1
|
Astawesegn FH, Mannan H, Stulz V, Conroy E. Understanding the uptake and determinants of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services in East Africa: Mixed methods systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300606. [PMID: 38635647 PMCID: PMC11025786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV service is conceptualized as a series of cascades that begins with all pregnant women and ends with the detection of a final HIV status in HIV-exposed infants (HEIs). A low rate of cascade completion by mothers' results in an increased risk of HIV transmission to their infants. Therefore, this review aimed to understand the uptake and determinants of key PMTCT services cascades in East Africa. METHODS We searched CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, and AIM databases using a predetermined search strategy to identify studies published from January 2012 through to March 2022 on the uptake and determinants of PMTCT of HIV services. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A random-effects model was used to obtain pooled estimates of (i) maternal HIV testing (ii) maternal ART initiation, (iii) infant ARV prophylaxis and (iv) early infant diagnosis (EID). Factors from quantitative studies were reviewed using a coding template based on the domains of the Andersen model (i.e., environmental, predisposing, enabling and need factors) and qualitative studies were reviewed using a thematic synthesis approach. RESULTS The searches yielded 2231 articles and we systematically reduced to 52 included studies. Forty quantitative, eight qualitative, and four mixed methods papers were located containing evidence on the uptake and determinants of PMTCT services. The pooled proportions of maternal HIV test and ART uptake in East Africa were 82.6% (95% CI: 75.6-88.0%) and 88.3% (95% CI: 78.5-93.9%). Similarly, the pooled estimates of infant ARV prophylaxis and EID uptake were 84.9% (95% CI: 80.7-88.3%) and 68.7% (95% CI: 57.6-78.0) respectively. Key factors identified were the place of residence, stigma, the age of women, the educational status of both parents, marital status, socioeconomic status, Knowledge about HIV/PMTCT, access to healthcare facilities, attitudes/perceived benefits towards PMTCT services, prior use of maternal and child health (MCH) services, and healthcare-related factors like resource scarcity and insufficient follow-up supervision. CONCLUSION Most of the identified factors were modifiable and should be considered when formulating policies and planning interventions. Hence, promoting women's education and economic empowerment, strengthening staff supervision, improving access to and integration with MCH services, and actively involving the community to reduce stigma are suggested. Engaging community health workers and expert mothers can also help to share the workload of healthcare providers because of the human resource shortage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feleke Hailemichael Astawesegn
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Haider Mannan
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Virginia Stulz
- School of Nursing and Midwifery Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Conroy
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiang W, Ronen K, Osborn L, Drake AL, Unger JA, Matemo D, Richardson BA, Kinuthia J, John-Stewart G. HIV Viral Load Patterns and Risk Factors Among Women in Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission Programs to Inform Differentiated Service Delivery. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:246-254. [PMID: 37977207 PMCID: PMC10922247 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiated service delivery (DSD) approaches decrease frequency of clinic visits for individuals who are stable on antiretroviral therapy. It is unclear how to optimize DSD models for postpartum women living with HIV (PWLH). We evaluated longitudinal HIV viral load (VL) and cofactors, and modelled DSD eligibility with virologic failure (VF) among PWLH in prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs. METHODS This analysis used programmatic data from participants in the Mobile WAChX trial (NCT02400671). Women were assessed for DSD eligibility using the World Health Organization criteria among general people living with HIV (receiving antiretroviral therapy for ≥6 months and having at least 1 suppressed VL [<1000 copies/mL] within the past 6 months). Longitudinal VL patterns were summarized using group-based trajectory modelling. VF was defined as having a subsequent VL ≥1000 copies/mL after being assessed as DSD-eligible. Predictors of VF were determined using log-binomial models among DSD-eligible PWLH. RESULTS Among 761 women with 3359 VL results (median 5 VL per woman), a 3-trajectory model optimally summarized longitudinal VL, with most (80.8%) women having sustained low probability of unsuppressed VL. Among women who met DSD criteria at 6 months postpartum, most (83.8%) maintained viral suppression until 24 months. Residence in Western Kenya, depression, reported interpersonal abuse, unintended pregnancy, nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy, low-level viremia (VL 200-1000 copies/mL), and drug resistance were associated with VF among DSD-eligible PWLH. CONCLUSIONS Most postpartum women maintained viral suppression from early postpartum to 24 months and may be suitable for DSD referral. Women with depression, drug resistance, and detectable VL need enhanced services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keshet Ronen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lusi Osborn
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alison L. Drake
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Unger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel Matemo
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Barbra A. Richardson
- Departments of Biostatistics and Global Health, University of Washington, Division of Vaccine and Infectious Disease, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, Pediatrics, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Urrio RF, Lyatuu GW, Sando D, Mahande MJ, Philipo E, Naburi H, Lyaruu P, Kimonge A, Mayogu K, Simba B, Kibao AM, Msangi M, Zeebari Z, Biberfeld G, Ekström AM, Kilewo C, Kågesten AE. Long-term retention on antiretroviral treatment after enrolment in prevention of vertical HIV transmission services: a prospective cohort study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26186. [PMID: 38332522 PMCID: PMC10853596 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To prevent vertical HIV transmission and ensure healthy mothers and children, pregnant women with HIV must remain on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for life. However, motivation to remain on ART may decline beyond the standard 2-year breastfeeding/postpartum period. We assessed attrition and retention in ART care among women with HIV up to 6 years since enrolment in vertical transmission prevention services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS A prospective cohort of 22,631 pregnant women with HIV were enrolled in vertical transmission prevention services between January 2015 and December 2017 in routine healthcare settings and followed-up to July 2021. Kaplan-Meier was used to estimate time to ART attrition (died, stopped ART or was lost to follow-up [no show ≥90 days since scheduled appointment]) and the proportion retained in care. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of ART attrition in relation to predictors. RESULTS Participants were followed-up to 6 years for a median of 3 years (IQR: 0.1-4). The overall ART attrition rate was 13.8 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 13.5-14.1), highest in the first year of enrolment at 27.1 (26.3-27.9), thereafter declined to 9.5 (8.9-10.1) in year 3 and 2.7 (2.1-3.5) in year 6. The proportion of women retained in care were 78%, 69%, 63%, 60%, 57% and 56% at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 years, respectively. ART attrition was higher in young women aged <20 years (aHR 1.63, 95% CI: 1.38-1.92) as compared to 30-39 year-olds and women enrolled late in the third versus first trimester (aHR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16-1.44). In contrast, attrition was lower in older women ≥40 years, women who initiated ART before versus during the index pregnancy and women attending higher-level health facilities. CONCLUSIONS ART attrition among women with HIV remains highest in the first year of enrolment in vertical transmission prevention services and declines markedly following a transition to chronic HIV care. Targeted interventions to improve ART continuity among women with HIV during and beyond prevention of vertical transmission are vital to ending paediatric HIV and keeping women and children alive and healthy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roseline Faustine Urrio
- Management and Development for HealthDar es SalaamTanzania
- Department of Obstetrics and GynacologyMuhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Goodluck Willey Lyatuu
- Management and Development for HealthDar es SalaamTanzania
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - David Sando
- Management and Development for HealthDar es SalaamTanzania
| | | | | | - Helga Naburi
- Department of Pediatric and Child HealthMuhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Peter Lyaruu
- Management and Development for HealthDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Amanda Kimonge
- Management and Development for HealthDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Kasasi Mayogu
- Management and Development for HealthDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Brenda Simba
- Management and Development for HealthDar es SalaamTanzania
| | | | | | - Zangin Zeebari
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Gunnel Biberfeld
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Infectious Disease/VenhälsanSouth General HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Charles Kilewo
- Department of Obstetrics and GynacologyMuhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Anna E. Kågesten
- Department of Global Public HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Azanaw MM, Baraki AG, Yenit MK. Incidence and predictors of loss to follow-up among pregnant and lactating women in the Option B+ PMTCT program in Northwestern Ethiopia: a seven-year retrospective cohort study. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 4:1128988. [PMID: 37529507 PMCID: PMC10389654 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.1128988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although Ethiopia has implemented the Option B+ program over the past 7 years, loss to follow-up among HIV-positive women remains a major problem for antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment. This study was conducted to investigate the number of women who dropped out of follow-up after the Option B+ program. Methods A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 403 pregnant and lactating women between June 2013 and December 2019 at health facilities in Northwest Ethiopia. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify predictors of loss to follow-up. The results were reported as hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) at a significance level of p = 0.05. Results The overall incidence rate of loss to follow-up was 9.4 per 1,000 person-months of observation (95% CI: 7.40-11.90). According to the multivariable Cox regression, rural residency [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 2.30; 95% CI: 1.08-4.88], being a Muslim religion follower (AHR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.23-4.81), having no baseline viral load measurement (AHR: 4.21; 95% CI: 2.23-7.96), being on ART before enrolment (AHR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.15-0.62), having drug side effects (AHR:1.82; 95% CI: 1.01-3.33), same-day ART initiation (AHR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.53-6.84), and having suboptimal adherence level (AHR: 3.96; 95% CI: 2.18-7.19) were significant predictors of loss to follow-up. Conclusion The incidence of loss to follow-up is lower as compared to evidence from most African countries but slightly higher than the WHO target. It is better to strengthen and expand viral load measurements for all women and to pay attention to women residing in rural areas with fair or poor adherence levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melkalem Mamuye Azanaw
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Adhanom Gebreegziabher Baraki
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Kindie Yenit
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiang W, Ronen K, Osborn L, Drake AL, Unger JA, Matemo D, Richardson BA, Kinuthia J, John-Stewart G. Programmatic Retention in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Programs: Estimated Rates and Cofactors Using Different Nonretention Measures. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:106-114. [PMID: 36215980 PMCID: PMC9839514 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs serve women continuing and initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in pregnancy, and follow-up schedules align to delivery rather than ART initiation, making conventional HIV retention measures (assessed from ART initiation) challenging to apply. We evaluated 3 measures of peripartum nonretention in Kenyan women living with HIV from pregnancy to 2 years postpartum. METHODS This longitudinal analysis used programmatic data from the Mobile WAChX trial (NCT02400671). Outcomes included loss to follow-up (LTFU) (no visit for ≥6 months), incomplete visit coverage (<80% of 3-month intervals with a visit), and late visits (>2 weeks after scheduled date). Predictors of nonretention were determined using Cox proportional hazards, log-binomial, and generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS Among 813 women enrolled at a median of 24 weeks gestation, incidence of LTFU was 13.6/100 person-years; cumulative incidence of LTFU by 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum was 16.7%, 20.9%, and 22.5%, respectively. Overall, 35.5% of women had incomplete visit coverage. Among 794 women with 12,437 scheduled visits, a median of 11.1% of visits per woman were late (interquartile range 4.3%-23.5%). Younger age, unsuppressed viral load, unemployment, ART initiation in pregnancy, and nondisclosure were associated with nonretention by all measures. Partner involvement was associated with better visit coverage and timely attendance. Women who became LTFU had higher frequency of previous late visits (16.7% vs. 7.7%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Late visit attendance may be a sentinel indicator of LTFU. Identified cofactors of prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmatic retention may differ depending on retention measure assessed, highlighting the need for standardized measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keshet Ronen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lusi Osborn
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alison L. Drake
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Unger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel Matemo
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Barbra A. Richardson
- Departments of Biostatistics and Global Health, University of Washington, Division of Vaccine and Infectious Disease, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, Pediatrics, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Retention in care and viral suppression in the PMTCT continuum at a large referral facility in western Kenya. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3494-3505. [PMID: 35467229 PMCID: PMC9550706 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03666-w] [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] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Medical records of pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV and their infants attending a large referral facility in Kenya from 2015 to 2019 were analyzed to identify characteristics associated with retention in care and viral suppression. Women were stratified based on the timing of HIV care enrollment: known HIV-positive (KHP; enrolled pre-pregnancy) and newly HIV-positive (NHP; enrolled during pregnancy). Associations with retention at 18 months postpartum and viral suppression (< 1000 copies/mL) were determined. Among 856 women (20% NHP), retention was 83% for KHPs and 53% for NHPs. Viral suppression was 88% for KHPs and 93% for NHPs, but 19% of women were missing viral load results. In a competing risk model, viral suppression increased by 18% for each additional year of age but was not associated with other factors. Overall, 1.9% of 698 infants with ≥ 1 HIV test result were HIV-positive. Tailored interventions are needed to promote retention and viral load testing, particularly for NHPs, in the PMTCT continuum.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sasse SA, Harrington BJ, DiPrete BL, Chagomerana MB, Klyn LL, Wallie SD, Maliwichi M, Jumbe AN, Hoffman IF, Rosenberg NE, Tang JH, Hosseinipour MC. Factors associated with a history of treatment interruption among pregnant women living with HIV in Malawi: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267085. [PMID: 35439264 PMCID: PMC9017884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Long-term care engagement of women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential to effective HIV public health measures. We sought to explore factors associated with a history of HIV treatment interruption among pregnant women living with HIV presenting to an antenatal clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of pregnant women living with HIV who had a history of ART interruption presenting for antenatal care. Women were categorized as either retained in HIV treatment or reinitiating care after loss-to-follow up (LTFU). To understand factors associated with treatment interruption, we surveyed socio-demographic and partner relationship characteristics. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for factors associated with ART interruption were estimated using modified Poisson regression with robust variance. We additionally present patients’ reasons for ART interruption.
