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Moiana Uetela DA, Zimmermann M, Chicumbe S, Gudo ES, Barnabas R, Uetela OA, Dinis A, Augusto O, Gaveta S, Couto A, Gaspar I, Macul H, Hughes JP, Gimbel S, Sherr K. Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Impact Analysis of the Implementation of Differentiated Service Delivery Models for HIV Treatment in Mozambique: a Modelling Study. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26275. [PMID: 38801731 PMCID: PMC11129834 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2018, the Mozambique Ministry of Health launched guidelines for implementing differentiated service delivery models (DSDMs) to optimize HIV service delivery, improve retention in care, and ultimately reduce HIV-associated mortality. The models were fast-track, 3-month antiretrovirals dispensing, community antiretroviral therapy groups, adherence clubs, family approach and three one-stop shop models: adolescent-friendly health services, maternal and child health, and tuberculosis. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis and budget impact analysis to compare these models to conventional services. METHODS We constructed a decision tree model based on the percentage of enrolment in each model and the probability of the outcome (12-month retention in treatment) for each year of the study period-three for the cost-effectiveness analysis (2019-2021) and three for the budget impact analysis (2022-2024). Costs for these analyses were primarily estimated per client-year from the health system perspective. A secondary cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the societal perspective. Budget impact analysis costs included antiretrovirals, laboratory tests and service provision interactions. Cost-effectiveness analysis additionally included start-up, training and clients' opportunity costs. Effectiveness was estimated using an uncontrolled interrupted time series analysis comparing the outcome before and after the implementation of the differentiated models. A one-way sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify drivers of uncertainty. RESULTS After implementation of the DSDMs, there was a mean increase of 14.9 percentage points (95% CI: 12.2, 17.8) in 12-month retention, from 47.6% (95% CI, 44.9-50.2) to 62.5% (95% CI, 60.9-64.1). The mean cost difference comparing DSDMs and conventional care was US$ -6 million (173,391,277 vs. 179,461,668) and -32.5 million (394,705,618 vs. 433,232,289) from the health system and the societal perspective, respectively. Therefore, DSDMs dominated conventional care. Results were most sensitive to conventional care interaction costs in the one-way sensitivity analysis. For a population of 1.5 million, the base-case 3-year financial costs associated with the DSDMs was US$550 million, compared with US$564 million for conventional care. CONCLUSIONS DSDMs were less expensive and more effective in retaining clients 12 months after antiretroviral therapy initiation and were estimated to save approximately US$14 million for the health system from 2022 to 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorlim Antonio Moiana Uetela
- Instituto Nacional de SaúdeMarracueneMozambique
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Marita Zimmermann
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics InstituteUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | | | - Ruanne Barnabas
- Division of Infectious DiseasesMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Onei Andre Uetela
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Aneth Dinis
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | | | - Aleny Couto
- National STI‐HIV/AIDS ProgramMinistry of HealthMaputoMozambique
| | - Irénio Gaspar
- National STI‐HIV/AIDS ProgramMinistry of HealthMaputoMozambique
| | - Hélder Macul
- National STI‐HIV/AIDS ProgramMinistry of HealthMaputoMozambique
| | - James P. Hughes
- School of Public Health–BiostatisticsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Sarah Gimbel
- Department of ChildFamily and Population Health NursingUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth Sherr
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Industrial and Systems EngineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Uetela DAM, Augusto O, Hughes JP, Uetela OA, Gudo ES, Chicumbe SA, Couto AM, Gaspar IA, Chavana DL, Gaveta SE, Zimmermann MR, Gimbel S, Sherr K. Impact of differentiated service delivery models on 12-month retention in HIV treatment in Mozambique: an interrupted time-series analysis. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e674-e683. [PMID: 37802568 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00184-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV treatment has been available in Mozambique since 2004, but coverage of, and retention in, antiretroviral therapy (ART) remain suboptimal. Therefore, to increase health system efficiency and reduce HIV-associated mortality, in November, 2018, the Ministry of Health launched national guidelines on implementing eight differentiated service delivery models (DSDMs) for HIV treatment. We assessed the effect of this implementation on retention in ART 12 months after initiation, and explored the associated effects of COVID-19. METHODS In this uncontrolled interrupted time-series analysis, data were extracted from the Mozambique ART database, which contains data on individuals in ART care from 1455 health facilities providing ART in Mozambique. We included individual-level data from facilities that were providing ART at the beginning of the study period (Jan 1, 2016) and at the start of DSDM implementation (Dec 1, 2018). We compared the proportion of individuals retained in ART 12 months after initiation between the periods before (Jan 1, 2017, to Nov 30, 2018) and after (Dec 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021) implementation of the DSDMs, overall and stratified by sex and age. We applied a generalised estimating equation model with a working independence correlation and cluster-robust standard errors to account for clustering at the facility level. In a secondary analysis, we assessed the effect of COVID-19 response measures during the post-intervention period on ART retention. FINDINGS The study included 613 facilities and 1 131 118 individuals who started ART during the inclusion period up to June 30, 2020, of whom 79 178 (7·0%) were children (age ≤14 years), 226 224 (20·0%) were adolescents and young adults (age 15-24 years), and 825 716 (73·0%) were adults (age ≥25 years). 731 623 (64·7%) were female and 399 495 (35·3%) were male. Introduction of the DSDMs was associated with an estimated increase of 24·5 percentage points (95% CI 21·1 to 28·0) in 12-month ART retention by the end of the study period, compared with the counterfactual scenario without DSDM implementation. By age, the smallest effect was estimated in children (6·1 percentage points, 1·3 to 10·9) and the largest effect in adolescents and young adults (28·8 percentage points, 24·2 to 33·4); by sex, a larger effect was estimated in males (29·7 percentage points, 25·6 to 33·7). Our analysis showed that COVID-19 had an overall negative effect on 12-month retention in ART compared with a counterfactual scenario based on the post-intervention period without COVID-19 (-10·0 percentage points, -18·2 to -1·8). INTERPRETATION The implementation of eight DSDMs for HIV treatment had a positive impact on 12-month retention in ART. COVID-19 negatively influenced this outcome. FUNDING None. TRANSLATION For the Portuguese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorlim A Moiana Uetela
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Marracuene, Mozambique; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Orvalho Augusto
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - James P Hughes
- School of Public Health-Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Onei A Uetela
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Aleny M Couto
- National STI and HIV/AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Irénio A Gaspar
- National STI and HIV/AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Marita R Zimmermann
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah Gimbel
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Child, Family and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kenneth Sherr
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Moiana Uetela D, Gimbel S, Inguane C, Uetela O, Dinis A, Couto A, Gaspar I, Gudo ES, Chicumbe S, Gaveta S, Augusto O, Sherr K. Managers' and providers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators for the implementation of differentiated service delivery models for HIV treatment in Mozambique: a qualitative study. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26076. [PMID: 36916122 PMCID: PMC10011810 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26076] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2018, Mozambique's Ministry of Health launched a guideline for a nationwide implementation of eight differentiated service delivery models to optimize HIV service delivery and achieve universal coverage of HIV care and treatment. The models were (1) Fast-track, (2) Three-month Antiretrovirals Dispensing, (3) Community Antiretroviral Therapy Groups, (4) Adherence Clubs, (5) Family-approach, and three one-stop shop models for (6) Tuberculosis, (7) Maternal and Child Health, and (8) Adolescent-friendly Health Services. This study identified drivers of implementation success and failure across these differentiated service delivery models. METHODS Twenty in-depth individual interviews were conducted with managers and providers from the Ministry of Health and implementing partners from all levels of the health system between July and September 2021. National-level participants were based in the capital city of Maputo, and participants at provincial, district and health facility levels were from Sofala province, a purposively selected setting. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided data collection and thematic analysis. Deductively selected constructs were assessed while allowing for additional themes to emerge inductively. RESULTS The CFIR constructs of Relative Advantage, Complexity, Patient Needs and Resources, and Reflecting and Evaluating were identified as drivers of implementation, whereas Available Resources and Access to Knowledge and Information were identified as barriers. Fast-track and Three-month Antiretrovirals Dispensing models were deemed easier to implement and more effective in reducing workload. Adherence Clubs and Community Antiretroviral Therapy Groups were believed to be less preferred by clients in urban settings. COVID-19 (an inductive theme) improved acceptance and uptake of individual differentiated service delivery models that reduced client visits, but it temporarily interrupted the implementation of group models. CONCLUSIONS This study described important determinants to be addressed or leveraged for the successful implementation of differentiated service delivery models in Mozambique. The models were considered advantageous overall for the health system and clients when compared with the standard of care. However, successful implementation requires resources and ongoing training for frontline providers. COVID-19 expedited individual models by loosening the inclusion criteria; this experience can be leveraged to optimize the design and implementation of differentiated service delivery models in Mozambique and other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorlim Moiana Uetela
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah Gimbel
- Department of Child, Family and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Celso Inguane
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Onei Uetela
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aneth Dinis
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,National Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Aleny Couto
- National STI-HIV/AIDS Program, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Irénio Gaspar
- National STI-HIV/AIDS Program, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | | | | | - Orvalho Augusto
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Kenneth Sherr
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Nhampossa T, González R, Nhacolo A, Garcia-Otero L, Quintó L, Mazuze M, Mendes A, Casellas A, Bambo G, Couto A, Sevene E, Munguambe K, Menendez C. Burden, clinical presentation and risk factors of advanced HIV disease in pregnant Mozambican women. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:756. [PMID: 36209058 PMCID: PMC9548114 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Information on the frequency and clinical features of advanced HIV disease (AHD) in pregnancy and its effects on maternal and perinatal outcomes is limited. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and clinical presentation of AHD in pregnancy, and to assess the impact of AHD in maternal and perinatal outcomes in Mozambican pregnant women. Methods This is a prospective and retrospective cohort study including HIV-infected pregnant women who attended the antenatal care (ANC) clinic at the Manhiça District Hospital between 2015 and 2020. Women were followed up for 36 months. Levels of CD4 + cell count were determined to assess AHD immune-suppressive changes. Risk factors for AHD were analyzed and the immune-suppressive changes over time and the effect of AHD on pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Results A total of 2458 HIV-infected pregnant women were enrolled. The prevalence of AHD at first ANC visit was 14.2% (349/2458). Among women with AHD at enrolment, 76.2% (260/341) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The proportion of women with AHD increased with age reaching 20.5% in those older than 35 years of age (p < 0.001). Tuberculosis was the only opportunistic infection diagnosed in women with AHD [4.9% (17/349)]. There was a trend for increased CD4 + cell count in women without AHD during the follow up period; however, in women with AHD the CD4 + cell count remained below 200 cells/mm3 (p < 0.001). Forty-two out of 2458 (1.7%) of the women were severely immunosuppressed (CD4 + cell count < 50 cells/mm3). No significant differences were detected between women with and without AHD in the frequency of maternal mortality, preterm birth, low birth weight and neonatal HIV infection. Conclusions After more than two decades of roll out of ART in Mozambique, over 14% and nearly 2% of HIV-infected pregnant women present at first ANC clinic visit with AHD and severe immunosuppression, respectively. Prompt HIV diagnosis in women of childbearing age, effective linkage to HIV care with an optimal ART regimen and close monitoring after ART initiation may contribute to reduce this burden and improve maternal and child survival. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-05090-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tacilta Nhampossa
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique. .,Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Ministério de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Raquel González
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique.,Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arsenio Nhacolo
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Laura Garcia-Otero
