1
|
Heath K, Hill A. WHO hepatitis C elimination targets: the global equity challenge. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:286-288. [PMID: 38367625 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00408-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Hill
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kerschberger B, Vambe D, Schomaker M, Mabhena E, Daka M, Dlamini T, Ngwenya S, Mamba B, Nxumalo B, Sibanda J, Dube S, Dlamini LM, Mukooza E, Ellman T, Ciglenecki I. Sustained high fatality during TB therapy amid rapid decline in TB mortality at population level: A retrospective cohort and ecological analysis from Shiselweni, Eswatini. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:192-205. [PMID: 38100203 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite declining TB notifications in Southern Africa, TB-related deaths remain high. We describe patient- and population-level trends in TB-related deaths in Eswatini over a period of 11 years. METHODS Patient-level (retrospective cohort, from 2009 to 2019) and population-level (ecological analysis, 2009-2017) predictors and rates of TB-related deaths were analysed in HIV-negative and HIV-coinfected first-line TB treatment cases and the population of the Shiselweni region. Patient-level TB treatment data, and population and HIV prevalence estimates were combined to obtain stratified annual mortality rates. Multivariable Poisson regressions models were fitted to identify patient-level and population-level predictors of deaths. RESULTS Of 11,883 TB treatment cases, 1302 (11.0%) patients died during treatment: 210/2798 (7.5%) HIV-negative patients, 984/8443 (11.7%) people living with HIV (PLHIV), and 108/642 (16.8%) patients with unknown HIV-status. The treatment case fatality ratio remained above 10% in most years. At patient-level, fatality risk was higher in PLHIV (aRR 1.74, 1.51-2.02), and for older age and extra-pulmonary TB irrespective of HIV-status. For PLHIV, fatality risk was higher for TB retreatment cases (aRR 1.38, 1.18-1.61) and patients without antiretroviral therapy (aRR 1.70, 1.47-1.97). It decreases with increasing higher CD4 strata and the programmatic availability of TB-LAM testing (aRR 0.65, 0.35-0.90). At population-level, mortality rates decreased 6.4-fold (-147/100,000 population) between 2009 (174/100,000) and 2017 (27/100,000), coinciding with a decline in TB treatment cases (2785 in 2009 to 497 in 2017). Although the absolute decline in mortality rates was most pronounced in PLHIV (-826/100,000 vs. HIV-negative: -23/100,000), the relative population-level mortality risk remained higher in PLHIV (aRR 4.68, 3.25-6.72) compared to the HIV-negative population. CONCLUSIONS TB-related mortality rapidly decreased at population-level and most pronounced in PLHIV. However, case fatality among TB treatment cases remained high. Further strategies to reduce active TB disease and introduce improved TB therapies are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins sans Frontières, Mbabane, Eswatini
- Médecins sans Frontières/Ärzte ohne Grenzen, Vienna Evaluation Unit, Vienna, Austria
| | - Debrah Vambe
- National TB Control Programme (NTCP), Manzini, Eswatini
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Statistics, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Bheki Mamba
- National TB Control Programme (NTCP), Manzini, Eswatini
| | | | - Joyce Sibanda
- National TB Control Programme (NTCP), Manzini, Eswatini
| | - Sisi Dube
- National TB Control Programme (NTCP), Manzini, Eswatini
| | | | | | - Tom Ellman
- Médecins sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li L, Lin C, Pham LQ, Nguyen DB, Le TA. Networking community health workers for service integration: role of social media. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1030-1036. [PMID: 35014579 PMCID: PMC9271530 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.2019668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Community health workers (CHW) can play an active role in providing integrated HIV and harm reduction services. We used social media to create a virtual network among Vietnamese CHW. This paper reports CHW's social media engagement and the relationships with other work-related indicators. Sixty CHW participated in an intervention for integrated HIV/drug use service delivery. Following two in-person sessions, Facebook groups were established for CHW to share information, seek consultation, and refer patients. CHW's levels of online engagements were tracked for six months and linked to their service provision confidence, interaction with patients and other providers, and job satisfaction. The CHW made 181 posts, which received 557 comments and 1,607 reactions during the six months. Among the 60 CHW, 22 (36.6%) had three or more posts, 19 (31.7%) had one or two posts, and 19 (31.7%) had no post. Comparing the baseline and 6-month follow-up data, we observed that those who posted three or more times showed better service provision confidence (p = 0.0081), more interaction with providers in other settings (p = 0.0071), and higher job satisfaction (p = 0.0268). Our study suggests using social media to engage CHW in virtual communications to improve service provision in communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior – Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A
| | - Chunqing Lin
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior – Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A
| | - Loc Quang Pham
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior – Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A
| | - Diep Bich Nguyen
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior – Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A
| | - Tuan Anh Le
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maskew M, Technau K, Davies MA, Vreeman R, Fox MP. Adolescent retention in HIV care within differentiated service-delivery models in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e726-e734. [PMID: 36088915 PMCID: PMC9927242 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents and young people living with HIV are at risk of disengaging from HIV care at all stages of the care cascade. Differentiated models of care offer simplified HIV-service delivery options in the hope of improving treatment outcomes, including retention on antiretroviral therapy. However, it remains unclear how successful and widespread these models are for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of HIV is the greatest. Very few differentiated models of care specifically targeted to adolescents can be found and this priority group are currently ineligible from several models that exist. Where differentiated care has been made available to adolescents, data on the implementation and effectiveness of these interventions remain scarce. Despite this scarcity of evidence on the effectiveness of differentiated care among adolescent populations, several interventions, particularly community-based groups with peer navigators or supporters, might have potential to increase the reach, effectiveness, and adoption of differentiated care in adolescent HIV-care programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pham MD, Nguyen HV, Anderson D, Crowe S, Luchters S. Viral load monitoring for people living with HIV in the era of test and treat: progress made and challenges ahead - a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1203. [PMID: 35710413 PMCID: PMC9202111 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13504-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2016, we conducted a systematic review to assess the feasibility of treatment monitoring for people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), in line with the 90-90-90 treatment target. By 2020, global estimates suggest the 90-90-90 target, particularly the last 90, remains unattainable in many LMICs. This study aims to review the progress and identify needs for public health interventions to improve viral load monitoring and viral suppression for PLHIV in LMICs. Methods A literature search was conducted using an update of the initial search strategy developed for the 2016 review. Electronic databases (Medline and PubMed) were searched to identify relevant literature published in English between Dec 2015 and August 2021. The primary outcome was initial viral load (VL) monitoring (the proportion of PLHIV on ART and eligible for VL monitoring who received a VL test). Secondary outcomes included follow-up VL monitoring (the proportion of PLHIV who received a follow-up VL after an initial elevated VL test), confirmation of treatment failure (the proportion of PLHIV who had two consecutive elevated VL results) and switching treatment regimen rates (the proportion of PLHIV who switched treatment regimen after confirmation of treatment failure). Results The search strategy identified 1984 non-duplicate records, of which 34 studies were included in the review. Marked variations in initial VL monitoring coverage were reported across study settings/countries (range: 12–93% median: 74% IQR: 46–82%) and study populations (adults (range: 25–96%, median: 67% IQR: 50–84%), children, adolescents/young people (range: 2–94%, median: 72% IQR: 47–85%), and pregnant women (range: 32–82%, median: 57% IQR: 43–71%)). Community-based models reported higher VL monitoring (median: 85%, IQR: 82-88%) compared to decentralised care at primary health facility (median: 64%, IRQ: 48-82%). Suboptimal uptake of follow-up VL monitoring and low regimen switching rates were observed. Conclusions Substantial gaps in VL coverage across study settings and study populations were evident, with limited data availability outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Further research is needed to fill the data gaps. Development and implementation of innovative, community-based interventions are required to improve VL monitoring and address the “failure cascade” in PLHIV on ART who fail to achieve viral suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minh D Pham
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Huy V Nguyen
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Federation University, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David Anderson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Suzanne Crowe
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Sexual Health and HIV & AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Public health and Primary care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Langi GG, Rahadi A, Praptoraharjo I, Ahmad RA. HIV-related stigma and discrimination among health care workers during early program decentralization in rural district Gunungkidul, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:356. [PMID: 35300667 PMCID: PMC8932246 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07751-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanding HIV services by decentralizing provision to primary care raises a possible concern of HIV-related stigma and discrimination (SAD) from health care workers (HCWs) as new service points gain experience in HIV care delivery during early implementation. We surveyed indicators and examined the correlates of HIV-related SAD among HCWs in a decentralizing district of rural Gunungkidul, Indonesia. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey on a random stratified sample of 234 HCWs in 14 public health facilities (one district hospital, 13 primary health centers [PHC]) during the second year of decentralization roll-out in the district. We computed the prevalence of SAD indicators and used multivariable logistic regression to identify the correlates of these SAD indicators. RESULTS The prevalence of SAD among HCWs was similarly high between hospital and PHC HCWs for fear of HIV transmission (~71%) and perceived negative image of PHIV (~75%). Hospital HCWs exhibited somewhat lower avoidance of service duties (52.6% vs. 63.7%; p = 0.088) with weak evidence of a difference and significantly higher levels of discriminatory practice (96.1% vs. 85.6%; p = 0.009) than those working in PHCs. Recent interactions with PLHIV and receipt of training lowered the odds of fear of HIV transmission (p <0.021). However, the odds of avoiding care duties increased with receipt of training (p =0.003) and decreased for hospital HCWs (p = 0.030). HIV knowledge lowered the odds of discriminatory practice (p = 0.002), but hospital facility and nurse/midwife cadres were associated with increased odds of discriminatory practices (p <0.021). No significant correlate was found for perceived negative image of PLHIV. CONCLUSION HIV-related SAD among HCWs can be prevalent during early decentralization, highlighting the need for timely or preparatory interventions with a focus on building the capacity of hospital and non-physician workforce for positive patient-provider interactions when delivering HIV care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaby G Langi
- University Center of Excellence, AIDS Research Center, Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia.
- Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), Department of Biostatistics Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia.
| | - Arie Rahadi
- University Center of Excellence, AIDS Research Center, Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia.
| | - Ignatius Praptoraharjo
- University Center of Excellence, AIDS Research Center, Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia
- Center for Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Riris A Ahmad
- Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), Department of Biostatistics Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
- Center for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Heath K, Levi J, Hill A. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 95-95-95 targets: worldwide clinical and cost benefits of generic manufacture. AIDS 2021; 35:S197-S203. [PMID: 34115649 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS aims for HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression rates to be 95%--95%--95% by 2025. Patented drug prices remain a barrier to HIV treatment. Generic alternatives are being produced and exported from countries without patent barriers at a fraction of the cost. METHODS We collated export records of active pharmaceutical ingredient for HIV drugs to estimate the minimum costs of production. Using epidemiological data describing national HIV epidemics, we calculated the cost to treat 164 countries at 95%--95%-95%. Using weighted log-linear regression models, we estimated the mother-to-child transmissions (MTCTs), HIV-related deaths and new HIV infections preventable every year by increased treatment. FINDINGS We estimated that TDF/3TC/DTG could be produced for $59 per person per year. At this price, the 164 countries in our analysis could be treated at 95%--95%--95% for $2 billion a year, preventing 66 308 MTCTs, 241 811 HIV-related deaths and 631 398 new HIV infections every year. In comparison, global expenditure on HIV pharmaceuticals in 2019 was $28 billion. INTERPRETATION At $2 billion/year, the 164 countries in our analysis could be treated for the price of 4 weeks of current global sales. Global access to generic alternatives could reduce expenditure and improve clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob Levi
- Accident and Emergency Medicine, Homerton Row, Clapton, London
| | - Andrew Hill
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zawedde-Muyanja S, Reuter A, Tovar MA, Hussain H, Loando Mboyo A, Detjen AK, Yuen CM. Provision of Decentralized TB Care Services: A Detect-Treat-Prevent Strategy for Children and Adolescents Affected by TB. Pathogens 2021; 10:1568. [PMID: 34959523 PMCID: PMC8705395 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss considerations and successful models for providing decentralized diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services for children and adolescents. Key approaches to building decentralized capacity for childhood TB diagnosis in primary care facilities include provider training and increased access to child-focused diagnostic tools and techniques. Treatment of TB disease should be managed close to where patients live; pediatric formulations of both first- and second-line drugs should be widely available; and any hospitalization should be for as brief a period as medically indicated. TB preventive treatment for child and adolescent contacts must be greatly expanded, which will require home visits to identify contacts, building capacity to rule out TB, and adoption of shorter preventive regimens. Decentralization of TB services should involve the private sector, with collaborations outside the TB program in order to reach children and adolescents where they first enter the health care system. The impact of decentralization will be maximized if programs are family-centered and designed around responding to the needs of children and adolescents affected by TB, as well as their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stella Zawedde-Muyanja
- The Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 22418, Uganda
| | - Anja Reuter
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town 7784, South Africa;
| | - Marco A. Tovar
- Socios En Salud Sucursal Perú, Lima 15001, Peru;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima 15067, Peru
| | - Hamidah Hussain
- Interactive Research and Development Global, Singapore 238884, Singapore;
| | - Aime Loando Mboyo
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Kinshasa B.P. 1002030, Democratic Republic of the Congo;
| | - Anne K. Detjen
- United Nations Children’s Fund, New York, NY 10017, USA;
| | - Courtney M. Yuen
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bulstra CA, Hontelez JAC, Otto M, Stepanova A, Lamontagne E, Yakusik A, El-Sadr WM, Apollo T, Rabkin M, Atun R, Bärnighausen T. Integrating HIV services and other health services: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003836. [PMID: 34752477 PMCID: PMC8577772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integration of HIV services with other health services has been proposed as an important strategy to boost the sustainability of the global HIV response. We conducted a systematic and comprehensive synthesis of the existing scientific evidence on the impact of service integration on the HIV care cascade, health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. METHODS AND FINDINGS We reviewed the global quantitative empirical evidence on integration published between 1 January 2010 and 10 September 2021. We included experimental and observational studies that featured both an integration intervention and a comparator in our review. Of the 7,118 unique peer-reviewed English-language studies that our search algorithm identified, 114 met all of our selection criteria for data extraction. Most of the studies (90) were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in East Africa (55) and Southern Africa (24). The most common forms of integration were (i) HIV testing and counselling added to non-HIV services and (ii) non-HIV services added to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The most commonly integrated non-HIV services were maternal and child healthcare, tuberculosis testing and treatment, primary healthcare, family planning, and sexual and reproductive health services. Values for HIV care cascade outcomes tended to be better in integrated services: uptake of HIV testing and counselling (pooled risk ratio [RR] across 37 studies: 1.67 [95% CI 1.41-1.99], p < 0.001), ART initiation coverage (pooled RR across 19 studies: 1.42 [95% CI 1.16-1.75], p = 0.002), time until ART initiation (pooled RR across 5 studies: 0.45 [95% CI 0.20-1.00], p = 0.050), retention in HIV care (pooled RR across 19 studies: 1.68 [95% CI 1.05-2.69], p = 0.031), and viral suppression (pooled RR across 9 studies: 1.19 [95% CI 1.03-1.37], p = 0.025). Also, treatment success for non-HIV-related diseases and conditions and the uptake of non-HIV services were commonly higher in integrated services. We did not find any significant differences for the following outcomes in our meta-analyses: HIV testing yield, ART adherence, HIV-free survival among infants, and HIV and non-HIV mortality. We could not conduct meta-analyses for several outcomes (HIV infections averted, costs, and cost-effectiveness), because our systematic review did not identify sufficient poolable studies. Study limitations included possible publication bias of studies with significant or favourable findings and comparatively weak evidence from some world regions and on integration of services for key populations in the HIV response. CONCLUSIONS Integration of HIV services and other health services tends to improve health and health systems outcomes. Despite some scientific limitations, the global evidence shows that service integration can be a valuable strategy to boost the sustainability of the HIV response and contribute to the goal of 'ending AIDS by 2030', while simultaneously supporting progress towards universal health coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A. Bulstra
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Jan A. C. Hontelez
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Moritz Otto
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Stepanova
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erik Lamontagne
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
- Aix-Marseille School of Economics, CNRS, EHESS, Centrale Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, Les Milles, France
| | - Anna Yakusik
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wafaa M. El-Sadr
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Miriam Rabkin
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Rifat Atun
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chandra DK, Moll AP, Altice FL, Didomizio E, Andrews L, Shenoi SV. Structural barriers to implementing recommended tuberculosis preventive treatment in primary care clinics in rural South Africa. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:555-568. [PMID: 33650939 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1892793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) in people with HIV (PWH), yet implementation remains poor, especially in rural communities. We examined factors influencing TPT initiation in PWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in rural South Africa using the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) framework to identify contextual factors and facilitation strategies to successfully implement TPT. Patient and clinical factors were extracted from medical records at two primary healthcare clinics (PHCs). Among 455 TPT eligible indivdiuals, only 263 (57.8%) initiated TPT. Patient-level characteristics (older age and symptoms of fever or weight loss) were significantly associated with TPT initiation in bivariate analysis, but PHC was the only independent correlate of TPT initiation (aOR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.49-3.38). Clinic-level factors are crucial targets for implementing TPT to reduce the burden of HIV-associated TB. Gaps in knowledge of HCW, staff shortages, and non-integrated HIV/TB services were identified barriers to TPT implementation. Evidence-based strategies for facilitating TPT implementation that might be under-prioritized include ongoing reprioritization, expanding training for primary care providers, and quality improvement strategies (organisational changes, multidisciplinary teams, and monitoring and feedback). Addressing contextual barriers through these facilitation strategies may improve future TPT implementation in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya K Chandra
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Frederick L Altice
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elizabeth Didomizio
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Laurie Andrews
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sheela V Shenoi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV. HIV-associated TB disproportionally affects African countries, particularly vulnerable groups at risk for both TB and HIV. Currently available TB diagnostics perform poorly in people living with HIV; however, new diagnostics such as Xpert Ultra and lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan assays can greatly facilitate diagnosis of TB in people living with HIV. TB preventive treatment has been underutilized despite its proven benefits independent of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Shorter regimens using rifapentine can support increased availability and scale-up. Mortality is high in people with HIV-associated TB, and timely initiation of ART is critical. Programs should provide decentralized and integrated TB and HIV care in settings with high burden of both diseases to improve access to services that diagnose TB and HIV as early as possible. The new prevention and diagnosis tools recently recommended by WHO offer an immense opportunity to advance our fight against HIV-associated TB. They should be made widely available and scaled up rapidly supported by adequate funding with robust monitoring of the uptake to advance global TB elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohhei Hamada
- Centre for International Cooperation and Global TB Information, 46635Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute for Global Health, 4919University College London, London, UK
| | - Haileyesus Getahun
- Department of Global Coordination and Partnership on Antimicrobial Resistance, 3489WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Birkneh Tilahun Tadesse
- Department of Global Coordination and Partnership on Antimicrobial Resistance, 3489WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nathan Ford
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, 128167Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ehrenkranz P, Grimsrud A, Holmes CB, Preko P, Rabkin M. Expanding the Vision for Differentiated Service Delivery: A Call for More Inclusive and Truly Patient-Centered Care for People Living With HIV. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:147-152. [PMID: 33136818 PMCID: PMC7803437 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simplifying antiretroviral therapy for clinically stable people living with HIV (PLHIV) is important but insufficient to meet their health care needs, including prevention and treatment of tuberculosis and noncommunicable diseases, routine primary care, and family planning. Integrating these services into differentiated service delivery (DSD) platforms is a promising avenue to achieve such coverage. We propose a transition from an HIV-focused "DSD 1.0" to a patient-centered "DSD 2.0" that is inclusive of additional chronic care services for PLHIV. DISCUSSION The lack of coordination between HIV programs and these critical services puts a burden on both PLHIV and health systems. For individual patients, fractionated services increase cost and time, diminish the actual and perceived quality of care, and increase the risk that they will disengage from health care altogether. The burden on the health system is one of inefficiency and suboptimal outcomes resulting from the parallel systems required to manage multiple vertical programs. CONCLUSIONS DSD 2.0 provides an opportunity for the HIV and Universal Health Coverage agendas-which can seem to be at odds-to achieve greater collective impact for patients and health systems by integrating strong vertical HIV, tuberculosis and family planning programs, and relatively weaker noncommunicable disease programs. Increasing coordination of care for PLHIV will increase the likelihood of achieving and sustaining UNAIDS' goals of retention on antiretroviral therapy and viral suppression. Eventually, this shift to DSD 2.0 for PLHIV could evolve to a more person-centered vision of chronic care services that would also serve the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Grimsrud
- HIV Programmes & Advocacy, International AIDS Society, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charles B. Holmes
