1
|
Rwebembera J, Ndagire E, Carvalho N, Webel AR, Sable C, Okello E, Sarnacki R, Spaziani AM, Mucunguzi A, Engelman D, Grobler A, Steer A, Beaton A. Intramuscular versus enteral penicillin prophylaxis to prevent progression of rheumatic heart disease: Study protocol for a noninferiority randomized trial (the GOALIE trial). Am Heart J 2024; 275:74-85. [PMID: 38797460 PMCID: PMC11330716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2024.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) persists as a major cardiovascular driver of mortality and morbidity among young people in low-and middle-income countries. Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) with penicillin remains the cornerstone of RHD control, however, suboptimal treatment adherence undermines most secondary prevention programs. Many of the barriers to optimal SAP adherence are specific to the intramuscular form of penicillin and may potentially be overcome by use of oral penicillin. This noninferiority trial is comparing the efficacy of intramuscular to oral penicillin SAP to prevent progression of mild RHD at 2 years. METHODS/DESIGN The Intramuscular vs Enteral Penicillin Prophylaxis to Prevent Progression of Rheumatic Heart Disease (GOALIE) trial is randomizing Ugandan children aged 5 to 17 years identified by echocardiographic screening with mild RHD (Stage A or B as defined by 2023 World Heart Federation criteria) to Benzathine Benzyl Penicillin G (BPG arm, every-28-day intramuscular penicillin) or Phenoxymethyl Penicillin (Pen V arm, twice daily oral penicillin) for a period of 2 years. A blinded echocardiography adjudication panel of 3 RHD experts and 2 cardiologists is determining the echocardiographic stage of RHD at enrollment and will do the same at study completion by consensus review. Treatment adherence and study retention are supported through peer support groups and case management strategies. The primary outcome is the proportion of children in the Pen V arm who progress to more advanced RHD compared to those in the BPG arm. Secondary outcomes are patient-reported outcomes (treatment acceptance, satisfaction, and health related quality of life), costs, and cost-effectiveness of oral compared to intramuscular penicillin prophylaxis for RHD. A total sample size of 1,004 participants will provide 90% power to demonstrate noninferiority using a margin of 4% with allowance for 7% loss to follow-up. Participant enrollment commenced in October 2023 and final participant follow-up is expected in December 2026. The graphical abstract (Fig. 1) summarizes the flow of echocardiographic screening, participant enrollment and follow-up. DISCUSSION The GOALIE trial is critical in global efforts to refine a pragmatic approach to secondary prevention for RHD control. GOALIE insists that the inferiority of oral penicillin be proven contemporarily and against the most important near-term clinical outcome of progression of RHD severity. This work also considers other factors that could influence the adoption of oral prophylaxis and change the calculus for acceptable efficacy including patient-reported outcomes and costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05693545.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joselyn Rwebembera
- Division of Adult Cardiology, Department of Adult Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Emma Ndagire
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Natalie Carvalho
- Economics of Global Health and Infectious Diseases Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Allison R Webel
- Department of Child, Family and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Craig Sable
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Emmy Okello
- Division of Adult Cardiology, Department of Adult Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rachel Sarnacki
- Global Cardiology Research Initiative, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Alison M Spaziani
- Global Cardiology Research Initiative, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Atukunda Mucunguzi
- Department of Finance and Administration, Rheumatic Heart Disease Research Collaborative in Uganda, Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Engelman
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Melbourne Children's Global Health Initiative, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anneke Grobler
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Steer
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Melbourne Children's Global Health Initiative, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea Beaton
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Cardiology, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou S, Cluver L, Knight L, Edun O, Sherman G, Toska E. Longitudinal Trajectories of Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence and Associations With Durable Viral Suppression Among Adolescents Living With HIV in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 96:171-179. [PMID: 38771754 PMCID: PMC11115368 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003408] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with other age groups, adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are estimated to have lower levels of adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Despite this, we lack evidence on adolescents' adherence patterns over time to inform the customization of intervention strategies. SETTING Eastern Cape province, South Africa. METHODS We analyzed data from a cohort of ALHIV (N = 1046, aged 10-19 years at baseline) recruited from 53 public health facilities. The cohort comprised 3 waves of data collected between 2014 and 2018 and routine viral load data from the National Institute for Communicable Disease data warehouse (2014-2019). Durable viral suppression was defined as having suppressed viral load (<1000 copies/mL) at ≥2 consecutive study waves. Group-based multitrajectory model was used to identify adherence trajectories using 5 indicators of self-reported adherence. Logistic regression modeling evaluated the associations between adherence trajectories and durable viral suppression. RESULTS Overall, 933 ALHIV (89.2%) completed all 3 study waves (55.1% female, mean age: 13.6 years at baseline). Four adherence trajectories were identified, namely, "consistent adherence" (49.8%), "low start and increasing" (20.8%), "gradually decreasing" (23.5%), and "low and decreasing" (5.9%). Adolescents experiencing inconsistent adherence trajectories were more likely to be older, live in rural areas, and have sexually acquired HIV. Compared with the consistent adherence trajectory, the odds of durable viral suppression were lower among adolescents in the low start and increasing (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.95), gradually decreasing (aOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.59), and the low and decreasing adherence (aOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.62) trajectories. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to antiretroviral treatment remains a challenge among ALHIV in South Africa. Identifying adolescents at risk of nonadherence, based on their adherence trajectories may inform the tailoring of adolescent-friendly support strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyanai Zhou
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa & Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom & Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucia Knight
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa & School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Olanrewaju Edun
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gayle Sherman
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa & Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elona Toska
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa & Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kizito S, Namuwonge F, Nabayinda J, Nalwanga D, Najjuuko C, Nabunya P, Atwebembere R, Namuyaba OI, Mukasa M, Ssewamala FM. A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial of an Economic Strengthening Intervention to Enhance Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence among Adolescents Living with HIV. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1570-1580. [PMID: 38231361 PMCID: PMC11070301 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04268-4] [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] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
We examined the impact of an economic empowerment intervention on ART adherence among ALHIV. We used data from 455 ALHIV, randomized into intervention, n = 111, and control n = 344. ALHIV were aged 12-16 and recruited from 39 clinics in Uganda between January 2013 and December 2015. The intervention comprised a long-term child development account (CDA), micro-enterprise workshops, and educational sessions. Adherence was measured using unannounced pill counts. We used mixed-effects logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of the intervention on ART adherence. The mean age was 12.6 years. Despite observing non-significant group main effects, we found significant group-by-time interaction effects χ2(5) = 45.41, p < 0.001. Pairwise comparisons showed that compared to the control group, participants who received the intervention had significantly higher adherence at visit four, OR = 1.52 (95% CI: 1.07-2.18), p = 0.020; visit five, OR = 1.59 (95% CI: 1.06-2.38), p = 0.026; and visit six, OR = 1.94 (95% CI: 1.24-3.04), p = 0.004. Efforts to support ALHIV to live longer and healthier lives should incorporate components addressing poverty. However, declining adherence raises concerns over ALHIV's long-term well-being. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT01790373, with a primary outcome of adherence to HIV treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Josephine Nabayinda
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Damalie Nalwanga
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Claire Najjuuko
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | | | | | - Miriam Mukasa
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bondarchuk C, Lemon T, Earnshaw V, Rousseau E, Sindelo S, Bekker LG, Butler L, Katz I. Disclosure Events and Psychosocial Well-Being Among Young South African Adults Living with HIV. Int J Behav Med 2024:10.1007/s12529-024-10291-5. [PMID: 38658438 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-024-10291-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor psychological well-being is both prevalent among South Africans living with HIV and has been associated with poor HIV clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between disclosure and psychological well-being remains unclear. This analysis sought to examine the relationship between two disclosure-related variables, disclosure status and reaction received, and psychosocial well-being among a sample of young adults living with HIV (YALWH) in urban South Africa. METHOD This was a secondary analysis using observational data from Standing Tall, a randomized controlled trial that recruited 100 participants ages 18-24 who tested positive for HIV after initially presenting to two well-established mobile clinics for HIV testing. Interviews investigating primary and secondary outcomes of interest were done at baseline and 6 months following recruitment. RESULTS About half (51%) of participants disclosed their HIV status within 6 months after recruitment. Simple linear regression analyses revealed that disclosure of HIV status within 6 months after study enrollment predicted significantly lower levels of disclosure concerns and internalized stigma (p < 0.05). Reactions to disclosure were not significantly associated with any of the measures of psychosocial well-being considered in this analysis (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The results suggest that the act of disclosure among newly diagnosed YALWH may be associated with reductions in internalized stigma. In addition, the finding that the act of disclosure may be a more important determinant of psychosocial well-being than the reaction to disclosure has important implications for interventions designed to promote disclosure and psychosocial well-being in YALWH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiffany Lemon
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Valerie Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development and Family Services, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Elzette Rousseau
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Siyaxolisa Sindelo
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Lisa Butler
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Ingrid Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Evangeli M, Foster C, Musiime V, Fidler S, Seeley J, Frize G, Uwizera A, Price J. Cultural Adaption, Translation, Preliminary Reliability and Validity of Key Psychological and Behavioural Measures for 18 to 25 Year-Olds Living with HIV in Uganda: A Multi-Stage Approach. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:924-935. [PMID: 37792229 PMCID: PMC10896775 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04193-y] [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] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
HIV remains a significant public health issue among young adults living in Uganda. There is a need for reliable and valid measures of key psychological and behavioural constructs that are related to important outcomes for this population. We translated, adapted and tested the psychometric properties of questionnaires measuring HIV stigma, HIV disclosure cognitions and affect, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, social support, personal values, and hope, using a multi-step process. This included: translation, back-translation, expert review, cognitive interviewing, readability and assessments of internal consistency with 93 young adults (18-25 years) living with perinatally acquired HIV in Uganda. Preliminary criterion validity was assessed by examining relationships between the adapted measures and wellbeing, HIV disclosure behaviour, HIV disclosure intention and viral load suppression. The measures all showed acceptable reliability and every questionnaire apart from the Agentic and Communal Value Scale was easy to read. Those scales measuring HIV disclosure affect and cognitions, social support, HIV stigma and hope showed relationships with other constructs suggestive of validity. There is preliminary evidence to support the use of these measures in research and clinical contexts for young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV in Uganda.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Evangeli
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Caroline Foster
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Victor Musiime
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Research Department, Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, Imperial College NIHR BRC, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Graham Frize
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Annette Uwizera
- Research Department, Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Price
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McCoy BM, McAteer CI, Ashimosi C, Aluoch J, Lewis CT, Nyandiko W, Vreeman RC. Using Narrative Films to Combat HIV-Related Stigma in Western Kenya: An Exploratory Pilot Study of Adolescents Living With HIV and Their Caregivers. Glob Pediatr Health 2024; 11:2333794X241234566. [PMID: 38414716 PMCID: PMC10898294 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x241234566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective. Interventions that effectively address HIV-related stigma are urgently needed to improve outcomes for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). We piloted a series of 4 short narrative films depicting Kenyan ALHIV's lived experiences of stigma and discrimination with 57 ALHIV and 50 adult caregivers of ALHIV in western Kenya. Methods. Participants completed either pre- and post-viewing questionnaires, including an HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination scale, or participated in post-viewing focus group discussions. Three-month follow-up visits were conducted. Results. Caregivers endorsed significantly greater disagreement with stigmatizing statements on the scale at 3-month follow-up, whereas adolescents had no significant differences in scores. Participants reported they believed the films would have a positive impact on their communities and had led to changes in their own attitudes, beliefs and/or behavior. Conclusion. The HIV Stigma Films may show promise as an intervention to reduce stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about HIV-infection, especially among caregivers of ALHIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany M. McCoy
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Carole I. McAteer
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Josephine Aluoch
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Winstone Nyandiko
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Rachel C. Vreeman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kose J, Howard T, Lenz C, Masaba R, Akuno J, Woelk G, Fraaij PL, Rakhmanina N. Experiences of adolescents and youth with HIV testing and linkage to care through the Red Carpet Program (RCP) in Kenya. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296786. [PMID: 38241210 PMCID: PMC10798534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLHIV) experience worse health outcomes compared to adults. We aimed to understand the experiences of AYLHIV in care in the youth-focused Red-Carpet program in Kenya to assess the quality of service provision and identify programmatic areas for optimization. We conducted focus group discussions among 39 AYLHIV (15-24 years) and structured analysis into four thematic areas. Within the HIV testing theme, participants cited fear of positive results, confidentiality and stigma concerns, and suggested engaging the community and youth in HIV testing opportunities. Within the HIV treatment adherence theme, participants cited forgetfulness, stigma, adverse side effects, lack of family support, and treatment illiteracy as barriers to adherence. Most participants reported positive experiences with healthcare providers and peer support. In terms of the HIV status disclosure theme, AYLHIV cited concerns about their future capacity to conceive children and start families and discussed challenges with understanding HIV health implications and sharing their status with friends and partners. Youth voices informing service implementation are essential in strengthening our capacity to optimize the support for AYLHIV within the community, at schools and healthcare facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Kose
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tyriesa Howard
- Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Cosima Lenz
- Technical Strategy and Innovation, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Rose Masaba
- Country Program, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Job Akuno
- Country Program, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Godfrey Woelk
- Research Department, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Pieter Leendert Fraaij
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Erasmus MC-Sophia/ Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Natella Rakhmanina
- Technical Strategy and Innovation, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Oryokot B, Kazibwe A, Oluka AI, Kagimu D, Bakashaba B, Ssentongo S, Mafabi T, Odoi C, Kawuba A, Miya Y, Etukoit BM, Mugisha K, Namusoke-Magongo E. "Swallowing these drugs every day, you get tired": a mixed-methods study to identify Barriers and facilitators to retention and HIV Viral Load suppression among the Adolescents living with HIV in TASO Mbale and TASO Soroti centers of excellence. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3863602. [PMID: 38313290 PMCID: PMC10836109 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3863602/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Background Adolescents aged 10-19, living with HIV (ALHIV) lag behind in attaining optimal viral load suppression (VLS) rates and retention in care, an important impediment to reaching epidemic control. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to both VLS and retention among in the sub-population who seek care from TASO Mbale and TASO Soroti centers of excellence, to facilitate adaptation of the operation triple zero in the setting. Methods We used a mixed methods approach, extracting secondary data on ALHIV who were active in care during April-June 2022 quarter to determine one year retention in care. Analysis was done in STATA Corp, 15.0. We used logistic regression to determine associated factors and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) to report level of predictability, using 95% confidence interval (CI) and P<0.05 for statistical significance. For qualitative component, purposive sampling of 59 respondents was done. Focused group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Thematic content analysis was done using Atlas ti. Results There were 533 ALHIV, with 12-month retention rate of 95.9% and VLS rate of 74.9%. Predictors for good VLS included good adherence [aOR:95%CI 0.066(0.0115, 0.38) P=0.02], being on first line treatment [aOR:95%CI 0.242 (0.0873,0.6724) P=0.006]. For retention, they include being a school going [aOR:95%CI 0.148(0.024,0.9218) P=0.041], multi month dispensing aOR:95%CI 32.6287(5.1446,206.9404) P<0.001, OVC enrolment aOR:95%CI 0.2625(0.083, 0.83) P=0.023]. Meanwhile key barriers included: individual ones such as internal stigma, lack of transport and treatment/drug fatigue; facility-level such as prolonged waiting time and lack of social activities; community level include stigma and discrimination, inadequate social support and food shortage. In terms of facilitators, individual level ones include good adherence and knowledge of one's HIV status; facility-level such as provision of adolescent friendly services and community-level such as social support and decent nutrition. Conclusions VLS rate was sub-optimal mainly due to poor adherence. HIV programs could utilize the barriers and facilitators identified to improve VLS. Conversely, retention rate at one year was good, likely due to provision of adolescent friendly health services. ALHIV and their caregivers need to be empowered to sustain retention and improve VLS. Contributions to science By accentuating the barriers and facilitators to retention and VLS among the ALHIV, we ensure HIV programs continue to prioritize effective interventions and discard others as the epidemic evolves. To this, our findings strategically validate the effectiveness of provision of adolescent friendly services and client-centered care in attaining good retention rate.Secondly, being a mixed-methods study, complementarily adds value to the existing body of knowledge on barriers and facilitators while reminding programmers that VLS remains sub-optimal and more efforts are necessary.Finally, different stakeholders could use our findings to advocate for more resources to address some of the barriers such as food shortage, empowerment of ALHIV and caregivers and strengthening skilling programs for ALHIV, especially the out-of-school.