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique.,Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Llorenç Quintó
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique.,Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maura Mazuze
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Anete Mendes
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Aina Casellas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gizela Bambo
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique.,Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Ministério de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Aleny Couto
- Ministério de Saúde, Maputo (MISAU), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Esperança Sevene
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique.,Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM), Faculdade de Medicina, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Khátia Munguambe
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique.,Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM), Faculdade de Medicina, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Clara Menendez
- Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Rua 12, Vila da Manhiça, PO Box 1929, Maputo, Mozambique.,Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
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Longitudinal analysis of sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic factors of HIV-infected individuals in Kinshasa at antiretroviral therapy initiation during 2006-2017. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259073. [PMID: 34739506 PMCID: PMC8570501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259073] [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] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART) underpin the recommendations for the early detection of HIV infection and ART initiation. Late initiation (LI) of antiretroviral therapy compromises the benefits of ART both individually and in the community. Indeed, it promotes the transmission of infection and higher HIV-related morbidity and mortality with complicated and costly clinical management. This study aims to analyze the evolutionary trends in the median CD4 count, the median time to initiation of ART, the proportion of patients with advanced HIV disease at the initiation of ART between 2006 and 2017 and their factors. Methods and findings HIV-positive adults (≥ 16 years old) who initiated ART between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2017 in 25 HIV care facilities in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, were eligible. The data were processed anonymously. LI is defined as CD4≤350 cells/μl and/or WHO clinical stage III or IV and advanced HIV disease (AHD), as CD4≤200 cells/μl and/or stage WHO clinic IV. Factors associated with advanced HIV disease at ART initiation were analyzed, irrespective of year of enrollment in HIV care, using logistic regression models. A total of 7278 patients (55% admitted after 2013) with an average age of 40.9 years were included. The majority were composed of women (71%), highly educated women (68%) and married or widowed women (61%). The median CD4 was 213 cells/μl, 76.7% of patients had CD4≤350 cells/μl, 46.1% had CD4≤200 cells/μl, and 59% of patients were at WHO clinical stages 3 or 4. Men had a more advanced clinical stage (p <0.046) and immunosuppression (p<0.0007) than women. Overall, 70% of patients started ART late, and 25% had AHD. Between 2006 and 2017, the median CD4 count increased from 190 cells/μl to 331 cells/μl (p<0.0001), and the proportions of patients with LI and AHD decreased from 76% to 47% (p< 0.0001) and from 18.7% to 8.9% (p<0.0001), respectively. The median time to initiation of ART after screening for HIV infection decreased from 40 to zero months (p<0.0001), and the proportion of time to initiation of ART in the month increased from 39 to 93.3% (p<0.0001) in the same period. The probability of LI of ART was higher in married couples (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3–2.3) (p<0.0007) and lower in patients with higher education (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.64–0.86) (p<0.0001). Conclusion Despite increasingly rapid treatment, the proportions of LI and AHD remain high. New approaches to early detection, the first condition for early ART and a key to ending the HIV epidemic, such as home and work HIV testing, HIV self-testing and screening at the point of service, must be implemented.
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Limbada M, Zijlstra G, Macleod D, Ayles H, Fidler S. A systematic review of the effectiveness of non- health facility based care delivery of antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa measured by viral suppression, mortality and retention on ART. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1110. [PMID: 34112135 PMCID: PMC8194040 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11053-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative models for sustainable antiretroviral treatment (ART) delivery are necessary to meet the increasing demand to maintain population-wide ART for all people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa. We undertook a review of published literature comparing health facility-based care (HFBC) with non-health facility based care (nHFBC) models of ART delivery in terms of health outcomes; viral suppression, loss to follow-up, retention and mortality. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of Medline, Embase and Global Health databases from 2010 onwards. UNAIDS reports, WHO guidelines and abstracts from conferences were reviewed. All studies measuring at least one of the following outcomes, viral load suppression, loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) and mortality were included. Data were extracted, and a descriptive analysis was performed. Risk of bias assessment was done for all studies. Pooled estimates of the risk difference (for viral suppression) and hazard ratio (for mortality) were made using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Of 3082 non-duplicate records, 193 were eligible for full text screening of which 21 published papers met the criteria for inclusion. The pooled risk difference of viral load suppression amongst 4 RCTs showed no evidence of a difference in viral suppression (VS) between nHFBC and HFBC with an overall estimated risk difference of 1% [95% CI -1, 4%]. The pooled hazard ratio of mortality amongst 2 RCTs and 4 observational cohort studies showed no evidence of a difference in mortality between nHFBC and HFBC with an overall estimated hazard ratio of 1.01 [95% CI 0.88, 1.16]. Fifteen studies contained data on LTFU and 13 studies on retention. Although no formal quantitative analysis was performed on these outcomes due to the very different definitions between papers, it was observed that the outcomes appeared similar between HFBC and nHFBC. CONCLUSIONS Review of current literature demonstrates comparable outcomes for nHFBC compared to HFBC ART delivery programmes in terms of viral suppression, retention and mortality. PROSPERO NUMBER CRD42018088194 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Limbada
- Zambart House, PO Box 50697, UNZA-Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | | | - David Macleod
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart House, PO Box 50697, UNZA-Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Imperial College and Imperial college NIHR BRC, London, UK
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Pathmanathan I, Nelson R, de Louvado A, Thompson R, Pals S, Casavant I, Cardoso MJA, Ujamaa D, Bonzela J, Mikusova S, Chivurre V, Tamele S, Sleeman K, Zhang G, Zeh C, Dobbs T, Vubil A, Auld A, Briggs-Hagen M, Vergara A, Couto A, MacKellar D. High Coverage of Antiretroviral Treatment With Annual Home-Based HIV Testing, Follow-up Linkage Services, and Implementation of Test and Start: Findings From the Chókwè Health Demographic Surveillance System, Mozambique, 2014-2019. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:e97-e105. [PMID: 33252546 PMCID: PMC7970427 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early antiretroviral therapy (ART) is necessary for HIV epidemic control and depends on early diagnosis and successful linkage to care. Since 2014, annual household-based HIV testing and counseling and linkage services have been provided through the Chókwè Health and Demographic Surveillance System for residents testing HIV positive in this high HIV-burden district. METHODS District-wide Test and Start [T&S, ART for all people living with HIV (PLHIV)] began in August 2016, supported by systematic interventions to improve linkage to care and treatment. Annual rounds (R) of random household surveys were conducted to assess trends in population prevalence of ART use and viral load suppression (<1000 viral RNA copies/mL). RESULTS Between R1 (April 2014-April 2015) and R5 (April 2018-Mar 2019), 46,090 (67.2%) of 68,620 residents aged 15-59 years were tested for HIV at home at least once, and 3711 were newly diagnosed with HIV and provided linkage services. Population prevalence of current ART use among PLHIV increased from 65.0% to 87.5% between R1 and R5. ART population prevalence was lowest among men aged 25-34 years (67.8%) and women aged 15-24 (78.0%), and highest among women aged 35-44 years (93.6%) and 45-59 years (93.7%) in R5. Viral load suppression prevalence increased among all PLHIV aged 15-59 years from 52.0% in R1 to 78.3% in R5. DISCUSSION Between 2014 and 2019, Chókwè Health and Demographic Surveillance System residents surpassed the UNAIDS targets of ≥81% of PLHIV on ART and ≥73% virally suppressed. This achievement supports the combination of efforts from household-based HIV testing and counseling, support for linkage to care and treatment, and continued investments in T&S implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Nelson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Ricardo Thompson
- Chókwè Health Research and Training Center, National Institute of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Sherri Pals
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Dawud Ujamaa
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Juvêncio Bonzela
- Chókwè Health Research and Training Center, National Institute of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Silvia Mikusova
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Victor Chivurre
- Provincial Directorate of Public Health, Xai-Xai, Gaza, Mozambique
| | - Stelio Tamele
- District Directorate of Public Health, Chókwè, Gaza, Mozambique
| | - Katrina Sleeman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Clement Zeh
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Trudy Dobbs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adolfo Vubil
- National Institute of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Andrew Auld
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Alfredo Vergara
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Aleny Couto
- Mozambique Ministry of Health (MISAU), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Duncan MacKellar
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Onoya D, Hendrickson C, Sineke T, Maskew M, Long L, Bor J, Fox MP. Attrition in HIV care following HIV diagnosis: a comparison of the pre-UTT and UTT eras in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25652. [PMID: 33605061 PMCID: PMC7893145 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Policies for Universal Test & Treat (UTT) and same-day initiation (SDI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) were instituted in South Africa in September 2016 and 2017 respectively. However, there is limited evidence on whether these changes have improved patient retention after HIV diagnosis. METHODS We enrolled three cohorts of newly diagnosed HIV-infected adults from two primary health clinics in Johannesburg from April to November 2015 (Pre-UTT, N = 144), May-September 2017 (UTT, N = 178) and October-December 2017 (SDI, N = 88). A baseline survey was administered immediately after HIV diagnosis after which follow-up using clinical records (paper charts, electronic health records and laboratory data) ensued for 12 months. The primary outcome was patient loss to follow-up (being >90 days late for the last scheduled appointment) at 12 months post-HIV diagnosis. We modelled attrition across HIV policy periods with Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS Overall, 410 of 580 screened HIV-positive patients were enrolled. Overall, attrition at 12 months was 30% lower in the UTT guideline period (38.2%) compared to pre-UTT (47.2%, aHR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5 to 1.0). However, the total attrition was similar between the SDI (47.7%) and pre-UTT cohorts (aHR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.7 to 1.5). Older age at HIV diagnosis (aHR 0.5 for ≥40 vs. 25 to 29 years, 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.8) and being in a non-marital relationship (aHR 0.5 vs. being single, 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.8) protected against LTFU at 12 months, whereas LTFU rates increased with longer travel time to the diagnosing clinic (aHR 1.8 for ≥30 minutes vs. ≤15 minutes, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.1). In analyses adjusted for the time-varying ART initiation status, compared to the pre-ART period of care, the hazard of on-ART LTFU was 90% higher among participants diagnosed under the SDI policy compared to pre-UTT (aHR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.9). CONCLUSIONS Overall, nearly two-fifths of HIV positive patients are likely to disengage from care by 12 months after HIV diagnosis under the new SDI policy. Furthermore, the increase in on-ART patient attrition after the introduction of the SDI policy is cause for concern. Further research is needed to determine the best way for rapidly initiating patients on ART and also reducing long-term attrition from care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorina Onoya
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Cheryl Hendrickson
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Tembeka Sineke
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Lawrence Long
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Jacob Bor
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Matthew P. Fox
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
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9
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Biological and societal influences are different for men and women leading to different HIV outcomes and related infectious and non-infectious complications. This review evaluates sex differences in the epidemiology and immunological response to HIV and looks at major complications and coinfections, as well as care delivery systems focusing on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where most people with HIV live. RECENT FINDINGS More women than men access testing and treatment services in LMIC; women are more likely to be virologically suppressed in that environment. There is a growing recognition that the enhanced immunological response to several pathogens including HIV may result in improved outcomes for infectious comorbidities but may result in a greater burden of non-communicable diseases. Men and women have different requirements for HIV care. Attention to these differences may improve outcomes for all.
