy. Based on the findings from this review and our previous work, we adapted the Salutogenic Model of Health developed by Antonovsky in 1987, to propose a Salutogenic Model of Mental Wellness (SMoMW) for ALHIV in the African context. This SMoMW may be used to develop an age and culturally appropriate measure of mental wellness for ALHIV. Conclusion The findings from this review used to conceptualize mental wellness among ALHIV which can be used to develop a measurement of mental wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaida Orth
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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21
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Crowley T, van der Merwe AS, Esterhuizen T, Skinner D. Resilience of adolescents living with HIV in the Cape Metropole of the Western Cape. AIDS Care 2022; 34:1103-1110. [PMID: 34378464 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1961115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Resilience shapes the experiences of adolescents living with HIV (ALWH), enabling them to come to terms with their diagnosis, have hope for the future and maintain meaningful relationships. Yet, little is known about contextual factors associated with resilience resources in South Africa. We aimed to describe individual, relational and community resilience resources, and identify contextual factors associated with resilience. We recruited 385 adolescents, aged 13-18, over a period of 5 months from 11 different public health HIV clinics. The Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-12) was used to measure resilience resources. Data on demographic variables, psychological attributes, and environmental factors such as HIV-related stigma and stressful life events were collected. ALWH lacked resilience in some aspects of the individual, relational and community domains. For every one-unit increase in the HIV-related stigma and stressful life events scores, resilience decreased by 0.29 (p = 0.01) and 0.37 (p = 0.04) units, respectively. Higher levels of resilience were associated with being virally suppressed (Mann-Whitney U, p = 0.028) although this association was no longer present in the regression model. Efforts to improve resilience amongst ALWH should be focused on fostering individual coping skills, interconnectedness, and positive relationships, to mitigate adverse environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talitha Crowley
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anita S van der Merwe
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tonya Esterhuizen
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Donald Skinner
- Department of Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Byansi W, Ssewamala FM, Neilands TB, Bahar OS, Nabunya P, Namuwonge F, McKay MM. The Short-Term Impact of a Combination Intervention on Depressive Symptoms Among School-Going Adolescent Girls in Southwestern Uganda: The Suubi4Her Cluster Randomized Trial. J Adolesc Health 2022; 71:301-307. [PMID: 35660128 PMCID: PMC9771640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to examine the short-term impact of a combined intervention consisting of evidence-based family economic empowerment (FEE) and multiple family group (MFG) interventions on depressive symptoms among school-going adolescent girls in southwestern Uganda. METHODS We analyzed longitudinal data from a cluster randomized trial. The sample consisted of 1,260 adolescent girls (aged 14-17 years at enrollment) recruited from senior one and senior two classes across 47 secondary schools in the southwestern region of Uganda. Participants were randomized at the school level to either the control condition receiving bolstered standard of care or one of the two treatment conditions-the treatment one condition receiving the FEE intervention or the treatment two conditions receiving both the FEE plus MFG interventions. Descriptive statistics and a three-level mixed-effects model were conducted to examine the effect of a combination intervention on depressive symptoms. RESULTS At baseline, there were no significant differences between the control condition and both treatment conditions. While all three groups experienced a substantial reduction in depressive symptoms from baseline to 12 months, the reductions were stronger for the two intervention groups. However, FEE + MFG was not significantly different from FEE at 12 months. DISCUSSION Results imply that the FEE intervention may be a promising tool in addressing depressive symptoms among adolescent girls. Therefore, to reduce the long-term implications of adverse psychosocial health during adolescence, policymakers and program implementers should explore scaling up economic empowerment interventions in similar settings to bridge the mental health treatment gap for adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Byansi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Mary M. McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Chem ED, Ferry A, Seeley J, Weiss HA, Simms V. Health-related needs reported by adolescents living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic literature review. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25921. [PMID: 35983685 PMCID: PMC9389275 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have specific health needs that can be challenging to deliver. Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to 84% of the global population of ALHIV, of whom about 59% receive ART. Several studies in SSA have demonstrated health service gaps due to lack of synchronized healthcare for ALHIV receiving ART. We conducted a systematic review of health‐related needs among ALHIV on ART in SSA to inform decisions and policies on care. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane library and grey literature for studies reporting health‐related needs among ALHIV receiving ART in SSA, between January 2003 and May 2020. Results and discussion Of the 2333 potentially eligible articles identified, 32 were eligible. Eligible studies were published between 2008 and 2019, in 11 countries: Zambia (7), Uganda (6), Tanzania (4), South Africa (4), Kenya (3), Ghana (2), Zimbabwe (2), Rwanda (1), Malawi (1), Botswana (1) and Democratic Republic of Congo (1). Seven categories of health needs among ALHIV were identified. In descending order of occurrence, these were: psychosocial needs (stigma reduction, disclosure and privacy support, and difficulty accepting diagnosis); dependency of care (need for family and provider support, and desire for autonomy); self‐management needs (desire for better coping strategies, medication adherence support and reduced ART side effects); non‐responsive health services (non‐adolescent friendly facility services and non‐compatible school system); need for food, financial and material support; inadequate information about HIV (desire for more knowledge to fight misinformation and misconception); and developmental and growth needs (desire to experience sex, parenthood and love). Ecological analysis identified different priority needs between ALHIV, their caregivers and healthcare providers, including psychosocial needs, financial challenges and non‐responsive health services, respectively. Conclusions To respond effectively to the health needs of ALHIV and improve ART adherence, interventions should focus on stigma reduction, disclosure challenges and innovative coping mechanisms for ART. Interventions that address the health needs of ALHIV from the perspective of carers and providers, such as financial support schemes and adolescent‐friendly healthcare strategies, should supplement efforts to improve adolescent ART adherence outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis D Chem
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Helen A Weiss
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Victoria Simms
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Collier S, Singh R, Semeere A, Byakwaga H, Laker‐Oketta M, McMahon DE, Chemtai L, Grant M, Butler L, Bogart L, Bassett IV, Kiprono S, Maurer T, Martin J, Busakhala N, Freeman EE. Telling the story of intersectional stigma in HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in western Kenya: a convergent mixed-methods approach. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 1:e25918. [PMID: 35818882 PMCID: PMC9274375 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The experience of stigma can be multifaceted for people with HIV and cancer. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), one of the most common HIV-associated cancers in sub-Saharan Africa, often presents with visible skin lesions that may put people at risk for stigmatization. In this way, HIV-associated KS is unique, as people with KS can experience stigma associated with HIV, cancer, and skin disease simultaneously. The aim of this study is to characterize the intersectionality of HIV-related, cancer-related and skin disease-related stigma in people living with HIV and KS. METHODS We used a convergent mixed-methods approach nested within a longitudinal study of people with HIV-associated KS in western Kenya. Between February 2019 and December 2020, we collected quantitative surveys among all participants and conducted semi-structured interviews among a purposive sample of participants. Quantitative surveys were adapted from the abridged Berger HIV Stigma Scale to assess overall stigma, HIV-related stigma, cancer-related stigma, and skin disease-related stigma. Qualitative data were coded using stigma constructs from the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework. RESULTS In 88 semi-structured interviews, stigma was a major barrier to KS diagnosis and treatment among people with HIV-associated KS. Participant's stories of stigma were dominated by HIV-related stigma, more than cancer-related or skin disease-related stigma. However, quantitative stigma scores among the 117 participants were similar for HIV-related (Median: 28.00; IQR: 28.0, 34.0), cancer-related (Median: 28.0; IQR: 28.0, 34.8), and skin disease-related stigma (Median: 28.0; IQR: 27.0, 34.0). In semi-structured interviews, cancer-related and skin disease-related stigma were more subtle contributors; cancer-related stigma was linked to fatalism and skin-related stigma was linked to visible disease. Participants reported resolution of skin lesions contributed to lessening stigma over time; there was a significant decline in quantitative scores of overall stigma in time since KS diagnosis (adjusted β = -0.15, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the role mixed-method approaches can play in better understanding stigma in people living with both HIV and cancer. While HIV-related stigma may dominate perceptions of stigma among people with KS in Kenya, intersectional experiences of stigma may be subtle, and quantitative evaluation alone may be insufficient to understand intersectional stigma in certain contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Collier
