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Ngcobo SJ, Makhado L, Sehularo LA. HIV Care Profiling and Delivery Status in the Mobile Health Clinics of eThekwini District in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa: A Descriptive Evaluation Study. NURSING REPORTS 2023; 13:1539-1552. [PMID: 37987408 PMCID: PMC10661302 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13040129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mobile health clinics (MHCs) serve as an alternative HIV care delivery method for the HIV-burdened eThekwini district. This study aimed to describe and profile the HIV care services provided by the MHCs through process evaluation. A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative evaluation study was performed on 137 MHCs using total population sampling. An online data collection method using a validated 50-item researcher-developed instrument was administered to professional nurses who are MHC team leaders, following ethical approval from the local university and departments of health. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The results described that HIV care services are offered in open spaces (43%), community buildings (37%), solid built buildings called health posts (15%), vehicles (9%), and tents (2%) with no electricity (77%), water (55%), and sanitation (64%). Adults (97%) are the main recipients of HIV care in MHCs (90%) offering antiretroviral therapy (95%). Staff, monitoring, and retaining care challenges were noted, with good linkage (91%) and referral pathways (n = 123.90%). In conclusion, the standardization and prioritization of HIV care with specific contextual practice guidelines are vital.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lufuno Makhado
- Office of the Deputy Dean Research and Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
| | - Leepile Alfred Sehularo
- NuMIQ Research Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng 2531, South Africa
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Nkalubo J, Mugaba M, Asasira I, Nakiganda R, Namutebi F, Arnaud NN, Musisi NK, Abasira T, Jemba P, Ndyabawe R, Tumuhairwe R, Batte C, Bakeera-Kitaka S. Factors associated with readiness to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) among young people (15-24 years) at four HIV clinics in Mulago Hospital, Uganda. Afr Health Sci 2021; 21:1603-1614. [PMID: 35283973 PMCID: PMC8889816 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v21i4.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Globally, the HIV burden continues to rise among young people despite the discovery of ART. This study assessed demographic and psycho-social factors among young people associated with readiness to be initiated on ART. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among newly diagnosed HIV positive young people aged 15-24 years at 4 HIV clinics at Mulago Hospital. Readiness was measured as a self-report by the individual to the question, "How ready do you feel to start ART? Results Of the 231 young people enrolled, the mean age (SD) was 20.7years (+/-2.8) and most were female (66.2%). Majority were very ready (53.3%) and very motivated (51.1%) to start ART. Higher treatment readiness was associated with being female (95% CI [5.62, 8.31], p=0.003), thinking that ART cures HIV (95% CI [0.43, 0.86], p=0.005), history of having unprotected sex (95% CI [0.79, 0.87], p=<0.001), anticipating negative HIV results (95% CI [0.26, 0.88], p=0.017), internalized stigma (95% CI [0.83, 0.98], p=0.018) and knowledge of positive ART effects for others (95% CI [0.84, 0.93], p=<0.001). Conclusions Understanding the underlying factors associated with ART readiness among young people can inform strategies to support and increase individuals' readiness to initiate ART and early engagement in care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rosette Tumuhairwe
- Department of Biochemistry & Sports Sciences, Makerere University College of Natural Sciences, P.O.BOX 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Sabrina Bakeera-Kitaka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda
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3
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Mugglin C, Kläger D, Gueler A, Vanobberghen F, Rice B, Egger M. The HIV care cascade in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review of published criteria and definitions. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25761. [PMID: 34292649 PMCID: PMC8297382 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV care cascade examines the attrition of people living with HIV from diagnosis to the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and suppression of viral replication. We reviewed the literature from sub-Saharan Africa to assess the definitions used for the different steps in the HIV care cascade. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase and CINAHL for articles published from January 2004 to December 2020. Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies were included if they reported on at least one step of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 cascade or two steps of an extended 7-step cascade. A step was clearly defined if authors reported definitions for numerator and denominator, including the description of the eligible population and methods of assessment or measurement. The review protocol has been published and registered in Prospero. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Overall, 3364 articles were screened, and 82 studies from 19 countries met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were from Southern (38 studies, 34 from South Africa) and East Africa (29 studies). Fifty-eight studies (71.6%) were longitudinal, with a median follow-up of three years. The medium number of steps covered out of 7 steps was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2 to 4); the median year of publication was 2015 (IQR 2013 to 2019). The number of different definitions for the numerators ranged from four definitions (for step "People living with HIV") to 21 (step "Viral suppression"). For the denominators, it ranged from three definitions ("Diagnosed and aware of HIV status") to 14 ("Viral suppression"). Only 12 studies assessed all three of the 90-90-90 steps. Most studies used longitudinal data, but denominator-denominator or denominator-numerator linkages over several steps were rare. Also, cascade data are lacking for many countries. Our review covers the academic literature but did not consider other data, such as government reports on the HIV care cascade. Also, it did not examine disengagement and reengagement in care. CONCLUSIONS The proportions of patients retained at each step of the HIV care cascade cannot be compared between studies, countries and time periods, nor meta-analysed, due to the many different definitions used for numerators and denominators. There is a need for standardization of methods and definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrina Mugglin
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Delia Kläger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Aysel Gueler
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteBaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Brian Rice
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research (CIDER)University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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Effects of the implementation of the HIV Treat All guidelines on key ART treatment outcomes in Namibia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243749. [PMID: 33370313 PMCID: PMC7769455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to help the Namibian government understand the impact of Treat All implementation (started on April 1, 2017) on key antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes, and how this transition impacts progress toward the UNAIDS’s 90-90-90 HIV targets. Methods We collected clinical records from two separate cohorts (before and after treat-all) of ART patients in 10 high- and medium-volume facilities in 6 northern Namibia districts. Each cohort contains 12-month data on patients’ scheduled appointments and visits, health status, and viral load results. We also measured patients’ wait time and perceptions of service quality using exit interviews with 300 randomly selected patients (per round). We compared ART outcomes of the two cohorts: ART initiation within 7 days from diagnosis, loss to follow-up (LTFU), missed scheduled appointments for at least 30 days, and viral suppression using unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Results Among new ART clients (on ART for less than 3 months or had not yet initiated treatment as of the start date for the ART record review period), rapid ART initiation (within 7 days from diagnosis) was 5.2 times higher after Treat All than that among clients assessed before the policy took effect [AOR: 5.2 (3.8–6.9)]. However, LTFU was higher after Treat All roll-out compared to before Treat All [AOR: 1.9 (1.3–2.8)]. Established ART clients (on ART treatment for at least three months at the start date of the ART record review period) had over 3 times greater odds of achieving viral suppression after Treat All roll-out compared to established ART clients assessed before Treat All [AOR: 3.1 (1.6–5.9)]. Conclusions and recommendations The findings indicate positive effect of the “Treat All” implementation on ART initiation and viral suppression, and negative effect on LTFU. Additionally, by April 2018, Namibia seems to have reached the UNAIDS’s 90-90-90 targets.
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Hannaford A, Moll AP, Madondo T, Khoza B, Shenoi SV. Mobility and structural barriers in rural South Africa contribute to loss to follow up from HIV care. AIDS Care 2020; 33:1436-1444. [PMID: 32856470 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1808567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Retention in HIV care is crucial to sustaining viral load suppression, and reducing HIV transmission, yet loss to follow-up (LTFU) in South Africa remains substantial. We conducted a mixed methods evaluation in rural South Africa to characterize ART disengagement in neglected rural settings. Using convenience sampling, surveys were completed by 102 PLWH who disengaged from ART (minimum 90 days) and subsequently resumed care. A subset (n = 60) completed individual in-depth interviews. Median duration of ART discontinuation was 9 months (IQR 4-22). Participants had HIV knowledge gaps regarding HIV transmission and increased risk of tuberculosis. The major contributors to LTFU were mobility and structural barriers. PLWH traveled for an urgent family need or employment, and were not able to collect ART while away. Structural barriers included inability to access care, due to lack of financial resources to reach distant clinics. Other factors included dissatisfaction with care, pill fatigue, lack of social support, and stigma. Illness was the major precipitant of returning to care. Mobility and structural barriers impede longitudinal HIV care in rural South Africa, threatening the gains made from expanded ART access. To achieve 90-90-90, future interventions, including emphasis on patient centered care, must address barriers relevant to rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisse Hannaford
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anthony P Moll
- Church of Scotland Hospital, Tugela Ferry, South Africa.,Philanjalo NGO, Tugela Ferry, South Africa
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Maughan-Brown B, Beckett S, Kharsany ABM, Cawood C, Khanyile D, Lewis L, Venkataramani A, George G. Poor rates of linkage to HIV care and uptake of treatment after home-based HIV testing among newly diagnosed 15-to-49 year-old men and women in a high HIV prevalence setting in South Africa. AIDS Care 2020; 33:70-79. [DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1719025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Maughan-Brown
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU), University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Sean Beckett
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Lara Lewis
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Atheendar Venkataramani
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gavin George
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Chaudhury S, Hertzmark E, Muya A, Sando D, Ulenga N, Machumi L, Spiegelman D, Fawzi WW. Equity of child and adolescent treatment, continuity of care and mortality, according to age and gender among enrollees in a large HIV programme in Tanzania. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 21 Suppl 1. [PMID: 29485735 PMCID: PMC5978660 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Global scale up of anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) has led to expansion of HIV treatment and prevention across sub‐Saharan Africa. However, age and gender‐specific disparities persist leading to failures in fulfillment of Sustainability Development Goals, including SDG3 (achieving healthy lives and wellbeing for all, at all ages) and SDG5 (gender equality). We assessed ART initiation and adherence, loss to follow‐up, all‐cause death and early death, according to SDG3 and SDG5 indicators among a cohort of HIV‐infected children and adolescents enrolled in care in Dar‐es‐Salaam, Tanzania Methods SDG3 indicators included young (<5 years) and older paediatric children (5 to <10 years), early adolescent (10 to <15 years) and late adolescent (15 to <20 years) age group divisions and the SDG5 indicator was gender. Associations of age group and gender with ART initiation, loss to follow‐up and all‐cause death, were analysed using Cox proportional hazards regression and with adherence, using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with the Poisson distribution. Associations of age group and gender with early death were analysed, using log‐Poisson regression with empirical variance. Results A total of 18,315 enrollees with at least one clinic visit were included in this cohort study. Of these 7238 (40%) were young paediatric , 4169 (23%) older paediatric, 2922 (16%) early adolescent and 3986 (22%) late adolescent patients at enrolment. Just over half of paediatric and early adolescents and around four fifths of the late adolescents were female. Young paediatric patients were at greater risk of early death, being almost twice as likely to die within 90 days. Males were at greater risk of early death once initiated on ART (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09, 1.66)), while females in late adolescence were at greatest risk of late death (HR 2.44 [1.60, 3.74] <0.01). Late adolescents demonstrated greater non‐engagement in care (RR 1.21 (95% CI 1.16, 1.26)). Among both males and females, early paediatric and late adolescent groups experienced significantly greater loss to follow‐up. Conclusion These findings highlight equity concerns critical to the fulfillment of SDG3 and SDG5 within services for children and adolescents living with HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa. Young paediatric and late adolescent age groups were at increased risk of late diagnosis, early death, delayed treatment initiation and loss of continuity of care. Males were more likely to die earlier. Special attention to SDG3 and SDG5 disparities for children and adolescents living with HIV will be critical for fulfillment of the 2030 SDG agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumona Chaudhury
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Hertzmark
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aisa Muya
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - David Sando
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nzovu Ulenga
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lameck Machumi
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wafaie W Fawzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Bassett IV, Xu A, Giddy J, Bogart LM, Boulle A, Millham L, Losina E, Parker RA. Assessing rates and contextual predictors of 5-year mortality among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals following HIV testing in Durban, South Africa. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:751. [PMID: 31455229 PMCID: PMC6712739 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about contextual factors that predict long-term mortality following HIV testing in resource-limited settings. We evaluated the impact of contextual factors on 5-year mortality among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals in Durban, South Africa. Methods We used data from the Sizanani trial (NCT01188941) in which adults (≥18y) were enrolled prior to HIV testing at 4 outpatient sites. We ascertained vital status via the South African National Population Register. We used random survival forests to identify the most influential predictors of time to death and incorporated these into a Cox model that included age, gender, HIV status, CD4 count, healthcare usage, health facility type, mental health, and self-identified barriers to care (i.e., service delivery, financial, logistical, structural and perceived health). Results Among 4816 participants, 39% were HIV-infected. Median age was 31y and 49% were female. 380 of 2508 with survival information (15%) died during median follow-up of 5.8y. For both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected participants, each additional barrier domain increased the HR of dying by 11% (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05–1.18). Every 10-point increase in mental health score decreased the HR by 7% (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.97). The hazard ratio (HR) for death of HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected varied by age: HR of 6.59 (95% CI: 4.79–9.06) at age 20 dropping to a HR of 1.13 (95% CI: 0.86–1.48) at age 60. Conclusions Independent of serostatus, more self-identified barrier domains and poorer mental health increased mortality risk. Additionally, the impact of HIV on mortality was most pronounced in younger persons. These factors may be used to identify high-risk individuals requiring intensive follow up, regardless of serostatus. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT01188941. Registered 26 August 2010. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4373-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid V Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge Street, 16th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ai Xu