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10
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Auld AF, Fielding K, Agizew T, Maida A, Mathoma A, Boyd R, Date A, Pals SL, Bicego G, Liu Y, Shiraishi RW, Ehrenkranz P, Serumola C, Mathebula U, Alexander H, Charalambous S, Emerson C, Rankgoane-Pono G, Pono P, Finlay A, Shepherd JC, Holmes C, Ellerbrock TV, Grant AD. Risk scores for predicting early antiretroviral therapy mortality in sub-Saharan Africa to inform who needs intensification of care: a derivation and external validation cohort study. BMC Med 2020; 18:311. [PMID: 33161899 PMCID: PMC7650165 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01775-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical scores to determine early (6-month) antiretroviral therapy (ART) mortality risk have not been developed for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), home to 70% of people living with HIV. In the absence of validated scores, WHO eligibility criteria (EC) for ART care intensification are CD4 < 200/μL or WHO stage III/IV. METHODS We used Botswana XPRES trial data for adult ART enrollees to develop CD4-independent and CD4-dependent multivariable prognostic models for 6-month mortality. Scores were derived by rescaling coefficients. Scores were developed using the first 50% of XPRES ART enrollees, and their accuracy validated internally and externally using South African TB Fast Track (TBFT) trial data. Predictive accuracy was compared between scores and WHO EC. RESULTS Among 5553 XPRES enrollees, 2838 were included in the derivation dataset; 68% were female and 83 (3%) died by 6 months. Among 1077 TBFT ART enrollees, 55% were female and 6% died by 6 months. Factors predictive of 6-month mortality in the derivation dataset at p < 0.01 and selected for the CD4-independent score included male gender (2 points), ≥ 1 WHO tuberculosis symptom (2 points), WHO stage III/IV (2 points), severe anemia (hemoglobin < 8 g/dL) (3 points), and temperature > 37.5 °C (2 points). The same variables plus CD4 < 200/μL (1 point) were included in the CD4-dependent score. Among XPRES enrollees, a CD4-independent score of ≥ 4 would provide 86% sensitivity and 66% specificity, whereas WHO EC would provide 83% sensitivity and 58% specificity. If WHO stage alone was used, sensitivity was 48% and specificity 89%. Among TBFT enrollees, the CD4-independent score of ≥ 4 would provide 95% sensitivity and 27% specificity, whereas WHO EC would provide 100% sensitivity but 0% specificity. Accuracy was similar between CD4-independent and CD4-dependent scores. Categorizing CD4-independent scores into low (< 4), moderate (4-6), and high risk (≥ 7) gave 6-month mortality of 1%, 4%, and 17% for XPRES and 1%, 5%, and 30% for TBFT enrollees. CONCLUSIONS Sensitivity of the CD4-independent score was nearly twice that of WHO stage in predicting 6-month mortality and could be used in settings lacking CD4 testing to inform ART care intensification. The CD4-dependent score improved specificity versus WHO EC. Both scores should be considered for scale-up in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F Auld
- Division of Global HIV & TB, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nico House, City Centre, P.O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi.
| | - Katherine Fielding
- TB Centre, London Sch. of Hygiene & Tropical Med, London, UK.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tefera Agizew
- Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Alice Maida
- Division of Global HIV & TB, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nico House, City Centre, P.O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Anikie Mathoma
- Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rosanna Boyd
- Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Anand Date
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sherri L Pals
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - George Bicego
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yuliang Liu
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ray W Shiraishi
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Christopher Serumola
- Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Unami Mathebula
- Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Heather Alexander
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Courtney Emerson
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Pontsho Pono
- Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Alyssa Finlay
- Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - James C Shepherd
- Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana.,Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Charles Holmes
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington D.C, USA
| | - Tedd V Ellerbrock
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alison D Grant
- TB Centre, London Sch. of Hygiene & Tropical Med, London, UK.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Africa Health Research Institute, School of Nursing and Public Heath, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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11
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Grimsrud A, Wilkinson L, Eshun-Wilson I, Holmes C, Sikazwe I, Katz IT. Understanding Engagement in HIV Programmes: How Health Services Can Adapt to Ensure No One Is Left Behind. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 17:458-466. [PMID: 32844274 PMCID: PMC7497373 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00522-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite the significant progress in the HIV response, gaps remain in ensuring engagement in care to support life-long medication adherence and viral suppression. This review sought to describe the different points in the HIV care cascade where people living with HIV were not engaging and highlight promising interventions. RECENT FINDINGS There are opportunities to improve engagement both between testing and treatment and to support re-engagement in care for those in a treatment interruption. The gap between testing and treatment includes people who know their HIV status and people who do not know their status. People in a treatment interruption include those who interrupt immediately following initiation, early on in their treatment (first 6 months) and late (after 6 months or more on ART). For each of these groups, specific interventions are required to support improved engagement. There are diverse needs and specific populations of people living with HIV who are not engaged in care, and differentiated service delivery interventions are required to meet their needs and expectations. For the HIV response to realise the 2030 targets, engagement will need to be supported by quality care and patient choice combined with empowered patients who are treatment literate and have been supported to improve self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grimsrud
- International AIDS Society, 3 Doris Road, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708 South Africa
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
| | - Lynne Wilkinson
- International AIDS Society, 3 Doris Road, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708 South Africa
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Charles Holmes
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC USA
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ingrid T. Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA USA
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, MA USA
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12
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Risk factors for loss to follow-up from antiretroviral therapy programmes in low-income and middle-income countries. AIDS 2020; 34:1261-1288. [PMID: 32287056 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loss to follow-up (LTFU) rates from antiretroviral treatment (ART) programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are high, leading to poor treatment outcomes and onward transmission of HIV. Knowledge of risk factors is required to address LTFU. In this systematic review, risk factors for LTFU are identified and meta-analyses performed. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Psycinfo and Cochrane were searched for studies that report on potential risk factors for LTFU in adults who initiated ART in LMICs. Meta-analysis was performed for risk factors evaluated by at least five studies. Pooled effect estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using random effect models with inverse variance weights. Risk of bias was assessed and sensitivity analyses performed. RESULTS Eighty studies were included describing a total of 1 605 320 patients of which 87.4% from sub-Saharan Africa. The following determinants were significantly associated with an increased risk of LTFU in meta-analysis: male sex, older age, being single, unemployment, lower educational status, advanced WHO stage, low weight, worse functional status, poor adherence, nondisclosure, not receiving cotrimoxazole prophylactic therapy when indicated, receiving care at secondary level and more recent year of initiation. No association was seen for CD4 cell count, tuberculosis at baseline, regimen, and geographical setting. CONCLUSION There are several sociodemographic, clinical, patient behaviour, treatment-related and system level risk factors for LTFU from ART programs. Knowledge of risk factors should be used to better target retention interventions and develop tools to identify high-risk patients.
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13
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Gebhardt S. New (or not so new?) lessons from maternal autopsy in Mozambique. Lancet Glob Health 2020; 8:e875-e876. [PMID: 32562644 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30258-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Gebhardt
- Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Tygerberg 7530, South Africa.
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14
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Dawson-Rose C, Gutin SA, Mudender F, Hunguana E, Kevany S. Effects of a peer educator program for HIV status disclosure and health system strengthening: Findings from a clinic-based disclosure support program in Mozambique. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232347. [PMID: 32374752 PMCID: PMC7202645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Mozambique, HIV counseling and testing (HCT) rates are low and the cascade (or continuum) of care is poor. Perhaps more importantly, low disclosure rates and low uptake of joint testing are also related to both (1) limitations on access to services and (2) the availability of trained staff. We describe the implementation and impact of a disclosure support implemented by peer educators (PE). METHODS Ten PEs, previously trained in basic HIV and post-test counseling, completed additional training on providing disclosure support for newly-diagnosed persons living with HIV (PLH). RESULTS Of the 6,092 persons who received HCT, 677 (11.1%) tested positive. Any newly-diagnosed PLH who was tested when PEs were present (606 / 677) was approached about participating in the disclosure program; of these, 94.2% of PLH (n = 574) agreed to participate. Of these, at follow-up (between 1 day and 3 months later, depending on client inclination and availability) 91.9% (n = 528) said that they had disclosed their HIV infection, of whom 66.9% (n = 384) were female and 24.1% (n = 144) male. In turn, 92.7% of partners (n = 508) who had received HIV-related exposure information were tested; of these, 78.7% (n = 400) were found to be HIV-positive. Of the latter, 96.3% (n = 385) were then seen by health care providers and referred for further diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS Supporting newly-diagnosed PLH is important both for their own health and that of others. For the newly-diagnosed, there are extensive challenges related to understanding the implications of their illness; social support from clinical care teams can be vital in planning and coping. Our study has shown that such support of PLH is also crucial to disclosure, in part via improving awareness of positive health implications for (and from) family, friends and other support networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Dawson-Rose
- University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Gutin
- University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Florindo Mudender
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Elsa Hunguana
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Sebastian Kevany
- University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Roy M, Bolton Moore C, Sikazwe I, Holmes CB. A Review of Differentiated Service Delivery for HIV Treatment: Effectiveness, Mechanisms, Targeting, and Scale. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 16:324-334. [PMID: 31230342 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-019-00454-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models were initially developed as a means to combat suboptimal long-term retention in HIV care, and to better titrate limited health systems resources to patient needs, primarily in low-income countries. The models themselves are designed to streamline care along the HIV care cascade and range from individual to group-based care and facility to community-based health delivery systems. However, much remains to be understood about how well and for whom DSD models work and whether these models can be scaled, are sustainable, and can reach vulnerable and high-risk populations. Implementation science is tasked with addressing some of these questions through systematic, scientific inquiry. We review the available published evidence on the implementation of DSD and suggest further health systems innovations needed to maximize the public health impact of DSD and future implementation science research directions in this expanding field. RECENT FINDINGS While early observational data supported the effectiveness of various DSD models, more recently published trials as well as evaluations of national scale-up provide more rigorous evidence for effectiveness and performance at scale. Deeper understanding of the mechanism of effect of various DSD models and generalizability of studies to other countries or contexts remains somewhat limited. Relative implementability of DSD models may differ based on patient preference, logistical complexity of model adoption and maintenance, human resource and pharmacy supply chain needs, and comparative cost-effectiveness. However, few studies to date have evaluated comparative implementation or cost-effectiveness from a health systems perspective. While DSD represents an exciting and promising "next step" in HIV health care delivery, this innovation comes with its own set of implementation challenges. Evidence on the effectiveness of DSD generally supports the use of most DSD models, although it is still unclear which models are most relevant in diverse settings and populations and which are the most cost-effective. Challenges during scale-up highlight the need for accurate differentiation of patients, sustainable inclusion of a new cadre of health care worker (the community health care worker), and substantial strengthening of existing pharmacy supply chains. To maximize the public health impact of DSD, systems need to be patient-centered and adaptive, as well as employ robust quality improvement processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Roy
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, 995 Potrero Avenue, Bldg 80, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA.
