Psychosocial interventions enhance HIV medication adherence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Depression mediates the relationship between exposure to stigma and medication adherence among people living with HIV in low-resource setting: a structural equation modeling approach

This study hypothesizes that depression mediates the association between exposure to stigma and medication non-adherence in people living with HIV (PLHIV). We recruited 372 PLHIV from the Stigma, health-related Quality of life, antiretroviral Adherence, and Depression among people living with HIV (SQuAD-HIV) project, a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted between October 2021 and February 2022 among PLHIV attending six ART clinics in two geopolitical regions of northern Nigeria. A structural equation modeling (SEM) framework, utilizing the full information maximum likelihood estimator, was used to elucidate the pathways linking stigma, depression, and ART medication adherence, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. The total number of eligible participants analyzed (353) included 32.7% male PLHIV with a mean age (SD) of 39.42 (10.14). Being female was positively associated with adherence (β, 95% CI 0.335, 0.163-0.523, p-value < 0.001) but negatively associated with stigma (β, 95% CI - 0.334, - 0.561 to - 0.142, p-value = 0.001), while urban residence was negatively associated with stigma (β, 95% CI - 0.564, - 0.804 to - 0.340, p-value < 0.001). Our analysis also indicated that a higher level of experienced stigma was associated with decreased medication adherence. This association was partially mediated by depression (indirect effect = (0.256) (- 0.541) =  - 0.139; p-value < 0.01). The proportion of the association between stigma and medication adherence explained through mediation by depression was 35.6%. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions aimed at lowering exposure to stigma among PLHIV to improve medication adherence.

Online-Mediated HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Care and Reduced Monitoring Frequency for Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial (EZI-PrEP Study)

BACKGROUND

Daily and event-driven HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with oral tenofovir-emtricitabine is highly effective to prevent HIV in men who have sex with men (MSM). PrEP care generally consists of in-clinic monitoring every 3 months that includes PrEP dispensing, counseling, and screening for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, the optimal frequency for monitoring remains undetermined. Attending a clinic every 3 months for monitoring may be a barrier for PrEP. Online-mediated PrEP care and reduced frequency of monitoring may lower this barrier.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to establish the noninferiority of online PrEP care (vs in-clinic care) and monitoring every 6 months (vs every 3 months). The secondary objectives are to (1) examine differences between PrEP care modalities regarding incidences of STIs, HIV infection, and hepatitis C virus infection; retention in PrEP care; intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate concentration; and satisfaction, usability, and acceptability of PrEP care modalities; and (2) evaluate associations of these study outcomes with sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychological characteristics.

METHODS

This study is a 2×2 factorial, 4-arm, open-label, multi-center, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial. The 4 arms are (1) in-clinic monitoring every 3 months, (2) in-clinic monitoring every 6 months, (3) online monitoring every 3 months, and (4) online monitoring every 6 months. The primary outcome is a condomless anal sex act with a casual partner not covered or insufficiently covered by PrEP (ie, "unprotected act") as a proxy for HIV infection risk. Eligible individuals are MSM, and transgender and gender diverse people aged ≥18 years who are eligible for PrEP care at 1 of 4 participating sexual health centers in the Netherlands. The required sample size is 442 participants, and the planned observation time is 24 months. All study participants will receive access to a smartphone app, which contains a diary. Participants are requested to complete the diary on a daily basis during the first 18 months of participation. Participants will complete questionnaires at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Dried blood spots will be collected at 6 and 12 months for assessment of intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate concentration. Incidence rates of unprotected acts will be compared between the online and in-clinic arms, and between the 6-month and 3-month arms. Noninferiority will be concluded if the upper limit of the 2-sided 97.5% CI of the incidence rate ratio is <1.8.

RESULTS

The results of the main analysis are expected in 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial will demonstrate whether online PrEP care and monitoring every 6 months is noninferior to standard PrEP care in terms of PrEP adherence. If noninferiority is established, these modalities may lower barriers for initiating and continuing PrEP use and potentially reduce the systemic burden for PrEP providers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05093036; https://tinyurl.com/28b8ndvj.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/51023.

Brief interventions for alcohol misuse among people living with HIV: a meta-analysis

Background: One-third of people living with HIV (PLHIV) have alcohol misuse or alcohol use disorders which negatively affect course and outcome of HIV.Objectives: The meta-analysis sought to evaluate the effectiveness of brief interventions (BI) on alcohol and HIV outcomes in PLHIV with alcohol misuse.Methods: We included clinical trials published between 1990 and September 2022 on adults with harmful/hazardous alcohol use; only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinical Trials.Gov, and the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases. Cochrane's risk-of-bias assessment was used.Results: Eighteen studies were included in the narrative synthesis, and a meta-analysis could be performed on 13 studies. Among the included RCTs, seven showed a low risk and two showed a high risk of bias; others showed some concerns. There was no evidence of publication bias. Compared to the control, BI significantly reduces the drinks per drinking day (N = 5, Hedge's g= -0.45, 95%CI = -0.58, -0.32) and the number of heavy drinking days (N = 4, Hedge'sg = -0.81, 95% CI= -0.94, -0.67) between 3-6 months post-intervention. BI also reduces the odds of mortality by 42% (N = 7, OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.34, 0.99) in 6-12 months. BI does not change the alcohol risk scores and transition to harmful alcohol use; it does not improve adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy and increase viral suppression.Conclusion: Policymakers must introduce and scale up integrated screening and brief intervention services within HIV clinics and primary care.

Content validation of a mental wellness measuring instrument for adolescents living with HIV: a modified delphi study

A growing body of evidence suggests that improving the mental wellness of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) will also result in improved adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), as well as improving their general health and wellbeing as they age into adulthood. However, to develop effective strategies and interventions aimed at improving mental wellness, we require age and culturally appropriate instruments to build an evidence base. Currently, there is a lack of mental wellness measures developed for ALHIV, especially in the African context. To address this gap, we developed a measure of mental wellness following modified guidelines set out by DeVellis [1] and Godfred et al. as a guiding framework [2]; (1) Identifying the gap, (2) Set the theoretical foundations and identify domains and (3); Instrument development and initial validation. For the first two steps, we conducted a systematic review, photovoice study and integrative review - which we briefly describe as the findings have been published. Following this we describe the processes to develop the instrument and to establish content validity through a modified Delphi Study. Through this process we were able to refine the instrument which will be subject to further testing.Implications and Contribution: This study aims to add to the body of knowledge on promoting mental health (mental wellness) among adolescents living with HIV in South Africa through developing an appropriate and valid measure of mental wellness for this population. This study reports on the results of a Delphi Study aimed at improving the content validity of the instrument Mental Wellness Measure for Adolescents Living with HIV (MWM-ALHIV).