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucia Millham
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena Losina
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert A Parker
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.,Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Mateo-Urdiales A, Johnson S, Smith R, Nachega JB, Eshun-Wilson I. Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 6:CD012962. [PMID: 31206168 PMCID: PMC6575156 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012962.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) being widely available, HIV continues to cause substantial illness and premature death in low-and-middle-income countries. High rates of loss to follow-up after HIV diagnosis can delay people starting ART. Starting ART within seven days of HIV diagnosis (rapid ART initiation) could reduce loss to follow-up, improve virological suppression rates, and reduce mortality. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for rapid initiation of ART (defined as offering ART within seven days of HIV diagnosis) on treatment outcomes and mortality in people living with HIV. We also aimed to describe the characteristics of rapid ART interventions used in the included studies. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, Embase, and four other databases up to 14 August 2018. There was no restriction on date, language, or publication status. We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and websites for unpublished literature, including conference abstracts. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared rapid ART versus standard care in people living with HIV. Children, adults, and adolescents from any setting were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of the studies identified in the search, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data. The primary outcomes were mortality and virological suppression at 12 months. We have presented all outcomes using risk ratios (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Where appropriate, we pooled the results in meta-analysis. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included seven studies with 18,011 participants in the review. All studies were carried out in low- and middle-income countries in adults aged 18 years old or older. Only one study included pregnant women.In all the studies, the rapid ART intervention was offered as part of a package that included several cointerventions targeting individuals, health workers and health system processes delivered alongside rapid ART that aimed to facilitate uptake and adherence to ART.Comparing rapid ART with standard initiation probably results in greater viral suppression at 12 months (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.27; 2719 participants, 4 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) and better ART uptake at 12 months (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.12; 3713 participants, 4 studies; moderate-certainty evidence), and may improve retention in care at 12 months (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.35; 5001 participants, 6 studies; low-certainty evidence). Rapid ART initiation was associated with a lower mortality estimate, however the CIs included no effect when compared to standard of care (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.01; 5451 participants, 7 studies; very low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether rapid ART has an effect on modification of ART treatment regimens as data are lacking (RR 7.89, 95% CI 0.76 to 81.74; 977 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence). There was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions on the occurrence of adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS RCTs that include initiation of ART within one week of diagnosis appear to improve outcomes across the HIV treatment cascade in low- and middle-income settings. The studies demonstrating these effects delivered rapid ART combined with several setting-specific cointerventions. This highlights the need for pragmatic research to identify feasible packages that assure the effects seen in the trials when delivered through complex health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Mateo-Urdiales
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, L3 5QA
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10
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Maraba N, Chihota V, McCarthy K, Churchyard GJ, Grant AD. Linkage to care among adults being investigated for tuberculosis in South Africa: pilot study of a case manager intervention. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e021111. [PMID: 29794100 PMCID: PMC5988070 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We piloted an intervention to determine if support from a case manager would assist adults being investigated for tuberculosis (TB) to link into TB and HIV care. DESIGN Pilot interventional cohort study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Patients identified by primary healthcare clinic staff in South Africa as needing TB investigations were enrolled. INTERVENTION Participants were supported for 3 months by case managers who facilitated the care pathway by promoting HIV testing, getting laboratory results, calling patients to return for results and facilitating treatment initiation. OUTCOMES MEASURED Linkage to TB care was defined as starting TB treatment within 28 days in those with a positive test result; linkage to HIV care, for HIV-positive people, was defined as having blood taken for CD4 count and, for those eligible, starting antiretroviral therapy within 3 months. Intervention implementation was measured by number of attempts to contact participants. RESULTS Among 562 participants (307 (54.6%) female, median age: 36 years (IQR 29-44)), most 477 (84.8%) had previously tested for HIV; of these, 328/475 (69.1%) self-reported being HIV-positive. Overall, 189/562 (33.6%) participants needed linkage to care (132 HIV care linkage only; 35 TB treatment linkage only; 22 both). Of 555 attempts to contact these 189 participants, 407 were to facilitate HIV care linkage, 78 for TB treatment linkage and 70 for both. At the end of 3-month follow-up, 40 participants had not linked to care (29 of the 132 (22.0%) participants needing linkage to HIV care only, 4 of the 35 (11.4%) needing to start on TB treatment only and 7 of the 22 (31.8%) needing both). CONCLUSION Many people testing for TB need linkage to care. Despite case manager support, non-linkage into HIV care remained higher than desirable, suggesting a need to modify this intervention before implementation. Innovative strategies to enable linkage to care are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriah Maraba
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Violet Chihota
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kerrigan McCarthy
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, South Africa
| | - Gavin J Churchyard
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Advancing Treatment and Care for TB and HIV, South African Medical Research Council Collaborating Centre for HIV/TB, Cape Town, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alison D Grant
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Africa Health Research Institute, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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11
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Rhead R, Elmes J, Otobo E, Nhongo K, Takaruza A, White PJ, Nyamukapa CA, Gregson S. Do female sex workers have lower uptake of HIV treatment services than non-sex workers? A cross-sectional study from east Zimbabwe. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e018751. [PMID: 29490957 PMCID: PMC5855339 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Globally, HIV disproportionately affects female sex workers (FSWs) yet HIV treatment coverage is suboptimal. To improve uptake of HIV services by FSWs, it is important to identify potential inequalities in access and use of care and their determinants. Our aim is to investigate HIV treatment cascades for FSWs and non-sex workers (NSWs) in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe, and to examine the socio-demographic characteristics and intermediate determinants that might explain differences in service uptake. METHODS Data from a household survey conducted in 2009-2011 and a parallel snowball sample survey of FSWs were matched using probability methods to reduce under-reporting of FSWs. HIV treatment cascades were constructed and compared for FSWs (n=174) and NSWs (n=2555). Determinants of service uptake were identified a priori in a theoretical framework and tested using logistic regression. RESULTS HIV prevalence was higher in FSWs than in NSWs (52.6% vs 19.8%; age-adjusted OR (AOR) 4.0; 95% CI 2.9 to 5.5). In HIV-positive women, FSWs were more likely to have been diagnosed (58.2% vs 42.6%; AOR 1.62; 1.02-2.59) and HIV-diagnosed FSWs were more likely to initiate ART (84.9% vs 64.0%; AOR 2.33; 1.03-5.28). No difference was found for antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence (91.1% vs 90.5%; P=0.9). FSWs' greater uptake of HIV treatment services became non-significant after adjusting for intermediate factors including HIV knowledge and risk perception, travel time to services, physical and mental health, and recent pregnancy. CONCLUSION FSWs are more likely to take up testing and treatment services and were closer to achieving optimal outcomes along the cascade compared with NSWs. However, ART coverage was low in all women at the time of the survey. FSWs' need for, knowledge of and proximity to HIV testing and treatment facilities appear to increase uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rhead
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Jocelyn Elmes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Eloghene Otobo
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Kundai Nhongo
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Albert Takaruza
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Peter J White
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling and NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling Methodology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Constance Anesu Nyamukapa
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Simon Gregson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
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12
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Mateo-Urdiales A, Johnson S, Nachega JB, Eshun-Wilson I. Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Mateo-Urdiales
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Department of Clinical Sciences; Liverpool UK L3 5QA
| | - Samuel Johnson
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Department of Clinical Sciences; Liverpool UK L3 5QA
| | - Jean B Nachega
- University of Pittsburgh; Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Department of Epidemiology and International Health; Baltimore Maryland USA
- Stellenbosch University; Centre for Infectious Diseases; Cape Town South Africa
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Stellenbosch University; Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Francie van Zyl Drive, Tygerberg, 7505, Parow Cape Town Western Cape South Africa 7505
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13
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Naidoo K, Hassan-Moosa R, Yende-Zuma N, Govender D, Padayatchi N, Dawood H, Adams RN, Govender A, Chinappa T, Abdool-Karim S, Abdool-Karim Q. High mortality rates in men initiated on anti-retroviral treatment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184124. [PMID: 28902869 PMCID: PMC5597205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In attaining UNAIDS targets of 90-90-90 to achieve epidemic control, understanding who the current utilizers of HIV treatment services are will inform efforts aimed at reaching those not being reached. A retrospective chart review of CAPRISA AIDS Treatment Program (CAT) patients between 2004 and 2013 was undertaken. Of the 4043 HIV-infected patients initiated on ART, 2586 (64.0%) were women. At ART initiation, men, compared to women, had significantly lower median CD4+ cell counts (113 vs 131 cells/mm3, p <0.001), lower median body mass index (BMI) (21.0 vs 24.2 kg/m2, p<0.001), higher mean log viral load (5.0 vs 4.9 copies/ml, p<0.001) and were significantly older (median age: 35 vs. 32 years, p<0.001). Men had higher mortality rates compared to women, 6.7 per 100 person-years (p-y), (95% CI: 5.8-7.8) vs. 4.4 per 100 p-y, (95% CI: 3.8-5.0); mortality rate ratio: 1.54, (95% CI: 1.27-1.87), p <0.001. Age-standardised mortality rate was 7.9 per 100 p-y (95% CI: 4.1-11.7) for men and 5.7 per 100 p-y (95% CI: 2.7 to 8.6) for women (standardised mortality ratio: 1.38 (1.15 to 1.70)). Mean CD4+ cell count increases post-ART initiation were lower in men at all follow-up time points. Men presented later in the course of their HIV disease for ART initiation with more advanced disease and experienced a higher mortality rate compared to women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kogieleum Naidoo
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- MRC-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Razia Hassan-Moosa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- MRC-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Dhineshree Govender
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nesri Padayatchi
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- MRC-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Halima Dawood
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Rochelle Nicola Adams
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Aveshen Govender
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Tilagavathy Chinappa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Salim Abdool-Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- MRC-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Quarraisha Abdool-Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
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14
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Who Needs to Be Targeted for HIV Testing and Treatment in KwaZulu-Natal? Results From a Population-Based Survey. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 73:411-418. [PMID: 27243903 PMCID: PMC5172512 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Introduction: Identifying gaps in HIV testing and treatment is essential to design specific strategies targeting those not accessing HIV services. We assessed the prevalence and factors associated with being HIV untested, unaware, untreated, and virally unsuppressed in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: Cross-sectional population-based survey. People aged 15–59 years were eligible. Interviews, HIV testing, and blood collection for antiretroviral drug presence test, CD4, and viral load were done at the participants' home. Results: Of the 5649 individuals included, 81.4% (95% CI: 79.8 to 82.9) had previously been tested. HIV prevalence was 25.2%. HIV-positivity awareness rate was 75.2% (95% CI: 72.9 to 77.4). Of all unaware, 73.3% of people were aged <35 years and 68.7% were women. Antiretroviral therapy coverage was 75.0% (95% CI: 72.0 to 77.8) among those eligible for treatment (CD4 < 350, PMTCT-B) and 53.1% (95% CI: 50.4 to 55.7) among all HIV-positive individuals. Viral load was <1000 copies per milliliter in 57.1% of all HIV-positive individuals. Although 66.3% and 71.7% of people with viral load ≥1000 copies per milliliter were people aged <35 years and women respectively, men had 4.4, 1.8, 1.6, and 1.7 times the odds of being untested, unaware, untreated, and virally unsuppressed. In addition, people with more than 1 sexual partner had 1.3, 2.2, and 1.9 times the odds of being untested, unaware, and untreated. Conclusions: The majority of HIV-positive people unaware of their status, untreated, and virally unsuppressed were individuals aged <35 years and women. However, men were disproportionately untested, unaware HIV positivity, untreated, and virally unsuppressed. In this context, HIV testing and treatment should be prioritized to target young people and women, whereas novel strategies are necessary to reach men.