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kim H, Musuka GN, Mukandavire Z, Branscum A, Cuadros DF. When distance matters: Mapping HIV health care underserved communities in sub-Saharan Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 1:e0000013. [PMID: 36962273 PMCID: PMC10021734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite efforts to increase the proportion of individuals diagnosed with HIV who receive anti-retroviral therapy, 28% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) aged 15 years and older in eastern and southern Africa and 42% in western and central Africa were not receiving anti-retroviral therapy in 2019. Therefore, improving access to health care services is key to reduce HIV incidence and prevalence. The main aim of this study was to generate high-resolution maps of underserved areas where people cannot access the closest health care facilities within appropriate travel time in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Main sources of data for this study were the estimated number of PLHIV for adults aged 15-49 years in 47 countries in SSA and the global map of travel time to the nearest health care facility by motorized and non-motorized transportation. These data were used to estimate and map the number of PLHIV in underserved areas at a travel distance of 10, 30, and 60 minutes from the nearest healthcare facility. We identified and mapped more than 7 million PLHIV in the areas with a lack of access to health care within 10-minute travel time and 1.5 million PLHIV in the areas with a lack of access to health care within 60-minute travel time. The identified locations of underserved areas are an indicator of the challenge faced by PLHIV in accessing health services in SSA, a situation that is likely worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings can contribute to developing cost-effective geospatial policies for interventions aimed at underserved areas at a finer resolution for communities that have usually been identified in aggregated spatial areas. Further development and implementation of tailored intervention and treatment programs, especially in areas identified as underserved for PLHIV, should be explored. Geospatial analyses could complement the decision-making process with stakeholders to enhance healthcare access for PLHIV in SSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hana Kim
- Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Health Geography and Disease Modeling Laboratory, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Zindoga Mukandavire
- Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Emirates Aviation University, Dubai, UAE
| | - Adam Branscum
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Diego F Cuadros
- Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Health Geography and Disease Modeling Laboratory, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Matsena Zingoni Z, Chirwa T, Todd J, Musenge E. Competing risk of mortality on loss to follow-up outcome among patients with HIV on ART: a retrospective cohort study from the Zimbabwe national ART programme. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036136. [PMID: 33028546 PMCID: PMC7539573 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the loss to follow-up (LTFU) rates at different healthcare levels after antiretroviral therapy (ART) services decentralisation among ART patients who initiated ART between 2004 and 2017 using the competing risk model in addition to the Kaplan-Meier and Cox regressions analysis. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING The study was done in Zimbabwe using a nationwide routinely collected HIV patient-level data from various health levels of care facilities compiled through the electronic patient management system (ePMS). PARTICIPANTS We analysed 390 771 participants aged 15 years and above from 538 health facilities. OUTCOMES The primary endpoint was LTFU defined as a failure of a patient to report for drug refill for at least 90 days from last appointment date or if the patient missed the next scheduled visit date and never showed up again. Mortality was considered a secondary outcome if a patient was reported to have died. RESULTS The total exposure time contributed was 1 544 468 person-years. LTFU rate was 5.75 (95% CI 5.71 to 5.78) per 100 person-years. Adjustment for the competing event independently increased LTFU rate ratio in provincial and referral (adjusted sub-HRs (AsHR) 1.22; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.26) and district and mission (AsHR 1.47; 95% CI 1.45 to 1.50) hospitals (reference: primary healthcare); in urban sites (AsHR 1.61; 95% CI 1.59 to 1.63) (reference: rural); and among adolescence and young adults (15-24 years) group (AsHR 1.19; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.21) (reference: 35-44 years). We also detected overwhelming association between LTFU and tuberculosis-infected patients (AsHR 1.53; 95% CI 1.45 to 1.62) (reference: no tuberculosis). CONCLUSIONS We have observed considerable findings that 'leakages' (LTFU) within the ART treatment cascade persist even after the decentralisation of health services. Risk factors for LTFU reflect those found in sub-Saharan African studies. Interventions that retain patients in care by minimising any 'leakages' along the treatment cascade are essential in attaining the 90-90-90 UNAIDS fast-track targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zvifadzo Matsena Zingoni
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tobias Chirwa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eustasius Musenge
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ford N, Wi T, Easterbrook P, Penazzato M, Vitoria M. Global public health efforts to address HIV and related communicable disease syndemics. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2020; 15:261-265. [PMID: 32496325 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review recent progress in public health efforts to address HIV, and the extent to which key approaches can be applied to three key epidemics that commonly co-occur with HIV: TB, viral hepatitis, and STIs. RECENT FINDINGS The public health approach to tackling HIV in low-income and middle-income settings relied on standardized treatment regimens and monitoring approaches, task sharing and community involvement, and decentralized and integrated service delivery. These approaches can all be applied to three key epidemics that commonly co-occur with HIV: TB, viral hepatitis, and STIs. SUMMARY HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs share common routes of infection, and HIV weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of TB. A public health approach can be applied to address these syndemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Ford
- Department of HIV, STIs, and Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Affiliation(s)
- Susan P Sparkes
- Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing, World Health Organization, avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Kutzin
- Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing, World Health Organization, avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tymejczyk O, Vo Q, Kulkarni SG, Antelman G, Boshe J, Reidy W, Parcesepe A, Nash D, Elul B. Tracing-corrected estimates of disengagement from HIV care and mortality among patients enrolling in HIV care without overt immunosuppression in Tanzania. AIDS Care 2019; 33:47-53. [PMID: 31826640 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1699642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the era of "test and treat", it is important to understand HIV care outcomes and their determinants in patients presenting to care with early-stage disease. We surveyed 924 adults newly enrolling in HIV care at four clinics in Tanzania before the adoption of universal treatment eligibility, and collected longitudinal clinical data. Participants who defaulted from care were tracked in the community. Cumulative incidence of disengagement from care and death was estimated using competing risk methods. By 12 months after enrollment, 18.2% of patients had disengaged from care and 6.9% had died. Factors associated with disengagement included male sex (adjusted subhazard ratio [aSHR] versus female = 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.89), provider-initiated HIV diagnosis (aSHR versus self-referred = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.03-2.86), ineligibility for antiretroviral treatment (ART) at enrollment (aSHR versus eligibility = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.84-4.32) and increased anticipated stigma score (aSHR = 1.04 per 5-point increase, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05). Higher life satisfaction score (aSHR = 0.97 per 5-point increase, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99) and having 1-2 close friends (aSHR versus none = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.47-0.71) were protective. The findings highlight the continued importance of social environment for HIV care outcomes and the potential of universal ART eligibility to reduce HIV care attrition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Tymejczyk
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Quynh Vo
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Gorrell Kulkarni
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,ICAP, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - William Reidy
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angela Parcesepe
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Batya Elul
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Matsena Zingoni Z, Chirwa TF, Todd J, Musenge E. HIV Disease Progression Among Antiretroviral Therapy Patients in Zimbabwe: A Multistate Markov Model. Front Public Health 2019; 7:326. [PMID: 31803702 PMCID: PMC6873884 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) impact has prolonged survival of people living with HIV. We evaluated HIV disease progression among ART patients using routinely collected patient-level data between 2004 and 2017 in Zimbabwe. Methods: We partitioned HIV disease progression into four transient CD4 cell counts states: state 1 (CD4 ≥ 500 cells/μl), state 2 (350 cells/μl ≤ CD4 < 500 cells/μl), state 3 (200 cells/μl ≤ CD4 < 350 cells/μl), state 4 (CD4 < 200 cells/μl), and the absorbing state death (state 5). We proposed a semiparametric time-homogenous multistate Markov model to estimate bidirectional transition rates. Covariate effects (age, gender, ART initiation period, and health facility level) on the transition rates were assessed. Results: We analyzed 204,289 clinic visits by 63,422 patients. There were 24,325 (38.4%) patients in state 4 (CD4 < 200) at ART initiation, and 7,995 (12.6%) deaths occurred by December 2017. The overall mortality rate was 3.9 per 100 person-years. The highest mortality rate of 5.7 per 100 person-years (4,541 deaths) was from state 4 (CD4 < 200) compared to other states. Mortality rates decreased with increase in time since ART initiation. Health facility type was the strongest predictor for immune recovery. Provincial or central hospital patients showed a diminishing dose-response effect on immune recovery by state from a hazard ratio (HR) of 8.30 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 6.64-10.36] (state 4 to 3) to HR of 3.12 (95% CI, 2.54-4.36) (state 2 to 1) compared to primary healthcare facilities. Immune system for male patients was more likely to deteriorate, and they had a 32% increased mortality risk (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.23-1.42) compared to female patients. Elderly patients (45+ years) were more likely to immune deteriorate compared to 25-34 years age group: HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.18-1.54; HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.34-1.81 and HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.32-1.79 for states 1 to 2, state 2 to 3, and states 3 to 4, respectively. Conclusion: Immune recovery was pronounced among provincial or central hospitals. Male patients with lower CD4 cell counts were at a higher risk of immune deterioration and mortality, while elderly patients were more likely to immune deteriorate. Early therapeutic interventions when the immune system is relatively stable across gender and age may contain mortality and increase survival outcomes. Interventions which strengthen ART services in primary healthcare facilities are essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zvifadzo Matsena Zingoni
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Ministry of Health and Child Care, National Institute of Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tobias F Chirwa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eustasius Musenge
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Effect of TB/HIV Integration on TB and HIV Indicators in Rural Ugandan Health Facilities. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 79:605-611. [PMID: 30383587 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends integrating services for patients coinfected with tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. We assessed the effect of TB/HIV integration on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and TB treatment outcomes among TB/HIV-coinfected patients using data collected from 14 rural health facilities during 2 previous TB and HIV quality of care studies. METHODS A facility was considered to have integrated TB/HIV services if patients with TB/HIV had combined treatment for both illnesses by 1 provider or care team at 1 treatment location. We analyzed the effect of integration by conducting a cross-sectional analysis of integrated and nonintegrated facility periods comparing performance on ART initiation and TB treatment outcomes. We conducted logistic regression, with the patient as the unit of analysis, controlling for other intervention effects, adjusting for age and sex, and clustering by health facility. RESULTS From January 2012 to June 2014, 996 patients with TB were registered, 97% were tested for HIV, and 404 (42%) were HIV-positive. Excluding transfers, 296 patients were eligible for analysis with 117 and 179 from nonintegrated and integrated periods, respectively. Being treated in a facility with TB/HIV integration was associated with lower mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18 to 0.77], but there was no difference in the proportion initiating ART (aOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.40 to 4.47), with TB treatment success (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.73 to 2.82), lost to follow-up (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 0.53 to 5.04), or failure (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.34 to 4.32). CONCLUSIONS TB/HIV service integration was associated with lower mortality during TB treatment even in settings with suboptimal proportions of patients completing TB treatment and starting on ART.