| | - Carolyn Bolton Moore
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Charles B Holmes
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Center for Global Health and Quality, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
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16
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Kerschberger B, Schomaker M, Jobanputra K, Kabore SM, Teck R, Mabhena E, Mthethwa‐Hleza S, Rusch B, Ciglenecki I, Boulle A. HIV programmatic outcomes following implementation of the 'Treat-All' policy in a public sector setting in Eswatini: a prospective cohort study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25458. [PMID: 32128964 PMCID: PMC7054447 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Treat-All policy - antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation irrespective of CD4 cell criteria - increases access to treatment. Many ART programmes, however, reported increasing attrition and viral failure during treatment expansion, questioning the programmatic feasibility of Treat-All in resource-limited settings. We aimed to describe and compare programmatic outcomes between Treat-All and standard of care (SOC) in the public sectors of Eswatini. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of ≥16-year-old HIV-positive patients initiated on first-line ART under Treat-All and SOC in 18 health facilities of the Shiselweni region, from October 2014 to March 2016. SOC followed the CD4 350 and 500 cells/mm3 treatment eligibility thresholds. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to describe crude programmatic outcomes. Multivariate flexible parametric survival models were built to assess associations of time from ART initiation with the composite unfavourable outcome of all-cause attrition and viral failure. RESULTS Of the 3170 patients, 1888 (59.6%) initiated ART under Treat-All at a median CD4 cell count of 329 (IQR 168 to 488) cells/mm3 compared with 292 (IQR 161 to 430) (p < 0.001) under SOC. Although crude programme retention at 36 months tended to be lower under Treat-All (71%) than SOC (75%) (p = 0.002), it was similar in covariate-adjusted analysis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.23). The hazard of viral suppression was higher for Treat-All (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23), while the hazard of viral failure was comparable (Treat-All: aHR 0.89, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.49). Among patients with advanced HIV disease (n = 1080), those under Treat-All (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.44) had a similar risk of an composite unfavourable outcome to SOC. Factors increasing the risk of the composite unfavourable outcome under both interventions were aged 16 to 24 years, being unmarried, anaemia, ART initiation on the same day as HIV care enrolment and CD4 ≤ 100 cells/mm3 . Under Treat-All only, the risk of the unfavourable outcome was higher for pregnant women, WHO III/IV clinical stage and elevated creatinine. CONCLUSIONS Compared to SOC, Treat-All resulted in comparable retention, improved viral suppression and comparable composite outcomes of retention without viral failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology AssessmentUMIT ‐ University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and TechnologyHall in TirolAustria
| | | | - Serge M Kabore
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Roger Teck
- The Manson UnitMédecins Sans FrontièresLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | | | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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17
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Grimsrud AT, Pike C, Bekker LG. The power of peers and community in the continuum of HIV care. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 8:e167-e168. [PMID: 31924538 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30544-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Grimsrud
- International AIDS Society, HIV Programmes & Advocacy, Cape Town, South Africa; Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - Carey Pike
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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18
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Arinze F, Gong W, Green AF, De Schacht C, Carlucci JG, Silva W, Claquin G, Tique JA, Stefanutto M, Graves E, Van Rompaey S, Alvim MFS, Tomo S, Moon TD, Wester CW. Immunodeficiency at Antiretroviral Therapy Start: Five-Year Adult Data (2012-2017) Based on Evolving National Policies in Rural Mozambique. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:39-47. [PMID: 31359762 PMCID: PMC9836686 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2019.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Before the 2015 implementation of "Test and Start," the initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) was guided by specific CD4 cell count thresholds. As scale-up efforts progress, the prevalence of advanced HIV disease at ART initiation is expected to decline. We analyzed the temporal trends in the median CD4 cell counts among adults initiating ART and described factors associated with initiating ART with severe immunodeficiency in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. We included all HIV-positive, treatment-naive adults (age ≥ 15 years) who initiated ART at a Friends in Global Health (FGH)-supported health facility between September 2012 and September 2017. Quantile regression and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to ascertain the median change in CD4 cell count and odds of initiating ART with severe immunodeficiency, respectively. A total of 68,332 patients were included in the analyses. The median change in CD4 cell count under "Test and Start" was higher at +68 cells/mm3 (95% CI: 57.5-78.4) compared with older policies. Younger age and female sex (particularly those pregnant/lactating) were associated with higher median CD4 cell counts at ART initiation. Male sex, advanced age, WHO Stage 4 disease, and referrals to the health facility through inpatient provider-initiated testing and counseling (PITC) were associated with higher odds of initiating ART with severe immunodeficiency. Although there were reassuring trends in increasing median CD4 cell counts with ART initiation, ongoing efforts are needed that target universal HIV testing to ensure the early initiation of ART in men and older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folasade Arinze
- Department of Internal Medicine, WellStar Health System, Marietta, Georgia.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Wu Gong
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ann F. Green
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - James G. Carlucci
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Pediatrics, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Wilson Silva
- Friends in Global Health (FGH), Maputo, Mozambique.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Gael Claquin
- Friends in Global Health (FGH), Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Erin Graves
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | - Simão Tomo
- Direcção Provincial de Saúde Zambézia (DPS-Z), Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Pediatrics, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, Tennessee
| | - C. William Wester
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, Tennessee.,Address correspondence to: C. William Wester, MD, MPH, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203
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19
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Kerschberger B, Jobanputra K, Schomaker M, Kabore SM, Teck R, Mabhena E, Lukhele N, Rusch B, Boulle A, Ciglenecki I. Feasibility of antiretroviral therapy initiation under the treat-all policy under routine conditions: a prospective cohort study from Eswatini. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25401. [PMID: 31647613 PMCID: PMC6812490 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The World Health Organization recommends the Treat-All policy of immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, but questions persist about its feasibility in resource-poor settings. We assessed the feasibility of Treat-All compared with standard of care (SOC) under routine conditions. METHODS This prospective cohort study from southern Eswatini followed adults from HIV care enrolment to ART initiation. Between October 2014 and March 2016, Treat-All was offered in one health zone and SOC according to the CD4 350 and 500 cells/mm3 treatment eligibility thresholds in the neighbouring health zone, each of which comprised one secondary and eight primary care facilities. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates, multivariate flexible parametric survival models and standardized survival curves to compare ART initiation between the two interventions. RESULTS Of the 1726 (57.3%) patients enrolled under Treat-All and 1287 (42.7%) under SOC, cumulative three-month ART initiation was higher under Treat-All (91%) than SOC (74%; p < 0.001) with a median time to ART of 1 (IQR 0 to 14) and 10 (IQR 2 to 117) days respectively. Under Treat-All, ART initiation was higher in pregnant women (vs. non-pregnant women: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70 to 2.26), those with secondary education (vs. no formal education: aHR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.95), and patients with an HIV-positive diagnosis before care enrolment (aHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.36). ART initiation was lower in patients attending secondary care facilities (aHR 0.64, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.72) and for CD4 351 to 500 when compared with CD4 201 to 350 cells/mm3 (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.00). ART initiation varied over time for TB cases, with lower hazard during the first two weeks after HIV care enrolment and higher hazards thereafter. Of patients with advanced HIV disease (n = 1085; 36.0%), crude 3-month ART initiation was similar in both interventions (91% to 92%) although Treat-All initiated patients more quickly during the first month after HIV care enrolment. CONCLUSIONS ART initiation was high under Treat-All and without evidence of de-prioritization of patients with advanced HIV disease. Additional studies are needed to understand the long-term impact of Treat-All on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and HealthTechnology AssessmentMedical Informatics and TechnologyUMIT – University for Health SciencesHall in TirolAustria
| | - Serge M Kabore
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Roger Teck
- The Manson UnitMédecins Sans FrontièresLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | | | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
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20
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Continuum of HIV Care in Rural Mozambique: The Implications of HIV Testing Modality on Linkage and Retention. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 78:527-535. [PMID: 29771786 PMCID: PMC6075879 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Introduction: Context-specific improvements in the continuum of HIV care are needed to achieve the UNAIDS target of 90-90-90. This study aimed to assess the linkage to and retention in HIV care according to different testing modalities in rural southern Mozambique. Methods: Adults newly diagnosed with HIV from voluntary counseling and testing, provider-initiated counseling and testing, and home-based HIV testing services were prospectively enrolled between 2014 and 2015 at the Manhiça District. Patients were passively followed up through chart examination. Tracing was performed at 12 months to ascertain causes of loss to follow-up. Fine and Gray competing risk analysis was performed to determine factors associated with the each step of the cascade. Results: Overall linkage to care as defined by having a CD4 count at 3 months was 43.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 40.8 to 46.6] and 25.2% of all participants initiated antiretroviral therapy. Factors associated with increased linkage in multivariable analysis included testing at voluntary counseling and testing, older age, having been previously tested for HIV, owning a cell phone, presenting with WHO clinical stages III/IV, self-reported illness-associated disability in the previous month, and later calendar month of participant recruitment. Ascertaining deaths and transfers allowed for adjustment of the rate of 12-month retention in treatment from 75.6% (95% CI: 70.2 to 80.5) to 84.2% (95% CI: 79.2 to 88.5). Conclusions: Home-based HIV testing reached a sociodemographically distinct population from that of clinic-based testing modalities but low linkage to care points to a need for facilitated linkage interventions. Distinguishing between true treatment defaulting and other causes of loss to follow-up can significantly change indicators of retention in care.
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21
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Kun KE, Couto A, Jobarteh K, Zulliger R, Pedro E, Malimane I, Auld A, Meldonian M. Mozambique's Community Antiretroviral Therapy Support Group Program: The Role of Social Relationships in Facilitating HIV/AIDS Treatment Retention. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:2477-2485. [PMID: 30771134 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02419-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Community Antiretroviral (ARV) Therapy Support Group (CASG) program aims to address low retention rates in Mozambique's HIV treatment program and the absorptive capacity of the country's health facilities. CASG provides patients with the opportunity to form groups, whose members provide peer support and collect ARV medications on a rotating basis for one another. Based on the promising results in one province, a multi-site level evaluation followed. We report on qualitative findings from this evaluation from the patient perspective on the role of social relationships (as facilitated through CASG) in conferring time, financial, educational and psychosocial benefits that contribute to improved patient retention. These findings may be helpful in informing what aspects of social relationships are critical to foster as CASG is implemented within a greater number of Mozambican health facilities, and as other countries design and implement related models of care and treatment with a support group component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Kun
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E30, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
| | - Aleny Couto
- HIV Program, Mozambique Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Rose Zulliger
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Inacio Malimane
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Andrew Auld
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lilongwe, Malawi
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22
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van de Ruit C. Unintended Consequences of Community Health Worker Programs in South Africa. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:1535-1548. [PMID: 31274060 DOI: 10.1177/1049732319857059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Task shifting from trained clinicians to community health workers (CHWs) is a central, primary health care strategy advocated by global health policy planners in resource-poor settings where trained health professionals are scarce. The evidence base for the efficacy of these programs, however, is limited-in particular, research that identifies their potential unintended consequences. Based on sustained ethnographic study of CHWs working for AIDS projects in South Africa at the height of the country's AIDS epidemic, this article identifies how structural and local factors produced unintended consequences for CHW programs. These consequences were (a) CHWs moonlighting for multiple organizations, (b) CHWs freelancing in communities without regulation, and (c) adverse patient outcomes resulting from uncoordinated care. These consequences stemmed from structural elements of a bureaucratically weak health system and from local grassroots dynamics that jeopardized long-term CHW program sustainability and eroded national health goals.
