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Kim HY, Inghels M, Mathenjwa T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J, Matthews P, Wyke S, McGrath N, Adeagbo O, Gareta D, Yapa HM, Zuma T, Dobra A, Blandford A, Bärnighausen T, Tanser F. Effect of a Male-Targeted Digital Decision Support Application Aimed at Increasing Linkage to HIV Care Among Men: Findings from the HITS Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial in Rural South Africa. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04465-1. [PMID: 39259239 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04465-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Linkage to HIV care remains suboptimal among men. We investigated the effectiveness of a male-targeted HIV-specific decision support app, Empowering People through Informed Choices for HIV (EPIC-HIV), on increasing linkage to HIV care among men in rural South Africa. Home-Based Intervention to Test and Start (HITS) was a multi-component cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted among 45 communities in uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal. The development of EPIC-HIV was guided by self-determination theory and human-computer interaction design to increase intrinsic motivation to seek HIV testing and care among men. EPIC-HIV was offered in two stages: EPIC-HIV 1 at the time of home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT), and EPIC-HIV 2 at 1 month after a positive HIV diagnosis if not linked to care. Sixteen communities were randomly assigned to the arms to receive EPIC-HIV, and 29 communities to the arms without EPIC-HIV. Among all eligible men, we compared linkage to care (initiation or resumption of antiretroviral therapy after > 3 months of care interruption) at local clinics within 1 year of a home visit, ascertained from individual clinical records. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed using modified Poisson regression with adjustment for receiving another intervention (i.e., financial incentives) and clustering at the community level. We also conducted a satisfaction survey for EPIC-HIV 2. A total of 13,894 men were eligible (i.e., aged ≥ 15 years and resident in the 45 communities). The mean age was 34.6 (±16.8) years, and 65% were married or in an informal union. Overall, 20.7% received HBHCT, resulting in 122 HIV-positive and 6 discordant tests. Among these, 54 men linked to care within 1 year after HBHCT. Additionally, of the 13,765 eligible participants who did not receive HBHCT or received HIV-negative results, 301 men linked to care within 1 year. Overall, only 13 men received EPIC-HIV 2. The proportion of linkage to care did not differ between the arms randomized to EPIC-HIV and those without EPIC-HIV (adjusted risk ratio = 1.05; 95% CI:0.86-1.29). All 13 men who used EPIC-HIV 2 reported the app was acceptable, user-friendly, and useful for getting information on HIV testing and treatment. The reach was low, although the acceptability and usability of the app were very high among those who engaged with it. Enhanced digital support applications could form part of interventions to increase knowledge of HIV treatment among men. Clinical Trial Number: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03757104.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Young Kim
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 227 East 30th Street, New York, NY, USA.
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - Maxime Inghels
- Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Oluwafemi Adeagbo
- University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
| | - Dickman Gareta
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - H Manisha Yapa
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Ann Blandford
- University College London Interaction Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- South African DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Ebbs D, Taricia M, Funaro MC, O’Daniel M, Cappello M. Prehospital use of point-of-care tests by community health workers: a scoping review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1360322. [PMID: 38721545 PMCID: PMC11076783 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1360322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Point-of-Care Tests (POCTs) are utilized daily in resource abundant regions, however, are limited in the global south, particularly in the prehospital setting. Few studies exist on the use of non-malarial POCTs by Community Health Workers (CHWs). The purpose of this scoping review is to delineate the current diversity in and breadth of POCTs evaluated in the prehospital setting. Methods A medical subject heading (MeSH) analysis of known key articles was done by an experienced medical librarian and scoping searches were performed in each database to capture "point of care testing" and "community health workers." This review was guided by the PRISMA Extension for scoping reviews. Results 2735 publications were returned, 185 were nominated for full-text review, and 110 studies were confirmed to meet study criteria. Majority focused on malaria (74/110; 67%) or HIV (25/110; 23%); 9/110 (8%) described other tests administered. Results from this review demonstrate a broad geographic range with significant heterogeneity in terminology for local CHWs. Conclusion The use of new POCTs is on the rise and may improve early risk stratification in limited resource settings. Current evidence from decades of malaria POCTs can guide future implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ebbs
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Max Taricia
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Melissa C. Funaro
- Department of Medicine, Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Maggie O’Daniel
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Michael Cappello
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
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Kim HY, Inghels M, Mathenjwa T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J, Matthews P, Wyke S, McGrath N, Adeagbo O, Gareta D, Yapa HM, Zuma T, Dobra A, Blandford A, Bärnighausen T, Tanser F. Effect of a male-targeted digital decision support application aimed at increasing linkage to HIV care among men: Findings from the HITS cluster randomized clinical trial in rural South Africa. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.15.24304373. [PMID: 38562824 PMCID: PMC10984030 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.24304373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Linkage to HIV care remains suboptimal among men. We investigated the effectiveness of a male-targeted HIV-specific decision support app, Empowering People through Informed Choices for HIV (EPIC-HIV), on increasing linkage to HIV care among men in rural South Africa. Methods Home-Based Intervention to Test and Start (HITS) was a multi-component cluster-randomized controlled trial among 45 communities in uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal. The development of EPIC-HIV was guided by self-determination theory and human-centered intervention design to increase intrinsic motivation to seek HIV testing and care among men. EPIC-HIV was offered in two stages: EPIC-HIV 1 at the time of home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT), and EPIC-HIV 2 at 1 month after positive HIV diagnosis. Sixteen communities were randomly assigned to the arms to receive EPIC-HIV, and 29 communities to the arms without EPIC-HIV. Among all eligible men, we compared linkage to care (initiation or resumption of antiretroviral therapy after >3 months of care interruption) at local clinics within 1 year of a home visit, which was ascertained from individual clinical records. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed using modified Poisson regression with adjustment for receiving another intervention (i.e., financial incentives) and clustering at the community level. We also conducted a satisfaction survey for EPIC-HIV 2. Results Among all 13,894 eligible men (i.e., ≥15 years and resident in the 45 communities), 20.7% received HBHCT, resulting in 122 HIV-positive tests. Among these, 54 men linked to care within 1 year after HBHCT. Additionally, of the 13,765 eligible participants who did not receive HBHCT or received HIV-negative results, 301 men linked to care within 1 year. Overall, only 13 men received EPIC-HIV 2. The proportion of linkage to care did not differ in the arms assigned to EPIC-HIV compared to those without EPIC-HIV (adjusted risk ratio=1.05; 95% CI:0.86-1.29). All 13 men who used EPIC-HIV 2 reported the app was acceptable, user-friendly, and useful for getting information on HIV testing and treatment. Conclusion Reach was low although acceptability and usability of the app was very high among those who engaged with it. Enhanced digital support applications could form part of interventions to increase knowledge of HIV treatment for men. Clinical Trial Number: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03757104.
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Kim HY, Inghels M, Mathenjwa T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J, Matthews P, McGrath N, Adeagbo O, Gareta D, Yapa HM, Zuma T, Dobra A, Bärnighausen T, Tanser F. The impact of a conditional financial incentive on linkage to HIV care: Findings from the HITS cluster randomized clinical trial in rural South Africa. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.15.24304278. [PMID: 38562873 PMCID: PMC10984055 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.24304278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Introduction HIV elimination requires innovative approaches to ensure testing and immediate treatment provision. We investigated the effectiveness of conditional financial incentives on increasing linkage to HIV care in a 2×2 factorial cluster randomized controlled trial-Home-Based Intervention to Test and Start (HITS) - in rural South Africa. Methods Of 45 communities in uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal, 16 communities were randomly assigned to the arms to receive financial incentives for home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT) and linkage to care within 6 weeks (R50 [US$3] food voucher each) and 29 communities to the arms without financial incentives. We examined linkage to care (i.e., initiation or resumption of antiretroviral therapy after >3 months of care interruption) at local clinics within 6 weeks of a home visit, the eligibility period to receive the second financial incentive. Linkage to care was ascertained from individual clinical records. Intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) was performed using modified Poisson regression with adjustment for receiving another intervention (i.e., male-targeted HIV-specific decision support app) and clustering of standard errors at the community level. Results Among 13,894 eligible men (i.e., ≥15 years and resident in the 45 communities), 20.7% received HBHCT, which resulted in 122 HIV-positive tests. Of these, 27 linked to care within 6 weeks of HBHCT. Additionally, of eligible men who did not receive HBHCT, 66 linked to care. In the ITT analysis, the proportion of linkage to care among men did not differ in the arms which received financial incentives and those without financial incentives (adjusted Risk Ratio [aRR]=0.78, 95% CI: 0.51-1.21). Among 19,884 eligible women, 29.1% received HBHCT, which resulted in 375 HIV-positive tests. Of these, 75 linked to care. Among eligible women who did not receive HBHCT, 121 linked to care within 6 weeks. Women in the financial incentive arms had a significantly higher probability of linkage to care, compared to those in the arms without financial incentives (aRR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.03-2.21). Conclusion While a small once-off financial incentive did not increase linkage to care among men during the eligibility period of 6 weeks, it significantly improved linkage to care among women over the same period. Clinical Trial Number: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03757104.
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Knight L, Humphries H, Van der Pol N, Ncgobo N, Essack Z, Rochat T, van Rooyen H. 'A difficult conversation': community stakeholders' and key informants' perceptions of the barriers to talking about sex and HIV with adolescents and young people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1725-1740. [PMID: 36803644 PMCID: PMC10439967 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2178674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence and young adulthood are important periods of transition and therefore for action and intervention to ensure future sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Caregiver-adolescent communication about sex and sexuality is a protective factor for SRH, but there are often barriers to this. Adults' perspectives are limited within the literature but important as they should lead this process. This paper uses exploratory qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 40 purposively sampled community stakeholders and key informants to explore their insights into the perceived, experienced or expected challenges adults' experience when having these conversations within a high HIV prevalence, South African context. Findings suggest that respondents recognised the value of communication and were generally willing to try it. However, they identified barriers such as fear, discomfort and limited knowledge and perceived capacity to do so. They show that in high prevalence contexts adults grapple with their own personal risks, behaviours and fears that may affect their ability to have these conversations. This demonstrates the need to equip caregivers with the confidence and ability to communicate about sex and HIV, alongside managing their own complex risks and situations to overcome barriers. It is also necessary to shift the negative framing of adolescents and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Knight
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Belville, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Hilton Humphries
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Natasha Van der Pol
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Nkosinathi Ncgobo
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Zaynab Essack
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- South African Research Ethics Training Initiative (SARETI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Tamsen Rochat
- Faculty of Health Sciences, SAMRC/WITS Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- The Impact Centre, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Xue L, Sun Y, Ren X, Sun W. Modelling the transmission dynamics and optimal control strategies for HIV infection in China. JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DYNAMICS 2023; 17:2174275. [PMID: 36787262 DOI: 10.1080/17513758.2023.2174275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In order to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 that was put forward by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS in 2014, China needs to take more effective measures to achieve the three 90% goals (90-90-90). We establish a compartmental model to study the dynamics of HIV transmission with control strategies. The analytical results show the existence and stability of the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium. An optimal control model is constructed to evaluate the impacts of control measures. The simulation results show that the optimal control strategy proposed in this work can eradicate AIDS by 2030. The cost-effectiveness analysis indicates that the cost of the control strategy that combines screening for latent individuals and enhancing education for unaware infected individuals is the lowest. Our findings can provide guidance for public health authorities on effective mitigation strategies to achieve the goals proposed by the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xue
- College of Mathematical Sciences, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanmei Sun
- College of Mathematical Sciences, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Ren
- College of Intelligent Systems Science and Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Mathematical Sciences, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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Ndlovu SMS, Ross A, Ndirangu J. Knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS and HIV testing services among young men in South Africa. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2023; 15:e1-e10. [PMID: 37526557 PMCID: PMC10476458 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.3796] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The youth is at a heightened risk of immunodeficiency virus and/or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV and/or AIDS) infection because of risk-taking behaviour. There remains a gap in understanding young men's knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS and HIV testing services (HTS) in hard-to-reach communities in South Africa. AIM This article aimed to explore young men's knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS, including HTS in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). SETTING Rural and peri-urban areas around the town of Ladysmith. METHODS Employing a qualitative descriptive research design, 17 young men aged between 18 and 30 years were purposively and conveniently sampled and interviewed using WhatsApp and landline audio calls to collect their data, which was thematically analysed. RESULTS Young men had good knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS but lacked knowledge about HTS and HIV self-testing (HIVST). They obtained their information about HIV and/or AIDS and HTS from various sources and were aware of where to access HTS. They were generally unaware and supportive of HIVST. CONCLUSION Male-targeted HIV and/or AIDS knowledge and testing interventions are needed to encourage and support young men to test for HIV. Human immunodeficiency virus self-testing should be explored as an alternative to clinic-based service to encourage young men to know their status, specifically those with limited access to or are reluctant to attend clinics. Strengthening HIV and/or AIDS education could facilitate better decision-making towards HIV testing among young men.Contribution: This study contributes to an understanding of young adult men's knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS and HTS in underserved settings in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sithembiso M S Ndlovu
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; and Office of the Dean of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.
