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Pfledderer CD, von Klinggraeff L, Burkart S, da Silva Bandeira A, Lubans DR, Jago R, Okely AD, van Sluijs EMF, Ioannidis JPA, Thrasher JF, Li X, Beets MW. Consolidated guidance for behavioral intervention pilot and feasibility studies. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:57. [PMID: 38582840 PMCID: PMC10998328 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01485-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the behavioral sciences, conducting pilot and/or feasibility studies (PFS) is a key step that provides essential information used to inform the design, conduct, and implementation of a larger-scale trial. There are more than 160 published guidelines, reporting checklists, frameworks, and recommendations related to PFS. All of these publications offer some form of guidance on PFS, but many focus on one or a few topics. This makes it difficult for researchers wanting to gain a broader understanding of all the relevant and important aspects of PFS and requires them to seek out multiple sources of information, which increases the risk of missing key considerations to incorporate into their PFS. The purpose of this study was to develop a consolidated set of considerations for the design, conduct, implementation, and reporting of PFS for interventions conducted in the behavioral sciences. METHODS To develop this consolidation, we undertook a review of the published guidance on PFS in combination with expert consensus (via a Delphi study) from the authors who wrote such guidance to inform the identified considerations. A total of 161 PFS-related guidelines, checklists, frameworks, and recommendations were identified via a review of recently published behavioral intervention PFS and backward/forward citation tracking of a well-known PFS literature (e.g., CONSORT Ext. for PFS). Authors of all 161 PFS publications were invited to complete a three-round Delphi survey, which was used to guide the creation of a consolidated list of considerations to guide the design, conduct, and reporting of PFS conducted by researchers in the behavioral sciences. RESULTS A total of 496 authors were invited to take part in the three-round Delphi survey (round 1, N = 46; round 2, N = 24; round 3, N = 22). A set of twenty considerations, broadly categorized into six themes (intervention design, study design, conduct of trial, implementation of intervention, statistical analysis, and reporting) were generated from a review of the 161 PFS-related publications as well as a synthesis of feedback from the three-round Delphi process. These 20 considerations are presented alongside a supporting narrative for each consideration as well as a crosswalk of all 161 publications aligned with each consideration for further reading. CONCLUSION We leveraged expert opinion from researchers who have published PFS-related guidelines, checklists, frameworks, and recommendations on a wide range of topics and distilled this knowledge into a valuable and universal resource for researchers conducting PFS. Researchers may use these considerations alongside the previously published literature to guide decisions about all aspects of PFS, with the hope of creating and disseminating interventions with broad public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Pfledderer
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in Austin, Austin, TX, 78701, USA.
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in Austin, Austin, TX, 78701, USA.
| | | | - Sarah Burkart
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29205, USA
| | | | - David R Lubans
- College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle Australia, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Russell Jago
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Anthony D Okely
- Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | | | - John P A Ioannidis
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - James F Thrasher
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29205, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29205, USA
| | - Michael W Beets
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29205, USA
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Clouse K, Noholoza S, Madwayi S, Mrubata M, Robbins NN, Camlin CS, Myer L, Phillips TK. Peripartum mobility and maternal/child separation among women living with HIV in South Africa. AIDS Care 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38176056 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2299745] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
This prospective cohort study investigated the mobility patterns of 200 pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in South Africa. Participants were enrolled during their third trimester from routine antenatal care near Cape Town, South Africa, and followed for six months postpartum. Quantitative data were collected at enrollment and follow-up. Mobility (self-reported) was common among the participants, despite the brief study period and the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic. While most reported stability in their current residence, 71% had a second main residence, primarily in the Eastern Cape (EC). Participants had a median of two lifetime moves, motivated by work, education, and family life. During the study period, 20% of participants met the study definition of travel (>7 days and >50 km), with trips predominantly to the EC, lasting a median duration of 30 days. Over one-third of participants with other living children reported that these children lived apart from them, with the mother's family being primary caregivers. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to support continuity of care for mobile populations, particularly peripartum women living with HIV. The study contributes valuable insights into mobility dynamics and highlights unique barriers faced by this population, contributing to improved HIV care in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Clouse
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sandisiwe Noholoza
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sindiswa Madwayi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Megan Mrubata
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Natalie N Robbins