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15
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Kimaro GD, Mfinanga S, Simms V, Kivuyo S, Bottomley C, Hawkins N, Harrison TS, Jaffar S, Guinness L. The costs of providing antiretroviral therapy services to HIV-infected individuals presenting with advanced HIV disease at public health centres in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Findings from a randomised trial evaluating different health care strategies. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171917. [PMID: 28234969 PMCID: PMC5325220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the costs associated with health care delivery strategies is essential for planning. There are few data on health service resources used by patients and their associated costs within antiretroviral (ART) programmes in Africa. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was nested within a large trial, which evaluated screening for cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculosis and a short initial period of home-based adherence support for patients initiating ART with advanced HIV disease in Tanzania and Zambia. The economic evaluation was done in Tanzania alone. We estimated costs of providing routine ART services from the health service provider's perspective using a micro-costing approach. Incremental costs for the different novel components of service delivery were also estimated. All costs were converted into US dollars (US$) and based on 2012 prices. RESULTS Of 870 individuals enrolled in Tanzania, 434 were enrolled in the intervention arm and 436 in the standard care/control arm. Overall, the median (IQR) age and CD4 cell count at enrolment were 38 [31, 44] years and 52 [20, 89] cells/mm3, respectively. The mean per patient costs over the first three months and over a one year period of follow up following ART initiation in the standard care arm were US$ 107 (95%CI 101-112) and US$ 265 (95%CI 254-275) respectively. ART drugs, clinic visits and hospital admission constituted 50%, 19%, and 19% of the total cost per patient year, while diagnostic tests and non-ART drugs (co-trimoxazole) accounted for 10% and 2% of total per patient year costs. The incremental costs of the intervention to the health service over the first three months was US$ 59 (p<0.001; 95%CI 52-67) and over a one year period was US$ 67(p<0.001; 95%CI 50-83). This is equivalent to an increase of 55% (95%CI 51%-59%) in the mean cost of care over the first three months, and 25% (95%CI 20%-30%) increase over one year of follow up.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Anti-HIV Agents/economics
- Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use
- Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active/economics
- CD4 Lymphocyte Count
- Delivery of Health Care/economics
- Delivery of Health Care/statistics & numerical data
- Disease Progression
- Female
- HIV Infections/diagnosis
- HIV Infections/drug therapy
- HIV Infections/economics
- HIV Infections/virology
- Health Care Costs/statistics & numerical data
- Health Resources
- Humans
- Male
- Meningitis, Cryptococcal/diagnosis
- Meningitis, Cryptococcal/drug therapy
- Meningitis, Cryptococcal/economics
- Meningitis, Cryptococcal/microbiology
- Public Health Systems Research
- Tanzania
- Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination/economics
- Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination/therapeutic use
- Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/diagnosis
- Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/drug therapy
- Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/economics
- Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/microbiology
- Zambia
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfather Dickson Kimaro
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sayoki Mfinanga
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Victoria Simms
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sokoine Kivuyo
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Christian Bottomley
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Hawkins
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas S. Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St Georges University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shabbar Jaffar
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Guinness
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Katz IT, Bangsberg DR. Cascade of Refusal-What Does It Mean for the Future of Treatment as Prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa? Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2016; 13:125-30. [PMID: 26894487 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-016-0309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent recommendations by the World Health Organization support treatment for all people living with HIV (PLWH) globally to be initiated at the point of testing. While there has been marked success in efforts to identify and expand treatment for PLWH throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the goal of universal treatment may prove challenging to achieve. The pre-ART phase of the care cascade from HIV testing to HIV treatment initiation includes several social and structural barriers. One such barrier is antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment refusal, a phenomenon in which HIV-infected individuals choose not to start treatment upon learning their ART eligibility. Our goal is to provide further understanding of why treatment-eligible adults may choose to present for HIV testing but not initiate ART when indicated. In this article, we will discuss factors driving pre-ART loss and present a framework for understanding the impact of decision-making on early losses in the care cascade, with a focus on ART refusal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid T Katz
- Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 1620 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02120, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Gilbert JA, Shenoi SV, Moll AP, Friedland GH, Paltiel AD, Galvani AP. Cost-Effectiveness of Community-Based TB/HIV Screening and Linkage to Care in Rural South Africa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165614. [PMID: 27906986 PMCID: PMC5131994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
South Africa has one of the highest burdens of TB worldwide, driven by the country's widespread prevalence of HIV, and further complicated by drug resistance. Active case finding within the community, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited, can significantly improve diagnosis and treatment coverage in high-incidence settings. We evaluated the potential health and economic consequences of implementing community-based TB/HIV screening and linkage to care. Using a dynamic model of TB and HIV transmission over a time horizon of 10 years, we compared status quo TB/HIV control to community-based TB/HIV screening at frequencies of once every two years, one year, and six months. We also considered the impact of extending IPT from 36 months for TST positive and 12 months for TST negative or unknown patients (36/12) to lifetime use for all HIV-infected patients. We conducted a probabilistic sensitivity analysis to assess the effect of parameter uncertainty on the cost-effectiveness results. We identified four strategies that saved the most life years for a given outlay: status quo TB/HIV control with 36/12 months of IPT and TB/HIV screening strategies at frequencies of once every two years, one year, and six months with lifetime IPT. All of these strategies were very cost-effective at a threshold of $6,618 per life year saved (the per capita GDP of South Africa). Community-based TB/HIV screening with linkage to care is therefore very cost-effective in rural South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Gilbert
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sheela V. Shenoi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Anthony P. Moll
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Church of Scotland Hospital, Tugela Ferry, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Gerald H. Friedland
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - A. David Paltiel
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Alison P. Galvani
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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18
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The Acceptability and Perceived Usefulness of a Weekly Clinical SMS Program to Promote HIV Antiretroviral Medication Adherence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:2629-2638. [PMID: 26781866 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1287-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Short message service (SMS) text messages have been used to remind and encourage patients to take ART in research studies. However, few studies have assessed the feasibility and acceptability of SMS in routine clinical practice. We report patient perspectives on a weekly SMS adherence support program after implementation into clinical care at an HIV clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We conducted structured interviews with a cross-sectional convenience sample of 100 adult patients who were invited to join the program, 88 of whom had received a program SMS. Of these respondents, 81 (92 %) would recommend the program to a friend. Sixty-eight (77 %) felt the program helped them remember clinic appointments, a response associated with male gender [odds ratio (OR) 5.88, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.52-23.26, P = 0.011] and HIV disclosure outside the home [OR 3.40, 95 %CI 1.00-11.60, P = 0.050]. This clinical SMS adherence program was found to have high patient-perceived usefulness.
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19
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Test site predicts HIV care linkage and antiretroviral therapy initiation: a prospective 3.5 year cohort study of HIV-positive testers in northern Tanzania. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:497. [PMID: 27646635 PMCID: PMC5028933 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1804-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Linkage to HIV care is crucial to the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs worldwide, loss to follow up at all stages of the care continuum is frequent, and long-term prospective studies of care linkage are currently lacking. Methods Consecutive clients who tested HIV-positive were enrolled from four HIV testing centers (1 health facility and 3 community-based centers) in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania as part of the larger Coping with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania (CHAT) prospective observational study. Biannual interviews were conducted over 3.5 years, assessing care linkage, retention, and mental health. Bivariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine associations with early death (prior to the second follow up interview) and delayed (>6 months post-test) or failed care linkage. Results A total of 263 participants were enrolled between November, 2008 and August, 2009 and 240 participants not already linked to care were retained in the final dataset. By 6 months after enrollment, 169 (70.4 %) of 240 participants had presented to an HIV care and treatment facility; 41 (17.1 %) delayed more than 6 months, 15 (6.3 %) died, and 15 (6.3 %) were lost to follow up. Twenty-six patients died before their second follow up visit and were analyzed in the early death group (10.8 %). Just 15 (9.6 %) of those linked to care had started ART within 6 months, but 123 (89.1 %) of patients documented to be ART eligible by local guidelines had started ART by the end of 3.5 years. On multivariate analysis, male gender (OR 1.72; 95 % CI 1.08, 2.75), testing due to illness (OR 1.63; 95 % CI 1.01, 2.63), and higher mean depression scale scores (4 % increased risk per increase in depression score; 95 % CI 1 %, 8 %) were associated with early death. Testing at a community versus a hospital-based site (OR 2.89; 95 % CI 1.79, 4.66) was strongly associated with delaying or never entering care. Conclusions Nearly 30 % of the cohort did not have timely care linkage, ART initiation was frequently delayed, and testing at a hospital outpatient department versus community-based testing centers was strongly associated with successful care linkage.