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23
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Bochner AF, Meacham E, Mhungu N, Manyanga P, Petracca F, Muserere C, Gonese G, Makunike B, Wazara B, Gwanzura C, Nyika P, Levine R, Mutasa‐Apollo T, Balachandra S, Wiktor SZ. The rollout of Community ART Refill Groups in Zimbabwe: a qualitative evaluation. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25393. [PMID: 31454178 PMCID: PMC6711352 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community ART Refill Groups (CARGs) are an antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery model where clients voluntarily form into groups, and a group member visits the clinic to collect ART for all group members. In late 2016, Zimbabwe began a nationwide rollout of the CARG model. We conducted a qualitative evaluation to assess the perceived effects of this new national service delivery model. METHODS In March-June 2018, we visited ten clinics implementing the CARG model across five provinces of Zimbabwe and conducted a focus group discussion with healthcare workers and in-depth interviews with three ART clients per clinic. Clinics had implemented the CARG model for approximately one year. All discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated into English, and thematic coding was performed by two independent analysts. RESULTS In focus groups, healthcare workers described that CARGs made ART distribution faster and facilitated client tracking in the community. They explained that their reduced workload allowed them to provide better care to those clients who did visit the clinic, and they felt that the CARG model should be sustained in the future. CARG members reported that by decreasing the frequency of clinic visits, CARGs saved them time and money, reducing previous barriers to collecting ART and improving adherence. CARG members also valued the emotional and informational support that they received from other members of their CARG, further improving adherence. Multiple healthcare workers did express concern that CARG members with diseases that begin with minor symptoms, such as tuberculosis, may not seek treatment at the clinic until the disease has progressed. CONCLUSIONS We found that healthcare workers and clients overwhelmingly perceive CARGs as beneficial. This evaluation demonstrates that the CARG model can be successfully implemented on a national scale. These early results suggest that CARGs may be able to simultaneously improve clinical outcomes and reduce the workload of healthcare workers distributing ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron F Bochner
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Elizabeth Meacham
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Nathan Mhungu
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)HarareZimbabwe
| | - Phibion Manyanga
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)HarareZimbabwe
| | - Frances Petracca
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Claudios Muserere
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)HarareZimbabwe
| | - Gloria Gonese
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)HarareZimbabwe
| | - Batsirai Makunike
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)HarareZimbabwe
| | - Blessing Wazara
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)HarareZimbabwe
| | | | - Ponesai Nyika
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHarareZimbabwe
| | - Ruth Levine
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | | | | | - Stefan Z Wiktor
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I‐TECH)Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
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24
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Wilkinson L, Grimsrud A, Cassidy T, Orrell C, Voget J, Hayes H, Keene C, Steele SJ, Gerstenhaber R. A cluster randomized controlled trial of extending ART refill intervals to six-monthly for anti-retroviral adherence clubs. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:674. [PMID: 31362715 PMCID: PMC6664572 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4287-6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence club (AC) differentiated service delivery model, where clinically stable ART patients receive their ART refills and psychosocial support in groups has supported clinically stable patients' retention and viral suppression. Patients and health systems could benefit further by reducing visit frequency and increasing ART refills. We designed a cluster-randomized control trial comparing standard of care (SoC) ACs and six-month ART refill (Intervention) ACs in a large primary care facility in Khayelitsha, South Africa. METHODS Existing ACs were randomized to either the control (SOC ACs) or intervention (Intervention ACs) arm. SoC ACs meet five times annually, receiving two-month ART refills with a four-month ART refill over year-end. Blood is drawn at the AC visit ahead of the clinical assessment visit. Intervention ACs meet twice annually receiving six-month ART refills, with a third individual visit for routine blood collection anytime two-four weeks before the annual clinical assessment AC visit. Primary outcomes will be retention in care, annual viral load assessment completion and viral load suppression. (<400copies/mL) after 2 years. Ethics approval has been granted by the University of Cape Town (HREC 652/2016) and the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Ethics Review Board (#1639). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and made widely available through presentations and briefing documents. DISCUSSION Evaluation of an extended ART refill interval in adherence clubs will provide evidence towards novel model adaptions that can be made to further improve convenience for patients and leverage health system efficiencies. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: PACTR201810631281009. Registered 11 September 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne Wilkinson
- Center for Infectious Disease and Epidemiological Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Tali Cassidy
- Medécins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Division of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Isivivana Centre, 8 Mzala Street, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa.,The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Voget
- Western Cape Government Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Helen Hayes
- Western Cape Government Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Claire Keene
- Medécins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
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25
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Vulnerable at Each Step in the PMTCT Care Cascade: High Loss to Follow Up During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period in Tanzania. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1824-1832. [PMID: 30327997 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In 2013, Tanzania adopted the World Health Organization's Option B+ guidelines for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), whereby all HIV-infected pregnant women initiate lifelong antiretroviral therapy. This study examined retention in PMTCT across critical junctures in the care continuum. This was a retrospective study of patient-level data for a cohort of women enrolled in PMTCT during the first year of Option B+ in Tanzania. Retention in care was described across three periods: (1) the first month of antenatal care (ANC), (2) pregnancy, and (3) the postpartum period. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with loss to follow up (LTFU) during the first month of ANC. Survival analyses were used to identify factors associated with LTFU during pregnancy and the postpartum periods. 650 participants were included in the cohort; 262 (40.3%) were newly diagnosed with HIV. Two years after delivery, 383/650 (58.7%) were LTFU. Of the 383 LTFU, 73 (19.1%) were lost during the first month of ANC, 44 (11.5%) during pregnancy, and 266 (69.5%) after delivery. Being newly diagnosed with HIV predicted higher LTFU during the first month of ANC (aOR 1.76; 95% CI 1.06-2.94) and faster time to LTFU during the postpartum period (adjusted relative time, 0.68; 95% CI 0.51-0.89). High LTFU occurred across the PMTCT continuum, including immediately after enrollment into ANC and the postpartum period. Ongoing research is needed to encourage treatment uptake and sustained engagement after delivery.
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26
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Venables E, Towriss C, Rini Z, Nxiba X, Cassidy T, Tutu S, Grimsrud A, Myer L, Wilkinson L. Patient experiences of ART adherence clubs in Khayelitsha and Gugulethu, Cape Town, South Africa: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218340. [PMID: 31220116 PMCID: PMC6586296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, 37 million people are in need of lifelong antiretroviral treatment (ART). With the continual increase in the number of people living with HIV starting ART and the need for life-long retention and adherence, increasing attention is being paid to differentiated service delivery (DSD), such as adherence clubs. Adherence clubs are groups of 25–30 stable ART patients who meet five times per year at their clinic or a community location and are facilitated by a lay health-care worker who distributes pre-packed ART. This qualitative study explores patient experiences of clubs in two sites in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods A total of 144 participants took part in 11 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 56 in-depth interviews in the informal settlements of Khayelitsha and Gugulethu in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants included current club members, stable patients who had never joined a club and club members referred back to clinician-led facility-based standard care. FGDs and interviews were conducted in isiXhosa, translated and transcribed into English, entered into NVivo, coded and thematically analysed. Results The main themes were 1) understanding and knowledge of clubs; 2) understanding of and barriers to enrolment; 3) perceived benefits and 4) perceived disadvantages of the clubs. Participants viewed membership as an achievement and considered returning to clinician-led care a ‘failure’. Moving between clubs and the clinic created frustration and broke down trust in the health-care system. Conclusions Adherence clubs were appreciated by patients, particularly time-saving in relation to flexible ART collection. Improved patient understanding of enrolment processes, eligibility and referral criteria and the role of clinical oversight is essential for building relationships with health-care workers and trust in the health-care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Venables
- Southern Africa Medical Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Catriona Towriss
- Centre for Actuarial Research, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zanele Rini
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Tali Cassidy
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha, South Africa
- Division of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sindiso Tutu
- Western Cape Government Health Department, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lynne Wilkinson
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Sharp J, Wilkinson L, Cox V, Cragg C, van Cutsem G, Grimsrud A. Outcomes of patients enrolled in an antiretroviral adherence club with recent viral suppression after experiencing elevated viral loads. South Afr J HIV Med 2019; 20:905. [PMID: 31308966 PMCID: PMC6620522 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eligibility for differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models has to date been limited to low-risk stable patients. Objectives We examined the outcomes of patients who accessed their care and treatment through an ART adherence club (AC), a differentiated ART delivery model, immediately following receiving support to achieve viral suppression after experiencing elevated viral loads (VLs) at a high-burden ART clinic in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Methods Beginning in February 2012, patients with VLs above 400 copies/mL either on first- or second-line regimens received a structured intervention developed for patients at risk of treatment failure. Patients who successfully suppressed either on the same regimen or after regimen switch were offered immediate enrolment in an AC facilitated by a lay community health worker. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who enrolled in an AC directly after receiving suppression support. We analysed outcomes (retention in care, retention in AC care and viral rebound) using Kaplan–Meier methods with follow-up from October 2012 to June 2015. Results A total of 165 patients were enrolled in an AC following suppression (81.8% female, median age 36.2 years). At the closure of the study, 119 patients (72.0%) were virally suppressed and 148 patients (89.0%) were retained in care. Six, 12 and 18 months after AC enrolment, retention in care was estimated at 98.0%, 95.0% and 89.0%, respectively. Viral suppression was estimated to be maintained by 90.0%, 84.0% and 75.0% of patients at 6, 12 and 18 months after AC enrolment, respectively. Conclusion Our findings suggest that patients who struggled to achieve or maintain viral suppression in routine clinic care can have good retention and viral suppression outcomes in ACs, a differentiated ART delivery model, following suppression support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sharp
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, United States
| | - Lynne Wilkinson
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,International AIDS Society, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vivian Cox
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carol Cragg
- Provincial Department of Health, Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gilles van Cutsem
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kerschberger B, Schomaker M, Ciglenecki I, Pasipamire L, Mabhena E, Telnov A, Rusch B, Lukhele N, Teck R, Boulle A. Programmatic outcomes and impact of rapid public sector antiretroviral therapy expansion in adults prior to introduction of the WHO treat-all approach in rural Eswatini. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:701-714. [PMID: 30938037 PMCID: PMC6849841 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes during rapid HIV programme expansion in the public sector of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). METHODS This is a retrospectively established cohort of HIV-positive adults (≥16 years) who started first-line ART in 25 health facilities in Shiselweni (Eswatini) between 01/2006 and 12/2014. Temporal trends in ART attrition, treatment expansion and ART coverage were described over 9 years. We used flexible parametric survival models to assess the relationship between time to ART attrition and covariates. RESULTS Of 24 772 ART initiations, 6% (n = 1488) occurred in 2006, vs. 13% (n = 3192) in 2014. Between these years, median CD4 cell count at ART initiation increased (113-265 cells/mm3 ). The active treatment cohort expanded 8.4-fold, ART coverage increased 8.0-fold (7.1% in 2006 vs. 56.8% in 2014) and 12-month crude ART retention improved from 71% to 86%. Compared with the pre-decentralisation period (2006-2007), attrition decreased by 5% (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.88-1.02) during HIV-TB service decentralisation (2008-2010), by 17% (aHR 0.83, 0.75-0.92) during service consolidation (2011-2012), and by 20% (aHR 0.80, 0.71-0.90) during further treatment expansion (2013-2014). The risk of attrition was higher for young age, male sex, pathological baseline haemoglobin and biochemistry results, more toxic drug regimens, WHO III/IV staging and low CD4 cell count; access to a telephone was protective. CONCLUSIONS Programmatic outcomes improved during large expansion of the treatment cohort and increased ART coverage. Changes in ART programming may have contributed to better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | | | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Alex Telnov
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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29
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Retention in HIV Care During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period in the Option B+ Era: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies in Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 77:427-438. [PMID: 29287029 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Under Option B+ guidelines for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, pregnant and breastfeeding women initiate antiretroviral therapy for lifelong use. The objectives of this study were: (1) to synthesize data on retention in care over time in option B+ programs in Africa, and (2) to identify factors associated with retention in care. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and African Index Medicus were systematically searched from January 2012 to June 2017. Pooled estimates of the proportion of women retained were generated and factors associated with retention were analyzed thematically. RESULTS Thirty-five articles were included in the final review; 22 reported retention rates (n = 60,890) and 25 reported factors associated with retention. Pooled estimates of retention were 72.9% (95% confidence interval: 66.4% to 78.9%) at 6 months for studies reporting <12 months of follow-up and 76.4% (95% confidence interval: 69.0% to 83.1%) at 12 months for studies reporting ≥12 months of follow-up. Data on undocumented clinic transfers were largely absent. Risk factors for poor retention included younger age, initiating antiretroviral therapy on the same day as diagnosis, initiating during pregnancy versus breastfeeding, and initiating late in the pregnancy. Retention was compromised by stigma, fear of disclosure, and lack of social support. CONCLUSIONS Retention rates in prevention of mother-to-child transmission under option B+ were below those of the general adult population, necessitating interventions targeting the complex circumstances of women initiating care under option B+. Improved and standardized procedures to track and report retention are needed to accurately represent care engagement and capture undocumented transfers within the health system.