Characteristics of mental health interventions in a cohort of Italian PLWH over the last five years: impact of HIV disease and outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic

Evidence accumulated during past years confirm that people living with HIV (PLWH) still have to deal with comorbidities and chronic complications that can increase physical and psychological issues and can affect daily functioning, quality of life and mental health. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic PLWH proved to be a population at increased risk of psychological distress. We explored the ongoing issues and the characteristics of the mental health interventions for which a cohort of Italian PLWH interacted with a psychologist over the past five years. We analysed a dataset that included 61 PLWH who underwent a psychological intervention between 2018 and 2022. We compared different frequencies in characteristics of mental health interventions according to different demographic and clinical variables, psychopathological symptoms and time of the request for intervention. We showed that psychopathological symptoms most frequently reported by patients were anxiety (55.7%), and depression (49.2%). Furthermore, we reported that most our patients undertook occasional psychological support meetings (31%), sought an intervention after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (62.3%) and complained about disclosure issues (48.5%). Disclosure issues were mainly reported by younger PLWH (p = 0.002) with a shorter disease (p = 0.031) and treatment history (p = 0.032), and higher interpersonal sensitivity (p = 0.042). It seems fundamental to integrate psychological interventions into the care of PLWH, to give particular attention to PLWH with risky demographic, clinical and mental health factors and to pay special attention to emergency conditions (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and the most widespread issues to create ad hoc interventions.

An Experimental Therapeutics Focus on Novel Mechanistic Targets in Cognitive Behavioral Treatments: Introduction to the Special Section

This article introduces the special section, "An Experimental Therapeutics Focus on Novel Mechanistic Targets in Cognitive Behavioral Treatments." The purpose of this special section is to highlight research that follows the recommended Science of Behavior Change (SOBC) developmental progression for an experimental medicine approach to identifying and testing mechanisms of behavior change. Emphasis was placed on the earlier stage "pipeline" of investigations of novel mechanisms for behavior change: mechanisms that are undergoing the initial stages of validation. In this series, seven empirical articles are presented and are followed by an article detailing a checklist for reporting mechanistic research studies in order to improve communication of findings in the field. The final article in this series discusses the history, current status, and future directions for the SOBC approach to mechanistic science as viewed by National Institute of Health program officials.

Understanding the barriers and facilitators to using self-sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses: Thematic analyses for intervention optimization

PURPOSE

Self-sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are widely offered. There are ongoing problems with reach and sample return rates. The packs have arisen without formal intervention development. This paper illustrates initial steps of an intervention optimization process to improve the packs.

METHODS

Eleven focus groups and seven interviews were conducted with convenience samples of patients recruited from sexual health clinics and members of the public (n = 56). To enable intervention optimization, firstly, we conducted an inductive appraisal of the behavioural system of using the pack to understand meaningful constituent behavioural domains. Subsequently, we conducted a thematic analysis of barriers and facilitators to enacting each sequential behavioural domain in preparation for future behaviour change wheel analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, we found that self-sampling packs were acceptable. Participants understood their overall logic and value as a pragmatic intervention that simultaneously facilitated and reduced barriers to individuals being tested for STIs and BBVs. However, at the level of each behavioural domain (e.g., reading leaflets, returning samples) problems with the pack were identified, as well as a series of potential optimizations, which might widen the reach of self-sampling and increase the return of viable samples.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper provides an example of a pragmatic approach to optimizing an intervention already widely offered globally. The paper demonstrates the added value health psychological approaches offer; conceptualizing interventions in behavioural terms, pinpointing granular behavioural problems amenable for systematic further improvement.

How Do Psychosocial Interventions for Adolescents and Young People Living With HIV Improve Adherence and Viral Load? A Realist Review

PURPOSE

Psychosocial interventions have the potential to support adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) to achieve better HIV outcomes. However, more evidence is needed to understand which interventions are most effective, and the mechanisms driving how they work in practice.

METHODS

We used realist methodologies to generate statements based on evidence from intervention studies and linked evidence included in a systematic review of psychosocial interventions for AYPLHIV. Key data were extracted from available sources to generate cases, including context-mechanism-outcome pathways. Higher level themes were refined iteratively to create a mid-range theory of how these interventions may work.

RESULTS

From 26 resulting cases, 8 statements were crafted, grouped into 3 overarching categories, to describe how these interventions worked. Interventions were overall found to set off mechanisms to improve adherence when (1) responding to individual-level factors to support AYPLHIV (via incorporating agency and empowerment, personalized and/or contextualized approaches, and self-care skills); (2) tailoring delivery strategies to address specific needs (via diverse strategies, longer duration, and digital delivery); and (3) providing supportive resources (via peer and broader support, and structural support and integration into existing services).

DISCUSSION

A collection of diverse mechanisms may individually or collectively drive improved outcomes for AYPLHIV engaged in psychosocial interventions. Recommendations for integrating our findings into practice are discussed.

Internet-based peer support interventions for people living with HIV: A scoping review

Peer support interventions for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) are effective, but their associated time and material costs for the recipient and the health system make them reachable for only a small proportion of PLWHA. Internet-based interventions are an effective alternative for delivering psychosocial interventions for PLWHA as they are more accessible. Currently, no reviews are focusing on internet-based interventions with peer support components. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on psychosocial interventions for PLWHA based on peer support and delivered through the internet. We conducted a systematic scoping review of academic literature following methodological guidelines for scoping reviews, and 28 articles met our criteria. We summarized the main characteristics of the digital peer support interventions for PLWHA and how they implemented peer support in a virtual environment. Overall the reported outcomes appeared promising, but more robust evidence is needed.

Psychological distress and adherence to anti-retroviral therapy or pre-exposure prophylaxis regimens among Urban Black gay and bisexual men (MSM)

BACKGROUND

Urban Black gay, and bisexual men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of HIV in the U.S. Mental health is a barrier to adherence to both antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The objective was to determine the association between psychological distress and ART or PrEP adherence among urban Black MSM.

METHODS

Using data from a four-year prospective cohort study, adherence to ART was defined as > 95% and PrEP was defined as > 80% of doses taken in the past 30 days. Psychological distress measures included difficulty sleeping; feeling anxious; suicidality; feeling sad or depressed; feeling sick, ill, or not well in the past 3 months; high (vs. low) overall psychological distress was classified as above the median value. Associations were examined using Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 165 Black MSM, 44.2% (73) reported high psychological distress. 65.3% (47/72) of participants living with HIV and 39.8% (37/93) of HIV negative participants were ART or PrEP adherent, respectively. Education was significantly associated with PrEP adherence (p = 0.038). Non-injection drug use in the past 3 months (p = 0.008), difficulty sleeping (p = 0.010), feeling anxious (p = 0.003), and feeling sad or depressed (p < 0.001), and overall psychological distress (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with ART adherence. High psychological distress was significantly associated with a reduced odds of ART adherence (aOR 0.23; 95% CI = 0.08-0.70) adjusting for age and non-injection drug use.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased psychological distress was significantly associated with ART nonadherence and may represent an important barrier to viral suppression.