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20
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Kemp C, Gerth-Guyette E, Dube L, Andrasik M, Rao D. Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Novel, Structured, Community-Based Support and Education Intervention for Individuals with HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:1937-50. [PMID: 27553008 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1386-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
People living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa face significant challenges accessing care. Community-based peer support groups can increase linkage to treatment, though the effectiveness of structured, scalable groups has not been demonstrated. This study aimed to measure the impact of the structured Integrated Access to Care and Treatment intervention on clients' knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding HIV/AIDS, including their experiences of stigma, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data collection involved pre-/post-tests and client interviews. Pre-/post-test data from 66 clients were collected. 17 participants were interviewed. Paired t-tests did not detect significant changes in the main outcomes. Qualitative results suggested a psychosocial benefit as participants connected with their peers, expressed themselves openly, and re-engaged with their communities. Unfortunately, this study did not quantitatively measure psychosocial changes, and the results have limited generalizability to men. I ACT may be an effective complement to clinic-based support services, though further study should quantify the psychosocial benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Kemp
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, 13th Floor, 908 Jefferson Street, Box 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | | | - Lungile Dube
- SaveAct, 123 Jabu Ndlovu St, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa
| | - Michele Andrasik
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, 13th Floor, 908 Jefferson Street, Box 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, E3-300, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Deepa Rao
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, 13th Floor, 908 Jefferson Street, Box 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
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21
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Franse CB, Kayigamba FR, Bakker MI, Mugisha V, Bagiruwigize E, Mitchell KR, Asiimwe A, Schim van der Loeff MF. Linkage to HIV care before and after the introduction of provider-initiated testing and counselling in six Rwandan health facilities. AIDS Care 2016; 29:326-334. [PMID: 27539782 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1220475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
HIV testing and counselling forms the gateway to the HIV care and treatment continuum. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends provider-initiated testing and counselling (PITC) in countries with a generalized HIV epidemic. Few studies have investigated linkage-to-HIV-care among out-patients after PITC. Our objective was to study timely linkage-to-HIV-care in six Rwandan health facilities (HFs) before and after the introduction of PITC in the out-patient departments (OPDs). Information from patients diagnosed with HIV was abstracted from voluntary counselling and testing, OPD and laboratory registers of six Rwandan HFs during three-month periods before (March-May 2009) and after (December 2009-February 2010) the introduction of PITC in the OPDs of these facilities. Information on patients' subsequent linkage-to-pre-antiretroviral therapy (ART) care and ART was abstracted from ART clinic registers of each HF. To triangulate the findings from HF routine, a survey was held among patients to assess reasons for non-enrolment. Of 635 patients with an HIV diagnosis, 232 (36.5%) enrolled at the ART clinic within 90 days of diagnosis. Enrolment among out-patients decreased after the introduction of PITC (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-4.2; p = .051). Survey findings showed that retesting for HIV among patients already diagnosed and enrolled into care was not uncommon. Patients reported non-acceptance of disease status, stigma and problems with healthcare services as main barriers for enrolment. Timely linkage-to-HIV-care was suboptimal in this Rwandan study before and after the introduction of PITC; the introduction of PITC in the OPD may have had a negative impact on linkage-to-HIV-care. Healthier patients tested through PITC might be less ready to engage in HIV care. Fear of HIV stigma and mistrust of test results appear to be at the root of these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen B Franse
- a Royal Tropical Institute, KIT Biomedical Research , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam I Bakker
- a Royal Tropical Institute, KIT Biomedical Research , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Veronicah Mugisha
- c ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , Kigali , Rwanda
| | | | | | - Anita Asiimwe
- f College of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Rwanda , Kigali , Rwanda
| | - Maarten F Schim van der Loeff
- g Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development (AIGHD) , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.,h Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), AMC , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.,i Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD) , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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22
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Loeliger KB, Niccolai LM, Mtungwa LN, Moll A, Shenoi SV. "I Have to Push Him with a Wheelbarrow to the Clinic": Community Health Workers' Roles, Needs, and Strategies to Improve HIV Care in Rural South Africa. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2016; 30:385-94. [PMID: 27509239 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2016.0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With a 19.2% HIV prevalence, South Africa has the largest HIV/AIDS epidemic worldwide. Despite a recent scale-up of public sector HIV resources, including community-based programs to expand HIV care, suboptimal rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and adherence persist. As community stakeholders with basic healthcare training, community health workers (CHWs) are uniquely positioned to provide healthcare and insight into potential strategies to improve HIV treatment outcomes. The study goal was to qualitatively explore the self-perceived role of the CHW, unmet CHW needs, and strategies to improve HIV care in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Focus groups were conducted in May-August 2014, with 21 CHWs working in Msinga subdistrict. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated from Zulu into English. A hybrid deductive and inductive analytical method borrowed from grounded theory was applied to identify emergent themes. CHWs felt they substantially contributed to HIV care provision but were inadequately supported by the healthcare system. CHWs' recommendations included: (1) sufficiently equipping CHWs to provide education, counseling, social support, routine antiretroviral medication, and basic emergency care, (2) modifying clinical practice to provide less stigmatizing, more patient-centered care, (3) collaborating with traditional healers and church leaders to reduce competition with ART and provide more holistic care, and (4) offsetting socioeconomic barriers to HIV care. In conclusion, CHWs can serve as resources when designing and implementing interventions to improve HIV care. As HIV/AIDS policy and practice evolves in South Africa, it will be important to recognize and formally expand CHWs' roles supporting the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey B. Loeliger
- Yale AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Linda M. Niccolai
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | - Sheela V. Shenoi
- Yale AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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23
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Hoffmann CJ, Mabuto T, McCarthy K, Maulsby C, Holtgrave DR. A Framework to Inform Strategies to Improve the HIV Care Continuum in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2016; 28:351-364. [PMID: 27427929 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2016.28.4.351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Reasons for attrition along the HIV care continuum are well described. However, improving patient engagement in care has been a challenge. New approaches to understanding and responding to reasons for attrition are required. Here, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries, we propose a framework that brings together an explanatory model with social ecological levels. Individual action may be based on a conscious or unconscious balance between perceived value and perceived costs. When the balance between value and cost favors value, engagement in care can be expected. Value and cost may be mediated by levels of the individual, interpersonal interactions, the clinic experience, community, society, and policy. We encourage the use of a framework for developing strategies to improve the care continuum and believe that this framework provides a rigorous approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Hoffmann
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
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24
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Ayer R, Kikuchi K, Ghimire M, Shibanuma A, Pant MR, Poudel KC, Jimba M. Clinic Attendance for Antiretroviral Pills Pick-Up among HIV-Positive People in Nepal: Roles of Perceived Family Support and Associated Factors. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159382. [PMID: 27438024 PMCID: PMC4954679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV-positive people's clinic attendance for medication pick-up is critical for successful HIV treatment. However, limited evidence exists on it especially in low-income settings such as Nepal. Moreover, the role of family support in clinic attendance remains under-explored. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the association between perceived family support and regular clinic attendance and to assess factors associated with regular clinic attendance for antiretroviral pills pick-up among HIV-positive individuals in Nepal. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 HIV-positive people in three districts of Nepal. Clinic attendance was assessed retrospectively for the period of 12 months. To assess the factors associated, an interview survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire from July to August, 2015. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with regular clinic attendance. RESULTS Of 423 HIV-positive people, only 32.6% attended the clinics regularly. They were more likely to attend them regularly when they received high family support (AOR = 3.98, 95% CI = 2.29, 6.92), participated in support programs (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.00, 2.82), and had knowledge on the benefits of antiretroviral therapy (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.15, 5.99). In contrast, they were less likely to attend them regularly when they commuted more than 60 minutes to the clinics (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.93), when they self-rated their health status as being very good (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.44), good (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.46), and fair (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.70). CONCLUSION HIV-positive individuals are more likely to attend the clinics regularly when they receive high family support, know the benefits of antiretroviral therapy, and participate in support programs. To improve clinic attendance, family support should be incorporated with HIV care programs in resource limited settings. Service providers should also consider educating them about the benefits of antiretroviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Ayer
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113–0033, Japan
| | - Kimiyo Kikuchi
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113–0033, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Mamata Ghimire
- Department of Health Care Policy and Management, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1, Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 301–8577, Japan
| | - Akira Shibanuma
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113–0033, Japan
| | - Madhab Raj Pant
- Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Krishna C. Poudel
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 316 Arnold House, 715 North Pleasant St, Amherst, MA, 01003–9304, United States of America
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113–0033, Japan
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Kulkarni S, Hoffman S, Gadisa T, Melaku Z, Fantehun M, Yigzaw M, El-Sadr W, Remien R, Tymejczyk O, Nash D, Elul B. Identifying Perceived Barriers along the HIV Care Continuum: Findings from Providers, Peer Educators, and Observations of Provider-Patient Interactions in Ethiopia. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2016; 15:291-300. [PMID: 26173944 PMCID: PMC4713361 DOI: 10.1177/2325957415593635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing the proportion of HIV-positive individuals who link promptly to and are retained in care remains challenging in sub-Saharan Africa, but little evidence is available from the provider perspective. In 4 Ethiopian health facilities, we (1) interviewed providers and peer educators about their perceptions of service delivery- and patient-level barriers and (2) observed provider-patient interactions to characterize content and interpersonal aspects of counseling. In interviews, providers and peer educators demonstrated empathy and identified nonacceptance of HIV status, anticipated stigma from unintended disclosure, and fear of antiretroviral therapy as patient barriers, and brusque counseling and insufficient counseling at provider-initiated testing sites as service delivery-related. However, observations from the same clinics showed that providers often failed to elicit patients' barriers to retention, making it unlikely these would be addressed during counseling. Training is needed to improve interpersonal aspects of counseling and ensure providers elicit and address barriers to HIV care experienced by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kulkarni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, City University of New York School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susie Hoffman
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tsigereda Gadisa
- International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zenebe Melaku
- International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mesganaw Fantehun
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Muluneh Yigzaw
- International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wafaa El-Sadr
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Remien
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olga Tymejczyk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, City University of New York School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Denis Nash
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, City University of New York School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Batya Elul
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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26
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Shuper PA, Pillay S, MacDonald S, Christie S, Cornman DH, Fisher WA, Fisher JD. One in 4 HIV-Positive South Africans Awaiting ART Initiation Report Condomless Sex With a Serodiscordant Partner. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 72:e77-9. [PMID: 27046266 PMCID: PMC4911250 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Shuper
