Eligibility for differentiated models of HIV treatment service delivery: an estimate from Malawi and Zambia

Reducing time to differentiated service delivery for newly-diagnosed people living with HIV in Kigali, Rwanda: a pilot, unblinded, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Differentiated service delivery (DSD) programs for people living with HIV (PWH) limit eligibility to patients established on antiretroviral therapy (ART), yet uncertainty exists regarding the duration on ART necessary for newly-diagnosed PWH to be considered established. We aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of entry into DSD at six months after ART initiation for newly-diagnosed PWH.

METHODS

We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial in three health facilities in Rwanda. Participants were randomized to: (1) entry into DSD at six months after ART initiation after one suppressed viral load (DSD-1VL); (2) entry into DSD at six months after ART initiation after two consecutive suppressed viral loads (DSD-2VL); (3) treatment as usual (TAU). We examined feasibility by examining the proportion of participants assigned to intervention arms who entered DSD, assessed acceptability through patient surveys and by examining instances when clinical staff overrode the study assignment, and evaluated preliminary effectiveness by comparing study arms with respect to 12-month viral suppression.

RESULTS

Among 90 participants, 31 were randomized to DSD-1VL, 31 to DSD-2VL, and 28 to TAU. Among 62 participants randomized to DSD-1VL or DSD-2VL, 37 (60%) entered DSD at 6 months while 21 (34%) did not enter DSD because they were not virally suppressed. Patient-level acceptability was high for both clinical (mean score: 3.8 out of 5) and non-clinical (mean score: 4.1) elements of care and did not differ significantly across study arms. Viral suppression at 12 months was 81%, 81% and 68% in DSD-1VL, DSD-2VL, and TAU, respectively (p = 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of participants randomized to intervention arms entered DSD and had similar rates of viral suppression compared to TAU. Results suggest that early DSD at six months after ART initiation is feasible for newly-diagnosed PWH, and support current WHO guidelines on DSD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04567693; first registered on September 28, 2020.

HIV Viral Load Patterns and Risk Factors Among Women in Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission Programs to Inform Differentiated Service Delivery

BACKGROUND

Differentiated service delivery (DSD) approaches decrease frequency of clinic visits for individuals who are stable on antiretroviral therapy. It is unclear how to optimize DSD models for postpartum women living with HIV (PWLH). We evaluated longitudinal HIV viral load (VL) and cofactors, and modelled DSD eligibility with virologic failure (VF) among PWLH in prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs.

METHODS

This analysis used programmatic data from participants in the Mobile WAChX trial (NCT02400671). Women were assessed for DSD eligibility using the World Health Organization criteria among general people living with HIV (receiving antiretroviral therapy for ≥6 months and having at least 1 suppressed VL [<1000 copies/mL] within the past 6 months). Longitudinal VL patterns were summarized using group-based trajectory modelling. VF was defined as having a subsequent VL ≥1000 copies/mL after being assessed as DSD-eligible. Predictors of VF were determined using log-binomial models among DSD-eligible PWLH.

RESULTS

Among 761 women with 3359 VL results (median 5 VL per woman), a 3-trajectory model optimally summarized longitudinal VL, with most (80.8%) women having sustained low probability of unsuppressed VL. Among women who met DSD criteria at 6 months postpartum, most (83.8%) maintained viral suppression until 24 months. Residence in Western Kenya, depression, reported interpersonal abuse, unintended pregnancy, nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy, low-level viremia (VL 200-1000 copies/mL), and drug resistance were associated with VF among DSD-eligible PWLH.

CONCLUSIONS

Most postpartum women maintained viral suppression from early postpartum to 24 months and may be suitable for DSD referral. Women with depression, drug resistance, and detectable VL need enhanced services.

How soon should patients be eligible for differentiated service delivery models for antiretroviral treatment? Evidence from a retrospective cohort study in Zambia

OBJECTIVES

Patient attrition is high the first 6 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Patients with <6 months of ART are systematically excluded from most differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, which are intended to support retention. Despite DSD eligibility criteria requiring ≥6 months on ART, some patients enrol earlier. We compared loss to follow-up (LTFU) between patients enrolling in DSD models early with those enrolled according to guidelines, assessing whether the ART experience eligibility criterion is necessary.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected electronic medical record data.

SETTING

PARTICIPANTS: Adults (≥15 years) who initiated ART between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020.

OUTCOMES

LTFU (>30 days late for scheduled visit) at 18 months for 'early enrollers' (DSD enrolment after <6 months on ART) and 'established enrollers' (DSD enrolment after ≥6 months on ART). We used a log-binomial model to compare LTFU risk, adjusting for age, sex, location, ART refill interval and DSD model.