Results
We enrolled 541 pregnant women living with HIV (391 retained and 150 reinitiating). The median age was 30 years (interquartile range (IQR): 25–34). Factors associated with a history of LTFU were age <30 years (aPR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.33–1.63), less than a primary school education (aPR 1.25; CI: 1.08–1.46), initiation of ART during pregnancy or breastfeeding (aPR 1.49, CI: 1.37–1.65), nondisclosure of HIV serostatus to their partner (aPR 1.39, CI: 1.24–1.58), lack of awareness of partner’s HIV status (aPR 1.41, CI: 1.27–1.60), and no contraception use at conception (aPR 1.60, CI 1.40–1.98). Access to care challenges were the most common reasons reported by women for treatment interruption (e.g., relocation, transport costs, or misplacing health documentation).
Conclusions
Interventions that simplify the ART clinic transfer process, facilitate partner disclosure, and provide counseling about the importance of lifelong ART beyond pregnancy and breastfeeding should be further evaluated for improving retention in ART treatment of women living with HIV in Malawi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone A. Sasse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- * E-mail:
| | - Bryna J. Harrington
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bethany L. DiPrete
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | | | - Laura Limarzi Klyn
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Shaphil D. Wallie
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Madalitso Maliwichi
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Allan N. Jumbe
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Irving F. Hoffman
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Nora E. Rosenberg
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Health Behavior, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Jennifer H. Tang
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nyakato P, Schomaker M, Fatti G, Tanser F, Euvrard J, Sipambo N, Fox MP, Haas AD, Yiannoutsos CT, Davies MA, Cornell M. Virologic non-suppression and early loss to follow up among pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents aged 15-19 years initiating antiretroviral therapy in South Africa: a retrospective cohort study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25870. [PMID: 35032096 PMCID: PMC8760609 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25870] [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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Older adolescents aged 15–19 years continue to have high rates of loss to follow up (LTFU), and high rates of virologic non‐suppression (VNS) compared to younger adolescents and adults. Adolescent females are at risk of pregnancy, which puts those living with HIV at a dual vulnerability. Our study assessed the factors associated with VNS and LTFU in older adolescents (including pregnant females) who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa. Methods We included adolescents aged 15–19 years initiating ART between 2004 and 2019, with ≥ one viral load (VL) measurement between 4 and 24.5 months, and ≥ 6 months follow‐up, from six South African cohorts of the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS‐Southern Africa (IeDEA‐SA). We defined VNS as VL ≥400 copies/ml and LTFU as not being in care for ≥180 days from ART start and not known as transferred out of the clinic or dead in the first 24 months on ART. We examined factors associated with VNS and LTFU using Fine&Gray competing risk models. Results We included a total of 2733 adolescents, 415 (15.2%) males, median (IQR) age at ART start of 18.6 (17.3, 19.4) years. Among females, 585/2318 (25.2%) were pregnant. Over the 24‐month follow‐up, 424 (15.5%) of all adolescents experienced VNS: range (11.1% pregnant females and 20.5% males). Over half of all adolescents were LTFU before any other event could occur. The hazard of VNS reduced with increasing age and CD4 count above 200 cells/μl at ART initiation among all adolescents having adjusted for all measured patient characteristics [adjusted sub‐distribution hazard ratio (aSHR) 19 vs. 15 years: 0.50 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.68), aSHR: >500 vs. ≤200 cells/μl: 0.22 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.31)]. The effect of CD4 count persisted in pregnant females. Increasing age and CD4 count >200 cells/μl were risk factors for LTFU among all adolescents. Conclusions Older adolescents had a high risk of LTFU shortly after ART start and a low risk of VNS, especially those initiating treatment during pregnancy. Interventions addressing adherence and retention should be incorporated into adolescent‐friendly services to prevent VNS and LTFU and endeavour to trace lost adolescents as soon as they are identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patience Nyakato
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Geoffrey Fatti
- Kheth'Impilo AIDS-Free Living, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Khayelitsha ART Programme and Medecins Sans Frontieres, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nosisa Sipambo
- Harriet Shezi Children's Clinic, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Health Economics & Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andreas D Haas
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Constantin T Yiannoutsos
- Department of Biostatistics, R.M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Phillips TK, Olsen H, Teasdale CA, Geller A, Ts’oeu M, Buono N, Kayira D, Ngeno B, Modi S, Abrams EJ. Uninterrupted HIV treatment for women: Policies and practices for care transitions during pregnancy and breastfeeding in Côte d'Ivoire, Lesotho and Malawi. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260530. [PMID: 34855814 PMCID: PMC8638956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Transitions between services for continued antiretroviral treatment (ART) during and after pregnancy are a commonly overlooked aspect of the HIV care cascade, but ineffective transitions can lead to poor health outcomes for women and their children. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews with 15 key stakeholders from Ministries of Health along with PEPFAR-supported and other in-country non-governmental organizations actively engaged in national programming for adult HIV care and prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services in Côte d'Ivoire, Lesotho and Malawi. We aimed to understand perspectives regarding transitions into and out of PMTCT services for continued ART. Thematic analysis revealed that, although transitions of care are necessary and a potential point of loss from ART care in all three countries, there is a lack of clear guidance on transition approach and no formal way of monitoring transition between services. Several opportunities were identified to monitor and strengthen transitions of care for continued ART along the PMTCT cascade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin K. Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Halli Olsen
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP-Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Chloe A. Teasdale
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP-Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Amanda Geller
- Division of Global HIV & TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Nicole Buono
- Division of Global HIV & TB, CDC-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Dumbani Kayira
- Division of Global HIV & TB, CDC-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bernadette Ngeno
- Division of Global HIV & TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Surbhi Modi
- Division of Global HIV & TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Elaine J. Abrams
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP-Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
- College Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hakim AJ, Tippett Barr BA, Kinchen S, Musuka G, Manjengwa J, Munyati S, Gwanzura L, Mugurungi O, Ncube G, Saito S, Parekh BS, Patel H, Duong YT, Gonese E, Sleeman K, Ruangtragool L, Justman J, Herman-Roloff A, Radin E. Progress Toward the 90-90-90 HIV Targets in Zimbabwe and Identifying Those Left Behind. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:272-281. [PMID: 34321414 PMCID: PMC8526397 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We present findings from the nationally representative Zimbabwe Population-based HIV Impact Assessment that characterize Zimbabwe's progress toward the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 targets. DESIGN We conducted a cross-sectional household survey. METHODS Consenting adults and children in the household were eligible to participate in Zimbabwe Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (October 2015-August 2016). Participants completed face-to-face interviews and provided blood for HIV, CD4, viral load, and syphilis testing. Viral load suppression (VLS) was defined as HIV RNA <1000 copies/mL. HIV-positive specimens were tested for the presence of selected antiretroviral drugs. Data were weighted. Analysis was restricted to HIV-positive adults aged 15-64 years. RESULTS We enrolled 11,098 men and 14,033 women aged 15-64 years. HIV prevalence was 14.1%. Of those living with HIV, 76.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74.9 to 78.7) were aware of their HIV status or had detectable antiretroviral levels. Of these, 88.4% (95% CI: 87.1 to 89.7) were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and of these people, 85.3% (95% CI: 83.4 to 87.1) had VLS. Male sex age 15-34 years and having 1 or more sexual partners were associated with being unaware of one's HIV-positive status. Age <50 years and not taking cotrimoxazole were associated with being less likely to be being both aware and taking ART. Male sex, age <50 years, and taking cotrimoxazole were associated with being on ART but not having VLS. CONCLUSIONS Zimbabwe has made great strides toward epidemic control. Focusing resources on case finding, particularly among men, people aged <35 years, and sexually active individuals can help Zimbabwe attain 90-90-90 targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avi J Hakim
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Beth A Tippett Barr
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Steven Kinchen
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Godfrey Musuka
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Julius Manjengwa
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Shungu Munyati
- Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lovemore Gwanzura
- Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Owen Mugurungi
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe ; and
| | - Getrude Ncube
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe ; and
| | - Suzue Saito
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Bharat S Parekh
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Hetal Patel
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Yen T Duong
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Elizabeth Gonese
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Katrina Sleeman
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Leala Ruangtragool
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
- ASPPH/CDC Allan Rosenfield Global Health Fellow, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jessica Justman
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Amy Herman-Roloff
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Elizabeth Radin
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Etoori D, Rice B, Reniers G, Gomez-Olive FX, Renju J, Kabudula CW, Wringe A. Patterns of engagement in HIV care during pregnancy and breastfeeding: findings from a cohort study in North-Eastern South Africa. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1710. [PMID: 34544409 PMCID: PMC8454048 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11742-4] [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: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) in sub-Saharan Africa is hindered by limited understanding of HIV-testing and HIV-care engagement among pregnant and breastfeeding women. METHODS We investigated HIV-testing and HIV-care engagement during pregnancy and breastfeeding from 2014 to 2018 in the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). We linked HIV patient clinic records to HDSS pregnancy data. We modelled time to a first recorded HIV-diagnosis following conception, and time to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation following diagnosis using Kaplan-Meier methods. We performed sequence and cluster analyses for all pregnancies linked to HIV-related clinic data to categorise MTCT risk period engagement patterns and identified factors associated with different engagement patterns using logistic regression. We determined factors associated with ART resumption for women who were lost to follow-up (LTFU) using Cox regression. RESULTS Since 2014, 15% of 10,735 pregnancies were recorded as occurring to previously (51%) or newly (49%) HIV-diagnosed women. New diagnoses increased until 2016 and then declined. We identified four MTCT risk period engagement patterns (i) early ART/stable care (51.9%), (ii) early ART/unstable care (34.1%), (iii) late ART initiators (7.6%), and (iv) postnatal seroconversion/early, stable ART (6.4%). Year of delivery, mother's age, marital status, and baseline CD4 were associated with these patterns. A new pregnancy increased the likelihood of treatment resumption following LTFU. CONCLUSION Almost half of all pregnant women did not have optimal ART coverage during the MTCT risk period. Programmes need to focus on improving retention, and leveraging new pregnancies to re-engage HIV-positive women on ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Etoori
