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Rohr JK, Manne-Goehler J, Gómez-Olivé FX, Kahn K, Bärnighausen TW. The HIV Care Cascade for Older Adults in Rural South Africa: A Longitudinal Cohort Study (2014-2019). J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 96:334-340. [PMID: 38916427 PMCID: PMC11207190 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As people with HIV grow older, stable engagement in care is essential for healthy aging. We evaluate the HIV care cascade for older adults in rural South Africa at 2 time points cross-sectionally and assess movement in the cascade over time. SETTING We evaluated the cascade stage at waves 1 (2014-2015) and 2 (2018-2019) of Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDPETH Community in South Africa, a population-based longitudinal cohort study in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. METHODS Biomarker screening defined cascade stages [HIV+/no antiretroviral therapy (ART); ART+/unsuppressed viral load; ART+/suppressed viral load]. Between-wave probability of death, cascade progression, regression, cascade transitions, and sociodemographic predictors were assessed with Poisson regression. The impact of death was considered using the Fine and Gray competing risk model. RESULTS We observed a higher prevalence of antiretroviral therapy with viral suppression over time (50% in wave 1 vs. 70% in wave 2). Among those alive, the oldest age group (70+ years old) was most likely to have cascade progression [adjusted risk ratio for treatment initiation vs. 40-49 years old: 1.38 (95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.86)]. However, there was a significant risk of death and cascade regression. Death between waves reached 40% for 70+-year-olds who were ART+/unsuppressed. In competing risk models, older age was associated with equivalent or less cascade progression. CONCLUSION Older age groups who were unsuppressed on treatment and men had poorer cascade outcomes. Improvements observed in HIV treatment coverage over time for older adults must be interpreted in the context of the high risk of death for older HIV-positive adults, especially among those failing treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K. Rohr
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Manne-Goehler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Heath Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - F. Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Heath Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Heath Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Till W. Bärnighausen
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Heath Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Dreyer AJ, Nightingale S, Andersen LS, Lee JS, Gouse H, Safren SA, O’Cleirigh C, Thomas KGF, Joska J. Cognitive Performance, as well as Depression, Alcohol Use, and Gender, predict Anti-Retroviral Therapy Adherence in a South African Cohort of People with HIV and Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2681-2694. [PMID: 36708417 PMCID: PMC10338393 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03992-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Depression and cognitive impairment, which commonly coexist in people with HIV (PWH), have been identified as potential barriers to optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We investigated associations between cognitive performance, depression (as well as other sociodemographic, psychosocial and psychiatric variables) and ART adherence in a South African cohort of PWH with comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD). Cognitive performance and ART adherence were assessed at two time points 8 months apart (Nbaseline = 105, Nfollow-up = 81). Adherence was indicated by self-report, objective measures (Wisepill usage and plasma tenofovir-diphosphate levels), and HIV viral suppression. Mixed-effects regression models examined associations across both time points. Univariate models detected no significant associations between cognitive performance (globally and within-domain) and ART adherence. Multivariate modelling showed increased depression severity (β = - 0.54, p < 0.001) and problematic alcohol use (β = 0.73, p = 0.015) were associated with worse adherence as measured subjectively. Being female (OR 0.27, p = 0.048) and having better global cognitive performance (OR 1.83, p = 0.043) were associated with better adherence as indicated by viral suppression. This study identifies poor global cognitive performance, as well as depression and problematic alcohol use, as potential barriers to optimal ART adherence in PWH and comorbid MDD. Hence, clinicians could consider assessing for cognitive deficits, depression, and problematic alcohol use, and should endeavour to provide the appropriate support so as to improve adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J. Dreyer
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sam Nightingale
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lena S. Andersen
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jasper S. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Hetta Gouse
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Conall O’Cleirigh
- Department of Psychology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Kevin G. F. Thomas
- Applied Cognitive Science and Experimental Neuropsychology Team (ACSENT), Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - John Joska
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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3
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Jennings L, West RL, Halim N, Kaiser JL, Gwadz M, MacLeod WB, Gifford AL, Haberer JE, Orrell C, Sabin LL. Protocol for an evaluation of adherence monitoring and support interventions among people initiating antiretroviral therapy in Cape Town, South Africa-a multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) approach using a fractional factorial design. Trials 2023; 24:310. [PMID: 37147725 PMCID: PMC10163747 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa bears a large HIV burden with 7.8 million people with HIV (PWH). However, due to suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and retention in care, only 66% of PWH in South Africa are virally suppressed. Standard care only allows for suboptimal adherence detection when routine testing indicates unsuppressed virus. Several adherence interventions are known to improve HIV outcomes, yet few are implemented in routinely due to the resources required. Therefore, determining scalable evidence-based adherence support interventions for resource-limited settings (RLS) is a priority. The multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework allows for simultaneous evaluation of multiple intervention components and their interactions. We propose to use MOST to identify the intervention combination with the highest levels of efficacy and cost-effectiveness that is feasible and acceptable in primary care clinics in Cape Town. METHODS We will employ a fractional factorial design to identify the most promising intervention components for inclusion in a multi-component intervention package to be tested in a future randomized controlled trial. We will recruit 512 participants initiating ART between March 2022 and February 2024 in three Cape Town clinics and evaluate acceptability, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of intervention combinations. Participants will be randomized to one of 16 conditions with different combinations of three adherence monitoring components: rapid outreach following (1) unsuppressed virus, (2) missed pharmacy refill collection, and/or (3) missed doses as detected by an electronic adherence monitoring device; and two adherence support components: (1) weekly check-in texts and (2) enhanced peer support. We will assess viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) at 24 months as the primary outcome; acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and other implementation outcomes; and cost-effectiveness. We will use logistic regression models to estimate intervention effects with an intention-to-treat approach, employ descriptive statistics to assess implementation outcomes, and determine an optimal intervention package. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, ours will be the first study to use the MOST framework to determine the most effective combination of HIV adherence monitoring and support intervention components for implementation in clinics in a RLS. Our findings will provide direction for pragmatic, ongoing adherence support that will be key to ending the HIV epidemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05040841. Registered on 10 September 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jennings
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine and the Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Rebecca L West
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nafisa Halim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeanette L Kaiser
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marya Gwadz
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - William B MacLeod
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Allen L Gifford
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Talbot Building, T348W, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine and the Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lora L Sabin
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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4
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Dreyer AJ, Nightingale S, Andersen LS, Lee JS, Gouse H, Safren SA, O’Cleirigh C, Thomas KGF, Joska JA. Sex Differences in the Cognitive Performance of a South African Cohort of People With HIV and Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2023; 22:23259582231203192. [PMID: 37787183 PMCID: PMC10548808 DOI: 10.1177/23259582231203192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Women with HIV (WWH) may be more vulnerable to cognitive impairment than men with HIV (MWH), which may be explained by the direct effects of HIV or by sociodemographic and psychiatric characteristics. We recruited 105 people with HIV (PWH; 76 women) with incomplete antiretroviral therapy adherence, comorbid major depressive disorder, and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Participants completed neuropsychological testing and measures gathering sociodemographic, medical, and psychiatric information. We compared WWH and MWH cognitive performance using unadjusted and adjusted regressions, and within each respective group, we explored predictors of cognitive performance. Results showed no significant between-sex differences in cognitive performance, both globally and within domains. Fewer years of education (β = 0.94), illiteracy (β = 4.55), and greater food insecurity (β = -0.28) predicted lower cognitive performance in WWH but not MWH. We conclude that sex differences in PWH are likely due to sample characteristics representing broader inequalities, rather than true biological differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J. Dreyer
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sam Nightingale
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lena S. Andersen
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jasper S. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hetta Gouse
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Steven A. Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, , Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Conall O’Cleirigh
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin G. F. Thomas
- Applied Cognitive Science and Experimental Neuropsychology Team (ACSENT), Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - John A. Joska
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Leslie HH, Mooney AC, Gilmore HJ, Agnew E, Grignon JS, deKadt J, Shade SB, Ratlhagana MJ, Sumitani J, Barnhart S, Steward WT, Lippman SA. Prevalence, motivation, and outcomes of clinic transfer in a clinical cohort of people living with HIV in North West Province, South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1584. [PMID: 36572869 PMCID: PMC9791728 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08962-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Continuity of care is an attribute of high-quality health systems and a necessary component of chronic disease management. Assessment of health information systems for HIV care in South Africa has identified substantial rates of clinic transfer, much of it undocumented. Understanding the reasons for changing sources of care and the implications for patient outcomes is important in informing policy responses. METHODS In this secondary analysis of the 2014 - 2016 I-Care trial, we examined self-reported changes in source of HIV care among a cohort of individuals living with HIV and in care in North West Province, South Africa. Individuals were enrolled in the study within 1 year of diagnosis; participants completed surveys at 6 and 12 months including items on sources of care. Clinical data were extracted from records at participants' original clinic for 12 months following enrollment. We assessed frequency and reason for changing clinics and compared the demographics and care outcomes of those changing and not changing source of care. RESULTS Six hundred seventy-five (89.8%) of 752 study participants completed follow-up surveys with information on sources of HIV care; 101 (15%) reported receiving care at a different facility by month 12 of follow-up. The primary reason for changing was mobility (N=78, 77%). Those who changed clinics were more likely to be young adults, non-citizens, and pregnant at time of diagnosis. Self-reported clinic attendance and ART adherence did not differ based on changing clinics. Those on ART not changing clinics reported 0.66 visits more on average than were documented in clinic records. CONCLUSION At least 1 in 6 participants in HIV care changed clinics within 2 years of diagnosis, mainly driven by mobility; while most appeared lost to follow-up based on records from the original clinic, self-reported visits and adherence were equivalent to those not changing clinics. Routine clinic visits could incorporate questions about care at other locations as well as potential relocation, particularly for younger, pregnant, and non-citizen patients, to support existing efforts to make HIV care records portable and facilitate continuity of care across clinics. TRIAL REGISTRATION The original trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02417233, on 12 December 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah H. Leslie
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Alyssa C. Mooney
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Hailey J. Gilmore
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Emily Agnew
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Jessica S. Grignon
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA ,International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) South Africa, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Julia deKadt
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) South Africa, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Starley B. Shade
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Mary Jane Ratlhagana
