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Bekolo CE, Ndeso SA, Moifo LL, Mangala N, Ateudjieu J, Kouanfack C, Dzudie A, Thienemann F, Tendongfor N, Nsagha DS, Choukem SP. Changes in access to viral load testing, incidence rates of viral load suppression and rebound following the introduction of the 'universal test and treat' guidelines in Cameroon: A retrospective follow-up analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003042. [PMID: 38626049 PMCID: PMC11020606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Cameroon adopted and started implementing in 2016, the 'universal test and treat' (UTT) guidelines to fast-track progress towards the 95-95-95 ambitious targets to end the HIV epidemic. Achieving the third 95 (viral load suppression) is the most desirable target in HIV care. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel approach on access to viral load testing (VLT), viral suppression (VLS), and viral load rebound (VLR). A retrospective cohort study was conducted at The Nkongsamba Regional Hospital to compare VLT outcomes between the pre-UTT (2002 to 2015) and the post-UTT (2016 to 2020) periods. We used a data extraction form to collect routine data on adult patients living with HIV. We measured uptake levels of the first and serial VLT and compared the incidence rates of VLS (VL<1000 copies/ml) and viral load rebound (VLR) before and after introducing the UTT approach using Kaplan Meier plots and log-rank tests. Cox regression was used to screen for factors independently associated with VLS and VLR events between the guideline periods. Access to initial VLT increased significantly from 6.11% to 25.56% at 6 months and from 12.00% to 73.75% at 12 months before and after introducing the UTT guidelines respectively. After a total observation time at risk of 17001.63 person-months, the UTT group achieved an incidence rate of 90.36 VLS per 1000 person-months, four-fold higher than the 21.71 VLS per 1000 person-months observed in the pre-UTT group (p<0.0001). After adjusting for confounding, the VLS rate was about 6-fold higher in the UTT group than in the pre-UTT group (adjusted Hazard Rate (aHR) = 5.81 (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 4.43-7.60). The incidence of VLR increased from 12.60 (95%CI: 9.50-16.72) to 19.11 (95%CI: 14.22-25.67) per 1000 person-months before and after the introduction of UTT guidelines respectively. After adjusting, VLR was more than twice as high in the UTT group than in the pre-UTT group (aHR = 2.32, 95%CI: 1.30-4.13). Increased access to initial VLT and higher rates of VLS have been observed but there are concerns that the suppressed viral load may not be durable since the introduction of the UTT policy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. E. Bekolo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - S. A. Ndeso
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - L. L. Moifo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - N. Mangala
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - J. Ateudjieu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - C. Kouanfack
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - A. Dzudie
- Department of Internal Medicine and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - F. Thienemann
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N. Tendongfor
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - D. S. Nsagha
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - S. P. Choukem
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
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Wongso LV, Rahadi A, Sukmaningrum E, Handayani M, Wisaksana R. Acceptability of a pilot motivational interviewing intervention at public health facilities to improve the HIV treatment cascade among people who inject drugs in Indonesia. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:73. [PMID: 38561793 PMCID: PMC10985935 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00989-w] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-positive people who inject drugs (PWID) experience challenges in initiating and adhering to antiretroviral treatment (ART). Counselling using motivational interviewing (MI) techniques may help them formulate individualised strategies, and execute actions to address these challenges collaboratively with their providers. We evaluated the acceptability of MI from a pilot implementation at three public health facilities in Indonesia. METHODS Adapting the acceptability constructs developed by Sekhon (2017) we assessed the acceptability to HIV-positive PWID clients (n = 12) and providers (n = 10) in four synthesised constructs: motivation (attributes that inspire engagement); cost consideration (sacrifices made to engage in MI); learned understanding (mechanism of action); and outcomes (ability to effect change with engagement). We included all providers and clients who completed ≥ 2 MI encounters. Qualitative analysis with an interpretive paradigm was used to extract and categorise themes by these constructs. RESULTS In motivation, clients valued the open communication style of MI, while providers appreciated its novelty in offering coherent structure with clear boundaries. In cost consideration, both groups faced a challenge in meeting MI encounters due to access or engagement in other health care areas. In learned understanding, clients understood that MI worked to identify problematic areas of life amenable to change to support long-term ART, with reconciliation in family life being the most targeted change. By contrast, providers preferred targeting tangible health outcomes to such behavioural proxies. In outcomes, clients were confident in their ability to develop behaviours to sustain ART uptakes, whereas providers doubted the outcome of MI on younger PWID or those with severe dependence. CONCLUSIONS There is broad acceptability of MI in motivating engagement for both actors. Relative to providers, clients were more acceptable in its mechanism and had greater confidence to perform behaviours conducive to ART engagement. Design innovations to improve the acceptability of MI for both actors are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia V Wongso
- University Center of Excellence - AIDS Research Center, Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia
| | - Arie Rahadi
- University Center of Excellence - AIDS Research Center, Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia.