- *Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada †Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada ‡Center for Health, Intervention, and Prevention, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT §Enhancing Care Foundation, Research and Postgraduate Support, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa Departments of ‖Psychology ¶Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western University, London, Canada #Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
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27
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Skhosana M, Reddy S, Reddy T, Ntoyanto S, Spooner E, Ramjee G, Ngomane N, Coutsoudis A, Kiepiela P. PIMA™ point-of-care testing for CD4 counts in predicting antiretroviral initiation in HIV-infected individuals in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. South Afr J HIV Med 2016; 17:444. [PMID: 29568605 PMCID: PMC5843260 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v17i1.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Limited information is available on the usefulness of the PIMA™ analyser in predicting antiretroviral treatment eligibility and outcome in a primary healthcare clinic setting in disadvantaged communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Materials and methods The study was conducted under the eThekwini Health Unit, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Comparison of the enumeration of CD4+ T-cells in 268 patients using the PIMA™ analyser and the predicate National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) was undertaken during January to July 2013. Bland-Altman analysis to calculate bias and limits of agreement, precision and levels of clinical misclassification at various CD4+ T-cell count thresholds was performed. Results There was high precision of the PIMA™ control bead cartridges with low and normal CD4+ T-cell counts using three different PIMA™ analysers (%CV < 5). Under World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines (≤ 500 cells/mm3), the sensitivity of the PIMA™ analyser was 94%, specificity 78% and positive predictive value (PPV) 95%. There were 24 (9%) misclassifications, of which 13 were false-negative in whom the mean bias was 149 CD4+ T-cells/mm3. Most (87%) patients returned for their CD4 test result but only 67% (110/164) of those eligible (≤ 350 cells/mm3) were initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with a time to treatment of 49 days (interquartile range [IQR], 42–64 days). Conclusion There was adequate agreement between PIMA™ analyser and predicate NHLS CD4+ T-cell count enumeration (≤ 500 cells/mm3) in adult HIV-positive individuals. The high PPV, sensitivity and acceptable specificity of the PIMA™ analyser technology lend it as a reliable tool in predicting eligibility and rapid linkage to care in ART programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandisa Skhosana
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Medical Research Council of South Africa, HIV Prevention Research Unit, South Africa
| | - Shabashini Reddy
- Medical Research Council of South Africa, HIV Prevention Research Unit, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Medical Research Council of South Africa, Biostatistics Unit, South Africa
| | - Siphelele Ntoyanto
- Medical Research Council of South Africa, HIV Prevention Research Unit, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Spooner
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Medical Research Council of South Africa, HIV Prevention Research Unit, South Africa
| | - Gita Ramjee
- Medical Research Council of South Africa, HIV Prevention Research Unit, South Africa
| | | | - Anna Coutsoudis
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Photini Kiepiela
- Medical Research Council of South Africa, HIV Prevention Research Unit, South Africa
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28
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Ying R, Sharma M, Celum C, Baeten JM, van Rooyen H, Hughes JP, Garnett G, Barnabas RV. Home testing and counselling to reduce HIV incidence in a generalised epidemic setting: a mathematical modelling analysis. Lancet HIV 2016; 3:e275-82. [PMID: 27240790 PMCID: PMC4927306 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(16)30009-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home HIV testing and counselling (HTC) achieves high levels of HIV testing and linkage to care. Periodic home HTC, particularly targeted to those with high HIV viral load, might facilitate expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage. We used a mathematical model to assess the effect of periodic home HTC programmes on HIV incidence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS We developed a dynamic HIV transmission model with parameters, primary cost data, and measures of viral suppression collected from a prospective study of home HTC in KwaZulu-Natal. In our model, we assumed home HTC took place every 5 years with ART initiation for people with CD4 counts of 350 cells per μL or less. For individuals with CD4 counts of more than 350 cells per μL, we compared increasing ART coverage for those with 350-500 cells per μL with initiating treatment for those who have viral loads of more than 10 000 copies per mL. FINDINGS Maintaining the presently observed level of 36% viral suppression in HIV-positive people, HIV incidence decreases by 33·8% over 10 years. Home HTC every 5 years with linkage to care with ART initiation at CD4 counts of 350 cells per μL or less reduces HIV incidence by 40·6% over 10 years. Expansion of ART to people with CD4 counts of more than 350 cells per μL who also have a viral load of 10 000 copies per mL or more decreases HIV incidence by 51·6%, and this was the most cost-effective strategy for prevention of HIV infections at US$2960 per infection averted. Expansion of ART eligibility CD4 counts of 350-500 cells per μL is cost-effective at $900 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Following health economic guidelines, expansion of ART use to individuals who have viral loads of more than 10 000 copies per mL among those with CD4 counts of more than 350 cells per μL was cost-effective to reduce HIV-related morbidity. INTERPRETATION Our results show that province-wide home HTC every 5 years can be a cost-effective strategy to increase ART coverage and reduce HIV burden. Expanded ART initiation criteria that includes individuals with high viral load will improve the effectiveness of home HTC in linking individuals to ART who are at high risk of transmitting HIV, thereby preventing morbidity and onward transmission. FUNDING National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Ying
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - James P Hughes
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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29
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Ramjee G, Moonsamy S, Abbai NS, Wand H. Individual and Population Level Impact of Key HIV Risk Factors on HIV Incidence Rates in Durban, South Africa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153969. [PMID: 27104835 PMCID: PMC4841582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to estimate the individual and joint impact of age, marital status and diagnosis with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on HIV acquisition among young women at a population level in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A total of 3,978 HIV seronegative women were recruited for four biomedical intervention trials from 2002-2009. Point and interval estimates of partial population attributable risk (PAR) were used to quantify the proportion of HIV seroconversions which can be prevented if a combination of risk factors is eliminated from a target population. More than 70% of the observed HIV acquisitions were collectively attributed to the three risk factors: younger age (<25 years old), unmarried and not cohabiting with a stable/regular partner and diagnosis with STIs. Addressing these risks requires targeted structural, behavioural, biomedical and cultural interventions in order to impact on unacceptably high HIV incidence rates among young women and the population as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gita Ramjee
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Global Health, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Suri Moonsamy
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Handan Wand
- National Center for HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Sydney, Australia
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30
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Loeliger KB, Niccolai LM, Mtungwa LN, Moll A, Shenoi SV. Antiretroviral therapy initiation and adherence in rural South Africa: community health workers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators. AIDS Care 2016; 28:982-93. [PMID: 27043077 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1164292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
South Africa has the largest global HIV/AIDS epidemic, but barriers along the HIV care continuum prevent patients from initiating and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). To qualitatively explore reasons for poor ART initiation and adherence rates from the unique perspective of community health workers (CHWs), we conducted focus groups during May-August 2014 with 21 CHWs in rural Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated from Zulu into English. Hybrid deductive and inductive analytical methods were applied to identify emergent themes. Multiple psychosocial, socioeconomic, and socio-medical barriers acted at the level of the individual, social network, broader community, and healthcare environment to simultaneously hinder initiation of and adherence to ART. Key themes included insufficient patient education and social support, patient dissatisfaction with healthcare services, socioeconomic factors, and tension between ART and alternative medicine. Fear of lifelong therapy thwarted initiation whereas substance abuse principally impeded adherence. In conclusion, HIV/AIDS management requires patient counselling and support extending beyond initial diagnosis. Treating HIV/AIDS as a chronic rather than acute infectious disease is key to improving ART initiation and long-term adherence. Public health strategies include expanding CHWs' roles to strengthen healthcare services, provide longitudinal patient support, and foster collaboration with alternative medicine providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey B Loeliger
- a Section of Infectious Diseases , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA.,b Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases , Yale University School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Linda M Niccolai
- b Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases , Yale University School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Lillian N Mtungwa
- c Church of Scotland Hospital , Tugela Ferry , KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa
| | - Anthony Moll
- c Church of Scotland Hospital , Tugela Ferry , KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa
| | - Sheela V Shenoi
- a Section of Infectious Diseases , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA
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31
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Koenig SP, Bernard D, Dévieux JG, Atwood S, McNairy ML, Severe P, Marcelin A, Julma P, Apollon A, Pape JW. Trends in CD4 Count Testing, Retention in Pre-ART Care, and ART Initiation Rates over the First Decade of Expansion of HIV Services in Haiti. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146903. [PMID: 26901795 PMCID: PMC4763018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High attrition during the period from HIV testing to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is widely reported. Though treatment guidelines have changed to broaden ART eligibility and services have been widely expanded over the past decade, data on the temporal trends in pre-ART outcomes are limited; such data would be useful to guide future policy decisions. Methods We evaluated temporal trends and predictors of retention for each step from HIV testing to ART initiation over the past decade at the GHESKIO clinic in Port-au-Prince Haiti. The 24,925 patients >17 years of age who received a positive HIV test at GHESKIO from March 1, 2003 to February 28, 2013 were included. Patients were followed until they remained in pre-ART care for one year or initiated ART. Results 24,925 patients (61% female, median age 35 years) were included, and 15,008 (60%) had blood drawn for CD4 count within 12 months of HIV testing; the trend increased over time from 36% in Year 1 to 78% in Year 10 (p<0.0001). Excluding transfers, the proportion of patients who were retained in pre-ART care or initiated ART within the first year after HIV testing was 84%, 82%, 64%, and 64%, for CD4 count strata ≤200, 201 to 350, 351 to 500, and >500 cells/mm3, respectively. The trend increased over time for each CD4 strata, and in Year 10, 94%, 95%, 79%, and 74% were retained in pre-ART care or initiated ART for each CD4 strata. Predictors of pre-ART attrition included male gender, low income, and low educational status. Older age and tuberculosis (TB) at HIV testing were associated with retention in care. Conclusions The proportion of patients completing assessments for ART eligibility, remaining in pre-ART care, and initiating ART have increased over the last decade across all CD4 count strata, particularly among patients with CD4 count ≤350 cells/mm3. However, additional retention efforts are needed for patients with higher CD4 counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena P. Koenig
- Haitian Study Group for Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Daphne Bernard
- Haitian Study Group for Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Jessy G. Dévieux
- AIDS Prevention Program, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Sidney Atwood
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Margaret L. McNairy
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Patrice Severe
- Haitian Study Group for Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Adias Marcelin
- Haitian Study Group for Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Pierrot Julma
- Haitian Study Group for Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Alexandra Apollon
- Haitian Study Group for Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Jean W. Pape
- Haitian Study Group for Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
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Michael IJ, Kim TH, Sunkara V, Cho YK. Challenges and Opportunities of Centrifugal Microfluidics for Extreme Point-of-Care Testing. MICROMACHINES 2016; 7:mi7020032. [PMID: 30407405 PMCID: PMC6190358 DOI: 10.3390/mi7020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The advantages offered by centrifugal microfluidic systems have encouraged its rapid adaptation in the fields of in vitro diagnostics, clinical chemistry, immunoassays, and nucleic acid tests. Centrifugal microfluidic devices are currently used in both clinical and point-of-care settings. Recent studies have shown that this new diagnostic platform could be potentially used in extreme point-of-care settings like remote villages in the Indian subcontinent and in Africa. Several technological inventions have decentralized diagnostics in developing countries; however, very few microfluidic technologies have been successful in meeting the demand. By identifying the finest difference between the point-of-care testing and extreme point-of-care infrastructure, this review captures the evolving diagnostic needs of developing countries paired with infrastructural challenges with technological hurdles to healthcare delivery in extreme point-of-care settings. In particular, the requirements for making centrifugal diagnostic devices viable in developing countries are discussed based on a detailed analysis of the demands in different clinical settings including the distinctive needs of extreme point-of-care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issac J Michael
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 100 Banyeon-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 689-798, Korea.
| | - Tae-Hyeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 100 Banyeon-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 689-798, Korea.
| | - Vijaya Sunkara
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 100 Banyeon-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 689-798, Korea.
