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Youngui BT, Atwine D, Otai D, Vasiliu A, Ssekyanzi B, Sih C, Kana R, Arinaitwe R, Cuer B, Simo L, Okello R, Tchendjou P, Casenghi M, Kuate AK, Turyahabwe S, Cohn J, Bonnet M, Tchounga BK. Integration of HIV Testing in a Community Intervention for Tuberculosis Screening Among Household Contacts of Patients with Tuberculosis in Cameroon and Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:431-438. [PMID: 38489492 PMCID: PMC10927301 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003379] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People living with HIV are considered at higher risk of developing severe forms of tuberculosis (TB) disease. Providing HIV testing to TB-exposed people is therefore critical. We present the results of integrating HIV testing into a community-based intervention for household TB contact management in Cameroon and Uganda. METHODS Trained community health workers visited the households of index patients with TB identified in 3 urban/semiurban and 6 rural districts or subdistricts as part of a cluster-randomized trial and provided TB screening to all household contacts. Voluntary HIV counseling and testing were offered to contacts aged 5 years or older with unknown HIV status. We describe the cascade of care for HIV testing and the factors associated with the acceptance of HIV testing. RESULTS Overall, 1983 household contacts aged 5 years or older were screened for TB. Of these contacts, 1652 (83.3%) did not know their HIV status, 1457 (88.2%) accepted HIV testing, and 1439 (98.8%) received testing. HIV testing acceptance was lower among adults than children [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22 to 0.55], those living in household of an HIV-positive vs HIV-negative index case (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.83), and contacts requiring a reassessment visit after the initial TB screening visit vs asymptomatic contacts (aOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.67) and was higher if living in Uganda vs Cameroon (aOR = 4.54, 95% CI: 1.17 to 17.62) or if another contact of the same index case was tested for HIV (aOR = 9.22, 95% CI: 5.25 to 16.18). CONCLUSION HIV testing can be integrated into community-based household TB contact screening and is well-accepted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Tchakounte Youngui
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Daniel Atwine
- Department of Clinical Research, Epicentre Research Center, Mbarara, Uganda;
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda;
| | - David Otai
- Department of Clinical Research, Epicentre Research Center, Mbarara, Uganda;
| | - Anca Vasiliu
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
| | - Bob Ssekyanzi
- Department of Clinical Research, Epicentre Research Center, Mbarara, Uganda;
| | - Colette Sih
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Rogacien Kana
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Rinah Arinaitwe
- Department of Clinical Research, Epicentre Research Center, Mbarara, Uganda;
| | - Benjamin Cuer
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
| | - Leonie Simo
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Richard Okello
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Kampala, Uganda;
| | | | - Martina Casenghi
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland;
| | | | - Stavia Turyahabwe
- Tuberculosis Leprosy Control, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; and
| | - Jennifer Cohn
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Maryline Bonnet
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
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Nangendo J, Semitala F, Kalyango J, Kabami J, Obeng-Amoako GO, Muwema M, Katahoire A, Karamagi C, Wanyenze R, Kamya M. Village health team-delivered oral HIV self-testing increases linkage-to-care and antiretroviral-therapy initiation among men in Uganda. AIDS Care 2024; 36:482-490. [PMID: 37331019 PMCID: PMC10859534 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2223901] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Targeted strategies are central to increasing HIV-status awareness and progress on the care cascade among men. We implemented Village-Health-Team (VHT)-delivered HIV self-testing (HIVST) among men in a peri-urban Ugandan district and assessed linkage to confirmatory-testing, antiretroviral-therapy (ART) initiation and HIV-status disclosure following HIVST. We conducted a prospective cohort study from November 2018 to June 2019 and enrolled 1628 men from 30-villages of Mpigi district. VHTs offered each participant one HIVST-kit and a linkage-to-care information leaflet. At baseline, we collected data on demographics, testing history and risk behavior. At one-month, we measured linkage to confirmatory-testing and HIV-status disclosure, and at three months ART-initiation if tested HIV-positive. We used Poisson regression generalized estimating equations to evaluate predictors of confirmatory-testing. We found that 19.8% had never tested for HIV and 43% had not tested in the last 12-months. After receiving HIVST-kits, 98.5% self-reported HIVST-uptake in 10-days, 78.8% obtained facility-based confirmation in 30-days of HIVST with 3.9% tested HIV-positive. Of the positives, 78.8% were newly diagnosed, 88% initiated ART and 57% disclosed their HIV-status to significant others. Confirmatory testing was associated with having a higher level of education and knowing a partner's HIV-status. VHT-delivered HIVST may be effective for boosting testing, ART-initiation and HIV-status disclosure among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanita Nangendo
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Semitala
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program (MJAP), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joan Kalyango
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jane Kabami
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Mercy Muwema
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne Katahoire
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Child Health and Development Centre, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Karamagi
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rhoda Wanyenze
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Kim HY, Inghels M, Mathenjwa T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J, Matthews P, Wyke S, McGrath N, Adeagbo O, Gareta D, Yapa HM, Zuma T, Dobra A, Blandford A, Bärnighausen T, Tanser F. Effect of a male-targeted digital decision support application aimed at increasing linkage to HIV care among men: Findings from the HITS cluster randomized clinical trial in rural South Africa. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.15.24304373. [PMID: 38562824 PMCID: PMC10984030 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.24304373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Linkage to HIV care remains suboptimal among men. We investigated the effectiveness of a male-targeted HIV-specific decision support app, Empowering People through Informed Choices for HIV (EPIC-HIV), on increasing linkage to HIV care among men in rural South Africa. Methods Home-Based Intervention to Test and Start (HITS) was a multi-component cluster-randomized controlled trial among 45 communities in uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal. The development of EPIC-HIV was guided by self-determination theory and human-centered intervention design to increase intrinsic motivation to seek HIV testing and care among men. EPIC-HIV was offered in two stages: EPIC-HIV 1 at the time of home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT), and EPIC-HIV 2 at 1 month after positive HIV diagnosis. Sixteen communities were randomly assigned to the arms to receive EPIC-HIV, and 29 communities to the arms without EPIC-HIV. Among all eligible men, we compared linkage to care (initiation or resumption of antiretroviral therapy after >3 months of care interruption) at local clinics within 1 year of a home visit, which was ascertained from individual clinical records. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed using modified Poisson regression with adjustment for receiving another intervention (i.e., financial incentives) and clustering at the community level. We also conducted a satisfaction survey for EPIC-HIV 2. Results Among all 13,894 eligible men (i.e., ≥15 years and resident in the 45 communities), 20.7% received HBHCT, resulting in 122 HIV-positive tests. Among these, 54 men linked to care within 1 year after HBHCT. Additionally, of the 13,765 eligible participants who did not receive HBHCT or received HIV-negative results, 301 men linked to care within 1 year. Overall, only 13 men received EPIC-HIV 2. The proportion of linkage to care did not differ in the arms assigned to EPIC-HIV compared to those without EPIC-HIV (adjusted risk ratio=1.05; 95% CI:0.86-1.29). All 13 men who used EPIC-HIV 2 reported the app was acceptable, user-friendly, and useful for getting information on HIV testing and treatment. Conclusion Reach was low although acceptability and usability of the app was very high among those who engaged with it. Enhanced digital support applications could form part of interventions to increase knowledge of HIV treatment for men. Clinical Trial Number: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03757104.
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Maviso M, Kalembo FW. Prevalence and determinants of not testing for HIV among young adult women in Papua New Guinea: findings from the Demographic and Health Survey, 2016-2018. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e075424. [PMID: 38453195 PMCID: PMC10921496 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of not testing for HIV and its determinants among young adult women aged 15-29 years in Papua New Guinea (PNG). DESIGN AND SETTING The study used secondary data from the 2016 to 2018 PNG Demographic and Health Survey (PNGDHS), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey that used a two-stage stratified sampling. PARTICIPANTS A total weighed sample of 5164 young adult women aged 15-29 years were included in the analysis. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Ever been tested for HIV was the primary outcome of the study. All analyses were adjusted using survey weights to account for unequal sampling probabilities. RESULTS The prevalence of not testing for HIV was 58.8% (95% CI: 57.4% to 60.1%). The mean age was 21.65 years (SD = 4.23). Of the women who were not tested for HIV, the majority were never married (79.4%), without formal education (63%), not working (60.2%), and from rural areas (62.9%). In the multivariable analysis, those who were never married (adjusted OR (AOR) 4.9, 95% CI 3.6 to 6.6), had poor wealth index (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5), were from rural areas (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.6), were from the Momase region (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.7), did not read newspapers or magazines (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.1), did not listen to the radio (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0), experienced early sexual debut (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.9), had one sexual partner (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0) and reported no sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 12 months (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1) had higher odds of not testing for HIV. CONCLUSIONS Our study found a very high unmet need for HIV testing among young adult women in PNG. Health promotion programmes should be designed to increase HIV knowledge and access to testing services, particularly targeting young women who are disadvantaged and from rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenzie Maviso
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
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Ndlovu S, Ross A, Mulondo M. Interventions to improve young men's utilisation of HIV-testing services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: perspectives of young men and health care providers. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2023; 22:316-326. [PMID: 38117741 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2023.2276897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: HIV-testing services (HTS) are an important point of entry to prevention and treatment of HIV in South Africa. Despite the availability of HTS across the region and in SA, the uptake among men remains low, especially young men residing in rural and peri-urban communities. This study aimed to explore interventions that could improve the uptake of HTS among young men in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study was conducted in which 17 young men and two health care providers in Ladysmith were purposively and conveniently sampled. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using WhatsApp and landline audio calls between September and December 2021 and thematically analysed.Results: An improvement in the health care provider attitudes and service delivery, establishment of adherence clubs for young people living with HIV, ensuring a diverse and balanced health care provider staff composition at primary health care facilities, and increased demand creation in spaces frequented by men are vital for enhancing access and utilisation of HTS among young men. Additionally, health care providers believe that the presence of male health care providers, investment in health education, prioritising men in the morning at the primary health care facilities, and the establishment of male clinics within communities as key factors in improving the uptake of HTS among young men.Conclusion: To attract and retain young men in HTS and in HIV treatment and care, several improvements at primary health care facilities need to be implemented. These should focus on addressing the specific needs and preferences of young men, ensuring their comfort and engagement in health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sithembiso Ndlovu
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Office of the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Andrew Ross
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mutshidzi Mulondo
