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Rui JR, Wang D. Promoting HIV self-testing via emotional support messages among men who have sex with men in China. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 127:108360. [PMID: 38941720 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since negative emotions were identified as barriers to HIV self-testing (HIVST), offering emotional support may promote this behavior. This study examined whether the socio-affective and reappraisal components of emotional support messages differ in affecting one's attitude towards and intention to conduct HIVST via response efficacy and self-efficacy. METHOD A between-subject online experiment was conducted with 309 Chinese men who have sex with men. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: no support, only reappraisal information, socio-affective and reappraisal information both provided. RESULTS Emotional support only worked for those completing HIVST in recent three months. The reappraisal information enhanced their response efficacy and self-efficacy, but only self-efficacy was positively related to one's attitude towards and intention to conduct HIVST. The message including socio-affective and reappraisal components directly improved their HIVST-related attitudes. CONCLUSION Emotional support presents an approach to promoting HIVST. The socio-affective and reappraisal information function differently on their response efficacy, self-efficacy, attitude, and intention. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This study provides implications on how to design messages promoting HIVST for health campaigns and AI-based healthcare technologies. Reappraisal information should be offered to enhance one's response efficacy and self-efficacy. Messages should address both socio-affective and reappraisal needs of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Raymond Rui
- Department of New Media and Communication, South China University of Technology, 382 Waihuan East Rd, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dongya Wang
- Department of Strategic Communication, University of Miami, 5100 Brunson Drive, LC 150-D, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
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Thomas KA, Sibanda EL, Johnson C, Watadzaushe C, Ncube G, Hatzold K, Tumushime MK, Mutseta M, Ruhode N, Indravudh PP, Cowan FM, Neuman M. Do community measures impact the effectiveness of a community led HIV testing intervention. Secondary analysis of an HIV self-testing intervention in rural communities in Zimbabwe. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 22:974. [PMID: 37907871 PMCID: PMC10617038 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08695-x] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing body of evidence for the role that communities can have in producing beneficial health outcomes. There is also an increasing recognition of the effectiveness and success of community-led interventions to promote public health efforts. This study investigated whether and how community-level measures facilitate a community-led intervention to achieve improved HIV outcomes. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of survey data from a cluster randomised trial in 40 rural communities in Zimbabwe. The survey was conducted four months after the intervention was initiated. Communities were randomised 1:1 to either paid distribution arm, where HIV self-test (HIVST) kits were distributed by a paid distributor, or community-led whereby members of the community were responsible for organising and conducting the distribution of HIVST kits. We used mixed effects logistic regression to assess the effect of social cohesion, problem solving, and HIV awareness on HIV testing and prevention. RESULTS We found no association between community measures and the three HIV outcomes (self-testing, new HIV diagnosis and linkage to VMMC or confirmatory testing). However, the interaction analyses highlighted that in high social cohesion communities, the odds of new HIV diagnosis was greater in the community-led arm than paid distribution arm (OR 2.06 95% CI 1.03-4.19). CONCLUSION We found some evidence that community-led interventions reached more undiagnosed people living with HIV in places with high social cohesion. Additional research should seek to understand whether the effect of social cohesion is persistent across other community interventions and outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION PACTR201607001701788.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Euphemia Lindelwe Sibanda
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- HIV, Hepatitis and STI Department, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Getrude Ncube
- Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mary K Tumushime
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Miriam Mutseta
- Department of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and Innovations, Population Services International Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nancy Ruhode
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Melissa Neuman
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
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Nangendo J, Katahoire AR, Karamagi CA, Obeng-Amoako GO, Muwema M, Okiring J, Kabami J, Semitala FC, Kalyango JN, Wanyenze RK, Kamya MR. Uptake and perceptions of oral HIV self-testing delivered by village health teams among men in Central Uganda: A concurrent parallel mixed methods analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002019. [PMID: 37315008 PMCID: PMC10266653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends HIV self-testing (HIVST) to increase access to and utilization of HIV services among underserved populations. We assessed the uptake and perceptions of oral HIVST delivered by Village Health Teams (VHTs) among men in a peri-urban district in Central Uganda. We used a concurrent parallel mixed methods study design and analyzed data from 1628 men enrolled in a prospective cohort in Mpigi district, Central Uganda between October 2018 and June 2019. VHTs distributed HIVST kits and linkage-to-care information leaflets to participants in 30 study villages allowing up-to 10 days each to self-test. At baseline, we collected data on participant socio-demographics, testing history and risk behavior for HIV. During follow-up, we measured HIVST uptake (using self-reports and proof of a used kit) and conducted in-depth interviews to explore participants' perceptions of using HIVST. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the quantitative data and a hybrid inductive, and deductive thematic analysis for the qualitative data and integrated the results at interpretation. The median age of men was 28 years, HIVST uptake was 96% (1564/1628), HIV positivity yield was 4% (63/1564) and reported disclosure of HIVST results to sexual partners and significant others was 75.6% (1183/1564). Men perceived HIVST as a quick, flexible, convenient, and more private form of testing; allowing disclosure of HIV test results to sexual partners, friends and family, and receiving social support. Others perceived it as an opportunity for knowing or re-confirming their sero-status and subsequent linkage or re-linkage to care and prevention. Utilizing VHT networks for community-based delivery of HIVST is effective in reaching men with HIV testing services. Men perceived HIVST as highly beneficial but needed more training on performing the test and the integrating post-test counseling support to optimize use of the test for diagnosing HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanita Nangendo
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne R. Katahoire
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles A. Karamagi
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gloria O. Obeng-Amoako