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 100 Banyeon-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 689-798, Korea.
- Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), UNIST-gil 50, Ulsan 689-798, Korea.
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Effect of Community Support Agents on Retention of People Living With HIV in Pre-antiretroviral Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Eastern Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 70:e36-43. [PMID: 26079842 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 50% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa are lost to follow-up between diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral treatment during pre-antiretroviral (pre-ARV) care. The effect of providing home counseling visits by community support agents on 2-year retention in pre-ARV care was evaluated through a randomized controlled trial in eastern Uganda. METHODS Four hundred newly screened HIV-positive patients were randomly assigned to receive posttest counseling alone (routine arm) or posttest counseling and monthly home counseling visits by community support agents to encourage them go back for routine pre-ARV care (intervention arm). The outcome measure was the proportion of new PLHIV in either arm who attended their scheduled pre-ARV care visits for at least 6 of the anticipated 8 visits in the first 24 months after HIV diagnosis. The difference between the 2 study arms was assessed using the χ and T tests. Mantel-Haenszel Risk Ratios and multivariate logistic models were used to assess the adjusted effect of the intervention on the outcome. RESULTS In all models generated, participants receiving monthly home counseling visits were 2.5 times more likely to be retained in pre-ARV compared with those in standard care over a period of 24 months (adjusted risk ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval: 2.0 to 3.0). CONCLUSION Monthly follow-up home visits by community workers more than doubled the retention of PLHIV in pre-ARV care in rural Uganda and can be applicable in similar resource-poor settings.
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Abstract
In a Perspective accompanying Bor and colleagues, Alexander Tsai and Mark Siedner discuss the gender gap in ART uptake and HIV mortality in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C. Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark J. Siedner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Babatunde O, Ojo OJ, Atoyebi OA, Ekpo DS, Ogundana AO, Olaniyan TO, Owoade JA. Seven year review of retention in HIV care and treatment in federal medical centre Ido-Ekiti. Pan Afr Med J 2015; 22:139. [PMID: 26889320 PMCID: PMC4742014 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2015.22.139.4981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Poor retention of patients in care is a major driver of poor performance and increased morbidity and mortality in HIV/AIDS programme despite the expansion and advancement Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART). The objective of this study is to assess retention rates and possible determining factors in People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART. METHODS This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria. Medical records of clients who were enrolled in ART Care and support unit (HIV Clinic) of the health facility from 2005 to 2012 were reviewed and analyzed using SPSS version 16. A total of 621 client records were reviewed for basic demographic information, CD4 count, WHO stage, number of follow-up visit, client ART status and client retention status (defined as client attending at least one clinic visit in 2012. RESULTS A total of 347(63%) patients were retained in care and 208(37%) were not retained over the seven year review period. Retention was statistically significant with age (P-value 0.031), ART status (P-value 0.000) baseline CD4 (P-value 0.004), year of diagnosis and ART initiation (P-value= 0.027). Poor retention was associated decreasing age, pre-ART client, HIV stage 1&IV client and baseline CD4 above 400cell/mm(3). CONCLUSION Retention in care of PLHIV is a minimum necessary condition for maintaining or restoring health in the long run. The strategies to sustain and improve retention rate should be adopted to maximize ART benefits. A follow-up study on other factors affecting retention from diagnosis to long term retention ART programme is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olujide John Ojo
- Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Center, PMB 201, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | | | - David Sylvanus Ekpo
- Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Center, PMB 201, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Adebusuyi Opeyemi Ogundana
- Care and Support Unit, Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Center, PMB 201, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | | | - John Adeyemi Owoade
- Department of Community Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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McNairy ML, Gachuhi AB, Lamb MR, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H, Burke S, Ehrenkranz P, Mazibuko S, Sahabo R, Philip NM, Okello V, El-Sadr WM. The Link4Health study to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination intervention strategy for linkage to and retention in HIV care in Swaziland: protocol for a cluster randomized trial. Implement Sci 2015; 10:101. [PMID: 26189154 PMCID: PMC4506770 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-015-0291-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gaps in the HIV care continuum contribute to suboptimal individual health outcomes and increased risk of HIV transmission at the population level. Implementation science studies are needed to evaluate clinic-based interventions aimed at improving retention of patients across the continuum. Methods/design Link4Health uses an unblended cluster site-randomized design to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination intervention strategy (CIS) as compared to standard of care on linkage to and retention in care among HIV-diagnosed adults in Swaziland. The CIS intervention targets a multiplicity of structural, behavioral, and biomedical barriers through five interventions: (1) point-of-care CD4 testing at time of HIV testing, (2) accelerated antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation for eligible patients, (3) mobile phone appointment reminders, (4) care and prevention packages, and (5) non-cash financial incentives for linkage and retention. The unit of randomization is a network of HIV clinics inclusive of a secondary facility coupled with an affiliated primary facility. Ten study units were randomized based on implementing partner, geographic location, and historic volume of HIV patients. Target enrollment was 2200 individuals, each to be followed for 12 months. Eligibility criteria includes HIV-positive test, age >18 years, willing to receive HIV care at a clinic in the study unit and consent to study procedures. Exclusion criteria included previous HIV care in the past 6 months, planning to leave the community, and current pregnancy. The primary study outcome is linkage within 1 month and retention at 12 months after testing HIV positive. Secondary outcomes include viral load suppression at 12 months, time to ART eligibility and initiation, participant acceptability, and cost-effectiveness. The trial status is that study enrollment is complete and follow-up procedures are ongoing. Discussion Link4Health evaluates a novel and pragmatic combination intervention strategy to improve linkage to and retention in care among adults with HIV in Swaziland. If the strategy is found to be effective, this study has the potential to inform HIV service delivery in resource-limited settings. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01904994
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret L McNairy
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Averie B Gachuhi
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Matthew R Lamb
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Sean Burke
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | | | | | - Ruben Sahabo
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Neena M Philip
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Velephi Okello
- Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland.
| | - Wafaa M El-Sadr
- ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Wilson D, Goggin K, Williams K, Gerkovich MM, Gqaleni N, Syce J, Bartman P, Johnson Q, Folk WR. Consumption of Sutherlandia frutescens by HIV-Seropositive South African Adults: An Adaptive Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128522. [PMID: 26186450 PMCID: PMC4506018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) R. Br. is widely used as an over the counter complementary medicine and in traditional medications by HIV seropositive adults living in South Africa; however the plant's safety has not been objectively studied. An adaptive two-stage randomized double-blind placebo controlled study was used to evaluate the safety of consuming dried S. frutescens by HIV seropositive adults with CD4 T-lymphocyte count of >350 cells/μL. METHODS In Stage 1 56 participants were randomized to S. frutescens 400, 800 or 1,200 mg twice daily or matching placebo for 24 weeks. In Stage 2 77 additional participants were randomized to either 1,200 mg S. frutescens or placebo. In the final analysis data from Stage 1 and Stage 2 were combined such that 107 participants were analysed (54 in the S. frutescens 1,200 mg arm and 53 in the placebo arm). RESULTS S. frutescens did not change HIV viral load, and CD4 T-lymphocyte count was similar in the two arms at 24 weeks; however, mean and total burden of infection (BOI; defined as days of infection-related events in each participant) was greater in the S. frutescens arm: mean (SD) 5.0 (5.5) vs. 9.0 (12.7) days (p = 0.045), attributed to two tuberculosis cases in subjects taking isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT). CONCLUSION A possible interaction between S. frutescens and IPT needs further evaluation, and may presage antagonistic interactions with other herbs having similar biochemical (antioxidant) properties. No other safety issues relating to consumption of S. frutescens in this cohort were identified. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00549523.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Wilson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kathy Goggin
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics, University of Missouri-Kansas City Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Karen Williams
- Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Mary M. Gerkovich
- Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Nceba Gqaleni
- AIK Innovations (Pty) Ltd, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - James Syce
- School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Patricia Bartman
- Department of Internal Medicine Research Unit, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Quinton Johnson
- George Campus, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, George, South Africa
| | - William R. Folk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
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Esperance MC, Koenig SP, Guiteau C, Homeus F, Devieux J, Edouard J, Bertrand R, Joseph P, Bellot C, Decome D, Pape JW, Severe P. A successful model for rapid triage of symptomatic patients at an HIV testing site in Haiti. Int Health 2015; 8:96-100. [PMID: 26180112 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihv042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attrition from HIV testing to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is high. Strengthening linkages in care from testing to treatment may reduce attrition. This study addresses the question: can social workers accurately identify symptomatic patients during HIV testing and fast-track them for rapid provision of services? METHODS This study took place at the Haitian Study Group for Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We compared symptoms reported by social workers at HIV testing using a checklist to diagnoses made by physicians on an intake exam to determine if social workers could accurately identify symptomatic patients. RESULTS Among the 437 HIV-positive patients included in the study, social workers reported stage-associated symptoms in 100% of patients diagnosed with WHO stage 3 or 4 conditions and in 87% of patients with WHO stage 1 or 2 conditions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of social worker-reported symptoms for the diagnosis of a WHO stage 3 or 4 condition was 100%, 47%, 31%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Social workers can identify symptomatic patients at HIV testing and refer them for fast-tracked services. This strategy may increase the rate of ART initiation among eligible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan C Esperance
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Serena P Koenig
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Colette Guiteau
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), 33 Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Fabienne Homeus
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), 33 Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | | | - Jenny Edouard
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), 33 Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Rachel Bertrand
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), 33 Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Patrice Joseph