| | - Evi Sukmaningrum
- University Center of Excellence - AIDS Research Center, Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia
- Faculty of Psychology, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, 12930, Indonesia
| | - Miasari Handayani
- Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Diseases, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, 40161, Indonesia
| | - Rudi Wisaksana
- Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Diseases, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, 40161, Indonesia
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Dalal A, Clark E, Samiezade-Yazd Z, Lee-Rodriguez C, Lam JO, Luu MN. Outcomes and Predictors of Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation for People With Newly Diagnosed HIV in an Integrated Health Care System. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad531. [PMID: 37965643 PMCID: PMC10642730 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the recommended treatment strategy for patients newly diagnosed with HIV, but the literature supporting this strategy has focused on short-term outcomes. We examined both long-term outcomes and predictors of rapid ART among patients newly diagnosed with HIV within an integrated health care system in Northern California. Methods This observational cohort study included adults newly diagnosed with HIV between January 2015 and December 2020 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Rapid ART was defined as ART initiation within 7 days of HIV diagnosis. We collected demographic and clinical data to determine short-term and long-term outcomes, including viral suppression, care retention, medication adherence, and cumulative viral burden. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of rapid ART initiation. Results We enrolled 1409 adults; 34.1% initiated rapid ART. The rapid ART group achieved viral suppression faster (48 vs 77 days; P < .001) and experienced lower cumulative viral burden (log10 viremia copy-years, 3.63 vs 3.82; P < .01) but had slightly reduced medication adherence (74.8% vs 75.2%; P < .01). There was no improvement in long-term viral suppression and care retention in the rapid group during follow-up. Patients were more likely to initiate rapid ART after 2017 and were less likely if they required an interpreter. Conclusions Patients who received rapid ART had an improved cumulative HIV burden but no long-term improvement in care retention and viral suppression. Our findings suggest that rapid ART should be offered but additional interventions may be needed for patients newly diagnosed with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avani Dalal
- Graduate Medical Education, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Earl Clark
- Graduate Medical Education, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Zahra Samiezade-Yazd
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, USA
| | | | - Jennifer O Lam
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Mitchell N Luu
- Oakland Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, USA
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Bekolo CE, Ndeso SA, Moifo LL, Mangala N, Yimdjo TD, Ateudjieu J, Kouanfack C, Djam A, Tabah EN, Whegang S, Mapa-Tassou C, Tendongfor N, Nsagha DS, Choukem SP. Universal test and treat in Cameroon: a comparative retrospective analysis of mortality and loss to follow-up before and after a strategic change in approach to HIV care. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 45:191. [PMID: 38020352 PMCID: PMC10656581 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.45.191.40448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction an increasing number of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) since the adoption of the universal test and treat (UTT) policy by Cameroon in 2016. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the UTT approach to keep this growing number of PLHIV on a lifelong treatment. Methods a retrospective cohort analysis was conducted at the Nkongsamba Regional Hospital between 2002 and 2020, using routine data to compare the cumulative incidence of loss to follow-up (LTFU) and mortality between PLHIV initiated on ART under UTT guidelines and those initiated under the standard deferred approach. Chi-squared test was used to compare the risk of attrition between the guideline periods while multiple logistic regression modelling was used to adjust for confounders. Results of 1627 PLHIV included for analysis, 756 (46.47%) were enrolled during the era of UTT with 545 (33.54%) initiated on ART on the same day of HIV diagnosis. The transition to the UTT era was associated with an overall reduction in the risk of LTFU by 73% (aOR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.17 - 0.45). There was modest evidence that the odds of mortality had increased under the UTT policy by about 3-fold (aOR = 2.86, 95%CI: 0.91-8.94). Same-day initiation had no overall effect on LTFU or mortality. LTFU was lower among the same-day initiators in the first 24 months but increased thereafter above the rate among late initiators. Conclusion overall ART programme implementation under the UTT has led to a significant decline in LTFU though mortality appeared to have increased. Ongoing efforts to keep patients on long-term treatment should be sustained while other innovative schemes are sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cavin Epie Bekolo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Sylvester Atanga Ndeso
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Linda Lucienne Moifo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Nkwele Mangala
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Jerome Ateudjieu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Charles Kouanfack
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Alain Djam
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Earnest Njih Tabah
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Solange Whegang
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Clarisse Mapa-Tassou
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Nicolas Tendongfor
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Dickson Shey Nsagha
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Siméon-Pierre Choukem
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