RESULTS

For 6340 early enrollers and 25 857 established enrollers, there were no differences in sex (61% female), age (median 37 years) or location (65% urban). ART refill intervals were longer for established versus early enrollers (72% vs 55% were given 4-6 months refills). LTFU at 18 months was 3% (192 of 6340) for early enrollers and 5% (24 646 of 25 857) for established enrollers. Early enrollers were 41% less likely to be LTFU than established patients (adjusted risk ratio 0.59, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients enrolled in DSD after <6 months of ART were more likely to be retained than patients established on ART prior to DSD enrolment. A limitation is that early enrollers may have been selected for DSD due to providers' and patients' expectations about future retention. Offering DSD models to ART patients soon after ART initiation may help address high attrition during the early treatment period.

TRIAL REGISTERATION NUMBER

NCT04158882.

Out-of-Facility Multimonth Dispensing of Antiretroviral Treatment: A Pooled Analysis Using Individual Patient Data From Cluster-Randomized Trials in Southern Africa

BACKGROUND

Out-of-facility multi-month dispensing (MMD) is a differentiated service delivery model which provides antiretroviral treatment (ART) at intervals of up to 6 monthly in the community. Limited randomized evidence investigating out-of-facility MMD is available. We evaluated participant outcomes and compared out-of-facility MMD models using data from cluster-randomized trials in Southern Africa.

SETTING

Eight districts in Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

METHODS

Individual-level participant data from 2 cluster-randomized trials that included stable adults receiving ART at 60 facilities were pooled. Both trials had 3 arms: ART collected 3-monthly at healthcare facilities (3MF, control); ART provided three-monthly in community ART groups (CAGs) (3MC); and ART provided 6-monthly in either CAGs or on an individual provider-patient basis (6MC). Participant retention, viral suppression and incidence of unscheduled facility visits were compared.

RESULTS

Ten thousand one hundred thirty-six participants were included, 3817 (37.7%), 2893 (28.5%) and 3426 (33.8%) in arms 3MF, 3MC and 6MC, respectively. After 12 months, retention was non-inferior for 3MC (95.7%) vs. 3MF (95.0%) {adjusted risk difference (aRD) = 0.3 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.8 to 1.4]}; and 6MC (95.1%) vs. 3MF [aRD = -0.2 (95% CI: -1.4 to 1.0)]. Retention was greater amongst intervention arm participants in CAGs versus 6MC participants not in CAGs, aRD = 1.5% (95% CI: 0.2% to 2.9%). Viral suppression was excellent (≥98%) and unscheduled facility visits were not increased in the intervention arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Three and 6-monthly out-of-facility MMD was non-inferior versus facility-based care for stable ART patients. Out-of-facility 6-monthly MMD should incorporate small group peer support whenever possible.

CLINICALTRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03238846 and NCT03438370.

Community-based differentiated service delivery models incorporating multi-month dispensing of antiretroviral treatment for newly stable people living with HIV receiving single annual clinical visits: a pooled analysis of two cluster-randomized trials in southern Africa

Introduction

Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for HIV treatment decrease health facility visit frequency and limit healthcare facility‐based exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. However, two important evidence gaps include understanding DSD effectiveness amongst clients commencing DSD within 12 months of antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation and amongst clients receiving only single annual clinical consultations. To investigate these, we pooled data from two cluster‐randomized trials investigating community‐based DSD in Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

Methods

Individual‐level participant data of newly stable adults enrolled between 6 and 12 months after ART initiation were pooled. Both trials (conducted between August 2017 and July 2019) had three arms: Standard‐of‐care three‐monthly ART provision at healthcare facilities (SoC, control); ART provided three‐monthly in community ART groups (CAGs) (3MC) and ART provided six‐monthly in either CAGs or at community‐distribution points (6MC). Clinical visits were three‐monthly in SoC and annually in intervention arms. The primary outcome was retention in care and secondary outcomes were viral suppression (VS) and number of unscheduled facility visits 12 months after enrolment. Individual‐level regression analyses were conducted by intention‐to‐treat specifying for clustering and adjusted for country.

Results and Discussion

A total of 599 participants were included; 212 (35.4%), 128 (21.4%) and 259 (43.2%) in SoC, 3MC and 6MC, respectively. Few participants aged <25 years were included (n = 32). After 12 months, 198 (93.4%), 123 (96.1%) and 248 (95.8%) were retained in SoC, 3MC and 6MC, respectively. Retention in 3MC was superior versus SoC, adjusted risk difference (aRD) = 4.6% (95% CI: 0.7%−8.5%). Retention in 6MC was non‐inferior versus SoC, aRD = 1.7% (95% CI: −2.5%−5.9%) (prespecified non‐inferiority aRD margin −3.25%). VS was similar between arms, 99.3, 98.6 and 98.1% in SoC, 3MC and 6MC, respectively. Adjusted risk ratio's for VS were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.92−1.03) for 3MC versus SoC, and 0.98 (CI: 0.95−1.00) for 6MC versus SoC. Unscheduled clinic visits were not increased in intervention arms: incidence rate ratio = 0.53 (CI: 0.16−1.80) for 3MC versus SoC; and 0.82 (CI: 0.25−2.79) for 6MC versus SoC.