Collapse
|
9
|
Birhanu MY, Bekele GM, Yirdaw G, Demissie BS, Getahun GK, Jemberie SS. Incidence and predictors of loss to follow-up among Ethiopian children on antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:169. [PMID: 38218779 PMCID: PMC10787475 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17333-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loss of follow-up (LTFU) from ART regular follow-up is one of the key acknowledged causes for the development of ART-resistant virus strains currently. It becomes a major weakness for the successful implementation of HIV care and treatment programs mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa but also globally. About 20-40% of children on ART loss their regular ART follow-up annually. Because of the inconsistency of the prior publications' findings, policymakers, programmers, and healthcare providers find it difficult to intervene. Hence, this study was conducted to provide a pooled incidence and identify the predictors of LTFU among children on ART in Ethiopia. METHODS Articles were searched from PubMed/ MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, as well as organizational records and websites. This review included both retrospective and prospective follow-up studies published in English. The data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and exported into Stata™ Version 17.0 for further processing and analysis. The presence of heterogeneity was assessed using forest plots with the I2 test. To identify the source of heterogeneity subgroup analysis, meta-regression, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were computed. The pooled incidence of LTFU was estimated using a random effects meta-analysis model with the DerSimonian-laired method. To identify the predictors, a 95% confidence interval with relative risk was used to declare the presence or absence of an association. RESULTS In this systematic review and Meta-analysis, nine studies with a total of 3336 children were included. The pooled incidence of LTFU from ART was 5.83 (95% CI: 3.94, 7.72) per 100 children-years of observation with I2: 83% & p-value < 0.001. Those children who were from rural were had a 1.65 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.52) times higher chance of getting LTFU when compared with their counterparts. Children who had poor ART adherence had a 2.03 (95% CI: 1.23, 3.34) times higher chance of experiencing LTFU of ART than children having good ART adherence. CONCLUSIONS Among Ethiopian children on ART, one out of 167 had the risk of experiencing LTFU. Being rural dwellers and having poor ART adherence were the identified predictors of LTFU. Close follow-up and phone message text should be used to have good ART adherence among rural dwellers to meet the predetermined goal of ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molla Yigzaw Birhanu
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, P.O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
| | - Getamesay Molla Bekele
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetric, School of Medicine, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Getasew Yirdaw
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Bekele Simegn Demissie
- Department of Public Health, St.Lideta College of Health Science and Business, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Genanew Kassie Getahun
- Department of Public Health, Menelik II Medical and Health Science College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Selamawit Shita Jemberie
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Musanje K, Kamya MR, Kasujja R, Vanderplasschen W, Sinclair DL, Baluku MM, Odokonyero RF, Namisi CP, Mukisa J, White RG, Camlin CS. The Effect of a Group-Based Mindfulness and Acceptance Training on Psychological Flexibility and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents in Uganda: An Open-Label Randomized Trial. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2024; 23:23259582241236260. [PMID: 38446992 PMCID: PMC10919136 DOI: 10.1177/23259582241236260] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is lower in adolescents with HIV (AWH) than in any other age group, partly due to self-regulatory challenges during development. Mindfulness and acceptance training have been shown to support psychological flexibility, a self-regulatory skill that potentially improves adolescent adherence to medication. We assessed the effect of weekly group-based mindfulness and acceptance training sessions on ART adherence among older adolescents (15-19 years) in Kampala, Uganda. One hundred and twenty-two AWH (median age 17, range 15-19 years, 57% female) receiving care at a public health facility in Kampala were randomized 1:1 to receive 4 weekly 90-min group sessions facilitated by experienced trainers or standard-of-care ART services. The training involved (Session 1) clarifying values, (Session 2) skillfully relating to thoughts, (Session 3) allowing and becoming aware of experiences non-judgmentally, and (Session 4) exploring life through trial and error. At baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up, psychological flexibility was measured using the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y8), and self-reported ART adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). At baseline, the intervention and standard-of-care arms had similar psychological flexibility (AFQ-Y8 score:15.45 ± 0.82; 15.74 ± 0.84) and ART adherence (MMAS-8 score: 5.32 ± 0.24; 5.13 ± 0.23). Retention through the study was moderate (71%). Completion of mindfulness and acceptance training was associated with a significant reduction in psychological inflexibility at the 3-month follow-up (AFQ-Y8 score: 12.63 ± 1.06; 14.05 ± 1.07, P = .006). However, no significant differences were observed in self-reported adherence to ART at the 3-month follow-up (MMAS-8 score: 5.43 ± 0.23; 4.90 ± 0.33, P = .522). Group-based mindfulness and acceptance training improved psychological flexibility in this population of adolescents on ART in Uganda but did not significantly improve ART adherence. Future research should explore integrated approaches that combine behavioral management training with other empowerment aspects to improve ART adherence among AWH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khamisi Musanje
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Educational, Social and Organizational Psychology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rosco Kasujja
- Department of Mental Health and Community Psychology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Martin M. Baluku
- Department of Educational, Social and Organizational Psychology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Charles P. Namisi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Mukisa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ross G. White
- School of Psychology, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Carol S. Camlin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Achieng C, Bunani N, Kagaayi J, Nuwaha F. Adherence to antiretroviral and cancer chemotherapy, and associated factors among patients with HIV-cancer co-morbidity at the Uganda Cancer Institute: a cross sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1451. [PMID: 37507710 PMCID: PMC10386774 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a major global public health issue affecting millions of people, and sub-Saharan Africa where Uganda lies is disproportionately affected. There has been an increase in cancer among HIV patients which has resulted into use of co-medications that sometimes affect ART and cancer chemotherapy adherence. We aimed to determine adherence to antiretroviral and cancer chemotherapy and the associated factors among patients with HIV-cancer co-morbidity at the Uganda Cancer Institute. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among 200 randomly selected adult cancer patients infected with HIV and attending the Uganda cancer institute. Antiretroviral and anti-cancer chemotherapy adherence with associated factors were assessed quantitatively. We collected the data using interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaires. Modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the factors associated with adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and cancer chemotherapy. RESULTS Overall, 54% of the study participants adhered to both ART and chemotherapy, and 55% adhered to ART while 65% adhered to cancer chemotherapy. The mean age of the respondents was 42 (SD ± 11years), and a majority, 61% were males.More than half, 56.5% were married and at least 45% had attained a primary level of education. Patients with good adherence to antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy were 54%. No knowledge of cancer stage (PR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.3-0.6, P < 0.0001), having an AIDS defining cancer (PR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.5-0.9, P = 0.005), ART clinic in district not near Uganda Cancer Institute (PR = 0.7,95% CI = 0.8-1.0, P = 0.027) and affordability of cancer chemotherapy (PR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-1.9, P = 0.037) were associated with adherence to both ART and cancer chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Adherence to both ART and cancer chemotherapy was low. Factors significantly associated with adherence were: knowledge of the cancer stage by the patient, the type of cancer diagnosis, source of ART and affordability/ availability of medications. There is a need to provide information on the stage of cancer and adherence counseling to patients. Furthermore, Integration of HIV- cancer care will be necessary for efficient and effective care for the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Achieng
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
- Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Nelson Bunani
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Kagaayi
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | - Fred Nuwaha
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Byansi W, Nabunya P, Muwanga J, Mwebembezi A, Damulira C, Mukasa B, Zmachinski L, Nattabi J, Brathwaite R, Namuwonge F, Bahar OS, Neilands TB, Mellins CA, Ssewamala FM. The relationship between life satisfaction, personal health, quality of life, and medication adherence among adolescents living with HIV in southwestern Uganda. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 31:1177-1184. [PMID: 37576468 PMCID: PMC10414752 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01632-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are at high risk for adherence to antiretroviral (ART) treatment and poor health-seeking behaviors, both of which potentially compromise their quality of and satisfaction with life. This study, therefore, seeks to examine the relationship between physical health, pediatric quality of life, life satisfaction, and medication adherence among ALHIV in southwestern Uganda. Methods Baseline data from the Suubi+Adherence study, 2012-2018, that recruited 702 adolescents, aged 10-16 years, living with HIV in Uganda were analyzed. To account for overdispersion, negative binomial regression analyses were used to examine the impact of physical health, pediatric quality of life, and life satisfaction on self-reported medication adherence. We controlled for participants' socio-demographic factors. Results Results indicated that after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, adolescents' reported satisfaction with life was associated with a decrease in the reported number of days missed taking medication by 41.2% (IRR (incidence risk ratio)=0.588; p (p-value)=0.014). On the other hand, the low level of pediatric quality of life was associated with a 5% increase in the reported number of days missed taking medication (IRR=1.055, p=0.044). Personal health was not statistically significant in the model. Conclusion Our study findings indicated that quality of life and life satisfaction are significantly associated with antiretroviral (ART) medication among ALHIV. Hence, strengthening existing support systems and creating additional support for optimal ART adherence and treatment outcomes for ALHIV in low-resource communities might be beneficial. Moreover, with the increasing HIV prevalence rates among adolescents, effective and comprehensive efforts that are responsive to the special needs of ALHIV must be developed to ensure optimal adherence to ART medication as it leads to low vertical infection and superinfection rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Byansi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Joelynn Muwanga
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | | | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | | | - Lily Zmachinski
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Jennifer Nattabi
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Plot 23 Circular Rd, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Claude A. Mellins
- Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Reach the Youth Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kirabira J, Ashaba S, Favina A, Maling S, Nansera D, Zanoni BC. Intrapersonal predictors of internalized stigma among school going adolescents living with HIV in southwestern Uganda. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:2300-2314. [PMID: 37005735 PMCID: PMC10524164 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2198244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the association between internalized HIV stigma, resilience, health locus of control, coping self-efficacy and empowerment among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. We conducted a cross-sectional study between August and October 2020 among 173 adolescents aged 13-18 years attending Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital's HIV clinic. We used linear regression to determine the association between HIV stigma and intrapersonal factors adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. The median age of the participants was 16 (IQR 3) years. There was a negative correlation between HIV stigma and resilience (β= -0.03, p < 0.001), internal health locus of control (β= -0.095, p < 0.001) and coping self-efficacy (β= -0.02, p < 0.001), while empowerment was positively correlated (β = 0.07, p < 0.001) with HIV stigma. After adjusting for the intrapersonal factors (resilience, health locus of control, coping self-efficacy and empowerment) and socio-demographic characteristics (education level and boarding school), only internal health locus of control (β=-0.044, p = 0.016) and coping self-efficacy (β=-0.015, p < 0.001) remained significantly correlated with HIV stigma. The findings suggest that interventions focusing on intrapersonal factors such as internal locus of control, empowerment and resilience may contribute towards reduction of HIV stigma among adolescents in boarding schools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kirabira
- Department of Psychiatry, Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Scholastic Ashaba
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Alain Favina
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Samuel Maling
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Denis Nansera
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Brian C. Zanoni
- Emory University School of Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, USA
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Global Health, Atlanta, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Oryokot B, Kazibwe A, Kagimu D, Oluka AI, Kato D, Miya Y, Etukoit MB, Namusoke-Magongo E. Improving retention and HIV viral load suppression among adolescents living with HIV in TASO Soroti and TASO Mbale centers of excellence using Operation Triple Zero model: a before and after study protocol. Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:65. [PMID: 37308985 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00449-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retention in care and HIV viral load suppression remains sub-optimal among HIV positive adolescents in many settings including TASO Uganda, despite the implementation of interventions such as regimen optimization and community-based approaches like multi-month drug dispensing. To this end, the implementation of additional intervention is urgently required to address gaps in current programming which include inadequate centralization of the HIV positive adolescents and their caregivers in the designs. This study, thus, proposes to adapt and implement the Operation Triple Zero (OTZ) model in TASO Soroti and Mbale centers to improve both retention and viral load suppression among the adolescents living with HIV. METHODOLOGY A before and after study design is preferred, employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. To identify barriers and facilitators to retention and HIV viral load suppression among the HIV positive adolescents, secondary data, focused group discussions, and key informant interviews will be used to understand perspectives of the adolescents, their caregivers, and the health-workers. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) will help in designing the intervention, while Knowledge to Action (K2A) will support the adaptation process. To test the intervention, Reach, Effectiveness, Adaption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework will be used. A paired t-test will be used to compare means of retention and viral load suppression in the before and after study periods. DISCUSSION This study aims at adapting and implementing the OTZ model in TASO Soroti and Mbale Centers of Excellence (COEs) to attain optimal retention and HIV viral load suppression rates among the HIV positive adolescents in care. Uganda is yet to adapt the touted OTZ model and findings from this study will be important in providing the necessary lessons to inform a policy shift for potential scale up of the model. Furthermore, results of this study could provide additional evidence for the effectiveness of OTZ in attaining optimal HIV treatment outcomes among the adolescents living with HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonniface Oryokot
- The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) Uganda, Kampala, Uganda.