Collapse
|
20
|
Kerschberger B, Jobanputra K, Schomaker M, Kabore SM, Teck R, Mabhena E, Lukhele N, Rusch B, Boulle A, Ciglenecki I. Feasibility of antiretroviral therapy initiation under the treat-all policy under routine conditions: a prospective cohort study from Eswatini. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25401. [PMID: 31647613 PMCID: PMC6812490 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The World Health Organization recommends the Treat-All policy of immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, but questions persist about its feasibility in resource-poor settings. We assessed the feasibility of Treat-All compared with standard of care (SOC) under routine conditions. METHODS This prospective cohort study from southern Eswatini followed adults from HIV care enrolment to ART initiation. Between October 2014 and March 2016, Treat-All was offered in one health zone and SOC according to the CD4 350 and 500 cells/mm3 treatment eligibility thresholds in the neighbouring health zone, each of which comprised one secondary and eight primary care facilities. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates, multivariate flexible parametric survival models and standardized survival curves to compare ART initiation between the two interventions. RESULTS Of the 1726 (57.3%) patients enrolled under Treat-All and 1287 (42.7%) under SOC, cumulative three-month ART initiation was higher under Treat-All (91%) than SOC (74%; p < 0.001) with a median time to ART of 1 (IQR 0 to 14) and 10 (IQR 2 to 117) days respectively. Under Treat-All, ART initiation was higher in pregnant women (vs. non-pregnant women: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70 to 2.26), those with secondary education (vs. no formal education: aHR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.95), and patients with an HIV-positive diagnosis before care enrolment (aHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.36). ART initiation was lower in patients attending secondary care facilities (aHR 0.64, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.72) and for CD4 351 to 500 when compared with CD4 201 to 350 cells/mm3 (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.00). ART initiation varied over time for TB cases, with lower hazard during the first two weeks after HIV care enrolment and higher hazards thereafter. Of patients with advanced HIV disease (n = 1085; 36.0%), crude 3-month ART initiation was similar in both interventions (91% to 92%) although Treat-All initiated patients more quickly during the first month after HIV care enrolment. CONCLUSIONS ART initiation was high under Treat-All and without evidence of de-prioritization of patients with advanced HIV disease. Additional studies are needed to understand the long-term impact of Treat-All on patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and HealthTechnology AssessmentMedical Informatics and TechnologyUMIT – University for Health SciencesHall in TirolAustria
| | - Serge M Kabore
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Roger Teck
- The Manson UnitMédecins Sans FrontièresLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | | | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Holmes CB, Rabkin M, Ford N, Preko P, Rosen S, Ellman T, Ehrenkranz P. Tailored HIV programmes and universal health coverage. Bull World Health Organ 2019; 98:87-94. [PMID: 32015578 PMCID: PMC6986224 DOI: 10.2471/blt.18.223495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvements in geospatial health data and tailored human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, prevention and treatment have led to greater microtargeting of the HIV response, based on location, risk, clinical status and disease burden. These approaches show promise for achieving control of the HIV epidemic. At the same time, United Nations Member States have committed to achieving broader health and development goals by 2030, including universal health coverage (UHC). HIV epidemic control will facilitate UHC by averting the need to commit ever-increasing resources to HIV services. Yet an overly targeted HIV response could also distort health systems, impede integration and potentially threaten broader health goals. We discuss current approaches to achieving both UHC and HIV epidemic control, noting potential areas of friction between disease-specific microtargeting and integrated health systems, and highlighting opportunities for convergence that could enhance both initiatives. Examples of these programmatic elements that could be better aligned include: improved information systems with unique identifiers to track and monitor individuals across health services and the life course; strengthened subnational data use; more accountable supply chains that supply a broad range of services; and strengthened community-based services and workforces. We argue that the response both to HIV and to broader health threats should use these areas of convergence to increase health systems efficiency and mitigate the harm of any potential decrease in health funding. Further investments in implementation and monitoring of these programme elements will be needed to make progress towards both UHC and HIV epidemic control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Holmes
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States of America (USA)
| | - Miriam Rabkin
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Nathan Ford
- Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Preko
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tom Ellman
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Htet KM, Soe KT, Oo MM, Hone S, Majumdar SS, Oo HN. Early Success With Retention in Care Among People Living With HIV at Decentralized ART Satellite Sites in Yangon, Myanmar, 2015-2016. Front Public Health 2019; 7:124. [PMID: 31179261 PMCID: PMC6538688 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Myanmar is one of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region hit hardest by the HIV epidemic that is concentrated among urban areas and key populations. In 2014, the National AIDS Programme (NAP) launched a new model of decentralized service delivery with the establishment ART satellite sites with care delivered by HIV peer workers. Methods: ART satellite sites are implemented by non-government organizations to service high burden HIV areas and populations that suffer stigma or find access to public sector services difficult. They provide continuity of HIV care from outreach testing, counseling, linkage to care, and retention in care. Anti-retroviral (ART) initiation occurs at health facilities by specialist physicians. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who were initiated on ART from 2015 to 2016 at five ART satellite sites in Yangon, Myanmar to assess outcomes and time from enrolment to ART initiation. Results: Of 1,339 PLHIV on ART treatment in 2015–16, 1,157 (89%) were retained, and 5% were lost from care and 5% reported dead, at the end of March 2018. Attrition rates (death and lost-to-follow-up) were found to be significantly associated with a CD4 count ≤ 50 cells/mm3 and having baseline weight ≤ 50 kg. Median time taken from enrolment to ART initiation was 1.9 months (interquartile range: 1.4–2.5). Conclusion: We report high rates of retention in care of PLHIV in a new model of ART satellite sties in Yangon, Myanmar after 3 years of follow-up. The delays identified in time taken from enrolment to ART initiation need to be explored further and addressed. This initial study supports continuation of plans to scale-up ART satellite sites in Myanmar. To optimize outcomes for patients and the program and accelerate progress to reduce HIV transmission and end the HIV epidemic, operational research needs to be embedded within the response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyaw Myo Htet
- National AIDS Program, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Naypyitaw, Myanmar
| | - Kyaw Thu Soe
- Department of Medical Research (Pyin Oo Lwin Branch), Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Myo Minn Oo
- The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - San Hone
- National AIDS Program, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Naypyitaw, Myanmar
| | - Suman S Majumdar
- International Development, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Htun Nyunt Oo
- National AIDS Program, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Naypyitaw, Myanmar
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kerschberger B, Schomaker M, Ciglenecki I, Pasipamire L, Mabhena E, Telnov A, Rusch B, Lukhele N, Teck R, Boulle A. Programmatic outcomes and impact of rapid public sector antiretroviral therapy expansion in adults prior to introduction of the WHO treat-all approach in rural Eswatini. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:701-714. [PMID: 30938037 PMCID: PMC6849841 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes during rapid HIV programme expansion in the public sector of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). METHODS This is a retrospectively established cohort of HIV-positive adults (≥16 years) who started first-line ART in 25 health facilities in Shiselweni (Eswatini) between 01/2006 and 12/2014. Temporal trends in ART attrition, treatment expansion and ART coverage were described over 9 years. We used flexible parametric survival models to assess the relationship between time to ART attrition and covariates. RESULTS Of 24 772 ART initiations, 6% (n = 1488) occurred in 2006, vs. 13% (n = 3192) in 2014. Between these years, median CD4 cell count at ART initiation increased (113-265 cells/mm3 ). The active treatment cohort expanded 8.4-fold, ART coverage increased 8.0-fold (7.1% in 2006 vs. 56.8% in 2014) and 12-month crude ART retention improved from 71% to 86%. Compared with the pre-decentralisation period (2006-2007), attrition decreased by 5% (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.88-1.02) during HIV-TB service decentralisation (2008-2010), by 17% (aHR 0.83, 0.75-0.92) during service consolidation (2011-2012), and by 20% (aHR 0.80, 0.71-0.90) during further treatment expansion (2013-2014). The risk of attrition was higher for young age, male sex, pathological baseline haemoglobin and biochemistry results, more toxic drug regimens, WHO III/IV staging and low CD4 cell count; access to a telephone was protective. CONCLUSIONS Programmatic outcomes improved during large expansion of the treatment cohort and increased ART coverage. Changes in ART programming may have contributed to better outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | | | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Alex Telnov
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Point-of-Care HIV Viral Load Testing: an Essential Tool for a Sustainable Global HIV/AIDS Response. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 32:32/3/e00097-18. [PMID: 31092508 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00097-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The global public health community has set ambitious treatment targets to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. With the notable absence of a cure, the goal of HIV treatment is to achieve sustained suppression of an HIV viral load, which allows for immunological recovery and reduces the risk of onward HIV transmission. Monitoring HIV viral load in people living with HIV is therefore central to maintaining effective individual antiretroviral therapy as well as monitoring progress toward achieving population targets for viral suppression. The capacity for laboratory-based HIV viral load testing has increased rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, but implementation of universal viral load monitoring is still hindered by several barriers and delays. New devices for point-of-care HIV viral load testing may be used near patients to improve HIV management by reducing the turnaround time for clinical test results. The implementation of near-patient testing using these new and emerging technologies may be an essential tool for ensuring a sustainable response that will ultimately enable an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In this report, we review the current and emerging technology, the evidence for decentralized viral load monitoring by non-laboratory health care workers, and the additional considerations for expanding point-of-care HIV viral load testing.
Collapse
|
25
|
Hassan S, Cooke A, Saleem H, Mushi D, Mbwambo J, Lambdin BH. Evaluating the Integrated Methadone and Anti-Retroviral Therapy Strategy in Tanzania Using the RE-AIM Framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16050728. [PMID: 30823440 PMCID: PMC6427450 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16050728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
There are an estimated 50,000 people who inject drugs in Tanzania, with an HIV prevalence in this population of 42%. The Integrated Methadone and Anti-Retroviral Therapy (IMAT) strategy was developed to integrate HIV services into an opioid treatment program (OTP) in sub-Saharan Africa and increase anti-retroviral therapy (ART) initiation rates. In this paper, we evaluate the IMAT strategy using an implementation science framework to inform future care integration efforts in the region. IMAT centralized HIV services into an OTP clinic in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: HIV diagnosis, ART initiation, monitoring and follow up. A mixed-methods, concurrent design, was used for evaluation: quantitative programmatic data and semi-structured interviews with providers and clients addressed 4 out of 5 components of the RE-AIM framework: reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation. Results showed high reach: 98% of HIV-positive clients received HIV services; effectiveness: 90-day ART initiation rate doubled, from 41% pre-IMAT to 87% post-IMAT (p < 0.001); proportion of HIV-positive eligible clients on ART increased from 71% pre-IMAT to 98% post-IMAT (p < 0.001). There was high adoption and implementation protocol fidelity. Qualitative results informed barriers and facilitators of RE-AIM components. In conclusion, we successfully integrated HIV care into an OTP clinic in sub-Saharan Africa with increased rates of ART initiation. The IMAT strategy represents an effective care integration model to improve HIV care delivery for OTP clients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saria Hassan
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - Alexis Cooke
- San Francisco Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
| | - Haneefa Saleem
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Dorothy Mushi
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-Es-Salaam 11000, Tanzania.
| | - Jessie Mbwambo
- Department of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-Es-Salaam 11000, Tanzania.