- Division of DermatologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Rhea Singh
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVirginiaUSA
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- Infectious Disease InstituteMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Helen Byakwaga
- Infectious Disease InstituteMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | | | - Devon E. McMahon
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Linda Chemtai
- Academic Model Providing Access to HealthcareEldoretKenya
| | - Merridy Grant
- Centre for Rural HealthUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lisa Butler
- Institute for Collaboration on HealthIntervention and PolicyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticutUSA
| | | | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Samson Kiprono
- Academic Model Providing Access to HealthcareEldoretKenya
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of MedicineCollege of Health SciencesMoi UniversityEldoretKenya
| | - Toby Maurer
- Department of DermatologyIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Jeffrey Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Naftali Busakhala
- Academic Model Providing Access to HealthcareEldoretKenya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of MedicineCollege of Health SciencesMoi UniversityEldoretKenya
| | - Esther E. Freeman
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Nshimirimana C, Ndayizeye A, Smekens T, Vuylsteke B. Loss to follow-up of patients in HIV care in Burundi: A retrospective cohort study. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:574-582. [PMID: 35411666 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess the loss to follow-up (LTFU) rates and associated factors amongst patients in HIV care in Burundi. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study in HIV-positive patients aged ≥15 years who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) between January 2015 and July 2020, with 31 December 2020 as the end point. The outcome of LTFU was defined as failure of a patient to report for drug refill within 90 days from the last appointment. Study data were extracted from the national AIDS Info database. The LTFU proportion was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test, whereas LTFU risk factors were explored using the Cox regression model. RESULTS A total of 29,829 patients on ART were included in the analysis. Cumulative incidence of LTFU was 2.3% at 12 months, 6.5% at 24 months, 12.7% at 36 months, 19.0% at 48 months, 24.1% at 60 months and 25.3% at 72 months. The overall LTFU incidence rate was 11.2 per 100 person-years of observation. The risk of LTFU was higher amongst patients who started ART after 2016 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-1.85) or within 7 days after diagnosis (aHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.21-1.35). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the relatively high incidence of LTFU in the Burundi HIV programme. Interventions targeting patients with risk factors for LTFU are particularly necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aimé Ndayizeye
- HIV/STIs Burundi National Program, Ministry of Public Health, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Tom Smekens
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Dow DE, O'Donnell KE, Mkumba L, Gallis JA, Turner EL, Boshe J, Shayo AM, Cunningham CK, Mmbaga BT. Sauti ya Vijana (SYV; The Voice of Youth): Longitudinal Outcomes of an Individually Randomized Group Treatment Pilot Trial for Young People Living with HIV in Tanzania. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2015-2025. [PMID: 35067831 PMCID: PMC8784208 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03550-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sauti ya Vijana is a mental health and life skills intervention delivered by young adult group leaders for the improvement of HIV outcomes in young people living with HIV in Tanzania. This pilot randomized controlled trial estimated exploratory intervention effectiveness compared to standard of care. YPLWH (N = 105) were randomized to receive intervention or SOC. The mean age of participants was 18.1 years and 53% were female. Mean scores on mental health measures (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9], Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ], UCLA Trauma) were asymptomatic to mild in both study arms through 30-month follow-up with a non-significant fluctuation of 1-2 points. The mean self-reported adherence was higher in the intervention arm across all time points (but the confidence interval contained the null at all time points except 6 months). Risk ratio of virologic suppression (HIV RNA < 400 copies/mL) in the intervention arm compared to SOC was 1.15 [95% CI = 0.95, 1.39]) at 6-months, 1.17 [95% CI: 0.92, 1.48] at 12-months, and 0.99 [95% CI 0.76, 1.31] at 18-months. Though these findings were not powered for statistical significance, the trends in HIV outcomes suggest that SYV holds promise for improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and virologic suppression in YPLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy E Dow
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Global Health Institute, Box 3499, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Karen E O'Donnell
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Child and Family Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Laura Mkumba
- Family Health International 360, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John A Gallis
- Duke Global Health Institute, Box 3499, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Turner
- Duke Global Health Institute, Box 3499, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Judith Boshe
- Department of Psychiatry, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Aisa M Shayo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Coleen K Cunningham
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Box 3499, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Box 3499, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
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Webb EL, Dietrich JJ, Ssemata AS, Nematadzira TG, Hornschuh S, Kakande A, Tshabalala G, Muhumuza R, Mutonyi G, Atujuna M, Bere T, Bekker LG, Abas MA, Weiss HA, Seeley J, Stranix-Chibanda L, Fox J. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress and associations with sexual behaviour and PrEP preferences among young people in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:466. [PMID: 35578175 PMCID: PMC9109411 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07430-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not known whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases HIV-risk behaviours among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed associations of PTSD symptoms with sexual behaviour, HIV risk perception, and attitudes towards PrEP among young people taking part in the CHAPS community survey. We hypothesised that PTSD symptoms would increase sexual behaviours associated with HIV risk, hinder PrEP uptake and influence preference for daily versus on-demand PrEP. METHODS Young people without HIV, aged 13-24 years, were purposively recruited in Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Wakiso in Uganda, and Chitungwiza in Zimbabwe, and surveyed on socio-demographic characteristics, PrEP knowledge and attitudes, sexual behaviour, HIV perception and salience, and mental health. PTSD symptoms were measured using the Primary Care PTSD Screen for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (PC-PTSD-5). Logistic and ordinal logistic regression was used to assess associations between PC-PTSD-5 score and socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, HIV risk perception, PrEP attitudes, and substance use, adjusting for age, sex, setting, depression and anxiety. RESULTS Of 1330 young people (51% male, median age 19 years), 522 (39%) reported at least one PTSD symptom. There was strong evidence that having a higher PC-PTSD-5 score was associated with reported forced sex (OR 3.18, 95%CI: 2.05-4.93), self-perception as a person who takes risks (OR 1.12, 95%CI: 1.04-1.20), and increased frequency of thinking about risk of HIV acquisition (OR 1.16, 95%CI: 1.08-1.25). PTSD symptoms were not associated with willingness to take PrEP, preference for on-demand versus daily PrEP, or actual HIV risk behaviour such as condomless sex. CONCLUSIONS Symptoms consistent with probable PTSD were common among young people in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe but did not impact PrEP attitudes or PrEP preferences. Evaluation for PTSD might form part of a general assessment in sexual and reproductive health services in these countries. More work is needed to understand the impact of PTSD on HIV-risk behaviour, forced sex and response to preventive strategies including PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Webb
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK.