- University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK.
| | - Andrew Kazibwe
- The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Kagimu
- The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Darlius Kato
- The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Yunus Miya
- The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
MacCarthy S, Mendoza-Graf A, Jennings Mayo-Wilson L, Wagner Z, Saya U, Chemusto H, Mukasa B, Linnemayr S. A qualitative exploration of health-related present bias among HIV-positive adults in Uganda. AIDS Care 2023; 35:883-891. [PMID: 34802344 PMCID: PMC9123094 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.2004298] [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: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Decision-making errors such as present bias (PB) can have important consequences for health behaviors, but have been largely studied in the financial domain. We conducted a mixed-method study on PB in the context of ART adherence among clinic-enrolled adults in Uganda (n = 39). Specifically, we quantified PB by asking about preferences between medication available sooner to minimize headaches versus available later to cure headaches. We describe demographic similarities among PB participants and qualitatively explored how participants reflected on their PB (or absence thereof) in the context of health. Participants reporting PB were predominantly male, single/unmarried, older, had higher levels of education and income and more advanced HIV progression. Three common reasons for more present-biased choices provided were: (1) wanting to avoid pain, (2) wanting to return to work, and (3) fear of one's health worsening if s/he did not address their illness immediately. While PB in the financial domain often suggests that poorer individuals are more likely to prefer immediate rewards over their wealthier counterparts, our results suggest poor health is potentially a driving factor of PB. Further research is needed to build on these finding and inform how programs can frame key messages regarding ART adherence to patients displaying PB.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03494777.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Larissa Jennings Mayo-Wilson
- Indiana University School of Public Health, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Uzaib Saya
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Brittain K, Gomba Y, Noholoza S, Pellowski J, Mellins CA, Bekker LG, Kagee A, Remien RH, Abrams EJ, Myer L. HIV-related stigma, disclosure and social support: experiences among young pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in South Africa. AIDS Care 2023; 35:399-405. [PMID: 36102063 PMCID: PMC10011013 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2121957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTYoung pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV (WLHIV) are at high risk of poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes, which may be driven partly by HIV-related stigma. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 pregnant and postpartum WLHIV aged 19-24 years to understand how different forms of HIV-related stigma manifest in their lives, as well as their experiences of HIV-status disclosure and social support. Participants described profound levels of perceived stigma in their community, including gossip from other young women and judgement from older adults. Consequently, participants disclosed to a limited number of people to avoid being stigmatised, and disclosure to peers was especially uncommon. However, disclosure in certain situations was described as leading to emotional support and support for ART adherence, and disclosure to older WLHIV resulted in participants having a role model. Finally, participants expressed varied ways in which they accept, speak about, and live with their HIV diagnosis. These data provide a rich understanding of the experiences of HIV-related stigma in this population and point to the need for psychosocial interventions focussed on acceptance and coping with an HIV-positive diagnosis despite profound levels of perceived stigma, as well as navigating decisions around the targets and timing of disclosure.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04036851.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Brittain
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yolanda Gomba
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sandisiwe Noholoza
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Pellowski
- Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Claude A. Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical & Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Diseases & Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ashraf Kagee
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Robert H. Remien
- HIV Center for Clinical & Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elaine J. Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li H, Shah SK, Healy E, Agot K, Neary J, Wilson K, Badia J, Atieno WO, Moraa H, Meischke H, Kibugi J, Inwani I, Chhun N, Mukumbang FC, John‐Stewart G, Kohler P, Beima‐Sofie K. "[T]he laws need to change to reflect current society": Insights from stakeholders involved in development, review or implementation of policies about adolescent consent for HIV testing, care and research in Kenya. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26057. [PMID: 36642867 PMCID: PMC9841068 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Engaging adolescents in HIV care and research promotes the development of interventions tailored to their unique needs. Guidelines generally require parental permission for adolescents to receive HIV care/testing or participate in research, with exceptions. Nevertheless, parental permission requirements can restrict adolescent involvement in care and research. To better appreciate prospects for policy reform, we sought to understand the perspectives of stakeholders involved in the development, review and implementation of policies related to adolescents living with HIV. METHODS Semi-structured individual interviews (IDIs) were conducted from October 2019 to March 2020 with 18 stakeholders with expertise in the (1) development of policy through membership in the Law Society of Kenya or work as a health policy official; (2) review of policy through ethics review committee service; or (3) implementation of policy through involvement in adolescent education. IDIs were conducted in English by Kenyan social scientists, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used thematic analysis to identify themes around how policies can be reformed to improve adolescent engagement in HIV care and research. RESULTS Our analysis identified three major themes. First, policies should be flexible rather than setting an age of consent. Stakeholders noted that adolescents' capacity for engagement in HIV care and research depended on context, perceived risks and benefits, and "maturity"-and that age was a poor proxy for the ability to understand. Second, policies should evolve with changing societal views about adolescent autonomy. Participants recognized a generational shift in how adolescents learn and mature, suggesting the need for a more frequent review of HIV care and research guidelines. Third, adults should empower adolescent decision-making. Stakeholders felt that caregivers can gradually involve adolescents in decision-making to equip them to gain ownership over their health and lives, improving their confidence and capacity. CONCLUSIONS Revising relevant laws to consider context, alternative measures of maturity, and evolving societal views about adolescence, along with supporting caregivers to assist in developing adolescent autonomy may promote more equitable and representative participation of adolescents in HIV care and research. Additional research should explore how to support caregivers and other adults to empower adolescents and improve stakeholder engagement in a more routine process of policy reform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huangqianyu Li
- Department of Health ServicesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Seema K. Shah
- Department of PediatricsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Bioethics Program at Lurie Children's HospitalChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Elise Healy
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kawango Agot
- Impact Research and Development OrganizationKisumuKenya
| | - Jillian Neary
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kate Wilson
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Jacinta Badia
- Impact Research and Development OrganizationKisumuKenya
| | | | - Hellen Moraa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of NairobiNairobiKenya
| | - Hendrika Meischke
- Department of Health ServicesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - James Kibugi
- Impact Research and Development OrganizationKisumuKenya
| | - Irene Inwani
- University of Nairobi/Kenyatta National HospitalNairobiKenya
| | - Nok Chhun
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Grace John‐Stewart
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of PediatricsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Pamela Kohler
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of ChildFamily and Population Health NursingUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hlophe LD, Tamuzi JL, Shumba CS, Nyasulu PS. Barriers and facilitators to anti-retroviral therapy adherence among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0276411. [PMID: 37200399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) significantly affects adolescents globally, with the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) reporting a high burden of the disease. HIV testing, treatment, and retention to care are low among adolescents. We conducted a mixed-method systematic review to assess anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence; barriers and facilitators to ART adherence and ART outcomes among adolescents living with HIV and on ART in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We conducted searches in four scientific databases for studies conducted between 2010 and March 2022 to identify relevant primary studies. Studies were screened against inclusion criteria and assessed for quality, and data was extracted. Meta-analysis of rates and odd ratios was used to plot the quantitative studies and meta-synthesis summarized the evidence from qualitative studies. RESULTS A total of 10 431 studies were identified and screened against the inclusion/ exclusion criteria. Sixty-six studies met the inclusion criteria (41 quantitative, 16 qualitative, and 9 mixed-methods study designs). Fifty-three thousand two hundred and seventeen (53 217) adolescents (52 319 in quantitative studies and 899 in qualitative studies) were included in the review. Thirteen support focused interventions for improved ART adherence were identified from quantitative studies. The plotted results from the meta-analysis found an ART adherence rate of 65% (95%CI 56-74), viral load suppression was 55% (95%CI 46-64), un-suppressed viral load rate of 41% (95%CI 32-50), and loss to follow up of 17% (95%CI 10-24) among adolescents. Meta-synthesis found six themes of barriers to ART (social, patient-based, economic, health system-based, therapy-based, and cultural barriers) in both the qualitative and quantitative studies, and three themes of facilitators to ART were also identified (social support, counselling, and ART education and secrecy or confidentiality) from qualitative studies. CONCLUSION ART adherence remains low among adolescents in SSA despite multiple interventions implemented to improve ART adherence. The low adherence rate may hinder the attainment of the UNAIDS 2030 targets. Additionally, various barriers to ART adherence due to lack of support have been reported among this age group. However, interventions aimed at improving social support, educating, and counselling adolescents may improve and sustain ART adherence. TRIAL REGISTRATION Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021284891.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Londiwe D Hlophe
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eswatini, Mbabane, Kingdom of Eswatini
| | - Jacques L Tamuzi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Peter S Nyasulu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Nimwesiga C, Taremwa IM, Nakanjako D, Nasuuna E. Factors Associated with Retention in HIV Care Among HIV-Positive Adolescents in Public Antiretroviral Therapy Clinics in Ibanda District, Rural South Western Uganda. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2023; 15:71-81. [PMID: 36910020 PMCID: PMC9994664 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s401611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Retention in antiretroviral therapy (ART) care is a key indicator of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment success as it improves adherence, critical for better treatment outcomes and prevention of drug resistance. HIV treatment among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) is characterized by loss to follow-up, poor ART adherence, and eventual death. This study assessed retention in ART care and the associated factors among ALHIV in Ibanda district, rural South Western Uganda. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using clinical data from ALHIV enrolled from 2019 to 2020 in eight health facilities in Ibanda district. Data from the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system was extracted to assess the associated factors and participants' status two years after enrollment. Data were analyzed using EPIdata version 3.1 in which Univariate and multivariate cox proportional hazard regression analyses were determined. A hazard ratio (HR) at a 95% confidence interval was obtained, and a P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Eighty-four ALHIV comprising 86.9% (N = 73) females were enrolled. The majority 63.1% (N = 53) resided in semi/peri-urban, and 44.0% (N = 37) stayed less than 5 km from the facility. Only 35.7% (N = 30) were active on ART, while 17 (20.2%) and 36 (42.9%) were lost to follow-up and transfer-outs, respectively. Factors associated with low retention were: ALHIV that moved 5-10Km (HR = 5.371; 95% CI: 1.227-23.5050, p = 0.026), used differential service delivery model was Facility-Based Group (FBG) (HR = 12.419; 95% CI: 4.034-38.236, p < 0.001) and those enrolled on the Young Adolescent Program Support (YAPs) (HR = 4.868; 95CI:1.851-12.803; p = 0.001). Retention reduced with increasing ART duration, ALHIV on (TDF/3TC/EFV) (p < 0.001), lived more than 10Km (p = 0.043) and did not benefit from any intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusion Results showed low retention in care and the urgent need to strengthen individual case management strategies for ALHIV, thus interventions focusing on peer support are desired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Nimwesiga
- Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda.,Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Clarke International University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ivan Mugisha Taremwa