- Vanderbilt Institute for Spatial Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carol S Camlin
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tamsin K Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Pfledderer CD, von Klinggraeff L, Burkart S, da Silva Bandeira A, Lubans DR, Jago R, Okely AD, van Sluijs EM, Ioannidis JP, Thrasher JF, Li X, Beets MW. Expert Perspectives on Pilot and Feasibility Studies: A Delphi Study and Consolidation of Considerations for Behavioral Interventions. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3370077. [PMID: 38168263 PMCID: PMC10760234 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3370077/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background In the behavioral sciences, conducting pilot and/or feasibility studies (PFS) is a key step that provides essential information used to inform the design, conduct, and implementation of a larger-scale trial. There are more than 160 published guidelines, reporting checklists, frameworks, and recommendations related to PFS. All of these publications offer some form of guidance on PFS, but many focus on one or a few topics. This makes it difficult for researchers wanting to gain a broader understanding of all the relevant and important aspects of PFS and requires them to seek out multiple sources of information, which increases the risk of missing key considerations to incorporate into their PFS. The purpose of this study was to develop a consolidated set of considerations for the design, conduct, implementation, and reporting of PFS for interventions conducted in the behavioral sciences. Methods To develop this consolidation, we undertook a review of the published guidance on PFS in combination with expert consensus (via a Delphi study) from the authors who wrote such guidance to inform the identified considerations. A total of 161 PFS-related guidelines, checklists, frameworks, and recommendations were identified via a review of recently published behavioral intervention PFS and backward/forward citation tracking of well-know PFS literature (e.g., CONSORT Ext. for PFS). Authors of all 161 PFS publications were invited to complete a three-round Delphi survey, which was used to guide the creation of a consolidated list of considerations to guide the design, conduct, and reporting of PFS conducted by researchers in the behavioral sciences. Results A total of 496 authors were invited to take part in the Delphi survey, 50 (10.1%) of which completed all three rounds, representing 60 (37.3%) of the 161 identified PFS-related guidelines, checklists, frameworks, and recommendations. A set of twenty considerations, broadly categorized into six themes (Intervention Design, Study Design, Conduct of Trial, Implementation of Intervention, Statistical Analysis and Reporting) were generated from a review of the 161 PFS-related publications as well as a synthesis of feedback from the three-round Delphi process. These 20 considerations are presented alongside a supporting narrative for each consideration as well as a crosswalk of all 161 publications aligned with each consideration for further reading. Conclusion We leveraged expert opinion from researchers who have published PFS-related guidelines, checklists, frameworks, and recommendations on a wide range of topics and distilled this knowledge into a valuable and universal resource for researchers conducting PFS. Researchers may use these considerations alongside the previously published literature to guide decisions about all aspects of PFS, with the hope of creating and disseminating interventions with broad public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Burkart
- University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health
| | | | | | - Russ Jago
- University of Bristol Population Health Sciences
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoming Li
- University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health
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Udenigwe O, Omonaiye O, Yaya S. Gender transformative approaches in mHealth for maternal healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1263488. [PMID: 38026837 PMCID: PMC10662097 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1263488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This review focuses on studies about digital health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. Digital health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly adopting gender-transformative approaches to address factors that derail women's access to maternal healthcare services. However, there remains a paucity of synthesized evidence on gender-transformative digital health programs for maternal healthcare and the corresponding research, program and policy implications. Therefore, this systematic review aims to synthesize evidence of approaches to transformative gender integration in digital health programs (specifically mHealth) for maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa. Method The following key terms "mobile health", "gender", "maternal health", "sub-Saharan Africa" were used to conduct electronic searches in the following databases: PsycInfo, EMBASE, Medline (OVID), CINAHL, and Global Health databases. The method and results are reported as consistent with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Data synthesis followed a convergent approach for mixed-method systematic review recommended by the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute). Results Of the 394 studies retrieved from the databases, 11 were included in the review. Out of these, six studies were qualitative in nature, three were randomized control trials, and two were mixed-method studies. Findings show that gender transformative programs addressed one or more of the following categories: (1) gender norms/roles/relations, (2) women's specific needs, (3) causes of gender-based health inequities, (4) ways to transform harmful gender norms, (5) promoting gender equality, (6) progressive changes in power relationships between women and men. The most common mHealth delivery system was text messages via short message service on mobile phones. The majority of mHealth programs for maternal healthcare were focused on reducing unintended pregnancies through the promotion of contraceptive use. The most employed gender transformative approach was a focus on women's specific needs. Conclusion Findings from gender transformative mHealth programs indicate positive results overall. Those reporting negative results indicated the need for a more explicit focus on gender in mHealth programs. Highlighting gender transformative approaches adds to discussions on how best to promote mHealth for maternal health through a gender transformative lens and provides evidence relevant to policy and research. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42023346631.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogochukwu Udenigwe