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa
- African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Stefanie Hornschuh
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ayoub Kakande
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gugulethu Tshabalala
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Millicent Atujuna
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tarisai Bere
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melanie A Abas
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Helen A Weiss
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lynda Stranix-Chibanda
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Child and Adolescent Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Kip EC, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Go VF, Gaynes BN. Stigma and mental health challenges among adolescents living with HIV in selected adolescent-specific antiretroviral therapy clinics in Zomba District, Malawi. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:253. [PMID: 35524228 PMCID: PMC9077887 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03292-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of the 1.8 million adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 living with HIV globally in 2020; approximately 1.5 million of these live in sub-Saharan Africa. These adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems than those without; in Malawi, 18.9% have a depressive disorder. ALHIV can face numerous psychosocial challenges, but little is known about how ALHIV in Malawi perceive these stressors. Understanding psychosocial challenges of ALHIV is a key step in ensuring good mental health care. The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial challenges faced by ALHIV attending adolescent-specific ART program in Zomba, Malawi. METHODS Between April and May 2019, we engaged a purposive sample of ALHIV ages 12-18 (n = 80) in a series of eight focus groups drawing from four Teen Clubs linked to an adolescent-specific ART program. Data were analyzed inductively and deductively to identify themes related to ALHIV psychosocial experiences. RESULTS Two themes that emerged from the study include: 1) stigma and discrimination within communities and families; 2) non-adherence to medications. HIV-related stigma was associated with increased psychological distress; physical and emotional/verbal abuse; low social support, isolation, and a feeling of rejection; and risky health behaviors such as medication hiding and non-adherence to ART. Discriminatory actions were manifested in a form of being given separate utensils for their meals and mistreatment at school. Furthermore, some parents did not allow their children to play with the participants out of fear that HIV transmission. CONCLUSIONS Stigma and discrimination are overlooked potential barriers to HIV treatment and care. If HIV services are to effectively meet ALHIVs' needs, mental health interventions are needed to prevent and manage depression and improve adherence to ART. These findings highlight the crucial need to develop culturally relevant mental interventions aimed at helping ALHIV to cope with these diverse challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther C Kip
- Malawi College of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi.
| | - Michael Udedi
- Malawi Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 30377, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Malawi College of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Vivian F Go
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
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Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Negative Outcomes of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders among HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents in Uganda: CHAKA Study 2014-2017. PSYCHIATRY JOURNAL 2022; 2022:8975704. [PMID: 35572346 PMCID: PMC9098297 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8975704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Children and adolescents infected with HIV/AIDS (CA-HIV) experience a considerable burden of depressive and anxiety disorders that have a tendency to persist into adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and their clinical correlates among children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS (CA-HIV) in Uganda. Methods. A random sample of 1339 CA-HIV (ages 5-18 years) and their caregivers completed a standardized DSM-5-referenced psychiatric rating scale, the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5). The prevalence of “anxiety and depression” was estimated at 95% confidence intervals. Logistic and ordinal regression models were fitted for the clinical correlates and clinical outcomes. Results. The overall prevalence of “any anxiety and depressive disorders” was 13.7% at 95% CI (based upon the symptom count criteria); 4.0% (95% CI) met the clinical psychiatric disorder criteria (both symptom count and functional impairment criteria). Anxiety disorder was more prevalent (9%, 95% CI) than depression (6.4%, 95% CI). Correlates of “anxiety and depressive disorders” included age of the child, caregiver’ psychological distress, caregivers’ age, child-caregiver relationship, and child’s current CD4 count (aOR1.00, 95% CI 1.02–1.05;
). Anxiety disorders (aOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.16-5.42;
) and depressive disorders (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.93–6.52;
) were also associated with hospital admissions. Limitations. Analyses were cross-sectional; we cannot comment on the causal directions. The results are entirely based upon caregiver’ reports. Conclusions. There is an urgent need to integrate mental health services into routine HIV care for CA-HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Donenberg GR, Fitts J, Ingabire C, Nsanzimana S, Fabri M, Emerson E, Remera E, Manzi O, Bray B, Cohen MH. Results of the Kigali Imbereheza Project: A 2-Arm Individually Randomized Trial of TI-CBT Enhanced to Address ART Adherence and Mental Health for Rwandan Youth Living With HIV. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:69-78. [PMID: 35013089 PMCID: PMC8986574 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents living with HIV have elevated mental distress and suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. SETTING Two urban clinics in Kigali, Rwanda. METHODS A 2-arm individual randomized controlled trial compared Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy enhanced to address HIV (TI-CBTe) with usual care (time-matched, long-standing, unstructured support groups) with 356 12- to 21-year-old (M = 16.78) Rwandans living with HIV. TI-CBTe included 6 group-based 2-hour sessions led by trained and supervised 21- to 25-year-old Rwandans living with HIV. Participants reported their ART adherence, depression/anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. RESULTS ART adherence was relatively high at baseline, and youth reported elevated rates of depression/anxiety and trauma symptoms. There were no differential treatment effects on adherence, but depression/anxiety improved over time. Youth with lower depression/anxiety at baseline seemed to benefit more from TI-CBTe than usual care, whereas women with high baseline distress seemed to benefit more from usual care. Youth were less likely to score in high Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptom categories at the follow-up, with no differential treatment effects. CONCLUSIONS TI-CBTe did not outperform usual care on ART adherence, possibly reflecting relatively high adherence at baseline, simplified medication regimens over time, a strong comparison condition, or because youth assigned to TI-CBTe returned to their support groups after the intervention. TI-CBTe was more effective for youth with lower depression/anxiety symptoms, whereas youth with high distress benefitted more from the support groups. TI-CBTe was feasible and acceptable, and young adults living with HIV were able to deliver a mental health intervention with fidelity. The powerful nature of the comparison group, ongoing support groups, points to the potential value of locally crafted interventions in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geri R. Donenberg
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Jessica Fitts
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | | | | | - Mary Fabri
- Women’s Equity in Access to Care and Treatment (WE-ACTx), San Francisco, California, US
| | - Erin Emerson
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | | | - Olivier Manzi
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), Department of Medicine, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Bethany Bray
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Mardge H. Cohen
- Women’s Equity in Access to Care and Treatment (WE-ACTx), San Francisco, California, US
- Department of Medicine, Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago IL USA
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Di Gennaro F, Marotta C, Ramirez L, Cardoso H, Alamo C, Cinturao V, Bavaro DF, Mahotas DC, Lazzari M, Fernando C, Chimundi N, Atzori A, Chaguruca I, Tognon F, Guambe Dos Anjos H, De Meneghi G, Tribie M, Del Greco F, Namarime E, Occa E, Putoto G, Pozniak A, Saracino A. High Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders in Adolescents and Youth Living with HIV: An Observational Study from Eight Health Services in Sofala Province, Mozambique. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:123-129. [PMID: 35438520 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2022.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent mental health (MH) is a significant global health concern, which is extremely relevant when referring to adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYHIV). In Mozambique, ∼52% of the population is <18 years and the country has the world's eighth highest HIV prevalence (insert citation). We performed an observational study to evaluate anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol-drug abuse in adolescents and youth assessing health services in Sofala Province, Mozambique. From November 20, 2019, to November 20, 2021, all adolescents and youth (10-24 years) accessing one of the psychological services offered at 8 Servicios Amigos dos Adolescentes (SAAJ) of the Sofala Province were screened by a psychologist using the following standardized tools: Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) for PTSD, and Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener Adapted to Include Drugs (CAGE-AID) for alcohol-drug abuse. Overall, 2108 adolescents and youth were included in the study (63% female, median age: 19 years). Of them, 1096 (52%) were HIV positive. AYHIV had higher scores at the four tools tested and for concomitant MH disorders (GAD-7, PHQ-9, PTSD-5, and CAGE). The multivariable logistic regressions showed a greater probability to be GAD-7 > 10 for women, [adjusting odds ratio (AOR): 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.10], for workers (AOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.12-4.23) and people living with HIV (AOR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.25-2.54). Higher values of CAGE (≥2) and PTSD (≥3) seemed to be associated only with HIV-positive status (AOR: 4.87, 95% CI: 3.72-6.38 and AOR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.28-237). These data further reinforce the urgent need for a global health policy action with focused intervention on MH in AYHIV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Gennaro