- Office of the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Armstrong-Hough M, Ggita J, Gupta AJ, Shelby T, Nangendo J, Ayen DO, Davis JL, Katamba A. Assessing a norming intervention to promote acceptance of HIV testing and reduce stigma during household tuberculosis contact investigation: protocol for a cluster-randomised trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061508. [PMID: 35613785 PMCID: PMC9134160 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV status awareness is important for household contacts of patients with tuberculosis (TB). Home HIV testing during TB contact investigation increases HIV status awareness. Social interactions during home visits may influence perceived stigma and uptake of HIV testing. We designed an intervention to normalise and facilitate uptake of home HIV testing with five components: guided selection of first tester; prosocial invitation scripts; opt-out framing; optional sharing of decisions to test; and masking of decisions not to test. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will evaluate the intervention effect in a household-randomised controlled trial. The primary aim is to assess whether contacts offered HIV testing using the norming strategy will accept HIV testing more often than those offered testing using standard strategies. Approximately 198 households will be enrolled through three public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda. Households will be randomised to receive the norming or standard strategy and visited by a community health worker (CHW) assigned to that strategy. Eligible contacts ≥15 years will be offered optional, free, home HIV testing. The primary outcome, proportion of contacts accepting HIV testing, will be assessed by CHWs and analysed using an intention-to-treat approach. Secondary outcomes will be changes in perceived HIV stigma, changes in perceived TB stigma, effects of perceived HIV stigma on HIV test uptake, effects of perceived TB stigma on HIV test uptake and proportions of first-invited contacts who accept HIV testing. Results will inform new, scalable strategies for delivering HIV testing. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Yale Human Investigation Committee (2000024852), Makerere University School of Public Health Institutional Review Board (661) and Uganda National Council on Science and Technology (HS2567). All participants, including patients and their household contacts, will provide verbal informed consent. Results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated to national stakeholders, including policy-makers and representatives of affected communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05124665.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Armstrong-Hough
- Departments of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Epidemiology, New York University, New YorkUSA
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ggita
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amanda J Gupta
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Epideimology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tyler Shelby
- Epideimology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joanita Nangendo
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - J L Davis
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Epideimology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevetion Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
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Wang J, Mugo C, Omondi VO, Njuguna IN, Maleche-Obimbo E, Inwani I, Hughes JP, Slyker JA, John-Stewart G, Wamalwa D, Wagner AD. Home-based HIV Testing for Children: A Useful Complement for Caregivers with More Children, Who are Male, and with an HIV Negative Partner. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3045-3055. [PMID: 35306611 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03643-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Expanding index and family-based testing (HBT) is a priority for identifying children living with HIV. Our study characterizes predictors that drive testing location choice for children of parents living with HIV. Kenyan adults living with HIV were offered a choice of HBT or clinic-based testing (CBT) for any of their children (0-12 years) of unknown HIV status. Multilevel generalized linear models were used to identify correlates of choosing HBT or CBT for children and testing all versus some children within a family, including caregiver demographics, HIV history, social support, cost, and child demographics and HIV prevention history. Among 244 caregivers living with HIV and their children of unknown HIV status, most (72%) caregivers tested children using CBT. In multivariate analysis, female caregivers [aRR 0.52 (95% CI 0.34-0.80)] were less likely to choose HBT than male caregivers. Caregivers with more children requiring testing [aRR 1.23 (95% CI 1.05-1.44)] were more likely to choose HBT than those with fewer children requiring testing. In subgroup univariate analysis, female caregivers with a known HIV negative spouse were significantly more likely to choose HBT over CBT than those with a known HIV positive spouse [RR 2.57 (95% CI 1.28-5.14), p = 0.008], no association was found for male caregivers. Child demographics and clinical history was not associated with study outcomes. Caregiver-specific factors were more influential than child-specific factors in caregiver choice of pediatric HIV testing location. Home-based testing may be preferable to families with higher child care needs and may encourage pediatric HIV testing if offered as an alternative to clinic testing.
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van Dorst PWM, van der Pol S, Salami O, Dittrich S, Olliaro P, Postma M, Boersma C, van Asselt ADI. Evaluations of training and education interventions for improved infectious disease management in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic literature review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053832. [PMID: 35190429 PMCID: PMC8860039 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify most vital input and outcome parameters required for evaluations of training and education interventions aimed at addressing infectious diseases in low-income and middle-income countries. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for eligible studies between January 2000 and November 2021. STUDY SELECTION Health economic and health-outcome studies on infectious diseases covering an education or training intervention in low-income and middle-income countries were included. RESULTS A total of 59 eligible studies covering training or education interventions for infectious diseases were found; infectious diseases were categorised as acute febrile infections (AFI), non-AFI and other non-acute infections. With regard to input parameters, the costs (direct and indirect) were most often reported. As outcome parameters, five categories were most often reported including final health outcomes, intermediate health outcomes, cost outcomes, prescription outcomes and health economic outcomes. Studies showed a wide range of per category variables included and a general lack of uniformity across studies. CONCLUSIONS Further standardisation is needed on the relevant input and outcome parameters in this field. A more standardised approach would improve generalisability and comparability of results and allow policy-makers to make better informed decisions on the most effective and cost-effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pim Wilhelmus Maria van Dorst
- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon van der Pol
- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Olawale Salami
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Malaria/Fever Program, Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Piero Olliaro
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maarten Postma
- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Boersma
- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Management Sciences, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Antoinette Dorothea Isabelle van Asselt
- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Ferreyra C, Moretó-Planas L, Wagbo Temessadouno F, Alonso B, Tut B, Achut V, Eltom M, Aderie EM, Descalzo-Jorro V. Evaluation of a community-based HIV test and start program in a conflict affected rural area of Yambio County, South Sudan. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254331. [PMID: 34252129 PMCID: PMC8274874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage in South Sudan is around 10%. Access to HIV care in settings with low ART coverage or conflict affected is still low; innovative strategies are needed to increase access and ensure continuation of ART during instability. A pilot HIV test and start project was implemented in a conflict-affected area of South Sudan. In a retrospective analysis, we determined the feasibility and outcomes of this intervention. METHODS Programme data from July 2015 to June 2018 was analysed. The project involved five mobile teams offering HIV counselling and testing (HCT) and same day ART initiation at community level. Baseline and follow-up information on clinical, immunological and viral load (VL) was routinely recorded, as well as treatment outcomes. A semi-qualitative study was conducted to assess acceptability of the program among beneficiaries and community members. RESULTS By June 2018, 14824 people received counselling and testing for HIV and 498 (3.4%) tested positive. Out of those 395 (79.3%) started ART. A total of 72 ART patients were organized in 26 Community ART Groups (CAGs) and contingency plan was activated 9 times for 101 patients. Kaplan-Meier estimated retention in care (RIC) at 12 and 18 months was 80.6% [95% CI: 75.9-84.5%] and 69.9% [95% CI: 64.4-74.8%] respectively. RIC was significantly higher at 18 months in patients under community ART groups (CAGs) (90.9% versus 63.4% p<0.001) when compared to patients on regular follow up. VL suppression at 12 months was 90.3% and overall virological suppression reached 91.2%. A total of 279 persons were interviewed about the MSF program perception and acceptance: 98% had heard about the programme and 84% found it beneficial for the community, 98% accepted to be tested and only 4% found disadvantages to the programme. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that HCT and early ART initiation in conflict affected populations can be provided with good program outcomes. RIC and virological suppression are comparable with facility-based HIV programs and to those in stable contexts. This model could be extrapolated to other similar contexts with low access to ART and where security situation is a concern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Buai Tut
- Médecins sans Frontières, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Victoria Achut
- Ministry of Health, Republic of South Sudan, HIV/AIDS/STI, Juba, South Sudan
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Wahl B, Lehtimaki S, Germann S, Schwalbe N. Expanding the use of community health workers in urban settings: a potential strategy for progress towards universal health coverage. Health Policy Plan 2020; 35:91-101. [PMID: 31651958 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czz133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Community health worker (CHW) programmes have been used for decades to improve access to health services in rural settings in low- and middle-income countries. With more than half of the world's population currently living in urban areas and this population expected to grow, equitable access to health services in urban areas is critically important. To understand the extent to which CHW programmes have been successfully deployed in low-income urban settings, we conducted a review of the literature between 2000 and 2018 to identify studies evaluating and describing CHW programmes implemented fully or partially in urban or peri-urban settings. We identified 32 peer-reviewed articles that met our inclusion criteria. Benefits have been documented in several urban settings in low- and middle-income countries including those to address TB/HIV, child health, maternal health and non-communicable diseases through a variety of study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Wahl
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, International Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
- Spark Street Consulting, 55 White Street, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | | | - Stefan Germann
- Fondation Botnar, St. Alban-Vorstadt 56, 4052 Basil, Switzerland
| | - Nina Schwalbe
- Spark Street Consulting, 55 White Street, New York, NY 10013, USA
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Bwalya C, Simwinga M, Hensen B, Gwanu L, Hang’andu A, Mulubwa C, Phiri M, Hayes R, Fidler S, Mwinga A, Ayles H, Bond V. Social response to the delivery of HIV self-testing in households: experiences from four Zambian HPTN 071 (PopART) urban communities. AIDS Res Ther 2020; 17:32. [PMID: 32527261 PMCID: PMC7288417 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-020-00287-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Door-to-door distribution of HIV self-testing kits (HIVST) has the potential to increase uptake of HIV testing services (HTS). However, very few studies have explored the social response to and implications of door-to-door including secondary distribution of HIVST on household relations and the ability of individuals to self-test with or without supervision within households. Methods A CRT of HIVST distribution was nested within the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial, in four Zambian communities randomised to receive the PopART intervention. The nested HIVST trial aimed to increase knowledge of HIV status at population level. Between February 1 and April 30, 2017, 66 zones (clusters) within these four communities were randomly allocated to either the PopART standard of care door-to-door HTS (33 clusters) or PopART standard of care door-to-door HTS plus oral HIVST (33 clusters). In clusters randomised to HIVST, trained Community HIV care provider (CHiPs) visited households and offered individuals aged ≥ 16 and eligible for an offer of HTS the choice of HIV testing using HIVST or routine door-to-door HTS (finger-prick RDT). To document participants’ experiences with HIVST, Interviews (n = 40), observations (n = 22) and group discussions (n = 91) with household members and CHiPs were conducted. Data were coded using Atlas.ti 7 and analysed thematically. Results The usage and storage of HIVST kits was facilitated by familiarity with and trust in CHiPs, the novelty of HIVST, and demonstrations and supervision provided by CHiPs. Door-to-door distribution of HIVST kits was appreciated for being novel, convenient, private, empowering, autonomous and easy-to-use. Literacy and age influenced accurate usage of HIVST kits. The novelty of using oral fluids to test for HIV raised questions, some anxiety and doubts about the accuracy of HIVST. Although HIVST protected participants from experiencing clinic-based stigma, it did not address self-stigma. Within households, HIVST usually strengthened relationships but, amongst couples, there were a few reports of social harms. Conclusion Door-to-door distribution of HIVST as a choice for how to HIV test is appreciated at community level and provides an important testing option in the sub-Saharan context. However, it should be accompanied by counselling to manage social harms and by supporting those testing HIV-positive to link to care.