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Haberer JE, Bwana BM, Orrell C, Asiimwe S, Amanyire G, Musinguzi N, Siedner MJ, Matthews LT, Tsai AC, Katz IT, Bell K, Kembabazi A, Mugisha S, Kibirige V, Cross A, Kelly N, Hedt‐Gauthier B, Bangsberg DR. ART adherence and viral suppression are high among most non-pregnant individuals with early-stage, asymptomatic HIV infection: an observational study from Uganda and South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25232. [PMID: 30746898 PMCID: PMC6371013 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The success of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) access and aspirations for an AIDS-free generation depend on high adherence in individuals initiating ART during early-stage HIV infection; however, adherence may be difficult in the absence of illness and associated support. METHODS From March 2015 to October 2017, we prospectively observed three groups initiating ART in routine care in Uganda and South Africa: men and non-pregnant women with early-stage HIV infection (CD4 > 350 cells/μL), pregnant women with early-stage HIV infection and men and non-pregnant women with late-stage HIV infection (CD4 < 200 cells/μL). Socio-behavioural questionnaires were administered and viral loads were performed at 0, 6 and 12 months. Adherence was monitored electronically. RESULTS Adherence data were available for 869 participants: 322 (37%) early/non-pregnant, 199 (23%) early/pregnant and 348 (40%) late/non-pregnant participants. In Uganda, median adherence was 89% (interquartile range 74 to 96) and viral suppression was 90% at 12 months; neither differed among groups (p > 0.72). In South Africa, median adherence was higher in early/non-pregnant versus early/pregnant or late/non-pregnant participants (76%, 37%, 52%; p < 0.001), with similar trends in viral suppression (86%, 51%, 79%; p < 0.001). Among early/non-pregnant individuals in Uganda, adherence was higher with increasing age and lower with structural barriers; whereas in South Africa, adherence was higher with regular income, higher perceived stigma and use of other medications, but lower with maladaptive coping and cigarette smoking. DISCUSSION ART adherence among non-pregnant individuals with early-stage infection is as high or higher than with late-stage initiation, supporting universal access to ART. Challenges remain for some pregnant women and individuals with late-stage infection in South Africa and highlight the need for differentiated care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Bosco M Bwana
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Global Health CollaborativeMbararaUganda
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV FoundationCape TownSouth Africa
- University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Global Health CollaborativeMbararaUganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research CentreKabwoheUganda
| | - Gideon Amanyire
- Global Health CollaborativeMbararaUganda
- Makerere University Joint AIDS ProgramKampalaUganda
- Africa Health Research InstituteDurbanSouth Africa
| | | | - Mark J Siedner
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Africa Health Research InstituteDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Ingrid T Katz
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Kathleen Bell
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
| | | | | | | | - Anna Cross
- Desmond Tutu HIV FoundationCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Nicola Kelly
- Desmond Tutu HIV FoundationCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Bethany Hedt‐Gauthier
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University‐Portland State University School of Public HealthPortlandORUSA
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Yotebieng M, Brazier E, Addison D, Kimmel AD, Cornell M, Keiser O, Parcesepe AM, Onovo A, Lancaster KE, Castelnuovo B, Murnane PM, Cohen CR, Vreeman RC, Davies M, Duda SN, Yiannoutsos CT, Bono RS, Agler R, Bernard C, Syvertsen JL, Sinayobye JD, Wikramanayake R, Sohn AH, von Groote PM, Wandeler G, Leroy V, Williams CF, Wools‐Kaloustian K, Nash D. Research priorities to inform "Treat All" policy implementation for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a consensus statement from the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA). J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25218. [PMID: 30657644 PMCID: PMC6338103 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION "Treat All" - the treatment of all people with HIV, irrespective of disease stage or CD4 cell count - represents a paradigm shift in HIV care that has the potential to end AIDS as a public health threat. With accelerating implementation of Treat All in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a need for a focused agenda and research to identify and inform strategies for promoting timely uptake of HIV treatment, retention in care, and sustained viral suppression and addressing bottlenecks impeding implementation. METHODS The Delphi approach was used to develop consensus around research priorities for Treat All implementation in SSA. Through an iterative process (June 2017 to March 2018), a set of research priorities was collectively formulated and refined by a technical working group and shared for review, deliberation and prioritization by more than 200 researchers, implementation experts, policy/decision-makers, and HIV community representatives in East, Central, Southern and West Africa. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The process resulted in a list of nine research priorities for generating evidence to guide Treat All policies, implementation strategies and monitoring efforts. These priorities highlight the need for increased focus on adolescents, men, and those with mental health and substance use disorders - groups that remain underserved in SSA and for whom more effective testing, linkage and care strategies need to be identified. The priorities also reflect consensus on the need to: (1) generate accurate national and sub-national estimates of the size of key populations and describe those who remain underserved along the HIV-care continuum; (2) characterize the timeliness of HIV care and short- and long-term HIV care continuum outcomes, as well as factors influencing timely achievement of these outcomes; (3) estimate the incidence and prevalence of HIV-drug resistance and regimen switching; and (4) identify cost-effective and affordable service delivery models and strategies to optimize uptake and minimize gaps, disparities, and losses along the HIV-care continuum, particularly among underserved populations. CONCLUSIONS Reflecting consensus among a broad group of experts, researchers, policy- and decision-makers, PLWH, and other stakeholders, the resulting research priorities highlight important evidence gaps that are relevant for ministries of health, funders, normative bodies and research networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen Brazier
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Diane Addison
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - April D Kimmel
- Department of Health Behavior and PolicyVirginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVAUSA
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology& ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Olivia Keiser
- Institute of Global HealthUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | - Amobi Onovo
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | | | - Pamela M Murnane
- Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive SciencesBixby Center for Global Reproductive HealthUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Rachel C Vreeman
- Department of PediatricsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Mary‐Ann Davies
- School of Public Health and Family MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Rose S Bono
- Department of Health Behavior and PolicyVirginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVAUSA
| | | | - Charlotte Bernard
- InsermCentre INSERM U1219‐Epidémiologie‐BiostatistiqueSchool of Public Health (ISPED)University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | | | | | - Radhika Wikramanayake
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT AsiaamfAR – The Foundation for AIDS ResearchBangkokThailand
| | - Per M von Groote
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Valeriane Leroy
- Inserm (French Institute of Health and Medical Research)UMR 1027 Université Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - Carolyn F Williams
- Epidemiology BranchDivision of AIDS at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)National Institute of Health (NIH)RockvilleMDUSA
| | | | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
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Wringe A, Cawley C, Szumilin E, Salumu L, Amoros Quiles I, Pasquier E, Masiku C, Nicholas S. Retention in care among clinically stable antiretroviral therapy patients following a six-monthly clinical consultation schedule: findings from a cohort study in rural Malawi. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25207. [PMID: 30450699 PMCID: PMC6240757 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Longer intervals between clinic consultations for clinically stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) patients may improve retention in care and reduce facility workload. We assessed long-term retention among clinically stable ART patients attending six-monthly clinical consultations (SMCC) with three-monthly fast-track drug refills, and estimated the number of consultations "saved" by this model of ART delivery in rural Malawi. METHODS Stable patients (aged ≥18 years, on first-line ART ≥12 months, CD4 count ≥300 cells/mL3 , without opportunistic infections, not pregnant/breastfeeding) were eligible for SMCC, with three-monthly drug refills from community health workers. Early enrollees were those starting SMCC within six months of eligibility, while late enrollees started at least 6 months after first eligibility. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to calculate cumulative probabilities of retention, stratified by timing of their enrolment and from first six-monthly clinical consultation. Cox regression was used to measure attrition hazards from the first six-monthly clinical consultation and risk factors for attrition, accounting for the time-varying nature of their eligibility and enrolment in this model of care. RESULTS From 2008 to 2015, 22,633 clinically stable patients from 11 facilities were eligible for SMCC for at least three months, contributing 74,264 person-years of observation, and 18,363 persons (81%) initiated this model of care. The median time from eligibility to enrolment was 12 months and the median cumulative time on SMCC was 14.5 months. Five years after first SMCC eligibility, cumulative probabilities of retention were 85.5% (95% CI: 84.0% to 86.9%) among early enrollees and 93% (95% CI: 92.8% to 94.0%) among late enrollees. The cumulative probability of retention from first SMCC was 97.0% (95% CI: 96.7% to 97.3%) and 86% (95% CI: 85% to 87%) at one and five years respectively. Among eligible patients initiating SMCC, the adjusted hazards of attrition were 2.4 (95% CI: 2.0 to 2.8) times higher during periods of SMCC discontinuation compared to periods on SMCC. Male sex, younger age, more recent SMCC eligibility and WHO Stage 3/4 conditions in the past year were also independently associated with attrition from SMCC. Approximately 26,000 consultations were "saved" during 2014. CONCLUSION After five years, retention among patients attending SMCC was high, especially among women and older patients, and its scale-up could facilitate universal access to ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Wringe
- Department of Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