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Brian Rice
- MeSH Consortium, Department of Public Health Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Georges Reniers
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Francesc Xavier Gomez-Olive
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jenny Renju
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Chodziwadziwa Whiteson Kabudula
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alison Wringe
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chimwaza AN, Tweya H, Mugurungi O, Mushavi A, Mukungunugwa S, Sithole N, Nyakura J, Senkoro M, Owiti P, Ncube R, Tapera T, Mandewo W, Edwards JK, Mangombe A, Taramusi I. Early retention among pregnant women on 'Option B + ' in urban and rural Zimbabwe. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:10. [PMID: 33794957 PMCID: PMC8015197 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00333-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2013, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended Option B+ as a strategy to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. In option B+ , lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) is offered to all HIV positive pregnant and breastfeeding women to reduce MTCT rate to less than or equal to 5%. Its success depends on retaining women on ART during pregnancy, delivery and breast-feeding period. There is limited data on early retention on ART among pregnant women in Zimbabwe. We therefore assessed early retention among women on Option B + from antenatal care (ANC) until 6 months post ANC booking and at delivery in Bulawayo city and Mazowe rural district of Zimbabwe. Methods We collected data for pregnant women booking for ANC between January and March 2018, comparing early retention among ART naïve women and those already on ART. The two cohorts were followed up for 6 months post ANC booking, and this was done in two districts. Data were collected from routine tools used at facility level which include ANC, delivery and ART registers. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate retention probabilities at 1, 3 and 6 months post-delivery and for retention at delivery proportions were used. Poisson regression was used to investigate factors associated with non-retention at 6 months post ANC booking. Results A total of 388 women were included in the study with median age of 29 years (IQR: 25–34). Two-thirds booked in their second trimester. Retention at 3 and 6 months post ANC booking was 84% (95% CI 80–88) and 73% (95% CI 69–78) respectively. At delivery 81% (95% CI 76–84) were retained in care, 18% lost-to-follow-up and 1% transferred out. In this study we did not find marital status, gestation age, facility location, ART status at ANC booking, to be associated with loss to follow-up. Conclusion In this study, we found low retention at 3, 6 months and delivery, a threat to elimination of Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV in Zimbabwe. Our findings emphasize the need for enhanced interventions to improve early retention such as post-test counselling, patient tracing and visit reminders.
Collapse
|
13
|
Masiano S, Machine E, Mphande M, Markham C, Tembo T, Chitani M, Mkandawire A, Mazenga A, Ahmed S, Kim M. Video-Based Intervention for Improving Maternal Retention and Adherence to HIV Treatment: Patient Perspectives and Experiences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041737. [PMID: 33579047 PMCID: PMC7916796 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
VITAL Start is a video-based intervention aimed to improve maternal retention in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Malawi. We explored the experiences of pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV) not yet on ART who received VITAL Start before ART initiation to assess the intervention’s acceptability, feasibility, fidelity of delivery, and perceived impact. Between February and September 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of 34 PWLHIV within one month of receiving VITAL Start. The participants reported that VITAL Start was acceptable and feasible and had good fidelity of delivery. They also reported that the video had a positive impact on their lives, encouraging them to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners who, in turn, supported them to adhere to ART. The participants suggested using a similar intervention to provide health-related education/counseling to people with long term conditions. Our findings suggest that video-based interventions may be an acceptable, feasible approach to optimizing ART retention and adherence amongst PWLHIV, and they can be delivered with high fidelity. Further exploration of the utility of low cost, scalable, video-based interventions to address health counseling gaps in sub-Saharan Africa is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Masiano
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Edwin Machine
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Mtisunge Mphande
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Christine Markham
- Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Research, Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Tapiwa Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Mike Chitani
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Angella Mkandawire
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Alick Mazenga
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
- Section of Retrovirology and Global Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maria Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, PBAG B397, Lilongwe, Malawi; (E.M.); (M.M.) (T.T.); (M.C.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (S.A.)
- Section of Retrovirology and Global Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (M.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Phillips TK, Teasdale CA, Geller A, Ng'eno B, Mogoba P, Modi S, Abrams EJ. Approaches to transitioning women into and out of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services for continued ART: a systematic review. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25633. [PMID: 33372730 PMCID: PMC7771153 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women living with HIV are required to transition into the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services when they become pregnant and back to ART services after delivery. Transition can be a vulnerable time when many women are lost from HIV care yet there is little guidance on the optimal transition approaches to ensure continuity of care. We reviewed the available evidence on existing approaches to transitioning women into and out of PMTCT, outcomes following transition and factors influencing successful transition. METHODS We searched PubMed and SCOPUS, as well as abstracts from international HIV-focused meetings, from January 2006 to July 2020. Studies were included that examined three points of transition: pregnant women already on ART into PMTCT (transition 1), pregnant women living with HIV not yet on ART into treatment services (transition 2) and postpartum women from PMTCT into general ART services after delivery (transition 3). Results were grouped and reported as descriptions of transition approach, comparison of outcomes following transition and factors influencing successful transition. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Out of 1809 abstracts located, 36 studies (39 papers) were included in this review. Three studies included transition 1, 26 transition 2 and 17 transition 3. Approaches to transition were described in 26 studies and could be grouped into the provision of information at the point of transition (n = 8), strengthened communication or linkage of data between services (n = 4), use of transition navigators (n = 12), and combination approaches (n = 4). Few studies were designed to directly assess transition and only nine compared outcomes between transition approaches, with substantial heterogeneity in study design, setting and outcomes. Four themes were identified in 25 studies reporting on factors influencing successful transition: fear, knowledge and preparedness, clinic characteristics and the transition requirements and process. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights that, despite the need for women to transition into and out of PMTCT services for continued ART in many settings, there is very limited evidence on optimal transition approaches. Ongoing operational research is required to identify sustainable and acceptable transition approaches and service delivery models that support continuity of HIV care during and after pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin K Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Chloe A Teasdale
- ICAP‐Columbia UniversityMailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyMailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsCUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health PolicyNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Amanda Geller
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)AtlantaGAUSA
| | | | - Pheposadi Mogoba
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Surbhi Modi
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)AtlantaGAUSA
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- ICAP‐Columbia UniversityMailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyMailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
- College Physicians and SurgeonsColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mbeya Munkhondya TE, Smyth RMD, Lavender T. Facilitators and barriers to retention in care under universal antiretroviral therapy (Option B+) for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT): A narrative review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AFRICA NURSING SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2021.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
16
|
Etoori D, Renju J, Reniers G, Ndhlovu V, Ndubane S, Makhubela P, Maritze M, Gomez-Olive FX, Wringe A. 'If the results are negative, they motivate us'. Experiences of early infant diagnosis of HIV and engagement in Option B. Glob Public Health 2020; 16:186-200. [PMID: 32673142 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1795220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have explored the relationship between early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV and mothers' engagement in care under Option B+. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 women who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) under Option B+ in rural South Africa to explore the interactions between EID and maternal care engagement. Drawing on practice theory, we identified themes relating to Option B+ care engagement and EID. Women's practice of engagement with HIV care shaped their decision-making around EID. Mothers who disengaged from care during pregnancy were less inclined to utilise EID as they lacked information about its availability and benefits. For some mothers, tensions between wanting to breastfeed and perceptions that it could facilitate transmission led to repeated utilisation of EID as reassurance that the child remained negative. Some mothers used their child's negative result as a proxy for their status, subsequently disengaging from care. For some participants, an HIV diagnosis of their infant and the subsequent double burden of treatment visits for themselves and their infant, contributed to their disengagement. Women's care-seeking practices for themselves and their infants work in a symbiotic ecosystem and should be viewed interdependently to tailor interventions to improve EID uptake and Option B+ care engagement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Etoori
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Renju
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Georges Reniers
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,MRC/WITS Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Violet Ndhlovu
- MRC/WITS Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sherly Ndubane
- MRC/WITS Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Princess Makhubela
- MRC/WITS Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Meriam Maritze
- MRC/WITS Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Francesc Xavier Gomez-Olive
- MRC/WITS Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alison Wringe
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kim MH, Tembo TA, Mazenga A, Yu X, Myer L, Sabelli R, Flick R, Hartig M, Wetzel E, Simon K, Ahmed S, Nyirenda R, Kazembe PN, Mphande M, Mkandawire A, Chitani MJ, Markham C, Ciaranello A, Abrams EJ. The Video intervention to Inspire Treatment Adherence for Life (VITAL Start): protocol for a multisite randomized controlled trial of a brief video-based intervention to improve antiretroviral adherence and retention among HIV-infected pregnant women in Malawi. Trials 2020; 21:207. [PMID: 32075677 PMCID: PMC7031891 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-4131-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) retention and adherence is a critical challenge facing prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programs. There is an urgent need for evidence-based, cost-effective, and scalable interventions to improve maternal adherence and retention that can be feasibly implemented in overburdened health systems. Brief video-based interventions are a promising but underutilized approach to this crisis. We describe a trial protocol to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a standardized educational video-based intervention targeting HIV-infected pregnant women that seeks to optimize their ART retention and adherence by providing a VITAL Start (Video intervention to Inspire Treatment Adherence for Life) before committing to lifelong ART. METHODS This study is a multisite parallel group, randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of a brief facility-based video intervention to optimize retention and adherence to ART among pregnant women living with HIV in Malawi. A total of 892 pregnant women living with HIV and not yet on ART will be randomized to standard-of-care pre-ART counseling or VITAL Start. The primary outcome is a composite of retention and adherence (viral load < 1000 copies/ml) 12 months after starting ART. Secondary outcomes include assessments of behavioral adherence (self-reported adherence, pharmacy refill, and tenofovir diphosphate concentration), psychosocial impact, and resource utilization. We will also examine the implementation of VITAL Start via surveys and qualitative interviews with patients, partners, and health care workers and conduct cost-effectiveness analyses. DISCUSSION This is a robust evaluation of an innovative facility-based video intervention for pregnant women living with HIV, with the potential to improve maternal and infant outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03654898. Registered on 31 August 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria H Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA. .,Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Tapiwa A Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Alick Mazenga