The Role of Online Support Groups in Helping Individuals Affected by HIV and AIDS: Scoping Review of the Literature

Background

Online support groups provide opportunities for individuals affected by HIV and AIDS to seek information, advice, and support from peers. However, whether and how engagement with online support groups helps individuals affected by HIV and AIDS remains unclear, as does the nature of the evidence on this topic.

Objective

This scoping review sought to explore whether engagement with HIV and AIDS–related online support groups benefits members in terms of psychosocial well-being and illness management, whether members experienced any negative aspects of these groups, and what types of social support are exchanged within HIV and AIDS–related online support groups.

Methods

A scoping review of English-language articles (including both qualitative and quantitative studies) was undertaken using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The databases searched included MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials), and Scopus. Key findings were synthesized using a narrative and thematic approach.

Results

A total of 22 papers met the inclusion criteria from an initial pool of 3332 abstracts. These papers included 23% (5/22) quantitative studies, 9% (2/22) mixed methods studies, and 68% (15/22) qualitative studies published between 2007 and 2019. Cross-sectional evidence suggests that engagement with HIV and AIDS–related online support groups is empowering for members and may lead to a range of psychosocial benefits. Furthermore, qualitative evidence suggests that these groups provide an opportunity to connect with similar people and share experiences. This can help improve self-worth, reduce stigma, facilitate improved illness management, and gain greater confidence when interacting with health professionals. However, online support groups are not without their limitations as qualitative evidence suggests that users may encounter examples of interpersonal conflict between members as well as be exposed to challenging content. Finally, HIV and AIDS–related online support groups are avenues through which individuals can solicit support, most commonly informational or emotional.

Conclusions

HIV and AIDS–related online support groups may have some benefits for members, particularly in terms of providing social support. There is a need for a systematic review of this literature that includes an assessment of the methodological quality of the available evidence.

Meditation and Aerobic Exercise Enhance Mental Health Outcomes and Pattern Separation Learning Without Changing Heart Rate Variability in Women with HIV

Mental and physical (MAP) training targets the brain and the body through a combination of focused-attention meditation and aerobic exercise. The following feasibility pilot study tested whether 6 weeks of MAP training improves mental health outcomes, while enhancing discrimination learning and heart rate variability (HRV) in a group of women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other stress-related conditions. Participants were assigned to training (n = 18) or no-training control (n = 8) groups depending on their ability and willingness to participate, and if their schedule allowed. Training sessions were held once a week for 6 weeks with 30 min of meditation followed by 30 min of aerobic exercise. Before and after 6 weeks of training, participants completed the Behavioral Pattern Separation Task as a measure of discrimination learning, self-report questionnaires of ruminative and trauma-related thoughts, depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, and an assessment of HRV at rest. After training, participants reported fewer ruminative and trauma-related thoughts, fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms, and less perceived stress (p's < 0.05). The positive impact on ruminative thoughts and depressive symptoms persisted 6 months after training. They also demonstrated enhanced discrimination of similar patterns of information (p < 0.05). HRV did not change after training (p > 0.05). Combining mental and physical training is an effective program for enhancing mental health and aspects of cognition in women living with HIV, although not necessarily through variance in heart rate.

Barriers and facilitators of adherence to antiretroviral treatment at a public health facility in Ghana: a mixed method study

BACKGROUND

HIV/AIDS is a disease of global public health concern with high morbidity and mortality rates. Poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases the risk of viral drug resistance and reduces treatment effectiveness towards viral suppression leading to disease progression, greater risk of death and increased risk of viral transmission. The study sought to assess current adherence levels to ART among patients in Ghana, exploring barriers and enablers of adherence to it, to provide future guidance to all key stakeholder groups.

METHOD

A mixed method approach was used comprising of a cross-sectional survey of patients followed by a focused group discussion with patients and an in-depth interview of four key health professionals working in the ART clinic of Atua Government Hospital, a primary care health facility in the Eastern Region of Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used to assess current adherence levels and their determinants among 231 randomly selected patients attending the clinic between July to September, 2019. Quantitative data were analysed using bivariate and multivariate methods while qualitative data were analysed using thematic framework approach.

RESULTS

Adherence levels was found to be 42.9% among our study population. Lower adherence to ART was associated with patients' belief in herbal medicine (aOR =0.34 CI: 0.19-0.61). Other barriers identified from the qualitative analysis included low motivation arising from pill fatigue, forgetfulness, frequent stock out of medicines, long waiting times and worrying side-effects; while enablers, on the other hand, included measures that ensure improved assessment of adherence and health facility-related activities that improve patient satisfaction with ART services. Conclusion: Adherence to ART among patients living with HIV was sub-optimal in our study population. Understanding of the barriers and factors that enable adherence to ART is a key step to developing evidence-based adherence improvement strategies to enhance clinical outcomes.

Characteristics of psychosocial interventions to improve ART adherence in people living with HIV: A systematic review

The HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to be a significant global public health crisis. The main HIV/AIDS treatment is the antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is highly effective but depends on the patient's adherence to be successful. However, the adherence to antiretroviral therapy remains unsatisfactory across different populations, which raises considerable difficulties at both individual and collective levels. Suboptimal adherence to ART can be overcome through multidisciplinary management that includes evidence-based psychosocial interventions. Existing reviews on these interventions have focused mainly on studies with experimental designs, overlooking valuable interventions whose evidence comes from different study designs. Here, we aimed to carry out a comprehensive review of the current research on psychosocial interventions for ART adherence and their characteristics including studies with different designs. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. We searched five databases (Pubmed, EBSCO, LILACS, WoS and SCIELO) for articles reporting a psychosocial intervention to improve treatment adherence for people living with HIV (adults). The quality of each study was analyzed with standardized tools, and data were summarized using a narrative synthesis method. Twenty-three articles were identified for inclusion, and they demonstrated good to fair quality. Individual counseling was the most frequent intervention, followed by SMS reminders, education, and group support. Most interventions combined different strategies and self-efficacy was the most common underlying theoretical framework. This review provides insight into the main characteristics of current psychosocial interventions designed to improve ART treatment adherence. PROSPERO number: CRD42021252449.

