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Gómez Castellá J, Díaz Franco A, Polo Rodríguez R, del Amo Valero J. Approaches to STI Prevention and Control in a Highly Decentralized State: An Integrative Review. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:725646. [PMID: 36303634 PMCID: PMC9580633 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.725646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Spanish health system is highly decentralized and Autonomous Regions (AR) are responsible for managing and implementing the National Strategic Plan for Prevention and Control of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) (2013–2020) via autonomous plans adapted to the characteristics of each region. The aim of this study is to report on actions taken to specifically address STI prevention and control in the autonomous plans within the mainframe of the National Strategic Plan. An integrative review was performed to analyse the health plans and HIV/STI plans of the Spanish AR during the period of validity of the current National Strategic Plan; 2013–2020. Plans were selected attending to specificity and whether strategies were in force during the year 2020. Our gatherings show that plans are largely focused to HIV prevention and control and, to a lesser extent, to STI prevention. The analysis on pre-existing resources for care of STI varied by region, and epidemiological surveillance systems for STI notification were not completely adopted by all of them. Particularly noteworthy are information campaigns, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, and prevention activities in community settings. The remarkable lack of studies concerning STI resources and investment in Spain highlights the necessity of consensus-based tools for evaluation and future planning of STI prevention and control measures. The high degree of heterogeneity among plans for prevention of HIV infection and STIs also points out a high number of different areas for improvement in the development of new AR plans in HIV/STI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gómez Castellá
- National Plan on AIDS, Ministry of Health, Madrid, Spain
- University of Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Javier Gómez Castellá
| | - Asunción Díaz Franco
- National Plan on AIDS, Ministry of Health, Madrid, Spain
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Standardised protocol for a prospective cross-sectional multicentre clinical utility evaluation of two dual point-of-care tests in non-clinical settings for the screening of HIV and syphilis in men who have sex with men. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055275. [PMID: 35676020 PMCID: PMC9185395 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055275] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Point-of-care dual tests (POCTs) for simultaneously detecting antibodies to HIV and syphilis (dual HIV-syphilis POCTs) have been developed recently and show encouraging performance compared with the reference tests in laboratory-based studies. As community-based voluntary, counselling and testing (CBVCT) services are effective providers of HIV and syphilis testing and counselling with high acceptability among men who have sex with men (MSM), the evaluation of the utility of these dual tests in CBVCT services is a high priority. This prospective cross-sectional study will conduct a clinical utility evaluation of two dual POCTs in non-clinical settings for the screening of HIV and syphilis in MSM. This master protocol outlines the overall research approach that will be used in four countries. METHODS AND ANALYSIS MSM presenting at CBVCT services participating in the study for HIV/STI screening will be enrolled. The (WHO preapproved) dual POCTs to be evaluated will be SD Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo (Abbot) and Dual Path Platform HIV-Syphilis Assay (Chembio). Trained staff will collect a capillary blood sample using finger prick blood to perform both POCTs according the manufacturers' instructions. An analysis of the feasibility of introducing the dual POCT for the screening of HIV and syphilis in MSM at CBVCT services will be performed, by assessing its acceptability and usability at CBVCT service among MSM users and providers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This core protocol was independently peer reviewed and approved by the Research Project Review Panel (RP2) of the WHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and by the WHO Ethics Review Committee (ERC). The protocol has been adapted to individual countries and approved by RP2, ERC and institutional review boards at each site. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and relevant conferences.