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), 33 Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Clovy Bellot
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), 33 Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Diessy Decome
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), 33 Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Jean W Pape
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), 33 Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince, Haiti Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrice Severe
- Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), 33 Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
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Upadhya D, Moll AP, Brooks RP, Friedland G, Shenoi SV. What motivates use of community-based human immunodeficiency virus testing in rural South Africa? Int J STD AIDS 2015; 27:662-71. [PMID: 26134323 DOI: 10.1177/0956462415592789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite substantial progress in implementing HIV testing, challenges remain in achieving widespread uptake particularly in rural resource-limited settings. We sought to understand motivations for HIV testing in a community-based HIV testing programme in rural South Africa. We conducted a questionnaire survey in participants undergoing voluntary HIV testing within an ongoing community-based integrated HIV/tuberculosis intensive case finding programme at congregate rural settings. Participants responded to a six-item non-mutually exclusive motivations survey which included the topics of feeling ill, recent HIV exposure, risky lifestyle, illness in a family member, and pregnancy. Among 2068 respondents completing the survey, 1393 (67.4%) were women, median age was 40 years (IQR 19-56), and 1235 (59.7%) were first-time testers. Among all testers, 142 (6.9%) were HIV-positive with median CD4 count was 346 cells/mm(3) (IQR 218-542). Community-based testing for HIV is acceptable and meets the needs of community members in rural South Africa. Motivations for HIV testing at the community level are complex and differ according to gender, age, site of community testing, and HIV status. These differences can be utilised to improve the focus and yield of community-based HIV screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devesh Upadhya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor School of Medicine, Baylor, TX, USA
| | - Anthony P Moll
- Church of Scotland Hospital, ARV Programme, Tugela Ferry, South Africa
| | - Ralph P Brooks
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gerald Friedland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sheela V Shenoi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Gilbert JA, Long EF, Brooks RP, Friedland GH, Moll AP, Townsend JP, Galvani AP, Shenoi SV. Integrating Community-Based Interventions to Reverse the Convergent TB/HIV Epidemics in Rural South Africa. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126267. [PMID: 25938501 PMCID: PMC4418809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The WHO recommends integrating interventions to address the devastating TB/HIV co-epidemics in South Africa, yet integration has been poorly implemented and TB/HIV control efforts need strengthening. Identifying infected individuals is particularly difficult in rural settings. We used mathematical modeling to predict the impact of community-based, integrated TB/HIV case finding and additional control strategies on South Africa’s TB/HIV epidemics. We developed a model incorporating TB and HIV transmission to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating TB and HIV interventions in rural South Africa over 10 years. We modeled the impact of a novel screening program that integrates case finding for TB and HIV in the community, comparing it to status quo and recommended TB/HIV control strategies, including GeneXpert, MDR-TB treatment decentralization, improved first-line TB treatment cure rate, isoniazid preventive therapy, and expanded ART. Combining recommended interventions averted 27% of expected TB cases (95% CI 18–40%) 18% HIV (95% CI 13–24%), 60% MDR-TB (95% CI 34–83%), 69% XDR-TB (95% CI 34–90%), and 16% TB/HIV deaths (95% CI 12–29). Supplementing these interventions with annual community-based TB/HIV case finding averted a further 17% of TB cases (44% total; 95% CI 31–56%), 5% HIV (23% total; 95% CI 17–29%), 8% MDR-TB (68% total; 95% CI 40–88%), 4% XDR-TB (73% total; 95% CI 38–91%), and 8% TB/HIV deaths (24% total; 95% CI 16–39%). In addition to increasing screening frequency, we found that improving TB symptom questionnaire sensitivity, second-line TB treatment delays, default before initiating TB treatment or ART, and second-line TB drug efficacy were significantly associated with even greater reductions in TB and HIV cases. TB/HIV epidemics in South Africa were most effectively curtailed by simultaneously implementing interventions that integrated community-based TB/HIV control strategies and targeted drug-resistant TB. Strengthening existing TB and HIV treatment programs is needed to further reduce disease incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Gilbert
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Elisa F Long
- Anderson School of Management, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Ralph P Brooks
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Gerald H Friedland
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Anthony P Moll
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Church of Scotland Hospital, Tugela Ferry, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey P Townsend
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Program in Computational Biology and Informatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Alison P Galvani
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Program in Computational Biology and Informatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Sheela V Shenoi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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Knight LC, Van Rooyen H, Humphries H, Barnabas RV, Celum C. Empowering patients to link to care and treatment: qualitative findings about the role of a home-based HIV counselling, testing and linkage intervention in South Africa. AIDS Care 2015; 27:1162-7. [PMID: 25923366 PMCID: PMC4596741 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1035633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
To explore the barriers and facilitators of linkage to and retention in care amongst persons who tested positive for HIV, qualitative research was conducted in a home-based HIV counselling and testing (HBCT) project with interventions to facilitate linkages to HIV care in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The intervention tested 1272 adults for HIV in Vulindlela of whom 32% were HIV positive, received point-of-care (POC) CD4 testing and referral to local HIV clinics. Those testing positive also received follow-up visits from a counsellor to evaluate linkages to care. The study employed a qualitative methodology collecting data through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Respondents included 25 HIV-positive persons who had tested as part of HBCT project, 4 intervention research counsellors who delivered the HBCT intervention and 9 government clinic staff who received referrals for care. The results show that HBCT helped to facilitate linkage to care through providing education and support to help overcome fears of stigma and discrimination. The results show the perceived value of receiving a POC CD4 result during post-test counselling, both for those newly diagnosed and those previously diagnosed as HIV positive. The results also demonstrate that in-depth counselling creates an "educated consumer" facilitating engagement with clinical services. The study provides qualitative insights into the acceptability of confidential HBCT with same day POC CD4 testing and counselling as factors that influenced HIV-positive persons' decisions to link to care. This model warrants further evaluation in non-research settings to determine impact and cost-effectiveness relative to other HIV testing and referral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia C. Knight
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, P Bag X17 Bellville, South Africa, 7535, Tel: +27 (0) 21 959 2243
| | - Heidi Van Rooyen
- HIV, STI and TB Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, P.O Box 90, Msunduzi, 3200, South Africa, Tel: +27(0)333245009
| | - Hilton Humphries
- Centre for the Aids Programme of research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X7, Congella, 4013, South Africa. Tel: +27 (0) 332606865
| | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Departments of Global Health and Medicine, University of Washington UW Box 359927, 325 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA, 98104, Tel: +1 206 520 3813
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Intl Clinical Research Center, Harborview Medical Center Box 359927, 901 Third Ave, Seattle WA 98104, Tel: +1 206 520-3825
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Plazy M, Newell ML, Orne-Gliemann J, Naidu K, Dabis F, Dray-Spira R. Barriers to antiretroviral treatment initiation in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. HIV Med 2015; 16:521-32. [PMID: 25857535 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been freely available since 2004 in South Africa, not all those who are eligible initiate ART. We aimed to investigate individual and household characteristics as barriers to ART initiation in men and women in rural KwaZulu-Natal. METHODS Adults ≥ 16 years old living within a sociodemographic surveillance area (DSA) who accessed the local HIV programme between 2007 and 2011 were included in the study. Individual and household factors associated with ART initiation within 3 months of becoming eligible for ART were investigated using multivariable logistic regression stratified by sex and after exclusion of individuals who died before initiating ART. RESULTS Of the 797 men and 1598 women initially included, 8% and 5.5%, respectively, died before ART initiation and were excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining 733 men and 1510 women, 68.2% and 60.2%, respectively, initiated ART ≤ 3 months after becoming eligible (P = 0.34 after adjustment for CD4 cell count). In men, factors associated with a higher ART initiation rate were being a member of a household located < 2 km from the nearest HIV clinic and being resident in the DSA at the time of ART eligibility. In women, ART initiation was more likely in those who were not pregnant, in members of a household where at least one person was on ART and in those with a high wealth index. CONCLUSIONS In this rural South African setting, barriers to ART initiation differed for men and women. Supportive individual- and household-level interventions should be developed to guarantee rapid ART initiation taking account gender specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Plazy
- Centre INSERM U897 for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bordeaux, France.,ISPED, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - M-L Newell
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - J Orne-Gliemann
- Centre INSERM U897 for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bordeaux, France.,ISPED, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - K Naidu
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - F Dabis
- Centre INSERM U897 for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bordeaux, France.,ISPED, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - R Dray-Spira
- UMR_S 1136, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Team of Research in Social Epidemiology, INSERM, Paris, France.,UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Team of Research in Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
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Katz IT, Dietrich J, Tshabalala G, Essien T, Rough K, Wright AA, Bangsberg DR, Gray GE, Ware NC. Understanding treatment refusal among adults presenting for HIV-testing in Soweto, South Africa: a qualitative study. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:704-14. [PMID: 25304330 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0920-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
HIV treatment initiatives have focused on increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). There is growing evidence, however, that treatment availability alone is insufficient to stop the epidemic. In South Africa, only one third of individuals living with HIV are actually on treatment. Treatment refusal has been identified as a phenomenon among people who are asymptomatic, however, factors driving refusal remain poorly understood. We interviewed 50 purposively sampled participants who presented for voluntary counseling and testing in Soweto to elicit a broad range of detailed perspectives on ART refusal. We then integrated our core findings into an explanatory framework. Participants described feeling "too healthy" to start treatment, despite often having a diagnosis of AIDS. This subjective view of wellness was framed within the context of treatment being reserved for the sick. Taking ART could also lead to unintended disclosure and social isolation. These data provide a novel explanatory model of treatment refusal, recognizing perceived risks and social costs incurred when disclosing one's status through treatment initiation. Our findings suggest that improving engagement in care for people living with HIV in South Africa will require optimizing social integration and connectivity for those who test positive.