Interventions for improving medication adherence in community-dwelling older people with multimorbidity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multimorbidity is highly prevalent amongst older people. Compared with those with a single disease, older people with multimorbidity are more susceptible to medication nonadherence, which causes adverse health outcomes and increased health care costs. The effectiveness of interventions for improving medication adherence in this population is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve medication adherence for community-dwelling older people with multimorbidity.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Ten databases: Airiti Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Cochrane CENTRAL, EBSCO CINAHL, OVID EMBASE, OVID MEDLINE, Proquest Central, PsycINFO, Wanfang Database and Web of Science Core Collection.

REVIEW METHODS

Studies evaluating the effects of interventions on medication adherence in community-dwelling older people with multimorbidity were included. Two researchers independently performed the study selection, data extraction and risk assessment. Intervention effects were pooled by random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of nine studies with 3,292 participants were included. Studies on self-management interventions revealed a significant and modest improvement in medication adherence (n = 3 studies; SMD 0.52; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.99; p = 0.03, I² = 43%). Studies using electronic health interventions demonstrated a small yet significant benefit for medication adherence (n = 2 studies; SMD 0.22; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.42; p = 0.03, I² = 0%). There was no pooled significant effect of medication review on medication adherence (n = 4 studies; SMD -0.03; 95% CI -0.21 to 0.15; p = 0.74, I² = 68%). Most of the studies failed to yield a significant improvement in patients' health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-management interventions and electronic health interventions might be effective in improving medication adherence for older people with multimorbidity. Future adherence interventions are needed to demonstrate improvements in medication adherence and health outcomes.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020150500.

Opportunities for technologically driven dialogical health communication for participatory interventions: Perspectives from male peer navigators in rural South Africa

There is increasing interest in the potential to deliver participatory dialogical HIV and intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention interventions via digital platforms, though the majority of mHealth interventions have been didactic in approach. We undertook 10 in-depth interviews with male Peer Navigators (PNs) who had been extensively trained and working on a larger intervention promoting young people's sexual and reproductive rights, in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Interviews focused on their, and their peers', use of technology in their everyday lives. Data were transcribed and translated, and subjected to thematic analysis. PNs described structural barriers to the use of technology, including poor connectivity, high data costs, and erratic electricity. They primarily used Facebook and WhatsApp for communication and highlighted how reading messages asynchronously was important to overcome connectivity challenges. PNs shared how groups were primarily for information sharing, they also discussed ‘sensitive’ issues online. Privacy was a concern, especially for conversations, and there was recognition of how confidentiality could be breached. It was also felt that WhatsApp could potentially support greater openness in discussions. We reflect on the potential for online interventions to support dialogical health communication, highlighting how dialogical health communication may be enabled through information provision, the asynchronous communication enhancing the potential for reflection, and greater participation in discussion by those who are shyer. Despite this potential there remain important risks around privacy of discussions and how to implement these approaches online.

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Qualitative research with young men showed high levels of cellphone usage.

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Emphasizes the importance of sharing information and personal discussions online.

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Suggests potential opportunities for discussion and reflection via WhatsApp.

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Recognises limitations of WhatsApp communication for health communication.

Long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine dosed every 2 months in adults with HIV-1 infection (ATLAS-2M), 96-week results: a randomised, multicentre, open-label, phase 3b, non-inferiority study

BACKGROUND

Long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine administered monthly or every 2 months might address the challenges associated with daily oral antiretroviral therapy. The ATLAS-2M week 48 results showed non-inferiority of long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine administered every 8 weeks compared with that of every 4 weeks. In this study, we report the efficacy, safety, and tolerability results from the week 96 analysis.

METHODS

ATLAS-2M is a randomised, multicentre, open-label, phase 3b, non-inferiority trial conducted in 13 countries, evaluating the safety and efficacy of maintenance treatment with intramuscular injections of long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine, administered every 8 weeks versus every 4 weeks, to people living with HIV-1. Virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1, either already receiving intramuscular long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine every 4 weeks (ie, ATLAS study rollover participants) or oral standard of care, were randomly assigned (1:1), in an unblinded fashion, to receive either intramuscular long-acting cabotegravir (600 mg) and rilpivirine (900 mg) every 8 weeks (ie, the every 8-week dosing group) or intramuscular long-acting cabotegravir (400 mg) and rilpivirine (600 mg) every 4 weeks (ie, the every 4-week dosing group). Randomisation was generated using the GlaxoSmithKline-validated randomisation software RANDALL NG (version 1.3.3). The primary endpoint at week 48 was the proportion of participants with plasma HIV-1 RNA measurements of 50 copies per mL or more (ie, the US Food and Drug Administration [FDA] Snapshot algorithm), which has been published previously. Here, we present the week 96 results: the proportion of participants with plasma HIV-1 RNA measurements of less than 50 copies per mL (FDA Snapshot algorithm), with a non-inferiority margin of -10%; the proportion of participants with plasma HIV-1 RNA measurements of 50 copies per mL or more (FDA Snapshot algorithm), with a non-inferiority margin of 4%; the proportion of participants with protocol-defined confirmed virological failure (ie, two consecutive plasma HIV-1 RNA measurements ≥200 copies per mL); safety; pharmacokinetics; and tolerability. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03299049, and is currently ongoing.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 27, 2017, and May 31, 2018, a total of 1149 participants were screened; of whom, 1049 (91%) were randomly assigned and 1045 (91%) initiated treatment (522 in the every 8-week dosing group and 523 in the every 4-week dosing group). The median age was 42 years (IQR 34-50). 280 (27%) of 1045 participants were assigned female at birth and 764 (73%) were white. At week 96 (FDA Snapshot algorithm), 11 (2%) of 522 participants in the every 8-week dosing group and six (1%) of 523 in the every 4-week dosing group had an HIV-1 RNA measurement of 50 copies per mL or more, with an adjusted treatment difference of 1·0 (95% CI -0·6 to 2·5), meeting the prespecified non-inferiority threshold of 4%; 475 (91%) of 522 participants in the every 8-week dosing group and 472 (90%) of 523 in the every 4-week dosing group maintained an HIV-1 RNA measurement of less than 50 copies per mL, with an adjusted treatment difference of 0·8 (95% CI -2·8 to 4·3), which met the prespecified non-inferiority threshold of -10%. One participant in the every 8-week dosing group met the confirmed virological failure criterion since the week 48 analysis at week 88, resulting in a total of nine participants in the every 8-week dosing group and two in the every 4-week dosing group having confirmed virological failure. No new safety signals were identified, and no treatment-related deaths occurred. Injection site reactions were the most common adverse event, occurring in 412 (79%) of 522 participants in the every 8-week dosing group and 400 (76%) of 523 in the every 4-week dosing group. Most injection site reactions were grade 1 or 2 (7453 [99%] of 7557 in both groups), with a median duration of 3 days (IQR 2-5).