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Adinan J, Adamou B, Amour C, Shayo A, Kidayi PL, Msuya L. Feasibility of home-based HIV counselling and testing and linking to HIV services among women delivering at home in Geita, Tanzania: a household longitudinal survey. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1758. [PMID: 31888642 PMCID: PMC6937982 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-8111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Substantial number of women who deliver at home (WDH) are not captured in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services. This delays HIV infection detection that negatively impacts endeavours to fight the HIV pandemic and the health of mothers and children. The study objective was to determine the feasibility of home-based HIV testing and linking to care for HIV services among WDH in Geita District Council, Tanzania. Methods A longitudinal household survey was conducted. The study involved all mentally-able women who delivered within 2 years (WDTY) preceding the survey and their children under the age of two. The study was conducted in Geita District Council in Geita Region, Tanzania from June to July 2017. Geita is among the region with high HIV prevalence and proportion of women delivering at home. Results Of the 993 women who participated in the study, 981 (98.8%) accepted household-based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) from the research team. HIV prevalence was 5.3% (52 women). HBHCT identified 26 (2.7%) new HIV infections; 23 (23.4%) were those tested negative at ANC and the remaining three (0.3%) were those who had no HIV test during the ANC visit. Among the 51 HIV+ women, 21 (40.4%) were enrolled in PMTCT services. Of the 32 HIV+ participants who delivered at home, eight (25.8%) were enrolled in the PMTCT compared to 100% (13/13) of the women who delivered at a health facility. Conclusion HBHCT uptake was high. HBHCT detected new HIV infection among WDH as well as seroconversion among women with previously negative HIV tests. The study findings emphasize the importance of extending re-testing to women who breastfeed. HBHCT is feasible and can be used to improve PMTCT services among WDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juma Adinan
- AMO School KCMC, P.O.Box 2316, Moshi, Tanzania. .,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Community Health department, Moshi, Tanzania. .,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Institute of Public Health, Moshi, Tanzania.
| | - Bridgit Adamou
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Caroline Amour
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Institute of Public Health, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Aisa Shayo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Paediatric and Child Health department, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Paulo Lino Kidayi
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Faculty of Nursing, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Levina Msuya
- AMO School KCMC, P.O.Box 2316, Moshi, Tanzania.,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Community Health department, Moshi, Tanzania.,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Paediatric and Child Health department, Moshi, Tanzania
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Brief Report: "Give Me Some Time": Facilitators of and Barriers to Uptake of Home-Based HIV Testing During Household Contact Investigation for Tuberculosis in Kampala, Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 77:400-404. [PMID: 29300218 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrating home-based HIV counseling and testing (HCT) with tuberculosis (TB) evaluation could improve the uptake of HIV testing among household contacts of patients with active TB. We sought to identify the facilitators of and barriers to HCT during household contact investigation for TB in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS We nested semi-structured interviews with 28 household contacts who were offered home-based HCT in a household-randomized trial of home-based strategies for TB contact investigation. Respondents reflected on their experiences of the home visit, the social context of the household, and their decision to accept or decline HIV testing. We used content analysis to identify and evaluate facilitators of and barriers to testing, then categorized the emergent themes using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) model. RESULTS Facilitators included a preexisting desire to confirm HIV status or to show support for the index TB patient; a perception that home-based services are convenient; and positive perceptions of lay health workers. Key barriers included fear of results and feeling psychologically unprepared to receive results. The social influence of other household members operated as both a facilitator and a barrier. CONCLUSIONS Preexisting motivation, psychological readiness to test, and the social context of the household are major contributors to the decision to test for HIV at home. Uptake might be improved by providing normalizing information about HCT before the visit, by offering a second HCT opportunity, by offering self-tests with follow-up counseling, or by introducing HCT using "opt-out" language.
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Sy TRL, Padmawati RS, Baja ES, Ahmad RA. Acceptability and feasibility of delegating HIV counseling and testing for TB patients to community health workers in the Philippines: a mixed methods study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:185. [PMID: 30760257 PMCID: PMC6375216 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6497-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Philippines has a high burden of TB and HIV, yet the WHO estimates that only 13% of Filipino TB patients know their HIV status. This is partly attributable to the lack of trained HIV counselors and medical technologists (or laboratory technicians) at the primary healthcare level. In Africa where resources and manpower are also scarce, TB/HIV care is already delegated to community health workers. Evidence is scant however about the acceptability and feasibility of engaging community health workers to provide HIV counseling and testing (HCT) among TB patients in the Philippines. The objective of this paper is to describe and assess the acceptability and feasibility of delegating HCT among TB patients to barangay (community) health workers (BHWs) in the Philippines. METHODS Mixed methods study that utilized surveys with patients (n = 89), BHWs (n = 81), and ten focus group discussions with key stakeholders (n = 49) in San Jose del Monte, a city with high HIV prevalence. A facility assessment (n = 17) was done using a modified version of WHO-Service Availability and Readiness Assessment questionnaire to assess feasibility (scale of 1 to 4) while acceptability from the perspective of patients and BHWs was determined using surveys. RESULTS Only 47% of TB patients agreed to receive HIV counseling from BHWs, while 30% agreed to receive HIV testing. Doctors were preferred by patients as HIV counselors, while medical technologists were preferred as HIV test providers. Two out of three BHWs also disagreed to provide HCT but the same number felt that they could provide HCT if additional trainings were given to them. In the group discussions, BHWs preferred to only provide HIV counseling. Stakeholders said that only select BHWs who meet certain criteria should provide HIV counseling. Program managers and stakeholders rated delegation of HCT to BHWs as moderately feasible. CONCLUSIONS Delegation of both HIV counseling and testing among TB patients to BHWs is feasible, but only delegation of HIV counseling is acceptable. Further studies are needed to guide revision of Philippine HCT policies to accommodate lay HIV counselors, and strengthen the mechanisms for delivering integrated TB and HIV services especially at the primary healthcare level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrone Reden L. Sy
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta City, 55281 Indonesia
| | - Retna Siwi Padmawati
- Department of Health Behavior, Environment and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta City, 55281 Indonesia
| | - Emmanuel S. Baja
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila City, Philippines
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila City, Philippines
| | - Riris Andono Ahmad
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta City, 55281 Indonesia
- Center for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta City, 55281 Indonesia
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Feasibility and acceptability of home-based HIV testing among refugees: a pilot study in Nakivale refugee settlement in southwestern Uganda. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:332. [PMID: 30012110 PMCID: PMC6048800 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Refugees in sub-Saharan Africa face both the risk of HIV infection and barriers to HIV testing. We conducted a pilot study to determine the feasibility and acceptability of home-based HIV testing in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda and to compare home-based and clinic-based testing participants in Nakivale. Methods From February–March 2014, we visited homes in 3 villages in Nakivale up to 3 times and offered HIV testing. We enrolled adults who spoke English, Kiswahili, Kinyarwanda, or Runyankore; some were refugees and some Ugandan nationals. We surveyed them about their socio-demographic characteristics. We evaluated the proportion of individuals encountered (feasibility) and assessed participation in HIV testing among those encountered (acceptability). We compared characteristics of home-based and clinic-based testers (from a prior study in Nakivale) using Wilcoxon rank sum and Pearson’s chi-square tests. We examined the relationship between a limited number of factors (time of visit, sex, and number of individuals at home) on willingness to test, using logistic regression models with the generalized estimating equations approach to account for clustering. Results Of 566 adults living in 319 homes, we encountered 507 (feasibility = 90%): 353 (62%) were present at visit one, 127 (22%) additional people at visit two, and 27 (5%) additional people at visit three. Home-based HIV testing participants totaled 378 (acceptability = 75%). Compared to clinic-based testers, home-based testers were older (median age 30 [IQR 24–40] vs 28 [IQR 22–37], p < 0.001), more likely refugee than Ugandan national (93% vs 79%, < 0.001), and more likely to live ≥1 h from clinic (74% vs 52%, < 0.001). The HIV prevalence was lower, but not significantly, in home-based compared to clinic-based testing participants (1.9 vs 3.4% respectively, p = 0.27). Testing was not associated with time of visit (p = 0.50) or sex (p = 0.66), but for each additional person at home, the odds of accepting HIV testing increased by over 50% (OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.12–2.06, p = 0.007). Conclusions Home-based HIV testing in Nakivale Refugee Settlement was feasible, with 90% of eligible individuals encountered within 3 visits, and acceptable with 75% willing to test for HIV, with a yield of nearly 2% individuals tested identified as HIV-positive.