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) South Africa, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Jeri Sumitani
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) South Africa, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Scott Barnhart
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Wayne T. Steward
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Sheri A. Lippman
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
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6
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Ugwu CLJ, Ncayiyana JR. Spatial disparities of HIV prevalence in South Africa. Do sociodemographic, behavioral, and biological factors explain this spatial variability? Front Public Health 2022; 10:994277. [PMID: 36438270 PMCID: PMC9692089 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.994277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2021, an estimated 38 million people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) globally, with over two-thirds living in African regions. In South Africa, ~20% of South African adults are living with HIV. Accurate estimation of the risk factors and spatial patterns of HIV risk using individual-level data from a nationally representative sample is invaluable for designing geographically targeted intervention and control programs. Methods Data were obtained from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS16). The study involved all men and women aged 15 years and older, who responded to questions and tested for HIV in the SDHS. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were fitted to our data with a nonparametric bivariate smooth term of spatial location parameters (X and Y coordinates). The GAMs were used to assess the spatial disparities and the potential contribution of sociodemographic, biological, and behavioral factors to the spatial patterns of HIV prevalence in South Africa. Results A significantly highest risk of HIV was observed in east coast, central and north-eastern regions. South African men and women who are widowed and divorced had higher odds of HIV as compared to their counterparts. Additionally, men and women who are unemployed had higher odds of HIV as compared to the employed. Surprisingly, the odds of HIV infection among men residing in rural areas were 1.60 times higher (AOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.12, 2.29) as compared to those in urban areas. But men who were circumcised had lower odds of HIV (AOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.52, 0.98), while those who had STI in the last 12 months prior to the survey had higher odds of HIV (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.44, 3.68). Conclusion Spatial heterogeneity in HIV risk persisted even after covariate adjustment but differed by sex, suggesting that there are plausible unobserved influencing factors contributing to HIV uneven variation. This study's findings could guide geographically targeted public health policy and effective HIV intervention in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jabulani R. Ncayiyana
- Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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7
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Sikkema KJ, Rabie S, King A, Watt MH, Mulawa MI, Andersen LS, Wilson PA, Marais A, Ndwandwa E, Majokweni S, Orrell C, Joska JA. ImpACT+, a coping intervention to improve clinical outcomes for women living with HIV and sexual trauma in South Africa: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:680. [PMID: 35982485 PMCID: PMC9386207 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06655-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Addressing sexual trauma in the context of HIV care is essential to improve clinical outcomes and mental health among women in South Africa. Women living with HIV (WLH) report disproportionately high levels of sexual trauma and have higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) may be difficult for traumatized women, as sexual trauma compounds the stress associated with managing HIV and is often comorbid with other mental health disorders, further compromising care engagement and adherence. ART initiation represents a unique window of opportunity for intervention to enhance motivation, increase care engagement, and address the negative effects of trauma on avoidant coping behaviors. Mental health interventions delivered by non-specialists in low- and middle-income countries have potential to treat depression, trauma, and effects of intimate partner violence among WLH. This study will examine the effectiveness of Improving AIDS Care after Trauma (ImpACT +), a task-shared, trauma-focused coping intervention, to promote viral suppression among WLH initiating ART in a South African clinic setting. Methods This study will be conducted in Khayelitsha, a peri-urban settlement situated near Cape Town, South Africa. Using a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design, we will randomize 350 WLH initiating ART to the ImpACT + experimental condition or the control condition (three weekly sessions of adapted problem-solving therapy) to examine the effectiveness of ImpACT + on viral suppression, ART adherence, and the degree to which mental health outcomes mediate intervention effects. ImpACT + participants will receive six once-a-week coping intervention sessions and six monthly maintenance sessions over the follow-up period. We will conduct mental health and bio-behavioral assessments at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months, with care engagement data extracted from medical records. We will explore scalability using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Discussion This trial is expected to yield important new information on psychologically informed intervention models that benefit the mental health and clinical outcomes of WLH with histories of sexual trauma. The proposed ImpACT + intervention, with its focus on building coping skills to address traumatic stress and engagement in HIV care and treatment, could have widespread impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04793217. Retrospectively registered on 11 March 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Sikkema
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - S Rabie
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A King
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - M H Watt
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - M I Mulawa
- Duke University School of Nursing and Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - L S Andersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Present Address, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P A Wilson
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - A Marais
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - E Ndwandwa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Majokweni
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J A Joska
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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8
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Nardell MF, Adeoti O, Peters C, Kakuhikire B, Govathson-Mandimika C, Long L, Pascoe S, Tsai AC, Katz IT. Men missing from the HIV care continuum in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-analysis and meta-synthesis. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25889. [PMID: 35324089 PMCID: PMC8944222 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Men are missing along the HIV care continuum. However, the estimated proportions of men in sub‐Saharan Africa meeting the UNAIDS 95‐95‐95 goals vary substantially between studies. We sought to estimate proportions of men meeting each of the 95‐95‐95 goals across studies in sub‐Saharan Africa, describe heterogeneity, and summarize qualitative evidence on factors influencing care engagement. Methods We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for peer‐reviewed articles published between 1 January 2014 and 16 October 2020. We included studies involving men ≥15 years old, with data from 2009 onward, reporting on at least one 95‐95‐95 goal in sub‐Saharan Africa. We estimated pooled proportions of men meeting these goals using DerSimonion‐Laird random effects models, stratifying by study population (e.g. studies focusing exclusively on men who have sex with men vs. studies that did not), facility setting (healthcare vs. community site), region (eastern/southern Africa vs. western/central Africa), outcome measurement (e.g. threshold for viral load suppression), median year of data collection (before vs. during or after 2017) and quality criteria. Data from qualitative studies exploring barriers to men's HIV care engagement were summarized using meta‐synthesis. Results and discussion We screened 14,896 studies and included 129 studies in the meta‐analysis, compiling data over the data collection period. Forty‐seven studies reported data on knowledge of serostatus, 43 studies reported on antiretroviral therapy use and 74 studies reported on viral suppression. Approximately half of men with HIV reported not knowing their status (0.49 [95% CI, 0.41–0.58; range, 0.09–0.97]) or not being on treatment (0.58 [95% CI, 0.51–0.65; range, 0.07–0.97]), while over three‐quarters of men achieved viral suppression on treatment (0.79 [95% CI, 0.77–0.81; range, 0.39–0.97]. Heterogeneity was high, with variation in estimates across study populations, settings and outcomes. The meta‐synthesis of 40 studies identified three primary domains in which men described risks associated with engagement in HIV care: perceived social norms, health system challenges and poverty. Conclusions Psychosocial and systems‐level interventions that change men's perceptions of social norms, improve trust in and accessibility of the health system, and address costs of accessing care are needed to better engage men, especially in HIV testing and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Nardell
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Oluwatomi Adeoti
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carson Peters
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bernard Kakuhikire
- Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Caroline Govathson-Mandimika
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lawrence Long
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sophie Pascoe
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid T Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Conan N, Simons E, Chihana ML, Ohler L, FordKamara E, Mbatha M, vanCutsem G, Huerga H. Increase in HIV viral suppression in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Community-based cross sectional surveys 2018 and 2013. What remains to be done? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265488. [PMID: 35324923 PMCID: PMC8946728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) increases viral suppression at population level and may reduce incidence. Médecins sans Frontières, in collaboration with the South African Department of Health, has been working in Eshowe/Mbongolwane (KwaZulu Natal) since 2011 to increase access to quality HIV services. Five years after an initial survey, we conducted a second survey to measure progress in HIV diagnosis and viral suppression and to identify remaining gaps. METHODS A cross-sectional, population-based, stratified two-stage cluster survey was implemented in 2018, using the same design as in 2013. Consenting participants aged 15-59 years were interviewed and tested for HIV at home. Those HIV-positive were tested for HIV viral load (viral suppression defined as <1000 copies/mL). RESULTS Overall, 3,278 individuals were included. The proportion of HIV-positive participants virally suppressed was 83.8% in 2018 compared to 57.1% in 2013 (p<0.001), with increases in all subpopulations. The largest gap remained in men aged 15-29 years, among whom viral suppression was 51.5%. Nevertheless, of the total unsuppressed participants, 60.3% were women, and 57.4% were individuals aged 30-59 years. Between 2013 and 2018, HIV-positive status awareness progressed from 75.2% to 89.9% and ART coverage among those aware from 70.4% to 93.8%, respectively. Among those on ART, 94.5% were virally suppressed in 2018. CONCLUSIONS Viral suppression improved significantly from 2013 to 2018, in all age and gender groups of PLHIV. However, almost half of HIV-positive young men remained unsuppressed, while the majority of virally unsuppressed PLHIV were women and older adults. To continue lowering HIV transmission, specific strategies are needed to increase viral suppression in those groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gilles vanCutsem
- Médecins sans Frontières, Southern Africa Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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10
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Sabin LL, Gifford AL, Haberer JE, Harvey K, Sarkisova N, Martin K, West RL, Stephens J, Killian C, Halim N, Berkowitz N, Jennings K, Jennings L, Orrell C. Patients' and Providers' Views on Optimal Evidence-Based and Scalable Interventions for Individuals at High Risk of HIV Treatment Failure: Sequential Explorations Among Key Stakeholders in Cape Town, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2783-2797. [PMID: 35190943 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03623-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To support translation of evidence-based interventions into practice for HIV patients at high risk of treatment failure, we conducted qualitative research in Cape Town, South Africa. After local health officials vetted interventions as potentially scalable, we held 41 in-depth interviews with patients with elevated viral load or a 3-month treatment gap at community clinics, followed by focus group discussions (FGDs) with 20 providers (physicians/nurses, counselors, and community health care workers). Interviews queried treatment barriers, solutions, and specific intervention options, including motivational text messages, data-informed counseling, individual counseling, peer support groups, check-in texts, and treatment buddies. Based on patients' preferences, motivational texts and treatment buddies were removed from consideration in subsequent FGDs. Patients most preferred peer support groups and check-in texts while individual counseling garnered the broadest support among providers. Check-in texts, peer support groups, and data-informed counseling were also endorsed by provider sub-groups. These strategies warrant attention for scale-up in South Africa and other resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lora L Sabin
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Allen L Gifford
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Center of Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Kelsee Harvey
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Natalya Sarkisova
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Kyle Martin
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Rebecca L West
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Jessie Stephens
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Clare Killian
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Nafisa Halim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | | | - Karen Jennings