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Clarke International University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chingono R, Kasese C, Miles S, Busza J. 'I was in need of somewhere to release my hurt:' Addressing the mental health of vulnerable adolescent mothers in Harare, Zimbabwe, through self-help groups. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2040151. [PMID: 35322767 PMCID: PMC8956306 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2040151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents experiencing multiple vulnerabilities, including poverty, curtailed education, transactional sex and early childbearing, are at risk of poor mental health. In Zimbabwe, girls who are pregnant or new mothers and involved in selling sex struggle to cope with the combined pressures of parenthood, financial insecurity, and social stigma. A pilot intervention brought such girls together into self-help groups to increase peer support, resources and skills. Objective This study aimed to explore whether and how participation in a self-help group intervention affected vulnerable young mothers’ experiences and perceptions of mental health stressors. Methods Self-help groups received 12 participatory sessions over 6 months. Eighteen semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions were held with participants and drop-outs. Before and after the intervention, participants completed the locally validated 14-item Shona Symptom Questionnaire tool to indicate the probable prevalence of common mental health disorders. Results Adolescent girls described mutually reinforcing stressors in their lives and reported low self-esteem and anxiety. Key themes emerging from qualitative data centred around girls’ struggles with adverse life events, the burden of new motherhood, social isolation related to sex work and self-help groups as a source of hope. Participants joined groups to obtain support and felt their mental well-being improved due to new social networks, feelings of solidarity with peers, and increased confidence for positive action, that is, seeking health services for themselves and their babies. Prior to enrolment 16% showed signs of possible common mental disorders falling to 2% at follow-up. Conclusions Participants believed involvement in interactive self-help groups improved their mental health by strengthening peer support and engendering hope for the future. Although reduced mental distress cannot be attributed to the programme, the pilot intervention offers a low-cost approach that could be rigorously tested and adapted to a wide range of community settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rudo Chingono
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Institute of Global Health, University College London, UK
| | - Constance Kasese
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Sam Miles
- Department of Public Health, Environment & Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joanna Busza
- Department of Public Health, Environment & Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Okonji EF, van Wyk B, Hughes GD, Mukumbang FC. Psychosocial Support Programme Improves Adherence and Health Systems Experiences for Adolescents on Antiretroviral Therapy in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15468. [PMID: 36497544 PMCID: PMC9739873 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Psychosocial support (PSS) plays a significant role in persistent adherence to and retention in antiretroviral therapy (ART) for adolescents living with the human immunodeficiency virus (ALHIV). This paper qualitatively explores the experiences of ALHIV on ART, who participated in a PSS programme in five public primary healthcare facilities in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: Data were collected through 24 focus group discussions with 173 ALHIV on ART and subjected to inductive thematic analysis. Informed consent was obtained before all data collection. (3) Results: The PSS programme facilitated the process of full HIV disclosure to these adolescents with the support of parents/guardians while motivating adherence through peer support groups and health education for improved treatment literacy. Participants reported positive health systems experiences, improved healthcare provider-client relations, and prompt access to health services. (4) Conclusions: The PSS programme successfully kept ALHIV engaged in ART care despite the health service disruptions encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend rigorous evaluation of the effects of the PSS intervention on adherence to and retention in ART among ALHIV in HIV-endemic settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emeka Francis Okonji
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Brian van Wyk
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Gail D. Hughes
- Medical Biosciences Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Ferdinand C. Mukumbang
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Alemu GG, Nigussie ZM, Amlak BT, Achamyeleh AA. Survival time and predictors of death among HIV infected under five children after initiation of anti -retroviral therapy in West Amhara Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:670. [PMID: 36411424 PMCID: PMC9677693 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03693-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that primarily targets an individual's immune system. In Ethiopia, nearly 24% of HIV-related deaths occur in children under the age of five. However, studies regarding the survival time of HIV-positive under-five children after anti-retroviral therapy initiation are limited with poor evidence of predictors of death. OBJECTIVE To assess survival time and predictors of death among HIV infected under-five children after initiation of anti-retroviral therapy in West Amhara Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS A multicenter institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 432 HIV-positive under-five children on anti-retroviral therapy selected by simple random sampling from January 2010 to December 2019. A standardized data extraction tool was employed, which was adapted from anti-retroviral therapy entry and follow-up forms. The event of interest for this study is death, whereas the absence of experience of death is censored. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 14. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate the survival probability. The Cox regression model was used to identify independent predictors of death. RESULTS Among the 415 records included in the final analysis, 25 (6.02%) of the individuals were died. The incidence rate of death was found to be 2.87 per 1000 child-months (95%CI: 1.94-4.25). The cumulative survival probabilities of children after 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 0.97, 0.95, 0.92, and 0.85 respectively. HIV-infected under-five children who lived in rural areas (AHR 3.32:-95% CI 1.17-9.39), with poor adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (AHR = 3.36; CI: 1.06, 10.69), without Isoniazide prophylaxis (AHR = 3.15; CI: 1.11, 8.94) and with anemia (AHR: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.16, 8.03) were at higher risk of death. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Death of HIV-infected under-five children on anti-retroviral therapy is high within the first one year after enrolment. Living in rural area, had poor adherence, lacked Isoniazide prophylaxis, and anemia were predictors of death. Therefore, clinicians shall emphasize for those specific risk factors of death and take action accordingly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gebrie Getu Alemu
- Department of Nursing, Bahir Dar Health Science College, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Mehari Nigussie
- grid.442845.b0000 0004 0439 5951Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Baye Tsegaye Amlak
- grid.449044.90000 0004 0480 6730College of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Anemaw Asrat Achamyeleh
- grid.442845.b0000 0004 0439 5951Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bantie B, Abate MW, Nigat AB, Birlie TA, Dires T, Minuye T, Kerebeh G, Tiruneh CM, Misganaw NM, Chanie ES, Feleke DG, Mulu AT, Demssie B, Fentie TA, Abate MD, Abate M, Ali AS, Dessie G. Attrition rate and its predictors among adults receiving anti-retroviral therapy following the implementation of the “Universal Test and Treat strategy” at public health institutions in Northern Ethiopia. A retrospective follow-up study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
24
|
Mutumba M, Ssewamala F, Namirembe R, Sensoy Bahar O, Nabunya P, Neilands T, Tozan Y, Namuwonge F, Nattabi J, Acayo Laker P, Mukasa B, Mwebembezi A. A Multilevel Integrated Intervention to Reduce the Impact of HIV Stigma on HIV Treatment Outcomes Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Uganda: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e40101. [PMID: 36197706 PMCID: PMC9582915 DOI: 10.2196/40101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV stigma remains a formidable barrier to HIV treatment adherence among school-attending adolescents living with HIV, owing to high levels of HIV stigma within schools, rigid school structures and routines, lack of adherence support, and food insecurity. Thus, this protocol paper presents an evidence-informed multilevel intervention that will simultaneously address family- and school-related barriers to HIV treatment adherence and care engagement among adolescents living with HIV attending boarding schools in Uganda. OBJECTIVE The proposed intervention-Multilevel Suubi (MSuubi)-has the following objectives: examine the impact of M-Suubi on HIV viral suppression (primary outcome) and adherence to HIV treatment, including keeping appointments, pharmacy refills, pill counts, and retention in care; examine the effect of M-Suubi on HIV stigma (internalized, anticipated, and enacted), with secondary analyses to explore hypothesized mechanisms of change (eg, depression) and intervention mediation; assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of each intervention condition; and qualitatively examine participants' experiences with HIV stigma, HIV treatment adherence, and intervention and educators' attitudes toward adolescents living with HIV and experiences with group-based HIV stigma reduction for educators, and program or policy implementation after training. METHODS MSuubi is a 5-year multilevel mixed methods randomized controlled trial targeting adolescents living with HIV aged 10 to 17 years enrolled in a primary or secondary school with a boarding section. This longitudinal study will use a 3-arm cluster randomized design across 42 HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda. Participants will be randomized at the clinic level to 1 of the 3 study conditions (n=14 schools; n=280 students per study arm). These include the bolstered usual care (consisting of the literature on antiretroviral therapy adherence promotion and stigma reduction), multiple family groups for HIV stigma reduction plus family economic empowerment (MFG-HIVSR plus FEE), and Group-based HIV stigma reduction for educators (GED-HIVSR). Adolescents randomized to the GED-HIVSR treatment arm will also receive the MFG-HIVSR plus FEE treatment. MSuubi will be provided for 20 months, with assessments at baseline and 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS This study was funded in September 2021. Participant screening and recruitment began in April 2022, with 158 dyads enrolled as of May 2022. Dissemination of the main study findings is anticipated in 2025. CONCLUSIONS MSuubi will assess the effects of a combined intervention (family-based economic empowerment, financial literacy education, and school-based HIV stigma) on HIV stigma among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. The results will expand our understanding of effective intervention strategies for reducing stigma among HIV-infected and noninfected populations in Uganda and improving HIV treatment outcomes among adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05307250; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05307250. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/40101.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massy Mutumba
- Department of Health Behavior & Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Fred Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Rashida Namirembe
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Torsten Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yesim Tozan
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Nattabi
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Penina Acayo Laker
- Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bantie B, Seid A, Kerebeh G, Alebel A, Dessie G. Loss to follow-up in "test and treat era" and its predictors among HIV-positive adults receiving ART in Northwest Ethiopia: Institution-based cohort study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:876430. [PMID: 36249247 PMCID: PMC9557930 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.876430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People living with HIV/AIDS are enrolled in lifelong Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) irrespective of their clinical staging as well as CD4 cell count. Although this "Universal Test and Treat" strategy of ART was found to have numerous benefits, loss from follow-up and poor retention remained a long-term challenge for the achievement of ART program targets. Hence, this study is aimed at addressing the much-needed effect of the test and treat strategy on the incidence of loss to follow-up (LTFU) in Ethiopia. Method and materials An institution-based follow-up study was conducted on 513 adults (age ≥15) who enrolled in ART at a public health institution in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia. Data were extracted from the charts of selected patients and exported to Stata 14.2 software for analysis. Basic socio-demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics were described. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate the loss to follow-up free (survival) probability of HIV-positive adults at 6, 12, 24, and 48 months of ART therapy. We fitted a multivariable Cox model to determine the statistically significant predictors of LTFU. Result The incidence density of LTFU was 9.7 per 100 person-years of observation (95% CI: 7.9-11.9 per 100 PYO). Overall, LTFU is higher in the rapid ART initiation (24% in rapid initiated vs. 11.3% in lately initiated, AHR 2.08, P = 0.004), in males (23% males vs. 14.7% females, AHR1.96, P = 0.004), in singles (34% single vs. 11% married, with AHR1.83, P = 0.044), in non-disclosed HIV-status (33% non-disclosed 11% disclosed, AHR 2.00 p = 0.001). Patients with poor/fair ART adherence were also identified as another risk group of LTFU (37% in poor vs. 10.5% in good adherence group, AHR 4.35, P = 0.001). Conclusion The incidence of LTFU in this universal test and treat era was high, and the highest figure was observed in the first 6 months. Immediate initiation of ART in a universal test and treat strategy shall be implemented cautiously to improve patient retention and due attention shall be given to those high-risk patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berihun Bantie
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia,*Correspondence: Berihun Bantie
| | - Awole Seid
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Gashaw Kerebeh
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Animut Alebel
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Getenet Dessie
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mabizela S, Van Wyk B. Viral suppression among adolescents on HIV treatment in the Sedibeng District, Gauteng province. Curationis 2022; 45:e1-e8. [PMID: 36226955 PMCID: PMC9575385 DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v45i1.2312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Progress has been made to increase access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) to improve their survival, but ALHIV still have worse treatment adherence and viral suppression compared to adults and children. Objective To determine the prevalence of viral suppression and the associated factors among adolescents aged 10–19 years on ART at an urban public primary healthcare facility in the Sedibeng district, Gauteng. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 192 adolescents who were on ART for at least six months between 2015 and 2018. A self-developed data extraction tool was used to collect data from the Tier.Net electronic database and clinical folders. Data were captured on Microsoft Excel, and descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS 27 statistical software. Results The median age at ART initiation of adolescents was 9.0 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 5.0–12.0), and the median duration on ART was 70.5 (IQR: 30.25–105.5) months. The prevalence of viral suppression (< 1000 copies/mL) among adolescents on ART was 74%, with 41% achieving full suppression (< 50 copies/mL). Those adolescents who reported optimal ART adherence were more likely to be virally suppressed compared to those who reported poor adherence (98.1% vs 25.0%; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Adolescent viral suppression of 74% is higher than in comparable sites, but still way too short of the UNAIDS target of 90%. We recommend adherence support for adolescents to achieve viral suppression. Contribution The study highlights the urgent need for targeted adherence support interventions for adolescents living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy to improve rates of viral suppression to meet UNAIDS target of 95%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sibongile Mabizela