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Groves AK, Stankard P, Bowler SL, Jamil MS, Gebrekristos LT, Smith PD, Quinn C, Ba NS, Chidarikire T, Nguyen VTT, Baggaley R, Johnson C. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence for community-based HIV testing on men's engagement in the HIV care cascade. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:1090-1105. [PMID: 35786140 PMCID: PMC9660288 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221111277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Men with HIV are less likely than women to know their status, be on antiretroviral therapy, and be virally suppressed. This review examined men's community-based HIV testing services (CB-HTS) outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We searched seven databases and conference abstracts through July 2018. We estimated pooled proportions and/or risk ratios (for meta-analyses) for each outcome using random effects models. RESULTS 188 studies met inclusion criteria. Common testing models included targeted outreach (e.g. mobile testing), home-based testing, and testing at stand-alone community sites. Across 25 studies reporting uptake, 81% (CI: 75-86%) of men offered testing accepted it. Uptake was higher among men reached through CB-HTS than facility-based HTS (RR = 1.39; CI: 1.13-1.71). Over 69% (CI: 64-71%) of those tested through CB-HTS were men, across 184 studies. Across studies reporting new HIV-positivity among men (n = 18), 96% were newly diagnosed (CI: 77-100%). Across studies reporting linkage to HIV care (n = 8), 70% (CI: 36-103%) of men were linked to care. Across 57 studies reporting sex-disaggregated data for CB-HTS conducted among key populations, men's uptake was high (80%; CI: 70-88%) and nearly all were newly diagnosed and linked to care (95%; CI: 94-100%; and 94%; CI: 88-100%, respectively). CONCLUSION CB-HTS is an important strategy for reaching undiagnosed men with HIV from the general population and key population groups, particularly using targeted outreach models. When compared to facility-based HIV testing services, men tested through CB-HTS are more likely to uptake testing, and nearly all men who tested positive through CB-HTS were newly diagnosed. Linkage to care may be a challenge following CB-HTS, and greater efforts and research are needed to effectively implement testing strategies that facilitate rapid ART initiation and linkage to prevention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Groves
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Sarah L Bowler
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Muhammad S Jamil
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health
Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Patrick D Smith
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Caitlin Quinn
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health
Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ndoungou Salla Ba
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health
Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thato Chidarikire
- HIV Prevention Programmes, National Department of
Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Rachel Baggaley
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health
Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health
Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Costs and cost-effectiveness of HIV counselling and testing modalities in Southern Mozambique. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2022; 20:49. [PMID: 36068574 PMCID: PMC9447341 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-022-00378-9] [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: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Despite the high HIV associated burden, Mozambique lacks data on HIV counselling and testing (HCT) costs. To help guide national HIV/AIDS programs, we estimated the cost per test for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) from the patient’s perspective and the costs per person tested and per HIV-positive individual linked to care to the healthcare provider for VCT, provider-initiated counselling and testing (PICT) and home-based testing (HBT). We also assessed the cost-effectiveness of these strategies for linking patients to care. Methods Data from a cohort study conducted in the Manhiça District were used to derive costs and linkage-to-care outcomes of the three HCT strategies. A decision tree was used to model HCT costs according to the likelihood of HCT linking individuals to care and to obtain the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of PICT and HBT with VCT as the comparator. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess robustness of base-case findings. Findings Based on costs and valuations in 2015, average and median VCT costs to the patient per individual tested were US$1.34 and US$1.08, respectively. Costs per individual tested were greatest for HBT (US$11.07), followed by VCT (US$7.79), and PICT (US$7.14). The costs per HIV-positive individual linked to care followed a similar trend. PICT was not cost-effective in comparison with VCT at a willingness-to-accept threshold of US$4.53, but only marginally given a corresponding base-case ICER of US$4.15, while HBT was dominated, with higher costs and lower impact than VCT. Base-case results for the comparison between PICT and VCT presented great uncertainty, whereas findings for HBT were robust. Conclusion PICT and VCT are likely equally cost-effective in Manhiça. We recommend that VCT be offered as the predominant HCT strategy in Mozambique, but expansion of PICT could be considered in limited-resource areas. HBT without facilitated linkage or reduced costs is unlikely to be cost-effective.
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Mannoh I, Amundsen D, Turpin G, Lyons CE, Viswasam N, Hahn E, Ryan S, Baral S, Hansoti B. A Systematic Review of HIV Testing Implementation Strategies in Sub-Saharan African Countries. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1660-1671. [PMID: 34797449 PMCID: PMC9426653 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03518-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS remains a looming presence in public health across the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The HIV Care Cascade hinges on testing and knowledge of HIV status. Though significant advances have been made in diagnosing people living with HIV (PLHIV), limitations in understanding which strategies are best suited to certain regions or populations have contributed to the uneven distribution in the success of various HIV testing strategies. Here, we present a conceptual framework that outlines effective HIV testing strategies for four target groups. This framework is based on a systematic literature review of articles published from January 1st, 2008, to December 31st, 2019. The effectiveness of HIV testing strategies depends on various factors including the setting, type of test and service providers. Multiple strategies are needed to reach the UNAIDS target of 95% of individuals knowing their HIV status. Expansion of community-based approaches, self-testing and HIV testing services in antenatal care will further improve the state of HIV testing in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Mannoh
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Gnilane Turpin
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carrie E Lyons
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nikita Viswasam
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sofia Ryan
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bhakti Hansoti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Medicine Suite 200, 5801 Smith Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21209, USA.
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Lavoie MCC, Blanco N, Keapoletswe K, Marima R, Ntwayagae OA, Sebina KB, Loeto P, Mogomotsi PG, Saleeb PG, Ndwapi N, Stafford KA. Testing modality associated with fast-track ART initiation in Botswana. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:537-543. [PMID: 35298082 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13745] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify community testing modalities associated with fast-track ART initiation in Botswana. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all Botswana citizens 15 years or older who were newly identified as HIV-positive from 1 May 2017 to 31 January 2019, in Mahalapye and Southern districts. We used Poisson regression with robust error variance and generalised linear mixed models to control for cluster effects to model risk of ART initiation within 7 and 30 days of HIV diagnosis, testing modality factors. RESULTS A total of 1436 individuals were newly identified HIV-positive, with men accounting for 60% across all testing modalities. 22% of all HIV-positive individuals were initiated on ART within 7 days. Clients diagnosed through index testing were more likely to be started on ART within 7 days (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.38, 95% CI 1.37-1.38) and 30 days (aRR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.09-1.26) than those diagnosed through mobile/outreach testing. CONCLUSIONS Community HIV testing can complement facility-based testing by reaching individuals who may be less likely to seek HIV services at a facility, such as men. Monitoring ART initiation by testing modalities is critical to identify the optimal ones and to guide continuous programme improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude C Lavoie
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (Ciheb), Institute of Human Virology (IHV), University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Natalia Blanco
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (Ciheb), Institute of Human Virology (IHV), University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Koona Keapoletswe
- Botswana-University of Maryland School of Medicine Health Initiative (Bummhi) Gaborone, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Reson Marima
- Botswana-University of Maryland School of Medicine Health Initiative (Bummhi) Gaborone, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ookeditse A Ntwayagae
- Botswana-University of Maryland School of Medicine Health Initiative (Bummhi) Gaborone, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kagiso B Sebina
- Botswana-University of Maryland School of Medicine Health Initiative (Bummhi) Gaborone, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Peter Loeto
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Panky G Mogomotsi
- Health Services Management, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Paul G Saleeb
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (Ciheb), Institute of Human Virology (IHV), University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ndwapi Ndwapi
- Botswana-University of Maryland School of Medicine Health Initiative (Bummhi) Gaborone, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kristen A Stafford
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (Ciheb), Institute of Human Virology (IHV), University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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12
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Factors Associated with Linkage to Care following Community-Level Identification of HIV-Positive Clients in Lira District. ADVANCES IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/4731006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Community HIV testing helps to increase access to high-risk groups who are less likely to visit a clinic for a test. A large proportion of people identified with HIV following community-based testing are not easily linked to care compared to facility-based identified cases. There is a paucity of literature on linkage to HIV care and its predictors particularly following community-based testing in a rural setting. We assessed the level of linkage to the care of HIV-positive individuals and associated factors following community-level identification in Lira district. Method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Lira district employing mixed methods among HIV-positive adults identified in the communities. Quantitative data were collected from 329 randomly selected study participants using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Key informant interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. The data were double entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were used to assess the association between predictors of linkage with HIV care. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results. The respondents were aged between 18 and 85 years with a mean age of 42.9 (SD = 11.6). The level of linkage to HIV care following community-level identification of HIV testing in Lira district was 98% (95% CI 96.07–99.33). Clients who self-initiated the HIV testing were more likely to link to HIV care than their counterparts (AOR = 9.03; 95% CI 1.271–64.218,
). Key informants identified factors influencing linkage to care as health education, counseling, follow-up, and family support. Fear of stigma, disclosure, denial, and distance to facility were reported as barriers to linkage. Conclusion/Recommendation. The level of linkage to HIV care following community identification was found to be excellent (98%). Predictors to linkage to care included self-initiated testing, positive perception of distance, and waiting time at health facilities. We recommend health education, counseling, follow-up, and family support as interventions to strengthen successfully linking to care.