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Xiaoying Yu
- University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rachael Sabelli
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Robert Flick
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Miriam Hartig
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Elizabeth Wetzel
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Katie Simon
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Rose Nyirenda
- HIV Unit, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Peter N Kazembe
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mtisunge Mphande
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Angella Mkandawire
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mike J Chitani
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Christine Markham
- Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrea Ciaranello
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine; Medical Practice Evaluation Center; both at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health and Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vubil A, Nhachigule C, Loquiha O, Meggi B, Mabunda N, Bollinger T, Sacks JA, Jani I, Vojnov L. Viral load assay performs comparably to early infant diagnosis assay to diagnose infants with HIV in Mozambique: a prospective observational study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25422. [PMID: 31912960 PMCID: PMC6948022 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Viral load testing is essential to manage HIV disease, especially in infants and children. Early infant diagnosis is performed using nucleic-acid testing in children under 18 months. Resource-limited health systems face severe challenges to scale-up both viral load and early infant diagnosis to unprecedented levels. Streamlining laboratory systems would be beneficial to improve access to quality testing and to increase efficiency of antiretroviral treatment programmes. We evaluated the performance of viral load testing to serve as an early infant diagnosis assay in children younger than 18 months. METHODS This study was an observational, prospective study, including children between one and 18 months of age who were born to HIV-positive mothers in 134 health facilities in Maputo City and Maputo Province, Mozambique. Dried blood spot specimens from heel or toe pricks were collected between January and April 2018, processed using SPEX buffer for both assays, and tested for routine EID and VL testing using the Roche CAP/CTM HIV-1 Qualitative v2 and Roche CAP/CTM HIV-1 Quantitative v2 assays respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were estimated using the EID results as the reference standard. RESULTS A total of 1021 infants were included in the study, of which 47% were female. Over 95% of mothers and children were on antiretroviral treatment or received antiretroviral prophylaxis respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of using the viral load assay to detect infection were 100% (95% CI: 96.2 to 100%) and 99.9% (95% CI: 99.4 to 100%). The positive and negative predictive values were 99.0% (95% CI: 94.3 to 100%) and 100% (95% CI: 99.6 to 100%). The McNemar's test was 1.000 and Cohen's kappa was 0.994. CONCLUSIONS The comparable performance suggests that viral load assays can be used as an infant diagnostic assay. Infants with either low levels of viraemia or high cycle threshold values should be repeat tested to ensure the result is truly positive prior to treatment initiation, regardless of assay used. Viral load assays could replace traditional early infant diagnosis testing, substantially streamlining molecular laboratory services for children and lowering costs, with the additional advantage of providing baseline viral load results for antiretroviral treatment management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Osvaldo Loquiha
- Clinton Health Access InitiativeMaputoMozambique
- Department of Mathematics and InformaticsUniversidade Eduardo MondlaneMaputoMozambique
| | | | | | | | | | - Ilesh Jani
- Instituto Nacional de SaudeMaputoMozambique
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
de Beer S, Kalk E, Kroon M, Boulle A, Osler M, Euvrard J, Timmerman V, Davies M. A longitudinal analysis of the completeness of maternal HIV testing, including repeat testing in Cape Town, South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25441. [PMID: 31997583 PMCID: PMC6989397 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV cannot be achieved without complete maternal HIV testing. The World Health Organization recommends that women in high HIV prevalent settings repeat HIV testing in the third trimester, and at delivery or directly thereafter. The Western Cape Province (South Africa) prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guidelines recommend a repeat maternal HIV test between 32 and 34 weeks gestation and at delivery in addition to testing at the first antenatal visit (ideally <20 weeks gestation). There are few published longitudinal studies on the uptake of initial and repeated maternal HIV testing programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to investigate the implementation of initial and repeat maternal HIV testing guidelines in Cape Town, South Africa. METHODS Between 2013 and 2016 we established an electronic PMTCT register that consolidated routine data from a primary healthcare facility and its secondary and tertiary referral sites in Cape Town. This provided a longitudinal record for each participant, from first antenatal visit to delivery. Utilizing these data, we conducted a retrospective analysis investigating the completeness of maternal HIV testing according to the PMTCT HIV testing guidelines in Cape Town, and predictors of complete testing, from 2014 to 2016. RESULTS Among 8558 enrolled pregnant women, 7213 (84%) were not known to be HIV positive at their first visit and thus eligible for HIV testing; 91% of them received ≥1 HIV test during pregnancy/delivery. Testing at the first visit was 98% among the 85% of women who attended antenatal care. Among women eligible to receive all three recommended HIV tests, only 11% achieved all three tests. Delivery HIV testing completion among all women without an HIV-positive diagnosis was 23%. HIV prevalence at delivery was 21% and HIV incidence between first visit and delivery in those with ≥2 HIV tests was 0.2%. Women who enrolled after 2014 were more likely to receive the three recommended tests (aOR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.81) and retest at delivery (aOR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.39). CONCLUSIONS Implementation of maternal HIV testing in Cape Town improved between 2014 and 2016 but major gaps remain, particularly at delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shani de Beer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Emma Kalk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Max Kroon
- Department of PaediatricsMowbray Maternity HospitalUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Health Impact Assessment Provincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Meg Osler
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Venessa Timmerman
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Mary‐Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Health Impact Assessment Provincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kim MH, Ahmed S, Tembo T, Sabelli R, Flick R, Yu X, Mazenga A, Le Blond H, Simon K, Hartig M, Wetzel E, Nyirenda R, Kazembe PN, Mphande M, Mkandawire A, Chitani MJ, Abrams EJ. VITAL Start: Video-Based Intervention to Inspire Treatment Adherence for Life-Pilot of a Novel Video-Based Approach to HIV Counseling for Pregnant Women Living with HIV. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:3140-3151. [PMID: 31410618 PMCID: PMC6803103 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02634-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We developed and piloted a video-based intervention targeting HIV-positive pregnant women to optimize antiretroviral therapy (ART) retention and adherence by providing a VITAL Start (Video-intervention to Inspire Treatment Adherence for Life) before ART. VITAL Start (VS) was grounded in behavior-determinant models and developed through an iterative multi-stakeholder process. Of 306 pregnant women eligible for ART, 160 were randomized to standard of care (SOC), 146 to VS and followed for one-month. Of those assigned to VS, 100% completed video-viewing; 96.5% reported they would recommend VS. Of 11 health workers interviewed, 82% preferred VS over SOC; 91% found VS more time-efficient. Compared to SOC, VS group had greater change in HIV/ART knowledge (p < 0.01), trend towards being more likely to start ART (p = 0.07), and better self-reported adherence (p = 0.02). There were no significant group differences in 1-month retention and pharmacy pill count. VITAL Start was highly acceptable, feasible, with promising benefits to ART adherence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria H Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine International Paediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA.
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi.
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine International Paediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Tapiwa Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Rachael Sabelli
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Robert Flick
- Baylor College of Medicine International Paediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Xiaoying Yu
- University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, USA
| | - Alick Mazenga
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | | | - Katie Simon
- Baylor College of Medicine International Paediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Miriam Hartig
- Baylor College of Medicine International Paediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Elizabeth Wetzel
- Baylor College of Medicine International Paediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Rose Nyirenda
- HIV Unit, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Peter N Kazembe
- Baylor College of Medicine International Paediatric AIDS Initiative, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Mtisunge Mphande
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Angella Mkandawire
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Mike J Chitani
- Baylor College of Medicine - Abbott Fund Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Private bag B-397, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health and Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Vulnerable at Each Step in the PMTCT Care Cascade: High Loss to Follow Up During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period in Tanzania. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1824-1832. [PMID: 30327997 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In 2013, Tanzania adopted the World Health Organization's Option B+ guidelines for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), whereby all HIV-infected pregnant women initiate lifelong antiretroviral therapy. This study examined retention in PMTCT across critical junctures in the care continuum. This was a retrospective study of patient-level data for a cohort of women enrolled in PMTCT during the first year of Option B+ in Tanzania. Retention in care was described across three periods: (1) the first month of antenatal care (ANC), (2) pregnancy, and (3) the postpartum period. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with loss to follow up (LTFU) during the first month of ANC. Survival analyses were used to identify factors associated with LTFU during pregnancy and the postpartum periods. 650 participants were included in the cohort; 262 (40.3%) were newly diagnosed with HIV. Two years after delivery, 383/650 (58.7%) were LTFU. Of the 383 LTFU, 73 (19.1%) were lost during the first month of ANC, 44 (11.5%) during pregnancy, and 266 (69.5%) after delivery. Being newly diagnosed with HIV predicted higher LTFU during the first month of ANC (aOR 1.76; 95% CI 1.06-2.94) and faster time to LTFU during the postpartum period (adjusted relative time, 0.68; 95% CI 0.51-0.89). High LTFU occurred across the PMTCT continuum, including immediately after enrollment into ANC and the postpartum period. Ongoing research is needed to encourage treatment uptake and sustained engagement after delivery.