- City of Cape Town Health Department, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Spooner E, Reddy T, Mchunu N, Reddy S, Daniels B, Ngomane N, Luthuli N, Kiepiela P, Coutsoudis A. Point-of-care CD4 testing: Differentiated care for the most vulnerable. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04004. [PMID: 35136596 PMCID: PMC8818294 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background South Africa, with the highest burden of HIV infection globally, has made huge strides in its HIV/ART programme, but AIDS deaths have not decreased proportionally to ART uptake. Advanced HIV disease (CD4 < 200 cells/mm3) persists, and CD4 count testing is being overlooked since universal test-and-treat was implemented. Point-of-care CD4 testing could address this gap and assure differentiated care to these vulnerable patients with low CD4 counts. Methods A time randomised implementation trial was conducted, enrolling 603 HIV positive non-ART, not pregnant patients at a primary health care clinic in Durban, South Africa. Weeks were randomised to either point-of-care CD4 testing (n = 305 patients) or standard-of-care central laboratory CD4 testing (n = 298 patients) to assess the proportion initiating ART at 3 months. Cox regression, with robust standard errors adjusting for clustering by week, were used to assess the relationship between treatment initiation and arm. Results Among the 578 (299 point-of-care and 279 standard-of-care) patients eligible for analysis, there was no significant difference in the number of eligible patients initiating ART within 3 months in the point-of-care (73%) and the standard-of-care (68%) groups (P = 0.112). The time-to-treat analysis was not significantly different in patients with CD4 counts of 201-500 cells/mm3 which could have been due to appointment scheduling to cope with the large burden of cases. However, in patients with advanced HIV disease (CD4 < 200cells/mm3) 65% more patients started ART earlier in the point-of-care group (HR 1.65 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.99-2.75; P = 0.052) compared to the standard-of-care group. Conclusions Point-of-care testing decreased time-to-treatment in those with advanced HIV disease. With universal test and treat for HIV, rollout of simple point-of-care CD4 testing would ensure early diagnosis of advanced HIV disease and facilitate differentiated care for these vulnerable patients as per the World Health Organisation 2020 target product profile for point-of-care CD4 testing. Trial registration ISRCTN14220457.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Spooner
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, HIV Prevention Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- South African Medical Research Council, Biostatistics Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nobuhle Mchunu
- South African Medical Research Council, Biostatistics Unit, Durban, South Africa
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | | | - Brodie Daniels
- South African Medical Research Council, HIV Prevention Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Anna Coutsoudis
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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12
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Parcesepe AM, Filiatreau LM, Ebasone PV, Dzudie A, Ajeh R, Wainberg M, Pence B, Pefura-Yone E, Yotebieng M, Nsame D, Anastos K, Nash D. Gender, Mental Health, and Entry Into Care with Advanced HIV Among People Living with HIV in Cameroon Under a National 'Treat All' Policy. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:4018-4028. [PMID: 34091803 PMCID: PMC8938985 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03328-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Delays in diagnosis and linkage to HIV care persist among people living with HIV (PLWH), even after expanded access to ART worldwide. Mental health may influence timely linkage to HIV care. Greater understanding of the relationship among gender, mental health, and delayed linkage to HIV care can inform strategies to improve the health of PLWH. We interviewed 426 PLWH initiating HIV care in Cameroon between June 2019 and March 2020 to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the association between mental health and entry into care with advanced HIV. Separate multivariable log binomial regression models were used to estimate the association between mental health exposure and entry into HIV care with advanced HIV. Stratified analyses were used to assess effect modification by gender. Approximately 20, 15, and 12% of participants reported symptoms of depression, PTSD, and anxiety, respectively. The prevalence of mental health symptoms did not vary significantly by gender. Overall, 53% of participants enrolled in HIV care with advanced HIV: 51% of men and 54% of women. Screening positive for one of the mental health disorders assessed was associated with greater prevalence of enrollment with advanced HIV among men, but not among women. Future research should examine gender-specific pathways between mental health symptoms and entry into care with advanced HIV, particularly for men in Cameroon. The extent to which untreated mental health symptoms drive gender disparities throughout the HIV care continuum should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Parcesepe
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 7445, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Anastase Dzudie
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Rogers Ajeh
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Milton Wainberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Denis Nsame
- Bamenda Regional Hospital, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Denis Nash
- Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Smith PJ, Joseph Davey DL, Schmucker L, Bruns C, Bekker LG, Medina-Marino A, Thirumurthy H, Buttenheim AM. Participatory Prototyping of a Tailored Undetectable Equals Untransmittable Message to Increase HIV Testing Among Men in Western Cape, South Africa. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2021; 35:428-434. [PMID: 34739334 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Daily antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses viral replication, rendering HIV undetectable through viral load (VL) testing. People living with HIV (PLWH) who have an undetectable VL cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners or through giving birth, a message commonly referred to as U = U (undetectable equals untransmittable). To increase knowledge and understanding of U = U among men, who have poorer HIV testing and treatment outcomes than women, we engaged men from high HIV burden communities in Cape Town in two interactive human-centered design cocreation workshops to develop local U = U messaging for men. Two trained workshop facilitators, explained the U = U message to 39 adult men (in two separate workshops), and asked them how to effectively communicate U = U to other men in the local language (isiXhosa). Participant-designed messages sought to inform men about U = U to help assuage fears of testing HIV positive (by removing the stigma of living with HIV and being a vector of disease), and to explain that ART enables PLWH to live normal healthy lives, making HIV "untransmittable" to sex partners. Participants' messages emphasized that when virally suppressed, "I cannot spread HIV to the other person" and "(the pill) keeps on killing the virus so I can live a normal life for the rest of my life." Men cocreated simple local U = U messages to address fears of testing HIV positive and emphasizing ART's positive effects. Cocreated tailored messaging may reduce stigma associated with living with HIV and improve the uptake of HIV testing and treatment among South African men. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov under NCT04364165.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Smith
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dvora L Joseph Davey
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Laura Schmucker
- Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cal Bruns
- Matchboxology, Kalk Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Medina-Marino
- Division of Men's Health, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Harsha Thirumurthy
- Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alison M Buttenheim
- Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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14
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Basu S, Flood D, Geldsetzer P, Theilmann M, Marcus ME, Ebert C, Mayige M, Wong-McClure R, Farzadfar F, Saeedi Moghaddam S, Agoudavi K, Norov B, Houehanou C, Andall-Brereton G, Gurung M, Brian G, Bovet P, Martins J, Atun R, Bärnighausen T, Vollmer S, Manne-Goehler J, Davies J. Estimated effect of increased diagnosis, treatment, and control of diabetes and its associated cardiovascular risk factors among low-income and middle-income countries: a microsimulation model. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e1539-e1552. [PMID: 34562369 PMCID: PMC8526364 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), we aimed to estimate the health and cost implications of achieving different targets for diagnosis, treatment, and control of diabetes and its associated cardiovascular risk factors among LMICs. METHODS We constructed a microsimulation model to estimate disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost and health-care costs of diagnosis, treatment, and control of blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, and glycaemia among people with diabetes in LMICs. We used individual participant data-specifically from the subset of people who were defined as having any type of diabetes by WHO standards-from nationally representative, cross-sectional surveys (2006-18) spanning 15 world regions to estimate the baseline 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (defined as fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke), heart failure (ejection fraction of <40%, with New York Heart Association class III or IV functional limitations), end-stage renal disease (defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or needing dialysis or transplant), retinopathy with severe vision loss (<20/200 visual acuity as measured by the Snellen chart), and neuropathy with pressure sensation loss (assessed by the Semmes-Weinstein 5·07/10 g monofilament exam). We then used data from meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials to estimate the reduction in risk and the WHO OneHealth tool to estimate costs in reaching either 60% or 80% of diagnosis, treatment initiation, and control targets for blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, and glycaemia recommended by WHO guidelines. Costs were updated to 2020 International Dollars, and both costs and DALYs were computed over a 10-year policy planning time horizon at a 3% annual discount rate. FINDINGS We obtained data from 23 678 people with diabetes from 67 countries. The median estimated 10-year risk was 10·0% (IQR 4·0-18·0) for cardiovascular events, 7·8% (5·1-11·8) for neuropathy with pressure sensation loss, 7·2% (5·6-9·4) for end-stage renal disease, 6·0% (4·2-8·6) for retinopathy with severe vision loss, and 2·6% (1·2-5·3) for congestive heart failure. A target of 80% diagnosis, 80% treatment, and 80% control would be expected to reduce DALYs lost from diabetes complications from a median population-weighted loss to 1097 DALYs per 1000 population over 10 years (IQR 1051-1155), relative to a baseline of 1161 DALYs, primarily from reduced cardiovascular events (down from a median of 143 to 117 DALYs per 1000 population) due to blood pressure and statin treatment, with comparatively little effect from glycaemic control. The target of 80% diagnosis, 80% treatment, and 80% control would be expected to produce an overall incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of US$1362 per DALY averted (IQR 1304-1409), with the majority of decreased costs from reduced cardiovascular event management, counterbalanced by increased costs for blood pressure and statin treatment, producing an overall incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $1362 per DALY averted (IQR 1304-1409). INTERPRETATION Reducing complications from diabetes in LMICs is likely to require a focus on scaling up blood pressure and statin medication treatment initiation and blood pressure medication titration rather than focusing on increasing screening to increase diabetes diagnosis, or a glycaemic treatment and control among people with diabetes. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Basu
- Center for Primary Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ariadne Labs, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK; Research and Population Health, Collective Health, San Francisco, CA, USA; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - David Flood
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq, Tecpán, Guatemala; Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University and University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michaela Theilmann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University and University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maja E Marcus
- Department of Economics and Center for Modern Indian Studies, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Cara Ebert
- Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut-Leibniz Institute for Economic Research, Essen, Germany
| | - Mary Mayige
- Epidemiology Department, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Roy Wong-McClure
- Office of Epidemiology and Surveillance, Costa Rican Social Security Fund, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Farshad Farzadfar
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Saeedi Moghaddam
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Bolormaa Norov
- National Center for Public Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Corine Houehanou
- National Training School for Senior Technicians in Public Health and Epidemiological Surveillance (ENATSE), University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin
| | - Glennis Andall-Brereton
- Non-Communicable Diseases, Caribbean Public Health Agency, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Mongal Gurung
- Health Research and Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Garry Brian
- The Fred Hollows Foundation, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Joao Martins
- Rector of the Univesidade Nacional Timor Lorosae, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University and University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
| | - Sebastian Vollmer
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University and University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jen Manne-Goehler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justine Davies
- Institute for Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Medical Research Council-Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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15