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Beira, Mozambique
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Davide Fiore Bavaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesca Tognon
- Operational Research Unit, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Giovanni Putoto
- Operational Research Unit, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Padua, Italy
| | - Anton Pozniak
- Department of HIV Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Saracino
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Beira, Mozambique
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Roberts KJ, Smith C, Cluver L, Toska E, Zhou S, Boyes M, Sherr L. Adolescent Motherhood and HIV in South Africa: Examining Prevalence of Common Mental Disorder. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1197-1210. [PMID: 34570313 PMCID: PMC8940800 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03474-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The mental health of adolescents (10–19 years) remains an overlooked global health issue, particularly within the context of syndemic conditions such as HIV and pregnancy. Rates of pregnancy and HIV among adolescents within South Africa are some of the highest in the world. Experiencing pregnancy and living with HIV during adolescence have both been found to be associated with poor mental health within separate explorations. Yet, examinations of mental health among adolescents living with HIV who have experienced pregnancy/parenthood remain absent from the literature. As such, there exists no evidence-based policy or programming relating to mental health for this group. These analyses aim to identify the prevalence of probable common mental disorder among adolescent mothers and, among adolescents experiencing the syndemic of motherhood and HIV. Analyses utilise data from interviews undertaken with 723 female adolescents drawn from a prospective longitudinal cohort study of adolescents living with HIV (n = 1059) and a comparison group of adolescents without HIV (n = 467) undertaken within the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Detailed study questionnaires included validated and study specific measures relating to HIV, adolescent motherhood, and mental health. Four self-reported measures of mental health (depressive, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and suicidality symptomology) were used to explore the concept of likely common mental disorder and mental health comorbidities (experiencing two or more common mental disorders concurrently). Chi-square tests (Fisher’s exact test, where appropriate) and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to assess differences in sample characteristics (inclusive of mental health status) according to HIV status and motherhood status. Logistic regression models were used to explore the cross-sectional associations between combined motherhood and HIV status and, likely common mental disorder/mental health comorbidities. 70.5% of participants were living with HIV and 15.2% were mothers. 8.4% were mothers living with HIV. A tenth (10.9%) of the sample were classified as reporting a probable common mental disorder and 2.8% as experiencing likely mental health comorbidities. Three core findings emerge: (1) poor mental health was elevated among adolescent mothers compared to never pregnant adolescents (measures of likely common mental disorder, mental health comorbidities, depressive, anxiety and suicidality symptoms), (2) prevalence of probable common mental disorder was highest among mothers living with HIV (23.0%) compared to other groups (Range:8.5–12.8%; Χ2 = 12.54, p = 0.006) and, (3) prevalence of probable mental health comorbidities was higher among mothers, regardless of HIV status (HIV & motherhood = 8.2%, No HIV & motherhood = 8.2%, Χ2 = 14.5, p = 0.002). Results identify higher mental health burden among adolescent mothers compared to never-pregnant adolescents, an increased prevalence of mental health burden among adolescent mothers living with HIV compared to other groups, and an elevated prevalence of mental health comorbidities among adolescent mothers irrespective of HIV status. These findings address a critical evidence gap, highlighting the commonality of mental health burden within the context of adolescent motherhood and HIV within South Africa as well as the urgent need for support and further research to ensure effective evidence-based programming is made available for this group. Existing antenatal, postnatal, and HIV care may provide an opportunity for mental health screening, monitoring, and referral.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colette Smith
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - 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
| | - 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
- Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Siyanai Zhou
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Boyes
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, Australia
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Cherenack EM, Sikkema KJ. Puberty- and Menstruation-Related Stressors Are Associated with Depression, Anxiety, and Reproductive Tract Infection Symptoms Among Adolescent Girls in Tanzania. Int J Behav Med 2022; 29:160-174. [PMID: 34195917 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10005-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Puberty and menstruation are significant stressors for adolescent girls and young women in low-resource settings in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about the impact of these stressors on girls' mental health and reproductive health. METHODS In 2018, a cross-sectional self-report survey was conducted with 581 adolescent girls and young women between 13 to 21 years old who had reached menarche and were attending secondary school in Moshi, Tanzania. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships of puberty-related stressors and menstruation-related stressors (menstrual deficits, movement/activity difficulties, and menstrual symptoms) to depression, anxiety, and the likelihood of reporting reproductive tract infection (RTI) symptoms. RESULTS Puberty-specific stressors, menstrual symptoms, and menstrual deficits were associated with depression and anxiety. Movement/activity difficulties were associated with anxiety. Increases in menstrual symptoms, menstrual deficits, puberty stressors, and depression were associated with an increased likelihood of reporting a lifetime RTI. However, the relationship of puberty stressors and depression with RTIs was no longer significant in two of three models after correcting for Type I error. CONCLUSIONS Overall, puberty- and menstruation-related stressors were associated with mental health and symptoms of reproductive tract infections. This suggests there is an important relationship between stressors specific to adolescent girls and young women during puberty, mental health, and reproductive health. There is a need for adolescent-tailored interventions to reduce the negative impact of stressors among girls transitioning through puberty in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Cherenack
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 417 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
| | - Kathleen J Sikkema
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 417 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Merrill KG, Campbell JC, Kennedy CE, Burke VM, Miti S, Frimpong C, Decker MR, Abrams EA, Mwansa JK, Denison JA. 'So hurt and broken': A qualitative study of experiences of violence and HIV outcomes among Zambian youth living with HIV. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:444-456. [PMID: 33428559 PMCID: PMC8272734 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1864749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging data show associations between violence victimisation and negative HIV outcomes among youth in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted in-depth interviews with adolescents and young adults living with HIV (aged 15-24 years) in Ndola, Zambia, to better understand this relationship. We purposively selected 41 youth (24 females, 17 males) with varied experiences of violence and virologic results. Analysis used thematic coding. Two-thirds of participants said violence affected their medication adherence, clinic attendance, and/or virologic results. They focused on the negative effects of psychological abuse from family members in homes and peers at schools, which were the most salient forms of violence raised, and sexual violence against females. In contrast, they typically depicted physical violence from caregivers and teachers as a standard discipline practice, with few impacts. Youth wanted HIV clinic settings to address verbal abuse and emotional maltreatment, alongside physical and sexual violence, including through peer mentoring. Violence - especially verbal and emotional forms - must be recognised as a potential barrier to HIV self-management among youth living with HIV in the region. Further testing of clinic, home, and school-based interventions may be critical to reducing levels of violence and improving HIV outcomes in this vulnerable but resilient population.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04115813.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine G. Merrill