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Pillsbury MKM, Mwangi E, Andesia J, Njuguna B, Bloomfield GS, Chepchumba A, Kamano J, Mercer T, Miheso J, Pastakia SD, Pathak S, Thakkar A, Naanyu V, Akwanalo C, Vedanthan R. Human-centered implementation research: a new approach to develop and evaluate implementation strategies for strengthening referral networks for hypertension in western Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:910. [PMID: 34479556 PMCID: PMC8414706 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06930-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human-centered design (HCD) is an increasingly recognized approach for engaging stakeholders and developing contextually appropriate health interventions. As a component of the ongoing STRENGTHS study (Strengthening Referral Networks for Management of Hypertension Across the Health System), we report on the process and outcomes of utilizing HCD to develop the implementation strategy prior to a cluster-randomized controlled trial. METHODS We organized a design team of 15 local stakeholders to participate in an HCD process to develop implementation strategies. We tested prototypes for acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility through focus group discussions (FGDs) with various community stakeholder groups and a pilot study among patients with hypertension. FGD transcripts underwent content analysis, and pilot study data were analyzed for referral completion and reported barriers to referral. Based on this community feedback, the design team iteratively updated the implementation strategy. During each round of updates, the design team reflected on their experience through FGDs and a Likert-scale survey. RESULTS The design team developed an implementation strategy consisting of a combined peer navigator and a health information technology (HIT) package. Overall, community participants felt that the strategy was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. During the pilot study, 93% of referrals were completed. FGD participants felt that the implementation strategy facilitated referral completion through active peer engagement; enhanced communication between clinicians, patients, and health administrators; and integrated referral data into clinical records. Challenges included referral barriers that were not directly addressed by the strategy (e.g. transportation costs) and implementation of the HIT package across multiple health record systems. The design team reflected that all members contributed significantly to the design process, but emphasized the need for more transparency in how input from study investigators was incorporated into design team discussions. CONCLUSIONS The adaptive process of co-creation, prototyping, community feedback, and iterative redesign aligned our implementation strategy with community stakeholder priorities. We propose a new framework of human-centered implementation research that promotes collaboration between community stakeholders, study investigators, and the design team to develop, implement, and evaluate HCD products for implementation research. Our experience provides a feasible and replicable approach for implementation research in other settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02501746 , registration date: July 17, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mc Kinsey M Pillsbury
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eunice Mwangi
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Josephine Andesia
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | | | - Agneta Chepchumba
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Jemima Kamano
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
- College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Tim Mercer
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Juliet Miheso
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Sonak D Pastakia
- Center for Health Equity and Innovation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Violet Naanyu
- College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Rajesh Vedanthan
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, 8th floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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Sithole N, Shahmanesh M, Koole O, Krows M, Schaafsma T, Siedner MJ, Celum C, Barnabas RV, Shapiro AE. Implementation of HIV Self-Testing to Reach Men in Rural uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. a DO-ART Trial Sub Study. Front Public Health 2021; 9:652887. [PMID: 34414151 PMCID: PMC8368982 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.652887] [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: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally. Persons <35 years and men have lower rates of HIV testing. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may overcome many barriers of facility-based HIV testing in order to identify HIV positive young persons and men and link them to care. We investigated whether HIVST distribution was a feasible approach to reach men and assessed the proportion of participants who reported their HIVST results, tested positive and linked to care. Methods: Teams comprised of a nurse, clinic research assistant, and recruiters distributed HIVST kits in rural uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal from August-November 2018 with a focus on testing men. Workplaces (farms), social venues, taxi ranks, and homesteads were used as HIVST kit distribution points following community sensitisation through community advisory boards and community leaders. HIVST kits, demonstration of use, and small incentives to report testing outcomes were provided. The Department of Health provided confirmatory testing and HIV care at clinics. Results: Over 11 weeks in late 2018, we distributed 2,634 HIVST kits of which 2,113 (80%) were distributed to persons aged <35 years, 2,591 (98%) to men and 356 (14%) to first time testers. Of the HIVST distributed, 2,107 (80%) reported their results to the study team, and 157 (7%) tested positive. Of persons who tested positive, 107/130 (82%) reported having a confirmatory test of which 102/107 (95%) were positive and initiated on ART. No emergencies or social harms were reported. Conclusion: Large scale distribution of HIVST kits targeting men in rural KwaZulu-Natal is feasible and highly effective in reaching men, including those who had not previously tested for HIV. While two-thirds of persons who tested HIV positive initiated ART, additional linkage strategies are needed for those who do not link after HIVST. HIVST should be used as a tool to reach men in order to achieve 95% coverage in the UNAIDS testing and care cascade in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nsika Sithole
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olivier Koole
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Meighan Krows
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Torin Schaafsma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mark J. Siedner
- Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Adrienne E. Shapiro
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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15
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Ferreyra C, Moretó-Planas L, Wagbo Temessadouno F, Alonso B, Tut B, Achut V, Eltom M, Aderie EM, Descalzo-Jorro V. Evaluation of a community-based HIV test and start program in a conflict affected rural area of Yambio County, South Sudan. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254331. [PMID: 34252129 PMCID: PMC8274874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage in South Sudan is around 10%. Access to HIV care in settings with low ART coverage or conflict affected is still low; innovative strategies are needed to increase access and ensure continuation of ART during instability. A pilot HIV test and start project was implemented in a conflict-affected area of South Sudan. In a retrospective analysis, we determined the feasibility and outcomes of this intervention. METHODS Programme data from July 2015 to June 2018 was analysed. The project involved five mobile teams offering HIV counselling and testing (HCT) and same day ART initiation at community level. Baseline and follow-up information on clinical, immunological and viral load (VL) was routinely recorded, as well as treatment outcomes. A semi-qualitative study was conducted to assess acceptability of the program among beneficiaries and community members. RESULTS By June 2018, 14824 people received counselling and testing for HIV and 498 (3.4%) tested positive. Out of those 395 (79.3%) started ART. A total of 72 ART patients were organized in 26 Community ART Groups (CAGs) and contingency plan was activated 9 times for 101 patients. Kaplan-Meier estimated retention in care (RIC) at 12 and 18 months was 80.6% [95% CI: 75.9-84.5%] and 69.9% [95% CI: 64.4-74.8%] respectively. RIC was significantly higher at 18 months in patients under community ART groups (CAGs) (90.9% versus 63.4% p<0.001) when compared to patients on regular follow up. VL suppression at 12 months was 90.3% and overall virological suppression reached 91.2%. A total of 279 persons were interviewed about the MSF program perception and acceptance: 98% had heard about the programme and 84% found it beneficial for the community, 98% accepted to be tested and only 4% found disadvantages to the programme. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that HCT and early ART initiation in conflict affected populations can be provided with good program outcomes. RIC and virological suppression are comparable with facility-based HIV programs and to those in stable contexts. This model could be extrapolated to other similar contexts with low access to ART and where security situation is a concern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Buai Tut
- Médecins sans Frontières, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Victoria Achut
- Ministry of Health, Republic of South Sudan, HIV/AIDS/STI, Juba, South Sudan
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16
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Mugglin C, Kläger D, Gueler A, Vanobberghen F, Rice B, Egger M. The HIV care cascade in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review of published criteria and definitions. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25761. [PMID: 34292649 PMCID: PMC8297382 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV care cascade examines the attrition of people living with HIV from diagnosis to the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and suppression of viral replication. We reviewed the literature from sub-Saharan Africa to assess the definitions used for the different steps in the HIV care cascade. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase and CINAHL for articles published from January 2004 to December 2020. Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies were included if they reported on at least one step of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 cascade or two steps of an extended 7-step cascade. A step was clearly defined if authors reported definitions for numerator and denominator, including the description of the eligible population and methods of assessment or measurement. The review protocol has been published and registered in Prospero. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Overall, 3364 articles were screened, and 82 studies from 19 countries met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were from Southern (38 studies, 34 from South Africa) and East Africa (29 studies). Fifty-eight studies (71.6%) were longitudinal, with a median follow-up of three years. The medium number of steps covered out of 7 steps was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2 to 4); the median year of publication was 2015 (IQR 2013 to 2019). The number of different definitions for the numerators ranged from four definitions (for step "People living with HIV") to 21 (step "Viral suppression"). For the denominators, it ranged from three definitions ("Diagnosed and aware of HIV status") to 14 ("Viral suppression"). Only 12 studies assessed all three of the 90-90-90 steps. Most studies used longitudinal data, but denominator-denominator or denominator-numerator linkages over several steps were rare. Also, cascade data are lacking for many countries. Our review covers the academic literature but did not consider other data, such as government reports on the HIV care cascade. Also, it did not examine disengagement and reengagement in care. CONCLUSIONS The proportions of patients retained at each step of the HIV care cascade cannot be compared between studies, countries and time periods, nor meta-analysed, due to the many different definitions used for numerators and denominators. There is a need for standardization of methods and definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrina Mugglin
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Delia Kläger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Aysel Gueler
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteBaselSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Brian Rice
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research (CIDER)University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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17
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Smith PJ, Davey DJ, Green H, Cornell M, Bekker LG. Reaching underserved South Africans with integrated chronic disease screening and mobile HIV counselling and testing: A retrospective, longitudinal study conducted in Cape Town. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249600. [PMID: 33945540 PMCID: PMC8096085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based, mobile HIV counselling and testing (HCT) and screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) may improve early diagnosis and referral for care in underserved populations. We evaluated HCT/NCD data and described population characteristics of those visiting a mobile clinic in high HIV disease burden settings in Cape Town, South Africa, between 2008 and 2016. METHODS Trained counsellors registered patients ≥12 years old at a mobile clinic, which offered HCT and blood pressure, diabetes (glucose testing) and obesity (body mass index) screening. A nurse referred patients who required HIV treatment or NCD care. Using multivariable logistic regression, we estimated correlates of new HIV diagnoses adjusting for gender, age and year. RESULTS Overall, 43,938 individuals (50% male; 29% <25 years; median age = 31 years) tested for HIV at the mobile clinic, where 27% of patients (66% of males, 34% of females) reported being debut HIV testers. Males not previously tested for HIV had higher rates of HIV positivity (11%) than females (7%). Over half (55%, n = 1,343) of those previously diagnosed HIV-positive had not initiated ART. More than one-quarter (26%) of patients screened positive for hypertension (males 28%, females 24%, p<0.001). Females were more likely overweight (25% vs 20%) or obese (43% vs 9%) and presented with more diabetes symptoms than males (8% vs 4%). Females (3%) reported more symptoms of STIs than males (1%). Reporting symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (aOR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.84, 4.20), diabetes symptoms (aOR = 1.61, 95% 1.35, 1.92), and TB symptoms (aOR = 4.40, 95% CI = 3.85, 5.01) were associated with higher odds of a new HIV diagnosis after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSION Findings demonstrate that mobile clinics providing integrated HCT and NCD screening may offer the opportunity of early diagnosis and referral for care for those who delay screening, including men living with HIV not previously tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip John Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dvora Joseph Davey
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hunter Green
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Morna Cornell
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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18
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Audet CM, Clemens EM, Ngobeni S, Mkansi M, Sack DE, Wagner RG. Throwing the bones to diagnose HIV: Views of rural South African traditional healers on undertaking HIV counselling and testing. AIDS Care 2020; 33:1316-1320. [PMID: 32799661 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1808568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In 2018, nearly 800,000 HIV positive individuals in South Africa were unaware of their status. Traditional healers see patients who avoid health clinics, including those who refuse HIV testing. This manuscript details the results of a qualitative study to understand traditional healer perspectives on performing healer-initiated HIV counseling and testing HIV in rural South Africa. We conducted 30 structured in-depth interviews between April and June 2019 to elicit traditional healer attitudes towards partnering with local health services to perform HIV counseling and testing with their patients. Healers reported that while some patients are open about their HIV status, others lie about it due to stigma. This creates challenges with concurrent treatment, which healers believe leads to allopathic and/or traditional medication treatment failure. Most healers expressed both an interest and a willingness to perform HIV counseling and testing. Healers felt that by performing testing in the community, it would overcome issues related to HIV stigma, as well as a lack of confidentiality and trust with health care workers at the clinic. Trained traditional healers may be able to bridge the testing gap between "non-testers" and the allopathic health system, essentially "opening" thousands of new testing locations with little financial investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Audet