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Steward WT, Agnew E, de Kadt J, Ratlhagana MJ, Sumitani J, Gilmore HJ, Grignon J, Shade SB, Tumbo J, Barnhart S, Lippman SA. Impact of SMS and peer navigation on retention in HIV care among adults in South Africa: results of a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25774. [PMID: 34435440 PMCID: PMC8387209 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few interventions have demonstrated improved retention in care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa. We tested the efficacy of two personal support interventions - one using text messaging (SMS-only) and the second pairing SMS with peer navigation (SMS+PN) - to improve HIV care retention over one year. METHODS In a cluster randomized control trial (NCT# 02417233) in North West Province, South Africa, we randomized 17 government clinics to three conditions: SMS-only (6), SMS+PN (7) or standard of care (SOC; 4). Participants at SMS-only clinics received appointment reminders, biweekly healthy living messages and twice monthly SMS check-ins. Participants at SMS+PN clinics received SMS appointment reminders and healthy living messages and spoke at least twice monthly with peer navigators (PLHIV receiving care) to address barriers to care. Outcomes were collected through biweekly clinical record extraction and surveys at baseline, six and 12 months. Retention in HIV care over one year was defined as clinic visits every three months for participants on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and CD4 screening every six months for pre-ART participants. We used generalized estimating equations, adjusting for clustering by clinic, to test for differences across conditions. RESULTS Between October 2014 and April 2015, we enrolled 752 adult clients recently diagnosed with HIV (SOC: 167; SMS-only: 289; SMS+PN: 296). Individuals in the SMS+PN arm had approximately two more clinic visits over a year than those in other arms (p < 0.01) and were more likely to be retained in care over one year than those in SOC clinics (54% vs. 38%; OR: 1.77, CI: 1.02, 3.10). Differences between SMS+PN and SOC conditions remained significant when restricting analyses to the 628 participants on ART (61% vs. 45% retained; OR: 1.78, CI: 1.08, 2.93). The SMS-only intervention did not improve retention relative to SOC (40% vs. 38%, OR: 1.12, CI: 0.63, 1.98). CONCLUSIONS A combination of SMS appointment reminders with personalized, peer-delivered support proved effective at enhancing retention in HIV care over one year. While some clients may only require appointment reminders, the SMS+PN approach offers increased flexibility and tailored, one-on-one support for patients struggling with more substantive challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne T Steward
- Division of Prevention ScienceDepartment of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Emily Agnew
- Division of Prevention ScienceDepartment of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Julia de Kadt
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)PretoriaRepublic of South Africa
| | - Mary Jane Ratlhagana
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)PretoriaRepublic of South Africa
| | - Jeri Sumitani
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)PretoriaRepublic of South Africa
| | - Hailey J Gilmore
- Division of Prevention ScienceDepartment of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Jessica Grignon
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)PretoriaRepublic of South Africa
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH) South AfricaPretoriaRepublic of South Africa
| | - Starley B Shade
- Division of Prevention ScienceDepartment of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Institute for Global Health SciencesDepartment of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - John Tumbo
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health CareSefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversityPretoriaRepublic of South Africa
| | - Scott Barnhart
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH) South AfricaPretoriaRepublic of South Africa
| | - Sheri A Lippman
- Division of Prevention ScienceDepartment of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
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Mukonda E, Hsiao NY, Vojnov L, Myer L, Lesosky M. Mixed-method estimation of population-level HIV viral suppression rate in the Western Cape, South Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002522. [PMID: 32816953 PMCID: PMC7437711 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are few population-wide data on viral suppression (VS) that can be used to monitor programmatic targets in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe how routinely collected viral load (VL) data from antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes can be extrapolated to estimate population VS and validate this using a combination of empiric and model-based estimates. METHODS VL test results from were matched using a record linkage algorithm to obtain linked results for individuals. Test-level and individual-level VS rates were based on test VL values <1000 cps/mL, and individual VL <1000 cps/mL in a calendar year, respectively. We calculated population VS among people living with HIV (PLWH) in the province by combining census-derived midyear population estimates, HIV prevalence estimates and individual level VS estimates from routine VL data. RESULTS Approximately 1.9 million VL test results between 2008 and 2018 were analysed. Among individuals in care, VS increased from 85.5% in 2008 to 90% in 2018. Population VS among all PLWH in the province increased from 12.2% in 2008 to 51.0% in 2017. The estimates derived from this method are comparable to those from other published studies. Sensitivity analyses showed that the results are robust to variations in linkage method, but sensitive to the extreme combinations of assumed VL testing coverage and population HIV prevalence. CONCLUSION While validation of this method in other settings is required, this approach provides a simple, robust method for estimating population VS using routine data from ART services that can be employed by national programmes in high-burden settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton Mukonda
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Nei-Yuan Hsiao
- National Health Laboratory Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Lara Vojnov
- World Health Organization, Geneva, GE, Switzerland
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Maia Lesosky
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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Jooste S, Mabaso M, Taylor M, North A, Shean YL, Simbayi LC. Determinants of gender disparities in scaling up the first 90 towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets in South Africa: findings from the 2017 household-based national cross-sectional survey. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:24. [PMID: 33910592 PMCID: PMC8080360 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00346-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first 90 of UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets to have 90% of the people living with HIV know their status is an important entry point to the HIV treatment cascade and care continuum, but evidence shows that there is a large gap between males and females in this regard. It is therefore important to understand barriers and facilitators of achieving the first 90 target. This study examined determinants of the first 90 target among females and males in order to inform strategies aimed at improving the HIV cascade in South Africa. METHODS The data used in the analysis were obtained from a 2017 household-based cross-sectional nationally representative survey conducted using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling design. A series of hierarchical multiple logistic regression models were fitted to identify the determinants of the first 90 target by gender. RESULTS Overall, 84.8% of HIV-positive individuals aged 15 years and older were aware of their HIV status. Females were significantly more aware of their HIV status compared to males (88.7% vs 78.2%, p < 0.001). Both females aged 25 to 49 years [aOR = 3.20 (95% CI 1.35-7.57), p = 0.008], and 50 years and older [aOR = 3.19 (95% CI 1.04-9.76), p = 0.042] and males aged 25 to 49 years [aOR = 3.00 (95% CI 1.13-7.97), p = 0.028], and 50 years and older [aOR = 7.25 (95% CI 2.07-25.36), p = 0.002] were significantly more likely to know their HIV status compared to those aged 15 to 19 years. Males with tertiary education level were significantly more likely to be aware of their HIV positive status [aOR = 75.24 (95% CI 9.07-624.26), p < 0.001] compared to those with no education or with primary level education. Females with secondary [aOR = 3.28 (95% CI 1.20-8.99), p = 0.021] and matric [aOR = 4.35 (95% CI 1.54-12.37), p = 0.006] educational levels were significantly more likely to be aware of their HIV positive status, compared to those with no education or with primary level education. CONCLUSION Significant progress has been made with regards to reaching the UNAIDS first 90 target. In this context achieving the first 90 target is feasible but there is a need for additional interventions to reach the males especially youth including those with no education or low levels of education.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jooste
- Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Human Sciences Research Council, 118 Buitengracht St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - M Mabaso
- Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Human Sciences Research Council, 118 Buitengracht St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - M Taylor
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - A North
- Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Human Sciences Research Council, 118 Buitengracht St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Y L Shean
- Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Human Sciences Research Council, 118 Buitengracht St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - L C Simbayi
- Deputy CEO for Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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18
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Osler M, Cornell M, Ford N, Hilderbrand K, Goemaere E, Boulle A. Population-wide differentials in HIV service access and outcomes in the Western Cape for men as compared to women, South Africa: 2008 to 2018: a cohort analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 2:e25530. [PMID: 32589367 PMCID: PMC7319137 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few studies have systematically described population-level differences comparing men and women across the continuum of routine HIV care. This study quantifies differentials in HIV care, treatment and mortality outcomes for men and women over time in South Africa. METHODS We analysed population-wide linked anonymized data, including vital registration linkage, for the Western Cape Province, from the time of first CD4 count. Three antiretroviral therapy guideline eligibility periods were defined: 1 January 2008 to 31 July 2011 (CD4 cell count <200 cells/µL), 1 August 2011 to 31 December 2014 (<350 cells/µL), 1 January 2015 to 31 August 2016 (<500 cells/µL). We estimated care uptake based on service attendance, and modelled associations for men and women with ART initiation and overall, pre-ART and ART mortality. Separate Cox proportional hazard models were built for each outcome and eligibility period, adjusted for tuberculosis, pregnancy, CD4 count and age. RESULTS Adult men made up 49% of the population and constituted 37% of those living with HIV. In 2009, 46% of men living with HIV attended health services, rising to 67% by 2015 compared to 54% and 77% of women respectively. Men contributed <35% of all CD4 cell counts over 10 years and presented with more advanced disease (39% of all first presentation CD4 cell counts from men were <200 cells/µL compared to 25% in women). ART access was lower in men compared to women (AHR 0.79 (0.77 to 0.80) summarized for Period 2) over the entire study). Mortality was greater in men irrespective of ART (AHR 1.08 (1.01 to 1.16) Period 3) and after ART start (AHR 1.15 (1.05 to 1.20) Period 3) with mortality differences decreasing over time. CONCLUSIONS Compared to women, men presented with more advanced disease, were less likely to attend health care services annually, were less likely to initiate ART and had higher mortality overall and while receiving ART care. People living with HIV were more likely to initiate ART if they had acute reasons to access healthcare beyond HIV, such as being pregnant or being co-infected with tuberculosis. Our findings point to missed opportunities for improving access to and outcomes from interventions for men along the entire HIV cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Osler
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Nathan Ford
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- HIV/AIDS Department and Global Hepatitis ProgrammeWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Katherine Hilderbrand
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Médecins Sans FrontièresSouthern African Medical UnitCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Eric Goemaere
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Médecins Sans FrontièresSouthern African Medical UnitCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of HealthProvincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in AfricaInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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19
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Modelling the epidemiologic impact of achieving UNAIDS fast-track 90-90-90 and 95-95-95 targets in South Africa. Epidemiol Infect 2020; 147:e122. [PMID: 30869008 PMCID: PMC6452860 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268818003497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
UNAIDS established fast-track targets of 73% and 86% viral suppression among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals by 2020 and 2030, respectively. The epidemiologic impact of achieving these goals is unknown. The HIV-Calibrated Dynamic Model, a calibrated agent-based model of HIV transmission, is used to examine scenarios of incremental improvements to the testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) continuum in South Africa in 2015. The speed of intervention availability is explored, comparing policies for their predicted effects on incidence, prevalence and achievement of fast-track targets in 2020 and 2030. Moderate (30%) improvements in the continuum will not achieve 2020 or 2030 targets and have modest impacts on incidence and prevalence. Improving the continuum by 80% and increasing availability reduces incidence from 2.54 to 0.80 per 100 person-years (-1.73, interquartile range (IQR): -1.42, -2.13) and prevalence from 26.0 to 24.6% (-1.4 percentage points, IQR: -0.88, -1.92) from 2015 to 2030 and achieves fast track targets in 2020 and 2030. Achieving 90-90-90 in South Africa is possible with large improvements to the testing and treatment continuum. The epidemiologic impact of these improvements depends on the balance between survival and transmission benefits of ART with the potential for incidence to remain high.