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Naik R, Zembe W, Adigun F, Jackson E, Tabana H, Jackson D, Feeley F, Doherty T. What Influences Linkage to Care After Home-Based HIV Counseling and Testing? AIDS Behav 2018. [PMID: 28643242 PMCID: PMC5847222 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1830-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To maximize the benefits of test and treat strategies that utilize community-based HIV testing, clients who test positive must link to care in a timely manner. However, linkage rates across the HIV treatment cascade are typically low and little is known about what might facilitate or hinder care-seeking behavior. This qualitative study was conducted within a home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT) intervention in South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 HBHCT clients who tested HIV positive to explore what influenced their care-seeking behavior. A set of field notes for 196 additional HBHCT clients who tested HIV positive at home were also reviewed and analyzed. Content analysis showed that linkage to care is influenced by a myriad of factors at the individual, relationship, community, and health system levels. These factors subtly interact and at times reinforce each other. While some factors such as belief in test results, coping ability, social support, and prior experiences with the health system affect clients’ desire and motivation to seek care, others such as limited time and resources affect their agency to do so. To ensure that the benefits of community-based testing models are realized through timely linkage to care, programs and interventions must take into account and address clients’ emotions, motivation levels, living situations, relationship dynamics, responsibilities, and personal resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma Naik
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Population Reference Bureau, 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 520, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Wanga Zembe
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Fatima Adigun
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Jackson
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Hanani Tabana
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Debra Jackson
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Frank Feeley
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tanya Doherty
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Ruzagira E, Grosskurth H, Kamali A, Baisley K. Brief counselling after home-based HIV counselling and testing strongly increases linkage to care: a cluster-randomized trial in Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 20. [PMID: 29052344 PMCID: PMC5810339 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study was to determine whether counselling provided subsequent to HIV testing and referral for care increases linkage to care among HIV‐positive persons identified through home‐based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) in Masaka, Uganda. Methods The study was an open‐label cluster‐randomized trial. 28 rural communities were randomly allocated (1:1) to intervention (HBHCT, referral and counselling at one and two months) or control (HBHCT and referral only). HIV‐positive care‐naïve adults (≥18 years) were enrolled. To conceal participants’ HIV status, one HIV‐negative person was recruited for every three HIV‐positive participants. Primary outcomes were linkage to care (clinic‐verified registration for care) status at six months, and time to linkage. Primary analyses were intention‐to‐treat using random effects logistic regression or Cox regression with shared frailty, as appropriate. Results Three hundred and two(intervention, n = 149; control, n = 153) HIV‐positive participants were enrolled. Except for travel time to the nearest HIV clinic, baseline participant characteristics were generally balanced between trial arms. Retention was similar across trial arms (92% overall). One hundred and twenty‐seven (42.1%) participants linked to care: 76 (51.0%) in the intervention arm versus 51 (33.3%) in the control arm [odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–3.78; p = 0.008)]. There was evidence of interaction between trial arm and follow‐up time (p = 0.009). The probability of linkage to care, did not differ between arms in the first two months of follow‐up, but was subsequently higher in the intervention arm versus the control arm [hazard ratio = 4.87, 95% CI = 1.79–13.27, p = 0.002]. Conclusions Counselling substantially increases linkage to care among HIV‐positive adults identified through HBHCT and may enhance efforts to increase antiretroviral therapy coverage in sub‐Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Ruzagira
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Heiner Grosskurth
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anatoli Kamali
- MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda.,International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, USA
| | - Kathy Baisley
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Ruzagira E, Baisley K, Kamali A, Grosskurth H. Factors associated with uptake of home-based HIV counselling and testing and HIV care services among identified HIV-positive persons in Masaka, Uganda. AIDS Care 2018; 30:879-887. [PMID: 29463099 PMCID: PMC5964441 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1441967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We investigated uptake of home-based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) and HIV care services post-HBHCT in order to inform the design of future HBHCT programmes. We used data from an open-label cluster-randomised controlled trial which had demonstrated the effectiveness of a post-HBHCT counselling intervention in increasing linkage to HIV care. HBHCT was offered to adults (≥18 years) from 28 rural communities in Masaka, Uganda; consenting HIV-positive care naïve individuals were enrolled and referred for care. The trial's primary outcome was linkage to HIV care (clinic-verified registration for care) six months post-HBHCT. Random effects logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with HBHCT uptake, linkage to care, CD4 count receipt, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation; all analyses of uptake of post-HBHCT services were adjusted for trial arm allocation. Of 13,455 adults offered HBHCT, 12,100 (89.9%) accepted. HBHCT uptake was higher among men [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.36] than women, and decreased with increasing age. Of 551 (4.6%) persons who tested HIV-positive, 205 (37.2%) were in care. Of those not in care, 302 (87.3%) were enrolled in the trial and of these, 42.1% linked to care, 35.4% received CD4 counts, and 29.8% initiated ART at 6 months post-HBHCT. None of the investigated factors was associated with linkage to care. CD4 count receipt was lower in individuals who lived ≥30 min from an HIV clinic (aOR 0.60, 95%CI = 0.34-1.06) versus those who lived closer. ART initiation was higher in older individuals (≥45 years versus <25 years, aOR 2.14, 95% CI = 0.98-4.65), and lower in single (aOR 0.60, 95% CI = 0.28-1.31) or divorced/separated/widowed (aOR 0.47, 95% CI = 0.23-0.93) individuals versus those married/cohabiting. HBHCT was highly acceptable but uptake of post-HBHCT care was low. Other than post-HBHCT counselling, this study did not identify specific issues that require addressing to further improve linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Ruzagira
- a Department Infectious Disease and Epidemiology , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom.,b MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS , Entebbe , Uganda
| | - Kathy Baisley
- a Department Infectious Disease and Epidemiology , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom
| | - Anatoli Kamali
- b MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS , Entebbe , Uganda.,c International AIDS Vaccine Initiative , New York , USA
| | - Heiner Grosskurth
- a Department Infectious Disease and Epidemiology , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , United Kingdom
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Oluoch P, Orwa J, Lugalia F, Mutinda D, Gichangi A, Oundo J, Karama M, Nganga Z, Galbraith J. Application of psychosocial models to Home-Based Testing and Counseling (HBTC) for increased uptake and household coverage in a large informal urban settlement in Kenya. Pan Afr Med J 2017; 27:285. [PMID: 29187954 PMCID: PMC5660906 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2017.27.285.10104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Home Based Testing and Counselling (HBTC) aims at reaching individuals who have low HIV risk perception and experience barriers which prevent them from seeking HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services. Saturating the community with HTC is needed to achieve the ambitious 90-90-90 targets of knowledge of HIV status, ARV treatment and viral suppression. This paper describes the use of health belief model and community participation principles in HBTC to achieve increased household coverage and HTC uptake. METHODS This cross sectional survey was done between August 2009 and April 2011 in Kibera slums, Nairobi city. Using three community participation principles; defining and mobilizing the community, involving the community, overcoming barriers and respect to cultural differences and four constructs of the health belief model; risk perception, perceived severity, perceived benefits of changed behavior and perceived barriers; we offered HTC services to the participants. Descriptive statistics were used to describe socio-demographic characteristics, calculate uptake and HIV prevalence. RESULTS There were 72,577 individuals enumerated at the start of the program; 75,141 residents were found during service delivery. Of those, 71,925 (95.7%) consented to participate, out of which 71,720 (99.7%) took the HIV test. First time testers were (39%). The HIV prevalence was higher (6.4%) among repeat testers than first time testers (4.0%) with more women (7.4%) testing positive than men (3.6%) and an overall 5.5% slum prevalence. CONCLUSION This methodology demonstrates that the use of community participation principles combined with a psychosocial model achieved high HTC uptake, coverage and diagnosed HIV in individuals who believed they are HIV free. This novel approach provides baseline for measuring HTC coverage in a community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Oluoch
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (DGHT), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Orwa
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fillet Lugalia
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Mutinda
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anthony Gichangi
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (DGHT), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Oundo
- United States Army Medical Research Unit (USAMRU) Kericho, Kenya
| | - Mohamed Karama
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Zipporah Nganga
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jennifer Galbraith
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (DGHT), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
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An open-label cluster randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a counselling intervention on linkage to care among HIV-infected patients in Uganda: Study design. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2017; 5:56-62. [PMID: 28424795 PMCID: PMC5389341 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Home-based HIV counselling & testing (HBHCT) is highly acceptable and has the potential to increase HIV testing uptake in sub-Saharan Africa. However, data are lacking on strategies that can effectively link HIV-positive individuals identified through HBHCT to care. This trial was designed to assess the effectiveness of two brief home-based counselling sessions on linkage to care, provided subsequent to referral for care among HIV-positive patients identified through HBHCT in a rural community in Masaka district, Uganda. Methods 28 communities (clusters) were randomly allocated to control (referral only) and intervention (referral and follow-up counselling) arms (n = 14 clusters/arm). Randomisation was stratified on distance from the district capital (≤10 km vs > 10 km) and cluster size (larger single village vs combined small villages), and restricted to ensure balance on selected cluster characteristics. A list of possible allocations was generated and one randomly selected at a public ceremony. HBHCT is being offered to all adults (≥18 years), and HIV-positive individuals not yet in care are eligible for enrolment. The intervention is provided at one and two months post-enrolment. Primary outcomes, assessed 6 months after enrolment, are: the proportion of individuals linking to HIV care within 6 months of HIV diagnosis and time to linkage. The primary analysis will be based on individual-level data. Discussion This study will provide evidence on the impact of a counselling intervention on linkage to care among adults identified with HIV infection through HBHCT. Interpretation of the trial outcomes will be aided by results from an on-going qualitative sub-study.
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Baxter C, Abdool Karim S. Combination HIV prevention options for young women in Africa. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2017; 15:109-21. [PMID: 27399041 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2016.1196224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the number of new HIV infections has declined by over 30% in the past decade, the number of people who acquire HIV each year remains unacceptably high. In 2014 the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimated that there were about 2 million new HIV infections. The virus continues to spread, particularly in key populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, sex workers and people who inject drugs. In Africa, young women have the highest HIV incidence rates. Scaling up known efficacious HIV prevention strategies for these groups at high risk is therefore a high priority. HIV prevention has generally been targeted at HIV-negative individuals or in some instances, entire communities. Prevention efforts are, however, shifting from a narrow focus on HIV-uninfected persons to a continuum of prevention that includes both HIV-negative and HIV-positive individuals. Given that a single HIV prevention intervention is unlikely to be able to alter the epidemic trajectory as HIV epidemics in communities are complex and comprise a mosaic of different risk factors and different routes of transmission, there is need to provide combination prevention. Hence, a mix of behavioural, biomedical and structural HIV prevention options is likely to be needed to alter the course of the HIV epidemic. The combination of HIV prevention interventions needed will vary depending on cultural context, the population targeted and the stage of the epidemic. This paper reviews the available HIV prevention strategies for young women and discusses new HIV prevention approaches in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Baxter
- a Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) , University of KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa
| | - Salim Abdool Karim
- a Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) , University of KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa.,b Department of Epidemiology , Columbia University , New York , USA
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Katz IT, Bangsberg DR. Cascade of Refusal-What Does It Mean for the Future of Treatment as Prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa? Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2016; 13:125-30. [PMID: 26894487 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-016-0309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent recommendations by the World Health Organization support treatment for all people living with HIV (PLWH) globally to be initiated at the point of testing. While there has been marked success in efforts to identify and expand treatment for PLWH throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the goal of universal treatment may prove challenging to achieve. The pre-ART phase of the care cascade from HIV testing to HIV treatment initiation includes several social and structural barriers. One such barrier is antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment refusal, a phenomenon in which HIV-infected individuals choose not to start treatment upon learning their ART eligibility. Our goal is to provide further understanding of why treatment-eligible adults may choose to present for HIV testing but not initiate ART when indicated. In this article, we will discuss factors driving pre-ART loss and present a framework for understanding the impact of decision-making on early losses in the care cascade, with a focus on ART refusal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid T Katz
- Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 1620 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02120, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Predictors of HIV Testing among Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164052. [PMID: 27706252 PMCID: PMC5051677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In spite of a high prevalence of HIV infection among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa, uptake of HIV testing and counseling among youth in the region remains sub-optimal. The objective of this study was to assess factors that influence uptake of HIV testing and counseling among youth aged 15–24 years in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods This study used the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from countries that represent four geographic regions of sub-Saharan Africa: Congo (Brazzaville), representing central Africa (DHS 2011–2012); Mozambique, representing southern Africa (DHS 2011); Nigeria, representing western Africa (DHS 2013); and Uganda, representing eastern Africa (DHS 2011). Analyses were restricted to 23,367 male and female respondents aged 15–24 years with complete data on the variables of interest. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to assess predictors of HIV testing. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.01. Results The analysis revealed that a majority of the respondents were female (78.1%) and aged 20-24-years (60.7%). Only a limited proportion of respondents (36.5%) had ever tested for HIV and even fewer (25.7%) demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. There was a significant association between HIV testing and respondents’ gender, age, age at sexual debut, and comprehensive knowledge of HIV in the pooled sample. Older youth (adjusted OR (aOR) = 2.19; 99% CI = 1.99–2.40) and those with comprehensive knowledge of HIV (aOR = 1.98; 1.76–2.22) had significantly higher odds of ever being tested for HIV than younger respondents and those with limited HIV/AIDS knowledge respectively. Furthermore, men had lower odds of HIV testing than women (aOR = 0.32; 0.28–0.37). Conclusions Reaching youth in sub-Saharan Africa for HIV testing continues to be a challenge. Public health programs that seek to increase HIV counseling and testing among youth should pay particular attention to efforts that target high-risk subpopulations of youth. The results further suggest that these initiatives would be strengthened by including strategies to increase HIV comprehensive knowledge.