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- International Centre for Evaluation and Development, Tema, Ghana
| | - Mercy Muwema
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jaffer Okiring
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jane Kabami
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred C. Semitala
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joan N. Kalyango
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rhoda K. Wanyenze
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
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Leung T, Musiello F, Keter AK, Barnabas R, van Heerden A. The Feasibility and Acceptability of an mHealth Conversational Agent Designed to Support HIV Self-testing in South Africa: Cross-sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e39816. [PMID: 36508248 PMCID: PMC9793294 DOI: 10.2196/39816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV testing rates in sub-Saharan Africa remain below the targeted threshold, and primary care facilities struggle to provide adequate services. Innovative approaches that leverage digital technologies could improve HIV testing and access to treatment. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of Nolwazi_bot. It is an isiZulu-speaking conversational agent designed to support HIV self-testing (HIVST) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS Nolwazi_bot was designed with 4 different personalities that users could choose when selecting a counselor for their HIVST session. We recruited a convenience sample of 120 consenting adults and invited them to undertake an HIV self-test facilitated by the Nolwazi_bot. After testing, participants completed an interviewer-led posttest structured survey to assess their experience with the chatbot-supported HIVST. RESULTS Participants (N=120) ranged in age from 18 to 47 years, with half of them being men (61/120, 50.8%). Of the 120 participants, 111 (92.5%) had tested with a human counselor more than once. Of the 120 participants, 45 (37.5%) chose to be counseled by the female Nolwazi_bot personality aged between 18 and 25 years. Approximately one-fifth (21/120, 17.5%) of the participants who underwent an HIV self-test guided by the chatbot tested positive. Most participants (95/120, 79.2%) indicated that their HIV testing experience with a chatbot was much better than that with a human counselor. Many participants (93/120, 77.5%) reported that they felt as if they were talking to a real person, stating that the response tone and word choice of Nolwazi_bot reminded them of how they speak in daily conversations. CONCLUSIONS The study provides insights into the potential of digital technology interventions to support HIVST in low-income and middle-income countries. Although we wait to see the full benefits of mobile health, technological interventions including conversational agents or chatbots provide us with an excellent opportunity to improve HIVST by addressing the barriers associated with clinic-based HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Franco Musiello
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Alfred Kipyegon Keter
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruanne Barnabas
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Indravudh PP, Terris-Prestholt F, Neuman M, Kumwenda MK, Chilongosi R, Johnson CC, Hatzold K, Corbett EL, Fielding K. Understanding mechanisms of impact from community-led delivery of HIV self-testing: Mediation analysis of a cluster-randomised trial in Malawi. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001129. [PMID: 36962622 PMCID: PMC10021599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Community HIV strategies are important for early diagnosis and treatment, with new self-care technologies expanding the types of services that can be led by communities. We evaluated mechanisms underlying the impact of community-led delivery of HIV self-testing (HIVST) using mediation analysis. We conducted a cluster-randomised trial allocating 30 group village heads and their catchment areas to the community-led HIVST intervention in addition to the standard of care (SOC) or the SOC alone. The intervention used participatory approaches to engage established community health groups to lead the design and implementation of HIVST campaigns. Potential mediators (individual perceptions of social cohesion, shared HIV concern, critical consciousness, community HIV stigma) and the outcome (HIV testing in the last 3 months) were measured through a post-intervention survey. Analysis used regression-based models to test (i) intervention-mediator effects, (ii) mediator-outcome effects, and (iii) direct and indirect effects. The survey included 972 and 924 participants in the community-led HIVST and SOC clusters, respectively. The community-led HIVST intervention increased uptake of recent HIV testing, with no evidence of indirect effects from changes in hypothesised mediators. However, standardised scores for community cohesion (adjusted mean difference [MD] 0.15, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.32, p = 0.10) and shared concern for HIV (adjusted MD 0.13, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.29, p = 0.09) were slightly higher in the community-led HIVST arm than the SOC arm. Social cohesion, community concern, and critical consciousness also apparently had a quadratic association with recent testing in the community-led HIVST arm, with a positive relationship indicated at lower ranges of each score. We found no evidence of intervention effects on community HIV stigma and its association with recent testing. We conclude that the intervention effect mostly operated directly through community-driven service delivery of a novel HIV technology rather than through intermediate effects on perceived community mobilisation and HIV stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pitchaya P. Indravudh
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Neuman
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Moses K. Kumwenda
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Cheryl C. Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth L. Corbett
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Fielding
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the impact of clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) on improving HIV testing and diagnosis. DESIGN An original global systematic review (PROSPERO Number: CRD42020175576) of peer-reviewed articles reporting on electronic CDSSs that generate triggers encouraging healthcare providers to perform an HIV test. METHODS Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL and CINAHL EBSCOhost were searched up to 17 November 2020 and reference lists of included articles were checked. Qualitative and quantitative syntheses (using meta-analyses) of identified studies were performed. RESULTS The search identified 1424 records. Twenty-two articles met inclusion criteria (19 of 22 non-HIV endemic settings); 18 clinical and four laboratory-driven reminders. Reminders promoted 'universal' HIV testing for all patients without a known HIV infection and no recent documented HIV test, or 'targeted' HIV testing in patients with clinical risk-factors or specific diagnostic tests. CDSSs increased HIV testing in hospital and nonhospital setting, with the pooled risk-ratio amongst studies reporting comparable outcome measures in hospital settings (n = 3) of 2.57 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53-4.33, random-effect model] and in nonhospital settings (n = 4) of 2.13 (95% CI 1.78-4.14, random effect model). Results of the clinical impact of CDSSs on HIV diagnosis were mixed. CONCLUSION CDSSs improve HIV testing and may, potentially, improve diagnosis. The data support the broader study of CDSSs in low- and high prevalent HIV settings to determine their precise impact on UNAIDS goals to reach universal HIV testing and treatment coverage.