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Hendrickson CJ, Pascoe SJS, Huber AN, Moolla A, Maskew M, Long LC, Fox MP. "My future is bright…I won't die with the cause of AIDS": ten-year patient ART outcomes and experiences in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25184. [PMID: 30318848 PMCID: PMC6186968 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION South Africa is moving into a new era of HIV treatment with "treat all" policies where people may be on treatment for most of their lives. We need to understand treatment outcomes and facilitators of long-term antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence and retention-in-care in the South African context. In one of the first studies to investigate long-term treatment outcomes in South Africa, we aimed to describe ten-year patient outcomes at a large public-sector HIV clinic in Johannesburg and explore patient experiences of the treatment programme over this time in order to ascertain factors that may aid or hinder long-term adherence and retention. METHODS We conducted a cohort analysis (n = 6644) and in-depth interviews (n = 24) among HIV-positive adults initiating first-line ART between April 2004 and March 2007. Using clinical records, we ascertained twelve-month and ten-year all-cause mortality and loss to follow-up (LTF). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify baseline predictors of attrition (mortality and LTF (>3 months late for the last scheduled visit)) at twelve months and ten years. Twenty-four patients were purposively selected and interviewed to explore treatment programme experiences over ten years on ART. RESULTS Excluding transfers, 79.5% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 78.5 to 80.5) of the cohort were alive, in care at twelve months dropping to 35.1% (95% CI: 33.7 to 36.4) at ten years. Over 44% of deaths occurred within 12 months. Ten-year all-cause mortality increased, while LTF decreased slightly, with age. Year and age at ART initiation, sex, nationality, baseline CD4 count, anaemia, body mass index and initiating regimen were predictors of ten-year attrition. Among patients interviewed, the pretreatment clinic environment, feelings of gratitude and good fortune, support networks, and self-efficacy were facilitators of care; side effects, travel and worsening clinical conditions were barriers. Participants were generally optimistic about their futures and were committed to continued care. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the complexities of long-term chronic HIV treatment with declining all-cause mortality and increasing LTF over ten years. Barriers to long-term retention still present a significant challenge. As more people become eligible for ART in South Africa under "treatment for all," new healthcare delivery challenges will arise; interventions are needed to ensure long-term programme successes continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl J Hendrickson
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesHealth Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Sophie J S Pascoe
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesHealth Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Amy N Huber
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesHealth Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Aneesa Moolla
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesHealth Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesHealth Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Lawrence C Long
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesHealth Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesHealth Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
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Abstract
Objectives/design: As antiretroviral therapy (ART) rapidly expands in sub-Saharan Africa using new efficient care models, data on costs of these approaches are lacking. We examined costs of a streamlined HIV care delivery model within a large HIV test-and-treat study in Uganda and Kenya. Methods: We calculated observed per-person-per-year (ppy) costs of streamlined care in 17 health facilities in SEARCH Study intervention communities (NCT: 01864603) via micro-costing techniques, time-and-motion studies, staff interviews, and administrative records. Cost categories included salaries, ART, viral load testing, recurring goods/services, and fixed capital/facility costs. We then modeled costs under three increasingly efficient scale-up scenarios: lowest-cost ART, centralized viral load testing, and governmental healthcare worker salaries. We assessed the relationship between community-specific ART delivery costs, retention in care, and viral suppression. Results: Estimated streamlined HIV care delivery costs were $291/ppy. ART ($117/ppy for TDF/3TC/EFV [40%]) and viral load testing ($110/ppy for 2 tests/year [39%]) dominated costs versus salaries ($51/ppy), recurring costs ($5/ppy), and fixed costs ($7/ppy). Optimized ART scale-up with lowest-cost ART ($100/ppy), annual viral load testing ($24/ppy), and governmental healthcare salaries ($27/ppy), lowered streamlined care cost to $163/ppy. We found clinic-to-clinic heterogeneity in retention and viral suppression levels versus streamlined care delivery costs, but no correlation between cost and either retention or viral suppression. Conclusions: In the SEARCH Study, streamlined HIV care delivery costs were similar to or lower than prior estimates despite including viral load testing; further optimizations could substantially reduce costs further. These data can inform global strategies for financing ART expansion to achieve UNAIDS 90–90–90 targets.
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Validity of reported retention in antiretroviral therapy after roll-out to peripheral facilities in Mozambique: Results of a retrospective national cohort analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198916. [PMID: 29927961 PMCID: PMC6013210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retention in anti-retroviral therapy (ART) presents a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In Mozambique, after roll-out to peripheral facilities, the 12-month retention rate was reported mostly from sites with an electronic patient tracking system (EPTS), representing only 65% of patients. We conducted a nationally representative study, compared 12-month retention at EPTS and non-EPTS sites, and its predictors. Methods Applying a proportionate to population size sampling strategy, we obtained a nationally representative sample of patients who initiated ART between January 2013 and June 2014. We calculated weighted proportions of the patients’ status at 12 months after ART initiation, and 12-month incidence of lost to follow-up (LTFU) and death. We assessed determinants of LTFU and death by calculating adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) through multivariate cox-proportional hazard models. Results Among 19,297 patients sampled, 54.3% were still active, 33.1% LTFU, 2.0% dead, 2.6% transferred-out and 8.0% had unknown status, 12 months after ART initiation. Total attrition rate (LTFU or dead) was 45.5/100PY, higher at facilities without EPTS (51.8/100PY) than with EPTS (37.7/100PY). Clinical stage IV (AHR = 1.7), CD4 count ≤150 (AHR = 1.3) and being pregnant (AHR = 1.6) were significantly associated with LTFU. Clinical stage III or IV (AHR = 2.1 and 3.8), CD4 count ≤150 (AHR = 3.0), not being pregnant (AHR = 3.0), and ART regimens with stavudine (AHR = 4.28) were significantly associated with deaths. Patients enrolled in adherence support groups were 4.6 times less likely to be LTFU, but the number (n = 174) was too small to be significant (p = 0.273). Conclusion Retention in ART was substantially lower at non-EPTS sites. EPTS should be expanded to all ART sites to facilitate comprehensive routine monitoring of retention in care. Retention in Mozambique is low and needs to be improved, especially among pregnant women and patients with advanced disease at ART initiation. The effect of ART adherence support groups needs to be further monitored.
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Chersich MF, Newbatt E, Ng’oma K, de Zoysa I. UNICEF's contribution to the adoption and implementation of option B+ for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV: a policy analysis. Global Health 2018; 14:55. [PMID: 29859098 PMCID: PMC5984744 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-018-0369-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 2011 and 2013, global and national guidelines for preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV shifted to recommend Option B+, the provision of lifelong antiretroviral treatment for all HIV-infected pregnant women. METHODS We aimed to analyse how Option B+ reached the policy agenda, and unpack the processes, actors and politics that explain its adoption, with a focus on examining UNICEF's contribution to these events. Analysis drew on published articles and other documentation, 30 key informants interviews with staff at UNICEF, partner organisations and government officials, and country case studies. Cameroon, India, South Africa and Zimbabwe were each visited for 5-8 days. Interview transcripts were analysed using Dedoose software, reviewed several times and then coded thematically. RESULTS A national policy initiative in Malawi in 2011, in which the country adopted Option B+, rather than existing WHO recommended regimens, irrevocably placed the policy on the global agenda. UNICEF and other organisations recognised the policy's potential impact and strategically crafted arguments to support it, framing these around operational considerations, cost-effectiveness and values. As 'policy entrepreneurs', these organisations vigorously promoted the policy through a variety of channels and means, overcoming concerted opposition. WHO, on the basis of scanty evidence, released a series of documents towards the policy's endorsement, paving the way for its widespread adoption. National-level policy transformation was rapid and definitive, distinct from previous incremental policy processes. Many organisations, including UNICEF, facilitated these changes in country, acting individually, or in concert. CONCLUSIONS The adoption of the Option B+ policy marked a departure from established processes for PMTCT policy formulation which had been led by WHO with the support of technical experts, and in which recommendations were developed following shifts in evidence. Rather, changes were spurred by a country-level initiative, and a set of strategically framed arguments that resonated with funders and country-level actors. This bottom-up approach, supported by normative agencies, was transformative. For UNICEF, alignment between the organisation's country focus and the policy's underpinning values, enabled it to work with partners and accelerate widespread policy change.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. F. Chersich
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - K. Ng’oma
- United Nations Children’s Fund, Pretoria, South Africa
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Reed JC. Health systems flattening - the failed promises of decentralisation in Mozambique. Glob Public Health 2018; 13:1737-1752. [PMID: 29411676 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2018.1436719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, health systems strengthening (HSS) has become a global health imperative. As an answer to the influence of large-scale initiatives and NGOs, HSS represents a backlash against disease-specific projects and funding. Depicted as a positive evolution, HSS advertises local autonomy, and a turn away from donor-driven agendas. Central to this shift was the hope that 'vertical' funding, especially for HIV/AIDS, could be better used to build up the 'crumbling core' of health infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. As part of the change in Mozambique, HIV specialty clinics known as 'day hospitals' were decentralised (closed down) nationwide. Done in the name of efficiency and increased treatment coverage, the full impacts of this remain uncharted. In this article, I critique the ethical adequacy of HSS as a reorganising principle, pointing out the pursuit not of robust health systems, but of easily monitored ones instead. Occurring alongside performance-based financing, HSS invites the removal of specialty services, exposing health systems to additional shaping by outside forces. Based on ethnography with HIV support groups, I suggest HSS was an inevitable policy choice, but partially coercive. Such changes are neither counter-hegemonic nor capable of ameliorating foreign distortions in the developing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Christian Reed
- a The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program at ICF , Rockville , Maryland , USA
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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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Use of expenditure analysis to enhance returns on investments in HIV services. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2017. [PMID: 28639989 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Globally, the response to the HIV epidemic is at a crisis point. International investments in the HIV response have been essentially flat for 8 years and domestic budgets in low and middle-income countries - still recovering from the global recession - have not been able to fill the resource gap to drive a full-fledged HIV response. Still, efficiencies and prioritization of evidence-based interventions enable a significant scale-up of treatment, but millions more people remain without treatment. This review looks at recent data and research to evaluate interventions that may help close gaps in service provision that undermine testing and treatment programs. RECENT FINDINGS The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief recently began publicly releasing vast programmatic and expenditure data. These data reveal potential efficiency gaps in testing and treatment programs, particularly in the area of linkage and retention. Interventions such as HIV self-testing have been proposed to help, but whether they can deliver better results remains unclear. Same-day initiation on treatment improves initiation, retention, and viral suppression rates. SUMMARY Near real-time analysis of data and active response is critical in improving efficiencies in programs. More investment in implementation research is necessary to improve linkage to care and treatment to reach 90-90-90 goals.
