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Winters S, Sabasaba A, Fahey CA, Packel L, Katabaro E, Ndungile Y, Njau PF, McCoy SI. Increased prevalence of depression and anxiety among adults initiating antiretroviral therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shinyanga region, Tanzania. AIDS Res Ther 2023; 20:36. [PMID: 37301833 PMCID: PMC10256977 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00534-y] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns about the interconnected relationship between HIV and mental health were heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed whether there were temporal changes in the mental health status of people living with HIV presenting for care in Shinyanga region, Tanzania. Specifically, we compared the prevalence of depression and anxiety before and during COVID-19, with the goal of describing the changing needs, if any, to person-centered HIV services. METHODS We analyzed baseline data from two randomized controlled trials of adults initiating ART in Shinyanga region, Tanzania between April-December 2018 (pre-COVID-19 period, n = 530) and May 2021-March 2022 (COVID-19 period, n = 542), respectively. We compared three mental health indicators that were similarly measured in both surveys: loss of interest in things, hopelessness about the future, and uncontrolled worrying. We also examined depression and anxiety which were measured using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 in the pre-COVID-19 period and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 in the COVID-19 period, respectively, and classified as binary indicators per each scale's threshold. We estimated prevalence differences (PD) in adverse mental health status before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, using stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting to adjust for underlying differences in the two study populations. RESULTS We found significant temporal increases in the prevalence of feeling 'a lot' and 'extreme' loss of interest in things ['a lot' PD: 38, CI 34,41; 'extreme' PD: 9, CI 8,12)], hopelessness about the future [' a lot' PD: 46, CI 43,49; 'extreme' PD: 4, CI 3,6], and uncontrolled worrying [' a lot' PD: 34, CI 31,37; 'extreme' PD: 2, CI 0,4] during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also found substantially higher prevalence of depression [PD: 38, CI 34,42] and anxiety [PD: 41, CI 37,45]. CONCLUSIONS After applying a quasi-experimental weighting approach, the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among those starting ART during COVID-19 was much higher than before the pandemic. Although depression and anxiety were measured using different, validated scales, the concurrent increases in similarly measured mental health indicators lends confidence to these findings and warrants further research to assess the possible influence of COVID-19 on mental health among adults living with HIV. Trial Registration NCT03351556, registered November 24, 2017; NCT04201353, registered December 17, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solis Winters
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, 94704, USA.
| | - Amon Sabasaba
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Carolyn A Fahey
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Laura Packel
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, 94704, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sandra I McCoy
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, 94704, USA
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Jennings L, West RL, Halim N, Kaiser JL, Gwadz M, MacLeod WB, Gifford AL, Haberer JE, Orrell C, Sabin LL. Protocol for an evaluation of adherence monitoring and support interventions among people initiating antiretroviral therapy in Cape Town, South Africa-a multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) approach using a fractional factorial design. Trials 2023; 24:310. [PMID: 37147725 PMCID: PMC10163747 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa bears a large HIV burden with 7.8 million people with HIV (PWH). However, due to suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and retention in care, only 66% of PWH in South Africa are virally suppressed. Standard care only allows for suboptimal adherence detection when routine testing indicates unsuppressed virus. Several adherence interventions are known to improve HIV outcomes, yet few are implemented in routinely due to the resources required. Therefore, determining scalable evidence-based adherence support interventions for resource-limited settings (RLS) is a priority. The multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework allows for simultaneous evaluation of multiple intervention components and their interactions. We propose to use MOST to identify the intervention combination with the highest levels of efficacy and cost-effectiveness that is feasible and acceptable in primary care clinics in Cape Town. METHODS We will employ a fractional factorial design to identify the most promising intervention components for inclusion in a multi-component intervention package to be tested in a future randomized controlled trial. We will recruit 512 participants initiating ART between March 2022 and February 2024 in three Cape Town clinics and evaluate acceptability, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of intervention combinations. Participants will be randomized to one of 16 conditions with different combinations of three adherence monitoring components: rapid outreach following (1) unsuppressed virus, (2) missed pharmacy refill collection, and/or (3) missed doses as detected by an electronic adherence monitoring device; and two adherence support components: (1) weekly check-in texts and (2) enhanced peer support. We will assess viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) at 24 months as the primary outcome; acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and other implementation outcomes; and cost-effectiveness. We will use logistic regression models to estimate intervention effects with an intention-to-treat approach, employ descriptive statistics to assess implementation outcomes, and determine an optimal intervention package. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, ours will be the first study to use the MOST framework to determine the most effective combination of HIV adherence monitoring and support intervention components for implementation in clinics in a RLS. Our findings will provide direction for pragmatic, ongoing adherence support that will be key to ending the HIV epidemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05040841. Registered on 10 September 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jennings
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine and the Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Rebecca L West
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nafisa Halim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeanette L Kaiser
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marya Gwadz
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - William B MacLeod
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Allen L Gifford
