1
|
Guan M, Guan H. Associations between treatment burden, self-reported treatment qualities, antiretroviral therapy obtainment, and health-related quality of life among Ugandan PLWH. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2023; 21:25. [PMID: 37041641 PMCID: PMC10091552 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-023-00434-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding related risk factors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) could avoid treatment failure and provide an insight of personalized treatment approach among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with self-reported treatment qualities and domains of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among PLWH in Uganda. METHOD Data were from "Life on antiretroviral therapy: People's adaptive coping and adjustment to living with HIV as a chronic condition in Wakiso District, Uganda" in English. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to assess the HRQoL of 263 PLWH in the sample. Considering variance inflation factors, multiple regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between demographic factors, ART obtainment, treatment burden, and self-reported treatment qualities, associations between demographic factors, self-reported treatment qualities, and HRQoL, and association between ART obtainment and HRQoL. Controlling for the confounding effects, several regression anatomies were employed to explore the associations between self-reported treatment qualities and six domains of HRQoL. RESULTS In the sample, the geographical distribution were urban (5.70%), semi-urban (37.26%), and rural (57.03%). 67.30% of the participants were females. The mean age of the sample was 39.82 years (standard deviation = 9.76) ranging from 22 to 81 years. Multiple logistic regressions reported statistically significant associations of distance to ART facility with self-reported quality of services, advice, manners, and counseling, statistically significant association between self-reported manners quality and four domains of HRQoL, and statistically significant association between TASO membership and domains of HRQoL. Plots from regression anatomies reported that self-reported treatment qualities had statistically significant associations with six domains of HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS Treatment burden, self-reported treatment qualities, ART obtainment, and TASO were possible determinants of individual domains of HRQoL among PLWH in Uganda. PLWH's HRQoL might be improved by promoting medical quality and optimizing ART obtainment in the healthcare providers' practice. Findings in this study had important implications for the redesign of clinical guidelines, healthcare delivery, and health care co-ordination among PLWH globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Guan
- Family Issues Center, Xuchang University, Xuchang City, Henan province, China
- International Issues Center, Xuchang University, Xuchang City, Henan province, China
- School of Business, Xuchang University, Xuchang City, Henan province, China
| | - Hongyi Guan
- Middle School of Xuchang City, Grade 7 Class 18, No, Xuchang City, Henan province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carvalho PP, Cunha VFD, Scorsolini-Comin F. Religiosidade/Espiritualidade e Adesão à Terapia Antirretroviral em Pessoas Vivendo com HIV. PSICO-USF 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-82712022270104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Dentre os fatores associados à adesão à Terapia Antirretroviral (TARV) em pessoas vivendo com HIV, destaca-se a religiosidade/espiritualidade (R/E). O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar as evidências disponíveis sobre a relação entre a dimensão da R/E e a adesão aos antirretrovirais. Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa de literatura com buscas nas bases/bibliotecas CINAHL, LILACS, PePSIC, PsycINFO, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus e Web of Science. Foram selecionados artigos empíricos publicados entre janeiro de 2008 e junho de 2019, sendo recuperados 49 estudos após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão/exclusão. Encontraram-se associações positivas, negativas e neutras entre R/E e adesão à TARV, evidenciando que a R/E é uma dimensão psicossocial que pode ser preditora da adesão aos antirretrovirais. O sentido dessa influência, no entanto, ainda não é um consenso na literatura científica. Recomenda-se que essas influências sejam compreendidas a partir de elementos contextuais dessa população e não apenas de marcadores pessoais.