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Elorreaga OA, Torres TS, Vega-Ramirez EH, Konda KA, Hoagland B, Benedetti M, Pimenta C, Diaz-Sosa D, Robles-Garcia R, Grinsztejn B, Caceres CF, Veloso VG. Awareness, willingness and barriers to HIV Self-testing (HIVST) among Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru: A web-based cross-sectional study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000678. [PMID: 36962436 PMCID: PMC10021908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an essential tool within the combined HIV prevention package and has been available in Latin America since 2015. However, HIVST use among key populations remains low. This study describes awareness, willingness, and barriers to HIVST among MSM in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. A cross-sectional web-based survey was advertised in two geosocial networking apps (Grindr and Hornet) and Facebook in 2018. We included cisgender men ≥18 years old who self-reported HIV-negative status. We used multivariable Poisson regression models to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) to assess the factors associated with willingness to use HIVST for each country. A total of 18,916 completed the survey, 59% from Brazil, 30% from Mexico, and 11% from Peru. Overall, 20% of MSM had never tested for HIV. Awareness and willingness to use HIVST were higher in Brazil than in Peru and Mexico (p < .001). Across the countries, the patterns of association of willingness with HIVST barriers were similar. Most participants think post-test counseling is essential and that dealing with a positive result would be difficult (aPR 1.13 to 1.37, range of aPRs across the three countries). Having the knowledge to deal with a positive HIVST resulted in increased willingness to use HIVST (aPR range: 1.11 to 1.22), while a lack of trust in HIVST compared to HIV testing in clinics was inversely associated (aPR range: 0.80 to 0.90). In general, willingness to use HIVST was associated with higher income (aPR range: 1.49 to 1.97), higher education (aPR range: 1.13 to 1.42), and willingness to use PrEP (aPR range: 1.19 to 1.72). Efforts to increase HIVST knowledge and resolve perceived barriers are warranted, especially among MSM with lower income and education from Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. Personalized virtual counseling could be crucial among this population. In addition, those willing to use HIVST are also willing to use PrEP. It indicates that HIVST delivery could be incorporated into PrEP programs within the Brazilian Public Health System and eventually in Mexico and Peru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver A Elorreaga
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad Sida y Sociedad, UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Kelika A Konda
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad Sida y Sociedad, UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Benedetti
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristina Pimenta
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dulce Diaz-Sosa
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | | | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos F Caceres
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad Sida y Sociedad, UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Ayala G, Sprague L, van der Merwe LLA, Thomas RM, Chang J, Arreola S, Davis SLM, Taslim A, Mienies K, Nilo A, Mworeko L, Hikuam F, de Leon Moreno CG, Izazola-Licea JA. Peer- and community-led responses to HIV: A scoping review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260555. [PMID: 34852001 PMCID: PMC8635382 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In June 2021, United Nations (UN) Member States committed to ambitious targets for scaling up community-led responses by 2025 toward meeting the goals of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. These targets build on UN Member States 2016 commitments to ensure that 30% of HIV testing and treatment programmes are community-led by 2030. At its current pace, the world is not likely to meet these nor other global HIV targets, as evidenced by current epidemiologic trends. The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to further slow momentum made to date. The purpose of this paper is to review available evidence on the comparative advantages of community-led HIV responses that can better inform policy making towards getting the world back on track. METHODS We conducted a scoping review to gather available evidence on peer- and community-led HIV responses. Using UNAIDS' definition of 'community-led' and following PRISMA guidelines, we searched peer-reviewed literature published from January 1982 through September 2020. We limited our search to articles reporting findings from randomized controlled trials as well as from quasi-experimental, prospective, pre/post-test evaluation, and cross-sectional study designs. The overall goals of this scoping review were to gather available evidence on community-led responses and their impact on HIV outcomes, and to identify key concepts that can be used to quickly inform policy, practice, and research. FINDINGS Our initial search yielded 279 records. After screening for relevance and conducting cross-validation, 48 articles were selected. Most studies took place in the global south (n = 27) and a third (n = 17) involved youth. Sixty-five percent of articles (n = 31) described the comparative advantage of peer- and community-led direct services, e.g., prevention and education (n = 23) testing, care, and treatment programs (n = 8). We identified more than 40 beneficial outcomes linked to a range of peer- and community-led HIV activities. They include improved HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, intentions, self-efficacy, risk behaviours, risk appraisals, health literacy, adherence, and viral suppression. Ten studies reported improvements in HIV service access, quality, linkage, utilization, and retention resulting from peer- or community-led programs or initiatives. Three studies reported structural level changes, including positive influences on clinic wait times, treatment stockouts, service coverage, and exclusionary practices. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Findings from our scoping review underscore the comparative advantage of peer- and community-led HIV responses. Specifically, the evidence from the published literature leads us to recommend, where possible, that prevention programs, especially those intended for people living with and disproportionately affected by HIV, be peer- and community-led. In addition, treatment services should strive to integrate specific peer- and community-led components informed by differentiated care models. Future research is needed and should focus on generating additional quantitative evidence on cost effectiveness and on the synergistic effects of bundling two or more peer- and community-led interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Ayala
- MPact Global Action for Gay Men’s Health and Rights, Oakland, CA, United States of America
- Alameda County Department of Public Health, Oakland, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Laurel Sprague
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - L. Leigh-Ann van der Merwe
- Social, Health and Empowerment Feminist Collective of Transgender Women in Africa, East London, South Africa
- Innovative Response Globally to Transgender Women and HIV (IRGT), Oakland, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Judy Chang
- International Network of People Who Use Drugs, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sonya Arreola
- MPact Global Action for Gay Men’s Health and Rights, Oakland, CA, United States of America
- Arreola Research, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Keith Mienies
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Lillian Mworeko
- International Community of Women Living with HIV Eastern Africa, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felicita Hikuam
- AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa, Windhoek, Namibia