INTERPRETATION

Long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine dosed every 8 weeks had non-inferior efficacy compared with that of every 4 weeks through the 96-week analysis, with both regimens maintaining high levels of virological suppression. These results show the durable safety, efficacy, and acceptability of dosing long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine monthly and every 2 months as maintenance therapy for people living with HIV-1.

FUNDING

ViiV Healthcare and Janssen Research & Development.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy mediates the link between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and health-related quality of life

Human immunodeficiency virus is one of the trauma-inducing chronic illnesses with attendant-negative impact on health-related quality of life. Substantial literature exists on the association of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and health-related quality of life among people living with human immunodeficiency virus, but little is known about the pathways explaining this link. This study therefore examined the mediating role of adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the association between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and health-related quality of life among people living with human immunodeficiency virus. Nine hundred and sixty-nine people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Nigeria who were on antiretroviral therapy completed measures of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and health-related quality of life. Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to analyse the data. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy mediated the association between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and health-related quality of life in the relationship and treatment impact domains, implying that poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy is a pathway through which posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms exert negative influence on health-related quality of life of people living with human immunodeficiency virus. Interventions aimed at reducing the impact of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms on quality of life of people living with human immunodeficiency virus should focus on improving clients’ level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy treatment.

A Systematic Review of Nurse-Led Antiretroviral Medication Adherence Intervention Trials: How Nurses Have Advanced the Science

ABSTRACT

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential to achieving viral suppression and improving health and clinical outcomes in persons living with HIV. Despite the effectiveness of ART and many promising evidence-based ART adherence interventions, viral suppression rates continue to be less than optimal. Nurses play pivotal roles in HIV care management, yet their role in the development and delivery of evidence-based adherence interventions has received little attention. Therefore, this review examined the contributions of nurses to ART adherence research and delivery. We found that nurse-led and nurse-facilitated interventions can be effective in fostering ART adherence in persons living with HIV. Considering the role nurses play in HIV care management and the effectiveness of interventions involving nurses, more nurse-led and nurse-facilitated interventions to address ART adherence are indicated. However, there is a need for further research to examine multilevel interventions and comparative cost and effectiveness of nurse-delivered ART interventions with other forms of delivery.

Psychosocial interventions for improving engagement in care and health and behavioural outcomes for adolescents and young people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents and young people comprise a growing proportion of new HIV infections globally, yet current approaches do not effectively engage this group, and adolescent HIV-related outcomes are the poorest among all age groups. Providing psychosocial interventions incorporating psychological, social, and/or behavioural approaches offer a potential pathway to improve engagement in care and health and behavioural outcomes among adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV).

METHODS

A systematic search of all peer-reviewed papers published between January 2000 and July 2020 was conducted through four electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus). We included randomized controlled trials evaluating psychosocial interventions aimed at improving engagement in care and health and behavioural outcomes of AYPLHIV aged 10 to 24 years.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Thirty relevant studies were identified. Studies took place in the United States (n = 18, 60%), sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and Southeast Asia (Thailand). Outcomes of interest included adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), ART knowledge, viral load data, sexual risk behaviours, sexual risk knowledge, retention in care and linkage to care. Overall, psychosocial interventions for AYPLHIV showed important, small-to-moderate effects on adherence to ART (SMD = 0.3907, 95% CI: 0.1059 to 0.6754, 21 studies, n = 2647) and viral load (SMD = -0.2607, 95% CI -04518 to -0.0696, 12 studies, n = 1566). The psychosocial interventions reviewed did not demonstrate significant impacts on retention in care (n = 8), sexual risk behaviours and knowledge (n = 13), viral suppression (n = 4), undetectable viral load (n = 5) or linkage to care (n = 1) among AYPLHIV. No studies measured transition to adult services. Effective interventions employed various approaches, including digital and lay health worker delivery, which hold promise for scaling interventions in the context of COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the potential of psychosocial interventions in improving health outcomes in AYPLHIV. However, more research needs to be conducted on interventions that can effectively reduce sexual risk behaviours of AYPLHIV, as well as those that can strengthen engagement in care. Further investment is needed to ensure that these interventions are cost-effective, sustainable and resilient in the face of resource constraints and global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effect of pharmacist care on clinical outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pharmacists play a significant role in the multidisciplinary care of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). However, there is less evidence to clarify the impact of pharmacist as an individual team member on HIV care.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the effects of pharmacist intervention on improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), viral load (VL) suppression, and change in CD4-T lymphocytes in PLWHA.

METHODS

We identified relevant records from six databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, ProQuest, Scopus, Cochrane, and EBSCOhost) from inception till June 2020. We included studies that evaluated the impact of pharmacist care activities on clinical outcomes in PLWHA. A random-effect model was used to estimate the overall effect [odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous and mean difference (MD) for continuous data] with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. The review protocol was published on PROSPERO (CRD42020167994).

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies involving 3206 PLWHA in which pharmacist-provided intervention either in the form of education with or without pharmaceutical-care either alone or as an interdisciplinary team member were included. Eight studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while 17 studies were non-RCTs. Pooled-analyses showed a significant impact of pharmacist care compared to usual care group on adherence outcome (OR: 2.70 [95%, CI 1.80, 4.05]), VL suppression (OR: 4.13 [95% CI 2.27, 7.50]), and rise of CD4-T lymphocytes count (MD: 66.83 cells/mm³ [95% CI 44.08, 89.57]). The strength of evidence ranged from moderate, low to very low.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that pharmacist care improves adherence, VL suppression, and CD4-T lymphocyte improvement in PLWHA; however, it should be noted that the majority of the studies have a high risk of bias. More research with more rigorous designs is required to reaffirm the impact of pharmacist interventions on clinical and economic outcomes in PLWHA.

The effectiveness of peer-support for people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The practice of involving people living with HIV in the development and provision of healthcare has gained increasing traction. Peer-support for people living with HIV is assistance and encouragement by an individual considered equal, in taking an active role in self-management of their chronic health condition. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effects of peer-support for people living with HIV.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review in accordance with international guidelines. Following systematic searches of eight databases until May 2020, two reviewers performed independent screening of studies according to preset inclusion criteria. We conducted risk of bias assessments and meta-analyses of the available evidence in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The certainty of the evidence for each primary outcome was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system.

RESULTS

After screening 219 full texts we included 20 RCTs comprising 7605 participants at baseline from nine different countries. The studies generally had low risk of bias. Main outcomes with high certainty of evidence showed modest, but superior retention in care (Risk Ratio [RR] 1.07; Confidence Interval [CI] 95% 1.02-1.12 at 12 months follow-up), antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence (RR 1.06; CI 95% 1.01-1.10 at 3 months follow-up), and viral suppression (Odds Ratio up to 6.24; CI 95% 1.28-30.5 at 6 months follow-up) for peer-support participants. The results showed that the current state of evidence for most other main outcomes (ART initiation, CD4 cell count, quality of life, mental health) was promising, but too uncertain for firm conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, peer-support with routine medical care is superior to routine clinic follow-up in improving outcomes for people living with HIV. It is a feasible and effective approach for linking and retaining people living with HIV to HIV care, which can help shoulder existing services.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRD42020173433.