Collapse
|
22
|
Phillips TK, Myer L. Shifting to the long view: engagement of pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in lifelong antiretroviral therapy services. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2019; 17:349-361. [PMID: 30978126 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1607296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The advent of policies promoting lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV has shifted focus from short-term prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) to lifelong engagement in ART services. However, disengagement from care threatens the long-term treatment and prevention benefits of lifelong ART. Areas covered: A framework for considering the unique aspects of ART for pregnant and postpartum women is presented along with a review of the literature on maternal engagement in care in sub-Saharan Africa and a discussion of potential interventions to sustain engagement in lifelong ART. Expert opinion: Engaging women and mothers in ART services for life is critical for maternal health, PMTCT, and prevention of sexual transmission. Evidence-based interventions exist to support engagement in care but most focus on periods of mother-to-child transmission risk. In the long term, life transitions and health-care transfers are inevitable. Thus, interventions that can reach beyond a single facility or provide a bridge between health services should be prioritized. Multicomponent interventions will also be essential to address the numerous intersecting barriers to sustained engagement in ART services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin K Phillips
- a Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- a Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Retention in HIV Care During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period in the Option B+ Era: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies in Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 77:427-438. [PMID: 29287029 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Under Option B+ guidelines for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, pregnant and breastfeeding women initiate antiretroviral therapy for lifelong use. The objectives of this study were: (1) to synthesize data on retention in care over time in option B+ programs in Africa, and (2) to identify factors associated with retention in care. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and African Index Medicus were systematically searched from January 2012 to June 2017. Pooled estimates of the proportion of women retained were generated and factors associated with retention were analyzed thematically. RESULTS Thirty-five articles were included in the final review; 22 reported retention rates (n = 60,890) and 25 reported factors associated with retention. Pooled estimates of retention were 72.9% (95% confidence interval: 66.4% to 78.9%) at 6 months for studies reporting <12 months of follow-up and 76.4% (95% confidence interval: 69.0% to 83.1%) at 12 months for studies reporting ≥12 months of follow-up. Data on undocumented clinic transfers were largely absent. Risk factors for poor retention included younger age, initiating antiretroviral therapy on the same day as diagnosis, initiating during pregnancy versus breastfeeding, and initiating late in the pregnancy. Retention was compromised by stigma, fear of disclosure, and lack of social support. CONCLUSIONS Retention rates in prevention of mother-to-child transmission under option B+ were below those of the general adult population, necessitating interventions targeting the complex circumstances of women initiating care under option B+. Improved and standardized procedures to track and report retention are needed to accurately represent care engagement and capture undocumented transfers within the health system.
Collapse
|
24
|
Mazuguni F, Mwaikugile B, Cichowitz C, Watt MH, Mwanamsangu A, Mmbaga BT, Njau P, Mahande MJ, Todd J, Renju J. Unpacking Loss to Follow-Up Among HIV-Infected Women Initiated on Option B+ In Northern Tanzania: A Retrospective Chart Review. East Afr Health Res J 2019; 3:6-15. [PMID: 34308190 PMCID: PMC8279164 DOI: 10.24248/eahrj-d-18-00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In 2014, Tanzania adopted the Option B+ policy for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), which stipulates lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, irrespective of CD4 count or WHO clinical staging. Loss to follow-up (LTFU) during pregnancy and the postpartum period may undermine the effectiveness of Option B+. Factors associated with no follow-up (NFU) care, may differ from those associated with LTFU at later time points. This study aimed to identify factors associated with NFU and LTFU among women who initiate ART under Option B+ in Moshi, Tanzania. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients initiating ART on Option B+ between February 2014 and December 2015 in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to analyse factors associated with NFU. Kaplan-Meier survival functions were used to estimate time to LTFU. Multivariable Cox proportion hazards regression models were used to evaluate variables associated with time to LTFU. Results: Among 468 women initiating ART under the option B+ programme, 109 (23.3%) had NFU after the initial appointment. Factors associated with increased risk of NFU were: age < 25 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aRR] 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.3), initiating ART at a hospital compared to a lower level health facilities (aRR 2.9; 95% CI, 2.1 to 3.9), and having no treatment supporter (aRR 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.1). LTFU was higher in women aged < 25 years (aHR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.9), and in women with no treatment supporter (aHR 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4 to 2.3). In women who returned to the clinic after ART initiation, no factor was significantly associated with LTFU. Conclusion: The factors associated with NFU (being young, not having a treatment supporter, and being diagnosed at hospitals) reflect a vulnerable and potentially highly mobile population. Additional interventions are needed to support and retain this group at ART initiation on Option B+.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Festo Mazuguni
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Moshi, Tanzania.,Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Boaz Mwaikugile
- Department of Health, Rombo District Council, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
| | - Cody Cichowitz
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Melissa H Watt
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amasha Mwanamsangu
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Paediatric and Child Health Department, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Prosper Njau
- Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission Programme, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Michael J Mahande
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Moshi, Tanzania.,Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jenny Renju
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Moshi, Tanzania.,Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ross J, Edmonds A, Hoover DR, Shi Q, Anastos K, Lelo P, Behets F, Yotebieng M. Association between pregnancy at enrollment into HIV care and loss to care among women in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2006-2013. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195231. [PMID: 29608618 PMCID: PMC5880386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Loss to care is high among asymptomatic HIV-infected women initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. However, whether pregnancy itself plays a role in the high loss to care rate is uncertain. We compared loss to care over seven years between pregnant and non-pregnant women at enrollment into HIV care in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of all ART-naive women aged 15–45 initiating HIV care at two large clinics in Kinshasa, DRC, from 2007–2013. Pregnancy status was recorded at care enrollment. Patients were classified as having no follow-up if they did not return to care after the initial enrollment visit. Among those with at least one follow-up visit after enrollment, we classified patients as lost to care if more than 365 days had passed since their last clinic visit. We used logistic regression to model the association between pregnancy status and no follow-up, and Cox proportional hazards regression to model the association between pregnancy status and time to loss to care. Results Of 2175 women included in the analysis, 1497 (68.8%) were pregnant at enrollment. Compared to non-pregnant women, pregnant women were less likely to be over 35 years of age (19.1% vs. 31.9%, p<0.0001) and less likely to be in WHO stage III or IV (9.0% vs. 26.3%, p<0.0001). Among pregnant women, 106 (7.1%) were not seen after enrollment, versus 25 (3.7%) non-pregnant women (adjusted odds ratio 2.01, 95% CI 1.24–3.24). Of the 2,044 women with at least one follow-up visit, 46.5% of pregnant women and 46.7% of non-pregnant women were lost to care by 5 years; hazards of loss to care were similar for pregnant and non-pregnant women (adjusted hazard ratio 1.08, 95% CI 0.93–1.26). Conclusions In this large cohort of HIV-infected women, patients pregnant at care enrollment were more likely to never return for follow-up. Among those who attended at least one follow-up visit, loss to care was not different between pregnant and non-pregnant women, suggesting that pregnancy itself may not be the main driver of the high attrition observed in this cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Ross
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew Edmonds
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Donald R. Hoover
- Department of Statistics and Biostatistics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Qiuhu Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States of America
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Patricia Lelo
- Kalembelembe Pediatric Hospital, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Frieda Behets
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- College of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Addressing Early Retention in Antenatal Care Among HIV-Positive Women Through a Simple Intervention in Kinshasa, DRC: The Elombe "Champion" Standard Operating Procedure. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:860-866. [PMID: 28421355 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1770-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This cluster-randomized study aimed to assess the Elombe ("Champion") standard operating procedure (SOP), implemented by providers and Mentor Mothers, on HIV-positive pregnant women's retention between first and second antenatal visits. Sixteen facilities in Kinshasa were randomly assigned to intervention (SOP) or comparison (no SOP). Effect of the SOP was estimated using relative risk. Women in comparison facilities were more likely to miss second visits (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.05-5.98) than women in intervention facilities (30.0%, n = 27 vs. 12.0%, n = 9, p < 0.002). Findings demonstrate that a simple intervention can reduce critical early loss to care in PMTCT programs providing universal, lifelong treatment.