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Ezeanolue EE, Obiefune MC, Ezeanolue CO, Ehiri JE, Osuji A, Ogidi AG, Hunt AT, Patel D, Yang W, Pharr J, Ogedegbe G. Effect of a congregation-based intervention on uptake of HIV testing and linkage to care in pregnant women in Nigeria (Baby Shower): a cluster randomised trial. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2016; 3:e692-700. [PMID: 26475016 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(15)00195-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few effective community-based interventions exist to increase HIV testing and uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in pregnant women in hard-to-reach resource-limited settings. We assessed whether delivery of an intervention through churches, the Healthy Beginning Initiative, would increase uptake of HIV testing in pregnant women compared with standard health facility referral. METHODS In this cluster randomised trial, we enrolled self-identified pregnant women aged 18 years and older who attended churches in southeast Nigeria. We randomised churches (clusters) to intervention or control groups, stratified by mean annual number of infant baptisms (<80 vs ≥80). The Healthy Beginning Initiative intervention included health education and on-site laboratory testing implemented during baby showers in intervention group churches, whereas participants in control group churches were referred to health facilities as standard. Participants and investigators were aware of church allocation. The primary outcome was confirmed HIV testing. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier number NCT 01795261. FINDINGS Between Jan 20, 2013, and Aug 31, 2014, we enrolled 3002 participants at 40 churches (20 per group). 1309 (79%) of 1647 women attended antenatal care in the intervention group compared with 1080 (80%) of 1355 in the control group. 1514 women (92%) in the intervention group had an HIV test compared with 740 (55%) controls (adjusted odds ratio 11·2, 95% CI 8·77-14·25; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION Culturally adapted, community-based programmes such as the Healthy Beginning Initiative can be effective in increasing HIV screening in pregnant women in resource-limited settings. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health and US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael C Obiefune
- Prevention, Education, Treatment, Training and Research-Global Solutions-PeTR-GS, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | | | - John E Ehiri
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences/Global Health Institute, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Alice Osuji
- Prevention, Education, Treatment, Training and Research-Global Solutions-PeTR-GS, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Amaka G Ogidi
- Prevention, Education, Treatment, Training and Research-Global Solutions-PeTR-GS, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Aaron T Hunt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Dina Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Jennifer Pharr
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Gbenga Ogedegbe
- New York University Langone Medical Center, and NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Bateganya MH, Sileo KM, Wanyenze RK, Kiene SM. Strategies for delivery of HIV test results in population-based HIV seroprevalence surveys: a review of the evidence. Public Health 2016; 135:3-13. [PMID: 26947313 PMCID: PMC4893974 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many population-based demographic surveys assess local and national HIV prevalence in developing countries through home-based HIV testing and counselling (HBHTC), but results are rarely returned to participants. This review gathered evidence on the feasibility and best practices of providing HIV test results during such surveys by reviewing population-based surveys that provided test results. STUDY DESIGN Literature review. METHODS This review was conducted as part of a broader literature review related to HBHTC. We present results from population-based HIV seroprevalence surveys conducted between January 1984 and June 2013. RESULTS We identified eighteen population-based surveys describing uptake of results when testing or results were offered in the home, four of which compare home uptake to facility-based testing. All were from Sub-Saharan Africa. More people tested and received results in HBHTC compared to facility-based testing. Uptake of test results (72%) and the percentage of the population tested (59%) was highest when testing and the provision of results were provided in the home compared to the provision of results elsewhere (41% uptake; 37% population coverage), as well as mobile/facility-based testing and the provision of results (15% uptake; 13% population coverage). Providing results the same day as testing in HBHTC produces higher uptake (97% uptake; 74% population coverage) than delayed results. CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of home testing and provision of HIV results to participants in national population-based surveys in Sub-Saharan Africa is possible and should be prioritized. The timing and location of testing and the provision of results during HBHTC as part of population-based surveys affects uptake of testing and population coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Bateganya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - K M Sileo
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - R K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - S M Kiene
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Velen K, Lewis JJ, Charalambous S, Page-Shipp L, Popane F, Churchyard GJ, Hoffmann CJ. Household HIV Testing Uptake among Contacts of TB Patients in South Africa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155688. [PMID: 27195957 PMCID: PMC4873208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In high HIV prevalence settings, offering HIV testing may be a reasonable part of contact tracing of index tuberculosis (TB) patients. We evaluated the uptake of HIV counselling and testing (HCT) among household contacts of index TB patients and the proportion of newly diagnosed HIV-infected persons linked into care as part of a household TB contact tracing study. METHODS We recruited index TB patients at public health clinics in two South African provinces to obtain consent for household contact tracing. During scheduled household visits we offered TB symptom screening to all household members and HCT to individuals ≥14years of age. Factors associated with HCT uptake were investigated using a random effects logistic regression model. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Out of 1,887 listed household members ≥14 years old, 984 (52%) were available during a household visit and offered HCT of which 108 (11%) self-reported being HIV infected and did not undergo HCT. Of the remaining 876, a total of 304 agreed to HCT (35%); 26 (8.6%) were newly diagnosed as HIV positive. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with uptake of HCT were prior testing (odds ratio 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-2.3) and another member in the household testing (odds ratio 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7-3.4). Within 3 months of testing HIV-positive, 35% reported initiating HIV care. CONCLUSION HCT as a component of household TB contact tracing reached individuals without prior HIV testing, however uptake of HIV testing was poor. Strategies to improve HIV testing in household contacts should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavindhran Velen
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- The School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - James J. Lewis
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Salome Charalambous
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- The School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Gavin J. Churchyard
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- The School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Advancing Care and Treatment for TB and HIV, MRC Collaborating Centre of Excellence, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Christopher J. Hoffmann
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- The School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
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Systematic review and meta-analysis of community and facility-based HIV testing to address linkage to care gaps in sub-Saharan Africa. Nature 2015; 528:S77-85. [PMID: 26633769 DOI: 10.1038/nature16044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
HIV testing and counselling is the first crucial step for linkage to HIV treatment and prevention. However, despite high HIV burden in sub-Saharan Africa, testing coverage is low, particularly among young adults and men. Community-based HIV testing and counselling (testing outside of health facilities) has the potential to reduce coverage gaps, but the relative impact of different modalities is not well assessed. We conducted a systematic review of HIV testing modalities, characterizing community (home, mobile, index, key populations, campaign, workplace and self-testing) and facility approaches by population reached, HIV positivity, CD4 count at diagnosis and linkage. Of 2,520 abstracts screened, 126 met eligibility criteria. Community HIV testing and counselling had high coverage and uptake and identified HIV-positive people at higher CD4 counts than facility testing. Mobile HIV testing reached the highest proportion of men of all modalities examined (50%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 47-54%) and home with self-testing reached the highest proportion of young adults (66%, 95% CI = 65-67%). Few studies evaluated HIV testing for key populations (commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men), but these interventions yielded high HIV positivity (38%, 95% CI = 19-62%) combined with the highest proportion of first-time testers (78%, 95% CI = 63-88%), indicating service gaps. Community testing with facilitated linkage (for example, counsellor follow-up to support linkage) achieved high linkage to care (95%, 95% CI = 87-98%) and antiretroviral initiation (75%, 95% CI = 68-82%). Expanding home and mobile testing, self-testing and outreach to key populations with facilitated linkage can increase the proportion of men, young adults and high-risk individuals linked to HIV treatment and prevention, and decrease HIV burden.
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Muhindo R, Nakalega A, Nankumbi J. Predictors of couple HIV counseling and testing among adult residents of Bukomero sub-county, Kiboga district, rural Uganda. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:1171. [PMID: 26603280 PMCID: PMC4659154 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2526-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have shown that couple HIV counseling and testing (CHCT) increased rates of sero-status disclosure and adoption of safer sexual behaviors with better linkage to treatment and care. However, current evidence suggests that new HIV infections are occurring among heterosexual couples in stable relationships where the majority of the individuals are not aware of their partner’s serostatus. This study examined the predictors of CHCT uptake among married or cohabiting couples of Bukomero sub-county Kiboga district in Uganda. Methods This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 323 individuals who were either married or cohabiting, aged 18–49 years. Participants were enrolled from randomly selected households in Bukomero sub-county. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographics, self-rating on awareness of CHCT benefits, couple discussion about HIV testing and CHCT practices. Couples were compared between those who had reported to have tested as a couple and those who had not. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the adjusted odds ratio [aOR] and 95 % confidence intervals [CI] for CHCT uptake and the other independent variables. Results Of the participants 288 (89.2 %) reported to have ever taken an HIV test only 99 (34.4 %) did so as a couple. The predictors of testing for HIV as a couple were discussing CHCT with the partner (adjusted odds ratio 4.95[aOR], 95 % confidence interval [CI]:1.99–12.98; p < 0.001), awareness of CHCT benefits (aOR 3.23; 95 % CI 1.78–5.87; p < 0.001) and having time to test as a couple (aOR 2.61; 95 % CI 1.22–5.61; p <0.05). Conclusion Uptake of HIV counseling and testing among couples was low. Discussing CHCT with partner, awareness of CHCT benefits, and availability of time to test as a couple were predictive of CHCT uptake. Thus CHCT campaigns should emphasize communication and discussion of HIV counseling and testing among partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Muhindo
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Joyce Nankumbi
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
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Jeffery C, Beckworth C, Hadden WC, Ouma J, Lwanga SK, Valadez JJ. Associations with HIV testing in Uganda: an analysis of the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling database 2003-2012. AIDS Care 2015; 28:519-23. [PMID: 26586024 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1112350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Beginning in 2003, Uganda used Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) to assist district managers collect and use data to improve their human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS program. Uganda's LQAS-database (2003-2012) covers up to 73 of 112 districts. Our multidistrict analysis of the LQAS data-set at 2003-2004 and 2012 examined gender variation among adults who ever tested for HIV over time, and attributes associated with testing. Conditional logistic regression matched men and women by community with seven model effect variables. HIV testing prevalence rose from 14% (men) and 12% (women) in 2003-2004 to 62% (men) and 80% (women) in 2012. In 2003-2004, knowing the benefits of testing (Odds Ratio [OR] = 6.09, 95% CI = 3.01-12.35), knowing where to get tested (OR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.44-5.56), and secondary education (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.19-7.77) were significantly associated with HIV testing. By 2012, knowing the benefits of testing (OR = 3.63, 95% CI = 2.25-5.83), where to get tested (OR = 5.15, 95% CI = 3.26-8.14), primary education (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.39-2.91), being female (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 2.53-3.62), and being married (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.17-2.8) were significantly associated with HIV testing. HIV testing prevalence in Uganda has increased dramatically, more for women than men. Our results concurred with other authors that education, knowledge of HIV, and marriage (women only) are associated with testing for HIV and suggest that couples testing is more prevalent than other authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Jeffery
- a Department of International Public Health , Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine , Liverpool , UK
| | - Colin Beckworth
- a Department of International Public Health , Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine , Liverpool , UK
| | - Wilbur C Hadden
- b Department of Sociology , University of Maryland , College Park , MD , USA
| | - Joseph Ouma
- c Management Sciences for Health , Kampala , Uganda
| | | | - Joseph J Valadez
- a Department of International Public Health , Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine , Liverpool , UK
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IAPAC Guidelines for Optimizing the HIV Care Continuum for Adults and Adolescents. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2015; 14 Suppl 1:S3-S34. [PMID: 26527218 DOI: 10.1177/2325957415613442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 50% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) globally are unaware of their status. Among those who know their HIV status, many do not receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a timely manner, fail to remain engaged in care, or do not achieve sustained viral suppression. Barriers across the HIV care continuum prevent PLHIV from achieving the therapeutic and preventive effects of ART. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted, and 6132 articles, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies with or without comparators, cross-sectional studies, and descriptive documents, met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 1047 articles were used to generate 36 recommendations to optimize the HIV care continuum for adults and adolescents. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations are provided for interventions to optimize the HIV care environment; increase HIV testing and linkage to care, treatment coverage, retention in care, and viral suppression; and monitor the HIV care continuum.