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mizuno Y, Higa DH, Leighton CA, Mullins M, Crepaz N. Is co-location of services with HIV care associated with improved HIV care outcomes? A systematic review. AIDS Care 2019; 31:1323-1331. [PMID: 30773038 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1576847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review identifies models of service co-location, a structural intervention strategy to remove barriers to HIV care and services, and examines their associations with HIV care outcomes. A cumulative database (e.g., MEDLINE, EMBASE) of HIV, AIDS, and STI literature was systematically searched and manual searches were conducted to identify relevant studies. Thirty-six studies were classified into six models of co-location: HIV care co-located with multiple ancillary services, tuberculosis (TB) care, non-HIV specific primary care, drug abuse treatment, prevention of mother to child transmission programs (PMTCT), and mental health care. More evidence of a positive association was seen for linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake than for retention and viral suppression. Models of co-location that addressed HIV and non-HIV medical care issues (i.e., co-location with non-HIV specific primary care, PMTCT, and TB) had more positive associations, particularly for linkage to care and ART uptake, than other co-location models. While some findings are encouraging, more research with rigorous study designs is needed to strengthen the evaluation of, and evidence for, service co-location.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Mizuno
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Darrel H Higa
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Carolyn A Leighton
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Mary Mullins
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Nicole Crepaz
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tran BX, Fleming M, Nguyen CT, Latkin CA. Financial mobilization for antiretroviral therapy program: multi-level predictors of willingness to pay among patients with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam. AIDS Care 2018; 30:1488-1497. [PMID: 30047280 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1503633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In Vietnam, significant progress has been made in increasing the number of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the last number of years. As this number increases and international aid and funding for HIV services declines, a greater proportion of ART funding will need to be provided by the government budget, health insurance or by the patients themselves. This study aims to evaluate the willingness of HIV patients to pay for ART. A cross-sectional study which included 1133 HIV-positive patients was conducted across 8 outpatient centers in Hanoi and Nam Binh in Northern Vietnam in 2013. Contingent valuation method was used to assess the willingness to pay (WTP) of patient for ART. Over 90% of the patients were willing to pay for ART for an average amount of 19.7 USD per month. Regression models showed that the willingness of patients to pay for ART was influenced by factors such as employment, income, quality of life and social factors. The amount patients were willing to pay was also associated with gender, living place and level of HIV service administration. By establishing these factors which influence the amount of WTP for ART, plans for the future can be effectively designed and patient groups at risk can be appropriately managed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bach Xuan Tran
- a Department of Health Economics, Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health , Hanoi Medical University , Hanoi , Vietnam.,b Department of Health, Behavior and Society ,, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Mercedes Fleming
- c School of Medicine and Medical Science , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Cuong Tat Nguyen
- d Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University , Danang , Vietnam
| | - Carl A Latkin
- b Department of Health, Behavior and Society ,, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kufa T, Fielding KL, Hippner P, Kielmann K, Vassall A, Churchyard GJ, Grant AD, Charalambous S. An intervention to optimise the delivery of integrated tuberculosis and HIV services at primary care clinics: results of the MERGE cluster randomised trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2018; 72:43-52. [PMID: 30053431 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of an intervention to optimize TB/HIV integration on patient outcomes. METHODS Cluster randomised control trial at 18 primary care clinics in South Africa. The intervention was placement of a nurse (TB/HIV integration officer) to facilitate provision of integrated TB/HIV services, and a lay health worker (TB screening officer) to facilitate TB screening for 24 months. Primary outcomes were i) incidence of hospitalisation/death among individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, ii) incidence of hospitalisation/death among individuals newly diagnosed with TB and iii) proportion of HIV-positive individuals newly diagnosed with TB who were retained in HIV care 12 months after enrolment. RESULTS Of 3328 individuals enrolled, 3024 were in the HIV cohort, 731 in TB cohort and 427 in TB-HIV cohort. For the HIV cohort, the hospitalisation/death rate was 12.5 per 100 person-years (py) (182/1459py) in the intervention arm vs. 10.4/100py (147/1408 py) in the control arms respectively (Relative Risk (RR) 1.17 [95% CI 0.92-1.49]).For the TB cohort, hospitalisation/ death rate was 17.1/100 py (67/ 392py) vs. 11.1 /100py (32/289py) in intervention and control arms respectively (RR 1.37 [95% CI 0.78-2.43]). For the TB-HIV cohort, retention in care at 12 months was 63.0% (213/338) and 55.9% (143/256) in intervention and control arms (RR 1.11 [95% 0.89-1.38]). CONCLUSIONS The intervention as implemented failed to improve patient outcomes beyond levels at control clinics. Effective strategies are needed to achieve better TB/HIV service integration and improve TB and HIV outcomes in primary care clinics. TRIAL REGISTRATION South African Register of Clinical Trials (registration number DOH-27-1011-3846).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Kufa
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; The School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - K L Fielding
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - P Hippner
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - K Kielmann
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - A Vassall
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - G J Churchyard
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; The School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - A D Grant
- The School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Africa Health Research Institute, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - S Charalambous
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; The School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) is the major cause of mortality in HIV-infected children globally. Current guidelines about the management of antiretroviral therapy in children with TB are based on a limited number of nonrandomized studies involving small numbers of participants. The aim of the study was to systematically retrieve and critically appraise available evidence on the efficacy and safety of different antiretroviral regimens in children with HIV infection who are receiving treatment for active TB. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the literature according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Records were retrieved through March 2016 from Medline, Embase and manual screening of key conference proceedings. Four specific research questions assessing available treatment options were defined. RESULTS Although 4 independent searches were conducted (1 for each Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes question), results were elaborated and interpreted together because of significant overlap among the retrieved records. Six observational studies were selected for qualitative synthesis while meta-analysis could not be performed. CONCLUSION Evidence for optimal treatment options for HIV/TB coinfected children is limited. As the global community strives to reach the fast-track HIV treatment targets and eliminate childhood TB deaths, it must ensure that coinfected children are included in key treatment studies and expand this neglected but crucial area of research.
Collapse
|
30
|
Patel P, Speight C, Maida A, Loustalot F, Giles D, Phiri S, Gupta S, Raghunathan P. Integrating HIV and hypertension management in low-resource settings: Lessons from Malawi. PLoS Med 2018; 15:e1002523. [PMID: 29513674 PMCID: PMC5841643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pragna Patel and colleagues describe the implementation of a hypertension management model for HIV-infected people in Malawi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pragna Patel
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Colin Speight
- The Lighthouse Trust, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Alice Maida
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Fleetwood Loustalot
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Denise Giles
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sam Phiri
- The Lighthouse Trust, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- University of Malawi, College of Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Department of Public Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sundeep Gupta
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Pratima Raghunathan
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
High risk of loss to follow-up among South African children on ART during transfer, a retrospective cohort analysis with community tracing. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21748. [PMID: 28691440 PMCID: PMC5515030 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.1.21748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Decentralization of HIV care for children has been recommended to improve paediatric outcomes by making antiretroviral treatment (ART) more accessible. We documented outcomes of children transferred after initiating ART at a large tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Methods: Electronic medical records for all children 0–15 years initiating ART at Dora Nginza Hospital (DNH) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa January 2004 to September 2015 were examined. Records for children transferred to primary and community clinics were searched at 16 health facilities to identify children with successful (at least one recorded visit) and unsuccessful transfer (no visits). We identified all children lost to follow-up (LTF) after ART initiation: those LTF at DNH (no visit >6 months), children with unsuccessful transfer, and children LTF after successful transfer (no visit >6 months). Community tracing was conducted to locate caregivers of children LTF and electronic laboratory data were searched to measure reengagement in care, including silent transfers. Results: 1,582 children initiated ART at median age of 4 years [interquartile range (IQR): 1–8] and median CD4+ of 278 cells/mm3 [IQR: 119–526]. A total of 901 (57.0%) children were transferred, 644 (71.5%) to study facilities; 433 (67.2%) children had successful transfer and 211 (32.8%) had unsuccessful transfer. In total, 399 children were LTF: 105 (26.3%) from DNH, 211 (52.9%) through unsuccessful transfer and 83 (20.8%) following successful transfer. Community tracing was conducted for 120 (30.1%) of 399 children LTF and 66 (55.0%) caregivers were located and interviewed. Four children had died. Among 62 children still alive, 8 (12.9%) were reported to not be in care or taking ART and 18 (29.0%) were also not taking ART. Overall, 65 (16.3%) of 399 children LTF had a laboratory result within 18 months of their last visit indicating silent transfer and 112 (28.1%) had lab results from 2015 to 2016 indicating current care. Conclusion: We found that only two-thirds of children on ART transferred to primary and community health clinics had successful transfer. These findings suggest that transfer is a particularly vulnerable step in the paediatric HIV care cascade.