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Vasantharoopan A, Maheswaran H, Simms V, Dziva Chikwari C, Chigwenah T, Chikodzore R, Nyathi K, Ncube G, Ferrand RA, Guinness L. A costing analysis of B-GAP: index-linked HIV testing for children and adolescents in Zimbabwe. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1082. [PMID: 34641871 PMCID: PMC8507161 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07070-3] [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: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background By testing children and adolescents of HIV positive caretakers, index-linked HIV testing, a targeted HIV testing strategy, has the ability to identify high risk children and adolescents earlier and more efficiently, compared to blanket testing. We evaluated the incremental cost of integrating index-linked HIV testing via three modalities into HIV services in Zimbabwe. Methods A mixture of bottom-up and top-down costing was employed to estimate the provider cost per test and per HIV diagnosis for 2–18 year olds, through standard of care testing, and the incremental cost of index-linked HIV testing via three modalities: facility-based testing, home-based testing by a healthcare worker, and testing at home by the caregiver using an oral mucosal transudate test. In addition to interviews, direct observation and study process data, facility registries were abstracted to extract outcome data and resource use. Costs were converted to 2019 constant US$. Results The average cost per standard of care test in urban facilities was US$5.91 and US$7.15 at the rural facility. Incremental cost of an index-linked HIV test was driven by the uptake and number of participants tested. The lowest cost approach in the urban setting was home-based testing (US$6.69) and facility-based testing at the rural clinic (US$5.36). Testing by caregivers was almost always the most expensive option (rural US$62.49, urban US$17.49). Conclusions This is the first costing analysis of index-linked HIV testing strategies. Unit costs varied across sites and with uptake. When scaling up, alternative testing solutions that increase efficiency such as index-linked HIV testing of the entire household, as opposed to solely targeting children/adolescents, need to be explored. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07070-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthi Vasantharoopan
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | | | - Victoria Simms
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Chido Dziva Chikwari
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tariro Chigwenah
- Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rudo Chikodzore
- Matebeleland South, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Khulamuzi Nyathi
- City Health Department, Bulawayo City Council, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Rashida A Ferrand
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lorna Guinness
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Jamil MS, Eshun-Wilson I, Witzel TC, Siegfried N, Figueroa C, Chitembo L, Msimanga-Radebe B, Pasha MS, Hatzold K, Corbett E, Barr-DiChiara M, Rodger AJ, Weatherburn P, Geng E, Baggaley R, Johnson C. Examining the effects of HIV self-testing compared to standard HIV testing services in the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 38:100991. [PMID: 34278282 PMCID: PMC8271120 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We updated a 2017 systematic review and compared the effects of HIV self-testing (HIVST) to standard HIV testing services to understand effective service delivery models among the general population. METHODS We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing testing outcomes with HIVST to standard testing in the general population and published between January 1, 2006 and June 4, 2019. Random effects meta-analysis was conducted and pooled risk ratios (RRs) were reported. The certainty of evidence was determined using the GRADE methodology. FINDINGS We identified 14 eligible RCTs, 13 of which were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Support provided to self-testers ranged from no/basic support to one-on-one in-person support. HIVST increased testing uptake overall (RR:2.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.69-2.58; p < 0.0001;13 RCTs; moderate certainty evidence) and by service delivery model including facility-based distribution, HIVST use at facilities, secondary distribution to partners, and community-based distribution. The number of persons diagnosed HIV-positive among those tested (RR:0.81, 0.45-1.47; p = 0.50; 8 RCTs; moderate certainty evidence) and number linked to HIV care/treatment among those diagnosed (RR:0.95, 0.79-1.13; p = 0.52; 6 RCTs; moderate certainty evidence) were similar between HIVST and standard testing. Reported harms/adverse events with HIVST were rare and appeared similar to standard testing (RR:2.52: 0.52-12.13; p = 0.25; 4 RCTs; very low certainty evidence). INTERPRETATION HIVST appears to be safe and effective among the general population in sub-Saharan Africa with a range of delivery models. It identified and linked additional people with HIV to care. These findings support the wider availability of HIVST to reach those who may not otherwise access testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad S. Jamil
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - T. Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nandi Siegfried
- Independent Clinical Epidemiologist, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carmen Figueroa
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lastone Chitembo
- World Health Organization Country Office for Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Muhammad S. Pasha
- World Health Organization Country Office for Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Corbett
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- TB/HIV Group, Malawi–Liverpool–Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Alison J. Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elvin Geng
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Indravudh PP, Fielding K, Sande LA, Maheswaran H, Mphande S, Kumwenda MK, Chilongosi R, Nyirenda R, Johnson CC, Hatzold K, Corbett EL, Terris-Prestholt F. Pragmatic economic evaluation of community-led delivery of HIV self-testing in Malawi. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e004593. [PMID: 34275869 PMCID: PMC8287609 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community-based strategies can extend coverage of HIV testing and diagnose HIV at earlier stages of infection but can be costly to implement. We evaluated the costs and effects of community-led delivery of HIV self-testing (HIVST) in Mangochi District, Malawi. METHODS This economic evaluation was based within a pragmatic cluster-randomised trial of 30 group village heads and their catchment areas comparing the community-led HIVST intervention in addition to the standard of care (SOC) versus the SOC alone. The intervention involved mobilising community health groups to lead 7-day HIVST campaigns including distribution of HIVST kits. The SOC included facility-based HIV testing services. Primary costings estimated economic costs of the intervention and SOC from the provider perspective, with costs annualised and measured in 2018 US$. A postintervention survey captured individual-level data on HIV testing events, which were combined with unit costs from primary costings, and outcomes. The incremental cost per person tested HIV-positive and associated uncertainty were estimated. RESULTS Overall, the community-led HIVST intervention costed $138 624 or $5.70 per HIVST kit distributed, with test kits and personnel the main contributing costs. The SOC costed $263 400 or $4.57 per person tested. Individual-level provider costs were higher in the community-led HIVST arm than the SOC arm (adjusted mean difference $3.77, 95% CI $2.44 to $5.10; p<0.001), while the intervention effect on HIV positivity varied based on adjustment for previous diagnosis. The incremental cost per person tested HIV positive was $324 but increased to $1312 and $985 when adjusting for previously diagnosed self-testers or self-testers on treatment, respectively. Community-led HIVST demonstrated low probability of being cost-effective against plausible willingness-to-pay values, with HIV positivity a key determinant. CONCLUSION Community-led HIVST can provide HIV testing at a low additional unit cost. However, adding community-led HIVST to the SOC was not likely to be cost-effective, especially in contexts with low prevalence of undiagnosed HIV. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03541382.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pitchaya P Indravudh