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hendricks LA, Young T, Van Wyk SS, Matheï C, Hannes K. Storyboarding HIV Infected Young People's Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Lower- to Upper Middle-Income Countries: A New-Materialist Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11317. [PMID: 36141589 PMCID: PMC9517626 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Young people living with perinatal infections of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (YLPHIV) face a chronic disease, with treatment including adherence to lifelong antiretroviral treatment (ART). The aim of this QES was to explore adherence to ART for YLPHIV as an assemblage within the framework of the biopsychosocial model with a new materialist perspective. We searched up to November 2021 and followed the ENTREQ and Cochrane guidelines for QES. All screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal were done in duplicate. We analysed and interpreted the findings innovatively by creating images of meaning, a storyboard, and storylines. We then reported the findings in a first-person narrative story. We included 47 studies and identified 9 storylines. We found that treatment adherence has less to do with humans' preferences, motivations, needs, and dispositions and more to do with how bodies, viruses, things, ideas, institutions, environments, social processes, and social structures assemble. This QES highlights that adherence to ART for YLPHIV is a multisensorial experience in a multi-agentic world. Future research into rethinking the linear and casual inferences we are accustomed to in evidence-based health care is needed if we are to adopt multidisciplinary approaches to address pressing issues such as adherence to ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn A. Hendricks
- Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 3000, South Africa
- Research Group SoMeTHin’K (Social, Methodological and Theoretical Innovation/Kreative), Faculty of Social Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Taryn Young
- Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 3000, South Africa
| | - Susanna S. Van Wyk
- Centre for Evidence Based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 3000, South Africa
| | - Catharina Matheï
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Hannes
- Research Group SoMeTHin’K (Social, Methodological and Theoretical Innovation/Kreative), Faculty of Social Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kizito S, Namuwonge F, Brathwaite R, Neilands TB, Nabunya P, Bahar OS, Damulira C, Mwebembezi A, Mellins C, McKay MM, Ssewamala FM. Monitoring adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents in Southern Uganda: comparing Wisepill to Self-report in predicting viral suppression in a cluster-randomized trial. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25990. [PMID: 36052462 PMCID: PMC9437555 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is crucial for improved patient outcomes; however, ART adherence among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) is low. Also, the performance of various adherence measures among ALHIV is under contention. We monitored ART adherence and compared Self-report (SR) and Wisepill electronic monitoring (EM) performance in measuring ART adherence and predicting HIV viral suppression among ALHIV. METHODS Between January 2014 and December 2015, we recruited 702 ALHIV aged 10-16 years into our cluster-randomized controlled trial (2012-2018) in 39 clinics in Uganda. The intervention included a long-term savings child development account, four micro-enterprise workshops and 12 mentorship sessions. Using the entire sample, we performed multilevel logistic regression to predict monthly ART adherence trends for the first year of follow-up. Since it is possible that the intervention had different effects on SR and EM adherence, we used participants in the control arm only to compare adherence using SR and EM and to calculate their sensitivity and specificity in predicting viral suppression. RESULTS There was a significant decline in adherence for each month throughout the entire follow-up period regardless of the group assigned. Good ART adherence was measured at 79.2% (75.2-82.6%) and 97.0% (95.4-98.1%) using EM and SR, respectively. Overall, 64.3% (60.6-67.9%) had suppressed viral loads. The specificities for EM and SR in predicting viral non-suppression were 80.4% (73.6-85.7%) and 96.7% (93.3-98.4%), while the sensitivities were 22.9% (15.0-33.3%) and 1.8% (0.4-6.9%), respectively. The area under the curve was low for both EM and SR, at 53.6% (45.7-61.5%) and 56.2% (53.2-59.3%), respectively. There was high agreement (78%) between SR and EM in monitoring adherence. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlighted the need for strategies for sustained optimal adherence. SR and EM measure adherence with a considerable agreement; however, neither is an accurate predictor of virological outcome. There is still a need for an acceptable, feasible and affordable method that predicts viral suppression among ALHIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and DevelopmentMasakaUganda
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Division of Prevention ScienceUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | | | - Claude Mellins
- Columbia University, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral StudiesDepartment of PsychiatryNew York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia UniversityNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Mary M. McKay
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Leshargie CT, Demant D, Burrowes S, Frawley J. The proportion of loss to follow-up from antiretroviral therapy (ART) and its association with age among adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272906. [PMID: 35951621 PMCID: PMC9371308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a global health threat, especially in developing countries. The successful scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs to address this threat is hindered by a high proportion of patient loss to follow-up (LTFU). LTFU is associated with poor viral suppression and increased mortality. It is particularly acute among adolescents, who face unique adherence challenges. Although LTFU is a critical obstacle on the continuum of care for adolescents, few regional-level studies report the proportion of LTFU among adolescents receiving ART. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the pooled LTFU in ART programs among adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods We searched five databases (PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) for articles published between 2005 and 2020 and reference lists of included articles. The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. A standardised checklist to extract data was used. Descriptive summaries were presented using narrative tables and figures. Heterogeneity within the included studies was examined using the Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test. Random effect models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of LTFU among ALHIV. We used Stata version 16 statistical software for our analysis. Results Twenty-nine eligible studies (n = 285,564) were included. An estimated 15.07% (95% CI: 11.07, 19.07) of ALHIV were LTFU. Older adolescents (15–19 years old) were 43% (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.87) more likely to be LTFU than younger (10–14 years old) adolescents. We find an insignificant relationship between gender and LTFU (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.03). A subgroup analysis found that regional differences in the proportion of adolescent LTFU were not statistically significant. The trend analysis indicates an increasing proportion of adolescent LTFU over time. Conclusions and recommendations The proportion of LTFU among HIV-positive adolescents in SSA seems higher than those reported in other regions. Older adolescents in the region are at an increased risk for LTFU than younger adolescents. These findings may help policymakers develop appropriate strategies to retain ALHIV in ART services. Such strategies could include community ART distribution points, appointment spacing, adherence clubs, continuous free access to ART, and community-based adherence support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheru Tesema Leshargie
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Daniel Demant
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sahai Burrowes
- Public Health Program, College of Education and Health Sciences, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, United States of America
| | - Jane Frawley
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Orth Z, van Wyk B. Discourses of Mental Wellness Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:1435-1450. [PMID: 35702635 PMCID: PMC9188805 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s360145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescence is a unique period of development where individuals transition from childhood to adulthood, and where they are at heightened risk for developing mental health problems and engaging in risky behaviours. In addition, adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) must learn to cope with challenges related to the biological impact of a chronic condition, adhering to lifelong treatment, and managing HIV-related psychological and social challenges. Mental wellness as a precursor to mental wellbeing, is vital to facilitate persistent adherence and engagement in care for optimal treatment outcomes for ALHIV. However, little is known about how ALHIV understand and talk about mental wellness in the context being on HIV treatment. Methods We conducted a photovoice study with 12 groups, consisting of 43 ALHIV, aged 15–19 years, and receiving HIV treatment at three public primary health care facilities in the Western Cape Metropole in South Africa. Results Through discourse analysis, we identified six themes that depicted mental wellness concepts that were prominent in their experiences, namely, connectedness, spirituality and mindfulness, social coherence and awareness, self-esteem, self-acceptance, and sense of coherence. In addition, the adolescents gave accounts of six mental wellness behaviours namely, self-efficacy, coping, resilience, life purpose, engagement in enjoyable life activities and physical functioning. Discussion These concepts and behaviours are similar to those identified in targeted interventions aimed at ALHIV. These mental wellness concepts and behaviours are critical to improving health outcomes for ALHIV and should be targeted in the delivery of youth friendly services and integrated HIV care in public healthcare facilities in South Africa and the sub-Saharan African continent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaida Orth
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape, 7535, South Africa
- Correspondence: Zaida Orth, Tel +27728718490, Email
| | - Brian van Wyk
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape, 7535, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Teasdale CA, Odondi J, Kidiga C, Choy M, Fayorsey R, Ngeno B, Ochanda B, Langat A, Ngugi C, Callahan T, Modi S, Hawken M, Odera D, Abrams EJ. Group antenatal care for improving retention of adolescent and young pregnant women living with HIV in Kenya. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:208. [PMID: 35291978 PMCID: PMC8925235 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04527-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant and breastfeeding adolescents and young women living with HIV (AYWLH) have lower retention in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services compared to older women. METHODS We evaluated a differentiated service model for pregnant and postnatal AYWLH at seven health facilities in western Kenya aimed at improving retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) services. All pregnant AYWLH < 25 years presenting for antenatal care (ANC) were invited to participate in group ANC visits including self-care and peer-led support sessions conducted by health facility nurses per national guidelines. ART register data were used to assess loss to follow-up (LTFU) among newly-enrolled pregnant adolescent (< 20 years) and young women (20-24 years) living with HIV starting ART in the pre-period (January-December 2016) and post-period (during implementation; December 2017-January 2019). Poisson regression models compared LTFU incidence rate ratios (IRR) in the first six months after PMTCT enrollment and risk ratios compared uptake of six week testing for HIV-exposed infants (HEI) between the pre- and post-periods. RESULTS In the pre-period, 223 (63.2%) of 353 pregnant AYWLH newly enrolled in ANC had ART data, while 320 (71.1%) of 450 in the post-period had ART data (p = 0.02). A higher proportion of women in the post-period (62.8%) had known HIV-positive status at first ANC visit compared to 49.3% in the pre-period (p < 0.001). Among pregnant AYWLH < 20 years, the incidence rate of LTFU in the first six months after enrollment in ANC services declined from 2.36 per 100 person months (95%CI 1.06-5.25) in the pre-period to 1.41 per 100 person months (95%CI 0.53-3.77) in the post-period. In both univariable and multivariable analysis, AYWLH < 20 years in the post-period were almost 40% less likely to be LTFU compared to the pre-period, although this finding did not meet the threshold for statistical significance (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.62, 95%CI 0.38-1.01, p = 0.057). Testing for HEI was 10% higher overall in the post-period (adjusted risk ratio 1.10, 95%CI 1.01-1.21, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Interventions are urgently needed to improve outcomes among pregnant and postnatal AYWLH. We observed a trend towards increased retention among pregnant adolescents during our intervention and a statistically significant increase in uptake of six week HEI testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe A Teasdale
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, 55 W125th Street, Room 543, New York, NY, 10025, USA. .,ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Judith Odondi
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Kidiga
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Choy
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruby Fayorsey
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bernadette Ngeno
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Agnes Langat
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Catherine Ngugi
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tegan Callahan
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Surbhi Modi
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mark Hawken
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Doris Odera
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Joseph RS, Mahiti GR, Frumence G, Ulrich CM. Qualitative inquiry into adolescents' experience of ethical challenges during enrollment and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Temeke Regional Referral Hospital, Tanzania. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:22. [PMID: 35264169 PMCID: PMC8906521 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00762-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experience challenges, including lack of involvement in their care as well nondisclosure of HIV status, which leads to poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Parents have authority over their children, but during adolescence there is an increasing desire for independence. The aim of the study was to explore adolescents’ experience of challenges identified by adolescents ages 10–19 years attending HIV care and treatment at Temeke Regional Referral Hospital in Tanzania.
