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Mugo C, Adedokun O, Alo OD, Ezeokafor N, Adeyemi S, Kpamor Z, Madueke L, James E, Adebajo SB, Semo BW. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV service delivery and viral suppression: Findings from the SHARP program in Northern Nigeria. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300335. [PMID: 38564514 PMCID: PMC10986928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, HIV programs scaled up differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for people living with HIV (PLHIV). We evaluated the effects of COVID-19 on HIV service delivery and viral suppression in facilities in Northern Nigeria, and determined factors associated with viral suppression among adolescents and adults. We analysed a cross-sectional survey data from facility heads, and retrospective, routinely collected patient data from 63 facilities for PLHIV ≥10 years old in care between April 2019-March 2021, defining study periods as "pre-COVID-19" (before April 2020) and "during COVID-19" (after April 2020). For the pre-COVID and the COVID-19 periods we compared uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) refills of ≥3 months (MMD3), and ≥6 months (MM6), missed appointments, viral load (VL) testing, VL testing turnaround time (TAT) and viral suppression among those on ART for ≥6 months using two proportions Z-test and t-tests. We fit a multivariable logistic regression model to determine factors associated with maintaining or achieving viral suppression. Of 84,776 patients, 58% were <40 years, 67% were female, 55% on ART for >5 years, 93% from facilities with community-based ART refill, a higher proportion were on MMD3 (95% versus 74%, p<0.001) and MMD6 (56% versus 22%, p<0.001) during COVID-19 than pre-COVID-19, and a higher proportion had VL testing during COVID-19 (55,271/69,630, [84%]) than pre-COVID-19 (47,747/68,934, [73%], p<0.001). Viral suppression was higher during COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-COVID era (93% [51,196/55,216] versus 91% [43,336/47,728], p<0.001), and there was a higher proportion of missed visits (40% [28,923/72,359] versus 39% [26,304/67,365], p<0.001) and increased VL TAT (mean number of days: 38 versus 36, p<0.001) during COVID-19 pandemic and pre-COVID period respectively. Factors associated with maintaining or achieving suppression during COVID-19 were receiving MMD3 and MMD6 refills (OR: 2.8 [95% CI: 2.30-3.47] and OR: 6.3 [95% CI: 5.11-7.69], respectively) and attending clinics with community-based ART refill (OR: 1.6 [95% CI: 1.39-1.87]). The program in Northern Nigeria demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and adoption of MMD had a positive impact on HIV care. Though VL TAT and missed clinic visits slightly increased during the pandemic, VL testing improved and viral suppression moved closer to 95%. Adoption of MMD and community-based models of care at scale are recommended for future pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Mugo
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Oluwasanmi Adedokun
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (CIHEB), Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) – University of Maryland, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Oluwafemi David Alo
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (CIHEB), Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) – University of Maryland, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nnenna Ezeokafor
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (CIHEB), Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) – University of Maryland, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Ezekiel James
- United States Agency for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sylvia Bolanle Adebajo
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (CIHEB), Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) – University of Maryland, Abuja, Nigeria
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Hudrudchai S, Suwanwong C, Prasittichok P, Mohan KP, Janeaim N. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Prev Med Public Health 2024; 57:8-17. [PMID: 38147821 PMCID: PMC10861324 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.23.345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The effectiveness and efficiency of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in reducing the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) relies on how widely it is adopted and adhered to, particularly among high-risk groups of MSM. The meta-analysis aimed to collect and analyze existing evidence on various factors related to PrEP adherence in MSM, including demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, substance use, and psychosocial factors. METHODS The meta-analysis followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The search included articles published between January 2018 and December 2022, obtained from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. The studies that were included in the analysis reported the proportion of MSM who demonstrated adherence to PrEP and underwent quality appraisal using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Of the 268 studies initially identified, only 12 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. The findings indicated that education (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 2.40), number of sexual partners (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.31), engaging in sexual activities with an human immunodeficiency virus-positive partner (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.26), substance use (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.99), and lower levels of depression (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.82) were associated with higher rates of PrEP adherence among MSM. CONCLUSIONS Despite these findings, further research is necessary to investigate PrEP adherence more comprehensively. The findings of this meta-analysis can be utilized to inform interventions aimed at improving PrEP adherence among MSM and provide directions for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchitra Hudrudchai
- Faculty of Nursing, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, Thailand
- Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Charin Suwanwong
- Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pitchada Prasittichok
- Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanu Priya Mohan
- Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nopphadol Janeaim
- Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Ezenwosu IL, Onu JU, Chukwuma UV, Onwuka-Kalu C, Omotola OF, Ezenwosu OU, Chukwuka CJ. Effect of dolutegravir-based drug combinations on the level of medication adherence and viral load among adolescents living with HIV in resource-limited setting: a pre-post design. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2023; 35:457-465. [PMID: 38059505 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2023-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The use of antiretroviral drugs among HIV-infected adolescents has been challenged with poor medication adherence, leading to an unsuppressed viral load and ultimately to drug resistance. Recently, dolutegravir has been approved for use in adolescents with HIV, but the evidence on medication adherence and viral load suppression is limited. The study determined the effect of dolutegravir-based drug regimens on the level of medication adherence and viral load among treatment-experienced adolescents. METHODS A longitudinal pre-post design study was done among adolescents living with HIV at a paediatrics clinic in Nigeria. Assessment of medication adherence and viral load testing was done before and at six months of transitioning to dolutegravir-based regimens. McNemar-chi-square was used to determine the effectiveness of the drug on adherence and viral load suppression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of drug adherence and viral suppression. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 14.7 years (SD=3.2), and 53.3 % were males. The mean duration of ART use was 10.3 years (SD=3.2). Six months after transitioning to dolutegravir, there was a significant decrease in viral load (Z=-7.947, p<0.001) and an increase in medication adherence score (Z=-7.554, p<0.001), among the treatment-experienced adolescents. Viral suppression was 13 times higher among respondents with good medication adherence as compared to those with poor medication adherence (AOR=13.24, CI=3.25-53.90). CONCLUSIONS Dolutegravir is effective in improving medication adherence and viral suppression among Adolescents living with HIV. Thus, the need to transition eligible adolescents to dolutegravir to sustain better treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeyinwa L Ezenwosu
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Justus U Onu
- Department of Mental Health, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Uchenna V Chukwuma
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chima Onwuka-Kalu
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Olusegun F Omotola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Osita U Ezenwosu
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chinwe J Chukwuka
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Moraa H, Njuguna I, Mugo C, Mbwayo A, Nyapara F, Aballa C, Wagner AD, Wamalwa D, John-Stewart G, Inwani I, O'Malley G. "We can tell a good teacher who cares, understands, and can be confidential about it": youth and caregiver experiences with HIV disclosure to schools in Kenya. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1172431. [PMID: 37559743 PMCID: PMC10407401 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1172431] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Disclosure of one's HIV status to others is often difficult due to the fear of stigma. However, disclosure may facilitate receiving social support. Many youth living with HIV (YLH) are enrolled in school as better treatments have improved the health and survival of children with HIV. There is no structured process for disclosure at school for YLH and their caregivers. We sought to understand school disclosure experiences among YLH and their caregivers and assess the need for the development of a structured disclosure intervention tailored to school settings. Methods We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 28 school-going YLH aged 14-19 years and 24 caregivers of YLH. Interviews were conducted in English and Swahili, transcribed, and translated. The transcripts were uploaded to Atlas.ti 9 for thematic analysis. Results YLH and caregivers clearly articulated the benefits of disclosing to school staff. Disclosure to school staff was seen as the first step to receiving support for medication storage, adherence, and clinic attendance. However, disclosure was also perceived to be a very complicated and stressful process. Fear of stigma drove caregivers and YLH toward careful planning of when and to whom to disclose. Distrust of school staff was a significant barrier to disclosure, even among those who clearly articulated the benefits of disclosure. Disclosure to school staff largely resulted in positive experiences; the immediate reactions were positive or somewhat neutral and confidentiality was upheld. The anticipated benefits of practical and emotional support were demonstrated by the school staff to whom the HIV information was disclosed. Conclusion Disclosure of HIV status to someone at school is necessary to receive support for medication adherence. Stigma and the lack of structured support for the disclosure process at school often hinder YLH and their caregivers from disclosing. YLH would benefit from better support at schools, including policies to facilitate disclosure that address the caregiver and YLH's fear of stigma and loss of confidentiality. School policies could also provide guidance on whom to disclose to and available post-disclosure support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellen Moraa
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Njuguna
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anne Mbwayo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Florence Nyapara
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Calvins Aballa
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anjuli Dawn Wagner
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Irene Inwani
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gabrielle O'Malley
- Departments of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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