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Katherine Fielding
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Linda A Sande
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Saviour Mphande
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Moses K Kumwenda
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Rose Nyirenda
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Cheryl C Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Corbett
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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12
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Indravudh PP, Fielding K, Chilongosi R, Nzawa R, Neuman M, Kumwenda MK, Nyirenda R, Johnson CC, Taegtmeyer M, Desmond N, Hatzold K, Corbett EL. Effect of door-to-door distribution of HIV self-testing kits on HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy initiation: a cluster randomised trial in Malawi. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-004269. [PMID: 34275866 PMCID: PMC8287599 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reaching high coverage of HIV testing remains essential for HIV diagnosis, treatment and prevention. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of door-to-door distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits in rural Malawi. METHODS This cluster randomised trial, conducted between September 2016 and January 2018, used restricted 1:1 randomisation to allocate 22 health facilities and their defined areas to door-to-door HIVST alongside the standard of care (SOC) or the SOC alone. The study population included residents (≥16 years). HIVST kits were provided door-to-door by community-based distribution agents (CBDAs) for at least 12 months. The primary outcome was recent HIV testing (in the last 12 months) measured through an endline survey. Secondary outcomes were lifetime HIV testing and cumulative 16-month antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiations, which were captured at health facilities. Social harms were reported through community reporting systems. Analysis compared cluster-level outcomes by arm. RESULTS Overall, 203 CBDAs distributed 273 729 HIVST kits. The endline survey included 2582 participants in 11 HIVST clusters and 2908 participants in 11 SOC clusters. Recent testing was higher in the HIVST arm (68.5%, 1768/2582) than the SOC arm (48.9%, 1422/2908), with adjusted risk difference (RD) of 16.1% (95% CI 6.5% to 25.7%). Lifetime testing was also higher in the HIVST arm (86.9%, 2243/2582) compared with the SOC arm (78.5%, 2283/2908; adjusted RD 6.3%, 95% CI 2.3% to 10.3%). Differences were most pronounced for adolescents aged 16-19 years (adjusted RD 18.6%, 95% CI 7.3% to 29.9%) and men (adjusted RD 10.2%, 95% CI 3.1% to 17.2%). Cumulative incidence of ART initiation was 1187.2 and 909.0 per 100 000 population in the HIVST and SOC arms, respectively (adjusted RD 309.1, 95% CI -95.5 to 713.7). Self-reported HIVST use was 42.5% (1097/2582), with minimal social harms reported. CONCLUSION Door-to-door HIVST increased recent and lifetime testing at population level and showed high safety, underscoring potential for HIVST to contribute to HIV elimination goals in priority settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02718274.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pitchaya P Indravudh
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK .,Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Katherine Fielding
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
| | | | - Rebecca Nzawa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Melissa Neuman
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Moses K Kumwenda
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Rose Nyirenda
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Cheryl C Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Miriam Taegtmeyer
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.,Tropical Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nicola Desmond
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Corbett
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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13
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Dziva Chikwari C, Simms V, Kranzer K, Dringus S, Chikodzore R, Sibanda E, Webb K, Redzo N, Mujuru H, Apollo T, Ncube G, Hatzold K, Bernays S, Weiss HA, Ferrand RA. Feasibility and Accuracy of HIV Testing of Children by Caregivers Using Oral Mucosal Transudate HIV Tests. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:781-788. [PMID: 33999014 PMCID: PMC8126491 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children encounter multiple barriers in accessing facilities. HIV self-testing using oral mucosal transudate (OMT) tests has been shown to be effective in reaching hard-to-reach populations. We evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of caregivers conducting HIV testing using OMTs in children in Zimbabwe. METHODS We offered OMTs to caregivers (>18 years) living with HIV to test children (2-18 years) living in their households. All caregivers were provided with manufacturer instructions. In Phase 1 (January-December 2018, 9 clinics), caregivers additionally received a demonstration by a provider using a test kit and video. In Phase 2 (January-May 2019, 3 clinics), caregivers did not receive a demonstration. We collected demographic data and assessed caregiver's ability to perform the test and interpret results. Caregiver performance was assessed by direct observation and scored using a predefined checklist. Factors associated with obtaining a full score were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS Overall 400 caregivers (83.0% female, median age 38 years) who were observed tested 786 children (54.6% female, median age 8 years). For most tests, caregivers correctly collected oral fluid [87.1% without provider demonstrations (n = 629) and 96.8% with demonstrations (n = 157), P = 0.002]. The majority correctly used a timer (90.3% without demonstrations and 96.8% with demonstrations, P = 0.02). In multivariate logistic regression caregivers who obtained a full score for performance were more likely to have received a demonstration (odds ratio 4.14, 95% confidence interval: 2.01 to 8.50). CONCLUSIONS Caregiver-provided testing using OMTs is a feasible and accurate HIV testing strategy for children. We recommend operational research to support implementation at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chido Dziva Chikwari
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom;
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | - Victoria Simms
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe;
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom;
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom;
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe;
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany;
| | - Stefanie Dringus
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom;
| | | | | | - Karen Webb
- Organization for Public Health Interventions and Development, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | - Nicol Redzo
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | - Hilda Mujuru
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | - Getrude Ncube
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | - Sarah Bernays
- Global Health Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; and
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Helen A. Weiss
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom;
| | - Rashida A. Ferrand
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom;
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe;
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14