- School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Olumuyiwa Omonaiye
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research—Eastern Health Partnership, Eastern Health, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Clouse K, Noholoza S, Madwayi S, Mrubata M, Camlin CS, Myer L, Phillips TK. The Implementation of a GPS-Based Location-Tracking Smartphone App in South Africa to Improve Engagement in HIV Care: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e44945. [PMID: 37204838 PMCID: PMC10238954 DOI: 10.2196/44945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health interventions are common in public health settings in Africa, and our preliminary work showed that smartphones are increasing in South Africa. We developed a novel smartphone app-CareConekta-that used GPS location data to characterize personal mobility to improve engagement in HIV care among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in South Africa. The app also used the user's location to map nearby clinics. OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of using the app in a real-world setting. METHODS We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial at a public sector clinic near Cape Town, South Africa. We enrolled 200 pregnant (third trimester) women living with HIV who owned a smartphone that met the required specifications. All participants installed the app, designed to collect 2 GPS heartbeats per day to geolocate the participant within a random 1-km fuzzy radius (for privacy). We randomized (1:1) participants to a control arm to receive the app with no additional support or an intervention arm to receive supportive phone calls, WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc) messages, or both from the study team when traveling >50 km from the study area for >7 days. In addition to mobility data collected daily through the phone, participants completed questionnaires at enrollment and follow-up (approximately 6 months post partum). RESULTS A total of 7 participants were withdrawn at enrollment or shortly after because of app installation failure (6/200, 3%) or changing to an unsuitable phone (1/200, 0.50%). During the study period, no participant's smartphone recorded at least 1 heartbeat per day, which was our primary feasibility measure. Of the 171 participants who completed follow-up, only half (91/171, 53.2%) reported using the same phone as that used at enrollment, with the CareConekta app still installed on the phone and GPS usually enabled. The top reasons reported for the lack of heartbeat data were not having mobile data, uninstalling the app, and no longer having a smartphone. Acceptability measures were positive, but participants at follow-up demonstrated a lack of understanding of the app's purpose and function. The clinic finder was a popular feature. Owing to the lack of consistent GPS heartbeats throughout the study, we were unable to assess the efficacy of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Several key challenges impeded our study feasibility. Although the app was designed to reverse bill participants for any data use, the lack of mobile data was a substantial barrier to our study success. Participants reported purchasing WhatsApp data, which could not support the app. Problems with the web-based dashboard meant that we could not consistently monitor mobility. Our study provides important lessons about implementing an ambitious GPS-based study under real-world conditions in a limited-resource setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03836625; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03836625. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s13063-020-4190-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Clouse
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Sandisiwe Noholoza
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sindiswa Madwayi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Megan Mrubata
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carol S Camlin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tamsin K Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Lippman SA, de Kadt J, Ratlhagana MJ, Agnew E, Gilmore H, Sumitani J, Grignon J, Gutin SA, Shade SB, Gilvydis JM, Tumbo J, Barnhart S, Steward WT. Impact of short message service and peer navigation on linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy initiation in South Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:647-657. [PMID: 36468499 PMCID: PMC9994809 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examine the efficacy of short message service (SMS) and SMS with peer navigation (SMS + PN) in improving linkage to HIV care and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). DESIGN I-Care was a cluster randomized trial conducted in primary care facilities in North West Province, South Africa. The primary study outcome was retention in HIV care; this analysis includes secondary outcomes: linkage to care and ART initiation. METHODS Eighteen primary care clinics were randomized to automated SMS ( n = 7), automated and tailored SMS + PN ( n = 7), or standard of care (SOC; n = 4). Recently HIV diagnosed adults ( n = 752) were recruited from October 2014 to April 2015. Those not previously linked to care ( n = 352) contributed data to this analysis. Data extracted from clinical records were used to assess the days that elapsed between diagnosis and linkage to care and ART initiation. Cox proportional hazards models and generalized estimating equations were employed to compare outcomes between trial arms, overall and stratified by sex and pregnancy