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacquelyn C. Campbell
- Department of Community-Public Health, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Caitlin E. Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Virginia M. Burke
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sam Miti
- Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - Michele R. Decker
- Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Abrams
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Julie A. Denison
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Duncan-Park S, Danziger-Isakov L, Armstrong B, Williams N, Odim J, Shemesh E, Sweet S, Annunziato R. Posttraumatic stress and medication adherence in pediatric transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:937-946. [PMID: 34837457 PMCID: PMC8897237 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent transplant recipients may encounter a range of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) pre- and posttransplant, yet little is known about the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and medication adherence in this population. In the present study, adolescent recipients and caregivers completed psychosocial questionnaires at enrollment. Outpatient tacrolimus trough level data were collected over 1 year to calculate the Medication Level Variability Index (MLVI), a measure of medication adherence. Nonadherence (MLVI ≥2) was identified in 34.8% of patients, and most (80.7%) reported ≥1 PTE exposure. Levels of PTSS indicating likely posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were endorsed by 9.2% of patients and 43.7% of caregivers. PTSS and MLVI were significantly correlated in the liver subgroup (r = .30, p = .04). Hierarchical multivariable linear regression analyses revealed overall patient PTSS were significantly associated with QoL (p < .001). PTEs are common in adolescent recipients; a minority may meet criteria for PTSD. PTSS screening to identify nonadherence risk requires further investigation and addressing PTSS may improve QoL. Caregivers appear at greater risk for PTSD and may require their own supports. The study was approved by each participating center's Institutional Review Board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Duncan-Park
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, NY
- Fordham University, Bronx, NY
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rachel Annunziato
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, NY
- Fordham University, Bronx, NY
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36
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Hosaka KR, Mmbaga BT, Shayo AM, Gallis JA, Turner EL, O’Donnell KE, Cunningham CK, Boshe J, Dow DE. A group-based mental health intervention for Tanzanian youth living with HIV: Secondary analysis of a pilot trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28693. [PMID: 35363163 PMCID: PMC9282032 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth living with human immunodeficiency virus (YLWH) are vulnerable to incomplete adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the context of stigma, decreased hope for future, and mental health challenges. Despite these challenges, few mental health interventions have been developed to support YLWH. Previous randomized results from the Sauti ya Vijana (SYV; "The Voice of Youth") mental health intervention were indicative of the intervention's benefits in promoting virologic suppression. METHODS SYV is a group-based mental health and life skills intervention (pilot, individually randomized group treatment trial) developed alongside YLWH. SYV was comprised of 10, 90-minute sessions based on evidence-based treatment models designed to improve coping, social support, and hope for future as a pathway to improved adherence and virologic suppression. At baseline, YLWH 12 to 24 years of age were randomized to SYV or standard of care. Participants included in this secondary analysis were enrolled in SYV's crossover waves due to either being randomized to standard of care or inability to attend an earlier group, and therefore delayed intervention exposure. Measured outcomes included self-reported mental health measures, self-reported human immunodeficiency virus measures (stigma and adherence), and human immunodeficiency virus ribonucleic acid. Data was collected at baseline, preintervention, and postintervention timepoints. Participants were included if they attended a crossover wave and had data at all 3 timepoints. RESULTS Twenty-one crossover participants met inclusion criteria. Mean scores of self-reported mental health questionnaires were in an asymptomatic range both pre- and postintervention. Viral suppression was N = 15 (71%) preintervention compared to N = 17 (81%) postintervention. The participants who became virologically suppressed had no change in antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS Despite the small sample size, findings from this study demonstrate that mental wellbeing may be an important pathway to improved HIV outcomes for YLWH. The same trend toward virologic suppression pre- to postintervention was demonstrated in the randomized pilot trial and suggests that SYV holds promise to improve HIV outcomes. Data from this analysis support the fully powered trial that is now underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalei R.J. Hosaka
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi Tanzania
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Aisa M. Shayo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi Tanzania
| | - John A. Gallis
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Elizabeth L. Turner
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Karen E. O’Donnell
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Center for Child and Family Health, Durham, NC
| | | | - Judith Boshe
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi Tanzania
| | - Dorothy E. Dow
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Perez A, Brittain K, Phillips N, Stein DJ, Zar HJ, Myer L, Hoare J. HIV-Related Stigma and Psychological Adjustment Among Perinatally HIV-Infected Youth in Cape Town, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:434-442. [PMID: 34318399 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03398-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The effect of chronic HIV-infection on psychological adjustment, including the impact of HIV-related stigma in perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) youth across Africa is largely unknown. This study examined psychological adjustment and HIV-related stigma using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and a 10-item stigma questionnaire in a cohort of PHIV+ youth in Cape Town, South Africa. The relationships between SDQ scores, elevated viral load, and suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence were also explored. Among 473 PHIV+ youth (aged 9-14 years, on ART > 6 months at enrollment), higher perceived HIV-related stigma was associated with higher scores across all adolescent and caregiver-reported SDQ difficulty subscales. Higher socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with lower scores on adolescent self- and caregiver-reported hyperactivity subscales. Higher adolescent-reported prosocial scores were associated with lower odds of self-reported suboptimal ART adherence, and higher caregiver-reported conduct scores were associated with higher odds of elevated viral load. No associations were observed between perceived HIV-related stigma and treatment outcomes. These findings highlight the potentially detrimental impact of perceived stigma on psychological adjustment in PHIV+ youth. The use of psychosocial metrics and interventions aimed at reducing illness related stigma in PHIV+ youth is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Perez
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kirsty Brittain
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicole Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health in the Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Research Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health in the Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Research Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Medical Research Council Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Hoare
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health in the Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- South African Medical Research Council Research Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Treejan K, Jinatongthai P, Moolasarn S, Low BY, Anderson C, Supapaan T. Self-health care behaviors and knowledge of youth living with HIV. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1249-1259.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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A Pilot Study of a Mobile Intervention to Support Mental Health and Adherence Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Western Kenya. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:232-242. [PMID: 34292429 PMCID: PMC8295454 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03376-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mobile technologies represent potentially novel and scalable intervention delivery platforms for adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a prospective, mixed methods pilot study to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the WhatsApp® platform to deliver individual counseling services and facilitate peer support for ALWH in western Kenya. Thirty ALWH (17 female, mean age 15.4) on ART, engaged in HIV care and aware of their status, were enrolled. After 6 months, participants described their experiences with the intervention. Treatment adherence, stigma, and mental and behavioral health were assessed prospectively. Participants reported overall positive experiences and indicated that the platform encouraged peer network development. They endorsed potential benefits for treatment adherence, stigma reduction, and mental and behavioral health. All participants supported intervention expansion. In western Kenya, WhatsApp® was an acceptable and feasible platform for mobile counseling and peer support for ALWH.