Mental health interventions for persons living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Addressing the intersection between mental health and HIV is critical for the wellbeing of persons living with HIV (PLWH). This systematic review synthesized the literature on mental health interventions for PLWH in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to determine intervention components and explore their relationship with intervention effectiveness.

METHODS

We included only controlled clinical trials of interventions aiming to improve the mental health of PLWH. We conducted a search in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and EMBASE for eligible studies describing the evaluation of interventions for mental health problems among PLWH in LMICs published through August 2020. Two reviewers independently screened references in two successive stages of title/abstract screening and then full-text screening for references meeting title/abstract criteria.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 30 eligible articles representing 6477 PLWH who were assigned to either the intervention arm (n = 3182) or control arm (n = 3346). The mental health interventions evaluated were psychological (n = 17, 56.67%), pharmacological (n = 6, 20.00%), combined psychological and pharmacological (n = 1, 3.33%) and complementary/alternative treatments (n = 6, 20.00%). The mental health problems targeted were depression (n = 22, 73.33 %), multiple psychological symptoms (n = 1, 3.33%), alcohol and substance use problems (n = 4, 13.33%), post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 1, 3.33%) and HIV-related neuro-cognitive impairment (n = 2, 6.67%). Studies of interventions with significant effects had significantly a higher number of active ingredients than those without significant effects [3.41 (2.24) vs. 1.84 (1.46) Mean (SD)] [Mean difference = -1.56, 95% CI = -3.03 to -0.09, p = 0.037].

CONCLUSIONS

There continue to be advances in mental health interventions for PLWH with mental illness in LMICs. However, more research is needed to elucidate how intervention components lead to intervention effectiveness. We recommend scale up of culturally appropriate interventions that have been successfully evaluated in low- and middle-income countries.

Polysubstance use and adherence to antiretroviral treatment in the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort

Evidence for a relationship between polysubstance use, depression, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is limited. The objectives of this study were to examine the associations of depression, illicit drug, and alcohol use with adherence to ART. People living with HIV (PLHIV) from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV cohort were asked about the number of doses of their ART medication missed to assess ART adherence. Harmful alcohol drinking was evaluated using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and illicit substance use assessed with self-report and urine screen. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess depression symptoms. Of 391 PLHIV, 16.6% missed at least one dose (range:1-4) in the past four days. Cocaine/crack, opiate use, and depression were significantly independently associated with a greater mean number of doses missed. The mean number of doses missed was significantly greater among participants who used alcohol in combination with cocaine/crack, marijuana, and tobacco compared to non-users. In conclusion, polysubstance use increased the risk for poor ART adherence among PLHIV. The use of cocaine/crack or opiates individually and depressive symptoms also promote poor ART adherence. An integrated approach targeting substance disorders and depression may help achieve better ART adherence.

Psychosocial support interventions for improved adherence and retention in ART care for young people living with HIV (10-24 years): a scoping review

Background

Mental health disorders such as high levels of anxiety, isolation, depression and suicide ideation reported among young people living with HIV (10–24 years;YPLHIV) contribute significantly to poor medication adherence and retention in care. While there is evidence supporting the role of psychosocial support interventions in promoting adherence and retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) among adults living with HIV, there is little evidence on the role of psychosocial support on medication adherence among YPLHIV. This scoping review was designed to identify and classify the types and effects of psychosocial support interventions designed to improve adherence and retention in ART among YPLHIV globally.

Method

We searched six electronic databases (i.e., Scopus, Pubmed and EBSCOHost (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Psycarticles and Medline). Six relevant articles published between 2011 and 2019 met our inclusion criteria. We extracted information relevant to the nature and outcomes of the reported interventions using thematic content analysis informed by the Population, Intervention, comparison, outcome, and time (PICOT) framework.

Results

Four distinctive treatment modalities that focused on improving ART adherence and retention in care were identified: individual counselling, support groups, family-centered services, and treatment supporters.

Conclusion

There is a dearth of psychosocial support interventions to improve adherence and retention in ART amongst adolescents and young adults living with HIV. Future research and programming should seek to address psychosocial support interventions or approaches specifically designed to address the needs of YPLHIV.

Trial registration

PROSPERO: Registration CRD42018105057.

Predictors of increased risk for early treatment non-adherence to oral anti-estrogen therapies in early-stage breast cancer patients

PURPOSE

Non-adherence to the oral anti-estrogen therapies (AET) tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors in early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is associated with numerous negative clinical outcomes. Prior studies have identified that non-adherence is associated with psychological and menopause-related factors which are present during AET, but the presence of these characteristics prior to AET initiation has not been investigated.

METHODS

Psychological and menopause symptoms (depression, generalized anxiety, insomnia, somatosensory amplification, hot flash frequency, and hot flash-related interference) were assessed pre-AET initiation as predictors of subsequent non-adherence in 73 participants (M_age = 55.0, SD = 10.1 years). Participants self-reported treatment adherence after three and 6 weeks on AET. Participants who did not initiate treatment were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

Discriminant function analyses revealed that the hypothesized set of psychological and menopause symptoms at baseline (pre-AET) together statistically distinguished between those who were non-adherent (n = 19; 26.0%) from adherent (n = 54; 74.0%) at 6 weeks. Model classification accuracy was statistically significant (Wilks' ƛ = 0.782, χ²(6) = 15.50, p = 0.017) at the 6-week timepoint. Results were consistent at 3 weeks. Pre-AET psychological and menopause symptoms correctly classified 6-week treatment adherence 77.9% of the time. Depression contributed most to distinguishing between adherers and non-adherers.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a composite profile of psychological and menopause symptoms prior to AET initiation may help to identify early treatment non-adherence. Results can be used to identify patients at risk for non-adherence and to guide psychological and symptom management interventions.

Effect of a WeChat-Based Intervention (Run4Love) on Depressive Symptoms Among People Living With HIV in China: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PLWH) have high rates of depressive symptoms. However, only a few effective mental health interventions exist for this vulnerable population.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a WeChat-based intervention, Run4Love, with a randomized controlled trial among 300 people living with HIV and depression (PLWHD) in China.