Collapse
|
32
|
Peeling RW, Boeras DI, Marinucci F, Easterbrook P. The future of viral hepatitis testing: innovations in testing technologies and approaches. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:699. [PMID: 29143676 PMCID: PMC5688478 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2775-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A large burden of undiagnosed hepatitis virus cases remains globally. Despite the 257 million people living with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and 71 million with chronic viraemic HCV infection, most people with hepatitis remain unaware of their infection. Advances in rapid detection technology have created new opportunities for enhancing access to testing and care, as well as monitoring of treatment. This article examines a range of other technological innovations that can be leveraged to provide more affordable and simplified approaches to testing for HBV and HCV infection and monitoring of treatment response. These include improved access to testing through alternative sampling methods (use of dried blood spots, oral fluids, self-testing) and combination rapid diagnostic tests for detection of HIV, HBV and HCV infection; more affordable options for confirmation of virological infection (HBV DNA and HCV RNA) such as point-of-care molecular assays, HCV core antigen and multi-disease polyvalent molecular platforms that make use of existing centralised laboratory based or decentralised TB and HIV instrumentation for viral hepatitis testing; and finally health system improvements such as integration of laboratory services for procurement and sample transportation and enhanced data connectivity to support quality assurance and supply chain management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna W Peeling
- Depart of Clinical Research and International Diagnostics Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Debrah I Boeras
- Depart of Clinical Research and International Diagnostics Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Vasan A, Mabey DC, Chaudhri S, Brown Epstein HA, Lawn SD. Support and performance improvement for primary health care workers in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review of intervention design and methods. Health Policy Plan 2017; 32:437-452. [PMID: 27993961 PMCID: PMC5400115 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czw144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary health care workers (HCWs) in low- and middle-income settings (LMIC) often work in challenging conditions in remote, rural areas, in isolation from the rest of the health system and particularly specialist care. Much attention has been given to implementation of interventions to support quality and performance improvement for workers in such settings. However, little is known about the design of such initiatives and which approaches predominate, let alone those that are most effective. We aimed for a broad understanding of what distinguishes different approaches to primary HCW support and performance improvement and to clarify the existing evidence as well as gaps in evidence in order to inform decision-making and design of programs intended to support and improve the performance of health workers in these settings. We systematically searched the literature for articles addressing this topic, and undertook a comparative review to document the principal approaches to performance and quality improvement for primary HCWs in LMIC settings. We identified 40 eligible papers reporting on interventions that we categorized into five different approaches: (1) supervision and supportive supervision; (2) mentoring; (3) tools and aids; (4) quality improvement methods, and (5) coaching. The variety of study designs and quality/performance indicators precluded a formal quantitative data synthesis. The most extensive literature was on supervision, but there was little clarity on what defines the most effective approach to the supervision activities themselves, let alone the design and implementation of supervision programs. The mentoring literature was limited, and largely focused on clinical skills building and educational strategies. Further research on how best to incorporate mentorship into pre-service clinical training, while maintaining its function within the routine health system, is needed. There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about coaching in this setting, however a review of the corporate and the business school literature is warranted to identify transferrable approaches. A substantial literature exists on tools, but significant variation in approaches makes comparison challenging. We found examples of effective individual projects and designs in specific settings, but there was a lack of comparative research on tools across approaches or across settings, and no systematic analysis within specific approaches to provide evidence with clear generalizability. Future research should prioritize comparative intervention trials to establish clear global standards for performance and quality improvement initiatives. Such standards will be critical to creating and sustaining a well-functioning health workforce and for global initiatives such as universal health coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Vasan
- Department of Population and Family Health & Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David C Mabey
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Simran Chaudhri
- Department of Population and Family Health & Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Stephen D Lawn
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bilinski A, Birru E, Peckarsky M, Herce M, Kalanga N, Neumann C, Bronson G, Po-Chedley S, Kachimanga C, McBain R, Keck J. Distance to care, enrollment and loss to follow-up of HIV patients during decentralization of antiretroviral therapy in Neno District, Malawi: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185699. [PMID: 28973035 PMCID: PMC5626468 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV/AIDS remains the second most common cause of death in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), and only 34% of eligible patients in Africa received antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2013. This study investigated the impact of ART decentralization on patient enrollment and retention in rural Malawi. We reviewed electronic medical records of patients registered in the Neno District ART program from August 1, 2006, when ART first became available, through December 31, 2013. We used GPS data to calculate patient-level distance to care, and examined number of annual ART visits and one-year lost to follow-up (LTFU) in HIV care. The number of ART patients in Neno increased from 48 to 3,949 over the decentralization period. Mean travel distance decreased from 7.3 km when ART was only available at the district hospital to 4.7 km when ART was decentralized to 12 primary health facilities. For patients who transferred from centralized care to nearer health facilities, mean travel distance decreased from 9.5 km to 4.7 km. Following a transfer, the proportion of patients achieving the clinic’s recommended ≥4 annual visits increased from 89% to 99%. In Cox proportional hazards regression, patients living ≥8 km from a health facility had a greater hazard of being LTFU compared to patients <8 km from a facility (adjusted HR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.5–1.9). ART decentralization in Neno District was associated with increased ART enrollment, decreased travel distance, and increased retention in care. Increasing access to ART by reducing travel distance is one strategy to achieve the ART coverage and viral suppression objectives of the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets in rural impoverished areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Bilinski
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ermyas Birru
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew Peckarsky
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael Herce
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Noel Kalanga
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christian Neumann
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gay Bronson
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stephen Po-Chedley
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Chembe Kachimanga
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ryan McBain
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James Keck
- Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi and Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mukumbang FC, Van Belle S, Marchal B, van Wyk B. An exploration of group-based HIV/AIDS treatment and care models in Sub-Saharan Africa using a realist evaluation (Intervention-Context-Actor-Mechanism-Outcome) heuristic tool: a systematic review. Implement Sci 2017; 12:107. [PMID: 28841894 PMCID: PMC5574210 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-017-0638-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction It is increasingly acknowledged that differentiated care models hold potential to manage large volumes of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Various group-based models of ART service delivery aimed at decongesting local health facilities, encouraging patient retention in care, and enhancing adherence to medication have been implemented across sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence from the literature suggests that these models of ART service delivery are more effective than corresponding facility-based care and superior to individual-based models. Nevertheless, there is little understanding of how these care models work to achieve their intended outcomes. The aim of this study was to review the theories explicating how and why group-based ART models work using a realist evaluation framework. Methods A systematic review of the literature on group-based ART support models in sub-Saharan Africa was conducted. We searched the Google Scholar and PubMed databases and supplemented these with a reference chase of the identified articles. We applied a theory-driven approach—narrative synthesis—to synthesise the data. Data were analysed using the thematic content analysis method and synthesised according to aspects of the Intervention-Context-Actor-Mechanism-Outcome heuristic-analytic tool—a realist evaluation theory building tool. Results Twelve articles reporting primary studies on group-based models of ART service delivery were included in the review. The six studies that employed a quantitative study design failed to identify aspects of the context and mechanisms that work to trigger the outcomes of group-based models. While the other four studies that applied a qualitative and the two using a mixed methods design identified some of the aspects of the context and mechanisms that could trigger the outcomes of group-based ART models, these studies did not explain the relationship(s) between the theory elements and how they interact to produce the outcome(s). Conclusion Although we could distill various components of the Intervention-Context-Actor-Mechanism-Outcome analytic tool from different studies exploring group-based programmes, we could not, however, identify a salient programme theory based on the Intervention-Context-Actor-Mechanism-Outcome heuristic analysis. The scientific community, policy makers and programme implementers would benefit more if explanatory findings of how, why, for whom and in what circumstances programmes work are presented rather than just reporting on the outcomes of the interventions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13012-017-0638-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand C Mukumbang
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Sara Van Belle
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bruno Marchal
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Brian van Wyk
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wilkinson L, Harley B, Sharp J, Solomon S, Jacobs S, Cragg C, Kriel E, Peton N, Jennings K, Grimsrud A. Expansion of the Adherence Club model for stable antiretroviral therapy patients in the Cape Metro, South Africa 2011-2015. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 21:743-9. [PMID: 27097834 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The ambitious '90-90-90' treatment targets require innovative models of care to support quality antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery. While evidence for differentiated models of ART delivery is growing, there are few data on the feasibility of scale-up. We describe the implementation of the Adherence Club (AC) model across the Cape Metro health district in Cape Town, South Africa, between January 2011 and March 2015. METHODS Using data from monthly aggregate AC monitoring reports and electronic monitoring systems for the district cohort, we report on the number of facilities offering ACs and the number of patients receiving ART care in the AC model. RESULTS Between January 2011 and March 2015, the AC programme expanded to reach 32 425 patients in 1308 ACs at 55 facilities. The proportion of the total ART cohort retained in an AC increased from 7.3% at the end of 2011 to 25.2% by March 2015. The number of facilities offering ACs also increased and by the end of the study period, 92.3% of patients were receiving ART at a facility that offered ACs. During this time, the overall ART cohort doubled from 66 616 to 128 697 patients. The implementation of the AC programme offset this increase by 51%. CONCLUSIONS ACs now provide ART care to more than 30 000 patients. Further expansion of the model will require additional resources and support. More research is necessary to determine the outcomes and quality of care provided in ACs and other differentiated models of ART delivery, especially when implemented at scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynne Wilkinson
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha, South Africa.,Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Beth Harley
- City of Cape Town Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joseph Sharp
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Shahieda Jacobs
- Western Cape Government Health Department, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carol Cragg
- Western Cape Government Health Department, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ebrahim Kriel
- Western Cape Government Health Department, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Neshaan Peton
- Western Cape Government Health Department, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen Jennings
- City of Cape Town Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna Grimsrud
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,International AIDS Society, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pham MD, Romero L, Parnell B, Anderson DA, Crowe SM, Luchters S. Feasibility of antiretroviral treatment monitoring in the era of decentralized HIV care: a systematic review. AIDS Res Ther 2017; 14:3. [PMID: 28103895 PMCID: PMC5248527 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-017-0131-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular monitoring of HIV patients who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is required to ensure patient benefits and the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of ART programs. Prompted by WHO recommendations for expansion and decentralization of HIV treatment and care in low and middle income countries, we conducted a systematic review to assess the feasibility of treatment monitoring in these settings. METHODS A comprehensive search strategy was developed using a combination of MeSH and free text terms relevant to HIV treatment and care, health service delivery, health service accessibility, decentralization and other relevant terms. Five electronic databases and two conference websites were searched to identify relevant studies conducted in LMICs, published in English between Jan 2006 and Dec 2015. Outcomes of interest included the proportion of patients who received treatment monitoring and health system factors related to monitoring of patients on ART under decentralized HIV service delivery models. RESULTS From 5363 records retrieved, twenty studies were included in the review; all but one was conducted in sub-Saharan African countries. The majority of studies (15/20) had relatively short follow-up duration (≤24 months), and only two studies were specifically designed to assess treatment monitoring practices. The most frequently studied follow-up period was 12 months and a wide range of treatment monitoring coverage was observed. The reported proportions of patients on ART who received CD4 monitoring ranged from very low (6%; N = 2145) to very high (95%; N = 488). The median uptake of viral load monitoring was 86% with studies in program settings reporting coverage as low as 14%. Overall, the longer the follow-up period, the lower the proportion of patients who received regular monitoring tests; and programs in rural areas reported low coverage of laboratory monitoring. Moreover, uptake in the context of research had significantly better where monitoring was done by dedicated research staff. In the absence of point of care (POC) testing, the limited capacity for blood sample transportation between clinic and laboratory and poor quality of nursing staff were identified as a major barrier for treatment monitoring practice. CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of data on the uptake of treatment monitoring, particularly with longer-term follow-up. Wide variation in access to both virological and immunological regular monitoring was observed, with some clinics in well-resourced settings supported by external donors achieving high coverage. The feasibility of treatment monitoring, particularly in decentralized settings of HIV treatment and care may thus be of concern and requires further study. Significant investment in POC diagnostic technologies and, improving the quality of and training for nursing staff is required to ensure effective scale up of ART programs towards the targets of 90-90-90 by the year 2020.