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40
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Magnolini R, Senkoro E, Kalinjuma AV, Kitau O, Kivuma B, Samson L, Eichenberger A, Mollel GJ, Krinke E, Okuma J, Ndege R, Glass T, Mapesi H, Vanobberghen F, Battegay M, Weisser M. Stigma-directed services (Stig2Health) to improve 'linkage to care' for people living with HIV in rural Tanzania: study protocol for a nested pre-post implementation study within the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort. AAS Open Res 2022; 5:14. [PMID: 36420449 PMCID: PMC9648364 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13353.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: HIV-related stigma is a major barrier to the timely linkage and retention of patients in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, where most people living with HIV/AIDS reside. In this implementation study we aim to evaluate the effect of stigma-directed services on linkage to care and other health outcomes in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Methods: In a nested project of the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort in rural Tanzania, we conduct a prospective observational pre-post study to assess the impact of a bundle of stigma-directed services for newly diagnosed HIV positive patients. Stigma-directed services, delivered by a lay person living with HIV, are i) post-test counseling, ii) post-test video-assisted teaching, iii) group support therapy and group health education, and iv) mobile health. Patients receiving stigma services (enrolled from 1 st February 2020 to 31 st August 2021) are compared to a historical control receiving the standard of care (enrolled from 1 st July 2017 to 1 st February 2019). The primary outcome is 'linkage to care'. Secondary endpoints are retention in care, viral suppression, death and clinical failure at 6-12 months (up to 31 st August 2022). Self-reported stigma and depression are assessed using the Berger Stigma scale and the PHQ-9 questionnaire, respectively. The sample size calculation was based on cohort data from 2018. Assuming a pre-intervention cohort of 511 newly diagnosed adults of whom 346 (68%) were in care and on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at 2 months, a 10% increase in linkage (from 70 to 80%), a two-sided type I error rate of 5%, and 90% power, 321 adults are required for the post-implementation group. Discussion: We expect that integration of stigma-directed services leads to an increase of proportions of patients in care and on ART. The findings will provide guidance on how to integrate stigma-directed services into routine care in rural sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Magnolini
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Senkoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Aneth Vedastus Kalinjuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Bernard Kivuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Leila Samson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Anna Eichenberger
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Getrud Joseph Mollel
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Eileen Krinke
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - James Okuma
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Tracy Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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41
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Steventon Roberts K, Smith C, Toska E, Cluver L, Haag K, Wittesaele C, Langwenya N, Jochim J, Saal W, Shenderovich Y, Sherr L. Risk factors for poor mental health among adolescent mothers in South Africa. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2022; 27:67-84. [PMID: 36154770 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2124295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In South Africa, high rates of adolescent pregnancy and HIV pose prominent public health challenges with potential implications for mental wellbeing. It is important to understand risk factors for mental health difficulties among adolescent mothers affected by HIV. This study aims to identify the prevalence of likely common mental disorder among adolescent mothers (both living with and not living with HIV) and explores hypothesised risk factors for likely common mental disorder. Cross-sectional data from adolescent mothers (10-19 years; n=1002) utilised within these analyses are drawn from a cohort of young mothers residing in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. All mothers completed a detailed questionnaire consisting of standardised measures of sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, and hypothesised risk factors. Logistic regression models were utilised to explore associations between hypothesised risk factors and likely common mental disorder. Risk factors were clustered within a hypothesised socioecological framework and entered into models using a stepwise sequential approach. Interaction effects with maternal HIV status were additionally explored. The prevalence of likely common mental disorder among adolescent mothers was 12.6%. Adolescent mothers living with HIV were more likely to report likely common mental disorder compared to adolescent mothers not living with HIV (16.2% vs 11.2%, X2=4.41, p=0.04). Factors associated with likely common mental disorder were any abuse exposure (OR=2.54 [95%CI:1.20-5.40], p=0.01), a lack of perceived social support (OR=4.09 [95%CI:2.48-6.74], p=<0.0001), and community violence exposure (OR=2.09 [95%CI:1.33-3.27], p=0.001). There was limited evidence of interaction effects between risk factors, and maternal HIV status. Violence exposure and a lack of perceived support are major risk factors for poor mental health among adolescent mothers in South Africa. Violence prevention interventions and social support may help to reduce risk. Identified risk factors spanning individual, interpersonal, and community levels have the potential to impact adolescent maternal mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Steventon Roberts
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Colette Smith
- Institute for 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, Rondebosch, South Africa
- Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 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, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | | | - Camille Wittesaele
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nontokozo Langwenya
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Janina Jochim
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wylene Saal
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Yulia Shenderovich
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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42
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Magnolini R, Senkoro E, Kalinjuma AV, Kitau O, Kivuma B, Samson L, Eichenberger A, Mollel GJ, Krinke E, Okuma J, Ndege R, Glass T, Mapesi H, Vanobberghen F, Battegay M, Weisser M. Stigma-directed services (Stig2Health) to improve 'linkage to care' for people living with HIV in rural Tanzania: study protocol for a nested pre-post implementation study within the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort. AAS Open Res 2022; 5:14. [PMID: 36420449 PMCID: PMC9648364 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13353.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: HIV-related stigma is a major barrier to the timely linkage and retention of patients in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, where most people living with HIV/AIDS reside. In this implementation study we aim to evaluate the effect of stigma-directed services on linkage to care and other health outcomes in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Methods: In a nested project of the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort in rural Tanzania, we conduct a prospective observational pre-post study to assess the impact of a bundle of stigma-directed services for newly diagnosed HIV positive patients. Stigma-directed services, delivered by a lay person living with HIV, are i) post-test counseling, ii) post-test video-assisted teaching, iii) group support therapy and group health education, and iv) mobile health. Patients receiving stigma services (enrolled from 1 st February 2020 to 31 st August 2021) are compared to a historical control receiving the standard of care (enrolled from 1 st July 2017 to 1 st February 2019). The primary outcome is 'linkage to care'. Secondary endpoints are retention in care, viral suppression, death and clinical failure at 6-12 months (up to 31 st August 2022). Self-reported stigma and depression are assessed using the Berger Stigma scale and the PHQ-9 questionnaire, respectively. The sample size calculation was based on cohort data from 2018. Assuming a pre-intervention cohort of 511 newly diagnosed adults of whom 346 (68%) were in care and on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at 2 months, a 10% increase in linkage (from 70 to 80%), a two-sided type I error rate of 5%, and 90% power, 321 adults are required for the post-implementation group. Discussion: We expect that integration of stigma-directed services leads to an increase of proportions of patients in care and on ART. The findings will provide guidance on how to integrate stigma-directed services into routine care in rural sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Magnolini
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Senkoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Aneth Vedastus Kalinjuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Bernard Kivuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Leila Samson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Anna Eichenberger
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Getrud Joseph Mollel
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Eileen Krinke
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - James Okuma
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Tracy Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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43
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Chantaratin S, Trimetha K, Werarak P, Lapphra K, Maleesatharn A, Rungmaitree S, Wittawatmongkol O, Phongsamart W, Kongstan N, Khumcha B, Chokephaibulkit K. Depression and Anxiety in Youth and Young Adults Living with HIV: Frequency and Associated Factors in Thai Setting. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2022; 21:23259582221101811. [PMID: 35581716 PMCID: PMC9121500 DOI: 10.1177/23259582221101811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrative mental health care in HIV patients is an important contributor to
successful therapy. This is a cross-sectional study in youth and young adults
who attend routine HIV clinic at a tertiary care centre in Bangkok. We recruited
100 youth and 130 young adults living with HIV to evaluate the frequency of
depression and anxiety and associated sociodemographic including sexual
orientation and health-related behaviours. Overall, about a fifth of the
participants had significant depression or anxiety. Interestingly, we found
different factors associated with depression in youth and young adults living