Methods An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed in the HIV Care and Treatment Centre (CTC) in the Out-Patient Department at the Temeke Regional Referral Hospital in Tanzania with adolescents living with HIV who were 10–19 years of age. A total of 22 adolescents participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews after parental consent and adolescent assent were obtained. Participants were interviewed about their participation in decisions to be tested for HIV and enrolled in the CTC, concerns surrounding disclosure of their HIV status to the adolescent or to others, stigma and discrimination, and the effect of these challenges on their adherence to medication. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim in Swahili, and back-translated to English. Data analysis included both inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Results Qualitative themes identified included lack of participation in decisions about HIV testing, challenges to enrollment in care and treatment; issues around disclosure of HIV status, such as delays in disclosure to the adolescent and disclosure to other persons and benefits and harms of such disclosures; and factors supporting and interfering with adherence to ART, such as parental support, organizational (clinic) support and problems, and self-stigmatization and shame. Conclusion Lack of adolescents’ involvement in their care decision making and delayed disclosure of HIV status to the adolescent were identified concerns, leading to poor adherence to ART among adolescents. Disclosure to others, especially teachers, helped adolescents at school to take their medication properly. Disclosure to others led to stigma and discrimination for some adolescents. More research is needed to better understand the role of disclosure and its benefits and challenges for HIV-positive adolescents in Tanzania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renatha Sillo Joseph
- Department of Bioethics and Health Professionalism, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Gladys Reuben Mahiti
- Department of Developmental Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gasto Frumence
- Department of Developmental Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Connie M Ulrich
- Biobehavioral Department, School of Nursing, Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and New Courtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mwambenu B, Ramoloko V, Laubscher R, Feucht U. Growth and the pubertal growth spurt in South African adolescents living with perinatally-acquired HIV infection. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262816. [PMID: 35077489 PMCID: PMC8789101 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority children living with HIV infection now survive into adulthood because of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), but few data exist on their growth during adolescent years. This study investigated growth patterns and evaluated factors associated with suboptimal growth in adolescents with perinatally-acquired HIV infection. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included HIV-infected adolescents, aged 13 to 18 years, with at least 5 years of ART follow-up at a large HIV clinic in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. Weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ), height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) and body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-scores were calculated using World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards. Growth velocity graphs were generated utilising the mean height change calculated at 6-monthly intervals, using all available data after ART initiation, to calculate the annual change. Other collected data included WHO HIV disease staging, CD4%, HIV viral loads (VLs), ART regimens and tuberculosis co-infection. RESULTS Included were 288 children with a median age of 6.5 years (IQR 4.2;8.6 years) at ART initiation, and 51.7% were male. At baseline the majority of children had severe disease (92% WHO stages 3&4) and were started on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based regimens (79.2%). The median CD4% was 13.5% (IQR 7.9;18.9) and median HIV viral load log 5.0 (IQR 4.4;5.5). Baseline stunting (HAZ <-2) was prevalent (55.9%), with a median HAZ of -2.2 (IQR -3.1;-1.3). The median WAZ was -1.5 (IQR -2.5;-0.8), with 29.2% being underweight-for-age (WAZ <-2). The peak height velocity (PHV) in adolescents with baseline stage 3 disease was higher than for those with stage 4 disease. Being older at ART start (p<0.001) and baseline stunting (p<0.001) were associated with poorer growth, resulting in a lower HAZ at study exit, with boys more significantly affected than girls (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Suboptimal growth in adolescents with perinatally-acquired HIV infection is a significant health concern, especially in children who started ART later in terms of age and who had baseline stunting and is more pronounced in boys than in girls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bilema Mwambenu
- Department of Paediatrics, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Vundli Ramoloko
- Health Systems Research Unit, South Africa Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ria Laubscher
- Biostatistics Unit, South Africa Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ute Feucht
- Department of Paediatrics, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn and Child Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
- Gauteng Department of Health, Tshwane District Health Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gray KL, Kiazolu M, Jones J, Konstantinova A, Zawolo JSW, Gray WMH, Walker NF, Garbo JT, Caldwell S, Odo M, Bhadelia N, DeMarco J, Skrip LA. Liberia adherence and loss-to-follow-up in HIV and AIDS care and treatment: A retrospective cohort of adolescents and adults from 2016-2019. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000198. [PMID: 36962289 PMCID: PMC10021315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a lifesaving intervention for people living with HIV infection, reducing morbidity and mortality; it is likewise essential to reducing transmission. The "Treat all" strategy recommended by the World Health Organization has dramatically increased ART eligibility and improved access. However, retaining patients on ART has been a major challenge for many national programs in low- and middle-income settings, despite actionable local policies and ambitious targets. To estimate retention of patients along the HIV care cascade in Liberia, and identify factors associated with loss-to-follow-up (LTFU), death, and suboptimal treatment adherence, we conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study utilizing facility and patient-level records. Patients aged ≥15 years, from 28 facilities who were first registered in HIV care from January 2016 -December 2017 were included. We used Cox proportional hazard models to explore associations between demographic and clinical factors and the outcomes of LTFU and death, and a multinomial logistic regression model to investigate factors associated with suboptimal treatment adherence. Among the 4185 records assessed, 27.4% (n = 1145) were males and the median age of the cohort was 37 (IQR: 30-45) years. At 24 months of follow-up, 41.8% (n = 1751) of patients were LTFU, 6.6% (n = 278) died, 0.5% (n = 21) stopped treatment, 3% (n = 127) transferred to another facility and 47.9% (n = 2008) were retained in care and treatment. The incidence of LTFU was 46.0 (95% CI: 40.8-51.6) per 100 person-years. Relative to patients at WHO clinical stage I at first treatment visit, patients at WHO clinical stage III [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.59, 95%CI: 1.21-2.09; p <0.001] or IV (aHR 2.41, 95%CI: 1.51-3.84; p <0.001) had increased risk of LTFU; whereas at registration, age category 35-44 (aHR 0.65, 95%CI: 0.44-0.98, p = 0.038) and 45 years and older (aHR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.39-0.93, p = 0.021) had a decreased risk. For death, patients assessed with WHO clinical stage II (aHR 2.35, 95%CI: 1.53-3.61, p<0.001), III (aHR 2.55, 95%CI: 1.75-3.71, p<0.001), and IV (aHR 4.21, 95%CI: 2.57-6.89, p<0.001) had an increased risk, while non-pregnant females (aHR 0.68, 95%CI: 0.51-0.92, p = 0.011) and pregnant females (aHR 0.42, 95%CI: 0.20-0.90, p = 0.026) had a decreased risk when compared to males. Suboptimal adherence was strongly associated with the experience of drug side effects-average adherence [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.99, p = 0.02) and poor adherence (aOR 1.75, 95%CI: 1.11-2.76, p = 0.016), and attending rural facility decreased the odds of average adherence (aOR 0.01, 95%CI: 0.01-0.03, p<0.001) and poor adherence (aOR 0.001, 95%CI: 0.0004-0.003, p<0.001). Loss-to-follow-up and poor adherence remain major challenges to achieving viral suppression targets in Liberia. Over two-fifths of patients engaged with the national HIV program are being lost to follow-up within 2 years of beginning care and treatment. WHO clinical stage III and IV were associated with LTFU while WHO clinical stage II, III and IV were associated with death. Suboptimal adherence was further associated with experience of drug side effects. Active support and close monitoring of patients who have signs of clinical progression and/or drug side effects could improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith L Gray
- Health Services, Ministry of Health, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | - Janjay Jones
- Health Services, Ministry of Health, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | - Jethro S W Zawolo
- College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | - Naomi F Walker
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Julia T Garbo
- Health Services, Ministry of Health, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | | | - Nahid Bhadelia
- Boston University, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jean DeMarco
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Laura A Skrip
- College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cassidy T, Cornell M, Runeyi P, Dutyulwa T, Kilani C, Duran LT, Zokufa N, de Azevedo V, Boulle A, Horsburgh CR, Fox MP. Attrition from HIV care among youth initiating ART in youth-only clinics compared with general primary healthcare clinics in Khayelitsha, South Africa: a matched propensity score analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25854. [PMID: 35077610 PMCID: PMC8789247 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Youth living with HIV (YLWH) are less likely to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) and remain in care than older adults. It is important to identify effective strategies to address the needs of this growing population and prevent attrition from HIV care. Since 2008, two clinics have offered youth-targeted services exclusively to youth aged 12-25 in Khayelitsha, a high HIV-prevalence, low-income area in South Africa. We compared ART attrition among youth in these two clinics to youth in regular clinics in the same area. METHODS We conducted a propensity score matched cohort study of individuals aged 12-25 years initiating ART at eight primary care clinics in Khayelitsha between 1 January 2008 and 1 April 2018. We compared attrition, defined as death or loss to follow-up, between those attending two youth clinics and those attending general primary healthcare clinics, using Cox proportional hazards regression. Follow-up time began at ART initiation and ended at attrition, clinic transfer or dataset closure. We conducted sub-analyses of patients attending adherence clubs. RESULTS The distribution of age, sex and CD4 count at ART initiation was similar across Youth Clinic A (N = 1383), Youth Clinic B (N = 1299) and general clinics (N = 3056). Youth at youth clinics were more likely than those at general clinics to have initiated ART before August 2011 (Youth Clinic A: 16%, Youth Clinic B: 23% and general clinics: 11%). Youth clinics were protective against attrition: HR 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71-0.92) for Youth Clinic A and 0.85 (0.74-0.98) for Youth Clinic B, compared to general clinics. Youth Clinic A club patients had lower attrition after joining an adherence club than general clinic patients in adherence clubs (crude HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.96; adjusted HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85), while Youth Clinic B showed no effect (crude HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.48-1.45; adjusted HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.60-1.90). CONCLUSIONS YLWH were more likely to be retained in ART care in two different youth-targeted clinics compared to general clinics in the same area. Our findings suggest that multiple approaches to making clinics more youth-friendly can contribute to improving retention in this important group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tali Cassidy
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Western Cape Provincial Department of Health, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - C Robert Horsburgh
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Okonji EF, Wyk BV, Hughes GD, Mukumbang FC. Implementation of a Psychosocial Support Intervention for Adolescents on Antiretroviral Treatment: Challenges and Experiences from Ehlanzeni District, South Africa. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2022; 21:23259582221121094. [PMID: 35993156 PMCID: PMC9403444 DOI: 10.1177/23259582221121094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) need support from family, peers and health workers to remain on antiretroviral therapy and achieve and sustain viral suppression. This paper qualitatively explores the implementation of a psychosocial support intervention (PSS) in five primary health care facilities in the Ehlanzeni district, South Africa. Data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with ALHIV on ART. Data analysis employed inductive thematic analysis. Informed consent was obtained prior to all data collection. The PSS intervention facilitated full disclosure of HIV status to adolescents, supported treatment adherence through health education, peer support, health care provider- and client relations, and quick access to health service delivery. However, COVID-19 restrictions and regulations challenged the implementation of the intervention. The PSS intervention showed promise to support adolescent's adherence and retention in care. We recommend innovative approaches to account for systemic disruptions, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emeka F Okonji
- School of Public Health, 56390University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian Van Wyk
- School of Public Health, 56390University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gail D Hughes
- Medical Biosciences Department, 56390University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ferdinand C Mukumbang
- School of Public Health, 56390University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Nakandi RM, Kiconco P, Musiimenta A, Bwengye JJ, Nalugya S, Kyomugisa R, Obua C, Atukunda EC. Understanding patterns of family support and its role on viral load suppression among youth living with HIV aged 15 to 24 years in southwestern Uganda. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e467. [PMID: 35229040 PMCID: PMC8865062 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active family support helps as a buffer against adverse life events associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and adherence. There is limited data available to explain how family support shapes and affects individual healthcare choices, decisions, experiences, and health outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLWH). We aimed to describe family support patterns and its role in viral load suppression among YLWH at a rural hospital in southwestern Uganda. METHODS We performed a mixed-method cross-sectional study between March and September 2020, enrolling 88 eligible YLWH that received ART for at least 6 months. Our primary outcome of interest was viral load suppression, defined as a viral load detected of ≤500 copies/mL. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Fifteen individuals were also purposively selected from the original sample and participated in an in-depth interview that was digitally recorded. Generated transcripts were coded and categories generated manually using the inductive content analytic approach. All participants provided written consent or guardian/parent assent (those <18 years) to participate in the study. RESULTS Forty-nine percent of YLWH were females, the median age was 21 (IQR: 16-22) years. About half of the participants (53%) stayed with a family member. A third (34%) of participants had not disclosed their status to any person they stayed with at home. Only 23% reported getting moderate to high family social support (Median score 2.3; IQR: 1.6-3.2). Seventy-eight percent of YLWH recorded viral load suppression. Viral load suppression was associated with one living with a parent, sibling, or spouse (AOR: 6.45; 95% CI: 1.16-16.13; P = .033), having a primary caretaker with a regular income (AOR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.09-4.17; P = .014), and living or communicating with family at least twice a week (AOR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.65-7.14; P = .003). Other significant factors included youth receiving moderate to high family support (AOR: 12.11; 95% CI: 2.06-17.09; P = .006) and those that perceived family support in the last 2 years as helpful (AOR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.34-3.44; P = .001). HIV stigma (AOR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02-0.23; P = .007) and depression (AOR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.06-0.52; P = .041) decreased viral load suppression. Qualitative data showed that dysfunctional family relationships, economic insecurity, physical separation, HIV- and disclosure-related stigma, past and ongoing family experiences with HIV/ART affected active family support. These factors fueled feelings of abandonment, helplessness, discrimination, and economic or emotional strife among YLWH. CONCLUSION Our data showed that living with a family member, having a primary caretaker with a regular income, living or communicating with family members regularly, and reporting good family support were associated with viral load suppression among YLWH in rural southwestern Uganda. Experiencing depression due to HIV and or disclosure-related stigma was associated with increased viral load. All YLWH desire ongoing emotional, physical, and financial support from immediate family to thrive and take medications daily and timely. Future interventions should explore contextual community approaches that encourage acceptance, disclosure, and resource mobilization for YLWH who rely on family support to use ART appropriately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Celestino Obua
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Onyango MA, Chergui H, Sabin LL, Messersmith LJ, Sarkisova N, Oyombra J, Akello P, Kwaro DO, Otieno J. School-level Barriers of Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence and Interventions to Overcome them Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Western Kenya: A Qualitative Study. Open AIDS J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874613602115010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Adolescents in Kenya spend the majority of their time in a school environment. However, research to understand Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) adherence among adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV) in school settings is sparse.