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Elise M Clemens
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Sizzy Ngobeni
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mevian Mkansi
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Daniel E Sack
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Ryan G Wagner
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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19
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Stevenson KA, Podewils LJ, Zishiri VK, Castro KG, Charalambous S. HIV prevalence and the cascade of care in five South African correctional facilities. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235178. [PMID: 32614878 PMCID: PMC7332003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background South Africa is home to the world’s largest HIV epidemic. Throughout the world, incarcerated individuals have a higher prevalence of HIV than the general public, and South Africa has one of the highest rates of incarceration in sub-Saharan Africa. In spite of this, little has been published about the burden of HIV and how care is delivered in South African correctional facilities. Objective To estimate the prevalence of people living with HIV and identify initiation and retention in the HIV cascade of care across five correctional facilities. Methods Cross-sectional retrospective analysis of 30,571 adult inmates who participated in a tuberculosis screening and HIV counseling and testing campaign in South African correctional facilities (January 1, 2014—January 31, 2015). Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the proportion and 95% confidence intervals of HIV. Proportions of persons retained and lost at each step in the HIV cascade of care under this intervention were calculated. Poisson regression with robust variance estimates were used, and clustering by facility was accounted for in all analyses. Results Results of the screening campaign found previously undiagnosed HIV among 13.0% of those consenting to screening, with a total estimated HIV prevalence of 17.7% (n = 3,184, 95% CI: 17.2–18.3%) in the sample. When examining the overall cascade of care, 48.3% of those with HIV initiated care, and overall 45.6% of persons who entered care qualified for ART initiated treatment. A Poisson regression accounting for clustering by facility found HIV high risk groups within the population such as women (aRR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.57, 1.89), those over 35 years of age (aRR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.85), and people incarcerated less than one year (aRR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.67). Conclusion In this setting, routine screening is recommended, and measures are needed to ensure that persons diagnosed are adequately linked to and retained in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A. Stevenson
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Laura J. Podewils
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Kenneth G. Castro
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Salome Charalambous
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Essack Z, Ngcobo N, Van der Pol N, Knight L, Rochat T, Mkhize M, van Rooyen H. Refining Interventions Through Formative Research: A Focus on Ethical Considerations in a Family-Based Home-Based Counseling and Testing (FBCT) Intervention in KwaZulu-Natal. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2020; 15:153-162. [PMID: 31691625 PMCID: PMC7200267 DOI: 10.1177/1556264619885214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Conducting formative research is a scientific, ethical, and community engagement imperative. This article describes how formative research refined ethical processes for a family-based home-based counseling and testing (FBCT) intervention in KwaZulu-Natal. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore community (n = 20) and key stakeholders' (n = 20) needs, concerns, and perspectives on the FBCT model, including ethical issues for working with children and families. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Four key ethical considerations emerged, namely, respect for community norms and cultural practices; confidentiality, privacy, and forced disclosure; identifying potential risks and benefits; and voluntariness and capacity to consent. Data were used to refine the intervention and address participants' concerns by engaging the community, providing ethics training for intervention staff, and incorporating independent consent mechanisms for adolescent HIV testing that supported opportunities for family-based testing and disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaynab Essack
- Human and Social Development Programme, Human Sciences
Research Council, South Africa
- School of Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal,
Pietermaritzburg
| | - Nkonsinathi Ngcobo
- Human and Social Development Programme, Human Sciences
Research Council, South Africa
| | - Natasha Van der Pol
- Human and Social Development Programme, Human Sciences
Research Council, South Africa
| | - Lucia Knight
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape,
South Africa
| | - Tamsen Rochat
- Human and Social Development Programme, Human Sciences
Research Council, South Africa
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Mirriam Mkhize
- Human and Social Development Programme, Human Sciences
Research Council, South Africa
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human and Social Development Programme, Human Sciences
Research Council, South Africa
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
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Barnabas RV, van Heerden A, McConnell M, Szpiro AA, Krows ML, Schaafsma TT, Ngubane T, Nxele RB, Joseph P, Baeten JM, Celum CL, van Rooyen H. Lottery incentives have short-term impact on ART initiation among men: results from a randomized pilot study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 2:e25519. [PMID: 32589342 PMCID: PMC7319109 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among people living with HIV in South Africa, viral suppression is lower among men than women. The study aim was to test the impact of lottery incentives, which reward positive health choice (e.g. antiretroviral therapy (ART) linkage) with a chance to win a prize, on strengthening the HIV care continuum including ART initiation and viral suppression for men. METHODS We conducted a randomized, prospective trial of lottery incentives in the context of HIV testing and linkage to ART in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Men living with HIV were randomly allocated to: lottery incentives and motivational text messages or motivational text messages only. Lottery prize eligibility was conditional on clinic registration, ART initiation, or viral suppression by one, three and six months respectively. After completing each continuum step, participants in the lottery group were notified whether they had won and were encouraged to continue in care. Lottery prizes were either a mobile phone, data or a gift card (valued at R1000/$100). Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to determine time to ART initiation by study group. The primary outcome was viral suppression at six months. RESULTS Between November 2017 and December 2018, we tested 740 men for HIV and enrolled 131 HIV-positive men who reported not being on ART. At baseline, 100 (76%) participants were 30 years and older, 95 (73%) were unemployed and the median CD4 count was 472 cells/μL. At study exit, 84% (110/131) of participants had visited a clinic and 62% (81/131) were virally suppressed. Compared to motivational text messages, lottery incentives decreased the median time to ART initiation from 126 to 66 days (p = 0.0043, age-adjusted Cox regression) among all participants, and, from 134 days to 20 days (p = 0.0077) among participants who were not virally suppressed at baseline. Lottery incentives had an inconclusive effect on clinic registration (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.76) and on viral suppression at six months (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.75) compared to motivational text messages. CONCLUSIONS Conditional lottery incentives shortened the time to ART initiation among South African men. Behavioural economics strategies strengthen linkage to ART, but the study power was limited to see an impact on viral suppression. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT03808194.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruanne V Barnabas
- Department of Global Health and Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWAUSA
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Human Sciences Research CouncilSweetwatersKwaZulu‐NatalSouth Africa
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research UnitUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburg‐BraamfonteinSouth Africa
| | | | - Adam A Szpiro
- Department of BiostatisticsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Meighan L Krows
- Department of Global Health and Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Torin T Schaafsma
- Department of Global Health and Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Thulani Ngubane
- Human Sciences Research CouncilSweetwatersKwaZulu‐NatalSouth Africa
| | - Rose B Nxele
- Human Sciences Research CouncilSweetwatersKwaZulu‐NatalSouth Africa
| | - Philip Joseph
- Human Sciences Research CouncilSweetwatersKwaZulu‐NatalSouth Africa
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health and Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Connie L Celum
- Department of Global Health and Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research CouncilSweetwatersKwaZulu‐NatalSouth Africa
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research UnitUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburg‐BraamfonteinSouth Africa
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Hoffman S, Leu CS, Ramjee G, Blanchard K, Gandhi AD, O'Sullivan L, Kelvin EA, Exner TM, Mantell JE, Lince-Deroche N. Linkage to Care Following an HIV Diagnosis in Three Public Sector Clinics in eThekwini (Durban), South Africa: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:1181-1196. [PMID: 31677039 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02688-1] [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] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Linkage to care following an HIV diagnosis remains an important HIV care continuum milestone, even in the era of universal ART eligibility. In an 8-month prospective cohort study among 459 (309 women, 150 men) newly-diagnosed HIV-positive individuals in three public-sector clinics in Durban metropolitan region, South Africa, from 2010 to 2013, median time to return to clinic for CD4+ results (linkage) was 10.71 weeks (95% CI 8.52-12.91), with 54.1% 3-month cumulative incidence of linkage. At study completion (9.23 months median follow-up), 26.2% had not linked. Holding more positive outcome-beliefs about enrolling in care was associated with more rapid linkage [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)each additional belief 1.31; 95% CI 1.05-1.64] and lower odds of never linking [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.50; 95% CI 0.33-0.75]. Holding positive ARV beliefs was strongly protective against never linking to care. Age over 30 years (AHR 1.59; 95% CI 1.29-1.97) and disclosing one's HIV-positive status within 30 days of diagnosis (AHR 1.52; 95% CI 1.10-2.10) were associated with higher linkage rates and lower odds of never linking. Gender was not associated with linkage and did not alter the effect of other predictors. Although expanded access to ART has reduced some linkage barriers, these findings demonstrate that people's beliefs and social relations also matter. In addition to structural interventions, consistent ART education and disclosure support, and targeting younger individuals for linkage are high priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie Hoffman
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Cheng-Shiun Leu
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gita Ramjee
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kelly Blanchard
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anisha D Gandhi
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Lucia O'Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A Kelvin
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics Program, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theresa M Exner
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Joanne E Mantell
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Naomi Lince-Deroche
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bennett R, Marcus TS, Abbott G, Hugo JF. Modelling cost benefit of community-oriented primary care in rural South Africa. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2020; 12:e1-e8. [PMID: 32242432 PMCID: PMC7136807 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, rural populations have poorer health and considerably lower levels of access to healthcare compared with urban populations. Although the drive to ensure universal coverage through community healthcare worker programmes has shown significant results elsewhere, their value has yet to be realised in South Africa. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the potential impact, cost-effectiveness and benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) of information and communications technology (ICT)-enabled community-oriented primary care (COPC) for rural and remote populations. Setting The Waterberg district of Limpopo province in South Africa is a rural mining area. The majority of 745 000 population are poor and in poor health. Methods The modelling considers condition-specific effectiveness, population age and characteristics, health-determined service demand, and costs of delivery and resources. Results Modelling showed 122 teams can deliver a full ICT-enabled COPC service package to 630 565 eligible people. Annually, at scale, it could yield 35 877 unadjusted life years saved and 994 deaths avoided at an average per capita service cost of R170.37, and R2668 per life year saved. There could be net annual savings of R120 million (R63.4m for Waterberg district) from reduced clinic (110.7m) and hospital outpatient (23 646) attendance and admissions. The service would inject R51.6m into community health worker (CHW) households and approximately R492m into district poverty reduction and economic growth. Conclusion With a BCR of 3.4, ICT-enabled COPC is an affordable systemic investment in universal, pro-poor, integrated healthcare and makes community-based healthcare delivery particularly compelling in rural and remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod Bennett
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, City of Tshwane.
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Comulada WS, Wynn A, van Rooyen H, Barnabas RV, Eashwari R, van Heerden A. Using mHealth to Deliver a Home-Based Testing and Counseling Program to Improve Linkage to Care and ART Adherence in Rural South Africa. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2020; 20:126-136. [PMID: 30259235 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-018-0950-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Community-based HIV testing and counseling (HTC) programs have become an important part of the healthcare system in South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries with a high HIV prevalence and strained primary healthcare system. Current HTC programs excel at identifying people living with HIV (PLH) but leave gaps in linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) as most HTC programs do not have the capacity to ensure that linkage has occurred. This article presents the protocol for an mHealth study, that is, pilot testing a mobile platform in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, to improve linkage to care and ART adherence after home-based HTC. Testing data are shared with designated clinics. PLH are identified using fingerprint scans, mobile numbers, or South African IDs. If PLH do not present at a designated clinic after testing HIV positive, study field staff are sent SMS alerts to prompt follow-up visits. Similarly, if PLH do not refill ART prescriptions after their initial 1-month dose runs out, SMS alerts that are sent to field staff. This paper presents the mHealth study protocol and baseline sample characteristics (N = 101 PLH). Analyses will summarize rates of linkage to care and ART prescription refills. Cost-effectiveness analyses will examine the costs and benefits of linkage and ART adherence using our mHealth system. Linkage to care rates will be compared between our study and a historical control, that is, provided by a prior HTC program that was conducted in KZN without our mHealth system (n = 615).