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Didiya R, Gyenwali D, Pokhrel TN, Devkota S, Rai AB, Shedain PR, Sharma M, Shrestha MK, Imran M, Kadirov Z, Dahal BP, K. C. P, Ojha S, Pokhrel KN. Community led testing among people who inject drugs: A community centered model to find new cases of HIV and Hepatitis C in Nepal. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252490. [PMID: 34048484 PMCID: PMC8162586 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWIDs) have sub-optimal HIV and HCV testing as the available testing services are inadequate in low and middle-income countries. We examined a model of Community-Led Testing (CLT) in Nepal, exploring the feasibility of HIV and HCV testing by trained lay service providers who had similar backgrounds to those of PWIDs. We also assessed the prevalence of HIV and HCV within this study population and the associated risk factors among PWIDs. Methods A mix-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 1029 PWIDs in five major districts of Nepal from July 2019 to February 2020. Trained PWID peers performed the screening for HIV and HCV using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits. Acceptability and feasibility of the testing was assessed. The participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and injecting and non-injecting risk characteristics were determined. The association of risk and prevention characteristics with testing results were assessed using multiple logistic regression. Results PWIDs shared that the test providers were friendly and competent in counseling and testing. Of total PWIDs (n = 1,029), 20.6% were HCV-positive and 0.2% were HIV-positive. HCV positivity was associated with needle sharing (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.27,2.64; p = 0.001) and reuse of syringe/needle (AOR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.79; p = 0.002). In addition, PWIDs were more likely to be HCV-positive who started opioid substitution therapy (OST) (AOR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.80, p = 0.002) and attended the rehabilitation center (AOR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.53, p = 0.017). Conclusions This CLT model was found to be a novel approach of testing of HIV and HCV which was acceptable to PWIDs in Nepal and showed the high prevalence of HCV and its association with injecting-related risk behaviors and being users of OST and rehabilitation. The findings highlight the need of community-led testing in hotspots, OST settings, and rehabilitation centers to screen new HIV and HCV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Didiya
- National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal (NAP+N), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Deepak Gyenwali
- National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal (NAP+N), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Tara Nath Pokhrel
- National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Sudha Devkota
- National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Amrit Bikram Rai
- National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal (NAP+N), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | | | - Mukunda Sharma
- National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | | | - Muhammad Imran
- Save the Children, Fairfield, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Zakir Kadirov
- Save the Children, Nepal Country Office, KPRA Project, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Bhawani Prasad Dahal
- Save the Children, Nepal Country Office, KPRA Project, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | | | - Sabir Ojha
- National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal (NAP+N), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Khem Narayan Pokhrel
- National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal (NAP+N), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
- * E-mail:
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15
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Khandu L, Dhakal GP, Lhazeen K. Baseline CD4 count and the time interval between the initial HIV infection and diagnosis among PLHIV in Bhutan. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2021; 9:883-890. [PMID: 33945664 PMCID: PMC8342208 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION CD4 count is an important predictor of disease progression, opportunities infection, deaths, and to understand the time interval between initial HIV infection to the first diagnosis. However, baseline CD4 count and the time period between initial infection and the diagnosis amongst PLHIV in Bhutan never been evaluated. METHODS This is a retrospective study of the diagnosed PLHIV from the existing data system from January 10 to 30, 2021. Out of 512 reported HIV cases, 488 of those who were more than or equal to 18 years old and had their CD4 count testing within 6 months before initiating ART were considered for analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the characteristics of the study population and relationship were established using the χ 2 Test. We have sought ethics approval and waiver for informed consent as it is the retrospective study of the client's record. The client's confidentiality was ensured by removing all the identifiers. RESULTS The mean CD4 was 345 cells/ml for males and females. Twenty-five percent of the clients had CD4 counts below 200, 30%, between 200 and 349, 25% between 350 and 499, and 20% above 500 cells/ml. A larger number of males showed a CD4 count below 200 cells/ml while more females showed a CD4 count more than 500 cells/ml. The mean time interval between initial infection to the first diagnosis was 4 years in males and females. However, about one-fourth were found to have been infected between 5 and 8 years before diagnosis and less than 10% were diagnosed within less than 1 year of infection. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed a late diagnosis of HIV infection in Bhutan thereby risking the transmission to the community and risk of severe disease and mortality. The upscaling of voluntary counseling and testing, medical screening, and alternative methods like community-based testing including HIV Self Testing for early detection needs to be implemented in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekey Khandu
- Communicable Disease Division, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Guru P Dhakal
- Department of Medicine, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Karma Lhazeen
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
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16
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Indravudh PP, Fielding K, Kumwenda MK, Nzawa R, Chilongosi R, Desmond N, Nyirenda R, Neuman M, Johnson CC, Baggaley R, Hatzold K, Terris-Prestholt F, Corbett EL. Effect of community-led delivery of HIV self-testing on HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy initiation in Malawi: A cluster-randomised trial. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003608. [PMID: 33974621 PMCID: PMC8112698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undiagnosed HIV infection remains substantial in key population subgroups including adolescents, older adults, and men, driving ongoing transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated the impact, safety, and costs of community-led delivery of HIV self-testing (HIVST), aiming to increase HIV testing in underserved subgroups and stimulate demand for antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS AND FINDINGS This cluster-randomised trial, conducted between October 2018 and July 2019, used restricted randomisation (1:1) to allocate 30 group village head clusters in Mangochi district, Malawi to the community-led HIVST intervention in addition to the standard of care (SOC) or the SOC alone. The intervention involved mobilising community health groups to lead the design and implementation of 7-day HIVST campaigns, with cluster residents (≥15 years) eligible for HIVST. The primary outcome compared lifetime HIV testing among adolescents (15 to 19 years) between arms. Secondary outcomes compared: recent HIV testing (in the last 3 months) among older adults (≥40 years) and men; cumulative 6-month incidence of ART initiation per 100,000 population; knowledge of the preventive benefits of HIV treatment; and HIV testing stigma. Outcomes were measured through a post-intervention survey and at neighboring health facilities. Analysis used intention-to-treat for cluster-level outcomes. Community health groups delivered 24,316 oral fluid-based HIVST kits. The survey included 90.2% (3,960/4,388) of listed participants in the 15 community-led HIVST clusters and 89.2% (3,920/4,394) of listed participants in the 15 SOC clusters. Overall, the proportion of men was 39.0% (3,072/7,880). Most participants obtained primary-level education or below, were married, and reported a sexual partner. Lifetime HIV testing among adolescents was higher in the community-led HIVST arm (84.6%, 770/910) than the SOC arm (67.1%, 582/867; adjusted risk difference [RD] 15.2%, 95% CI 7.5% to 22.9%; p < 0.001), especially among 15 to 17 year olds and boys. Recent testing among older