Objective:
To improve the design of appropriate interventions to better support this vulnerable population, the study aimed to explore school-related barriers to ART adherence experienced by ALWHIV.
Methods:
Qualitative data were utilized from a larger mixed-methods study on ALWHIV conducted at a major teaching and referral hospital in Kisumu, Kenya. Participants encompassed ALWHIV, their caregivers, teachers, and health care providers. Transcripts from a total of 24 in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions were analyzed in NVivo using a thematic approach.
Results:
Four themes emerged as key barriers in a school setting: negative experiences following HIV status self-disclosure, a strong desire for secrecy, restrictive school policies, and health education focused on sexual transmission of HIV. Participants suggested a range of potential interventions to better support ART adherence for ALWHIV, including coaching ALWHIV on disclosure strategies, promoting empathy among teachers and students, transition-preparing for ALWHIV, changing the narrative about HIV transmission in schools, providing water in schools, and introducing adherence support programs in schools, including the use of mobile technology.
Conclusion:
ALWHIV in Kenya experience numerous important challenges while trying to maintain optimal ART adherence in the school environment. Interventions that create supportive school settings are critical for better health outcomes among ALWHIV.
Collapse
|
39
|
Ndege RC, Okuma J, Kalinjuma AV, Mkumbo J, Senkoro E, Fue G, Samson L, Mapesi H, Shabani S, Glass TR, Battegay M, Paris DH, Vanobberghen F, Weisser M. Failure to return pillbox is a predictor of being lost to follow-up among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in rural Tanzania. HIV Med 2021; 23:661-672. [PMID: 34964236 PMCID: PMC9306592 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Pill count is used to assess drug adherence in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Carrying a pillbox is associated with fear of concealment and stigma and might indicate poor adherence and predict someone who will be lost to follow‐up (LTFU). We therefore assessed the association between pillbox return and being LTFU in rural Tanzania. Methods This is a nested study of the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO). We included PLHIV aged ≥ 18 years enrolled in KIULARCO between January 2013 and March 2019 with follow‐up through January 2020, who were on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for ≥ 6 months. Baseline was defined as the latest ART initiation or KIULARCO enrolment. We determined the association between time‐dependent failed pillbox return updated at every visit and LTFU using Kaplan–Meier estimation and Cox models. Results Among 2552 PLHIV included in the study, 1735 (68.0%) were female, 959 (40.3%) had a WHO stage III/IV and 1487 (66.4%) had a CD4 cell count < 350 cells/µL. The median age was 38.4 years [interquartile range (IQR): 31.7–46.2]. During a median follow‐up of 33.1 months (IQR: 17.5–52.4), 909 (35.6%) participants were LTFU, 43 (1.7%) died and 194 (7.6%) had transferred to another clinic. The probability of being LTFU was higher among PLHIV with failed pillbox return than among those who returned their pillbox [30.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 26.8–33.2% vs. 19.4%, 95% CI: 17.4–21.6%, respectively, at 24 months (hazard ratio = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.46–1.90; p < 0.001)]. Conclusions Failed pillbox return was associated with a higher risk of being LTFU and could be used as a simple tool to identify PLHIV for appropriate interventions to reduce their chance of being LTFU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, Tanzania.,St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - James Okuma
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aneth V Kalinjuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, Tanzania.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Julius Mkumbo
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Elizabeth Senkoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, Tanzania.,St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Gideon Fue
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Leila Samson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Siraji Shabani
- Ministry of Health, National AIDS Control Program, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tracy R Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel H Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kanyemba R, Govender K, Jimu C. Living With a Stigmatized Identity; Perceptions of Disclosure, Coping, and Medication Adherence Among Adolescent Boys and Young Men in Chiredzi-Zimbabwe. Front Public Health 2021; 9:628725. [PMID: 34976904 PMCID: PMC8714778 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.628725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited research on adolescent boys and young men (ABYM)'s initial and onward HIV seropositive status disclosure, coping strategies and treatment adherence journeys especially in Zimbabwe. This qualitative exploratory study employed in-depth individual interviews at Chiredzi General Hospital in Zimbabwe to explore the dynamics of disclosure, coping and treatment adherence among ABYM. Twenty-one HIV positive ABYM with ages ranging from 14 to 21 were recruited from their scheduled visit to collect medication at the hospital. Findings indicate that ABYM disclosure journeys began with shock, confusion or misunderstanding and ended in a positive life outlook. Treatment adherence among ABYM was very poor due to poverty, erratic food supply, feeling sick after taking medication, forgetfulness and the public nature of medication collection centers. The study concluded that ABYM maintained secrecy in order to be accepted by their peers but also to protect themselves from stigma and isolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roselyn Kanyemba
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Roselyn Kanyemba
| | - Kaymarlin Govender
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christopher Jimu
- Discipline of Psychology, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Malungani NF, Rasweswe MM, Peu MD. “I’m angry with my mother”: Lived psychosocial experiences of adolescents with peri-natal-acquired HIV in Limpopo, South Africa. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2021.2001991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
42
|
Kose J, Lenz C, Akuno J, Kiiru F, Jelagat Odionyi J, Otieno-Masaba R, Okoth EA, Woelk G, Leselewa S, Leendert Fraaij P, Rakhmanina N. Supporting adolescents living with HIV within boarding schools in Kenya. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260278. [PMID: 34855779 PMCID: PMC8638902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLHIV) are a uniquely vulnerable population facing challenges around adherence, disclosure of HIV status and stigma. Providing school-based support for AYLHIV offers an opportunity to optimize their health and wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of school-based supportive interventions for AYLHIV in Kenya. From 2016-2019, with funding from ViiV Healthcare, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation implemented the innovative Red Carpet Program (RCP) for AYLHIV in participating public healthcare facilities and boarding schools in Homa Bay and Turkana Counties in Kenya. In this analysis, we report the implementation of the school-based interventions for AYLHIV in schools, which included: a) capacity building for overall in-school HIV, stigma and sexual and reproductive health education; b) HIV care and treatment support; c) bi-directional linkages with healthcare facilities; and d) psychosocial support (PSS). Overall, 561 school staff and 476 school adolescent health advocates received training to facilitate supportive environments for AYLHIV and school-wide education on HIV, stigma, and sexual and reproductive health. All 87 boarding schools inter-linked to 66 regional healthcare facilities to support care and treatment of AYLHIV. Across all RCP schools, 546 AYLHIV had their HIV status disclosed to school staff and received supportive care within schools, including treatment literacy and adherence counselling, confidential storage and access to HIV medications. School-based interventions to optimize care and treatment support for AYLHIV are feasible and contribute to advancing sexual and reproductive health within schools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Kose
- Technical Strategy and Innovation, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cosima Lenz
- Technical Strategy and Innovation, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Job Akuno
- Country Program, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fred Kiiru
- Ministry of Education, Homa Bay County, Kenya
| | | | - Rose Otieno-Masaba
- Country Program, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Okoth
- Country Program, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Godfrey Woelk
- Research Department, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | - Pieter Leendert Fraaij
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Erasmus MC-Sophia/ Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Natella Rakhmanina
- Technical Strategy and Innovation, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, United States of America
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tunje A, Jerene D, Kristensson Hallström I. Antiretroviral Therapy and Retention in Care Experiences and Needs of Adolescents Living with HIV in Southern Ethiopia. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2021; 13:999-1007. [PMID: 34858061 PMCID: PMC8631828 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s339413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents with HIV are faced with challenges when taking care of their medication, which affects their treatment adherence. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences and needs of adolescents living with HIV regarding their antiretroviral therapy adherence and retention in care in southern Ethiopia. Methods An inductive qualitative study design was applied to explore adolescents’ experiences and needs regarding antiretroviral treatment adherence and retention in care in southern Ethiopia. Eighteen adolescents were selected from five HIV care and treatment facilities by purposive sampling. The interviews followed an interview guide, translated into the participants’ national language. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and the first author developed a coding frame for the analysis by using NVivo software including meaning units and codes, which were discussed by all authors. Then, sub-themes and themes were identified and analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Results The results were described in two themes: barriers and facilitators for treatment adherence and retention in care. Barriers were described in seven subthemes and facilitators in three subthemes. Forgetting to take medication, hiding information, or non-disclosure of HIV status, being afraid to collect treatment drugs, being in an orphanage, and school activities were described as barriers while support from health care workers, families, personal motivation to cope with medication-related problems were described as facilitators for antiretroviral therapy adherence and retention in care. Conclusion Adherence is a major challenge among adolescents living with HIV in Ethiopia, with barriers that are unique to this age group and their living conditions. Therefore, interventions should be targeted to address privacy barriers, stigma, and lack of support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abayneh Tunje
- Child and Family Health, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Abayneh Tunje Tel +251920011972 Email
| | - Degu Jerene
- Child and Family Health, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ajuna N, Tumusiime B, Amanya J, Awori S, Rukundo GZ, Asiimwe JB. Social Networks and Barriers to ART Adherence Among Young Adults (18-24 years) Living with HIV at Selected Primary Health Facilities of South-Western Uganda: A Qualitative Study. HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2021; 13:939-958. [PMID: 34675686 PMCID: PMC8504700 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s328643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Young adults living with HIV (YALWH) struggle to maintain high levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) because of numerous barriers. This study describes the social networks of YALWH (18–24 years), their barriers to ART adherence, and the perceived role of social networks in overcoming those barriers. Methods This study used a qualitative descriptive research design. Twenty-three (23) YALWH who were on ART for a period of greater than one (1) month and had consented to participate in the study were purposively selected from two primary health care facilities in southwestern Uganda. We held four (4) focus group discussions with the YALWH over 5 weeks between the 24th of July and 7th September 2020. Data were audio recorded, transcribed, and entered in Microsoft word 2010. Using the content analysis techniques, data were inductively coded and categories or themes developed. Results Most YALWH belonged to bonding (family, friends, and neighbors), followed by bridging (informal groups), and linking (health professionals) social networks, respectively. Most YALWH, irrespective of gender, had close connections with their mothers or elder sisters. The commonest form of bridging networks was informal community groups that provided financial services, whereas the linking ones comprised health professionals’ directly involved in HIV patient care such as nurses, counselors, and their affiliates (expert clients or clinic based peer supporters), who occasionally acted as bonding networks. Structural barriers to ART adherence (eg, stigma) were the most cited, followed by medication- (eg, pill burden), and patient-related barriers (eg, non-disclosure of HIV status). Bonding networks were perceived to help overcome patient, medication, and structural barriers to ART adherence. Bridging networks overcame structural and medication-related barriers to ART adherence. Linking networks were perceived to help overcome some health systems and medication-related barriers to ART adherence. Conclusion Bonding social networks seem to play a prominent role in overcoming numerous barriers to ART adherence compared with bridging and linking social networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noble Ajuna
- Department of Nursing, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda
| | - Brian Tumusiime
- Department of Nursing, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda
| | - Joseph Amanya
- Department of Nursing, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda
| | - Sharon Awori
- Department of Nursing, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda
| | - Godfrey Z Rukundo
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda
| | - John Baptist Asiimwe
- Department of Nursing, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Tekelehaimanot AN, Belachew T, Gudina EK, Getnet M, Amdisa D, Dadi LS. Predictors of Mortality among Adult People Living with HIV and Its Implications for Appointment Spacing Model Approach Care. Ethiop J Health Sci 2021; 31:925-936. [PMID: 35221608 PMCID: PMC8843146 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v31i5.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethiopia has been motivated to achieve a goal of "appointment spacing model approach care." However, little has been documented on the predictor of mortality and challenges of sustainable HIV care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine predictors of mortality among adult people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 676 adult people living with HIV who enrolled to ART clinic from September 01, 2012 - August 30, 2016. Multivariable Cox Regression analysis was done where adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) at P value ≤ 0.05 cut of point was used to identify predictors of mortality. RESULTS The total person-time contributed was 28,209 person-months with an overall mortality incidence rate of 11 per 1000 person-months observation. The cumulative mortality incidence among females over the study period was 16.8% (64/382). Severe undernourishment and moderate malnutrition at baseline, younger age, female sex, single, divorced, illiterate, lack of disclosure, advanced WHO clinical stage, seeking treatment outside catchment area, rural residence and immunological failure were found to be independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS Poor nutritional status at baseline, advanced stage of HIV disease, occurrence of treatment failure, female sex, substance abuse, lack of social support, immunological failure, clinical failure, and younger age, low level of education and poor physical access to healthcare facility were found to be important predictors of mortality. Intervening, those factors as routine and part of the appointment spacing model care can improve survival of PLWHA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tefera Belachew