with HIV. Loss of their father, loss of close relatives or friends, and being
unemployed or school exclusion were the factors associate with depression in
youth; while dangerous alcohol use, feeling discriminated against and having
lipodystrophy were factors in young adults. The understanding of the frequency
and different associated factors can inform more effective prevention and
treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasitorn Chantaratin
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kawita Trimetha
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Peerawong Werarak
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Keswadee Lapphra
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alan Maleesatharn
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supattra Rungmaitree
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Orasri Wittawatmongkol
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanatpreeya Phongsamart
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nantaka Kongstan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Benjawan Khumcha
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Siriraj Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, 26685Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Audi C, Jahanpour O, Antelman G, Guay L, Rutaihwa M, van de Ven R, Woelk G, Baird SJ. Facilitators and barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence among HIV-positive adolescents living in Tanzania. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2274. [PMID: 34903209 PMCID: PMC8670050 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12323-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents living with HIV face substandard outcomes along the continuum of care, including higher rates of poor adherence and virologic failure. Support groups have been identified as a method to improve adherence, but there is insufficient evidence regarding their effectiveness. This study seeks to examine the protective influences for and barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in HIV-positive adolescents living in Tanzania. METHODS This is a qualitative study conducted in Tanzania from January to March 2018. The sample of adolescents aged 10-19 (n = 33) was purposefully selected based on age, gender, and support group attendance to capture a broad range of experiences. Participants completed an in-depth interview, covering topics such as retention in HIV services, support group experiences, and joys and challenges of adolescent life. Interviews were coded and themes related to ART adherence were identified and summarized. RESULTS Support groups helped promote adherence by improving adolescents' knowledge and confidence. Participants associated joining support groups with an improvement in health. Almost every participant described the significant positive influence a treatment supporter had on adherence. Adolescents' daily schedules and emotional state served as a barrier to adherence. Furthermore, adherence was negatively impacted by participants' fear of accidental disclosure. CONCLUSION Logistical and psychosocial factors can hinder adherence. Interventions that provide both education and psychosocial support, such as peer support groups, have the potential to improve health outcomes for this population, but may not address more persistent barriers to adherence rooted in lack of treatment support from family members or friends who have not been disclosed to, or lack of transportation funds/food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosette Audi
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite #200, Washington, DC, 20036, USA.
| | - Ola Jahanpour
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gretchen Antelman
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite #200, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - Laura Guay
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite #200, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - Mastidia Rutaihwa
- National AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Godfrey Woelk
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite #200, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - Sarah J Baird
- Department of Global Health, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
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Malungani NF, Rasweswe MM, Peu MD. “I’m angry with my mother”: Lived psychosocial experiences of adolescents with peri-natal-acquired HIV in Limpopo, South Africa. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2021.2001991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kreniske P, Mellins CA, Dolezal C, Morrison C, Shea E, Fisher PW, Kluisza L, Robbins RN, Nguyen N, Leu CS, Wiznia A, Abrams EJ. Predictors of Attempted Suicide Among Youth Living With Perinatal HIV Infection and Perinatal HIV-Exposed Uninfected Counterparts. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:348-355. [PMID: 34406984 PMCID: PMC8693508 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults (AYA). AYA living with perinatally acquired HIV infection (AYALPHIV) are at higher risk of attempted suicide when compared with AYA who were perinatally HIV-exposed but uninfected (AYAPHEU). To inform interventions, we identified risk and protective factors of attempted suicide among AYALPHIV and AYAPHEU. SETTING Data were obtained from a longitudinal New York City-based study of AYALPHIV and AYAPHEU (n = 339; enrollment age 9-16 years) interviewed approximately every 12-18 months. METHOD Our main outcome was suicide attempt at any follow-up. The DISC was used to assess psychiatric disorder diagnoses and attempted suicide and the Child Depression Inventory to assess depressive symptoms. Psychosocial and sociodemographic risk factors were also measured. Analyses used backward stepwise logistic regression modeling. RESULTS At enrollment, 51% was female individuals, 49% Black, 40% Latinx, and 11% both Black and Latinx. Attempted suicide prevalence was significantly higher among AYALPHIV compared with AYAPHEU (27% vs 16%, P = 0.019), with AYALPHIV having 2.21 times the odds of making an attempt [95% confidence interval: (1.18 to 4.12), P = 0.013]. Higher Child Depression Inventory scores were associated with an increased risk of attempted suicide in both groups and the total sample. The presence of DISC-defined behavior disorder increased the risk of attempted suicide in the total sample and the AYALPHIV subgroup. Religiosity was protective of attempted suicide in AYALPHIV. CONCLUSIONS AYALPHIV had increased suicide attempts compared with AYAPHEU. Religiosity was protective in AYALPHIV. Highlighting a need for prevention of early mental health challenges was associated with risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Kreniske
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Claude Ann Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Curtis Dolezal
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Corey Morrison
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Eileen Shea
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Data Science, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Prudence W Fisher
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Luke Kluisza
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Reuben N Robbins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Nadia Nguyen
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Cheng-Shiun Leu
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Andrew Wiznia
- Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY; and
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Ali HA, Abebe B, Moges A, Deyessa N. Behavioural abnormalities among school-age children living with HIV at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2021; 20:307-313. [PMID: 34905453 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2021.2000451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: The human immunodeficiency virus infection has manifestations causing behavioural and cognitive abnormalities among children. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and correlates of behavioural abnormalities among school-age children living with HIV attending follow-up at the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Clinic of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A sample of 251 children and their primary caregivers were included in this study. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to assess behavioural abnormalities. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis using logistic regression were done to assess the determinants of abnormal behaviour scores.Results: The overall prevalence of any form of behavioural abnormalities was 49%. The prevalence of emotional symptoms was 31.5%, peer problems 21.5% and hyperactivity deficit was 13.1%. Children residing out of Addis Ababa, the capital city (AOR 0.18; 95% CI 0.03-0.94), children having both parents (AOR 0.29; 95% CI 0.12-0.70) and children having either of their parents (AOR 0.39; 95% CI 0.18-0.83) were less likely to have behavioural abnormalities. Moreover, children whose primary caregivers had elementary education or lower were more likely to have any form of behavioural abnormalities (AOR 2.44; 95% CI 1.05-5.69)Conclusions: The magnitude of behavioural abnormalities among children living with HIV is substantial. We recommend that children living with HIV, particularly those with parental losses and those having less-educated primary caregivers, be closely monitored for behavioural problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Ahmed Ali
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Bezaye Abebe
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Ayalew Moges
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Negussie Deyessa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
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Relationship Between Mental Health and HIV Transmission Knowledge and Prevention Attitudes Among Adolescents Living with HIV: Lessons from Suubi + Adherence Cluster Randomized Study in Southern Uganda. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3721-3733. [PMID: 33797667 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03243-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the effect of depression, hopelessness, and self-concept on HIV prevention attitudes and knowledge about infection, transmission and sexual risk behavior among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. Utilizing longitudinal data from 635 adolescents living with HIV, multiple ordinary least square regression was used to evaluate associations between the three indicators of mental health functioning at baseline and HIV knowledge and prevention attitudes at 12-months follow-up. We found that depression (β = - 0.17; 95% CI - 0.31, - 0.04) and hopelessness (β = - 0.16; 95% CI - 0.28, - 0.04) scores at baseline were associated with a 0.17 and 0.16 average reduction in HIV prevention attitudes and HIV knowledge scores, respectively at 12-months follow-up. However, self-concept was not significantly associated with HIV knowledge or prevention attitudes. Adolescents living with HIV with greater levels of hopelessness are at increased risk of having limited HIV knowledge while those with greater symptoms of depression had less favorable HIV prevention attitudes.