adults was also higher in the community-led HIVST arm (74.5%, 869/1,166) than the SOC arm (31.5%, 350/1,111; adjusted RD 42.1%, 95% CI 34.9% to 49.4%; p < 0.001). Similarly, the proportions of recently tested men were 74.6% (1,177/1,577) and 33.9% (507/1,495) in the community-led HIVST and SOC arms, respectively (adjusted RD 40.2%, 95% CI 32.9% to 47.4%; p < 0.001). Knowledge of HIV treatment benefits and HIV testing stigma showed no differences between arms. Cumulative incidence of ART initiation was respectively 305.3 and 226.1 per 100,000 population in the community-led HIVST and SOC arms (RD 72.3, 95% CI -36.2 to 180.8; p = 0.18). In post hoc analysis, ART initiations in the 3-month post-intervention period were higher in the community-led HIVST arm than the SOC arm (RD 97.7, 95% CI 33.4 to 162.1; p = 0.004). HIVST uptake was 74.7% (2,956/3,960), with few adverse events (0.6%, 18/2,955) and at US$5.70 per HIVST kit distributed. The main limitations include the use of self-reported HIV testing outcomes and lack of baseline measurement for the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found that community-led HIVST was effective, safe, and affordable, with population impact and coverage rapidly realised at low cost. This approach could enable community HIV testing in high HIV prevalence settings and demonstrates potential for economies of scale and scope. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03541382.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pitchaya P. Indravudh
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Katherine Fielding
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Moses K. Kumwenda
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Rebecca Nzawa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Nicola Desmond
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rose Nyirenda
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Melissa Neuman
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cheryl C. Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karin Hatzold
- Population Services International, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Fern Terris-Prestholt
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth L. Corbett
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Asuquo SE, Tahlil KM, Muessig KE, Conserve DF, Igbokwe MA, Chima KP, Nwanunu EC, Elijah LP, Day S, Rosenberg NE, Ong JJ, Nkengasong S, Tang W, Obiezu‐Umeh C, Nwaozuru U, Merino Y, Gbaja‐Biamila T, Oladele D, Iwelunmor J, Ezechi O, Tucker JD. Youth engagement in HIV prevention intervention research in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25666. [PMID: 33569913 PMCID: PMC7876473 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Youth engagement in HIV research is generally recognized as essential, but often neglected or minimally implemented in practice. Engagement is a process of working collaboratively with diverse groups of people to address common issues. We conducted a scoping review of youth HIV prevention interventions in sub-Saharan Africa to identify and categorize forms and levels of youth engagement across the lifespan of intervention research. METHODS We followed Arksey and O'Malley's framework for organizing a scoping review. We searched seven databases for related articles on identified intervention studies through May 28th 2020. Included studies focused on youth (10 to 24 years old) HIV prevention interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. Two reviewers independently examined citations and full manuscripts for inclusion. Data were extracted on study characteristics, location, description of youth engagement and extent of engagement. Youth engagement approaches were categorized based on Hart's ladder as substantial engagement (strong youth decision-making power), moderate engagement (shared decision making with adults), minimal engagement (no youth decision-making power) or no engagement. RESULTS We identified 3149 citations and included 112 studies reporting on 74 unique HIV interventions. Twenty-two interventions were in low-income countries, 49 in middle-income countries, and three were in both. Overall, only nine interventions (12%) had substantial or moderate youth engagement, two-thirds (48, 65%) had minimal youth engagement and 17 interventions (23%) had no youth engagement. We also identified specific engagement strategies (e.g. youth-led research, crowdsourcing) that were feasible in multiple settings and resulted in substantial engagement. CONCLUSIONS We found limited youth engagement in youth HIV prevention intervention studies in sub-Saharan Africa. However, several activities resulted in substantial youth engagement and could be relevant in many low-and-middle-income-country (LMIC) settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Asuquo
- Department of Health BehaviorGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Kadija M Tahlil
- Department of EpidemiologyGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Kathryn E Muessig
- Department of Health BehaviorGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Donaldson F Conserve
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and BehaviorArnold School of Public HealthUniversity of South CarolinaColumbiaSCUSA
| | - Mesoma A Igbokwe
- Clinical Sciences DepartmentNigerian Institute of Medical ResearchLagosNigeria
- College of MedicineUniversity of NigeriaNsukkaNigeria
| | - Kelechi P Chima
- Clinical Sciences DepartmentNigerian Institute of Medical ResearchLagosNigeria
- College of MedicineUniversity of NigeriaNsukkaNigeria
| | - Ezienyi C Nwanunu
- Clinical Sciences DepartmentNigerian Institute of Medical ResearchLagosNigeria
- Department of BiochemistryMichael Okpara University of AgricultureUmudikeNigeria
| | - Lana P Elijah
- Clinical Sciences DepartmentNigerian Institute of Medical ResearchLagosNigeria
- College of MedicineLagos State UniversityLagosNigeria
| | - Suzanne Day
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- Department of Health BehaviorGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
- University of North Carolina Project MalawiLilongweMalawi
| | - Jason J Ong
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Susan Nkengasong
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Weiming Tang
- Dermatology HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Chisom Obiezu‐Umeh
- Department of Behavioral Science and Health EducationSaint Louis UniversitySaint LouisMOUSA
| | - Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- Department of Behavioral Science and Health EducationSaint Louis UniversitySaint LouisMOUSA
| | - Yesenia Merino
- Gillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | - David Oladele
- Clinical Sciences DepartmentNigerian Institute of Medical ResearchLagosNigeria
| | - Juliet Iwelunmor
- Department of Behavioral Science and Health EducationSaint Louis UniversitySaint LouisMOUSA
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Clinical Sciences DepartmentNigerian Institute of Medical ResearchLagosNigeria
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Department of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
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18
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Shrivastava SR, Shrivastava PS. Improving the uptake of human immunodeficiency virus testing services globally. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 25:66. [PMID: 33088303 PMCID: PMC7554416 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_886_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh RamBihariLal Shrivastava
- Member of the Medical Education Unit and Institute Research Council, Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth - Deemed to be University, Ammapettai, Nellikuppam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prateek Saurabh Shrivastava
- Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth - Deemed to be University, Ammapettai, Nellikuppam, Chengalpet District, Tamil Nadu, India
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19