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Talbot Building, T348W, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine and the Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lora L Sabin
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Hémono R, Mnyippembe A, Kalinjila A, Msoma J, Prata N, Dow WH, Snell-Rood C, Sabasaba A, Njau P, McCoy SI. Risks of Intimate Partner Violence for Women Living with HIV Receiving Cash Transfers: A Qualitative Study in Shinyanga, Tanzania. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-03997-2. [PMID: 36692608 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03997-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cash transfers are increasingly used to motivate adherence to HIV care. However, evidence on cash transfers and intimate partner violence (IPV) is mixed and little is known about their safety for women living with HIV. We conducted in-depth interviews with women living with HIV who participated in a randomized trial providing 6 months of cash transfers (~$4.5 or $11 USD) conditional on HIV clinic attendance in Shinyanga, Tanzania to assess how receiving cash affects IPV and relationship dynamics. Eligible participants were 18-49 years, received cash transfers, and in a partnership at baseline. Data were analyzed in Dedoose using a combined inductive-deductive coding approach. 25 interviews were conducted between November 2019-February 2020. Women's employment was found to be a source of household tension and violence. None of the participants reported physical or sexual IPV in relation to cash transfers, however, some women experienced controlling behaviors or emotional violence including accusations and withholding of money, particularly those who were unemployed. Cash transfers were predominantly used for small household expenses and were not viewed as being substantial enough to shift the financial dynamic or balance of power within relationships. Our findings suggest that small, short-term cash transfers do not increase physical or sexual IPV for women living with HIV however can exacerbate controlling behaviors or emotional violence. Modest incentives used as a behavioral nudge to improve health outcomes may affect women differently than employment or larger cash transfers. Nonetheless, consultations with beneficiaries should be prioritized to protect women from potential IPV risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Hémono
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, 94704, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - Jesca Msoma
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ndola Prata
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, 94704, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - William H Dow
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, 94704, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Claire Snell-Rood
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, 94704, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Amon Sabasaba
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Prosper Njau
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- The United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Sandra I McCoy
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, 94704, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Pyra M, Motley D, Bouris A. Moving toward equity: fostering transdisciplinary research between the social and behavioral sciences and implementation science to end the HIV epidemic. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2022; 17:89-99. [PMID: 35225249 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, social and behavioral scientists have developed interventions to stem the spread of the virus. The dissemination of these interventions has traditionally been a lengthy process; however, implementation science (IS) offers a route toward hastening delivery of effective interventions. A transdisciplinary approach, wherein IS informs and is informed by social and behavioral sciences (SBS) as well as community participation, offers a strategy for more efficiently moving toward health equity and ending the HIV epidemic. RECENT FINDINGS There has been considerable growth in HIV research utilizing IS theories, methods and frameworks. Many of these studies have been multi or interdisciplinary in nature, demonstrating the ways that IS and SBS can strengthen one another. We also find areas for continued progress toward transdisciplinarity. SUMMARY We review literature from 2020 to 2021, exploring the ways IS and SBS have been used in tandem to develop, evaluate and disseminate HIV interventions. We highlight the interplay between disciplines and make a case for moving toward transdisciplinarity, which would yield new, integrated frameworks that can improve prevention and treatment efforts, moving us closer to achieving health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pyra
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago
- Howard Brown Health Center
| | - Darnell Motley
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago
| | - Alida Bouris
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Fahey CA, Wei L, Njau PF, Shabani S, Kwilasa S, Maokola W, Packel L, Zheng Z, Wang J, McCoy SI. Machine learning with routine electronic medical record data to identify people at high risk of disengagement from HIV care in Tanzania. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000720. [PMID: 36962586 PMCID: PMC10021592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Machine learning methods for health care delivery optimization have the potential to improve retention in HIV care, a critical target of global efforts to end the epidemic. However, these methods have not been widely applied to medical record data in low- and middle-income countries. We used an ensemble decision tree approach to predict risk of disengagement from HIV care (missing an appointment by ≥28 days) in Tanzania. Our approach used routine electronic medical records (EMR) from the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation through 24 months of follow-up for 178 adults (63% female). We compared prediction accuracy when using EMR-based predictors alone and in combination with sociodemographic survey data collected by a research study. Models that included only EMR-based indicators and incorporated changes across past clinical visits achieved a mean accuracy of 75.2% for predicting risk of disengagement in the next 6 months, with a mean sensitivity of 54.7% for targeting the 30% highest-risk individuals. Additionally including survey-based predictors only modestly improved model performance. The most important variables for prediction were time-varying EMR indicators including changes in treatment status, body weight, and WHO clinical stage. Machine learning methods applied to existing EMR data in resource-constrained settings can predict individuals' future risk of disengagement from HIV care, potentially enabling better targeting and efficiency of interventions to promote retention in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Fahey
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Linqing Wei