Collapse
|
38
|
Suthar AB, Nagata JM, Nsanzimana S, Bärnighausen T, Negussie EK, Doherty MC. Performance-based financing for improving HIV/AIDS service delivery: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:6. [PMID: 28052771 PMCID: PMC5210258 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1962-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although domestic HIV/AIDS financing is increasing, international HIV/AIDS financing has plateaued. Providing incentives for the health system (i.e. performance-based financing [PBF]) may help countries achieve more with available resources. We systematically reviewed effects of PBF on HIV/AIDS service delivery to inform WHO guidelines. Methods PubMed, WHO Index Medicus, conference databases, and clinical trial registries were searched in April 2015 for randomised trials, comparative contemporaneous studies, or time-series studies. Studies evaluating PBF in people with HIV were included when they reported service quality, access, or cost. Meta-analyses were not possible due to limited data. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42015023207. Results Four studies, published from 2009 to 2015 and including 173,262 people, met the eligibility criteria. All studies were from Sub-Saharan Africa. PBF did not improve individual testing coverage (relative risk [RR], 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89 to 1.13), improved couples testing coverage (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20), and improved pregnant women testing coverage (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.28-1.30). PBF improved coverage of antiretrovirals in pregnant women (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.50 to 1.59), infants (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.84 to 2.01), and adults (RR 1.74, 1.64 to 1.85). PBF reduced attrition (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.96) and treatment failure (odds ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.97). Potential harms were not reported. Conclusions Although the limited data suggests PBF positively affected HIV service access and quality, critical health system and governance knowledge gaps remain. More research is needed to inform national policymaking. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1962-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amitabh B Suthar
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, CH-1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland.
| | - Jason M Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Sabin Nsanzimana
- Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Rwanda.,Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Somkhele and Durban, South Africa
| | - Eyerusalem K Negussie
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, CH-1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Meg C Doherty
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, CH-1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
van Deventer C, Golden L, du Plessis E, Lion-Cachet C. Optimal management of children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in primary care: a quality improvement project. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.1254928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claire van Deventer
- Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Dr Kenneth Kaunda District
- District Clinical Specialist Team (DCST)
| | | | - Erica du Plessis
- District Clinical Specialist Team, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Klerksdorp, South Africa
| | - Carien Lion-Cachet
- Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Tlokwe Subdistrict, Klerksdorp, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Impact of Socioeconomic Inequality on Access, Adherence, and Outcomes of Antiretroviral Treatment Services for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168687. [PMID: 28005937 PMCID: PMC5179124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ensuring an equal benefit across different patient groups is necessary while scaling up free-of-charge antiretroviral treatment (ART) services. This study aimed to measure the disparity in access, adherence, and outcomes of ART in Vietnam and the effects of socioeconomic status (SES) characteristics on the levels of inequality. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1133 PLWH in Vietnam. ART access, adherence, and treatment outcomes were self-reported using a structured questionnaire. Wealth-related inequality was calculated using a concentration index, and a decomposition analysis was used to determine the contribution of each SES variable to inequality in access, adherence, and outcomes of ART. RESULTS Based on SES, minor inequality was found in ART access and adherence while there was considerable inequality in ART outcomes. Poor people were more likely to start treatment early, while rich people had better adherence and overall treatment outcomes. Decomposition revealed that occupation and education played important roles in inequality in ART access, adherence, and treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION The findings suggested that health services should be integrated into the ART regimen. Furthermore, occupational orientation and training courses should be provided to reduce inequality in ART access, adherence, and treatment outcomes.
Collapse
|
41
|
Hung V, Nguyen ST, Tieu VTT, Nguyen TTT, Duong TH, Lyss S, Oeltmann JE. Evaluation of the integrated clinic model for HIV/AIDS services in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, 2013-2014. Public Health Action 2016; 6:255-260. [PMID: 28123964 DOI: 10.5588/pha.16.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Setting: Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Viet Nam. Objective: To evaluate a new integrated service model for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) care. Design: In HCMC, co-located services, including voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT), HIV treatment at out-patient clinics (OPC), and methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) for persons who inject drugs, have operated under different administrative structures. In the context of decreasing international financial support, integration of these services into one administrative structure with reduced staff occurred in seven districts in HCMC between October 2013 and June 2014. We used a pre-post study design to compare service-related outcomes from routinely collected data at health facilities 6 months before and 6 months after integration. Results: The proportion of HIV-infected persons linked from VCT to OPCs was unchanged or increased following integration. A higher percentage of patients eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART) were started on ART. The proportion of ART patients lost to follow-up remained unchanged. The proportions of MMT patients who tested positive for heroin or other substances decreased or were unchanged. Conclusions: VCT, OPC and MMT service delivery quality remained the same or improved during the 6 months following the integration. Expansion of the integrated model should be considered for HIV-related services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Hung
- Ho Chi Minh City Provincial AIDS Committee, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - S T Nguyen
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Viet Nam Office, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - V T T Tieu
- Ho Chi Minh City Provincial AIDS Committee, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - T T T Nguyen
- Ho Chi Minh City Provincial AIDS Committee, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - T H Duong
- Partnership for Health Advancement in Viet Nam Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam
| | - S Lyss
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Viet Nam Office, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zakumumpa H, Taiwo MO, Muganzi A, Ssengooba F. Human resources for health strategies adopted by providers in resource-limited settings to sustain long-term delivery of ART: a mixed-methods study from Uganda. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2016; 14:63. [PMID: 27756428 PMCID: PMC5070071 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-016-0160-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human resources for health (HRH) constraints are a major barrier to the sustainability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Many prior approaches to HRH constraints have taken a top-down trend of generalized global strategies and policy guidelines. The objective of the study was to examine the human resources for health strategies adopted by front-line providers in Uganda to sustain ART delivery beyond the initial ART scale-up phase between 2004 and 2009. METHODS A two-phase mixed-methods approach was adopted. In the first phase, a survey of a nationally representative sample of health facilities (n = 195) across Uganda was conducted. The second phase involved in-depth interviews (n = 36) with ART clinic managers and staff of 6 of the 195 health facilities purposively selected from the first study phase. Quantitative data was analysed based on descriptive statistics, and qualitative data was analysed by coding and thematic analysis. RESULTS The identified strategies were categorized into five themes: (1) providing monetary and non-monetary incentives to health workers on busy ART clinic days; (2) workload reduction through spacing ART clinic appointments; (3) adopting training workshops in ART management as a motivation strategy for health workers; (4) adopting non-physician-centred staffing models; and (5) devising ART program leadership styles that enhanced health worker commitment. CONCLUSIONS Facility-level strategies for responding to HRH constraints are feasible and can contribute to efforts to increase country ownership of HIV programs in resource-limited settings. Consideration of the human resources for health strategies identified in the study by ART program planners and managers could enhance the long-term sustainment of ART programs by providers in resource-limited settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Zakumumpa
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Alex Muganzi
- The Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Heyeres M, McCalman J, Tsey K, Kinchin I. The Complexity of Health Service Integration: A Review of Reviews. Front Public Health 2016; 4:223. [PMID: 27800474 PMCID: PMC5066319 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of health service integration is to provide a sustainable and integrated health system that better meets the needs of the end user. Yet, definitions of health service integration, methods for integrating health services, and expected outcomes are varied. This review was commissioned by Queensland Health, the government department responsible for health service delivery in Queensland, Australia, to inform efforts to integrate their mental health services. This review reports on the characteristics, reported outcomes, and design quality of studies included in systematic reviews of health service integration research. METHOD The review was developed by systematically searching nine electronic databases to find peer-reviewed Australian and international systematic reviews with a focus on health service integration. Reviews were included if they were in the English language and published between 2000 and 2015. A standardized assessment tool was used to analyze the study design quality of included reviews. Data relating to the integration types, methods, and reported outcomes of integration were synthesized. RESULTS Seventeen publications met the inclusion criteria. Eleven (65%) reviews were published during the past 5 years, which may indicate a trend for increased awareness of the need for service integration. The majority of reviews were published by researchers in the UK (8/47%), USA (3/18%), and Australia (3/18%). Included reviews focused on a variety of integration types, including integrated care pathways, governance models, integration of interventions, collaborative/integrated care models, and integration of different types of health care. Most (53%) of the reviews reported on the cost-effectiveness of service integration, e.g., positive results, no effect, or inconclusive. Only one of the reviews reported on the importance of consumer involvement. The overall design of 70% of the reviews was high, 18% medium, and 12% low. CONCLUSION There is no "one size fits all" approach to health service integration. Instead, this literature review highlighted the complexity of service integration, which in most primary studies involved a range of strategies. Rigorous assessments of cost-effectiveness and reporting on consumer involvement are required in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Heyeres
- The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Janya McCalman
- School of Human Health and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Komla Tsey
- The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Irina Kinchin
- School of Human Health and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Edwards N, Kaseje D, Kahwa E, Klopper HC, Mill J, Webber J, Roelofs S, Harrowing J. The impact of leadership hubs on the uptake of evidence-informed nursing practices and workplace policies for HIV care: a quasi-experimental study in Jamaica, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. Implement Sci 2016; 11:110. [PMID: 27488735 PMCID: PMC4973110 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-016-0478-3] [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: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The enormous impact of HIV on communities and health services in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean has especially affected nurses, who comprise the largest proportion of the health workforce in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Strengthening action-based leadership for and by nurses is a means to improve the uptake of evidence-informed practices for HIV care. METHODS A prospective quasi-experimental study in Jamaica, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa examined the impact of establishing multi-stakeholder leadership hubs on evidence-informed HIV care practices. Hub members were engaged through a participatory action research (PAR) approach. Three intervention districts were purposefully selected in each country, and three control districts were chosen in Jamaica, Kenya and Uganda. WHO level 3, 4 and 5 health care institutions and their employed nurses were randomly sampled. Self-administered, validated instruments measured clinical practices (reports of self and peers), quality assurance, work place policies and stigma at baseline and follow-up. Standardised average scores ranging from 0 to 1 were computed for clinical practices, quality assurance and work place policies. Stigma scores were summarised as 0 (no reports) versus 1 (one or more reports). Pre-post differences in outcomes between intervention and control groups were compared using the Mantel Haenszel chi-square for dichotomised stigma scores, and independent t tests for other measures. For South Africa, which had no control group, pre-post differences were compared using a Pearson chi-square and independent t test. Multivariate analysis was completed for Jamaica and Kenya. Hub members in all countries self-assessed changes in their capacity at follow-up; these were examined using a paired t test. RESULTS Response rates among health care institutions were 90.2 and 80.4 % at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Results were mixed. There were small but statistically significant pre-post, intervention versus control district improvements in workplace policies and quality assurance in Jamaica, but these were primarily due to a decline in scores in the control group. There were modest improvements in clinical practices, workplace policies and quality assurance in South Africa (pre-post) (clinical practices of self-pre 0.67 (95 % CI, 0.62, 0.72) versus post 0.78 (95 % CI, 0.73-0.82), p = 0.002; workplace policies-pre 0.82 (95 % CI, 0.70, 0.85) versus post 0.87 (95 % CI, 0.84, 0.90), p = 0.001; quality assurance-pre 0.72 (95 % CI, 0.67, 0.77) versus post 0.84 (95 % CI, 0.80, 0.88)). There were statistically significant improvements in scores for nurses stigmatising patients (Jamaica reports of not stigmatising-pre-post intervention 33.9 versus 62.4 %, pre-post control 54.7 versus 64.4 %, p = 0.002-and Kenya pre-post intervention 35 versus 51.6 %, pre-post control 34.2 versus 47.8 %, p = 0.006) and for nurses being stigmatised (Kenya reports of no stigmatisation-pre-post intervention 23 versus 37.3 %, pre-post control 15.4 versus 27 %, p = 0.004). Multivariate results for Kenya and Jamaica were non-significant. Twelve hubs were established; 11 were active at follow-up. Hub members (n = 34) reported significant improvements in their capacity to address care gaps. CONCLUSIONS Leadership hubs, comprising nurses and other stakeholders committed to change and provided with capacity building can collectively identify issues and act on strategies that may improve practice and policy. Overall, hubs did not provide the necessary force to improve the uptake of evidence-informed HIV care in their districts. If hubs are to succeed, they must be integrated within district health authorities and become part of formal, legal organisations that can regularise and sustain them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Edwards