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Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Bresser M, Vanobberghen F, Kopo M, Kao M, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Labhardt ND, Glass TR. Home-based oral self-testing for absent and declining individuals during a door-to-door HIV testing campaign in rural Lesotho (HOSENG): a cluster-randomised trial. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e752-e761. [PMID: 33045193 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30233-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, home-based HIV testing is validated and accepted, but coverage is low because household members are often absent during home-based testing campaigns. We aimed to measure the effect of a secondary distribution of oral-fluid HIV self-tests on coverage during home-based testing in rural Lesotho. METHODS The Home-Based Self-Testing (HOSENG) trial was a cluster-randomised, non-blinded superiority trial in rural villages in the catchment area of 20 health facilities of two districts in Lesotho (Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong). Eligible villages had a consenting village chief and at least one registered village health worker; eligible households had a consenting representative aged 18 years or older. The HOSENG trial provided a recruitment platform for the interlinked Village-Based Refill of Antiretroviral Therapy (VIBRA) trial. Villages were randomly assigned 1:1:1:1 with block sizes of four to one of four groups: VIBRA control and HOSENG control; VIBRA control and HOSENG intervention; VIBRA intervention and HOSENG control; and VIBRA intervention and HOSENG intervention. Randomisation was stratified by district, village size, and access to the nearest health facility. An independent statistician was responsible for the computer-generated randomisation list. In the intervention group, oral-fluid HIV self-tests were left for absent or declining household members (aged ≥12 years) during a home visit from the HIV testing campaign team. One present household member was trained on self-test use. Distributed self-tests were followed up by village health workers. In control village clusters, absent or declining household members were referred to the clinic for HIV testing. The primary outcome was HIV testing coverage among all household members aged 12 years or older within 120 days, defined as a confirmed HIV test result or known status, reported in testing registers at the health facilities or on the follow-up forms of the village health worker. Adjusted random-effects logistic regression with individuals as the unit of analysis was used. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03598686. FINDINGS Between July 26, 2018, and Dec 12, 2018, 3091 consenting households with 7816 household members aged 12 years or older were enrolled and randomly assigned (intervention: 57 village clusters, 1620 households, 4174 household members; control: 49 village clusters, 1471 households, 3642 household members). In the control group, 38 (3%) of 1455 initially absent or declining household members tested at a clinic within 120 days. In the intervention group, 841 (53%) of 1601 initially absent or declining household members had a confirmed status within 120 days; 12 (1%) of 841 tested at the clinic and 829 (99%) used their self-test kit. This resulted in a testing coverage of 2201 (60%) of 3642 in the control group versus 3386 (81%) of 4174 in the intervention group (odds ratio 3·00 [95% CI 2·52-3·59]; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION Secondary distribution of oral-fluid HIV self-tests during home-based testing increases testing coverage substantially and thus presents a promising add-on during testing campaigns. FUNDING Swiss National Science Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lefu Khesa
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Moniek Bresser
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mathebe Kopo
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Mpho Kao
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Katleho Tlali
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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SHRİVASTAVA S, SHRİVASTAVA P. Yenilikçi yaklaşımlarla HIV testi hizmetlerinin güçlendirilmesi: Dünya Sağlık Örgütü. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.653271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Adaptation of a Health Education Program for Improving the Uptake of HIV Self-Testing by Men in Rwanda: A Study Protocol. MEDICINA-LITHUANIA 2020; 56:medicina56040149. [PMID: 32225045 PMCID: PMC7230617 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56040149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Available evidence shows a low uptake of HIV services among men in Rwanda. HIV self-testing (HIVST), a new intervention, may have the potential to improve the uptake of HIV testing services among men. The current study aims to adapt a health education program (HEP) for improving the uptake of HIVST among men in Rwanda. Materials and Methods: We propose a mixed method study, which will be conducted in four phases. In Phase 1, we will conduct a scoping review to map the available evidence on health education programs for men in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Phase 2, we will conduct interviews with stakeholders in the Rwanda HIV response and healthcare providers to determine their perspectives on implementation of HIVST in Rwanda. In Phase 3, a cross-sectional survey will be used to assess HIVST awareness and acceptability among men in Rwanda. Guided by findings from Phases 1, 2, and 3, we will employ the nominal group technique to develop and optimize the HEP for improving the uptake of HIVST among men in Rwanda. In Phase 4, we will use a pragmatic pilot randomized controlled trial to assess the preliminary impact of the HEP for men in Rwanda and assess the feasibility of a later, larger study. We will employ the Stata version 16 statistical package and NVivo version 12 for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. We anticipate that the findings of this study will inform implementers and policy makers to guide strategies on the implementation of HIVST in Rwanda and ultimately accomplish goals set forth in the Rwanda 2019–2024 Fourth Health Sector Strategic Plan on scaling up the number of men who know their HIV status. Conclusion: It is anticipated that this study will proffer solutions and strategies that are applicable not only in Rwanda but also in similar settings of LMICs.
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HIV self-testing in Rwanda: awareness and acceptability among male clinic attendees in Kigali, Rwanda: A cross-sectional survey. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03515. [PMID: 32181390 PMCID: PMC7063164 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Rwandan Ministry of Health recently (in February 2017) recommended the use of HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an additional strategy for hard-to-reach populations such as men. However, the level of awareness and acceptability of this testing strategy among this population in Rwanda is not known. The main objective of this study is to assess the level of awareness and acceptability of HIVST among male clinic attendees in Kigali, Rwanda. Methods A cross-sectional survey was employed to systematically sample and interview 579 male health-facility attendees over a seven-week period. We employed a pretested interviewer questionnaire to collect data. The chi-square test was used to determine associations between explanatory variables. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to obtain preliminary insight into the unconditional association of each independent variable and dependent variables (awareness and acceptability). Multiple logistic regression was employed to determine explanatory variables associated with awareness or acceptability status while adjusting for other study variables. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 11.2. Results Of the 579 men interviewed, only 21% were aware of HIVST, while 74% found it acceptable. Logistic regression analysis identified the following as factors significantly (p < 0.05) associated with HIVST awareness: having paid or received money for sex in the past month, health-seeking behavior, HIVST knowledge, HIVST attitude, and HIV risk perception. Factors associated with HIVST acceptability include the following: health-seeking behavior, HIVST knowledge, HIVST attitude, and condom use after taking drugs and alcohol. Conclusion The findings reveal low awareness and high acceptability of HIVST among men in Rwanda. Our findings accentuate the need to promote awareness of HIVST as an important intervention for improving the uptake of HIV testing among men, a traditionally hard-to-reach population in Rwanda.
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