Conclusions

Community‐based DSD incorporating three‐ and six‐monthly ART refills and single annual clinical visits were at least non‐inferior to standard facility‐based care amongst newly stable ART clients aged ≥25 years.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03238846 & NCT03438370

Expanding access to HIV services during the COVID-19 pandemic-Nigeria, 2020

BACKGROUND

To accelerate progress toward the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nigeria country office (CDC Nigeria) initiated an Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Surge in 2019 to identify and link 340,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) to ART. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threatened to interrupt ART Surge progress following the detection of the first case in Nigeria in February 2020. To overcome this disruption, CDC Nigeria designed and implemented adapted ART Surge strategies during February-September 2020.

METHODS

Adapted ART Surge strategies focused on continuing expansion of HIV services while mitigating COVID-19 transmission. Key strategies included an intensified focus on community-based, rather than facility-based, HIV case-finding; immediate initiation of newly-diagnosed PLHIV on 3-month ART starter packs (first ART dispense of 3 months of ART); expansion of ART distribution through community refill sites; and broadened access to multi-month dispensing (MMD) (3-6 months ART) among PLHIV established in care. State-level weekly data reporting through an Excel-based dashboard and individual PLHIV-level data from the Nigeria National Data Repository facilitated program monitoring.

RESULTS

During February-September 2020, the reported number of PLHIV initiating ART per month increased from 11,407 to 25,560, with the proportion found in the community increasing from 59 to 75%. The percentage of newly-identified PLHIV initiating ART with a 3-month ART starter pack increased from 60 to 98%. The percentage of on-time ART refill pick-ups increased from 89 to 100%. The percentage of PLHIV established in care receiving at least 3-month MMD increased from 77 to 93%. Among PLHIV initiating ART, 6-month retention increased from 74 to 92%.

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid and flexible HIV program response, focused on reducing facility-based interactions while ensuring delivery of lifesaving ART, was critical in overcoming COVID-19-related service disruptions to expand access to HIV services in Nigeria during the first eight months of the pandemic. High retention on ART among PLHIV initiating treatment indicates immediate MMD in this population may be a sustainable practice. HIV program infrastructure can be leveraged and adapted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Walking and perceived lack of safety: Correlates and association with health outcomes for people living with HIV in rural Zambia

INTRODUCTION

Geographic inaccessibility disproportionately affects health outcomes of rural populations due to lack of suitable transport, prolonged travel time, and poverty. Rural patients are left with few transport options to travel to a health facility. One common option is to travel by foot, which may present additional challenges, such as perceived lack of safety while transiting. We examined the correlates of perceived lack of safety when walking to a health facility and its association with treatment and psychosocial outcomes among adults living with HIV.

METHODS

Data were collected from 101 adults living with HIV in Eastern Province, Zambia. All participants were receiving antiretroviral therapy at one of two health clinics. Perceived lack of safety was measured by asking respondents whether they felt unsafe traveling to and from the health facility in which they were receiving their HIV care. Outcomes included medication adherence, perceived stress, hope for the future, and barriers to pill taking. Linear and logistic regression methods were used to examine the correlates of perceived safety and its association with health outcomes.

RESULTS

Being older, a woman, having a primary education, living farther from a health facility, traveling longer to reach a health facility, and owing money were associated with higher likelihood of feeling unsafe when traveling by foot to health facility. Perceived lack of safety was associated with medication nonadherence, higher level of stress, lower level of agency, and more barriers to pill taking.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived lack of safety when traveling by foot to a health facility may be a barrier to better treatment and psychosocial outcomes, especially among rural patients. Practitioners and policymakers should consider implementation of differentiated HIV service delivery models to reduce frequent travel to health facilities and to alleviate ART patients' worry about lack of safety when traveling by foot to a health facility.

Assessing eligibility for differentiated service delivery, HIV services utilization and virologic outcomes of adult HIV-infected patients in Sierra Leone: a pre-implementation analysis

Background

There are limited data to help guide implementation of differentiated HIV service delivery (DSD) in resource-limited settings in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objectives

This pre-implementation study sought to assess the proportion of patients eligible for DSD and HIV services utilization, as well as risk factor analysis of virologic failure in Sierra Leone.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of adult HIV-infected patients aged 18 years and older receiving care at the largest HIV treatment center in Sierra Leone 2019–2020. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of virologic failure.