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Dovel KL, Hariprasad S, Hubbard J, Cornell M, Phiri K, Choko A, Abbott R, Hoffman R, Nichols B, Gupta S, Long L. Strategies to improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and early engagement among men in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review of interventions in the era of universal treatment. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:454-465. [PMID: 37132119 PMCID: PMC10354296 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Men in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have lower rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and higher rates of early default than women. Little is known about effective interventions to improve men's outcomes. We conducted a scoping review of interventions aimed to increase ART initiation and/or early retention among men in SSA since universal treatment policies were implemented. METHODS Three databases, HIV conference databases and grey literature were searched for studies published between January 2016 to May 2021 that reported on initiation and/or early retention among men. Eligibility criteria included: participants in SSA, data collected after universal treatment policies were implemented (2016-2021), quantitative data on ART initiation and/or early retention for males, general male population (not exclusively focused on key populations), intervention study (report outcomes for at least one non-standard service delivery strategy), and written in English. RESULTS Of the 4351 sources retrieved, 15 (reporting on 16 interventions) met inclusion criteria. Of the 16 interventions, only two (2/16, 13%) exclusively focused on men. Five (5/16, 31%) were randomised control trials (RCT), one (1/16, 6%) was a retrospective cohort study, and 10 (10/16, 63%) did not have comparison groups. Thirteen (13/16, 81%) interventions measured ART initiation and six (6/16, 37%) measured early retention. Outcome definitions and time frames varied greatly, with seven (7/16, 44%) not specifying time frames at all. Five types of interventions were represented: optimising ART services at health facilities, community-based ART services, outreach support (such as reminders and facility escort), counselling and/or peer support, and conditional incentives. Across all intervention types, ART initiation rates ranged from 27% to 97% and early retention from 47% to 95%. CONCLUSIONS Despite years of data of men's suboptimal ART outcomes, there is little high-quality evidence on interventions to increase men's ART initiation or early retention in SSA. Additional randomised or quasi-experimental studies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Santhi Hariprasad
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie Hubbard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khumbo Phiri
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Rachel Abbott
- Division of HIV, Infections Diseases & Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Risa Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Brooke Nichols
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sundeep Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Lawrence Long
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Ross J, Brazier E, Fatti G, Jaquet A, Tanon A, Haas AD, Diero L, Castelnuovo B, Yiannoutsos CT, Nash D, Anastos KM, Yotebieng M. Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation as a Predictor of Loss to Follow-up and Viral Suppression Among People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:39-47. [PMID: 36097726 PMCID: PMC10202422 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac759] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treat-All guidelines recommend initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all people with HIV (PWH) on the day of diagnosis when possible, yet uncertainty exists about the impact of same-day ART initiation on subsequent care engagement. We examined the association of same-day ART initiation with loss to follow-up and viral suppression among patients in 11 sub-Saharan African countries. METHODS We included ART-naive adult PWH from sites participating in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium who enrolled in care after Treat-All implementation and prior to January 2019. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate the association between same-day ART initiation and loss to follow-up and Poisson regression to estimate the association between same-day ART initiation and 6-month viral suppression. RESULTS Among 29 017 patients from 63 sites, 18 584 (64.0%) initiated ART on the day of enrollment. Same-day ART initiation was less likely among those with advanced HIV disease versus early-stage disease. Loss to follow-up was significantly lower among those initiating ART ≥1 day of enrollment, compared with same-day ART initiators (20.6% vs 27.7%; adjusted hazard ratio: .66; 95% CI .57-.76). No difference in viral suppression was observed by time to ART initiation (adjusted rate ratio: 1.00; 95% CI: .98-1.02). CONCLUSIONS Patients initiating ART on the day of enrollment were more frequently lost to follow-up than those initiating later but were equally likely to be virally suppressed. Our findings support recent World Health Organization recommendations for providing tailored counseling and support to patients who accept an offer of same-day ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Ross
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Ellen Brazier
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Geoffrey Fatti
- Kheth’Impilo AIDS Free Living, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Antoine Jaquet
- University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Bordeaux, France
| | - Aristophane Tanon
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales (SMIT), Treichville Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Andreas D Haas
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lameck Diero
- Department of Medicine, Moi University School of Medicine and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Barbara Castelnuovo
- Department of Medicine, Moi University School of Medicine and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathryn M Anastos
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
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Tegegne D, Mamo G, Negash B, Habte S, Gobena T, Letta S. Poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among people living with HIV in Eastern Ethiopia. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221104429. [PMID: 35769492 PMCID: PMC9234842 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221104429] [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: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Sustained adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy is necessary to
suppress viral replication and improve immunological and clinical outcomes.