Collapse
|
27
|
Odeny TA, Onono M, Owuor K, Helova A, Wanga I, Bukusi EA, Turan JM, Abuogi LL. Maximizing adherence and retention for women living with HIV and their infants in Kenya (MOTIVATE! study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:77. [PMID: 29378622 PMCID: PMC5789594 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful completion and retention throughout the multi-step cascade of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) remains difficult to achieve. The Mother and Infant Visit Adherence and Treatment Engagement study aims to evaluate the effect of mobile text messaging, community-based mentor mothers (cMMs), or both on increasing antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, retention in HIV care, maternal viral load suppression, and mother-to-child HIV transmission for mother-infant pairs receiving lifelong ART. METHODS/DESIGN This study is a cluster randomized, 2 × 2 factorial, controlled trial. The trial will be undertaken in the western Kenyan counties of Migori, Kisumu, and Homa Bay. Study sites will be randomized into one of four groups: six sites will implement both text messaging and cMM, six sites will implement cMM only, six sites will implement text messaging only, and six sites will implement the existing standard of care. The primary analysis will be based on the intention-to-treat principle and will compare maternal ART adherence and maternal retention in care. DISCUSSION This study will determine the impact of long-term (up to 12 months postpartum) text messaging and cMMs on retention in and adherence to ART among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV in Kenya. It will address key gaps in our understanding of what interventions may successfully promote long-term retention in the PMTCT cascade of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02491177 . Registered on 11 March 2015.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Odeny
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri USA
| | - Maricianah Onono
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kevin Owuor
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anna Helova
- Department of Health Care Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama USA
| | - Iris Wanga
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Janet M. Turan
- Department of Health Care Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama USA
| | - Lisa L. Abuogi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Muhumuza S, Akello E, Kyomugisha-Nuwagaba C, Baryamutuma R, Sebuliba I, Lutalo IM, Kansiime E, Kisaakye LN, Kiragga AN, King R, Bazeyo W, Lindan C. Retention in care among HIV-infected pregnant and breastfeeding women on lifelong antiretroviral therapy in Uganda: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187605. [PMID: 29272268 PMCID: PMC5741223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2013, Uganda updated its prevention of maternal-to-child transmission of HIV program to Option B+, which requires that all HIV-infected pregnant and breastfeeding women be started on lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) regardless of CD4 count. We describe retention in care and factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) among women initiated on Option B+ as part of an evaluation of the effectiveness of the national program. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of data abstracted from records of 2,169 women enrolled on Option B+ between January and March 2013 from a representative sample of 145 health facilities in all 24 districts of the Central region of Uganda. We defined retention as "being alive and receiving ART at the last clinic visit". We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to estimate retention in care and compared differences between women retained in care and those LTFU using the chi-squared test for dichotomized or categorical variables. RESULTS The median follow-up time was 20.2 months (IQR 4.2-22.5). The proportion of women retained in HIV care at 6, 12 and 18 months post-ART initiation was 74.2%, 66.7% and 62.0%, respectively. Retention at 18 months varied significantly by level of health facility and ranged from 70.0% among those seen at hospitals to 56.6% among those seen at lower level health facilities. LTFU was higher among women aged less than 25 years, 59.3% compared to those aged 25 years and above, 40.7% (p = 0.02); among those attending care at lower level facilities, 44.0% compared to those attending care at hospitals, 34.1% (p = 0.01), and among those who were not tested for CD4 cell count at ART initiation, 69.4% compared to those who were tested, 30.9% (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Retention of women who were initiated on Option B+ during the early phases of roll-out was only moderate, and could undermine the effectiveness of the program. Identifying reasons why women drop out and designing targeted interventions for improved retention should be a priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Muhumuza
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - Evelyn Akello
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Isaac Sebuliba
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Edgar Kansiime
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Agnes N. Kiragga
- Infectious Disease Institute, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rachel King
- Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - William Bazeyo
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christina Lindan
- Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
McLean E, Renju J, Wamoyi J, Bukenya D, Ddaaki W, Church K, Zaba B, Wringe A. 'I wanted to safeguard the baby': a qualitative study to understand the experiences of Option B+ for pregnant women and the potential implications for 'test-and-treat' in four sub-Saharan African settings. Sex Transm Infect 2017; 93:sextrans-2016-052972. [PMID: 28736391 PMCID: PMC5739848 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore what influences on engagement with Option B+ in four sub-Saharan African settings. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted in 2015, with 22 HIV-positive women who had been pregnant since Option B+ was available, and 15 healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in HIV service delivery. Participants were purposely selected from four health and demographic surveillance sites in Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. A thematic content analysis was conducted to investigate what influenced engagement with Option B+. Results Feeling ‘ready’ was key to pregnant women accepting antiretroviral treatment (ART) on the same day as diagnosis at antenatal clinic; this was influenced by previous knowledge of HIV-positive status, interactions with HCWs and relationship with their partners. The desire to protect their unborn infant was the main issue that motivated women to initiate treatment, temporarily over-riding barriers to starting ART. Many HCWs recognised that pressurising women into starting ART may lead them to stop treatment following delivery. However, their own responsibility to protect the infant sometimes drove HCWs to use strong persuasive techniques to initiate pregnant women onto ART as early as possible, occasionally causing women to disengage. Conclusions Protecting the baby superseded feelings of unpreparedness for lifelong ART and may explain poor retention observed in Option B+ programmes. Women may benefit from more time to accept their status, and counselling on the long-term value of ART beyond the pregnancy and breastfeeding period. Strategies to promote readiness for same-day initiation of lifelong treatment are urgently needed, and may provide important lessons for universal test-and-treat implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estelle McLean
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Karonga, Malawi.,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jenny Renju
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joyce Wamoyi
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Dominic Bukenya
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Kathryn Church
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Basia Zaba
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alison Wringe
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial to Promote Option B+ Retention in Central Mozambique. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 76:273-280. [PMID: 28777263 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This randomized trial studied performance of Option B+ in Mozambique and evaluated an enhanced retention package in public clinics. SETTING The study was conducted at 6 clinics in Manica and Sofala Provinces in central Mozambique. METHODS Seven hundred sixty-one pregnant women tested HIV+, immediately initiated antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, and were followed to track retention at 6 clinics from May 2014 to May 2015. Clinics were randomly allocated within a stepped-wedge fashion to intervention and control periods. The intervention included (1) workflow modifications and (2) active patient tracking. Retention was defined as percentage of patients returning for 30-, 60-, and 90-day medication refills within 25-35 days of previous refills. RESULTS During control periods, 52.3% of women returned for 30-day refills vs. 70.8% in intervention periods [odds ratio (OR): 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05 to 3.08]. At 60 days, 46.1% control vs. 57.9% intervention were retained (OR: 1.82; CI: 1.06 to 3.11), and at 90 days, 38.3% control vs. 41.0% intervention (OR: 1.04; CI: 0.60 to 1.82). In prespecified subanalyses, birth before pickups was strongly associated with failure-women giving birth before ARV pickup were 33.3 times (CI: 4.4 to 250.3), 7.5 times (CI: 3.6 to 15.9), and 3.7 times (CI: 2.2 to 6.0) as likely to not return for ARV pickups at 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The intervention was effective at 30 and 60 days, but not at 90 days. Combined 90-day retention (40%) and adherence (22.5%) were low. Efforts to improve retention are particularly important for women giving birth before ARV refills.
Collapse
|
31
|
Non-adoption of Option B+ for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria: A look at the policymaking process. J Public Health Policy 2017; 38:105-120. [PMID: 28275257 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-016-0048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In 2012, the World Health Organization recommended 'Option B+' (lifelong antiretroviral treatment for HIV-infected pregnant women regardless of their CD4 count or WHO clinical stage) for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-based on its operational and clinical advantages. By 2015, 21 out of the 22 Global Plan priority countries had adopted the Option B+ approach. Despite its huge HIV burden, Nigeria is the only country yet to adopt Option B+. We analyse the policymaking process on Option B+ in Nigeria from 2012-2015, highlighting how factors related to the content (uncertainty about Option B+, lack of local evidence), actors (interest and power) and context (low domestic funding and poor retention in care) affected the policymaking process and present the implications of this decision for improving HIV response in Nigeria.
Collapse
|
32
|
Gumede-Moyo S, Filteau S, Munthali T, Todd J, Musonda P. Implementation effectiveness of revised (post-2010) World Health Organization guidelines on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV using routinely collected data in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e8055. [PMID: 28984760 PMCID: PMC5737996 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000008055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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
BACKGROUND To synthesize and evaluate the impact of implementing post-2010 World Health Organization (WHO) prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guidelines on attainment of PMTCT targets. METHODS Retrospective and prospective cohort study designs that utilized routinely collected data with a focus on provision and utilization of the cascade of PMTCT services were included. The outcomes included the proportion of pregnant women who were tested during their antenatal clinic (ANC) visits; mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate; adherence; retention rate; and loss to follow-up (LTFU). RESULTS Of the 1210 references screened, 45 met the inclusion criteria. The studies originated from 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The highest number of studies originated from Malawi (10) followed by Nigeria and South Africa with 7 studies each. More than half of the studies were on option A while the majority of option B+ studies were conducted in Malawi. These studies indicated a high uptake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing ranging from 75% in Nigeria to over 96% in Zimbabwe and South Africa. High proportions of CD4 count testing were reported in studies only from South Africa despite that in most of the countries CD4 testing was a prerequisite to access treatment. MTCT rate ranged from 1.1% to 15.1% and it was higher in studies where data were collected in the early days of the WHO 2010 PMTCT guidelines. During the postpartum period, adherence and retention rate decreased, and LTFU increased for both HIV-positive mothers and exposed infants. CONCLUSION Irrespective of which option was followed, uptake of antenatal HIV testing was high but there was a large drop off along later points in the PMTCT cascade. More research is needed on how to improve later components of the PMTCT cascade, especially of option B+ which is now the norm throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sehlulekile Gumede-Moyo
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tendai Munthali
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia
- Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Impact of Facility-Based Mother Support Groups on Retention in Care and PMTCT Outcomes in Rural Zimbabwe: The EPAZ Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 75 Suppl 2:S207-S215. [PMID: 28498191 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of mother-to-child transmission elimination goals are hampered by low rates of retention in care. The Eliminating Paediatric AIDS in Zimbabwe project assessed whether mother support groups (MSGs) improve rates of retention in care of HIV-exposed infants and their HIV-positive mothers, and maternal and infant outcomes. METHODS The study involved 27 rural clinics in eastern Zimbabwe. MSGs were established in 14 randomly selected clinics and met every 2 weeks coordinated by volunteer HIV-positive mothers. MSG coordinators provided health education and reminded mothers of MSG meetings by cell phone. Infant retention in care was defined as "12 months postpartum point attendance" at health care visits of HIV-exposed infants at 12 months of age. We also measured regularity of attendance and other program indicators of HIV-positive mothers and their HIV-exposed infants. RESULTS Among 507 HIV-positive pregnant women assessed as eligible, 348 were enrolled and analyzed (69%) with mothers who had disclosed their HIV status being overrepresented. In the intervention arm, 69% of infants were retained in care at 12 months versus 61% in the control arm, with no statistically significant difference. Retention and other program outcomes were systematically higher in the intervention versus control arm, suggesting trends toward positive health outcomes with exposure to MSGs. DISCUSSION We were unable to show that facility-based MSGs improved retention in care at 12 months among HIV-exposed infants. Selective enrollment of mothers more likely to be retained-in-care may have contributed to lack of effect. Methods to increase the impact of MSGs on retention including targeting of high-risk mothers are discussed.