Collapse
|
3
|
Faris MAIE, Salem ML, Jahrami HA, Madkour MI, BaHammam AS. Ramadan intermittent fasting and immunity: An important topic in the era of COVID-19. Ann Thorac Med 2020; 15:125-133. [PMID: 32831933 PMCID: PMC7423203 DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_151_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
WITH the growing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, a parallel growing interest arose concerning potential preventive and adjunct therapies, dietary and lifestyle modifications, and remedies that may boost the immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, as Ramadan intermittent religious fasting that is practiced by about one and a half billion Muslims throughout the globe is coincide this year with COVID-19 pandemic, a growing debate rose concerning the expected impact of fasting during Ramadan month and the associated dietary and lifestyle behaviors on the body's immunity against the pandemic infection. Published literature was searched to find out how intermittent fasting (IF) and its model of Ramadan affect the various aspects related to the body's immunity against microbial infections. IF was found to impact immunity by changing different related elements, including oxidative stress and inflammation, metabolism, body weight, and body composition. Dietary and lifestyle modifications during Ramadan month and their impact on immunity, such as water intake and hydration status, sleep duration and timing, caloric intake and mealtime, and social and spirtual activities, were addressed. Further research is warranted to figure out how IF during ramadan affects immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mo'ez A-Islam E. Faris
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences/Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed L. Salem
- Immunology and Biotechnology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Haitham A. Jahrami
- Rehabilitation Services, Periphery Hospitals, Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain
- College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Mohamed I. Madkour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences/Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed S. BaHammam
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University Sleep Disorders Center, King Saud University, Reyad, Saudi Arabia
- The Strategic Technologies Program of the National Plan for Sciences and Technology and Innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Asfahan S, Chawla G, Dutt N. Ramadan and COVID-19: A Challenge amongst Challenges. Turk Thorac J 2020; 21:285-286. [PMID: 32530410 DOI: 10.5152/turkthoracj.2020.20076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shahir Asfahan
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Gopal Chawla
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Naveen Dutt
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Javanmard SH, Otroj Z. Ramadan Fasting and Risk of Covid-19. Int J Prev Med 2020; 11:60. [PMID: 32577190 PMCID: PMC7297426 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_236_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost all religions recommend periods of fasting. Many adult Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan each year. Ramadan fasting as a type of intermittent fasting is a non-pharmacological intervention refining the overall health. This year, Ramadan is coincided with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak making it one of the most challenging fasting periods for Muslims in the world. There is no solid direct evidence to suggest any adverse effect of Ramadan fasting during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthy individuals. However, there are exemptions in Ramadan Fasting and those at risk of health issues should not fast. COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited studies concerning its risk factors. The purpose of this review was shedding more light on the potential mechanisms involved in influence of practice of fasting in all forms, including Ramadan fasting on the vulnerability to infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Otroj
- Vice-Chancellery for Research and Technology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Adawi M, Watad A, Brown S, Aazza K, Aazza H, Zouhir M, Sharif K, Ghanayem K, Farah R, Mahagna H, Fiordoro S, Sukkar SG, Bragazzi NL, Mahroum N. Ramadan Fasting Exerts Immunomodulatory Effects: Insights from a Systematic Review. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1144. [PMID: 29230208 PMCID: PMC5712070 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims as a month of fasting. All Muslim adults are expected to fast; nevertheless certain subgroups, including sick, frail subjects, and pregnant women, among others, are exempted. Ramadan fasting has been shown to impact on body systems in different manners. The influence of Ramadan fasting on immune system regulation remains elusive; however, immune system changes, such as the modulation of body response to various infectious, stressful, and other harmful events, are of great interest during fasting. In this paper, we performed an extensive systematic literature review of different scholarly databases (ISI/Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed,/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, EbscoHOST, Scirus, Science Direct, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest), using the following key words: "fasting," "Ramadan," "Islam," and "immunity." Conclusions drawn from these findings included: (1) Ramadan fasting has been shown to only mildly influence the immune system and the alterations induced are transient, returning to basal pre-Ramadan status shortly afterward. (2) Ramadan fasting during the second trimester of pregnancy was shown to be safe and did not result in negative fetal outcomes, or maternal oxidative status alterations. (3) In cardiac patients, Ramadan fasting can have beneficial effects including lipid profile improvement and alleviation of oxidative stress. (4) In asthmatic patients as well as in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and autoimmune disorders, fasting was safe. (5) In psychiatric patients, such as those suffering from schizophrenia, fasting could increase immunologic markers. (6) Fasting Muslim athletes who maintain intensive training schedule during Ramadan showed fluctuations of immunologic markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Adawi
- Padeh and Ziv Hospitals, Bar-Ilan Faculty of Medicine, Zefat, Israel
| | - Abdulla Watad
- Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Stav Brown
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Khadija Aazza
- Faculty of Sciences Dhar Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Hicham Aazza
- Faculty of Literature and Humanistic Studies, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Zouhir
- Faculty of Literature and Humanistic Studies, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Kassem Sharif
- Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Khaled Ghanayem
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Raymond Farah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ziv Medical Center, Safed, Israel
| | - Hussein Mahagna
- Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Stefano Fiordoro
- Immunology Service, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Naim Mahroum
- Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Islamification of antiretroviral therapy: Reconciling HIV treatment and religion in northern Nigeria. Soc Sci Med 2017; 190:75-82. [PMID: 28843873 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Access and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) are essential to HIV treatment success and epidemic control. This article is about how HIV-positive Muslims and providers balance ART with religious tenets and obligations. I conducted 17 months of multi-site ethnographic research between 2007 and 2010, including participant-observation in an urban HIV clinic in Kano, Nigeria and a support group for people living with HIV, as well as in-depth interviews with 30 HIV-positive men and 30 key informants with caregiving, clinical, or policy roles related to HIV/AIDS. Patients migrated from Islamic prophetic medicine to ART when it became more widely available in the mid-2000s through the U.S. PEPFAR program. At the same time, a conceptual shift occurred away from considering HIV immediately curable through spiritual and herbal-based Islamic prophetic medicine toward considering HIV as a chronic infection that requires adherence to daily pill regimens. Hope for a complete cure and encouragement from some Islamic prophetic healers resulted in some patients forgoing ART. Patients and providers adapted biomedical treatment guidelines to minimize disruption to religious practices also considered essential to Muslims' wellbeing, irrespective of HIV status. Providers discouraged patients on second-line ART from fasting because such patients had fewer treatment options and, often, poorer health. However, patients' medication adherence was affected by the desire to fulfill fasting obligations and to avoid questions from family and friends unaware of their HIV-positive status. This study is one of few ethnographic accounts of HIV treatment in a Muslim-majority society and contributes to understanding the significance of religion for HIV treatment in northern Nigeria. It has implications for public health programming and clinical approaches to HIV treatment in medically pluralistic Muslim societies.