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Dryden-Peterson S, Bennett K, Hughes MD, Veres A, John O, Pradhananga R, Boyer M, Brown C, Sakyi B, van Widenfelt E, Keapoletswe K, Mine M, Moyo S, Asmelash A, Siedner M, Mmalane M, Shapiro RL, Lockman S. An augmented SMS intervention to improve access to antenatal CD4 testing and ART initiation in HIV-infected pregnant women: a cluster randomized trial. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117181. [PMID: 25693050 PMCID: PMC4334487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Less than one-third of HIV-infected pregnant women eligible for combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally initiate treatment prior to delivery, with lack of access to timely CD4 results being a principal barrier. We evaluated the effectiveness of an SMS-based intervention to improve access to timely antenatal ART. METHODS We conducted a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial of a low-cost programmatic intervention in 20 antenatal clinics in Gaborone, Botswana. From July 2011-April 2012, 2 clinics were randomly selected every 4 weeks to receive an ongoing clinic-based educational intervention to improve CD4 collection and to receive CD4 results via an automated SMS platform with active patient tracing. CD4 testing before 26 weeks gestation and ART initiation before 30 weeks gestation were assessed. RESULTS Three-hundred-sixty-six ART-naïve women were included, 189 registering for antenatal care under Intervention and 177 under Usual Care periods. Of CD4-eligible women, 100 (59.2%) women under Intervention and 79 (50.6%) women under Usual Care completed CD4 phlebotomy before 26 weeks gestation, adjusted odds ratio (aOR, adjusted for time that a clinic initiated Intervention) 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]0.47-1.63, P = 0.67). The SMS-based platform reduced time to clinic receipt of CD4 test result from median of 16 to 6 days (P<0.001), was appreciated by clinic staff, and was associated with reduced operational cost. However, rates of ART initiation remained low, with 56 (36.4%) women registering under Intervention versus 37 (24.2%) women under Usual Care initiating ART prior to 30 weeks gestation, aOR 1.06 (95%CI 0.53-2.13, P = 0.87). CONCLUSIONS The augmented SMS-based intervention delivered CD4 results more rapidly and efficiently, and this type of SMS-based results delivery platform may be useful for a variety of tests and settings. However, the intervention did not appear to improve access to timely antenatal CD4 testing or ART initiation, as obstacles other than CD4 impeded ART initiation during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Dryden-Peterson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting, Inc., Ballston Lake, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Hughes
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Adrian Veres
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Oaitse John
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rosina Pradhananga
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Matthew Boyer
- Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Brown
- John’s Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Aida Asmelash
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mark Siedner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mompati Mmalane
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Roger L. Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Ying R, Barnabas RV, Williams BG. Modeling the implementation of universal coverage for HIV treatment as prevention and its impact on the HIV epidemic. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2014; 11:459-67. [PMID: 25249293 PMCID: PMC4301303 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-014-0232-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) recently updated its global targets for antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage for HIV-positive persons under which 90 % of HIV-positive people are tested, 90 % of those are on ART, and 90 % of those achieve viral suppression. Treatment policy is moving toward treating all HIV-infected persons regardless of CD4 cell count-otherwise known as treatment as prevention-in order to realize the full therapeutic and preventive benefits of ART. Mathematical models have played an important role in guiding the development of these policies by projecting long-term health impacts and cost-effectiveness. To guide future policy, new mathematical models must consider the barriers patients face in receiving and taking ART. Here, we describe the HIV care cascade and ART delivery supply chain to examine how mathematical modeling can provide insight into cost-effective strategies for scaling-up ART coverage in sub-Saharan Africa and help achieve universal ART coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Ying
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359927, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA,
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Clouse K, Hanrahan CF, Bassett J, Fox MP, Sanne I, Van Rie A. Impact of systematic HIV testing on case finding and retention in care at a primary care clinic in South Africa. Trop Med Int Health 2014; 19:1411-9. [PMID: 25244155 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systematic, opt-out HIV counselling and testing (HCT) may diagnose individuals at lower levels of immunodeficiency but may impact loss to follow-up (LTFU) if healthier people are less motivated to engage and remain in HIV care. We explored LTFU and patient clinical outcomes under two different HIV testing strategies. METHODS We compared patient characteristics and retention in care between adults newly diagnosed with HIV by either voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) plus targeted provider-initiated counselling and testing (PITC) or systematic HCT at a primary care clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. RESULTS One thousand one hundred and forty-four adults were newly diagnosed by VCT/PITC and 1124 by systematic HCT. Two-thirds of diagnoses were in women. Median CD4 count at HIV diagnosis (251 vs. 264 cells/μl, P = 0.19) and proportion of individuals eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART) (67.2% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.80) did not differ by HCT strategy. Within 1 year of HIV diagnosis, half were LTFU: 50.5% under VCT/PITC and 49.6% under systematic HCT (P = 0.64). The overall hazard of LTFU was not affected by testing policy (aHR 0.98, 95%CI: 0.87-1.10). Independent of HCT strategy, males, younger adults and those ineligible for ART were at higher risk of LTFU. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of systematic HCT did not increase baseline CD4 count. Overall retention in the first year after HIV diagnosis was low (37.9%), especially among those ineligible for ART, but did not differ by testing strategy. Expansion of HIV testing should coincide with effective strategies to increase retention in care, especially among those not yet eligible for ART at initial diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Clouse
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Ramirez-Avila L, Regan S, Chetty S, Giddy J, Ross D, Katz JN, Freedberg KA, Losina E, Walensky RP, Bassett IV. HIV testing rates, prevalence, and knowledge among outpatients in Durban, South Africa: Time trends over four years. Int J STD AIDS 2014; 26:704-9. [PMID: 25228664 DOI: 10.1177/0956462414551234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The HIV public health messages in South Africa have increased. Our objective was to evaluate changes over time in HIV testing behaviour, prevalence and knowledge. We prospectively enrolled adults (≥18 years) prior to HIV testing at one urban and one peri-urban outpatient department in Durban, South Africa. A baseline questionnaire administered before testing included the number of prior HIV tests and four knowledge items. We used test results to estimate previously undiagnosed HIV prevalence among those tested. We assessed linear trends over enrollment. From November 2006 to August 2010, 5229 subjects enrolled and 4877 (93%) were HIV tested and had results available. Subjects reporting prior testing over time increased, from 13% in study year 1 to 42% in year 4 (linear trend p < 0.001). The HIV prevalence among those tested declined steadily and significantly over time, from 64% of enrollees in study year 1 to 39% in the final year (linear trend p < 0.001). The percentage of subjects who recognised that medicine can help people with HIV live longer increased from 80% in study year 1 to 96% in study year 4. Rates of HIV testing have increased and prevalence among those tested has decreased in outpatients in Durban, South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Ramirez-Avila
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine, CA, USA Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Regan
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Douglas Ross
- St. Mary's Hospital, Mariannhill, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey N Katz
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Departments of Epidemiology and Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth A Freedberg
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Departments of Epidemiology and Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena Losina
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Departments of Epidemiology and Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rochelle P Walensky
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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The clinical and economic impact of point-of-care CD4 testing in mozambique and other resource-limited settings: a cost-effectiveness analysis. PLoS Med 2014; 11:e1001725. [PMID: 25225800 PMCID: PMC4165752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care CD4 tests at HIV diagnosis could improve linkage to care in resource-limited settings. Our objective is to evaluate the clinical and economic impact of point-of-care CD4 tests compared to laboratory-based tests in Mozambique. METHODS AND FINDINGS We use a validated model of HIV testing, linkage, and treatment (CEPAC-International) to examine two strategies of immunological staging in Mozambique: (1) laboratory-based CD4 testing (LAB-CD4) and (2) point-of-care CD4 testing (POC-CD4). Model outcomes include 5-y survival, life expectancy, lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Input parameters include linkage to care (LAB-CD4, 34%; POC-CD4, 61%), probability of correctly detecting antiretroviral therapy (ART) eligibility (sensitivity: LAB-CD4, 100%; POC-CD4, 90%) or ART ineligibility (specificity: LAB-CD4, 100%; POC-CD4, 85%), and test cost (LAB-CD4, US$10; POC-CD4, US$24). In sensitivity analyses, we vary POC-CD4-specific parameters, as well as cohort and setting parameters to reflect a range of scenarios in sub-Saharan Africa. We consider ICERs less than three times the per capita gross domestic product in Mozambique (US$570) to be cost-effective, and ICERs less than one times the per capita gross domestic product in Mozambique to be very cost-effective. Projected 5-y survival in HIV-infected persons with LAB-CD4 is 60.9% (95% CI, 60.9%-61.0%), increasing to 65.0% (95% CI, 64.9%-65.1%) with POC-CD4. Discounted life expectancy and per person lifetime costs with LAB-CD4 are 9.6 y (95% CI, 9.6-9.6 y) and US$2,440 (95% CI, US$2,440-US$2,450) and increase with POC-CD4 to 10.3 y (95% CI, 10.3-10.3 y) and US$2,800 (95% CI, US$2,790-US$2,800); the ICER of POC-CD4 compared to LAB-CD4 is US$500/year of life saved (YLS) (95% CI, US$480-US$520/YLS). POC-CD4 improves clinical outcomes and remains near the very cost-effective threshold in sensitivity analyses, even if point-of-care CD4 tests have lower sensitivity/specificity and higher cost than published values. In other resource-limited settings with fewer opportunities to access care, POC-CD4 has a greater impact on clinical outcomes and remains cost-effective compared to LAB-CD4. Limitations of the analysis include the uncertainty around input parameters, which is examined in sensitivity analyses. The potential added benefits due to decreased transmission are excluded; their inclusion would likely further increase the value of POC-CD4 compared to LAB-CD4. CONCLUSIONS POC-CD4 at the time of HIV diagnosis could improve survival and be cost-effective compared to LAB-CD4 in Mozambique, if it improves linkage to care. POC-CD4 could have the greatest impact on mortality in settings where resources for HIV testing and linkage are most limited. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.
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Yu W, Li C, Fu X, Cui Z, Liu X, Fan L, Zhang G, Ma J. The cost-effectiveness of different feeding patterns combined with prompt treatments for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission in South Africa: estimates from simulation modeling. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102872. [PMID: 25055039 PMCID: PMC4108380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Based on the important changes in South Africa since 2009 and the Antiretroviral Treatment Guideline 2013 recommendations, we explored the cost-effectiveness of different strategy combinations according to the South African HIV-infected mothers' prompt treatments and different feeding patterns. Study Design A decision analytic model was applied to simulate cohorts of 10,000 HIV-infected pregnant women to compare the cost-effectiveness of two different HIV strategy combinations: (1) Women were tested and treated promptly at any time during pregnancy (Promptly treated cohort). (2) Women did not get testing or treatment until after delivery and appropriate standard treatments were offered as a remedy (Remedy cohort). Replacement feeding or exclusive breastfeeding was assigned in both strategies. Outcome measures included the number of infant HIV cases averted, the cost per infant HIV case averted, and the cost per life year(LY) saved from the interventions. One-way and multivariate sensitivity analyses were performed to estimate the uncertainty ranges of all outcomes. Results The remedy strategy does not particularly cost-effective. Compared with the untreated baseline cohort which leads to 1127 infected infants, 698 (61.93%) and 110 (9.76%) of pediatric HIV cases are averted in the promptly treated cohort and remedy cohort respectively, with incremental cost-effectiveness of $68.51 and $118.33 per LY, respectively. With or without the antenatal testing and treatments, breastfeeding is less cost-effective ($193.26 per LY) than replacement feeding ($134.88 per LY), without considering the impact of willingness to pay. Conclusion Compared with the prompt treatments, remedy in labor or during the postnatal period is less cost-effective. Antenatal HIV testing and prompt treatments and avoiding breastfeeding are the best strategies. Although encouraging mothers to practice replacement feeding in South Africa is far from easy and the advantages of breastfeeding can not be ignored, we still suggest choosing replacement feeding as far as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Yu
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Changping Li
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaomeng Fu
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuang Cui
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqian Liu
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Linlin Fan
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guan Zhang
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- * E-mail:
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Linkage to HIV care and antiretroviral therapy by HIV testing service type in Central Mozambique: a retrospective cohort study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 66:e37-44. [PMID: 24326605 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased dramatically in resource-limited settings since its introduction a decade ago. However, ART coverage remains low in countries with the highest disease burden, which may be partially explained by poor testing to care linkages. HIV testing service may impact early attrition in the HIV treatment cascade. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 18 clinics in central Mozambique using routine patient data and monthly reports. Patients referred from voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) were compared with those referred from prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) for 3 outcomes: (1) enrollment at an HIV clinic ≤30 days after testing HIV positive, (2) CD4 test ≤30 days after enrollment, and (3) ART initiation ≤90 days after first CD4 test. RESULTS Patient retention in the HIV care system dropped at each step from HIV testing to ART initiation. Enrollment in HIV care was not significantly different between PMTCT and VCT [risk ratio (RR) = 0.84, 0.72 < RR < 1.02]. Women tested in PMTCT were less likely to have a CD4 test ≤30 days after enrollment when adjusting for age, education level, and marital status (adjusted RR = 0.84, 0.70 < RR < 1.00), and were less likely to initiate ART ≤90 days after their first CD4 test when adjusting for age, education, and marital status (adjusted RR = 0.56, 0.44 < RR < 0.71). CONCLUSIONS Poor linkages between HIV testing and care hamper efforts to improve coverage for HIV care and treatment services. Increased loss to follow-up among women diagnosed in PMTCT relative to VCT is worrisome and merits further qualitative research and programmatic attention.
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