METHODS

We recruited PLWH from the HIV outpatient clinic in South China. Participants were screened based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Those who scored 16 or higher were eligible to participate. A total of 300 eligible patients were enrolled. After obtaining informed consent from the participants, completion of a baseline survey, and collection of participants' hair samples for measuring cortisol, the participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group received the Run4Love program, delivered via the popular social media app WeChat. Cognitive behavioral stress management courses and weekly reminders of exercise were delivered in a multimedia format. Participants' progress was monitored with timely and tailored feedback. The control group received usual care and a brochure on nutrition for PLWH. Data were collected at 3, 6, and 9 months. The primary outcome was depression, which was measured by a validated instrument.

RESULTS

Participants in the intervention and control groups were comparable at baseline; about 91.3% (139/150), 88.3% (132/150), and 86.7% (130/150) participants completed the 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups, respectively. At the 3-month follow-up, a significant reduction in CES-D score was observed in the intervention group (from 23.9 to 17.7 vs from 24.3 to 23.8; mean difference=-5.77, 95% CI -7.82 to -3.71; P<.001; standard effect size d=0.66). The mean changes in CES-D score from baseline to the 6- and 9-month follow-ups between the two groups remained statistically significant. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The WeChat-based mobile health (mHealth) intervention Run4Love significantly reduced depressive symptoms among PLWHD, and the effect was sustained. An app-based mHealth intervention could provide a feasible therapeutic option for many PLWHD in resource-limited settings. Further research is needed to assess generalizability and cost-effectiveness of this intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21019 (Archived by WebCite at https://www.webcitation.org/78Bw2vouF).

Evaluation of a Computer-Based HIV Education Program for Adults Living with HIV

This study evaluated a computer-delivered HIV and antiretroviral treatment education program in adults (N = 102) living with detectable HIV viral loads (> 200 copies/mL). The self-paced program provided immediate feedback for responses and financial incentives for responding correctly. The program was divided into three courses and a test of content from all three courses was delivered before and after participants completed each course. Test scores on the content delivered in Courses 1, 2 and 3 improved only after participants completed training on the relevant course. Initial test scores were positively correlated with health literacy and academic achievement; were negatively correlated with viral load; and were lowest for participants living in poverty. Education, academic achievement, and health literacy were related to how much participants learned following each course. Computer-based education is a convenient, effective approach to promoting an understanding of HIV and its treatment.

Electronic Health Interventions to Improve Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in People Living With HIV: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Electronic health (eHealth) is increasingly used for self-management and service delivery of HIV-related diseases. With the publication of studies increasingly focusing on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, this makes it possible to quantitatively and systematically assess the effectiveness and feasibility of eHealth interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review was to explore the effectiveness of eHealth interventions on improving ART adherence in people living with HIV. The effects of different intervention characteristics, participant characteristics, and study characteristics were also assessed.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and 3 conference abstract databases using search terms related to HIV, ART, adherence, and eHealth interventions. We independently screened the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the study quality and then compared the information in pairs. Articles published in English that used randomized controlled trials to assess eHealth interventions to improve ART adherence of people living with HIV were identified. We extracted the data including study characteristics, participant characteristics, intervention characteristics, and outcome measures. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias and study overall quality. Odds ratios, Cohen d, and their 95% CIs were estimated using random-effects models. We also performed multiple subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses to define any sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Among 3941 articles identified, a total of 19 studies (including 21 trials) met the inclusion criteria. We found 8 trials from high-income countries and 13 trials from low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, at baseline, the health status of participants in 14 trials was healthy. Of the trials included, 7 of 21 used personality content, 12 of 21 used a 2-way communication strategy, and 7 of 21 used medical content. In the pooled analysis of 3937 participants (mean age: 35 years; 47.16%, 1857/3937 females), eHealth interventions significantly improved the ART adherence of people living with HIV (pooled Cohen d=0.25; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.46; P=.01). The interventions were also correlated with improved biochemical outcomes reported by 11 trials (pooled Cohen d=0.25; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.38; P<.001). The effect was sensitive to sample size (Q=5.56; P=.02) and study duration (Q=8.89; P=.003), but it could not be explained by other moderators. The primary meta-analysis result was stable in the 3 sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Some of the eHealth interventions may be used as an effective method to increase the ART adherence of people living with HIV. Considering that most of the trials included a small sample size and were conducted for a short duration, these results should be interpreted with caution. Future studies need to determine the features of eHealth interventions to better improve ART adherence along with long-term effectiveness of interventions, effectiveness of real-time adherence monitoring, enhancement of study design, and influences on biochemical outcomes.

Adherence Connection for Counseling, Education, and Support: Research Protocol for a Proof-of-Concept Study

Background

The highest rates of new HIV infections are observed in African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos (ethnic minority) adolescents and young adults (youth). HIV-infected ethnic minority youth are less likely to initiate and maintain adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and medical care, as compared with their adult counterparts.

Objective

The objective of this research protocol was to describe our proposed methods for testing a peer-led mobile health cognitive behavioral intervention, delivered via remote videoconferencing and smartphones with HIV-infected ethnic minority youth, Adherence Connection for Counseling, Education, and Support (ACCESS). Our secondary aim was to obtain initial estimates of the biobehavioral impact of ACCESS on HIV virologic outcomes and self-reported ART adherence, beliefs and knowledge about ART treatment, adherence self-efficacy, and health care utilization (retention in care).

Methods

An exploratory, sequential mixed-methods study design will be used with conceptual determinants of adherence behavior informed by the information-motivation-behavioral skills model. HIV-infected ethnic minority youth aged 16 to 29 years with a detectable HIV serum viral load of more than 200 copies/ml (N=25) will be recruited. Qualitative pretesting will be conducted, including semistructured, in-depth, individual interviews with a convenience sample meeting the study inclusion criteria. Preliminary analysis of qualitative data will be used to inform and tailor the ACCESS intervention. Testing and implementation will include a one-group pre-posttest pilot, delivered by a trained successful peer health coach who lives with HIV and is well-engaged in HIV care and taking ART. A total of 5 peer-led remote videoconferencing sessions will be delivered using study-funded smartphones and targeting adherence information (HIV knowledge), motivation (beliefs and perceptions), and behavioral skills (self-efficacy). Participant satisfaction will be assessed with poststudy focus groups and quantitative survey methodology. Bivariate analyses will be computed to compare pre- and postintervention changes in HIV biomarkers, self-reported ART adherence, beliefs and knowledge about ART, adherence self-efficacy, and retention in care.

Results

As of December 2018, we are in the data analysis phase of this pilot and anticipate completion with dissemination of final study findings by spring/summer 2019. The major outcomes will include intervention feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary evidence of impact on serum HIV RNA quantitative viral load (primary adherence outcome variable). Self-reported ART adherence and retention in care will be assessed as secondary outcomes. Findings from the qualitative pretesting will contribute to an improved understanding of adherence behavior.