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Osoti AO, John-Stewart G, Kiarie JN, Barbra R, Kinuthia J, Krakowiak D, Farquhar C. Home-based HIV testing for men preferred over clinic-based testing by pregnant women and their male partners, a nested cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2015. [PMID: 26223540 PMCID: PMC4520092 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1053-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male partner HIV testing and counseling (HTC) is associated with enhanced uptake of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT), yet male HTC during pregnancy remains low. Identifying settings preferred by pregnant women and their male partners may improve male involvement in PMTCT. METHODS Participants in a randomized clinical trial (NCT01620073) to improve male partner HTC were interviewed to determine whether the preferred male partner HTC setting was the home, antenatal care (ANC) clinic or VCT center. In this nested cross sectional study, responses were evaluated at baseline and after 6 weeks. Differences between the two time points were compared using McNemar's test and correlates of preference were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS Among 300 pregnant female participants, 54% preferred home over ANC clinic testing (34.0%) or VCT center (12.0%). Among 188 male partners, 68% preferred home-based HTC to antenatal clinic (19%) or VCT (13%). Men who desired more children and women who had less than secondary education or daily income < $2 USD were more likely to prefer home-based over other settings (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). At 6 weeks, the majority of male (81%) and female (65%) participants recommended home over alternative HTC venues. Adjusting for whether or not the partner was tested during follow-up did not significantly alter preferences. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women and their male partners preferred home-based compared to clinic or VCT-center based male partner HTC. Home-based HTC during pregnancy appears acceptable and may improve male testing and involvement in PMTCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Onyango Osoti
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya. .,AIC Kijabe Hospital, 20, Kijabe, Kijabe, 00220, Kenya. .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. .,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - James Njogu Kiarie
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Richardson Barbra
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. .,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA.
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Departments of Research, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Daisy Krakowiak
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. .,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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Piot P, Abdool Karim SS, Hecht R, Legido-Quigley H, Buse K, Stover J, Resch S, Ryckman T, Møgedal S, Dybul M, Goosby E, Watts C, Kilonzo N, McManus J, Sidibé M. Defeating AIDS--advancing global health. Lancet 2015; 386:171-218. [PMID: 26117719 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(15)60658-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Piot
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | | | - Robert Hecht
- Results for Development Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Helena Legido-Quigley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Stephen Resch
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Center for Health Decision Science, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sigrun Møgedal
- Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mark Dybul
- Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eric Goosby
- Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Linkage to care following a home-based HIV counselling and testing intervention in rural South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:19843. [PMID: 26058983 PMCID: PMC4461747 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.19843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Efforts to increase awareness of HIV status have led to growing interest in community-based models of HIV testing. Maximizing the benefits of such programmes requires timely linkage to care and treatment. Thus, an understanding of linkage and its potential barriers is imperative for scale-up. Methods This study was conducted in rural South Africa. HIV-positive clients (n=492) identified through home-based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) were followed up to assess linkage to care, defined as obtaining a CD4 count. Among 359 eligible clients, we calculated the proportion that linked to care within three months. For 226 clients with available data, we calculated the median CD4. To determine factors associated with the rate of linkage, Cox regression was performed on a subsample of 196 clients with additional data on socio-demographic factors and personal characteristics. Results We found that 62.1% (95% CI: 55.7 to 68.5%) of clients from the primary sample (n=359) linked to care within three months of HBHCT. Among those who linked, the median CD4 count was 341 cells/mm3 (interquartile range [IQR] 224 to 542 cells/mm3). In the subsample of 196 clients, factors predictive of increased linkage included the following: believing that drugs/supplies were available at the health facility (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.78; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.96); experiencing three or more depression symptoms (aHR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.24 to 3.53); being a caregiver for four or more people (aHR 1.93; 95% CI: 1.07 to 3.47); and knowing someone who died of HIV/AIDS (aHR 1.68; 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.49). Factors predictive of decreased linkage included the following: younger age – 15 to 24 years (aHR 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.91); living with two or more adults (aHR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.77); not believing or being unsure about the test results (aHR 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.77); difficulty finding time to seek health care (aHR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.67); believing that antiretroviral treatment can make you sick (aHR 0.56; 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.89); and drinking alcohol (aHR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.80). Conclusions The findings highlight barriers to linkage following an increasingly popular model of HIV testing. Further, they draw attention to ways in which practical interventions and health education strategies could be used to improve linkage to care.
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Estimated age and gender profile of individuals missed by a home-based HIV testing and counselling campaign in a Botswana community. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:19918. [PMID: 26028155 PMCID: PMC4450241 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.19918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It would be useful to understand which populations are not reached by home-based HIV-1 testing and counselling (HTC) to improve strategies aimed at linking these individuals to care and reducing rates of onward HIV transmission. METHODS We present the results of a baseline home-based HTC (HBHTC) campaign aimed at counselling and testing residents aged 16 to 64 for HIV in the north-eastern sector of Mochudi, a community in Botswana with about 44,000 inhabitants. Collected data were compared with population references for Botswana, the United Nations (UN) estimates based on the National Census data and the Botswana AIDS Impact Survey IV (BAIS-IV). Analyzed data and references were stratified by age and gender. RESULTS A total of 6238 age-eligible residents were tested for HIV-1; 1247 (20.0%; 95% CI 19.0 to 21.0%) were found to be HIV positive (23.7% of women vs. 13.4% of men). HIV-1 prevalence peaked at 44% in 35- to 39-year-old women and 32% in 40- to 44-year-old men. A lower HIV prevalence rate, 10.9% (95% CI 9.5 to 12.5%), was found among individuals tested for the first time. A significant gender gap was evident in all analyzed subsets. The existing HIV transmission network was analyzed by combining phylogenetic mapping and household structure. Between 62.4 and 71.8% of all HIV-positive individuals had detectable virus. When compared with the UN and BAIS-IV estimates, the proportion of men missed by the testing campaign (48.5%; 95% CI 47.0 to 50.0%) was significantly higher than the proportion of missed women (14.2%; 95% CI 13.2 to 15.3%; p<0.0001). The estimated proportion of missed men peaked at about 60% in the age group 30 to 39 years old. The proportions of missed women were substantially smaller, at approximately 28% within the age groups 30 to 34 and 45 to 49 years old. CONCLUSIONS The HBHTC campaign seems to be an efficient tool for reaching individuals who have never been tested previously in southern African communities. However, about half of men from 16 to 64 years old were not reached by the HBHTC, including about 60% of men between 30 and 40 years old. Alternative HTC strategies should be developed to bring these men to care, which will contribute to reduction of HIV incidence in communities.
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Factors associated with HIV-testing and acceptance of an offer of home-based testing by men in rural Zambia. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:492-504. [PMID: 25096893 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0866-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to describe HIV-testing among men in rural Lusaka Province, Zambia, using a population-based survey for a cluster-randomized trial. Households (N = 120) were randomly selected from each of the 42 clusters, defined as a health facility catchment area. Individuals aged 15-60 years were invited to complete questionnaires regarding demographics and HIV-testing history. Men testing in the last year were defined as recent-testers. After questionnaire completion adults were offered home-based rapid HIV-testing. Of the 2,828 men, 53 % reported ever-testing and 25 % recently-testing. Factors independently associated with ever- and recent-testing included age 20+ years, secondary/higher education, being married or widowed, a history of TB-treatment and higher socioeconomic position. 53 % of never-testers and 57 % of men who did not report a recent-test accepted home-based HIV-testing. Current HIV-testing approaches are inadequate in this high prevalence setting. Alternative strategies, including self-testing, mobile- or workplace-testing, may be required to complement facility-based services.