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3
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Stutterheim SE, van Dijk M, Wang H, Jonas KJ. The worldwide burden of HIV in transgender individuals: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260063. [PMID: 34851961 PMCID: PMC8635361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transgender individuals are at risk for HIV. HIV risks are dynamic and there have been substantial changes in HIV prevention (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]). It is thus time to revisit HIV prevalence and burden among transgender individuals. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was thus to examine worldwide prevalence and burden of HIV over the course of the epidemic among trans feminine and trans masculine individuals. Methods We conducted an updated systematic review by searching PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, for studies of any research design published in in a peer-reviewed journal in any language that reported HIV prevalence among transgender individuals published between January 2000 and January 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed methodological quality. We then conducted a meta-analysis, using random-effects modelling, to ascertain standardized prevalence and the relative burden of HIV carried by transgender individuals by country and year of data collection, and then by geographic region. We additionally explored the impact of sampling methods and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Results Based on 98 studies, overall standardized HIV prevalence over the course of the epidemic, based on weights from each country by year, was 19.9% (95% CI 14.7% - 25.1%) for trans feminine individuals (n = 48,604) and 2.56% (95% CI 0.0% - 5.9%) for trans masculine individuals (n = 6460). Overall OR for HIV infection, compared with individuals over age 15, was 66.0 (95% CI 51.4–84.8) for trans feminine individuals and 6.8 (95% CI 3.6–13.1) for trans masculine individuals. Prevalence varied by geographic region (13.5% - 29.9%) and sampling method (5.4% - 37.8%). Lastly, PrEP effects on prevalence could not be established. Conclusion Trans feminine and trans masculine individuals are disproportionately burdened by HIV. Their unique prevention and care needs should be comprehensively addressed. Future research should further investigate the impact of sampling methods on HIV prevalence, and monitor the potential impact of PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Stutterheim
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Mart van Dijk
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Haoyi Wang
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kai J. Jonas
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Munck HNM, Qvist T, Helleberg M, Kaye PS, Pichon F, Cowan S. At-Risk Groups of Men Who Have Sex With Men Can Be Reached Through Community-Based HIV Testing in Denmark. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2021; 33:439-449. [PMID: 34369829 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2021.33.5.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates whether the community-based HIV testing clinic Checkpoint could reach at-risk groups of men who have sex with men (MSM) and link patients to care. A prospective observational study of all Checkpoint visits during 2013-2016 and a retrospective registry study of all MSM diagnosed with HIV in Denmark during the same period were conducted. One percent of the 9,074 tests in Checkpoint were HIV-positive, accounting for 19% of all new HIV diagnoses among MSM in Denmark. Checkpoint testers reported frequent condomless anal sex. Two percent of migrant Checkpoint testers were HIV-positive compared to 1 % among Danish MSM. HIV-positive MSM identified through Checkpoint were significantly younger, more of them were migrant, and a smaller proportion were late testers compared to those testing through the conventional health care system. Checkpoint reaches at-risk populations of MSM and links patients successfully to care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tavs Qvist
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Helleberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Susan Cowan
- Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Blood-Borne Viruses, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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5
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Fernàndez-López L, Klavs I, Conway A, Kustec T, Serdt M, Baros S, Staneková DV, Lemsalu L, Wawer I, Wysocki P, Casabona J. Recommendations for collection and integration of community-based testing and linkage to care data into national surveillance, monitoring and evaluation systems for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections: results from the INTEGRATE Joint Action. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:794. [PMID: 34517821 PMCID: PMC8438807 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06499-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND National testing strategy, including monitoring and evaluation, is critical in responding to HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and viral hepatitis. Community-based voluntary counselling and testing contributes to early HIV diagnoses among key populations. Countries providing community-based testing, should integrate some core data on testing and linkage to care in these services into national surveillance and monitoring and evaluation systems. This study aimed to support the integration of community-based voluntary counselling and testing data into respective national surveillance and M&E systems for those infections. METHODS Preliminary consensus on indicators for the integration of community-based voluntary counselling and testing data into respective national surveillance and monitoring and evaluation systems was reached. Pilot studies were conducted in Estonia, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. After pilot activities were implemented, the final consensus on indicators was reached. An analysis of the facilitators and barriers faced during pilot studies was conducted to inform the final recommendations for implementation. RESULTS The minimum set of six indicators to be integrated into national surveillance and monitoring and evaluation systems were: number of tests, number of clients tested, reactivity rate for tests and clients, positivity (active infection) rates for tests and clients, linkage to care rates for clients with reactive and/or positive test result, proportion of all new diagnoses in a country with first reactive test result at community-based voluntary counselling and testing service. Seven additional indicators were identified. Each indicator should be disaggregated by key population, sex and age group. A list of 10 recommendations for the collection and integration of community-based voluntary counselling and testing data into national surveillance and monitoring and evaluation systems for HIV, sexually transmitted infections and viral hepatitis was identified. CONCLUSIONS Integration of some community-based voluntary counselling and testing monitoring and evaluation data into national surveillance and monitoring and evaluation systems in all pilot countries was achieved. The recommendations will support such integration in other European countries. European Centre for Prevention and Control of Diseases included questions from the minimum list of indicators into their Dublin Declaration questionnaire 2020 to contribute to evidence based community testing policies in European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernàndez-López
- Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, Centre of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Badalona, Spain.
- Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Irena Klavs
- National Institute of Public Health, Trubarjeva 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anna Conway
- Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, Centre of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Badalona, Spain
- Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Tanja Kustec
- National Institute of Public Health, Trubarjeva 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Serdt
- National Institute of Public Health, Trubarjeva 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sladjana Baros
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Liis Lemsalu
- Department of Drug and Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Iwona Wawer
- National AIDS Centre, The Agency of the Ministry of Health, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Wysocki
- National AIDS Centre, The Agency of the Ministry of Health, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, Centre of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Badalona, Spain
- Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine, Univ Autonoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
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Chan C, Patel P, Johnson K, Vaughan M, Price K, McNulty A, Templeton DJ, Read P, Cunningham P, Grulich AE, Bavinton BR. Community-based peer-led HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing services in Sydney for gay and bisexual men captured an eighth of new HIV diagnoses in New South Wales, Australia. AIDS 2021; 35:1878-1880. [PMID: 34397488 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney
| | - David J Templeton
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney
- Department of Sexual Health Medicine and Sexual Assault Medical Service, Sydney Local Health District
- Discipline of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney
- Kirketon Road Centre
| | - Philip Cunningham
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Hospital
- St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Fernàndez-López L, Reyes-Urueña J, Conway A, Saz J, Morales A, Quezadas J, Baroja J, Rafel A, Pazos A, Avellaneda A, Meroño M, Andreo L, Romero L, Lara A, Otón A, Rifà B, Mansilla R, Colom J, Casabona J. The contribution of HIV point-of-care tests in early HIV diagnosis: community-based HIV testing monitoring in Catalonia, 1995 to 2018. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 25. [PMID: 33124552 PMCID: PMC7596919 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.43.1900424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Community-based HIV testing services combined with the use of point-of-care tests (POCT) have the potential to improve early diagnosis through increasing availability, accessibility and uptake of HIV testing. Aim To describe community-based HIV testing activity in Catalonia, Spain, from 1995 to 2018, and to evaluate the impact of HIV POCT on the HIV continuum of care. Methods A community-based network of voluntary counselling and testing services in Catalonia, Spain has been collecting systematic data on activity, process and results since 1995. A descriptive analysis was performed on pooled data, describing the data in terms of people tested and reactive screening test results. Results Between 1995 and 2018, 125,876 HIV tests were performed (2.1% reactive). Since the introduction of HIV POCT in 2007, a large increase in the number of tests performed was observed, reaching 14,537 tests alone in 2018 (1.3% reactive). Men who have sex with men (MSM), as a proportion of all people tested, has increased greatly over time reaching 74.7% in 2018. The highest percentage of reactive tests was found in people who inject drugs followed by MSM. The contribution of community-based HIV testing to the overall total notified cases in the Catalonia HIV registry has gradually increased, reaching 37.9% in 2018, and 70% of all MSM cases. In 2018, the percentage of individuals with a reactive screening test who were linked to care was 89.0%. Conclusion Our study reinforces the important role that community-based HIV POCT has on the diagnosis of HIV in key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernàndez-López
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.,Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalan Health Department, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juliana Reyes-Urueña
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.,Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalan Health Department, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Conway
- The Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalan Health Department, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Jaime Quezadas
- Associació Ciutadana Antisida de Catalunya (ACASC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Baroja
- Centre Jove d'Atenció a les Sexualitats (CJAS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Rafel
- Associació Antisida de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Lorena Andreo
- CAS/ARD Lluís Companys, Creu Roja Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluís Romero
- Assexora'Tgn (Associacio Comunitària de Salut Sexual del Camp de Tarragona), Tarragona, Spain
| | - Anna Lara
- Associació Comunitària Anti Sida de Girona (ACAS), Girona, Spain
| | | | - Benet Rifà
- Programme for Prevention, Control and Treatment of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain.,Section for Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Mansilla
- Programme for Prevention, Control and Treatment of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain.,Section for Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Programme for Prevention, Control and Treatment of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.,Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalan Health Department, Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Dara M, Ehsani S, Mozalevskis A, Vovc E, Simões D, Avellon Calvo A, Casabona I Barbarà J, Chokoshvili O, Felker I, Hoffner S, Kalmambetova G, Noroc E, Shubladze N, Skrahina A, Tahirli R, Tsertsvadze T, Drobniewski F. Tuberculosis, HIV, and viral hepatitis diagnostics in eastern Europe and central Asia: high time for integrated and people-centred services. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 20:e47-e53. [PMID: 31740252 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Globally, high rates (and in the WHO European region an increasing prevalence) of co-infection with tuberculosis and HIV and HIV and hepatitis C virus exist. In eastern European and central Asian countries, the tuberculosis, HIV, and viral hepatitis programmes, including diagnostic services, are separate vertical structures. In this Personal View, we consider underlying reasons for the poor integration for these diseases, particularly in the WHO European region, and how to address this with an initial focus on diagnostic services. In part, this low integration has reflected different diagnostic development histories, global funding sources, and sample types used for diagnosis (eg, typically sputum for tuberculosis and blood for HIV and hepatitis C). Cooperation between services improved as patients with tuberculosis needed routine testing for HIV and vice versa, but financial, infection control, and logistical barriers remain. Multidisease diagnostic platforms exist, but to be used optimally, appropriate staff training and sensible understanding of different laboratory and infection control risks needs rapid implementation. Technically these ideas are all feasible. Poor coordination between these vertical systems remains unhelpful. There is a need to increase political and operational integration of diagnostic and treatment services and bring them closer to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Dara
- Communicable Diseases Department, Division of Health Emergencies and Communicable Diseases, Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Soudeh Ehsani
- Joint Tuberculosis, HIV and Viral Hepatitis Programme, Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Antons Mozalevskis
- Joint Tuberculosis, HIV and Viral Hepatitis Programme, Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elena Vovc
- Joint Tuberculosis, HIV and Viral Hepatitis Programme, Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Simões
- EPI Unit, Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Avellon Calvo
- Hepatitis Unit, National Center of Microbiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona I Barbarà
- Center for Epidemiological Studies on STI and AIDS in Catalonia and Research Network on Biomedical Research, Epidemiology and Public Health, Catalan Agency of Public Health, Badalona, Spain
| | - Otar Chokoshvili
- Infectious diseases and Clinical Immunology Research Center, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Irina Felker
- Scientific department, Novosibirsk Tuberculosis Research Institute, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sven Hoffner
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ecatarina Noroc
- National AIDS Programme, Dermatology and Communicable Diseases Hospital, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Natalia Shubladze
- National Reference Laboratory, National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Alena Skrahina
- Clinical department, Republican Scientific and Practical Centre for Pulmonology and Tuberculosis, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Rasim Tahirli
- Laboratory for Medical Service, Specialized Treatment Institution, Main Medical Department, Ministry of Justice, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Tengiz Tsertsvadze
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Immunology Research Center, Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Francis Drobniewski
- Global Health and Tuberculosis, Imperial College London, London, UK; WHO European Laboratory Initiative on Tuberculosis, HIV and Viral hepatitis, WHO Regional Office of Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Reyes-Urueña J, Fernàndez-Lopez L, Montoliu A, Conway A, Tavoschi L, Klavs I, Cosmaro L, Eibl I, Dominković Z, Pichon F, Casabona J. Assessing the quality of routine HIV testing data in the community setting 'COBATEST Network'. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:999-1008. [PMID: 31335272 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419857572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COBATEST Network of Community-Based Voluntary Counselling and STI/HIV Testing (CBVCT) services was created to standardise monitoring and evaluation of CBVCT services across Europe. This study aims to assess the quality of data collected in the network from 2015 to 2016. A survey was completed by 34 COBATEST Network members and an evaluation was performed of data quality based on three dimensions: transcription validity, completeness and consistency. The weakest area that we identified was data management processes. Only 8.8% of services had a written procedure to address data quality errors, 29.4% had procedures in place to resolve discrepancies and 35.3% performed quality control. We found that 41.2% of services utilised the COBATEST data, 11.8% made decisions based on the COBATEST data and 61.8% analysed their data in an independent manner for internal purposes. We conclude that while services have reliable data to support planning and management of services, improvements to quality procedures would ensure data are translated into evidence. This evidence would support further expansion of CBVCT services in the EU/EEA, including the integration of CBVCT-generated data into national surveillance systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Reyes-Urueña
- 1 Centre for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/STI in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia, Spain.,2 Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - L Fernàndez-Lopez
- 1 Centre for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/STI in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia, Spain.,2 Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,3 CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - A Montoliu
- 1 Centre for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/STI in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia, Spain.,2 Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,3 CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - A Conway
- 1 Centre for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/STI in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia, Spain.,2 Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - L Tavoschi
- 4 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden.,5 Department of Translational research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Klavs
- 6 National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - I Eibl
- 8 Aids Hilfe Wien, Austria
| | - Z Dominković
- 9 Iskorak - Sexual and Gender minorities' Rights Centre, Croatia
| | - F Pichon
- 10 The Danish AIDS Foundation, Denmark
| | - J Casabona
- 1 Centre for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/STI in Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia, Spain.,2 Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.,3 CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
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