Conclusions

Should the ACCESS intervention prove feasible and acceptable, this research protocol will contribute to a shift in existent HIV research paradigms by offering a blueprint for technology-enabled peer-led interventions and models.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/12543

Longitudinal association between internalized HIV stigma and antiretroviral therapy adherence for women living with HIV: the mediating role of depression

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether internalized HIV-related stigma predicts adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) longitudinally in women living with HIV in the United States, and whether depression symptoms mediate the relationship between internalized stigma and suboptimal ART adherence.

DESIGN

Observational longitudinal study utilizing data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study cohort.

METHODS

A measure of internalized HIV-related stigma was added to the battery of Women's Interagency HIV Study measures in 2013. For current analyses, participants' first assessment of internalized HIV-related stigma and assessments of other variables at that time were used as baseline measures (Time one or T1, visit occurring in 2013/14), with outcomes measured approximately 2 years later (T3, 2015/16; n = 914). A measure of depression symptoms, assessed approximately 18 months after the baseline (T2, 2014/15), was used in mediation analyses (n = 862).

RESULTS

Higher internalized HIV-related stigma at T1 predicted lower odds of optimal ART adherence at T3 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.61, P = 0.001, 95% confidence interval [0.45, 0.82]). Results were similar when ART adherence at T1 was added as a control variable. Mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of internalized HIV stigma at T1 on ART adherence at T3 through depression symptoms at T2 (while controlling for depression symptoms and ART adherence at T1; B = -0.05, SE = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [-0.11, -0.006]).

CONCLUSION

These results provide strong longitudinal support for the hypothesis that internalized HIV-related stigma results in suboptimal ART adherence in a large sample of women living with HIV in the United States, working through the pathway of increased depression symptoms.

An Automated Intervention Did Not Improve Adherence to Oral Oncolytic Agents While Managing Symptoms: Results From a Two-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

An increasing number of oral cancer treatments require patient adherence and symptom self-management.

OBJECTIVES

The report presents the effects of a medication reminder and symptom management intervention directed at patients initiating new oral oncolytic agents.

METHODS

Patients (N = 272) were recruited at six comprehensive cancer centers, interviewed over the telephone after oral agent initiation, and randomized to either standard care or a medication reminder and symptom management intervention. In the intervention arm, the automated system called patients daily to remind them about taking their medications and weekly to assess 18 symptoms and refer patients to a printed Medication Management and Symptom Management Toolkit. Severity of 18 symptoms was also assessed during telephone interviews at Week 4 (midintervention), Week 8 (postintervention), and Week 12 (follow-up). Adherence was measured using the relative dose intensity, the ratio of dose taken by patient out of dose prescribed by the oncologist, and assessed using pill counts at Weeks 4, 8, and 12 and prescribing information from medical records.

RESULTS

The relative dose intensity was high and did not differ by trial arm. Symptom severity was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the experimental arm at Week 8 but not at Weeks 4 or 12.

CONCLUSION

Adherence may be less of a problem than originally anticipated, and intervention was not efficacious possibly because of already high rates of patient adherence to oral oncolytic medication during first 12 weeks. Longer follow-up in future research may identify subgroups of patients who need interventions to sustain adherence.

Guided internet-based intervention for people with HIV and depressive symptoms: a randomised controlled trial in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Many people living with HIV have depressive symptoms, but some individuals do not receive adequate treatment. We developed an online self-help intervention for people with HIV with depressive symptoms on the basis of previous research. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention on depressive symptoms in individuals with HIV.

METHODS

In this randomised controlled trial, participants recruited from 23 HIV treatment centres in the Netherlands were eligible if they were aged 18 years and older, had been diagnosed with HIV at least 6 months before the study, and had mild to moderate depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] score >4 and <20). Individuals also had to speak English or Dutch and have internet access and an email address. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to an internet-based intervention (Living positive with HIV) or an attention-only waiting-list control condition. Randomisation was done using random number tables, with permuted blocks of 12, stratified by treatment centre and sex. Participants, researchers, and coaches were not masked to group allocation. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms assessed with the PHQ-9 and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at pretest, 8 weeks after baseline, and 3 months after completion of the intervention or control condition (post-test 2). The primary analysis was done by intention to treat. Between group effect size was assessed with Cohen's d. This trial is registered with the Netherlands Trial Registry, number NTR5407.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 1, and Dec 31, 2015, we randomly assigned 188 participants to the intervention group (n=97) or the control group (n=91). Mean pretest PHQ-9 score was 11·74 (SD 2·49) in the intervention group and 11·11 (2·37) in the control group; at the post-test visits it was 6·73 (3·00) and 6·62 (3·03) in the intervention group and 8·60 (3·12) and 8·06 (3·17) in the control group. Mean pretest CES-D score was 24·91 (5·93) in the intervention group and 22·94 (6·48) in the control group; at the post-test visits it was 13·94 (6·39) and 15·71 (6·39) in the intervention group and 19·09 (7·05) and 18·43 (7·05) in the control group. The reduction in depressive symptoms was significantly larger in the intervention group than in the control group (d=-0·56 [95% CI -0·85 to -0·27] for PHQ-9 and -0·72 [-1·02 to -0·42] for CES-D at post-test 1; -0·46 [-0·75 to -0·17] for PHQ-9 and -0·47 [-0·76 to -0·18] for CES-D at post-test 2). No adverse events were reported.

INTERPRETATION

This guided internet-based intervention might be effective for the treatment of depressive symptoms. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of online psychological interventions for people with HIV who have mental health problems in low-income and middle-income countries.

FUNDING

Aids Fonds.

Effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy on anxiety, depression and condom use in people with HIV in Mexico City: a pilot study

Anxiety and depression in people living with HIV (PLWH) are negatively associated with healthy sexual behaviours. We pilot-tested a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based intervention to reduce anxiety and depression, aimed to increase serostatus disclosure to sexual partners, quality of sexual life (QoSL) and condom use. The study had a single-case experimental design (AB) with follow-up measures. Eleven PLWH with moderate/severe anxiety/depression received six-module CBT intervention delivered in ten one-hour individual weekly sessions. Anxiety, depression, consistent/correct condom use and QoSL were measured. Depression and anxiety decreased after the intervention (depression baseline [BL] Mdn = 21, final [F] Mdn = 3, z = -2.934, p = .003; anxiety BL Mdn = 30, F Mdn = 4, z = -2.941, p = .003). QoSL improved (BL Mdn = 28, F Mdn = 13, z = -2.625, p = .009), along with participants' ability to use condoms (57.14 vs.100, z = -2.937, p = .003). Effect size was large, changes were maintained at follow-up measurements. The CBT intervention had positive effects in reducing anxiety and depression, which could facilitate the acquisition of healthy sexual behaviours. Further studies are important to clarify the benefits of targeting emotional variables to improve wellbeing and prevention behaviours in PLWH.