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Dan Kaseje
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Eulalia Kahwa
- School of Nursing, University of West Indies, Mona, Kingston Jamaica
| | | | - Judy Mill
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - June Webber
- Coady International Institute, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Canada
| | - Susan Roelofs
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jean Harrowing
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lemoine M, Shimakawa Y, Nayagam S, Khalil M, Suso P, Lloyd J, Goldin R, Njai HF, Ndow G, Taal M, Cooke G, D'Alessandro U, Vray M, Mbaye PS, Njie R, Mallet V, Thursz M. The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio (GPR) predicts significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic HBV infection in West Africa. Gut 2016; 65:1369-76. [PMID: 26109530 PMCID: PMC4975834 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2015-309260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simple and inexpensive non-invasive fibrosis tests are highly needed but have been poorly studied in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Using liver histology as a gold standard, we developed a novel index using routine laboratory tests to predict significant fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection in The Gambia, West Africa. We prospectively assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the novel index, Fibroscan, aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and Fib-4 in Gambian patients with CHB (training set) and also in French and Senegalese CHB cohorts (validation sets). RESULTS Of 135 consecutive treatment-naïve patients with CHB who had liver biopsy, 39% had significant fibrosis (Metavir fibrosis stage ≥F2) and 15% had cirrhosis (F4). In multivariable analysis, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and platelet count were independent predictors of significant fibrosis. Consequently, GGT-to-platelet ratio (GPR) was developed. In The Gambia, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the GPR was significantly higher than that of APRI and Fib-4 to predict ≥F2, ≥F3 and F4. In Senegal, the AUROC of GPR was significantly better than Fib-4 and APRI for ≥F2 (0.73, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.86) and better than Fib-4 and Fibroscan for ≥F3 (0.93, 0.87 to 0.99). In France, the AUROC of GPR to diagnose ≥F2 (0.72, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.85) and F4 (0.87, 0.76 to 0.98) was equivalent to that of APRI and Fib-4. CONCLUSIONS The GPR is a more accurate routine laboratory marker than APRI and Fib-4 to stage liver fibrosis in patients with CHB in West Africa. The GPR represents a simple and inexpensive alternative to liver biopsy and Fibroscan in sub-Saharan Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maud Lemoine
- Department of Hepatology, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK,The Gambia Unit, Liver Unit, Medical Research Council, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Yusuke Shimakawa
- The Gambia Unit, Liver Unit, Medical Research Council, Fajara, The Gambia,Emerging Disease Epidemilogy Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Shevanthi Nayagam
- Department of Hepatology, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mustapha Khalil
- Department of Histopathology, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Penda Suso
- Department of Histopathology, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Jo Lloyd
- Centre for Pathology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Goldin
- Centre for Pathology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Harr-Freeya Njai
- The Gambia Unit, Liver Unit, Medical Research Council, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Gibril Ndow
- The Gambia Unit, Liver Unit, Medical Research Council, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Makie Taal
- Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Graham Cooke
- Department of infectious disease, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Muriel Vray
- Emerging Disease Epidemilogy Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Papa Saliou Mbaye
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Principal Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ramou Njie
- The Gambia Unit, Liver Unit, Medical Research Council, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Vincent Mallet
- Université Paris Descartes, APHP, Groupe Hospitalier Cochin Port Royal, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mark Thursz
- Department of Hepatology, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gebreegziabher SB, Bjune GA, Yimer SA. Total Delay Is Associated with Unfavorable Treatment Outcome among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Prospective Cohort Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159579. [PMID: 27442529 PMCID: PMC4956157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND delay in diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) may worsen the disease, increase mortality and enhance transmission in the community. This study aimed at assessing the association between total delay and unfavorable treatment outcome among newly diagnosed pulmonary TB (PTB) patients. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted in West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region of Ethiopia from October 2013 to May 2015. Newly diagnosed PTB patients who were ≥15 years of age were consecutively enrolled in the study from 30 randomly selected public health facilities. Total delay (the time period from onset of TB symptoms to first start of anti-TB treatment) was measured. Median total delay was calculated. Mixed effect logistics regression was used to analyze factors associated with unfavorable treatment outcome. RESULTS Seven hundred six patients were enrolled in the study. The median total delay was 60 days. Patients with total delay of > 60 days were more likely to have unfavorable TB treatment outcome than patients with total delay of ≤ 60 days (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-5.26). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive TB patients were 8.46 times more likely to experience unfavorable treatment outcome than HIV negative TB patients (AOR, 8.46; 95% CI, 3.14-22.79). CONCLUSIONS Long total delay and TB/HIV coinfection were associated with unfavorable treatment outcome. Targeted interventions that can reduce delay in diagnosis and treatment of TB, and early comprehensive management of TB/HIV coinfection are needed to reduce increased risk of unfavorable treatment outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Senedu Bekele Gebreegziabher
- Amhara Regional State Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Aksel Bjune
- Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Solomon Abebe Yimer
- Amhara Regional State Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Division of Infectious Disease Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Grimsrud A, Lesosky M, Kalombo C, Bekker LG, Myer L. Implementation and Operational Research: Community-Based Adherence Clubs for the Management of Stable Antiretroviral Therapy Patients in Cape Town, South Africa: A Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 71:e16-23. [PMID: 26473798 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based models of antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery are widely discussed as a priority in the expansion of HIV treatment services, but data on their effectiveness are limited. We examined outcomes of ART patients decentralized to community-based adherence clubs (CACs) in Cape Town, South Africa and compared these to patients managed in the community health center. METHODS The analysis included 8150 adults initiating ART from 2002 to 2012 in a public sector service followed until the end of 2013. From June 2012, stable patients (on ART >12 months, suppressed viral load) were referred to CACs. Loss to follow-up (LTFU) was compared between services using proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates and inverse probability weights of CAC participation. FINDINGS Of the 2113 CAC patients (71% female, 7% youth ages ≤ 24 years), 94% were retained on ART after 12 months. Among CAC patients, LTFU [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26 to 3.73 ] and viral rebound (aHR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.00 to 5.04) were twice as likely in youth (16-24 years old) compared with older patients, but no difference in the risk of LTFU or viral rebound was observed by sex (P-values 0.613 and 0.278, respectively). CAC participation was associated with a 67% reduction in the risk of LTFU (aHR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.40) compared with community health centre, and this association persisted when stratified by patient demographic and clinic characteristics. INTERPRETATION CACs are associated with reduced risk of LTFU compared with facility-based care. Community-based models represent an important development to facilitate ART delivery and possibly improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grimsrud
- *Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa;†Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa;‡Gugulethu Community Health Centre, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; and§The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Costenaro P, Massavon W, Lundin R, Nabachwa SM, Fregonese F, Morelli E, Alowo A, Nannyonga Musoke M, Namisi CP, Kizito S, Bilardi D, Mazza A, Cotton MF, Giaquinto C, Penazzato M. Implementation and Operational Research: Implementation of the WHO 2011 Recommendations for Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) in Children Living With HIV/AIDS: A Ugandan Experience. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 71:e1-8. [PMID: 26761275 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensified tuberculosis (TB) case finding and isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) are strongly recommended for children who are HIV infected. Data are needed to assess the feasibility of the WHO 2011 intensified tuberculosis case finding/IPT clinical algorithm. METHODS Children who are HIV infected and attending Nsambya Home Care at Nsambya Hospital, Uganda, were screened for TB following WHO recommendations. IPT was given for 6 months after excluding TB. Factors associated with time to IPT initiation were investigated by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression. Health care workers were interviewed on reasons for delay in IPT initiation. RESULTS Among the 899 (49% male) children with HIV, 529 (58.8%) were screened for TB from January 2011 to February 2013. Children with active TB were 36/529 (6.8%), 24 (4.5%) were lost to follow-ups and 280 (52.9%) started IPT, 86/280 (30.7%) within 3 months of TB screening and 194/280 (69.3%) thereafter. Among the 529 children screened for TB, longer time to IPT initiation was independently associated with cough at TB screening (hazard ratio 0.62, P = 0.02, 95% confidence interval: 0.41 to 0.94). Four children (1% of those starting treatments) interrupted IPT because of a 5-fold increase in liver function measurements. In the survey, Health care workers reported poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy, poor attendance to periodic HIV follow-ups, and pill burden as the 3 main reasons to delay IPT. CONCLUSION In resource-constrained settings, considerable delays in IPT initiation may occur, particularly in children with HIV who are presenting with cough at TB screening. The good safety profile of isoniazid in antiretroviral-therapy-experienced children provides further support to IPT implementation in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Costenaro
- *Department of Mother and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy;†Nsambya Home Care of St. Raphael of St. Francis Hospital, Kampala, Uganda;‡Research Center of Montreal University Health Center (CRCHUM)-Global Health, Montreal, Québec, Canada;§Associazione Casa Accoglienza alla Vita Padre Angelo, Trento, Italy;‖Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Children's Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; and¶MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Moore CB, Ciaraldi E. Quality of Care and Service Expansion for HIV Care and Treatment. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2016; 12:223-30. [PMID: 25855339 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-015-0263-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The last two decades have seen exceptional development of antiretroviral treatment programs throughout the world. Over 14 million persons are accessing antiretroviral treatment (ART) treatment as of early 2015, and life expectancy has risen markedly in the most-affected populations. However, large patient numbers threaten to overwhelm already over-burdened health care systems and retention in care remains suboptimal. Developing innovative strategies to alleviate these burdens and retain patients in care remains a challenge. Furthermore, despite this expansion, large populations of HIV-infected persons remain undiagnosed and are unwilling or unable to access care and treatment programs. Marginalized and high-risk populations are particularly in danger of remaining outside of care and are also disproportionately affected by HIV. To reverse the trend and "fast track" our way out of the epidemic, ambitious treatment targets are required, and a concerted effort has to be made to engage these populations into care, initiate ART, and attain viral suppression.
Collapse
|