Results

Of 586 unique patients reviewed, 210 (35.8%) qualified as ‘stable’ for antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery. There was high utilization of certain HIV service programs (e.g. HIV status disclosure to partners (83%) and treatment ‘buddy’ program participation (62.8%)), while other service programs (e.g. partner testing and community HIV support group participation) had low utilization (<50%). Of 429 patients with available viral load, 277 (64.6%) were virologically suppressed. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis of risk factors of virologic failure, CD4 < 350 cells/mm³ (p = 0.009), atazanavir-based ART (p = 0.032), once monthly versus once two- or three-monthly ART dispensing (p = 0.028), history of ART switching (p = 0.02), poor adherence (p = 0.001) and not having received adherence support (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of virologic failure.

Conclusion

Approximately one in three HIV-infected patients on ART were eligible for DSD. We identified gaps in HIV care (i.e. low partner testing, treatment ‘buddy’, program participation and a substantially high rate of virologic failure) that need to be addressed in preparation for full implementation of DSD in Sierra Leone.

Travel time to health-care facilities, mode of transportation, and HIV elimination in Malawi: a geospatial modelling analysis

BACKGROUND

UNAIDS has prioritised Malawi and 21 other countries in sub-Saharan Africa for fast-tracking the end of their HIV epidemics. UNAIDS' elimination strategy requires achieving a treatment coverage of 90% by 2030. However, many individuals in the prioritised countries have to travel long distances to access HIV treatment and few have access to motorised transportation. Using data-based geospatial modelling, we investigated whether these two factors are barriers to achieving HIV elimination in Malawi and assessed the effect of increasing bicycle availability on expanding treatment coverage.

METHODS

We built a data-based geospatial model that we used to estimate the minimum travel time needed to access treatment, for every person living with HIV in Malawi. We constructed our model by combining a spatial map of health-care facilities, a map that showed the number of HIV-infected individuals per km², and an impedance map. We quantified impedance using data on road and river networks, land cover, and topography. We estimated travel times for the existing coverage of 70%, and the time that HIV-infected individuals would need to spend travelling in order to achieve a coverage of 90%, whether driving, bicycling, or walking.

FINDINGS

We identified a quantitative relationship between the maximum achievable coverage of treatment and the minimum travel time to the nearest health-care facility. At 70% coverage, health-care facilities can be reached within approximately 45 min if driving, 65 min if bicycling, and 85 min if walking. Increasing coverage above 70% will become progressively more difficult. To reach 90% coverage, many HIV-infected individuals (who have yet to initiate treatment) will need to travel for almost twice as long as those already on treatment. Bicycling, rather than walking, in rural areas would substantially increase the maximum achievable coverage.

INTERPRETATION

The long travel times needed to reach health-care facilities coupled with little motorised transportation in rural areas are substantial barriers to reaching 90% coverage in Malawi. Increased bicycle availability could help eliminate HIV.

FUNDING

US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

'Only twice a year': a qualitative exploration of 6-month antiretroviral treatment refills in adherence clubs for people living with HIV in Khayelitsha, South Africa

OBJECTIVE

Longer intervals between routine clinic visits and medication refills are part of patient-centred, differentiated service delivery (DSD). They have been shown to improve patient outcomes as well as optimise health services-vital as 'universal test-and-treat' targets increase numbers of HIV patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART). This qualitative study explored patient, healthcare worker and key informant experiences and perceptions of extending ART refills to 6 months in adherence clubs in Khayelitsha, South Africa.

DESIGN AND SETTING

In-depth interviews were conducted in isiXhosa with purposively selected patients and in English with healthcare workers and key informants. All transcripts were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated to English, manually coded and thematically analysed. The participants had been involved in a randomised controlled trial evaluating multi-month ART dispensing in adherence clubs, comparing 6-month and 2-month refills.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-three patients, seven healthcare workers and six key informants.

RESULTS

Patients found that 6-month refills increased convenience and reduced unintended disclosure. Contrary to key informant concerns about patients' responsibility to manage larger quantities of ART, patients receiving 6-month refills were highly motivated and did not face challenges transporting, storing or adhering to treatment. All participant groups suggested that strict eligibility criteria were necessary for patients to realise the benefits of extended dispensing intervals. Six-month refills were felt to increase health system efficiency, but there were concerns about whether the existing drug supply system could adapt to 6-month refills on a larger scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients, healthcare workers and key informants found 6-month refills within adherence clubs acceptable and beneficial, but concerns were raised about the reliability of the supply chain to manage extended multi-month dispensing. Stepwise, slow expansion could avoid overstressing supply and allow time for the health system to adapt, permitting 6-month ART refills to enhance current DSD options to be more efficient and patient-centred within current health system constraints.