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20
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Mabuto T, Woznica DM, Lekubu G, Seatlholo N, Mshweshwe-Pakela N, Charalambous S, Hoffmann CJ. Observational study of continuity of HIV care following release from correctional facilities in South Africa. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:324. [PMID: 32164628 PMCID: PMC7068979 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8417-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to describe linkage to care, ART continuity, and factors associated with linkage to care among people with HIV following release from incarceration in South Africa. METHODS We conducted a study of South African correctional service community reentrants who were receiving ART at the time of release. The study was implemented in three of 46 correctional service management areas. Participants were enrolled prior to corrections release and followed up to 90 days post-release to obtain self-reported linkage to care status and number of days of ART provided at corrections release. Clinic electronic and paper charts were sought and abstracted to verify self-reported linkage to care. Log-binomial regression, adjusted for facility, was used to identify associations with post-release linkage to care (self-reported and verified). We sought to specifically assess for associations with HIV diagnosis during index incarceration, ART initiation during index incarceration, and duration of incarceration. RESULTS From May 2014 to December 2016, 554 inmates met eligibility and 516 (93%) consented to participate; 391 were released on ART, 40 of whom were excluded from analysis post-release. Of the remaining 351, 301 (86%) were men and the median age was 35 years (interquartile range 30, 40). Linkage to care was self-reported by 227 (64%) and linkage to care could be verified for 121 (34%). At most, 47% of participants had no lapse in ART supply. Initiating ART during the index incarceration showed a trend toward increased self-reported post-release linkage to care. Age > 35 years was associated with increased verified linkage to care while HIV diagnosis outside of a correctional setting and ART initiation during the index incarceration showed trends toward association with increased verified linkage to care. DISCUSSION The results of our study are the first description of retention in care following correctional facility release from an African setting and indicate high levels of attrition during the transition from correctional facility to community care. Initiating ART within a correctional facility did not impair post-release linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonderai Mabuto
- Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- The University of the Witwatersrand School of Public Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Daniel M Woznica
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Gloria Lekubu
- Department of Correctional Services, Gauteng Region, South Africa
| | | | | | - Salome Charalambous
- Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- The University of the Witwatersrand School of Public Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Christopher J Hoffmann
- Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, CRB2 Rm 1M11, 1550 Orleans Rd, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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21
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Joska JA, Andersen LS, Smith-Alvarez R, Magidson J, Lee JS, O'Cleirigh C, Safren SA. Nurse-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adherence and Depression Among People Living With HIV (the Ziphamandla Study): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e14200. [PMID: 32012114 PMCID: PMC7055790 DOI: 10.2196/14200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an unmet need to develop effective, feasible, and scalable interventions for poor adherence and depression in persons living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a nurse-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for adherence and depression (CBT-AD) among persons living with HIV who are failing first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Cape Town, South Africa. METHODS This study is a 2-arm randomized controlled trial of CBT-AD integrated into the HIV primary care setting in South Africa. A total of 160 participants who did not achieve viral suppression from their first-line ART and have a unipolar depressive mood disorder will be randomized to receive either 8 sessions of CBT-AD or enhanced treatment as usual. Participants will be assessed for major depressive disorder using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 months. The primary outcomes are depression on the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D; as assessed by a blinded assessor) at the 4-month assessment and changes in ART adherence (assessed via real-time, electronic monitoring with Wisepill) between baseline and the 4-month assessment. Secondary outcomes are HIV viral load and CD4 cell count at the 12-month assessment as well as ART adherence (Wisepill) and depression (HAM-D) over follow-up (4-, 8-, and 12-month assessments). RESULTS The trial commenced in August 2015 and recruitment began in July 2016. Enrollment was completed in June 2019. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study will inform whether an existing intervention (CBT-AD) can be effectively administered in LMIC by nurses with training and ongoing supervision. This will present unique opportunities to further explore the scale-up of a behavioral intervention to enhance ART adherence among persons living with HIV with major depression in a high-prevalence setting, to move toward achieving The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 goals. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClincialTrials.gov NCT02696824; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02696824. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/14200.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Joska
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lena S Andersen
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Jessica Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Jasper S Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
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22
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Cloete CM, Hampton J, Chetty T, Ngomane T, Spooner E, Zako LMG, Reddy S, Reddy T, Luthuli N, Ngobese H, Ramjee G, Coutsoudis A, Kiepiela P. Evaluation of a health system intervention to improve virological management in an antiretroviral programme at a municipal clinic in central Durban. South Afr J HIV Med 2019; 20:985. [PMID: 31616575 PMCID: PMC6779997 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.985] [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: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the largest antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme globally, demand for effective HIV management is increasing in South Africa. While viral load (VL) testing is conducted, VL follow-up and management are sub-optimal. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to address gaps in the VL cascade to improve VL testing and management. METHODS Antiretroviral therapy records were sampled for an in-depth review. The study team then reviewed individual records, focusing on ART management, virological suppression and retention. Multifaceted interventions focused on virological control, including a clinical summary chart for ART care; streamlining laboratory results receipt and management; monitoring VL suppression, flagging virological failure and missed visits for follow-up; down-referral of stable patients eligible for the chronic club system; and training of personnel and patients. RESULTS Pre-intervention, 78% (94/120) of eligible patients had VL tests, versus 92% (145/158) post-intervention (p = 0.0009). Pre-intervention, 59% (71/120) of patients accessed their VL results, versus 86% (136/158) post-intervention (p < 0.0001). Post-intervention, 73% (19/26) of patients eligible for ART change were appropriately managed, versus 11% (4/36) pre-intervention (p < 0.0001). Only 27% had no regimen changes (7/26) post-intervention, versus 81% (29/36) pre-intervention (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Service delivery was streamlined to facilitate HIV services by focusing on VL test monitoring, protocol training and accessibility of results, thereby improving clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie M Cloete
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jane Hampton
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Terusha Chetty
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thando Ngomane
- eThekwini Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Spooner
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Linda M G Zako
- eThekwini Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Shabashini Reddy
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Department of Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nozipho Luthuli
- eThekwini Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hope Ngobese
- eThekwini Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gita Ramjee
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anna Coutsoudis
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Photini Kiepiela
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
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23
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Baisley KJ, Seeley J, Siedner MJ, Koole K, Matthews P, Tanser F, Bärnighausen T, Smit T, Gareta D, Dlamini S, Herbst K, Hm Y, Cc I, Hy K, D P, M S. Findings from home-based HIV testing and facilitated linkage after scale-up of test and treat in rural South Africa: young people still missing. HIV Med 2019; 20:704-708. [PMID: 31454139 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to estimate rates of linkage to HIV care and antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation after the introduction of home-based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) and telephone-facilitated support for linkage in rural South Africa. METHODS A population-based prospective cohort study was carried out in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. All residents aged ≥ 15 years were eligible for HBHCT. Those who tested positive and were not in care were referred for ART at one of 11 public-sector clinics. Individuals who did not attend the clinic within 2 weeks were sent a short message service (SMS) reminder; those who had not attended after a further 2 weeks were telephoned by a nurse counsellor, to discuss concerns and encourage linkage. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate the proportion of newly diagnosed individuals linking to care and initiating ART. RESULTS Among 38 827 individuals visited, 26% accepted HBHCT. Uptake was higher in women than in men (30% versus 20%, respectively), but similar in people aged < 30 years and ≥ 30 years (28% versus 26%, respectively). A total of 784 (8%) tested HIV positive, of whom 427 (54%) were newly diagnosed. Within 6 months, 31% of women and 18% of men < 30 years old had linked to care, and 29% and 16%, respectively, had started ART. Among those ≥ 30 years, 41% of women and 38% of men had linked to care within 6 months, and 41% and 35%, respectively, had started ART. CONCLUSIONS Despite facilitated linkage, rates of timely linkage to care and ART initiation after HBHCT were very low, particularly among young men. Innovations are needed to provide effective HIV care and prevention interventions to young people, and thus maximize the benefits of universal test and treat.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Baisley
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - J Seeley
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - M J Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K Koole
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - P Matthews
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - F Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - T Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - T Smit
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - D Gareta
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - S Dlamini
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - K Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Yapa Hm
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iwuji Cc
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Kim Hy
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Pillay D
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Shahmanesh M
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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24