- Department of population and Family health, Faculty of Public Health, Jumma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Esayas Kebede Gudina
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Jimma Medical Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Masrie Getnet
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Jumma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Demuma Amdisa
- Department of Health Behavior and Society, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Lelisa Sena Dadi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Jumma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Gitahi-Kamau N, Wahome S, Memiah P, Bukusi EA. The Role of Self-Efficacy in HIV treatment Adherence and its interaction with psychosocial factors among HIV Positive Adolescents in Transition to Adult Care in Kenya. VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUTH STUDIES 2021; 17:308-319. [PMID: 36439942 PMCID: PMC9698266 DOI: 10.1080/17450128.2021.1954736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults (15-24 yrs.) have poorer HIV clinical outcomes than adults. Despite this, there is minimal data on individual-level factors such as self-efficacy towards antiretroviral adherence among perinatally infected adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Our study examined the interaction between antiretroviral treatment adherence self-efficacy and other psychosocial factors among adolescents receiving care in Nairobi, Kenya. We enrolled perinatally infected Adolescent Living with HIV (ALWHIV) 16-19 yrs. who were accessing care routinely at the HIV clinic. We measured self-reported ART adherence (7-day recall) and defined optimal adherence as >95%, and conducted a regression analysis to identify independently associated factors. Mediation analysis explored interactions between the psychosocial variables. We enrolled 82 ALWHIV median age 17 (IQR 16,18) who had been on ART for a median age of 11 yrs. (IQR 7,13). Sixty-four per cent (52) of the ALWHIV reported optimal adherence of >95%, and 15% reported missing doses for three or more months. After controlling for the other covariates, self-esteem, high viral load and an adherence level > 95% were significantly associated with adherence self-efficacy. Self-esteem was significantly associated with adherence self-efficacy and social support (p<0.001 and p=0.001), respectively. The paramed test indicated that the association between self-efficacy and adherence was mediated by self-esteem with a total effect of OR 6.93 (bootstrap 95% CI 1.99-24.14). Adherence self-efficacy was also mediated by self-esteem in developing adherence behavior. Interventions focused on increasing adherence among ALWHIV should include self-esteem building components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nyawira Gitahi-Kamau
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samuel Wahome
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Memiah
- Division of Epidemiology and Prevention: Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore Maryland
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Madiba S, Mohlabane N. Attendance of psychosocial teen clubs and self-reported antiretroviral medication adherence: a cross section study of adolescents with perinatal HIV in the Kingdom of Lesotho. AIMS Public Health 2021; 8:541-552. [PMID: 34395704 PMCID: PMC8334641 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2021044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To address the problem of poor adherence among adolescents with perinatal HIV (PHIV), all clinics in Lesotho offer adolescent-friendly services and psychosocial support to improve their overall health outcomes and adherence. As a result, most adolescents with PHIV attend Teen Clubs as part of the package of youth-friendly HIV services. This study set out to determine whether attending Teen Clubs facilitates treatment adherence among adolescents with PHIV. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 130 adolescents aged 10–19 years who were aware of their HIV status and had attended three or more Teen Club sessions in selected clinics in rural district in Lesotho. Adherence was measured through self-report of last pills missed, based on the 7-days recall of pills taken. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results The median age of adolescents was 15 years, 56% were female, 37.7% were orphans, 41% were being cared for by their grandparents, 6.9% were living with siblings with no adult figure, and two were living on their own. The majority (93%) reported optimal adherence, 92% had not missed a clinic appointment in the past 30 days, and 74.4% knew that if they skipped doses, the viral load would increase and they would get sick. Over half (56%) had been reminded by their caregivers to take their medication and 96% talked to their caregivers regularly about their medication. Conclusion A supportive environment provided through the Teen Clubs and in the home were the main facilitators for adherence. Strategies to improve adherence among adolescents should consider the importance of the involvement of caregivers in the adolescents' visits to their clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sphiwe Madiba
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ntaoleng Mohlabane
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Muwanguzi M, Lugobe HM, Ssemwanga E, Lule AP, Atwiine E, Kirabira V, Stella AK, Ashaba S, Rukundo GZ. Retention in HIV care and associated factors among youths aged 15-24 years in rural southwestern Uganda. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1489. [PMID: 34332556 PMCID: PMC8325848 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11547-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retention in HIV care contributes to antiretroviral therapy adherence, which is a key factor for improved treatment outcomes and prevention of drug resistance. However, HIV treatment among the youths is characterized by loss to follow up, poor adherence to ART, risk of treatment failure and high mortality rates compared to young children and adults. There is limited information about factors associated with retention of youths in HIV care in rural settings in Uganda. We aimed to determine retention in HIV care and associated factors among youths aged 15-24 years in rural southwestern Uganda. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among youths aged 15-24 years who were receiving care at the HIV clinic at Kabuyanda HC IV who had been in care for at least 1 year before the study. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect socio-demographic information. Participant chart abstraction was used to collect information on HIV clinic attendance. We collected information on HIV related stigma using the 40-item Berger Stigma Scale. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors associated with retention in HIV care with a significance level of < 0.05. Retention in HIV care was, defined as having sought care at least once per quarter in the 12 months prior to the study. RESULTS We enrolled 102 participants with a mean age of 20.95 (SD ± 3.07) years. Two thirds (65.7%) of the youths had been retained in HIV care in the previous 12 months. In adjusted analyses, being male, married and had perinatally acquired HIV were independently associated with retention in HIV care. The association between HIV related stigma and retention in HIV care was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Retaining adolescents and young adults in HIV care in rural southwestern Uganda is still much lower than the WHO target of 90%. Being male, having perinatally acquired HIV and married or in a relationship are associated with retention in HIV care. Interventions targeting adolescents and young adults living with HIV are necessary to improve retention in HIV care to the WHO target of 90%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moses Muwanguzi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Henry Mark Lugobe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Elastus Ssemwanga
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Allan Phillip Lule
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Atwiine
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Vincent Kirabira
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Ann K Stella
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Scholastic Ashaba
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda.,Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Zari Rukundo
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda. .,Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Medina-Marino A, Bezuidenhout D, Hosek S, Barnabas RV, Atujuna M, Bezuidenhout C, Ngwepe P, Peters RPH, Little F, Celum CL, Daniels J, Bekker LG. The Community PrEP Study: a randomized control trial leveraging community-based platforms to improve access and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa-study protocol. Trials 2021; 22:489. [PMID: 34311754 PMCID: PMC8314507 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05402-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV incidence among South African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) remains high, but could be reduced by highly effective pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Unfortunately, AGYW report significant barriers to clinic-based sexual and reproductive health services. Even when AGYW access PrEP as an HIV prevention method, poor prevention-effective use was a serious barrier to achieving its optimal HIV prevention benefits. Determining the acceptability and feasibility of community-based platforms to increase AGYW's access to PrEP, and evaluating behavioural interventions to improve prevention-effective use of PrEP are needed. METHODS We propose a mixed-methods study among AGYW aged 16-25 years in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In the first component, a cross-sectional study will assess the acceptability and feasibility of leveraging community-based HIV counselling and testing (CBCT) platforms to refer HIV-negative, at-risk AGYW to non-clinic-based, same-day PrEP initiation services. In the second component, we will enrol 480 AGYW initiating PrEP via our CBCT platforms into a three-armed (1:1:1) randomized control trial (RCT) that will evaluate the effectiveness of adherence support interventions to improve the prevention-effective use of PrEP. Adherence will be measured over 24 months via tenofovir-diphosphate blood concentration levels. Qualitative investigations will explore participant, staff, and community experiences associated with community-based PrEP services, adherence support activities, study implementation, and community awareness. Costs and scalability of service platforms and interventions will be evaluated. DISCUSSION This will be the first study to assess the acceptability and feasibility of leveraging CBCT platforms to identify and refer at-risk AGYW to community-based, same-day PrEP initiation services. It will also provide quantitative and qualitative results to inform adherence support activities and services that promote the prevention-effective use of PrEP among AGYW. By applying principles of implementation science, behavioural science, and health economics research, we aim to inform strategies to improve access to and prevention-effective use of PrEP by AGYW. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03977181 . Registered on 6 June 2019-retrospectively registered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Medina-Marino
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, 10 Rochester Rd, Vincent, East London, Buffalo City Metro, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Dana Bezuidenhout
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, 10 Rochester Rd, Vincent, East London, Buffalo City Metro, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - Sybil Hosek
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Millicent Atujuna
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charl Bezuidenhout
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, 10 Rochester Rd, Vincent, East London, Buffalo City Metro, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - Phuti Ngwepe
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, 10 Rochester Rd, Vincent, East London, Buffalo City Metro, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, 10 Rochester Rd, Vincent, East London, Buffalo City Metro, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
| | - Francesca Little
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Connie L Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behaviors, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tozan Y, Capasso A, Sun S, Neilands TB, Damulira C, Namuwonge F, Nakigozi G, Mwebembezi A, Mukasa B, Sensoy Bahar O, Nabunya P, Mellins CA, McKay MM, Ssewamala FM. The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a family-based economic empowerment intervention (Suubi + Adherence) on suppression of HIV viral loads among adolescents living with HIV: results from a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in southern Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25752. [PMID: 34176245 PMCID: PMC8236226 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence from low-resource settings indicates that economic insecurity is a major barrier to HIV treatment adherence. Economic empowerment (EE) interventions have the potential to improve adherence outcomes among adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV) by mitigating the effects of poverty. This study aims to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a savings-led family-based EE intervention, Suubi + Adherence, aimed at improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence outcomes ALWHIV in Uganda. METHODS Adolescents (mean age 12 years at enrolment; 56% female) receiving ART for HIV at 39 health centres were randomized to Suubi + Adherence intervention (n = 358) or bolstered standard of care (BSOC; n = 344). A difference-in-differences analysis was employed to assess the change in the proportion of virally suppressed adolescents (HIV RNA viral load <40 copies/mL) over 24 months. The cost-effectiveness analysis examined how much the intervention cost to virally suppress one additional adolescent relative to BSOC from the healthcare provider perspective. RESULTS At 24 months, the intervention was associated with an 8.85-percentage point [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 16.90 percentage points] increase in the proportion of virally suppressed adolescents between the study arms (p = 0.032). Per-participant costs were US$177 and US$263 for the BSOC and intervention groups respectively. The incremental cost of virally suppressing one additional adolescent was estimated at US$970 [95% CI, US$508 to 10,725] over two years. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the integration of family-based EE interventions into adherence-support strategies as part of routine HIV care in low-resource settings to address the underlying economic drivers of poor ART adherence among ALWHIV. Moreover, per-participant costs to achieve viral suppression do not seem prohibitive compared to other community-based adherence interventions targeted at ALWHIV in low-resource settings. Further research on combination interventions at the nexus of economic security and HIV treatment and care is needed to inform the development of feasible and scalable HIV policies and programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Tozan
- School of Global Public HealthNew York UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ariadna Capasso
- School of Global Public HealthNew York UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Sicong Sun
- Brown SchoolWashington University in Saint LouisSaint LouisMOUSA
- International Center for Child Health and DevelopmentBrown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesSchool of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and DevelopmentWashington University in St. LouisUganda Field OfficeMasakaUganda
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and DevelopmentWashington University in St. LouisUganda Field OfficeMasakaUganda
| | | | - Abel Mwebembezi
- International Center for Child Health and DevelopmentWashington University in St. LouisUganda Field OfficeMasakaUganda
- Reach the Youth (RTY) UgandaKampalaUganda
| | | | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown SchoolWashington University in Saint LouisSaint LouisMOUSA
- International Center for Child Health and DevelopmentBrown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown SchoolWashington University in Saint LouisSaint LouisMOUSA
- International Center for Child Health and DevelopmentBrown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Claude A Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral StudiesDepartment of PsychiatryNew York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Mary M McKay
- Brown SchoolWashington University in Saint LouisSaint LouisMOUSA
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown SchoolWashington University in Saint LouisSaint LouisMOUSA
- International Center for Child Health and DevelopmentBrown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMOUSA
| |
Collapse
|