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Affiliation(s)
- W Scott Comulada
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
| | - Adriane Wynn
- Department of Health Policy Management, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human and Social Development Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Global Health and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rajeev Eashwari
- eHealth Directorate, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Health, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Human and Social Development Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, School of Community Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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25
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Maughan-Brown B, Beckett S, Kharsany ABM, Cawood C, Khanyile D, Lewis L, Venkataramani A, George G. Poor rates of linkage to HIV care and uptake of treatment after home-based HIV testing among newly diagnosed 15-to-49 year-old men and women in a high HIV prevalence setting in South Africa. AIDS Care 2020; 33:70-79. [DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1719025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Maughan-Brown
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU), University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Sean Beckett
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Lara Lewis
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Atheendar Venkataramani
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gavin George
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Zwakala Ndoda: a cluster and individually randomized trial aimed at improving testing, linkage, and adherence to treatment for hard-to reach men in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Trials 2019; 20:798. [PMID: 31888701 PMCID: PMC6937627 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3908-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men in sub-Saharan Africa are less likely than women to get tested for HIV, less likely to present for treatment, less likely to be maintained in treatment, more likely to have detectable viral load, more likely to transmit HIV with unprotected intercourse, and more likely to progress to AIDS and die sooner from HIV. The ultimate objective of this research is to provide evidence-based strategies to improve HIV testing and treatment of HIV-infected men. METHODS This study is being conducted in the Greater Edendale Area and Vulindlela region in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is a two-stage design of a cluster-randomized trial and an individual randomized trial to test how structural and individual-level interventions address the demand-side factors that affect HIV testing and treatment for hard-to reach, high-risk men. It combines male-focused mobilization, community-based mobile HIV testing services, and a small incentive to determine if the strategies singly and in combination can result in more men diagnosed with HIV, and more men linked to and maintained in care with undetectable viral load. DISCUSSION A priority for sub-Sahara Africa is developing and evaluating novel and cost-effective strategies for identifying hard-to-reach groups such as men, linking them to HIV testing and care services, and maintaining them in care to the point of viral suppression. We propose a combination prevention intervention that addresses men's individual, interpersonal, and structural barriers to testing and care. This includes male-led mobilization to encourage uptake of testing and treatment, male-focused testing venues, male-only counselors, developing counseling models that are flexible and responsive to men, and strategies for adhering to clinic visits without missing work and navigating the healthcare system. By thoughtfully combining male-focused mobilization, and testing and addressing some of the barriers to male engagement with health facilities, this study hopes to add to the growing evidence base about how to reach, test, link, and maintain a hard-to-reach group such as men in HIV treatment and care services. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03794245. Registered on 4 January 2019.
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Adeagbo OA, Mthiyane N, Herbst C, Mee P, Neuman M, Dreyer J, Chimbindi N, Smit T, Okesola N, Johnson C, Hatzold K, Seeley J, Cowan F, Corbett L, Shahmanesh M. Cluster randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of peer delivery HIV self-testing to support linkage to HIV prevention among young women in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e033435. [PMID: 31874891 PMCID: PMC7008432 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) to determine whether HIV self-testing (HIVST) delivered by peers either directly or through incentivised peer-networks, could increase the uptake of antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young women (18 to 24 years) is being undertaken in an HIV hyperendemic area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A three-arm cRCT started mid-March 2019, in 24 areas in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Twenty-four pairs of peer navigators working with ~12 000 young people aged 18 to 30 years over a period of 6 months were randomised to: (1) incentivised-peer-networks: peer-navigators recruited participants 'seeds' to distribute up to five HIVST packs and HIV prevention information to peers within their social networks. Seeds receive an incentive (20 Rand = US$1.5) for each respondent who contacts a peer-navigator for additional HIVST packs to distribute; (2) peer-navigator-distribution: peer-navigators distribute HIVST packs and information directly to young people; (3) standard of care: peer-navigators distribute referral slips and information. All arms promote sexual health information and provide barcoded clinic referral slips to facilitate linkage to HIV testing, prevention and care services. The primary outcome is the difference in linkage rate between arms, defined as the number of women (18 to 24 years) per peer-navigators month of outreach work (/pnm) who linked to clinic-based PrEP eligibility screening or started antiretroviral, based on HIV-status, within 90 days of receiving the clinic referral slip. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at the WHO, Switzerland (Protocol ID: STAR CRT, South Africa), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK (Reference: 15 990-1), University of KwaZulu-Natal (BFC311/18) and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (Reference: KZ_201901_012), South Africa. The findings of this trial will be disseminated at local, regional and international meetings and through peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03751826; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi Atanda Adeagbo
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Sociology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Nondumiso Mthiyane
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Carina Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Paul Mee
- Epidemiology and Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melissa Neuman
- Epidemiology and Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jaco Dreyer
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Natsayi Chimbindi
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Theresa Smit
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nonhlanhla Okesola
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Cowan
- International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- CeSHHAR Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Liz Corbett
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Alwano MG, Bachanas P, Block L, Roland M, Sento B, Behel S, Lebelonyane R, Wirth K, Ussery F, Bapati W, Motswere-Chirwa C, Abrams W, Ussery G, Miller JA, Bile E, Fonjungo P, Kgwadu A, Holme MP, Del Castillo L, Gaolathe T, Leme K, Majingo N, Lockman S, Makhema J, Bock N, Moore J. Increasing knowledge of HIV status in a country with high HIV testing coverage: Results from the Botswana Combination Prevention Project. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225076. [PMID: 31765394 PMCID: PMC6876886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Achieving widespread knowledge of HIV-positive status is a crucial step to reaching universal ART coverage, population level viral suppression, and ultimately epidemic control. We implemented a multi-modality HIV testing approach to identify 90% or greater of HIV-positive persons in the Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP) intervention communities. METHODS BCPP is a cluster-randomized trial designed to evaluate the impact of combination prevention interventions on HIV incidence in 30 communities in Botswana. Community case finding and HIV testing that included home and targeted mobile testing were implemented in the 15 intervention communities. We described processes for identifying HIV-positive persons, uptake of HIV testing by age, gender and venue, characteristics of persons newly diagnosed through BCPP, and coverage of knowledge of status reached at the end of study. RESULTS Of the 61,655 eligible adults assessed in home or mobile settings, 13,328 HIV-positive individuals, or 93% of the estimated 14,270 positive people in the communities were identified through BCPP. Knowledge of status increased by 25% over the course of the study with the greatest increases seen among men (37%) as compared to women (19%) and among youth aged 16-24 (77%) as compared to older age groups (21%). Although more men were tested through mobile than through home-based testing, higher rates of newly diagnosed HIV-positive men were found through home than mobile testing. CONCLUSIONS Even when HIV testing coverage is high, additional gains can be made using a multi-modality HIV testing strategy to reach different sub-populations who are being missed by non-targeted program activities. Men and youth can be reached and will engage in community testing when services are brought to places they access routinely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Grace Alwano
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Pamela Bachanas
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lisa Block
- Northrop Grumman, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michelle Roland
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Baraedi Sento
- Tebelopele HIV Counseling and Testing Center, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Stephanie Behel
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Kathleen Wirth
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Faith Ussery
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - William Bapati
- Tebelopele HIV Counseling and Testing Center, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - William Abrams
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Gene Ussery
- Northrop Grumman, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - James A. Miller
- Northrop Grumman, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ebi Bile
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Peter Fonjungo
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Agisanag Kgwadu
- Tebelopele HIV Counseling and Testing Center, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Molly Pretorius Holme
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lisetta Del Castillo
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Kelebemang Leme
- Tebelopele HIV Counseling and Testing Center, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Shahin Lockman
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Naomi Bock
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Janet Moore
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Effects of a Short Message Service (SMS) Intervention on Reduction of HIV Risk Behaviours and Improving HIV Testing Rates Among Populations located near Roadside Wellness Clinics: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:3119-3128. [PMID: 30771133 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02427-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Short Message Service (SMS) offers an innovative method of promoting sexual health to key and vulnerable populations who are users of mobile phones and are at high risk of HIV infection. This cluster randomised control trial tests the effectiveness of a SMS intervention in reducing HIV risk behaviours and improving HIV testing behaviours among truck drivers, sex workers and community residents located near Roadside Wellness Clinics (RWCs) in three southern African countries. The SMS arm received 35 HIV risk reduction and HIV testing SMSs over a 6-month period. The SMS intervention had no significant impact on sexual risk behaviours. However, participants in the SMS arm were more likely to have tested for HIV in the previous 6 months (86.1% vs. 77.7%; AOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.11-2.66). The results indicate that the general SMS intervention, which provide health promoting information, improved HIV testing rates in key and vulnerable populations in southern Africa.
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Maughan-Brown B, Harrison A, Galárraga O, Kuo C, Smith P, Bekker LG, Lurie MN. Factors affecting linkage to HIV care and ART initiation following referral for ART by a mobile health clinic in South Africa: evidence from a multimethod study. J Behav Med 2019; 42:883-897. [PMID: 30635862 PMCID: PMC6625943 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-018-0005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Linkage to care from mobile clinics is often poor and inadequately understood. This multimethod study assessed linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake following ART-referral by a mobile clinic in Cape Town (2015/2016). Clinic record data (N = 86) indicated that 67% linked to care (i.e., attended a clinic) and 42% initiated ART within 3 months. Linkage to care was positively associated with HIV-status disclosure intentions (aOR: 2.99, 95% CI 1.13-7.91), and treatment readiness (aOR: 2.97, 95% CI 1.05-8.34); and negatively with good health (aOR: 0.35, 95% CI 0.13-0.99), weekly alcohol consumption (aOR: 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-0.98), and internalised stigma (aOR: 0.32, 95% CI 0.11-0.91). Following linkage, perceived stigma negatively affected ART-initiation. In-depth interviews (N = 41) elucidated fears about ART side-effects, HIV-status denial, and food insecurity as barriers to ART initiation; while awareness of positive ART-effects, follow-up telephone counselling, familial responsibilities, and maintaining health to avoid involuntary disclosure were motivating factors. Results indicate that an array of interventions are required to encourage rapid ART-initiation following mobile clinic HIV-testing services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Maughan-Brown
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU), University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa.
| | - Abigail Harrison
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Omar Galárraga
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice (HSPP), Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Caroline Kuo
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Philip Smith
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark N Lurie
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Cost of Integrating Noncommunicable Disease Screening Into Home-Based HIV Testing and Counseling in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 78:522-526. [PMID: 29771779 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Integrated HIV-noncommunicable disease (NCD) services have the potential to avert death and disability but require data on program costs to assess the impact of integrated services on affordability. METHODS We estimated the incremental costs of NCD screening as part of home-based HIV testing and counseling (HTC) and referral to care in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. All adults in the households were offered integrated HIV-NCD screening (for HIV, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, depression, tobacco, and alcohol use), counseling, and linkage to care. We conducted comprehensive program microcosting including ingredient-based and activity-based costing, staff interviews, and time assessment studies. Sensitivity analyses varied cost inputs and screening efficiency. RESULTS Integrating all-inclusive NCD screening as part of home-based HTC in a high HIV prevalence setting increased program costs by $3.95 (42%) per person screened (from $9.36 to $13.31 per person). Integrated NCD screening, excluding point-of-care cholesterol testing, increased program costs by $2.24 (24%). Furthermore, NCD screening integrated into HTC services reduced the number of persons tested by 15%-20% per day. CONCLUSIONS Integrated HIV-NCD screening has the potential to efficiently use resources compared with stand-alone services. Although all-inclusive NCD screening could increase the incremental cost per person screened for integrated HIV-NCD services over 40%, a less costly lipid assay or targeted screening would result in a modest increase in costs with the potential to avert NCD death and disability. Our analysis highlights the need for implementation science studies to estimate the cost-effectiveness of integrated HIV-NCD screening and linkage per disability-adjusted life year and death averted.