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Hosaka KRJ, Mmbaga BT, Gallis JA, Dow DE. Feasibility and acceptability of a peer youth led curriculum to improve HIV knowledge in Northern Tanzania: resilience and intervention experience from the perspective of peer leaders. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1925. [PMID: 34688254 PMCID: PMC8542314 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11876-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth Living with HIV (YLWH) have reduced adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and worse virologic outcomes compared to children and adults. HIV peer youth led (PYL) interventions contribute to improved retention in care and psychosocial wellbeing. The study objective was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a PYL HIV curriculum and describe change in participants' knowledge and impact of leadership on peer leaders' lives. METHODS An HIV curriculum was taught during monthly Saturday adolescent HIV clinics at two clinical sites in Moshi, Tanzania (2018-2019). Youth attending clinics were ages 12 to 24 years and received the HIV curriculum during routine clinical care. Peer leaders previously participated in a mental health and life skills intervention called Sauti ya Vijana (The Voice of Youth; SYV) and were recommended for leadership by SYV facilitators and clinic staff. Peer leaders were trained and supervised weekly in curriculum delivery using a "train the trainer" model. Data were collected and analyzed using mixed methods. Fidelity checklists were used to measure adherence to the curriculum. Youth participants answered written pre- and post-knowledge questions and evaluated PYL teaching. Semi-structured interviews and the Connor Davidson Resilience scale were conducted with peer leaders before and after assuming the leadership role. RESULTS Peer leaders (N = 4 male; 3 female) demonstrated high fidelity (96%) to activities in each lesson and participant feedback was positive for curriculum delivery. Participants' knowledge improved in nine of ten sessions. All but one leader-who moved away before the study ended-demonstrated stable or improved resilience with a mean difference of 3.8 (SD = 7.0) from before the intervention to after assuming the leadership role. Peer leaders reported improved leadership confidence and resilience, and their perception was that the curriculum helped normalize the HIV experience for YLWH attending clinic. Nevertheless, anticipated stigma, difficulty disclosing HIV status, and teaching ability remained barriers. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that a PYL curriculum to improve HIV knowledge integrated into routine adolescent HIV clinic in Tanzania was feasible, acceptable, and improved knowledge while also benefiting peer leaders, thus providing evidence to continue to support efforts to scale and sustain PYL interventions for YLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalei R J Hosaka
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John A Gallis
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dorothy E Dow
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Enane LA, Apondi E, Aluoch J, Bakoyannis G, Lewis Kulzer J, Kwena Z, Kantor R, Chory A, Gardner A, Scanlon M, Goodrich S, Wools-Kaloustian K, Elul B, Vreeman RC. Social, economic, and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents retained in or recently disengaged from HIV care in Kenya. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257210. [PMID: 34506555 PMCID: PMC8432853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV, ages 10-19) experience complex challenges to adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and remain in care, and may be vulnerable to wide-scale disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed for a range of effects of the pandemic on ALHIV in western Kenya, and whether effects were greater for ALHIV with recent histories of being lost to program (LTP). METHODS ALHIV were recruited from an ongoing prospective study at 3 sites in western Kenya. The parent study enrolled participants from February 2019-September 2020, into groups of ALHIV either 1) retained in care or 2) LTP and traced in the community. Phone interviews from July 2020-January 2021 assessed effects of the pandemic on financial and food security, healthcare access and behaviors, and mental health. Responses were compared among the parent study groups. RESULTS Phone surveys were completed with 334 ALHIV or their caregivers, including 275/308 (89.3%) in the retained group and 59/70 (84.3%) among those LTP at initial enrollment. During the pandemic, a greater proportion of LTP adolescents were no longer engaged in school (45.8% vs. 36.4%, p = 0.017). Over a third (120, 35.9%) of adolescents reported lost income for someone they relied on. In total, 135 (40.4%) did not have enough food either some (121, 36.2%) or most (14, 4.2%) of the time. More LTP adolescents (4/59, 6.8% vs. 2/275, 0.7%, p = 0.010) reported increased difficulties refilling ART. Adolescent PHQ-2 and GAD-2 scores were ≥3 for 5.6% and 5.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating socioeconomic effects for Kenyan ALHIV and their households. ALHIV with recent care disengagement may be especially vulnerable. Meanwhile, sustained ART access and adherence potentially signal resilience and strengths of ALHIV and their care programs. Findings from this survey indicate the critical need for support to ALHIV during this crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A. Enane
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Indiana University Center for Global Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Edith Apondi
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Josephine Aluoch
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Giorgos Bakoyannis
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jayne Lewis Kulzer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Zachary Kwena
- Research, Care and Treatment Programme, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rami Kantor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brown University Apert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Ashley Chory
- Department of Health System Design and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- Arnhold Institute for Global Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Adrian Gardner
- Indiana University Center for Global Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Michael Scanlon
- Indiana University Center for Global Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Suzanne Goodrich
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kara Wools-Kaloustian
- Indiana University Center for Global Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Batya Elul
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rachel C. Vreeman
- Department of Health System Design and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- Arnhold Institute for Global Health, New York, New York, United States of America
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