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Helleringer S, Abdelwahab J, Vandenent M. Polio supplementary immunization activities and equity in access to vaccination: evidence from the demographic and health surveys. J Infect Dis 2014; 210 Suppl 1:S531-9. [PMID: 25316877 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Every year, large numbers of children are vaccinated against polio during supplementary immunization activities (SIAs). Such SIAs have contributed to the >99% decline in the incidence of poliovirus cases since the beginning of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. It is not clear, however, how much they have also contributed to reducing poverty-related inequalities in access to oral polio vaccine (OPV). We investigated whether the gap in coverage with 3 doses of OPV between children in the poorest and wealthiest households was reduced by SIA participation. To do so, we used data from 25 demographic and health surveys (DHS) conducted in 20 countries since 2002. We found that, in several countries as well as in pooled analyses, poverty-related inequalities in 3-dose OPV coverage were significantly lower among children who had participated in SIAs over the 2 years before a DHS than among other children. SIAs are an important approach to ensuring equitable access to immunization services and possibly other health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Helleringer
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York
| | - Jalaa Abdelwahab
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York
| | - Maya Vandenent
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York
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Labhardt ND, Motlomelo M, Cerutti B, Pfeiffer K, Kamele M, Hobbins MA, Ehmer J. Home-based versus mobile clinic HIV testing and counseling in rural Lesotho: a cluster-randomized trial. PLoS Med 2014; 11:e1001768. [PMID: 25513807 PMCID: PMC4267810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The success of HIV programs relies on widely accessible HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services at health facilities as well as in the community. Home-based HTC (HB-HTC) is a popular community-based approach to reach persons who do not test at health facilities. Data comparing HB-HTC to other community-based HTC approaches are very limited. This trial compares HB-HTC to mobile clinic HTC (MC-HTC). METHODS AND FINDINGS The trial was powered to test the hypothesis of higher HTC uptake in HB-HTC campaigns than in MC-HTC campaigns. Twelve clusters were randomly allocated to HB-HTC or MC-HTC. The six clusters in the HB-HTC group received 30 1-d multi-disease campaigns (five villages per cluster) that delivered services by going door-to-door, whereas the six clusters in MC-HTC group received campaigns involving community gatherings in the 30 villages with subsequent service provision in mobile clinics. Time allocation and human resources were standardized and equal in both groups. All individuals accessing the campaigns with unknown HIV status or whose last HIV test was >12 wk ago and was negative were eligible. All outcomes were assessed at the individual level. Statistical analysis used multivariable logistic regression. Odds ratios and p-values were adjusted for gender, age, and cluster effect. Out of 3,197 participants from the 12 clusters, 2,563 (80.2%) were eligible (HB-HTC: 1,171; MC-HTC: 1,392). The results for the primary outcomes were as follows. Overall HTC uptake was higher in the HB-HTC group than in the MC-HTC group (92.5% versus 86.7%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.18-3.60; p = 0. 011). Among adolescents and adults ≥ 12 y, HTC uptake did not differ significantly between the two groups; however, in children <12 y, HTC uptake was higher in the HB-HTC arm (87.5% versus 58.7%; aOR: 4.91; 95% CI: 2.41-10.0; p<0.001). Out of those who took up HTC, 114 (4.9%) tested HIV-positive, 39 (3.6%) in the HB-HTC arm and 75 (6.2%) in the MC-HTC arm (aOR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48-0.86; p = 0.002). Ten (25.6%) and 19 (25.3%) individuals in the HB-HTC and in the MC-HTC arms, respectively, linked to HIV care within 1 mo after testing positive. Findings for secondary outcomes were as follows: HB-HTC reached more first-time testers, particularly among adolescents and young adults, and had a higher proportion of men among participants. However, after adjusting for clustering, the difference in male participation was not significant anymore. Age distribution among participants and immunological and clinical stages among persons newly diagnosed HIV-positive did not differ significantly between the two groups. Major study limitations included the campaigns' restriction to weekdays and a relatively low HIV prevalence among participants, the latter indicating that both arms may have reached an underexposed population. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that both HB-HTC and MC-HTC can achieve high uptake of HTC. The choice between these two community-based strategies will depend on the objective of the activity: HB-HTC was better in reaching children, individuals who had never tested before, and men, while MC-HTC detected more new HIV infections. The low rate of linkage to care after a positive HIV test warrants future consideration of combining community-based HTC approaches with strategies to improve linkage to care for persons who test HIV-positive. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01459120. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Medical Services and Diagnostic, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (NDL); (MM)
| | - Masetsibi Motlomelo
- SolidarMed Lesotho, Seboche Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
- * E-mail: (NDL); (MM)
| | - Bernard Cerutti
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Hensen B, Taoka S, Lewis JJ, Weiss HA, Hargreaves J. Systematic review of strategies to increase men's HIV-testing in sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS 2014; 28:2133-45. [PMID: 25062091 PMCID: PMC4819892 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review summarizes evidence on the effectiveness of strategies to increase men's HIV-testing in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Medline, EmBase, Africa-Wide Information and Global Health were searched. Cluster and individually randomized trials evaluating interventions to increase the proportion of adults (≥ 15 years) testing for HIV were eligible if they were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, included men in the study population, and reported HIV-testing data by sex. References were independently screened. RESULTS Of the 1852 references, 15 papers including 16 trials were eligible. Trials were judged too heterogeneous to combine in meta-analysis. Three interventions invited men to attend antenatal care-based HIV-testing via pregnant partners, of which two showed a significant effect on partner-testing. One intervention invited men to HIV-test through pregnant partners and showed an increase in HIV-testing when it was offered in bars compared with health facilities. A trial of notification to partners of newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients showed an increase in testing where notification was by healthcare providers compared with notification by the patient. Three interventions reached men already at health facilities and eight reported the effects of community-based HIV testing. Mobile-testing had a significant effect on HIV-testing compared with standard voluntary counselling and testing. Home-based testing also had a significant effect, but reached smaller numbers of men than mobile-testing. DISCUSSION Interventions to encourage HIV-testing can increase men's levels of HIV testing. Community-based programmes in particular had a large effect on population levels of HIV-testing. More data on costs and potential population impact of these approaches over different time-horizons would aid policy-makers in planning resource allocation to increase male HIV-testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Hensen
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
| | | | - James J. Lewis
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health
- Centre for Evaluation, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Helen A. Weiss
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health
| | - James Hargreaves
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Centre for Evaluation, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Sekandi JN, List J, Luzze H, Yin XP, Dobbin K, Corso PS, Oloya J, Okwera A, Whalen CC. Yield of undetected tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection from active case finding in urban Uganda. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2014; 18:13-9. [PMID: 24365547 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.13.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the yield of undetected active tuberculosis (TB), TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection and the number needed to screen (NNS) to detect a case using active case finding (ACF) in an urban community in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS In a door-to-door survey conducted in Rubaga community from January 2008 to June 2009, residents aged ≥15 years were screened for chronic cough (≥2 weeks) and tested for TB disease using smear microscopy and/or culture. Rapid testing was used to screen for HIV infection. The NNS to detect one case was calculated based on population screened and undetected cases found. RESULTS Of 5102 participants, 3868 (75.8%) were females; the median age was 24 years (IQR 20-30). Of 199 (4%) with chronic cough, 160 (80.4%) submitted sputum, of whom 39 (24.4%, 95%CI 17.4-31.5) had undetected active TB and 13 (8.1%, 95%CI 6.7-22.9) were TB-HIV co-infected. The NNS to detect one TB case was 131 in the whole study population, but only five among the subgroup with chronic cough. CONCLUSION ACF obtained a high yield of previously undetected active TB and TB-HIV cases. The NNS in the general population was 131, but the number needed to test in persons with chronic cough was five. These findings suggest that boosting the identification of persons with chronic cough may increase the overall efficiency of TB case detection at a community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Sekandi
- College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA; and School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - J List
- Yale Primary Care Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - H Luzze
- Department of Clinical Services, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - X-P Yin
- College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - K Dobbin
- College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - P S Corso
- College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - J Oloya
- College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - A Okwera
- National TB Treatment Center, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Mulago, Uganda
| | - C C Whalen
- College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Muloongo K, Tshuma N, Chimoyi L, Setswe G, Sarfo B, Nyasulu P. Factors contributing to home-based acceptability of rapid testing for HIV infection among the inner city commuter population in Johannesburg, South Africa. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2014; 108:632-8. [PMID: 25129890 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/tru122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to determine factors contributing to the acceptability of home-based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) among commuters in Johannesburg inner city. METHODS Simple random sampling was used to select participants in a venue based intercept survey at Noord Street taxi rank in Johannesburg central business district. A total of 1146 individuals were interviewed and logistic regression analysis assessed factors associated with HBHCT acceptability. RESULTS HBHCT acceptability was 64%. Home testing was preferred as an alternative to testing at a health facility. High school education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.61, CI: 0.46-0.85), inner city residence aOR 0.70, CI: 0.52-0.94), previous HIV testing in the hospital (aOR 0.22, CI: 0.15-0.32) and at home (aOR 0.18, CI: 0.11-0.27) were significantly less likely associated with HBHCT acceptability. Being married (aOR 1.64, CI: 1.15-2.32), recent HIV testing (aOR 1.85, CI: 1.15-2.99) and having experienced negative health worker attitude (aOR 2.41, CI: 1.66-3.48) were significantly more likely associated with HBHCT acceptability. CONCLUSIONS High acceptability of HBHCT among urban-based commuters plus factors that would deter HBHCT acceptability were identified. Further research to identify strategies to improve HBHCT acceptability among commuter populations is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Muloongo
- Community AIDS Response, Norwood, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ndumiso Tshuma
- Community AIDS Response, Norwood, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lucy Chimoyi
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Institute (WHRI), Hillbrow, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Geoffrey Setswe
- HIV/AIDS, STI and TB (HAST) Research Program, Human Sciences Research Council Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Bismark Sarfo
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Peter Nyasulu
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa School of Health Sciences, Monash University, Ruimsig, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mantell JE, DiCarlo AL, Remien RH, Zerbe A, Morris D, Pitt B, Nkonyana JP, Abrams EJ, El-Sadr W. 'There's no place like home': perceptions of home-based HIV testing in Lesotho. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2014; 29:456-469. [PMID: 24599266 PMCID: PMC4021194 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyu004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
HIV testing has the potential to reduce HIV transmission by identifying and counseling individuals with HIV, reducing risk behaviors, linking persons with HIV to care and earlier treatment, and reducing perinatal transmission. In Lesotho, a high HIV prevalence country in which a large proportion of the population has never tested for HIV, home-based testing (HBT) may be an important strategy to increase HIV testing. We identified factors influencing acceptability of HIV prevention strategies among a convenience sample of 200 pregnant or post-partum Basotho women and 30 Basotho men. We first conducted cross-sectional surveys, followed by key informant interviews with all 30 men and focus group discussions with a sub-set of 62 women. In total, 82% of women reported positive perceptions of HBT; women and men viewed HBT as a potential way to increase testing among men and saw the home as a comfortable, supportive environment for testing and counseling couples and families together. Potential barriers to HBT uptake included concerns about confidentiality, privacy, coercion to test, conflict within the family and fear of HIV/AIDS-associated stigma. Participants emphasized community mobilization and education as important elements of HBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Mantell
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA, ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA and Department of Disease Control, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho 100.