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Rohr JK, Manne-Goehler J, Gómez-Olivé FX, Wagner RG, Rosenberg M, Geldsetzer P, Kabudula C, Kahn K, Tollman S, Bärnighausen T, Salomon JA. HIV treatment cascade for older adults in rural South Africa. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 96:271-276. [PMID: 31243144 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2018-053925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The HIV treatment cascade is a powerful framework for understanding progress from initial diagnosis to successful treatment. Data sources for cascades vary and often are based on clinical cohorts, population cohorts linked to clinics, or self-reported information. We use both biomarkers and self-reported data from a large population-based cohort of older South Africans to establish the first HIV cascade for this growing segment of the HIV-positive population and compare results using the different data sources. METHODS Data came from the Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI) 2015 baseline survey of 5059 adults aged 40+ years. Dried blood spots (DBS) were screened for HIV, antiretroviral drugs and viral load. In-home surveys asked about HIV testing, diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy (ART) use. We calculated proportions and CIs for each stage of the cascade, conditional on attainment of the previous stage, using (1) biomarkers, (2) self-report and (3) both biomarkers and self-report, and compared with UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. RESULTS 4560 participants had DBS results, among whom 1048 (23%) screened HIV-positive and comprised the denominator for each cascade. The biomarker cascade showed 63% (95% CI 60 to 66) on ART and 72% (95% CI 69 to 76) of those on ART with viral suppression. Self-reports underestimated testing, diagnosis and ART, with only 47% (95% CI 44 to 50) of HIV-positive individuals reporting ART use. The combined cascade indicated high HIV testing (89% (95% CI 87 to 91)), but lower knowledge of HIV-positive status (71% (95% CI 68 to 74)). CONCLUSIONS Older South Africans need repeated HIV testing and sustained ART to reach 90-90-90 targets. HIV cascades relying on self-reports are likely to underestimate true cascade attainment, and biomarkers provide substantial improvements to cascade estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Rohr
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer Manne-Goehler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Francesc Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ryan G Wagner
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chodziwadziwa Kabudula
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Global Health Research, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Stephen Tollman
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Global Health Research, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Heidelberg Insititute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
| | - Joshua A Salomon
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Selohilwe O, Bhana A, Garman EC, Petersen I. Evaluating the role of levels of exposure to a task shared depression counselling intervention led by behavioural health counsellors: outcome and process evaluation. Int J Ment Health Syst 2019; 13:42. [PMID: 31198438 PMCID: PMC6556962 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-019-0299-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the context of a large treatment gap for common mental disorders (CMDs) and shortage of mental health specialists in low- and middle-income countries, there is increasing evidence of the effectiveness of task sharing of counselling interventions to increase access to mental health care for CMDs at primary health care level. This study evaluated the relationship between levels of exposure to a task-shared counselling intervention and psychosocial outcomes (depression, functional disability, internalised stigma and social support) in chronic care service users with comorbid depression in South Africa guided by the Medical Research Council process evaluation framework. Implementation and participant-level factors that promote greater exposure were also investigated. Method The study design was a cohort study comprising of 173 participants referred by primary health care nurses for the task-shared counselling intervention. The study site comprised four primary health care facilities in a sub-district of the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda district in the North West Province of South Africa. The participants were assessed for psychosocial outcomes at three time points: baseline, 3 months and at 12 months. The number of counselling sessions each participant was exposed to was collected for each participant. Linear regression models were used to test the influence of counselling exposure on each of the psychosocial variables between baseline and endline. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted on 29 randomly selected participants, stratified according to exposure to counselling sessions, and analysed using framework analysis. Findings Findings from the cohort study indicated a significant reduction in depression severity at 12 months. Internalised stigma and functional disability improved from baseline to endline. Participants receiving 5-8 sessions have the greatest reduction in PHQ9 scores from baseline to endline (β = - 2.46, 95% CI - 5.06 to 0.15) compared to those with 0 sessions (β = - 0.51, 95% CI - 3.62 to 2.60, p = 0.064). The WHODAS scores decreased significantly more from baseline to endline among those who received 5-8 sessions (β = - 10.73, 95% CI - 19.86 to 1.59) compared to those with 0 sessions (β = 2.25, 95% CI - 8.65 to 13.14, p = 0.021). No significant differences as a function of levels of counselling exposure from baseline to endline was observed for OSS-3 scores. An improvement in ISMI scores from 1-4 sessions to 5-8 sessions was found (β = - 4.05, 95% CI - 7.30 to - 0.80, p = 0.015). The qualitative process evaluation indicated that the service was acceptable and accessible; but that session attendance was hindered by women's' caregiving burden, poor counsellor attributes and poor referral processes. Conclusion Exposure to a greater number of sessions (5-8 sessions) was found to optimize functional ability, reduce stigma, and potentially reduce depression symptoms. In order to enhance session attendance, lay counsellor delivered psychosocial interventions need to pay attention to (i) counsellor selection criteria, particularly person-centred care qualities; and (ii) strengthening referral processes in contexts where mental health literacy is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- One Selohilwe
- 1Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health and School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Arvin Bhana
- 1Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health and School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,2Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Emily C Garman
- 3Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Inge Petersen
- 1Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health and School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Lippman SA, El Ayadi AM, Grignon JS, Puren A, Liegler T, Venter WDF, Ratlhagana MJ, Morris JL, Naidoo E, Agnew E, Barnhart S, Shade SB. Improvements in the South African HIV care cascade: findings on 90-90-90 targets from successive population-representative surveys in North West Province. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25295. [PMID: 31190460 PMCID: PMC6562149 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To achieve epidemic control of HIV by 2030, countries aim to meet 90-90-90 targets to increase knowledge of HIV-positive status, initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral suppression by 2020. We assessed the progress towards these targets from 2014 to 2016 in South Africa as expanded treatment policies were introduced using population-representative surveys. METHODS Data were collected in January to March 2014 and August to November 2016 in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, North West Province. Each multi-stage cluster sample included 46 enumeration areas (EA), a target of 36 dwelling units (DU) per EA, and a single resident aged 18 to 49 per DU. Data collection included behavioural surveys, rapid HIV antibody testing and dried blood spot collection. We used weighted general linear regression to evaluate differences in the HIV care continuum over time. RESULTS Overall, 1044 and 971 participants enrolled in 2014 and 2016 respectively with approximately 77% undergoing HIV testing. Despite increases in reported testing, known status among people living with HIV (PLHIV) remained similar at 68.7% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 60.9-75.6) in 2014 and 72.8% (95% CI = 63.6-80.4) in 2016. Men were consistently less likely than women to know their status. Among those with known status, PLHIV on ART increased significantly from 80.9% (95% CI = 71.9-87.4) to 91.5% (95% CI = 84.4-95.5). Viral suppression (<5000 copies/mL using DBS) among those on ART increased significantly from 55.0% (95% CI = 39.6-70.4) in 2014 to 81.4% (95% CI = 72.0-90.8) in 2016. Among all PLHIV an estimated 72.0% (95% CI = 63.8-80.1) of women and 45.8% (95% CI = 27.0-64.7) of men achieved viral suppression by 2016. CONCLUSIONS Over a period during which fixed-dose combination was introduced, ART eligibility expanded, and efforts to streamline treatment were implemented, major improvements in the second and third 90-90-90 targets were achieved. Achieving the first 90 target will require targeted and improved testing models for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri A Lippman
- Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Alison M El Ayadi
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive HealthDepartment of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Jessica S Grignon
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH) South AfricaPretoriaRepublic of South Africa
| | - Adrian Puren
- Centre for HIV and STIsNational Institute for Communicable Diseases/NHLSDivision of VirologySchool of PathologyUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Teri Liegler
- HIV/AIDS DivisionDepartment of MedicineHIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Health DivisionUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - W D Francois Venter
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI)Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Mary J Ratlhagana
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH) South AfricaPretoriaRepublic of South Africa
| | - Jessica L Morris
- Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Evasen Naidoo
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH) South AfricaPretoriaRepublic of South Africa
| | - Emily Agnew
- Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Scott Barnhart
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Starley B Shade
- Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Institute for Global Health ScienceDepartment of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
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Rice B, Boulle A, Schwarcz S, Shroufi A, Rutherford G, Hargreaves J. The Continuing Value of CD4 Cell Count Monitoring for Differential HIV Care and Surveillance. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2019; 5:e11136. [PMID: 30892272 PMCID: PMC6446153 DOI: 10.2196/11136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The move toward universal provision of antiretroviral therapy and the expansion of HIV viral load monitoring call into question the ongoing value of CD4 cell count testing and monitoring. We highlight the role CD4 monitoring continues to have in guiding clinical decisions and measuring and evaluating the epidemiology of HIV. To end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we require strategic information, which includes CD4 cell counts, to make informed clinical decisions and effectively monitor key surveillance indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Rice
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sandra Schwarcz
- Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Amir Shroufi
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - George Rutherford
- Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - James Hargreaves
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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The effect of interventions on the transmission and spread of HIV in South Africa: a phylodynamic analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2640. [PMID: 30804361 PMCID: PMC6389914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37749-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidemic in South Africa is characterized by high genetic diversity driven by multiple independent introductions. The bulk of these introductions occurred between 1985-2000 during which time HIV prevalence increased exponentially. Epidemic growth has stabilized in recent years with the implementation of several interventions. Here we identified distinct HIV clades from a large sequence dataset of southern African HIV sequences (n = 15,332). Each clade was characterized using phylodynamic and phylogeographic methods to infer their growth through time and space. The estimated date of origin for the 18 clades that were found, fell between 1979-1992 with strong growth during the 1990's. Phylogeographic reconstruction revealed wide dispersal of clades throughout the country with the city of Johannesburg as the focal point of viral dispersal. We found clear signs of decreasing growth rate in four of the clades since the advent of interventions, while other clades have continued to growth and expand. Our results demonstrate that interventions do not affect the HIV epidemic universally with major difference between different clades over time and space. Here we demonstrate the utility and flexibility of molecular epidemiological methods and demonstrate how they can potentially be a powerful tool in HIV epidemic monitoring in South Africa.