status. RESULTS Overall, SMS ( n = 132) and SMS + PN ( n = 133) participants linked at 1.28 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.61] and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.29-1.99) times the rate of SOC participants ( n = 87), respectively. SMS + PN significantly improved time to ART initiation among non-pregnant women (hazards ratio: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.25-2.25) and men (hazards ratio: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.03-3.26) as compared with SOC. CONCLUSION Results suggest SMS and peer navigation services significantly reduce time to linkage to HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa and that SMS + PN reduced time to ART initiation among men and non-pregnant women. Both should be considered candidates for integration into national programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02417233, registered 12 December 2014; closed to accrual 17 April 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri A. Lippman
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julia de Kadt
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Mary J. Ratlhagana
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Emily Agnew
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hailey Gilmore
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeri Sumitani
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Jessica Grignon
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah A. Gutin
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Starley B. Shade
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Gilvydis
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - John Tumbo
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Scott Barnhart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wayne T. Steward
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Improved virologic outcomes in postpartum women living with HIV referred to differentiated models of care. AIDS 2022; 36:2203-2211. [PMID: 36111547 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models are used to deliver antiretroviral therapy (ART) but data are limited in postpartum women, who are at high risk of non-adherence and elevated viral load (VL) over the extended postpartum period. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. METHODS We enrolled consecutive postpartum women who initiated ART during pregnancy and met local DSD eligibility (clinically stable, VL less than 400 copies/ml) at a large primary healthcare (PHC) clinic. Women were randomized to a community-based 'adherence club' (AC, the local DSD model: community health worker-led groups of 20-30 patients with ART dispensing at a community venue) or routine PHC clinics (local standard of care with nurse/doctor-led services). Follow-up visits with VL separate from routine care took place at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postpartum. Endpoints were time to VL of at least 1000 copies/ml (primary) and VL of at least 50 copies/ml (secondary) by intention-to-treat. RESULTS At enrolment ( n = 409), the median duration postpartum was 10 days, all women had a VL less than 1000 copies/ml and 88% had a VL less than 50 copies/ml; baseline characteristics did not differ by arm. Twenty-four-month retention was 89%. Sixteen and 29% of women in AC experienced a VL of at least 1000 copies/ml by 12 and 24 months, compared to 23 and 37% in PHC, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50-1.01). Thirty-two and 44% of women in ACs had a VL of at least 50 copies/ml by 12 and 24 months, compared to 42 and 56% in PHC, respectively (HR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.51-0.91). CONCLUSIONS Early DSD referral was associated with reduced viraemia through 24 months postpartum and may be an important strategy to improve maternal virologic outcomes.
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Clouse K, Noholoza S, Ngcobo N, Madwayi S, Mrubata M, Camlin CS, Myer L, Phillips TK. Cohort profile: CareConekta: a pilot study of a smartphone application to improve engagement in postpartum HIV care in South Africa. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064946. [PMID: 36414286 PMCID: PMC9685000 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in South Africa are at high risk of dropping out of care, particularly after delivery. Population mobility may contribute to disruptions in HIV care, and postpartum women are known to be especially mobile. To improve engagement in HIV care during the peripartum period, we developed CareConekta, a smartphone application (app) that uses GPS coordinates to characterise mobility and allow for real-time intervention. We conducted a randomised controlled pilot study to assess feasibility, acceptability and initial efficacy of the app intervention to improve engagement in HIV care. This cohort profile describes participant enrolment and follow-up, describes the data collected and provides participant characteristics. PARTICIPANTS We enrolled 200 pregnant women living with HIV attending routine antenatal care at the Gugulethu Midwife Obstetric Unit in Cape Town, South Africa. Eligible women must have owned smartphones that met the app's technical requirements. Seven participants were withdrawn near enrolment, leaving 193 in the cohort. FINDINGS TO DATE Data were collected from detailed participant questionnaires at enrolment and follow-up (6 months after delivery), as well as GPS data from the app, and medical records. Follow-up is complete; initial analyses have explored smartphone ownership, preferences and patterns of use among women screened for eligibility and those enrolled in the study. FUTURE PLANS Additional planned analyses will characterise mobility in the population using the phone GPS data and participant self-reported data. We will assess the impact of mobility on engagement in care for the mother and infant. We also will describe the acceptability and feasibility of the study, including operational lessons learnt. By linking this cohort to the National Health Laboratory Service National HIV Cohort in South Africa, we will continue to assess engagement in care and mobility outcomes for years to come. Collaborations are welcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03836625.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Clouse