Collapse
|
34
|
Joseph J, Gotora T, Erlwanger AS, Mushavi A, Zizhou S, Masuka N, Boeke CE, Mangwiro AZ. Impact of Point-of-Care CD4 Testing on Retention in Care Among HIV-Positive Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in the Context of Option B+ in Zimbabwe: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 75 Suppl 2:S190-S197. [PMID: 28498189 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Scale-up of Option B+ in Zimbabwe has increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage but patient loss-to-follow-up remains high; thus, effective strategies to improve retention in care are needed. Evidence for Elimination, a cluster randomized controlled trial, evaluated the impact of point-of-care (POC) CD4 testing with CD4 count-specific adherence counseling on rates of retention among 1150 HIV-positive pregnant women initiating ART in Zimbabwe. METHODS Thirty-two primary care health facilities were randomized to offer either standard-of-care (SOC) or POC CD4 testing plus CD4-specific counseling to clients (POC Plus). The primary outcome was the proportion of HIV-positive pregnant women retained on ART after 12 months, calculated by cluster-adjusted proportions, unadjusted and adjusted relative risks (RR and aRR, respectively). RESULTS Retention in care 12 months after initiation was 50.7% and 54.5% in the POC Plus and SOC arms, respectively (RR 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78 to 1.11; aRR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.07). Although considered not retained, 9.7% transferred to another facility and 0.2% died. Most women, 95.3% in POC Plus and 92.9% in SOC, initiated ART within 1 month of antenatal booking (RR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.08). DISCUSSION Although patient retention was similar in both arms, women in the POC Plus arm were more likely to have received a CD4 test at booking and a repeat CD4 test later in care. CD4 is no longer required for treatment initiation but is still recommended in national guidelines and is of value in clinical management. Further work is needed to identify effective strategies to increase patient retention in ART care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Joseph
- *Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA; †Clinton Health Access Initiative, Harare, Zimbabwe; and ‡Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Beyond "Option B+": Understanding Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence, Retention in Care and Engagement in ART Services Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women Initiating Therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 75 Suppl 2:S115-S122. [PMID: 28498180 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies from sub-Saharan Africa have highlighted significant challenges in providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to pregnant and postpartum women, with specific concerns around maintaining optimal levels of adherence to ART and/or retaining women in long-term services. However, there are few conceptual frameworks to help understand nonadherence and nonretention, as well as the drivers of these, among HIV-infected women, particularly in the postpartum period. METHODS This review provides an overview of the key issues involved in thinking about ART adherence, retention in care and engagement in ART services among pregnant and postpartum women. RESULTS The related behaviors of adherence and retention may be understood as components of effective engagement of patients in ART services, which share the goal of achieving and maintaining suppressed maternal viral load on ART. Under this framework, the existing literature indicates that disengagement from care is widespread among postpartum women, with strikingly similar data emerging from ART services around the globe and indications that similar challenges may be encountered by postpartum care services outside the context of HIV. However, the drivers of disengagement require further research, and evidence-based intervention strategies are limited. CONCLUSIONS The challenges of engaging women in ART services during pregnancy and the postpartum period seem pervasive, although the determinants of these are poorly understood. Looking forward, a host of innovative intervention approaches are needed to help improve women's engagement, and in turn, promote maternal and child health in the context of HIV.
Collapse
|
36
|
Patterns of HIV Care Clinic Attendance and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Living With HIV in the Context of Option B+ in Zimbabwe. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 75 Suppl 2:S198-S206. [PMID: 28498190 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consistent use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy and breastfeeding reduces the likelihood of mother-to-child HIV transmission. All pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV in Zimbabwe are offered ART with same-day initiation regardless of CD4 count (Option B+). We investigated patterns of clinic attendance and adherence to ART among HIV-infected pregnant women in Zimbabwe. METHODS The Evidence for Elimination cluster-randomized trial evaluating point-of-care CD4 testing included 1150 HIV-infected ART-naive women attending antenatal care between January 2014 and June 2015. Thirty-two primary care facilities were randomized between 2 arms. In this secondary analysis of Evidence for Elimination data collected from routine clinic records, we classified women by number of pills dispensed, and estimated adherence from the ratio of pills to days since ART initiation (Medication Possession Ratio, adherent if ≥95%) or the period when they stopped receiving medication. RESULTS Two-thirds (67.7%) were still receiving medication 1 year after initiation; less than half of the cohort (39.1%) were adherent. Younger women, newly diagnosed with HIV, and/or first presenting to antenatal care in their third trimester were more likely to drop from care or be nonadherent 360 days after ART initiation. CONCLUSION Adherence to ART is suboptimal particularly among young, newly diagnosed, and/or late presenting patients. Interventions that target these groups, as well as provide additional support to all women who are newly diagnosed, may improve Option B+ ART care. More information is needed about the barriers to ART care among late presenters and teenagers.
Collapse
|
37
|
Girma M, Wendaferash R, Shibru H, Berhane Y, Hoelscher M, Kroidl A. Uptake and performance of prevention of mother-to-child transmission and early infant diagnosis in pregnant HIV-infected women and their exposed infants at seven health centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 22:765-775. [PMID: 28407452 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the uptake of WHO-recommended PMTCT procedures in Ethiopia's health services. METHODS Prospective observational study of HIV-positive pregnant mothers and their newborns attending PMTCT services at seven health centres in Addis Ababa. Women were recruited during antenatal care and followed up with their newborns at delivery, Day 6 and Week 6 post-partum. Retention to PMCTC procedures, self-reported antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence and HIV infant outcome were assessed. Turnaround times of HIV early infant diagnosis (EID) procedures were extracted from health registers. RESULTS Of 494 women enrolled, 4.9% did not complete PMTCT procedures due to active denial or loss to follow-up. HIV was first diagnosed in 223 (45.1%) and ART initiated in 321 (65.0%) women during pregnancy. ART was initiated in a median of 1.3 weeks (IQR 0-4.3) after HIV diagnosis. Poor self-reported treatment adherence was higher post-partum than during pregnancy (12.5% vs. 7.0%, P = 0.002) and significantly associated with divorced/separated marital status (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.8), low family income (RR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.1), low CD4 count (RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0-3.0) and ART initiation during delivery (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.6). Of 435 infants born alive, 98.6% received nevirapine prophylaxis. The mother-to-child HIV transmission rate was 0.7% after a median of 6.7 weeks (IQR 6.4-10.4), but EID results were received for only 46.6% within 3 months of birth. CONCLUSION High retention in PMTCT services, triple maternal ART and high infant nevirapine prophylaxis coverage were associated with low mother-to-child HIV transmission. Declining post-partum ART adherence and challenges of EID linkage require attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marshet Girma
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Center for International Health, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Yemane Berhane
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Michael Hoelscher
- Center for International Health, University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Arne Kroidl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hauser BM, Miller WC, Tweya H, Speight C, Mtande T, Phiri S, Ball LM, Hosseinipour MC, Hoffman IF, Rosenberg NE. Assessing Option B+ retention and infant follow-up in Lilongwe, Malawi. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 29:185-194. [PMID: 28750577 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417721658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Malawi launched Option B+, a program for all pregnant or breastfeeding HIV-positive women to begin lifelong combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), in July 2011. This study characterises a portion of the continuum of care within an antenatal setting in Lilongwe. Women testing HIV-positive and having a cART initiation record at Bwaila Antenatal Clinic from July 2013 to January 2014 were included. Using logistic regression models, we analysed relationships between maternal characteristics and return for infant testing. Among 490 HIV-positive women with a cART initiation record, 360 (73%) were retained at three months. Of these, 203 (56%) were adherent. Records of infant testing were located for 204 women (42%). Women who were not retained were less likely to have an early infant diagnosis record (aOR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.41). Among the women retained, there was a non-significant association between maternal adherence and infant testing (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 0.89, 2.06). Women lost at earlier continuum stages, who are at higher risk for mother-to-child-transmission, were less likely to bring infants for testing. Even with a test-and-treat program, many women did not remain in care or bring their infant for testing. Facilitating strategies to improve these measures remains an important unmet need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blake M Hauser
- 1 Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, 2331 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William C Miller
- 2 Department of Medicine, 2331 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,3 Department of Epidemiology, 2331 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hannock Tweya
- 4 Lighthouse Trust, Lilongwe, Malawi.,5 The International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| | | | - Tiwonge Mtande
- 6 156288 University of North Carolina Project , Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sam Phiri
- 2 Department of Medicine, 2331 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,4 Lighthouse Trust, Lilongwe, Malawi.,7 Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - L M Ball
- 1 Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, 2331 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- 2 Department of Medicine, 2331 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,6 156288 University of North Carolina Project , Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Irving F Hoffman
- 2 Department of Medicine, 2331 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,6 156288 University of North Carolina Project , Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- 2 Department of Medicine, 2331 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,6 156288 University of North Carolina Project , Lilongwe, Malawi
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ibekwe E, Haigh C, Duncan F, Fatoye F. Economic impact of routine opt-out antenatal human immune deficiency virus screening: A systematic review. J Clin Nurs 2017; 26:3832-3842. [PMID: 28252818 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the economic impact of routine testing of human immune deficiency virus in antenatal settings. BACKGROUND Many children are being infected with human immune deficiency virus through mother-to-child transmission of the virus. Most of these infections are preventable if the mothers' human immune deficiency virus status is identified in a timely manner and appropriate interventions put in place. Routine human immune deficiency virus testing is widely acclaimed as a strategy for universal access to human immune deficiency virus testing and is being adopted by developed and developing poor income countries without recourse to the economic impact. DESIGN A systematic review of published articles. METHODS Extensive electronic searches for relevant journal articles published from 1998-2015 when countries began to implement routine antenatal HIV testing on their own were conducted in the following databases: Science Direct, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, JSTOR, CINAHL and PubMed with search terms as listed in Box 2. Manual searches were also performed to complement the electronic identification of high-quality materials. There were no geographical restrictions, but language was limited to English. RESULTS Fifty-five articles were retrieved; however, ten were eligible and included in the review. The findings showed that many programmes involving routine human immune deficiency virus testing for pregnant women compared to the alternatives were cost-effective and cost saving. Data from the reviewed studies showed cost savings between $5,761.20-$3.69 million per case of previously undiagnosed maternal human immune deficiency virus-positive infection prevented. Overall, cost-effectiveness was strongly associated with the prevalence rate of human immune deficiency virus in the various settings. CONCLUSIONS Routine human immune deficiency virus testing is both cost-effective and cost saving compared to the alternatives. However, there are wide variations in the methodological approaches to the studies. Adopting standard reporting format would facilitate comparison between studies and generalisability of economic evaluations. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE (i) Healthcare decision-makers should understand that routine antenatal screening for human immune deficiency virus is both cost-effective and cost saving. (ii) Addressing late identification of prenatal human immune deficiency virus is crucial to reducing mother-to-child transmission at minimal healthcare spending.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Everistus Ibekwe