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Naidoo N, Matlakala N, Railton J, Khosa S, Marincowitz G, Igumbor JO, McIntyre JA, Struthers HE, Peters RPH. Provision of HIV services by community health workers should be strengthened to achieve full programme potential: a cross-sectional analysis in rural South Africa. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:401-408. [PMID: 30637860 PMCID: PMC6445684 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE South Africa's community health workers (CHWs) provide a bridge between the primary healthcare (PHC) facility and its community. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to determine the contribution of the community-based HIV programme (CBHP) to the overall HIV programme. METHODS We collected service provision data from the daily activity register of CHWs attached to 12 PHC facilities in rural Mopani District, South Africa. Personal identifiers of individuals referred to the facility for HIV services were recorded and verified against facility routine patient registers to determine the effectiveness of referral. RESULTS HIV services were provided on 18 927 occasions; 30% of the total activities performed by CHWs during the study period. CHWs assessed 12 159 individuals for HIV risk (13% coverage of the study population); only 290 (2%) were referred for HIV testing services. Referral was effective in 213 (73%) individuals; evidence of an HIV-positive status was found for 38 (18%) individuals. However, 30 (79%) of these individuals were referred by CHWs despite being on ART. Adherence support was provided during 5657 visits; only one individual was referred for complications. Finally, of the 864 individuals lost to the ART programme, CHWs managed to find 452 (52%) for referral back to the facility; only 241 (53%) of these were (re)initiated on ART. CONCLUSIONS Provision of HIV services by CHWs should be strengthened to fully deliver on the programme's potential. Human resource investment, home-based HIV testing and improved tracing models constitute potential strategies to enhance CHWs impact on the HIV programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Naidoo
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg and Tzaneen, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - N Matlakala
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg and Tzaneen, South Africa
| | - J Railton
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg and Tzaneen, South Africa
| | - S Khosa
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg and Tzaneen, South Africa
| | - G Marincowitz
- Department of Health, Mopani DCST, Giyani, Limpopo Province, South Africa
| | - J O Igumbor
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - J A McIntyre
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg and Tzaneen, South Africa
- School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - H E Struthers
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg and Tzaneen, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R P H Peters
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg and Tzaneen, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Ayieko J, Petersen ML, Charlebois ED, Brown LB, Clark TD, Kwarisiima D, Kamya MR, Cohen CR, Bukusi EA, Havlir DV, Van Rie A. A Patient-Centered Multicomponent Strategy for Accelerated Linkage to Care Following Community-Wide HIV Testing in Rural Uganda and Kenya. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 80:414-422. [PMID: 30807481 PMCID: PMC6410970 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As countries move toward universal HIV treatment, many individuals fail to link to care after diagnosis of HIV. Efficient and effective linkage strategies are needed. METHODS We implemented a patient-centered, multicomponent linkage strategy in the SEARCH "test-and-treat" trial (NCT 01864603) in Kenya and Uganda. After population-based, community-wide HIV testing, eligible participants were (1) introduced to clinic staff after testing, (2) provided a telephone "hot-line" for enquiries, (3) provided an appointment reminder phone call, (4) given transport reimbursement on linkage, and (5) tracked if linkage appointment was missed. We estimated the proportion linked to care within 1 year and evaluated factors associated with linkage at 7, 30, and 365 days after diagnosis. RESULTS Among 71,308 adults tested, 6811 (9.6%) were HIV-infected; of these, 4760 (69.9%) were already in HIV care, and 30.1% were not. Among 2051 not in care, 58% were female, median age was 32 (interquartile range 26-40) years, and median CD4 count was 493 (interquartile range 331-683) cells/µL. Half (49.7%) linked within 1 week, and 73.4% linked within 1 year. Individuals who were younger [15-34 vs. >35 years, adjusted Risk Ratio (aRR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74 to 0.94], tested at home vs. community campaign (aRR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81 to 0.94), had a high HIV-risk vs. low-risk occupation (aRR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75 to 0.88), and were wealthier (aRR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.97) were less likely to link. Linkage did not differ by marital status, stable residence, level of education, or having a phone contact. CONCLUSIONS Using a multicomponent linkage strategy, high proportions of people living with HIV but not in care linked rapidly after HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ayieko
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maya L. Petersen
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | | | | | - Tamara D. Clark
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Dalsone Kwarisiima
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Craig R. Cohen
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Diane V. Havlir
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Annelies Van Rie
- Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Moshoeu MP, Kuupiel D, Gwala N, Mashamba-Thompson TP. The use of home-based HIV testing and counseling in low-and-middle income countries: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:132. [PMID: 30704431 PMCID: PMC6357437 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of HIV status is crucial for both prevention and treatment of HIV infection. However, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), only 10% of the population has access to HIV testing services. Home-based HIV testing and counseling (HTC) is one of the approaches which have been shown to be effective in improving access to HIV testing in LMICs. The objective of this review was to map evidence on the use of home-based HTC in LMICs. METHODS We searched PubMed, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, Science Direct, World Health Organization library database and UNAIDS databases from January 2013 to October 2017. Eligibility criteria included articles pertaining to the use of home-based HTC in LMICs. Two reviewers independently reviewed the articles for eligibility. The following themes were extracted from the included studies: use, feasibility and effectiveness of home-based HTC on patient-centered outcomes in LMICs. The risk of bias for the included studies was assessed using mixed methods appraisal tool -version 2011. RESULTS A total of 855,117 articles were identified from all the databases searched. Of this, only 17 studies met the inclusion criteria after full article screening and were included for data extraction. All included studies presented evidence on the use of Home-based HTC by most age groups (18 months to 70 years) comprising of both males and females. The included studies were conducted in the following countries: Zambia, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, Swaziland, Pakistan, and Botswana. This study demonstrated that home-based HTC was used in LMICs alongside supervised HTC intervention using different types of HTC tests kits produced by different manufacturers. This study also showed that home-based HTC was feasible, highly effective, and increased uptake of HIV testing and counseling. This study further demonstrated a highly successful usage of supervised home-based HTC by most age groups in LMICs, with majority of users being females (89.1%). CONCLUSION We therefore recommend primary studies in other LMICs to determine the feasibility and use of HTC to help achieve the UNAIDS 90:90:90 targets. Interventions to improve the use of home-based HTC by males are also recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017056478.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshoeu Prisca Moshoeu
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001 South Africa
| | - Desmond Kuupiel
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001 South Africa
| | - Nonjabulo Gwala
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001 South Africa
| | - Tivani P. Mashamba-Thompson
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001 South Africa
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Linkage to care of HIV positive clients in a community based HIV counselling and testing programme: A success story of non-governmental organisations in a South African district. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210826. [PMID: 30668598 PMCID: PMC6342293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although current data projects South Africa potentially meeting the UN target to test 90% of all people living with HIV by 2020, linking them to HIV care remains a big challenge. In an effort to increase linkage to care (LTC) of HIV positive clients an innovative collaborative intervention between two non-governmental organisations was developed and implemented between 2016 and 2017. This paper investigated the outcome of this collaborative intervention. Methods We used a mixed methods approach to assess the outcome of the innovative relationship. This was done by analysing routine programmatic quantitative data on LTC between 2015 and 2017 and qualitatively interviewing five programme managers, four programme implementers and five HIV positive clients on their perceived success/failure factors. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis while LTC rates were descriptively analysed. Two consultative meetings presented draft findings to programme managers (n = 7) and implementers (n = 10) for feedback, results verification and confirmation. Results In 2015 cumulative LTC rate was 27% and it rose to 85% two years post-intervention in 2017. Six themes emerged as success factors at the health system and structural levels and these include: provision of client escort services, health facility human resource capacity strengthening, inter and intra-organisational teamwork, onsite LTC, facilitated and expedited jumping of queues and shifting administrative tasks to non-clinical staff to protect nurses’ time on ART initiation. These measures in turn ensured increased, affordable and swift ART initiation of clients while strengthening client support. Conclusions We concluded that multi-faceted interventions that target both health system challenges including staff shortages, efficiencies, and extended facility opening times, and structural inadequacies, including client time and resource limitations due to poverty or nature of jobs, can help to increase LTC.
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Siedner MJ, Baisley K, Orne-Gliemann J, Pillay D, Koole O, Wong EB, Matthews P, Tanser F, Herbst K, Barnighausen T, Bachmann M. Linkage to primary care after home-based blood pressure screening in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a population-based cohort study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e023369. [PMID: 30530475 PMCID: PMC6286496 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The expanding burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally will require novel public health strategies. Community-based screening has been promoted to augment efficiency of diagnostic services, but few data are available on the downstream impact of such programmes. We sought to assess the impact of a home-based blood pressure screening programme on linkage to hypertension care in rural South Africa. SETTING We conducted home-based blood pressure screening withinin a population cohort in rural KwaZulu-Natal, using the WHO Stepwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) protocol. PARTICIPANTS Individuals meeting criteria for raised blood pressure (≥140 systolic or ≥90 diastolic averaged over two readings) were referred to local health clinics and included in this analysis. We defined linkage to care based on self-report of presentation to clinic for hypertension during the next 2 years of cohort observation. We estimated the population proportion of successful linkage to care with inverse probability sampling weights, and fit multivariable logistic regression models to identify predictors of linkage following a positive hypertension screen. RESULTS Of 11 694 individuals screened, 14.6% (n=1706) were newly diagnosed with elevated pressure. 26.9% (95% CI 24.5% to 29.4%) of those sought hypertension care in the following 2 years, and 38.1% (95% CI 35.6% to 40.7%) did so within 5 years. Women (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.41, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.45), those of older age (aOR 11.49, 95% CI 5.87 to 22.46, for 45-59 years vs <30) and those unemployed (aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.65) were more likely to have linked to care. CONCLUSIONS Linkage to care after home-based identification of elevated blood pressure was rare in rural South Africa, particularly among younger individuals, men and the employed. Improved understanding of barriers and facilitators to NCD care is needed to enhance the effectiveness of blood pressure screening in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Siedner
- Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Kathy Baisley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, UK
| | - Joanna Orne-Gliemann
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Deenan Pillay
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University College London, London, UK
| | - Olivier Koole
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, UK
| | - Emily B Wong
- Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Kobus Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Till Barnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Max Bachmann
- Population Health and Primary Care, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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"If you are here at the clinic, you do not know how many people need help in the community": Perspectives of home-based HIV services from health care workers in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in the era of universal test-and-treat. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202473. [PMID: 30412926 PMCID: PMC6226311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited engagement in clinic-based care is affecting the HIV response. We explored the field experiences and perceptions of local health care workers regarding home-based strategies as opportunities to improve the cascade of care of people living with HIV in rural South Africa as part of a Universal Test-and-Treat approach. Methods In Hlabisa sub-district, home-based HIV services, including rapid HIV testing and counselling, and support for linkage to and retention in clinic-based HIV care, were implemented by health care workers within the ANRS 12249 Treatment-as-Prevention (TasP) trial. From April to July 2016, we conducted a mixed-methods study among health care workers from the TasP trial and from local government clinics, using self-administrated questionnaires (n = 90 in the TasP trial, n = 56 in government clinics), semi-structured interviews (n = 13 in the TasP trial, n = 5 in government clinics) and three focus group discussions (n = 6–10 health care workers of the TasP trial per group). Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data and qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results More than 90% of health care workers assessed home-based testing and support for linkage to care as feasible and acceptable by the population they serve. Many health care workers underlined how home visits could facilitate reaching people who had slipped through the cracks of the clinic-based health care system and encourage them to successfully access care. Health care workers however expressed concerns about the ability of home-based services to answer the HIV care needs of all community members, including people working outside their home during the day or those who fear HIV-related stigmatization. Overall, health care workers encouraged policy-makers to more formally integrate home-based services in the local health system. They promoted reshaping the disease-specific and care-oriented services towards more comprehensive goals. Conclusion Because home-based services allow identification of people early during their infection and encourage them to take actions leading to viral suppression, HCWs assessed them as valuable components within the panel of UTT interventions, aiming to reach the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets, especially in the rural Southern African region. Trial registration The registration number of the ANRS 12249 TasP trial on ClinicalTrials.gov is NCT01509508.