Collapse
|
8
|
Tymejczyk O, Hoffman S, Kulkarni SG, Gadisa T, Lahuerta M, Remien RH, Elul B, El-Sadr W, Melaku Z, Nash D. HIV Care and Treatment Beliefs among Patients Initiating Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) in Oromia, Ethiopia. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:998-1008. [PMID: 26346333 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1184-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
To better understand patient beliefs, which may influence adherence to HIV care and treatment, we examined three dimensions of beliefs among Ethiopian adults (n = 1177) initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Beliefs about benefits of ART/HIV clinical care were largely accurate, but few patients believed in the ability of ART to prevent sexual transmission and many thought Holy Water could cure HIV. Factors associated with lower odds of accurate beliefs included advanced HIV, lack of formal education, and Muslim religion (benefits of ART/clinical care); secondary or university education and more clinic visits (ART to prevent sexual transmission); and pregnancy and Orthodox Christian religion (Holy Water). Assessment of patient beliefs may help providers identify areas needing reinforcement. In this setting, counselors also need to stress the benefits of ART as prevention and that Holy Water should not be used to the exclusion of HIV care and ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Tymejczyk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Urban Public Health, Hunter College, City University of New York, 2180 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10035, USA.
| | - Susie Hoffman
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Gorrell Kulkarni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Urban Public Health, Hunter College, City University of New York, 2180 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10035, USA
| | - Tsigereda Gadisa
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Lahuerta
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert H Remien
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Batya Elul
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wafaa El-Sadr
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zenebe Melaku
- ICAP-Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Denis Nash
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Urban Public Health, Hunter College, City University of New York, 2180 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10035, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bragazzi NL, Briki W, Khabbache H, Rammouz I, Chamari K, Demaj T, Re TS, Zouhir M. Ramadan Fasting and Patients with Cancer: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects. Front Oncol 2016; 6:27. [PMID: 26904505 PMCID: PMC4748028 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ramadan fasting represents one of the five pillars of the Islam creed. Even though some subjects (among which patients) are exempted from observing this religious duty, they may be eager to share this particular moment of the year with their family and peers. However, there are no guidelines or standardized protocols that can help physicians to properly address the issue of patients with cancer fasting in Ramadan and correctly advising them. Moreover, in a more interconnected and globalized society, in which more and more Muslim patients live in the Western countries, this topic is of high interest also for the general practitioner. For this purpose, we carried out a systematic review on the subject. Our main findings are that (1) very few studies have been carried out, addressing this issue, (2) evidence concerning quality of life and compliance to treatment is contrasting and scarce, and (3) generally speaking, few patients ask their physicians whether they can safely fast or not. For these reasons, further research should be performed, given the relevance and importance of this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Walid Briki
- College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University , Doha , Qatar
| | - Hicham Khabbache
- Laboratoire Etudes théologiques, Sciences Cognitives et Sociales, Faculty of Literature and Humanistic Studies, Sais, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University , Fez , Morocco
| | - Ismail Rammouz
- Psychiatric Centre Ibn Alhassan, CHU Hassan II, Fez, Morocco; Clinical Neuroscience Laboratory, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Karim Chamari
- Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, Aspetar, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital , Doha , Qatar
| | - Taned Demaj
- Emergency Department (Servizio di Emergenza Sanitaria Territoriale 118), Ospedale Maggiore della Carità , Novara , Italy
| | | | - Mohamed Zouhir