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sandisiwe Noholoza
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nkosinathi Ngcobo
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sindiswa Madwayi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Megan Mrubata
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carol S Camlin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tamsin K Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Nalubega S, Osuwat LO, Agyeiwaa PB, Evans C, Matovu JB. The practice of pilot/feasibility studies in informing the conduct of HIV related clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 29:100959. [PMID: 35865280 PMCID: PMC9294242 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100959] [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: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pilot/feasibility studies represent a fundamental phase of the research process and play a vital role in the preliminary planning of a full size HIV clinical trial. Published HIV clinical trial protocols were reviewed to establish the extent to which the proposed HIV clinical trials are informed by a prior pilot/feasibility study. Methods The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was followed. Six databases were systematically searched to identify articles for inclusion. Results Thirty two (32) published HIV study protocols were included. Articles were in the English language and were published in the past 10 years (2011-2020). The review results showed that the majority of HIV-related clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa were not informed by pilot/feasibility studies. The results further indicated that the number of HIV clinical trials informed by a pilot/feasibility study have been on the increase in the 8 years' period since 2012, a trend that indicates positive uptake of pilot studies in HIV related studies. A few select countries (South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Kenya) comprised more than 70% of all clinical trials that were informed by a pilot/feasibility study, conducted in sub Saharan Africa. Conclusions Although there is an increasing interest among researchers to integrate pilot/feasibility studies in HIV related research, limited countries in sub-Saharan Africa appear to have embraced this trend. Strategies that can motivate researchers to engage in a culture of incorporating pilot/feasibility studies in HIV related research should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylivia Nalubega
- School of Health Sciences, Soroti University, Soroti, Uganda
- Corresponding author. Soroti University, School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Uganda.
| | | | - Poku Brenda Agyeiwaa
- School of Sociology and Socio Policy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Catrin Evans
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- University of Nottingham Center for Evidence Based Healthcare, United Kingdom
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Khalifa A, Findley S, Gummerson E, Mantell JE, Hakim AJ, Philip NM, Ginindza C, Hassani AS, Hong SY, Jalloh MF, Kirungi WL, Maile L, Mgomella GS, Miller LA, Minchella P, Mutenda N, Njau P, Schwitters A, Ward J, Low A. Associations Between Mobility, Food Insecurity, and Transactional Sex Among Women in Cohabitating Partnerships: An Analysis From 6 African Countries 2016-2017. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:388-398. [PMID: 35389376 PMCID: PMC9909688 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002995] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile women are at risk of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa, although we lack evidence for HIV risk among women in mobile partnerships, especially in the context of household food insecurity, a growing concern in the region. SETTING Women aged 15-59 years with a cohabitating male partner who participated in population-based HIV impact assessment surveys in Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. METHODS We evaluated the association between women's and their partner's mobility (being away from home for more than 1 month or staying elsewhere) and transactional sex (selling sex or receiving money or goods in exchange for sex). We examined associations for effect measure modification by food insecurity level in the household in the past month. We used survey-weighted logistic regression, pooled and by country, adjusting for individual, partner, and household-level variables. RESULTS Among women with a cohabitating male partner, 8.0% reported transactional sex, ranging from 2.7% in Lesotho to 13.4% in Uganda. Women's mobility [aOR 1.35 (95% CI: 1.08 to 1.68)], but not their partner's mobility [aOR 0.91 (0.74-1.12)], was associated with transactional sex. Food insecurity was associated with transactional sex independent of mobility [aOR 1.29 (1.10-1.52)]. Among those who were food insecure, mobility was not associated with increased odds of transactional sex. CONCLUSION Food insecurity and women's mobility each increased the odds of transactional sex. Because transactional sex is associated with HIV risk, prevention programs can address the needs of mobile and food-insecure women, including those in cohabitating relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleya Khalifa
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York USA
| | - Sally Findley
- Population & Family Health Department, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York USA
| | | | - Joanne E. Mantell
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Avi J. Hakim
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | | | | | - Ahmed Saadani Hassani
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Steven Y. Hong
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Prosper Njau
- National AIDS Control Programme, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Jennifer Ward
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrea Low
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York USA
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11