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Time taken to link newly identified HIV positive clients to care following a home-base index case HIV testing: Experience from two provinces in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201018. [PMID: 30133526 PMCID: PMC6104920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Homebased index case HIV testing (HHTC) has shown higher uptake and good yield than traditional HIV testing methods. World Health Organization has called for increased operational research to evaluate HIV care processes particularly linkage to care. In this paper, we present project results of the time taken to link newly identified PLHIV to care after HHTC in the Manicaland and Midlands provinces of Zimbabwe. Methods We retrospectively reviewed community-facility referral data from the Zimbabwe HIV Care and Treatment project for newly diagnosed PLHIV for the period March–September 2016. A referral slip was given to a client after receiving a positive HIV results and was presented and filed upon reaching a health facility. In July 2016, the project started working with trained expert clients to assist with linkage to care. Data was entered in a spreadsheet and then imported for descriptive statistical analysis with EpiInfoTM Version 7.2.0.1. Odd ratios were used to identify factors associated with linkage to care within seven days. Results Out of 1004 newly identified PLHIV between March and September 2016, 650 (64.7%) were linked to care. The median time taken to be linked to care was four days (Interquartile range 19 days). Overall, 63.1% (410) of PLHIV were linked to care within seven days of diagnosis and 85% within 30 days. PLHIV were more likely to be linked to care within seven days of diagnosis between July and September 2016 (OR = 4.1; p< 0.001), a period when ZHCT started working with expert clients to support linkage to care. Conclusion HHTC resulted in almost 63% of newly diagnosed PLHIV being linked into care within seven days, and 85% within 30 days. Linkage to care within seven days was significantly associated with the period of engaging expert clients in the project. We recommend community based HIV testing programs to work with expert clients to ensure timely linkages of new PLHIV.
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Medley AM, Hrapcak S, Golin RA, Dziuban EJ, Watts H, Siberry GK, Rivadeneira ED, Behel S. Strategies for Identifying and Linking HIV-Infected Infants, Children, and Adolescents to HIV Treatment Services in Resource Limited Settings. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2018; 78 Suppl 2:S98-S106. [PMID: 29994831 PMCID: PMC10961643 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Many children living with HIV in resource-limited settings remain undiagnosed and at risk for HIV-related mortality and morbidity. This article describes 5 key strategies for strengthening HIV case finding and linkage to treatment for infants, children, and adolescents. These strategies result from lessons learned during the Accelerating Children's HIV/AIDS Treatment Initiative, a public-private partnership between the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF). The 5 strategies include (1) implementing a targeted mix of HIV case finding approaches (eg, provider-initiated testing and counseling within health facilities, optimization of early infant diagnosis, index family testing, and integration of HIV testing within key population and orphan and vulnerable children programs); (2) addressing the unique needs of adolescents; (3) collecting and using data for program improvement; (4) fostering a supportive political and community environment; and (5) investing in health system-strengthening activities. Continued advocacy and global investments are required to eliminate AIDS-related deaths among children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Medley
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, GA
| | - Susan Hrapcak
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, GA
| | - Rachel A. Golin
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC
| | - Eric J. Dziuban
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, GA
| | - Heather Watts
- U.S. State Department, Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, Washington, DC
| | - George K. Siberry
- U.S. State Department, Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, Washington, DC
| | - Emilia D. Rivadeneira
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, GA
| | - Stephanie Behel
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, GA
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Sabapathy K, Hensen B, Varsaneux O, Floyd S, Fidler S, Hayes R. The cascade of care following community-based detection of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa - A systematic review with 90-90-90 targets in sight. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200737. [PMID: 30052637 PMCID: PMC6063407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction We aimed to establish how effective community-based HIV testing services (HTS), including home and community location based (non-health facility) HIV testing services (HB-/CLB-HTS), are in improving care in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with a view to achieving the 90-90-90 targets. Methods We conducted a systematic review of published literature from 2007–17 which reported on the proportion of individuals who link-to-care and/or initiate ART after detection with HIV through community-based testing. A meta-analysis was deemed inappropriate due to heterogeneity in reporting. Results and discussion Twenty-five care cascades from 6 SSA countries were examined in the final review– 15 HB-HTS, 8 CLB-HTS, 2 combined HB-/CLB-HTS. Proportions linked-to-care over 1–12 months ranged from 14–96% for HB-HTS and 10–79% for CLB-HTS, with most studies reporting outcomes over short periods (3 months). Fewer studies reported ART-related outcomes following community-based testing and most of these studies included <50 HIV-positive individuals. Proportions initiating ART ranged from 23–93%. One study reported retention on ART (76% 6 months after initiation). Viral suppression 3–12 months following ART initiation was 77–85% in three studies which reported this. There was variability in definitions of outcomes, numerators/denominators and observation periods. Outcomes varied between studies even for similar time-points since HTS. The methodological inconsistencies hamper comparisons. Previously diagnosed individuals appear more likely to link-to-care than those who reported being newly-diagnosed. It appears that individuals diagnosed in the community need time before they are ready to link-to-care/initiate ART. Point-of-care (POC) CD4-counts at the time of HTS did not achieve higher proportions linking-to-care or initiating ART. Similarly, follow-up visits to HIV-positive individuals did not appear to enhance linkage to care overall. Conclusion This systematic review summarises the available data on linkage to care/ART initiation following community-based detection of HIV, to help researchers and policy makers evaluate findings. The available evidence suggests that different approaches to community-based HTS including HB-HTS and CLB-HTS, are equally effective in achieving linkage to care and ART initiation among those detected. Engagement and support for newly diagnosed individuals may be key to achieving all three UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. We also recommend that standardised measures of reporting of steps on the cascade of care are needed, to measure progress against targets and compare across settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Sabapathy
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Bernadette Hensen
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia Varsaneux
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sian Floyd
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Richard Hayes
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Olney JJ, Eaton JW, Braitstein P, Hogan JW, Hallett TB. Optimal timing of HIV home-based counselling and testing rounds in Western Kenya. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25142. [PMID: 29883052 PMCID: PMC5993164 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Weaknesses in care programmes providing anti-retroviral therapy (ART) persist and are often instigated by late HIV diagnosis and poor linkage to care. We investigated the potential for a home-based counselling and testing (HBCT) campaign to be improved through the optimal timing and enhancement of testing rounds to generate greater health outcomes at minimum cost. METHODS Using a mathematical model of HIV care calibrated to longitudinal data from The Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (AMPATH) in Kenya, we simulated HBCT campaigns between 2016 and 2036, assessing the impact and total cost of care for each, for a further 20 years. RESULTS We find that simulating five equally spaced rounds averts 1.53 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) at a cost of $1617 million. By altering the timing of HBCT rounds, a four-round campaign can produce greater impact for lower cost. With "front-loaded" rounds, the cost per DALY averted is reduced by 12% as fewer rounds are required ($937 vs. $1060). Furthermore, improvements to HBCT coverage and linkage to care avert over two million DALYs at a cost per DALY averted of $621 (41% less than the reference scenario). CONCLUSIONS Countries implementing HBCT can reduce costs by optimally timing rounds and generate greater health outcomes through improving linkage, coverage, and retention. Tailoring HBCT campaigns to individual settings can enhance patient outcomes for minimal cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack J Olney
- Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation, Imperial College Business School, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey W Eaton
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Braitstein
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Joseph W Hogan
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Timothy B Hallett
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Gilbert HN, Wyatt MA, Asiimwe S, Turyamureeba B, Tumwesigye E, Van Rooyen H, Barnabas RV, Celum CL, Ware NC. Messaging Circumstances and Economic Pressures as Influences on Linkage to Medical Male Circumcision following Community-Based HIV Testing for Men in Rural Southwest Uganda: A Qualitative Study. AIDS Res Treat 2018; 2018:8387436. [PMID: 29854445 PMCID: PMC5960566 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8387436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Voluntary medical male circumcision (MMC) reduces risk of HIV infection, but uptake remains suboptimal among certain age groups and locations in sub-Saharan Africa. We analysed qualitative data as part of the Linkages Study, a randomized controlled trial to evaluate community-based HIV testing and follow-up as interventions promoting linkage to HIV treatment and prevention in Uganda and South Africa. Fifty-two HIV-negative uncircumcised men participated in the qualitative study. They participated in semistructured individual interviews exploring (a) home HTC experience; (b) responses to test results; (c) efforts to access circumcision services; (d) outcomes of efforts; (e) experiences of follow-up support; and (f) local HIV education and support. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed, and summarized into "linkage summaries." Summaries were analysed inductively to identify the following three thematic experiences shaping men's circumcision choices: (1) intense relief upon receipt of an unanticipated seronegative diagnosis, (2) the role of peer support in overcoming fear, and (3) anticipation of missed economic productivity. Increased attention to the timing of demand creation activities, to who delivers information about the HIV prevention benefits of MMC, and to the importance of missed income during recovery as a barrier to uptake promises to strengthen and sharpen future MMC demand creation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N. Gilbert
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Monique A. Wyatt
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Global, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Heidi Van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Connie L. Celum
- Department of Global Health, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Norma C. Ware
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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43
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Huerga H, Van Cutsem G, Ben Farhat J, Puren A, Bouhenia M, Wiesner L, Dlamini L, Maman D, Ellman T, Etard JF. Progress towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals by age and gender in a rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a household-based community cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:303. [PMID: 29499668 PMCID: PMC5833029 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has developed an ambitious strategy to end the AIDS epidemic. After eight years of antiretroviral therapy (ART) program we assessed progress towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets in Mbongolwane and Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional household-based community survey using a two-stage stratified cluster probability sampling strategy. Persons aged 15-59 years were eligible. We used face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaires to collect information on history of HIV testing and care. Rapid HIV testing was performed on site and venous blood specimens collected from HIV-positive participants for antiretroviral drug presence test, CD4 count and viral load. At the time of the survey the CD4 threshold for ART initiation was 350 cells/μL. We calculated progression towards the 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets by estimating three proportions: HIV positive individuals who knew their status (first 90), those diagnosed who were on ART (second 90), and those on ART who were virally suppressed (third 90). RESULTS We included 5649/6688 (84.5%) individuals. Median age was 26 years (IQR: 19-40), 62.3% were women. HIV prevalence was 25.2% (95% CI: 23.6-26.9): 30.9% (95% CI: 29.0-32.9) in women; 15.9% (95% CI: 14.0-18.0) in men. Overall progress towards the 90-90-90 targets was as follows: 76.4% (95% CI: 74.1-78.6) knew their status, 69.9% (95% CI: 67.0-72.7) of those who knew their status were on ART and 93.1% (95% CI: 91.0-94.8) of those on ART were virally suppressed. By sex, progress towards the 90-90-90 targets was: 79%-71%-93% among women; and 68%-68%-92% among men (p-values of women and men comparisons were < 0.001, 0.443 and 0.584 respectively). By age, progress was: 83%-75%-95% among individuals aged 30-59 years and 64%-58%-89% among those aged 15-29 years (p-values of age groups comparisons were < 0.001, < 0.001 and 0.011 respectively). CONCLUSIONS In this context of high HIV prevalence, significant progress has been achieved with regards to reaching the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. The third 90, viral suppression in people on ART, was achieved among women and men. However, gaps persist in HIV diagnosis and ART coverage particularly in men and individuals younger than 30 years. Achieving 90-90-90 is feasible but requires additional investment to reach youth and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Huerga
- Clinical Research, Epicentre, 8 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France
| | - Gilles Van Cutsem
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jihane Ben Farhat
- Clinical Research, Epicentre, 8 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France
| | - Adrian Puren
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the NHLS, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Malika Bouhenia
- Clinical Research, Epicentre, 8 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France
| | - Lubbe Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda Dlamini
- Department of Health, District, Empangeni, Uthungulu, South Africa
| | - David Maman
- Clinical Research, Epicentre, 8 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France
| | - Tom Ellman
- Medical Department, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jean-François Etard
- Clinical Research, Epicentre, 8 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France
- IRD UMI 233, INSERM U1175, Université de Montpellier, Unité TransVIHMI, Montpellier, France
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44
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Naik R, Zembe W, Adigun F, Jackson E, Tabana H, Jackson D, Feeley F, Doherty T. What Influences Linkage to Care After Home-Based HIV Counseling and Testing? AIDS Behav 2018. [PMID: 28643242 PMCID: PMC5847222 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1830-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To maximize the benefits of test and treat strategies that utilize community-based HIV testing, clients who test positive must link to care in a timely manner. However, linkage rates across the HIV treatment cascade are typically low and little is known about what might facilitate or hinder care-seeking behavior. This qualitative study was conducted within a home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT) intervention in South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 HBHCT clients who tested HIV positive to explore what influenced their care-seeking behavior. A set of field notes for 196 additional HBHCT clients who tested HIV positive at home were also reviewed and analyzed. Content analysis showed that linkage to care is influenced by a myriad of factors at the individual, relationship, community, and health system levels. These factors subtly interact and at times reinforce each other. While some factors such as belief in test results, coping ability, social support, and prior experiences with the health system affect clients’ desire and motivation to seek care, others such as limited time and resources affect their agency to do so. To ensure that the benefits of community-based testing models are realized through timely linkage to care, programs and interventions must take into account and address clients’ emotions, motivation levels, living situations, relationship dynamics, responsibilities, and personal resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma Naik
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Population Reference Bureau, 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 520, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Wanga Zembe
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Fatima Adigun
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Jackson
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Hanani Tabana
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Debra Jackson
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Frank Feeley
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tanya Doherty
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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45
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Maughan-Brown B, Smith P, Kuo C, Harrison A, Lurie MN, Bekker LG, Galárraga O. Readiness for Antiretroviral Therapy: Implications for Linking HIV-Infected Individuals to Care and Treatment. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:691-700. [PMID: 28752353 PMCID: PMC5785568 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1834-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Using survey data collected immediately after referral for ART (N = 87), this study examined ART-readiness among individuals (18 years and older) attending a mobile health clinic in South Africa. Most participants reported being very ready (84%) and motivated (85%) to start ART, but only 72% were assessed as ready for ART on all measures. Treatment readiness was lower among individuals who did not think they would test HIV-positive (aOR 0.26, p < 0.05) and among individuals who reported being in good health (aOR 0.44, p < 0.1). In contrast, higher readiness was associated with better ART knowledge (aOR 4.31, p < 0.05) and knowing someone who had experienced positive health effects from ART (aOR 2.65, p < 0.05). Results indicate that post-test counselling will need to be designed to deal with surprise at HIV diagnosis, and that health messaging needs to be carefully crafted to support uptake of ART among HIV-positive but healthy individuals. Further research is needed on effective post-test counselling approaches and effective framing of health messaging to increase awareness of the multiple positive benefits of early ART initiation and corresponding readiness to engage in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Maughan-Brown
- Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Private Bag Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa.