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Sikkema KJ, Choi KW, Robertson C, Knettel BA, Ciya N, Knippler ET, Watt MH, Joska JA. Development of a coping intervention to improve traumatic stress and HIV care engagement among South African women with sexual trauma histories. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2018; 68:148-156. [PMID: 29597104 PMCID: PMC5953816 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the development and preliminary trial run of ImpACT (Improving AIDS Care after Trauma), a brief coping intervention to address traumatic stress and HIV care engagement among South African women with sexual trauma histories. We engaged in an iterative process to culturally adapt a cognitive-behavioral intervention for delivery within a South African primary care clinic. This process involved three phases: (a) preliminary intervention development, drawing on content from a prior evidence-based intervention; (b) contextual adaptation of the curriculum through formative data collection using a multi-method qualitative approach; and (c) pre-testing of trauma screening procedures and a subsequent trial run of the intervention. Feedback from key informant interviews and patient in-depth interviews guided the refinement of session content and adaptation of key intervention elements, including culturally relevant visuals, metaphors, and interactive exercises. The trial run curriculum consisted of four individual sessions and two group sessions. Strong session attendance during the trial run supported the feasibility of ImpACT. Participants responded positively to the logistics of the intervention delivery and the majority of session content. Trial run feedback helped to further refine intervention content and delivery towards a pilot randomized clinical trial to assess the feasibility and potential efficacy of this intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J Sikkema
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Karmel W Choi
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Corne Robertson
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brandon A Knettel
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nonceba Ciya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Melissa H Watt
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - John A Joska
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Flores JA, Brown B, León SR, Sánchez H, Galea JT. Individual-level characteristics associated with oral HIV test acceptability among Peruvian men who have sex with men and transgender women: a cross-sectional study. Sex Transm Infect 2018; 94:528-533. [PMID: 29574465 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2017-053388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) are highly vulnerable to HIV infection (HIV), but stigma, access issues and fear of venipuncture hamper testing. The oral HIV test-which uses oral fluids and provides results in 20 minutes-could reduce these barriers. The objective of this study was to determine the acceptability of the oral HIV test and the individual-level factors associated with its acceptability among MSM and TGW. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis among Peruvian MSM and TGW attending a community-based health centre between February 2012 and February 2013 to determine the individual-level factors associated with oral HIV test acceptability. RESULTS Of 334 participants, 88% were MSM and 12% TGW. Overall, 85% of participants indicated their acceptability of the oral HIV test. Acceptability was higher in MSM than TGW (85.7% vs 80.0%) but this difference was not significant. Factors associated with acceptability in MSM were: tertiary or higher education (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.18, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.32 and PR=1.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.30, respectively); sex with drug use (PR=1.19, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.36); believing that HIV is transmitted by saliva (PR=1.20, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.33); and potential use of the oral test at home (PR=1.56, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.85). The only factor associated with lower acceptability was having had first anal intercourse between 14 and 19 years of age (PR=0.89, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS We identified the individual factors associated with oral HIV test acceptability among Peruvian MSM and TGW. Expanded use of the oral HIV test to increase testing rates among Peruvian MSM and TGW is recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01387412, post-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Flores
- Facultad de Salud Pública, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.,Socios En Salud Sucursal Perú, Lima, Perú
| | - Brandon Brown
- Department of Social Medicine and Population Health, Center for Healthy Communities, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | | | | | - Jerome T Galea
- Socios En Salud Sucursal Perú, Lima, Perú.,Epicentro Salud, Lima, Perú.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Boeke CE, Nabitaka V, Rowan A, Guerra K, Kabbale A, Asire B, Magongo E, Nawaggi P, Mulema V, Mirembe B, Bigira V, Musoke A, Katureebe C. Assessing linkage to and retention in care among HIV patients in Uganda and identifying opportunities for health systems strengthening: a descriptive study. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:138. [PMID: 29566666 PMCID: PMC5865302 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3042-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability for HIV patients has increased dramatically in Uganda, patient linkage to and retention in care remains a challenge. We assessed patterns of engagement in care in 20 Ugandan health facilities with low retention based on national reporting. Methods We assessed patient linkage to care (defined as registering for pre-ART or ART care at the facility within 1 month of HIV diagnosis) and 6-month retention in care (having a visit 3-6 months after ART initiation) and associations with patient−/facility-level factors using multivariate logistic regression. Results Among 928 newly HIV-diagnosed patients, only 53.0% linked to care within 1 month. Of these, 83.7% linked within 1 week. Among 678 newly initiated ART patients, 14.5% never returned for a follow-up visit at the facility. Retention was 71.7% according to our primary definition but much lower if stricter definitions were used. Most patients were already falling behind appointment schedules at their first ART follow-up (median: 28 days post-initiation vs. recommended 14 days). 27.3% of newly-initiated patients had follow-up appointments scheduled 45+ days apart rather than monthly per national guidelines. Linkage and retention were not strongly correlated with each other within facilities (rs = 0.06; p = 0.82). Females, adolescents, and patients in rural settings tended to have lower linkage and retention in multivariable-adjusted models. Conclusions Linkage support may be most critical immediately after testing positive, as patients are less likely to link over time. More information is needed on reasons for appointment schedules by clinicians and implications on retention. Trial registration This study was registered in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry database (#PACTR201611001756166). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3042-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Boeke
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Boston, USA. .,, 383 Dorchester Road, Suite 400, Boston, Massachusetts, 02127, USA.
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Huerga H, Van Cutsem G, Ben Farhat J, Puren A, Bouhenia M, Wiesner L, Dlamini L, Maman D, Ellman T, Etard JF. Progress towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals by age and gender in a rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a household-based community cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:303. [PMID: 29499668 PMCID: PMC5833029 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has developed an ambitious strategy to end the AIDS epidemic. After eight years of antiretroviral therapy (ART) program we assessed progress towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets in Mbongolwane and Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional household-based community survey using a two-stage stratified cluster probability sampling strategy. Persons aged 15-59 years were eligible. We used face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaires to collect information on history of HIV testing and care. Rapid HIV testing was performed on site and venous blood specimens collected from HIV-positive participants for antiretroviral drug presence test, CD4 count and viral load. At the time of the survey the CD4 threshold for ART initiation was 350 cells/μL. We calculated progression towards the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets by estimating three proportions: HIV positive individuals who knew their status (first 90), those diagnosed who were on ART (second 90), and those on ART who were virally suppressed (third 90). RESULTS We included 5649/6688 (84.5%) individuals. Median age was 26 years (IQR: 19-40), 62.3% were women. HIV prevalence was 25.2% (95% CI: 23.6-26.9): 30.9% (95% CI: 29.0-32.9) in women; 15.9% (95% CI: 14.0-18.0) in men. Overall progress towards the 90-90-90 targets was as follows: 76.4% (95% CI: 74.1-78.6) knew their status, 69.9% (95% CI: 67.0-72.7) of those who knew their status were on ART and 93.1% (95% CI: 91.0-94.8) of those on ART were virally suppressed. By sex, progress towards the 90-90-90 targets was: 79%-71%-93% among women; and 68%-68%-92% among men (p-values of women and men comparisons were < 0.001, 0.443 and 0.584 respectively). By age, progress was: 83%-75%-95% among individuals aged 30-59 years and 64%-58%-89% among those aged 15-29 years (p-values of age groups comparisons were < 0.001, < 0.001 and 0.011 respectively). CONCLUSIONS In this context of high HIV prevalence, significant progress has been achieved with regards to reaching the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. The third 90, viral suppression in people on ART, was achieved among women and men. However, gaps persist in HIV diagnosis and ART coverage particularly in men and individuals younger than 30 years. Achieving 90-90-90 is feasible but requires additional investment to reach youth and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Huerga
- Clinical Research, Epicentre, 8 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France
| | - Gilles Van Cutsem
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jihane Ben Farhat
- Clinical Research, Epicentre, 8 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France
| | - Adrian Puren
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the NHLS, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Malika Bouhenia
- Clinical Research, Epicentre, 8 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France
| | - Lubbe Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda Dlamini
- Department of Health, District, Empangeni, Uthungulu, South Africa
| | - David Maman
- Clinical Research, Epicentre, 8 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France
| | - Tom Ellman
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jean-François Etard
- Clinical Research, Epicentre, 8 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France
- IRD UMI 233, INSERM U1175, Université de Montpellier, Unité TransVIHMI, Montpellier, France
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Sikkema KJ, Mulawa MI, Robertson C, Watt MH, Ciya N, Stein DJ, Cherenack EM, Choi KW, Kombora M, Joska JA. Improving AIDS Care After Trauma (ImpACT): Pilot Outcomes of a Coping intervention Among HIV-Infected Women with Sexual Trauma in South Africa. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:1039-1052. [PMID: 29270789 PMCID: PMC5828984 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-2013-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Improving AIDS Care after Trauma (ImpACT), a coping intervention for HIV-infected women with sexual abuse histories, was evaluated for feasibility and potential efficacy in a public clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. Sixty-four participants were enrolled prior to starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). After completing baseline assessments, participants were randomly assigned to standard of care (SoC: three adherence counseling sessions) or ImpACT (SoC plus four individual and three group sessions). Participants completed assessments at 3 months (after individual sessions) and 6 months post-baseline. In exploratory analysis of primary outcomes, ImpACT participants, compared to SoC, reported greater reductions in avoidance and arousal symptoms of PTSD and greater increases in ART adherence motivation at 3 months. Clinically significant decreases in overall PTSD symptoms were also demonstrated at 3 months. These effects continued as trends at the 6-month assessment, in addition to increases in social/spiritual coping. In analysis of secondary outcomes, high levels of non-adherence to ART and poor care engagement were evident at 6 months, with no differences between study arms. A trauma-focused, culturally-adapted individual intervention delivered by a non-specialist in the HIV care setting is feasible and acceptable. Preliminary findings suggest ImpACT has potential to reduce PTSD symptoms and increase ART adherence motivation, but a more intensive intervention may be needed to improve and maintain care engagement among this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02223390.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J Sikkema
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, 417 Chapel Drive, Box 90086, Durham, NC, 27708-0086, USA.
| | - Marta I Mulawa
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Corne Robertson
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melissa H Watt
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nonceba Ciya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emily M Cherenack
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karmel W Choi
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matapelo Kombora
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - John A Joska
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Abstract
Introduction: South Africa has the largest number of individuals living with HIV and the largest antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme worldwide. In September 2016, ART eligibility was extended to all 7.1 million HIV-positive South Africans. To ensure that further expansion of services does not compromise quality of care, long-term outcomes must be monitored. Few studies have reported long-term mortality in resource-constrained settings, where mortality ascertainment is challenging. Combining site records with data linked to the national vital registration system, sites in the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS Southern Africa collaboration can identify >95% of deaths in patients with civil identification numbers (IDs). This study used linked data to explore long-term mortality and viral suppression among adults starting ART in South Africa. Methods: The study was a cohort analysis of routine data on adults with IDs starting ART 2004–2015 in five large ART cohorts. Mortality was estimated overall and by gender using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox’s proportional hazards regression. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated by dividing observed numbers of deaths by numbers expected if patients had been HIV-negative. Viral suppression in patients with viral loads (VLs) in their last year of follow-up was the secondary outcome. Results: Among 72,812 adults followed for 350,376 person years (pyrs), the crude mortality rate was 3.08 (95% CI 3.02–3.14)/100 pyrs. Patients were predominantly female (67%) and the percentage of men initiating ART did not increase. Cumulative mortality 12 years after ART initiation was 23.9% (33.4% male and 19.4% female). Mortality peaked in patients enrolling in 2007–2009 and was higher in men than women at all durations. Observed mortality rates were higher than HIV-negative mortality, decreasing with duration. By 48 months, observed mortality was close to that in the HIV-negative population, and SMRs were similar for all baseline CD4 strata. Three-quarters of patients had VLs in their last year, and 86% of these were virally suppressed. Conclusions: The South African ART programme has shown a remarkable ability to initiate and manage patients successfully over 12 years, despite rapid expansion. With further scale-up, testing and initiating men on ART must be a national priority.