Although different studies tried to identify factors affecting adherence to
highly active antiretroviral therapy, there are few studies after initiation
of test and start strategy and the first-line drug regimen change in the
study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of adherence
to highly active antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among people
living with HIV in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 2 March
2020, to 30 March 2020. A total of 501 study participants were recruited
using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using face-to-face
interviews at the end of the clinic visit and a review of participants’
medical records. The level of adherence to highly active antiretroviral
therapy was measured using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence
Scale. The score ranges from 0 to 8, and a score of less than 8 indicates
poor adherence. The data were entered into EpiData and exported to STATA for
further analysis. The binary logistic regression analysis model was employed
to identify associated factors. The association was reported with an
adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence level. The significance level was
declared at p = 0.05. Results: A total of 501 participants participated in the study, giving a response rate
of 98.2%. The majority (314 or 62.7%) of study participants were females.
The participants’ mean (standard deviation) age was 38.17 (8.75). The level
of poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy was found to be
33.73% (confidence interval: 29.70, 38.00). Age category 35 to 44 (1.65
(confidence interval: 1.02, 2.69)), no shortage of highly active
antiretroviral therapy (0.46 (confidence interval: 0.28, 0.75)), substance
use (1.67 (confidence interval: 1.11, 2.25)), having moderate depressive
symptoms (4.00 (confidence interval: 1.94, 8.48)), and moderate anxiety
symptoms (5.22 (confidence interval: 2.31, 8.84)) were significantly
associated with the poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy
among adult people living with HIV. Conclusion: The level of poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy was found
to be high in this study. Poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral
therapy was significantly associated with age, availability of highly active
antiretroviral therapy drugs, substance usage, depressive symptoms, and
anxiety symptoms. Improving the adherence levels requires stringent
counseling, assuring continuous drug availability, and timely screening and
management of depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Degu Tegegne
- Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Galana Mamo
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Belay Negash
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay Habte
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Gobena
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Shiferaw Letta
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Subronto YW, Kusmayanti NA, Januraga PP, Dewa Wirawan LN, Wisaksana R, Sukmaningrum E, Kawi NH, Iskandar S, Mulyani T, Sulaiman N, Magnani R, Kaldor J, Law M. Simplified clinical algorithm for immediate antiretroviral therapy initiation: The HATI [HIV awal (early) Test & Treat in Indonesia] implementation research in Indonesia. Indian J Med Res 2022; 156:729-741. [PMID: 37056072 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_239_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives Although the World Health Organization recommends same day or rapid (< seven days) antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, delays in ART initiation remain common due to waiting for laboratory test results. This study employed a simplified clinical algorithm the HATI [HIV Awal (Early) Test & Treat Indonesia]-SAI (Simple ART Initiation) aimed to increase the proportion of ART uptake and decrease the time to ART initiation that can be used in various care settings. Methods This study compared the percentage of ART uptake and retention, viral load (VL) suppression and time to ART initiation between the observation and intervention phases among newly diagnosed HIV patients from key populations. As part of the intervention, the newly diagnosed patients underwent screening using a simple form [consisting of data on age, height and weight (for body mass index calculation), questions on the presence of symptoms of HIV stages 1 and 2, tuberculosis, history of diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease], to determine eligibility for immediate ART initiation. Those who met the pre-defined criteria immediately received a combination of tenofovir lamivudine and efavirenz for two weeks. The baseline laboratory examination due to this was moved up to two weeks post ART. Factors significantly associated with ART uptake were also determined and their odds ratios were measured using logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 2173 people newly diagnosed with HIV were recruited, with 1579 and 594 in the observation and intervention phases, respectively. In both phases, the majority were men who have sex with men, who were young (<30 yr old) and employed, with high levels of education. The intervention phase significantly increased the proportion of ART initiation [91%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 89-93% vs. 78%, 95% CI: 76-80%] but did not have any impact on the proportion of six months retention and VL suppression. The intervention also significantly decreased the time to ART initiation from median ± interquartile range: 9±20 days to 2±10 days. Interpretation & conclusions The findings of this study suggest that the HATI-SAI intervention increased the uptake and decreased the time for immediate ART initiation. The HATI-SAI provides a simple and safe clinical approach that can readily be adopted in different settings without a costly investment in technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanri Wijayanti Subronto
- Center for Tropical Medicine; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Tropical Medicine & Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, & Nursing, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Pande Putu Januraga
- Center for Public Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | | | - Rudi Wisaksana
- Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Padjajaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Evi Sukmaningrum
- Department of Psychology; Centre of Excellence Health Policy and HIV-AIDS, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Shelly Iskandar
- Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Padjajaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Tri Mulyani
- Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Padjajaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Nurjannah Sulaiman