| | - A L DiCarlo
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA, ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA and Department of Disease Control, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho 100.Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA, ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA and Department of Disease Control, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho 100
| | - R H Remien
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA, ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA and Department of Disease Control, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho 100
| | - A Zerbe
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA, ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA and Department of Disease Control, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho 100
| | - D Morris
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA, ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA and Department of Disease Control, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho 100
| | - B Pitt
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA, ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA and Department of Disease Control, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho 100
| | - J P Nkonyana
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA, ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA and Department of Disease Control, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho 100
| | - E J Abrams
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA, ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA and Department of Disease Control, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho 100
| | - W El-Sadr
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute & Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY 10032, USA, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA, ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA and Department of Disease Control, Lesotho Ministry of Health, Maseru, Lesotho 100
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Wachira J, Ndege S, Koech J, Vreeman RC, Ayuo P, Braitstein P. HIV testing uptake and prevalence among adolescents and adults in a large home-based HIV testing program in Western Kenya. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 65:e58-66. [PMID: 23846563 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e3182a14f9e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe HIV testing uptake and prevalence among adolescents and adults in a home-based HIV counseling and testing program in western Kenya. METHODS Since 2007, the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare program has implemented home-based HIV counseling and testing on a large scale. All individuals aged ≥13 years were eligible for testing. Data from 5 of 8 catchments were included in this analysis. We used descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to examine testing uptake and HIV prevalence among adolescents (13-18 years), younger adults (19-24 years), and older adults (≥25 years). RESULTS There were 154,463 individuals eligible for analyses as follows: 22% adolescents, 19% younger adults, and 59% older adults. Overall mean age was 32.8 years and 56% were female. HIV testing was high (96%) across the following 3 groups: 99% in adolescents, 98% in younger adults, and 94% in older adults (P < 0.001). HIV prevalence was higher (11.0%) among older adults compared with younger adults (4.8%) and adolescents (0.8%) (P < 0.001). Those who had ever previously tested for HIV were less likely to accept HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio: 0.06, 95% confidence interval: 0.05 to 0.07) but more likely to newly test HIV positive (adjusted odds ratio: 1.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.21 to 1.40). Age group differences were evident in the sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with testing uptake and HIV prevalence, particularly, gender, relationship status, and HIV testing history. CONCLUSIONS Sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors were independently associated with HIV testing and prevalence among the age groups. Community-based treatment and prevention strategies will need to consider these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juddy Wachira
- *USAID-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATHPlus) Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya; †Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; ‡Children's Health Services Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; §Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; ‖Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN; ¶Regenstrief Institute, Inc, Indianapolis, IN; and #Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Kalumbi L, Kumwenda S, Chidziwisano K. Counsellors' experience during training and home based HIV counselling and testing in Zomba District, Malawi. Malawi Med J 2014; 26:1-7. [PMID: 24959317 PMCID: PMC4062776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2007, St Luke's Mission Hospital initiated a district-wide Door to Door HIV counselling and testing (HCT) programme in Zomba district. The intent of the programme was to provide quality HCT services to people in their homes and effectively those found to be HIV positive referred to appropriate services. METHODOLOGY This was a cross sectional study using a questionnaire consecutively administered to a sample of 105 counsellors who had resided in the community for a period of over one year. The questionnaire sought to establish, knowledge gained, experiences and recommendations on how the programme has been implemented and assist running of similar future programmes. Data analysis was done manually using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. RESULTS We report that nearly 23% of the counsellors thought that during their training as a door to door HCT counselor they had benefited in learning to working with communities; an aspect they found to be highly applicable in discharge of their duties. The major setbacks during the training were lack daily allowances, less amount of time spent on understanding child counselling and the manual used was difficult to follow. Over 32% of the counsellors were satisfied with the participation of their clients during pre-test counselling sessions, however, the major challenge they had was the misconception that they were blood suckers, a view reported by nearly 17% of the counsellors. Close to 72% reported not to have met any problems during post-test counselling compared to 24% who reported to have found challenges. CONCLUSION The study has revealed that there is a need to re-look child children counselling especially in training door to door HCT counsellors. It has also revealed a prevalent allowance culture despite the benefits of training. The common challenges were refusal of test results and failure to understand discordance. Misconceptions may still exist in the community regarding anything dealing with removing blood. There is still need for more information regarding discordance especially among couples in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kalumbi
- St Luke's Mission Hospital, P.O. Box 21, Zomba, Malawi ; University of Malawi, The Polytechnic, Department of Environmental Health, P/Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - S Kumwenda
- University of Malawi, The Polytechnic, Department of Environmental Health, P/Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - K Chidziwisano
- University of Malawi, The Polytechnic, Department of Environmental Health, P/Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
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Home visits during pregnancy enhance male partner HIV counselling and testing in Kenya: a randomized clinical trial. AIDS 2014; 28:95-103. [PMID: 23942059 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV testing male partners of pregnant women may decrease HIV transmission to women and promote uptake of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) interventions. However, it has been difficult to access male partners in antenatal care (ANC) clinics. We hypothesized that home visits to offer HIV testing to partners of women attending ANC would increase partner HIV testing. METHODS Women attending their first ANC were enrolled, interviewed using smartphone audio-computer-assisted self-interviews and randomized to home visits or written invitations for male partners to come to clinic, if they were married or cohabiting, unaccompanied by partners and had no prior couple HIV counselling and testing (CHCT). Enrolled men were offered CHCT (HIV testing and mutual disclosure). Prevalence of CHCT, male HIV seropositivity, couple serodiscordance and intimate partner violence, reported as physical threat from partner, were compared at 6 weeks. RESULTS Among 495 women screened, 312 were eligible, and 300 randomized to clinic-based or home-based CHCT. Median age was 22 years (interquartile range 20-26 years), and 87% were monogamous. CHCT was significantly higher in home-visit than in clinic-invitation arm (n = 128, 85% vs. n = 54, 36%; P < 0.001). Home-arm identified more HIV-seropositive men (12.0 vs. 8.0%; P = 0.248) and more HIV-discordant couples (14.7 vs. 4.7%; P = 0.003). There was no difference in intimate partner violence. CONCLUSION Home visits of pregnant women were safe and resulted in more male partner testing and mutual disclosure of HIV status. This strategy could facilitate prevention of maternal HIV acquisition, improve PMTCT uptake and increase male HIV diagnosis.
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HIV incidence and factors associated with seroconversion in a rural community home based counseling and testing program in Eastern Uganda. AIDS Behav 2014; 18 Suppl 1:S60-8. [PMID: 23695518 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0502-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We estimated HIV incidence and identified risk factors for seroconversion following a rural community home based HIV counseling and testing program in Uganda. We analyzed data from two rounds of testing at least a year apart. Of 19,401 initially seronegative participants, 106 seroconverted in Round 2. Overall HIV incidence was 0.55 per 100 person years (95 % CI: 0.45 -0.66) with no gender difference. Among men, being widowed or divorced (aRR 4.4), and having HIV related symptoms (aRR 11.5) were associated with seroconversion; having primary level education (aRR 0.2) was protective. Among women, being aged 35-59 years (aRR 2.3) and having HIV related symptoms (aRR 9.2) were associated with seroconversion; having couples' posttest counseling in Round 1 (aRR 0.4) was protective. HIV incidence is lower than estimates from elsewhere in Uganda. Nevertheless, focused prevention programs are still needed, targeting previously married men and older women, and including couples' counseling.
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Abstract
New approaches to expanding HIV testing and effective treatment and the wider availability of rapid testing technology have created new opportunities for achieving national and global HIV testing goals. In spite of HIV testing expansion in many settings, growing evidence of the prevention benefits of HIV testing, and the development of new, cost-effective approaches to HIV testing service provision, formidable obstacles to HIV testing expansion persist. Inequitable testing coverage exists within and across countries. While the proportion of people with HIV aware of their status is about 80% in the U.S., the majority of HIV-infected persons in Africa are unaware of their status. Testing of most-at-risk populations, couples, children, and adolescents pose still unresolved policy and programmatic challenges. Future directions for HIV testing include rapid testing technology and detection of acute HIV infection, self-testing expansion, and partner notification. Expanded routine HIV screening and widespread testing is a public health imperative to reach national and international HIV prevention and treatment goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Cherutich
- National AIDS/STI Control Program, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Abstract
In the past several years, the debate of "treatment vs prevention" has shifted with the introduction of the concept of "treatment as prevention," (TasP), stemming from a series of compelling observational, ecological, and modeling studies as well as HPTN 052, a randomized clinical trial, demonstrating that use of ART is associated with a decrease in HIV transmission. In addition to TasP being viewed as 1 intervention in a combination strategy for HIV Prevention, TasP is, in and of itself, a combination of multiple interventions that need to be implemented with high coverage in order to achieve its potential impact.
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van Rooyen H, Barnabas RV, Baeten JM, Phakathi Z, Joseph P, Krows M, Hong T, Murnane PM, Hughes J, Celum C. High HIV testing uptake and linkage to care in a novel program of home-based HIV counseling and testing with facilitated referral in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2013; 64:e1-8. [PMID: 23714740 PMCID: PMC3744613 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e31829b567d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE For antiretroviral therapy (ART) to have a population-level HIV prevention impact, high levels of HIV testing and effective linkages to HIV care among HIV-infected persons are required. METHODS We piloted home-based counseling and testing (HBCT) with point-of-care CD4 count testing and follow-up visits to facilitate linkage of HIV-infected persons to local HIV clinics and uptake of ART in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Lay counselor follow-up visits at months one, three and six evaluated the primary outcome of linkage to care. Plasma viral load was measured at baseline and month six. RESULTS 671 adults were tested for HIV (91% coverage) and 201 (30%) were HIV-infected, of which 73 (36%) were new diagnoses. By month three, 90% of HIV-infected persons not on ART at baseline had visited an HIV clinic and 80% of those eligible for ART at baseline by South African guidelines (CD4≤200 cells/μL at the time of the study) had initiated ART. Among HIV-infected participants who were eligible for ART at baseline, mean viral load decreased by 3.23 log10 copies/mL (p<0.001) and the proportion with viral load suppression increased from 20% to 80% between baseline and month six. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot of HBCT and linkages to care in KwaZulu-Natal, 91% of adults were tested for HIV. Linkage to care was ∼90% both among newly-identified HIV-infected persons as well as known HIVinfected persons who were not engaged in care. Among those eligible for ART, a high proportion initiated ART and achieved viral suppression, indicating high adherence and reduced infectiousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
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Krause J, Subklew-Sehume F, Kenyon C, Colebunders R. Acceptability of HIV self-testing: a systematic literature review. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:735. [PMID: 23924387 PMCID: PMC3750621 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The uptake of HIV testing and counselling services remains low in risk groups around the world. Fear of stigmatisation, discrimination and breach of confidentiality results in low service usage among risk groups. HIV self-testing (HST) is a confidential HIV testing option that enables people to find out their status in the privacy of their homes. We evaluated the acceptability of HST and the benefits and challenges linked to the introduction of HST. Methods A literature review was conducted on the acceptability of HST in projects in which HST was offered to study participants. Besides acceptability rates of HST, accuracy rates of self-testing, referral rates of HIV-positive individuals into medical care, disclosure rates and rates of first-time testers were assessed. In addition, the utilisation rate of a telephone hotline for counselling issues and clients` attitudes towards HST were extracted. Results Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria (HST had been offered effectively to study participants and had been administered by participants themselves) and demonstrated universally high acceptability of HST among study populations. Studies included populations from resource poor settings (Kenya and Malawi) and from high-income countries (USA, Spain and Singapore). The majority of study participants were able to perform HST accurately with no or little support from trained staff. Participants appreciated the confidentiality and privacy but felt that the provision of adequate counselling services was inadequate. Conclusions The review demonstrates that HST is an acceptable testing alternative for risk groups and can be performed accurately by the majority of self-testers. Clients especially value the privacy and confidentiality of HST. Linkage to counselling as well as to treatment and care services remain major challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Krause
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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