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Laura Packel
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Zeyu Zheng
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Jingshen Wang
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Sandra I McCoy
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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Fahey CA, Njau PF, Kelly NK, Mfaume RS, Bradshaw PT, Dow WH, McCoy SI. Durability of effects from short-term economic incentives for clinic attendance among HIV positive adults in Tanzania: long-term follow-up of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-007248. [PMID: 34952856 PMCID: PMC8710859 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Conditional economic incentives are shown to promote medication adherence across a range of health conditions and settings; however, any long-term harms or benefits from these time-limited interventions remain largely unevaluated. We assessed 2–3 years outcomes from a 6-month incentive programme in Tanzania that originally improved short-term retention in HIV care and medication possession. Methods We traced former participants in a 2013–2016 trial, which randomised 800 food-insecure adults starting HIV treatment at three clinics to receive either usual care (control) or up to 6 months of cash or food transfers (~US$11/month) contingent on timely attendance at monthly clinic appointments. The primary intention-to-treat analysis estimated 24-month and 36-month marginal risk differences (RD) between incentive and control groups for retention in care and all-cause mortality, using multiple imputation for a minority of missing outcomes. We also estimated mortality HRs from time-stratified Cox regression. Results From 3 March 2018 to 19 September 2019, we determined 36-month retention and mortality statuses for 737 (92%) and 700 (88%) participants, respectively. Overall, approximately 660 (83%) participants were in care at 36 months while 43 (5%) had died. There were no differences between groups in retention at 24 months (86.5% intervention vs 84.4% control, RD 2.1, 95% CI −5.2 to 9.3) or 36 months (83.3% vs 77.8%, RD 5.6, –2.7 to 13.8), nor in mortality at either time point. The intervention group had a lower rate of death during the first 18 months (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.74); mortality was similar thereafter (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.33 to 3.79). Conclusion These findings confirm that incentives are a safe and effective tool to promote short-term adherence and potentially avert early deaths at the critical time of HIV treatment initiation. Complementary strategies are recommended to sustain lifelong retention in HIV care. Trial registration number NCT01957917
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Fahey
- Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA .,Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Prosper F Njau
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Nicole K Kelly
- Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.,Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rashid S Mfaume
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | | | - William H Dow
- Health Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Sandra I McCoy
- Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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Packel L, Fahey C, Kalinjila A, Mnyippembe A, Njau P, McCoy SI. Preparing a financial incentive program to improve retention in HIV care and viral suppression for scale: using an implementation science framework to evaluate an mHealth system in Tanzania. Implement Sci Commun 2021; 2:109. [PMID: 34556176 PMCID: PMC8461932 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-021-00214-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral suppression is key to ending the HIV epidemic, yet only 58% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa are suppressed. Cash transfers are an effective strategy to improve retention in care, but little is known about optimization of implementation; for example, designing effective programs that integrate into existing clinic workflows. We studied implementation of an mHealth system to deliver cash transfers to support retention. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods study assessing implementation of an mHealth cash transfer study. This was part of a larger, hybrid implementation-effectiveness randomized controlled trial evaluating cash transfers conditional on visit attendance for viral suppression among Tanzanian PLHIV initiating ART. An mHealth system using fingerprint identification and mobile payments was used to automatically disburse mobile money to eligible PLHIV. We used Proctor's framework, assessing implementation of the mHealth system from the perspectives of PLHIV and clinicians. We analyzed mHealth system data and conducted surveys (n = 530) and in-depth interviews (n = 25) with PLHIV, clinic and pharmacy staff (n = 10), and structured clinic observations (n = 2293 visits). RESULTS One thousand six hundred fifty-one cash transfers were delivered to 346 PLHIV in the cash arms, 78% through mobile money. Among those in the cash arms, 81% registered their mobile money account with the mHealth system by study end, signaling high adoption. While acceptability for fingerprinting and mobile payments was high among PLHIV, interviews revealed mixed views: some had privacy concerns while others felt the system was secure and accurate, and provided some legitimacy to the clinical visits. Pharmacists praised system efficiency, but concerns about duplicative recordkeeping and added work arose. Clinic staff voiced excitement for the system's potential to bring the cash program to all patients and simplify workflows; yet concerns about multiple systems, staffing, and intermittent connectivity tempered enthusiasm, highlighting structural issues beyond program scope. Structured observations revealed a steep learning curve; repeat fingerprint scans and manual entry declined as the system improved. CONCLUSIONS Biometric identification and mobile payments were acceptable to most patients and staff. Fingerprinting encountered some feasibility limitations in the first months of testing; however, mobile payments were highly successful. Biometric identification and mobile payments may provide a scalable mechanism to improve patient tracking and efficiently implement financial incentives in low-resource settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION Name of the registry: clinicaltrials.gov Trial registration number: NCT03351556 Date of registration: 11/24/2017 Checklists: StaRI (included with submission). Note CONSORT for cluster-randomized trials was used for the main trial but is not directly applicable to this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Packel
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Carolyn Fahey
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Prosper Njau
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,National AIDS Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Sandra I McCoy
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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