- Indonesia Ministry of Health, Directorate Communicable Disease Control, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Magnani
- HIV-AIDS Research Centre, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - John Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Law
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Interventions to improve early retention of patients in antiretroviral therapy programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263663. [PMID: 35139118 PMCID: PMC8827476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several interventions to improve long term retention (12 months and above) on treatment have been rigorously evaluated in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, research on interventions to improve retention of patients in the early stages of treatment (6 months) during this era of Universal Test and Treat has only recently emerged. The aim of this study is to systematically map evidence of interventions used to improve early retention of patients in antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes in SSA. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane electronic databases to identify studies describing interventions aimed at improving early retention in ART treatment. We applied the methodological frameworks by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and Levac et al. (2010). We also followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Interventions were categorized according to key broad areas in the existing literature. Results A total of 2,241 articles were identified of which 19 met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for this review, with the majority either being randomized control trials 32% (n = 6) or cohort studies 32% (n = 6). The studies reviewed were conducted in 11 SSA countries. The most common interventions described under key broad areas included: Health system interventions such as Universal Test-and-Treat, integration of ART initiation, HIV Testing and Counselling and Antenatal Care services and reduction of ART drug costs; Patient centered approaches such as fast track ART initiation, Differentiated Drug Delivery models and point of care HIV birth testing; Behavioral interventions and support through lay counselors, mentor mothers, nurse counselors and application of quality improvement interventions and financial incentives. Majority of the studies targeted the HIV positive adults and pregnant women. Conclusion With the introduction of Universal Test-and-Treat and same-day initiation of ART, findings suggest that adoption of policies that expand ART uptake with the goal of reducing HIV transmission at the population level, promoting patient centered approaches such as fast track ART initiation, Differentiated Service Delivery models and providing adequate support through Mentor Mothers, lay and nurse counselors may improve early retention in HIV care in SSA. However, these interventions have only been tested in few countries in the region which points to how hard evidence based HIV programming is. Further research investigating the impact of individual and a combination of interventions to improve early retention in HIV care, including for various groups at high risk of attrition, is warranted across SSA countries to fast track the achievement of 95-95-95 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) targets by 2030.
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10
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Ahmed I, Demissie M, Worku A, Gugsa S, Berhane Y. Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment Among People Who Started Treatment on the Same-Day of HIV Diagnosis in Ethiopia: A Multicenter Observational Study. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2021; 13:983-991. [PMID: 34785956 PMCID: PMC8590980 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s337073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Ahmed
- University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Ismael Ahmed Tel +251911126852 Email
| | - Meaza Demissie
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Worku
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Salem Gugsa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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11
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Ahmed I, Demissie M, Worku A, Gugsa S, Berhane Y. Virologic outcomes of people living with human immunodeficiency virus who started antiretroviral treatment on the same-day of diagnosis in Ethiopia: A multicenter observational study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257059. [PMID: 34478438 PMCID: PMC8415611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There have been tremendous achievements in scaling-up antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), following universal "test and treat" policy implementation in low- and middle-income countries. However, its effects on virologic outcomes is not yet well investigated. We compared low viral load status in people living with HIV between those who were initiated on ART on the same-day and after 7 days of being diagnosed with HIV infection. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of persons age ≥15 years-old who were newly diagnosed and started on ART between October 2016 and July 2018 at 11 public health facilities in northwest Ethiopia. Exposure was initiation of ART on the same-day of HIV diagnosis. The outcome was low viral load at 12-months following ART initiation. We used double-robust estimator using inverse-probability-weighted regression adjustment to compare the groups. RESULTS A total of 398 people who started ART on the same-day of HIV diagnosis and 479 people who started 7 days after the initial diagnosis were included in this study. By 12-months following ART initiation, 73.4% (292) in the same-day group vs 83.7% (401) in the >7 days group achieved low viral load (absolute difference = 10.3% (95% CI: 4.9%, 15.8%)). After adjusting for baseline and follow-up covariates, there was statistically significant difference in low viral load status (adjusted difference = 8.3% (95% CI: 3.5%, 13.0%)) between the same-day group and the >7 days group. CONCLUSIONS Achievement of low viral load by 12-months post-initiation of ART was not optimal among participants who started ART on the same-day of HIV diagnosis. Efforts should be made to reinforce treatment adherence while initiating same-day ART.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meaza Demissie
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Worku
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Salem Gugsa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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