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Carol Haigh
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Fiona Duncan
- Department of Research Institute for Health & Social Change, Faculty of Health, Rehabilitation and Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Francis Fatoye
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ford D, Muzambi M, Nkhata MJ, Abongomera G, Joseph S, Ndlovu M, Mabugu T, Grundy C, Chan AK, Cataldo F, Kityo C, Seeley J, Katabira E, Gilks CF, Reid A, Hakim J, Gibb DM. Implementation of Antiretroviral Therapy for Life in Pregnant/Breastfeeding HIV+ Women (Option B+) Alongside Rollout and Changing Guidelines for ART Initiation in Rural Zimbabwe: The Lablite Project Experience. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 74:508-516. [PMID: 27984555 PMCID: PMC5751886 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant and breastfeeding women (Option B+) was rolled out in Zimbabwe from 2014, with simultaneous raising of the CD4 treatment threshold to 500 cells per cubic millimeter in nonpregnant/breastfeeding adults and children 5 years and over. METHODS Lablite is an implementation project in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Uganda evaluating ART rollout. Routine patient-level data were collected for 6 months before and 12 months after Option B+ rollout at a district hospital and 3 primary care facilities in Zimbabwe (2 with outreach ART and 1 with no ART provision before Option B+). RESULTS Between September 2013 and February 2015, there were 1686 ART initiations in the 4 facilities: 91% adults and 9% children younger than 15 years. In the 3 facilities with established ART, initiations rose from 300 during 6 months before Option B+ to 869 (2.9-fold) and 463 (1.5-fold), respectively, 0-6 months and 6-12 months after Option B+. Post-Option B+, an estimated 43% of pregnant/breastfeeding women needed ART for their own health, based on World Health Organization stage 3/4 or CD4 ≤350 per cubic millimeter (64% for CD4 ≤500). Seventy-four men (22%) and 123 nonpregnant/breastfeeding women (34%) initiated ART with CD4 >350 after the CD4 threshold increase. Estimated 12-month retention on ART was 79% (69%-87%) in Option B+ women (significantly lower in younger women, P = 0.01) versus 93% (91%-95%) in other adults (difference P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS There were increased ART initiations in all patient groups after implementation of World Health Organization 2013 guidelines. Retention of Option B+ women was poorer than retention of other adults; younger women require attention because they are more likely to disengage from care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adrienne K Chan
- Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Cissy Kityo
- Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Janet Seeley
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit of AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Elly Katabira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Mulago, Uganda
| | - Charles F Gilks
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Mulago, Uganda
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wesevich A, Mtande T, Saidi F, Cromwell E, Tweya H, Hosseinipour MC, Hoffman I, Miller WC, Rosenberg NE. Role of male partner involvement in ART retention and adherence in Malawi's Option B+ program. AIDS Care 2017; 29:1417-1425. [PMID: 28355926 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2017.1308464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Malawi's Option B+ program provides all HIV-infected pregnant women free lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART), but challenges remain regarding retention and ART adherence, potentially due to male partner barriers. We explored relationships between male partner involvement and Option B+ retention and adherence. In 2014, a randomized controlled trial in Malawi compared male recruitment strategies for couple HIV testing and counseling (cHTC) at an antenatal clinic. This secondary analysis was conducted among the entire cohort (N = 200) of women, irrespective of randomization status. We assessed whether cHTC attendance, early disclosure of HIV-positive status, and partner ART reminders were associated with retention and adherence at one month after starting treatment. Retention was defined as attending HIV clinic follow-up within one day of running out of pills. Adherence was defined as taking ≥95% of ARTs by pill count. We used binomial regression to calculate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Median female age was 26 years. Most women (79%) were retained; of these, 68% were adherent. Receiving cHTC was associated with improved retention (aRR 1.33, 95% CI 1.12, 1.59). Receiving male partner ART reminders was weakly associated with retention (aRR 1.16, 95% CI 0.96, 1.39). Disclosure within one day was not associated with retention (aRR 1.08, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.28). Among those who were retained, these three behaviors were not associated with improved 95% adherence. CHTC could play an important role in improving Option B+ retention. Increasing cHTC participation and enhancing adherence-related messages within cHTC are important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Austin Wesevich
- a UNC Project , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Tiwonge Mtande
- a UNC Project , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Friday Saidi
- a UNC Project , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Elizabeth Cromwell
- b Department of Epidemiology , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , USA
| | - Hannock Tweya
- c Lighthouse Trust , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease , Paris , France
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- a UNC Project , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Lilongwe , Malawi.,e Department of Medicine , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , USA
| | - Irving Hoffman
- a UNC Project , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Lilongwe , Malawi.,e Department of Medicine , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , USA
| | - William C Miller
- b Department of Epidemiology , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , USA.,e Department of Medicine , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , USA
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- a UNC Project , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Lilongwe , Malawi.,b Department of Epidemiology , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , USA.,e Department of Medicine , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Drake AL, Unger JA, Ronen K, Matemo D, Perrier T, DeRenzi B, Richardson BA, Kinuthia J, John-Stewart G. Evaluation of mHealth strategies to optimize adherence and efficacy of Option B+ prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission: Rationale, design and methods of a 3-armed randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2017; 57:44-50. [PMID: 28315480 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) (Option B+) is recommended for all HIV-infected pregnant/postpartum women, but high adherence is required to maximize HIV prevention potential and maintain maternal health. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may provide treatment adherence support for women during, and beyond, the pregnancy and postpartum periods. METHODS AND DESIGN We are conducting an unblinded, triple-arm randomized clinical trial (Mobile WACh X) of one-way short message service (SMS) vs. two-way SMS vs. control (no SMS) to improve maternal ART adherence and retention in care by 2years postpartum. We will enroll 825 women from Nairobi and Western Kenya. Women in the intervention arms receive weekly, semi-automated motivational and educational SMS and visit reminders via an interactive, human-computer hybrid communication system. Participants in the two-way SMS arm are also asked to respond to a question related to the message. SMS are based in behavioral theory, are tailored to participant characteristics through SMS tracks, and are timed along the pregnancy/postpartum continuum. After enrollment, follow-up visits are scheduled at 6weeks; 6, 12, 18, and 24months postpartum. The primary outcomes, virological failure (HIV viral load ≥1000copies/mL), maternal retention in care, and infant HIV infection or death, will be compared in an intent to treat analysis. We will also measure ART adherence and drug resistance. DISCUSSION Personalized and tailored SMS to support HIV-infected women during and after pregnancy may be an effective strategy to motivate women to adhere to ART and remain in care and improve maternal and infant outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Drake
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, Seattle, WA 98195-7236, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Unger
- Departments of Global Health and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Box 359909, Seattle, WA 98195-7236, USA.
| | - Keshet Ronen
- Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 359909, Seattle, WA 98195-7236, USA.
| | - Daniel Matemo
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, PO Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Trevor Perrier
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Box 352350, Seattle, WA 98195-7236, USA.
| | - Brian DeRenzi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, Room 306, Computer Science Building, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Barbra A Richardson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Box 359909, Seattle, WA 98195-7236, USA.
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, PO Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, and Pediatrics, University of Washington, Box 359909, Seattle, WA 98195-7236, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
PURPOSE The Hlabisa pregnancy cohort was established to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guideline revisions. The objectives of the Hlabisa pregnancy cohort are to: (1) provide cohort-level information on maternal health up to 6 weeks postpartum in a high HIV prevalence setting; and to (2) evaluate aspects of PMTCT care that have policy relevance. PARTICIPANTS The pregnancy cohort is located in primary health clinics in the Hlabisa subdistrict of rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Baseline data collection between 2010 and 2014 has been completed with the enrolment of 25 608 pregnancies; age ranged from 15-49 years. Pregnant women were assessed during routine antenatal visits: first visit, follow-up 1 week later, 32 weeks (HIV test), infant delivery and 6 weeks postpartum. Demographic, pregnancy, clinical, laboratory and HIV data were collected through Department of Health interviews, laboratory tests and routine data linkage. Treatment data for HIV-infected pregnant women were linked to the Africa Centre Hlabisa HIV Treatment and Care Programme for detailed antiretroviral therapy (ART) history and laboratory tests. FINDINGS TO DATE The proportion of women initiated on ART post-2013 were higher (n=437; 100%) than pre-2013 (n=768; 84.2%). The proportion of women in care at 6 weeks (73.8%) was also higher post-2013 relative to earlier years (58.5%). The majority of HIV-infected pregnant women were either on lifelong ART or ART prophylaxis; pre-2013, ∼ 9.6% of women were not on any ART. Pregnancy viral load monitoring was inadequate. FUTURE PLANS This cohort will be used to: (1) determine HIV acquisition risk during pregnancy and postpartum; (2) determine the effect of HIV and ART on birth outcomes; (3) examine the effect of pregnancy on virological response to ART; and (4) characterise the effect of sequential pregnancies on access to clinical care, response to prolonged ART and birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terusha Chetty
- Wellcome Trust Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Claire Thorne
- UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Frank Tanser
- Wellcome Trust Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Wellcome Trust Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute of Public Health, Medical School, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Coutsoudis
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Retention in Care among HIV-Infected Pregnant Women in Haiti with PMTCT Option B. AIDS Res Treat 2016; 2016:6284290. [PMID: 27651953 PMCID: PMC5019862 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6284290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV relies on engagement in care during the prenatal, peripartum, and postpartum periods. Under PMTCT Option B, pregnant women with elevated CD4 counts are provided with antiretroviral prophylaxis until cessation of breastfeeding. Methods. Retrospective analysis of retention in care among HIV-infected pregnant women in Haiti was performed. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with loss to follow-up (LFU) defined as no medical visit for at least 6 months and Kaplan-Meier curves were created to show LFU timing. Results. Women in the cohort had 463 pregnancies between 2009 and 2012 with retention rates of 80% at delivery, 67% at one year, and 59% at 2 years. Among those who were LFU, the highest risk period was during pregnancy (60%) or shortly afterwards (24.4% by 12 months). Never starting on antiretroviral therapy (aRR 2.29, 95% CI 1.4–3.8) was associated with loss to follow-up. Conclusions. Loss to follow-up during and after pregnancy was common in HIV-infected women in Haiti under PMTCT Option B. Since sociodemographic factors and distance from home to facility did not predict LFU, future work should elicit and address barriers to retention at the initial prenatal care visit in all women. Better tracking systems to capture engagement in care in the wider network are needed.
Collapse
|