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Auld AF, Valerie Pelletier, Robin EG, Shiraishi RW, Dee J, Antoine M, Desir Y, Desforges G, Delcher C, Duval N, Joseph N, Francois K, Griswold M, Domercant JW, Patrice Joseph YA, Van Onacker JD, Deyde V, Lowrance DW, And The Groupe d'Analyses Salvh. Retention Throughout the HIV Care and Treatment Cascade: From Diagnosis to Antiretroviral Treatment of Adults and Children Living with HIV-Haiti, 1985-2015. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:57-70. [PMID: 29064357 PMCID: PMC5676635 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring retention of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the HIV care and treatment cascade is essential to guide program strategy and evaluate progress toward globally-endorsed 90–90–90 targets (i.e., 90% of PLHIV diagnosed, 81% on sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 73% virally suppressed). We describe national retention from diagnosis throughout the cascade for patients receiving HIV services in Haiti during 1985–2015, with a focus on those receiving HIV services during 2008–2015. Among the 266,256 newly diagnosed PLHIV during 1985–2015, 49% were linked-to-care, 30% started ART, and 18% were retained on ART by the time of database closure. Similarly, among the 192,187 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients during 2008–2015, 50% were linked to care, 31% started ART, and 19% were retained on ART by the time of database closure. Most patients (90–92%) at all cascade steps were adults (≥ 15 years old), among whom the majority (60–61%) were female. During 2008–2015, outcomes varied significantly across 42 administrative districts (arrondissements) of residence; cumulative linkage-to-care ranged from 23% to 69%, cumulative ART initiation among care enrollees ranged from 2% to 80%, and cumulative ART retention among ART enrollees ranged from 30% to 88%. Compared with adults, children had lower cumulative incidence of ART initiation among care enrollees (64% versus 47%) and lower cumulative retention among ART enrollees (64% versus 50%). Cumulative linkage-to-care was low and should be prioritized for improvement. Variations in outcomes by arrondissement and between adults and children require further investigation and programmatic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F Auld
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Valerie Pelletier
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Ermane G Robin
- Programme National de Lutte contre le VIH/SIDA (National AIDS Program), Ministère de la Sante Publique et de la Population (Ministry of Health), Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Ray W Shiraishi
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jacob Dee
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mayer Antoine
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Yrvel Desir
- National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Gracia Desforges
- Programme National de Lutte contre le VIH/SIDA (National AIDS Program), Ministère de la Sante Publique et de la Population (Ministry of Health), Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Chris Delcher
- Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Nirva Duval
- Programme National de Lutte contre le VIH/SIDA (National AIDS Program), Ministère de la Sante Publique et de la Population (Ministry of Health), Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Nadjy Joseph
- National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Kesner Francois
- Programme National de Lutte contre le VIH/SIDA (National AIDS Program), Ministère de la Sante Publique et de la Population (Ministry of Health), Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Mark Griswold
- National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jean Wysler Domercant
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Yves Anthony Patrice Joseph
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Joelle Deas Van Onacker
- Programme National de Lutte contre le VIH/SIDA (National AIDS Program), Ministère de la Sante Publique et de la Population (Ministry of Health), Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Varough Deyde
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - David W Lowrance
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - And The Groupe d'Analyses Salvh
- Programme National de Lutte contre le VIH/SIDA (National AIDS Program), Ministère de la Sante Publique et de la Population (Ministry of Health), Port au Prince, Haiti
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Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial to Promote Option B+ Retention in Central Mozambique. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 76:273-280. [PMID: 28777263 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This randomized trial studied performance of Option B+ in Mozambique and evaluated an enhanced retention package in public clinics. SETTING The study was conducted at 6 clinics in Manica and Sofala Provinces in central Mozambique. METHODS Seven hundred sixty-one pregnant women tested HIV+, immediately initiated antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, and were followed to track retention at 6 clinics from May 2014 to May 2015. Clinics were randomly allocated within a stepped-wedge fashion to intervention and control periods. The intervention included (1) workflow modifications and (2) active patient tracking. Retention was defined as percentage of patients returning for 30-, 60-, and 90-day medication refills within 25-35 days of previous refills. RESULTS During control periods, 52.3% of women returned for 30-day refills vs. 70.8% in intervention periods [odds ratio (OR): 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05 to 3.08]. At 60 days, 46.1% control vs. 57.9% intervention were retained (OR: 1.82; CI: 1.06 to 3.11), and at 90 days, 38.3% control vs. 41.0% intervention (OR: 1.04; CI: 0.60 to 1.82). In prespecified subanalyses, birth before pickups was strongly associated with failure-women giving birth before ARV pickup were 33.3 times (CI: 4.4 to 250.3), 7.5 times (CI: 3.6 to 15.9), and 3.7 times (CI: 2.2 to 6.0) as likely to not return for ARV pickups at 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The intervention was effective at 30 and 60 days, but not at 90 days. Combined 90-day retention (40%) and adherence (22.5%) were low. Efforts to improve retention are particularly important for women giving birth before ARV refills.
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Auld AF, Shiraishi RW, Oboho I, Ross C, Bateganya M, Pelletier V, Dee J, Francois K, Duval N, Antoine M, Delcher C, Desforges G, Griswold M, Domercant JW, Joseph N, Deyde V, Desir Y, Van Onacker JD, Robin E, Chun H, Zulu I, Pathmanathan I, Dokubo EK, Lloyd S, Pati R, Kaplan J, Raizes E, Spira T, Mitruka K, Couto A, Gudo ES, Mbofana F, Briggs M, Alfredo C, Xavier C, Vergara A, Hamunime N, Agolory S, Mutandi G, Shoopala NN, Sawadogo S, Baughman AL, Bashorun A, Dalhatu I, Swaminathan M, Onotu D, Odafe S, Abiri OO, Debem HH, Tomlinson H, Okello V, Preko P, Ao T, Ryan C, Bicego G, Ehrenkranz P, Kamiru H, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H, Kwesigabo G, Ramadhani AA, Ng'wangu K, Swai P, Mfaume M, Gongo R, Carpenter D, Mastro TD, Hamilton C, Denison J, Wabwire-Mangen F, Koole O, Torpey K, Williams SG, Colebunders R, Kalamya JN, Namale A, Adler MR, Mugisa B, Gupta S, Tsui S, van Praag E, Nguyen DB, Lyss S, Le Y, Abdul-Quader AS, Do NT, Mulenga M, Hachizovu S, Mugurungi O, Barr BAT, Gonese E, Mutasa-Apollo T, Balachandra S, Behel S, Bingham T, Mackellar D, Lowrance D, Ellerbrock TV. Trends in Prevalence of Advanced HIV Disease at Antiretroviral Therapy Enrollment - 10 Countries, 2004-2015. MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2017; 66:558-563. [PMID: 28570507 PMCID: PMC5657820 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6621a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Auld AF, Agizew T, Pals S, Finlay A, Ndwapi N, Boyd R, Alexander H, Mathoma A, Basotli J, Gwebe-Nyirenda S, Shepherd J, Ellerbrock TV, Date A. Implementation of a pragmatic, stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial to evaluate impact of Botswana's Xpert MTB/RIF diagnostic algorithm on TB diagnostic sensitivity and early antiretroviral therapy mortality. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:606. [PMID: 27782821 PMCID: PMC5080709 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1905-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2012, as a pilot for Botswana's national Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) rollout plans, intensified tuberculosis (TB) case finding (ICF) activities were strengthened at 22 HIV treatment clinics prior to phased activation of 13 Xpert instruments. Together, the strengthened ICF intervention and Xpert activation are referred to as the "Xpert package". METHODS The evaluation, called the Xpert Package Rollout Evaluation using a Stepped-wedge design (XPRES), has two key objectives: (1) to compare sensitivity of microscopy-based and Xpert-based pulmonary TB diagnostic algorithms in diagnosing sputum culture-positive TB; and (2) to evaluate impact of the "Xpert package" on all-cause, 6-month, adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) mortality. A pragmatic, stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial design was chosen. The design involves enrollment of three cohorts: (1) cohort R, a retrospective cohort of all study clinic ART enrollees in the 24 months before study initiation (July 31, 2012); (2) cohort A, a prospective cohort of all consenting patients presenting to study clinics after study initiation, who received the ICF intervention and the microscopy-based TB diagnostic algorithm; and (3) cohort B, a prospective cohort of all consenting patients presenting to study clinics after Xpert activation, who received the ICF intervention and the Xpert-based TB diagnostic algorithm. TB diagnostic sensitivity will be compared between TB culture-positive enrollees in cohorts A and B. All-cause, 6-month ART-mortality will be compared between cohorts R and B. With anticipated cohort R, A, and B sample sizes of about 10,131, 1,878, and 4,258, respectively, the study is estimated to have >80 % power to detect differences in pre-versus post-Xpert TB diagnostic sensitivity if pre-Xpert sensitivity is ≤52.5 % and post-Xpert sensitivity ≥82.5 %, and >80 % power to detect a 40 % reduction in all-cause, 6-month, ART mortality between cohorts R and B if cohort R mortality is ≥13/100 person-years. DISCUSSION Only one small previous trial (N = 424) among ART enrolees in Zimbabwe evaluated, in a secondary analysis, Xpert impact on all-cause 6-month ART mortality. No mortality impact was observed. This Botswana trial, with its larger sample size and powered specifically to detect differences in all-cause 6-month ART mortality, remains well-positioned to contribute understanding of Xpert impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02538952 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F Auld
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
| | - Tefera Agizew
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana, Plot 14818 Lebatlane Road, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Sherri Pals
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Alyssa Finlay
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana, Plot 14818 Lebatlane Road, Gaborone, Botswana.,Division of TB Elimination, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis and STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Ndwapi Ndwapi
- Ministerial Strategy Office, Ministry of Health, 24 Amos Street, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rosanna Boyd
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana, Plot 14818 Lebatlane Road, Gaborone, Botswana.,Division of TB Elimination, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis and STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Heather Alexander
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Anikie Mathoma
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana, Plot 14818 Lebatlane Road, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Joyce Basotli
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana, Plot 14818 Lebatlane Road, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Sambayawo Gwebe-Nyirenda
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana, Plot 14818 Lebatlane Road, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - James Shepherd
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana, Plot 14818 Lebatlane Road, Gaborone, Botswana.,Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Tedd V Ellerbrock
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Anand Date
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
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