| | - Philip Smith
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Caroline Kuo
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abigail Harrison
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mark N Lurie
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Omar Galárraga
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice (HSPP), Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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46
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Ruzagira E, Grosskurth H, Kamali A, Baisley K. Brief counselling after home-based HIV counselling and testing strongly increases linkage to care: a cluster-randomized trial in Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 20. [PMID: 29052344 PMCID: PMC5810339 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study was to determine whether counselling provided subsequent to HIV testing and referral for care increases linkage to care among HIV‐positive persons identified through home‐based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) in Masaka, Uganda. Methods The study was an open‐label cluster‐randomized trial. 28 rural communities were randomly allocated (1:1) to intervention (HBHCT, referral and counselling at one and two months) or control (HBHCT and referral only). HIV‐positive care‐naïve adults (≥18 years) were enrolled. To conceal participants’ HIV status, one HIV‐negative person was recruited for every three HIV‐positive participants. Primary outcomes were linkage to care (clinic‐verified registration for care) status at six months, and time to linkage. Primary analyses were intention‐to‐treat using random effects logistic regression or Cox regression with shared frailty, as appropriate. Results Three hundred and two(intervention, n = 149; control, n = 153) HIV‐positive participants were enrolled. Except for travel time to the nearest HIV clinic, baseline participant characteristics were generally balanced between trial arms. Retention was similar across trial arms (92% overall). One hundred and twenty‐seven (42.1%) participants linked to care: 76 (51.0%) in the intervention arm versus 51 (33.3%) in the control arm [odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–3.78; p = 0.008)]. There was evidence of interaction between trial arm and follow‐up time (p = 0.009). The probability of linkage to care, did not differ between arms in the first two months of follow‐up, but was subsequently higher in the intervention arm versus the control arm [hazard ratio = 4.87, 95% CI = 1.79–13.27, p = 0.002]. Conclusions Counselling substantially increases linkage to care among HIV‐positive adults identified through HBHCT and may enhance efforts to increase antiretroviral therapy coverage in sub‐Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Ruzagira
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Heiner Grosskurth
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anatoli Kamali
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda.,International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, USA
| | - Kathy Baisley
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Ruzagira E, Baisley K, Kamali A, Grosskurth H. Factors associated with uptake of home-based HIV counselling and testing and HIV care services among identified HIV-positive persons in Masaka, Uganda. AIDS Care 2018; 30:879-887. [PMID: 29463099 PMCID: PMC5964441 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1441967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We investigated uptake of home-based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) and HIV care services post-HBHCT in order to inform the design of future HBHCT programmes. We used data from an open-label cluster-randomised controlled trial which had demonstrated the effectiveness of a post-HBHCT counselling intervention in increasing linkage to HIV care. HBHCT was offered to adults (≥18 years) from 28 rural communities in Masaka, Uganda; consenting HIV-positive care naïve individuals were enrolled and referred for care. The trial's primary outcome was linkage to HIV care (clinic-verified registration for care) six months post-HBHCT. Random effects logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with HBHCT uptake, linkage to care, CD4 count receipt, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation; all analyses of uptake of post-HBHCT services were adjusted for trial arm allocation. Of 13,455 adults offered HBHCT, 12,100 (89.9%) accepted. HBHCT uptake was higher among men [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.36] than women, and decreased with increasing age. Of 551 (4.6%) persons who tested HIV-positive, 205 (37.2%) were in care. Of those not in care, 302 (87.3%) were enrolled in the trial and of these, 42.1% linked to care, 35.4% received CD4 counts, and 29.8% initiated ART at 6 months post-HBHCT. None of the investigated factors was associated with linkage to care. CD4 count receipt was lower in individuals who lived ≥30 min from an HIV clinic (aOR 0.60, 95%CI = 0.34-1.06) versus those who lived closer. ART initiation was higher in older individuals (≥45 years versus <25 years, aOR 2.14, 95% CI = 0.98-4.65), and lower in single (aOR 0.60, 95% CI = 0.28-1.31) or divorced/separated/widowed (aOR 0.47, 95% CI = 0.23-0.93) individuals versus those married/cohabiting. HBHCT was highly acceptable but uptake of post-HBHCT care was low. Other than post-HBHCT counselling, this study did not identify specific issues that require addressing to further improve linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Ruzagira
- a Department Infectious Disease and Epidemiology , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom.,b MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS , Entebbe , Uganda
| | - Kathy Baisley
- a Department Infectious Disease and Epidemiology , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom
| | - Anatoli Kamali
- b MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS , Entebbe , Uganda.,c International AIDS Vaccine Initiative , New York , USA
| | - Heiner Grosskurth
- a Department Infectious Disease and Epidemiology , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom
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48
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McGovern ME, Herbst K, Tanser F, Mutevedzi T, Canning D, Gareta D, Pillay D, Bärnighausen T. Do gifts increase consent to home-based HIV testing? A difference-in-differences study in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Int J Epidemiol 2018; 45:2100-2109. [PMID: 27940483 PMCID: PMC5841834 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyw122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the importance of HIV testing for controlling the HIV epidemic, testing rates remain low. Efforts to scale up testing coverage and frequency in hard-to-reach and at-risk populations commonly focus on home-based HIV testing. This study evaluates the effect of a gift (a US$5 food voucher for families) on consent rates for home-based HIV testing. Methods We use data on 18 478 individuals (6 418 men and 12 060 women) who were successfully contacted to participate in the 2009 and 2010 population-based HIV surveillance carried out by the Wellcome Trust's Africa Health Research Institute in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Of 18 478 potential participants contacted in both years, 35% (6 518) consented to test in 2009, and 41% (7 533) consented to test in 2010. Our quasi-experimental difference-in-differences approach controls for unobserved confounding in estimating the causal effect of the intervention on HIV-testing consent rates. Results Allocation of the gift to a family in 2010 increased the probability of family members consenting to test in the same year by 25 percentage points [95% confidence interval (CI) 21-30 percentage points; P < 0.001]. The intervention effect persisted, slightly attenuated, in the year following the intervention (2011). Conclusions In HIV hyperendemic settings, a gift can be highly effective at increasing consent rates for home-based HIV testing. Given the importance of HIV testing for treatment uptake and individual health, as well as for HIV treatment-as-prevention strategies and for monitoring the population impact of the HIV response, gifts should be considered as a supportive intervention for HIV-testing initiatives where consent rates have been low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E McGovern
- CHaRMS - Centre for Health Research at the Management School, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland.,Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
| | - Kobus Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa.,School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - David Canning
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, MA, USA.,Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge 02144, MA, USA
| | - Dickman Gareta
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
| | - Deenan Pillay
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, MA, USA.,Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge 02144, MA, USA.,Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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49
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Measures and Metrics for Feasibility of Proof-of-Concept Studies With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Rapid Point-of-Care Technologies: The Evidence and the Framework. POINT OF CARE 2018; 16:141-150. [PMID: 29333105 PMCID: PMC5737458 DOI: 10.1097/poc.0000000000000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objective Pilot (feasibility) studies form a vast majority of diagnostic studies with point-of-care technologies but often lack use of clear measures/metrics and a consistent framework for reporting and evaluation. To fill this gap, we systematically reviewed data to (a) catalog feasibility measures/metrics and (b) propose a framework. Methods For the period January 2000 to March 2014, 2 reviewers searched 4 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus), retrieved 1441 citations, and abstracted data from 81 studies. We observed 2 major categories of measures, that is, implementation centered and patient centered, and 4 subcategories of measures, that is, feasibility, acceptability, preference, and patient experience. We defined and delineated metrics and measures for a feasibility framework. We documented impact measures for a comparison. Findings We observed heterogeneity in reporting of metrics as well as misclassification and misuse of metrics within measures. Although we observed poorly defined measures and metrics for feasibility, preference, and patient experience, in contrast, acceptability measure was the best defined. For example, within feasibility, metrics such as consent, completion, new infection, linkage rates, and turnaround times were misclassified and reported. Similarly, patient experience was variously reported as test convenience, comfort, pain, and/or satisfaction. In contrast, within impact measures, all the metrics were well documented, thus serving as a good baseline comparator. With our framework, we classified, delineated, and defined quantitative measures and metrics for feasibility. Conclusions Our framework, with its defined measures/metrics, could reduce misclassification and improve the overall quality of reporting for monitoring and evaluation of rapid point-of-care technology strategies and their context-driven optimization.
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Meehan SA, Rossouw L, Sloot R, Burger R, Beyers N. Access to human immunodeficiency virus testing services in Cape Town, South Africa: a user perspective. Public Health Action 2017; 7:251-257. [PMID: 29584798 DOI: 10.5588/pha.17.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To compare the availability, affordability and acceptability of two non-governmental organisation (NGO) led human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing service (HTS) modalities (mobile and stand-alone) with HTS at a public primary health care facility. Methods: Adult participants who self-referred for HIV testing were enrolled as they exited the HTS modalities. Data collection using an electronic questionnaire took place between November 2014 and February 2015. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess differences in the participants' demographic characteristics and the availability, affordability and acceptability of HTS between modalities. Results: There were 130 participants included in the study. Irrespective of modality, most participants walked to the service provider, had a travel time of <30 min and reported no costs. Participants were less likely to report waiting times of ⩾30 min compared to <15 min at the mobile modality compared to the public facility (aOR < 0.001, 95%CI < 0.001-0.03). Conclusion: Irrespective of modality, HIV testing services were available and affordable in our study. Waiting times were significantly higher at the public facility compared to the NGO modalities. As South Africa moves toward achieving the first UNAIDS target, it is essential not only to make HTS available and affordable, but also to ensure that these services are acceptable, especially to those who have never been tested before.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-A Meehan
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - L Rossouw
- Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R Sloot
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Burger
- Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N Beyers
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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