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Universal test and treat and the HIV epidemic in rural South Africa: a phase 4, open-label, community cluster randomised trial. Lancet HIV 2017; 5:e116-e125. [PMID: 29199100 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(17)30205-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal antiretroviral therapy (ART), as per the 2015 WHO recommendations, might reduce population HIV incidence. We investigated the effect of universal test and treat on HIV acquisition at population level in a high prevalence rural region of South Africa. METHODS We did a phase 4, open-label, cluster randomised trial of 22 communities in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We included individuals residing in the communities who were aged 16 years or older. The clusters were composed of aggregated local areas (neighbourhoods) that had been identified in a previous study in the Hlabisa subdistrict. The study statisticians randomly assigned clusters (1:1) with MapInfo Pro (version 11.0) to either the control or intervention communities, stratified on the basis of antenatal HIV prevalence. We offered residents repeated rapid HIV testing during home-based visits every 6 months for about 4 years in four clusters, 3 years in six clusters, and 2 years in 12 clusters (58 cluster-years) and referred HIV-positive participants to trial clinics for ART (fixed-dose combination of tenofovir, emtricitabine, and efavirenz) regardless of CD4 cell count (intervention) or according to national guidelines (initially ≤350 cells per μL and <500 cells per μL from January, 2015; control). Participants and investigators were not masked to treatment allocation. We used dried blood spots once every 6 months provided by participants who were HIV negative at baseline to estimate the primary outcome of HIV incidence with cluster-adjusted Poisson generalised estimated equations in the intention-to-treat population after 58 cluster-years of follow-up. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01509508, and the South African National Clinical Trials Register, number DOH-27-0512-3974. FINDINGS Between March 9, 2012, and June 30, 2016, we contacted 26 518 (93%) of 28 419 eligible individuals. Of 17 808 (67%) individuals with a first negative dried blood spot test, 14 223 (80%) had subsequent dried blood spot tests, of whom 503 seroconverted after follow-up of 22 891 person-years. Estimated HIV incidence was 2·11 per 100 person-years (95% CI 1·84-2·39) in the intervention group and 2·27 per 100 person-years (2·00-2·54) in the control group (adjusted hazard ratio 1·01, 95% CI 0·87-1·17; p=0·89). We documented one case of suicidal attempt in a woman following HIV seroconversion. 128 patients on ART had 189 life-threatening or grade 4 clinical events: 69 (4%) of 1652 in the control group and 59 (4%) of 1367 in the intervention group (p=0·83). INTERPRETATION The absence of a lowering of HIV incidence in universal test and treat clusters most likely resulted from poor linkage to care. Policy change to HIV universal test and treat without innovation to improve health access is unlikely to reduce HIV incidence. FUNDING ANRS, GiZ, and 3ie.
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Naidoo P, Theron G, Rangaka MX, Chihota VN, Vaughan L, Brey ZO, Pillay Y. The South African Tuberculosis Care Cascade: Estimated Losses and Methodological Challenges. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:S702-S713. [PMID: 29117342 PMCID: PMC5853316 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While tuberculosis incidence and mortality are declining in South Africa, meeting the goals of the End TB Strategy requires an invigorated programmatic response informed by accurate data. Enumerating the losses at each step in the care cascade enables appropriate targeting of interventions and resources. Methods We estimated the tuberculosis burden; the number and proportion of individuals with tuberculosis who accessed tests, had tuberculosis diagnosed, initiated treatment, and successfully completed treatment for all tuberculosis cases, for those with drug-susceptible tuberculosis (including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–coinfected cases) and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. Estimates were derived from national electronic tuberculosis register data, laboratory data, and published studies. Results The overall tuberculosis burden was estimated to be 532005 cases (range, 333760–764480 cases), with successful completion of treatment in 53% of cases. Losses occurred at multiple steps: 5% at test access, 13% at diagnosis, 12% at treatment initiation, and 17% at successful treatment completion. Overall losses were similar among all drug-susceptible cases and those with HIV coinfection (54% and 52%, respectively, successfully completed treatment). Losses were substantially higher among rifampicin- resistant cases, with only 22% successfully completing treatment. Conclusion Although the vast majority of individuals with tuberculosis engaged the public health system, just over half were successfully treated. Urgent efforts are required to improve implementation of existing policies and protocols to close gaps in tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment initiation, and successful treatment completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pren Naidoo
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington
| | - Grant Theron
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research.,MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Molebogeng X Rangaka
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Violet N Chihota
- Implementation Research Division, Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Louise Vaughan
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research.,MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zameer O Brey
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington
| | - Yogan Pillay
- HIV/AIDS, TB, and Maternal and Child Health Branch, National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
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Rautenbach W, Steffen J, Smit D, Lecuona K, Esterhuizen T. Patterns of Uveitis at Two University-Based Referral Centres in Cape Town, South Africa. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2017; 27:868-874. [PMID: 29120678 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2017.1391954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To analyze the pattern of uveitis at two tertiary hospitals in South Africa which has a high prevalence of HIV, TB and syphilis. Methods: Data of 198 patients were obtained retrospectively between August 2014 and August 2016, including patient demographics, clinical examination, special investigations and final diagnosis. Results: Infectious uveitis was the most common aetiological category (47%), followed by idiopathic (34.8%) and non-infectious (18.2%). Syphilis was the most common identifiable cause (16.2%). Other important causes were toxoplasmosis, herpes viruses, tuberculosis and HLA-B27. HIV positive patients, who constituted 40% of the study population, were more likely to present with a posterior or panuveitis (relative risk 1.50, 95% CI 1.19-1.89) and more likely to have an infectious cause compared to HIV negative patients (relative risk 2.47, 95% CI 1.82-3.35). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of HIV testing and investigations for infectious causes of uveitis, especially syphilis, in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilna Rautenbach
- Division of Ophthalmology, University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Jonel Steffen
- Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Derrick Smit
- Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Karin Lecuona
- Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Tonya Esterhuizen
- Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Department of Global Health, University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
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Johnson LF, Dorrington RE, Moolla H. Progress towards the 2020 targets for HIV diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment in South Africa. South Afr J HIV Med 2017; 18:694. [PMID: 29568630 PMCID: PMC5843157 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v18i1.694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UNAIDS targets for 2020 are to achieve a 90% rate of diagnosis in HIV-positive individuals, to provide antiretroviral treatment (ART) to 90% of HIV-diagnosed individuals and to achieve virological suppression in 90% of ART patients. OBJECTIVES To assess South Africa's progress towards the 2020 targets and variations in performance by province. METHODS A mathematical model was fitted to HIV data for each of South Africa's provinces, and for the country as a whole. Numbers of HIV tests performed in each province were estimated from routine data over the 2002-2015 period, and numbers of patients receiving ART in each province were estimated by fitting models to reported public and private ART enrolment statistics. RESULTS By the middle of 2015, 85.5% (95% CI: 84.5% - 86.5%) of HIV-positive South African adults had been diagnosed, with little variation between provinces. However, only 56.9% (95% CI: 55.3% - 58.7%) of HIV-diagnosed adults were on ART, with this proportion varying between 50.8% in North West and 72.7% in Northern Cape. In addition, 78.4% of adults on ART were virally suppressed, with rates ranging from 69.7% in Limpopo to 85.9% in Western Cape. Overall, 3.39 million (95% CI: 3.26-3.52 million) South Africans were on ART by mid-2015, equivalent to 48.6% (95% CI: 46.0% - 51.2%) of the HIV-positive population. ART coverage varied between 43.0% in Gauteng and 63.0% in Northern Cape. CONCLUSION Although South Africa is well on its way to reaching the 90% HIV diagnosis target, most provinces face challenges in reaching the remaining two 90% targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh F Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rob E Dorrington
- Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Haroon Moolla
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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39
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Iwuji C, Newell ML. HIV testing: the 'front door' to the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target. Public Health Action 2017; 7:79. [PMID: 28695076 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.17.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Collins Iwuji
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Marie-Louise Newell
- Human Development and Health and Global Health Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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40
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Paltiel AD, Zheng A, Weinstein MC, Gaynes MR, Wood R, Freedberg KA, Sax PE, Walensky RP. Setting Performance Standards for a Cost-Effective Human Immunodeficiency Virus Cure Strategy in South Africa. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017; 4:ofx081. [PMID: 28680903 PMCID: PMC5490502 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports of a single case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) eradication suggest that elimination of HIV from individuals is possible. Anticipating both increased research funding and the development of effective, durable cure technologies, we describe the circumstances under which a cure might improve survival and be cost-effective in South Africa. METHODS We adapted a simulation model comparing a hypothetical cure strategy ("Cure") to the standard of care, lifetime antiretroviral therapy ("LifetimeART") among adherent South Africans (58% female; mean age 33.8 years; mean CD4 257/µL; virologic suppression ≥1 year). We portrayed cure as a single intervention, producing sustained viral eradication without ART. We considered both a plausible, more imminently achievable "Baseline Scenario" and a more aspirational "Optimistic Scenario". Inputs (Baseline/Optimistic) included the following: 50%/75% efficacy; 0.6%/0.0% fatal toxicity; 0.37%/0.085% monthly relapse over 5 years (0.185%/0.0425% per month thereafter); and $2000/$500 cost. These inputs were varied extensively in sensitivity analysis. RESULTS At baseline, Cure was "dominated," yielding lower discounted life expectancy (19.31 life-years [LY] vs 19.37 LY) and greater discounted lifetime costs ($13 800 vs $13 700) than LifetimeART. Under optimistic assumptions, Cure was "cost-saving," producing greater survival (19.91 LY) and lower lifetime costs ($11 000) than LifetimeART. Findings were highly sensitive to data assumptions, leaving little middle ground where a tradeoff existed between improved survival and higher costs. CONCLUSIONS Only under the most favorable performance assumptions will an HIV cure strategy prove clinically and economically justifiable in South Africa. The scientific pursuit of a cure should not undermine continued expansions of access to proven, effective, and cost-effective ART.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Zheng
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center and Divisions of
- General Internal Medicine and
| | - Milton C Weinstein
- Health Policy and Management and
- Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Melanie R Gaynes
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center and Divisions of
- General Internal Medicine and
| | - Robin Wood
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kenneth A Freedberg
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center and Divisions of
- General Internal Medicine and
- Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Departments of
- Health Policy and Management and
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Massachusetts
| | - Paul E Sax
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rochelle P Walensky
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center and Divisions of
- General Internal Medicine and
- Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Departments of
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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