- Laboratoire Etudes théologiques, Sciences Cognitives et Sociales, Faculty of Literature and Humanistic Studies, Sais, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University , Fez , Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bezabhe WM, Chalmers L, Bereznicki LR, Peterson GM, Bimirew MA, Kassie DM. Barriers and facilitators of adherence to antiretroviral drug therapy and retention in care among adult HIV-positive patients: a qualitative study from Ethiopia. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97353. [PMID: 24828585 PMCID: PMC4020856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been life saving for hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians. With increased availability of ART in recent years, achievement of optimal adherence and patient retention are becoming the greatest challenges in the management of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. However, few studies have explored factors influencing medication adherence to ART and retention in follow-up care among adult Ethiopian HIV-positive patients, especially in the Amhara region of the country, where almost one-third of the country's ART is prescribed. The aim of this qualitative study was to collect such data from patients and healthcare providers in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 patients, of whom 11 had been lost to follow-up and were non-persistent with ART. In addition, focus group discussions were performed with 15 ART nurses and 19 case managers. All interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for themes and patterns in Amharic using a grounded theory approach. The emergent concepts and categories were translated into English. RESULTS Economic constraints, perceived stigma and discrimination, fasting, holy water, medication side effects, and dissatisfaction with healthcare services were major reasons for patients being non-adherent and lost to follow-up. Disclosure of HIV status, social support, use of reminder aids, responsibility for raising children, improved health on ART, and receiving education and counseling emerged as facilitators of adherence to ART. CONCLUSIONS Improving adherence and retention requires integration of enhanced treatment access with improved job and food security. Healthcare providers need to be supported to better equip patients to cope with the issues associated with ART. Development of social policies and cooperation between various agencies are required to facilitate optimal adherence to ART, patient retention, and improved patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woldesellassie M. Bezabhe
- Division of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir-Dar University, Gojjam, Ethiopia
| | - Leanne Chalmers
- Division of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Luke R. Bereznicki
- Division of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Gregory M. Peterson
- Division of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mekides A. Bimirew
- Department of Internal Medicine, Felege-Hiwot Hospital, Gojjam, Ethiopia
| | - Desalew M. Kassie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gondar University Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics and level of care associated with lost to follow-up and mortality in adult patients on first-line ART in Nigerian hospitals. J Int AIDS Soc 2012; 15:17424. [PMID: 23010378 PMCID: PMC3494164 DOI: 10.7448/ias.15.2.17424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clinical outcome is an important determinant of programme success. This study aims to evaluate patients’ baseline characteristics as well as level of care associated with lost to follow-up (LTFU) and mortality of patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Methods Retrospective cohort study using routine service data of adult patients initiated on ART in 2007 in 10 selected hospitals in Nigeria. We captured data using an electronic medical record system and analyzed using Stata. Outcome measures were probability of being alive and retained in care at 12, 24 and 36 months on ART. Potential predictors associated with time to mortality and time to LTFU were assessed using competing risks regression models. Results After 12 months on therapy, 85% of patients were alive and on ART. Survival decreased to 81.2% and 76.1% at 24 and 36 months, respectively. Median CD4 count for patients at ART start, 12, 18 and 24 months were 152 (interquartile range, IQR: 75 to 242), 312 (IQR: 194 to 450), 344 (IQR: 227 to 501) and 372 (IQR: 246 to 517) cells/µl, respectively. Competing risk regression showed that patients’ baseline characteristics significantly associated with LTFU were male (adjusted sub-hazard ratio, sHR=1.24 [95% CI: 1.08 to 1.42]), ambulatory functional status (adjusted sHR=1.25 [95% CI: 1.01 to 1.54]), World Health Organization (WHO) clinical Stage II (adjusted sHR=1.31 [95% CI: 1.08 to 1.59]) and care in a secondary site (adjusted sHR=0.76 [95% CI: 0.66 to 0.87]). Those associated with mortality include CD4 count <50 cells/µl (adjusted sHR=2.84 [95% CI: 1.20 to 6.71]), WHO clinical Stage III (adjusted sHR=2.67 [95% CI: 1.26 to 5.65]) and Stage IV (adjusted sHR=5.04 [95% CI: 1.93 to 13.16]) and care in a secondary site (adjusted sHR=2.21 [95% CI: 1.30 to 3.77]). Conclusions Mortality was associated with advanced HIV disease and care in secondary facilities. Earlier initiation of therapy and strengthening systems in secondary level facilities may improve retention and ultimately contribute to better clinical outcomes.
Collapse
|