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Udenigwe O, Yaya S. Leaving no woman or girl behind? Inclusion and participation in digital maternal health programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Reprod Health 2022; 19:54. [PMID: 35227260 PMCID: PMC8884409 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01358-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Across sub-Saharan Africa where access to adequate maternal healthcare is fraught with myriad challenges, especially for hard-to-reach populations, digital health technologies offer opportunities to improve maternal health outcomes. Digital health can circumvent inefficiencies in the traditional healthcare system and address challenges such as limited access to in-person medical consultations, and poor access to skilled birth attendants and health promotion activities. These benefits notwithstanding, digital health can be exclusionary. Too often, digital maternal health programs are not designed with a focus on equity in distribution nor are they designed from a gender equity standpoint. In this paper, we illustrate exclusionary practices of digital health programs through an extensive literature review of digital maternal health programs across sub-Saharan Africa. Taking an intersectional approach, we discuss how women are most vulnerable and excluded at the intersection of gender, literacy, and disability. Tackling exclusionary practices in digital health is crucial to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogochukwu Udenigwe
- School of International Development and Global Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Bernardo EL, Nhampossa T, Clouse K, Carlucci JG, Fernández-Luis S, Fuente-Soro L, Nhacolo A, Sidat M, Naniche D, Moon TD. Patterns of mobility and its impact on retention in care among people living with HIV in the Manhiça District, Mozambique. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250844. [PMID: 34019556 PMCID: PMC8139482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Retention in HIV care is a challenge in Mozambique. Mozambique´s southern provinces have the highest mobility levels of the country. Mobility may result in poorer response to HIV care and treatment initiatives. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey to explore the impact of mobility on retention for HIV-positive adults on ART presenting to the clinic in December 2017 and January 2018. Survey data were linked to participant clinical records from the HIV care and treatment program. This study took place in Manhiça District, southern Mozambique. We enrolled self-identified migrants (moved outside of Manhiça District ≤12 months prior to survey) and non-migrants, matched by age and sex. Results 390 HIV-positive adults were included. We found frequent movement: 45% of migrants reported leaving the district 3–5 times over the past 12 months, usually for extended stays. South Africa was the most common destination (71%). Overall, 30% of participants had at least one delay (15–60 days) in ART pick-up and 11% were delayed >60 days, though no significant difference was seen between mobile and non-mobile cohorts. Few migrants accessed care while traveling. Conclusion Our population of mobile and non-mobile participants showed frequent lapses in ART pick-up. Mobility could be for extended time periods and HIV care frequently did not continue at the destination. Studies are needed to evaluate the impact of Mozambique´s approach of providing 3-months ART among mobile populations and barriers to care while traveling, as is better education on how and where to access care when traveling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson L. Bernardo
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Tacilta Nhampossa
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
- National Institute of Health of Mozambique, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Kate Clouse
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - James G. Carlucci
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sheila Fernández-Luis
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Fuente-Soro
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Mohsin Sidat
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Denise Naniche
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona, Spain
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Scaling up public mental health care in Sub-Saharan Africa: insights from infectious disease. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2021; 8:e41. [PMID: 34868611 PMCID: PMC8607303 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2021.41] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Models estimate that the disability burden from mental disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) will more than double in the next 40 years. Similar to HIV, mental disorders are stigmatized in many SSA settings and addressing them requires community engagement and long-term treatment. Yet, in contrast to HIV, the public mental healthcare cascade has not been sustained, despite robust data on scalable strategies. We draw on findings from our International AIDS Society (IAS) 2020 virtual workshop and make recommendations for next steps in the scale up of the SSA public mental healthcare continuum. DISCUSSION Early HIV surveillance and care cascade targets are discussed as important strategies for HIV response in SSA that should be adopted for mental health. Advocacy, including engagement with civil society, and targeted economic arguments to policymakers, are reviewed in the context of HIV success in SSA. Parallel opportunities for mental disorders are identified. Learning from HIV, communication of strategies that advance mental health care needs in SSA must be prioritized for broad global audiences. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic is setting off a colossal escalation of global mental health care needs, well-publicized across scientific, media, policymaker, and civil society domains. The pandemic highlights disparities in healthcare access and reinvigorates the push for universal coverage. Learning from HIV strategies, we must seize this historical moment to improve the public mental health care cascade in SSA and capitalize on the powerful alliances ready to be forged. As noted by Ambassador Goosby in our AIDS 2020 workshop, 'The time is now'.
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